I'm getting EXCITED...

Boo, People. Well here it is Thursday morning. This week seems to have flown by so fast. The damage from the tornado we had on Christmas day is pretty bad. The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University took a very bad blow from it. It totalled 4 college buildings and damaged 6 others. They had over 50 planes destroyed. The Sutton Place apartments lost 3 buildings completely and had damage to 5 others. At this time, the damage in Daytona alone (2 other tornadoes hit in the area) is at $33 million now, I'm sure that number will go up. I wouldn't be surprised if it hits $50 million.For some reason, this is really weighing on my mind. It's just sad that these people literally have no where to go and have nothing left to carry on with. It's just a sad sight. I hope FEMA does declare it available for funds. That's why we pay taxes. On the home front, I have got some more packing done. I've got some cleaning up to do in order to get ready for the New Years party I'm having. Its gonna be a very small crowd compared to last years. I had 40 guests last year stop by. This year's party will be low key. I'm having it here at the condo. I'm gonna invite about 15 people. I'm gonna make my spinach dip that all of you love, gonna make my 7 layer dip, and the INFAMOUS BEERPUNCH that you all can't get enough of. After the party is over, I am gonna go ahead and finish packing up the kitchen and living room. I should have everything but the Projector taken down. Rachael and I are still awaiting word about the house we are hoping to get. My friend Danny (longest friend I have had in Daytona... he picked me up and rented me a room in his house) when I moved to Fla. back in 2-98. He visited for a while and he gave me a Xmas gift. I confirmed with Manpower that I guaranteed to start in the training class on 1-8. He sounded at first that it wasn't because they are requesting more bi-lingual agents. After I told him that I had already gave my notice to my job and done everything to get relocated to the area, he then told me that I was for sure to be in that class. I'm nervous as hell, because if something major (job falls through or the house doesn't come through) happens, I don't know what I am gonna do. I've worked hard on this move and I have really tried to cover all the bases as best I can. But, until I get started at the job and I get a lease signed on the house and the keys to it, will my nerves calm any. I've been very anal about this move, because most of you know my past track record moving has never been pretty. I use to just move at the spur of the moment literally. It got me into some very very bad predicaments. This time I'm doing it the best I can on a single man's budget. I'm just very nervous. But anyways, I'm off today and I am about to hit the sack, its almost 320am here. I will definitely post some pictures from the New Years Party. That's the one day I think friends should get together and reminisce over the past and look forward to the future. Good night and peace out!

Eerie Christmas Day

Hi People. What a strange Christmas day. I woke up around 730am and checked the weather out to see if I should expect rain on my way to work. My job is about 2 miles south of the house and the buses don't run on Christmas day. So I had to walk. I actually made it in excellent time. But I was the only one in the office today and it was very busy handling the office. I went out for a smoke around 12 noon and I was looking up at the sky and I told the security guard for the office that I bet we were gonna get hit with a tornado. The clouds were very low, but they were hauling a$$ North and it was just weird feeling. So I went back in to work and around 130ish we started getting some thunder and lightning and the power kept flickering on and off. I was chatting with Dan (my roomie) online and I told him I had a hunch that it was going to be remembered as the Tornadoes of Christmas Day 06. I was watching the live feed of the Doppler radar online. I'm in a building with no windows except the front door and I'm terrified of lightning. I went up front and looked out and it didn't look too bad and I went back to work. I went out for another smoke around 230p and the security guard told me that a tornado had hit. But he was wrong in where he told me it hit. I finished that cigarette and got back to my desk to see a message from Dan that one had hit the police department and an apartment complex there. There were houses that were completely destroyed. The airport sustained a lot of damage as well. More than 60 planes were damaged. I feel so bad for the people that lost everything they ever had on Christmas day. The news didn't get much footage before the sun went down, but I'm sure there is a lot more damage than they realize. They said it was an F2 tornado that hit us. That's up to 150mph winds. Can you imagine sitting at home having dinner and out of nowhere one hits you. It's just sad and scary to think about. Well, I was supposed to get off work at 5pm but I didn't get finished with the reports til 540p. I walked back home. The Cranberry Sisters (John, Tommy, and I) and Dan were supposed to go to see the premiere of Dreamgirls. We got all the way to the movie theater and the line was 20 mins long just to get tickets, so we decided to go have a couple of drinks. We stopped at Rumors first and it was rather boring. Then we headed on over to the Streamline and we were practically the only ones in the bar. LOL. So, we called it an early night. I guess after the long day of answering 70+ phone calls and inputting 30 internet reservations and the tornado affair, its just been an exhausting day. It wasn't a good Christmas at all. Since, my cell phone doesnt work in Daytona, I couldn't call everyone like I wanted to. So, I guess I'm just a little lonely. But my friends helped me through. So I'm feeling better. I ask that everyone keep the residents of Daytona that were affected by the tornado in their thoughts as the next few days go by. I'm sure it changed some of their lives forever just in a flash. Luckily no one died and there were only a few injured. But Central Florida as a whole got smacked with a few tornadoes. Deland got smacked by a smaller one. There were a few more elsewhere. I'm off today (Tues) and Im going to work on some more packing. I only have 2 weeks left to go and I should be finished by the time I leave for Tampa. Well, I'm going to bed. Gnite and peace out!

Just Wanted to Say...

Hello to all you People out there. I want to wish you all Happy Holidays. It's been a rough few days. Work has been pure hell. Total chaos with very little relief in sight. But, I put my notice in this week. My last official day will be 1-4-07. Believe me, I have been to the point several times in the last couple of days, saying *&cK it and walking away from it and enjoying some time off. But, I remember how badly I need the money and how greedy I am to get it while I can since they are waving the incentive program in front of our faces. And, I really wouldn't be a better person to just walk away from it all. So, I will ride it out, luckily the schedule works in my favor, because I only have to work a couple of days at a time til my last day. Woo Hoo. I'm gonna head over to Tampa on Greyhound and meet up with Rachael, to start work on 1-8-07. I'm looking forward to the change. Looks like she and I might get this cute house that we have looked at. She went and checked it out and someone from craigslist.com replied to an ad I had on there. So the future looks to be getting brighter day by day. I've had faith that the bumps that have been in my plan, would smooth out with some vigilance, determination, and will power. Well, I am off to bed, I volunteered to work Xmas day so everyone could be with their families. I'm still elated I go to spend the beginning of the month with mine. It was like getting my Christmas present early. I'm thankful to know the people who have crossed paths with me and guided me along the way. I hope you all have a Happy Holidays. Peace Out!

Its beginning to...

Hello People. Its 80+ degrees down here in Florida. The weather has been nice and toasty. I'm wearing my shorts as always here in the middle of December. There I hope you are jealous. Because its the one thing I always like about living here in December. Let me see, during the past couple of days, not much has happened. Yesterday, Missy and I, went down to pick up my daily bonus and he decided he would go ahead and spend his Ocean Waters Spa gift certificate ($100) on shampoo and conditioner to give to people on his Christmas list. We found it humorous that our company is too cheap to actually give us CASH but instead give us gift certificates to the Spa instead. So that way they dont lose any money. But anyways, after that adventure to the spa, we went down to the boardwalk. We figured we may as well visit it one more time and reminisce about the times that we had at the old "broadwalk" (as it used to be called in the old days). I worked down there for a good year as the night manager for the biggest arcade. We ordered a big ol' 32oz draft beer for each of us and I ordered me a big chargrilled cheeseburger and fries. We went out and sat in the fenced off area and smoked a cigarette while we were waiting on my food. There was hardly any people down there. So my food order was ready and I went to get it. I got back and sat the plate down on the table and then tried sitting in my plastic white chair. Don't ask me how, but I didn't even get all the way down in the chair when it fell backwards out from underneath me. You should have seen it, I was flailing my arms and legs in the air and it was like the chair was just teetering below me. So eventually I fell back on my back. I have a nice big bruise on the top of my butt now. It hurt like hell, but it was so comical. Then after I got through eating we went in Mardi Gras and played my favorite arcade game "SKEEBALL". I got a $10 roll of quarters and Missy and I played all of it on skeeball. In the end I only beat him by 5 tickets. I am better at getting the 100pts hole whereas Missy is better at getting the 10-50pts holes. We had a grand time. We redeemed our tickets and got us a $0.50 shot glass. LMAO. But it was a good time. We then walked on over to the Streamline and finished up happy hour with one of favorite bartenders Curly. We got home at a rather decent hour and I pretty much crashed. I woke up this morning and started working on my packing goals for the week. I actually got more packed than I thought I would. The credenza is packed. Everything I had on the computer desk is packed. The bathroom is packed. I got all the plates that Missy had given me (Marilyn Monroe and other various plates). I got a lot of stuff packed into two more totes. I'm glad I have been planning out this move and accomplishing things as time goes by instead of the last minute packing that I've been known to do. I have about 2 weeks left before I start my job in Tampa. I'm so looking forward to it. If all goes as planned Rachael and I may have found this cute house to rent. It's a cute 2 br 2 ba house completely renovated with all new stainless steel appliances, new hardwood bamboo floors, new washer and dryer. The house is literally as wide as the lot that it sits on. There is no grass in the front or back yard. But its in a nice neighborhood only 2.5miles away from the job. Which that is a great benefit for me. But, as I have said, I'm not getting my hopes up, if we get this house, so be it, but if not, oh well, next house please. LOL. I'm hoping to be like the Virgin Mary and win the lottery without having to buy a ticket. I would be happy with $10,000 for the time being. Hell, give me a $1 and I would be happy. Okay, thats the past couple of days in a nutshell minus a few things here and there that I didn't include here. Hope you have a happy holidays! Peace Out!!

Its been a few...

Happy Holidays People. Sorry I haven't been doing my best at the blogging lately. There has been a lot going on down here. Other than working hard to meet my daily goal at work to get that extra "moolah", which believe me I need all I can get right about now, with having to move 3 weeks earlier than planned over to Tampa. We had our company Christmas party last night at the Plaza Resort and Spa. They were kind enough to give us 2 drink coupons and 2 for our guest. Well, since I went alone, that gave me 4 drink coupons. Well, with a company with over 1200 employees you would have thought they would have set up more than just one bar and set the food up better. Missy, Tommy, Brandon, and I got there just at the perfect time. We got the best table in the house. We could watch everyone as they walked in the door and then stand in line for at least 30-45 mins just either waiting to get a drink or a plate of food. THe table was at the back of the ballroom right by an exit, so we made use of that for our smoke breaks. LOL. What little food they had was very tasty, but they really didnt give us much of a selection to choose from. They had some excellent desserts as well. Well once they gave out the awards for the year, we immediately dashed out the exit door with Dan in tow and headed for the Streamline. Once there, we never even made it up to the Penthouse Lounge, because Mike was working and he's a sorry bartender. So we stayed downstairs at the NASCAR Lounge and had a few more drinks and shots. We were home by 1015pm. Overall, it was nice to actually have all my friends around together and socialize and have a good time. There were a few missing but I'm sure I will see them for my New Years gathering here at the house. So, anyways, I got the cutest Xmas card from Kim, Hugh, and their newborn daughter. It was so adorable. I got a Xmas card from Michelle and her family too. Its amazing how fast her son has just grown up. I guess when you dont have anyone with kids in their immediate surroundings you forget what its like having the little munchkins around. Well, I'm off Weds. and Thurs., so I'm gonna get my bathroom completely packed up and odds and ends in the kitchen packed up. Gonna empty out the bar and the credenza and get it all packed. So if I can achieve these goals in the next 3 days, I should be a happy fella. Well I am going to hop off of here for now, and get my happy butt in the shower and go to work. Til I blog again, PEACE OUT and Happy Holidays!!!

Why I live here....

Howdy People. Well I was scheduled off today. So I actually slept in until about 1115a when my alarm clock arrived (Missy). We watched some TV and chatted about the usual blah blah blah. Then I decided I would clean up and we walked up to his house. I figured it had been a while since we had gone out to the "Den of Inequity" (Streamline Bar). I would treat to a couple of rounds. We got up there and with the weather in the low 80's, it made me recall why I live here. The weather in Florida can be odd at times. Today was one of those days. It was cloudy, gloomy, breezy, then calm, sunny all in one. As we were walking up to Missy's house we walked through the back streets. There are so many cool houses that I know I have walked past but dont remember. The walk was good and soothing for the mind. Well, we were gonna catch the bus down to the bar. We literally missed the bus as it passed right in front of us. So we sat there at the bus stopped and soaked up some of that passing sun. Then Dan was kind enough and picked us up and dropped us off at the bar. The best thing about the Streamline is the view. It's literally a 360 degree panoramic view of the city. The weather was perfect. We could see the waves breaking up and down the beach. I told John I would miss all the good times that I have had here over the last 9 yrs. I've met some of the best quality people while living here. I've planted some deep roots here. There's just something about the area that lurks me here. But, I'm gonna transplant those roots in Tampa and move on to better things. I've acquired that philosophy that "life is what you make it". I used to be cocky and bitter, but now I'm more mellow and laidback. Now, its not important who gets the last word. Change doesnt happen over night, thats for sure. But, I look back over this year and I have to say I have grown up a good bit. I guess I'm like a bottle of wine, the older I get the better I get. LOL. Simplicity at it's best is my way of life these days. I haven't been happier in life and things couldn't be going much better. I've accomplished alot of my long term goals this year and accomplished alot I never expected. From thinking at the beginning of the year that I wouldnt be leaving Daytona for another 3 years to now moving to Tampa next month. Never thought I would be able to go to NC to visit all of my family at once this year. Let's just say I'm pleased with this year as a whole. It's one of my better ones for the books. Thanks to all out there that have contributed. Well, I'm done babbling for the night. As always, PeAcE oUt!!!

Getting back in the Groove of things..

Hello People. I hope you all realize Xmas is only 13 days away. Unfortunately with the move, I am not celebrating due to finances. But, I've had a wrench thrown in my master plan. It's great that I start work 1-8 in Tampa. But I hadn't planned on having to move until the end of January. That would have been when all the funds would have been in place (income taxes, deposit from this place, and paychecks accrued through January). The last months rent here is already paid so that is a huge help. But still, I'm sorta scrambling to figure out what I am going to do. I have worked hard on this plan for 4 months now. I have faith that I will pull something out of my ass (not literally). At least I have some time to scramble and figure out what is going on. But anyways, news from this end. Got back to Daytona and the mayor had died. They started a new incentive program for our office at work. Lots of extra money to be paid. So I'm gonna be as greedy as can be and take it all while they are offering it. I've made an extra $30 each day that I have been back. So, I'm hoping to reap the benefits from this. Went to the shuttle launch on Saturday night. Brian and I were about 8 miles from the launch pad. I forgot the tripod so forgive the wobbliness. If anyone wants to check out the video I took I uploaded it to Google here is the link

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-442098650605582887&hl=en .

Just so you know, its 6 mins long. The actual launch occurs at 2min and 40secs. You can here the commentary in the background. You can hear it loud and clear as well. It was a spectacular launch. I hope you enjoy it. I am adding a couple of the pics that I took that were actually somewhat decent with my camera. Believe me the cameras have nothing on what its like to see it with the human eye. It's something everyone should experience just one time in their life. Well, I'm off to get ready for work. Til the next blog appears, PEACE OUT!!

My Trip to NC in a Nutshell

Hello People. Here's my blog for my trip to NC. My Mom and her BF picked me up at the airport in Fayetteville, NC. They took me to the K&W cafeteria there in Fayetteville for some supper. It was rather good, especially the country fried steak. Then we headed over to my older sister's house for a quick visit before the kids went to bed. It was great seeing the kids. I asked them where the weed killer was since they were growing like weeds since the last time I saw them. My sister and her husband let us try some Gluhwein (hot wine) it was rather good. They have a cute 2 story home there in Hope Mills all decked out with Xmas decorations. Mom had the kids write up a list for some things they wanted for Christmas. It was cute watching them as they were in deep thought for trying to figure out what to ask for. My nephew J. was just a watching the fire in the fireplace and then writing in between thoughts. I tell you what though, for these kids to be so young they are very intelligent. We left and went back to Mom's BF house. I laid down and crashed literally for about 15hrs. Since I didn't get much sleep in Tampa I had to make up for it in NC. When I finally woke up Monday evening at 6pm, Mom's BF had made hoagies for dinner. We then went out to feed all the cats at her house. They are all wild cats that come out of the woodwork to get a meal. LOL. I took some video of her house. I tell ya what though, my little sister has a knack for interior decorating. She did an excellent job on the whole house. I guess I have to say that I like the "Wizard of Oz" room best. We then rode on over to Kim's (my little sister) in Red Springs. She has a huge house. I could see why her and her husband fell in love with it. They have done a lot of work to it as well. I got to see her newborn daughter (my niece). I swear I'm not biased but this little baby was the best baby I have met. She never once cried during my entire trip to NC. All I could keep saying is that "She is so small." She was born 10-30-06 and she only weighs about 9lbs. I was afraid to hold her at first because I figured she would cry. But she didnt. I was impressed. I took her in my arms and she just opened those tiny eyes. She almost made me wanted to want a kid one day. LOL. I told Kim we should get everyone together and have like a dinner together. Who knows when the next time we will be together again. So we decided on trying to get everyone over to her house on Weds and have a family dinner. Then, we went back over to Mom's BF house for the night. Then on Tues, I got my BBQ that I have been patiently waiting for for 2 years. I bought me 5 pints of it and shoved it in the freezer out at Mom's house. I was determined to freeze it and sneak it into my checked luggage on my return flight. Then I went by my high school to pick up a copy of my HS transcripts. Amazing how the school has changed in the last 12 years since I graduated. Back in the day, we could pretty much just swing by an old teachers class and speak to them, not anymore. But, I found out that some of my favorite teachers were still teaching. Then I met by lifelong best friend Kris out at my mom's house. While waiting on Kris, I just walked around Mom's property just thinking about all the memories I have from growing up there. I had a good conversation with Dad (I know he was listening). Boy, I tell ya, coming home makes you miss someone who has already passed away more than you realize. But, all in all, it was a good talk. Then Kris showed up a little bit later. We then went over to our friend Taylor's house. We then scooted over to my favorite restaurant (Zachary's Pizza of St. Pauls, NC). If you are ever in the St. Pauls area (around exit 31 on I-95) definitely stop by. They serve the most awesome Philly Cheesesteak you will ever lay your mouth on. Then we went back to Kris and Carey's. I stayed the night over there. Then Kris dropped me off at Kim's house on Weds. morning. I rode with Kim and Hugh to the Doctor's office since the baby had an appointment. Then they were kind enough to treat me to lunch at a place that had opened up called Grandsons. It just happened to be the grandson of a friend of the family who had a restaurant in Lumber Bridge called Chason's. I tell ya what though, it had the best southern style country ALL you CAN EAT buffet. The food was outstanding. Then we headed back to Kim's house and chilled for the rest of the afternoon. I took some more pictures of the baby. Well about supper time, Mom, her BF, and Robin and her kids arrived. Mom prepared two pot roasts along with all the fixings. We had collard greens, corn, cornbread, biscuits, pinto beans, and 2 juicy tender pot roasts complete with potatoes and carrots. Then, while waiting to make some room for dessert, I got some video of everyone. It was rather nice to have everyone together. Dad was the only one missing, but I know he was there in spirit. It was nice listening to Robin's kids sing some Christmas songs that they were going to be performing at their middle school. Mom threw some apple pie and sweet potato pies in the oven and we had dessert. The ice cream and apple pie were delicious. After Robin and the kids left since they had to be in bed for school the next day, Kim let me go through some of MaMa Kinley's Xmas ornaments that she had left behind when she passed away. She was well known for making from scratch some very cute ornaments. I grabbed a few of the ornaments and packed them in Xmas tins. Then, I rode back with Mom and her BF and I started going through Mom's picture tote. I sat there and had some great flashbacks of growing up. Mom and her BF were looking through some of his photos while I was going through all of the old photos Mom has. I sat there for a good hour and a half looking at all kinds of great pictures. Mom told me I couldnt have any without her checking to make sure she didnt want to keep a copy for herself. So I hope she checks them and hurries and send them to me. I have this huge bulletin board that I would love to put some of my own pictures from my growing up on there. I have tons of pictures of everyone else but very little of my own pictures. So I finaly went to bed around 1am and then woke up and joined Kris and her Mom for lunch at Sammios. Kris dropped me off at the house and I packed up all my stuff to get ready to fly back home to Daytona. Mom and her BF dropped me off at the airport and I had a rather bumpy flight back to Sanford. My roomie Dan picked me up and we headed straight to Titusville to try and catch the shuttle launch. But my luck having it, was that as soon as we parked the car and I videoed the shuttle launch pad they scrubbed the shuttle launch. So we headed back to Daytona. We got home at around 11pm and we sat there and watched some of the TV shows that I had not watched. I finally crashed around 3am and didnt wake up until the doorbell went to ringing around 11am. It was the mailman delivering a package to Dan. Missy came by and we had a few beers. Then I defrosted a pint of that infamous Smithfields BBQ and we literally devoured the thing by ourselves. He had to agree that is the best BBQ around. He left around 4pm and I immediately crawled in the bed and the next thing I know was that I was waking back up at 1030pm. LOL. I stayed up a couple of hours and I was back asleep by 2am. I reported to work this morning at 845am and it has been a rather slow day. We have new incentive programs in place since I have been gone for 11 days. I did make the level 2 goal for the day, so that means I get $30 for meeting my daily goal. Woo Hoo. Well, I guess it's time to bring this to a close and get my happy ass in gear and start finishing packing up my house and get ready for my relocation over to Tampa at the beginning of the year. Hope you like the pictures here in this Post. Talk to you later on, PEACE OUT!! Here is an awesome shot of the Shuttle Discovery Launch!!

Vacation ending...

Long time, no see People. Hows it going? Well, I am back in Daytona. My trip to NC was fantastic. But here is what I am going to do. Since it was such a great trip, I'm going to post 1 big post for the entire trip and add some pictures. With having no internet access up, I have a brain that is overflowing with stuff to blog. I'm hoping by the end of the weekend I will be caught up and have blogged everything. I took some amazing pictures while I was up there. But I need to get permission from the Mom's up there, before I post them on here. So, stay tuned throughout the weekend for more blogs while I get myself back on track to go to work and get packed for the move to Tampa. Peace out!

Soon to Take Flight

How's it going People? Well, it's 1130am and I am finishing the final touches on packing for the trip to NC. I have my ziploc bag of toiletries ready and I have what very few "warm clothes" I own packed. I checked the weather forecast and it is going to 27 degrees on Monday night up there. That's too cold for my thin blood. I'm so excited to make this trip. But I haven't flown in over 10 yrs so its definitely going to be interesting. I'm so leary of airplanes. LOL. But, I'm sure there will be no issues. My vacation is over half finished already. Time has flown by so fast. This has been a great week. I want to again thank the Tampa crew for their hospitality while I was over there. Many thanks go to Lisa and Rachael for all their assistance and guidance while I was over there. Now, I'm ready to continue my adventurous vacation to NC to visit with my family and friends. I will blog more on the trip very soon. Okay, I'm outta here! Peace out!!

One Day Home

Hello People, I'm making this short and quick. I'm home in Daytona and I'm glad to be home for a short brief period. I've had a marvelous week and now I'm home enjoying it with my closest friends. I've had one of the better weeks this year and things seem to be coming together. Slowly but surely, I expect a few bumps ahead in the future due to the circumstances but I have no doubt that I will pull through with very little drama. I will report back later on with more information as I get it. Til then, PeAcE oUt!