I checked my work schedule last night and I noticed the strangest thing. I thought nothing of it at first until I let the whole idea sink in. My work schedule for next week is Monday morning at station # 6, Friday morning at station # 6, and Saturday morning at station # 6. Did you just notice a pattern here? Yeah, yeah...they're all mornings, but notice the station numbers: 666. What are my managers trying to tell me? Are my managers from hell? Eh, perish the thought...

Zoolander is the funniest stupid movie I've ever seen. I can't remember a scene where I wasn't laughing. I want to be a Balls Model.

"I'm sorry us good looking people made you throw up...for seriously."

walk, walk, walk, turn RIGHT, and........**BLUE STEEL**

Crap, there's some road work going on in the main street, so now all of the traffic is flowing into the residential areas. There are so many angry drivers going through the once barren side streets. They just completed our roads, now they've gone and repaved the main roads. Ah well, we gotta make do with what we have...=\

I have a breaker shift again at ISLANDS. I'd normally bitch about it, but this time I'll be greeted with some familiar faces at the end of my shift. Tonight, we will be seeing Zoolander in celebration of Ariel's birthday. Call it an extended celebration.

I got my phone back and couldn't be happier. The backlights are blue now instead of that crap green light that it comes with. They are much brighter than I thought. I know..it's petty of me to talk about my freaking phone, but hey...you're reading it to kill time...and I thank you.

I know some of my recent blogs have been kind of shallow. I promise I'll have blogs worth reading later on. More to come when I get home from galivanting. But you and I know that this blog isn't entirely me, but it's a good chunk of it. Until then faithful readers, enjoy your weekend.

I had fun...that's it. I'm sleeping now so I can pick up my phone tomorrow. THEY BETTER HAVE IT READY TOMORROW. This loner phone sucks.

I had a great time tonight. Oh and the PINK BALL ROCKS! hahaha...

Good Night...

Today was truly full of "me time." I went to work a little early and I made a decent amount of money to have some fun tonight. It was even payday today so the fruits of my labor was much sweeter. I decided to change those horrid green lights that come on the nokia phones to a nice sharp BLUE. Since the service guy wasn't in, they gave me a loner phone and I used my SIM card. eh... I can be uncool for one night, right? heh/heh.

I actually got to wash my car inside and out. My soul seems lighter after cleaning my little Honda. I think my room should be next.

Well, I'm out to bowl with some good friends in honor of Ariel. I hope I suck less tonight. =P

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIEL!

Today is a great man's birthday...*ahem* long story short, he's been a great help to Saint Dominic's Youth and an even greater friend.

I finally got the chance to begin my archives. You can read all about my misadventures since DAY 1: July 17, 2001. I'll try to archive the look too. I didn't preserve the past layouts. I guess it's best that you don't know how "humble" my beginnings were a few months ago. Happy flashbacking...

I'm home now from a day of UCLA-ness. Jobes and I were really happy to see Chriselle and wander around in the hills and monstrous amounts of STAIRS! It's okay though, we were willing to go through cruel and unusual punishment to hang out with Selleynator. I totally let go of my troubles. I just need to really work hard for the rest of the semester. Ugh, I am NOT that stupid to miss a class. I was just too frustrated so taking the whole day off seemed like a good idea at the time. All I want to do now is make some Mark-time and study even harder when Mark-time is over. I feel a lot better after chillin out with my friends and having our "adventures." One more campus to go...heh/heh. See Jobie, I told you we're good at this game.

*choke...choke...choke...on the boba!*

Well here I am at UCLA. Don't tell my parents though, they think that I'm in class today. FUCK class today. I got really peeved earlier so I thought I'd have a little adventure. Thanks for the directions Jonathan =).

The day isn't all that bad after all =). We love you SELLE! The RC loves and misses you.

The early afternoon is as hot as my temper. I'm SO bothered by the fact that I just missed the very exam I relentlessly studied for. Great. I don't even know if I can make it up either. I woke up at about an hour ago and realized that my second exam just passed. I e-mailed my professor knowing that it's totally futile to reason with her. Either way it was worth a shot. Reality brought my happiness to a screeching halt. I need to forget about this whole thing. I'm gonna surprise someone. I might as well make someone's day brighter =\.

Life threw me another lemon and frankly, I'm sick of lemonade.

I just realized that I'm studying for an exam that doesn't exist. I really need to relax. Hey, I still need to study, but the work load has been cut in half. I'm such a monkey...

Thanks for the link Theresa. I want a copy of that paper zine. Anyone want to help me out with that address?

Since my brother has a "similar" layout as mine, I figured that I'd spice mine up a little bit. I was also getting tired of the old header so I made a new one. There should be more to come...when I have time.

Southland Idiot Burns House Down With Apple Pie

That's what the paper would have said if I didn't notice the toaster on fire. You know those box toasters that doubles as a mini oven? Damn the inventor...

I nonchalantly preheated the oven to re-heat some pie for a late night desert. To kill about 5 minutes, I clicked on the dummy box to watch Conan O'brien. Upon checking the toaster after three minutes, I noticed that there was a slice of rye sitting inside. "Fuck! I gotta take that out," I mumbled. "Stupid leftover toast." When I opened the glass door, smoke billowed out of the damned thing. I heard a faint whoosh and noticed that the bottom piece of foil was flooded with flames. It turns out the heated wires ignited the leftover leave-in's and created an oven fire. I powered off the toaster and rushed to find something to kill the fire. I grabbed the nearest cup and doused the flames. It took 2 cups to put it out. I turned on the stove fan so the smoke would clear...and so my mom wouldn't wake up and chew me out. Hey, at least I didn't burn the pie. =)

I played around with my Ate Daph's blogger. I know she wanted it to look a little different, but I'll change it according how she wants it. I think the way it is now is simple but nice.

I ran into a blog from a friend of mine at church. I knew he had a blog, so I'm going to link him up to the "many" links I have now. Wow, aren't I popular? To my oh-so-devoted readers, be sure to check Kris out.

Yay!Theresa's back on...not the way she used to look...but like she said, it's only temporary.

I wonder if anyone else signed my guestbook...

Today was filled with good news for me. I got an 80% on my Speech exam and 100% on my Sociology exam. Studying really pays off nowadays. With this newfound confidence, I'm going to continue to work my way up. I have more tests coming up so I really have to be on my toes. Dammit. Classes are taking its toll on me but if I don't maintain my standards then someone's going to have to pay for it...me. Will Mark ever have some free time to just relax?

Martin informed me that he will be getting some black and white Nokia cases from Hong Kong. Thanks for the hook-up Martin. My insanity has been temporarily pacified.

I hope you make good use of "Excrete your Thoughts." People have been wanting to leave a mark on my page for the longest time so I gave in to the masses. Feel free to comment & criticize, but I can and will get rid of an entry if I don't like it. Mutual respect please...

Maybe my brain will leak out more later. Until then, leave your thoughts.

I've added a guestbook for those who have something to say. If I don't like the entry, then I'm going to delete it. Mutual respect and constructive criticism is encouraged.

Okay, after hours of HTML-ing (i dont have front page or dreamweaver) and countless attempts to unbloggify the look of my blog, I've decided that this is the layout I want. New graphics will be up soon...HOPEFULLY. Now I can sleep.

We all miss you Chriselle!

I did VERY well at work today with the help of a very generous student of mine (thanks Rockie). I made so much over the weekend that I met my budget for 2 days and I'm going to pay my phone bill. I had enough left over to buy myself something nice....but not high priced. =)

I sought out for a black OR white case for my phone today. I seriously think that the Nokia Gods are preventing me from getting them. I haven't even received the one that I had ordered on Ebay. MAN! I sent in that money order almost 3 weeks ago. Oh well, I'm sure it'll be coming soon. The mail must've been jacked up for a while since the 11th. I guess I can live with the limited colors I have...hahaha

I'm seriously looking forward to Confirmation starting. October 3 is when I finally get to see those "STARS" of mine. I've been having an empty void on Wednesdays. I need to get back to the regular routine and I need to keep moving. All of this down time is getting kind of old. At least I'm saving money on gas. heh/heh.

I like what I did to this place. I think I should do more. =)

I'm a definate insomniac.

I decided to tinker with my look. You like? I gotta add more graphics to this bad boy.

Last night, I decided to continue working at ISLANDS despite my petty bitching and moaning. I told the pm bartender that I was already looking for another job. While talking to her, I decided to help out with her sidework since I was done for the night. "Seriously, Mark...we'd HATE to lose you." That phrase rebuilt my faith in my co-workers.

I went to a BBQ today in Panorama. It was a birthday for a friend of mine that took Asian American Studies two semesters ago. It was so awesome to see her again and some people I've seen floating around campus. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARISSA! Aileen was nice enough to drive me. I finally got to chit-chat with her a little bit. Thanks for driving me...I guess getting lost was a way for us to talk more.

My faith in people and life has been restored.

I visited a sick friend last night with Chriselle. It was just going to a quick hello and head on home. Five hours can be quick too, right? The three of us were engaged in conversation and we lost track of time. I felt better after visiting her. I haven't seen her for a while and it really alleviated all of my petty problems. Today will hopefully be better than yesterday.

Bad day? That's an understatement...It'd be pointless to drone on and on about it. The whole fucking world is "away from their computers" anyway. So who'd listen?

Don't you just LOOOOOVE technology? Thanks to my Palm Vx, I was able to blog about the recent retreat last weekend =)...Oh and MANY thanks to "poop".

9/14: Leader Retreat 2001 Alpine Meadows

After being lost about an hour in the dark moutains, we managed to find our way to the facility. Rumors had me throwing up and that's why we were late. The six of us only know what really went down. For the record, I didn't regurgetate anything. We started a little late, but things flew by quite nicely.

It's funny when someone has to tell that you that you're significant. Today, a friend and I were asked to talk about creation and we ended up talking about our own reason for being created. We all started to talk about our sole purpose in our own lives. I honestly don't know my own reason for being. But for now, we agreed that our purpose for life is to lead the future students of Confirmation.

The bunk people that I'm with are so...well...eccentric. I don't know what came over them to combine the matresses to create a safety cushion. A couple of guys jumped off of the bunks for a quick thrill. Needless to say, it was pretty entertaining.

I look for forward to the rest of the retreat. I am feeling good vibes from everyone. I can't wait to see what this place looks like when the sun rises. Until tomorrow, good night.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Well...tomorrow. =)

9/15 Leader Retreat Alpine Meadows:

First off..HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

For the first time in ages, I woke up BEFORE the sun came up. I didn't sleep very well. My brother described the beds perfectly. "Concentration Camp Beds." (Forgive the dry sense of humor) These beds were the most uncomfortable shits ever created. But hey, I can't really complain since there's really no where else to sleep.

I'm looking forward to the activities to come soon. Until then, I'm going to enjoy my breakfast. Do my colleagues even know that it's my birthday? eh fuck it...

*************************
330pm
We have now resorted to leaving the facility in search decent & EDIBLE food. Yes...that's right, we rushed over to the Golden Arches...McDonald's. (oh...and Gary's SO FUCKING hot...and so is Ivy - haha don't ask). This is a great birthday present =)
*************************
5:03pm
An interesting predicament has befallen the group. SInce we ate at McDonald's, we couldn't eat the food that they provided at the camp. GUILT TRIP! Dan said that we were eating "Woodpecker meat." Great...we really needed to have REAL food.
*************************
1130pm
I am ready to take on the next level of Confirmation. I have been VERY inspired by the rookies that took this journey with us. I'm so proud that they have decided to stand up for what they believe in. I am very confident that they will persevere.

Everyone at the retreat was certainly plotting against me for my birthday. I have never felt that good in a long time. I was so surprised to find that there was an illuminating cake that was meant for my brother and I. I owe many thanks to many people. All along I thought a few greets was all I got...which is all i really wanted and expected.

First off, thanks to those who attended and produced the retreat...

SHOUTS:
The guys in the cabin:
Simon
Anthony
Jason
Ian
Bobby
Geron
Gary
Herbie
Jorge

The other leaders and staff:
Dan
Randy
Ariel
Brian
Decon Mike
Darlene
Monica
Ivy
Gail
Karen
Aileen
Melissa
Melissa (Meech)
Marian
Britney
*************************
The thanks doesn't stop here. I know that there many other people that made this whole think so memorable. I can't wait to develop my pics and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to make doubles. Thanks for making my birthday one of hte most memoriable days (and retreats) of my life. God Bless...

Where there's a will, there's a way...

STEPHEN is the COOLEST...

I'm your bitch from now on. This guy offers his internet service to me. He's allowing me to mooch off of his service. Hey, I didn't really want to do that. I'm not the type who freeloads without remorse. Thanks for the offer poop...I really have to find a way to repay you.

ME: OMG...im like your bitch forever...thank you so much
STEPHEN: no problem
STEPHEN: coulda told me sooner that u were using gay netzero
STEPHEN: now u can select the netzero folder and press DELETE
ME: hahaha

The RC really does look out for each other...

Thanks so much to everyone who made my birthday a memorable one. The retreat last weekend was one of the best I've been to. But aren't they all? =)

I'll talk about the retreat later...since I'm poor, we use NetZero and we ran out of hours. Fuck...I really need a new computer. I blogged on my Palm Pilot over the weekend...but what good is that if you guys can't read it. I hope I get connected somehow. I'm ready to take on the next year of Confirmation.

time to hit the road...see you when I get home.

Why the hell would a kid want to throw a water balloon into a stranger's house? God...someone needs to watch these delinquents. Oh, and "poop", don't worry that kid has problems, go and dry up those books, you're gonna need em.

I was let out of my Asian American Studies class an hour early today. I'm actually still on campus and I'm feeling really lucky right now. Why? Let me begin by saying that I wasn't really ready for school today. I got away with so much shit, that I'm surprised that I even survived the day without failing anything. I totally forgot about a speech that I was supposed to present today. Luckily, there were many eager volunteers that wanted to present today. I sat in my seat ready to shit in my pants. I have until next week to complete that task. Next, I checked my Sociology syllubus to find out that there was a scheduled exam today. Since I listen attentively to my professors (sometimes), I remembered that he wanted to go over all of the material before the exam. So, he postponed it until next week. The entire class we had a discussion of the recent events and the feelings that might have been stirred.

At the end of the day, I sat at the shuttle stop waiting for the next one to arrive to take me to the North Parking Lot. It's literally the northern most point of the enitre campus. I decided to to just go and write my blog. I wasn't about to walk that far.

I think I should head on out. I'm really tired and I need something to keep me awake for the drive home. Life seems to be getting normal a little bit.

OH CRAP! I NEED TO PACK! I'm so psyched about my upcoming Leadership Retreat. =)

Why?

What an awful day in this country. God help and bless us.

My little sister tried to wake me up early this morning. "Kuya, the news!" she kept saying. Half awake, I turned my tired self towards her and asked her to leave me alone to sleep. "But, Kuya...the Pentagon and New York...a plane...it cr..." "GO AWAY! I'M SLEEPING!" I grumbled. She calmly and quietly left the room. Just as she was closing the door, I heard my brother say "Aw shit! Joel's car got stolen?!" but, I thought that I was still dreaming. About an hour later my radio woke me up. It was locked on 105.9fm and I usually get up to Big Boy's Neighborhood in the morning. It was Big Boy alright. He wasn't being his normal self. He wasn't making a prank call or a fat joke. He was using his serious tone of voice. Big Boy repeated what my sister was trying to tell me earlier. "Two commericial planes crash into the Twin Towers in New York." Blood began to flow violently through me. I stumbled quickly to the kitchen to see these horrifying images on the kitchen television. I couldn't believe what I saw. I was so surreal to me. A plane crashing into the World Trade Center?! They reported that the building soon gave way and I welled up with tears watching the entire skyscraper collapse on itself and the citizens below. "God, wake me up...tell me this isn't happening. WAKE ME UP!"

My mom called as I stood in disbelief. I picked up the phone and she pleaded that I not go to school. "Mark, don't go. It's a National disaster and I'm sure they are going to close the school. Call and make sure if you're classes are in session." I had to go. I had so many assignments that were due. I called, and an automated voice stated that classes were in session that day. I clued myself in on the entire act of war as I drove to campus. Every single station had the information going. Along with the news I heard loads of garbage that always happens when there's something major. I was fully aware of the events taking place as soon as I got to campus.

My Geology professor started the lecture with the news and slowly progressed into the day's lesson. After about an hour, a graduate student instructed us to leave. "The Dean of Chemistry ordered us to close the campus," she said. "The campus is closed as of noon." To my absolute demise, students seemed to be very indifferent toward the the tragedy. "UH...yah...we can go home? Rock on..."

What a cowardly and foolish thing to do. I'd be ashamed to represent the country that fucked up. If there's such a place lower than hell, then that's where they are headed. Karma is a powerful thing. Although this was a deliberate act of war, I hope that the worst has passed.

Despite the fact that I don't really like our current president, I will support him and his judgement wholeheartedly. We, as a people, shouldn't be overanalyzing this thing and thinking there this a LOT more than what is presented. We need to try to get through this thing as best as possible. Don't feed me this conspiracy number theory crap or what is planned for the future. "It's true." Not likely. Telling me and other people this useless information will only make our own lives worse. Like I said, I don't fall into the hype. The intent was obvious and it has clearly been orchestrated. I've heard enough. Think for yourself. Keep peace of mind. All we can do is hope for the best and pray that God (or whoever's up there) is with us.

I love this country Goddammit...have a little faith. This country's ideals are being tested. As President Bush said, "...we will show the world that we WILL pass this test." Hang in there. The Statue of LIberty does not stand in vain.

Those damn IKEA designers got me again. Selle, Simon & I ventured through the Swedish think tank and ended up making a few purchases...AGAIN. Selle and I got a certain something for a certain someone for his certain birthday (okay...you get the point). Sim and I were there to look for some new beds for the future pad dowstairs. Naturally, we found the perfect one. I won't go into detail in case there's some obessive wacko that wants to know what I sleep on. Anyway, while browsing I picked up a few things. I bought a couple more pillows, bamboo shades, and an oriental paper lamp thingy. Geez, what next? I know that I'll be going back soon since my mom wants to see the frame my brother and I picked out.

My phone is still serving me well. Like I mentioned before, I'm beating those nights and weekends to death...hee/hee. Damn, I need a new case...I grow bored of the ones I have now. Anyway...I did all of my HW and I'm feeling damn proud of that. I should do that more often, don't you think? =)

Selle...we did that thing again. Read our results and compare...

I took that personality test that Aileen took and here are MY results:

Your view on yourself
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girl/boyfriend you are looking for
You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love
You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?

Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you
You have many goals and want to achieve as much as you can. The jobs you enjoy are those that let you burn off your considerable excess energy.

How do you view success?
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of?
You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.

Who is your true self?
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.

If you know me well enough, a few of these things aren't really true. I'll leave it up to you to dechiper what's real and what's totally off base.

I was made the cantor for this Sunday's service. Wow...it's pretty weird to finally represent the guys in our choir. It's always the women who get all of the weekly solos. What about the guys? We just look stupid because supposedly none of us are good enough to solo. Everyone is aware that I'm the "best" among the guys. Hey, I didn't say that, the other guys in the tenor section said so. I just take their word for it. So, I scored one for the testosterone team...

My parents finally got the tiling for the future bathroom that I'm going to have downstairs. Black and white...not too shabby. My mom wanted brown. BROWN?! What's going on in that Filipino mom mind of hers? Oh well, the twin and I won that depute over the color scheme. It wasn't the ideal, but hey, at least its not brown. =)

I still feel weird about having 4-day weekends...not in a bad way though.

Shitballs! I just realized I go back to choir tomorrow! Ah...I've had an empty void every sunday. SDYC's hiatus is finally over.

I saw "Musketeer" the other night. It was okay, I guess. It was worth the money but not worth praising it. I wanted more from it dammit. Anyway, kids really need to learn how to shut the hell up when they're in a movie. This little kid sitting right behind me would keep talking and asking questions. I could tell that his mom really wanted him to shut his piehole. Not only that, but this kid would kick the back of my chair and occasionally my head. This kid didn't get the clue when I gave him the evil eye. I swear...

Well, today was pretty productive yet annoying. People were really getting on my nerves today. Work is getting really weird. I'm ready to complain about my current position. My hours are really getting crappy and tips in my sections (when I'm fortunate to have one) are getting lower. I'll let it slide for now since I really want to get acquainted with my school habits.

To the people who are asking what I want for my birthday, I DON'T KNOW. It doesn't matter what anyone gets me...as long as there is some sort of thought put into it. I'm not lying by saying that I don't know. My mom asked me what I wanted and I had NO idea. She always asks and I always have an answer. I know that she has no time to have an ace up her sleeve for me. If I can't tell me own mom what I want, then I don't have a really good answer for you. I guess I have what I need...who I need.

I love the fact that I only go to school two days a week. It allows more "Mark Time."

I went to IKEA today just to look. hahahaha...I ended up making a few purchases for myself since we are renovating the downstairs room. I ended up getting 2 phat ass pillows, a cool silver clock, and some terrycloth slippers. Damn those creative Sweedish...I know that I'm going to end up going get more shit when I go back with my parents..a Loft maybe?

What a hectic morning...

My dad was pounding at my window at 6:09 this morning and I don't leave for class until 10:00. He left something in the house and I got pretty cranky having to get up and open the damn door for him. Then about an hour later, the phone starts ringing off the hook and by the time I picked it up, there was nobody on the other line. So that really pissed me off. Again, an hour later, my slumber was disturbed. My pager went off because I neglected to fix the alarm time. So, I pounded on the off button and hurled it somewhere in my room. I woke up at about 10:45 making me VERY late for my Geology class. I took this as an opportunity to be exceptionally early for my Speech class. I barely made it. I couldn't believe that there was NO parking. It took my about 30 minutes to find a parking space. I managed to asshole my way to get a mediocre space. I speed walked to class and I tried to make the most of the rest of my day. I really need to settle into the semester fast...I'm still pretty motivated =)

Jared, I am so sorry. I can't say that I understand, but my prayers go out to you and everyone involved. God takes all of the good ones first. I hope you find peace of mind.

~*sigh*~ reality checks are so hard...

Today was suprisingly pleasant. I woke up with the sun...not while it was burning up at noon. I actually ran my own erands and got things done. It was nice to be alone for a little bit. I was able to have lunch alone. Not that I like it that way, but I felt responsible for once. I took it upon myself to organize myself for school. I may have gone overboard, but I want to be the overacheiver in most if not all of my classes. I already type and print all of my notes off of my Palm Pilot. hahahaha...writing notes in a notebook. How archaic. Anyway, I'm very determined to perservere this semester. To my readers out there: Keep me in check. A little support goes a long way...and I don't want to lose a bet that I made with a friend of mine. So help me win here! =P

I went to visit my old high school today. Things seemed to have changed a little bit. It was awesome to have people hug me and say that they've missed me.

Oh...to the RC: Keep up the "concentration" =)

Oh...last night there were icky vibes flying around. Don't ask why. I hope it passes or has passed.

I'm still trying to get into the groove of school and work. While I'm still trying to catch up with college and sleep, confirmation leadership training is about to begin. I'm mentally ready for the semester and I'm ready to juggle my various activities. I can't wait to return to my normal, active state of mind.

I caught some weird ailment this past week. I've found myself reading something that has no relation to school work. Not that there's anything wrong with feeding my mind...I'm not sure why, but I have been curling up with Men Are from Mars Women Are from Venus by John Gray, Ph. D. I'm not really in a relationship but it would be nice to learn about communicating with people, especially with the opposite sex. The first 2 chapters alone was filled with information. I hope that this book is a gateway to reading other books...

Well...week 2 of school is about to begin...maybe getting the rest of my books would be a good idea right?