10.31.2007

Halloween - How I miss you dearly...

So today is Halloween, my favorite holiday. And you know what I'll be doing? That's right! My ass is working late... yeah! And to top it off, today is payday... and I didn't get paid! WTF? Is the world coming to an end? First the Red Sox win the World Series; then A-Rod leaves the Yankees (thank goodness); and today I haven't gotten paid. Ugh!

I miss Halloween. I miss the days where I would meet up with friends (in or out of costume), hang out, get drunk, and have fun. I miss the days of wanton acts of evil, ignoring what repercussions came out of what I said or did to anyone. I miss the mad dash at the end, trying to piece a suitable costume for a party (only to end up wearing a baseball jersey and cap and going as a freakin' baseball player). Ah... Halloween... you will be missed this year. I just hope the feeling hasn't subsided by this time next year. If it does, I'll start a new tradition on this day of All Hallows Eve. One that will usher in my older days =(

10.16.2007

New employer, new benefits...

So this is just an update to my last post on my new employer's benefits package...

After reviewing the information today, I've decided to go with the lowest health plan with the high deductible. To some it might seem like a risk, but consider the factors: I'm a young, single (not married) guy, with no children. Since I hardly go to the doctor, I won't need a high cost plan (with low or no deductible, but with higher premiums). In the end, I'm going with the high deductible plan with the HSA (Health Savings Account). I could sit here and explain everything, but I don't want to.

So now you know my medical choice :)

10.14.2007

Sprint Speed is Shit Speed...

Man, am I starting to hate my Sprint cell phone service more or what? I recently was switched to their new "billing system" (for whatever reason). As a result, I lost all my content (which was just Tetris, but still...), I lost the time I had accrued with my phone (which means that, on paper, my phone is considered a new one... even though I've had it for close to two fucking years - this ruined my chances at upgrading to a newer device), and the service has been less than good. Combine that with how they charge an arm and a leg for fucking service (and how they sneak in "travel minutes" when you're out of your local service area), and you have a company that seems to be slipping. Their phones aren't even all that.

If after a year of service this shit gets worse, I'm going to the enemy. Verizon, T-Mobile... you hearing me?

10.12.2007

Moving on, moving out...

As I sat here at work listening to Massive Attack, I began to wonder what it would be like if I were hearing the same song while in another state.

However before I continue, let em give you a rundown on things... for starters, my girl and I are about to make one year being together. Unfortunately, we live too damn far to see each other often. As a result, we've been subjected to NWA and their crap-ass flights as a means of getting to see each other. Recently, we spoke of where to move (since I've spoken of leaving NYC). One such place was Chicago... the other would have probably been somewhere in Michigan (NOT Detroit).

Continuing on, I sat here and wondered "how would it feel if I lived in the Michigan suburbs"? Would Massive Attack sound heavier and more dreary than it does when I listen to it on the 21st floor of an office building? What happens if I want some more noise around me? My only option would be to play music at home or drive to a bar for a drink with the locals (which I won't know). Now that I think of it... let me make a short list of five pros/cons of staying or moving.

Ladies and gentleman, I give you... The List:

New York - Pros
- Whether it be 1am or 10pm, I can get something to eat any time
- Bars close at 4am
- All four seasons are represented here
- Owning a car is a luxury, not a necessity
- Diverse, from the people to the style to the food

New York - Cons
- Fucking expensive
- Asshole cops
- Target city for terrorists
- Noisy
- Stressful

Out of New York - Pros
- Cheaper
- I can own a car and not worry about theft or vandalism
- Better chance of owning a home
- Less stressful; calmer
- New experience

Out of New York - Cons
- Slow, boring, and quiet
- Potential discrimination (I'm a minority from a large city)
- Less job opportunities
- Two words: Cabin Fever
- Wild animals with rabies (LoL)

I dunno people... they're pretty close. I think I'll weigh the options again in a few months.

10.11.2007

I'm gonna milk 'em for what they've got...

Ok, so I received my health benefits package from my new employer (as of November 1st) a couple of hours ago. After reviewing the shit, I've realized that we're all being jerked! I currently pay about $57 for medical insurance... through my new employer, it comes out to $80! And they only have ONE fucking choice in carrier (albeit 3 options). Their vision and dental plans are aight, but how often does one use those? The again... how often do I use medical? Ah, fuck it - I guess I'll be choosing the FSA.

Now, the only bright thing about this was their tuition reimbursement. They reimburse 100% for education related to the company industry or my job function (which is no biggie, but it prevents me from getting that bachelors in Professional Glassblowing I was considering). Another cool thing is that they pay the first 50% of the costs once I'm registered for my courses. Now, I wanted to return to the college I initially began with in 1998; however, their tuition has risen to the astronomical cost of $30K+!!! I sure hope the Federal Department of Education hooks it up. Otherwise, I might be assed out.

Stay tuned!

Tattoo and me...

So for the last couple of years, I've been planning on getting a tattoo. At first, I had no idea what I wanted or where I wanted to put it. It wasn't until last week (while hanging out with my friend, Lori) that I realized how far I've come....

Lori is one of the few friends I know that have a tattoo (or in her case, tattoos). I guess her tats were how I got into the thought of getting one. I saw it as art, as well as an impression of one's character and personal meaning. Everyone has a reason for getting one (although some fuck up by getting them done on a whim, bet, or drunken decision).

Anyway, getting back to my point... I have two designs (yes, two) that I want to get. I plan on getting the smallest one first, so I know what to expect from the tattoo pain that comes with new body art. The pic below is the design, and I plan on getting it on my inner left upper arm. I'd like to aim for getting it the same size as a playing card:



It won't look as cruddy as that pic, since I have a larger picture at home. That pic reminds me of when my sister and I were younger. My mom and dad always told us that the children in that photo were us, and that God and the angels always looked after us whether they were around or not (the mere typing of this sentence has my eyes wellin'). It means alot, since my dad has passed and I view him as one of the angels watching over us.

I already have the artist in mind, and I plan on making an appointment with him sometime this winter (since the season would give me better reason to cover it up from the sun). Hopefully, it won't cost much... but even if it does, I can't put a price on a memory I'll have forever.

10.10.2007

And so the fog came down...

It's a foggy day here in NYC. However, I can't help to smile at how the weather (which I refer to as 'October Weather') has accompanied it here. Ah... what a nice day.

Yesterday was a depressing, stressful day. So far this morning, the day is looking good. Now if only I can lose the weight I have around my midsection. Stop drinking? Most likely I'll cut down. Stop stressing? Easier said than done. Maybe if I win the lottery, things might change. What do you think?

BTW, I never finished that beer last night. Nor did I smoke that stoge. Proud of me?

10.09.2007

I have the world's best girlfriend...

So tonight wasn't very good to me. After spending a couple of hours on the phone with Sprint, I went into this rage. A rage fueled by stress and frustration. My job... family... life... Lately, it's all been crushing me into this fat blob of mass (you don't even know how many pounds I've gained... it looks like I'm carrying a small baby).

And yet, through all of that, one conversation with my girlfriend made me at ease. Her voice and calm demeanor soothed my nerves. Her maturity helped me understand why I felt the way I did, and how lucky I am to be where I am. If it wasn't for my past experiences, I wouldn't be here today... writing this blog... and knowing those I know. I thank her greatly for the love she's given me and the hope for a great future with her. I love you very much KitKat!

In closing, I will finish this beer and have a stoge (yeah yeah... no need to tell me what I'm doing is wrong. The beer is already opened and the stoge is mainly to help me shit). Hopefully insomnia doesn't visit me tonight. Otherwise, I might have to challenge her to a game of OutRun.

Somebody's Watching Me...

So I don't know what it is today...

I leave my house to go to work, and people on the street were staring at me. Men, women, teenagers... they were all looking at me. At first, I thought I had something on my face (which couldn't have been the case, since I didn't see anything in the mirror as I left my house). Then I wondered if it was my hair (which has been growing back, so I gel it now... Was it out of control? Too much gel?). I came to ease once I got on the subway and saw my reflection in one of the car windows. Nothing... my face was as clear as they come and my hair look fine.

I finally came to the realization that the women were looking out of attraction and the men were looking out of jealously (that's right... I fucking said it!). What bothered me most was how some of the teenagers looked at me. One straight up grilled me like I fucked his mom (which I could have possibly done in the past). Another looked at me like I was someone he saw on TV. It's feelings like these on a day like today that make me wonder if someone out there has taken my picture and placed it on a gay porn website.

10.08.2007

Unfinished...

Top of the 6th, 2 out... Mussina just got pulled. Yankees are losing (big surprise).

As I sit here in wonder if I should get more OJ or a Bud Light, my fav baseball team is fucking it up again. I don't know what the outcome will be... and to be honest, I'm losing hope (and interest). Time to flip to ESPN for MNF...

Whoa, it's halftime and the BILLS are beating the Cowboys. Intersting... but I'm waiting for Journeyman at 10pm.