It feels great to be back shooting hoops at the park's basketball court. I expected myself not to be as good but I wasn't all that great either. A few three-pointers sank in and I aimed to focus more within the three-point arc this time around. Despite my flaws (since it is just beginning), I'm grateful to be doing this activity and in good health for a soon-to-be a 39 year old.

In a few months from now, Rizz and myself are expected to move down south to the sunshine state: Florida (and saying our goodbyes to the Midwest --- Chicago, in particular, which have been so good to us). We're ready to see where our lives take us next. If we're given the opportunity to start anew and fresh in Orlando, I don't expect it to be like the lifestyle I had before (from 2007 to 2009) which seemed more like an introductory chapter to me. We plan on taking this new, upcoming installment on a full-scale level careerwise, yet subtle and low-key at the same time on our personal time. I look forward to some reunions here-and-there and be gracious of the opportunity to meet old friends I haven't seen in person for ages. That would be a great welcome back gift. But the most important emphasis is making a name out of myself even at an age in which I'll nearing 40 soon. I've been a journeyman for so long and I firmly believe it's time to reward myself to greatness deserving every happy moment in life. I wish the same for Rizz, too as she's been an avid supporter of my life for the last few years. I look forward to having plenty of new adventures with her. I know she'll enjoy it.

A few days ago, award-winning film critic, Roger Ebert, passed away from complications of cancer at the age of 70. He lived life to the fullest right till the very end. During the last years of his life, he was still active despite having lost the ability to speak. He went on his Apple MacBook and continued to speak his voice through the words he typed. Ebert was bold in what he spoke and never shied away from what was on his mind just as he would critiquing a movie. Ebert was a powerhouse in the blogosphere with millions of loyal readers checking out his website daily...Reflecting on Ebert's blogging success, it has reinvigorated a lot of energy and motivation from within me. I believe it's time for a comeback and for me to speak my voice in volumes again just as I had in years' past. And I don't even know if it'll continue here on Blogger or not. Maybe I'll reboot my blog world at either Tumblr or Wordpress. And yes, I would like to incorporate photos from my end or stuff I find on the search engines, too (that shows appreciation of life and a source of inspiration). I think it's best to show how great the human spirit is especially during these times we live. People in Facebook have seen my profile change gradually in which it shows a totally different perspective - focusing more on the positives derived from inspiration quotes and Godly elements. I'm overwhelmed so far of the support and praise. As I get older, I realize life is filled with a myriad of challenges some of which tend to take away a wince of our smile or laugh and instead replace it with a frown or just plain seriousness. Believe me, it's not easy. There are times I find life to be so difficult or worrysome. But through all the good stuff I read daily, I find it to be therapeutic and motivating. It makes me feel wholesome again and go forward. I guess I have taken my blogging to a whole new level. My continuing presence here on Blogger remains to be seen. I will definitely need time to reflect on where I'm gonna wound up next. The possibilities are endless. But I can tell you all one thing - I'm back :)

What's up with Blogger lately having those annoying ads on the top and bottom of my blog page? I didn't expected that after not logging in to my Blogger account for so long. It makes it look terrible, tacky and ruins the color schemes. I might have to transition my blogosphere elsewhere soon especially with an upcoming project I'm still brainstorming on.

Any one deserves to be LOVED whether he/she is GAY or STRAIGHT...I'm 'all-in' for marriage equality :) This is my belief. We're all equals even though we may be deemed as different by the negativity within our society. As a human race, we must learn to love and accept one another.

It seems that work's grueling January schedule has taken a toll on myself and (some) coworkers that I know. That meant not having any days off - until now. Today is relief for me and others who aren't on assignment. Shar just finished hers and is now rewarding herself with all the sleep/rest time she needs. The same with Dave (Mr. Barclay). But not for Rizz. She has to work tonight. She will get that much needed rest once its all over for her workday. We're staying in Peru, IL tonight as I booked a hotel. No long drive home until later mid-morning.

I almost fell deep asleep on the drive home from work. I veered towards the left lane and didn't know it until I regained my focus again. I have to remind myself to allow a few minutes of resting when needed. It's better to be awake.

Its reeeeeeally winter now here in Chicagoland. Temps are falling and going below zero. Snow seems to be prevalent now appearing off-and-on. However, nothing major to report. I do hope its my last as I soon look forward to warmer climate in Florida..Mother Nature, please don't make this a long, depressing winter. I hate it enough already.

During the last few days of being sick, I have given myself isolation in the confines of my humble abode listening to a whole lot of Bee Gees CD's, two of which are movie soundtracks that starred John Travolta. I really had my listening ears full just like my Dad enjoyed this group's music back in the late 1960s and the 1970s. Carrying on my his passion for music, I decided to pursue two of the albums he already has on vinyl. These were 'Children of the Night' and 'Spirits Flown Away.' The other one my Dad had was 'The Best of Bee Gees' which was on a reel - as in 'reel-to-reel tape deck'. The overall Bee Gees experience is truly amazing. The Gibbs brothers started off as the humble, talented young lads appearing on shows. Then as they grew older, they went with a more mature sound singing a lot of ballads filled with deep thoughts and even odd song titles capturing the hearts of teen audiences. Barry Gibb's vibrant falsetto voice started to become prevalent. In the 1970s, they decided to revamp their style and take on a new direction with their sound entering the funk and disco genre (especially after their mainstream success appearing on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack thanks to music producer Robert Stigwood). But their beloved love ballads like 'How Deep is Your Love' and 'Too Much Heaven' continued to flourish as well. However, with the death of disco also came their declining popularity generating little interest in the later years to come and they never went as high as that. But they have kept their bond closer as brothers, through the best times and worst - and have continued making music right to the very end. Sadly, brothers Maurice Gibb passed away in 2004 and most recently, Robin Gibb just last December of 2012.The oldest and only surviving brother, Barry Gibb, is still active going on music tours with his son Stephen and Maurice's daughter Samantha to promote the Bee Gees mythology album. Overall, the Bee Gees listening experience is a great journey. They've went through different genres and bravely experimented furthermore with their music material trying to grow as serious music artists. As their music is heard in my ears, it's as pure and refreshing as ever. These guys were/are original. I don't think there'll ever be artists in my lifetime that can replicate their type of success (and more importantly, keeping their family bond strong). You will definitely know a Bee Gees song when you hear it. That's not just music. But it's good music. Soothes the soul. Cleanses the mind. Warms your heart. Makes you wanna try and sing it, too :)

What good is a friend on Facebook as well as in real-life (from the past) that makes insults or disparaging remarks about me or the stuff I post....today I had to initiate the delete sequence on this dude named Brandon (whom I knew since high school). I don't deal with things like that. There's no room in my life to keep friends who act this way towards me. I respect him and I hope he learns from what he did. The door of friendship remains open.

I am sick. Its not the best feeling in the world at all. Nasal congestion, teary eyes, persistent coughing and phlegm stuck in the throat - those are wicked symptoms!!!! Worst of all is that I lost my voice as I can't speak right especially when it is required at my job. It sounds so coarse and rusty unlike the good looking pinoy that I am...So, I decided to rest up and stay home as a means for me to better improve my chances of beating this latest bout of the common cold. I look forward to making a quick recovery as I return to work on Sunday morning.

Its painful and upsetting how my coworker/friend Shar and her immediate family are dealing with another day. Her niece has gone missing since yesterday without any word or clue. They thought she was in school the whole time until officials noted to them on her absence. Prayers of hope for the entire family in Aurora, IL. May she be in good care as she heads home at some point in time. We can only think positive right now. Its tough but I'm believing in miracles.

NOTE: Just a few hours after posting this, she was found :)

Last night was a good one despite the rapid drop in temperatures as well as having sleet as the form of precipitation. That alone didn't deter me and Rizz's plan in hanging out with our friend Mr. Barclay and his wife Vicki at Rookie's Sports Bar here in St. Charles,  Illinois. We were all treated with the dollar burgers among other foods and drinks we had on our table.

With good food also came great conversations which later ended up at the Barclays' home within a mile or so. There, Mr. Barclay showed me around the home and even sharing his scrapbook which contained vintage photos and documents from decades ago. It felt like being caught in a timewarp of his past. One thing that was really overwhelming is something in one of the rooms. Does anyone remember 'The Christmas Story' and Ralphie's Red Ryder BB rifle? It turns out that Mr. Barclay had one, too which is well over 60 years old now. And get this - the original BBs are still there, too. I've come to have a newfound appreciation for Mr. Barclay - my good friend and co-worker whom me and Rizz refer to as either 'John' or 'Dave' since he was named as John David by his mother, who is still living in her 90s...In the end, we all gathered in the living room and watched the conclusion of the 49ers and Packers game. It sure was a good night and we were happy to be in each others company warming everyone's hearts. And that is something the weather itself cannot take away.

Time management has been crazy for me this week. And I admit, it's already putting a damper on my feat/accomplishment of blogging for 365 straight days. It's quite a bummer, huh. It's okay though. I will do my best to make up for lost time by posting a few blogs on some days just as you (the loyal browser) would already notice as it's routinely a habit I constantly do here. I definitely won't let you guys down. Good things are coming ahead and I'm gonna put in time to record these wonderful moments that'll happen in the future. So stay tuned, world.

Guest Blog from Rizz

"Our HD Plus Triple Bundle 12 month for $125.06/month is over ! Comcast don't value their customer for 3 yrs and never been late for payment. I was told they don't have any promotional to offer that cheaper than $197.46/month for existing customer. Goodbye Comcast and Hello AT&T!!!!!!!!! Exactly the same bundle for $85/month and I managed to charmed the representative to waive all installation fees (: Now, I am good or what??????? hahaha"

I'm on a quest to try and change things. Nothing new. Same goals like last year. I want to take myself to the next level. I can't let it slip away again. I must allow some time and effort to get things going. January is still too early. I can.

I've been sleeping in cycles lately because of the schedule my job runs...its difficult to back to sleep sometimes and there are moments I'm so tired. Either way, I'm just glad there is a period of resting than not having any.

The key to making things better financially in my life right now is either working a job that is 40 hours a week or 2 part-time jobs that is 40+ hours a week. At the same time, cutting my spending would help and saving instead (especially when the FL move idea is now in its early stages)....Through struggles of my own which included 2 weeks of no work at the job, it just motivates me more. Good news too that I just aced tests for a staffing agency nearby.

Feels good being in the bedroom on a cold evening as me and Rizz are listening to soft, mellow Barry Manilow tunes on the iPod deck and eating Russell Stover chocolates. We're also spending time surfing the net - her on the work laptop and myself on the S3 handset. I'm about to do laundry in the next few hours.

I find it distasteful for (some) new generation music lovers to insult and trash (via You Tube comments) the music that was once a part of my childhood, teenage years and later in my college years. If only they realized how innocent music was as well as the artist themselves that had more imagination in their songwriting skills (in which most of today's musicians lack and go with the same cliche filled with sexual innuendos just to spark young people's minds to like the songs). I see their comments using the words 'lame', 'awkward', 'corny' and the offensive remark 'sooo gay' (which is downright brutal and disrespectful)...However, I did see other new gens giving the utmost respect and passion for the classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s (even the 00's, for that matter). They even said they'd wish living that era....When it all comes down to it, there is still some fascination and interest in the music of years past, whether people like it or hate it.