The Belmeade Fire

The 2-alarm blaze itself on Bathley Place (a street that intersects with Broadholme Place - where my family's house is)

Yesterday was a tragedy in the Belmeade section of Ridgely Manor (a condo neighborhood where my currently family reside at). This is where I used to live and do most of my jogging at (thanks in part to the wonderful paths, especially the ones surrounding the man-made pond. However, this latest story paints a somber picture in the neighborhood I have come to love and admire. The news footage showed everything - the walkways and the pond - but it breaks my heart to see some of our residents homes' go up in smokes like that. It was only a few minutes then that the fires went out of control from one house to the next. Police and ambulance/rescue came in first before the firetrucks rolled in. But it was too little, too late. Families lost their homes as well as beloved pets that also perished within the flames. Total losses are estimated at over $1 million .... I am grateful that these residents are getting as much help and support from their neighbors, even if it's a temporary place to stay and sleep. The power of the human spirit always overshadow these unexpected events ... In regards to my family, they are OK and I'm glad that they are also checking on fellow neighbors.

Microwave Society

We live in a microwave society today where we all want and demand things now in just about any area in life (i.e. personal, professional, recreational, etc.) ... seems that we're all wearing thin in our patience and instead hasten quickly in an instant on anything really ... agree?

I admit I was once like that, but as I grew older and wiser, I've decided to step back frm what most of the world is going thru now w/ their demands and such..however, its only a step back in my approach. I'm usually patient in dealing with things but I must still demand for things if it's not meant at a given so-so time (thats a couple of minutes delay, that is) or during crucial instances...normally, I'm just more laid back in handling my matters usually listening more than jumping in so quickly. You can say I'm like a gentle Rocky Balboa listening to Adrian or Mickey in the movies. lol.

7/14 PHOTO BLOG: "Me with the Jordan statue @ United Center"

7/11/2010: Posing near the Michael Jordan statue @ United Center - Chicago, IL

When I was young, I loved basketball. But when Michael Jordan played with greatness, it was more than just the sport alone that I had passion for. It was about overcoming adversity and challenges in life, even through some of the most difficult times when things seemed impossible. MJ is a great icon for every kid to look up to. He exemplified what it took to be a true athlete with God-given abilities and at the same time, handling himself humbly off-the-court....MJ lives in everyone that loves to shoot hoops or dunk a ball. As for me, it's all about the jump shots and fade aways that I mimicked from MJ...I've had some memorable plays on-the-court that'll forever live in me and the people that were around seeing me do my best...And it was only last year that I bought a couple of MJ kicks and gear. Wearing those make me appreciate MJ with a lot of pride as I can now say to myself, "I wanna be like Mike."

Even better - I came to United Center feeling inspired again after seeing the statue of MJ.

7/14 Untitled Blog

Sometimes being a person of good character and good faith may just not be good enough for those that have fresh spoiled egos and diva standards. It's hard to please them and make their world a better place. I can't dictate them to change and telling them what's right from wrong. It's best to just not be a part of the whole mess altogether even though some seem to add me in-the-mix among their problems. Some may say this and that about me but I won't budge. It'll hardly have any bad effect or any ill-will towards me because I know deep inside I'm better than what they make me out to be. I instill confidence in myself. I do what I can to be positive-minded and staying true to the values I was taught. I also focus on the more important aspects in life rather than dwelling into other people's dramas and negative attitudes. I can only hope for the best in them flipping to the wonderful A side of life instead of always remaining on the B side...A special thanks to those that have seen the goodness in me. All of you inspire me :-)

Last weekend was a blast!

My bro, Jeff, came by to Chi-town last weekend and having him around was truly an honor! We spent most of the time in downtown Chicago where everything was happening - even the filming of 'TRANSFORMERS 3' was taking shape with the stunt work and rigged explosions. Thanks to my gf, we were able to plan out a couple of activities such as going on an architecture tour cruise, being on top in the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, and seeing a legendary sports landmark that still looks as good as new - Wrigley Field .... I was able to capture some of our highlights on picture and video. They are now featured exclusively on my Photobucket and YouTube links (located to the right in this blog page)...I'm glad that Jeff had a wonderful time during his stay in the Joliet area. Hopefully, he'll come by again in the not-so-distant future.

YOUTUBE Video:7/3/10 Fireworks show from Grand Independence Celebration in Downtown Joliet, IL

From My YOUTUBE channel:
[filmed with FLIP] 7.3.10 Highlights from the Grand "Independence Celebration" at the Will-Joliet Billie Limacher Bicentenial Park located in the heart of Downtown Joliet. Event lasted from 7:00-10:00pm. Music, food, fun & FIREWORKS 9:15 pm.

Happy July 4th in the good ol' USA!

A pic of me with the cornfields taken in Joliet, IL

It is the July 4th weekend and I want everyone to enjoy the holiday (as we all celebrate our nation's birthday). As a special treat, I uploaded this pic of me with the Illinois cornfields - and in the background, you see a transparent U.S. flag right where the sky is. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!