30 minutes on an Orbitrek...

Woo! I feel great! As the title implies, I just finished using one of those fandango exercise-at-home machines (in this case, the Orbitrek Elite) for half an hour. I don't know when was the last time I sweated like that. It's been so long, it felt disgustingly refreshing! A few more weeks on that thing, and I should be able to see that ab or two hiding underneath my beer gut. I'm still doing my usual exercises people, so if you know of any lonely women in December... tell 'em to call me =) LoL.

I'm watching the NLCS right now. I have to say that this might be a first for me: I'm enjoying watching a National League baseball game. I'm not choosing sides, since both teams don't interest me (Phillies and Dodgers? C'mon). I will admit, it has become exciting with Manny Ramirez in the Dodger lineup. I had to slow down my exercises when he came up to bat; he's THAT good.

So I'm back on my tattoo goal. However, things have changed dramatically since my last ink post. For starters, I'm getting a different design. The one I told you about before is still a possibility, but it's been pushed to either the third or fourth design I would ever get (if I even get that far). The next one I get will be of:



Saint Michael!

It has a personal significance to me (and those who know me understand what it is). I plan on getting it on my upper left arm in black ink (no color). I'm not planning on the same artist, since I read some interesting news about him. For starters, he has what others called an "attitude". He would make recommendations on how your tattoo should look (as if something not to par with his high taste shouldn't be inked by him). He's also very booked. If I wanted that tattoo from him, I'd probably be getting it done by spring! Lastly, he has outrageous rates. Why do you ask? Because celebrities have gone to him. Of course, you know what that does to the name and ego of a "world class" arteest. I'll give you all the scoop on who I chose once the tat is done.

That's all for now.

Wet City...

It's raining today. Blah!

Well, let me entertain you a bit before I start thinking about lunch. As some of you may know (or none of you... I don't know who reads this blog), my company is merging with another one effective October 1st. After that, plans are in place to physically move our office to the new company's headquarters downtown (near Ground Zero). Where I wouldn't usually care where we moved, this time around I have to. You see, as the office manager of this space now, I will be in charge of coordinating some (or most) of the move downtown. What does this mean? Working weekends and late nights. And the best part... I'm not eligible for overtime! Yeah! *sighs, then chuckles into a weeping sound*

At least I'll have this blog (for the time being) and my friends to keep me sane during those times (and possibly drunk).

The End of the End...

Last you heard from me, I was typing "As this unravels, I'll truly see if these 16 months has been a wake up call for me". Well... SURPRISE!

Since that last post, my girl and I have parted ways. Not in the traditional sense (she's still living with me until the 30th), but apart nevertheless. In some ways, I feel relieved that this has happened. Like I stated once before, I don't believe I am the relationship type. As a result, my personality was one she couldn't stand anymore. My lack of motivation to return to school... my "non-boyfriend" qualities... the way I choose to live my life (and not a "normal" one). Yes folks... this is truly a mixed blessing.

Having issues the last few months has caused me to revert back to smoking. I don't like smoking as much as the next person, but I find it as something legal that can kill me faster (or help me live forever). However, one bonus out of all of this is the fact that I've been exercising more. Either I subconsciously use it to relieve stress around me, or I'm preparing for a fall season that will have me playing the role of James Bond every other day (except with a Sam Adams and not a martini). Can you believe I have peck muscles? I didn't know I had those! Awesome!

So I will leave you all for now. Lots of changes have occurred since my last posts, and I plan on going into more detail about them soon. For example, I've gotten promoted... my job is merging with another company... and I seem to be running into more and more people from my past. With that, adios!

P.S.
With my new outlook in life coming up on me fast, I've decided to revert to a name I have used in the past. Panama Red is gone. He was a man trying to find himself amidst indecision and belittlement. Please welcome back Dead at 21! I know it sounds more dreary and depressing, but it's the moniker that brought me from depression into happiness (as temporary as it lasted).

Is It The Beginning of the End...?

Let's skip the "It's been such a long time" talk and get down to business...

Another argument has happened in the cove that is my relationship. This time, it was in front of one of her friends (and I was the one with the cool head this time, recommending we speak in private instead of in front of her gal pal). I can't say it was the biggest or harshest argument we've had, but this definitely ranks up there with all the stupid ones. She seriously got pissed at me because I disappeared for about an hour, while she was left to entertain our guests. I just went out in the hallway to have a smoke and some alone time... shit! Excuse me for taking a break from my duties as head clown at the circus.

Anyway, it pissed me off because she made it seem like she couldn't entertain our guests alone. For Christ sake, one "guest" was her best friend and the other was my cousin (who she's cool with). It's not like she was with strangers... It's not like she didn't know where the fucking salt was... She complains about how she doesn't have anything of her own in this house, and how she wants to move into our own apartment - yet when given the opportunity to make it her house or to even make it her own gathering, she points the finger at me and makes me look like the ungrateful person who became selfish.

I'm tired of being made to feel like I'm under her. I'm sick and tired of feeling like a butler. I see this last argument as one of the last ones we will ever have. I personally think she made the mistake of rushing over here and moving in with me (just over a year of being together). Couples need space to be themselves. They need their personal space and things. Here, neither of us have that. In a perfect world, we would each have our own place and be in a relationship where seeing each other doesn't turn into an argument.

I've come to the realization that, maybe, I'm not the relationship type. I'm not the fucking family man who is so full of cheer that he can double as jolly ol' St. Nick. Maybe I'm the lifelong single guy who drinks, smokes, has meaningless sex, and answers to no one but himself and his limitations. As this unravels, I'll truly see if these 16 months has been a wake up call for me.

Intensified, A+ Certified...

Good news people: I passed my exams! I'm A+ Certified! Awwww yeeeeeeaaaahhhh!!!


It wasn't easy, but I finally accomplished what I set forth to do months ago. And it took me two weeks to do it =( Lemme explain: Last weekend (February 23rd), I took my first crack at the A+ exams. There are four exams total. One of them is required (the Essentials exam), and the other three are split into tracks. Depending on which one you want to do (IT Technician, Remote Support Technician, Depot Technician), you only have two exams to pass. My first time around, I failed the Essentials exam (by like, two friggin' questions) and passed the IT Technician exam. Today... I came back and spanked the Essentials exam in the ass! So thank you everyone for believing I could do it. If you were all able to follow me this far, I hope you can keep me some more company: I plan on taking a few more certifications soon!

Next in my sights include the CompTIA Network + Certification (kinda like the A+ certification's cousin, but dealing with networks and how to work them), the deceptively easy Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (which when you think of it, might not be worth it... stay tuned), and the big fish... the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator Certification (well, it's big for me).

On another note, I'm still working out and beginning to see slight progress. If I keep this up, I should be fit by summer time (I might even feel comfy enough to remove my shirt in public).

Until then, stay tuned here for all your Panama news =)

My Feet Are Pulsing...

The stats:

Weigh-in came in at 192lbs (after the workout).

The workout lasted for about 50 minutes.

My BMI was 26.8 (labeling me as overweight according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute).

Food I ate so far today: Dunkin Donuts' sausage, egg & cheese (with a chocolate glazed donut), Russel Stovers chocolates.

Liquids I drank so far today: Coffee, water, and a sip of Sprite.

NOTE: I think I want to try something new. All through my exercise regimen, I'm neglecting my chest. The arms get all the love... So to switch it up, I will incorporate some push-ups in my exercise (while eliminating one arm exercise). I'll let you all know how it goes.

Tomorrow is...

Satan's holiday... Valentine's Day. Oh how much I loathe this day. I've come to realize that it wasn't the fact that I was single all those years, but a genuine hatred of this "holiday". The way men scramble to find the "perfect gift" for their ladies... the unimagineable prices at restaurants and hotels... the boring sight of red roses, chocolates, and ugly teddy bears... it sickens me. Ugh!

So you might be wondering what I'm doing for my girl, eh? Well I'll tell you. Instead of letting the day drive me insane, I've decided to use my patented multi-gift idea =) My woman is going to receive multiple, low-scale gifts (that way, she won't be overly disappointed on any of them). Since I love you all so much, I'll share what they will be:

First gift: Your usual, sappy message Valentine's Day card.

Second gift: A $25 gift card to Chipotle restaurant (hey, she wanted that, ok?).

Third gift: A homemade copy of the movie Hot Rod (something she's been talking about getting for a while). Now you might wonder what makes it homemade... Well for starters, I created a DVD-rip of the original (all the movie and features, none of the price or packaging). Then, I created a package for it to add that "from the heart" effect (see pic below).



Fourth gift: Sex! (of course)

Since money is tight at the moment, this is the best I can do. I've always known that it's not always what you get, but how you give it. Remember that, folks... that one's free =)

I Think It's My Feet...

"Welcome back"! I bet that's what you were thinking, huh? Yeah, yeah... I've been away for about 10 days. But I'm back now, and I have some new happenings.

So in case you're wondering, I'm still exercising. I was getting a bit lazy lately due to stress and weather (believe it or not, it can wreck havoc on how a person feels). The last time I weighed myself, I was about 196lbs. Nothing big... except that it was a day after I clocked in at 191lbs (personally, I think the difference was 5lbs of feces in my intestines). My eating habits have begun to go back to the good ol' days of friend food and late night snacks. And I've also deviated from my beer diet (really, who was I trying to fool?). Right now, I'm just focusing on my current exercise (which is beginning to give me nicer looking arms).

Aside from that, things have been happening with work too. It has been confirmed that I am getting a promotion (although I'm not sure if I'll get jerked with an insulting salary). It should be effective as of mid-March, so keep checking on here to see any updates.

So I'm drinking water and waiting for the copy machine repair guy to arrive. The weather sucks ass outside, and my mood is 'blah'. I already want to leave... it's been such an unproductive day =(

I'll try to remember to post the tally tonight...

I'm Sleepy...

I have yet to have anyone come after me with water balloons. LoL. I'll be honest: I've been royally dragging my feet since the beginning of the week. My exercise regimen has gone the way of the Dodo bird, and my eating habits have been awful. Just look at what I've eaten since Wednesday: McDonalds double cheeseburgers, McDonalds chicken snack wraps, cheeseburger deluxe from a deli, turkey and cheese sandwich from a deli, pizza (2 slices), and those 0.50 cent apple pies they seem in bodegas. Ugh! Maybe I can go apeshit and exercise alot tomorrow (since I know I won't tonight).

So other than that, nothing major has been happening. Actually, it's been pretty boring this week. Maybe things will pick up over this Super Bowl weekend =)

Speaking of Super Bowl, I joined the office pool at work. I got some good numbers. Let's see if I win anything... If last year was any indication, I might just walk away with some moolah!

My picks for this Sunday: Giants 24, Patriots 21

Blood Donations and Cheez-It Sprinkles...

Yeah, I know... I've been slacking off. I forgot to post my weigh-in totals on Tuesday. I did work out, I just forgot to type everything. Yep... not just the workout was the highlight of the night. So check this: after my workout, I start to relax in bed while watching TV. It's starting to get late when my sister calls my cell phone (mind you, her room borders mine). I automatically think she's going to bitch about the TV noise as I answer her call. What was the issue? There was a mouse trapped in her room! And when I mean trapped, I mean it was stuck on TWO mouse traps. She had to keep her dog at bay, since he's notorious for attacking helpless rodents that intrude on his domain (i.e. he's way better than a fuckin' cat). So I go into her room, sandwich the mouse between the traps, and throw it in a shopping bag. I felt sad for the lil guy, since he just stared at me from below the bag (like his eyes were asking me to release him). I took this picture to show you all:



So I tie the bag up, and walk it outside the building (cuz I didn't want that shit in my kitchen). And that was the end of a crazy Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, my building was hosting a blood drive. Since I love to help others, I always donate blood when I can. So I go down to the drive, and I'm asked to particpate in a new process of donating. They called it donating "double red". Basically, you're stuck with a needle that has tubes leading into a machine. The machine separates your blood into plasma, saline, and red blood cells. They only keep the red blood cells, while the other shit is remixed and pumped back into you. It sounded crazy, but I'm always down for trying something new. So after the first cycle, things were all good... then the pain came. During the second cycle of "re-inserting my blood", I began to feel pressure around the needle. The pain was more like discomfort, and I ended up having to hold an ice pack on my arm to lower the swelling. Long story short, I gave blood... got some Cheez-Its and water to recoup... and a flashlight for my troubles.

Ok, so now it's Thursday. After having my fun last night (I drank beer... I'm so evil), I plan on reverting back to my routine today. If I don't post weigh-in totals tonight, you all have the right to hunt me down and pelt me with water ballons.

No City For Young Men...

Some ramblings and stuff on this frustrating Tuesday afternoon...

I saw No Country For Old Men... The ending was kinda lame. The move overall was pretty good. The only thing left to wonder was... what happened to the money?

My stomach hurts. I think it's because of all the water I've been drinking (not to mention the cheeseburger deluxe I had for lunch... heh, heh, heh).

I just got some news... but it's too crazy for me to ever post here (sorry). As a result, I will now leave you with this picture to ease your mind (don't forget... weigh-in totals later today):

Juno Rocks... Vodka Can Be Evil...

So I never got around to posting my usual workout stats yesterday. In all honesty, I think Friday should be my "day off" and not Thursday or whatever. Friday just took over me, and injected my body with laziness. I still worked out, but not with the intensity and commitment that I have the last few days. I ended up eating crap, drinking soda (in my offense, it was mixed with vodka), and half-assing my exercise time.

As an aside, I had this HUGE argument with my girlfriend (again). Things were said (real bad things) that might change the face of our relationship... or whatever is left if it. I'm beginning to wonder if she still loves me the same way she used to. There are things that are coming out now that never surfaced during our first year of being together. Could it be the close proximity to each other? Maybe our differences are showing? Or could it just be me and my shit fucking it up? No matter what, I'm committed to making this work. However, I am NOT committed to losing (which is my stubbornness talking... one of the reason we argued last night). The way I see it, things are going to be rough the next few days. As I type, she is somewhere wandering the city. She has not called me, nor do I believe she will return tonight (possibly calling up a friend and staying over). I just hope she's ok.

Back to the workout project > > >
So after my girlfriend left, I decided to use my time for something good. What did I do? I went to the running track, of course! The Parks Department built a new track near where I live (due to the destruction of the old one by construction the new Yankee Stadium). I don't know how large it is (long? round?), but I completed 15 rotations around the track. Now on to the usual stats:

Weigh-in came in at 193lbs.

The workout lasted for about an hour (not including about 30 minutes at the track).

My BMI was 26.9 (labeling me as overweight according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute).

Food I ate so far today: Half of a ham & cheese sandwich from the deli.

Liquids I drank so far today: Malta when I woke up, water right now, vodka and juice later

Oh, and I saw the movie Juno last night. Awesome shit... should win a couple of awards. I recommend it to anyone who likes real movies (and not the sappy, dramatic garbage Hollywood likes to churn out).

A Day Off...

I forgot to write my entry yesterday, since I considered it my "day off" from the norm. I still went to work and did all the shit I usually do. I just rested at home and drank vodka (with some kiwi strawberry juice).

So as you may assume, I did not work out yesterday. I wanted to let my muscles relax before I began raping them tonight and over the weekend.

Nothing much to report... except the fact that I believe that my scale is really playing tricks on me. I weighed myself this morning (an unofficial, just-for-kicks weigh-in), and I saw that I lost 2lbs!! How did that happen? Was it the vodka? Shiiiiiiieeeeeetttt! I wish it was =) I told my girlfriend that the scale might be possessed by Sam Kinison. Weird, eh?

Anyway, I'll let you all know how things go this evening.

For Thursday, January 24th:
Food I ate today: A Whopper Jr. and two BK Spicey Chicken Crisp sandwiches

Liquids I drank today: Coffee in the morning, Water in the afternoon, Vodka mixed with kiwi-strawberry juice in the evening

Cold, Water, and Skipped Lunches - Part 2...

So I skipped lunch again. However, this time I blame it on the workflow that took me from late morning into mid-afternoon. By the time I took the time to breathe, I realized it was close to 3pm.

Again, I filled myself up with water (with the usual morning coffee)... and again, I was freezing cold (WTF happened to those crazy heat waves we used to have on the East Coast?).

In other news, I caused a bit of tension at home yesterday when I informed my family that I was moving on out (or staying and expecting them to leave). It's already been 5 years of being the "man of the house"... I think it's time that I had my own home (and stopped supporting family who seem a bit too comfy). I gave everyone until May to make their moves. As always... Stay tuned =)

For Day Two:
Weigh-in came in at 194lbs (I think my scale is playing tricks on me).

The workout lasted for about 40 minutes.

My BMI was 27.1 (still labeling me as overweight according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute).

Food I ate today: General Tso's Chicken with Fried Rice (As my friend Ms. Delorean would say "Don't Judge Me!")

Liquids I drank today: Coffee in the morning, Water the rest of the day

Starting Weight and Stuff...

The grand weigh-in came in at an astounding 197lbs!!!

The workout lasted for about 40 minutes.

My BMI was 27.5 (labeling me as overweight according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute).

Food I ate today: General Tso's Chicken with Fried Rice (I know... I know...)

Liquids I drank today: Coffee in the morning, Water the rest of the day

Cold, Water, and Skipped Lunches...

So it's my second day in a row without eating lunch. I don't know if it's because of the bad morning I had (yep, I got in late again) or because I may be going through some light depression phase or something... who knows? Anyway, as I was reading a friend's blog on MySpace, I realized that I should begin a small project. But not just ANY project... a weight-loss project.

Now before the critics start spewing shit from their mouths, I want to remind you that it's a short-term project. Today is January 22 - I will give myself one month to lose 5lbs. If I can do it, I will continue; if I cannot, I'll go back to double cheeseburgers (Mmmm...) and Bud Light. Deal?

So I can remind myself of what I'm doing, I'll post each day's progress (i.e. weight, time of workout, etc.) on this very blog. I'll begin the project this evening...

MLK and the Southern-based Company...

So here I am... at work on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. What's wrong with this picture? Isn't this a day were the nation recognizes and honors the man who erased the color line? Isn't it a fucking postal holiday?!

Why am I here?

Ok, so this is more of a rant than anything else. I was late this morning, it's fuckin' cold outside, and I just had endure my supervisor blasting my voicemail on her phone (the one I left her this morning stating I was late).

Why am I getting fucked so much today? Did I kill someone's kid over the weekend on one of my drunken rages? Someone tell me!

Planning to start planning with a planner...

So last night I came up with this "revelation". I've decided to revert to my college freshman roots and buy a planner. You see, back then, I had this cool Pace planner that I carried everywhere. I was able to manage my time, and I was on point with my appointments. Nowadays I'm hardly ever early, nor can I keep simple appointments as mandatory (like getting a haircut). Today I will travel to the nether region of Staples to obtain a suitable planner for my attempt at getting back on track.


Aside from that, I got to work late this morning (again). This time, it was the MTA in all its glory. Seems like the idiots running the system had a tough time moving one train around another, and then maneuvering it back on the track. I ended up getting on a different train, then transferring to the shuttle. Ugh! And the worst part was that I was lugging around a 7lbs bag of papers I need to shred (it's been sitting in my room for close to two years!).

I knew this day was gonna suck... I even told my girlfriend it would. I hope American Gladiators is good tonight.

Ugh...

I feel like farting, but I'm at work. I don't wanna do it in the bathroom because everytime I do, someone just so happens to walk in at that time.

It used to be easy to fart outside because I smoked. Now that I don't, it makes it harder for me to stand somewhere for no good reason.

I feel like having friend chicken today. It's the best food to have when you're hungover =)

Hot Wings and Steak, with a side of Mac and Cheese...

So I admit I was overly emotional and a wee bit intoxicated when I wrote my post from two days ago. After a great conversation over a nice dinner, my girl and I have come to terms about what went down that night. Like adults who care about each other (and the relationship), we spoke calmly about mistakes that were made (actually, I spoke about my mistakes) and we spoke of what our future careers might be leading us. It all ended with a couple of beers while watching the Knicks game (which, by the way, they lost again).

What I had: Steak, with a side of onion rings and mac and cheese

What she had: Grilled chicken salad