Back from New Orleans!
Mood:
a-ok
Topic: ramblings
Well I made it back from New Orleans! I was both sad and happy to go. Sad, of course, cause it means I have to say goodbye again to my family, and I never know when I'll see those family members again. Happy cause, well, they can drive me up the wall sometimes. Read on and I'll explain...
The "Big Easy" sure was a fun place to be. Keep in mind, of course, that it's fun the same way I think Hawaii is fun: I love being there for a few days, but anything more than a week and I'm dying to go home. That was definitely the case here. I can't complain about the heat or humidity because the weather there was no worse than a typical Portland summer day. Everyone who has ever been to New Orleans, though, tells me how unbearable the heat and humidity can be there. For that reason, I highly doubt I will ever visit during the summer time...
Anyway, I flew to New Orleans on Wednesday (April 6th) with my dad. We left at 5am to get to the airport. How fun is waking up at 4am? Not very. But I also wasn't as tired as I thought I would be that day.
I stayed with my brother, Ben, and his family while I was down there. My parents got a hotel room as well, but I never stayed with them. I suppose the fact I brought season 1 of the
King of Queens didn't help either huh? We ended up watching episodes every night! That was a lot of fun...
As was the drinking. Yep...I bought Ben a pint of
Southern Comfort in October of 2003 when he first moved to New Orleans. For those who don't know, Southern Comfort (a.k.a. "SoCo") is produced in New Orleans. And, as a side note, I found out from my brother, Brad, that Ben did a little binge drinking in college with SoCo that led to him getting sick and never wanting to touch the stuff. So my gift of the SoCo pint was a two sided gift: it said "here's some liquid that's produced in the region you're heading" as well as a gag-gift that said "I know you won't drink it." What can I say, I'm a sicko like that sometimes...
So we broke open the SoCo on Wednesday night and Ben re-accustomed his mouth to drinking it again. It took a little while, but eventually he was able to drink it again without much of a problem (as was shown in the crawfish boil last Saturday).
All in all it was a nice trip, but there were things that irked me. The biggest issue I had was that I had no car of my own, so I had to rely on others to get around. That in and of itself would not be so bad, except for the fact that I seemed to be hungry more often than anyone else, and apparently I am the last person in the family who likes to eat meals at a normal time. I felt like I was begging people just so they would swing by a restaurant at 8 or 9pm. By then my stomach had already digested itself and began working on my small intestine.
We spent a couple of days in the "French Quarter" in downtown New Orleans: first on Wednesday afternoon when dad and I arrived into town, and then again on Friday. The streets were mostly empty on Wednesday, but it was fun finally getting to walk down the infamous "Bourbon Street." Not to mention, buying a daquiri and walking down the street sippin' on it ;)
Friday was a little more crowded, but I think more enjoyable because there were various street performers out, restaurants had their AC on, doors open, and music playing, and there were even a couple of people on the second floor balconies tossing beads down to us. In my case, they threw me beads as a plea to keep my shirt on...
I remember when Ben first moved there he talked about how nice everyone was. "They're so nice, they make you look like a jerk," I believe is what he said to me. Well I went and checked the people out there...although I didn't run into anyone who was a real jerk down there, I also didn't notice people being any nicer than they are up here.
The streets down there are crazy, too. And by crazy I don't just mean a lot of traffic or the fact that people walk all over the streets in downtown N.O. What I mean is the design: they have a ton of one highways that have large medians in the middle, and tons of places for U-turns. Half of the time we'd be driving, pass up the place where we were headed, and instead take a U-turn at the next "neutral" (as they're called) and then drive back to where we wanted to be and take a right turn. I'd prefer medians that give way to left turns myself...
I'm not sure when or if I'll visit New Orleans again. I definitely won't claim I'll "never" go back, cause I don't think it was that bad at all - I just worry about the rumors of the horrible heat and humidity being true. The fact my brother is too cheap to turn on the AC in the house doesn't make the decision any easier either. This summer may not be the best time to go, but perhaps towards the tail end of the summer (and thus their "hot spell") I might go down there with my girlfriend, Liza. It's a good 500 mile drive, so that means it would probably take about 8 hrs of driving to make it there.
I suppose time will tell just when I go back to the "Big Easy." I can't tell you how nice it was to need to put on a jacket to go to work on Monday. Not that I enjoyed having to go back to work, just enjoyed the realization that my current home is nice a cool and, sometimes, a little rainy. But that's all good for me :)
New Orleans here I come!
Mood:
party time!
Topic: ramblings
At 6:40am tomorrow I head out for New Orleans, Louisiana! I'm not sure exactly what awaits me (other than spending time with my family and sweating) but I definitely hope to have a good time there. I'll let you know of my adventures when I get back (and perhaps while I am there).
For those who don't know, the reason for my visit is that my nephew, Joshua, is having his First Communion on Saturday. I hope to have pictures to post when I return; depends on how cooperative my digital camera is.
Stay tuned for more...
God Bless Pope John Paul II
Mood:
sad
Topic: a sad day
Today marks the end of a life of debatably one of the greatest human beings to ever step foot on this planet. For 26 years this great man was a moral and religious leader to more than a billion people. And although in the last few years he has been in great pain, his pain is no more, for he is with God now. This man, born Karol Jozef Wojtyla, became known as Pope John Paul II on October 16, 1978 and has strived to spread the good news of the Lord to the entire planet.
It was 9:37pm in Rome when Karol took his last earthly breath. A great sadness undoubtably swept across the world as this confirmation flew through the airwaves. The media has been talking about this man we all call John Paul II and spent the whole day sharing stories of his legacy.
Since John Paul's passing I have come to realize two personal regrets:
The first is that I never got a chance to meet John Paul himself. I will forever envy of those who can tell stories of "when I met the Pope..."
The second is that the news broadcasted around the world today will eventually dissipate and some people, my yet-to-be-born-children included, will never get to hear about this great man.
This first regret is impossible to correct; the second is not. I can't wait for the day to hear my child ask, "Dad, what was Pope John Paul II like?" I just hope I can do his legacy justice at that point.
We will all miss you, John Paul, but we know that the Lord is contempt with the work you have done. You have completed your task of herding his flock; the Lord is calling you home. Go home. And tell the Lord that his people - us sinners - want to share in the feast with you and Him some day. Tell Him of our deep remorse we have for our wrong-doings and put in a good word for us as we continue to pray for our own mercy.
I hope to meet you one day in Paradise...
Bryan
100th post!
Mood:
cheeky
Topic: ramblings
Can you believe it?! My 100th post! And it's only been about 3 months - not bad huh? Well I have to have something totally cool for my 100th post; something awe inspiring that will stay with you the rest of your life. So what on earth would I talk about?
...
...
...
Well I got nothin'...
Terri Shiavo passes away...
Mood:
sad
Topic: people who need help
Terri Shiavo passed away this morning at her hospice in Pinellas Park, FL. She was 41. She had survived 13 days without any nutrition (even water) after a Florida court ruled in her husband's favor. Multiple appeals from her parents were all shot down from Florida's courts, as well as federal courts.
Her husband not only got his wish in removing the feeding tube, he also would not allow her parents or siblings to be by her side while she took her last breaths. What else should we expect from a man who has been unfaithful to his wife for years? May God have mercy on his soul and all those who aided him in killing his wife.
At least now Terri can live peacefully forever with our Lord. My heart goes out to her family who have been robbed of a beautiful soul...
Family pics...
Mood:
hungry
Topic: family
I just realized I have had my blog for almost 3 months and have yet to post any pics of my family! How crazy is that?!
Anyway, enjoy...
Here is a pic of dad, myself, mom, my sister-in-law Rhonda, my goddaughter Brianna, Rhonda's friend's kid (can't remember her name), my sister Lisa, and my niece Kylie
From left to right is: Brad, Johanna, Julianna, Ben, Joshua, Benji, Joseph, Kami and Maryanna.
Here is Rhonda, Brianna, and Bobby last Christmas.
And here's my niece Kylie with her daddy, Kevin, looking for Easter eggs.
Personality test...
Mood:
a-ok
Topic: ramblings
Advanced Global Personality Test Results | Extraversion | |||||| | 26% | | Stability | |||||||||||||||||| | 76% | | Orderliness | |||||||||||| | 46% | | Empathy | |||||||||||||||||| | 76% | | Interdependence | |||||||||||||||| | 70% | | Intellectual | |||||||||||||||||| | 76% | | Mystical | |||||| | 23% | | Artistic | |||||||||||| | 50% | | Religious | |||||||||||||||||| | 76% | | Hedonism | |||||||||||| | 50% | | Materialism | |||||||||||||| | 56% | | Narcissism | |||||||||||| | 50% | | Adventurousness | |||||| | 30% | | Work ethic | |||||||||||| | 43% | | Self absorbed | |||||||||||| | 43% | | Conflict seeking | |||| | 16% | | Need to dominate | |||||| | 23% | | | Romantic | |||||||||| | 36% | | Avoidant | |||||| | 30% | | Anti-authority | |||||||||||| | 43% | | Wealth | |||||| | 30% | | Dependency | |||||||||||| | 43% | | Change averse | |||||||||||| | 43% | | Cautiousness | |||||||||||||||| | 63% | | Individuality | |||||||||| | 36% | | Sexuality | |||||||||||||| | 56% | | Peter pan complex | |||||||||||| | 43% | | Physical security | |||||||||||||||||||| | 83% | | Food indulgent | |||||||||||||||| | 70% | | Histrionic | |||||| | 23% | | Paranoia | |||||| | 30% | | Vanity | |||| | 16% | | Hypersensitivity | |||||||||||||||| | 70% | | Female cliche | |||||| | 30% | |
|
Take Free Advanced Global Personality Testpersonality tests by similarminds.comFurthermore, the site claims:
Stability results were high which suggests you are very relaxed, calm, secure, and optimistic..
Orderliness results were medium which suggests you are moderately organized, hard working, and reliable while still remaining flexible, efficient, and fun.
Extraversion results were low which suggests you are very reclusive, quiet, unassertive, and secretive.
trait snapshot:
introverted, secretive, reclusive, tough, non social, observer, fearless, solitary, libertarian, detached, does not like to lead, outsider, abides the rules, mind over heart, good at saving money, does not like to stand out, does not make friends easily, self sufficient, not aggressive, likes the unknown, unconcerned with external opinion, strong, abstract, independent, very intellectual, analytical, high self control
Men's rules...
Topic: informative
Finally, the guys' side of the story. We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules! Please note... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.
1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.
Thursday, 24 March 2005
At work...
Now Playing: (For some reason, "8 Days a Week" is circling in my head...)
Topic: funny stuff
Jason: "Our Card Services department is such a freak show...it's ridiculous..."
Could have said it better myself, Jason :)
Monday, 21 March 2005
Seinfeld
Mood:
chillin'
Topic: sitcom funnies
Episode #165 - The Apology
Compliments of
www.SeinfeldScripts.comElaine: "Yeah, let me tell you something: this is all in her mind, OK? She is
insane. She thinks I made her sick because I coughed on her doorknob, rubbed
her stapler in my armpit, and put her keyboard on my butt. Yeah, she's a
wacko."
***Later in the same episode***
Jerry, [in Monk's with George]: "He took you to Rage-aholics? Why?"
George, [screaming]: "Probably because this whole Universe is against me!"
Jerry: "You've got a little rage."
George: "I know. And now they want me to bottle it up. It makes me so mad!"
Newer | Latest | Older
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
-- from the movie "Billy Madison"
"Do not compute the totality of your poultry population until all the manifestations of incubation have been entirely completed."
-- William Jennings Bryan
(In other words, don't count your eggs before they hatch)
"When seeking a companion, become the type of person you would like to attract!"
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