No vowels necessary

Un millon de estrellas

2010-03-10T20:41:00.001-08:00

And it only takes a moment
To step outside and let the rain
Kiss your pain away
And surrender it to the sun
Cause the world is still spinning around
So cease the day
Cause you have come so far
Watched a million frowns turn into smiles
Lost all track of time
Felt the energy of a million stars

It's like that

2010-03-09T10:29:00.001-08:00

Today is just one of those days, a magical day. Certainly it's one of those days that you wish you could relive over and over again; a serendipity in time that you wish you could freeze and stare at, long after it's passed. These types of days don't happen often but when they do they strike a chord deep inside of you as if to let you know - hey wake up, you won't want to miss this.

So as our day grows longer and we begin to dwell in the afterglow, Karen and I look forward to more magical days ahead of us. Oh, and I will definitely be buying a lottery ticket today. You just never know.

Science Lesson

2010-02-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

Static electricity can be fun when you have the right kind of company and Teagan fits the bill.

My trusty steed

2010-01-23T11:24:00.000-08:00

Life according to your media

2009-12-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

These are up for your own interpretation.

First Cassette album:
ABBA - Greatest Hits Volume 2
ELO - Discovery*

First Record album:
Scritti Politti - Cupid & Psyche '85

First 12" Single:
Howard Jones - The 12" Album

First CD:
Yazoo - Upstairs at Eric's
Yazoo - You and me both*

First DVD:
Batman

First Blu Ray:
The Dark Knight

( * bought at the same time)

oops.

2009-12-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

Let this be a reminder to you all. Never mess with coolant system in your car until the engine is cold. Even then, I would wait some more.

And for those of you Audi A4/S4 owners, the coolant elbow under the air intake piping is known to fail. Needless to say when it does, I suggest not having body parts in the neighboring area.

Being thankful is a state of mind

2009-11-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

This year has been interesting. Most of my resolutions managed to survive to a respectable July/August time frame. I have tried to spend more time leading a life of awareness. I've found that it becomes easy to fall into routines and repeat bad habits. Maybe these are all symptoms of getting older and finding that your comfort zone becomes more of a rut, and sometimes you find comfort in that. All I know is that when I make myself uncomfortable I manage to move closer to the things that I want to bring into my life. It's motivating but certainly takes a bit of getting used to.

I think that this year above all other years I have come to understand the true value of friendships and family alike. Both of which seem to share similarities. It is a curious thing when you realize that both of these take on a new and nobler meaning the more you open yourself up to their influence. The mere fact that someone else on this planet is willing to take the time to get to know you and find the intrinsic value that you have at your core is a powerful thing. Something that transcends the mere time spent together but something that increases in value as the relationship deepens and takes root, far below the surface details of our lives.

This year I have found the desire to invest in friends and family in a more meaningful way and I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the results. I just hope that what they're getting from me is as valuable as the things I'm getting in return.

I've been thankful for the things in my life for a while now but I've definitely been humbled by friendship this year. It's funny because it seems that every time I come to a deeper realization I always wish I had figured it out sooner. Maybe that's why we're held accountable to pass on life lessons to the generation behind us.

If you get a chance this Thanksgiving, take a moment and really take stock of the things you can thankful for, I'll bet you'll be surprised or even reassured once you start listing things out.

Do you know the way to Shell Beach?

2009-11-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

This week's funny

2009-11-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

"Jesus never tapped out."

The great pumpkin comes to town

2009-11-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

My favorite holiday has always been Thanksgiving. In spite of that fact Halloween has always run a close second. Having been raised as an SDA the love I had for All Hallow's Eve was always frowned upon or sadly, used as a reminder of how any allegiance to the holiday usually meant taking a stand against your faith. Seriously people, I just wanted the candy.

All these years later it turns out that Karen's favorite holiday is the venerable "day of the dead". For months before the actual date Karen's excitement builds and more decorations are purchased. Plans are made we do our best to celebrate all the fun things about the seemingly dark celebration.

This year we enjoyed all the costumes, the company of friends, the trick-o-treaters, the full moon and our newly introduced "movie under the stars". We screened "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and the venerable classic - "Ghostbusters". In her usual manner Karen must have taken a hundred pictures that will continue to push the space boundaries of our home NAS.

It was another great night of memories that we hope to continue for years to come; Karen is already planning the upgrades for next year.

Our little one

2009-09-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

One of those days.

2009-09-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

So winter's come
And summer's fall
Time is just a whisper
In a waterfall

Forever now
Forever now
Every road I wander
Brings me back here
Next to you

Be still my love
And close your eyes
Don't say a word
No hows or whys

Everything I need, within me
All the dreams I've dreamed, are true
And all the starry skies, inside me
When I'm next to you

from there to here

2009-08-14T15:39:00.001-07:00

I remember the day we brought home our first television. I was 9, my brother was 7. It was a warm summer Sunday filled with all the activities that made up what my mom termed as "the first day of work". Sundays were always busy, the only measurement of the passage of time that we had were marked by the activities we finished; laundry, dishes, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, followed by weekly excursion to the market. Breakfast would mark the start of a race that would end sometime around 3pm when my brother and I would finally be able to play outside with our friends.

On this particular Sunday our normal chores were interrupted by an impromptu trip to our local Salvation Army. My brother and I enjoyed visits to this store more than the market and definitely more than shopping for clothing. We would be able to lose ourselves in a repository of treasures neatly organized and made as presentable as possible. Every item possessing a story of some sort, waiting for someone to come by and extend it's life for a while longer.

My brother spent most of our time in the toy section always trying to find something that we could take home. The trick was being able to find the 'grab bag' that had as many pieces of whatever toy you intended of getting so you weren't missing something crucial or necessary to make it work.

By now we were about half a year into our current school year and the thing that my brother and I were beginning to notice is that despite attending an SDA school, there was a lot of television watching by our classmates. Apparently, the supposed rules of the faith were only enforced in our home. This hard line stance by my mother was always an issue of contention but without the support of my father, this was a battle not even worth suiting up for.

Due to the lack of media penetration in our home my brother and I had started to spend time in the furniture section of the store. Every time we went we would run there first and see what new models of televisions there were, secretly hoping one of them would follow up home. After dropping many an unheeded hint to my mom, we figured it was a lost cause, but we were kids - relentless is the word, right?

On this particular trip my mom had disappeared and after two quick trips around the store we were unable to find her. My brother and I headed back to the toy section just to make sure that we could be found. We waited for a bit and finally my mom arrived to gather us up. Surprisingly, she didn't have any packages with her but we didn't mind because by now we were pretty hungry for lunch.

When we arrived at the station wagon we noticed there was a large piece of furniture in the back. Curious to see what it was my brother and I ran to check it out. When we saw what it was I think we just stared at it as if we were witnessing a miracle right in front of us. Believe me, the burning bush didn't have anything on that Zenith.

When we got home that day everything was pretty much a blur until we got the television plugged into the wall. It was black and white and there wasn't a remote to be found but hell, it worked. When it popped and began to show the picture it pretty much made up for the time my bag of army men was missing all the tank platoon soldiers and my general.

The first show we watched together was "The Mummy". We watched it while eating a sandwich and drinking a glass of coca-cola.

The day was a good day - no chores, a less than healthy meal and the promise of regularly scheduled programming coming directly to our house. A brand new world opened up and I let it all pour in.

Now as I enjoy a fairly decent LCD television and surround sound system I can't help but remember that day with fondness. I'm also reminded that sometimes I would sell my mom short as a child growing up. Hindsight is a beautiful thing if you can learn from it. Despite the compromise my mom made that day I still can't help but thankful for the effort she made to bridge the gap between what we needed and what we wanted.

It didn't seem like it at the time but life was good. I'm sure of that now.

Some things are meant to last.

2009-08-07T00:08:00.001-07:00

Karen and I were able to share a special moment with some friends of ours tonight - The renewal of wedding vows. Many times we forget about how big of an accomplishment it can be, how through the years you've managed to weather the tough times and hopefully nurtured and supported each other through best moments of your life together. In a world that prides itself in it's cynicism it's nice to know that you can make it if you try.

I was touched by the vows because as I listened to them I was given a brief glimpse into secret corners of a relationship that we're still getting to know. The words were honest and carefully crafted to reflect a deep and pure love and hearing them recite them to each other made me smile.

Today, our friends celebrated 10 years together and while Karen and I officially celebrated seven years together we look forward to 10 and 20 and beyond.

I know that sometimes it's easier to focus on the things that don't work, but I know that if you put in some time and effort you can reap incredible rewards. My advice? If you have someone special in your life, take the time to have fun, remember the things that brought you together and with any luck the years will be easy and pass quickly.

As for our friends. we wish them the best from the bottom of our hearts. I just have a feeling that they're doing really well all on their own.

Happy Anniversary S&N!

What's in your mug..?

2009-07-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

If you're a java-holic then you might know some of this already but only true Coffee Zen masters study the intricate balance of ingredients for maximum flavor delivery.

A motley crew

2009-07-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

From left to right.

Han Solo, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and R2-D2.

Everyone is an expert.

2009-05-29T11:30:00.001-07:00

Everyone who has dealt with clients in their specific field always has funny stories and inside jokes about the expectation of the masses. I've been able to experience some of that in both the field of design and IT. While I take everything in stride there is always time to enjoy a little tongue-in-cheek comedy about the pitfalls of consulting.

For all of you designers out there - I'm sure you will be able to relate the most. my advice to you: Make it BIGGER!

"It's just a hole in the ground."

2009-05-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've never been to the Grand Canyon. Through no fault of my own, there were never any "Suclla Family Vacations" that ever stopped at the ol' GC. Mostly, those only got as far as Las Vegas - yeah (my dad is a fan of the "City of Lights"). So yeah, 40 years into this gig I've finally experienced the grandeur that is "The Canyon".

I didn't know what to expect, having only seen it in post cards or in magazines, but I must say that they don't compare with it live. It is definitely worth seeing and going to the bottom is an experience as well.

Though we were only able to spend one day there I saw enough to make the trip worth it and I will definitely get back there again to see more of it. Who knows, maybe I'll get brave enough to view it via the Skywalk, just maybe.

That time again

2009-05-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Both of us knew what we were looking for when we met. For the most part is was a list of things we knew we didn't want in a relationship. Through the years Karen and I have managed to keep the promises we made to each other all those years ago. Officially we celebrate our 7th year of marriage today.

As we look back over where we've been we're thankful to the fates for bringing us together. We look forward to many more years together - traveling, laughing and enjoying the time that we share even in the most mundane things we do together. I'm blessed - I will admit that.

So, today I am reminded of the promises we made to each other and I am given new energy to make sure I'm doing my part.

A dork is a dork.

2009-04-13T10:04:00.001-07:00

Except when they grow up and make more money than you do.

While I can't directly relate to any of these pictures (computers were too expensive for me at the time) I can honestly say that they make me laugh. There is a part of me that shares a certain fraternity with the general "vibe" going on here. Take a look back and enjoy a grin or two. I present you with the Dork Yearbook.

I learned it all from James.

2009-04-03T14:41:00.001-07:00

For you Bond fans out there, here's the most in depth analysis of the sexual politics belonging to our illustrious hero.

True Dat

2009-03-30T11:29:00.001-07:00

Guess who's coming to town..?

If any of you are interested in the least bit about a Spandau Ballet reunion concert you can get more information from their website as the Tour Dates continue to be updated.

Personally, I'm looking forward to this one - mostly out of nostalgia but also because I like the music.

Fan-Frakking-Tastic

2009-03-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

First there were rumors. Just whispers that Galactica would be reborn and reinterpreted. Then the rumors became truth. Starbuck and Boomer, girls? Cylons looking like humans. No dagget!? I can't say that I was a fan from the get go. What I can say is that even though it took almost an entire season for me to warm up to the idea of a remake, I eventually fell for Battlestar Galactica - Hard.

I watched the finale in concentrated silence trying to glean every last last bit of information to piece the mystery together. The culmination of 4 seasons coming to a close in a different, and almost non-climactic way.

The past 4 seasons have represented, in my opinion, some of the best television drama offered to date. Most certainly, in the SciFi world. As I watched the universe of BSG develop and the characters deepen I was reminded that sometimes you can find some shows that are worth spending time on.

And now, it has come to an end. All the plot twists, revelations and cliff hangers have all been laid aside and I'm left having to part ways with one my favorite shows. I will miss everything the mythology had to offer and I look forward owning this series on Blu-Ray.

Even if you're not a SciFi nut like myself, you could see what the hype is all about and rent the pilot episode. Maybe you'll get drawn into our universe as well. So say we all.

Pending immortality

2009-03-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

I was just telling my brother that I haven't seen a good vampire movie in a while. Now, that's not to say that I didn't enjoy "30 Days of Night", but as usual it's never spot on. And don't even get me started on the whole "Twilight" trend going on right now. There is no way that you can take a vampire seriously when it looks like he's been immersed into a couple of episodes of "Dawson's Creek". In any case, this gives me a glimmer of hope: "Blood: The Last Vampire".

I hope it's as good as the animated feature.

Racers, start your engines.

2009-03-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

The past couple of years of the "Celebrity Pro Race" have been mired with not so celebrity level entertainers. While always entertaining, it doesn't motivate you to attend the celebrity race or care about the results. This year the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach has upped the ante and wrangled some bigger names.

I love going to the Grand Prix and I'm looking forward to it this year. If I can work some of my contact magic maybe I can find myself back in the paddocks with 'Neo'. Whether you're a race fan or not, the Grand Prix offers a good time and hopefully there won't be too much of a damper from the economic hiccup we're experiencing. It's definitely worth it to see and hear a race car rip down the straight away at 200mph.

I'll see you at the races.