Pictures of Myself!

Well, I'm not as good as some of you out there, but I was listening to some music that has calmed my nerves while also working on some pictures of myself I took eight hours ago, after posting, I'll be going to bed.  I hope you enjoy these:

The last picture I posted, the one directly above the text, here, is one I want to briefly touch on.  I got the idea from those that have their doors closed to gays and homosexuals.  This really depicts my heart on the matter.  The fact that everyone ELSE is inside listening and learning and I've been locked out and have not been welcomed in.

Now, I know, I know I should work on different things other than those of me, but, haha, I find doing this is just awesome and I don't just limit myself to "tweaking" just pictures of myself, I also do nature and other people, only if they ask because natural beauty is always a reality look.  Thanks for looking, guys and a goodnight, I'm off to bed!!!

-Justin

My Icon!!!

You know what is just crazy in my opinion?  There is not enough honest material on one of the best comedians that ever lived.  Yes, I’m referring to the first lady of television, Lucille Ball.  I grew up watching the famed and popular, “I Love Lucy” along with watching a few films that she was in co-starring Desi Arnaz, but I guess the truth is just haunting about her.  I mean, can’t there be anything good about her?  According to the facts, she was a very depressed individual.  When the divorce was final between her and Desi, things just got worse for her.  She became rude and demanding when trying to make “The Lucy Show.”

 

I find it really sad.  It’s a shame that someone as beautiful and talented as Desi Arnaz (who played Ricky in the show) was a womanizer and an alcoholic, especially after Lucy would not agree to “I Love Lucy” without him as her husband.  I find it said things fell apart for them because I know that she would be more revered today if everything wasn’t so “personal” and “hush-hush.”  I mean, she was a great businesswoman, but look at how her daughter turned out.   After hearing her, I must confess that she is one of the worst singers I have ever heard and she makes a living defaming her mother that basically gave her such a comfortable and padded life.  I find that sad, disgusting and just disheartening.  The family is torn, the memorabilia is just not out there.  The facts aren’t out there as they should be for someone who brought so much happiness to hundreds of thousands of people, it’s just treated like, “Oh, that was someone that made me laugh,” and that’s it.  I mean, that’s my take.  Maybe you disagree, but to be honest, I can’t seem to understand why this has to happen where “times change,” or whatever.  Well, in my view, anyway. 

The thing is that she still makes me laugh and I will forever cherish and treasure such an icon as she was before her death in 1989.  She was a beautiful, talented woman who was quick witted and knew what she wanted and how to get it.  Classics never die and she will always be enjoyed by me!  I Love Lucy!!!!!!!!

My Mother!

More than anyone or anything, if I had to love one person for the rest of my life, I would choose my mother.  Upon hearing the news of a hellish disease, called Diverticulitis, I was distraught beyond measure.  What is that?  

Well, it’s when swelling (inflammation) occurs of an abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the intestinal wall. These pouches are usually found in the large intestine (colon).  According to the experts, 10 to 25 percent of those who have it require surgery to eliminate the chance of more severe problems as a cause of infections.  It is painful and she has major diarrhea.  My mother is one of the most gracious and most beautiful people.  I respect her and love her and the reason is because she’s the only one who has truly accepted me for who I am, no matter who I ended up to be after stepping out the house to go to school.  

I talked to her for a good hour the other day, sobbing and crying when hearing the details of what she has to go through on a daily basis, it reminded me of those who endure chemo therapy.  Her medication has several side effects but the good news is that she is seeing a specialist on the 21^st, which gives me some relief.  I told her she might want to get surgery and she said that by doing that it would eliminate any future possibility of having this happen.  

Again, according to the facts, most people who have this don’t get infections.  Therefore, if that’s the case it’s called Diverticulotis.  So, my mom is kind of within the minority of people with the problem.  I’m so proud of her for being so strong, I told her that I love her and wish I was there to help her.  That day I heard the news, I was honestly looking for some cheering up, but my room mate just told me “not to worry about it,” and that he has had many patients who have had that and that it was “no big deal.”  But, that didn’t help.  If I had to be honest, there was still an empty worrying and even lonely part of me that was just wanting her.  

Living in Texas, under severe heat and high humidity and having her forced to change her diet from “normal” food to strictly liquid and maybe some tuna (however, going with that with caution), not being able to sleep and have her go through, what she said was “restless nights,” my heart went out to her.  I miss her touch, her smile, her laugh, her perfume, her comforting words, God, I miss her.  Should she die because of surgery, all hell will break loose.  She will be taking care of this and the doctor and team better know what they are doing.

Meet Me “At The Club!”

You know, I think we all need to get out and have fun.  I think we all need to take chances, take risks, live life and learn lessons on our own.  This doesn’t mean doing stupid dumb things, like jumping from a third story building with the intentions of landing on a trampoline but just going beyond what you might consider “the safe zone.”  An example for me is clubbing. 

Now, I’ve recently enjoyed the clubbing atmosphere.  The more I go clubbing the more I feel open, free and comfortable.  This is not just a great way to meet people, but I also believe that it’s a great way to workout, have a drink or two and just have fun. 

So, let me encourage you, the reader, get out there.  Don’t get all tied up with work, because if you stick to your “stressful schedule,” it will ruin you.  Loosen the belt, relax and have some fun.  Recharge the battery, put some gas in the car and get out and have some fun.  It may not be to the length of clubbing, especially if you aren’t in that kind of thing, but do something new and what others have considered exciting.  Like, going for a run really late at night, going bowling, miniature golfing………….or, yes, clubbing!!!!!  There are only good things that come from it.  So, for you, finish this sentence, “Meet Me ‘________’.”

Bike Riding Benefits!!!!

You know, the purchase of a bicycle can be a huge blessing!!!  I recently got a pretty decent moutanin bike (Schwinn) for work at Trader Joe’s and live within a ten minute car commute.  So, with me peddling my way to work (now), it takes just an hour.  The summer is now soon upon us and hence the good weather!   One thing I’m just crazy about is nature.  The birds that sing, that wind that passes from town to town, I’m a huge fan of it and I enjoy soaking it in as much as possible.  I think as the days, weeks and months go on, we are constantly at work cementing, constructing or in some other way covering up good ground from Earth, replacing it with concrete, tile, and playgrounds.  I find that sad.  This is why I love the Pacific Northwest is because there are SO many trees and forests to get lost in, it’s SO cool to still experience what it is like before homes were ever built.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m THANKFUL for the roads, buildings and homes, it allows us to live SO much better and even safer but I think we can go overboard when it comes to putting things like that up.

So, anyway, back to my bike!  The thing is that before I got it along with the accessories that include lights (front and back reflectors), helmet, lock and warranty, I decided to wait for the bus when I’d get off of work at night.  How it used to work was that normally I work nights, so, I’d get off at midnight to one in the morning, head over to the 24 hour QFC (eh, maybe a mile), sit by the fireplace and wait for the first 935 bus that came at 5:15am.  Hahah, so, I’m so glad those days are over.

I am MORE THAN HAPPY to ride in the rain back home, haha!  It saves bus fare, time and sleeplessness.  And what exercise!  After two days of doing it, I really felt it in my legs, so, no pain no gain, right?  Hahah!  I know this is helping me loose weight and I can’t wait to see how say, two months from now, what I’ll look like after peddling up those steep hills and challenging myself to go beyond what might be comfortable for me. 

Got to loose those calories!  In the words of Sarah Palin, “Burn, baby, burn,” hahaahh!  Oh, and one last thing: I have lost two pounds in two weeks just for riding my bike, isn’t that awesome?

Eat, Drink......and be (truly) Merry!

Well, it’s been a couple weeks since my last entry.  I’m not sure if anyone cares but you know the cool part about this thing is that I, personally can go back  and read my own stuff and see what my frustrations were and my great recored moments and remember them.  But, the topic of this one should be none other than God.

I’ve started diving into the Word everyday now and it’s becoming a lot easier living the way I should if I want to go within God’s plan.  I can’t begin to say what this has been doing for me.   To be surrounded by people who constantly uplift me is very encouraging and I really welcome such things.  Hahah!   Anyway, it’s a beautiful thing to really treasure and share.  I really hope to go about and grow more and more in Jesus name.  I don’t need to eat food ONLY when I’m hungry.  Hahah, according to the latest studies conducted, health experts say that eating a little bit every two hours is more better for you than eating big meals at a time.  Likewise, when we eat from God constantly we just do ourselves some good!  Think about it.  What if we were to simply go to church every Sunday and call it good with God?   I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s vital and important to go to church, but only getting connected once a week?  Sure, it’s something but don’t you think it’s so much easier to eat and eat and eat so your stomach doesn’t growl and you don’t have to be AWAY from food? 

Eat all the time, morning, noon and night!  Drink water a lot during the day so that you can constantly replenish your system and rehydrate yourself, it’ll do nothing but good things for you.  Read the Word, stay as connected with church as possible and pray all the time.  Sing worship songs and try to be open to learning new things.  It’s with what I just mentioned above that I am using to help myself not stray from the One Who’s stuck by me.  Church hasn’t been into play, yet, but with what I’ve done this week versus last, it’s amazing how far I’ve come!

Looking Up!

It’s really cool to have your life in transition from one side to the other: my morning started out where I went to church.  I visited a Thai church with a good friend of mine.  It was a great experience.  I really enjoyed the people who I talked to.  One of them was Brenda.  She was Caucasian and her husband is pretty active in the church.  Anyway, she had come up to me and introduced herself. For me, in any setting, religious or public, I am a little in my shell.  And, that can serve as a good thing because I’m always watching to see who will actually come to the “new guy,” and she just basically talked about her church and how awesome God has been in her life.  Anyway, she made me feel very comfortable and I thanked her for her time coming up to me.

Anyway, we got back from church and went to see a movie called The Crazies and my friend treated me.  It was just so great to be dorks with him, be scared with him, laugh with him, anyway, all in all, I had a fantastic day.  I’m really grateful that God is working in me.  I’m really excited for the future growth of my soul and the reflection I will have on others through that growth.