Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011, Thank You. 2012, Pleasure Meeting You

Last day of the year. Less than 12 hours I will be in Long Beach watching my high school friend get married. Rinnes is a terrific person. Two great kids. She going to marry a nice fellow. Met him once. At her Father's funeral. Not the best circumstance to meet. Still Carl is a good man and from the party afterwards, he had many a good friends that loved him so. They played and sang songs. Used to play with the guy from La Bamba.

Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
on Old long syne.


It was weird being there. I saw Rinnes a few months prior. We changed, but many things hadn't. We can never go back to the person we once were. In the same respect, we remain the same. Things that can't be altered without great effort.

My Heart is ravisht with delight,
when thee I think upon;
All Grief and Sorrow takes the flight,
and speedily is gone;
The bright resemblance of thy Face,
so fills this, Heart of mine;
That Force nor Fate can me displease,
for Old long syne.


Going to see people I haven't seen in decades. People that knew me before. People that knew how I was. In a sense, I am fearful. Just the look in their eyes. How once we were once close and to see a look. I sense this look when I think of her.

Still, light needs to shine. We need her to breathe. . .to grow. . .to burn. . .and to be reborn.

Since thoughts of thee doth banish grief,
when from thee I am gone;
will not thy presence yield relief,
to this sad Heart of mine:
Why doth thy presence me defeat,
with excellence divine?
Especially when I reflect
on Old long syne


We hold secrets that must be set free. We must let go of stuff that holds us back. It fills its purpose of protecting. We hold on to these dreams, these ideals, the fears, these hopes, these machinations that need to be discarded. . .to be passed on. Discarded, I mean, to be returned. . .to be recycled. To Return Home.

We need this. Coming home. We need an accounting. We need these pause, these times of reflections, these times to thank those helped us to get where we need to be. Those that carried us when we fallen. Those that we must Pay It Forward. We are Star Dust and so much more.We need to Marshall our forces for the Now and the Future.

We ready ourselves, for the next step. Leaving what we once were to Embrace what we need to become.

Auld Lange Syne

2011, Thank You. 2012, I Look Forward to Knowing You

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Auld Lang Syne


Last week of the year. This one went by fast. Finished some things and still have some stuff left undone. Opened Christmas gifts early today. Just got home from Pasadena tonight. Went to Uncle Alex’s house for family get together. Saw something amazing today. It was at the cemetery. Wish I had charged my phone. Wish I didn’t forget my camera.

All these plots were decorated with Christmas decorations. Visited Tatay and Rochelle today. I can tell someone was there. The flower holder was easy to remove. There was family there today. Actually many, but there was one who I am guessing recently passed. They were all huddled together saying a prayer. Heard Santa Maria a few times. Anyways, I wish you could have seen what I have seen.

Anyways was there only for a little bit. Thought how in a generation or two. They will not be remembered. Maybe except in a picture or two. Just got me a little sad thinking about it. No one will remember Tatay and Rochelle like I did. Thought about Michael. Don’t know if anyone visits him. Thought about Dad. Thought about it, but I didn’t want to dwell on too much. Such is life.

I can understand the importance of Facebook. Connecting with people. Having the Timeline document your thoughts and feelings in the Internet universe. Living in a way that will be electronically be remembered. Visited a few museums this year. Nettercutt, Bowers, LACMA, Japanese, MOCA, and few others. Just taking time to remember the past. Standing and looking at some of the airplanes at Joe Davies. Looking at the vintage cars at the Nettercutt. Visiting Tatay and Rochelle. Rodney and his family will be leaving soon. For real. Felt it today as we were sitting next to each other. Thought about Ron’s friend. He was wearing his purple tie. I wonder what he will do when they are gone

When Rhi, said, “Hi, Uncle Jeff” It made me smile. Thinking of Uncle John and Alex. Thinking of Aunt Flor and Ruth. Thinking of relatives I still haven’t met. Made some promises, well, no resolutions this year. Kept some. Many, but some, still haven’t touched. Proud to say I finally visited Michael. Proud I finally watch Dad’s funeral. Proud that I knocked off a few things on the bucket list. Some, I am did not keep. Visiting Mary and Marv is a big one for me.  Going to a drive in movie and Silent One is another.

Strengthened some relations and let some wane. As the year comes to a close, I am haunted by some words. Auld Lang Syne. Saw some storms a brewing. Between son and mother (not mine). Between Sisters (and inlaws) Between Old Friends and New Ones.

On this Christmas day, can’t help think of Christmas Mass. Eyes closed as the priest gave his homilee. Standing in line waiting to get Communion. Thought of Shazam, Rinnes, Elaine. Thought of Rod, Ron, and Jason. Thought of Mike, Brian, and Mike. Of course my Brother and the family. Mom, Dad. Thought of relatives I have never met and ones I haven’t seen in years. Michelle, Randy, Bobby, Minnie, and Wynnel. Thought of Bambi, Pia, Bee, and Mary. Thought of my friends that I may seen soon  at the wedding. Thought about the Rose.


My mind wanders of the journey I will face ahead. Some alone. Some with others. Some with many.  I would like to think things can change with Em and I. Not sure how to proceed. Anyways, I have been blessed and I just want to thank the Big Smile for everything that I have been given. Also want to thank the Big Smile for taking away what was unnecessary. Thanks. 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Needing Wings


Dear Santa,

I need a lift.

Three days until Christmas. Still got a couple gifts to go, Santa. Can't say, I am the same place I was a year ago. Health has declined a bit. Not upbeat as I was last year. Not sure where this is from, but I have been feeling tired and sad. Don't have that same energy and not having that warmth as last year. I've mean I seen more. I've done more than the year before, but just not feeling the Joy.

Can't even stand the face I see in the mirror. . .
Going to church weekly. Saying my prayers. Knocked a few things off the bucket list. Actually, a lot. Feeling more of the decline than the rise. Wish I had a more positive outlook, but just not feeling that heart hug.

This is a choice and I know this, Get up or stay down.

Santa, I don't want any material gifts.

Maybe if you can help me with a lift my mood?

Its my diet. Its my exercise (or lack thereof). It is my not posting as much as I used to do. Its Rodney and his family leaving for the Philippines. Its is the trouble that Chris is having with his Mom. It is trouble with Abs and Dela. It is the stoppage. It is my medication. It is my isolation.

It is Rinne's Wedding. It is the weather and time of the year. It is not making progress with Em. It is seeing Dad's funeral for the first time. It was visiting Mike. It was not seeing Tatay and Rochelle as before.

Perhaps it is the stuff, Jace was having with his family. Perhaps, it Dennise's new babe. Maybe it is the way this year, and the last couple of years has just flew by.




Maybe I am not playing enough? Perhaps it is the economy? Perhaps its the country's joblessness? Perhaps, it the super committee and politics as usual keep government at a stand still? Maybe it is Protesters Occupying everywhere? Maybe it is 2012?


Maybe it not enough of somethings. Perhaps, its too much of other things. Maybe it is the Lakers losing two in a row against the Clippers. Do I need more music in my life? Do I need less traffic and taxes? It is everything and nothing.

These were the same issues I have had before, but just not feeling the Flow. I can overcome these mole hills.

Santa, I know this is simply temporary. A phase. I know this. I don't like it here. I don't belong here.
Don't want to seem ungrateful, because I am truly blessed with all that you have given. Guess, this is my call for a lift.

Big Smile, I am asking to for some wings so I can be lifted.












Tuesday, December 13, 2011

New Year Resolutions 2012


For awhile, I haven't written a post. Not that I didn't have stuff to write about. Not because there wasn't things that I would like to share. Simply, I got scared. 

Fear and doubt rose up and took their hits. Lost track and got out of focus on why I started writing. Let the gremlins have a run. A little chaos happens, as it does. Inmates ran the asylum.

Well, Nurse Ratchett needs to bring some order. We need some discipline at times to get where we need to go. It isn't the goal, but the journey. So cliche, but we need some guidelines. 

What does this have to do with mission of the blog? Sometimes a map helps to determine what we would like to experience in our journey. We need a lay of the land of the struggles we choose to go through.  Below is next year's index. Obviously, there will be twists and turns. Yet, this is the fun part. 

I hope to tackle these challenges well. I hope to have the strength to keep my head up. . .to reach for the stars and keep my feet on the ground. 

I believe this because I have Faith. Faith in others. Faith in myself. Faith that there is a bigger plan than what I can see. All will be revealed. 

This is my declaration to Live Out Loud.












New Years Resolution 2012
  • Never Give Up Hope with Em
  • Learn Two Spanish Words a Day for a Year
  • Learn Two Tagalog Words a Day for A Year
  • 365 Project for 2012
  • Read the Bible
  • Read the New Testament
  • Read the Old Testament
  • Read Koran
  • Read Mahabarata
  • Read the Torah
  • Read the Book or Mormons
  • Take a One Picture A Day for A Year (Moments in Time blog)
  • Learn 500 Mandarin Characters
  • Stretch Everyday for a Year
  • Cardio Everyday for a Year
  • Meditate Everyday for a Year
  • Workout Everyday for a Year
  • Diet Log Everyday for a Year
  • Dream log Once a week a Year
  • Pray 5 Times a Day, Every Day for a Year
  • Health stats Everyday for a Year
  • Write in Journal Everyday for a Year
  • Write 5 Things I am Grateful Everyday for a Year (5thingsiamgrateful4everyday blog)
  • 100 Pushups a Day for a Year
  • 500 Crunchers a day for a Year
  • Post Blog Once a Week for a Year
  • Meal Plan Once a Week for a Year
  • Fitness Plan Once a Week for a Year
  • Wash Car Once Every Two Week
  • Julie/ Julia/ Jeff Post Once a Week (juliejuliaandjeff blog)
  • Visit Tatay Once a Month
  • Recharge at Beach Once a Month
  • Review Resolutions Once a Month
  • Update Family Tree Once Quarterly
  • Visit Mary/ Marvin Twice a Year
  • Visit Dentist Twice a Year
  • Visit Doctor Twice a Year
  • Attend/ Participate AFI Film Festival
  • Attend/ Participate San Diego Comic Con
  • Attend Dodger Game     DONE
  • Attend Angel Game
  • Attend Galaxy Game
  • Attend Festival of Books
  • Attend Boar Parade (MDR or Newport)
  • Attend Chinese New Years     DONE    
  • Attend LA Zoo     DONE
  • Attend San Diego Zoo
  • Attend Shambala Preserve
  • Attend Lobster Festival
  • Attend Blessing of Animals
  • Attend Blessing of Cars
  • Attend Academy Awards Event
  • Attend LA Marathon
  • Attend Xmas Parade
  • Celebrate Dad’s Birthday and Death Anniversary
  • Celebrate Michael Birthday and Death Anniversary
  • List 5 things I am grateful for six months. 
  • List 5 things I am grateful for a year
  • List 5 things I am grateful for 3 months     DONE
  • List 5 things I am grateful for a month     DONE     
  • Finish a Crossword Puzzles     DONE
  • Go to Book Signing     DONE
  • Visit a Wax Museum
  • Release a Wish Lantern
  • Make list of New Year's Resolutions     DONE
  • Ride an Aerial tram
  • Make a bid at a live auction
  • Bet on every NFL game one Sunday
  • Drink something with tobassco     DONE
  • Drink absinthe
  • Drink Something on Fire
  • See a white buffalo
  • Catch a fish
  • Learn calligraphy
  • Have AI1 under 6
  • Have DNA mapped
  • Watch AFI 10 top 10     DONE
  • Climb the Statue of Liberty
  • Watch all the IMDB top 250
  • Meditate in front of a beach
  • Run 10_ miles straight
  • Watch Rose Parade in Pasadena     DONE
  • Fly a Kite 
  • Attend Galaxy game
  • Attend an Angels game
  • Visit all 50 states
  • Visit a Native American Reservation
  • Write a and publish an Ebook
  • Read and Listen to 200 books
  • Collect 33 cookbooks. Star/ join a book or film club
  • Watch Big Lebowski     DONE
  • Do an Orange Peel Blessing Ceremony
  • Do an Feng Shui Blessing
  • Watch AFI 100 Thrill
  • Watch AFI 100 Passions
  • Watch AFI 100 Cheers
  • Watch AFI 100 Funnies
  • Write myself a letter via www.futureme.org    DONE
  • Learn and Recognize 500 Mandarin Characters
  • Watch all James Bond Movies     DONE
  • Walk a marathon for a great charity
  • Eat 5 serving of fruits and veggies every day for a month     DONE
  • Walk/ Run a marathon for a great charity
  • Hug a really, really, real big tree
  • Complete 200 items on a bucket list    DONE
  • Register for Nanowrimo and write a novel
  • Hold an Olympic medal
  • Look at Barringer Crater in Arizona
  • Visit gym for 90 days straight     DONE
  • Make a Chalk art
  • Lose 50 pounds
  • Soak in a hot springs
  • 200 Sit up programs
  • Be able to do 25 pull ups
  • Attend International Surf Festival
  • Visit Manzanar National Historic Site
  • Visit Monterey Aquarium
  • Visit Death Valley National Park
  • Visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Visit Carlsbad Cavern National Park
  • Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Visit Visit Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine    DONE
  • Visit Mission La Purisima     DONE
  • Visit Mission San Luis Obispo     DONE
  • Visit Mission San Miguel Arcangel     DONE
  • Visit Mission San Antonio de Padua
  • Visit Mission Nuestra San de la Soledad
  • Visit Mission San Carlos Barreomeo de Carmelo
  • Visit Mission San Juan Bautista
  • Visit Mission Santa Cruz
  • Visit Mission Santa Clara de Asis
  • Visit Mission San Jose
  • Visit Mission San Francisco
  • Visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel
  • Visit Mission San Francisco Solano
  • Visit Virginia Robinson Garden
  • Watch a movie at El Capitan
  • Visit Petersen Automotive Museum     DONE
  • Watch a movie a Cinerama Dome
  • Visit and watch a game at Ruckers Park
  • Improve singing voice
  • Attend Easter Service at Hollywood Bowl
  • Attend a Sumo Match     DONE
  • Fold 1,000 Origami cranes and give them someone special
  • Hit a perfect bullseye in archery
  • Read All the books of the Bible
  • Have a waiter order for me
  • Learn how make California rolls
  • Lose 10 lbs
  • Lose 20 lbs
  • Lose 40 lbs
  • Lose 50 lbs
  • Learn 10 Constellations
  • Learn Morse code
  • Read Koran
  • Read Mahabarata
  • Throw a Bola
  • Walk on stilts
  • Fire a handgun at shooting range
  • Fire a rifle
  • Skip rope like a boxer
  • Attend poetry slam
  • Enter writing a contest
  • Learn magic trick
  • Visit an embassy
  • Go to Grammy Awards
  • Witness Migration of the Monarch Butterflies
  • Watch a Yahoo's 100 movies to see before you die: all time Greats
  • Work on Habitat for Humanity Projects
  • Visit Seattle Space Needle
  • Ride a cable car in San Francisco
  • Visit San Diego Zoo
  • Touch a Whale
  • Write a letter to Santa Claus 2012
  • Visit Mono Lake
  • Make a book of photos I've taken over the years
  • Watch the Swallows Return to Capistrano
  • Carve something out of wood or stone
  • Have a picture of me sitting on or besides the Lincoln Monument
  • Watch a solar eclipse
  • Volunteer at hospice
  • Take every picture everyday for 2012
  • Volunteer at a Hospice
  • Build a Sand Castle
  • Watch Silent movie in a theater     DONE  The ARTIST
  • Take a Ballroom dancing lessons
  • Attend a film premiere
  • Do a 100 push ups in a tow
  • Bury Speedometer in a car
  • Bungee jump
  • Ride an Ostrich
  • Take a Tai Chi Class
  • Eat Vegan for a week
  • See Cirque du Soleil
  • Volunteer at Homeless Shelter
  • Take a Vow of Silence for a day
  • Read Torah
  • Visit White house
  • Complete a 1000 piece puzzle     DONE
  • Crash a wedding
  • Volunteer in a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving
  • Read Torah
  • See a Ballet
  • Go to ESPY Awards
  • Give blood 100 times
  • Visit Mona
  • Visit REDCAT Gallery
  • Watch a concert at Hollywood Bowl
  • Visit Norton Simon Museum     DONE
  • Visit Nixon Museum     DONE
  • Visit Getty Villa     DONE
  • Drink from a coconut     DONE
  • Send a message in a bottle
  • Visit where the Declaration of Independence 
  • Plan Meal for two weeks
  • Write a book and submit it to a publishing company
  • Make fire without matches
  • Grow an herb garden
  • Plant a tree
  • Laugh for 15 minutes every a month
  • Cook every meal in a cookbook
  • Send flowers anonymously
  • Get a Masters degree
  • Visit all Missions in California
  • Visit a painted caves
  • Attend a native american sweat lodge
  • Visit Sears tower
  • Run/ walk across hot coals
  • Make a someone a photo montage     DONE
  • Make my own ice cream
  • Play a game of Bingo
  • Visit Niagra Falls
  • Have a picture posted on LA Inc Photo of the Day
  • Have a meal at Big Foot Inn
  • Become a minister
  • Solve a Rubiks cube without cheating
  • Visit Grand Canyon Sky Walk
  • Watch AFI top 100 of all time     DONE
  • Eat Fugu
  • Visit Griffith Park light Festival
  • Visit Mt Wilson Observatory     DONE
  • Visit Angkor Wat
  • Touch a cobra     DONE
  • Run with Bulls
  • Take a picture with a llama     DONE
  • Make a time capsule and bury it
  • Enter a chess tournament
  • Visit Tomb of Unknown Soldier
  • Visit Shamballa Reserve
  • Work on another Political Campaign
  • Glue Money to the floor and watch people try to pick it up
  • Eat an Ostrich Omelet
  • Visit Empire State building
  • Attend San Diego Comic Con
  • Visit Statue of Liberty
  • Visit a drive in movie
  • Get a Where's George stamp     DONE
  • Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans
  • Attend Time Square for New Years
  • Visit Universal Studios Hollywood theme park
  • See a Narwhal live
  • Have acupuncture
  • Learn to make sushi
  • Make a timeline
  • Complete LA Marathon
  • Milk a cow
  • Meet Muhammad Ali
  • Capture lightning in a picture
  • Roll a coin across knuckles
  • Rollerblade
  • Attend an Academy Award event
  • Visit a Mosque
  • Visit a Synagogue
  • Crush grapes in vineyard
  • Visit San Antonio Winery
  • Take picture from Devils Chair at Devils Punch Bowl
  • Read Entire Bible
  • Make 17 free throws
  • Attend Boxing match
  • Attend a MMA match     DONE
  • Write a book
  • Swim with dolphins
  • Skydive
  • Get Ally McBeal dvd set
  • See Northern Lights
  • Ride a Hot Air Balloon
  • Ride a zip line
  • Build a Habitat for Humanity home
  • Visit Grand canyon
  • Get another tattoo
  • Stand under a waterfall
  • Attend moonlit hike at Devil's Punch Bowl
  • Be an extra in a movie
  • Sit in for Supreme Court case
  • Get Cydney Robinson CD     DONE
  • Attend a Cydney Robinson show
  • Attend an Olympic event
  • Ride a Century
  • Get a Prayer Flag
  • Visit Santa Catalina Island
  • Visit Kings Canyon National Park
  • Visit Yosemite Park
  • Visit Legoland