Gifts of the Mysterious

There are times when you are caught off guard and you later realize that gifts are always given. Sometimes we are caught up in our daily motions that we fail to see what is really right in front of us. The other day I decided to look at some old posts to review what I had written, and really noticed that there were times when I was thoughtful and times were I felt the least postive. Notice how I use the word postive and not to refer as negative. In all honesty some of the things I have written have been negtive, but now I am shfting my state of mind. I am just tired of slipping into the "hell, everything is just wrong" state of mind and looking at the truly positive. Its not that I am ignoring the negataive, I am just choosing to look at the positive and find ways to make it better, so that on the scales of mind, the positive outway the negative. Sure there will be times that I might slip into the "complaint" mode, but I am sure as God will provide me the strength to turn the frown upside down =( -> = subtract ( = =. Take the = add ) and you get =). I did that for those scentific / math majors out there.

So this past thursday and friday have been quite good. Adoration on thursday and a awesome Christian concert on Friday. Both these events have been the most spiritual fullfilling things that I have been to in a very long time. God likes to give you lemons to see if you will make lemonade. I felt like lemons at the begining of this week, feeling sour, and discontent with a few things. With the help of some good friends I was able to make lemonade by helping to make adoration happen and to help organize the trip to Napa for the concert. Both events I felt the presence, the healing presence of Jesus and the gifts that I finally see that he has given all of us. As my friend Laith always like to hear me say in a weird accent, "THE LORD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS" and I like to keep it at that. The more surprises I get the more chances I can find ways to make things more positive. God Bless.

Its Raining Up In Here

So its finally raining up here, and let me tell you, it is sure welcomed. I wasn't really sure how much static electricity I could handle. The air always seemed charged, and when I would come in contact to piece of metal or fabric panel, a large bolt of electricity would shock me. I would like to think that this was caused by my electrifying personality, one could dream. Anyways rain has been good, and as always traffic is bad. I could rant about the traffic, but I will not. I did go snowboarding this past weekend, and it was totally a blast. I went with a few friends which made the trip all the better, and we stayed the night in Truckee. The last time I went snowboarding it was one of those day trip deals, and driving at night was not at all fun. Staying the night allowed for more relaxed evening, with a little bit of night time snowboarding which was pretty cool. Later we all went to this little tavern near the hotel called Madigans. Inside was this small rustic establishment, which pretty much served beer and wine only. There was even live music provided by Tuck Wilson who was able to offer some light vocals and some good guitar. Relaxed as can be, the evening was pretty cool. The next day we went visitied Squaw Valley. The one thing I would like to point out is the music through out that entire weekend. I would have to say every song that I heard was a great song. In the car, the lodge, at Squaw Valley, and the bar, one good song right after the other. With everything else, the music was the icing on the cake. The one thing I wish could have been more prevalent was snow. I mean there was snow, but it was compacted and felt like ice when you landed on it. Some powder would have helped with stoppage, but eh its all good.

Simply Beautiful

A few evenings ago, as I was departing from work, the smell of roasted hickory, almond, oak was wafting in the air. Its was the smell of when I was growing up, the smell that really reminded me of home. As I enjoyed the earthy scents my eyes shifted towards the sky, and there was this magnificent pallete colors of the evening. Anywhere else in town, the sun setting is not as spectacular as it is right outside of where I work. For that single moment, I felt content, or I should say relieved. It was as if I had a weight lifted off my shoulders, and everything seemed right. Not to say that anything felt wrong, it was more of a feeing of reassurance, as if I were to understand that I should not worry. I try to stop and take these momements of reflection, cause if you slow down enough you eventually will see what true beauty can be.

Why Can't Weekends be Longer

Maybe its just me, or it seems like weekends are getting shorter. Its like friday night, everything is chill, and rest and relaxation is just around the corner. Then all of sudden its Monday morning, and all one can say is FRICKIN'. It seriously seems that whatever should be between Friday and Monday had disappeared, vanishied....Its like when you take a test and then afterwards all the information that once lived in your head is gone. Its crazy, I say just plain crazy. I believe in fairness to all, or maybe just myself, that weekends needs to be three days long. I mean really, on Fridays is like a half day since people are already ramped up to go on a vaction, or a road trip, or just want to get the week over with. I like to call friday the ramp down day. It is the day of preparation, for the long-awaited weekend. Once friday evening rolls in, pre-weekend has begun. Saturday and Sunday are your true weekend days, and then there is monday. The monday will be the third day of the weekend, and thus be the transitionary day into the work week that starts on tuesday. I think productivty will increase, people will be happier, and a set of utensils will jump over the moon. How I will not question, if that were to happen, then ok. You can see I have put much thought into this. Many friday afternoons were spent crafting this splendid idea. If someone else thought of it first, thats fine. Whats important is that in my mind I thought of it first. Doesn't really matter, I am just glad to have a weekend just to breathe. For one day to sleep in, only if the sun lets me. The smart thing to do is go to bed eariler, but since I apparently have no conception of time, figuring out whats early may not be that easy after all. If thats the case then how would I know what a three day weekend would be like....Okay too much thought, I think I am going to retire before my head pops. =)

Songs of a Restless Mind

They're there...waiting for the pen to drop...to eek out an uterance, and to grace the page with its wistful lines. Speak they must, but silence is the only present member of the flow of rock. Still the yearning remains for the notes to dance freely upon the open space, and wake those whose dormancy is overdrawn. Smiles all around and laughter to follow. These are songs of a restless mind, a mind filled with wonder and excitement, a mind wishing and hoping for the overflow of life. To translate the beauty to which has been kept for so long and share the vision of what truly makes a frown turn upside-down. These are songs of a restless mind. Every chord strikes emotion so deep, that time stands still. In that moment of peace, something has changed, giving new life to the will. Once temporal echoes dies down, thats when the pen leaves its mark. Giving life to what once was dark, lifting, shining, a promise to never be apart. These ares the songs of a Restless Mind.

I have just realized that I have been writing since morning till night, be it for work, school, or things such as this blogamajig right here. Though I do have to say this is relaxing for me so its good. Week coming to an end, and there seems to be more to do. I really didn't thing more could exsist, but who could really say. As I mentioned before I have 13 class sessions, or two courses, or till April before I am proud owner of 2007 Masters of Business Degree. What makes things difficult is knowing I have that much time left. One could say I have hit the level senioritis, and so productivity is starting to dip down. If people really want to see this downward trend I can make a nifty Keynote (Powerpoint for PC Users) presentation and show all these graphs and useless numbers. I have done so many of them, and can do them in my sleep. Its all about the illusion of productivty. Not to say work is not being done, it more of a time managment and presentation thing. Anyways its worked for me at least. I can taste the free time, just gotta keep working hard and stay focused =). I wonder if I should write an Acoustametal songs, or grassmetal. I just think adding metal is cool and quite amusing.

Stories are told with what our eyes behold

Tiredness just seems to compound itself, as each passing minute the eye lid continues to shift position until light is locked out and the mind starts its journey down sleepy lane. So much on a plate, but that of a size of saucer used for a morning cup of coffee. Never enough time to really enjoy the idea of wasting hours, minutes or those precious seconds. Never enough time to take a deep breath, and exhale the worries away. Never enough time to realize that there isn't enough time. All that is left is the ability to look through a glass and watch the stories unfold right infront of you. Its not the stories that one would expect. Stories that captivate the imagination, and every little detail showers the senses with delight and gladness. The stories I refer to are the stories which have no begining nor an end. Stories that live itself out right infront of you, never being able to speculate, imagine, or hope what it could be. It is just there for the eyes to see.

Everything seems to intregue me lately. I really don't know what it is. What used to be the mundane, seems to have gained the ability to catch my attention. Maybe the lack of sleep could be the root cause, and in most cases it can be. Sometimes I have that feeling that I am out of phase. Not really a bad thing, but just those moments where you feel out sync or out of the loop on things. Ehh it will pass. I must continue writing my paper. The day when I am done with school will be such a momentus occassion. I have, I think 13 class session to go, and finally I will have earned my MBA degree. Then I will have all the free time I want. =)

Some Early Spring Cleaning

Looking back at The Curb, I have realized how many times I have complained about not posting on a regular basis, and how I should revitilize this thing. Well...here is another one to add to the list. As I sit here, wondering what my future mumblings may be about, I really have a hankering for so true R&R. Funny though I have been on many trips, many vacations, everything seems to be stressfull. No matter how I slice it, I can't seem to catch a break. Maybe my knife has become dull and I need a good sharpening to get things going. Though what if...the knife was not the problem, but for the sake of the example, the tomato is too tough or weak, or etc etc. I don't know! I really hadn't had much time to assess if the knife or the tomato is the problem. Or maybe, just maybe it might be operator error, which in the grand scheme of things can be a likely cause. But since this is my blog, I will discount the operator error theory and just blame the knife. Perhaphs those Ginsu knives might just do the trick. Who knows! On a completely different yet related note, I have spruced up The Curb.

Just look up and Smile!

I wonder sometimes what the sky beholds with it being a magnificent canvas and the pallette of colors that graces every inch that the eye can see. Sunrises and sunsets are wonderdul to indulge in, but the moon lit sky can be at times be the most comforting sight. There is an honest to goodness innocence and simplity that a moonlit sky has. The more I look at the moon, the more I wonder what is truly representative of happiness. Taking the time to look is proabably one of most satisfying things one can do without having to spend so much money. Just look up and smile =).

Brownies and Fried Cheeses Makes the World go Around

Typing away at my lapytop as I like to call it, though I rarely use it on my lap....go figure. Anyways the evening has been crisp, like a stalk of celery from the crisping drawer. The definite snap of life coming into play, and with the Christmas lights all things are a go. Sometimes last minute things are a pleasure to behold, since there is always a spark of spontineity. Every minute holds a potential event that will always truly be memorable if one choose to remember. Does it really matter what location the event happens, or is it dependent on how we approach it? What is it? It can be anything. What is anything? Anything is what we make it! See the cyclical pattern. Music all around and voices heard on high, a wonderful treat to be shared by all, such as brownies and fried cheeses. The littlest things are the ones the packs the biggest surprises. So it must be said that letting all things be is what makes life...life! Each breath we take is a moment that we take with us and to take each new breath is a direction forward. How sweet the sound, the voices that fill our hearts, and the company we keep afterwards. Brownies and fried cheeses can make the world go around, but most importantly is our love for one another that keeps us wanting more. Anyone want some brownies or fried cheeses....they are quite good.

When All You Can Do Is Ask

So like this thing never gets updated, and anything that does appear on this damn thing tends to be some heartfelt profound piece of ____________(please insert a word of your choice). Ok well some things are good to talk about, but some things can become like an old freaking record. Yeah.....Thats Right! Old and freaking and record...yeah thats it. Simplicty is something to be cherished, but in moderation as with all things. Experts, friends, family, even the cherished beloved pet says that same thing, "moderation is the key and with patience comes two fold." Sometimes it should not even be an issue, and to continue to think about things doesn't help either. Living is not meant to be pondered, and I may have mentioned it in an earlier and less frustrating entry. Life sometimes can be so complex that its easy to get lost in it, and at times loose touch with what really matters. Then there is the question "what matters?" Life sometimes seems to defy the laws of anything, such all things follow that path of least resistance, or at least thats what they say in physics. Yet if you follow the human mind, I try not to, darn thing still owes for that caramel apple, anyways... the human mind tends to pick the path of greatest resistence, or at least that is my experience. There is so much turbulence, yet it is easy to be stuck in it. Negativity seemingly enough likes to rear its ugly little head into the hearts of those who asks too many questions. Questions where the answer is right in front of you, yet there is no acknowledgment of the exsistence of the answer. To study or be an expert in something can sometimes be a blessing or a curse, its just a matter where the coin lands and which side you picked.

Much Better....still searching for that pavement!

What Now!

Summer is finally here and I have been at my job for a year and things are coming into perspective....well sort of. It is quite easy to loose track of time and how important it can be. Time cannot be viewed as a constraint nor as a countdown to the inevitable. It has been too easy to slip into the mentality that things must be done now or else the chance will be missed or things may never pass our way ever again. The beauty of life is not knowing what is coming our way, not to say living in oblivion is ideal, but knowing too much can be chaotic. There needs to be balance, and acceptance with uncertainty which for me has been unsettling. Little by little I have come to terms that what ever happens happens, with guidance from the Lord things will fall into place. I have always known this from experience, that you need to let time take its course, yet I keep failing to keep that in mind. There is no reason to be in hurry, nor is it healthy to rush things. I find it that when things are sped up so many things are lost...missed! There is failure to slow down and take a real good look around us. For some reason I feel that I need to slow down and put things into perspective. When things travel at the "speed of life" the most important thing to do is to look up.

Peace!

How time flies yet it never takes off....or does it?

So its like April, and it seems that the last post according to the archive was last December. Oh how time flies!!! I almost forgot that this thing exsisted, and I shamefully have allowed too much dust to collect on the curb. Its about time I rev up the ol' street sweeper and stir things up a bit. It is almost nearly a year since I have been at my job with the rabbits of the electronic nature, and it seems like it was only yesterday that I started here. Oh how time flies!!! Yet even though it may have seem like yesterday, so much has happened that I feel somewhat different. From my calculations I am nearing the start of my 8th year here in Davis, and two years graduated from the highly efficient finacial insitution that is UC Davis. Oh my how time flies!!! I have always looked forward to the day when things all of sudden change, in which a new beginging awaits on the other side. Yet I still look for that day, hoping that I feel that some sort of accomplishment has been reached, yet I find myself still on the run way of life ready to taxi. So I do a preflight check to see whats up. Lo and behold there I am up in the sky flying, and then I make sure my instruments are correct, and yes I am up in the air. Some how I have failed to notice that I already took off, but never paid attention at point I left the ground. As I think about it more, it wasn't a failure to notice, but a choice to be blind to the fact, that I am not the same person I was a year ago. Oh how time flies!!! It is an interesting phenomenom how we try to hold on the past, in fear of meeting the future. Yet it can be done in gradual manner, as to prevent shock, and other severe bodily injuries, but thats besides the point. I see that one must not look at change as this momentous swing in time, but a gradual embrace to the future. Some times I think we look to closely at the big picture to even noitce the little tresures that makes life so much more special. Or maybe I just need to get a new perscription on my glasses....hmmm. How time flies!

The Curb has been collecting dust.....for shame!

So.......I have neglected The Curb for some time, allowing debris and other unknow objects to be strewn about. The last entry was a stretch for the imagination, plus it was buried under so much incoherent references that it made absolutly no sense, except to myself and a few others. So I have been in reflective mode, thinking about how things work and out and, how things come back to remind you who you are. Yesterday a good friend of mine gave me this gift that has this card with a picture. It was a group picture of people who went on a Yosemite Trip back in the day. Under the photograph, there was a line that said "where it all began." I was awe struck at the gift, and felt incredibly humbled. The picture remided me of how I got started on my faith journey to Newman. Most cases, when people join Newman its either through choir, retreats, or anything Newman planned. It all started with a Yosemtie trip that had nothing to do with Newman, except the people on the trip. Some of them heard me play guitar and got me involved at choir. As I look back, alot has happened since then, and I some times forget to be grateful for all of it. Its the little things that makes the world go around. Little reminders to make the biggest difference in one's day. That little reminder completed my day and showed me that even though things are not what they used to be, the memories still live on with me. I keep looking at things that are happening around me, start to see what once I had prayed for is now coming true, in some way, shape, or form. I hear people say one thing on trying to avoid negativity, and I feel the best way is to put in the hands of God. Sometimes we forget to rest, and become so overwhelemed that, we cause harm to ourselves. It is one of the hardest things to give our all to God, and to have complete trust.

So I finally was able to enter some sort of entry, and I am sure there will be more to come. Happy Holidays to All!!!

The Simple Art of Lack of Communication

You know with the introduction of numerous technological advances in communication, things should be more understandable. Yet I find it to be the other way around, more so to the point that attempting to use complete sentences have been abandoned. Time has been so compressed that we have adopted a short hand way of leaving messages and writing to others that we near to a point that nothing is communicated at all. I admit that I am guilty of such things, but I always make sure that my point gets across. Its like we have unknowingly gained this ability to know what others should know, when in fact they don't know and chaos follows. Just pure chaos, a chain reaction of epic proportions, where there is aftermath of dandelions and scotch tape. Its an ugly site let me tell you. Chaos like a major car pile up on the highway, since no one signaled their intentions while changing lanes. Its not like the chaos, such as opening a bag of cereal where corn flakes explode everywhere, that chaos is caused by a miscommunication with one self. I remember having a conversation with someone about cell phones and how they have made things more disorganized. Back in the day before cell phone were popular, when a group of people wanted to go out things were planned ahead of time, and all the wrinkles were smoothed out. We all new where to meet, at what time, and how long we need to be there. Now these days, things are spur of the moment. Since people have their phones with them, if a party was going on people would find out 5 minutes before. Its crazy I say, just plain crazy.

Three instruments that may change the world!

Ideas have been thrown out about what would be cool instruments, or what instruments should be part of heavy metal. Some of my colleagues and I have agreed upon three instruments which would be cool to have in a heavy metal band. 1.) Death Fiddle; 2.) Death Mandolin; 3.) Death Banjo; and of course to qualify these instruments for the metal genre the word death must be thrown in there. Now seriously think about this for a moment, how cool would it be to have a heavy metal band featuring these instruments. You got your standard metal guitarist with his wicked speed skills, the brooding bassist with the take no crap attitude, and the technically sound drummer who has a passion to hit things. Once you add the death fiddle, mandolin, and banjo the possibilities are endless. Imagine these laid back instruments roar with the most mind crushing distortion on the face of this planet. A Sonic masterpiece that may possibly change the landscape of metal, or someone's backyard. There were other instruments that may have had a chance, but didn't seem right. Such examples are; death flute, death whistle, death tambourine.....this was a close one but not close enough, death tuba, death marimba, and last but not least death clave. Rest assured that you may see these, if not already in metal band near you. =)

Cursed be the Kitchen Faucet!!!

So once upon a time two guys went to a small dwelling in the southern province of Davis. They were summoned to help fix a magical device that controls the flow of drinking water. Little did they know that they were about remodel a kitchen sink. The owner of the dwelling thought if one item was to be changed then everything on the sink must be changed as well. The two brave souls battled their way through, as they attempted to replace this magical device. Once the device was replace the two heros stood as they admired the great work. Like shattered glass the mood became dark. The magical device seemed to have a problem; water seem fightend to flow in the greatness of the kitchen sink. The two were perlexed and the owner had an expression of hoplessness. The two heros were determined to defeat the evil foe, and allow a dwelling to get their rightful flow of water. The adventure continues.........unfortunately.

As a side note please look at the items you buy for they reveal important information that may save your life. Or something along those lines. Cursed Kitchen Faucet!!!

The Trunk Monkey

Well, I had quite an eventful day with work and all, but I was really intregued by the notion of the Trunk Monkey. The company I work for held a "company party" to celebrate the milestones reached in the past year. Let me say that these accomplishments, which I will vaguely mention are very impressive. Now to the part of the Trunk Monkey. My boss showed us these video clips of the Trunk Monkey, a security system designed for automobiles. It was some of the funniest stuff I have ever seen and I think the concept is sound. I mean really, how cool would it be to have a trunk monkey. The idea is simple! Lets say a criminal feels the need to take your car, a highly trained monkey leaps out of your trunk and renders the criminal helpless. It's quick, easy, and requires little or no instruction. Highly marketable and such a great novelty. THE TRUNK MONKEY!

The Baltic Sea

I again was looking at some my pictures and ran across this one I took on my trip this past summer. Again you have to sometimes stop, reflect and be thankful for all the blessings which we recieve each day. As you can see I like taking pictures of the sun, cause sometimes the sun needs attention too.

How Amazing

Picture near the top of Vernal Falls.

I was looking at my photos, and came across this wonderful picture. You sometimes have to stop and think how beautiful God's creations can be. Things in life can at times bring you down, but you have to remember that we are not alone. Burdens in life are not just ours to take. When I see that picture I feel that. I know that no matter what happens, God will always shine upon me and those around me.

Yosemite is probably for me the most calming and serene place I have ever been to. You should try it! I mean really, you can't go wrong with mountains and trees! Seriously! Oh and you cannot forget running water like streams and such, thats a must in any nature landscape design.

Am I trippin' ?

What is a curb? Well according to Webster's Dictionary it is the following:

1. A concrete border or row of joined stones forming part of a gutter along the edge of a street.
   
2. An enclosing framework, such as that around a skylight.
   
3. A raised margin along an edge used to confine or strengthen.
   
4. Something that checks or restrains: High interest rates put a curb on spending.
   
5. A chain or strap that passes under a horse's lower jaw and serves in conjunction with the bit to restrain the horse.
   
6. A market, originally on a street or sidewalk, for trading securities that are not listed on a stock exchange.
   

Now you may be wondering or probably not, why I am defining a curb, more importantly, why I am talking about one? Other than the fact that I tripped over one, it relates to life in more ways than one. Simplicity is a good solution to numerous things, yet it is so elusive and quite complicated to achive. I see things and I say, well wounld't it be easier to do it this way? Yet in fact it would not be, simply as it is in our nature to make things more complicated than they have to be. So the curb sometimes contain or restrain us from seeking what is true in our hearts. We see what we want yet, can't bring ourselves to say it. Thus we use other means to express ourselves, sometimes if not most in a language that we can only understand.

Or plainly its an obstacle that you have to step over. If you don't watch out you may end up face to face with a haystack!

Welcome to my random, yet interesting mind. At least I think it is!