BLOGS FOR AUGUST 2009

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Week ending Aug 30th, 2009
Phew, I AM BEAT!

What a great week! There was so much going on that I am really glad that it's Sunday and I can finally relax. I don't think I got more than 28 hours of sleep, lol! Work has been meeting after meeting after meeting (and meetings to talk about meetings). I feel like I'm back in College because I am doing a lot of research on new technologies to help overcome the challenges of this contract. Oh speaking of work, we had our annual BBQ/Party thing on Friday afternoon and that was fun. Not as many people showed up as I thought would but it was good to see a lot of my friends there. It was at MCRD which brought back a lot of memories of my days as a U.S. Marine.

After the BBQ I helped a Co-Worker move. She really didn't have that much stuff (two truckloads worth) so me and friend got it done in a few hours. I don't mind helping (it's my friend, I don't tell them no when they need help) and I got a good workout too. Freaking HOT in Pacific Beach -- and everywhere in S.D.!!

I went out to dinner with friends on Tuesday and Wednesday and had a good time. Tuesday we went to Roy's in La Jolla. It's a Hawaiian Sushi place. Top notch for sure, expensive yes, but really good food and atmosphere. I'd love to go back there again with an open checkbook, lol!

Saturday was services (as always). This week we had another guest speaker. His name is Dinesh and he's a Christian Apologist. He's also an Ivy League graduate who spends a lot of time with Philosophy and Debate which really captured my attention. He was probably one of the best speakers we've had at Horizons and was actually quite funny as well. He definitely held my attention throughout the entire service. After the service I got a chance to shake his hand and told him we'd love to have him speak again soon.

After that I met up with a friend and we went down to the Gas Lamp. Well, first was Dave and Busters for dinner (I had a huge burger!) and then walked around, watched a live band, etc. We had a good time and managed to stay out of trouble. There was a homeless guy there and I could tell he needed help. You can look in their eyes and see pain -- well, I can sometimes. I am not saying I am a mind reader. I just see people in need and I do what I can. I had a $20.00 so gave it to him. He just looked at me, dumbfounded and kept repeating "Thank you, thank you, thank you..." To us, who are so blessed in every way, it may not seem like a big deal. To those less fortunate it means a lot.

My friend said "I had a bad experience with the homeless so I don't give them money anymore." To that I replied "You know, if one out of every 10 people I give money to really needs it, then I am not going to deny that person help in spite of the other 9..." Besides, Jesus said in Mark 9:4 "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward..." Don't punish the needs of the few due to the greed of the many, I say.

So it's Sunday, I am beat from a week of hard work outs, moving and another softball game. Oddly, we were down one player and we didn't get as creamed as normal. I was only 1-4 but had 2 RBI. I caught all but one fly ball that came my way and some of our players really stepped up their game this week. It was fun. Now we have 2 week break (holiday/bye). That's good as it will give my pulled groin muscle time to heal.

Oh one last thing. SPOILER so if you are a MotoGP fan do not read the new few words.

WOO HOO HAYDEN! 3rd place at Indy. That was his best ride of the year and I am really glad that he got a podium. It's been really tough trying to tame the Ducati, especially when his is inexplicably down on top end power and speed. Bummer Vale crashed out but good that him and Dani were able to get back up and keep racing (well Dani was, but Vale was alright). Looking forward to the rest of the season and the NFL/College Football is starting soon. Go Bucs, Go Gators!

See you next week!

B.

Week ending Aug 23rd, 2009
Another Good Week!

Well this was yet another pretty darn good week. Lots of interesting stuff going on right now. I'm juggling several things that are occupying my time so that's always good. Work is fine, as always, and I'm really happy that I am staying busy and working hard. Plenty of stuff on my plate to keep me busy, that's for sure and on top of that, we have some new guys on the team that I am getting along really well with -- so that helps a lot. All the work drama has settled down so it's nice to go at it, bang out my work and feel satisfied knowing I've earned my paycheck :)

Been hanging out with my friends a lot lately too. We went on Thursday and had a good time. I really love hanging out downtown. On Tuesday I went to the CUBS game (haha sorry Padre fans - link to pics on the home page) and yes, we LOST :) Meh. Whatchagonnado?! It was really good to see my favorite team even if we lost. We'll see what happens in the playoffs.

So Saturday we got Bill Butterworth again. I'll have to look up his web site for you all but you really ought to check out his new book. He's an excellent writer from both an intellectual and spiritual standpoint. Definitely worth reading. Pastor Bob comes back next week and we hope he has a safe trip back from Africa.

So we played another softball game today. We did "better" than we did last week and had fun. I slightly pulled a groin muscle. I'm not sure why they call it that. Mine hasn't grown --- oh boy -- haha, I know bad-bad-bad joke! (Inappropriate even, but funny!). There are a few new pictures up for you to view of this week's game. Laugh with or at me, either way we had fun.

I'm still looking for a house but it's getting to crunch time and I am not sure it's going to happen this year. And if it doesn't, I will lose out on the $8,000 tax break. Oh well, if it's meant to be, it will be. Such is my mantra in life lately! LOL

Hope you had a great week yourself and HAVE FUN. Lots of "moving" to do next week....(not me, friends! lol)

Week ending Aug 16th, 2009
GREAT FUN!

Awesome week all together. I had a lot of fun with things at work and then hanging out a lot with friends. Work is actually going pretty well as I have two new incentive projects to work on which are going to keep me extremely busy. I've been writing docs like crazy and trying to give my leadership excellent material. Everything else work related is going fantastic :)

Most of the week on a personal basis was fairly quiet. I did hang out at Jason's for dinner on Thursday. He has a pretty cool neighborhood (and neighbors) so anytime I come over we all end up hanging out until the wee hours of the night. LOL. The steaks were awesome by the way, bro!

Friday night some of us from work went to the movies. Now, I am not here to give you a spoiler but if you are apt to seeing "District 9" it's my personal opinion that you save your money and go see something else. The special effects are ok but the storyline is, well -- the best I can put it is -- MEH! I would have rather seen something else knowing what I know now.

Saturday was get more SUN Day! I'm getting really tan and best of all I had the pool to myself with NO CRYPT KEEPER out there creeping me (and other people) out, lol!

Of course Saturday night was services at Horizon. Our Pastor is off to Africa on a mission trip so we had Bob Butterworth who we all really like. He's a very funny guy and his humor adds to the message and helps us understand it better.

Sunday was our first Softball game. You know, given we're all free-agents I wasn't expecting much -- and I wasn't disappointed either. WE WERE TERRIBLE! But that was more or less to be expected, right?! I had an OK game (for not playing in 10 years.) I was 2 for 3 at bat and caught two of the 3 balls my way. One of them was a line drive which hit my ankle -- which is now swelling up and turning all kinds of cool colors :)

Pics of the softball game are up. I couldn't take many when I was playing but next time I'll give my camera to someone who isn't playing.

Well that's about it for now. I hope you had a great weekend and keep your nose clean! *wink*

Week ending Aug 9th, 2009
Smooth sailing...

This has been a good week with little to complain about a lot to be thankful for. For the last month I've been so completely buried with projects that time has blitzed by. I'm not sure how I am finding the time now. In fact, I brought some work home this weekend to take care of. But not until after I've hung out some more at the pool.

Well I probably should be doing that considering some people came into work last week with a chest cold and of course, you know it, I got it as well. I've been coughing non stop since Wednesday. Thankfully I have "Theraflu" and lots of cough drops. It's just that neither of them work very well overnight. haha. Oh well, just gotta stick it out and hope this goes away soon. I'm not weak or anything, just the coughing is bothering me. We'll see how it goes.

On Thursday night a vendor took us to dinner at the Hard Rock Hotel after work. That was pretty cool because I love downtown (though the bill was near near 4 digits!). After that we went up to the Ivy. If you've never been there it's a really swanky, upscale place that is on top of a hotel. There's these cool fire pits, a pool, etc. Really neat to just hang out and have fun. I behaved, don't worry, lol!

I signed up for Softball this week, that will be fun! I also did look into Big Brothers and I'll attend the next "interview" session on a Saturday (I think it is). I actually have a lot of things planned (the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Lego Land, etc! There are a ton of places you can take less fortunate kids to around here).

Services was awesome this weekend. Pastor Bob is going to be gone for the next couple of weeks to Africa so we're getting Bob Butterworth again (who I really liked!) So that's something cool to look forward to. If I recall, the last time he came through he had a really awesome sermon. He's also a very good public speaker so he keeps your attention.

I still managed to get my workouts done this week (like I said, just coughing, not weak or tired). I'm going to go back to Charles because he pushes me much harder than I push myself (and he won't let me wimp out, haha). And when I work out with him, I can eat pizza - haha!

I did learn a few lessons this week that will last the rest of my life. Let's just say, if you (stupidly) leave a gate open - slam it shut!! There's no reason to go down a path you've been on before. Just keep focused on looking forward and not behind. Trust me, things will be looking up before ya know it. I for one can safely say I've never been happier :)

Well, I think I am going to lay out at the pool some more (after getting something to eat) and just chill out. I still have a lot of things to take care of this week.

Week ending Aug 2nd, 2009
Fantastic Week!

You know, so many people like to complain about the cards they are dealt. Lots of people complain they have bad karma (I believe karma is simply God allowing bad things to happen to bad people) or that "life" is treating them badly. I tend to believe that whatever happens, if you live your life as an earnestly good person, good things will happen to you. Not necessarily in the aspect of "karma" but simply that God takes good care of people who are good to others.

I believe that's the case for my life. Now I am not saying that I am either righteous or a "great" person because like many people, I have my own set of faults that I deal with every day. As much as I try to keep them in check, sometimes I fall flat on my face. Those of you who know me well know exactly what those faults are -- and yet you still choose not to walk away. Thank you all for that :)

It just seems lately that I'm being well-overseen by my Creator, that's for sure. And it's not that there's been something spectacular or out of the ordinary. Some people look at having extra money come their way or someone liking them as being blessed. I see it simply as a culmination in all the good that is in my life. Friends, family, excellent health, a roof over my head, the freedom and autonomy to chase my dreams or simply walk down to the beach whenever I want to. Nothing holds me back from accomplishing my dreams :)

I do understand that some people just aren't having things go their way -- and I have certainly been in that position in more than one way. But when I look at my life in general, I am extremely grateful. It makes me feel blessed in every single way. I'm sure there are some who will point out the things I don't have in my life that they have (spouses, kids, a big house and what not) but I really don't see that as being the end-all of what defines my life. If I die tomorrow, I will die knowing I've accomplished what God's will has been for my life. And that's good enough for me. I don't live my life to "please" others or gain their approval, that's for sure.

Ok enough with the oogling, haha. This was indeed a good week of working hard and playing hard with friends. I was probably more social this week than I've been in a long time. I think getting away from the computer and getting outside (such as I have been with bing in the sun -- and becoming rejuvenated in the process -- lol).

My friend had a BBQ this weekend for his entire block so I went to that. I took photos but because it was dark a lot of them didn't come out too well. I'll have to find the photo of him getting cake smashed in his face. LOL. That was entirely hilarious.

On the band front, I think I've found the other three musicians I need to do this little "side project" I've been meaning to do. I've also been practicing my vocals a lot and they seem to be coming along. They aren't perfect by any means but with practice I'll get there. My neighbors are probably wondering what's going on. I sing with my headphones so they can't hear the music but they can hear me singing. I can hear myself over the music so I know if I'm in key or not. I'm sure from their perspective it's hilarious.

Well yesterday was sunny and here it is, close to 2pm and the sun still isn't out. I want to go hit the pool for a while and maybe do some laps. After that I've got to get some "spring cleaning" done and some research for work. I have a big (monumental) project that was dropped on my lap and they are depending on me to give them the info they need to make decisions on which direction we go. I really, really enjoy that aspect of my job.

One last thing. I did figure out what to do with my free time. I volunteered for "Big Brothers of San Diego." I figure I have a lot of life experience so I can help a kid who doesn't have a father. It's the least I can do and with all this free time, why not make a difference in someone's life?

That's it for now. Hope you too had a great week and we'll check in with you later. Oh and for those of you asking me to update the "About" page, that's been done.

Cheers!

B.