Period of Transition

After months of being in someone's home in Joliet, me & my gf have left and went on to get our a place of our own right in Aurora, thanks in part to our wonderful real estate agent, Steve B. We feel truly blessed to go about with this period of transition (in which it occurred from the last week of October to the first week of November). Getting stuff for the home doesn't come cheap, even if it has to be shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Homegoods, and A.J. Wright. Put all of that together, that's a lot of expenses amassed. Oh, and include Best Buy on that list too since I've just an 40" Samsung LED TV (in which watching the Blu ray movies on 120Hz is so friggin' awesome!)... Yeah, we've been busy trying to plan this all out. And yep, that explains as to why I haven't blogged in such a long time either (despite the continuity to tweet via Twitter and update my latest status via Facebook) ... Speaking of Facebook, I was able to show photos of our humble abode to family and limited friends, in a VIP kind-of-way (LOL). There, they will see our furniture, appliances and my crazy collection of clothing/shoes from the closet. Soon, I plan to get a video clip of myself in the apartment showing around to my close pals and my bro ... For the moment, we will rejoice the privacy, the luxury and the 'feel' of a good home here in lovely Aurora.

I'm 36 years old today...

Happy Birthday to me! I've just turned 36! Here's to more good times ahead and succeeding in my goals, as well. And what's even more cooler than cool --- I get to spend my birthday in another state. There was Virginia, Florida - and now Illinois, of all places. The pages of my life continue as a new chapter starts yet again. Thank God for giving me another day to live and see another milestone. For every birthday that comes is an amazing blessing given from Him.

Traveling everywhere within Illinois and beyond!

I work a lot these days. And my position has doubled as I have now became a company driver in my job. I was loaned a van as well as a gas card to go along with that. So with that in mind, my assignments start to vary in numbers, as well as locations. Whether it's transporting personnel or sending important documents over, I am on the road. I have been traveling everywhere within Illinois as well as beyond (Wisconsin, so far). I'm still learning all my routes as I rely on my Garmin Nuvi GPS to get me around the area without any problems. (Then again, I could stumble into a problem especially if the mapping needs updating...LOL.) By the way, I have done a few clips on Twitvid lately while I was on my Wisconsin errand w/ the van. How totally cool is that, huh :) Then again, there was a descepancy on the highway while heading back to Illinois on I-294 and that was the tractor trailers blocking my way. BAH!

Joliet, in general.

Not too many people have heard about Joliet, that's unless if you're a NASCAR fan or are into racing. Well, it's a nice town with a lot of hard-working people. Downtown seems to look very vintage. They have a trainstation and a nice park nearby. In the suburbs, there are homes everywhere left and right. There's not that much basketball courts either. I guess that explains as to why a lot of kids love playing b-ball at their home's driveway. There's a decent mall, too, that I frequent. But I mostly like going to Best Buy adjacent to it - OR go to Officemax, Old Navy, Target and even MC Sports right across the street. And oh yes, there are cornfields wherever you go. That's the midwest you know. People here like to get involved with athletics whether you're an adult and like to go golfing OR if you're a kid, you can go for soccer or softball/baseball. There's a park here near our place that does either or. Plus that same park can hold a LIVE event such as that from performers like Rick Springfield from last May to Brett Michaels (of Poison) just recently in early September....Looking at all of Joliet now, I think it is way better than my old stomping grounds of Norfolk, VA and is equivalent to Virginia Beach for places to check out :-)

2 Dogs, 3 Cats Love Us :-)

It's amazing how we can receive the love from 2 dogs and 4 cats who are presently living in the home that me and my gf are staying in. The dogs' names are Dakota and Charis (I guess that's how her name is spelled) both of which are beagles. The cats' names are Kit, Belvedere, Miles, and Chewie (Note: there was one before but he passed away too soon. His name was Juan Pablo). They are so friendly and they really make our day great once me and my gf come home after a long day of working especially during odd hours. Its funny how Dakota waits right at the window as if she's a security guard of the home. And once we enter the door, she'd jump and lick on us....All these animals need is the love and affection. They get it, too. And if they need anything (such as food or water), they know that my gf and I will be there to give them some more of those.

I own two computers - WHY?

I came up with the idea on wanting 2 computers - one a netbook (in which I am typing this from) & an all-in-one desktop PC. Each has their own thing. I want the netbook solely just to use the internet in all its glory and the PC to handle most of the multimedia duties such as the iPod, video editing, video streaming, and Photoshop work. Its a very big investment indeed but I think it's a wise move considering that it brings peace of mind for me... I love taking this netbook everywhere from a home to a public library to Panera Bread or even to Barnes & Noble. Any Wi-Fi hotspot, really. It gives me the total satisfaction that I can post a blog entry like this from anywhere, with ease and comfort. The netbook would be a best friend to me everywhere I go... And I love working on stuff at home with the PC. It gives me the chance to work on things extensively at home that require more time. That's a perfect balance on everything. And now you know why I own two computers and bought them at the same time, from Best Buy.

Twiddeo & Twitlonger, here I come!

More fun times ahead besides the blog postings (and soon-to-be renovations to the layout of this blog page). I am going to be doing Twiddeo segments (that's like, videos via Twitter). This is gonna be a series of videos that I will make with my FLIP ultra cam, none of which are going to air on my YouTube channels or on Facebook. It'll be exclusively appearing on Twiddeo and nowhere else. What you'll see is a few video tidbits on what's going on around me here in the surrounding Chicago areas. This'll give the chance for the viewers to see it all. I wanna show people small towns, cornfields, watertowers or even tornadoes (if I am lucky to be alive on that one..lol)...As for Twitlonger, it'll just be a blog, but only made available on Twitter. It's gonna exceed the 140+ characters that always tend to condense what I wanna say there. So that's where Twitlonger comes in. It'll give me the freedom to express things in over those 140+ characters. FUN IS COMING! Stay tuned, everyone.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr is a racist ... and he proved that!

The most cockiest boxer in this day and age proved to the whole world that he is, in fact, a racist, not just to the filipinos around the world and to boxing fans alike, BUT to the whole human population as a whole.....I will not quote with what he said about his rival Manny Pacquiao, but his words were so insulting and fueled with hate. Very degrading, to say the least. And his ignorance just skyrocketed. Then, the next day he puts an insincere apology like he was playing it off, too. Shame on Mayweather, Jr. for putting on such a show to YouTube users....The NaFFAA (National Federation of Filipino American Association) finally stepped up to the plate giving their remarks on Mayweather's quotes. And the NAACP remains invisible. So is, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. They won't step into this thing because their victim isn't one of their own. Most likely, they will not step in for Manny Pacquiao or the filipino-americans in this country....I'm sorry to say this, but racism can come from different avenues whether you're white, black, asian, filipino, etc. There are no winners in this. We can fall victim to it at anytime.

What are my favorite sports teams? It's not what you may think.

Just because I live here in the surrounding Chicago areas doesn't mean I will go automatic for most of the sports teams here. It's not what one may think. So, to clarify it for you, guys, this is the line-up. And I also have my 2nd choices included.

NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2nd choice Washington Redskins)
MLB - Chicago White Sox (2nd choice New York Yankees)
NBA - The Orlando Magic (2nd choice Boston Celtics)
MLS - None, as of right now........
NASCAR - Dale Earnhardt, Jr (2nd choice - NONE)

It's time to make blogging fun again!

I've been out of the blogging thing for quite a while now. Sorry for the delays. The real-world is such a busy thing, really. I've found something inspiring. My friend decided to make her blog on her marriage. And as for me, I'm gonna try to add some interesting elements for each post that I'll create. It's time to make blogging fun again. So that's gonna be a start. I'll also try to renovate the feel-and-look of this blog page. It's long overdue. Things must change.

To Virginia -- AND back to Illinois!

The last few weeks have been a break period for me. It gave me the chance to assess over things seeing how one scenario can differ from that of the existing lifestyle I already have. I had to decide if I wanted to go back to Virginia and continue with life there. It was also the opportunity to catch up on old times with fellow family members and loyal friends. And it all begins with 17 plus hours going out of Illinois. I never knew I could pull such a feat like that after drinking one bottle of Pepsi Throwback. Shockingly enough, I realized I never slept. I just kept driving the Civic all the way to its destination: Virginia Beach. Driving back home caught my dad's attention by surprise. He saw my Civic w/ it's Illinois tags going up the driveway. It was great to receive a wonderful hug from dad. And then from mom when she came home from work. It was also good to chat alongside my wonderful brothers Jay and Jeff. As time stretched along, I was missing out on the great atmosphere of IL, including those that I have already affiliated myself with, including co-workers and my girlfriend, too. I was watching ESPN too seeing the White Sox struggle against their rivals, the Minnesota Twins. And it was disappointing to see 'em go down like that. Inside of me, I felt I wanted to go forth in continuing the life in Illinois. Seems that Virginia is okay, but I think its best to be in Illinois for the time being. It gives me a chance to grow personally, professionally and spiritually as a person. It also gives me the opportunity to be the best boyfriend to my girlfriend because she really deserves nothing but the best out of her man. Plus, I like to develop my friendships to the people out there. Perhaps I'll find ones that are trustworthy and decent such as Jimmy and Ray (my friends for well over 10+ years now). So I had to leave once again and head back. Make that another 17+ hours of driving. Once again, I wasn't tired. One thing changed, however. No Pepsi Throwback here. I had a chicken tenders meal from Hardees, a bottle of Mountain Dew Code Red, a bag of Lays potato chips, a caramel frap from Starbucks and lastly, the big breakfast deluxe in McDonald's. Going back felt like forever and thank God He gave me the strength to make it. The best reward is giving a big hug to my girlfriend. I love her so much. So now begins the next chapter of life in Illinois. It's sure to be better than the previous one :-)

I got this from my friend Caleb

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment..... thank God.

"WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE?"

This was the message spoken in Int'l Christian Church in Virginia Beach today (Sunday).

"WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE?"

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the letter of Paul to the Thessalonians was to encourage the believers to stay faithful, to stay strong, and to hang in there. It talks a lot about problems and the struggles of life; it talks about the blessed hope, the second coming of Christ; and it talks about how to build a life that is pleasing to God, and life that is sturdy and dependable - like a rock.

We will look at principles on how to build a strong character. The first step is choosing the right influences for yourself. It's in deciding on who you're going to be like, whose example you're going to follow.

So we'll talk today about what to look for in a good influence.

Here are three things:

1. Look for those who genuinely care about you. Verse 2; See 2:19., 3:9

2. Look for those who can lead with authenticity. Verse 5

3. Look for those who know how to keep their ego in check. See 2: 3-6; Galatians 1:10

CONCLUSION

The Thessalonicans not only followed the example of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. They also became an example for the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

The whole world was talking about this church in Thessalonica that had turned their back on their idols and their pagan worship and had become devoted followers of Jesus Christ - followers who had endured all kinds of persecution, and had remained faithful to the gospel.

They became an example to believers throughout the world, because they knew whose example to follow. This is step one in developing character.

Who do you listen to?

Who do you follow?

Who do you imitate?

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!!!