How was your year?

I made a resolution at the beginning of this year to try to be a better person, less negativity, closer to God, etc... I didn't have any unrealistic goals or goals that I wouldn't keep. I find myself trying to spread the positive thoughts all over to my friends and to my fiance because it's not healthy to be stressed. Definitely not healthy to be agonizing over something that you have no control over. I feel like I've had an amazing year and I am looking forward to a great year ahead. I will be a Mrs. by this time next year... I think that's so crazy but I'm so excited. I think staying positive throughout the year has really benefited my spirit, my life and those around me. So naturally I need to share with you a song the can bring up your spirits if you're down. When I first heard this song I had no idea that Bobby had the motivation to make great music. I definitely needed to let y'all know about Bobby Flacco because even if you're not a hip hop head, the message in this song is great.

Enjoy! Happy New Year!

Midnight Mass Prelude for the birth of Jesus Christ

Why be so negative?

Monday mornings are quite annoying especially when you had an extremely busy weekend and didn't get to sleep in as you had hoped for. But, you can determine how the rest of your day will go and how you act. I always laugh at the people that blame their bum ass attitude on the fact that it is Monday. Maybe you just have a bum attitude and it's not Monday's fault. My Monday didn't start the best but I'm not gonna ruin the rest of the day by being pissed off.

Either way, I notice that people will say "can't wait for the new year, so I can start fresh". Well my personal view is if you want to start fresh, why wait until January 1. You've made the decision to make some changes and have a better attitude, why does it need to wait until after we sing "For Auld..." I don't get that about people.

This time of year is extremely special for me not only because of the birth of Christ Jesus but, because it is a time to reflect on great times we've had and changes we've made. If reflecting causes you to be negative, well, then maybe you should just start yourself anew today. I don't consider myself a motivational speaker in any sense, but, really you are in control of your emotions and how you want to live. I personally put my faith in God and know that whatever is happening around me is for a reason. So, if I feel like I'm having a bad day, I say oh well and move on... it's just easier to get through life without being so negative.

Have a great day!

It is official....

My fiancé's last name change is official. For 30 years, he was a Bobé legally but, was always using the Cali last name in school and when his mother raised him. Today, the judge approved the name change. He chose to change his last name to allow us to carry on that name as well as pay tribute to his late mother. We agreed that his dad's name will never be a secret but, I respected the fact that he wanted to carry on the Cali name. 


Michael Anthony Cali is official. I cannot wait to be Mrs.Cali!!

New Season, New Resto, New Brew

Mike and I spent our engage-iversary weekend almost mimicking what we did when we got engaged a year ago, December 5. We had no specific plan except "go to the city" and walk around. With a number of tourists out and about too, we tried to avoid them as much as possible. We stopped in to Macy's Herald Square (big mistake), went to the Bryant Park holiday market, walked up 5th Avenue towards the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Saks changed their lights display, I don't like it. We were going to stop by St. Patrick's Cathedral for a prayer and mass was starting. So we stayed, that was our first time ending mass at St. Patrick's. It was a nice service and great message.  A couple of friends that I met while trying to find a home for the Chargers group branched off this year and started a new restaurant. So after checking out the tree, eating a slice of pizza, we ventured down 5th avenue again towards the The Park Ave Tavern. This new restaurant is a mix between art-deco restaurant and a good ol' fashioned pub. The crowd is grown and sophisticated but definitely not college. The best part it doesn't have a "bar" smell once you walk in. The decor is simple yet makes a statement. The beers are typical for a bar: Brooklyn Lager, Sam Adams, except for a few. All night I had this new brew called Mother's Mil by Keegan Ales. It is a dark stout that has a light taste. It is easy to love. More on this new resto, everyone looks sophiscated. I was in a sweater and jeans and I felt a little underdressed. Maybe it was just that night, but I can't wait to go back and try the table tap system they have downstairs. The sitting area at the bottom of the stairs is quite sexy too. Either way, I love new restaurants, new brews and especially this new season of cold and walking around the city.

Yawnnnnnnn!!

I need to start going to sleep earlier than 1am every night. I have been obsessed with using Photoshop, being on a wedding message board and just BSing online. Mike got a laptop a few months ago and it's been easier to be online with it while lounging with him at the apartment. It's a pretty big deal for me to have my own computer usage but damn, I need to be away from the computer for a bit. I am in front of computer for most of the day unless I am on the subway or sleeping. This is quite bad, maybe I should go work out. Anyway yawnnnnnnnnnnnn.... I'm looking forward to semi-sleeping in on weekend.

New Fonts Make Me Smile!

I was playing around in photoshop again... Til late of course (it's almost 1am). I downloaded a new font and created a new monogram design. I will probably put this on my etsy shop to see if any new brides bite.

'Tis the season of...

peace, understanding, love and reflecting on the year. As you may have noticed a lot of changes have been happening around me this year but I absolutely know that this is what is for me. I am at peace with the obstacles I have encountered. I am blessed to have a great family and by family I mean close and dear friends. I wish Michael and I could be in two places at once but we will be seeing our West Coast family sooner than later.

Don't get lost in the commercialization of the Christmas season and do something nice for someone you don't know this month.

How do you know?

If your friends will turn their backs on you during a really important time in your life?

If the new person you meet will end up being a good friend in your life?

If God was trying to tell you something all along and you chose to ignore it?

Either way, I think it's not a good idea to question and just LIVE. I am happy where I've been, who I've met, etc and can't wait for more LIFE to come

Love
Is
Forever
Except..........

After a long hiatus, new venture emerges - my first Etsy product

Hello. It's a been a while since I posted, but, I have been busy with a job transition, wedding planning and overall not really much to write about. I have been working hard planning my wedding, dealing with mad drama (ah who cares, that's over with thankfully), growing closer with God and my future husband. I couldn't be more content with everything that is going on right now and I can't wait for the new things happening around me in the next few months, especially 2011!

Custom Monogram with Quote on Etsy

After realizing how expensive things were with the term "wedding" attached to them during my planning process, I started getting in to creating my own invitations, working on monogram labels, etc for us to use. I had been searching for a monogram on etsy.com but realized that I could probably do this myself in Adobe Photoshop rather than pay for it ($7-10). After a few tries using psd or jpg files from Adobe Photoshop, I realized that this didn't seem like a bad business venture for me. I created the sample monogram (as shown) as a basic starting point for an etsy shop.  I will be creating custom digital files for brides, new moms, etc that may need some help in the design department. This monogram design can be customized to fit specific initials, add a date, etc. It can then be used for wedding programs, wedding menu cards, place cards, labels, ceremony programs, etc. The files that I can create are provided in high-resolution format.

I would have never jumped the gun and done this if it weren't for wedding planning. I have enjoyed planning to this point and I really can't wait for the big day!

Please visit my etsy shop: here.

Another UPS FAIL

Please change your carrier if you use UPS.

Another package not delivered to my home, despite messages to deliver to neighbor (who is ALWAYS home). Now, I have to rent zipcar to go get my package since it's all the WAY in the boondocks and there are no trains or buses to the center where my package is being held.

If the package is not there, I WILL FREAKING FLIP MY LID!!!!!!!!

It's not the camera, it's the memories

This past weekend, a couple of friends, my future husband and I went to Matamoras, PA to go tubing down the Delaware River. For about 90% of the trip, we had the camera in tow. My friend's very nice Canon with waterproof case, snapping photos down the river, I got to use the "color accent" feature and everything.

Towards the end of the river ride, the camera slipped away from my friend's possession and he didn't notice it for a while. Looking for a while, upstream, downstream, etc, it was no where to be found.

So many good pictures on the river and they are most likely never going to be seen. It's not the camera he's bummed about, it's the pictures that were taken.

So sad, please return the camera or just the memory card, that's all I care about. I lost my camera last year at the Chargers - Giants game. I believe it was stolen by the bus driver actually. Anyway, again, it's not the camera I care about (that can be replaced), it's the memories.

Bummer

Google Calendar is my friend.

Why must my life be so busy? I have been scheduling and adding items to my Google Calendar so much more lately. I don't know if it's because I'm on a stricter budget for our October 2011 wedding or if it's just that I stay busy in NYC. If you look at my calendar for September you will probably have a brain fart. Photography meetings, Chargers games, online drafts, registry signups, etc. Not to mention, I have a full time job as well. This is just a little nuts and my head hurts just thinking about how busy September will be. I need to go BACK to the gym and I need alone time. All in all, I'm happy that I have Google Calendar to help me organize and plan how things will pan out for the last quarter of 2010! I love you Google Calendar.. lol!

Birds aren't cool.

Not one to use this blog solely as a place to bitch and moan. But, birds, as in the loud ones that talk about their problems in PUBLIC, are NOT cool. Listen, I don't want to hear about how you and your boo were arguing about some other bird. Or that your child support has not come in. Thanks, but, remember... SILENCE IS GOLDEN!

Proud moment.

I dedicate my spare time to the NYC Chargers Fans. I am a little overworked at times. But I do it for the Bolts. One of my proud moments happened recently. I was featured in the "Fan Spotlight" in the Chargers gameday program. My group was mentioned and there's a picture of us.

Proud, nothing else can describe the feeling! Go Chargers!

Why I hate UPS

1. UPS attempted to deliver the pack on 8/11/2010; it was not. Someone was home too (because that was the expected delivery date), but, come to find out just a sticky was left on the front of my building.
2. The following day, left the UPS notice on my building door to deliver to the neighbor since no one would be home on the following day (2nd attempt).
3. I called UPS at 10:36am on 8/12 to remind them that it should be delivered to the neighbor's apartment, they said they would put in a message to the driver and mentioned the notice on the front of the building with my signature and message on the back (to deliver to neighbor).
4. UPS called me back at 11:45am on 8/12 to confirm my message yet the message had not reached the driver in time before the 2nd attempt (at 11:29am).
5. Again the following day, I left the notice on the front of the building and when UPS called me at 11:35am or so to confirm I wanted the package delivered to the neighbor I said yes. However, on 8/13 (shortly before the call) the 3rd attempt was tried and the 2nd phone call I got, the lady said that the message re: to leave at neighbor wasn't received.
6. So the lady said they would hold the package on the truck since Monday would be a different driver and couldn't get the message out to Monday's driver until Monday.
7. I checked the status of my package on Friday evening come to find out that the package had been returned to the sender.
8. I called the 800 UPS number and Rudy (UPS rep) said that he would get a message out to HOLD the package and have it re-delivered to my neighbor's address despite repeated messages and confirmations from representatives from the number 718-678-1900. He assured me that this would happen.
9. I received a call around 9:35am this morning from the local customer center saying that my package has been returned to sender and I should've called the 800 number to hold the package. (Which I did call on Friday when I noticed it was being scanned to be sent back but was NEVER told to call the 800 number when I received my 2nd call on Friday). She said that I had to call the original sender to have it re-delivered.

If you followed all of that, you realize one thing. UPS is incompetent of receiving any messages put on the account or sent out to the driver. Yes, it was my bad to have it delivered to my apartment when I should have just delivered to a house/home. Also, why can't they hold packages for a day or so like USPS does if the person wants to go and pick it up. Really UPS? Luckily it's not a time-sensitive package, but the items are personalized... so they are going to have to re-send, I just hope they don't give me any hassle like the Customer Center did.

I will avoid UPS shipments as much as I can.

Thank you and goodnight!

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies bring me back to afternoons at my grandparent's house where I would raid the cupboard and grab some of the deliciousness from one of grandma's purple tins. They were placed carefully in 2-3 stacks and I knew that the tin would be stacked at all times. OMG, DE-LISH! I had a weird craving for them last week while at the supermarket but of course, they don't have them in the clear plastic as I remember Mother's Iced Oatmeal cookies to be. Closest I got to them were Oatmeal Nabisco's. Oh definitely not what I'm looking for. Three days passed and voila! I found some generic brand cookies at the corner store near the apartment. While they are not Mother's they are almost as delicious. Now let me go watch General Hospital with my grandma in the "TV Room". Rest in peace Grandma and Grandpa, I'm thinking of you!

Go pick up some and enjoy the yumminess...

Silver Dollars

I've had an amazing summer so far and we've reached the halfway point. When I got back from Cabo San Lucas in June, I stayed busy with friends and my New York family. One highlight though is spending time with my two good friends: HHH. We were introduced to each other over a year ago but we've spent a good amount of time getting to know each other and being homies. We have this common bond of chatting, gossiping and bullshitting after work. Either way, I told them recently that they are my new york family because although we're not around each other 24/7 I genuinely think we all truly care for each other and support each other the same. We have had some long nights just hanging out but I really enjoy the advice and the laughs that come out of our little get togethers. Just this past week, we went to a happy hour which turned in to a chill out until 11:30 at night. If y'all are reading this, well all I have to say is SILVER DOLLARS!

Keep your close friends close and cherish the memories you make...especially if you don't have a blog to look back on.

Keep On Truckin'

You know we are all parts in this game of life. You can be used as a knight, make your move past Go or stay Sorry! for the moves we make. Okay, I know you're saying "Enough with the analogy, Mari" but I was just thinking about how it relates to life. There are so many different Clues to how to win the game, how to avoid getting eliminated, etc but often times we don't want to look at them. As I often do, I run through a lot of ideas, goals and to-dos on my subway ride home. I've sat next to people that look like they're deep in thought too and wonder - are they being creepers or just thinking about their next strategic move. I have to admit that a lot of people seem so lost in this game. This is just my observation. No one can really really control another player's moves either. If the next move makes your game take another path, would you stop or keep on truckin'? I don't wish that any player stops but that's just me - keep on truckin' the game master will guide you through. There is a plan, stay positive, speak your mind and laugh like you just won the game. Maybe that next move you make will be The One.

Saying a little prayer for all my close friends, their families and most importantly, my family on both coasts. We can't go through life wondering if that next move will make us lose the game. If we do that, you have already lost.

My blog is my "Ben"

My blog is like my "Ben" .. Don't know what I mean?? Google that and Michael Jackson.

I'm gonna try and keep this short and simple. Key word: Try. One phrase or word that continues to appear in everyday discussion is HATER or HATING. Last I remembered leaning more towards something over the other didn't mean a person was hating or being a hater. I think the word "hate" is disgusting which is why I'm trying hard to not use it anymore, for example: I HATE THE YANKEES, etc. It's too exhausting to dislike anything that much. Promoting another team or disliking the excessiveness of another person's boasts does not mean I'm hating. It's called an opinion. They are like assholes. Everyone has one. So let's all try and stop using that word, try to be better citizens.

Another thing is this whole excuse well it's okay because you wrote it in a social media environment. I'm sorry but when was it ever cool to be disrespectful towards your peers. For the most part, I will try and convey my thoughts in a clear manner as I would face-to-face. My intention is never to judge another person's views or situation, but, simply presenting mine. I'm not being ignorant either because I have a differing opinion. If you want to discuss the background to my statements well then let's talk. Unfortunately, many want to read with a chip on their shoulder and immediately form an opinion, then bash. Believe me, I am no saint but really, do you need to be disrespectful when you disagree. Ask yourself would you say that to someone's face, probably not - or you would, and get smacked and lose many "friends". In recent months, I find my patience for this behavior running low. I want to spread positivity. Is that too much to ask ? We all make mistakes, we all say stupid shit. I am included. Just lighten up and remember Galatians 5:22.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

You got a friend in "Ben"..

My Beloved USA

If you know me at all, you know that I've always been very patriotic. I enjoy American history, the good and the bad. I enjoy USA-centered events like Memorial Day parades, fireworks, and love seeing the American flag waving high and mighty.. Today was one of those days were I felt many of my peers felt as I've always felt. So proud to represent the red, white and blue! I was in a meeting during the United States vs. Algeria world cup soccer match... I had been out of the meeting for about 2 minutes and walking to the car. I refresh my Twitter timeline and there I see it: "goallllll" I got chills and they continued as I read more and more tweets about the goal. I could rest. I was extremely nervous when I realized we reached the end of the 90th minute. That changed with the reading of that tweet. I was no longer anxious. Overcome with pride, I was excited to see other fans of the game honking their horns, waving their American flags, and screaming wooooo!

No matter what happens for the remainder of the world cup .. I will be proud of my beloved USA and remember where I was when Donovan scored to help us win our group! Donovan is king!! Let's go USA!

Los Cabos

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when none of my buddies could accompany me on my vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico. I knew that spending time with my parents would undoubtedly be a good time being that I hadn't seen them for 6 months. When I arrived at the Los Cabos airport, I soon forgot about that disappointment and set out on one of the most relaxing and rewarding vacations ever. Most of the time when I vacation I have these to-do lists or to-see lists, but, my plan for Cabo was to get a tan! I wanted to come back to New York, looking like I had been visiting the tanning beds for months on end. Well, my mission was accomplished so much so that a co-worker even though I was in the tanning beds when he mentioned my tan as we were leaving in the same elevator. Um, no, I don't do the Jersey Shore thing. This is a REAL tan!

So my Los Cabos time was spent at a resort closer to San Jose Del Cabo, about a 20-25 minute ride to the Cabo San Lucas you see on TV. This was okay with me because I had a nice room, a nice view, a pool and a swim up bar for my enjoyment. Days 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 were spent by the pool from at least 10:30am until 4, sometimes 5pm. I couldn't lay out in the sun because I felt my skin burning. I used SPF70 after the first day in the sun because I got pretty red. Re-applying sunscreen in between a Tequila Sunrise or a Pacifico, I met a lot of people by the pool. Young women from NorCal, an older always-complaining-couple from Texas, newlyweds from Tennessee, etc - a good relaxing time was had by all. On the 4th day, we headed in to town to get some fish tacos and some things tourists usually get while in San Jose Del Cabo. You think the USA has an issue with public restrooms, well try looking for a bathroom to use in SJD. That wasn't as bad as I figured it would be. Either way, didn't want to be too tourist-y and it was heating up down en el centro. We spent the last hour or so of sunlight in the pool but it was toooooo windy for my taste. I was only warm when I was underwater.

Either way, you get the picture with me, the vacation and the pool. Another highlight of the vacation was waking up and not really having an agenda. It was more like, ok. let's go hang by the pool. The staff at the Regina were so laid back and enjoyable, good people I hope to see next time I go back. For the remainder of the week, we took an ATV tour on the Pacific side of Los Cabos. It was really chilly and thankfully I brought my sweater jacket. The excessive sun exposure would not have made my already red skin for that 4-hour trip. We were with a group of rookie ATV riders, made the trip slower than I would have liked. Our time was spent roaming the hills along the Pacific Ocean and making my way up the dunes along the beach. We made our way back to the hotel and decided to head out to CSL for some dinner and drinks. Dinner on the marina proved to be a good price for the 3 of us. Lobster tails, crab cakes, grilled shrimp, etc... Then, drinks were had by myself and the young women I met at the pool. We enjoyed beer pong at Happy Ending and dancing at El Squid Roe. Crazy Mexicans! Some Regina staff showed up after midnight and wished me a Feliz Cumpleanos! Never thought that the first people to wish me a happy birthday for my 30th would be a couple of strangers but it was fun. I spoke with Mike after I got back to the hotel, it was nice to hear him on my birthday, then woke up to a gift from my brother and sis-in-law along with 2 cards! Next on the agenda: Breakfast then the pool. The staff had a plan, to get me stumbling on my birthday. We had bartending lessons and I helped Oscar make drinks, $2 for 2 drinks. Oscar and Daniel proceeded to give me two shots of something. I was pretty buzzed by this point. The young ladies and I took a few more shots of tequila and that would be it for me for a while. Haha! It was only 1pm but, I decided to play some pool volleyball and just lounge. To my surprise, Daniel brought me a little dessert plate that said Happy Birthday on it and it helped sober me up. (Thankfully) After a couple of rounds of volleyball and some more fun in the sun, we headed to Zipper's. Zipper's is known to locals and this was the 2nd time we came here. The moon was coming up over the Sea of Cortez, it was a sight to see.

Overall, my trip was a great, relaxing time. I didn't really have much to think about in Cabo except, get sun, get drunk and get in the pool! Here are just a few of the shots that I took with my CanonSD - fotos

Garbage

As I look at who's featured on MTV or being played 2 times every hr on the radio, I realize that there's a lot of garbage out. By garbage I mean, that 1-hit or 3-hit wonder. We got artists who have $ signs in their artist names. We got people singing repetitively... "take it take it take it". Its all garbage.

Yet there are some artists who don't make it mainstream. Why? Because they are rocking the bling bling or being sexy?? I can only attest to the past 30 yrs of music but I find myself loving all the classic artists more and more. I was talking about what music I'd like in the wedding with Mike's aunt and she was surprised. I mentioned Frank, The Eagles, Deano, etc. I guess it's not normal for her, but, most of my acquaintances love the classic artists more than present day fluff artists.

With that said, I hope B.o.B.'s album becomes a classic!!

oh so passionate, about sports....

If anyone knows me even just the slightest bit is that I am so passionate about my teams and why or why not I dislike a team / player / coach. I can take it too seriously sometimes as I've deleted some friends over a ball game. I try each and every season (whether it be the Mets, Padres, Chargers, etc.) to let it not bother me, but it still does. I get worked up over someone talking bad about my teams yet I won't hesitate when it comes to taking digs at other teams or players. Call me a hypocrite, call me whatever. I'm just so into the game sometimes.

I get it. I'm passionate. But, I'm also a little bit unreasonable too. But, if I dislike a team / player etc, it's because at the time that a specific sports moment happened, I felt crushed. You might be asking yourself, what the heck is wrong with this chick? Yea. I know. But get this, I cried when Oscar de la Hoya got the decision in 2003. I was that upset for the kid, Oscar seemed so disappointed. I cried when Roy Jones Jr. got knocked out by Antonio Tarver. I was more upset that I didn't get to see RJJ in his prime than anything. Either way, I take my teams, players, etc very seriously. Some may say I am a bandwagonner and I like too many teams. But it's just me.

Dilemmas of planning a wedding

....we haven't picked a date yet but it will probably be in 2012.

There is a lot to think about: colors, reception, guests, music, style, vows, invites, etc etc. But the worst of them all is guests. I would love for all my friends and all my family to join me on this special day. The problem is that not all of them have been there in my life especially most recently. Do you invite them just because they are family?? Do they even know Mike? Or if I invite her, I have to invite those people. I have heard from a lot of people that let it be your day. The problem is that for my entire life I have cared about people that may not give two shits about me. So yes, I have time to finalize the list and there may be new friends that come along that would be added as well. Not to be mean, but, I am going to be selfish. If you don't get an invite, it's not because I don't love you. It's just that I can't afford for everyone and their mama to attend.


I'm sure you'll hear more about this in the coming months.

The basics of riding the New York City subway.

1. Give up your seat to an elderly person especially a female.
2. Wait until everyone exits unless there is a clear in and out lane.
3. If you lollygag and don't make moves to get out especially when it's crowded don't expect the people to wait for you.
4. Don't put your whole body on the pole so when the train moves you aren't all over someone else's hand.
5. Don't stop on your way up or down a staircase unless you want people to curse you out.

And last but certainly not least....

6. Please be quiet. No one wants to hear your conversation.

Almost every ride I take, I am witness to one or more riders who just don't have a clue. Please take these as life tips for surviving in the city. Remember. If you see something, say something.

So many things to write about.....

...where do I start?

1. Apartment revampification

It's springtime and the apartment is coming together so perfect. Just in time for our guests. 4 in May, 3 in June, and just found out one of my close friends is visiting in July.

2. Baseball season

It started slow for my Mets but, the Padres wow!! they are amazing everyone. I hope it lasts, only for the sake of the fans and the city of san diego. We really need to break that sd sports curse!

3. Chargers

Spent part of last week discussing everything related to my Chargers. A few nights were dedicated to the draft, yes! that was a fun time.... especially learning about all the new rookies! We are looking for a new bar for next season and I think we found it...

Well I have to get back to work, I've got to tie up a lot of loose ends before this week ends only because I start a new job next Tuesday!

I'm ready...

for a new challenge. True believer in good things happen to those who believe. God is good!!

I've Got the World on a String....

...sitting on a rainbow! .... What a world, what a life, I'm in love!

So in the past couple months, I've really done a lot of self exploration and analyzing of myself. Not to get too in detail, but, I've had issues with girl friends staying true and also me complaining about it so much. I accept more and more each day that people change and you cannot really whine about the people that come in and out of your life. About this time last year, I was blessed to get the truth from a friend of mine. Her friend was visiting (who I knew before her and met through a mutual friend) and we had a falling out over 7 years ago. She didn't want to hang out with...plain and simple. (I thought she was a little crazy about that and holding on to a grudge) At the time, I was a bit upset but it really opened my eyes. I thanked my current friend for being real with me and not ignoring the situation. We're good friends now. In years past, I would let it bother me to no end. I can't figure out why things are different now except that I'm older but it feels good.

In addition to this little situation, I've lost a few friends over stupid disagreements or even our silly president. Yes, that's right, my best friend stopped talking to me because I didn't vote for our president. Really? Yep. He was too stubborn to accept my different views.

I have an amazing best friend now, my fiance.

Either way, the point of this blog is really just to spread the love. I am enjoying life's journeys and you should too. You cannot control what obstacles come your way, but you can control how you deal with them. If you stay positive and think that good things come to those who wait, you will be rewarded. Believe me, it's a lot easier to be happy than to be stressing about negativity....It's your life and God doesn't give us anything we can't handle.

A Fine Nine with the Bolts

Yesterday, Mr. LaDainian Tomlinson was released by the San Diego Chargers. As much as I knew it was coming, I didn't want to accept it. I cannot imagine Mr. LT in a different jersey but he's such a class act. He deserves a ring, but, does that mean that he would NEVER get it in San Diego. What is he saying about our team? Are we THAT bad? Sure, we've choked and LT was injured a few times in the playoffs but as a fan, I can't help but think...What if we do make it all the way next year and then LT will look like the fool?

OK. Don't get me wrong, I love LT. I even own a shirt that has "I heart LT" on it. I fell in love with his actions on and off the field especially when 60 minutes featured LaDainian and LaTorsha one Sunday night in early 2008. As far as I know, LT loves San Diego and gives back a lot to the community. Will I miss him as much as those children at Rady's Children Hospital, probably not. But, I will miss his personality on the field. The teacup TD celebration, will he still do that wherever he ends up? You can't think about the Bolts without thinking "lt" so who knows how I will feel when I see him in a different uniform? Either way, I hope that he is happy and I hope that he will miss San Diego like SD already misses him.

I wish LaDainian and his family all the best and he deserves a RING. I just wish that ring was with us. Good luck #21!

Sade is Back

When I was in my early twenties, Sade released her last album and now she is back. I have never really called myself a Sade fan, but, I definitely figured I'd download her album and have a listen.

Favorite song - The Moon and The Sky



I love the way this song starts off and adds another element that isn't being used in today's music. The slight stop in the backbeat is also different. I'm big on the song title too because I love nature's goods, sky, moon, stars, etc. "You'll always know the reason why we couldn't have the moon and the sky" - If Sade is talking about a lover she wanted and couldn't have, then damn, sorry lady. If it's not well then she really knows how to make you feel that way in the song.

My other favorites are Skin and Babyfather. Thanks to Sade, I have a nice relaxing subway ride with soothing beats to enjoy.

If you haven't gotten your Sade - Soldier of Love album yet, please go and get yours. My life makes me happy, my music makes me happy.

People come and go....

....people come and go, but stars and heroes give you memories that help you grow.

A friend of mine wrote this and isn't it so true. People do come and go, but those constants are the ones that can make an impact. I'm talking about from the highest hero of them all to the hometown hero who did a good deed and got recognized for it. But, there's isn't a formula for how to make an impact on someone because we're all different.

I bring up this topic only because I admire LaDainian Tomlinson so much and although he is not a hero of mine, he could be to many young people. I don't admire him for his game play as much as I admire him for his person. I saw a 60 minutes interview with him back in 2008 and it profiled him and his wife. This interview showed the LT person not the LT player helping out at a hospital during the Christmas season. His generosity and down-home attitude is admirable in a football world full of wannabe stars and crybabies. With the impending birth of his first child, I dreamed of that child being introduced with a Chargers jersey on. Okay maybe I'm taking it a bit too far, but, this is an end to an era. As a 29 year old, I'm able to deal with it becauses it happened before with Seau. I mean it's just a sport, but young kids grew up knowing about LT and how special he was to the town of San Diego.

As I finish up here, I remember the good times that LT brought to me and I wish him the best! He hasn't officially left our team yet and barring a miracle, he will be back. Until then, #21 will be missed!

Social Media is Taking Over

I consider myself pretty well versed in the social media scene and consider my knowledge of its benefits pretty high up there. The reason I felt like writing about this topic now is how much it has taken over, not to mention it is social media week here in New York.

I'm sure you all have facebook by now, but, do you have twitter? Twitter is not really like facebook in the sense you can upload photos, etc, but it is like the old days with chat. I first started off with a twitter account to just follow local things in new york city and people i had interest in. Then I found the value in it: social media marketing. As you may know, I am the co-chair for a local fan group of football fans. We were organizing a trip to the meadowlands and a party to welcome others in to town, well I got the word out via twitter and facebook. I ended up getting an interview on the radio in San Diego. All because of Social Media. Anyway, I've kind of built a community of friends on twitter and have really reeped the benefits of social media. Applying this knowledge to every day life and my career is only helping me in this field. If you're looking to get some important information out and across to many people, then definitely make sure you broadcast in the social media world.

In a new update to my life, I have been writing a lot of restaurant and bar reviews lately. By doing so, I am putting myself into a competition of sorts with other blabbermouths. I am writing about places that I go to and giving people my honest opinion. Will it help this establishment get more or less business, well karma is a b**** so I try to keep it positive. Only when I have a REALLY BAD experience will I go out of my way to write something bad. There are benefits to all this writing, it's like an online journal. I've always said I'm so glad I have a blog because I can look back and remember so many things about my life. My next project is thinking of a specific theme, exploring more of this city and writing about the new places that I discover this week. Thanks to social media, you'll probably be able to follow in my footsteps.

I love my life.

A Beer's State of Mind

As you all know, I've been used for the past 6 months and I feel beat. As much as I love this time of year, I am really going to miss some of my favorite people. Here are some favorite memories of the 2009-2010 football season.

In the month of September, I saw some old buddies return for a Sunday Funday. Mimosa and Bloody Mary joined me on the table as we got to watch some good games. I saw some crazy girls dressed up in mini skirts and high heels and I thought, damn!! Not in a good way, this is sunday gameday not sunday best dressed. Either way, I had some good times.

October flew by but November was the month to remember. I met this group of kids from California that were visiting New York, they took me on a joy ride to Jersey and had their way with me. I can't imagine how they felt because I know I was worked hard to give them what they wanted, a good time. Either way, their team ended up winning the game at the Meadowlands and we spent the rest of the night together until the wee hours of the morning. I didn't give them a hangover because I felt it was best they enjoyed the rest of their stay in NY.

Come January, things were slowing down for me. I didn't have to make my rounds as much as I did in September, but I still showed up.

Now I look at the current state of football and realize that my life as beer will be coming to a long 5 and half month break. Football and I don't meet up from March through the middle of August but not because I said so, it's because of Goddell. That bastard!

Did you hear that we may permanently break up in 2011, are you kidding? No $12 pitchers on Sunday, no making the rounds amongst my bffs Mimosa and Bloody Mary. I don't come to brunch unless there's football on. Man, my life would be boring. Not only for me, but, what about all my buddies at the bar. Think about it, no one would have any reason to break one an ice cold one if there is no football on. I mean it would be no fun with only PBA Bowling to watch and a NASCAR race here and there. I don't go well with those things anyway.

On a lighter note, next Sunday's Super Bowl game is a gonna be a good one. It will bring me back to early September, the excitedness is there, I can feel it. My personal favorite Drew Brees who loves himself some good IPA is playing in the big one. He has been smashing cold ones all year and it'll be interesting to see how he matches up to the ever-present i-have-a-stank-pissy-face Manning. Probably one of the best SB matchups in a while... I cannot wait. I will be consumed in heavy amounts, along with some chips and dip, finger foods and hot wings!

Until then, drink up!

Big thanks to @ShyneIV for posting it on his blog too: Silverback Gorillas

Who's Your Doppelganger?

doppelganger: 1 : a ghostly counterpart of a living person.

My sister in law reminded me that it is Doppelganger Week. That was a pretty good movie if I remember when I was little, but really I'm fascinated by the concept. Although I don't think I have a ghostly counterpart, I do think I highly resemble a living person by the name of Annabeth Gish. Ms. Gish has been in several movies and I think we used to look a lot alike until she started to get wrinkles and I grew up...haha! I have a picture of her at the bottom of this message but it's an older pic and I don't wear my hair like that anymore..

Do you think it's possible to have a living fraternal twin and someone who resembles you so closely? I think it's possible. Consider all the people that "remind you" of someone else. There are a few people that remind me other people but then they speak or their mannerisms change my mind.

It is kinda creepy that we can have people look so similar but I guess that's just one of the wonders of the world.

Gaga for Gaga

OK. So she is IT. She is the best performer of recent times. I just went to her show on Thursday and it is a great show. The best part about it is that she can sing. She sang "Speechless" live and the entire crowd sang along with her. One of the best performances I've seen. Either way, this lady is pretty intriguing and if you have a chance - please check her out live.

That brings me to this story about how I once had sushi with LG. LG was dating my friend Sam Kaplan back in 2006 for about a month. She was a local musician like a lot of people in New York are. Either way, either we met her at the sushi place or Sam invited her because he had recently started talking to her. She sat right there next to us with another friend. I asked about her music and eventually added her on myspace. Had I still been using myspace when I finally made the connection I'd look back and find a comment she wrote on my wall after I complimented her music.

Either way, that's my story.. Not too exciting, but she had long brown hair and she didn't make crazy monster faces like she does now.

One thing I wish musicians wouldn't do is get into politics. Really? Just stick to music, that's what you do. I don't want to hear your rants and raves about how the government this and that. Thank you.

Just dance.

NFL, what would I do without you?

Rumor has it that the NFL may be on lockout in 2011. Well news to you, I'd be devastated. I am not new to following the NFL, I've just got in to it a bit more than I ever have before this season.

Not only because of Philip Rivers, but, because there is plenty of talent around the league. Why would they take it away from me? Noooo. Picks challenge, Fantasy Football, Gamewatch, C'mon Man and NFL Network, what would I do without you?

Anyway, this weekend is the first weekend of 2009-2010 playoffs. I'm undecided on who to pick for this weekend's matchups:

Dallas vs. Philadelphia
Green Bay vs. Arizona
Baltimore vs. Patriots
Cincinnati vs. New York Jets

Hmmm, can Dallas beat Philly 3 times this year or will McNabb and crew step it up? Will Rodgers come through as the star over Kurt? Is Tom Brady secretly crying that his number 1 receiver Wes is out? Is that even a given? Will the Bengals step it up to defeat the Jets? I hope so.

We don't know. But, this is why it is so exciting... I love this game!