Wednesday, May 31, 2006
The Important Letter "V"
Here are the rules: Comment on this entry and I will give you a letter. Write 10 words beginning with that letter in your blog, including an explanation what the word means to you and why, and then pass out letters to those who want to play along.
I was appointed, by James, to make a list with the best and 22nd letter of the alphabet, V. Many of you are frequent readers of James and might notice it is the same letter he posted, but he was very gracious to grant me this letter "V". Who knew that the letter "V" would mean so much to me. You will know three reasons coming up in the list of 10.
Here ya Go....
1. Vicissitude -- this word I first encountered while reading my summer book "Team of Rivals." In short, the novel describes the political team Abraham Lincoln had as his cabinet. Almost all of President Lincoln's cabinet members were his rival during the nomination of the Republican candidate for President. Anyhow, the word so interesting that I wrote it down in a list of words to define, because I am too dumb to understand (I am being hard on myself). It is defined as: "A change or variation."
2. Vicarious -- defined as: "Felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another." This is also a title to a song played by the rock band Tool. That is how I got around discovering the word.
3. Varela -- this is more than a word and a Spanish last name, it represents four years of my life that I will never forget. Varela is the last name of a Cuban priest that many Cuban exiles idolize. He is also linked with helping Irish immigrants that settled in New York in the 1800's. His name is Father Felix Varela and he is the name sake of my alma mater, the great Felix Varela High School of Miami.
4. V (Symbol) -- it is the symbol for potential (energy) in Science, more specifically Physics.
5. V... (My real name) -- this is the letter of my first name. For identity issues, especially after Ryan's incident, I'll say no more. Many of you know my name anyways, I trust those that do know my name will keep it confined within you. For those of you reading, it will be a matter of time before you will personally know from me, my real name.
6. Viper -- again, this is more than a snake, it represents my high school and the people that love the institution. I was called a Viper for the four years of high school because it was the mascot, nickname and symbol of Varela. The snake, on the other hand, is very venomous and I will not even come close to one. This word also describes a very evil person... Like a viperine.
7. V sign -- the hand gesture is used to represent peace and/or victory. In the UK, the "reversed peace sign" is as insulting as flicking the finger.
8. Varsity -- I mentioned this before but I'll remind everyone and boast about my short stint in varsity sports while I was in high school. I participated in the varsity team of Track and Field for two seasons in my sophomore and junior year. I had other responsibilities during my senior year so I refused to join for a third year. Because I was not a fast runner, I mean a very slow runner, I was considered as a motivator by my team mates. They would always compliment me for always finishing practice without complaining and griping about pain. I had a great (and slow) first season and I got a varsity letter "V" and a "Viper Award" for my achievements and appreciation. I never knew how much athletics was going to change my life.
9. Vault -- a great way to store things securely. It is also the name of my newly favored energy drink.
10. Valencia -- A "land" or province of Spain. There is also a soccer team named Valencia F.C. in the Spaniard league. There are cities and school, in the USA, with the name Valencia. Valencia is even a particular Orange found in Spain.
Thanks James for the tag and for letting me recreate your list with my authentic touch to the letter that most represents me.
--
[[V.J. Civic; 5/31/2006 03:29:00 PM 3 Oranges Left
links to this post]]
Here are the rules: Comment on this entry and I will give you a letter. Write 10 words beginning with that letter in your blog, including an explanation what the word means to you and why, and then pass out letters to those who want to play along.
I was appointed, by James, to make a list with the best and 22nd letter of the alphabet, V. Many of you are frequent readers of James and might notice it is the same letter he posted, but he was very gracious to grant me this letter "V". Who knew that the letter "V" would mean so much to me. You will know three reasons coming up in the list of 10.
Here ya Go....
1. Vicissitude -- this word I first encountered while reading my summer book "Team of Rivals." In short, the novel describes the political team Abraham Lincoln had as his cabinet. Almost all of President Lincoln's cabinet members were his rival during the nomination of the Republican candidate for President. Anyhow, the word so interesting that I wrote it down in a list of words to define, because I am too dumb to understand (I am being hard on myself). It is defined as: "A change or variation."
2. Vicarious -- defined as: "Felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another." This is also a title to a song played by the rock band Tool. That is how I got around discovering the word.
3. Varela -- this is more than a word and a Spanish last name, it represents four years of my life that I will never forget. Varela is the last name of a Cuban priest that many Cuban exiles idolize. He is also linked with helping Irish immigrants that settled in New York in the 1800's. His name is Father Felix Varela and he is the name sake of my alma mater, the great Felix Varela High School of Miami.
4. V (Symbol) -- it is the symbol for potential (energy) in Science, more specifically Physics.
5. V... (My real name) -- this is the letter of my first name. For identity issues, especially after Ryan's incident, I'll say no more. Many of you know my name anyways, I trust those that do know my name will keep it confined within you. For those of you reading, it will be a matter of time before you will personally know from me, my real name.
6. Viper -- again, this is more than a snake, it represents my high school and the people that love the institution. I was called a Viper for the four years of high school because it was the mascot, nickname and symbol of Varela. The snake, on the other hand, is very venomous and I will not even come close to one. This word also describes a very evil person... Like a viperine.
7. V sign -- the hand gesture is used to represent peace and/or victory. In the UK, the "reversed peace sign" is as insulting as flicking the finger.
8. Varsity -- I mentioned this before but I'll remind everyone and boast about my short stint in varsity sports while I was in high school. I participated in the varsity team of Track and Field for two seasons in my sophomore and junior year. I had other responsibilities during my senior year so I refused to join for a third year. Because I was not a fast runner, I mean a very slow runner, I was considered as a motivator by my team mates. They would always compliment me for always finishing practice without complaining and griping about pain. I had a great (and slow) first season and I got a varsity letter "V" and a "Viper Award" for my achievements and appreciation. I never knew how much athletics was going to change my life.
9. Vault -- a great way to store things securely. It is also the name of my newly favored energy drink.
10. Valencia -- A "land" or province of Spain. There is also a soccer team named Valencia F.C. in the Spaniard league. There are cities and school, in the USA, with the name Valencia. Valencia is even a particular Orange found in Spain.
Thanks James for the tag and for letting me recreate your list with my authentic touch to the letter that most represents me.
--
[[V.J. Civic; 5/31/2006 03:29:00 PM 3 Oranges Left
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Response to Kalvin
A new reader named Kalvin, thanks for the comment, questioned the reasoning behind my profile description of myself being "anything other than straight." He brought up a good argument against the description... Here is the comment in his own words.
I think it's interesting how you don't declare yourself as anything other than straight. Why not just questioning? The default of straight is a heterosexist paradigm meant to signify that we are less than normal. That's something I don't believe.Reading the comment again while I copied it on this entry, I see that you got my description twisted, but thats my bad. I tend to confuse people so I apologize for that. I do get the gist of the comment, why don't I just say that I am questioning? The reason why I do not like to use that word is because I feel the word describes me as an insecure, uncertain, unstable person. Many heterosexuals and homosexuals, that I know, believe that bisexuality is an orientation of uncertainty. "You either like men or women, you can't like both" but I believe I do, just that I have a sexual attraction for men and an innocent affectionate attraction for women. Anyways, I appreciate your comment and I observed it with good intentions because I know you wrote it out of the goodness of your beliefs. So why did I describe myself as anything other than straight and not simply "questioning", I intended they both had the same definition. At least that is how I meant to define it when I published the profile. Yes, I am questioning my sexuality, but I just did not like to post the word "questioning." I wanted to find a phrase that would serve as a metaphor for the term. I never meant to imply that we were not normal, because homosexuals or bisexuals are far from abnormal. Its not a mental disease like what the Chinese government first claimed homosexuality to be, I am just a person to happening to be questioning my sexuality. The same way that many of my friends in the blogging community are great, intelligent people that happen to be gay. -- [P.S. Kalvin, thanks for the comment and I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, I'll be a frequent reader at your blog. You're a great person for questioning me in a very polite tone. Not everyone is like that.] [Hello Waffles] [[V.J. Civic; 5/31/2006 03:00:00 PM 3 Oranges Left links to this post]]
Back Home
Did I want to come back home? NO! I wanted to stay in New York forever. I had the same sentiment when I came back home from my Las Vegas trip.
Am I at home? YES! To be honest, I love NY and would love to go back and visit, maybe live there for several months, but there is a reason why I am living in Florida. That is because I treat this place as my home no matter where I visit and where I will live in the future.
I had fun in New York, I did not visit Central Park or any of New York's finest museums because of the lack of time but I got to explore a city only the locals get to experience. That is the reason why I enjoyed the trip, even if I was short of time to travel to every landmark of the city.
The birthday party was very nice, the great-auntie was very surprised and feeling great to be 65... My great aunt treats her body well because I would have guess she was turning 50. For the reason that the party was the sole purpose of the trip and having priority over everything, I couldn't visit every destination because of the party.
Another blow to the schedule was the shopping spree my mom had on the district of 28th and Broadway. My mother bought a lot of purses, sunglass and jewelry in wholesale value so she could sell the items on a higher but reasonable price to gain some income. This was time consuming but it did not bother me because I got to look at the Empire State building and admire the city at the same time.
I also saw many new family members and visited the family of my uncle's newly-wed wife I met last December.
So yes I was a bit upset I did not go inside Central Park, but I did many things I did not imagine on doing. Besides, I saw the park on "Top of the Rock" on Friday and I passes through it the night before (on Thursday while my cousin's husband drove us around for the Manhattan night tour on his minivan). I became Al Roker's weather assistant on the NBC Experience tour and I sailed through the Hudson on the Staten Island ferry. I did many things including passing by Ground Zero, eating New York pizza and bagels, and a final hurrah at Coney Island on my last day.
Anytime I visit NYC I consider it special because its not just a travel destination, its the land of my birth. For that reason, I consider myself a native New Yorker even though I have lived most of my life in this great state of Florida.
--
P.S. I forgot to mention that I visited New Jersey in the trip. More specifically the northern towns of Bergenfield and Teaneck, in case any of you know these cities.
[[V.J. Civic; 5/31/2006 02:35:00 PM 3 Oranges Left
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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
I'm New York Bound!
Tomorrow is that day that I will head for the Northern part of the United States. Thursday, May 25, 2006 is proclaimed by My Orange Nation as "New York, New York Day."
I am just there for about 4-5 days, depends on how you wanna count the day(s) I arrive to NY and/or leave for FL. In my opinion, there is not much time to gulp New York by the day we leave, but 5 days in New York is better than 5 days at home (sorry Florida, but traveling beyond your borders does not mean I hate you).
I'll let you know what I did and if the most important event (the great-Auntie's birthday party) went well. I hope its fun because if its a dud, I am asking my family for a rain check for me to come back and enjoy the city... I am spending all of Saturday preparing and celebrating the occasion.
Besides watching the New York landmarks, I want to be mesmerized by a guy that will toss my bearings haywire and leave me breathless! Am I really looking for a heartbreak? I can only imagine my blog posts after the trip. Don't be surprised if I cry about how close I got to talk to a guy I thought may be gay. Ehh, long distance relationships suck anyways. Don't tell Ryan and Mike I said that, because they are the only exception. I hope their love for each other will never cease to exist.
Anyways, I am departing and arriving on a jetBlue flight (MCO and JFK airports). Why am I telling you this... Well in case anything happens. Just read between the lines, because I don't know why I am so worried about... The flight to New York and back home will be fine! I am just acting silly, I hope.
I'll update you guys from New York if I am allowed to use the internet or if I find an online cafe. If anything, I will write something in the blog once I settle down from the trip on Tuesday.
I now leave you with the theme song to my New York trip:
Tomorrow is that day that I will head for the Northern part of the United States. Thursday, May 25, 2006 is proclaimed by My Orange Nation as "New York, New York Day."
I am just there for about 4-5 days, depends on how you wanna count the day(s) I arrive to NY and/or leave for FL. In my opinion, there is not much time to gulp New York by the day we leave, but 5 days in New York is better than 5 days at home (sorry Florida, but traveling beyond your borders does not mean I hate you).
I'll let you know what I did and if the most important event (the great-Auntie's birthday party) went well. I hope its fun because if its a dud, I am asking my family for a rain check for me to come back and enjoy the city... I am spending all of Saturday preparing and celebrating the occasion.
Besides watching the New York landmarks, I want to be mesmerized by a guy that will toss my bearings haywire and leave me breathless! Am I really looking for a heartbreak? I can only imagine my blog posts after the trip. Don't be surprised if I cry about how close I got to talk to a guy I thought may be gay. Ehh, long distance relationships suck anyways. Don't tell Ryan and Mike I said that, because they are the only exception. I hope their love for each other will never cease to exist.
Anyways, I am departing and arriving on a jetBlue flight (MCO and JFK airports). Why am I telling you this... Well in case anything happens. Just read between the lines, because I don't know why I am so worried about... The flight to New York and back home will be fine! I am just acting silly, I hope.
I'll update you guys from New York if I am allowed to use the internet or if I find an online cafe. If anything, I will write something in the blog once I settle down from the trip on Tuesday.
I now leave you with the theme song to my New York trip:
Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today I want to be a part of it - New York, New York These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray Right through the very heart of it - New York, New York I want to wake up in a city, that doesn't sleep And find I'm king of the hill - top of the heap These little town blues, are melting away I'm gonna make a brand new start of it - in old New York If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere It's up to you - New York, New York New York, New York I want to wake up in a city, that never sleeps To find I'm a number one, head of the list, Cream of the crop at the top of the heap. These little town blues, are melting away I'm gonna make a brand new start of it - in old New York If I can make it there, I'm gonna make it anywhere It's up to you - New York, New York--New York, here I come! [Photos: Central Park, JetBlue Airways] [[V.J. Civic; 5/24/2006 06:13:00 PM 6 Oranges Left links to this post]]
Gay Christian
Its been more than a month when I updated you guys about my religious experience I had on Easter Sunday. I am one of the few in the homosexual community that will admit their Christian faith and beliefs, but I know so many of my blogging friends that have shared the same opinion on religion and homosexuality that I have.
The Easter Sunday that past reminded me of the religious celebration I was invited to, in 2004. Surprisingly, the family that invited my family to go on the two occasions are the same. They moved to central Florida several months after we moved up here, my mother and the family are very close because of the friendly bond between the matriarchs (mothers).
In 2004, when I approached the altar (or the front of the stage of the church) I had a very experience because oddly the preacher -- while praying for everyone in attendance -- called for the people present to "stop watching pornography!" Now, you may think its funny, I don't blame you because I couldn't help myself and gave in with the silent chuckles. The truth is that God worked in a very mysterious way and I changed my habit, no porn and no chatting with gay guys on AIM. I was specifically close with one thirty-something gay Australian mate, and did me a favor to disappear. I did not want that to happen, but he had good intentions so I can find out what I wanted to do.
Ever since then, I spoke to him several times but not the same again. I assume it was because of the time differences between countries and he was committed to his wonderful partner. I think of him every now and again, he was the first person I opened up to and I was so happy to chat with him anytime I could. Even though the friendship was very brief, I appreciated him
Back to the story... There is a saying that bad habits die hard, my gay porn addiction is no exception. I followed the advice from the pastor for a month, after that I was led in by some guy from a website called BuddyPic.com. Before I knew it, I was back with the habit.
I had several other experiences with God or the holy spirit, which ever of the two, I just know that the presence was divine. The last two experiences were related to my homosexuality, both of them were peaceful presences that I felt.
One thing I did not do last month (on Easter Sunday) was standing up to the front of the stage. I wanted prayer, but I did not want the attention. I prayed for myself and for my mother. I hoped that people were praying for me, I know that my co-worker let me know a few months ago that she had the feeling I needed a prayer. I thanked her for that because I knew I can count on her and my creator.
I did not feel comfortable to get up. When the pastor mentioned a phrase that "If I was afraid or ashamed to believe in God, in front of everyone God was going to be ashamed of me," but I believed that I did not need to go up and get attention from the whole church just for prayer. I believe in God and Christ personally, without bragging. Even though I am not ashamed to say I believe in a loving God, I feel it is more important to have personal love for God than to falsely claim you do. I have heard from many people that share the same opinion.
Plus, I feel I should be surrounded by a group of people that are accepting of me as a person even though they don't agree with homosexuality. I need to be guided not banished! There is one religious denomination, the United Church of Christ, that are known by their controversial ads of their welcoming attitude towards everyone, including homosexuals. There is also a Gay Christian Network that acts as a religious resource for homosexuals and people questioning their sexuality, check out the link in the bottom.
In closing, I wanted to mentioned that I came across a few blogs that deal with religion and homosexuality. Both blogs, in my opinion are helpful to me, and are great to read about the progresses of both struggling men, one that is gay and broke the news to his Mormon family while the other is still searching for the answer (like me). Their blogs are called "Hurricane" and "When did we lose ever after", respectively.
--
[Gay Christian Network]
[[V.J. Civic; 5/24/2006 05:53:00 PM 3 Oranges Left
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Thursday, May 18, 2006
In White Hot Fashion -- First "HNT"
The Miami HEAT asked all fans to wear white as a rallying point and show of support for the greatest basketball team of the East, and I did it. On Tuesday, the same day as sixth game of the series, I wore white and it payed off because the spanked the New Jersey Nets that night in a very close game (sorry Kiss My Mike).
In celebration, I bring you my first, but late, Hot Nekkid Thursday this late in the day. I'm not nude, but this picture is worthy for its reveal factor. Talk about late... It's almost Friday morning and I have to wake up in six hours.
--enjoy
[[V.J. Civic; 5/18/2006 10:21:00 PM 4 Oranges Left
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The Miami HEAT asked all fans to wear white as a rallying point and show of support for the greatest basketball team of the East, and I did it. On Tuesday, the same day as sixth game of the series, I wore white and it payed off because the spanked the New Jersey Nets that night in a very close game (sorry Kiss My Mike).
In celebration, I bring you my first, but late, Hot Nekkid Thursday this late in the day. I'm not nude, but this picture is worthy for its reveal factor. Talk about late... It's almost Friday morning and I have to wake up in six hours.
--enjoy
[[V.J. Civic; 5/18/2006 10:21:00 PM 4 Oranges Left
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Wednesday, May 17, 2006
New York, New York
On this time next week, I will be preparing my luggage and make sure I am ready for what New York City has to offer. I will leave on a jetBlue flight from Orlando International Airport to JFK. It is no secret that I am a New Yorker by heart because it is the city of my birth, even if I consider myself an all out Floridian (Orange). This will be the second visit to the Big Apple of the Empire State, albeit shorter. My first visit was a week-long expedition, I visited skyscrapers (Twin Towers included), family I never knew (or at least forgot), museums, subways, landmarks, etc. The only thing I never got to experience was the Statue of Liberty.
My second time around, will be shorter and compact because I am only there for the extended weekend from next Thursday (May 25) to the following Monday (May 29). On top of that, Saturday should not even count because I am spending the day preparing and celebrating a birthday party that night. The birthday girl is my mother's aunt, I have no clue how old she is but she sure does not look like a great-aunt. I'll probably congratulate for keeping her figure.
I would like to do many things in NYC; like visiting the "Today" show, go on "Top of the Rock", Times Square, and many things I don't remember from my last trip in 1997. If I only do one thing, which I hope that is not the case, I want to have a day-long picnic in Central Park. I can see myself in a expansive natural green landscape, with buildings of brick and iron peaking above the towering trees. Its a great vacation from my ordinary life in Florida.
I would say I want to hook up with a gay New Yorker for a night out, just as friends, but NYC-at-night may be too much to handle. Besides, if my mother gets nervous when I am out in Downtown Orlando I can only imagine if I she hears me begging for a night in the biggest city of them all.
Probably next time! I'll make sure Kiss My Mike is available for a tour around the city.
--
[Photo Source]
[[V.J. Civic; 5/17/2006 10:04:00 AM 3 Oranges Left
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On this time next week, I will be preparing my luggage and make sure I am ready for what New York City has to offer. I will leave on a jetBlue flight from Orlando International Airport to JFK. It is no secret that I am a New Yorker by heart because it is the city of my birth, even if I consider myself an all out Floridian (Orange). This will be the second visit to the Big Apple of the Empire State, albeit shorter. My first visit was a week-long expedition, I visited skyscrapers (Twin Towers included), family I never knew (or at least forgot), museums, subways, landmarks, etc. The only thing I never got to experience was the Statue of Liberty.
My second time around, will be shorter and compact because I am only there for the extended weekend from next Thursday (May 25) to the following Monday (May 29). On top of that, Saturday should not even count because I am spending the day preparing and celebrating a birthday party that night. The birthday girl is my mother's aunt, I have no clue how old she is but she sure does not look like a great-aunt. I'll probably congratulate for keeping her figure.
I would like to do many things in NYC; like visiting the "Today" show, go on "Top of the Rock", Times Square, and many things I don't remember from my last trip in 1997. If I only do one thing, which I hope that is not the case, I want to have a day-long picnic in Central Park. I can see myself in a expansive natural green landscape, with buildings of brick and iron peaking above the towering trees. Its a great vacation from my ordinary life in Florida.
I would say I want to hook up with a gay New Yorker for a night out, just as friends, but NYC-at-night may be too much to handle. Besides, if my mother gets nervous when I am out in Downtown Orlando I can only imagine if I she hears me begging for a night in the biggest city of them all.
Probably next time! I'll make sure Kiss My Mike is available for a tour around the city.
--
[Photo Source]
[[V.J. Civic; 5/17/2006 10:04:00 AM 3 Oranges Left
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The New Blogging Adventure
I wanted to mention the news officially that I am a contributor in a new blog created for gay men of all ages. Ryan invited me, and a handful of other blogsters, to post blog entries that will satisfy the range of tastes among all homosexuals, bisexuals, and even our heterosexual friends.
I have no idea how I am going to balance the other blog in to the mix, but what is certain is that Orange Maze is my primary and personal blog. So my personal happenings will be updated here and I guess any news and such I'll post in the new blog. I'm scratching my head, but I am very excited about the new opportunity and I am sure I'll make it work out. I'll try my best not to repeat myself when I settle down and get the routine out of the new blog.
By the way, the new blog is called It's Raining Men
--
[[V.J. Civic; 5/17/2006 08:49:00 AM 2 Oranges Left
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Tuesday, May 16, 2006
aMAZEing Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson
--
[Photo Source]
[[V.J. Civic; 5/16/2006 08:02:00 AM 4 Oranges Left
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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."I first read this quote by Ralph Emerson when the NBA placed in their advertisement of the 2006 NBA Playoffs. At first I thought the quote was by Robert Frost's poem about "The Road Not Taken," but I was surprised when the TV revealed it was from Emerson. I did not know anything about the guy until recently; he was mentioned in the book I am reading Team of Rivals, my teacher has a framed quotation by Emerson, and the NBA spotlighted this great quote. If you ask me, Frost's poem and Emerson's quote about making a new path in life is very similar if not inspired by one another. There are many places I can attribute this quote in my life. One that is relevant in this blog is the discovery of my sexuality. I can get the most helpful words of wisdom, but when I fully declare my sexuality (right now, I am in the middle ground between gay and straight... Or bi), and if/when I come out to my family and friends, I will be forced to follow a path of my own.
--
[Photo Source]
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Monday, May 15, 2006
Relaxing summer? Nope, not yet.
I am probably at fault of not having a very relaxing summer, but my lack of rest is nothing compared to the amount of stress I had the past year. I am not taking summer classes, but I am volunteering my services for the students of my college. Who in their sane mind would spend the summer, in school? Yes, I am an idiot! But I am doing what I love and like I said, there is little stress involved in comparison to the previous year.
I also have to help out my lovely mother to write up a current event report for her science class (she is a part-time student). On top of that, I have to translate my elder cousin's resume and finish a book I am reading in my leisure time. A book about Abraham Lincoln... Hopefully I will get around explaining that.
I had a wonderful time celebrating Mother's day with my Mama, we had a BBQ in our remodeled backyard.
If I get the bulk of the work done (report and resumes) by tonight, I'll be in full swing very soon.
I have a lot of things to share!
--hoping on getting things done.
[[V.J. Civic; 5/15/2006 07:58:00 PM 1 Oranges Left
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Thursday, May 11, 2006
Quizzes
What's more fun than doing quizzes? In reality there are many things I could have done, but I am bored and desperate to kill time. Obviously, I will have a hard time picking up a book to read or translate resumes for my older cousin, so I have decided that some quizzes were in order.
I was motivated to do some quizzes posted by James, a big quiz fanatic if you ask me. His results were fun to read and I got to know more about the guy. I wouldn't say that quizzes are the most accurate and scientific, but they are fun and surprising to find out some info about the person.
From James' list of quizzes, I took two of them and I will post the results of one of them right now...
... Me? 70% girlish? Just because I am in touch of my feelings does not mean I am girlish! There is an obvious bias on the part of the creator of the quiz, but I'll take the result with a humorous mood. I'll say this much, I am not a macho man but I am not VERY feminine in nature. I am always in touch with my feelings and cry more than the average guy. When I cry, I believe I am letting go of the somber mood that affecting my "cheeriness." Lastly, I would not consider myself cute and perky. I am just like my new Dodge Caliber... "Anything but Cute!"
--
[P.S. If I am not cute, am I hot? I won't answer that because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm not an ugly duckling but I know if you compare me with the looks of Adam Brody, Chad Michael Murray, Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom -- It will be an easy selection. Nothing personal but I prefer people finding my personality hotter than my looks... I am trying not to sound conceited, LOL.]
[[V.J. Civic; 5/11/2006 09:17:00 AM 4 Oranges Left
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| You Are 30% Boyish and 70% Girlish |
| Even if you're not a girl, you're very feminine. You're in touch with your feelings, and your heart rules you. A bit of a emotional roller coaster, one moment you're up and the next you're down. But no matter what, you try to be as cute and perky as possible. |
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
No hurricanes? Mother Nature will throw us Fires
I find it amusing how nature works. The last couple of years, Florida (and the Gulf Coast) were hit by a vengeful group of hurricanes. Now Florida is facing another group of natural enemies of the state, Wild Fires! These fires just keep on popping up out of no where. There are brush fires in every corner of the central and southern regions of the state. I am guessing this will be the new thing Floridians have to worry about, there will be no more hurricanes, right? Only Mother Nature knows that answer but I have an idea that I might hear news about Fires up to the day the first Hurricane comes along and drench us with rain, along with high-speed winds.
After writing the first paragraph I changed the outlook on nature. Fires will not take the place of hurricanes. They will work together, as a team, to create misery amongst us and news stories for the asshole media reporters that have nothing better to do create fear.
That is the reason why I seldomly watch the news, if I ever do. All I can do is pray for rain, and hope the tourists around here comprehend that they have to visit Mickey, Sponge Bob, and Shamu while its raining. If they have a problem, come to Florida when its suppose to be dry because our summer months are suppose to be the wettest of them all.
--
[Photo: WKMG-TV Central Florida/Local 6]
[CBS News: Florida Fires Gets Rain, But Not Enough]
[[V.J. Civic; 5/10/2006 09:15:00 AM 1 Oranges Left
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I find it amusing how nature works. The last couple of years, Florida (and the Gulf Coast) were hit by a vengeful group of hurricanes. Now Florida is facing another group of natural enemies of the state, Wild Fires! These fires just keep on popping up out of no where. There are brush fires in every corner of the central and southern regions of the state. I am guessing this will be the new thing Floridians have to worry about, there will be no more hurricanes, right? Only Mother Nature knows that answer but I have an idea that I might hear news about Fires up to the day the first Hurricane comes along and drench us with rain, along with high-speed winds.
After writing the first paragraph I changed the outlook on nature. Fires will not take the place of hurricanes. They will work together, as a team, to create misery amongst us and news stories for the asshole media reporters that have nothing better to do create fear.
That is the reason why I seldomly watch the news, if I ever do. All I can do is pray for rain, and hope the tourists around here comprehend that they have to visit Mickey, Sponge Bob, and Shamu while its raining. If they have a problem, come to Florida when its suppose to be dry because our summer months are suppose to be the wettest of them all.
--
[Photo: WKMG-TV Central Florida/Local 6]
[CBS News: Florida Fires Gets Rain, But Not Enough]
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Around the Juicer
Around the juicer is my take on the popular office phrase "Around the Water cooler." Instead of sharing with you guys headlines around a water fountain with the giant blue water container, I'll share some great news articles for you to kill time. Even if you find Google Earth a bit boring after hundreds of hours researching the geography of the United States (inside joke, Brad knows what I am talking about).
The first article is about the creation of a children's cartoon in Jordan. The purpose of the cartoon is to teach children to accept diverse cultures, which hopefully will bridge the gap between the countries of the East and the West (more like the USA). The Jordanian Royal Family (King Abdullah II and Queen Rania) is backing the production company in hope for the cartoon to reach other children across the Middle East. If it takes a cartoon to change our future's path, so be it.
The second article is about the new wave of bowling. This bowling revolution has been going on for a while, but I assume that the popularity of the remade bowling alleys is growing after each news report I find. The classic sport of bowling is fun in its own right, but when you turn off the lights, add electric fog, turn on black lights to illuminate glow-in-the-dark figures and play dance music, it just made the sport an entertainment. In my life time, I have only been bowling twice, once when I was about seven years old and the second time was in my 17th birthday party. I can't wait to find a bowling alley in my area that has this kind of entertainment.
Ahh, poor baby! This pic reminds me of my doctor visits.
The last article details the difference between pain and the anticipation of it. According to the research done, brain scans have found that for some people, the dread before the pain is as bad as receiving pain. Personally, I am one of them because I remember when I was younger, I would cry my ass of when the pediatrician broke the news that I was going to get a "shot" (vaccine). After the drama, tears, agony and fuss, I remember thinking to myself "That was not so bad." Anyways, I almost always got a lollipop as a reward for not kicking the doctor.
Read one or study them all! After that, you are always allowed to comment and express your opinions of the different findings circulating the world wide web.
--
[Photo: Daniel Mihailescu/AFP - Getty Images file]
[Ben and Izzy]
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Ahh, poor baby! This pic reminds me of my doctor visits.
Monday, May 08, 2006
My Thankful Monday: First Post (Parents)
I am always thankful to God that I have the most wonderful parents. My mother has been resilient through the years, keeping our new family (her, my brother, and I) together after the split from my father. She has been the hardest working mother, sometimes working two (and even three jobs in 1999) to keep our family securely underneath a roof. I love her dearly and appreciate everything she has done for us.
I would describe all the things I am thankful to her, but the post will run long. I am proud of her new challenge, she is now a student so she can get a new degree that will allow her to work in a more calmer environment, compared to the maternity ward of the hospital.
I am thankful I still have my father, because not everyone have the privilege to say that. Most of you know that my father now lives in Puerto Rico, away from us. The reason why my mother decided to split from my father was because of his alcoholic addiction. To this day, I am still hearing from my poor grandmother that my father has not changed a bit. At first, he refused to support us by sending his social security money (he preferred to spend it on drinking and nonsense) but my aunt and grandmother is now in charge of the finances and sends us the money. I am proud to say that the money is saved up, untouched. Except the time I had to make a down payment for my new car (see the previous post).
I am thankful for my parents for more reasons than a car, they have shaped me to the person I am today.
--always thankful
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Sunday, May 07, 2006
In the News: Mother feared son would 'turn' gay
According to the Miami Herald, a mother abducted her son, in 2001, and took him to Costa Rica because she feared her son would turn "gay" if he lived with his father. The mother, Caren MacDonald, suspected her ex-husband was gay when he started wearing tight clotes and "acted a bit gay". She apparently lied in the 2001 custody battle that her son was molested by her husbands partner but when MacDonald came back to the USA from Costa Rica, with her son, she was arrested for a third-degree felony charge for abduction. That's when her son confessed that he was told to lie about the molestation, saying that the most contact he got from Diaz was a shoulder rub, in which he allowed his father's partner to do.
Caren MacDonald was described by a court-appointed psychologist as being "mentally undone, delusional, bipolar, just about every mental illness in the book."
I would not be surprised because her judgement does not explain why many human beings born and raised in a heterosexual lifestyle declare themsleves, for some that find the courage, homosexuals.
This story has a happy ending, at least. The boy, now 16, lives with his father in Colorado away from all contact with his wacko mother.
--
[Miami Herald: Mother feared son would 'turn' gay]
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Meme brought to you by Bryan
These personal questions that allow anyone to blurt out anything are pathetically entertaining and motivates me to spill some things I have still reserved from telling you guys. I had no intentions of doing so, but I just can not blurt out random things, this blog is already spontaneous enough.
Thanks to Bryan for tagging me, here it goes...
If you could be any person in the world, who would you be, and why?
This is a hard and redundant question and this is only the first one, Yikes! Bryan mentioned that he was comfortable to be his own self. I would have to say the same thing because I have no clue who I would rather be, or may be model my personality after. For the sake of answering the question, I would like to be a patient, social, loving and loved person. I want to be someone that will be part of saving humanity from intolerance and hatred of the worst kind. A leader in my own right that will get rid of his fear of talking in front of a large group of people (eight and beyond). I don't want to be a hero or an activist, I just want to change people's minds about being assholes. I would love to see the world live in harmony where a Christian minister, that will disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, will look beyond judgment and welcome a gay guy (or lesbian lady) to dinner out of respect to humanity. Knowing that he has no authority to judge people, only to preach the word of God. I honestly believe that God is the only divine being that should judge on the lives of people.
Describe a place you remember from your childhood.
My grandmother's house in a town in the center of Puerto Rico's mountain ranges named Corozal. The most vivid of all wonderful memories is waking up to the crowing of the roosters in the morning.
How did you meet your closest friend?
I met my closest friend, J.D., in my sixth grade homeroom class. We had the same homeroom teacher for the seventh grade as well. The class had assigned seating and I was grouped with J.D. throughout the school year. I remember the conversations would be anything from the Tamagotchi digital pets (yeah, I was a nerd) and about witchcraft. That was one aspect I did not feel comfortable with, but with the desperate need for friends I decided to have an open mind about him and a closed heart for those witchy stuff.
What is something you do well?
I listen and I am very good in being the timid guy in a rare social outing. I have other talents and skills but I want to keep this entry shorter than usual.
What would have happened if you didn't leave the house this morning?
Today is a Saturday so I would have been working. If I would have called for a personal day off, I would have watched the DVR'd shows I have recorded and posted the blogs I am typing now.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Here is my top ten list:
Australian tour (Sydney, Cairns, Perth, Melbourne, the Outback, etc.)
Italian tour (Rome, Torino, Milan, Venice, Florence, Brindisi, etc.)
Tokyo area, Japan
Athens, Greece
Hong Kong
San Francisco
Phoenix
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dublin area, Ireland
Norway
What sets you apart from the crowd?
If you ask my friends from college, especially the girls that I know, they will say that I am unique in my own way. I am a mixture of a nice guy with a laid back and exciting attitude.
You know the saying that girls prefer bad guys, for some odd reasons. Well when I made that comment and said that no girl would want me because I was a good guy, they reassured me I was a good guy but nothing near as bland and boring as a good guy. Whatever that mean, I took it as a compliment.
What do you want to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered by anyone that remotely came in contact with me as a nice and caring person. Known more by listening to other people than by speaking because I have learned many important lessons in life by observing from other people's mistakes.
For those that I have gotten the pleasure to know, I want to be remembered as a person that someone can depend on. A person that just wants to have fun and create a very important friendly relationship with. There is nothing better in the world, with few exceptions, than having a person you can call to hang out or to comfort. I expect the same from other people.
To be honest, this would be how I want to be remembered but it does not mean I want to influence others to think this way. Each person has a unique taste in society, I'll welcome any thought about me, from anyone. As long as I am thought of as a nice and caring person, I am happy.
What is the nicest thing you have done for someone?
It may be because I do not want to boast, but I can not answer this question. I would let other people decipher the nice things I have done for them. Sometimes I notice when I have done something significant that has brought a smile to a friend's face, and other times I am touched when I hear from another person how I affected their day in a positive way. I'll answer the question by saying that the nicest thing I have done to anyone was to help them out in any way. More profoundly, when I volunteer time and money to make my community a better place to live.
What is the greatest lesson you've learned so far in your life?
There are so many lessons and I know many of you have noticed them. One that I will say is to never take life for granted - a lesson I learned from September 11th, 2001. Also, to always be thankful to anyone that has done some thing (or nothing) significant that merits a recognition of grace. Even if God did not answer my selfish prayer of winning the lottery, I am thankful I still have my family with me because not many children have a group of loved ones to call as a family of their own.
How would you spend a found $20 bill?
I would either save it for donations or place it in a savings account for my future expenses (education, bills, and the new car payments coming soon).
What is your favorite day of the week?
It would depend on what is being shown on TV. Lost is on Wednesdays and 24 is on Mondays so those are pretty pleasant. If it was 2004, I would have said Fridays but because I know work in Fridays and my final day of classes in the week is Thursday, I have a different day in 2006... Saturday!
How old would you be if you didn't know your real age?
From the grief I receive from my friends and my brother, I will say 17. The teasing that I get from my brother subsided a bit when I played a "Guess my age" game in Las Vegas, the funny old Jester incorrectly guessed I was 24! That felt so good when I said "Ha! I told you so" to my brother because he believes I look younger than my age. It will be a blessing when I look younger than my age in my later years.
Name some things you are thankful for.
Everything I have received in life. Including those blessings that I never got because it makes me the person I am today and I am a very happy human indeed.
What was your favorite childhood toy?
I had so many toys and I don't remember them all. My mother knew best to refuse to buy me any more toys than I deserved, because the number might have been double. One childhood toy which I still have is my Garfield (the lazy Orange cat) plush doll I got from one of my uncles as a newborn baby. I joke to everyone when I associate the reasons why I love the color Orange and pasta to Garfield. I imagine my family will say I inherited Garfield's laziness as well.
In a side note, the reason why I love pizza can be traced to the same love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had for the saucy-and-cheezy pie.
That concludes the meme! I will tag anyone willing to do it because almost everyone I know has already done these questions. Elmo, if you have the time, I will tag you!
--
[[V.J. Civic; 5/07/2006 10:18:00 AM 2 Oranges Left
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Saturday, May 06, 2006
Picture, Picture. On my Blog...
...Who's the most paranoid of them all!
It amuses me how uneasy I have been since posting an opaque photo on my profile and my blog. To be honest, I would prefer to do without a photo but after careful thought after sleeping it through I decided it was not that bad. I guess the sentiment I felt after last night's dream was an exaggeration.
I worried if the photo was too revealing because I did not want to give out my identity. I have mentioned before that I will eventually reveal my identity once I was comfortable, but now I feel that mystery aspect of the blog is what makes any blog exciting and unique.
Vividblurry's Toby (A blog that I love to follow) only revealed his face once before, any time he shares a personal pic, he'll cover his eyes, perhaps in a humorous but serious connotation. Towleroad's author, Andy, has his personal photo published but not spread wildly throughout his blog. Ethan, on the other hand, loves to publish his pics on his blog (Brat Boy School) but I find no motivation to take his thoughts seriously because I am more interested with his half-nude portraits.
All in all, I will keep my photo published for now because its really not that revealing (I have only half of my face showing). It does look very much like me, but that's because I wake up to that face when I look in the mirror so its hard to judge if the photo gives too much info or not. I want my readers, and blogster friends to have an idea how I visually look with some inhibited factors preventing my brother or long last family member from miraculously finding this blog and say "hey I know that kid. Is V.J. gay?" If I want my loved ones (or people I know) to find out my deepest secret, I do not want a blog to spill it out.
Anyways, I am not gay yet? I am in the process of knowing if there is a possibility that I dig sleeping with guys (I am obviously kidding, I am not a whore)... And girls.
--
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Friday, May 05, 2006
132nd Run for the Roses
This post will be short, minty and sweet just like the traditional Mint Julep drink that is consumed by the hundreds on the first Saturday of May. What exactly happens in the first weekend of of the fifth month of the year? Well it's the only time that I, along with the average American, will ever care about horse racing.
The Kentucky Derby is the greatest two minutes of sports and because of that hype, this event is more than a race... It's tradition, a lifestyle and it has been going longer than the World Series making it a true event that exemplifies Americana.
I have heard of this race before especially after Funny Cide (the three-year-old horse) won the Derby and tried to capture the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing by winning the last two races succeeding the Kentucky Derby.
My first real encounter as a Kentucky Derby spectator came after an exhausting, great Friday night I had at Disney's Grade Nite on April 30th, 2004. The race being on May 1st, 2004, I rooted for Tapit to win the derby, but the remarkable Smarty Jones came on top. I still remember that race, it took place after a horrific rainstorm.
My favorite this year, although I have not followed the updates from Kentucky about the horses, is Brother Derek because the jockey (or the anorexic guy that races the horse) will wear the NBC peacock.
I gotta get going. Try out the Kentucky Derby trivia and start getting interested if you are a casual sports fan with an open mind to everything.
--On your mark, Get set, GO!
[Disclaimer: Photo is not mine... I googled for it]
[Wikipedia:Kentucky Derby]
[Kentucky Derby Trivia]
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This post will be short, minty and sweet just like the traditional Mint Julep drink that is consumed by the hundreds on the first Saturday of May. What exactly happens in the first weekend of of the fifth month of the year? Well it's the only time that I, along with the average American, will ever care about horse racing.
The Kentucky Derby is the greatest two minutes of sports and because of that hype, this event is more than a race... It's tradition, a lifestyle and it has been going longer than the World Series making it a true event that exemplifies Americana.
I have heard of this race before especially after Funny Cide (the three-year-old horse) won the Derby and tried to capture the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing by winning the last two races succeeding the Kentucky Derby.
My first real encounter as a Kentucky Derby spectator came after an exhausting, great Friday night I had at Disney's Grade Nite on April 30th, 2004. The race being on May 1st, 2004, I rooted for Tapit to win the derby, but the remarkable Smarty Jones came on top. I still remember that race, it took place after a horrific rainstorm.
My favorite this year, although I have not followed the updates from Kentucky about the horses, is Brother Derek because the jockey (or the anorexic guy that races the horse) will wear the NBC peacock.
I gotta get going. Try out the Kentucky Derby trivia and start getting interested if you are a casual sports fan with an open mind to everything.
--On your mark, Get set, GO!
[Disclaimer: Photo is not mine... I googled for it]
[Wikipedia:Kentucky Derby]
[Kentucky Derby Trivia]
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Spanish Anthem commotion: Jose can you see!
I do not want to write a huge entry, but now that I posted my thoughts on immigration I wanted to list some points about my take on the Spanish interpretation of the National Anthem.
At first, I had no problem with the idea because I thought it was going to be portrayed that Hispanics are also patriotic Americans, even if they originated in another country. Then, with some careful thought and with the sentiment from many non-Spanish speakers that everyone that comes into this country should speak English, I was have second thoughts on the idea.
When the Spanish anthem was released and read that the artists and writers of the song did not translated the national anthem exactly, then I was really backing out of the idea.
There is a valid point made by a Hispanic Central Florida resident that pointed out he would not like the idea if a group of people would sing his original country's national anthem in a different language and with a new sequence of words.
I never thought the artists and producers of the Spanish version of the "Star-spangled Banner" intended to disrespect a national symbol, all they wanted was to create a wave a American pride among the Hispanic immigrants of being Americans (or soon-to-be-Americans). I guess they should have just made an original patriotic song instead of messing with official song of America.
--
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My "Cinco de Mayo" rant for Immigration
Not all immigrants are Hispanic. The same goes that not all immigrants are criminals, as one right-wing blogger mentioned. It is hard to believe that there are people that are spreading this none sense around.
I am an American-born Puerto Rican, being that I was born within the American states. It is an oxymoron of sorts because all Puerto Ricans are Americans because the Caribbean island is a U.S. Commonwealth and share many rights Americans in the States. The biggest exception is that Puerto Ricans can not vote in the U.S. Presidential election and they have no representation in the House of Representatives or the Senate. There is only one representative that acts as on "advisor", sort of speak, to the U.S. Congress. In addition, Puerto Ricans are not guaranteed, from my understanding, citizenship because it may take the act of Congress to amend a law if they please. Hopefully, for the sake of humanity, that will not happen any time soon.
Along with many Puerto Ricans, I am here to support all immigrants, not only those of Latino origin. At my time in Miami, I have met many great people that have come from another country (legally or illegally) with the hope of a better future in this land of opportunity. Many of those have earned there way, by working extended hours, learning English and helping out their family here and abroad.
It is a very challenging process, if many of you do not know, to become an American citizen because it requires years of time and wait. I know that one of my friend's mother, a lady that escaped Cuba in a very young age with her family, said that it took her twenty years to complete the process of being an American citizen inspite the considerable amount of years she had lived in the USA. She escaped to America as a young girl in the late 1950's but never got the opportunity to apply for citizenship until she was old enough in the 1970's. She became a citizen in the mid 1980's
I have tremendous respect for those immigrants that come to this country to improve their life and find opportunity in this great land. Sometimes the immigrants and those newly-made American citizens take advantage of the American dream, that same aspiration that many American-born citizens take for granted. I know that there is a significant amount of immigrants that take advantage of the immigration system and receive help from tax payers money, with the assumption they can live off that. I have encountered many immigrants that abuse the system and refuse to work, because of those groups of people, the image of the majority of immigrants that want to progress in life is tainted. Perhaps because Americans always focus on the negative of everything, or at least that is my perception of the U.S. media.
BOTTOMLINE:
Not all immigrants are Hispanic. (There are Hatians, Asians, Canadians, etc.)
Not all immigrants are criminals... Not all criminals are immigrants.
There should be Immigration reform to make the process to legalize and become citizens a lot shorter. Notice I said shorter not easier.
No Amnesty... Guest Workers program is a joke, I like the intent to help out, but its not going to soothe the problem.
There should be more border patrol to curb the immigrants coming to this country, I do not want the USA to be overpopulated.
I do not agree with sending all the illegal residents out of the country by deportation... That's just wrong. If they commit a series of unforgivable crimes, then that's a different story.
Immigrants (legal and illegal) should not be looked down as if they were a lower class group. They are human beings that want to seek opportunity. That is how this country was founded, remember. Our founding fathers (and mothers) were all immigrants when this country first started as a group of British colonies.
Last but not least... Immigrants will do jobs that an average American will not even consider doing. They keep our economy growing. If they are not suppose to work then the blame should also be placed on the employer (not just the employee).
I want to give a final shoutout before I close this entry. To the employer in a Central Florida business, thanks for doing the right thing on May 1st, 2006 on that day known as "A Day Without Immigrants". He gave all of the Hispanics wanting to take part of the boycott, the day off.
--Happy Cinco de Mayo
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Thursday, May 04, 2006
A New Look!
After the break I took from regularly posting in my blog I decided to update the look of my blog. A nice way to have an refreshed web page to look at and be proud of. In other words, for me to find motivation to expand my blog. This will not be the last time I reinvent the layout, I am sure I will find a way to get a domain name or a professional web designer to do me a favor and create a third version of the blog. All depends how well Ryan and Mike's new look turns out with their friend doing the favor for their blog.
It's nice to be back to dedicate sufficient time here. I remembered how much fun I had blogging like the old times.
All I need is to meet new people and get to know those fellow bloggers I cherish as friends.
As well as some help with the contents with the sidebar. I want to know if it is possible to prevent some things from the side bar to appear in the permanent pages of each blog entry. Email me, at vjorange@hotmail.com, if you can help me out.
--See Ya Later!
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Grabbing Life by the Horns
As I mentioned in my last post I labeled my Mazda Protege as the "old car." This is my explanation...
I have always envisioned myself in a General Motors automobile. My mother had a series of vehicles by the GM brand and my first and second cars were made by GM (Pontiac and Chevrolet). My first two cars were old, used, and brought me bad dreams. My alliance with GM turned for the worst when I got my third car, the 2001 Mazda Protege (distributed by Ford... YUCK!). The Protege was a great car compared to my first two, but I have recently encountered trouble with the reliability because it stalled on me twice in the past three months, even more if I mention six months. Overall the Protege looked very sporty and was a lot more reliable than my previous rides, but in this day and age I need 100% reliability. Hence, the end of the Mazda era.
From That...
The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber was my dream car. It was my dream car because the great news is that I am an owner (along with my lovely mother) of the hottest Dodge to hit the streets since April 30th, 2006. After three pre-owned cars, I finally get a new baby to ride on. Be forewarned, the Caliber is "Anything but Cute" its a sporty and muscled car that fits the criteria of being part of the Dodge family of automobiles.
For the record, I was a bit bothered by the "fairy" commercial but I am a person that takes humor very well. Anyways there are other advertisements around that homosexuals should be offended even more than the "fairy" Ad by Dodge.
It has been a dream come true! Now with the new addition of the Caliber, our family went from being GM loyalists to being Daimler-Chrysler's Dodge drivers! Now, our rides fit our personalities. My mother drives the new Durango (big, stylish, commands respect) while my new dig is the Caliber (known to be a mini-Durango with resemblance to the Durango and the Dodge Magnum).
...To This
What a great 20th Birthday present, two months early! I am very thankful and wish everyone can feel this way. This post can be considered part of My Thankful Monday, just that I did it on a Thursday.
--
[Photos: Those are not my personal photos so the depiction of the cars are not accurate to how my old and new car looks like. My old Protege looked similar to the first photo with the same body color. Same idea with the Caliber, the only difference is that I unfortunately did not get the car in Sunburst Orange. Instead I got the only available car in stock with a Marine Blue Pearl body color.]
Look Back
[My Future Ride: 2007 Dodge Caliber]
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From That......To This
A First in 2006
With 2006 being about 5.5 months old, it is hard to imagine a first encounter this late in the year but the truth is I have one last "first." I don't remember mentioning that my "mentally toasted" aunt moved in to my house, temporarily, around the winter holidays after spending her lifetime in Puerto Rico. Having my aunt and her bratty, younger daughter (my cousin conceived from an affair with a married man... Long story) living here was a bad dream within itself, but I survived the journey. They moved to their new apartment last Monday, the same week as my final exams (talk about perfect timing) which took time away from my studies. I was happy to move them out, it would be a lot faster for them to leave already.
You may think I am a mean-S.O.B. but I will mention this tidbit... When it came to finding a temporary place to stay when my mother decided to move to Puerto Rico with my brother and me, after the split from my father, my mentally toasted aunt declined us, her family, from moving to her house for a short period. My aunt cited that she did not want problems, she lived alone. Fine, but when my mother found out from her older daughter (my cousin from my aunts first marriage) that she allowed her "pimp" in the affair, house his teenage son in her place that was an insult I will forgive but will not forget.
Don't get me wrong, I love my aunt (she was considered, by me, as a favorite) and her bratty but adorable daughter. That's the reason why I had no problems when my mother allowed her to move in with us, plus she had no place to go. I just hope she realizes that my mother welcomed her to our place, even after she decided to decline us from living in her house, years ago.
My mother made sure her time here was not luxurious, but still humane. My aunt demanded for my brother's room and my old car (I'll explain what happened to the Mazda Protege in a later entry), as if she was going to rule the world! For the wishful thinking, she ended up sleep in a sofabed in the family room for the 5 months she was here.
Anyways, I am happy to finally here Silence for the first time this year. Knowing that I can walk around in my boxers and not have to worry to do my cousins homework while she runs around wreaking havoc makes me smile. No more crying, no more bratty comments from my cousin, no more stress!
It couldn't have come in a better time.
--
P.S. I only lived in Puerto Rico for a year (from 1999 to 2000). I moved back to Miami in 2000 thinking it was the last time moving. I was dead wrong, I moved back to Central Florida in 2004.
[[V.J. Civic; 5/04/2006 09:39:00 AM 1 Oranges Left
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