Mars 3D

Perhaps thi is the geek in me, but I can't wait for Mars3D come to a I-max theater near me :)

Mars 3D

Cerebellum

I'm in such a weird mood today. I find myself questioning trivial subjects. During a walk to the washroom a word randomly popped into my head. "Cerebellum"

I don't know why. It just popped in, I had to prior conversations relating to the cerebellum or seen anything. Anyway: I thought to myself.

Cerebellum - I like that word. It has a nice ring to it. I would never name my kid that. - oooh how strange would that be! How did I come up with that word anyway? Why must women always have a thought in their mind?

I tried to remember of an instance when I didn't have a thought in my mind. Never has that been the case. Perhaps a few minutes during sleep, but then our thoughts are part of our dreams. Hmmm, funny how a random word can trigger different thoughts in a matter of seconds.

Pulling Fences

These past weeks have been incredibly busy at work and at home. We've made some renovations around the house... Removed old fence and put up a privacy wooden fence instead. Here's my (technically soon to be) brother-in-law striking a pose :)
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

Running Away

I ran - ran as fast I could! I felt the cold chill right behind me as if it was ready to take hold of me and engulf me with terror. My own shadow ran faster than I did and I held my side ribs trying to catch up to it. I was fearful of the alleyway that I would soon have to cut through. I knew that if what I was running away from would catch me in that passage way, there would be no one to hear my screams nor see the horror that undoubtedly would take place.

That was the only route I had for an opportunity to escape. If I remained on my current path I would collapse from exhaustion and I clearly remain in sight of my persecutor.

I felt like the stupid idiot girl that is chased in the movies. The same one that everyone screams to on the big screen not to go out, but surely does and quickly falls to the ground. They all do - why is that anyway? It is overly played out now!

To be continued...

Appreciation For A Stranger

Somewhere in the vast majority of space lies a star that remains unseen. The sparkle of it's illuminating twinkle has not been appreciated. How sad the thought that such beauty of a miracle goes unnoticed such as the twinkle in your eyes that I've yet to meet.

Enjoying a Relaxing Day

The warm weather comes and goes here in Chicago. I crazy city marching to it's own beat, it doesn't surprise me. I've learned to take advantage of those days that are nice - 'nice to be outside'. That said, my dog reaps the benefits.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo photograph

When I Let Go of My Childhood

I think I can pinpoint the exact time I grew up. I allowed my responsible take charge nature control my childhood at a very early age. I date this back to 1982, just a couple of months after the birth of my younger sister. Considering all the turmoil I endured prior to that new addition to my family. I led my life as a confused kid, always hopeful that my mother would protect me and make everything all right.

I must admit I always question why ...my mother put up with my father. I know now that culture, religion and fear played a major part. Mexican women, rephrase that - Catholic Mexican women were accustomed to the machoist syndrome. The Mexican man was to be the provider, authoritative master and commander. This was nothing new to my mother. Looking at the relationship I see with my grandparents I didn't see how those thoughts could have been nurtured into my mother's mind. After learning that my grandfather cheated on my grandmother and my grandmother knowing this still allowed it to occur. She like many women of her time consider it a fad and a primal need of males.

Anyway, my father was an over bearing typical macho from "those days". However, he was not around as much. This allowed me to remain carefree for at least a few years of susceptible knowledge. I can only remember the bad times when my father was around, luckily for me that was a lower percentage of my existence.

What drove me to a higher state of mind and responsibility was the need to assist my mother with the upbringing of my sister. I recall many nights that my sister would awaken wanting to be fed in the middle of the night, which is the case of all new born babies. My mother was prepared though. Every evening she would take her breast milk and store it in thermos containers. I would wake at the first sound of her voice and would volunteer to feed and rock her back to sleep. She was more that a doll to play with, I knew better than to think of her that way. From that day forward I got it into my own little head that my sister was to be my responsibility. I allowed for this to happen and robbed myself of childhood mischief.

Do I regret it? Honestly not entirely. I regret allowing myself to worry so much for things that were out of my control and out of my responsibility for caring. I think I also robbed myself out of a true sibling relationship.

I'm Always An Artist At Heart

I bought some charcoal and graphic pencils today as well as some small canvases. I am excited to delve myself into my art and letting my imagination run free again. It's been a long time since I've painted even longer since I drew (doodling doesn't count).

I have a journal that I bought at the beginning of that year that was meant for my daily writings and I honestly did have it in mind to draw in it as well. I have drawn a few sketches here and there, but with ink pens. Those times where mainly because I found myself waiting in a lobby of some sort and I was fortunate enough to carry that said journal.

Here I am again trying not to make false promises of keeping a schedule for my creativity. I Celi do solemnly swear to spend more time for my forgotten creative outlets. I promise to spend time with either a pencil, paintbrush and/or camera. I hereby state that I will care not for the outcome of these projects but for the effort made in completing them.

Wish me luck

My New PDA

Always a techie, I am very excited about my recent purchase. I've upgraded my old palm V PDA to this new Palm Zire. Also my new mp3 player, the only thing it needs is a built in camera - maybe for my next upgrade :) Another strong plus is that I can put my own pictures as backgrounds.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo photograph

Flash Movie - The New Rocky

Very inspiring, see you can do anything anywhere if you put your mind to it. Check out the funny clip of a wannabe Rocky.
The New Rocky

Slap Your Co-Worker Day - May 13th

From E-mail Forward:
Slap Your Co-Worker Day is Coming!!
Tomorrow is the official Slap Your Irritating Co-workers Holiday: Do you have a co-worker who talks nonstop about nothing, working your last nerve with tedious and boring details that you don't care about? Do you have a co-worker who ALWAYS screws up stuff creating MORE work for you? Do you have a co-worker who kisses so much booty, you can look in their mouth and see what your boss had for lunch? Do you have a co-worker who is SOOO obnoxious, when he/she enters a room, everyone else clears it? Well, on behalf of Ike Turner, I am so very very glad to officially announce tomorrow as SLAP YOUR IRRITATING CO-WORKER DAY! There are the rules you must follow:

* You can only slap one person per hour - no more.
* You can slap the same person again if they irritate you again in the same day.
* You are allowed to hold someone down as other co-workers take their turns slapping the irritant.
* No weapons are allowed...other than going upside somebody's head with a stapler or a hole-puncher.
* If questioned by a supervisor [or police, if the supervisor is the irritant], you are allowed to LIE, LIE, LIE! Now, study the rules, break out your list of folks that you want to slap the living day lights out of and get to slapping.....and have a great day!

Conquering the Search Engine Giant

After checking my stats today I was amazed to see that most of my search engine traffic for my Chicago Photos photoblog came not from the usual source. Last march I was thrilled that I was ranking very well on Yahoo! - within top 5 nonetheless. (see the Yahoo! April post.) Today however, the search engine giant - Google was number one referrer to my local photoblog. Chicagophotos.blogspot.com is within the top ten search results! I hope it's not a fluke and the trend can continue. If you have the Google toolbar, make sure you visit and vote for Chicago Photos.

Flying Away

It hasn't been that long since I came back from Mexico, and I am now longing to travel somewhere else. I'm not sure if I will make any trips this summer. I am still hopefull for fall to bring me an opportunity to visit Spain, or at least head to the east-coast soon.

Joke Of The Day

From E-mail Forward:
9 Things I Hate About Everyone
1. People who point at their wrist while asking for the time.... I know where my watch is pal, where the hell is yours? Do I point at my crotch when I ask where the toilet is?
2. People who are willing to get off their ass to search the entire room for the TV remote because they refuse to walk to the TV and change the channel manually.
3. When people say - "Oh you just want to have your cake and eat it too." Damn right! What good is a cake if you can't eat it?
4. When people say "it's always the last place you look." Of course it is. Why the hell would you keep looking after you've found it? Do people do this? Who and where are they? Gonna Kick their ass!
5. When people say while watching a film "did you see that?". No Loser, I paid $12 to come to the cinema and stare at the freaking floor.
6. People who ask - "Can I ask you a question?".... Didn't really give me a choice there, did ya sunshine?
7. When something is 'new and improved!'. Which is it? If it's new, then there has never been anything before it. If it's an improvement, then there must have been something before it.
8. When people say - "life is short". What the hell?? Life is the longest damn thing anyone ever freaking does!! What can you do that's longer?
9. When you are waiting for the bus and someone asks - "Has the bus come yet?". If the bus came would I be standing here, dumb ass?

Napster

It's official I am a Napster member. I committed myself to a Napster membership, and will shell out some cash for the service on a monthly basis. Strangely, I don't mind at all. I am particularly fond of the service. I was trying out Musicnet for a little over two months and after day 2 of trying out Napster's 14 day demo, I've canceled Musicnet. Napster has a wider selection and faster download rate. What is best is that their interface is much better. Right now I am still on the 14 day trial with unlimited download to any computer. Sorry kiddies, you can't burn the mp3's. That however is an added plus for Napster over musicnet. When downloading from Musicnet a reference file back to their system was what actually was downloaded, not the actual mp3. After downloading from Napster you are able to play the mp3s via any other mp3 player you have on your PC. I love music :)

Can We Make a Difference?

The disinterest of modern humanity for its self is alarming. Taken for granted are many historic mistakes and gifts of nature. What was once fought for with life and sacrifices is now thrown away and uncared for. It is only in America however where the luxurious life and commodity plays a major factor for this behavior. I possess a need to make a difference, however at the same time feel inept.

I've become accustomed to my own comfort and savour the city life that I breathe in on a daily basis. I've seen and lived a lower class, however not as poor as third nations. It scares me to be in close proximity to that extreme. I am a woman of nurtured guilt, through culture, family and religion. There in lies the reason for these observations. Where this will take me? I am not ready to make a commitment. Why bother? I am willing to recognize and give light to my inner thoughts.

Thanks for allowing me to express my doubts and guilt.

Joke Of The Day

A Most Interesting Proposal
A woman was sitting at a bar enjoying an after work cocktail with her girlfriends when an exceptionally tall, handsome, extremely sexy middle-aged man entered.

He was so striking that the woman could not take her eyes off him. The young-at-heart man noticed her overly attentive stare and walked directly toward her (as all men will).

Before she could offer her apologies for so rudely staring, he leaned over and whispered to her, "I'll do anything, absolutely anything, that you want me to do, no matter how ?unusual?, for $20.00......on one condition." (There are always conditions)

Flabbergasted, the woman asked what the condition was. The man replied, "You have to tell me what you want me to do in just three words." (controlling, huh?)

The woman considered his proposition for a moment, then slowly removed a $20 bill from her purse, which she pressed into the man's hand along with her address. She looked deeply into his eyes, and slowly, and meaningfully said....
. . .
. . .
. . .
"Clean my house."

Sleep Deprived Gibberish

It's 4am and another case of insomnia has reared it's ugly head at me. I find myself staring at this screen, filling the text box with psycho bauble, while listening to the TV in the background. VH1 has a great show called 'insomniac videos' - how appropriate. The best thing is that they have been playing many songs I like. Why can't they show these videos during regular hours?

Oh - great I jinxed myself, "Jesse's Girl" is now playing. Of course VH1 would play that song! I was perfectly happy with the previous videos - please come back Joss! Sing it Alicia! I suppose I could play the songs on my PC, but that would take the fun away of looking towards the TV every now and then to see the video.

ooh - new video, John Legend. I'm happy again :)
Damn I need to get some sleep!

Joke Of The Day

You Know you?re Addicted to the Internet when?

You kiss your girlfriend's home page.

Your bookmarks list takes 15 minutes to scroll from top to bottom.

You find yourself brainstorming for new subjects to Google.

You refuse to go to a vacation spot with no electricity and no phone lines.

You spend half of the plane trip with your laptop on your lap.... and your kid in the overhead compartment.

Your dreams are in HTML.

You refer to going to the bathroom as ?downloading.?

You start introducing yourself as "Jim at I-I-Net dot net dot au"

You turn up the volume real loud when leaving the room so you can hear if anyone IM's you.

All of your friends have @ in their names.

Your dog has its own webpage.

You check your mail. It says "no new messages." So you check it again.

You name your children Google, Friendster and Blogger

You wake up at 3 a.m. to go to the bathroom and stop and check your e-mail on the way back. (OK ? We all have done this one)

Your sweetie says communication is important in a marriage...so you buy another computer and network them together so that you can IM each other anytime.

You have withdrawals if you are away from the computer for more than a few hours.

You take a speed reading course to keep up with the scrolling.

You rank your friends by the amount of bandwith they have.

You order pizza online - because you can't be bothered to call.

You double click your TV remote.

Things To Know

From E-mail Forward
DID YOU KNOW??
1. Budweiser beer conditions the hair
2. Pam cooking spray will dry finger nail polish
3. Cool whip will condition your hair in 15 minutes
4. Mayonnaise will KILL LICE, it will also condition your hair
5. Elmer's Glue - paint on your face, allow it to dry, peel off and see the dead skin and blackheads if any
6. Shiny Hair - use brewed Lipton Tea
7. Sunburn - empty a large jar of Nestea into your bath water
8. Minor burn - Colgate or Crest toothpaste
9. Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!
10. Arthritis? WD-40 Spray and rub in, kill insect stings too
11. Bee stings - meat tenderizer
12. Chigger bite - Preparation H
13. Puffy eyes - Preparation H
14. Paper cut - crazy glue or chap stick (glue is used instead of sutures at most hospitals)
15. Stinky feet - Jello!
16. Athletes feet - cornstarch
17. Fungus on toenails or fingernails - Vicks vapor rub
18. Kool aid to clean dishwasher pipes. Just put in the detergent section and run a cycle, it will also clean a toilet. (Wow, and we drink this stuff)
19. Kool Aid can be used as a dye in paint also Kool Aid in Dannon plain yogurt as a finger paint, your kids will love it and it won't hurt them if they eat it!
20. Peanut butter - will get scratches out of CD's! Wipe off with a coffee filter paper
21. Sticking bicycle chain - Pam no-stick cooking spray
22. Pam will also remove paint, and grease from your hands! Keep a can in your garage for your hubby
23. Peanut butter will remove ink from the face of dolls
24. When the doll clothes are hard to put on, sprinkle with corn starch and watch them slide on
25. Heavy dandruff - pour on the vinegar!
26. Body paint - Crisco mixed with food coloring. Heat the Crisco in the microwave, pour in to an empty film container and mix with the food color of your choice!
27. Tie Dye T-shirt - mix a solution of Kool Aid in a container, tie a rubber band around a section of the T-shirt and soak
28. Preserving a newspaper clipping - large bottle of club soda and cup of milk of magnesia, soak for 20 min. and let dry, will last for many years!
29. A Slinky will hold toast and CD's!
30. To keep goggles and glasses from fogging, coat with Colgate toothpaste
31. Wine stains, pour on the Morton salt and watch it absorb into the salt.
32. To remove wax - Take a paper towel and iron it over the wax stain, it will absorb into the towel.
33. Remove labels off glassware etc. rub with Peanut butter!
34. Baked on food - fill container with water, get a Bounce paper softener and the static from the Bounce towel will cause the baked on food to adhere to it. Soak overnight. Also; you can use 2 Efferdent tablets, soak overnight!
35. Crayon on the wall - Colgate toothpaste and brush it!
36. Dirty grout - Listerine
37. Stains on clothes - Colgate
38. Grass stains - Karo Syrup
39. Grease Stains - Coca Cola, it will also remove grease stains from the driveway overnight. We know it will take corrosion from car batteries!
40. Fleas in your carpet? 20 Mule Team Borax- sprinkle and let stand for 24 hours. Maybe this will work if you get them back again.
41. To keep FRESH FLOWERS longer Add a little Clorox, or 2 Bayer aspirin, or just use 7-up instead of water.
42. When you go to buy bread in the grocery store, have you ever wondered which is the freshest, so you "squeeze" for freshness or softness? Did you know that bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each day has a different color twist tie. They are: Monday = Blue, Tuesday = Gr een, Thursday = Red Friday = White and Saturday = Yellow. So if today was Thursday, you would want red twist tie; not white which is Fridays (almost a week old)! The colors go alphabetically by color Blue- Green - Red - White - Yellow, Monday through Saturday. Very easy to remember. I thought this was interesting. I looked in the grocery store and the bread wrappers DO have different twist ties, and even the ones with the plastic clips have different colors. You learn something new everyday! Enjoy fresh bread when you buy bread with the right color on the day you are shopping.

Clip of The Day - Danier Leather

I receive a couple of funny clips every now and then. I usually post them as file types and title. From now on if you want to find funny movies just look out for "Clip Of The Day"

Here's today's funny movie..Danier Commercial
It's cute, enjoy..
courtesy of daphne.mmdc.net

WMV Movie Clip - That's Life

Funny Clip from the John Debella Morning Show, with Frank Sinatra's That's life in the background. Enjoy - That's Life

GoldenPalace.com Monkeys with Nature

GoldenPalace.com has paid a wildlife park $650,000 for the right to name a new species of foot-tall monkeys. This is no joke. The poor, furry creature will henceforth be known as "The GoldenPalace.com Monkey." - Opinion Column by PC Magazine: GoldenPalace.com Monkeys with Nature

After this stunt I hope many other such contest will set more rules and guidelines. Such "NAMES CHOSEN DHOULD NOT BARE ANY PROMOTIONAL REFERENCES." - Poor Monkey

WMV Movie - DUI Test

Here is another funny clip, this drunk guy almost had it. Would you be able to pass these DUI test? see funny clip at: http://www.carolinaholiday.com/image/DWI.WMV

Good Ol' Garfield

WMV Movie - Dog Lawyer

This is a hilarious clip from an SNL skit. Will Ferrel as a Dog Lawyer posing legitimate questions. What do you think, do you agree? Dog Lawyer

US Tax Day

Helloooo TAX DAY!!! For many of you that haven't filed your taxes, it's Dooms Day! I have unfortunately already spent my tax return. I'm a bit sad about that actually! Here are a few jokes to cheer us all up...

Tax Jokes from - Late Night TV? - Submitted By D. Kurtzman
"We ought to thank President Bush. He made it a lot easier for people to do taxes this year. No job, no income tax this year." - Jay Leno

"Earlier today, the White House released President Bush's tax return. Not surprisingly, under dependents, the president listed Iraq." - Conan O'Brien

"President Bush released his tax returns yesterday. He listed the economy as a liability. He gets to write that off." - Jay Leno

"Technically, you're not paying taxes. According to the Bush administration, your bank account is being liberated." - Jay Leno

"Today the IRS gave some guidelines on how to avoid getting audited. Number one, don't list deductions that will raise a red flag. Number two, make sure you file on time. Number three, don't make any stupid anti-war speech at the Academy Awards." - Jay Leno

"The IRS now says you can deduct weight loss plans off your taxes. You can write it off because the government has officially declared obesity a disease. And it's a disease, you can deduct medical expenses. That shows what a difference an administration can make. See under Bush, obesity is a disease. Under Clinton it was just sexy." - Jay Leno

"Monday, April 15th, taxes are due. I just don't pay them. Yeah, this year Arthur Anderson did my taxes, I'm getting $6 billion back." - Conan O'Brien

"Yesterday the IRS announced that obese Americans are entitled to certain tax breaks. Apparently, under the new rules, you're allowed to claim two or more chins as dependents." - Conan O'Brien

"If your accountant is Arthur Anderson ... today is the last day you could have your tax documents shredded by April 15th." - David Letterman

"I hate to be the one to remind you, but just pretty soon it is going to be April 15th, it is going to be tax time. You know what I am saying? Are you ready? Well you know when something like this happens New Yorkers always try to put the best face they can on a situation. For example the hookers in Times Square, for an extra $50 they will handle your extension." - David Letterman

COLDPLAY Promo

I'm looking forward to this...


COLDPLAY : X&Y COLDPLAYER: "THE COLDPLAYER
Opening at 21:00hrs (GMT) 18.04.2005 with the new single 'Speed of Sound'

This is the latest tool from Coldplay.com that will allow all members to gain direct access to a host of new content straight from the band and the new album 'X&Y'.

Alongside all the new X&Y audio & video exclusives, the new Coldplayer will also give you access to backstage footage that the band will be filming and uploading directly to the player, plus a diary of events only available to members of Coldplay.com.

There will be two versions of the player giving you all the latest news as and when you want it. The first version is web-based so you can visit it whenever you're online for all the latest content, the second is a direct desktop Coldplayer which will be available soon.

Fearful Thought For Cat & Other Animal Lovers

Yahoo! News - Wis. Considers Legalizing Cat Hunting!

Residents in 72 counties were asked whether free-roaming cats — including any domestic cat that isn't under the owner's direct control or any cat without a collar — should be listed as an unprotected species. If listed as so, the cats could be hunted.Statewide results were expected Tuesday.
...
La Crosse firefighter Mark Smith, 48, helped spearhead the cat-hunting proposal. He wants Wisconsin to declare free-roaming wild cats an unprotected species, just like skunks or gophers. Anyone with a small-game license could shoot the cats at will.
...
At least two other upper Midwestern states, South Dakota and Minnesota, allow wild cats to be shot — and have for decades. Minnesota defines a wild, or feral, cat as one with no collar that does not show friendly behavior, said Kevin Kyle with that state's Department of Natural Resources.
...
One of the attendees was Katy Francis, who wore cat ears, whiskers, a cat nose and a sign that read, "Too Cute to Kill." For Francis, "The cat hunting thing brought me out because it was very extreme." | source: Yahoo! News - Wis. Considers Legalizing Cat Hunting

What has the world come to? I can't fathom the solution to the over population of cats to be death. Mexico and China is overpopulated, we wouldn't condone killing it's citizens to solve that issue - Would we?

Movie Clip - Reason NOT to drink at the office party...

This is hillarious, she is sooo fired!

Special thanks to locallans.com for hosting video.
Reason NOT to drink at the office party...: "http://www.locallans.com/OfficeParty.mpg"

Downfall of Winning The Lotto

I was originally forwarded the actual video clip but found this site that linked to it. Cute commercial, if only this were the main concerns for any major life change...

Videos: Watch a Video - BlogTelevision.net

I Love Yahoo!

Yahooo! woohooo!!
I've finally hit first page ranking for me Chicago photos photoblog. For a recent SEO cyber geek like me this is HUGE!!! I decided to optimize that section of my photoblog for high search words as Chicago photos, Chicago pictures, and Chicago skyline pictures. My site comes up averaging rank number five sometimes even twice within the same search results :) Thanks Yahoo!

Home Sweet Home

It feels so good to be home. I've returned home after a two week vacation from Mexico exhausted. Every time I go on 'vacation' there I return tired and depressed. I have so much family there that all we do is visit many of them. The most tiring is the ride from Mexico city to my grand fathers ranch in Oaxaca. This time my brother in law drove, but still made it ~12 hour drive. Of course we stopped in between to grab a bite to eat and rest room stops. Anyway all the driving around and running around buying things can be tiring. There were fun trips here in there, like a ride through Xochimilco in a gondola, swimming in the river, hot springs(almost died there - tell you that story some other day) bought some puppies (stayed in Mexico, another story there), visited a nice park with my God parents. All in all a good time but I always returned depressed because I become attached to my family there and it hurts to say goodbye. Saying goodbye to my two elder sisters is even more difficult, but I love the luxury of having the comforts of my own home. It's good to be back :)

Picture Perfect Sunday

I had a few eventful days this weekend. Saturday was the first Saturday in many many months that I didn't have to work so I opted to stay in bed late to catch up on my Z's. Later in the evening a continued my long awaited Saturday tradition of shopping :D

Sunday, however was a different story day. The weather was a bit chilly but I woke up early and ventured out anyway. I met up with some fellow photographer hobbyist on Sunday and roamed Maxwell street market. It was a small fun little group, thanks for letting me join guys.

Taking a moment to admire and photograph the tracks nearby.

© 2005 Araceli Arroyo photographs
Later in the day I was able to make it to the St. Patrick's Day Parade on the South Side of Chicago. I missed Saturday's parade in the loop, but didn't want to miss this one. I had a good time and was intoxicating-ly joyful :) I will post some photos from the parade on Wednesday in My Photoblog.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo photographs

Joke Of The Day

Dinner with the Girlfriend’s Parents
Prom Night was coming up, and a girl announced to her boyfriend that she wanted to make it special and take a hotel room for the night. Being the responsible type, the boy went to the Pharmacy to purchase protection. The pharmacist was very helpful and guided the boy for about an hour and told him everything there was to know.

The boy came early to pick his girlfriend, and her Mother invited him to join them for dinner. When they sat down, the boy, looking to impress her parents, offered to say grace then bowed his head. A minute passed, and the boy was still deep in prayer…5 minutes passed, and still no movement from the boy.

Finally, after 10 minutes with his head down, the girlfriend leaned over and whispers to the boyfriend, "I had no idea you were so religious." The boy turns, and whispers back, "I had no idea your father was a pharmacist."

Winter II Class Over

I've been teaching part-time for over two years now. Today ended another class. For some reason I became attached with this batch of students more than ever before. I genuinely felt sad saying goodbye to them today. I'll miss seeing them, but I look forward to sleeping for the next two saturdays, before I'm off on vacation :)

The Countdown Begins

March is finally here - woohoo!! Why would that make me so happy? I am taking a vacation this month. On the 22nd I will be heading to Mexico to visit my family. I miss my older sisters very much and can't wait to see them. If time permits we may hit a port and enjoy the beach. I haven't been to Acapulco and there has been some talks about going there this time. Both my sisters are taking a vacation from their work, the kids also have time off school. I'm hoping to explore different areas this time. Only 21 more days ...

My Increasing Popularity - wink wink

I was testing MSN's webpage preview search, and out of curiousity I decided to do a search of my name. To my surprise there it was in big font letters CELI.org :)

I couldn't help but feel somewhat happy. I don't know! I like the sound of that URL. Even thought it has no connection to myself or an actual name for that matter. It's simply an acronomym, but my ego got a boost out of it.

See the other MSN search results

Joke of the Day

From E-mail Forward
* How Was I Born? *
The little boy asked his father - Daddy, how was I born?
DAD SAYS:
Ah, my son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway! Well, you see your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on MSN. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, where your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a blessed little Popup appeared and said: You've Got Male

Microsoft fights against spyware with IE 7

Internet Explorer 7 promises to be more secure, but hasn't that been the promise of every IE version release or every other Microsoft product anyway? As long as computer manufacturers keep selling PCs with the Windows operating system and IE being forced as the packaged browser, Microsoft truly should have little concern of their market share. At least for another five years or so. Perhaps MS is wanting to nip Firefox's growth as quickly as possible...
Xinhua - English: "Microsoft fights against spyware with IE 7"

Declaración De Amor

Bésame con esos labios suaves que me han acostumbrado a sentir la ternura de tu amor. Quiero sentir tus brazos fuertes alrededor de mi cuerpo, dándome esa seguridad que solamente tu me puedes dar. Me encanta perderme entre el calor de pasión que bate dentro de mí por ti. Es un sensacion imensa que volveria qualquiera completamente loca. Es un magia inexplicable que tienes sobre mi, que me hace adicta a tus caricias. Espero con anticipacion cada amanecer verte otra vez. Eres el aire que respiro, tan puro come es el amor que siento por ti. Eres mi ángel que guia mi espirito a las nubes del cielo. Quiero dar te todo de mi, no me importaria quedar solo un esqueleto si hubiera manera de demonstrar qué gran parte de mi tu realmente eres.

Translation:
Kiss me with those tender lips that have accustomed me to feel the tenderness of your love. I want to feel your strong arms around my body, giving me that security that only you can give. I love to lose myself in the heat of passion that beats within me. It's an imense sensation that would make anyone completely crazy. It's an inexplicable magic that you have over me, that makes me addicted to your caresses. I await every awakening with anticipation to see you again. You are the air I breathe, so pure as is this love I feel for you. You are my angel that guides my spirits to the clouds of heaven. I want to give you all of me. I wouldn't care to be left a skeleton if only there were a way to show what great part of me you truly are.

Un Dia En La Playa

El sol arde para que nos desnudemos en frente de sus rayos que alcanzan nuestra piel. Me encanta nadar entre la agua del mar. Sentir la frescura y la libertad de la gravedad. En ella puedo sentir my cuerpo ligero y moverlo sin limite de espacio. Recuerda el sentir la arena entre los dedos de los pies. Acuerdate de la sensación al sentir el calor y tacto de la tierra. Ser un humano es maravilloso, porque solo nosotros podemos apreciar y recordar lo que dios nos da.

Funny Video - Sun Fizz Drink

The image is a bit distorted but this was a funny video of a sprite commercial. Enjoy - BoFunk - Sun Fizz Drink

Coke Thirst

Taste the sweetness of the sugar flavored bubble gum soda-pop. Feel the fizzle under the tip of your tongue. The little bubbles give raise of your taste buds. They have come to life at the very least have awaken from their dormant comatose state. I enjoyed swirling the syrupy light liquid around my mouth. I know it's decaying my teeth, but I don't care. I know it stains the enamel of my smile, but I can't help it. I'm addicted. It's the savory of the flavored caffeine injected with carbonated fizzles. Who the heck invented coca-cola anyway? Why did I give up caffeinated soda-pop for lent?

Do Women Really Understand

From E-mail Forward - These are funny :)
PREGNANCY Q & A & more!
Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.
Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.
Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth
Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?
Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.
Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.
Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.
Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.
Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.
Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

"ESTROGEN ISSUES"
10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES"
1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1- 800-"
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space."
8. You can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND
10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.
AND, the Number One Number One thing only women understand:
1. OTHER WOMEN

Gary Brolsma’s - “Numa Numa Dance”

Funny Clip
Gary Brolsma’s funny video clip he calls the “Numa Numa Dance” Check it out here. I looked all over the web for a direct link to the video but I think his server has disconitinued access to it. News stations from all over the US have reported on the funny clip that has been e-mailed many many times. Check out his video from MSNBC: Gary Brolsma’s - 'Numa Numa Dance'

Numa Dance UPDATE - 02/22/05
After seeing so many hits spike up over the weekend for the "numa numa dance video" from the new star kid from NewJersey, I want to give credit where credit is do. Here is the link to the original site that hosted Brolsma’s lip-sync video to that catchy Romanian "Dragostea Din Tei" song. Gary Brolsma's Dance

Joke of the Day

From E-mail Forward:
The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks an older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears a couple confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.

The old priest suggests, "Cross you arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see,' 'yes,' 'go on,' 'I understand,' and 'how did you feel about that?'"

The new priest says those things, trying them out. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying 'No shit! What happened next?'"

Anticipacion De Una Madre.

Cual sera el nombre del nuevo espirito del mundo?
De que color seran sus ojos que demuestrara su innocencia?
Como sera su bella sonrisa que hara mi corazon latir de allegria?
Que tan fuerte apretara mi dedo en sus manos que me energullersera completamente?
La aniticipacion me quita el sueno, imaginando mi vida al lado de este nuevo bebe.
Esta nueva creatura que illuminara mi ser.

Feeling the music beat

Open the garage and and slowly guide the car out. I turn the wheel to the left and look across the alley to see if there is anyone coming. No! good lets go.

I raise the volume of the radio and hear the thumping sound through the woofer. Pounding beats and hard bass. I love this song! I can't help but to nod my head up and down, glide from side to side lightly, to the rhythm of the beat.

LA la la la!

If my foot weren't busy pressing the accelerator it would be pounding on the floor up and down. The faster the music goes the faster I want the car to go. Depending on the music itc an vary what I imagine I'm doing. My favorite thing to do is to listen to trance music at night and be on the expressway. It feels even better on a warm breazy late Spring nght. I lower the window and let my arm out. It reminds me of a car video arcade game. I follow the lines on the pavement and press the accelarator a bit more down. I love the cool wind blow up my arm towards my face and blow my hair back.

It's not Spring yet, but I'm looking forward to it...can you tell?

Did I tell you we have a snowman?

The snow will melt this weekend when the Chicagoland area may possibly hit the 50 degree mark. Soon we will have to say goodbye to our cute snowman that my sister and nephew created last week. Buh Bye Mr. Frosty, we'll miss you but I can't wait for the great weather :)

Drunk -- on three glasses of Listerine

ADRIAN, Mich. - A woman arrested after failing a sobriety test and telling police she drank three glasses of Listerine has pleaded guilty to drunken driving. | source: MSNBC

Imagine now walking up to a bar...Yes Bartender. I'd like a shot of Listerine! - heheh

No Gates in My Yard

I walked out into the cold night and felt the temperature hit my face like stinging bees. It was as if the actual coldness stuck to my skin and would not let go. Tiny little bites trying to seep into my pores. The bare skin of my exposed face became firm and tense as the weather grab hold with such intensity that I felt my cheeks stiffen. I took hold of my scarf that was tucked in my jacket and pulled it up, so only my eyes were left uncovered. They were in pain from the frigid air as well. This was evident since they were now crying. I took a few more steps at a slower pace, because the faster I stepped the stronger the wind felt. The wind was even more cruel than the static air.

"Come On" I snapped at him. I tugged on Charlie's leash for him to hurry up. I know he was cold as well and was just looking for a clear spot to relieve himself in. These are the times I hate the most. I was glad he didn't take long and we scurried back inside. People tell me, that's why they don't have dogs. You know what, it's still worth it. Those five minutes of cold agony are nothing compared to the many years of loyal company and adoration for pet and owner.

Anger Management

From e-mail forward:
When you occasionally have a really bad day, and you just need to take it out on someone, don't take it out on someone you know, take it out on someone you don't know. I was sitting at my desk when I remembered a phone call I had forgotten to make. I found the number and dialed it. A man answered, saying, "Hello." I politely said, "This is Andrew. Could I please speak with Robin Carter?"

Suddenly, the phone was slammed down on me. I couldn't believe that anyone could be so rude. I tracked down Robin's correct number and called her. I had transposed the last two digits of her phone number. After hanging up with her, I decided to call the 'wrong' number again. When the same guy answered the pho ne, I yelled, "You're an asshole!" and hung up. I wrote his number down with the word 'asshole' next to
>it, and put it in my desk drawer. Every couple of weeks, when I was paying bills or had a really bad day, I'd call him up and yell, "You're an asshole!" It always cheered me up.

When Caller ID came to our area, I thought my therapeutic 'asshole' calling would have to stop. So, I called his number and said, "Hi, this is John Smith from the Telephone Company. I'm just calling to see if you're familiar with the Caller ID program?" He yelled, "NO!" and slammed the phone down. I quickly called him back and said, "That's because you're an asshole!" One day I was at the store, getting ready to pull into a parking spot. Some guy in a black BMW cut me off and pulled into the spot I had patiently waited for. I hit the horn and yelled that I had been waiting for the sp ot. The idiot ignored me. I noticed a "For Sale" sign in his car window ...so, I wrote down his number. A couple of days later, right after calling the first asshole, I had his number on speed dial), I thought I had better call the BMW asshole, too. I said, "Is this the man with the black BMW for sale?"

"Yes, it is."
"Can you tell me where I can see it?"
"Yes, I live at 1802 West 34th Street. It's a yellow house, and the car's parked right out in front."
"What's your name?" I asked.
"My name is Don Hansen," he said.
"When's a good time to catch you, Don?"
"I'm home every evening after five."
"Listen, Don, can I tell you something?"
"Yes?"
"Don, you're an asshole."

Then I hung up, and added his number to my speed dial, too. Now, when I had a problem, I had two assholes to call. But after several months of calling them, it wasn't as enjoyable as it used to be. So, I came up with an idea. I called Asshole #1.

"Hello." "You're an asshole!" (But I didn't hang up.)
"Are you still there?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said.
"Stop calling me," he screamed.
"Make me," I said.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"My name is Don Hansen."
"Yeah? Where do you live?"
"Asshole, I live at 1802 West 34th Street, a yellow house, with my black Beamer parked in front."
He said, "I'm coming over right now, Don. And you had better start saying your prayers."
I said, "Yeah, like I'm really scared, asshole."
Then I called Asshole #2.
"Hello?" he said. "Hello, asshole," I said.
He yelled, "If I ever find out who you are..."
"You'll what?" I said.
"I'll kick your ass," he exclaimed.
I answered, "Well, asshole, here's your chance. I'm coming over right now."

Then I hung up and immediately called the police, saying that I lived at 1802 West 34th Street, and that I was on my way over there to kill my gay lover. Then I called Channel 13 News about the gang war going down on West 34th Street. I quickly got into my car and headed over to 34th street. There I saw two assholes beating the crap out of each other in front of six squad cars, a police helicopter, and news crew.

NOW, I feel better. Anger management at it's very best.

Joke of the Day

From e-mail forward:
A woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning. Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt. God works in Mysterious ways. After they crawl out of their cars, the woman says,

"So you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars!
There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should meet and befriends and live together in peace for the rest of our days".

Flattered, the man replies, "Oh yes, I agree with you completely, this must be a sign from God!"

The woman continues, "And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune." Then she hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman. The woman takes the bottle and immediately puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the man. The man asks, "Aren't you having any?"
The woman replies, "No. I think I'll just wait for the police.... "

MORAL OF THE STORY:
Women are clever, evil bitches.
Don't mess with us.

Class resumes

Time to teach a new batch of students, my computer class started again today. I didn't have to teach on Saturdays since early December. I was already used to sleeping late on Saturdays. Oh my was it difficult to get up this morning. I had to wake up even earlier because I knew I had to give my self enough time to clean the snow. I think we received six inches! It looked pretty, and Charlie enjoyed pouncing on it. I did not enjoy cleaning it though. The dive in wasn't too bad though. As my sister put it this morning it seemed as if we were driving on clouds. I love my little truck, there was no struggle what so ever pulling out of my driveway and going through the unclean side streets.

The students are on break right now, the class has gone well so far. This term gave me a small batch, only eight students today. That's perfect for me, classed will end a bit earlier then :) I'm looking forward to taking some pictures of the snow today.

Shed Aquarium

This past weekend I took my cousins, sister and nephew to the Shed Aquarium. My sister and I wanted to distract my cousins from their harsh reality they endured that day. Kids sure are innocent and carefree aren't they? They had a very good time and enjoyed the fishies. Take a look at some snapshots I took during our visit at the aquarium. See more in MY Photoblog Section

See more in MY Photoblog Section

Flash Movie - Second Term

Do you remember the flash movie that I posted a couple months ago? This Land, was a funny flash movie file, where the presidential candidates (George Bush and John Kerry) made their promises for election? Well the creators of that funny animation have done it again. Check out their next installment - Second Term and let me know what you think of this one.

QT movie - Door Handle.mpg

Why not get a head start on practical jokes for April fools day? See movie file below, this was unintentional but apparantly quite funny.
doorhandle.mgp | source: bulldotshit

Bad Luck

I had a strange dream this morning. There were many things that happened in the dream but the part that was more vivid and disturbing for me was the sight of a black moth. I believe I was in my bedroom or my kitchen but somewhere I saw a black thing flicker. I turned to look at it more closely and discovered it was actually a huge black moth. It startled me initially and I jumped a bit. I then looked to find something to swat it with. I think I grabbed a wet cloth from the kitchen. When I was about swat it, I was startled again at the sight of a bright yellow bird trying to attack it. I stepped back and hoped the bird would do the dirty work for me. The colorful creature pecked at it and hurt one of it's wings, but the moth escaped. It came towards me and I swat it down. The bird then came in like a falcon swooping towards it's prey and finished him off. As I stared at the savageness of the kill my phone rang and woke me up.

I love dreaming, even having nightmares. It's been a while since I remembered one of my dreams. I use to remember many more dreams, it's been a while since I remembered something as vividly as today's dream. Sometimes I like reading into them. Dreams are supposedly a subconscious indication of yourself. Others believe them as warning foretelling things in your life. I remember when I was a kid my mom had superstitions with a black moth. I don't recall exactly what they would bring but I remember it was something bad.

I cannot know for certain if dreaming black moths signify bad luck, or if they are warning of bad things to come. What I do know with certainty is that something horrible coincidentally did happen today. My uncle's house burned down completely. They've had a series of bad days this past week. Today was just plain horrible. I don't want to get into detail because I still feel sad about it. As a family however we will stick together and make it through. We will be that bright yellow bird for them helping whenever necessary.

Melted Snow

All the snow melted today. It felt a bit strange not seeing it as I drove into my driveway. This morning the entire back lot and alley was filled with snow. This evening there was no trace of it anywhere. The rain washed it all away. Someone who will miss it is Charlie. He loved jumping and rolling in it, and I'm sure he's eager to see it return.

Flash Movie - Optical Illusion

Try focusing on the circle displayed when you click on the link below for 20 seconds. Then look at the flat surface, you'll feel your eyes haze out.Optical Illusion Flash File

Short story - In the Lou

Somewhat of a fender bender came out of an unexpected date. Two friends meet up at a local pub and one inquires about the other's bad luck.

Clyde: Why so gloom George? I saw your vehicle parked outside. Quite a little ding on the side isn't it?

George: I don't care much for my automobile. I kicked it because it's disappointment. So is Mildred.

Clyde: Ah yes the desirable and insatiable dancer/pick-pocket. Quite a combination, she has mastered the latter. Things not going so well?

George: I knew it would come eventually. I just hoped she would have given me a few more weeks, that's all. Today she told me that she finds me utterly boring and for her own sanity had to leave.

Clyde: George how could you be surprised? You've got no money! NO money in your pockets to pick. Nor any money for her pockets to fill. It was not company she was after. You should have left her the first time she took your wallet.

George: Right. I just hoped she would have had more heart and feel sorry enough to realize that I loved her and hoped that would be enough for her.

Clyde: George, you have so much to learn. I woman like that will not stay with you because of pitty. Why would you want someone to feel pitty for you is another issue. Second a woman like that, and I use the term woman loosely on her, since we both know how lose she really is...

George: Clyde!

Clyde: A Woman like that is incapable of falling in love. You knew her past from what many of us warned you about. Frankly George I'm surprised you had enough to afford her this long. And finally George - love is never enough.

George: Clyde, I find you a very bitter man.

Let It Snow

Where were you when the first snow storm of the year fell? I wanted snow but I wanted it to fall while I was sleeping. Many of it did, but many of it also came pouring down all day the next day. I had to endure walking six blocks from the train station where my car was parked, while the snow hit my face as I walked against the wind.

Happy New Year

Good old 2004 left very nicely, gracing us with great unexpected warm weather. 2005 started off more rainy but The year feels pretty good to me so far. After a VERY long night of partying I woke up around noon. YES NOON :) no hang over either :) Today I did some major cleaning around the house and went for some groceries.

My friend came over for a while and we went to the movies after. Movie of choice - closer. Save yourself nine bucks, wait for the rental. The movie was more drawn out than it need be. My friend liked it more than I did. I believed the relationship part of the movie; How there is always one guy out there revolving from one girl to the other, confusing his own wants. That guy that always wants the girl he cannot have. There is also that girl wanting that man because she believe she is what he needs. "No one will love you more than I do." I won't give the movie a way, I just think it's a rental at best.

Game Addiction

I think I finally gave up my addiction to this online game from MSN game section - Bejeweled2!! Unfortunately what steered me away from this game was another one. I installed motocross on my PC last night and stayed playing it until 3am. My computer is now having problems starting up, I think it's because of the game. I haven't played it again, I think I'll un install it. I'm glad I haven't bought playstation 2 or an X-box. I know for certain that I would be addicted to the games on those consoles as well.

McDonald's to consider more humane method to slaughter chickens

Yowsers, I never thought of the killing process. I wonder what do they do to get the burgers? I'm feeling guilty for being a carnivore now...

The fast-food giant says it's studying the possibility of what's called "controlled atmosphere killing."

That process puts chickens to sleep with a gas. It would replace a slaughtering process in which chickens are hung by their legs on a moving conveyor line and their throats cut. | source: ABC7Chicago.com

Why Are We So Lucky?

Sometimes I really wonder why the U.S. is so lucky - Especially with the devastation occurring in the east. We have had our share of natural disasters but none compared to the likes of the Tsunamis that destroyed the coastal regions of Southern Asia. I had to turn the TV off, the news has too sad to bare.
View animation of the tsunami's path

Joke of the Day

Still within the holiday spirit, I'd like to spread good cheer.

Christmas 2004

Almost every guest showed up at the house. There was sooo much food, we gave some of our guest doggie bags filled with food to take with. There is a few casseroles left, good thing it's the dishes we prefer :) Julian as I predicted was showered with gifts, all very nice ones too. I received better than I expected. A few more than I wanted, because I now I feel guilty for not giving as big a gift as I received.

Oh well the holiday lights will come down soon, my sister already brought down her Christmas tree. I'm keeping mine up for at least two more weeks. I don't want to holiday to be over. This is how our house looks from outside.

Merry Christmas

Did I force my dog to pose with a silly Christmas hat this year? What do you think? Of course not, Charlie is always happy and willing to pose on his own. Wearing the silly hats... Well he can only commit for a few minutes. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Truths

From E-mail Forward:
GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus. > > > >

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . . . having money.
At age 50 success is . . . having money.
At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . having friends.
At age 80 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.

Google: We've fixed desktop search tool flaw

Google says it has fixed a flaw that could have allowed hackers to search the contents of PCs running the company's desktop search tool. | Source: CNET News.com

SEE!! This is what scares me. Every single file is scanned and location is stored in these desktop search systems. Google has fixed a known flaw. The question still remains are there others? A hacker will sure try to uncover more possible doorways into our personal files.

Holiday shoppers brawl over parking spot

"The dispute Sunday led to the arrests and court appearances for two women and a teenager for breach of peace.
Police said the confrontation developed just after 3:30 p.m. in the crowded lot of the Corbins Corner Shopping Center, home to Best Buy, Toys 'R' Us and other retailers.
When a parking space opened up, two cars turned up to fill it.
A woman riding in one of the cars tossed an orange peel at the other vehicle. Angry words erupted and three people jumped out of the cars and, within moments, Officer Kevin McCarthy said, 'all three went to the ground.'" | source:
The Modesto Bee

Yep, that's the holiday spirit folks! I've seen this upclose, when I use to work in retail. The patience tolerance of humans decreases to an all time low that cause tempers flare at all time highs. It's a few extra steps people, it will do you good to burn off those Christmas cookies you've been eating at the office. Damn it I have to go shopping today!!

Take This Survey: Are you a mall parking lot stalker?
Results yield that 87% of people claim to have a 'See it and take it' parking lot personality. Are they telling the truth?

Holiday Blues

I remember not so long ago - 2 years I think it was. The office was dead during Christmas week. Everyone was off on vacation, there was no work that needed to be completed. THAT IS NO LONGER THE CASE!!! This year and last year December has been one of the busiest months. At least time passes by quickly, however so much work is giving me the blues :(

Search Engine Strategies 2004 - Chicago

The conference ended today. After four days of what after the end of each day seemed to be information overload, I take a moment to reflect. Representatives from the major search engines were helpful, but I liked the forum from the New York conference better. I'm not sure if it was because I was so new to SEO that I was able to pick up A LOT more information. This time I picked up few nuggets here and there and got some good ideas. For the most part it served as a validation on the efforts made on my company's site and assured me that we are on track. I will have to make some modifications though.

There also seemed to be less exhibitors than the NY conference. I remember talking to many more vendors there. This year I enjoyed talking with MSN more. I like their new Desktop Search program, but I must admit I'm still scared of it. Even though the rep assured me that they were very diligent and thorough over security issues, having that program scan and reference all my PC files, contacts, apps is very scary. I might try it at my office PC :) I don't store much personal info there, so I can test it out with more assurance. It really is a powerful search tool and it's worth giving it a try.

Orland Square Mall

This week has been sooooooo busy. I haven't had time to check in. For the most part I've spent most of the week at a conference downtown. Strangely enough the various sessions are draining. By the end of the day I am physically exhausted! Tuesday and Wednesday, the days I've spent all day at the conference, When I arrived home within minutes I knocked out for a few hours. I then had to wake up to buy my groceries and take my mom Christmas shopping. I am finally done with my gifts but have tagged along with my sister and mom on their hectic gift buys.

This weekend I went to Orland Square mall. I prefer that mall over closer ones I have by my house. I didn't feel like walking through narrow passageways and crazed shoppers, luckily Orland is big enough and Christmas was still a full week away that it went fine. They did a nice job decorating the place for the Christmas season.

I was disappointed though to find out that they don't have a Santa in the store to take pictures with. My sister and I had primarily made the trip so my nephew could take his annual sit on Santa's lap picture.

Flash Movie - Give Bush a Brain

This one is funny. Beatgreets collected some George W. Bush poor grammar comments and tied it to a game. The name of this new game: Give Bush A Brain

Shopping mood

I'm glad tomorrow is Friday, this week has been a long, tough and emotional week. The plan for this weekend is to finish my Christmas shopping - YEAH!! We are having more guest coming for Christmas, that means more gifts I have to buy. Strangely even though my budget is tight, I don't' mind it. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family and friends. It's always exciting to see the kids open up their gifts with such anticipation and excitement. My nephew will be showered with gifts of course. My little cousins will also be coming. I think I will get them a little something extra, so they won't feel so bad seeing my nephew with all his gifts, from our side of the family and my sis' in-laws.

We have already gift wrapped many of our gifts and I also have some hidden from my snooping mom and sister. OOOh, I have to get a little something for Charlie, cool another excuse to go to another store. Yeah-yeah, those of you who call me know that either I'm in a store, on my way to the store, or just coming from the store.

That's the reason why! I find excuses to go shopping.

How was my Thanksgiving?

It was nice, I know this is a late post but I still get that question. I noticed I didn't post anything as to what I did. Well aside from the normal dinner with the family here goes...

It was Thanksgiving day and Charlie wanted to do something different. Instead of going to the park he wanted to take a walk by the lake. I normally take him by the lake in the summer, I guessed he missed it, so he dragged me out to the cold. We geared up in our winter attire and took a drive by the Shedd Aquarium. After seeing this picture I realized Charlie needed a trim, and have cut his long beard and the fur around his eyes, since. He looks years younger now :) You wouldn't know from this picture but he is only three years old (21 in dog years) but by no means not as old as he looks here.
© 2004 Araceli Arroyo photograph

Flash Movie - Coffee?

May I offer you a coffee?
I am not that familiar with my Italian yet, but it's funny anyway. SEE BELOW FOR INSTRUCTIONS...
Coffee Vending Machine

1. CLICK ON THE LINK Above
2. PUT THE COIN IN THE VENDING MACHINE
3. CHOOSE YOUR DRINK
4. CLICK ON THE CUP WHEN IT IS READY
5. CLICK ON "APRI"
* ENJOY! Don't forget to click on < APRI > at the end

Zoom-flash

A Cold Winter Night

The night is so cold and I can hear the wind howling from my window. The sound is scary, maybe it feels like that because I'm alone. Perhaps I feel it more because I am also cold. Imagining myself out there makes my throat hurt and my body shiver. I hate that winter is already here. When I thought of winter before the cold, I remembered children playing in the snow. I forgot the homeless dying under the bridges from the frozen air. When I thought of winter during snow, I remembered the joy of Christmas. I had forgotten the madness of holiday shoppers. These thoughts are dark, because with the winter comes the coldness in my heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The day is here, time to stuff your face :) Well technically we should take time to be thankful and share time and love with family/friends and loved ones. Let the celebration begin - Pass the potatoes!!
Where's that darned turkey?

Napster and Blockbuster Online Make a Deal

I'm skeptical about this deal.

Napster and Blockbuster Online entered a co-marketing deal to package their music and movie services together in a "Digital Duo" gift card. The card, which will be available in time for the holidays, costs $20 and is available at RadioShack retail outlets.

Card holders get unlimited access to Napster's music library and two free track downloads from that service, as well as a month of free movie rentals from Blockbuster's DVD-by-mail offering | source: ClickZNews

It may be my un-trusting nature: this sounds like a good deal, but something is telling me beware. Blockbuster is doing everything it can to remain the movie rental giant. Did you know they followed Netflix plan and are not doing rental mailings. This seems odd considering that there are so many rental stores nearby that it would be faster to just drop them off. The late fee is what gets most of us, and that is where Blockbuster and most movie rental stores get their profits from. I'm interested to see how this works out.

Dream Nonsense Rambling

I am a dreamer that is my fate. Somemay argue that fate is a mere dream as well. A dreamer may dream but not acquire his dreams. If he fufills said dreams, are not those dreams therefore over? Is that why dreamers want the unreachable? The hopes for something so unlikely that to even contemplate reaching it is nonsense? Are dreams nonsense? Are all dreams nonsense? Are all dreams that have hopes tied to them ridiculous?

It depends on the outcome. Not the outcome of attaining the dream for that is irrelevant. Forego the possibility that one does achieve that dream. We will leave that aside, for that's another possibility of madness on it's own.

The mere sake of dreaming up a want, builds up hope. For hope is all that man has. If that is the case man has now acquired a possession. Funny a possession out of nothing. However not a tangible one, it isn't something one can grab - Remember this is a dream that hasn't been attained. It is now part of man though. Something conjured up in the mind and can build up with the ever increasing want, and thought of getting closer. So now we have tied emotion to this abstract want. Isn't it all emotion? The want, the need, the need to want.

Wanting is not emotion. The emotion conjured up by the want can vary. One can become saddened by this want that is unfufilled. Man becomes joyous when his chest fills up with hope thinking he can actually achieve said dream. I confess I am a dreamer. I realize my limitations. In my dreams I am what I cannot be in real life. It is not a hope that I will attain this success, love, fame that I dream. When I think about it with reality I don't really want all of my dreams.

A dream is also an escape. I escape to my dreams to attain, yes grasp that emotional happiness that I lack in my everyday routine. What are your dreams? Why do you choose to dream those more so than any other? It's because they are always something that you lack. Where am I going with this? I don't know I am letting my fingers flow again.

I Must Vent

I am seriously annoyed!!! My browser just crashed because of another stupid blog requesting to install a plugin. What the hell!?! I am not going to install any plugins, I am not going to upgrade my browser, I don't want to listen to the crappy music.

I enjoy using the "next blog" feature from Blogger. However, people I beg you if you want people to visit your blog and better yet want to come back? Allow at least a somewhat pleasing user experience. If your content won't hold up, don't make things worse. Should you happen to think your blogs are worth seeing, then allow them to be seen! If you don't want visitors make your blogger private! Sorry for all the exclamation signs, I just needed to vent.

Error Page For Idiots

I love this page! I wish we would customize error messages in my company website, like the one found in this page. I found this link in one of my POP-Sci magazines, after squinting for a few I was able to go to the correct web address and retrieve the message:

YOU REFRESHED WHEN TOLD NOT TO!

The previous page clearly asked you to wait while the transaction is being processed, and NOT to refresh the page.

Your inability to read a clear instruction has now caused the transaction to be aborted abnormally. An email has been sent to the merchant web site and also to PriceTag in order for us to try and track your transaction.

Close your browser - you will be contacted at your given email address if necessary.

View Idiot Error Page Here

Tax Refund Finder

Find out if the IRS owes you money. Simply provide full name, city & state and retrieve results for that information. Heck it's that easy you should check on that neighbor, that hasn't paid you the money he owes you!
National Taxpayers Union & National Taxpayers Union Foundation - IRS Database

Kmart buying Sears to form third biggest U.S. retailer

ABC7Chicago.com: Kmart buying Sears to form third biggest U.S. retailer

This is quite surprising, considering that Kmart filed for bankruptcy a few years back. I heard that their stocks were up and they were doing better but not for retail sales. Kmart was actually profiting from real-estate sales. Kmart bought out Venture Stores (I know this very well, I use to work for Ventures and left a few months before the sale). When they bought the company they bought all the stores through out the country. They did open a few Kmart stores in the new locations, but after the bankruptcy incident they began selling all these vacant buildings. So now, the merge. The decision was unanimously agreed upon my all board members of both Sears & Kmart. I don't disagree with Sears wanting to merge, I'm just unsure if this is a smart move for the blue-light savings giant. Anyway, I just though this was interesting news.

Nature Walk

Today was a relaxing day, I don't get to have many of those often. I took advantage of the surprisingly nice weather today and took Charlie on a nature walk with me. Well as much nature as you can get in a big city as Chicago is. We went to Marquette park, I hadn't been there in years. They are doing some renovation or something because some sections were closed off. I'm glad we were able to go over the bridge and go by the pond. That was my favorite spot, now it looks more dirtier than I remembered. Charlie enjoyed ruffling and rolling around in the fallen autumn leaves and took a run, attempting to catch the geese. If the weather permits we might go back next week.
© 2004 Araceli Arroyo photograph

It's Still Over

When I saw a figure as I walked up the path I never imagined it would have been you. I thought I heard the rooster yell out the dawn's good morning. Unfortunately, it had to be your disapproving tone, questioning the time. I never thought you would await my arrival. What a bitter surprise. How long were you out there standing in the cold, letting your breath escape the warmth of your body? When I told you I would return early, I meant early the next day. I really hope you weren't outside waiting for me all night long. I doubt that was the case. The cold night air would have sent you running back inside.

Darling you and I both know we live together but we no longer share our lives together. You have no say in what I do. We are broken up, our relationship is nothing more than just roommates now. I don't know why you insist to think there will ever be more. I told you too many times that you and I don't work together as a couple. The times we've shared have been more painful and frustrating than it had to be. I like you as a friend, please lets not ruin that.

Joke of the Day

After numerous rounds of "We don't even know if Osama is still alive," Osama himself decided to send George W. a letter in his own handwriting to let him know he was still in the game. Bush opened the letter and it appeared to contain a coded message: 370HSSV-0773H

Bush was baffled, so he e-mailed it to Colin Powell. Colin and his aides had no clue either so they sent it to the FBI. No one could solve it so it went to the CIA, and then to the NSA, then to the Secret Service.

With no clue as to it's meaning, they eventually asked Canada's RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for help. The RCMP cabled the White House as follows: "Tell the President he is looking at the message upside down"

Flash Movie - Color Vision Test

This test is designed to evaluate the quatlity of your color vision....
Click link to continue with the Color Vision Test

Play The Simpson's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

See how far you can get answering Simpson trivia a la millionre style. I only got up to 1600, note the lifelines weren't working for me.
Play Simpson's Millionaire

Movie Review - The Incredibles ***1/2

The Incredibles (2004)
Directed: Brad Bird
Written: Brad Bird
Genre: Animation / Family / Adventure / Action / Comedy
Main Cast:
Craig T. Nelson .... Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible (voice)
Holly Hunter .... Helen Parr/Elastigirl (voice)
Samuel L. Jackson .... Lucius Best/Frozone (voice)
Jason Lee .... Buddy Pine/Syndrome (voice)
Sarah Vowell .... Violet Parr (voice)
Spencer Fox .... Dashiell 'Dash' Parr (voice)

The creators of Monster's Inc and Finding Nemo have done it again! Pixar's The Incredibles was a very cute and entertaining movie with a real story line that an adult will not be annoyed by. There were actually real issues underlying the storyline of The Incredibles. Mr. Incredible voice of "the Coach" Craig T. Nelson - refusing to give up his super hero life with angst of midlife crises sneaks around behind his wife's back seeking the glory days of rescuing people. Former Elastic girl, voice of Holly Hunter, attempting to conform to the society expectations gives up her hero days. Sensing deception, while battling with her withdrawn teenage daughter and overactive middle son, and apparently only normal toddler, is brought back from her hero hibernation and piece her family together. With subtle jokes for adults and colorful entertainment for the youngsters no wonder why this animated film scored $60 million it's opening weekend.

Plot Summary - courtesy of the Internet Movie Database
Mr. Incredible is a superhero; or he used to be, until a surge of lawsuits against superheroes submitted by the people they've saved forced the government to hide them in witness protection programs so they could lead normal, anonymous lives. Now known exclusively by his secret identity, Bob Parr, he lives with his wife Helen, formerly Elastigirl, and their three children Violet, Dash, and Jack Jack. He works as an insurance claims specialist, and he's fed up with his pushy boss and his immoral profession, but his wife's worked too hard to build a normal life for her family to abide his nostalgia for heroism. When Mr. Incredible's offered the chance to play the role of hero again by a mysterious informant, he jumps at the opportunity, but when it turns out to be a trap set by an old nemesis he had a hand in corrupting, the whole family must reveal themselves to save Mr. Incredible and countless innocents.
Summary written by Michael Loughrin

QT Video - Office Surprise

Don't you just hate confined places? Watch this funny clip of an office birthday surprise. The surprise backfires on the office mates :)
Office Surprise from Donwload-Video.TV

Saturday Poker

We had game night at my house on Saturday. It was my brother in law's b-day and my sister threw him a casino theme party. It was actually a great idea, especially considering my side of the family mom's side. It was a perfect way to mingle and talk with everyone. We stayed up until 5:30 am. Would have been better if I was winning though, I don't have the lucky gambling gene my family has. However, with the exception of the traditional Mexican ending to parties (small drunken fight) it was a lot of fun :)

Celebrity Pictures - The Future

Check out these funny pictures of famous celebrities. This is how your favorite celebrity will look 50 years from now.

NIght Owl

El amanecer se espera hasta que la noche termina su fiesta
- Araceli Arroyo

That phrase just came to me this afternoon, translation:
The dawn waits until the night finishes it's party. Sounds nicer in Spanish trust me. Why it came to me I am not sure. I think it was after listening to a friend practice her Spanish by reading the reading material for the class I teach. The phrase itself, however proves that I am a night bird within. It's 1:53 am and I have no desire for sleep, even though I have been awake for 18 1/2 hours. Last night I slept only 4 hours. I know it's not healthy but I can't shake off the idea that sleep is a waste of time. You could do so many other things instead of sleeping, far more entertaining and far more productive. Ok, so writing this crap is not productive but it is more entertaining to me than sleeping.

Oh well have to go to sleep now. Even though I don't want to. My eyes have been fighting to stay open for a while. I have a 9am meeting tomorrow anyway and I will have to wake up extra earlier to prepare for it.

Buenas Noches

Joke of the Day

The Cathouse Parrot

A woman went to a pet shop and immediately spotted a large, beautiful parrot. There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00. "Why so little?" she asked the pet store owner.

The owner looked at her and said, "Look, I should tell you first that this bird used to live in a house of prostitution; and sometimes it says some pretty vulgar stuff."
The woman thought about this, but decided she had to have the bird anyway.
She took it home and hung the bird's cage up in her living room and waited for it to say something. The bird looked around the room, then at her, and said, "New house, new madam." The woman was a bit shocked at the implication, but then thought "that's really not so bad."

When her two teenage daughters returned from school the bird saw and said, "New house, new madam, new girls." The girls and the woman were a bit offended but then began to laugh about the situation considering how and where the parrot had been raised. Moments later, the woman's husband, Keith, came home from work.
The bird looked at him and said, "Hi, Keith."

Personal Update

November has kicked off for me with a busy tone. I took another class to teach on Thursday so now I will be rushing even more. Christmas is coming and I know I will need the money. The class is very small though only 6 students. I am surprised they didn't cancel it. My regular job as usual has been keeping me very busy as well, which is ok it's busy in a good way. I think I've become accustomed to my routine and can now easily add on activities. I've committed two Mondays in October and November to my Alumni Club. I volunteered to help out under grads with mock interviews. So far it's goes well. I have enjoyed the my time helping them out and get a sense of accomplishment and pride. Speaking of which I completed my civic duty this morning and voted in this years presidential election. It took longer than I thought because I've moved since the last election. I was the first one to use one of those provisional forms. I'm sure my vote wouldn't have made much of a difference since Illinois is a highly democratic state but I always feel it's a must. After voting in every election, even the primaries I feel really good.

I finally added some of my traveling pictures to my photo blog. Typical celi-organization they are organized by cities I've been to. Check them out in my Photo Blog