Jim Bob's Blog

One Year!

2009-11-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Andrea and I have celebrated our one year anniversary. Not the way we wanted to in Vegas, but staying home. Okay, so we went to Disneyland during the weekend. Hey it was an awesome day in both parks. The longest wait was Peter Pan at 30 minutes. Can you say an amazing day for a weekend, and the park wasn't crowded.

Well the days are counting down until we move. Kind of nervous about finances, and who isn't?!

UPS hasn't given me a transfer yet, and won't until after we move. There's no word from LAPD since they are on a hiring freeze. I am still crackin' away at every opportunity that I find to be suited for, and even those I'm not. Job searching is horrible.

We did have fun on Halloween. I carved the pumpkins: Boba Fett, Oogie Boogie, and Jack Skeleton. Boba Fett was wicked hard to do, but it totally came out sweet. Our costumes were nifty. Andrea was Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. Everyone thought she was Barbie. Oh my family and their non-Disney watching. I went as the Green Lantern, no one knew who I was, and that's okay.

Time just keeps going by to fast to count. On to Christmas (cause everyone business seems to be skipping Thanksgiving)!

The longest week ever...

2009-10-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

Lets start with conference weekend. Same old stuff, right?! No. Of course Andrea and I went to my Dad's house to watch conference, mainly because it's comfy and he'll cook for us all day long. The best bonus of all. This conference was a bit different. We had the privilege to meet my Dad's girlfriend, Ev. Very sweet lady and seemed to get along great with my Dad. And she thought I was funny, but let's face I am, since I look like a Muppet (there's hours of laughs right there). Really though, my Dad is fond of her. So much that a bit later in the week he dropped the bomb that he feels that it's right that he and Ev get married, when they get the church clearances of course. Andrea and I want my Dad to do what's right for him, we are pretty much impartial on the whole matter.

Then we get to conference. How awesome was it to hear from the African Seventy? He seems like an amazing man. All of the talks were great. For the lady's, when you get a chance to read the Priesthood session, do it. The Priesthood session was filled with information that can amply to everyone.

Work, work, work... If we like Walmart, I suggest you stop and go there only when it's absolutely necessary. Walmart has taken it upon themselves to no longer except inventory from any shippers that ship through FedEX or UPS. So you may ask how will they get their inventory to their Distribution Centers? Well no one knows. I had the task to return three semi-truck trailers to the vendors. I had five employees and myself relabel every package that was within these trailers, so that they could return to the vendors. It was a nightmare. And this also includes all Apple products, which we have specials security measures we have to follow with those. So now Apple is greatly upset, and well everyone else. I get to continue to do this each day until Walmart feels they need inventory finally. So for once I say to boycott Walmart.

Andrea and I, are as Kari Kay says, trying to have a baby. Well kinda, but not. We don't make babies, we make ninjas, like I've said before. But we aren't trying not to have one either. So there's that out in the open.

My Apolgies

2009-09-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Wow! I haven't written since April. To much has happened. Where to start? I honestly haven't written since I started the LA PD stuff, and because I've had personal issues I'd rather not continually gripe about. I don't want to be negative.

I guess bad new first...

At the end of May I became really sick, and missed the entire month of June. I barely was well enough to go to my niece's, Malia, baptism that last weekend of the month. What happened was I came down with pneumonia, which totally weakened my body, that allowed a other virus I was unaware I had to take harsh action on my body. This other virus, to share with y'all, was a rare strand of herpes in my intestinal trap, sitting in every organ. It was caused from eating fast food. Well this caused 12 ulcers to form down my esophagus. I didn't eat for 2 1/2 weeks, and maybe had a glass of water a day. I lost 25lbs. (Best diet ever! Not really worth the pain.) As a result I can't eat several foods now (, not even chocolate or candy.) So I am on a pretty strict diet. But all is well now. I live with the virus permanently, and it acts up every now and then.

So I have decided that 2004-2005 were my years of constipation. Why you may ask? Well during those years I had the worst things happen to me at work and with the EX, that just keep holding my crap up, and I can't move on from the toilet of life that keeps courtesy flushing but never finishing.

Which brings up my next point. My background for LA PD is taking forever due to the constipation years. I have finished everything except my asthma testing and background. So I'm basically done and just waiting for the light to shine upon me. Say a prayer that I can get this job that I am overly qualified to do.

I have decided that I can no longer hold Andrea back. I need to make sure she finishes her school. Now whether or not she wants to be a doctor any more or just a stay at home mom is up to her, but she will finish. And with that, we are moving to ensure that Andrea can finish. It should be in January when her next quarter starts. The down side is that we'll live near Robynne (Willis) Bladh and Kasey White... only kidding! We'll be able to attend Sunday Dinner with our family in Vista, be closer to Disneyland, and be out of Lancrapper (most important)!!!

We love all of you guys and miss y'all!

A small vacation!

2009-04-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

With Spring time in the air and chaos between Andrea and mine schedules, we took a small 5 day vacation that took us to nowhere. We started on Wednesday and took mom to Disneyland for her birthday. We met Robynne Bladh there in the mid-day. I could kick myself for not getting a picture of our favorite moment of the day. We were in line for Toy Story Mania. I looked to my left and I see this old woman. Not just old, decrepit, in one of those scooter things. She was totally silver haired, over weight (like can't walk on her own), had thick glasses, and dentures. Now why this is important to the image I have to give of this woman is what I saw next. She had a Bull ring. A huge, metal-head, bulky Bull ring in her nose. I did a double take. So I told Robynne and Andrea. Of course Robynne let out one of her loud laughs, but somehow kept it quiet. Andrea stood there in unbelief. So that was our moment of the day.

On Thursday, Andrea and I went to Magic Mt. The forecast for the day was partly cloudy around 70. We got there and it was totally cloudy, windy, and around 55! Andrea was freezing. However there was an upside. The park was empty. Have you ever walked onto Goliath, Scream, Tatsu, Deja Vu, or Batman and picked where you wanted to ride without any delay? That was our day. We stayed only 3 hours and rode everything, except X2 (2 hour wait), because twice. Some rides we were allowed to stay on and keep riding. Can you say "Awesome," and "Legen-Dary!"

Friday we went to Knott's. Totally lame park. Not that exciting. And Andrea wasn't feeling good. So we left to beat traffic.

I almost left out my Andrea moment of the week. On Sunday, we were getting ready for bed. I was brushing my teeth. Andrea had washed her face in the other bathroom. when she finished she comes in the our bathroom, puts the soap down and says, "I wash-ted me Fay-ace!," in the most deep, southern black-man voice you can image. I lost it. I turned to her and said, "When did you turn into a black-southern man?" Then she realized what she did. And the tears streamed as we laughed hard. We can official say that I have rubbed off on Andrea to the point she is acting like me. So not only is she "June-o'clock," but now she in "Wash-ted me Fay-ace!" girl! I love my wife.

What do I typically know a lot about...

2009-04-13T17:05:00.002-07:00

You could say I know a lot about movies. You could say I know a lot about the criminal justice system. A lot about kinesiology. A lot about non-important information. And a lot about how to balance and improve the way warehouse operations run. So my boss is on vacation this week. This is typically the time I am allowed to experiment at work with different operational plans. Today's plan worked! Tomorrow we'll see.

My "gettting in shape" for LAPD is coming along. I'm running my 5K again in 20 minutes. So that's a positive thing. And dare I admit it...I'm doing palates.

And for everyone's knowledge on the movie side of things, Clash of the Titans is being remade. More importantly, some genius film producer thought it would be a great idea to remake The Karate Kid! Not joking. That movie can't be redone. The first was to realistic. The new one wants to make the Kid like a freakin ninja. Lame. I am starting a boycott! I don't want to see anyone play the Karate Kid but my brother Mike (aka Ralph Macchio). So join me in this effort.

Something Funny!

2009-03-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

With all the fun of finding a job on line, sometimes you can get a bit bored and do funny searches. Well here's a funny one: Do a google search for: Sicilian Orlando family history. You should come across a funny image of my sisters and Robynne (Willis) Bladh. I am not kidding. Open a new tab right now and do it. I cracked up. It's good to know that all our distant relatives can see that the California Orlando's are goofy!

In other news. I did have the pleasure of seeing Laurel and Russ Bartholet at Disneyland this past week. It was a short "HI/Bye" but worth seeing their skills as parents (the kids were a little tired). Maybe next time it'll be longer. And K.K, you have a special little surprise coming to you by request of Laurel... you won't forget it!

So the job thing is still going strong. I have almost entirely changed my diet, except on weekends of course, otherwise I wouldn't be able to go to any Sunday dinners at Mary Kay's. So health is coming slowly back to me.

Here's a blonde moment from my lovely wife. While walking around at Disneyland (two visits ago), my mom and Andrea were talking about something and a time frame came up in the conversation. Andrea very seriously and without really thinking blurted out that the time frame was around "June-o'clock!!" I don't think she'll ever live this blonde moment down. Now if she asks me what time is of course I'll say it's "June-o'clock" before telling her the real time.

If you didn't do the google search I'll leave you with the image you should have seen.

It's been a while!

2009-03-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Where to begin. I am so very thankful to still have a job. It's harsh times my friends. I luckily haven't had to lay-off any other employees since my last blog. I've had to become creative in how I schedule people. So it's been good times for the last month.

I am once again applying with law enforcement departments. I even slummed myself to LA PD. Which I thought their testing was a joke, so honestly didn't try, and still passed. Now I have to get in shape (not that their physical testing is hard for me), and make sure I am above par before I go any further into it. If I don't get in here I know it's cause I'm white and have a degree, the over qualified status will be the excuse. I'm positive though.

Andrea starts school here the end of the month. It's going to be awesome for her. And she'll still be working full-time. That's why I need to get on with LA PD, so we can live closer to her school and she won't have to work.

I have been doing some training with me little buddy Joel Morgan, at his jujitsu place doing urban self defense. It's tiring. I come home all beat up. We don't really practice but a little, the rest of it is beating eachother up. It's a fun class to be in. There's like 10 people at most in it. I can disarm someone with a gun or knife, get them on the ground, and render them powerless... amongst other things, like how to kill you in two shift motions that you wouldn't expect. I am loving it.

Not that proud of myself.

2009-01-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

With all the drama going on in the Economy, which we all agree sucks. It finally has come to my work place. When it comes down to getting people fired or doing any type of discipline, all the supervisors and my boss (sometimes) turn to me to do it. In the utmost desire to avoid any layoffs, I was forced to by our Region management team. I has to layoff 5 people on Thursday before they even started work. Do you have any idea what it's like to come to work at 2am and have an email that tells you have to do this? And then have to build the muster to go through with it. To add to this dilemma, another 2 were dimissed today. The entire reason for this responsibilty I've been given is I do it straight forward and with realism.

A little back story:

When I started in my current position, I fired an entire section (8 people) for basically not doing their jobs. I was directed to "clean house" and start with a fresh crew in the building. So I did that. I have since done this. I even had to get rid of supervisors, which isn't my job in any way, but fell on my shoulders for a short time.

It's safe to say that, yes, I am a jerk. I also had lost my heart and really had no sympathy for anyone at my start of this assignment. Now I have to continue with my present personna and be even more of a jerk. I can't stand for laziness or excuses any longer. It's sad. My employees fear me, but know I hate having to be stern.

How's this for an up beat blog.

P.S.: Buy a suit. Suits are cool! Suit UP!!!

A rough overview

2009-01-10T00:20:00.000-08:00

Now that it’s a new year and I get to take a breather from working so much, I’ll sum up Christmas. Christmas was a pleasant day with the family. Andrea and I went up on the 27^th to Mammoth to give A.J. his gifts, go out to lunch, and just hang out with him. And again, it was pleasant, and totally worth the trip. Talking with Hermana Orlando was wonderful…I almost cried talking to her.

Andrea and I are looking ahead now to the next few months. Which are going to go by real quick. We have to find housing, get me a job transfer/promotion/new job, and make sure Andrea is ready to start school again. (I know Robynne is excited for this to happen.)

Since I have lots of time now, I job search all day…or I mess around with Doug, or I design t-shirts for Doug and I to make. It’s so exciting I can’t stand it…blah blah blah!

I’ll try to create an awesome experience to blog about or just try to have one. And for everyone’s knowledge, Andrea and I have not adjusted to being in a family ward at church yet, but we have adjusted to eachother.

So much to say, but don't want to bore you.

2008-12-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

So far the Holiday Season has been wonderful and stress-less. I know that’s not true for most people. Andrea and I have been to Disneyland twice. We did most of our shopping on-line. Spend our weekends relaxing and watching Christmas movies. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Wait did I mention, my random work hours ranging from 8 to 18 hrs a day? Yeah that happens too; every Christmas for me. It’s fine though.

Andrea and I were able to go to the temple together Dec. 6^{^th, along with my parents, Benj and Robynne. It was Andrea’s second time doing a session. It was very special for her. On top of it all Pres. Porter was working that “one part” and brought Andrea through into the Celestial Room. Robynne had him too, but was trying to figure out who’s voice it was the whole time, then laughed when she found out. Then we took some pictures.}

The Disneyland thing was important to us to go back this last week, since it was a year ago that I purposed to Andrea there. So we took some pictures at the Wishing Well. Disneyland is so beautiful and fun right now. They truly capture the spirit of the season. One quick story... Andrea and I saw a older couple with these vest on, full of Disney buttons/pins. These kids saw them and simply asked, "Can we trade you?" The woman snobblishly replied with a Fontucky accent, "Hun, these are just for show. Not trading." She never made eye contact with the kids, only kept walking with her nose in the air. That's the kind of woman you want to beat down for rudeness and harshness towards children.

So I put some pictures on Facebook from the wedding, so if you can, go there. The professional ones I have, I just need to scan them into the computer.

Things to be thankful for:...

2008-11-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

I have randomly gone over some thoughts about Thanksgiving and what it means, especially since the majority of Americans have forgotten the meaning of this wonderful holiday. Most just think it’s the day before “Black Friday,” while others think it’s an extra day to watch the NFL during week, and some think it’s that one day a year I am allowed to eat as much as possible and not feel fat or have others think that way of me. So here are a few simple things I am thankful for in my life, as that is what this holiday truly is about.

· I have an excellent job that includes full health benefits and life insurance.

· I have an amazing family that inspires and helps direct each other; a kind check and balances of the Orlando government.

· I live in a home with a comfortable bed and modern conveniences, and food to eat.

· I have a car that runs like a champ, not to mention it is spacious and roomy inside.

· I have the full and everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and I know it’s true.

· I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

· I have a temple that is conveniently located.

· I have several talents that I can’t even begin to number.

· I am a college graduate, and am full of knowledge; both useful and non-useful.

· I live in America.

· “Thank you Lord Baby Jesus for my RED HOT smokin’ wife!” that I am sealed to for time and all eternity.

These are simple things, and I can go on and on. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Baby? Isn't a bit early to ask about that?

2008-11-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

Is it me? Or does asking when someone will have a baby a normal thing? It’s getting kind of annoying hearing that question.

I’ll be honest, right now Andrea is more baby crazy than I am. She keeps having baby/pregnant dreams. A bit weird, since she didn’t want to have any kids until she was done with school. It’s fine with me if she changes her mind. Although I’d prefer her initial choice of being done with school. It’ll be less stressful on us if that is possible.

If it happens, it happens!

So we are still waiting for the wedding pictures to come back. It’s taking a while. I want to see the hideous shots I made and the beautiful ones Andrea took. We’ll more than likely post them on both the wedding blog page, facebook, and maybe photobucket. So keep checking back, ‘cause I will most certainly post when they are up.

So if a baby comes, it will come. But we aren’t trying to let everyone know. I apologize to my nieces who want cousins so badly, “They’ll come eventually, I promise!”

Wedding and a Honeymoon

2008-11-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

The wedding was beautiful from what I remember. Andrea glowed. I had a stupid smile on my face all day that wouldn’t go away. It was a normal wedding day from a groom’s point of view.

Let’s start by saying that the sealing (I’m not complaining here) was put in the wrong sealing room, so everyone had to get in their temple whites, which no one brought. Andrea and I both were confused to say the least ‘cause we specifically said church dress, not temple dress. But let’s admit it was a bit more spiritual due to that change in the temple. I’d like to also add that there were no issues due to Prop 8 demonstrators at the temple. If fact the temple and the grounds were empty.

The photographer, who has done many shoots at the temple for weddings, was able to shoot everywhere she wanted and places she has always wanted due to the temple grounds being empty. It was 2 hours of photos at the temple. Only 20 minutes of that was with our families, and then they left for the reception. It played out well.

Andrea and I arrived at the reception, thanks to our lovely L.A. traffic a quarter ‘til 7pm, so just in enough time. We got Andrea all pretty. However we started the reception 20 minutes late. This lateness didn’t allow Andrea and I to talk or visit with anyone; that made us a sad. The reception did flow smoothly from start to finish though. I did sing to Andrea, with the help and sacrifice of my brother Mike and little sister (kinda) Robynne. My cousins and other brothers were embarrassed that I did that, but it was for Andrea, not them, so do I care…no.

We did a simple night in Palmdale, so we could open gifts with the family the next morning. Not to mention so we could go to Crazy Otto’s for breakfast, grub… Then we got our stuff together and headed down to La Jolla for two days. We spent Sunday night at my Aunt Mary Kay’s for dinner and a movie, since we never get to go to the “Family’s Sunday Dinner” which is like every week almost. Then on Monday we grab some lunch at a local deli KK suggested and had lunch on the beach, somewhat romantic for the day. We then spent the rest of the day shopping; the way Andrea would want it. We finished the night up with dinner at KK’s restaurant (Jack’s), where we went with my cousin Anna and her husband Phil. It was amazing. Lots of food. KK made a lot of dessert for us; a freakin’ plate full of canoli, some flavors of sorbet, and other deliciousness.

We left La Jolla, forgetting it was a National Holiday, and went to Disneyland, and were blocked out with our passes. Oops, didn’t plan that real well. So we just came home. Ate at the new Claim Jumpers at the Mall, watch some T.V...and we don’t need any more details put down.

It was fun for what it was worth. We love eachother. So let the adventure begin.

A bit of nothing

2008-11-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

So how about this election, huh? I truly believe this was the “Election of Ignorance” on many of the issues and electees on the ballot, no matter where you may live. What happened happened. And there is really nothing we can do but stay true to the faith we hold dear.

Let’s say I have like the bestest younger sister ever. Did anyone know this? She is on top of her game at pretty much all times. And is always thinking of how to do things different and better. Yes, my sister KK is the awesome! And I am so lucky to have her doing the catering for the reception. Thank you KK.

And I have like the coolest sister-in-law and aunt. They totally are going to help hook up Andrea with the accessories for the brides outfit.

So in any case, I am stoked for my sealing in the temple to Andrea. Just two days away. (Goose-pimples)

A Day at the L.A. Temple

2008-11-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Today was the day I was able to make a true first step in the union of an eternal marriage with Andrea. I had that wonderful opportunity to go through Andrea's first Endowment session with her, and then bring her...into the Celestial room. It's such a glorious experience to take place between a couple. If only everyone had the understanding. To top it off, Andrea's mom actually acted like a mom. She was extremely kind and helpful to Andrea as her escort through the temple. So it made the whole time in the temple that much more special. Andrea was so beautiful in her temple dress,... you know she was totally glowing and stuff! We had Andrea's grandma, aunt and uncle, mom and dad all there for her, as well as my parents and my little sister (adopted) Robynne. It was an experience we will both remember forever. I love her.

Now to Halloween. It wasn't the best way to prepare to go to the temple the next day, but all of our plans kept getting trashed, so we ended up doing what we didn't want to do. We stayed home and handed out candy, and watched some episodes of Dexter: Season 2. Andrea went was Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, and I was a Crazy 88 also from Kill Bill. So we fit together, her the good guy and me the bad guy. We only had like 30-40 kids come to the door, it was an easy night of trick or treating. We made the most of the night. Here's a few fab photos of us in the costumes.

2008-10-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today is a very busy day for us. We have to get all the final preps done for the wedding reception. How are we going to get it all done, I don't know!

We have pictures scheduled for this afternoon. Simple photo session so we additional photos to display at the reception. It'll be fun.
Then we have to still get some announcements out, retarded I know; just blame her mom once more.
Make the appointments with the Bishop and Stake Pres., since the bishop got yelled at again for not doing it when we asked last week (no concept of time with that man).
Get some list to mi papa, that way he can be more confident in what is happening in two weeks.
Go shopping for the dish and glass wear for the reception; it's going to be plastic, not a big deal.
Make sure all the arrangements are made for the “make-do” honeymoon; and no, we will not say where we are staying in the valley or in the San Diego area... have a good hunt.
Have Andrea go through the last of her clothes, and ditch the un-garment friendly.
Go to the Adult session of Stake Conference.
And a bunch of other little things in between all this; like wash the cars, mow the lawns, and get gas in the cars.

Anyways... Andrea and I are both exceptionally excited the for this extraordinary extravaganza that is going to bring a boost of exuberance to our extempore lives, closer to exaltation, being examples to those around us, and eventually causing us both to be exanimate by the end of each day. Were the “ex” words to excessive?

Too many videos

2008-10-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

As I help in reorganizing the house once more, it was that time to re-do my DVD collection. Thats right the amazing movie factory that once was my bedroom is now solely a personal Blockbuster store. I even alphabetized the movies and did it by category. All in all, there came up to be around 715 movies in the collection. Now if we could add the previous DVD's and VHS I owned, which all but 20 where taken from me, there would be around 1,700 movies total. That truly makes me sad that I barely have half of what I used to have before I moved back to Lancrapper.

The moral of the story is: I have spent way to much money on movies. They have over taken a room in the house. And I haven't even come close to stopping the collection. I have an addiction to Film. Does anyone know the number to get me help?

And if you were wondering, the wedding plans are still going fine.

Re-arranging...again.

2008-10-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

As I was about to go run my daily 5K, Doogal walked in the door, and said, “Dude, I'm goona need your help in a sec, for a while.” To say the least I changed clothes to some grubs, because I realized what was about to happen. We were going to get the bedrooms and garage arranged so Doogal could move back home. Now that my afternoon is gone, didn't exercise, or go see the movie I had planned, there's on;y one thing left to do...watch Halloween. Then go meet Andrea and the photographer after that. It was a productive day, thanks to the Doog!

P.S.: I hope my siblings didn't plan on staying here for the wedding, because now there is nowhere to sleep.

Cell Phones VS. The Book of Mormon

2008-10-11T18:53:00.002-07:00

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Book of Mormons like we treated our cell phones?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?

This is something to make you go, “Hmmm... Where is my Book of Mormon? And have I ready it today?”

Oh, and one more thing... Unlike our cell phones, we don't have to worry about our Book of Mormon being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. And there are no dropped calls or bad receptions!

Something I Forgot

2008-10-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was making notes for myself yesterday, or rather of things left to do for the wedding, when I had this huge smack upside my head! BLAM! I somehow in all the excitement completely forgot a key ingredient on my part of the recipe. I never actually picked up my official Divorce Decree. What an idiot am I? I can't get a Marriage License without it. I honestly believe it was the Spirit telling me that I had to take care of it. So that's what I did today. I went down to Rancho Cucamonga, and got the thing.

This did have a benefit. I was reminded that Andrea and I's first date was just two days after the judge cleared the divorce. I know, you are thinking moving kinda quick for a recently divorced guy. So I'll remind everyone that I had been single/separated for 2 ½ years. So it was just a matter of saying “Boom-Baby,” lets get a move on, or as Carrie Borman would say, “Jim's Biological Clock is ticking!” Not that I was in a rush to go run off and get married again. (Obviously I waited almost 2 years before I asked Andrea.)

So with this I que the music...

P.S.: Everyone say a Prayer for Shawna. Poor NAnna got sick on her plane ride to Peru and has to stay in Atlanta for a little while.

Currently In The World JimBob

2008-10-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

With so much time on my hands I have finally picked up and started reading books that I have owned for quite a long time, but was just to busy to read them. So as Of current I am reading Anne Rice's Servant of the Bones. It is so detailed and imagery filled. It is stunning. In addition, I am also re-reading The Watchmen, since the movie comes out in February. The Watchmen is a graphic novel, or long comic book, but it is a great piece of literary work. I suggest both.

So I was woken up to yelling last night, Andrea and her mom fighting on the phone. For those trying to figure out why Andrea's mom has been difficult during the whole engagement, it's due to the fact that she hates me. Not for anything I've done. But for the simple fact that I don't make “6-figures” a year. My only hope is that she missed the talk (I think) by Elder Worthlin about families and marriage, and I can have her read it with Andrea and I when the Ensign comes out. IT was so great to hear a General Authority re-iterate that striving after a worthy companion that can go to the temple with you is more important than marrying someone that only makes you happy in worldly ways. He said that basing a marriage on status and ideas can never make up for love and the loss of an eternal family. So the most important thing in a marriage is the Eternal part, that is full of love, caring, sharing, and a true companionship with you and your spouse and the Lord. It's a wonder how any LDS person, that has a testimony of the gospel, can look at only the worldliness and material benefits of entering into a marriage. What sad times we live in that our fellow Saints have lost site of the true purpose of marriage. I hope that one day Andrea's mom can just except Andrea's decision to marry me is based on love and wanting an eternal companion, something she wouldn't get if she went about marriage the way her mom would want it.

There is a plus, we'll have some “Family” at the reception if things start going amiss.

It hurts the hand

2008-10-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

While trying to figure out how exactly to go about doing the announcements with such short notice, I just buckled down and spent 17 flippin' hours on them. Around 6 hours a day, non-stop. Andrea helped a bit when she got off work. The best part is, with the huge amount that we've already done, Andrea's mom hasn't even given us her mailing list yet. Oh what joy! I do so much love that woman...about as much as getting a root-canal!

However, things are looking good for the wedding. KK is being most helpful as a loving sister should. Kim, the wonderful big sister of mine, is bring the dress up from San Diego. We have great wedding decorators. And an amazing photographer. It's all turning out better than expected. All we really have left is our interviews for the recommends. I have the tux (Andrea chose it of course). The flowers have been picked out. And to let all of you know, our colors are Navy and Champagne. Don't ask me why, again it's Andrea's decision and final word on about everything, as it should be. I get my opinion and thats about it. We also have a great dinner, which by surprise Andrea did choose, for the rehearsal dinner...it's Famous Dave's! It will be at my Dad's Lakeside Clubhouse. Like I said, it's all turning out great.

Other than that life is grand! I am so happy that my youngest sister is serving a mission. And I get so excited to hear how she is doing. I am off to do more announcements.

Stay Classy planet Earth!

Thank Goodness for Family

2008-09-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

As we ventured down to San Diego this weekend for Andrea's final dress fitting, we also had to get on top of our final Engagement pictures. We had my wonderful sis-in-law take around 105 pictures of us at a small park in Carlsbad. And we had a half hour to do it in. We came out with a few winners. Andrea, Kim, and Mike all choose their favorite one that we should use with the announcements, but I had a different view, what's new right?! It'll all work out fine. I am perfectly okay with the picture they selected. I may not be smiling, but they say that's just me, always serious. I say we put a smile on that face of mine. So anyways...I am only working at UPS now, I quit the other jobs. Now I have a full month to get the wedding done. The announcements will be going out his weekend. So like I said before, if you think I may not have your address get it to me.

Tears of Joy Roll down My Cheeks

2008-09-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

Are those not the best signatures I can cast my eyes upon? I am in tears from the joy that has filled my heart at this moment!
I get home from work at look the pile of mail and there it was, a letter from the First Presidency.
The envelope was thin so I was a bit sketchy at first.
Then to my ultimate answer to so many prayers, Andrea and I received the approval to be sealed for time and all eternity!
I wish you could only feel how I do at this instance.
My heart is racing.
I am truly over joyed!
Now to the date setting.
Away we go!!!
Thank you to everyone you prayed on our behalf.
We love you.

Oh Another Disney Adventure!

2008-09-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

As we voyaged once more to Disneyland to spend one last trip with the Nanna before her disembark to Peru, she received a good dose of salmonella poisoning. Isn't that fantastical?! We made the most of it like always. This time it was Andrea, my mom, and I. We had essentially an empty theme park that you could walk on all the rides (never more than a 20 minutes wait, not even for Nemo or Toy Story Mania), and so we took full advantage of the situation. We had pure simple fun. We even had a run in with Danny and Carol Tolman and kids. We all went on Splash Mt. and Thunder Mt. together. So the day didn't go by without me running into someone I knew while at Disneyland. All in all it was an amazing day, with a little Burr-bank to end and a great Star Wars photo of Andrea and I. So check out the picks of the goofiness that always follows us on the rides...

A long time ago, in a desolate place...

2008-09-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

The most important thing is that we finally had our stake pres. get involved and make our bishop get things going, and then our stake pres. go down to business and sent our info to the First Pres. And now we just wait.
So in this passing time Andrea and I have been all over the place, we both celebrated our birthdays, and I am literally waiting for a phone call for a promotion at UPS.
For Andrea's bday went to Magic Mt. and Raging Waters. Two places Queenie loves to be at. And I gave her six presents since she is born on the 6th on July; it's a new trend I am starting for her with gifts and it worked out really well, 'cause she received everything she wanted and them some.
As for my bday, Andrea took me to see the "Bats," that's right, The Aquabats! It was their first concert in over a year. They still rock with their bellies and tights. And then since I never know what I truly want, Andrea totally let me pick out some new clothes, cheap of course, I don't want to hurt her pocket. If you know me at all, can you guess what was in that new clothes bundle of mine? If you said t-shirts, you are correct. If you say new jeans, you are a moron, because I wear shorts. But if you said Aloha shirts then you are on the money with me. I got three new Aloha shirts which are not brightly colored nor are they annoying designs. They are conservative Aloha shirts which are hard to come by.
This year we had a slight communications error with the Hollywood Bowl scheduling for the John Williams performance. Andrea and I bought tickets for the wrong night and ended up not going with the rest of the family like normal. It worked out okay though. We were able to take Andrea's lil bro that just got home from his mission in Milan, Italy, and he took a date in the form of little Chelsy Morgan. We made it a fun time last weekend. The usual food: grapes, oreos, water, some Mt. Dew, and Quizno's for the main dish. And lets just say the performance was one of the best Mr. Williams has done since I have been going for the past 18 years.
The time has come for me to start collecting addresses for announcements and I have had fun talking with old friends while doing that. If you are out there and you have moved or heard from me, drop a line so I can make sure you get one.
Here are fun pics from the last few months!

Sorry I'v been busy-busy-Jimmy

2008-06-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

SO LET'S CATCH UP!
Andrea and I are totally lost as to a exact date now. Earliest is looking like late August. However if I get transferred with UPS, it may be October..so lets hope earlier. I ran my Honda Civic into the ground, to where it needed around $3K in repairs. I made the decision to trade it in for what it was worth (5.5K) and get a new car. So now I am driving a '08 Nissan Versa SL. It's silver, and I guess you can say I copied my lil bro's example of getting a good car since the has a Versa S. I like it. It's totally a family car, and one Andrea can drive.
Speaking of Andrea, she was in another car accident, and this time her car is no longer with us. We are car shopping right now for her, but may have found an awesome deal on a Honda Accord.
That's all there is, besides the chaos of my mom giving me a whole hour notice before she started getting the house ready for remodeling. Does that sound like a Susee move?! And I work 15+ hours a day still. Life is so much fun when you have no time to goof off and have to improvise while working so you don't go crazy.
And to disappoint every good Mormon in the family, I got another tatoo!
Love you guys!

Hold or Not to Hold

2008-05-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Excuse me for being at work all the time and for being really sick that rendered me to my bed for three days, as to why I haven't posted a blog in a bit.
Not much to report. Same old same old continues down the life path.
Andrea and I did get to go together to Disneyland one last before her pass ran out, unfortunately it was a block-out day, so it was $80 to get in. But overall it was an excellent day there. I got Andrea on rides she hadn't been on before and showed her things that she didn't even know about. You would think that with all the times we have gone she would know about Toon Town, so we spent like tow hours over there. We had my trusty ipod with us, so we were able to watch some entertainment while we waited in line. I think we watched a few episodes of Scrubs, Family Guy Blue Harvest, and Juno. As you can see Buzz Lightyear is always a fun time for us.
In the wedding updates...it's all on hold right now. Including the date and everything that goes with it. We have to wait for Eve's parents to respond with information on where she is, or tell inform her to respond to our Bishop's request. Then we get to wait for the FP to give us the okay. So there is no telling when or if the 8th of August is when the sealing will happen.
Thanks the wonderful economy, Andrea and I may also be stuck in Lancaster. UPS is not promoting at this time, instead we have been laying off. And my Investigator job has just stopped and I have heard nothing. Ever seen a whirlpool that continues to suck everything in no matter how hard you try to break the current. That's what it's all looking like. It's all a trial of faith right... So the question remains, do we hold off on the wedding planning or do make all the preparations in a positive step forward? I don't know what to do.

Our first step in being a couple.

2008-04-17T11:02:00.001-07:00

So my phone died a week ago. It just turned off and never came back on. So in my logical thinking, came the choice: start a new contract, don't get a new phone, or start a joint contract for Andrea and I. Obviously I did the later. It would be stupid of me not to get a phone for Andrea if I have to start a new contract. She now has her own phone, with her own phone number, and can now get text messages (thank goodness). So there is a step forward.
Now the step back is that I do have to get approval from the First Presidency to be sealed again. And the best part is I may have to get Eve's consent to do so, if that's what the FP deems necessary. This process can take anywhere from 1 month to 7 years. Hopefully in my situation and the circumstances around my previous marriage, the time may only take 1 to 3 months, just enough time to get it all cleared up. So let's all have the faith that this can go the process of no communicating with Eve.
On another side, I am starving right now. That Spicy Baconator at Wendy's is beckoning me to grub on it. If you haven't tried it,go do it...regardless of how unhealthy it is eat; it's just that delicious!

One to many trips to Disneyland can cause...

2008-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

As Andrea's Annual Pass to Disneyland is running out and she doesn't want to renew it until it's closer to my A.P.'s expiration date, we have tried to go once a month to get the most out of it. There have been some side-effects thanks to this decision. But more importantly, thanks to the marriage proposal at that was at Disneyland. It's strange when cast members know and remember you, and can even call you by name. When other A.P. holders know you and recognize you, and know the reason why, where, and how. One of the most memorable situations that happened yesterday was, while we were crossing in front of the castle heading towards the Matterhorn, this mother and two daughters (around 11-12 yrs old). One of the daughters said, "Mom, you remember when we were here around Christmas and we saw that proposal near the wishing well, and the girl got all those roses?" Mom replies,"Yes, that was so cool, of that guy to do that for his fiancee." Andrea heard this and turns around and says, "That was me!!! I was that girl!" The mother and daughters all got real excited and totally were like, "You're Jim and Andrea?!" I was totally blown away. Andrea showed them the ring, they awed. Then one of the daughters said, "I want a proposal just like that one day."
Then on the tram back to the parking structure, we sat next to some other A.P. holders who were Disney pin collectors. The wife was saying how she needed just one more pin to fill a spot. Luckily for here I received a Mad Hatter pin when we bought lunch with our A.P. discount. So I gave it to her and let her know how to get more each month at the various restaurants in the park. Then it happened...they recognized us from the proposal. Let's just say if you know where over half the hidden Mickeys are in the park, you can recite the menu at each restaurant, and cast members know your name, you have been to Disneyland one to many time!
The only sad part is we wish you all were there with us. It's so much more fun with our huge group of family and friends!

The ACHES and pains of an 80hr work week.

2008-03-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

As my last blog was not clear and rushed, I'll try to be clearer on this one.
I have worked from 1-9:30am, then from 11:30am-8pm each day for the last two weeks (minus Sundays), and I am tired. You know when your body just hurts for no good reason, and you are just constantly tired feeling, that's everyday for me. But it's all for the best. I am getting as much extra money as possible to help save/pay for the wedding. It's hard on my body, I know. It's hard for Andrea not to see me but on the weekends, since we have been together almost everyday for 27 months. If fact she hates.
However, news and change is ahead so that I will not have to kill myself for much longer. I have finally heard back from the investigating job I applied for, and have found success. I applied to several locations in CA and around the country, but the initial location (Long Beach), is where it looks possible for me to get employed. I am stoked! And on a similar note, UPS is going to promote me. So which will I choose. It's a hard choice to make, honestly. Sure I hate UPS, but they will pay me more. And the down side is that UPS can put me where they want, I don't have a say in the matter. With the investigating job, I get a car which can be used for unlimited personal use (including gas), work from home, and can get rid of my Civic if I want. That's a huge money saver! So in the long run, I'd make more physically and mentally not taking the promotion at UPS. It just angers me that I worked so hard only to get the offers at the same time.
In wedding matters... Andrea's mom has lost it. She wants to control the wedding, and tell me how to run Andrea and I's married life. So I have refused to sit down and discuss anything with her parents further than the have been. I don't need anymore lectures on life from people who don't know me or what I have experienced so far in my life. Andrea is being cool and taking her mom wedding dress shopping tomorrow, so she feels like she had a say in the dress. Hurray for Andrea! She's a champ.
And on a side note for those sisters and their friends from the A.V., our brother Doogal is currently dating...are your ready for this one...it's a good one...I wouldn't lie about this...Doogal is dating The Littlest Horny, Meagan!!! That's right, two inactive LDS kids have found joy with each other. But I didn't tell you guys!

What seems happy, probably is, or is it?

2008-03-15T11:06:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a chilly-windy Lancaster day. Nothing out of the ordinary. I went to work which was going awesome, then out of no where, Hell broke loose upon my operation. I went from chill to stressful, to almost defeat. Yet my employees are the coolest anyone could ask for, it's a respect thing, and no one went home or even thought about it. They all stayed and asked where they could help to fix the problems. The funny part is we were BBQ for all the employees at the building, yet my employees that I overlook, weren't selfish and helped. I almost wanted to cry. I take care of them, so they took care of me when it was needed. Not many people can say that they'll help out a management person just because.
So after I wigged out, it was time to drive home and change clothes so I could go have that little chat with Andrea's dad. Not what I expected from her dad. Andrea and I figured that his only real two questions would be if I was temple worthy (which I am), and if I loved her. The question of love was the second to last question, and the temple question was the last. He just went on about finances, and Andrea spending money if she wasn't working, how would we survive if I was the only one working, etc. I was kind of blind sided with his concerns, but I pulled through like all Orlando's do! And being today as the "proposal day" for her parents, Andrea didn't follow the plan we made before hand and now we'll have to come up with something quick. I'll just say it's both our faults, cause I should have reminded her.
Anyways, I am still waiting to hear from the investigator job, and am putting in a letter of promotion interest at UPS. We'll see how that goes.

Good things do happen when you get stuck at home!

2008-03-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

Let's start by saying, "Being without transportation is a real drag." I must remember that I have plenty to do though! Here we go:

I scheduled the Church building for the wedding reception, for that day and the day before.
I wrote an amazing talk. I didn't eat any food that day until it was finished, then I was to starved to eat anything so I just went to bed.
I got my mom's new computer working correctly finally, my dad did help with the networking.
I spent time with A.J. and Doogal.
I checked my credit score, since I supposedly had bad credit. And guess what...identity theft and I'm still linked some how to the Wicked Witch of the East, which totally destroyed my credit in and of it's self.
I worked out with my insurance that I do in fact get a rental car, it's in my plan and part of a deductible if I pay it.
I have a loving soon to be wife, that remembered how I use to pick her up every day from work and take her anywhere she wanted to go, so she returned the favor.

So good things do happen when you get stuck at home. Oh, did I mention that Andrea still won't make me cookies!

Freakin Loose Animals

2008-02-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

While on my average drive to work in the darkness of the early morning, where no street lights appear but at a major cross street, I once again killed an innocent animal. Not purposely, or with disregard for its life. I was driving like normal of Sheep Creek road, a street that smells of the dairy farm that is on it, and I saw a rabbit bookin' it across the street right in front of me, but I didn't see the collie chasing the rabbit. I hit the rabbit on the passenger side, taking a chip out of my front bumper, shattering that side of the undercarriage, and knocking out my left headlight and blinker. The collie ...well, that poor dog shattered my rest of my bumper, took care of the rest of the undercarriage, shifted my radiator which shifted my hood, dented my muffler, and messed up my transmission. Both animals broke the siding under the doors. So lets just say it was $2000 worth of damage to the car. Both animals where sadly killed. My insurance wanted to go after the owner of the dog, but I didn't stop to find out that info.
Now I am stuck at home cause I have no money to rent a car, thanks to wonderful tax season, and am using the vacation time I had scheduled to use for my honeymoon. I am just a bit upset. I haven't told Andrea that the vacation I am using was the honeymoon time yet. I am kinda fearful to do so. The dragon within her may come unleashed! Whats a vacation when you are stuck at home. Although I did put the Princess Bride on my iPod, so we can watch it while standing in line at Disneyland!

The Andrea Experiment

2008-02-27T11:04:00.001-08:00

Following a YSA activity this past Monday I over heard a conversation of some of the guys in the ward who then asked my opinion. They bet that if they ask some sisters in the ward to make some cookies or brownies that they would without questioning why or without complaint. I agreed with them. Then I said, "You guys wanna see watch something?" They said sure. I followed by explaining that if I bet Andrea to make me cookies, just because, she would reply, "Me? Make you cookies? No. But you can make me cookies since you cook better than I do." So that was the experiment I purposed. So I walked up to Andrea right then and asked her that question. And wouldn't you know it, she answered verbatim what I said she would say. The brethren replied with several comments about how strange that was that I already knew what she would say and how messed up it was at the same time. So who knows their wife to be? It's kinda sad that I can read so well I only have to read a quarter of the book.
And a big Happy Birthday to Doogal! He's 24 now, and independent. We are so proud he grew up. But I still haven't.

A romantic-fun side of me.

2008-02-06T18:39:00.000-08:00

While driving home today I came up with thisunique way for Andrea to spend her time until dinner was ready tonight. I hadn't told her I bought Across the Universe, and it became the bait. I said to myself, "Self? Lets make Andrea solve a mystery." How you may be asking.Well I'd leave her a note where she could find it when she came in the house. This note would explain exactly what the rules of the mystery were, and that each clue leads to another clue. But there are only six clues so it doesn't drag out. I would then place the little clues/riddles where they would lead her. I figured it would take her around 20 min.
Well she came in and did went straight to the bathroom (like always), so I slid the note with the first riddle under the door. And the mystery began. She made a few wrong moves from note reading the clues/riddles correctly, but eventually would solve them correctly. It did take her about 20 min., and lead her right to Acrosss the Universe in it's hiding place. The whole time I sat on the couch and watch Heat ( Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Robert DeNiro...amazing movie).
For dinner, which was done on schedule, was an orange marmalade chicken with sweet potatoes and carrots, topped with some fresh ground pepper. It was delicious. After dinner, I sent her off to her nutrition class at the college. Her only comment for tonight was, "I love you, but will never be able to top anything you do." My response was simple, "I know!"

Today's Task

2008-02-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

Today's Task To Accomplish

X=accomplish, O=unaccomplish

Terminate 4 employees for attendance/undependability issues. X
Terminate employee for attendance/undependabilty, and again for insubordination. X
Suspend 2 employees for attendance/undependabilty issues. X
Take 4 employees out for breakfast for recognition on thier work performance. X
Evaluate employee on work performance and job methods. Review evaluation with employee. X
Visually audit 1500 packages to insure proper delivery. X
Evalute new supervisor on work performance, job methods, safety procedures, leadership skills. X
Review evaluation with supervisor then mock him, and make him feel really incapable of doing his job. X
Make sure all drivers leave on time. X
Talk to two siblings. O
Buy Across The Universe DVD. X
Buy new Jack Johnson album, and The Mars Volta album. X
Read scriptures. X
Read one chapter of Forever Odd. X
Tell Andrea I love her at least five times. X
Find the meaning of life. O

All this and it's only 11 o'clock. What's instore for the rest of my day?

Big Gay Capt. Bob and More...!

2008-02-01T10:09:00.001-08:00

Lets start this by saying, "We thank thee oh God for the Prophet," who has guided us these last amazing years in thy service.

So this small caption is of Big Gay Capt. Bob, my uncle. And we did have laughs and giggles like drunkers, minus the alcohol on the Mormon front. Enjoyed the company of family. And definitely enjoyed watching Big Gay Capt. Bob get made fun of in a glorious fashion for his 60th b-day. And thank you to Aunt B, and his awesome daughters A & C for making Big Gay Capt. Bob look so much like a Mardi Gras wanna be!

My Daddy O is gone and living at Grampa O's love shack, loving the big screen T.V.'s that are there with HD. But have you ever wondered what older woman do after they divorce thier husbands of many years? Here's a glimps: They sit around listening to sad love songs wondering why they made that choice, but all the while refusing to admit they feel that way. They live vicariously through thier children and the child's significant other. And even go around re-arranging the house how they want it, including thier children's bedrooms how they see fit for them. (She alphabetized my movies.) I love mom, and will do my best to continue to help her. I haven't seen the Adversary celebrating so merrily in a few years thanks to my family, and I really hoped I wouldn't live to see that happen again.

To end this, I have two words...I win! There shall be Kilts and plad attire at the wedding. All are invited to participate. Kalli, you are expected to bring the lil redhead with you and party like an Orlando, even though we all know you can party in your own crazy fashion! And here are some embarassing photos:

A message from the BOB!

2008-01-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read Dr. Seuss's book about Mr. Brown? Well it's a funny one that you can read really fast and has to do with all the sounds Mr. Brown can imitate. And since I work for "Brown," I found this book and made an object lesson in my meeting with my employees that I have everyday before they start work. It went really simple. They of course laughed at me...what would that be if they weren't laughing at me for reading Dr. Seuss. The main point was that Mr. Brown could multi-task. He was able to imitate all these sounds while working at the same time. Therefore, my employees should be able to talk and joke around with eachother while working, not one or the other. A happy workplace is better for everyone. They all got the hint and worked their little bums off today. I went and had one on one conversations with them regarding their personal performances and helped them see a bit more of how I do care about their performance and the performance of the team as a whole (39 employees). This is just something I do once a week at my job. And to end the conversations with each I gave them a hand full of Wonka's Everlasting Gobbstoppers. Now...how do your bosses treat you?

Andrea has not truly let me know what wedding style we are going to have yet.

So everyone pray for Celtic/Scottish!

Now remember, remember the importance of a Temple Marriage...it's the Sealing. It's time and all eternity. Something you pray about. Something the Lord will truly give you an answer to when you are listening as to whether it is right or wrong. And once you are in that bond the Lord has approved Satan will fight to break it apart be using selfish actions of your own doing. If only some people saw the destructive nature of divorce and how it effects an eternal family! Get a head check!

Fow Shoow!

2008-01-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

Can someone please explain to me why low-income people have to continually
complain about the most minor of things.
Then when helped with the issue at hand,
they somehow develop a new issue to complain about.
Then the new issue is dealing with the solution of the last issue.
GHETTO TRASH!

On the side note...Andrea and I, along with Little M & K and kids in tow, and Nanna, are going to see Wicked tomorrow. It's an evening show, so we get to be all dressed up and pretty. I really want to take KK for her bday, I wonder if she'd like that?
I have started a diet. It's low-carb, low cal., and a pain in my butt! Yes, I want to lose 30 lbs. before Andrea and I take engagement photos. And I want to lose another 10 lbs. before the wedding. I need to be my ripped and cut self again if I am going to have a wife that looks like Andrea. I don't want to be one of those couples where everyone looks at them and says,"Why is she with that chubby guy?" Not going to happen.
I end with this quote from C. S. Lewis:

Perhaps if we had done more voluntary fasting before God would not now have put us on these darn diets! Well, the theologians say that an imposed mortification can have all he merit of a voluntary one if it is taken in the right spirit.

Catch up...quick pacing!

2008-01-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

Now that there is a free freakin momment for me to finally update my blog in almost a month... Let's sum it up. Christmas was fun and eventful. Some good memories made. Andrea got me an awesome camera (sorry Mike, mine whoops up on yours). New years was funny. We decided to have a LOST marathon, Nanna got bored and left, but then returned. And my buddy Joel joined us for the night...I'm trying to be a good influence on him and get him back on his mission.
I have been so busy with applications of all types. Whether they are for housing, jobs, or schools. I ran out of money from the school apps. I forgot how expensive that can get. It's all for the better though. And Andrea is all giddy from it. So who wants some photos from the engagement? The first is the roses I had Nanna make up for me with some memorable times.

Then she shows of the Ring (she hates this pcture, but I like it).

I purpose and put the ring on!

This is us with our VIP ride on Peter Pan!
And just being stupid.

We miss all ya!

So the Story goes like this...

2007-12-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

It was a brite and sunny day on Friday the 14th of December. Everything went well at work. I was in no rush to get anywhere. Oh wait, that's right! I was in a rush (with my nerves go a bit nutty) to get to Disneyland to do last minute preps to propose. I got there with no problem, thanks to Nanna everything I needed was waiting on a locker for me. I went to City Hall on Main St. and met up with my Guest relations guy and Auntie Kree. Kree put the groom Mickey hat on me and gave me the bride Minnie vail. I gave Kree the Roses and we met with our escort for the remainder of the day. Then just as I planned, Nanna and mom had Andrea at the wishing well at 1pm. Kree gave her the roses. There were eleven roses, each with an individual memory that Andrea and I have shared in our 23 months together. We gave her time to read the memories, then Kree signaled for me to come out of hiding. I then approached Andrea I went straight to one knee and took her hand. I handed her the twelth rose which ask her to be sealed to me for time and all eternity. I verbally asked her the same. She said "YES!" I then suavely pulled the ring off my left pinky finger which I had placed upside down. Asked Andrea if she wanted her ring. She just stood there shaking her head and couldn't speak. I placed it on her finger. Stood up. Grabbed hold of her and kissed those delicious lips!
We had some pics taken, which I'l try to post. We where escorted to a couple rides. Had a private photo shoot with Mickey in Toontown. All the while we had a Herald ringing a bell, announcing our engagement, walking in front of us the whole time, for about 2 hours. It was a good embarassing, as Andrea says.
So thats how it went down, roughly!

Hey, Whot Hoppened?

2007-12-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, no ambition corrupt thee, to do anything which thou knowest to be evil; so shalt thou always live jollily; for a good conscience is a continual Christmas. - Benjamin Franklin

I was driving to work and was suddenly was reminded of this quote and I don't know why. While I was contemplating why... three huge freakin' house cats ran out in the road, blocking both lanes of traffic and froze in my headlights. I had no where to turn but hit one. And I smack the crap out of it. I poor cat took a chip out of my front fender, shattered my undercarriage, took out the passenger side lights, hit my oil pan causing a leak, and who knows what else for sure. All in all, there went my Christmas bonus check. So now I need my car fixed by Friday, or there will be no proposal going on. I am hoping that nothing else is wrong. I'm just waiting to find out for sure.

My darling Andrea (or Princess Aurora), absolutely loved meeting all the family on my mom's side this past weekend. She doesn't have family like us, so having lots of cousins that are fun to be around and bond with was a special experience for her. Her pedicure looks great, as did all of the others that went. (And YES Nanna, your manicure was pretty too!) I think everyone that was involved with Friday nights game of "What If" created a memory that will last forever. KK, you totally missed out of spending some quality time with JAM and JU!

I am looking forward to spending our family Christmas this weekend at MK. It will be interesting having it like two weeks early...we've never done this.

More to the point of this weekend, Andrea and I are going to be putting our names in at all the apartments Kimbo tells us to. We are looking for guidance in this area with our move to the SD area next year so Andrea can finish school, and I hopefully start my Masters or an actual career. I guess we'll find out where I go soon.

Why? With a dash a Christmas cheer!

2007-11-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

Why does family always change plans on you?! I'll never understand that. So Auntie Kree called me and let me know that Dland won't be charging me anything if I was still interested. Of course I am. So the plan I had with Disney is back on, with some added extras thanks to Kree. And so everyone knows... Andrea does know about the blog, but knows that she cannot look at it, until I say. She doesn't want to violate my trust in her after snooping around my stuff and finding her ring. So family and friends please try to be there for me on the scheduled date. Those siblings who can't, I appreciate the effort anyway.
I decorated the house for Cmas, since I didn't want a Wreath for a Cmas tree. I put my little tree up, a few decorations, put the presents out, and I did let mother put her dumb wreath up anyway. It's homier this year. And even mother is more pleasant.
Here's some news...mother moved her butt into the original master bedroom, then went and bought a new queen for the spare bedroom. I guess Doogal can't come home now! The bonus, for now, is that I get the bed as a wedding present when the time comes. Thought that would humor some of you, that mother moved closer to father in the house.
Peace out Homies!

Since I don't communicate...

2007-11-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

Since being with my family didn't do the trick of letting them know whats going on with me, and my loving sister reminded me how I haven't updated the blog for a month, here goes nothing... Yes the date for Disneyland is still set. But I am not willing to put out $200 or more for Disney's help when I can do my own scheme. My adorable sis in-law is going to be the co-conspirator. She knows the plan and thinks it will work out awesome. It's simple, easy, and will be memorable. The proposal will take place at Snow White's Wishing Well.
In my hectic work schedule now that it's christmas time, I am still on the job search. My father had his annual security clearance check, and during his interview his interviewer gave him a business card for me. The interviewer felt that I would be perfect for the job they did. MY father told me this and I was just like, "what?" I guess with my degree and management experience they felt I would fit the profile needed for that job. The job is way cool. I work from home. Have all traveling expenses payed for. Get a company car. I only have to fill the interviews and security checks they give me for the month, which apparently is nothing. Is that a sweet job or what?! Oh and I get payed triple what I am now. Lets all say some prayers, fast, cross our fingers, wish upon on a star, etc.!
I did enjoy Thanksgiving. Being with the Italiano side is always an adventure. And always a laugh, that will bring you to tears. Thanks for the fun time family.

Halloween Bizzaro!!!

2007-11-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

What in the blue dookie happened on Halloween? Lets just put it this way, I almost had a nervous break down. I had a quick and easy work day suprisingly, which lead me home early. Then Andrea and I went off to Magic Mt. for the day.
No line was more than 15 minutes. We walked to the front most the time on everything. There were less than 3000 people in the park all day long. We had Flash Passes to get on the busy rides, but never used them. However we did use our Maze Passes when the Halloween mazes start @ 7pm. That saved around a 2 hour wait in lines. But they didn't have all the Fright Fest attractions open due to the low amount of guest in the park. IT SUCKED! It was a relaxing day with fun and screams by Andrea. And I got this awesome video of going down the drop on Goliath, hopefully I can put it on the blog.
Andrea and I took lots of pics all over the park, and had them put on a photo card that you can check at the end of the day or on line. Well before we left I some how lost it so we couldn't get the photo update before we left. I emptied my pockets, it wasn't there. Only to find it in my pocket that Andrea watched me empty out when we got home(, which was early cause Andrea got sick from our dinner).
Next point... We always double check where we park when we go to any theme park. We parked a row behind the guard tower on it's left side, in the first parking lot. We were behind a huge-red 2500 Silverado. My back tire wasn't even in the white lines this truck was so big. When we went to find my car it wasn't there. We looked and found only three black Civics int the whole lot, only one was close to mine because it had tinted windows. We walked up and down the aisles of cars over and over and couldn't find it. This is when I almost broke down emotionally. We finally called security to help, since I was sure it was gone. Then my beautiful girlfriend said a silently pray to herself, for the fifth time. She looked up and point at a black Civic. It was the Civic with the tinted windows that we had walked past four time already, and was two rows up from where we parked. So I humored her again and went to look at it. Magically it was my car. There was now a white-Explorer in front of us. A row in front of the guard tower, not a row behind it. And my back tires were in side the white lines. WE WERE OFFICIALLY FREAKED OUT. There is nothing stranger than that. We even know what the other Civic's plate number was. So does Heavenly Father answer prays and try our faith? I guess we know the answer.
I still haven't heard from Kree or Disney, but will call Kree again next week.

Weekend without Andrea

2007-10-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Andrea was in Vegas this past weekend for her friend's b-day, which left me with an option I haven't had in over a year... the ability to hang out with the boys. There's something weird, huh! I goofed off, went to the movies, played video games, and just chilled with not worrying about angering Andrea. I forgot what that was like, and will forget what is like soon enough all over again. Did I mention I even got watched to the Chargers' game, with my non-sport watching father. And what a game to watch!

I did make that all so important decision to go back to school, somewhere in S.D., for my masters in whatever I can get into. I am applying for Sociological studies mainly, but am willing to look at other possibilities. Any suggestions on other programs could help my options. I think it good to be around my siblings.We seem to always have fun when together, and thats why I chose the S.D. area for schooling.

Work is work. I am still training a new supervisor, which lets everything I say go in and out of his ex-army brain. Not to smart from what I've seen so far, and my boss isn't impressed either.

In the way of wedding plans, Andrea and I had a date set in mind, but we have been debating moving it closer. She knows the purposal is coming, but not when thank goodness. It's up in the air until we both feel comfortable with a goal.

Put things in motion!

2007-10-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I got in contact with Auntie Kree (just for you KK), and gave her the date in December. She will be contacting the Dream Team at Disneyland, who will then contact me so that we can come up with a memorable purposal for my Princess Aurora, aka Andrea. The Dream Team sets up all sorts of situations for different events. Unfortunately, Kree just got put back to her normal job assignment and is no longer on the Dream Team. Kree assured me that she would help where ever should could though. So she may be calling some of you for your help also. Is this pleasing to the masses?

Was today funny or just frustrating?!

2007-10-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

With all the fires going on around me, not as much as my siblings, but it has effected my jobs. My UPS job functions on a small window of time to work in, and complete that to it's fullest. Well with freeways opening then closing, then opening, and then closing over and over in a vicious cycle... it was hard to have a successful day. I wanted to pull my hair out. Adding to this menacing time, I am training a new supervisor who can't multiple to save his life. What's 61 times 20? (tick tock, tick tock) Uhhh...640? Wrong, it's 1220, but good try there Skippy. Now the dishonest persons that come out in times of natural disasters tick me off. A lot of my UPS employees and drivers called out for various reasons. My favorite though was a wiener crew member's call in. She actually tried to tell me that she had to help a friend evacuate Lake L.A. due to the fires, cause it jumped over the 14 freeway and was heading her friend's way. Well I about died laughing. One reason, she obviously didn't know where Lake L.A. was. Two, I told her to impossibility of that situation. Three, she stilled tried to lie about it. And lastly, she was convinced that it was needed. Why are people so retarded?

I got Andrea's ring today. It's so beautiful and definitely her. So there's a good part of my day. Another great part was the new Coheed album was released, which is awesome-ness! Meet the Robinsons came out on DVD, and that's one for my collection. I also picked up the Across The Universe soundtrack, and it also awesome-ness! In conclusion, my day was a trashcan full of poop, but ended with finding new treasures!

The Purposed reason to this madness

2007-10-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

I am creating this blog for the purpose that my family can know exactly what I am doing and why I am doing it. Also, so those friends of mine that always need a reminding laugh of those funny moments that occur in my work places.
Today we are celebrating Nanna's 21st b-day. Of course Doogal showed up with a purpose to eat and leave "cause the family doesn't like him around," or so his mind believes. The rest of us however loved time we spent together, including the brief moment with Doogal. To bad the M & K family part couldn't make it, and missed out on some mean SCENE IT games last night.
Well look for the up dates and th creative genius I put in this blog.
P.S.: December 13 is the planned date for those on the DL at Disneyland!