Confessions of a lot porter..

An old aquaintance.

2010-05-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

I spent a long time thinking about you today. I know a lot of our friends did too. It seems so weird to me that you can know someone for so long without actually spending a shit load of time with them on a daily basis. This kid Ehlo was one of those people in my life for me.

I'd always run into you at the most random times. It'd always make sense though, and you always made me feel welcome. Even though it'd been a minute since i'd seen you last. I miss you a ton. You were always smiling and I was always, ALWAYS, jealous of your fashion sense. Understated Fly is what I liked to call it.

If you were still here today I know you'd be loving life. It's your 21st birthday and we would've gone all out. I can imagine it. I'm just happy to know the last time I saw you before you went away was a good time. I wish I would've stuck around longer but you know me, I come and go so quickly these days. Just know homie, Just know, if I would've known.... Things would've been so different. I know a lot of us feel this way. It's so hard to feel like there was nothing we could do about it.

Happy 21st Ehlo.

Hullo!

2010-04-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a minute since I said it.

Sometimes' I feel I work to hard, will I ever regret it?

Man it's been a minute. I feel like I have nothing to blog about at times but I'm going to get better at it. Since I blogged last I moved closer to the city... Got a new whip... Got my first speeding ticket... fuck. We got alot to talk about. I'm going to spend today at work thinking about good things to write about and hopefully document my life as a lot porter better. I'd love more people to read this blog and laugh/smile/etc. I like using / instead of , get over it.

-nig named P.

Some photos from recently..

2009-11-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

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Winter Styeeze.

2009-11-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

I love my VANS but I feel so wrong wearing them in the rain/winter months. So many hot stylez/colorways have been appearing though. I caught these through complex on twitter. Love the orange ones, the camo ones, and the black ones. Shieet, i'll take em all. You take fishsticks right?

I love these wintery type of sweaters and what not. The one in the middle is the one I would rock out the box. Dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope dope This could possibly be a hint to my girlfriend/mom/loved one. This is xmas list material. : )

Mann. I wish I had a bigger selection of winter accessories.. Things like watches, scarves, gloves, beanies, etc. This is the first winter where i've actually noticed the fact that I almost don't have a winter wardrobe enough to dress warm in the winter! WTF!! I'm on my grown man steeze now, at least I like to think that anyway. Soon enough. I'm saving up for school and spending money on my car, and girl, and dog, and rent. It's hard to find the time/money to go shop and do this and that. This work week is a 3 day week so I'll have a large moment of clarity over the four day weekend!

I will blog more soon. kthxbai.

With so many things going..

2009-11-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

on, it's hard to keep up on my blog at times. I have a whole lot of ideas i'd like to implement and a certain degree of execution, and production i'd like to put on my blog but without the knowledge to put it down it's really useless. So ATM (at the moment, for the misinformed) i've been in a sophomore slump, I guess you could say.

In short I'd like to say Rest in Peace Brandon Norton & Ehlo Blacknall. You will be missed by so many people. wow. Life is short, make it count.

What to do, what to do.

2009-09-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well it's fall now. The leaves are falling, it's painfully chilly outside at times, and it seems like EVERYONE I know is going to school. All this is going on while I work my life away from 10-6 all week. It's quite the routine, very nice, free water, they even give me a sweet uniform to wear! In all honesty, I really enjoy my job. It keeps me busy, makes me good enough money for now, and I get to work in an environment that I enjoy and find very exciting.

The thing is, I don't know if I want to work in the auto industry for the rest of my life.
I know I love cars.
Mechanics.
Anything electronic.
But do I really want to make it something I do day in, day out? Part of me says yes, the rest of me says no. I want to keep cars as a hobby, and in short, i'm worried the mechanic career is risking me getting sick of it. I dont' want that.

I've always been interested of computers and the jobs involved with them. Originally when I was going to community college I was studying towards a computer science degree of some sort. Since than, I've kinda lost track of where in the computer science field I want to land. Honestly it's quite a broad spectrum of work involved in the computer industry. What do I want to do?! I'm really lost.

I figure the best thing to do is start going back to school and take basic classes towards my computer science degree. After taking some classes and spending some time with others in the same situation, I'm hopeful I can finally put some direction behind my work. Instead of doing the same work everyday. ahhhh. It's stressfull but I had to put it down somewhere.

I need more patience. Anyway, it's Tuesday and the Hawks have been sucky lately. Waddupp.

Toys.

2009-08-31T09:28:00.001-07:00

I've been trying to save really hard lately to buy some REAL toys. Everything that I want seems to be at least over 300.00. I'm starting to find I can't just buy things right away like I want to. It's going to take some saving but soon I will have a new dirtbike. YZ80. Enough said, back to business. I'm trying to get this back to good shape so soon enough. 'Till next time.

I'm thinking of what Sarah said..

2009-07-27T09:31:00.001-07:00

That love is watching, someone die.

This last weekend was sooo dope. I had such a good time. Friday came around and we laid low as usual. IIRC we hung out at home and spent some time at the Tobiassen residence. Saturday we had tickets to the Sounders vs. Fire game at Qwest Field at 12pm. We were kind've nervous about traffic because there was a Mariners game going on at 1 as well as the torchlight parade and a plethora of other summer events. Surprisingly we left Lynnwood at 10:15ish and got to the field at around 11:05. We didn't run into any traffic, we spent most of the time finding out way to the parking lot... For future reference it's at the Northend of the field. Smack dab right there. Not hard to find at all... unless you have no idea where it's at. haha.

The game ended in a tie. It was very close and I was surprised that it wasn't an easy win for the Sounders. They were clearly a much better team then the Fire, they just couldn't catch a break. I'm so thankful to have scored the tickets from Taryns' dad, Trigve (pronounced trig-va). The section we're in is called "all inclusive" which i'm guessing means everything is included. We get as many hotdogs, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, pops, water, all for free. No hassling. Just show em your ticket stub and they're all for it. haha. Such a good time, I had like four hot dogs, a bag of peanuts, and a pretzel with cheese sauce! So Taryn and I literally didn't spend a dollar to come out to the game which felt sooo good. My good buddy Anythony and his little brother Colton car pooled with us down to the game. Fortunately they had a parking pass to park right in the north parking lot. It helped out a ton so if you're reading this, thanks guys!

After the game Anth, Taryn and I decided we wanted to go back to Anth's to hangout and maybe have a few drinks. We ended up dropping Colton off at a Family Bday party that he was supposed to be at and let me tell you. What a pleasant surprise it was. I ended up seeing alot of people I hadn't seen in such a long time. I consider them all family and it was so nice to see them again. Especially cause of all the bullshit thats gone on with Nick and everything I just hope they all don't think i'm like dogging my best friend. I'm just doing what I know i'm supposed to be doing and staying out of trouble. Unfortunately that means I have to limit my exposure to my buddy Nick. He sounds like he's doing good and everything which is great. Maybe one day in the future we'll all be able to hang out again. Anywho, I got to see Kim, Tami, Darryl, Rob, Nicole, Sidney and the rest of the George family. It was such a nice breath of fresh air. Taryn was with me so they got to see her as well. We had a few beers and headed back to Anth's house to chill out.

We swooped by Taryns' house to pick up Mozart and hangout with the family for a little bit. I passed out hard due to the mixture of alot of drinks and spending all afternoon in the sun.. haha. I must've slept for a couple hours there and as soon as we got home at 8ish it was back to bed untill about 7 Sunday morning. Taryn was amazed with my ability to sleep so soundly. I was amazed that she didn't ditch me after I passed out at 7ish on Saturday night. That's love. : )

Fast forward to Sunday. I dropped my love off at work for her 7-12pm shift and went home and passed out 'till about 10ish. I woke up and decided to take Momo out for a walk at GreenLake. I dropped him off at home after he was good and tired and decided to go shopping for some shorts/swim trunks cause we were going to go swimming and DisneyLand is right around the corner and Trunks that fit are essential.. haha. I ended up buying two pairs of really nice shorts from zumiez. Scored them both for 30.00 a piece vs. 40.00 each. One pair is a really nice cotton pair of Matix shorts, the others are blue Analog swim trunks.. super nice. We didn't really do much on Sunday. After Taryn got off work we came home and hung out and had lunch at El Puertos' in Edmonds.. Greatest Mexican food ever. And ordered Hawaiian stuffed crust pizza for dinner. Worst pizza ever... WAY TOO UNDERCOOKED. I should've called and complained but I was just happy to be with my love and dog and everything... : / Anyway, I gotta jet for work. Here's an el puerto shot to get your mouth watering though.

Paolo.

Where soul meets body.

2009-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is life. I've got nine days to wait untill I turn 21. I really don't even understand it. So much shit is going on.. I'm so stoked. My birthday next Thursday, Disneyland on the 10th-15th. I've been working super hard so it's nice to know that i'm going to be treating myself here in the next couple of weeks. I've also been saving up cash for the trip as well. If all goes as planned I should have around 600.00 for disneyland which is hopefully more than enough to get souviners/food/whatever. I really just want to go and not worry about ANYTHING. I'm not even going to bring my cellphone. Ahh it will be so nice.

I'm so greatful to have Taryn in my life. She means so much to me and everyday I spend with her reminds me more and more why I chose her in the first place. So loving, always forgiving, but keeps me in check at the same time. Her family is a godsend. Her whole lifestyle is something I want to be a part of. I know this may seem shocking to read/hear but I honestly feel like I want her to be my wife and have my kids. She means THAT much to me. I spend all week at work asking myself if i'm treating her right. Does she deserve better than I can do? Why didn't I hold her for just a little longer the night before? ugh.

When I get back from Disneyland i'm going to hit the productivity button with authority. Here's a list of what i'd like to get taken care of:

- Study and get G.E.D.
-Start saving money in a car/insurance fund
- Start getting on track with my credit/pay off debts
- Start sourcing parts for my suspension overhaul
- Make new friends/reconnect with old ones
- Make a habit of working out more/get rid of bad habits
- See family more/mainly mom and mama.
- Take more pictures/save for a D40

It's crazy how we can get so caught up in our routine before we realize how out of the loop we actually are. These last two weeks i've been noticing things. The crispness of the 90 degree air. The vibrant colors on select pairs of Vans. The smiles and laughter I so often produce out of myself and others. I ran into alot of my old high school friends and it was so nice to know everyone is just the same as before. Just a little older, with a little more baggage. They've all grown up. I've come to the realization that I must do the same. Gone are the days of vandalizing and shit like that knowing the worst thing that could happen is getting taken home by the police to mommy. On the 30th i'll be a full grown adult. shit. I gotta grow up.

Paolo

Another day, another dollar.

2009-07-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

John Mayer - Vultures playing through my headphones. Today is beginning to look like a good day. Tommorow is payday and I got to spend some much needed time with the friends last night. I went over to Mo's house last night. Jenny and Mo just got back from CA last night they were there for a bit getting their apartment all lined up and what not. They're here for another three weeks and then they'll be moved down there. I'm kinda sad about it. It really makes me realize how short life really is. Things change so quickly, and things come up so fast that there really isn't any time for regrets or second guessing. This last week i've learned a whole lot about myself. Good things.

So with my check tommorow the plan is to pay off bills, save half of rent, save money for DIDNEY LANDDD!!!, and just save in general. I would love to go shopping for some new shoes/clothing but dayumn, i'm starting to think I shouldn't do anything like that 'till after the Dland trip. I'm so excited, I can't even explain. I'm still so shocked that Taryn's parents went ahead and bought me a ticket to come down there with them. I'm really so flattered that they would even consider that as an option. It makes me look back and realize how welcoming and nice they have ALWAYS been to me. They are my second family, I love them so. Enough of that though.

Today is just another day of hard work. This weekend should be fun, the goal this weekend is to get out there and get some excercise/be active.
21 days 'till i'm 21. : )

Re - evaluate

2009-07-06T07:03:00.001-07:00

Renew.

Goals for this week.

2009-06-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Goals i'd like to stick to this week:

Stretch every morning before work
Save money by not spending it on coffee

Inevitable Subleties. sp?

2009-06-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to make Mondays a day of reflection. A time to look at my life and re-evaluate. Re-evaluate has been a word that I have been catching myself using so much more lately. Yesterday I had the idea to re-evaluate what is REALLY important to me. What makes my heart tick, my brain tock, and my body tick tocks?1>.

My love, family, my psuedo son Mozart, my reputation, my work ethic, being able to get what I NEED, doing things out of the ordinary, taking time to think and do things that are easily taken forgranted.

I find myself wondering where those feelings went from just feeling, seeing, smelling. To me I feel like i'm in a place where stuff has lost it's luster. I was looking around the city today on my stroll to the coffeeshop and saw so much more than I usually do. It's like I have tunnel vision or something. I've been finding myself saying more and more "Just take time to breath. Just take time to see. Just take time to enjoy life."

Why Georgia - John Mayer
Am I living it right?

P. time for work.

shieet saturday.

2009-06-13T08:55:00.001-07:00

I've gotten sick of this current layout and my plan is to totally revamp my blog. I'm going to come up with a common theme for all my posts, no more random ish. Soon.

How the world spins.

2009-05-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well rested and enthusiastic are two of many words that I could use to explain to you how i'm feeling on this beautiful Tuesday morning. I really have to urinate but the restroom here is out of order at the moment so it looks like i'll be holding it untill I clock into work. Well last weekend was Memorial Day weekend and before I get off topic I would like to thank any Veterans here on earth and on heaven for all they have done for us. I realized yesterday that I think most people my age seem to forget what the day is all about. Sure we get a day off and it's nice out but don't forget why you have Memorial Day off in the first place. Now that that's out of the way I can get on with the rest of this blog.

This last weekend was super nice considering I was kind've broke and what not. Taryn and I still made alot of fun things happen and I really don't think the three-day weekend could've went any better. On Friday I went to work and hung out at home, If I remember correctly we didn't really do anything special. I had a few beers and called it a night.

We woke up early on Saturday morning. Taryn had work from 7am-12pm so I dropped her off with Mozart in the car and we headed out to Alki Beach. We had strayed from the original plan which was to go to GreenLake as usual but I decided Alki would be fun. It was a really fun walk and we got there around 8am and left at about 930am. That was definitally the longest walk i've taken Mozart on and he didn't skip a beat at all. He was with me the whole time, he looked really tired but he held it down for sure. I took a really cool picture of a porsche in front of these condos but my damn picpush app on my G1 doesn't seem to upload my pictures like it says it does...ugh. Pictures!

Sunday was spent celebrating a special someone's Bday. Taryns grandmother, "Marin" had a birthday over the weekend at Taryn's house. It was a really good time and always a blast as always with the Tobiassen Family. The family cooked up chicken, copperhead river salmon (so fucking good), halibut, salad, cupcakes, etc. It was all there, I love parties at that house. The perfect house for family type parties. After the Bday party we went back to my crib and napped for a little bit and we convoyed out to the movie theatre in Everett to see "Night at the museum". It wasn't like we have been wanting to see that movie for awhile we just kinda went on a whim and it was aight I guess. If my friends asked me if they should go see it I would say do it, but also it'd prolly be funner to see it at home. Scratch that, it's a rental for sure.
On the way outta the theatre I spotted this poster and almost shat myself... Can't wait!

Monday rolled around and I woke up just as planned at 8 in the morning as if I was going into work. I had planned this, I loaded up the fattest bowl I could load into my bong aka water pipe and got lifted. As I exhaled I realized I was getting paid for this. So legit. Taryn and I had planned on loading up the car with Mo and supplies and spending the afternoon at Richmond Beach. We got to Taryns' house and just ended up relaxing in the front yard with her family. Good times for sure. I'm running out of time but we ended the three-day weekend with a BBQ at Kyles' mom's house. I had some chicken, brauts, and a few beers... ended it on a good note with the best smore's i've had in a long time. Word. Time for work.

May 15th - May 17th, 2009

2009-05-18T09:28:00.001-07:00

What a great weekend. May for me is going so well. I've been taking care of business and not forgetting to treat myself to some good times as well in the process. Everything with Taryn seems to just get better day after day. I have alot to write about last weekends plans so i'll get on with it.

Rewind to Friday. The day went as any other Friday would. Other than the fact that a car didn't end up leaving until around 6:15 and I stuck around to wash it. Mike had to leave to pay for his pizza.. don't ask. He felt bad for me so he ended up hooking me up with a healthy bowl for my troubles. After washing the boss's 3 series.

I met up with Kia and we rolled in the E30 and puffed on that bowl through an apple. Good times, haha. Anyway, I went home and Taryn and I ended up just hanging out at home. I'm running out of time so i'm just going to post some pictures with captions. WORD.

Saturday we went to Anthony's Beach Cafe right there in Edmonds for some good eats. I got some Mahi Mahi Tacos and Taryn got her usual. Salmon Ponzu Bowl... something like that. I should've snapped a picture of the food.. oh well.

We pretty much spent all day Sunday preparing and spending the day at Richmond Beach with Mo. Taryns' little sister Tatum came and hung out and so did Taryn's co worker Kyle and her boyfriend Tomari. Good times for sure.

Humpday, the 13th - Greater Aspirations

2009-05-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

This morning started off like any other. Nothing special to be honest. I woke up and layed in bed with Taryn for a change. I didn't run off to smoke a bowl or check my facebook or myspace or even twitter. (I did that on my G1 : )). I actually didn't wake and bake this morning for a change. I plan on making the most badass tuna sandwich this side of the mississippi for lunch and it looks like it's going to be a sunny day as well. I really don't have much to complain about. I do have to say though that just being with Taryn is something I definitally, I don't want to say take forgranted but I feel like I forget sometimes just how much fun she is to be with. I see other girls and they appeal to me but I only want Taryn. It's a very peculiar feeling to me. Knowing that you may or may not be able to spend the rest of your life with someone. Very creepy but comforting at the same time. I've told many people before that I would not be opposed to the idea of marrying Taryn. She would be such a great wife, hell she pretty much already is. She makes me so happy. Keeps me on my toes and my head the right way even when I think i'm thinking like I should. She always gives me another perspective to compare with. Man, she's my everything, i'm not even going to lie.

In two days we will have been together for one year and two months and I can't say it's been easy but it's definitally been a great time. I dont' plan on stopping anytime soon. I think i'm really onto something here with her. Anyway, enough about her.

I've been losing a lot of weight recently and I havn't even been doing much to help. I'm really impressed that it's going so well. If I try I should be able to have a fit stomach by my birthday which is the goal. My pecs are already there, my arms are nice and toned, just need that flat toned stomach... that' i've never been blessed with. All i've really been doing is trying to drink a lot of water at work and not overeat at work. Although at home I find myself eating a lot but usually cause I don't eat that much at work at all if anything. I'm going to blame that on the weed and beer though. Let's not play around it's not good for your health or figure. haha. My style is constantly changing as well. I love my style and plan on going the way it's been going. Fitted jeans.. not that emo shit you see, just jeans fitting the way they're meant to fit and on my waist. Skater/metropark ish Tshirts, Flannels, Hoodies. Vans, or some kind of flashy very clean shoe, white sole most the time.

Which brings me to my next rant. I posted a recent picture of myself on Facebook and some fucker who will not be named said this.. word for word, it's still playing in repeat in my head, " Wow, I never though i'd see you as EMO!" He even went to the length of capping the EMO as if that word wasn't scarring enough. Man, I was about to blow a cap or something. Anyway, I brushed it off and realized people have their opinions whatever. At least i'm not living at home and dressing like i'm in middle school anymore. Oversized jerseys and baggy pants with rubberbands around my ankles to keep me from walking on my baggy sean jean jeans. Sorry I grew up a scotch. I don't really care.

my.wifey.is.not.complaining.

Soul Meets Body - 3.11.09

2009-05-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!
although, I didn't get to spend time with my Mother, I did have a very long and nice conversation with her on the phone. The plan is to take the ferry to BFE (Bum Fuck Egypt aka bremerton (no caps, not worthy)) and visit her and the family. Should be good fun as always. I did spend some quality time with the Tobiassen family though, which is always a hootenanny.

Friday at six pm, I closed up CarTender and Nat and I did some work to the E30. Not anything special but some badly needed routine maintenance. We did an oil change, got rid of the cruddy ford motorcraft oil filter (i know.. i know) replaced it with a Mahle substitute and it got a heaping four and a half quarts of Mobil One 5W-30. I also addressed a leaky rear diff. I replaced both the fill and drain plugs and refilled the differential with Redline Gear Oil. Great stuff. The trans seems to shift alot smoother in the morning and for some reason the piece of mind is really good to have. Oh and before I forget, the oil leak was a fairly simple fix the oil pressure sender had a leak so we replaced it. Ten dollars later and we were leak free and all that good shit. After some hard work we got down on the grill and cooked up some really really good steak shishkabobs but sorry, no pictures. Too busy chowin down. Kyle and Tocari? (Tomari?) came over and had some of the good shit and we watched a movie. Can't remember which one off the top of my head.

Saturday I woke up to the sound of Taryns' alarm like five times. Fuckin thing. I hate the snooze button. Anyway, she went to work from 7am-12pm and I just hung around. Didn't really do much. I think I picked up dog shit in the backyard which is always great fun. Nat did alot of house work/yard work, that guy does work. I'm not lyin. Taryn got off work and we went to see that new Xmen movie. Super dope by the way. I usually tend to hate on all the Superhero genre type movies now cause the acting has gotten so shitty. I understand it's supposed to be a comic book world and what not but why the fuck are people flying around and what not. Too unbelievable. I must say Wolverine's life sucked. I can see why he's such a dick.

Sunday - MOTHERS DAY
We went to Tacoma to meet up with Taryns' Dad's side of the family. I love seeing them, they make me feel so welcome and I feel right at home with her family which is a really good thing. I took some pictures so i'll let them do the talking, i've written too much and I have to head to work.

I'll do better next time.

Downpour.

2009-05-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

it's all fun and games till somebodys on the floor
it's all just joking 'till your walkin out the door
and i can't say it was worth it, or if i learned anything at all
if you want to take baby steps, it might be better to crawl
i'm just saying. you don't need to take it to heart
these are just words, this is just art
i can't say anything at all.

Hump Day.

2009-04-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of the week. Wednesday which can only mean one thing. It's HUMP DAY! This doesn't mean anything to most people. To me, it's my day to take a deep breath and take notice that the week is almost coming to an end. This weekend should be really good too. I'm super stoked. Hopefully I can get a productive bug and try to get alot of stuff done. I'm sure it won't be an issue. If I can on Sunday I think I may try to make it to my mom's place just to visit. I want to see Lilly so bad. I'll bring Mo and hope that she doesn't eat him.

Deep Breath... God I miss Papa. Second Wind.

small change.

2009-04-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

This gloomy Tuesday has got me in the most peculiar of moods. I almost want to say that I feel sick. Not that it matters, I'm not going to ask to go home or anything. I'd so rather be making money than sitting at home not doing anything. The fact that I took last Thursday off is also keeping me from doing so. I need the money. I'm hoping that I can use my personal hours to fill the time that I wasn't there for my Grandpa's funeral. I'm not counting on it but I can hope, right?

So May is dawning on us as we speak. May will be a good month. First off in May I will be two months away from my 21st birthday. I get three paychecks in the month of May. Did I mention May is when hopefully it starts getting REALLY nice outside? Hopefully I can use this month to save some money and really start a foundation for my future. If not that at least a good solid savings. The plan is to put 200.00 away for savings for a new car or whatever. Just money. I'm also going to spend around 200-300 on tickets to go see Dane Cook. I'm not too into him but I know my girlfriend Taryn is. She's been dying to see him live so there it is.

Other things going on in my life are -
I've been spending more time with my family. Calling more often. Texting when I can. I'm going to call my Mom after work just to chat. Just to let her know I'm still thinking of her. I'm still her little baby. As always i've been trying to revamp my smoking habits. For awhile I was sure that the solution was to just quit indefinitally. The plan as of now is to just smoke recreationally... Not habitually. Trade in the constant holding of dubs and eighths to holding twenties and fifties. I've definitally smoked my share. I've come to the conclusion that I'm TOO into other things than to waste all my time getting high. I'm also starting to learn that sometimes i'm not the funnest person to be around when i'm high. Especially if YOU'RE not high. It makes me paranoid. I also find that my outlook on life is so much clearer, logical when i'm not always high. As an added plus, i'll bring my tolerance down so i'll just get ripped. I'm going to see if I can score some REAL fire this weekend. I'm tired of getting shitty weed and dubs and what not. From now on, i'm only buying 8ths. 80 dollars is the most i'll spend on weed on one pay period.

The plan is there. I just gotta execute. Just because other people are smoking and getting high doesn't mean you're missing out on a thing. You've had you're moments. Live life.

4.27.09 - Monday

2009-04-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since my last post/blog, whatever you want to call it. Since my last entry a lot has happened. The most important of all is my grandfather passed away on the 19th. His funeral was on a Thursday, the 24th if I remember correctly. My lord, was it an experience. All my life, i've never had to deal with death so closely to me. Although I wasn't as close to my grandfather in my older years as much as my younger years it tore me up. I have many good and bad memories of my grandfather. What tore me up the most is knowing how many members of my family rested on him and depended on him as our pillar of stone. He was always there.

He passed away from Cancer. Induced from all of the ciggerettes he smoked. Part of me feels guilty that we let him smoke himself to death but he did what he wanted regardless. To be honest we just wanted him to be happy. Boy, did he live a happy life. He did alot of great things and being at the funeral made me realize how much I want to make him proud. I want to fill his shoes plus some. I want my family to see my grandfather through my character, actions, and successes.

I will never forget you, Papa. You are a HUGE inspirations/influence in my life and always have been. Just now, you will be even more. Just so you know, Papa. I pray for you all the time and I think about you even more. I came by your house last Sunday to hang out with LJ and it felt really unusual to be in that living room without you there rocking in your recliner. I know you have an even better one up there and I'm sure the smokes are better and the fruit is so much juicier. I will take good care of the family and try my best to get the whole family out more. Camping trips and road trips like the old days. I hope you know how much you are missed. I love you, Pa.

Event Filled Wednesday.

2009-04-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

So I took the day off yesterday so I could get a few errands done. First off, since baby Cedar has been apart of our lives I decided now was also a good time to take care of Mozart's testicles.. by cutting them off. Being the thrifty person I am I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg to get this done if there were other options available. After talking with alot of my pet friendly buddies they pointed me to a clinic in Stanwood, WA named Noah Pet Center. After some research I found out that they were about 45 minutes north of my house and they offer discounted prices for dog "maintenance"? for lack of a better word. So in short, I ended up getting Mozart neutered, and chipped for 75.00. I also felt it a duty to donate some money to Noah as they do run off of donations and what not so I also made a little donation.

The deal was, we shoot up to Stanwood, leaving the house at 7 AM. Drop Mozart off at 8 like they had instructed. Drive another 20 miles north to Chuckanut Drive to Larabee State Park. Relax, and hopefully kill time untill 4 when we had to pick Mo up from his operation. The drop off went normally and we hit Chuckanut Drive with a quickness. I'm still kicking myself in the ass for not bringing a camera but we will return there for sure with Mo and a Camera. : )

Chuckanut Drive is such a cool scenic byway. I reccomend it to anyone who just wants to get away from the city and go on a drive. Sure it takes a while to get out there to do.... more driving but it's worth it if you love to drive. There are all sorts of rest areas, well I don't really have a name for them but they are places you can pull off the road and chill and look at the beautiful view. We stopped at one spot for about an hour and a half to read Taryn's celebrity gossip magazines... It's a love/hate relationship ok? I don't wanna hear it.

From there we started down Chuckanut Drive again for about another 5 miles untill we came to Larabee State Park. I noticed it was windy so I pulled out my trusty kite and we were off to the beach shore.

... So I come to find out it's not THAT windy... so what. still fun.

Anyway, we got tired of driving so we ended up in Burlington (Just north of Stanwood) and we did some shopping. The outlet stores there are definitally worth checking it, even if you only go to the Van's store. I got two dope pairs of slip ons for 30.00. It was a buy one get one half off sale or some shit. At Old Navy I bought some cargo shorts, a nice hoody, and 3 pairs of boxers. Much needed. We also went to Costco where Taryn got me some KB socks. Gotta love em.

I left Mo at home in his kennel. I'm almost upset with myself because of it. I think he hates me. That's another blog though.

Something twisty we don't even know about.

2009-04-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

I got this photo from a website called deviantart.com. I forgot the artists' name. Great shot nonetheless.

I saw this picture and fell in love with the way the colors all work so well together. I especially love the stunning shade of blue that the sky is. Very good picture and it makes me want to go camping and or driving. This brings me to my next point, I cannot wait till summertime. It's going to be a great summer this year. Road Trips, Camping, Bonfires, Keggers, i'll be 21!, drive in's, good times with good friends. Most of all I get to spend it all with my lovely, Taryn.

These last couple of weeks have been so nice. I've really got a good center on my life and feel like i'm coming to grips with my responsibilities and just making good decisions. The best feeling is learning while you go while knowing you have the backup of a great individual that just so happens to love you and be your best friend. Jason Mraz said it best in his new song with Colbi Caillet "I'm lucky to be in love with my best friend." I feel completely confident when I say that Taryn is my best friend, mentor, and the love of my life. I wish I was just a little bit older so I knew how I felt for sure. Part of me feels bad that she's caught up in this romance at 18. Part of me wants to believe she deserves to play the field and see if she wants anything more than what I can offer her. I would never want her to leave me but I wouldn't want her to settle for anything less than what she deserves... She is the only person who know what she needs for sure. All I know is that I need her.

Anywho, back to business. It's Thursday and i'm ready to do more work. Keeping clean. Feeling good. Payday is tommorow and Mozart is at Taryns' house with Ruby and Diamond. I'm hoping today at CarTender is busier than yesterday. I can only find so much extra stuff to do before there is literally nothing left to do. With Mike slacking though I can ALWAYS find something to do. It really is a shame. haha. Anyway, i'm going to look at some stuff online that i've been meaning to look at. Lets hope today is a good day!

Old Decrepid Laptop. That I love.

2009-04-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

My laptop is something else. It was a gift from Taryn, her old laptop and I was very grateful to take it. It took alot of work for it to get in good shape and good enough to use it without wanting to throw it threw a window. Well I havn't used it in about half a year and I brought it in with me to work today to see how it's doing... Well for lack of a better word, this is disgusting. It's very sluggish. Does not know what it wants to do and it's making all the wrong choices... Not to mention I find it doing things on it's own quite often! So i'm going to make it a point this next week to do my best to get this laptop back to it's former glory or maybe even in better shape. This is my rant for the time being, just wanted to put something out there. Happy Hump Day, people!

Smoking.

2009-03-30T09:17:00.001-07:00

I've been smoking weed since Junior year in Highschool. Up untill that point I had been completely and uber prideful in the fact that I didn't smoke weed 'nor did I want to. I finally gave in when I realized my mom had been smoking weed for as long as I can remember and I justified it by saying that it's fine as long as I don't smoke ciggerettes. This has been my philosophy on the subject ever since. Since than many years have passed, I've lost friends, lovers, and jobs because of my habit of smoking weed. I never really wanted to admit to myself that I was addicted but I knew it was the first step to adressing the problem. That's the thing, I never thought it was a problem untill it was a big one. So here I am trying to find a way to take my focus off of smoking that bowl, buying that sack, rolling that blunt. I find it's not just smoking and getting high that I love so much. I think it's the whole process. Calling up my buddy for a sack, hanging out with him for like half an hour before I leave and matching a bowl. I think it's just knowing that I have weed to smoke if times get hard. What i've learned is that I can't rely on weed to "take care of" my problems when i'm having a tough day. What happened to the Paolo who found love in computers, music, cars, dogs? I dont' want to admit that i've lost touch with who I really am, cause I don't feel like I have. I do know though that i've kind've stopped my progress of life in this haze of marijuana smoke.

Lets get one thing straight though. I will never see weed as a bad thing. It's always been an additive as I like to call it. I've met too many cool people that smoke as a habit but still have fully functioning lives. It seems that pot smokers are alot laid back, they're just my kind've people. I just know that I can't have my #1 priority be weed. It just can't. There are too many things that I want/like to do. I can't just be high all the time and spend all the money I have and don't have on a plant.

So this brings me to my next point. Today. This morning. I'm going to quit smoking weed. Who knows, it might be indefinitally, it might be just for a few weeks. I just need to know I can go without it. Maybe after a week or two of not smoking i'll get over the addiction and just not want to smoke as much. I know it's going to be tough but I HAVE to see for myself. I don't think i've ever gone through with not smoking for longer than a couple weeks, so I NEED to. My plan is to not smoke, the short term goal is 4.20.09. If I feel like smoking on 4.20.09 I will come home from work that monday and smoke a blunt. That is it. We will see what happens after that but I hope that I can slow down. There are so many things I would rather have than half baked memories being stoned in my room on my laptop. There is just so much more to life.

Lets hope god is with me on this one.
out of sight, out of mind..

Thank God It's Friday.

2009-03-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

I only have like five minutes to get a quick blog off so here it is. This week flew by in a blur but it was really a good week. Work has been really good and everything has been going just fine, as far as the way the shop is supposed to run. Eric is leaving next week for sure and Kyle is back today to apprentice. It should be a good start to spring. I'm stoked.

It seems like things just keep getting easier/more routine everyday for me. Especially during the week. It's almost sickening but I love it. I've got a lil schedule in my head that I do from 10am-6pm and it goes flawlessly. Between 10-6 I prolly look at the clock like five times. It really is something else but it works for me. My finances are still doing well as well. I figure I don't need to stop smoking weed as long as I can keep it down to like a dub a week. Right now I'm at like an 8th a week so I still have some work to do but I'm starting to find it easier to cope with knowing i'm not going to smoke. Its' definitally different and you would'nt understand unless you had a deep love of weed like I do. I won't get into that at the moment. Just wanted to throw that out there.

I'm off to work. I'll try to blog again tommorow or this evening. Who knows for sure, really?

Tuesday. The Haps II.

2009-03-24T09:23:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning with a sense of achievement. I couldn't tell what it was, I just knew that something was different THIS morning. No, my period didn't start, No, my balls didn't drop. It was the feeling of being happy with what i've got. This morning everything seemed like it was perfect. I may be broke but i've got all I need... That kind've feel. It's been a really long time since i've felt that way. I just thought i'd put it down on paper so I can be like, "Oh yeah it was March 24th!".

I called Kyle up yesterday and apologized for being such a dick to his girlfriend. I tried to hide it but since that day I felt really bad about how that all went down. It really wasn't like me at all. After it all went down I was almost disgusted. Hopefully we can start off on the right foot this time.

My horoscope said that I might blow up on someone this morning. And that it's not a productive way to handle things to blow up and act like a child. So i'm going to try my best to make sure that doesn't happen. I'm going to smile and let it come over me. It changes my whole perspective. Anywho, I'm going to do something else. I'm tired of typing.

P.

PS. I want the weather to clear up so I can install my repainted lip and skate! fuck.

Manik Mondaze.

2009-03-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Another Monday. Just another two week period of doing the same 'ol same 'ol. I can't wait till the 3rd. I'm slowly but surely getting things done and it feels really good. I'm starting to see this whole thing as a big picture. One big slow moving clock. I put in work, I have fun. I do what people need done, I get what I need in return. It's really a simple thing really. I guess i'm just starting to see how endless this cycle is going to seem. It really is quite a sad existance but I'm sure this isn't as good as it gets. I'm sure of it.

So today I'm going to try my best to do a great job at work today. Do more than what is asked of me. Beyond my call of duty. I'm going to try not to get annoyed and angry when situations get iffy. I'm going to breath and realize that that's just the way things work sometimes. I can only control the outcome of what I have control over. That's it. I'm here to do a job so let's do it. Lets do it right.

As for this evenings plans, I don't really have any. I would like to finish up all my laundry, give mo a bath, and download some more music. Maybe take pictures of Mo during his bathtime.. haha.

That's all i've got for now. Respect.

Friday, The 20th of March, 2009

2009-03-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Friday came so quickly. It doesn't even feel like Friday, or Payday for that matter. I've started to get into this state of mind. It's like this... What is the significance of "Payday"? I figure if I stop looking forward to Paydays and what not i'll be more frugal with my money and spending habits. One of the first changes i'm trying to make is to not cash my check till the Saturday after I get my check. It helps me get some good time to think about whats' really important and needs to be taken care of.

That's out of the way, so what is going down this weekend you ask? I'm planning on going to the old house to pick up my computer desk, bottom portion of my toolbox, 30 gal fish tank, rock band stuff, is exhaust, mom's stuff, and to see Nick and Ben. That's my Saturday. I would like to take Mozart for a long walk or get some of the other things that have been on my to do list for way too long. I don't have any plans on Sunday evening.. or The day portion for that matter. I'll figure something out I think. Than it's back to work on Monday to do it all over again for two more weeks. The only difference is that I won't be broke, I'll actually be somewhat caught up on my bills for a change! If it happens as planned I will blame some of my success on you, BLOG! It really helps me to write down my thoughts and take a look at it as if I wasn't me at all. It's alot easier for me to tell myself to do something when I see the affects of my actions on paper.

So, lets talk about work for a second. I've been trying my best to not get so annoyed/angered at the stuff that goes on at the shop. Stuff that makes me look like i'm not doing my job when I know it's clearly not the case. I won't get into it, for fear that I will start my day off on the wrong foot. I will say that I've just been taking deep breaths, taking a second to think that they are human and humans make mistakes. Maybe it's not the Service Advisors fault the customer just "showed up" out of the blue to pick up their car that hasn't been washed yet and is dirty as fuck and just so happens to be a dodge sprinter. (fuck.). So many things can happen and so many things change with so many factors the only way I can come to accept it as ok is to know that things like this are going to happen. It's how this business works. All I can do is do my best to make sure it doesn't happen. If the Service Advisors won't change i'll have to adapt to it. And that my friends is what makes an exceptional worker, compared to your average one. I try to do my best and let it show in my work. That's the best I can do.

And I do it all for the money and the respect and reputation. Not selling drugs, dummy. Washing these cars, changing the water in those mop buckets, emptying garbage bins, recycling recyclables, cleaning what's been dirty for years... that's all me. Someday I know I will get to a place in this industry where i'm sincerely happy and content with what i'm doing. That's not to say i'm not at the moment but I will say it's not what I want to be doing when I'm 25-26. I guess i'm starting to get paranoid about the future.... fuck. lets' not get started going down this road. I'm done blogging for now.

Finish strong today. It's Friday!
P.

Plans.

2009-03-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

Rent - 550.00
Radiator - 155.00

Mandatory Amount - 705.00 Should be ok. But still under 100.00 in my pocket after paying everything. Shitty but at least you
have a place to live and your car runs. Be happy with what you have.

15 days from now. 4.3.09
Rent - 275.00 - In sealed envelope.
PUD - 200.00
Groceries - 100.00
Save - 100.00 for Court Fees.

Mandatory Amount - 675.00 Should be just fine. This should leave me with around 100-150 to hold onto for gas, food, etc. I would like to
save some of that money but unexpected expenses seem to find me like nobodys' business.

Things to keep in mind for the near future
Court Fees are due soon.
Comcast bill is getting HD setup soon and bill should be here soon.

That's it so far. I just hadn't put any of my financial stuff up and I knew I was sluffing. This stuff isn't at all for anyone but myself
it just so happens that you can see it. It's purely for my record keeping and to try to keep a handle on what i'm spending and where.
That's all.

P.

RPOTD. 3.18.09

2009-03-18T09:35:00.001-07:00

My job was threatened today. If I continue to adjust customers seats and dont' return them back to where they were I will be unemployed. Just wanted to put it down on paper somewhere. I don't plan on adjusting seats anymore or arguing or anything. I just want to do a good job and be an asset to the company. If doing the little things like this are going to make the work our shop does a cut above the rest than i'm just going to have to learn. sigh.. /rant.

Have a happy Hump day people.. It's WEDNESDAY, the middle of the week? You know, the "hump" as they say?..... k, i'm done. fuck.

RPOTD. 3.17.09

2009-03-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Alright fools. My last post is proof. I figured out this posting pictures bullshit. Fuck. Who would've thought. Nonetheless, I figured it out

no more cut off oversized pictures. Thank god. Anywho, i've been digging the tagging scene lately. Mainly sick stencils, sick stickers, one off drawings on shit, it's all cool to me. This one caught my eye as I was walking by this morning.

Ohhh, how I wish I had drawing skills. Or creativity. Fuck, too bad we can't have it all, right? sigh..

Tuesday. The Haps.

2009-03-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday. What's going down today? Welp, first off Nat and I took Taryn's car into work this morning so I could detail it for her. I'm going to take before and after pictures so I can show my love just how dirty she gets her car. It's a mess, but i've cleaned it up from worse before. Mike actually has to spend some time at the shop doing work today instead of leaving as soon as I get into work.

This is the spot in the Tullys that I type all my blogs from. Cool, huh? Do you know where this one is? If you can tell me i'll give you a million... FISHSTICKS BATCH!

So i've got a bunch of random cool, awesome what I like to call "Life Pictures" that i'm going to post up and tell you about. Not too much going on today so I thought what the hell.

I'm sure these are going to be blocked by photobucket by the time they review these pictures.. For good reason. I walk by these dolls everyday on my way to the coffee shop. They sell for 95.00 a piece and I've never seen one leave/be sold. How odd. I like them for sure but I wouldn't spend 95.00 on them. haha. Funny, right? If you want to purchase them they are for sale at a shop called "Room", on the corner of Broadway and Pike next to the shell station. Really cool shop that seems to specialize in wierd artsy house decorations and off the wall clothing and what not. Definitally worth checking out.

Onto something I know the guys' will appreciate.

Etype Jaguar. One off custom rebuild.

Battle Stance 09.

Closer look at some of the componentry. (Molested the car in my opinion but still clean work nonetheless.)

Look closely...

Here's the real gem in this car.

REAL Jag V12 (none of that ford bullshit). ITBS, Cammed, all sorts of goodies and money thrown at it. This customer means business.
Since we're on the car subject i'm going to post up pictures of some other cars worth mentioning that are on the lot at the moment. I hope nobody minds me taking pictures of their cars, they're simply too beautiful to not be recognized.

Regular customer in for routine maintenance. This 'o2 is flawless. I believe it's Tii, fuel injected, cammed. Most definitally in good running shape and even better cosmetic shape.

Beat E30 M3 track toy that is engineless at the moment. It's been at the shop since I started working there. Last I heard of it, we were waiting on the customer to decide what to throw in the engine bay. To me it's a very simple answer... The mighty S14 is the only lump that should be thrown in there. If not it better be something big and nasty and at least a 6 cylinder.

We shall end this post with some more M3 goodness. This one is a beautiful example fresh from the body shop. My dumbass supervisor backed a E39 5 series into the front end of this M3. WHAT A FUCKING IDIOT! Anywho, it's back and he got a new front bumper and other goodies so DAYUMN it looks nice. Looks at those fins on the front bumper, never seen that before.

That's it for today people. I'll try to have a more personal post tommorow. I've just been dying to post some of these pictures that i've had laying around on my photobucket. I have a place to put them and display them now. : ). Now all I need is people to see them. Comment people, comment.

One.

RPOTD.

2009-03-16T09:46:00.001-07:00

I snapped this picture on the way into work one day like towards the end of Summertime 08. Thought it was a dope sticker. I'm going to try to post up a random pic of the day everyday. Mainly shit I see randomly around the city/home that I think is worthy of the title. I'm off to work. Later.
P.

Great Weekend.

2009-03-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was really nice. I'll start with Friday. I got a call from Mike in the morning and he had a flat tire so I had to come into work early to cover his late ass. Not a big deal because Nat and I had to swoop the 98 Range Rover Discovery from the dealership in Lynnwood.. No biggie, on a the way. So I get to work at like 8:08 in the AM and i'm immediatly busy dropping off clients and what not. I get back from my first run at around 9 am and there is the bastard looking like a poor mans steven segall (sp). Anywho, long story short Mike tried to leave early on Friday and I stood up and said that if anyone was going to leave early it should be me. At first he didn't agree but he knew I was right and I ended up leaving at 3 PM : ). I got home and just relaxed and hung out. If I remember correctly I went and saw Taryn than hung out with Mike, Kyle, and Vic. It was nice to see all of them. They convinced me to come to Ricky's house with them and drink and play some beer pong. We went and it was sick. I just realized I have to speed these stories up a bit.

Saturday was our one year anniversary and it was so nice. Taryn had to work till 3pm so picked up a dozen red roses w/ purple status involved for love. I got to come by her coffee stand and drop them off for her, where I also got to meet the infamous Rachel. Ugly. I made reservations to Lynn's Bistro in Kirkland but we ended up going to Anthony's in Shilshole which was a great idea. All Taryns idea! I had Seafood Fettichini and a cup of chowder which was absolutely amazing. Taryn got the Wild Silver Salmon with Garlic Mash Potatoes and green beans. For the first time ever we actually ordered some dessert. Burnt cream, amazing, and well worth stuffing more food into my already filled belly. We stopped by Ricky's for the "Awesome Party" which ended up being a bunch of dudes and a keg of Pabst. Nothing wrong with that but I realized that I could just drink at home so Taryn and I went home and did our own thing.

Sunday was my lazy day. Didn't do too much, just kind've cleaned up, took a nap, and saw watchmen with Taryn which wasn't that great at all. : ( . Anywho, I started shooting pictures again with my old cellphone, it's got a pretty good camera on it so untill I get a nice DSLR or point and shoot this is the best I can do. It's better than stealing other peoples pictures. Anywho, here are some pictures from back in the day with Taryn.

Noob.

2009-03-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

So i'm starting to think that I need to catch up on the HTML/web design game. I feel lost all over again. I really want a simple straight across type of blog. Not too cluttered yet informative. Hopefully it won't take me forever.. whatever. I have nothing to blog about at the moment and my keyboard is acting up. So untill next time. Ciao.

P.

Sunshine Chill.

2009-03-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's a wierd feeling when you're walking around the city and it looks like summertime, but the icy chill gives you goose bumps through the 3 layers of clothes you're wearing. Still, I'm never surprised by what the weather feels like around Washington. Knowing this makes me want to travel really bad. I've really never been anywhere too interesting out of state besides Chicago.. and well, Chicago is just that. Chicago. Hopefully I can grow up a little bit and learn to save my pennies to treat myself to a vacation or at least a nice long road trip. I would love it. I spend alot of my time at work thinking about the places I could drive to/fly to. So many places I want to go. The first would be Hawaii. I've heard so many good things about that place and I feel like I would just fit in and love the lifestyle and feel of that place. I would also love to go to Tokyo. It looks so dope and the style there is so much iller than anything you find here. You find alot of people here biting the style and feel of Japan. They're ahead of the game in every aspect. Respect it. I'm not asian by any means (pacific islander FOOL) but I can dig it.

Tokyo by night.

Fuck. If only it was warm to match the sunshine outside I wouldn't be dreading work right now. I'm going to be washing cars, and the boss is finally in from being sick for a whole week so I can feel that he's going to want to lay down the hammer. I can't blame him. So I've been holding onto this 65.00 bucks since last week specifically for dinner Saturday evening. I made reservations at a little hole in the wall joint in Kirkland called, Lynns' Bistro. The menu looked great and they seemed to have great reviews. I also think I read that you can get out of there for less than like 30.00 if you eat between 5 and 6 so I made reservations at 5. : ). Not because i'm a cheapass but because it's an added plus to the fact that they have a good menu. Fuckers.

Here is a really really small picture of the place. White sheet tabletops, really clean place people said. I hope she likes the place, I don't really have alot of cash at the moment to go all out but I want to show that I care. I'm just going to do my best and hope for the best. I'm sure it'll go well. She's always super grateful and has the biggest heart of gold. I'll be sure to get her a really nice gift soon. I just don't know what yet. She's really hard to shop for.. dang.

Welp. I'm going to check my horoscope and probably leave for work. Lets hope it goes smoothly, Knowing my life Mike will get on my ass about something Steve yelled at him about. Damn. FMYLIFE.

PS. Panda Mocha, Penguin Mocha, Zebra Mocha, Black and white Mocha, whatever, just get me wired bitch!!!! (That's the caffeine talking)

P.

Tracking my finances.

2009-03-10T09:23:00.001-07:00

Tracking my finances has always been an issue for me. As I get older and my finances are becoming more important/relied on more I find myself kicking myself in the ass more often because i'm broke. I ask myself,

"Self? Why the fuck are you broke? You got a fat paycheck like a week ago and now you're eating canned soup and iced water. WTF MATE!"

I think it just comes down to budgeting properly. I think the proper phrase is to not spend more than you're making. Do not live beyond your means. Be happy with what you've got. It's all the same thing. Don't spend money.

I've been trying very very hard to not spend so much and I think i've been doing well. What i'm going to try to do here is start documenting what i'm spending my money on every paycheck. We will start with Sunday and work our way through the week. Some days i'll be more detailed on my spending, other times I wont be. We'll just play it by ear.

Friday - Sunday
Paid 60.00 to PUD
Paid Nat 100.00 for Utilities
Spent 103.00 at Costco (Half up on 306.00 worth of groceries w/ Nat)
Paid Taryn back 330.00 for all her help (Thank you so much baby!)
Went snowboarding at Stevens cost me 17.00

Monday, The 9th of March 2009
Paid 6.95 for a set of Bardahl Wipers from Auto Accessories
Bought a Hazelnut Mocha from Tullys 4.16

Tuesday, The 10th of March 2009 (Today)
Bought a Zebra Mocha for 6.90 (give or take?!)

Take note: I took a look at my bill from CarTender and I owe 154.00 and some change for that radiator... Not bad.

That's my spending so far. I've got like four dollars in my wallet and 65.00 and some change to last me till my next paycheck... This should be interesting, considering this Saturday is Taryn and my one year anniversary... : ) It'll work out.

P.

MMM (monday morning mocha (hazelnut : ) )

2009-03-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, I had a really great weekend. The main highlight was snowboarding on Saturday evening. We left Mill Creek at 3ish and headed to Stevens pass. We ended up getting there at like 5ish cause of idiots not expecting to need chains. We were all whippin in the Rover w/ studs on so we were golden. Once we got off the chairlifts we were smashin. Nat and his buddies were all really really good and it took alot of my skill to keep up with them but I seemed to do alright. This was probably the best time i've had up there, I'm stoked for the next time I get up there. Hopefully I can get a new board and binding by than. I also scored a set of brand new 32 Snowboard boots for 30.00... Deals. damn.

I don't really have much to rant about or anything so I'll just get on with my Monday. Hopefully the next two weeks go by fast and well. Next Saturday is Taryn and my one year anniversary so that should be interesting. Hopefully we can take alot of pictures to post up on this blog.. ehhhh. Catch you on the flip side.

P.

Back to The Starting Line.

2009-03-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

So I'm listening to Pandora Radio online... Which is great by the way. You choose an artist or genre and they keep playing music that sounds like that artist or sound or whatever. Anywho, just want to throw the link out there for those who don't know.. Which isn't many, Pandora Radio! I chose to listen to some DeathCab to start the morning and moved my way onto some Starting Line. I forgot how much I loved these guys and that type of music. This is why i'm so thankful that I can listen to all types of music. Music never gets old to me. I could listen to it all. Some people make fun of the stuff I listen to but most of the time I can listen to what they like and end up showing them something they didn't know about and love.

Music fron The Starting Line has always touched me. Not innappropriately, I just remember listening to them in really good/bad times. Always relating to the songs and feeling how real the vocals and rhythyms of the songs were.. mann I love em. I can barely wait for summertime to come to throw my dog Mo and Taryn in the E30 and just drive. The whole time we'd listen to songs/cds' from back in the day. Reminiscing about good times with good friends. I love music.

Summertime Huwhippin.

2009-03-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

ILOVETHISPICTURE.
Circa: Summer 08. In Taryns S60 on 99. Few more months 'till summer. : )

It's Thursday, you idiot!

2009-03-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's Thursday already.. That's got me thinking, tommorow is Friday and payday! I've got alot of financial obligations to get out of the way before I can even think about treating myself but I don't want to spend money on BILLS! Hmph.. how horrible. I hate it. ehhh.

If i'm smart and resourceful with my money and budget like I should, I should be good. It can be hard though, i'm a very impulsive person. If i've got the cash in hand and I want it, i'll end up leaving with it. I've been trying to be less impulsive and more cash saavy and it seems to work on my good days. It's quite a joke, actually. I'm so bad at saving my money. I'm always spending it before I even have it in hand. I know that this is a problem of mine but I can't seem to get a grip on the situation. Believe that i'm trying.

Which brings me to my next point. Just being happy with what you've got. I've come such a long way from where I was last year. It almost amazes me, the thing is, I find myself always wanting more. It's a good thing if you think about it. I also ponder to myself whether or not it's a curse as well. If only we could all be happy with the things we have. No iphones, no DSLR's, no BMW'S... I was just thinking to myself, what would we have to work for. I guess it's a double edged sword.

This is my philosophy.

As long as I have most of what I need, a little of what I want, and an endless supply of what/who I love. I've got it all, and to ask for anything else would be self fish... And you know that ain't right!

Where are you going?

2009-03-04T09:33:00.001-08:00

Lets try some creative writing for a change. How 'bout we try something new. It's been a minute and i've been wanting to write something with a little soul in it. Spin it, do whatever you want. Don't let them criticize you for faults. Cut 'em off before they have time for a response. ehh... I'm rusty but whatever. Nobody said spoken word poetry was easy. This is my first piece and I wrote it just now off the top of my dome piece.. so ha!

The weather outside this window is so gloomy. Under the cloudy sky and the foggy haze the hill is alive and buzzing with soccer moms, kids, punk rockers, and the corner pan handler. I never see stuff like this, Not in Lynnwood, Mill Creek. Not with this kind've diversity. For me, it really is a reality check every weekday when i'm down here. I see people living their lives, walking by, hailing a taxi cab, waiting to meet their drug dealer on the corner. Life is not easy, but I think alot of it has to do with your surroundings. If I had to live down here on the hill I think I would be a little bit of a different person... Maybe a little edgier, not so nice, more focused. Eh, life.. What a trip.

I have to hit up this QFC so I dont' get raped for my lunch stuff. I work right next to a little asian mart but they mark up their shit like 350%, it's rediculous, but the asian guy is coo as hell. It's a family run operation so I can't hate.. But who the hell is going to pay like 6 buck for a bag of shredded mozzerella cheese? Not I, said the brown man... fuck. I'll get at you fools tommorow. P.

Life... as is.

2009-03-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh. Life as I know it is.... good. For some reason that sentence slides off my tongue with a sense of accomplishment and a want for more. Since my last post i've moved into my new place, and taken care of some things. I still find money tight sometimes, but I find that if I just do some smart budgeting everything turns out okay. I'm still learning as I go but i'm learning quickly. Taryn is always there to lend a helping hand and good advice whenever I seem to be lost. God i'm so lucky she's mine. I get reminded of this everyday while i'm at work without her, when i'm with her it seems too good to be true... ugh, i'm starting to sound like a girl. Anyway.

I'm sitting here in a Tully's on Capitol Hill. On the corner of Broadway and Pike. I feel kind've guilty because i'm trying to steal (not really, it's supposed to be free) a Wi Fi connection so I canget online. I'm mainly typing to make it look like i'm working on a homework assignment or something. It seems to be working. The staff at this cafe' all seem to be younger men, with the exception of the redhaired lady delivering coffee to customers.

I'm starting to think I can get used to this kind've life. I'm still fine tuning but I know what I want in my life for the future.. As far as what's expected of me. Right now things are kind've humble because i'm broke but i've got everything I need.

Which reminds me... I dont. I need a camera to make my blog as spicy and fun as some of the others i've seen. I just got the internet working at my house so I should be doing alot more work on this from now on. I really just want a place to document my life, and the going ons in it. It should be fun. Time to save for a DSLR!!!

Music Notes.

2009-01-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since i've heard some really good hip hop. My music taste lately has skewed lately because of that but tonight I realized that it's finally gone full circle.

The last couple of weeks or so i've been in love with music like MGMT. More beat specific type music. I want to start getting into making music again, more specifically just beats and synth type stuff. Who knows, it could be ill sample inspired instrumentals or taking some rock and roll music and mixing it with a pinch of disco inspired beats.

I'm going to keep listening to music and get this place cleaned up. I'm moving out in like a week!

Paolo V.

2009-01-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

So today is payday. By the end of the day I will most likely be broke due to moving expenses/taking care of things at the old place. It's hard to be happy about moving out when you're broke.

The upside is that in about a month I should be all caught up, in my new place, driving my e30, and hopefully happy. Finally.

Paolo V.

New pickups. Life Update.

2009-01-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

I went to the local Vans store and picked up these kicks. 50.00 well spent.

Zumiez was having a sale and I scooped this hoodie for 30.00

nexttime.

illin.

2008-11-13T23:46:00.001-08:00

still in debt. paying a shitload of bills tommorow. word.

Last couple of weeks.

2008-10-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

This last month was so much fun. My life is finally getting on that chill level. I have to leave for work in about 10 min so I just wanted to post some pics from these last couple of weeks. Enjoy!

Paolo

Brings me back.

2008-01-27T22:06:00.000-08:00

So i'm listening to all our old songs. I can't believe we went on for as long as we did. I mean, I knew it was pretty serious but I honestly didn't know what to expect. Looking back at it all now, it was so nice getting to know you on that personal level. I still feel like I know you best, even though I know thats nowhere near the truth.

There was something so special about our innocence. We started out as young friends. I would ride my bike to you dad's apartment and lie about it. Just so you wouldn't think I would go through that trouble to see you. I knew it wasn't that big of a deal but since I first met you i've always wanted things to be perfect. Although that's what I wanted I made alot of mistakes, and you forgave me for alot of them. You can only be so forgiving though, before you must stand up for yourself. I understand now.

I just wish you would understand me. Please, I hope you don't dissapear from my life all together like it's been for the last 6 months. Our journey together through everything must've meant something, and it's a shame that we don't even talk anymore. Whew, it feels good to get that out. Especially knowing that nobody I know is going to read this (I hope.).