Young Blue Eyes

Good Evening Ladies & Gentlemen,


I honestly don't have a whole hell of a lot to say that does do anything but bore me to think about it...but I did stumble upon a nice little thing in the news...and by little, I mean like saying the same two sentences in different ways thanks to Yahoo! News.



Sinatra Update - I quote from the Yahoo! News article (clears throat) "Martin Scorsese (scor-SAY'-zee...like you don't know who the guy is) will be telling Frank Sinatra's life story on film. Universal Pictures says the Academy Award-winning filmmaker will direct "Sinatra," the first feature film about Ol' Blue Eyes' life." Period. That's it. Okay, now allow me to actually give you some information. Director & legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who has graced us with such films ranging from "Goodfellas" to "The Departed" to "The Last Temptation of Christ" will be telling the biographical movie adaptation of fellow Academy Award Winner and one of the legends of music, Francis Albert Sinatra (and tomorrow's the 11th anniversary of his death, by the way). Now, for those of you who don't know who the Chairman of the Board is, I can understand if you could care less...but I'm already excited about the movie. Sure, not as excited as the thought of Megan Fox in chaps or whatever it is that an aquatic superheroinne wears in her upcoming movies...but still, pretty damn excited. I picture intriguing character development, musical numbers, quips, all starting from the famous mugshot from when he was accused of "carrying on with a married woman" of which I have hanging at my apartment (thanks Jewels). Should be a great flick.





Then I got to thinking, why couldn't I play the new Ol' Blue Eyes? I got the voice. I got the looks (Hollywood magic would help). I got the charm. I got the balls. I could do the young Sinatra, the Rat Pack Sinatra, hell even the old guy picking fights with Sinead O'Connor, and wearing suits & laughing the whole time. Just like at work. Hmm, but it may be a bit of a challenge...even for Scorsese...to convince the world that a giant from Utah could be a streetwise hustler from Hoboken. Anyway, always keeping an eye out for the next gig & thought this'd be a nice one...but I'm sure there's somebody else (shorter) who could take on this role. Like I said, not a whole lot to say today. Have a great day everybody!!! "Fairytales can come true, it can happen to you...if you're youuuung at heaaaaaart..."


P.S. I know that Leonardo DiCaprio will be playing Sinatra in the movie because this is a Scorsese flick...and he would have DiCaprio play anything from Pope John Paul II to Othello if he had the rights. I just thought that a man could dream...and this is America. God bless!

Sorta Like Super Powers

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

FYI - This is my 599th blog entry in the now two years (and 5 days) that I've been doing this...and over that time, I've bored you with a lot of quizzes. Today is no exception. As you know, if there's one thing that I pride myself on, it's a consistent work ethic. That...and inventing Panda Porn and saving the species for the time being. Well, earlier today, I knew it was going to be a great day. Why you ask? Because I get to work...and right off the get-go, I see a fairly attractive coworker of mine walking down the sidewalk...carrying a saddle with her. (I should mention at this time, that is was a Western theme at work today) Being the gentleman that I am, I asked her, "Would you like some help with that?" In that instant, she kind of laughed in a way that made me think...at least for a moment...that her mind was in the gutter & thinking of cowgirls in reverse as well...but declined my offer and we went on our separate merry ways, both smiling.

One thing my mama told me growing up was that if something isn't working right or needs to be fixed, you should swat the sh*t out of it until it works for you. Now, she was mainly talking about anything from gardening tools to electronics to child laborers...but it works for your career too. Only they call it SWOT, which stands for Strengths - Weaknesses - Opportunities - Threats. Who knew that my mom was actually talking about a big business term instead of physical violence? I should never doubt her.

Anyway, after that encounter with saddle girl, I was then asked to take a Strengths Finder Test so that they would know what type of worker I am (besides perverted) and what kind of drone I could be in their grand scheme of things. The quiz took about 40 minutes...and when the numbers were computated, here are the Top 5 Results that were given...along with some info on each...

1. Maximizer - "People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb. Strengths, whether yours or somebody else's, fascinate you. Like a pearl diver, you search them out, watching for the telltale signs of a strength. A glimpse of untutored excellence, rapid learning, a skill mastered without recourse to steps, you feel compelled to nurture it, refine it, and stretch it towards excellence. You polish the pearl until it shines." (Giggidy, I sure do) So yeah, apparently I'm the kind of guy that sees the best in someone and tries to help maximize it and make it the BEST!!! I would have to agree with that.

2. Relator - "People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal. You are comfortable with intimacy (hell yeah). Once the initial connection has been made, you deliberately encourage a deepening of the relationship. You want to understand their feelings, their goals, their fears and their dreams and you want them to understand yours. (I kid you not, I can show you the book this is from) You know that this closeness implies a certain amount of risk - you might be taken advantage of - but you are willing to accept that risk." So basically my work life is like a Danielle Steele novel. It goes on to suggest that I find a workplace that encourages relationships (to a certain extent) and to learn about my coworkers...which I try to do anyway...and be caring & honest with them. Geez, it's like we're dating or something. If so, I don't get paid enough.

3. Achiever - "People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina (um hmmm) and work hard (so hard...). They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive. By the end of the day, you must achieve something tangible in order to feel good about yourself. You have an internal fire burning inside you. It pushes you to do more, to achieve more. After each accomplishment is reached, the fire dwindles for a moment, but very soon it rekindles itself, forcing you towards the next accomplishment. Your relentless need for achivement might not even be logical or focused but it will always be with you." I did grow rather restless during my two weeks of unemployment. THANK GOD I had to arrange for a new job and move all my worldly possession about 600 miles during that time. I would've gone bonkers. So yeah, I get bored easily...which may also explain why this stuff I'm reading from this book sounds really sexy. Seriously though. My internal fire being dwindled after an accomplishment...and then a few minutes later being ready for another go-around. Goes pretty well with the stamina mentioned in the previous one, don't you think?

4. Communication - "People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters. You like to explain, to describe, to host, to speak in public, and to write. Events are static. You feel a need to bring them to life, to energize them, to make them exciting and vivid...and so you turn events into stories and practice telling them. You take the dry idea and enliven it with images and examples and metaphors. You believe that most people have a very short attention span (or am that person, in my case). You want to divert their attention towards you and then capture it, lock it in. This is what drives your hunt for the perfect phrase. This is why people like to listen to you. Your word pictures pique their interest, sharpen their world and inspire them to act." Sexbot!!! That is purely prepostorious. I can barely read...but luckily my charms got me through higher education. It goes on to say that I should get a degree or a job in Marketing or something. I have no idea why they would even think something like that. They must not be readers of my blog. Nothing I say gets acted upon. Hell, I barely get comments anymore. Though I do love my readers...and want to make their days pleasant and cheerful, I don't exactly see me sharpening their world with the perfect phrase. Then again, if I happen to help you pique all over the place, you're welcome. I have considered writing romance novels before...

5. Adaptability - "People who are especially talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to “go with the flow.” They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time. You live in the moment. This doesn't mean that you don't have plans. You probably do, but this enables you to respond willingly to the demands of the moment even if they pull you away from your plans. Unlike some, you don't resent sudden requests or unforeseen detours. You expect them. They are inevitable. You are, at heart, a very flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work are pulling you in many different directions at once." Again, simply prepostorious. This test is pure hogwash. Forget the whole last year or so...and the various days of infamy...and anything of that sort. Nothing to do with this at all. When I said Adaptability yesterday, I meant changing colors like a chameleon...and maybe growing a dorsal fin for balance or something.

Okay, so the test was pretty close...and I can't wait to see the rest of the 34 themes...and what my Bottom 5 are. That should be interesting too. Anyway, I've bored you enough. Check out this test if you get the chance. You might like it...and it'll give you some insight on the kind of career you might want to go into. I've found that my current career is a pretty good fit...because I can help others maximize their talents (Maximizer), talk all day (Communication), bang my coworkers (Relator) all night (Achiever) and go with the flow (Adaptability). Have a great day everybody!!!

Beware the Clown Baby

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Not a whole lot of exciting stuff has been happening to me...but that doesn't stop me from posting, right? New job this, arranging apartment that, all bores the hell out of you I'm sure. Well, I did watch a movie Friday night...but apparently so did everybody else in America, so you don't want to know what I think about it. Star Walk or something. Apparently based on a TV show that was cancelled about twenty years before I was born. Apparently T.J. Hooker was in it. Still waiting for the Ossie & Harriett movie some time soon. Anyway, here are some pictures...including some from my visit to my mom's house for Mother's Day...because I love my mama...and even though she insists on being a mountain dwelling hermit, she knows her baby boy will come visit her. Anyway, here they are...

The loaded moving van from last week...

I have a LOT of sh*t

"Oh cool, Utah's 1st Pioneer Burial Site. Where's this at?"

"F**K!!! My apartment? How did I miss that on the tour?"

Beehive House in downtown

Some place near Energy Solutions Arena

Creek at my mom's house

Which car is the best?

I know, the middle one, right? Thought so.

Mom, Alicia & Kairi

I was really excited to see Kelaudri again

Apparently my mom has good taste...

because she has a couch like mine now.

Well, that'll do it for today. Not really much else to say. Tomorrow I'll be taking a Strengths Test at work...and I have a few predictions written down as to what they are (Adaptability, Communication, Positivity, etc) but we'll see what the official results say. Other than that, still two weeks ahead and on cruise control until Memorial Day. Have a great day everybody!!!

Signs that I Live In Downtown

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Taking a little break from finishing up my unpacking and cleaning up the apartment a bit in case I get some surprise company...and I'm too lazy to make excuses. "Why is there a mountain of cardboard boxes in the living room?" "Well...because I wanted to watch this season 3 of the Venture Brothers...and before I knew it, three hours had passed. I have no other excuse." It takes a big man to admit that he's lazy...but an even bigger man to do something about it...and I'm a huge man. So yeah, I've been cleaning and trying to arrange so that I can eventually decorate and "bring some color into the home" and am doing a damn fine job at it if I say so myself. Anyway, so yeah the past few nights I've been hanging out with Bubbles & JL Clyde...and walking around town a bit and getting used to the new location. Here are some things that help me to know that I'm in downtown here in SLC...

I am walking distance to just about everything - Bars, restaurants, scenic parks, memorial parks, statues, graffiti, liqour stores, gelato, groceries, antiques, vinyl records, secondhand book stores, Vietnamese food, Vietnamese massage, Vietnamese books, Vietnamese laundry (if I didn't have baby's first washer in my kitchen already), and everywhere you go is like a little adventure...and when the full moon's out, oh yeah.

Neon Lights - One of the appeals of downtown living...is that there's an abundance of the element Neon, truly a noble gas if ever there was one. I can't believe in all my visits to Vegas that I haven't visited the Neon Museum there...but maybe that'll be the next visit. Regardless, these lights make for some beautiful pictures...and can usually lead a weary soul towards something nice in the late hours...whether a drinking establishment or something with a lot of X's in the window.

Protesters - I am actually listening to somebody b**ch about something a few blocks away...and I can hear it because of the thin mountain air and a megaphone. Take it elsewhere, Preachy. Not that I'm an advocate for the Man or anything...but I'm trying to relax on a Saturday afternoon, so unless you're protesting against drunk drivers or rapists or something, I don't want to hear it.

Eery Silence - Walking around just after midnight last night (a Friday), I realized that JL Clyde & I were the only ones on the streets. This usually didn't happen in Denver until about 4 AM because even when they were kicked out of the bars, the party just took to the streets and people were loud. Maybe it was just a slow night in a slow part of town...but then again, tonight's Saturday, so we'll see if it picks up.

Anyway, done rambling. Better get back to making my apartment a home. Probably going to swing up to my mom's to see her for Mother's Day...and I'd like to wish all you Mothers...and even the Mother Lovers out there, a very special Mother's Day tomorrow. You all do so much for us...and I don't think that we can ever show our Love or thank you enough. May you all have smiles as big as crocodiles. Have a great weekend everybody!!! I LOVE YOU, MOM!!!

Quick Summary

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Well, it has come to my attention, that probably the best way to catch you up on the past week...is just to just spray it out real quick like all over your computer screens. Why? I'm still unpacking, while entertaining my peeps who haven't seen me in a while, while training for my new job (of which I can't rant from at this time despite already being a week ahead of training schedule WITH computer malfunctions), there's simply not enough hours in the day, I'm getting everything changed from Colorado to Utah, I'm "borrowing" somebody's wireless internet (thanks neighborino) and to be honest, I don't really have any pictures or anything other than one of the moving van while full...and another one from last night that shows that my apartment is on Utah's first burial ground. Yeah, didn't see that on the brochure. So without further ado, here's the last week...

Wednesday, April 29 - Picked my brother up at the airport, we walked around downtown, "Well, you're in Denver. Whattaya wanna do?" "Let's go watch a movie" "Ugh...okay?", we watch Crank: High Voltage, it's ridiculous but in a way that I like...just don't think too hard, "Well, it's getting to be nighttime here in the swingin' town of Denver. Whattaya wanna do?" "Let's go to Best Buy?" "Ugh...okay?", we stop by Best Buy, he buys Street Fighter IV, we buy booze, we get drunk while playing Street Fighter.

Thursday, April 30 - I awake to a screaming woman, walk out into the front room, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer is playing in the front room. My brother had left it playing all night. We get up, he still wants to play Street Fighter IV (really?), we walk around downtown a bit so he can buy souvenirs for the kids, we eat gelato, we head back to my apartment, he plays...Street Fighter IV, I pack up because we're moving in the morning, he briefly glances at me doing this, we go to midnight premiere of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it kicks ass, we get to bed around 3 AM. Now a story from this movie...

Before we went, I said to my brother, "I HOPE we don't have to sit next to one of those guys who's just going to pick apart how the movie's different from the comic books. Those guys bug the sh*t out of me." Knowing full well that my brother...was "one of those guys" and would. "Yeah, I know what you mean." So we get to the theatre...and we're literally SURROUNDED by them...even before the movie started, one in particular is about 300 pounds and just loves to hear himself talk & thinks that anybody listening is graced with his opinion (much like myself only not as charming). My favorite part of his rambling...is when he's talking about the X-Men trilogy and the character Storm, played by Halle Berry. He says that was the worst casting EVER...and there are only TWO WOMEN that could have possibly played Storm...and those women are...Angela Bassett (which I whole-heartedly agree & believe it or not, when I was younger, thought she'd be the one to play her in a movie) and...wait for it, RUPAUL!!! Rather than spin around and directly conflict his argument (which I believe was his only possible intent for such speaking of the anal quarters), my brother & I just slowly turn towards each other...as if to say, "Did you just hear what I heard?" "Yeah" in an unspoken language. So then the movie started (thankfully) and my brother continued to be the nerd as expected, "In the comics, Deadpool wasn't..." "This is a movie, Kiel. Shut your face. You can b**ch about it later."

Friday, May 1 - Woke up bright & early to go pick up the moving van & car tow...and spent about five hours loading up the van. Now, knowing that my only help was going to be my brother, I decided to hire Two Guys & a Truck to help with the loading so that I would have some help, any help. They were magnificent. They shrinkwrapped all the furniture for no wear & tear whatsoever, packed the van tightly & methodically, and were gracious. I highly recommend them to anybody...and my brother was a horrible observer when they were there, playing his PSP while sitting on the furniture. Gotta love it. He did help out a little after they left...but all the while b**ching about why it took so long for us to leave. "Well, some of us were moving...and some of us were sitting & playing their PSP." So we got out of Denver around 2 PM...and ended up in Salt Lake just before midnight. The drive went as expected. A little fog in the Eastern plains near Cheyenne, then a lot of overcast through southern Wyoming emphasizing the nothingness, beautiful sunsets around Rock Springs, winding passes through Coalville & Park City, grinding brakes as you barrel down Parley's Canyon carrying all of your worldly possessions & little brother with you on three hours sleep and having to listen to your brother b**ch for the last 12 hours consistently ("Why won't you take a nap?"), yeah, just as expected.

Saturday, May 2 - Rained all day...so no unloading of the van, which was good because I needed some sleep. So I got some. Later, I hung out with JL Clyde, we ate Este Pizza (which she thinks is awesome & I thought was too wet for pizza...but we did meet Pizza Jesus) and then I started to feel sick. Maybe it was just everything catching up to me over the last week. I went to my dad's where I was staying, napped, woke up when he came home, basically went to bed around 10 after watching some basketball.

Sunday, May 3 - Woke up feeling HORRIBLE. Pounding head, scratchy throat, sweating all night, actually hadn't slept since the nap the night before...and today was Unloading Day. Luckily, my dad had a bunch of vitamins & Dayquil so I woke up & we got at it. He, my buddy Chris & I unloaded the entire truck in under four hours with plenty of breaks. We rock. Hard. JL Clyde, my mom & my aunt Pat came by to help out emptying the boxes...so the bed & kitchen were taken care of...which was good because I slept like a dead thing that night...starting around 8 PM.

Monday, May 4 - First day of training for the new job. Basically signed my name a bunch of times, saw a bunch of former coworkers that I hadn't seen in...well, six months or so, that's really all to say about that. Unloaded boxes at home and got it semi-habitable. Found out just how small my washer & dryer are...and it's ridiculous. I think it has a maximum capacity of four socks and a fabric softener sheet.

Tuesday, May 5 - Second day of training, more stuff I already knew but met some cool people and saw more friends & former coworkers. Followed it up with a Cinco de Mayo celebration with JL Clyde & the Mad Scientist as we went to Red Rocks Brewery (a block away from my apartment), had a few drinks then chatted back at the crib for a few hours catching up on good times. Got to bed around 2 AM or so.

Wednesday, May 6 - Third day of training and already a week ahead of schedule. I may be a manager by Memorial Day. Really liking the new job but then again, it is still early. Gonna try to finish my unloading boxes as much as possible today and get the living room set up so that it doesn't look like a warehouse. Other than that, really no plans...so feel free to give me a call or write me a dirty text message or something. They always make my day. Hopefully that helped you all get caught up. Have a great day everybody!!!

Viva La Cinco

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Just another quickie today...because I'm apparently going to have visitors for this holiday. Yes, it is that time of year where we celebrate the independence of another country by drinking massive amounts of beer made there...while at the same time threatening to shoot people on sight if they step foot on American soil. No, not St Patty's Day and our threats against the Irish...but Cinco de Mayo. So JL Clyde, the Mad Scientist, even Bubbles (in town for a friend's graduation) will be in downtown tonight...and we'll be out and about having a good old fiesta. So please, come join us...especially if for some reason you missed out on my birthday party last weekend...or you're just really really awesome and want to show everybody thus. I've got a very comfortable couch if you need a place to crash...and ladies, the other side of the bed is always warm.

Drive safely, drink responsibly, and have a great night everybody!!! I promise more will come on these posts when...well, I'm not too busy doing other stuff. Imagine when I finally get caught up. Moving, new apartment, movie reviews (go see Wolverine...and Crank: High Voltage is easily the most ridiculous movie I've ever seen...but I still liked it), maybe even everybody's favorites like updates on Pandas, Elvis, the Eagles, Megan Fox, Jesus and your mom. Happy Cinco de Mayo everybody!!!

Sexy Scavenger

Good Evening Ladies & Gentlemen,

I'm casually borrowing somebody else's wireless internet to let you all know that I made the trip safely and without major obstacle. Much to Love for everybody and shout-outs to JL Clyde, mom, dad, Chris, and to a much lesser extent my aunt Pat & Kiel. That's really all I've got say right about now...other than the first day of work went by without incident too...and was mostly just signing documents and pinky swearing not to sexually harass anybody...unless they ask (and you lady coworkers KNOW that I'm more than willing to oblige). Anyway, have a great night & I'll catch you all up as soon as I can...and I'll have pictures once I get everything unloaded.

BACK & SEXIER THAN EVER, BABY!!!