Life and Times

2007-09-10T13:58:00.000-06:00

So life here in the SLC is pretty good. Well I am really hating my job, but everything else is going really well. The time to move is fast approaching as is a little get together at the end of the month. I am soooooo looking forward to that! I can't wait to see all my friends again... I miss you all. After that comes the move... that is going to be crazy. I have no effing idea how I am going to get all my shit across the country, but by god I will. Don't worry though... I will find a way. I kinda have to have all stuff with me. Anyways there is more to talk about... but I can't really talk about it right now. There will come a time that I can. Anyways that's all I have for now. This is just going to have to be a shot blog.

Yeah that dinner was AWESOME!!!

2007-08-26T20:57:00.000-06:00

So yeah get back to this after dinner.... what the hell was I thinking? As usual I probably wasn't right? hahaha It's cool though that's just how I roll!

Alright so really I just kept forgeting all my login crap so I just kinda decided that I could neglect my adoring public... yeah right. hahaha Of course there was also the issue of not having a computer that functioned for the longest time. So I finally have a super sweet Mac iBook, thank Cornballer(a.k.a. Erik), and back up and ready to rock and roll.

How am I you ask? I'm magnificent thank you very much. I had a g/f there for about five months, I'm sure some of you may have noted my absence from any kind of xbox play. Been working my tail off, as if that's something new. Pretty much just how I like to do things, and by that I mean I usually don't have anything better to do so I work as much as possible.

So right g/f.... 5 months. It was mostly good times. She's a fun person, but in the end it didn't work out. She didn't want to date anyone she said, and the night she broke up with me she went out with some other guy. Nuff said, I'm not bitter, just disappointed is all. Thought she was a better person than that. Oh wells, you live you learn right?

Well I've gotten back to living my life the way I want to... mostly. With the exception of my crazy ass manager barking in my ear all the time I'm good. I've started reading again which I really missed even though I didn't realize I did. I'm playing with all my friends on xbox live again, and I can't even tell you how much I missed them. Soccer's going pretty well, doing awesome with the new team, sooooooooo glad I got off the old team. I'm actually starting to play at the level I should be playing and that is an amazing feeling let me tell you.

So big news and most people don't know this, but I'm gonna put it out here for all my people. In one and a half months I plan on becoming a resident of the state of Maryland. That's right approximatly 2400 miles from where I currently reside. Crazy right? Why you ask... well there are a few reasons. I'll get to live with my best friend, who I can't even begin to tell you how much I've missed. I've only been able to see him maybe once a year for the past... oh god... 7 years now. How lame is that? Very lame I tell you. So this way I'll get to see him everyday, and I really like the idea of that. Then there's also the fact that I've become so comfortable here that I've become obscenely complacent. I need to get away from here and see if I can get my life jumpstarted. Then there's the matter of this girl. I'll save the next paragraph for her. haha

Right so moving on. So this girl... I'll bet you want to hear about her don't you? Well I honestly can't believe I met her. The most random way too. To those that say playing video games can bring about no good I say this, viva Le Med!!! Yeah that's right, thank you cause I wouldn't have met her otherwise. Her name is Christa, and she is amazing. I feel very lucky to have met her. I don't even know what to say, she's now a big part of my life. I feel like I can be myself around her and she'll love me regardless. It's a really nice feeling to have someone like that in my life. So yeah I also moving there to be closer to her. Most of you who know me know that I'm not a big talker... no big mouth here. At any rate I talk with her for hours on the phone and it's amazing, I've just never felt that comfortable talking with anyone on the phone, it's pretty cool. She's an amazing and strong person, and I'm greatful that I'm lucky enough to have her. Yeah... I can guarantee there will be more about her later.

Alright so it's time for me to start attempting to sleep... I'm sure all of you know how well that's going to go. Suffice it to say it's not going to happen anytime soon. hahaha Anywho more to come I assure you. Life is about to get turned upsidedown for me pretty quick here.... and as nervous as I am I really can't wait. I think good things are about to come.

About Frickin Time!!!

2007-07-01T19:57:00.000-06:00

So after a long and protracted battle I have regained access to my blog!! That could be good or bad, I'll just let you decide. There is much to discuss, and all of it involves the great drama that you have come to expect!! haha I'll get started on that right after dinner. After all, who can think on an empty stomach? I know I certainly can't!!!

Why?

2006-11-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Why do I constantly put myself in a position to be disappointed? Could it be because I'm crazy? There's a good possibility of that. Hell let's be honest, there's a better than not chance that it is.

Do I have a great life? Sure do! I get to play soccer all I want, I ski in the winter, I read to my hearts content, I play video games whenever the urge strikes, I'm appreciated for the most part at my places of work, I can't think of a person in this world that hates me, and the people that I associate with on a daily basis are good to me. The point is that I have a great life. Many a person would be envious of what I have been blessed with.

Then why do I feel horribly unfulfilled?

Could it be that I've honestly done very little with my life? I've done some good things for people, some that I've known and many that I haven't, but I've not offered anything great to society in general. How can I change that? What should I do to change that? Better yet, what's the best way to go about changing that?

I've had plenty of time to think about it lately as I no longer have a life. Am I any closer to an answer? Not really, no. My brilliant ideas? Teacher, cop, counselor, politics, military, peace corps, ect. The cream of the crop? Get a college degree in business and make the most money I can. Selfish you say? Wrong I'd reply. That money would most certainly sustain my life, but it would also go to others that need it far more than I ever will. I have this thing I tell people all the time: I will always be able to make more money, but I may not always get the chance to do good.

Is that the reason for my empty feeling inside? I honestly don't know. I just feel disappointed with the things that I'm doing in my life. I love to do the things I do, don't get me wrong, but it sometimes feels that every decision I make is one that leads to more disappointment in the end. Or maybe it's something else entirely. I know one sure fire way to figure it out though. Time to get moving and become someone sucessful. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't, but I sure mean to find out.

Honesty

2006-11-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you were put in a position where you could profit off of someone elses mistake. Something where they would never know? Would you do the good "right" thing, or would you take advantage?

I find myself in this sort of prediciment. I recently ordered some new seats for my car to replace the ones that got water damaged when my car got flooded. Now these things cost a pretty penny at $500 a piece. I ordered two for my car, and all the hardware to mount them. They were shipping from Oregon so I was excited for them to arrive the other day. So monday rolls around and up pulls the UPS man with a couple of large boxes with my sweet seats in them. There are no brackets to mount the seats however. I talk to the guys that sold them to me, and apparently they shipped those separatly, so they'll show up a couple of days later.

So on thursday I get a call from home that a couple of boxes have come. Yes! Those must be my mounting brackets that I've been waiting for. I get home from class and there they are two huge boxes that look way to large for a couple of small pieces of metal. I open the boxes and what do I find? There are my brackets, but there's something else as well....

Two more seats.

Now what do I do? Do I keep these extra seats that they have accidentally shipped me? I am very certain that they will not realize their error. I could turn around and sell them and make my money back. In fact that's what a lot of people I've talked to have said to do. Is that dishonest? Is that a bad thing to do? I guess that all depends on your perspective.

What am I going to do? I'm going to tell the business that I bought them from that they have made a mistake, and that they need to send a shipping label so I can send them back. Why would I do that? Because I'll gain more than money by sending them back. I can always EARN more money, but I'll never be able to get that small part of myself back that I'd be giving up if I took advantage of some guys honest mistake. It's always a good feeling to do the "right" thing. Try it sometime.

To Move or Not to Move?

2006-10-24T17:57:00.000-06:00

That's the real question right now.

I've been presented with the opportunity to start a new life in a new place. How do you go about deciding to make a move? I've been in Utah since I was 8, that's a ginormous 18 years. This place is basically all I know. My best friend Chad is in Maryland, and currently the only other single guy I know that I could actually do stuff with. He's bought a house there, and has offered me a room.

I can't say that the offer doesn't appeal to me. In fact it appeals to me now more than it ever would have. I had a pretty bad lonely night last night that damn near drove me to just drink myself stupid so I wouldn't have to think about it. Any of you that knows me, knows that's just not me. I hate that I feel that way, it's a rather empty feeling. This feeling stems from this past weekend, where I was more or less told I'm not welcome at my friends apartment. The last group of friends that I have that are single. Now I've got plenty of friends that are married, basically all of them, but they are always busy either with their wives or other things that married people do.

Now I know that I could just up and start making new friends, but honestly at this point in the game what purpose does that serve? Most people in this state at my age are married. Those that aren't seem to be the type of people that I don't get along with. Meaning that they are lushes or druggies. Why is that? God only knows, I sure know I don't. People around here either seem to be very good, or very bad. It's a rare thing indeed to find someone that is middle of the road like me. I'm not what people 'round here would refer to as a "good" person, but by no means could I be considered bad. Where does that leave me? Screwed, that's where.

So I have to ask myself, do I move? Do I start over in a different place, and hope things will be different in a good way? Or do I stick it out, and make the best out of the hand that I've been delt?

My plea to any that read this? Please do me a favor and post your opinion. I'm really at a loss to what I should do. Maybe I'm just crazy, maybe I'm looking at it all wrong. I suppose there are a lot of maybes. UGH!

I don't do early

2006-10-18T09:50:00.000-06:00

Zzzzt Zzzzt Zzzt Zzzt

Yaaaahhhhhn!

"What time is it?"

"Crap, stupid phone."

Slowly gropes around for the phone.

"oh a little early for a text."

7:30 is definitly a little early for me at the moment, as I can't seem to sleep very well. Something to do with kicking myself in the night in my bad foot. Back to the business at hand

"Ya I fell asleep. Sorry, but good morining! Hope your foot starts feeling better" says Abby

"That's right, she's always falling asleep during our conversations. Almost forgot she did it again last night."

Well from there I get an invitation to get some Jamba Juice. I haven't been there in years, but I'm not about to tell a girl no. Even if I am still half asleep, well maybe it's because I'm half asleep. We may never know. Of course I drag my lazy butt out of bed and head out. Nothing like waking up early to spend time with a girl, especially if it's her treat.

Now I'm sitting here and it feels like I've been awake forever, and I've got crap to do 'till work. Not that I'm gonna do much when I get there being that I'm not all to mobile at the moment. Trust me when I say I don't think I could handle another day of just sitting here on my butt. I honestly wanted to kill myself yesterday I was sooooo frickin bored. My advice to you? Don't get hurt, that way you don't have to sit around for hours with nothing to do but ice and elevate.

Winter Wonderland!!

2006-09-26T23:49:00.000-06:00

Imagine my surprise when I woke up on a wonerful saturday morning to snow on the ground!!

Oh yes, I was so shocked it made my hair stand on end!! I don't think I've honestly seen snow this early in a long time, if you're name is Courtney you've probably never even seen this much snow in your lifetime! HEHE

I could hardly believe my luck when just a handfull of days later the snow managed to find it's way to my front yard and my car! I'm sure all of you good people got my text message. hehe Sorry about that, I was just a wee bit excited!

I'll be inserting some cool pictures that feature snow when my fancy new card reader decides that in wants to be compatable with my silly confuser.

Needless to say, I'm excited about the coming season!! I can't wait to get started working at the ski shop. No more crazy stress inducing manager to work for. I'm the dude in charge, and you can't really beat that can you? I knew you'd see it my way!

I'll be trying to do a better job of keeping up on this here blog thingy in the future. I've just been busy doing other things, such as having a life and what not. More interresting things to come, TRUST ME!!

Vacation Fun!!

2006-09-14T20:05:00.000-06:00

Alright, after a long break of being a cheap bastard and not wanting to pay for a card reader for my ghetto digital camera it's time to share my vacation fun! We shall now have pictures to follow along with! Doesn't that sound like fun? I knew you'd say yes!

The first day started out rather early with me having to go and rent a car to make my trip. My car has unfortunatly been lots of trouble lately. It drives ok, but I certainly didn't trust it to make this trip without some major problems. So I had to lower myself to driving one of these. . .

You may never see my driving an American made car ever again. It was almost more than I could bare! :P In all honesty though, if you want a good economical little car, that car would be a great option. I averaged around 35 miles to the gallon, and that was with a lot of hill climbing. When I was on the flats I was getting into the middle fourties! Can you imagine that? From an American car no less! But I digress.

I know you're supposed to drive with both hands on the wheel, but then how would I have taken all these awesome pictures? I couldn't have. So here they are. . .

It was a long and lonely road. . .

But I was fairly happy. . .

Good thing the sceenery was good!

Who'd have thought I'd run into a couple of clowns in the middle of nowhere?

If you can read it, it says "John Beck, Rodeo Clown, Sandy, Utah" hehe Now to continue with the good stuff.

Possibly the most beautiful thing I've seen in some time. . .

Almost to my destination, one of my only non-rolling shots. . .

Here was my home for the next three days. . .

Yeah, I slept on that couch. Let me tell you what, that's one hell of a comfortable couch. Although I probably kicked a certain someone in the head a couple of times, sorry dude. :)

I'll tell you it was nice to have a vacation, and be able to spend that time with a house full of good friends. It was my friend Mike's birthday and we had some good times. Much halo was played, and a pinata was pwned at some point during the weekend. I missed out on that part of the fun. I played football and proved that I should stick to soccer. My hands aren't what you would call ball catching machines. Then there was the paintball. You want to talk about the worst field I've ever seen and smelled. It was fun though, and I'd say I can't wait to play again with my friends. It was kinda sad as the people left the house, but it's ok because we'll all get together again! On monday I was finally forced to leave and head back to my boring job. *sniff* :(

So begins the trip back, not as many pictures, but there are a couple of good ones.

Almost missed that one hehehe

There's a store in that rock!

The sun was setting on my long drive home.

A special thanks to Yellow for helping get me there and back!

Clowns, All!!!

2006-08-31T20:27:00.000-06:00

So a wonderfull weekend of fun was somewhat overshadowed yesterday with some of the biggest BS I've heard in some time. I'll go over the weekend when I figure how to get the pictures I took off my camera, it just won't be the same without pictures to guide us.

Alright, so I play on a soccer team called the Raging Yetis. I've been playing for this same team for right around six years. That's what I would like to consider a long time. I've only missed a handfull of games over the years, and for the most part been the most reliable person on the team. Has something to do with my crazy love of soccer.

Well, the past couple of seasons I've noticed a change in the way my team treats me. Not the whole team mind you, but there are a few that act "wrongly" towards me. Paranoid you ask? Hardly. When I get the ball, if I take more than a couple of touches I would unfairly be yelled at. Now it's not because I'm know to lose or give the ball away, uh uh. I almost never give the ball away. I really don't know why they do it, but do it they must apparently. This is true for almost anything I do on the field, I'm am not safe from yelling no matter what I do now a days.

So over the summer I played with another team during a tournament, and they asked me to switch teams. In fact I've had more than a couple of teams that have asked me to join their teams over the past few seasons. I've never accepted them because I prefer to remain loyal to a team. What was I thinking? Due to the situation I told them I would change over at the start of the new season.

So the season starts in March and ends in November with a small break for the summer in the middle. I've played a few games this season, and I've had to miss one due to work. It was just way to busy to get it off. They knew I was going to miss it so no big deal. Then this past weekend I went out of town, as you already know, and I forgot to call and let them know I wasn't going to make it. Now that's not a very good thing of me to do, but we all make mistakes don't we. Unfortunatly my phone was off all weekend because I'd forgotten to take my charger with me. I guess the "coach" had called a few times and was annoyed that I didn't answer. Well, I get back in town and get the messages but I didn't have time to call back straight away because I was working and helping a friend move. I get another call yesterday while I'm at work and I figure, shit I forgot to call him yesterday I guess I'd better answer it. What does he have to say?

"Well, apparently you've missed a couple of games this season. My dad(the coach) tried to call you a bunch of times(twice) and didn't get ahold of you and you never called back, so we didn't know what you were doing. So we added a player to replace you. You're still on the roster, and you can show up if you want, but I don't know how much playing time you'll get, and if there are other players there you won't be playing at all."

WTF is that? You know how many other players just don't show and never call? At least a couple every week. Do they get dropped? No. I can't even begin to tell you how pissed off I am about this. I'm not usually one to get worked up over crap that happens in my life, but this one has me pretty damn worked up. Soccer's always been my one thing that I could always count on being fun, and being enjoyable. These guys have taken that away from me.

What will I do? I'll be training hard since I won't be playing, and working on my skills. Then when the time comes to play them next season I'm going to take it to them with everthing I've got! All I want is childish petty revenge. I want nothing more than to make them regret what they've done. grrrrrrr

Anyhow, as soon as I figure out how to get those pictures off my camera you shall be blessed with some truly great photos! TTFN!!

Doh!

2006-08-21T20:38:00.000-06:00

Was there a reason I woke up this morning? Twice? Probably, but I have to yet to figure out why. Don't worry though, I'll figure it out eventually. Untill then, I'll just sit here in amazement of how my day progressed.

The day started really early. I'm talking so early that I wondered if I had gotten to sleep at all, or if maybe the sun had imploded and there was never going to be light again. Why would I waken at such an ungodly hour? Heartburn. The intense pain probably would have been enough to wake a bear in hibernation. Did I let that stop me from sleeping? Hell no, nothing comes between me and sleep. Well, yeah almost nothing. ;)

Fastforward to eight. Did I remember having woken up before then? Not a chance, when I'm half asleep I tend to remember absolutly nothing. Bad for me. . . good for you! So the day seemed to start out pretty well for my sleep deprived brain. I wandered upstairs and did my morning routine and had the day pretty well in hand.

Well lunch arrived around noon, a great time for a midday meal. I got lunch at about 2:30, a particually bad time to eat previously hot items of goodness. I was thinking the chili dogs and burgers were looking damn tasty. Sure enough, they tasted like a little slice of heaven put in a now warm again bun. Then my memory decided to start working again. Why did it have to do that? My body was happy to remind me that I was having a terrible heartburn attack today. Curse my sleep induced stupididy, I don't even deserve the term ignorance on this one, stupidty is the only word that will fit the bill. But they sure were tasty, mmm mmm mmmmmm!

Rewind before lunch. This mother and her daughter come in to purchase some soccer boots from my fine establishment. I'm talking to them as I always do, a little smart ass mixed with a friendly smile! Well she's apparently picky, and doesn't really want to get new shoes anyways so she's taking her time. She makes a comment about not having anything better to do with her day anyways. I come back by telling her that I have plenty of things for her to do. She gives me this rather confused look like I'm crazy or something. pffft Anywho, I look past here at this pile of about 40 boxes and tell her, "Well, they aren't going to move themselves are they?" Her and her mom laugh at this, and we go about fitting her with boots. She finally decides on a pair, and I ring her up and send her and her uber cool mom on her way.

Or so I thought. . . . About two minutes after sending them out the door mom comes waltzing back in. I smile and say hi, while I'm thinking in the back of my mind, "Oh god, what did I screw up this time?" For once in my life it wasn't because I screwed up, well I didn't really screw it up anyways, I think I was just a little to good for once. Yeah, yeah, you're probably thinking cocky right now. Who asked you? Well, mom had this to say: "My daughter asked me to give you this, and tell you if you ever need help with those boxes to give her a call." I really didn't know what to say to that. I was totally dumbstruck, speachless, at a total loss for words. What did I do instead? I smiled and kind of chuckled. Yeah, I laughed. Was that a good reaction? Probably not, did I think before I acted there? I'm gonna say definetly not. Note to self, and all other guys: Don't laugh when a girl gives you her phone number, not a good idea.

Alright, now my friend Courtney is gonna be laughing while shaking her head at this next part. And for the record Courtney, I didn't call her. . . . I texted her. :) You have to understand that the girl in question is only 17, and I fall somewhere in the realm of ancient. Should I be talking to a girl that much younger than me? I say it just depends on your intentions. Do I intend to date the girl? Meh. I texted her because it was only fair to let her know that I was 25, and maybe just a little to old for her. She couldn't believe it, and to be fair I don't look at all my age. As expected she's no longer interrested in me in "that way", but she for some reason wants to hang out. What's a guy to do?

Smile!

2006-08-19T21:54:00.000-06:00

I must look trustworthy. Do you think I look trustworthy? I don't think I look all that trustworthy. I wouldn't trust me, not that I'm not trustworthy or anything. Apparently I do look trustworthy though, people keep on trusting me.

I keep getting put in positions of responsibilty as if I belong there. I never asked for it, and I certainly don't want it. Now I'm good at what I do, but it's not really what I want to do.

Six years ago I started my first job. It was at a place called Team Gear, a soccer store. A dream job for most soccer playing kids. Keep in mind that I had NEVER WORKED a day in my life. Four months later I was the assistant manager, six months after that I was a manager. What did I do to deserve that? Did I want the added responsibility? A resounding no. Did I need the added stress? HELL NO! Thank god they fired me, fuckin Mark. Little did he know he did me a favor, so I guess I should be thanking him.

My next job was as a mechanic, and I knew didley squat about cars. I might have been able to change my oil, but even that would have been a daunting task at best. Guess who was in charge of the shop after less than two months? You guess it! This guy! *points two thumbs at himself* Again, why was that dude so willing to trust this punk kid that looked like he was still in middle school? Who knows, maybe it was my dashing good looks, and my witty banter.

Wasatch Ski Connection, my favorite little ski shop dive. Who got a job there and was a trusted little flunkey in no time? Yeah, but this time I'm almost positive that it was my stupid smile and my obsequiesce nature that got me stuck in that particual position. Not that I'm complaining in this case, but I still don't know why people put me in that position. Would you?

Now here I am working at Team Gear again, and it was supposed to just be me filling in and doing a "part-time" job. Here I am again, in the position of responsibility. Do I want it anymore this time than the last? I'd rather shoot myself in the face. I can't wait 'till winter, the ski shop is beckoning. Forget this responsibility B.S., give me the freedom of the ski shop any day!

I'll leave you with one very random though:

The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut by the lawnmower
Underachievement, embrace it!

What the Deuce?

2006-08-14T23:00:00.000-06:00

So there I was talking to this group of girls at work today, and one of them's been trying to talk up how cool she is. Me being me I have to shut her down and decided that telling her that I was on the news this weekend would do the trick. Who was I kidding? She kinda backs off a little, but you can tell she ain't buyin it. Then she starts in on how this dude she's dating is big time, spare me! Just because he's a pro soccer player doesn't make him awesome, just makes him good at what he does. *read Erich's jealous and hates the lucky bastard*

Enter the man. His name is Chad, he's the buyer of one of the local soccer clubs here. The first words out of his mouth? "Dude, I saw you on ESPN last night!" My knight in shining armor. I was suddenly taken just a bit more serious. It would seem that my stock may have gone up just a bit in that few seconds.

Does any of this really matter? No, but I needed something to go with my news that I was on national TV, and that was the best I could manage from a long boreing day at work. Yes I like tooting my own horn sometimes, deal.

GRRRRRR!!!!!!!

2006-08-13T12:53:00.000-06:00

RAGE

Monsterous fucking Rage!

Most of you that know me know that I only get get reeeaaaaly mad playing soccer, or select other competative things. But today was a day that was in need of some good unhealthy, eyes popping out of your head rage!

I'm gonna start with a little back story. Head back to June 2003, I had just paid my first car off. I was the happiest guy around. I had spent three years toiling in the basement hell that was Team Gear working for the man to earn the money for my toy. During this time the car went through two engines, and about 12k in repairs. All of this didn't matter though on that fateful afternoon.

I was headed in the general direction of work headed across a freeway overpass when out of nowhere I get smashed into from the side. As if that wasn't bad enough, the cement baracade that keeps your car from doing a nose dive onto the freeway is scant inches from the side of the road. My car is smashed on both sides, and I'm about as livid as a human can be. I'm left wondering how my luck can be bad enough for my car to get destroyed, after all it's already been through, on the day I payed it off. Is it possible for anyone's luck to be that bad?

Fastforward to yesterday. . . . . A day that shall live in infamamy. I had a soccer game in the morning, which we won by the way. Guess who scored? Yeah, this guy. Pure luck though, but a goal is a goal after all right? Being the nice dude I am I head in to work after my game to help the beligured Shaun. Poor Shaun was stuck working with the crazy girl, and the bosses daughter. He was basically working by himself.

I was in a pretty good mood when I got there, and was happy to be helping out. That was short lived. The clouds rolled in, the thunder shook the ground while the lightning provided a show. The hail began to fall fast and think, then came the rain. The rain was easily worse than the hail, and began to pool up outside the store. I was busy helping people and thought nothing of it. Why whould I? You would think places have drains for water right?

You would be wrong. Dead fucking wrong. So wrong in fact that you would be standing nearly knee deep in water.

I was soooooo mad. I was to the point of being violently mad. What did I do? I took some pictures, went into the office and sat there for a handfull of minutes. I came out calm, collected and ready to kick some ass. I carried on for the rest of the time I needed to be there as if nothing had happened. I put on a smile and helped everyone as best I could.

Now you may be wondering what my first story has to do with this, and we'll get to that now. I paid off my car yesterday. Do I have the worst luck of any know human being? Did I do something wrong and kharma is out to get me? I highly doubt the kharma thing, but maybe I just do have terrible luck. I am never going to buy a car again, of that you can rest assured.

So this is what I get to spend the day doing. Doesn't it look like fun. That's right, the interior of my car is now on the exterior.

I just have to remember to tell myself, if it wasn't this, it'd be something else. I'm in a much better mood about it today, it's more of a frustration and sadness than anything now. I think by tomorrow I'll mostly be over it. Besides I'll be to busy this week to even think about it.

Fame and Fortune!

2006-08-11T23:52:00.000-06:00

This week marks a momentus occasion for my "little" city. The Giants from Real Madrid have come to beat up on my bottom of the league MLS team. For those that know anything at all about soccer this is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I of course plan on taking complete advantage of it. I mean how often do you get the oportunity to heckle the biggest names in soccer? I dare say for most of us, never.

I start by heading out to the practice session they had today that was open to the public. I get there fashionable late, because I'm cool like that. Yeah, and if you believe that you'll also believe that I'm gay. Back on topic here. I actually had to make a delivery for work early in the morning, and if you compile that with the crazy drunk mess of a night I had, it was all bound to add up to a late arrival.

I was in a particulary good mood this morning for god only knows what reason, but it was kinda nice for a change! I get there and the manager I work with has scored us prime real estate with a second row seat. The trash talking starts almost immediatly. Most people are there to get a look at David Beckham, I'm not. I think he basically sucks now, and am not afraid to voice that opinion. Taunts of Puss Spice were thrown from my lips along with other derogitory words, much to the changrin of those around me. Sean, manager dude, can't help but laugh at the crap spewing forth from my mouth, but the guy in-front-of us is wondering if maybe he should trade us seats. I'm not gonna go into all the stuff I was saying, but trust me when I say that I had this dude in front laughing histarically on the one hand, and praying none of the players would actually hear me on the other.

Now there's this Italian player, Canivaro, that just joined Real from The Cheaters, formarly known as Juventus. He's not training with the team, and it's pretty safe to assume that he's injured. Well, he makes laps around the field, and runs by us "fans" quite a few times. The first time as he passes the crowd goes wild yelling and screaming to him, but he acts like nothing at all has happened. Another lap, another time we're all ignored. At this point I've had it. I don't really like Italian players as it is, but I CAN'T STAND a player that is going to ignore his fans like that. It's time to take action against this clown and force him to acknoweldge us, even if it is for the wrong reason. Third lap, Sean and I yell for him to wave. Fourth lap, I let fly the BOOOOOs. Final lap, he gets around to us and slows down and starts to walk across the field towards the rest of team. I yell out, "Don't worry it's OK to wave!!!". A ever so slight grin crosses his face, and he gives me a sly little thumbs up. Victory for the little guy.

Then the real fun begins. Down from the lofty hights of the press box, and the "special" side of the stadium come the camera guys. The news is about to interview it's eagar fans!! The kids behind me get super excited when the Channel 2 news dude stops and asks them if they are big soccer fans, the guy in-front-of me gets a look of dread on his face as they ask me the same question. As the interview is going on behind me and the kids and mom are doing their best to answer his generic questions, I can see a look of aprehension on the mans face as he realizes that the smart mouth is about to get face time on the local television. hehe I decide that I'm gonna be nice. "Don't worry, I won't say anything offensive. I'll keep it straight, just for you. No embarrasment today." With a sigh of relief from him, and a tinge of regret from me the interview begins. I spew the answers that I know he wants to hear, and manage to keep to myself the answers that I'm thinking. I can't even tell you how hard that was. I thought I was going to explode! The news dude moves on to interview a few other people, and I figure there's about a snow ball's chance in Phoenix of me making the final cut.

Nothing more happens, and we get to watch the training session in peace. I end up waiting around for the bosses wife to show so I can give her these tickets to a private autograph session with the players. I'd have given both nuts to go to that. Did the boss ask if myself or Shaun wanted to go? No. Did he give all three of his passes to his wife who doesn't know anything about soccer, his daughter that doesn't even really like soccer and his brother in law that doesn't either? Yes. All this adds up to a frustrated Erich, and nobody likes a frustrated Erich. It only serves to make my smart mouth more so. I just wish I could have unleashed it on them. Damn. Time to go to work.

Zzzzt. . . . Zzzzt

I grab my phone and flip it open. It's a text from my ex. "I was just watching the new, and this super hot guy comes on! Wait, it was you!" I get this rather dumbfounded expression on my face, and then the stupid grin hits me.

Five seconds of fame. How are those snow balls in Phoenix by the way? ;)

Ode to Courtney

2006-08-11T00:23:00.000-06:00

Zzzzt. . . .Zzzzt

*grumble*

Zzzzt. . . .Zzzzt!

"Whaaaa?"

Zzzzzt. . . .Zzzzzt!!

"Oh man, I just got into bed!"

*flips open phone, and presses speaker*

"What's up man?"

"We have a drunken situation here."

"What are you talking about?"

"Sean's really drunk and thinks he needs to walk to Arielle's house. I've had a few beers too, can you come down and give us a ride?"

*grumbles to self, what did I answer the phone for?*

"Shit. . . . . I'll be there in a few minutes."

I throw my clothes on that I had shed not long ago and head out the door. The phone rings again as I get ready to pull out of my drive way.

"What's up Sean?"

"You in your car?"

"Yeah"

You on the road?"

"Not yet."

"I'm not as drunk as Fern thinks I am. I'm just going to walk over there to prove a point. You don't have to come all the way down here out of your way to give me a ride."

"Dude, I'm not gonna let a friend walk all that way in the middle of the night. It's not a big deal man, that's what friends are for after all right? I'll be there in a few."

"Thanks man, I'll see you in a minute."

I drive down there and they are waiting for me at his Jeep. I get out of my car and we all pile in the jeep. She doesn't live more than five minutes away drive time, but if they had walked it would have taken the better part of two hours.

We pull up to her house and we do a rolling stop and he jumps out and we drive a little ways to turn around and pick him up. All he wanted to do was drop a book off for her, and I guess she wouldn't answer when he called.

We get back to their place, where I say goodbye. Man hugs are exchanged and I'm safe to head off to bed knowing there will most likely be no more drunken shinanigans tonight.

Amnesia?

2006-08-09T21:01:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking recently, which to some may come as a surprise, but rest assured I do it more than I let on. How many people have fond, or even horrible memories of their childhood? The first time you rode your bike, that nasty fall you took, all that kind of stuff? Most people I talk to can almost vividly remember those kinds of things. That's what makes us who we are afterall isn't it? Your experiences in life usually help determine who you are. What happens when you can't remember?

I can remember next to nothing of my childhood. Was it that bad? Was I horribly abbused as a child? The answer to both of these guestions is a resounding no. My parents didn't punish me any more than most children in this word, if they had to at all. And trust me when I say that I've lived a very comfortable life with no "real" hardships to speak of. So where did my memories go? Why was I robbed of these things that should have made me who I am? Am I a lesser person because of this missing part of me? Who knows, I certainly have no idea.

Don't worry, it'll change in a few.

2006-08-08T00:24:00.000-06:00

So who here has been to Utah, can I see a raise of hands? *surveys viewers* Alright, that's a grand total of nobody. Well, we have this saying here that goes a little something like this, "Just wait 15 minutes, it'll change." This is in refference to the local weather crazyness we have here. Today was another one of those days.

When I woke up this morning, read this afternoon, it was a bright and sunny day. There wasn't a cloud for miles, and the sun was beating down painful heat on my ass. I have some stuff to do around the house, like surf the internet, make some food, and watch tv, so I don't go back out for a few hours while I'm taking care of these important tasks. I finally venture outside because I have some things that I need to go do. I think most people call these errands, but I prefer to refer to them something to do.

I get out to my car and the sky has turned dark, and I mean DARK! Well, I jump in my car and head to the bank to deposit my hard earned money. Withing seconds the wind starts blowing like there's gonna be a damn hurricane right here in our mountain protected valley. Shit's blowing in my open window, almost promting me to close it. The fact that I have no a/c, and it's still hotter than satans' butthole are the only things that keep my window down. There's fallen trees everywhere, people's fences have been blown apart. It's pretty much mayhem out there, and I'm just in awe. Then the rain starts.

As I pull out of the bank, the rain starts coming down like it's monsoon season in Tailand. To think I had thought of washing my car earlier, thank god for my lazyness. I get to my budies work to deliver him a check, and the rain is just looking like there will be no end. He works at this half rate mexican joint, so I decide to just chill and eat some food and chat with my buddy who has nothing better to do since I'm the only moron in the joint. After spending an hour talking and feeding my face I decide it's time to leave and do the last couple of things on my "list". I step outside to no rain and mostly cloudy skies. No more wind, nothing.

I push on to deliver another check to this chick I've been "dating", and trust me the word dating in this case definetly deserves its quotation marks. I then head over to my buddies house to chat with him, and try and make him feel better after he broke up with the evil hag he's been dating. Can you guess how I feel about her? We step out on the balcony so he can have a smoke, and guess what's there to greet us? Grey skies? Blustering winds? A torrential down pour? No, just a nice clear sky with no clouds for miles.

So like I said, Just wait 15 minutes, it'll change.

Find a spot?

2006-08-06T21:23:00.000-06:00

Ever been someplace that is so rediculously busy that you spend more time looking for a spot to put your overpriced hunk of metal than you do actually doing something there? Well, a while back I visited a buddy of mine that lives back in Maryland, and we decided to go to Anapolis and walk around for a while and just enjoy our time.

Let me tell you something.. . . . If you've never been to annapolis you should go, now! this very minute. It's is an increadibly beautiful place. I've been to a lot of places in my life, none of which I'm going to go into right now, but just trust me when I say it's AWESOME.

Anyhow, back to what I was talking about. So Chad(my buddy), his roommate Layne and I all drive down there to enjoy what it has to offer. Now we drove in separate cars because Layne was coming from somewhere else, so we decided to just meet there. We actually end up running into him part way through the journey, and so we head down there following eachother. He's in the lead and as we pull up is somehow able to find parking immediatly, lucky bastard!

Chad and I end up wandering around for parking for almost half an hour! Can you believe that? In case you missed it I said, HALF AN HOUR!!! I was driving because, well I don't know why, but just accept that I was. Finally I found this spot to park, and being the courtious person I am, I turn on my blinker so people know my intentions regarding this prime piece of cement. As the person is backing out this girl just whips right in there like nobodys business. I honk and give her "the look" to no avail. After much cursing, and about another 15 minutes we were able to find a replacement spot.

Now there was some cursing, and denouncing her entire family, but that all swiftly went away as we are walking around this gorgeous place. We're just getting ready to head back to the car after looking at all the various shops and getting some ice cream.

As we're heading down the main boulevard to the car to head home we hear what can only be described as the howl of some sort of African Ass Monkey. What does this animal say to us?? "Find a parking spot aaasswole?!?!?!?" Now this is said is a pseudo southern accent, and is not the kind that one would find attractive. My friends and I are so stunned but this unexpected show of hate that we don't have an immediate response. Quick to gather my senses I say what will forever be know as the worst thing I've ever said out loud in public to another human being, and I dare not repeat such a thing. Just rest assured that the look on her face as she drove away was worth all the appaled looks I got from everyone that was within earshot.

Who the hell are you?

2006-08-06T20:27:00.001-06:00

You know those people you see when you're walking around that have that look on their face. The one that says, "I know I'm better than you so fuck off." Does that drive you nuts? I know it sure drives me nuts.

What is it that makes them believe they are so much beter than the rest of us? Is it looks? Is it brains? Is it an amazing sense of humor? Maybe it's just a god give right that they can look down upon us "normal" people, and think us unworthy of their time.

I've run into many of these people, and being who I am some have thought that I was of the same mind as them. Knowing these people is not a privledge, trust me. Most of what makes them believe as they do is either ignorance or stupidity, you can be the judge of that. You know that list that I made back up there? The one that sounds rediculous? Yeah that one. Well, while they do believe those things as a whole, or individually, they also just believe that they are just better because they were lifted to those lofty heights by stupid people like us.

Hard to believe? Maybe it is at first glance, but put some thought into it and maybe you will see what I am saying.

What have we done to put these people up so that they can be idolized? Well, first we have to ask ourselves what type of people are typically like this. That's the really easy part. Most of said people are either athletes, rich or attractive. Don't belive me? Take a look at those people that are giving you that look, or attitude and tell me I'm not right.

Ok, now assuming you've decided that I may actually be right, what did we do to give them the right to treat us as lesser beings? For starters we treat athelets as if they are gods from a young age. Look at youth football leagues with their mini-cheerleaders, and parents that make it seem as if life and death hang in the ballance of a game that poor little Timmy is playing for fun. Fast forward to high school, and it's even worse. Hundreds of people show up to cheer these athletes on, and "support" their team. Now this isn't nessesarily where there attitude comes from. It comes from people giving them special deference in school. Some teachers may give them a break that they don't give others, kids in the school act like they can't speak to people that are able to command a sport in a way that they cannot. Trust me when I say that it only gets worse after high school. College for most athletes can't be seen as anything but a joke. Note that I have said most here, there are some that actually want to have a brain, but they will still recieve that special treatment that all high level athletes "deserve".

I don't even want to get started with rich people other than to say that they are mostly just born into their attitude. It is passed on either by their equally lucky parents, or the confidence of a very succesful father or mother rubs off on them, but not in a good way in most cases.

Attractive people. I think we all know why they are put up there on a pedestal, it's because most people, myself included, believe they are too attractive to think people that aren't as attractive are in the "same league". Why do we do this? It's because we are ignorant. I think you would be surprised to find out how many of those attractive people would be open to going out with what may be considered by some as "lesser" people. Now this may sound assholish, but you can just deal with the following. I find myself in the category of very attractive, and while I mostly feel I don't belong there I am there. I don't go out often, and most girls find me to be intimidatingly attractive, other peoples' words not mine. I'll go out with just about anyone, and I will be friends with everyone. Short, tall, thick, thin, attractive or ugly, I'm happy to call all friends. I've been ridiculed for having girlfriends that have not been in the same "league" as me. I don't care, it's not all about looks, you have to find the whole package. So I say this to everyone out there that has put these people up on a pedestal, take them down. Try actually aproaching them, you may just find one that hasn't been turned into an ass by the way that society has treated them.

And for all you people out there that do treat others like trash I say this:

You shall reap what you sow, karma is a bitch and yours' will come around. asshats

First Kisses

2006-07-31T20:41:00.000-06:00

It's night and it's just about the new year. The show on the boob toob is terrible, but that's ok because the company is perfect. My girlfriend of three month and I are spending the new year with eachother, and I'm wondering why she keeps giving me the eye. *you know what I'm talking about ladies*

She keeps tickling me doing her best to make some physical contact, and despite the fact that I HATE being tickled I"m ok with it. What guy doesn't like a little physical contact with the opposite sex? *gay people need not comment here* I get the feeling that she's doing her best, which honestly isn't very good, to hint that it's the time for the all important first kiss.

As the night drags on and the time to celebrate the new year looms closer, I realize that I don't want our first kiss to be based on a cheesy tradition. My mind is made up before the ball even considers dropping, and the verdict?. . . . . . . . I'm gonna hold out and really make her want it.

So the new year comes and goes, as does the look of expectation on her face. The time seems to be running like molases at this point as I do my very best to hold out. Finally my ability withhold my manly urges breaks and I make my move.

I move in and there's no question in her mind what my intentions are. I hold my breath with expection of all the things that come with a great first kiss. The rush, the exileration and the great feeling of locking lips with someone of the opposite sex. I think it all must have passed me by. The kiss ends up as more of a quick peck that is more like a meer blip on the face of the night that's not worth mentioning. My expectations could not have been more shattered. . . . . or so I thought. At that moment in time she decided to develop a smart mouth, and a quick wit and comes at me with "about time".

I dare say, worst first kiss ever.

Ever been scared? By a girl?

2006-07-30T21:07:00.000-06:00

I'm working one day, and the day has been going rather well. Then she comes in to work for the afternoon.

I do my usual trick, and find something to do where she won't be. As I head to the back of the shop I pass by her in the office, and she is busy doing nothing probably, but I figure I'm safe since she didn't see my escape.

I'm organizing things in the back, ya know, moving boxes around and pretending to be busy. Well, after a while of doing this I run out of things to pretend to move, and the room is unfortunatly looking nicely organized.

I turn around to head out into the shop, and get back to doing actual work in the hopes that someone will have found something, anything for her to do. BLAM!!!!! HOLY SHIT!!!! There she is not 10 feet behind me staring at me!!! I've never been that scared in my entire life. I thought I was going to have a heart attack and die right there!

I didn't know what to say, I just looked at her for a second in confusion and panic. Then my senses took over and I put her to work getting some food for us working guys.

Who does that?

2006-07-30T20:35:00.000-06:00

For those of you that don't know, the soccer store that I currently work at was also my place of employment from 2000-2003.

Now there's this girl that came into the shop, ohhhh lets say about a month ago. Now she used to come in a lot back when I worked at the shop before, but she was just a little to young to hit on if you get what I mean. So when I see her come in, I'm to shocked to take advantage of the situation. She leaves, and as always with women, I'm left felling like a moron.

I head up to this soccer tournament that is going on in Park City to watch a bunch of people I know play, and as I am heading to my car from the main fields to where my friends are playing I run into a guy that plays for a team that my team plays against all the time. Apparently his team is gonna be short players for their game that moring, and he want's me to play. With a few moments of consideration, I decide that playing soccer is much better than watching it. Besides, I had all the gear in the back of the car, it may as well not go to waste.

Well, after the game guess who's playing next? Yeah, the girl. She comes over and says hi real quick before she plays, and at this point I'm wondering how my luck can possibly be this good. I hang around and we talk after the game, and I even end up meeting her mom, who happens to be there watching. You would think at this point I would do something manly and ask her out, yeah who are you kiddin? I don't know if I was being a puss, or the thought didn't even cross my mind, but for the second time running I didn't do anything. Damn

Well I got to thinking the next day, and a half brained plot was formed. After having run it across a few of my good friends I decide that the plan shall be implememnted. What is the plan you may ask? I'll lay it out for you, and I'll explain my reasoning after.

I know her name obviously, and I also happen to know where she works. I decide to send her a package at work. In this package is a phone and a note. The note said the following: "I didn't ask you out the other day or get your number, I'd like to fix that. Call the number on the included phone."

Now you may be saying that I'm just being a wuss, and that I should have just gone down there or perhaps called. I personally beg to differ. I don't have the time to just go over there, if you'll remember I work more or less all the time. And just calling her seemed rather bland. I as always decided on the more "interresting" route.

Did it work? Was it a miserable failure? I'll let you be the judge of that. This was her response: "Hi Erich :) im at work or id call. this is the most creative thing a guys done for me! unfortunatly im in a rel. ur a great guy tho and id love to get to know u." I like to call it the most succesful failure ever.

A day off?

2006-07-30T19:54:00.000-06:00

Now I'll grant you most people in this world know what it's like to have days off. I am not one of those people. I have the considerable joy of working way more often than not. Don't you wish you were me?

So as I'm leaving my friends drunken, smelly saturday night get together last night another one of my friends decideds that he want's to say goodbye. A sweet gesture you may be thinking. . . . no, not so much. Most people I know are ok with a man hug, as am I, but this friend is bisexual and wants just a bit more than a hug. The wrestling match ensues, and this kid is much larger than me. Now at this point I'm fighting for my life, or ass if you will, and thankfully he's fall over drunk. Finally after a few minutes of our back and forth he decides that he's gonna settle for a "man hug", I'm not sure how manly it really was though. As his drunk ass get's distracted by some noise in the other room I make my break. As I'm bounding down the stairs to my car and freedom I start to feel good about having saved myself from buttsecks. It was moments to soon, he was swiftly on my tail. The drunken encounter continues, and with promises that he'll call me when he wakes up, and is going to blow off both his girlfriend and his boyfriend to go hiking with my in the morning I make good my escape.

Fast forward to this morning. I wake up with all the intention in the world of hiking to some tall peak on our grand Rocky Mountains, that just so happen to be my back yard. Now I know that a lot of people would just sit back and relax on a day off, but that's just not my style. I like to beat myself up, or so it may seem. Well I start the morning off with the usual morning piss. All seems to be going according to plan, other than that fact that it's about seven in the morning and I wanted to sleep in just a wee bit longer. Well, seconds into my piss things go horribly wrong. I don't know if it was because I was half asleep, or I'm just retarded but I'm spraying everything in sight like it's Rambo 3 going on in my bathroom. At this point I decide that I'm just gonna go back to bed for a bit and see if I can somehow start the day over again. A great idea if you ask me.

So I grogily roll over and realize that it really is time to face the day, and get ready for a hike. Now I don't know if you've ever had a problem with headaches, but I do and it's miserable. This was going to be one of those mornings where my head has decided that it's not ready to face the day. Pain killers won't do the trick, they never do. The only thing that takes care of my raging head?, more sleep. This is because my headaches are mostly caused by my insomnia. So I sleep. . . . again.

My day actually starts at noon. To late for hiking, but to early to just consider the day done. So I decide that I'm gonna go find a charger for my old school digital camera. I drag my ass out of bed, and do all the things that have to be done to get "ready" for the day. I drive down to good old Radio Shack and buy myself what the gentleman assures me is a universal battery charger, and is even nice enough to show me which piece is supposed to fit my battery. I get home and plug in said device and swifty see there is now way in satan's butthole that my battery is fiting in the adapter that he pointed out. Time for some good old fashioned rigging. With a little bit of luck and ingenuity, my $30 purchase "works".

My work is done for the day, time to get ready to face a week of work. JOY!!!