Life has change dramatically since I came here to write last. Back in school.. lots of things coming up this year. Trips to Colorado.. Greece. Skydiving.. horseback riding (not at the same time). A new girlfriend who I adore. Life is good and exciting.
Add comment March 13th, 2008
Today is the last day of 2007.. it’s been quite a year.
When 2007 rolled in I had been in a relationship for seven months.. but that would change in Feburary. Things didn’t work out and it was rough for a while afterwards. I had hopes and ideas about how things were going to be down the road.. but things don’t always go the way you plan.. not to say that it’s a bad thing. I felt pretty scarred afterwards and went through periods of being in a funk. Although I dated around the rest of the year, I never felt like I was ready or desired to be in another relationship. I decided to put my focus elsewhere.
In 2007 I returned to school. I went through four consecutive semesters and did really well. The summer session was by far the toughest. I had Accounting and Statistics.. both subjects were really tough for me. I think statistics is hard for most. What made the Accounting class brutal was the fact that not only was it a tough course, it was on Sundays. I got through and pressed on through to the end of the year. If everything works out I’ll be graduating in 2008 or early 2009.
I turned 31 in April and really felt it was time to reflect and make changes in my life and the way I was living it. That meant hanging up djing and moving away from the club scene. My last dj gig would be on May 30th playing the rooftop of Five. It was a great crowd and a great way to finish. The scene was where I met many people and made friends, but I was lonely and longed for more meaningful relationships with people, that didn’t involve partying. I was also seeking more intellectual stimulation. It’s hard to find that in an environment where lots of drinking and loud music are the key elements. I started spending more time at coffeehouses and reading more. I also sought information on recreational activities and adventures I could do in the area.
After the summer I joined a hiking group and began my group hiking adventures. My first hike was out at Sky Meadows and the group was great. It was nice to be around people with the same interests.. hiking and socializing with new people. Throughout the year I also did hikes at Prince William Forest, Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls, Manassas National Battlefields, and Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Someday I hope to go to Yosemite National Park and The Grand Canyon.
I Saw quite a few comedians throughout the year; Rich Vos, Jim Norton, Louis CK, Patrice O’neal, Lisa Lampanelli, Doug Stanhope, Brian Regan, Nick Swardson, and Jim Gaffigan. The most interestingly bizarre was Doug Stanhope, who got incredibly drunk and tripped on mushrooms while performing. The crowd gave him gifts of alcohol and mushroom laden chocolate while he was performing. About half way through his act he admitted that he was tripping and perma-grin was setting in. There’s no doubt in my mind that he was tripping and drunk. His gift is that not only is he funny normally.. he’s funny and interesting while completely wasted. The majority of the acts I saw were really funny.
I had hoped to travel a lot in 2007. I’ve never been out of the US and it alluded me once again. I did end up traveling to Nags Head for a beachhouse escape.. that was good times with good folks. I hadn’t been home to visit my family in Florida in four years, so I promised them that I would visit this year. Sarah and I went down in July. We spent a week at my parents home and it felt like it was pretty nonstop. We even managed to squeeze in a trip to Busch Gardens, I love that place. In August headed up to New York for the Daft Punk show.. it was AMAZING! Easily one of the best shows I’ve experienced and I’ve been going to shows for 16 years. I love Philidelphia and was able to visit three or four times. Crystal was a great host while I visted. She gave me great tours every time I visited.
I saw other good acts throughout the year as well. I saw The Mountain Goats, (while in Philly for Crystal’s Birthday) Dj Krush, VHS or Beta, Dj Krafty Kuts, Beastie Boys, LCD Soundsystem, Incubus, Peter Bjorn and John, Ozomatli, The Rapture, and Regina Spektor. The Regina Spektor show was quite random and turned out to be such a nice surprise. Her voice was amazing in concert, I kept getting the chills from how good it was. I had a smile on my face most of the show.
I was fortunate enough to see some good theater this year too. I saw Shakespeare’s Love’s Labor Lost at Carter Barron Amphitheater.. it was great! I also saw The Tragedy of Dr. Faustus at the WSC warehouse. The play was performed in a 12 x 12 square. They also handed out popcorn and pabst when you were being seated. Chants of “hail satan”were yelled out throughout the show.. interesting is an understatement. I saw Separate Lives in the back room of a bar in dc and enjoyed that one too.
In December I gained an additional roommate and moved from Woodbridge to Manassas. After commuting from Woodbridge to Centreville for three years I was ready to be closer to work. It’s been a month and it’s been really good. The new apartment is a lot nicer than our last, the commute is great, and we are all getting along really well. It feels like a new beginning and I’m loving it.
There was lots of firsts in 2007.. some of them I already mentioned and heres a few others.. first time ice skating.. first time ever growing a full beard.. first wine festival..
I have high hopes for 2008 and I’m very excited..
Add comment December 31st, 2007
Traveling is so liberating. I was able to liberate myself this past weekend. I caught the DC Chinatown bus to Philly on Friday and met up with Crystal. Crystal doesn’t have a car; she doesn’t need one where she lives, so we walked everywhere. Friday night we walked into the city and tipped back a few drinks at the locust bar, a small bar where the main source of entertainment is the sports on the flat screens and the jukebox. I liked it. It felt very homey. From there we went to Pure and met up with my dc peeps. I loved the club; the venue itself and the music. Had such a good time. Saturday woke up with a slight hangover which hung on like a bastard throughout the day. Crystal walked me all over the city. She’s a fast walker and well.. I’m not. We compromised as much as possible.. but it mainly meant I had to get the lead out. 
I love philly.. it’s such a beautiful city and I can totally see myself living there someday. I was able get a few good pictures and just take everything in. We were pooped by the time we got back to her house and decided to take it easy. We went for pho, first time for me, and walked around a lil bit more afterwards. I think I ended up asleep on the couch by 11:30. I had to deal with the time change before going to catch my bus in the morning. The city was every bit as peaceful on Sunday morning as Crystal said it would be.
When I got to the bus station I saw a sign that said… “We are not responsible for your belonging.” and I thought.. how profound. I loved it. I smiled again when I saw the same phrase on the bus.
Sunday was spent with good company and I ended up home around 7. It was a fantastic weekend and one I will not forget. I feel renewed and refreshed. I’ve been hanging out on cloud nine ever since.
Add comment March 14th, 2007
It’s Monday and I’ve hit the ground running after a weekend that was the full spectrum of emotion and easy to label as interesting.
I had the blues Friday and was able to overcome after talking to a friend. The recent breakup has been taking it’s toll on me. I finally got what I needed.. closure. My head is up and I’m feeling very positive. I accept that while we are good people.. we weren’t working. I feel so much better about it with the help of good friends.
Saturday I met up with a friend and her daugther, in d.c.. We were an hour late, because of metro business. It all worked out though, because we were all starving. Being late gave us an hour to eat before the next showing of the IMAX movie we all wanted to see. I have to say.. the cost of food at the museum of natural history is absotootly ridiculous. We went and saw Lions 3D and it was amazing. A very educational beautiful look at lions in the wild. Afterwards we decided to hang out at my place. The kids had a blast. The grownups watched the UFC pay per view and it was a really good one.
Saturday night I got a call.. courtney had been bitten by a dog. Her bottom lip required stiches and she was pretty upset. I decided to forego the wizard’s game on sunday and take care of her. Poor thing. She’s been pretty positive about it. I think she’ll be fine. Just going to take some time for it to heal and swelling to go down.
I was able to get lots of good training in this weekend. I sparred with my roommate Saturday morning. I went 6 rounds with him holding the punching mitts. it was very intense and I loved the challenge. I was able to work on my body movement and tweak some areas that needed to be tweaked. Sunday I went 10 rounds on my bag in my apartment. After 10 rounds (3 minute rounds followed by 1 minute of rest) and wasn’t even winded. I’m very proud with my progress and plan on joining a boxing gym sometime in the future. I may even compete.
All around good weekend and I’m at work with a smile on my face.
Today’s picture was taken at the museum of art in d.c. I liked the view and thought it would be a neat perspective from inside to the outside with the art outside and all the shadows..
Add comment March 5th, 2007
In the last three weeks there has been two major earthquakes.. the first was pretty devastating, but all was not lost and there was opportunity to rebuild. Efforts to repair ended up being in vain. The damage from previous earthquakes and disasters took their toll. It became clear that repairs and fixes were not enough to sustain. Unfortunately this was not known until the second earthquake. The second earthquake was much more powerful and it became apparent that things would never be the same. With the first there was hope of rebuilding, with the second came finality. What’s left is in ruins. Hope for salvation is something that can’t be held on to any longer. The time to pick up what can be salvaged and move forward is now. As I gather the pieces.. memories swim around in my head.. thoughts of the good times.. thoughts of what will be missed.. thoughts of hopes and ideas that will never manifest. Tremors disrupt me from my routine as I try to get back to normality. I’m thankful for the good friends that are by my side to help in this time of need. Obstacles and struggles are inevitable, but knowing it’s all part of the process makes it a little easier. I thought I would live my life here, but nothing is for certain in this life. I pick my head up and smile as often as I can as I begin my journey to a new place.. a new chapter.
Add comment February 28th, 2007
Sometimes solving some of our hardest problems only requires listening to ourselves.
Add comment February 27th, 2007
Had a fantastic weekend… saw two great movies; Pan’s Labyrinth and Children of Men. We thought both movies were brilliant and amazing. I highly recommend seeing them both before they leave theaters. The weekend was chock full of activities. We went shopping Friday night and Saturday. Saturday we went to see Rich Vos and he killed. I couldnt stop laughing. Afterwards we went to a friend’s birthday party and saw some friends that I don’t get to see very often. Sunday we caught the early 11:10 matinée of Pan’s Labyrinth. Sunday night we went to the avenue to see dj craze, who never disappoints. Monday I helped Lee move during the day.. there was quite a bit of comedy. Monday night we ended the long weekend watching Children of Men with friends.
The weekend felt better than some vacations I’ve been on. It was so much fun and I felt revitalized. I knew at one point something would happen and my anxiety would curb; get better. I have explained that to Courtney in the past. That I haven’t always been so inept socially. This weekend was very positive in that aspect. I felt more comfortable that I have in a long time. I found myself striking up conversations with people everywhere we went. At the improv I talked to the strangers we had to sit with. Sunday at the mall.. I got into a long conversation with the woman that runs a kiosk there. It felt really good to be able focus on conversation and not give in to the irrational thoughts that bombard me sometimes. So I’m feeling very happy and positive about the future; getting myself back to where I use to be and beyond.
Add comment January 18th, 2007
Yesterday was our six month anniversary… awwwwwww. I got a sweet note from Courtney. It’s seems like we have been together for a long time. So many good memories.
Since the holidays it has been tough to get motivated at work.. I’m so glad we have a long weekend coming up.
NFL playoffs are here… wooooo! I’m pulling for the bears.. colts.. saints.. chargers. I liked to see baltimore go far, but that would require them to beat the colts. Peyton and the colts are due.. I’m just not sure they can pull it off.
Add comment January 11th, 2007
I’ve been sick since last Wednesday night and I’m very over it. So ready to be done being sick, so I can get back in the swing of things. I almost stayed in for NYE, but Courtney was counting on me. I’m glad I toughed it out and went out. Good times.
With the new year brings thoughts of the year past. 2006 was a good year for me.. a year of introspection. I spent the first 6 months single and learned how to be a peace with my time to myself. I dedicated a lot of time to photography and other things that interest me. That time was very important and after being in a relationship for six months, I’ve hung on to the idea that my time to myself is still super important and find myself looking forward to alone time.
I was able to do some travelling last year.. New York, Virginia Beach, Deleware, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Chicago. Hopefully 2007 will be a year that I’m able to see new places and travel as much or more.
Today’s picture was taken at the Washington DC botanical garden
Add comment January 3rd, 2007
My last entry may have seemed a lil grim.. but all is well. Change is good. Things are going well. I’m excited about Christmas.. I’m really looking forward to giving Courtney and Sarah the gifts I got them. My joy in Christmas is in giving.
I’ve been thinking about photography lately and how I’ve been slacking on it. I need to get some motivation together and get out there again. The cold weather definitely slows me down and makes me less than excited about getting out and shooting.
I sprained my ankle two weeks ago, playing basketball. It was super swollen and my foot was black and blue all the way down to my toes. I’m about 75% recovered and starting to work my way back into the gym. I’m even thinking of getting back out there and playing basketball after the new year. I’ll be wearing ace ankle braces though. I need the extra support.
Add comment December 19th, 2006
Things have been up and down and somewhat confusing as of late. Trying my best to do what will appease.. but that alone isn’t always enough and the level of patience I have isn’t always enough. Change is constant and more of drastic change is coming. Time will tell.
Add comment December 6th, 2006
Tom was a popular guy. He was a prep and a jock. He had his pick of the girls in our school. Unfortunately he was a bit of an elitist. I had gym class with him in middle school and I don’t think we ever spoke a word to one another. I wasn’t a prep or a jock.. or one that held the right credentials. I know at one point my sister had a crush on him and it was exposed. She was quite embarrassed about it. I think he may have liked her, but the social hierarchy made it impossible for them to go out.
Seb came along when my high school career was coming to an end. He was a newcomer to a group of guys I use to hangout with. He was a little younger than us. He was energetic and seemed to be a guy’s guy. Never really giving any effort to women; the guys and having fun seemed to be top priority and he was well liked as a result.
Steve was a hippie. Easily one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. Easy going like I always aspire to be. We had a lot of good times before I left Venice. He was there for me in a lot of times of need. A good guy to bounce thoughts off of. He drove us to our high school graduation in his beat up sky blue 85 ford escort; man, that car was a hoopty.
I found out yesterday that Tom died in a car accident, Seb took his own life, and Steve feel off a tower to his death. It has me reeling a little. Tom was a jerk back in the day, but I didnt know him.. who knows.. death is so final though and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Seb was a good guy; I left Venice in 94 and he stayed friends with my friends that stayed behind. Steve is the toughest.. so many good times and such a good guy.. it’s hard to believe he’s gone.
Ironically I was thinking about death yesterday morning and how I shouldnt think about it as often as I do. It’s not all the time, but it does create some paranoia at times. I wonder if it will be a disease or some tragic accident. So on the day I start to feel like I could live a long life like most of the people in my life, I get the news of three people I use to know from high school.. passing. Vulnerability renewed itself and I’m left with a feeling sadness for those that passed.
Rest in peace.. Tom, Sebby, and Steve.
Add comment November 15th, 2006
Random blurbs.. in case you are interested.
‘Stranger Than Fiction’ was A+.
Klitschko is a powerhouse and could remain the heavyweight champ for a long time.
Borat is over hyped.
New camera.. hungry to get out and shoot.
Pete Sel against Scott Smith was classic.
Lil gestures of kindness can be eternal.
Today’s picture I took over the weekend. It’s a lil stuffed animal I bought for court. She named him Charlie.
Add comment November 14th, 2006
Spontaneity in life is good. Yesterday I found out that I’m going to Chicago this weekend. Plane tickets have been bought and we’ll be on a plane Friday. I’m pretty excited to be getting out of town for the weekend.. especially to a place I have never been. Hopefully I’ll have ample opportunity to shoot there.
This picture was taken Sunday morning. I took it shortly after waking up at the house I partied at the previous night.. click to see full size…
Add comment October 24th, 2006
I’m such a blog slack these days. Bad Mike!
Friday.. went for a romantic walk to a pond near court’s place.. followed by home cooked dinner… pork cutlets cooked in soy sauce and heavily seasoned.. rizuto.. and green beans.. :-9 I was exhausted from week and day. We passed out early and then I woke up around 2:30.. wide awake. Stayed awake til 4:30 and hated the sunbeam that was piercing me in the morning. It did get me up early though and I was mr. productive as a result.
Saturday.. got some basketball in with Petey. I was uber low on energy and somehow won two out of three games of 21 and breather game of pig. Ended up at Hard Times a lil later.. played some pool and inhaled some good food. Afterwards I was home for about 30 minutes and then I had to race to Centreville, because our scheduled camping trip was moved to an earlier time.
We raced around target & walmart to find a tent and anything else we thought we might need. Ended up buying two tents.. one at walmart.. another at modell’s. The one from walmart went back on Sunday. It would all be moot later. We got to the meetup house and a key person didnt want to do the camping trip, for understandable reasons. We ended up just having a small party at the house. It was a good time and I was glad to have the opportunity to hang with Court’s good friends. It was important to her. Every many beers and shots.. we ended up on a futon and I woke up the next morning wondering where I was for a minute.
Sunday my brain worked through whatever alcohol was still in my body. We were stellar performers throughout the day. I took Court to the bull run trails that I found last year. We spent a good hour or two walking in the woods.. it was really peaceful and beautiful. I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to be in nature at least once a week. Afterwards we headed to my house and spent a good four hours on the couch watching football. The Bucaneers pulled off an amazing clutch play to win the game against the Eagles. A 62 yard Field goal.. it was amazing. We were all shittin ourselves in my living room. To give you and idea of how significant a 62 yard field goal is.. the all time record for longest field goal, is 64 yards. It was a great win.
It was another fun weekend and I cant find one thing to complain about.
Add comment October 23rd, 2006
Wow.. I just realized I havent written in two weeks!
Friday night I cooked dinner and we watched click. I had seen it before and thought it was cute, so I thought we’d watch it again, since it’s out on dvd now. Saturday we had to be up early, because Sarah had an appointment. It wasnt too bad. Ended up going into work til 12. Had a few things to take care of. After work we saw The Departed. Good movie. I wanted to walk out at one point though.. I didnt like something that happened. Didnt ruin the movie overall.. but yeah. Saturday night had friends over to watch UFC 64. I was surprised how bad Rich Franklin got beat down by Silva. Felt bad for him. Sunday got sucked into a marathon of Top Chef and football. Logged in some mall time and got some new clothes for work. Cooked again last night.
From Sulley Plantation…
Add comment October 16th, 2006
What an insane weekend! I knew it would be and things worked out really well.
Friday.. had a nice dinner with Sarah. Was good seeing her and I was glad I had some time to see herm since I wouldnt be able to see her the rest of the weekend. Later we took the metro into dc. Went to the 930 club to see massive attack. So glad we didnt drive in. We got there in time to get settled in with some drinks before MA started. I really enjoyed the show. The production was good and they really worked it out on stage. It was the shortest crowd I’ve ever seen. I had no problem seeing from the back.
Afterwards I was able to coordinate a ride from wheaton to our car in falls church.. so we didnt have to metro back to the car and drive to wheaton for prefix. We took the metro to wheaton and after a few moments of confusion.. we were able to find our way to the club. 30hz was just starting when we walked in. perfect timing. 30hz tore it up! I wasnt driving, so I decided to get drunk.. something I rarely do. Good old 151. I was drunk after two drinks.. real drunk. Felt good to be out and see friends I havent seen in a while. Headed over to IHOP for drunken shenanigans afterwards. After that my memory gets a lil spotty. I know had fun though. So much happened that night that it was like two different nights.
Saturday I finished off season 2 of lost. I’ve been pushing to finish, so I’m ready for the season premiere this Wednesday. Final episode blew my mind. Michael needs to get killed off for all he’s done. Saturday night we took the metro to chinatown to get to the verizon center for the tool concert. We got there late, because the blue line was being worked on. We had to wait over 30 minutes just to get moving. It moved so slow after that. I’d never seen it like that. It was a mess. We got to the show late. Tool was already playing. We saw them perform four or five songs and the show as over. What we saw was amazing though. It was insane getting out of the verizon center. So many screaming people.. which poured out into the streets of dc. They closed off 7th street.. it was nothing be screaming fans. I took courtney for a stroll around the city afterwards. The art walk near chinatown is pretty neat at night. We ended up at cap city brewery for a couple of beers. We had to ride the terrible blue line again at the end of the night.. it took forever. Didnt get home til after 3. We were exhausted.
Sunday we slept in a bit then woke up and cooked a nice breakfast… mmmm. Decided to metro into landover for the game. Im glad we did. Would have been hell sitting in traffic to and from the stadium. Metro has a good system in place to get people to and from the game. I was impressed. After a lot of confusion we were able to find the suite we were watching the game from. My CEO had hooked us with suite passes. Everyone was really nice. We had all the food and drinks we wanted.. the suite has it’s own bathroom.. tvs.. etc. It was so comfortable and nice. The game was really good. a nail bitter that went into overtime.. which resulted in the redskins winning with a huge touchdown in overtime. One of the best games I have seen. It was deja vu with the crowd afterwards.. everyone was screaming and going nuts as they left the stadium.
Easily one of the best weekends ever.
Add comment October 2nd, 2006
Things continue to show up in my life in twos. Far too many coincidences. It’s just off the charts. I’m glad Courtney is around to be a witness to it.
Friday we went and saw Fearless.. loved it. Great action.. story (true).. setting. Saturday I ended up working for a few hours. It wasnt too bad. I was able to multitask.. watched season 2 of lost and did what I needed to do for work. Afterwards we picked up some friends and headed to Delaware to eat at Sonic. It’s a ninety mile trip and the food was worth it when we got there. mmmmmm. Saturday night we saw the final 33 west show at TT Reynolds. I wish I could say it was a great time, but I was kinda bored and the end of the night was a bit rough. Sunday we were suppose to go to the rennfest.. but we bailed and went to the natural history museum and saw an IMAX movie. I’m glad we went.. but I’ll admit my patience was very lacking by the end. Sarah was driving me crazy. She was hyper and I was in the mood to relax and go at an easy chill pace. Oh well. Last night we went and saw Jackass 2. Super funny.. so many good stunts and pranks. I laughed so hard.
All in all.. a good weekend.. I just wish I could crawl back in bed. Never enough hours to rest on the weekends.
Sarah on the metro.
1 comment September 25th, 2006
Been an oddball week.. getting things in order. Trying to make some good decisions that will effect my future. I’m going to get back to school in the winter.. or at least that’s the plan. I’ve also been making a huge effort to manage my money better.. it’s working so far. I’ve been feeling kinda sluggish this week.. maybe it’s the weather.. and being bearlike.. might be an instinct to hibernate. I’m glad it’s cooling off though. That means more lunch time photography exploration time. As I get older I appreciate the season changes more.. I’m more than ready when the changeover occurs.
I think it’s huge to constantly evaluate where you are.. if you arent where you want to be.. you gotta make decisions and moves to get where you want to be. The worse thing you can do is do nothing.. stagnate.. and allow yourself to be trapped in a mundane existence. You only get one crack at the whole life thing.. make it count.
another sulley plantation picture. I aimed for creepy with some of the shots that day. I love vines and how they are snake like.. and seem like they could wrap around you and pull you away. this picture has the feel of the vines coming after you… or at least I think so. click to see the picture full size..
Add comment September 21st, 2006
Monday night football at my house again.. good times. It’s much more fun to watch a game with a group of people. If you missed it.. the jaguars beat the steelers.. 9 - 0. Quite and upset and the lowest scoring game in the history of monday night football.
Did you know..
In those early days of racing there were no starting gates. Jockeys circled around as they still do today, but then gathered their horses in a line and were sent away by the signal of the starter’s flag. In Man O’ War’s only loss, he was still circling with his back to the starting line when the flag was dropped. After the jockey got Man O’ War turned around, he was already far behind the pack but despite this, he still came close to winning, losing by a half-length as he charged across the finish line in second place. The horse who won that race was Upset, whose name popularized a new phrase in sports (’upset’ meaning an upstart beating the favorite).
Quote for the day: You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.
Today’s picture was taken last saturday at sully plantation. Notice the spider inside the flower… click to see the picture full size..
Add comment September 19th, 2006