He is the Wind Beneath my Wings!!

I made it!!! I completed my first small plane flight ever with AVMAN at the controls. I gotta say it sure is an experience, especially for someone like myself who has issues with heights. I will admit to never truly relaxing but I kept reminding myself to breathe, relax and try to enjoy it and I think I was able to accomplish that. Flying in a small plane is nothing and I mean nothing like being in a big jet. When you turn, you turn!!!

It was really cool to fly over the supercross tracks that all the big teams have out in Corona and we also flew over the track at Lake Elsinore on the way back.

We also met our good friend The Wrider and her DH out at the airport cafe at French Valley Airport. It was really nice to see her - we don't get to see her enough.


Over lovely Corona


From left: DH, AVMAN and The Wrider

All in all it was a good morning and a big props to AVMAN!! (see what I did there) For all of you out there - despite what we know about his development abilities (HAHAHA), AVMAN has his flying shit together, is a good pilot and does enjoy sharing his passion for flying with his friends.

THANKS AGAIN AVMAN!!!!

Hot Pockets

Can I just say that I love Hot Pockets!!!

I am really bugged by all the news about the fired U.S. attorneys. I am tired of it. Once and for all, they serve at the behest of the president - they are political appointees. Clinton fired all 93 when he became president - Hillary said she probably would do the same - so who cares if he fired 8 for political reasons - it is no different than firing 93 when a new president takes over. It is always political!

I too read Lefsetz and his blogs about how Patty Smith did not belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame got me thinking - who is not in the Hall that you feel should be there. I can think of two right off the bat - Joy Division and DEVO.

What are yours???

Not much going on in life - I am on auto-pilot also - I am going to take some time off on spring break so that should help.

On a good and funny note, I am attending a small pizza party at work tomorrow as we are finally officially shutting off our old software. Why this is amusing to me is I am currently working on the replacement for the software that replaced the software we are finally turning off...... TE-DAR!

As a side note for those who don't know (I am hoping very few and I know the AVMAN knows) My last song of was by Joy Division. After the lead singer committed suicide, the band reformed with a new member as New Order. I know you have heard of them.

Sansa Song of the Blog: Soul in Isolation by The Chameleons U.K. This is another 80's band that flew under the radar but the album this song comes from - Strange Times" is also an island top 5 for me. For additional trivia, this song was inspired by the book "Star Rover" by Jack London

Soul in isolation
I can hear you breathing down the hall
Soul in isolation
I can hear you crying through the walls
And if I had a mind to now
I could call to you
Or I could simply shut you out
No more would you cry

I'll give you my time to kill
But you'll never never
Break my will
Or I could sink a sleeping pill
And in the morning could be
Sleeping still
But most of you are much too ill
Way beyond a surgeon's skill
In bondage to a dollar bill
What more can you buy?

Oh, when you think on it
We're all
Souls in isolation
Alive in here
I'm alive in here

Come here
A word in your ear
You can't go back to the trees

Big bad giant standing tall
Crushing all the creatures
Great and small
I'd like to see this giant fall
When will it come

Words that rattle round my head
Struck by lightning someone said
A diamond bullet through the head
Hits me right in the brain
Are they right in the brain?

Will I see the jailer's face
Did my mother bring me to this place
Will I live to see his face
Will others come to take my place
In total isolation
Surrounded by crowds
Too many tears
From too many clowns
Isolation
Surrounded by crowds
In another world
Head in the clouds
I'm alive in here
I scream
But you still don't hear
I'm alive in here
I'm alive
Turn on the light

When you think on it
We're all souls in isolation
I'm alive in here
I'm alive

We're always searching for something
Searching
Dear dear dead days I'm longing for you
Sweetest virgin
Now deflowered

Bike Ride and the Kids

Well, my goal this weekend was to get my ass back on my back and get my a ride in. I went and got a new seat as the other one was rock hard and hurtin my butt (hahahahahaha) and was getting ready to go when the kids changed the plans. The 10 year old wanted to ride with me while the other took off with mom. So instead of the road bike, I hopped on the old beater mountain bike and took off on a ride with her. I was really impressed with her - we rode about 5 miles and she kept up a nice pace. The best part about it was we had a nice time talking. I hope this is something we can keep up. She told me she made a list of things she wants to do in her life - here are a few:

• Ride a mule down into the Grand Canyon
• Stay in a 5 star hotel in Paris
• Go to the Galapagos Islands
• Become president of the U.S
• Go skydiving on her 18th birthday (blame her mother for that one)
  

Pretty cool and I hope she gets to do them all.

As for the 5 year old - I heard this knocking and asked if it was her. She said no - someone was at the door. I said really?? she said yes so I got up and went to the door at which point she started busting up. WELL PLAYED!!!

Heard a clip of the new Linkin Park - sounds interesting. Also, Chevelle is releasing an new album in April too so finally some new music is finally coming out.

That is it for now.

Ask a Ninja

I may be a little late to the fun but today I discovered "ASK A NINJA". It is freakin HI-LARIOUS!! There are a lot of episodes so have fun. I really like the one's about Ninja's and Metal and the Omnibus.

ENJOY!!

Sansa Song of the Day: Going the Distance by CAKE. Heard this on the way home and it is still a freakin cool song!!

Reluctantly crouched at the starting line,
Engines pumping and thumping in time.
The green light flashes, the flags goes up,
Churning and burning, they yern for the cup.

They deftly manouver and muscle for rank,
Fuel burning fast on an empty tank,
Wreckless and wild they pour thru the turns,
Their prowless is podent and secretly stern.

As they speed thru the finish the flags go down.
The fans get up, and get out of town.
The arena is empty except for one man,
Still driving and striving as fast as he can

The sun has gone down and the moon has come up,
And long ago somebody left with the cup,
But he's driving and striving and hugging the turns,
And thinking of someone for whom he still burns.

He's going the distance.
He's going for speed.
She's all alone, all alone in her time of need.

Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
He's going the distance.

Yeah!

No trophy, no flowers, no flash bulbs, no wine.
He's haunted by something he cannot define.
Bowel shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse,
Assail him, impale him with monster truck force.
In his mind he's still driving, still making the grade.
She's hoping time that her memories will fade,
Cause he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.

The sun has gone down and the moon has come up,
And long ago somebody left with the cup.
But he's striving and driving and hugging the turns,
And thinking of someone for whom he still burns.

Cause he's going the distance.
He's going for speed.
She's all alone, all alone in her time of need.

Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse,
He's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse!

He's going the distance.
He's going for speed.
He's going the distance...

Later

Crazy Stuff

My in-laws call my wife just about once a day and she was worried that they has not called her yesterday so she calls them about 8 pm. I hear the "oh my god" and "are you OK's" going on so my interest is peaked. She gets off the phone she proceeds to tell me that her dad walked out the front door about 9:30 am and from across the street out comes the lady of the house screaming followed by two vato guys with pistols. He immediately runs back in the house and calls 911. The lady runs next door so the guys leave. We have known for a while that their son has been up to no good for a while - little vato wanna be punk and since they kicked in the door - thought they knocked the mom out and stole nothing, we know they are looking for the kid - dumbass did something he really should not have that is for sure. What is even more stupid is that when the wifes dad told the lady later that he called the cops she said "why did you do that?" and was not happy he did. She is so stupid in protecting her son from whatever that she does not see he will get her killed. The wifes dad is sure they did not see him so we feel fairly safe they are ok (guys did not wear masks so they really did not care) plus they have an alarm. We are now going to use this as we have been trying to get them to move out of their Anaheim neighborhood for a while (close to the stadium) All the kids are grown and out - I hoe this gets them moving.

Work has hit a temporary slow patch and man is it making the week crawl.

I have sold some cookies but we have about 40 something left. I really dont want to buy them... really.....

For my friends out their who are James Taylor fans, his son has been putting our records. You can check his myspace page if you want to check it out CLICK HERE

For The Hero: I too like the SEVENDUST. I like the new song - have you heard the album, should I get it??

SANSA SONG OF THE DAY: In staying with the more mellow side of music I offer up Bad Reputation by Freedy Johnston. Cool poppy kind of song in the style of early Michael Penn.

LATER

A not so crazy weekend

So The Wrider is dying for us to blog more.....here goes.

Friday night was Happy Hour - very cool. Went to the twisted vine in Fullerton - Avman and the Duke of Fullerton know the owners - very good if you are into wine and they have a few really nice beers - totally down with a beer called "Three Philosophers" it is also double the alcohol of most beers. D-Nasty made a guest appearance. Also, Seahag spilled wine on my sleeve - thought it was done - but the guys at the Vine were right there with Wine-Away and dammit all to hell if the wine actually went away!! kick ass stuff.

Saturday - had a great time mowing the lawn. My edger broke so I borrowed the in-laws - this is a gas powered model and I'm telling ya - you could use that thing as a trencher if you want. Speaking of the in-laws - they got back from Italy Thursday night - they loved it although they charge for everything. They walked up and got a coffee - couple Euro - later they sat down and got coffee - 7 or 8 Euro - they charge you to sit in the seats. He also said every bathroom was an adventure. Overall they loved it and said it was very beautiful.

Sunday, I tried to get knew work shoes but no luck, if I liked it - not in my size so I ended up playing a lot of MX Unleashed. Beating all my old fast lap times is good for the ego!!!!

We have lots of girl scout cookies left to sell - whatever the girls don't sell - they (translate ME) has to buy them. (so the girls don't lose money). This is the last year for my oldest and although it was fun and really good - I am glad it's done. The little one has her own troop so for once we just get to be parents - not leaders, etc.

One more thing - my bro-in-law is not the funniest guy but he picked up the in-laws from LAX in his patrol car (cop) and my wife met him at the station where he works. Knowing my wife would not have an easy time getting back on the freeway - he followed and pointed the way. When she got to her last turn before the freeway, - he gets on the car loudspeaker tells her to "go left" then says "And get out of my town!!" for all other cars to hear. CLASSIC!!!

Have a good Monday!

Helmet?

So I hit the Home Depot after work and as I pass the self checkout, there is a lady who just finished paying still wearing her full face street bike helmet. It's not like she put it on while checking out as she did it herself so that means she wore it the whole freakin time... wasssup with people!!!

I also made the most brilliant statement that YOUR MOM has ever heard today. (according to her) I simply explained how I know I am not gay with the following: Women love gay men and since women despise me - NO GAY!
She did not disagree..... not sure how to take that...

In the vein of Je Suis Le Maman - did anyone ever watch "Dance Party USA" on the USA network in the 80's/90's? It was American Bandstand with videos. There was a core set of dancers (Kelly Ripa was one of them) who where there every week. Remember Princess (female version of Prince) All I can say is we were strangely hooked on it (the music sucked ass) - my friend would even ditch class at college sometimes so he could watch it.

Sansa Song of the Day: New Dawn Fades by Joy Division. From one of my all time favorite albums STILL (this is a for sure need for that 5 albums on an island question) from one of the all time favorite bands. Ian Curtius has my favorite voice of all time and really deep lyrics. He meant it all as he did commit suicide - maybe that is what really sells it when you hear him.

A change of speed, a change of style.
A change of scene, with no regrets,
A chance to watch, admire the distance,
Still occupied, though you forget.
Different colours, different shades,
Over each mistakes were made.
I took the blame.
Directionless so plain to see,
A loaded gun won't set you free.
So you say.
We'll share a drink and step outside,
An angry voice and one who cried,
'We'll give you everything and more,
The strain's too much, can't take much more.'
I've walked on water, run through fire,
Can't seem to feel it anymore.
It was me, waiting for me,
Hoping for something more,
Me, seeing me this time,
Hoping for something else.

Later

Brain is mush and other exciting things

Been working my ass off. I still really like it over here - I only miss my good friends at the other building but I am hitting overload and starting to wear out a little. I am somehow getting involved with all the teams and I am getting the "people coming to my desk" thing again. The good is it wont last as many are consultants and they just don't know the systems or business that well.

The good about today is that it is BONUS DAY!!! Not as good as last year but I'll take it.

I have been thinking about music lately and this year has really sucked for new music. I love music but I am a big fan of new music or should I say GOOD new music and there has been nothing this year for me personally. The best so far (and I do really really like it ) is Silversun Pickups. If you have not done you listening - DO IT - this is a really great album. In doing some random web browsing I discovered that in May Linkin Park will finally release their next album. I know some of you out there are not fans, but one thing I think that has to be appreciated is their top notch production quality. The music is tight and the sound is clear. We can start hearing some clips in early April.

There is an interesting book at Starbucks written by a guy who as forced to be a boy soldier in Africa. I have read a lot of articles about this and I am interested but not at the Starbucks price. Let's hope for Costco!!

Finally - live on SPEED TV tonight is the Daytona Supercross. This is a great race. Held in the infield of Daytona Speedway, it is the one track that is kind of a blend of supercross and outdoor motocross. If you are home tonight - totally worth checking out.

Sansa Song of the Day: Not on my player but it is the REM song played in Scrubs last night - I forget how great so many REM songs are.

Oh what to blog today

Yes I have been away for a while but blame that on work. It truly amazes me that there are senior people that run companies that never learn certain lessons. Once again, based upon senior managements wants, our deadlines for the first phase have been pulled in by a month - not based on an actual work related value - such as "we are ahead of schedule" but because they want it by a certain date. There is a reason why the dates were established in the first place... so back to the 10 to 12 hour work days and the inevitable "quality will suffer".

As stated above, I was not sure what to blog today. I have ideas that I will do but I read The Wrider's blog and that was unexpected. I guess I never think about what affect I am having just by listening and providing some thoughts but apparently it is more than I imagined and I am glad that it makes a difference and I love having The Wrider as a friend! Besides, when she moves out of Cali, I will have a place to go - all my friends and family stayed in Cali.

On to my typical blog fare - no no farting..... THIS TIME! (god I love farting so!!)

I was looking at a magazine while waiting in line for a prescription and it was one of those - here are all things YOU WILL NEVER AFFORD and I came across an add for Asanti Rims and they had a set with Diamonds ,etc for $2,000,000 (place pinky to your mouth) What the hell!! Their is conspicuos comsumption but F and A cotton!!!

This is the million dollar set:

Even a pimp would think that is to much!

I also got to rememberin about how we used to turn movie titles into porn movie titles and thought it needed to be done again (see what I did there)

Here are a couple from the past:

• Indiana Bones and the Temple of Poon
• Position Impossible
  

So I took a look at some movies out there and here is what I have:

• Black Snake Moan.. wait that is a real movie
• Hot Fuzz .... nope real movie too
• Grindhouse - .... dammit
  

Well you get the picture - serve some up for me people!!!

Time to go - the sister in law will be here this weekend and thank god they have improved. The Army has not only made her husband better but improved them as a family - they are no longer the big drain on me they used to be.

Also, the kid across the street that I started playing guitar and drinking beer (my biggest accomplishment) is having a big going away party this Saturday. He joined the Army and is off to Fort Benning for basic on March 8th.

Sansa Song of the Day: Shinobi vs. Dragon Ninja by Lost Prophets. The kid who is leaving for the Army finally replaced my CD he ruined years ago.