Those who know me know that I listen to a wide range of music. Everyday. The iPod is probably the most used thing I own. I like everything from Classic Rock, to Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Folk Metal, Punk, Rap, and everything in between. Bands like Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Rammstein, Korpiklaani, Flogging Molly, DMX, Marilyn Manson and Metallica. Of course, I like certain bands more then others but I generally listen to my iPod on 'Shuffle'.
Pandora.com has helped me discover bands too. I discovred Korpiklaani and The Dropkick Murphys through listening to the Flogging Molly station, for instance. I listen to certain music when I am doing certain things. My 'Irish' Music helps me write. My 'Heavy' Music helps me when I'm playing video-games.
I have trouble trying to sleep. I'll lay in bed for hours before sleep finally claims me, no matter how tired I am. I've tried all sorts of things to try and correct it. The activity of the day, the food i eat, none of that effects my sleep, so its not like i'm eating sugar right before I'm going to bed. I just can't sleep. I think its some sort of chemical imbalance, and the brief time I took Ambien, it still took me about an hour to fall asleep but i was at least able to sleep a good solid 6 - 8 hours with out waking up.
Thats the other thing, you see. I have trouble falling alseep and I have trouble staying asleep. The slightest noise, the slightest light change, anything, will wake me up. Its why I can't sleep in in the morning. Once the sunrises, I might as well get out of bed too. I also don't like wasting the day away by staying in bed until noon, like some people I know. By the time you get up, the day is half over and you've missed out on a lot.
But music, i think, helps me. I listen to it as I lay in bed and sometimes fall asleep with it going on. The only bad thing about this is that i'll wake up an hour or two later because the music is still playing. It helps me focus, and I listen to it all day on the weekends, whenever I am sitting at my computer. I can't deal with quiet when I am awake.
The Dropkick Murphys, the most recent band I've discovered, are pretty awesome. Love the lyrics, love the music. Heres a sample of what they're all about, though this song is rather calm compared to the rest:
The Green Fields of France - The Dropkick Murphys
Enjoy/Comment.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Three Nil to the Arsenal!
Yeah, there are two things I LOVE about this time of Year: FOOTBALL! (Both the American and European Versions). What Americans have come to call "Soccer" is one of my favorite - if not THE Favorite - sport for me to watch and play. The EPL (English Premier League) kicked off about two weeks ago - today being start of Week 3. My team, Arsenal (Arsenal Gunners) are ranked Top 3 virtually every year despite fielding one of the youngest - but most talented - teams around. Anyways, they lost one and won one out of their first 2 games, showing extremely poor form. Just weren't clicking together. This past midweek matchup against FC Twente (Dutch team I believe) in the Champions League saw them mesh together with a 4 - 0 win. Today, they were supposed to be tested by Newcastle United, who had done well last week to draw 1 - 1 with Manchester United (whom I despise, and is also a consistantly top-3 Team in the EPL, Chelsea FC rounding out the trio). Fortuneately, the Gunners decided to play vintage Arsenal Football, which is 2nd-to-none in Europe with their passing game. The result? A Three-Nil (3 - 0) win over Newcastle, with a brace of goals from RVP (Robin van Persie) and a late tap in by Dennilson (19 yrd old Brazilian). Could have been a lot higher, if not for some good goalkeeping and unlucky finishes. Hopefully this form continues.
American Football kicks off this upcoming Thursday. I'll state it hear and now that I am a J - E - T - S JETS JETS JETS Fan! This Offseason was truly intriguing, with the addition of Brett Favre stirring things up. On a side note, something odd about Arsnenal and the Jets....the QB for each team (in Soccer, is a Midfielder typically called the General of the team) both share the same number - FOUR! (4). Brett Favre = #4, Cesc Fabregas = #4. Opposites ends of the age spectrum...Fave = 39, Fabregas = 21. Anyways, back to the Jets....an improvement over last season is more then expected, just a matter whether or not they'll make the playoffs this year. Looking forward to the matchup against the Patriots. Favre doesn't answer the long term QB situation, but will be a good teacher for the younger QB's on the team.
So I got sidetracked there, not to mention the NFL realyl hasn't kicked off yet, so not much more to share about them. In other news, I think I've found a new favorite band. Thanks to Pandora.com, listening to Flogging Molly station, I kept hearing songs by the Dropkick Murphys. So on a whim, I bought their 'The Warriors Code' Album and LOVE IT! (Also got the latest/newest Flogging Molly CD - 'Float') The Dropkick Murphys are GREAT! I guess i might as well ignore the fact I hate Boston (since it is the land of the America-Irish) and the BoSox World Series is mentioned in the song called 'Tessie'. Great stuff though, fits in well with my Flogging Molly and even my Korpiklaani stuff (A Band from Finland) not to mention the Scottish Pirates I love so much (Alestorm).
I find it amusing that half these bands I love and songs I listen to are all about drinking ("A wench by my side and a jug of mead, these are the things that i most need." - Alestorm) cus I mean, what Irish song ISN'T about drinking? Still, I don't drink and have no reasonable explanation for it beyond the fact that I don't drink ANYTHING unless I am thirsty (no binge drinking of any sort for me) nor do I like the taste of Beer or Wine or most other alcoholic beverages. So, 'nuff said. Drop it already.
So distracted again, this time by facebook. Got an unexpected email from an old friend whom I have not seen in...hmm....5 years or so? Haven't talked to her in about that long too, so just spent the last half hour writing her an epicly long response (despite trying to keep it short) basically filling her in on whats been going on and why the hell I am in the 6th Ring of Hell. Oh, in laymans terms, thats ORLANDO.
American Football kicks off this upcoming Thursday. I'll state it hear and now that I am a J - E - T - S JETS JETS JETS Fan! This Offseason was truly intriguing, with the addition of Brett Favre stirring things up. On a side note, something odd about Arsnenal and the Jets....the QB for each team (in Soccer, is a Midfielder typically called the General of the team) both share the same number - FOUR! (4). Brett Favre = #4, Cesc Fabregas = #4. Opposites ends of the age spectrum...Fave = 39, Fabregas = 21. Anyways, back to the Jets....an improvement over last season is more then expected, just a matter whether or not they'll make the playoffs this year. Looking forward to the matchup against the Patriots. Favre doesn't answer the long term QB situation, but will be a good teacher for the younger QB's on the team.
So I got sidetracked there, not to mention the NFL realyl hasn't kicked off yet, so not much more to share about them. In other news, I think I've found a new favorite band. Thanks to Pandora.com, listening to Flogging Molly station, I kept hearing songs by the Dropkick Murphys. So on a whim, I bought their 'The Warriors Code' Album and LOVE IT! (Also got the latest/newest Flogging Molly CD - 'Float') The Dropkick Murphys are GREAT! I guess i might as well ignore the fact I hate Boston (since it is the land of the America-Irish) and the BoSox World Series is mentioned in the song called 'Tessie'. Great stuff though, fits in well with my Flogging Molly and even my Korpiklaani stuff (A Band from Finland) not to mention the Scottish Pirates I love so much (Alestorm).
I find it amusing that half these bands I love and songs I listen to are all about drinking ("A wench by my side and a jug of mead, these are the things that i most need." - Alestorm) cus I mean, what Irish song ISN'T about drinking? Still, I don't drink and have no reasonable explanation for it beyond the fact that I don't drink ANYTHING unless I am thirsty (no binge drinking of any sort for me) nor do I like the taste of Beer or Wine or most other alcoholic beverages. So, 'nuff said. Drop it already.
So distracted again, this time by facebook. Got an unexpected email from an old friend whom I have not seen in...hmm....5 years or so? Haven't talked to her in about that long too, so just spent the last half hour writing her an epicly long response (despite trying to keep it short) basically filling her in on whats been going on and why the hell I am in the 6th Ring of Hell. Oh, in laymans terms, thats ORLANDO.
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Last Time...
Things in my life have finally settled down. At least, as much as they ever will. Jenn is completely out of my life now - I have nothing here that is hers or reminds me of her, nor do I have her on AIM or my PHONE anymore. Completely done with her and that part of my life. I think i'd even dare to say that I am over her and ready to move on. A month or so ago, things all just seemed to click together about her and how things were between us. I'm not going to go into all that, but i've basically concluded that it was one of those life-learning experiences - in the sense i learned a lot about myself, the person I am, and the person I want to be with.
For starters, I have a few things that are a MUST in a girl:
1. Short - I'm only 5'10", and girls love to wear heels. Nothing taller then 5'6"....5'7" is OK too. 5'8" might be pushing it.
2. Athletic - I like being active. I want to live an active lifestyle. So, I expect the same from my partner.
3. Animal Lover - I love most animals. Cats I can tolerate, but given the choice, I wouldn't live with any. Dogs - now thats something I want in my future. I'm leaning towards a Visla - highly active dog, but that should fit right into my lifestyle.
4. Intelligence - I like a girl with brains, it challengs the mental side of me. If you can't tell me where Georgia is (the Country, not the State) then you're probably not going to be able to hold many intelligent conversations with me. Sure, I might talk techy a little bit (everyone should know what a Cat5 Cable is...) but since its my current career, I'd appreciate it if you made an attempt to learn/understand what I am talking about. I will, on the other hand, make all atempts to show interest and learn from you about your job and any terminology you may use.
5. Down to Earth - Keep your head out of the clouds, thankyouverymuch. Its even better if you're aware of whats going around you too.
6. Honesty - this is probably one of the biggest things for me. I try to be pretty truthful and honest around everyone I know, even if its not what they want to hear. If i'm committed to you, in a relationship, then you've got nothing to worry about. I'm not going to run off with some one else or cheat on you. I'll respect your wishes too. I expect the same sort of treatment from you. (This ties into #2 down below). If, for whatever reason, you do cheat on me I expect you to own up to it immediately - i'd rather hear it from you then one of your friends. And DON'T say you're sorry - if you were, you'd never have done it in the first place.
Some things a girl should NOT be:
1. Materialistic - Sorry, doesn't cut it for me. I don't like snobby people, who love you based on how large your wallet is.
2. Extra Baggage - still sorta kinda seeing some one? Have some one on back-burner? Open relationship? Juggling a few guys? Then I'm not interested. I'm not going to compete for attention from some one like that. If you can't commit to one guy, then don't bother talking to me.
3. Smokers - Can't stand it. I've seen plenty of hot girls but get completely turned off when I see them puffing on a smoke to the point where i'd reject them if they were interested in me. [Not that a hot girl has ever approached me before.]
4. Dishonesty - Small lies turn into big lies, which turn into major problems. A relationship is all about trust - if I can't trust you about simple, little things, how can I trust you in a relationship?
Take that list as you will. Its kind of my checklist when dealing with new relationships.
As for me and my life, I have no idea what the next few years have in store for me. I think it would be safe to say that I will have moved away from Florida by 2010 though where too is still very much up in the air. In my current situation and my single status in no danger of changing anytime soon, its safe to say that by 2011 you'll find me in one of the following places (listed in order of preference):
1. New Zealand (South Island)
2. British Columbia (West Coast of Canada)
3. Colorado (Denver Area/Boulder)
4. NJ/NYC Area (Hometown Area)
Places I don't want to live can be summed up like this:
1. Florida
2. The South (Southern States)
3. Boston (Go JETS!)
So that takes care of that.
I'm using this weekend as a launching off point that will get me back on the rails. I haven't ridden by bike in about 2 months and still need to lose at least 10 lbs. I need to try and eat healthier too, though have little motivation to do so and what I have been eating is easy and cheap. Going to the GYM is out of the question - can't afford a gym membership at this point and don't think I could drag myself there after work, not to mention it cuts down on gas usage. Getting active again will be nice, and i'll be spending a few weekends this year out in the woods - not true camping/hiking, but about as close to it as you can get her in Florida.
For starters, I have a few things that are a MUST in a girl:
1. Short - I'm only 5'10", and girls love to wear heels. Nothing taller then 5'6"....5'7" is OK too. 5'8" might be pushing it.
2. Athletic - I like being active. I want to live an active lifestyle. So, I expect the same from my partner.
3. Animal Lover - I love most animals. Cats I can tolerate, but given the choice, I wouldn't live with any. Dogs - now thats something I want in my future. I'm leaning towards a Visla - highly active dog, but that should fit right into my lifestyle.
4. Intelligence - I like a girl with brains, it challengs the mental side of me. If you can't tell me where Georgia is (the Country, not the State) then you're probably not going to be able to hold many intelligent conversations with me. Sure, I might talk techy a little bit (everyone should know what a Cat5 Cable is...) but since its my current career, I'd appreciate it if you made an attempt to learn/understand what I am talking about. I will, on the other hand, make all atempts to show interest and learn from you about your job and any terminology you may use.
5. Down to Earth - Keep your head out of the clouds, thankyouverymuch. Its even better if you're aware of whats going around you too.
6. Honesty - this is probably one of the biggest things for me. I try to be pretty truthful and honest around everyone I know, even if its not what they want to hear. If i'm committed to you, in a relationship, then you've got nothing to worry about. I'm not going to run off with some one else or cheat on you. I'll respect your wishes too. I expect the same sort of treatment from you. (This ties into #2 down below). If, for whatever reason, you do cheat on me I expect you to own up to it immediately - i'd rather hear it from you then one of your friends. And DON'T say you're sorry - if you were, you'd never have done it in the first place.
Some things a girl should NOT be:
1. Materialistic - Sorry, doesn't cut it for me. I don't like snobby people, who love you based on how large your wallet is.
2. Extra Baggage - still sorta kinda seeing some one? Have some one on back-burner? Open relationship? Juggling a few guys? Then I'm not interested. I'm not going to compete for attention from some one like that. If you can't commit to one guy, then don't bother talking to me.
3. Smokers - Can't stand it. I've seen plenty of hot girls but get completely turned off when I see them puffing on a smoke to the point where i'd reject them if they were interested in me. [Not that a hot girl has ever approached me before.]
4. Dishonesty - Small lies turn into big lies, which turn into major problems. A relationship is all about trust - if I can't trust you about simple, little things, how can I trust you in a relationship?
Take that list as you will. Its kind of my checklist when dealing with new relationships.
As for me and my life, I have no idea what the next few years have in store for me. I think it would be safe to say that I will have moved away from Florida by 2010 though where too is still very much up in the air. In my current situation and my single status in no danger of changing anytime soon, its safe to say that by 2011 you'll find me in one of the following places (listed in order of preference):
1. New Zealand (South Island)
2. British Columbia (West Coast of Canada)
3. Colorado (Denver Area/Boulder)
4. NJ/NYC Area (Hometown Area)
Places I don't want to live can be summed up like this:
1. Florida
2. The South (Southern States)
3. Boston (Go JETS!)
So that takes care of that.
I'm using this weekend as a launching off point that will get me back on the rails. I haven't ridden by bike in about 2 months and still need to lose at least 10 lbs. I need to try and eat healthier too, though have little motivation to do so and what I have been eating is easy and cheap. Going to the GYM is out of the question - can't afford a gym membership at this point and don't think I could drag myself there after work, not to mention it cuts down on gas usage. Getting active again will be nice, and i'll be spending a few weekends this year out in the woods - not true camping/hiking, but about as close to it as you can get her in Florida.
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