Year 1, Day 66

Dragon Con has come and gone (for me) and despite a costly mistake and some poor decisions in regards to events and panels; it was a fun event and I'm really looking forward to next year.

I managed to take a few photographs, but I spent the vast majority of my phone's battery life during the parade, which meant I was hovering around 20-30% for much of the day.

I want to do a bit more in-depth post later.

Year 1, Day 64

Tomorrow is Dragon Con and for now, I must rest.

Year 1, Day 62

The struggle never ends. And yes, my struggles my seem trite and petty, but they are mine and I have to handle it as best as I can. I struggle to make ends meet, but it isn't because of some grave misfortune that befallen me; it's because I'm irresponsible.

I struggle with weight issues, malaise in the workplace and many other personal issues. I get by though. I'm okay and I'm clearly tired. Sorry, these recent updates have been terrible, but fatigue wears me down and leaves me less cognizant of others.

Year 1, Day 61

Another quick update since I just got back in from yet another trip to the hospital. My grandfather who only just recently got out after a week long stay was back in after a fainting spell following his dialysis treatment earlier today.

He seems in good spirits and hopefully, he'll be discharged after a few days. Anyway, that's it for now.

Year 1, Day 60

From only one full episode, I've a feeling that I'm going to really like Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor.

That is all.

Year 1, Day 59

Rule 1: The Doctor lies.

...

...

...

Rule 1.000...0006261983: I lie.

I promised a write up on Deep Breath, the series premiere of Doctor Who, but instead you get LIES! Sorry.

Year 1, Day 58

I'm not sure what happened last night, but I was completely out of it not long after I returned home.

Needless to say, but today's update will be short too because of Doctor Who, but I promise to share my two cents on the series eight premiere as well as my initial response to the new Doctor tomorrow. 

Year 1, Day 56

So, apparently, there is a porn parody of Doctor Who called Docto Whore. Really?

Year 1, Day 55

I lied.  I'm still drafting updates via the Blogger iOS app, which is convenient.

Yes, I miss formatting updates to please my own aesthetic preferences, but it's a comfortable convenience.

Anyway, I suppose I should discuss my day or something along those lines.

Today was Salad Day for the staff at HQ and since I'm inept at cooking; I brought ice for drinks.

Despite it being Salad Day, I still avoided greens not smothered in cheese or meat.

I'm slowly learning that I don't like our new IT director and I suppose that's because he mistreats my coworkers.

Anyway, I found myself struggling to set aside the distraction in Youth Services. I know it's for the best and after nearly two years of unrequited feelings; I decided that I had enough of it.

I don't know why it is so difficult, but I do that it's for the best.

Year 1, Day 54

Things have settled.

I had a moment today to simply sit and watch some Netflix; I watched Harlock: Space Pirate.

I'm not sure if I'll do a formal #SMR since I watched it at home, but I'll say that I did enjoy it; the animation is truly beautiful.

I sort of relaxed today after work despite being there past my time.

There are still many things happening in this world, but sometimes you just have to shut things down and relax.

Hopefully, I will get back to using the PC for posting because phone tapping isn't the best way of drafting updates.

Year 1, Day 53

I give up (for now)! I thought about drafting a update about Ferguson, MO, but is too much of a pain to draft a good post on my phone. So, it will have to wait till another time.

Year 1, Day 52

Is it necessary to post an update simply to post an update, especially, if nothing's being said?

Oh well, I guess I'll need to figure that out at a later time.

Year 1, Day 51 - #ShiteMovieReview 02

Despite my apprehension, I decided to see Michael Bay's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.  I say "Michael Bay's TMNT" because this is certainly not the TMNT from my childhood.  If I were a child, I may have enjoyed this movie some, but I am not a child and I am highly sensitive toward any attempts to bastardize parts of my childhood.  I'll be frank--there were a few moments where I laughed and there were a few moments in which I was drawn into the action sequences, but these were few and far in between.  Also, I will admit that I may not have given this movie a fair shake because of my preconceived notions, but I wanted to be wrong; I was right.  So, was this movie worth the price of admission ($8 matinee)?

No, it was not.  In fact, if you must watch this film (e.g., you are a parent and you have a child), then wait until it comes out on Netflix (or Redbox, if this movie doesn't become available via a streaming service that you pay a monthly rate for). 

Year 1, Day 50, Part II

Is this personal journal or an online soap box?  I don’t know.  While the basic idea of this site is to serve as an everlasting digital chronicle of my life, I also have opinions that need to be expressed not because my opinions have any value beyond this site, but because I need to simply get them off my chest.  Tonight, I’m in the mood share my opinions and I because I promised multiple updates, here we go:

What’s happened/happening in Ferguson, MO is absurd. A young, unarmed black man is gun-downed by a police officer and it takes nearly a week before the police name the officer responsible and when they finally make a statement on the matter; the police attempt to (1) justify the officer’s actions and (2) assassinate the character of the victim.  In case the authorities were wondering, it’s not the potential cause of the incident that has people protesting on the streets; it’s the fact that an unarmed man was shot to death.  Of course, law enforcement officials have done little to alleviate the situation, especially, when one sees reports of the use of aggressive force against protesters and the unwarranted arrests of two journalists covering the events in Ferguson.  Sadly, this is just another incident in a series of incidents.  Perhaps, I’ll expand upon my opinion in a future update, but for now, one can only hope that some semblance of justice will prevail.

And now, for something much more positive:  the Barclays Premier League returns tomorrow!  Manchester United and Swansea City kick off the new season at 7:45 AM/EDT.  For United supporters, it’s the start of yet another new era as Louis Van Gaal will look to rebuild and return the squad to glory.

Anyway, I feel like this has drug on long enough and while I did promise a new #ShiteMovieReview; it may need to wait till tomorrow or Sunday.

Year 1, Day 50, Part I

Okay, I have been posting plenty of single line cop out updates recently (see last night’s update), but I plan on making up for my terseness this evening.  I have a lot on my mind and I’m going to pour them all out in a series of updates tonight as well as post brand new “Shite Movie Review”.

Robin Williams

SOURCE:  NPR's Fresh Air on Tumblr

I touched on the passing of the entertainment legend earlier this week, but I wanted to expand my original sentiments as well as touch on the sensitive topics of depression and suicide.

Robin Williams was an amazing and immense talent onscreen and an incredible and remarkable person off screen.

Some will ask how I know this given the fact that I never met him and to this I respond by saying that they are right and that I do not know, but it is the impression I have of him.

An impression that was developed and cultivated from the roles he played and from the performances he gave; it is an impression that comes from reading the stories about his well-chronicled bouts with drug addiction and from the tidbits of information I was able to siphon from entertainment publications in this increasingly connected society.

Robin Williams was a man, who despite his own personal struggles, was able to bring smiles and laughter into the lives of millions of people.

Robin Williams in my mind will always be the loving father who dressed in drag in order to be hired as his children’s nanny or the wise-cracking genie that helped the poor street riffraff land the princess while teaching a valuable lesson on being selfless or the jaded yet comforting counselor to the downtrodden genius janitor who was unsure of his own value.

Robin Williams will be many things to many people, but to me:  Robin Williams is one of greatest entertainers of all time.

Unfortunately, some people could not let those that mourned mourn instead they felt it necessary to make a statement on Mr. Williams’ means of passing on:

It wasn’t even a couple of hours after news broke on Mr. Williams passing that this appeared in my Facebook News Feed.

Apparently, this particular “friend” felt that this was an opportune moment to espouse his opinion on suicide despite nearly everyone else within my news feed choosing to be respectful of the recently deceased and deciding to instead celebrate his incredible talents and the gifts he shared with the world.

I suppose the thing that grinds my gears the most about this particular status update is the fact that this individual exercised the same amount of discretion and thought that the Westboro Baptist Church does when it decides to make proclamations against homosexuality via the passing of others.  The only difference is that this person decided to make his stand against those suffering from debilitating mental disorders like addiction and depression rather than homosexuals and in truth; that sickens me.

Addiction and depression are real and the effects they have on the human mind can be devastating and rather than demean the sufferer for being “too weak-willed”; we need to support them.

As for suicide, suicide is devastating for all those involved including the one that sadly chooses to end their own life in this manner.  People will say that the person who committed suicide took the “easy way” out, but that is nonsense.  Yes, they may be gone from this world, but don’t believe for one second that the moments before the end for these individuals were all sunshine and lollipops.  From a personal standpoint, suicide is an incredibly difficult choice and in some way, a courageous choice (I’m pretty certain that is not the word I’m looking for) because I’ve at times contemplated suicide, but I am too much of a coward to ever go through with it.  Of course, it hurts those around the person and it leaves them wondering if they could have done more, but those are things that we will never have an answer for because the only person that could answer it is gone.  I know these last few sentences have been perplexing to comprehend and I guess what I’m trying to say is this:  Life is short and while we try to make the best of it, there will be times in which it becomes too much for some, but rather than wonder “Why?” and “What if?”, perhaps we should instead choose to honor and remember the fond memories and ask ourselves “What’s next?”

Year 1, Day 49

So tired. I'll again tomorrow.

Year 1, Day 48

I mowed the lawn for the first time in a long time. I made a mistake.

I went into work for three hours to avoid using any annual leave. It was boring.

After work, I had dinner at a "Japanese noodle shop". I had some takoyaki and tonkotsu ramen. The ramen was okay.

After returning to Gainesville, I had some Key Lime pie ice cream from Bruster's. It was delicious and refreshing.

And now, I sit in a new room at NEGMC while my grandfather undergoes dialysis and I await the return of my aunt with my mother. He was in good spirits with the rest of the family and his visitors. Barring any complications, he should be going home soon.

Overall, the day has been good.

Year 1, Day 47

My grandfather is in his third night in the ICU at NEGMC.

I feel confident that he'll recover from this current medical issue.

At work, we were short-handed again but we managed.

A day has passed since the passing of Robin Williams and I, like countless others, mourn his passing.

But then, there are those that feel the to use such tragedies to make some statement believing that they're on some moral high ground when in reality; they're just being jerks.

I really do have a lot more to say on this, but doing so on a phone is more burdensome than I am willing to deal with at this time.

Year 1, Day 46

It's been a long day and I wish I had the energy to cover it all, but I do not.

Perhaps, I will try again later, but for now, I just want to say:

RIP Robin Williams

Year 1, Day 45

Exhausted. Man, if I am this worn out after a small convention like Atlanta Comic Convention, how on Earth am I going to make it through Dragon Con?

Today, I spent the day with two of my coworkers at the convention along with a few other stops throughout the day. The Atlanta Comic Convention (not to be confused with Atlanta Comic Con or Wizard World Atlanta...whatever it's called) is a much smaller, dealer's convention. Basically, it is a comic-themed flea market with an affordable price of admission.

In terms of location, it's more accessible for me than Dragon Con, MomoCon or AWA. The space itself is a bit cramped and is very conducive to con funk, but given what you pay; it's a fair trade off.

Personally, I was out of place. The ACC (because I am not writing it out every time I make reference to it) is definitely for the diehard comic book fans that know what they want. Yes, you can be an utter noob like me, but it wouldn't hurt to have a game plan in place before entering.

Anyway, I did enjoy myself and I'll probably go again, but I'll be better prepped next time.

Year 1, Day 44

Posting from the iPhone (again). One can always tell when I'm posting from my phone because it lacks any sort of formatting. Anyway, I worked today--it was smooth though I kind of worked myself into a frenzy for a short bit at around the hour-and-a-half until close mark. I suppose I was anxious because...actually, I'm not sure why I was being so antsy. I worked with the lab closed for much of the morning since the number of patrons we typically have on Saturdays is much lower than a typical business day.

I had an odd sleep cycle last night and when I returned home and slept. I also had a momentary lapse of proper sense this morning at the gas pump when I was incapable of making my digital Kroger Plus card to work at the pump; the worst part of that incident was the fact that I had my aunt's physical card in my wallet and I did not remember that fact until after I had started refueling my tank.

I downloaded Plants vs. Zombies 2 for the iPhone and well, it is slowly raising my blood pressure and stress levels. I'm also becoming increasingly impatient with the Family Guy game I downloaded last weekend.

Tomorrow, a couple of coworkers and I are heading down to the Atlanta Comic Convention. One of my coworkers has set aside a budget of $200 for the event. Personally, I might spend between $5-$10--depending on whether or not I can find some cool $1 issues. Personally, it's a nice day trip into the city to relax and maybe prep the others for Dragon Con though I know that they are nothing alike.

Well, it's back to PvsZ2 for me.

Year 1, Day 43

I'm certain that I have amassed enough bad karma to last multiple reincarnation cycles.

But, the fact of the matter is that I'm not an inherently bad individual; I just happen to be an overly selfish individual.

I believe this is the case for all individuals, but it just so happens to be exceptionally more apparent within me.

I try to mask my self-centered and selfish nature through self-degrading humor, but it still manages to shine through brightly.

Would I like to be more selfless? Maybe, but as I have pointed out in the past, if I don't watch out for myself, who will?

My selfishness is built upon the notion of self-preservation. I take action in the best interest of me.

I cast away things like relationships with other people because it takes too much of a personal investment.

An investment that reaps very little good in regards to me and my well-being, but anyway; I suppose that's all I have to say on the matter.

In truth, I wanted to discuss my ongoing struggle with overcoming a personal burden--a burden in an incredibly cute pink dress--but I know that it is best to simply ignore it or at least, give it little credence unless I get crushed by that avoidable burden once again. In truth, there are more important things to worry about and be burdened by.

Year 1, Day 42

An update before 11 PM?

I thought I would switch things around and actually publish an update before I started feeling sleepy.  Anyway, today was good.  In terms of productivity, I managed to complete a number of my expected duties prior to opening despite an upset stomach.  And on top of all of things I managed to accomplish, there were cookies!  Of course, I should lay off the sugary treats, but I cannot deny myself the simple pleasure and taste of sweet.

Honestly, I wish I had something more significant to write about given the fact that I am actually alert for the drafting of this update, but alas, nothing of the sort comes to mind.

Year 1, Day 41

In case you were wondering, I'm back to posting updates from my phone.

As for my past couple of updates, all I can say is that I have been really worn down.

I never stated that my posts would be good though on occasions I do get the writing bug.

This is another sorry update because of my insistence on waiting the last minute to do stuff.

Anyway, I'm just going to take easy and to get some sleep now.

Year 1, Day 40

I'm tired. I'm tired of not being able to sleep a full night's worth.

To be frank, I'm struggling to put this bit together.

So, I'm done

Year 1, Day 39

Mondays are strange, but they are only strange because the patrons they bring out are so damn ignorant.

I have never understood how someone could argue with a straight face about a fine for something they initially paid nothing for.

Of course, then again, we are a society that can and will complain about things we receive for free (see: renown restaurant critics).

I try in earnest to be as professional as I can be with these patrons, but I find it awfully difficult to maintain my composure.

Anyway, Mondays are bad, but they give something to strive for in my personal life: Don't be a dick.

Year 1, Day 38

Today, I drove into the city for the AWA volunteer staff meeting before the convention in September.  Afterwards, I ate dinner with some friends at a Korean-Mexican fusion joint in Midtown call Takorea.  I had a "KFC" (Korean fried chicken) tako [sic] and a "Belly" tako [sic].  The Belly was a little heavy on the chili sauce, which spilled onto my KFC, and I wasn't really able to taste the pork belly in the tako. But, the KFC was just fantastic.  We had dessert at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream--I am hooked on this place, which blows because I live over an hour-and-a-half away--where I had the pineapple upside down cake ice cream paired with the salty caramel ice cream; it was amazing. Anyway, that was my day.

Also, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Esther Day! I love you guys even though I don't know you guys.

Year 1, Day 37 - Shite Movie Reviews #01

First, I want to say that I don’t know sh*t about movies—I watch movies and then I judge movies and that’s the extent of my movie knowledge.  I will typically review will newer theatrical releases though my reviews will usually occur a few weeks after the release date (with the exception of this review since I saw it on opening day).  As for ratings, there will be no stars, thumbs or scores instead I'll judge a film on whether or not it was worth the price of admission I paid to see it (which if you're wondering is typically $10.50).  I should also let it be known that the genres of movies I watch are narrow since (I don’t do horror or ultra-violent movies).  So, without any further delay, here is my first “Shite Movie Review”:

Guardians of the Galaxy

I had a blast watching this movie.  It was action-packed, it was funny, and it even had some touching moments.  Guardians is one of the best movies, if not, the best, Marvel Studios released to date.  Visually, it was amazing and I cannot wait to see all of the incredible cosplay that will come from this movie.  Also, the soundtrack for the movie was filled with all types of nostalgic tracks and added so much to the movie.  So, was it worth the price of admission?

YES, it was the price of admission and then some. I pay $10.50 at the theater that I normally go and watch movies at, but I would just as gladly spend a few extra dollars at some of the more expensive theaters located further south on I-985.

Year 1, Day 37

I missed a day, but I am happy that it took over a month before I did.  In truth, I may have a reasonable excuse, but I have no reason to use it since I plan on posting two entries this evening.  Tonight's first entry, this entry, will be a run of the mill entry and my second entry for the evening will be the debut of a new feature to the site: Shite Movie Reviews.

Anyway, I've spent much of the day doing nothing and aside from blackening my steak dinner and watching Marvel's Avengers Assemble animated series on Netflix (it's fine compared to other animated series airing at present).

We have a new/used clothes dryer in the house and that is nice because it means I can actually tumble my wrinkled clothes and I don't have to bother my aunt and uncle to use their dryer.

To be frank, today has been a bore, but that is not necessarily a bad thing because I am explicitly trying to avoid any real physical exertion.

Tomorrow, I have my final volunteer staff meeting for Anime Weekend Atlanta, but more importantly, I hope to get to hang out with my good friend, Louis.

I suppose I should get started on that second entry for the night since I may have an lengthy introductory paragraph to draft.