Anniversary

Okay,

I've fell off the wagon on posting the blogs regularly, oh well. It's just cool that I've got 1 year without smoking, and 1 year with Alison in the month of December. What a giftish month, go December!

Great Day

Today has been a great day for me.

U of M loses and that really clinches my feelings for the day. Being a Spartan who gets down spoken to by the Wolverines I must say, is OSU their rival? At least we've won once in the last 6 years, unlike the high and mighty Wolverines, who cannot defeat their 'true' rival. The attitude is repulsive, if a Buckeye is talking to them, their rivals are MSU and Notre Dame and if it's a Spartan then it's Buckeyes and Notre Dame and if you're a Fighting Irish, then its simple their rivals are MSU and OSU. This behavior is pretentious and bs. But go figure, that is simple Wolvie ego. So here's hoping they crash and burn further.

Mike Hart, I hope you get hurt bad!

Life

Well I sit in my throne (IKEA Poang) after another great day of life. I am not bragging I'm just happy, and it helps me stay happy if I state it. Last night I took my lady out to a nice dinner and movie. We saw American Gangster and it just made me think about growing up. I was a slow grower, but I grew up. Now I look back on my fun and young days and wonder how I found that style fun. Now I like drinking tea on the patio, going to work (omg on that one alone!), sitting and talking to my girl, making stuff for my home, spending time with my mom and dad for no reason other then their company, same thing with my siblings. I am just confused how maturity struck, and struck hard! I mean productive relationship with Alison, my family and we've even got a good rapport with our landlord. I mean what the hell is happening to me, omg, I'm maturing, or mature.

So the only thing that's troubling me is that my Alma Mater and family aren't closer by me on the maps, is that a problem? I think not. Appreciation is wonderful and even the bad/hard days are something I appreciate. Those things simply make the good days seem better.

So cheers to all those I love, and those I dislike, and those I hate (if that's true for any of the people on earth.)

Developing?

Well it seems as though my career is possible of good growth. I'm SUPER HAPPY with my role with the company and the possible expansions of my horizons. To me the coolest/oddest thing is that I get paid next week. I'm just not used to a keeper job that does me right! Amen to BCI!

Santa Monica

Yesterday I had a great time. One of my friends was up in Santa Monica for a conference, and he was free yesterday. So I rolled up 57N to 60W to 10W and poof, I'm in Santa Monica. Rob and I went for a long walk down to Venice Beach and then we doubled back to pick up the car, went to a meeting, then rolled over to a great restaurant.

I cannot wait to take my mom and dad, be they together, or separate to that area. In addition I bet my sibs, or nephew (in time) would appreciate the eccentric nature of Venice Beach. However, my brother may detest it due to skate boarders :o

Routine

Well I'm simply shocked by the routines of my days in current times. I have learned FULL appreciation of weekends in my first quarter as a full-time employee! So it goes like this (except Saturday and Sunday)

1. Wake up, generally between 5:45 and 6:30...but mostly right on 6:00.
2. Pray
3. Shave
4. Shower
5. Brush teeth
5. Breakfast
6. Drive to work (7:15-7:45)
7. Work 8-9 hours
8. Meet up with friends
9. Return home
10. Vegetate

We can add in pay rent, bills, and spend time with Ali (which is the best routine I've got). It's just strange to me that I am what I am now. Plain and simple is this fact, 10 years ago I would have called myself a sellout or something along those lines. Now a days I'm simply a successful happy young man, who will be FAR happier when debt is paid off!

Damn

That's a picture from my first day of work, and I loved it! In fact, I still love BCI! Today was practically a nightmare. I had a doctors appointment in Pasadena, CA which is 45-90 minute commute. So I show up at 3:40 for the 4:00 appointment and discover, the doctor was at physical therapy. This was OH SO NICE! But I gave them the updated insurance information, and rescheduled. It was very disconcerting to find myself in that position. I hold doctors to a higher, but more understandable light. I guess having a doc pops influences where I'm at. I hold his staff, not him responsible for this error...and it is VERY disgruntling...to say the least.

Oh the joys of adult life, gotta love em.

Day of Interest

Well today was a sad yet good day. The thing that makes me sad is the Spartans loss to Northwestern...we got discredited a certain degree there, but it clarified our lack of secondary! So I knew it was coming.

I had a great meeting, good conversation with my folks, best friend, and sponsor. The last one lasted the longest, and that's awesome. It's funny how much more a person becomes your friend, when you are gone. Life certainly is AWESOME!

Whoa

Well today in my office I got my business cards, which is totally cool! Then I get home and get a travel card, under the company. It's just nuts to me, that I am me. What the heck did I do right?

Missing

Well I must say that Alison working, plus pictures of my family, I'm missing home. The reality of being over two-thousand miles away. It's not like I can just drop in and say hi, like I used to. I can't call them and say "you wanna go to breakfast?", and we'd go hit up Coral Gables, Tony's, or Cracker Barrel. I miss the ability to go up north and visit my brother and his family, I never made it to see Melissa's new home in D-town.

It's just weird to be this far away, with no true intention as to moving back there. In essence this is the toughest spot I've ever been in. I mean darn, why did my dream job which I want to keep forever, and it's super far away.

How different everything will seem when I return, I don't know. But I do know it will all feel and look different! If you count Jack in, it will sound different too.

Scary

Well I've got to say something funny here. This envelope I got simply scares me. I think the difference of fears I have now, compared to 5 years ago, 10 years ago, 15 years ago are VERY different. Now it's as though I'm afraid that things will just keep getting better!



Talk about changes eh? I feel unduly indebted to my parents and the school named Michigan State University. I did it all, with the help of others. Life is flat out wowing, and thank God I'm in tune with the right way to live!

In addition there was true storms here in southern California and that was extremely comforting. It's amazing how you become attached to rain, eh?

Spartan from Sparta

Well I am from Sparta, or as we know it East Lansing, MI. Always the underdogs against the tough teams, for the most part. Therein is the fact that I am a Spartan, through and through! I watched this video, darn thing got me overly nostalgic. So watch it, enjoy it, and give the Spartans the drive to overcome the Fighting Irish, aka Notre Dame.

This video shows much proof that it is possible on Saturday we'll whoop on em.


If you peak at the ESPN polls, Michigan State University, aka home of the Spartans...is receiving votes, who knows...maybe we'll be a placed team soon.

Here's hoping!

Doctor and more

Well today was a venture off to the physician in Pasadena. I must say that Dr. S is awesome, I'm amazed that some doctors are so cool! Anyhow, I now have to jump through a few more health care hoops and all is in order. To this I can only say AMEN!

Now all I have to do is plot out my Christmas vacation back to Michigan and all is well!

Growths

Well today I was in points of realization. It's amazing to me that things are like they are. I'm getting two company credit cards that will state Packaging Engineer on them. I'm still caught up in the fact that I am what I studied to become, life is great.

It's just nice that I stopped falling years ago and got on the right track. My problems over the past few days were the problematic computer that wouldn't run the software needed to do the work I've got on hand. But the computer guy (good Zeppelin fan) fixed, and it was nice spending time with him. So now I've got the computer running the software, so I can leave my Powerbook at home.

Tomorrow is payday, and I'm excited...no doubt. It's just funny that in adulthood, most of it is spent prior to getting it! Tonight I heard Old Man by Neil Young, and I'm feeling that song to a whole new degree!

Iron Man Trailers

Apple - Trailers - Iron Man - Trailer - Large

Joshua who

Look at little Joshua and his splendid office, and look at big Josh in the office place...jeez

Illustrator and more

Well today I took my precious Powerbook into work today, out of fears that there would be further problems with putting Illustrator on my office computer. I was right and did hours of work on Adobe Illustrator today. I must admit it's not as much of a pain to use as I once thought, and I'm super happy it's on my computer and that I decided to take it today.

In addition I scheduled an appointment with my neurologist in Pasadena and the dentist who lives within walking distance of Ali and I. Today was just beyond awesome, and what can I say other then I've never had it so good, and the best is yet to come!

I must say

Well everything is falling in place.

Firstly, I'm really loving my iPhone...however I'll probably regret buying it in a few months, when the gen 2 is most likely to come out. I figure this because;
a.) I bought it and it will follow suit with my Powerbook
b.) The release of Leopard
c.) The price drop, I believe prices drop when the next type is about to be launched.

But I do figure that I'll pass it down to a family member, or something. By means of sale or whateva. I must admit that I LOVE it.

I've got my insurance stuff handled as well as the doctor. So I've not got much complaining to do. That is unless I don't get paid till the end of the month. I'm happy that everything is coming into order, but it's still got a ways to go financially...before budget is in order!

Being a Man is certainly trippy. All I know is that I legitimately like/love my job and appreciate all those that I work with. That sentiment is new to me!

iPhone

Well I'm going to tell you, I was being crushed by temptation. Then I check my horoscope and it says I need to give myself a gift. So I went out and bought an iPhone. I must say I am VERY pleased with it. I know it will be obsolete within the next few years due to Gen 2...but I could not resist. This I will hand down to my brother, or father...depends on who's nicer.

Heavenly Day

Today I woke up and was up prior to Michigan State kickoff. I was totally psyched up to watch the game via slingbox, however...I could not find the channel. I watched other games and took care of stuff around the house. I then began to watch Michigan play Oregon, but I should requalify that statement. I starting watching Michigan play pathetically and lose to Oregon. Joys we're busting out of me, massively.

I went to see the never ending game in 2004 in the Big House where we should have took them out. But Stanton got hurt, so I hold that as the reason we did not win. When Stanton went down, and didn't get up the stadium broke out with cheers, and it was very loud. This upset me enough that I will from here on out be happy when a Wolverine is injured. So today was an AWESOME day because the three co-captains walked out injured. I think Hart was hurt worst, but Henne went out and didn't come back.

Can you ask for a better day? The Wolverines were creamed like a JV football team playing an NFL team. Oh the whoas of the losers of the west!

Go Green, Go White, Go Michigan State Spartans!

Week One Closure

I am finished with week one at BC. It was super nice, and all the people were/are awesome! I am happy I made it through it, and I'm so happy that life is SO good! Packaging rocks!

Wardrobe

Well I got out and dropped 216 at Old Navy. For that much money I 4 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of socks, and 6 shirts that could all be worn to work! I'm trading in one pair of pants, they're to tight. Somehow they make me look like I'im trying to be a rock star, or something. Anyhow, I've got more business attire!

It's very strange when you transition out of Dad buying it for you and boom, you drop the phat load of cash down to take care of yourself. What's nice is that that much $$ for that much clothing...grrrrrreat deal!

Sleep

Well on honest day of work will crash you out at a earlier time. I was out cold last night by 10:00, so this doesn't feel terribly early to me. Arose at 6:00, relatively easily. After this weekend my mind, body, and soul will be more in tune with this job and the time it requires.

Going to day #2 at my company in 45 minutes, so I better start moving.

Day One

Day one went well and I'm super stoked about this job! I cannot wait to come up to speed on stuff, no doubt! My feet have been brutalized by standing, so omg. It stinks because I need some new gear, but don't have the energy to go. Alison got stuff pretty hammered out with insurance for us, but I have to close the deal.

Now I have to swim through the sea of stuff that is my insurance and it's killing me. I've got a stack that goes up 18 inches for 3 policies. I'm now leaning on the PPO through BC. I've got one month to finalize, so all is well.

Life is far different then it has ever been in my life!

In addition, I'm so tired that it's crazy!

First Day at Work

Well in 7.5 hours I'm starting to work, well going through orientation to be truthful. I of course procrastinated on the paperwork, as I do. And I'm confused by the California tax stuff. This is due to them asking me questions about my last tax year, and I've made $0 in California, so I do not see how that applies to me. Therein, I'll chat with the HR peeps tomorrow morning.

This new thing in my life is the best and brightest, however it's a little stressful. I'll be implementing myself into a true work environment. So let me count it off;

1. I've got the best girl I've ever known, who ventured out west with me...omg
2. I've gotten nearly 100% through my thesis and have little left to do so that I've earned a Masters in Science with focus in Packaging
3. I've landed a full-time job with a big wig company, that is very good to me!
4. I've found a wonderful place to live, with much goodness about it!
5. I feel at peace at at home, wherever I am...due to my fellowship.

What makes my life so good? As kooky as it sounds, it is God as I understand him! I have no locked in definition so that anybody from Malik, to Carol, to David, believes in the same principles as I do. So unity stands, Amen!

Thank you to all that have assisted me in bettering my life!

Go Green, Go White, Go Spartans!

Packaging Changes

Well we live in a world where packaging is designed for cost reduction. This reduction of costs is fully ineffective at developing loyalty to brands, which costs the business money. I'm totally confused by this problem, it is fully possible to change.

Imagine you buy a new discman, what do you get. It seems they make the package in a way that you need a sharp knife or utility scissors. Opening it you can actually break it. It's sad that many packages are done this way. I could not imagine opening these packages as a elder person who is arthritic. Disabilities make packaging even more difficult, even if it's easy to open.

Arthritis is the #1 disability in America, ands statistics on it are flat out scary. Many packages seem to be difficult to open and it's not understandable to me as to why it is like this. Considering I am a packaging engineer, I've got some know how. I've got a Bachelors and Masters in Science with focus on Packaging Engineering and I love the thought of making packages easier to open and use.

I'm just writing this so that people that read it take note that there are engineers out there who favor pleasing you! So start calling, writing, switch brands based on packaging. This happens all the time, and the consumer is the force. It is amazing that the companies don't see it the way that I do, but I partially understand. Reduction in overhead costs is one of the reason packaging people get hired all the time and are paid well. I do believe it's possible to change the packaging in a good way and still reduce costs.

Difficulties

Well Alison and I are finalizing our home. It doesn't need much more work at all, thank God! However, the mood is shifting and I wish I wasn't getting crappy attitude from the significant other as the first day of work approaches. It only strikes fear into me, and this is my way of letting it go! It just sucks to have somebody start to not feel well at this particular moment. Of course there is hormonal reasoning behind it, but hey.

All I know is I do not want to hear anything regarding a practicing alcoholics life, it's just frustrating. I guess there are many people in this position in life, but whatever. If she wants to talk about it, there's a place she can go!

God only knows what there is to do at this moment, and I cannot wait till I find out!

Spartan Pride

Well, I know nothing about University of Alabama- Birmingham but we reamed them, and reamed them well! We had as many penalties in the game as we would have in a quarter last season. I hate to admit it but they made me so damn proud to be a Spartan that I nearly could have cried...due to excessive joys!

To top it off, University of Michigan was pretty pathetic. They lost to a MAC team, or something like that. They lost to a team that isn't even in a division of the quality that the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, PAC 10, etc., etc., etc. So their patheticism makes me quite happy!

Expectations are apparently incorrect for the BCS! That better drop them GREATLY in the rankings!

Michigan State University

I'm getting my boys running over UAB on ESPN2 and that moves me like a dimwit. I cannot believe that these football players are moving me. I wonder if I'll always be like this!

Ouch!

Well 2 must pay bills have simply vanished, and one of them I never saw. I can say woe is me, but who cares. I'm happy I put the bill cork board up! I shall post a picture of that, later!

Spartanhood

I love how this gets my spirit's flowing vigorously for the Green and White that I call home, and Alma Mater. Right now I'm literally bleeding Green and White in two forms. I'm dropping Benjamin's big time, and the Spartan in me is bleeding out in Southern California. I wish/hope that I can get Big Ten Network through my local provider, I mean Rose Bowl? That used to be only PAC and Big Ten teams, am I wrong?

Once again I can only say Go Green, Go White, and Go Spartans!

Health Related Massacre

Well I'll start this way. I just figured everything would work out, I simply had faith in things to come going well. Of course this was dependent on me taking care of my business. So I got a form from a doctor that I had to fax to my epileptologist, so I did so. Apparently this form never got there, and I was not informed...even though it was mentioned in the cover letter. I solely assumed it was, so I did not take it into the doctors office 2 weeks later, just to double check.

At that appointment my physician gave me a package of stuff to send to a California doctor, I didn't think to say "why don't you send it to the doc?". I simply took it with me and sent it the following day using the United States Postal Service, I figured it was worth it to send this Priority Mail, if you click that you'll see what I was assuming would happen. Anyhow, I shipped it July 28th at 2:00 pm to Pasadena, CA from Lansing, MI and it has still not arrived. So my free time in California has not allowed me to see Dr. S, and that was a part of coming out SO early!

I also have the medical paperwork leaning on me regarding HR for the new company. It really stinks that I took care of my side of the street, but I didn't realize that I have to check up thoroughly on the other side of the street, too.

Today I spent time talking to two offices and am very disappointed with office staff at two places. It is quite disappointing the way things go.

bounce

This is another one of me, where you see how in shape I was...I miss those days!

philosophy

This is a video from GOD knows when, that my bro dug up...somehow it's very weird to me!

Religous View

This is a great commentary by this Reverend regarding religion. It's to bad that people constantly focus on the negatives of the Islamic culture. I believe this helps strengthen the problematic areas we face. However, there are violent Christians and Jewish folks too. But nobody EVER talks about that stuff! So what's up with that?

New Barber!

Today I went to a barber shop within walking distance of my new home. It was really cool, he served in the Army at the same time as my Grandpa George and was in the same Theater ie Atlantic. So it's super duper cool and he did a great job. These pictures are evidence of the good job that Phil did. I still cannot believe that his skills are so good and he's that old!






In addition I shaved off much of my facial hair, and that drops years off my age, at least how old I look!

Frustration

Well today is the mounting of frustration. I faxed the doctor something that the doctor did not receive! Is that not a pain! Also Ali and I are entering the troublesome stage of time in Cali, otherwise known as the adjustment. However, it could be all my making...but I'm trying my best.

Life is tough, but the payoffs are awesome. I just cannot wait till all things are in place!

Masculinity

I am truly entering the time of manhood. It's odd because I spent over $4000 in less then 1 day. It's crazy what life costs to live! I am very happy that I can logically do that, but there is still more to spend. All I can say is OH MY LORD! In essence I am mostly identifying with my father. However, when he was in my age group he had 2 children and had just become a doctor. So he's got one up on me there. But, I'm beating him in post-grad salary. Life is becoming something new and I've never had it so good, but the best is yet to come!

Valid Point

Driving from Michigan to California takes a long time, however...it's really cool to see the country I am but one of!

Go America!

Stressed

Well I'm totally stressed out. It is the first time in my life I've ever had to drop this much money! My nose just started bleeding, out of nowhere. I cannot wait till we are on our way westward!

Fiddling With

This is a cool/weird...possibly worthless thing, but here is the stuff I buy/bought from iTunes;

Spartan Sports

Well, I was raised in East Lansing and finally ended up a Spartan. Due to the move I'm going through I'm bleeding green in another way, but I'll bleed green till the day that I die! Anyhow, Dantonio and the Spartan football quest moves me, greatly. I just hope that we can redevelop and get some darn respect. I'd like to enter a time where we give U of M a defeat yearly, no matter how good they are.

I especially want to have the green and white take a trip to the Rose Bowl, for I am only an hour away in 5 days. Life is quite a trip, in many ways. So all I can say is;

Go Green!
Go White!
Go Spartans!

Former Michigander?

Well it's simply quite trippy that I'm rolling out of EL. I've been a college student for WAY to long! There is not one iota of doubt to that statement. Things are consistently getting better and better, but I MUST stay grounded!

All I know is that spirituality is the key to my success!

Today

Well today is the greatest that I've ever known, but I find myself excessively stressed, worn out, and unfocused on the 'have to do' things in my life. At this moment I've got to do solid work on my thesis and get it nearly completely done, if not done in full. However, the first priority thing is getting packed to get on the road to California.

I simply cannot wait until we arrive, arrange everything, and start living the California life!

Political

Now, this was a good setting for a debate...especially for Obama. I just thought I'd include this because I support one of them, and any single one of them could do better then the current Commander in Chief of our country. However, it is not to difficult to overcome that man and his supporters in functionality, knowledge, and wisdom.

1999-2007

Well,

In 1999 I was a college drop out, due to drop out from University of Nevada, Reno in spring 1998 and then I dropped my classes in fall 1998 at Michigan State University and was taking a break. I had decided to become a automotive mechanic like my grandpa George, but that apparently was not Gods will for me.

I was a waiter at the Harrison Roadhouse in October and was trying to peddle some MSU vs. U of M spare tickets to a gentlemen, and he told me about packaging at MSU, told me to get a degree and I've got a job. So I transitioned out of the much I was in (sort of) and started back in school. This semester was as step in the right direction in the spring of 2000 at Lansing Community College. The LCC route kept going till Spring of 2001, then I transferred over.

Semester 1 (Spring 2000)-
College Algebra I
Basic Chemistry (Incomplete)
Chemistry Lab 1
Microeconomics

Semester 2 (Summer 2000)-
Retake Basic Chemistry

Semester 3- (Fall 2000)
Physics I (Trig based)
Physics Lab I
Chemistry I
Writing (Dropped)
College Algebra II & Trigonometry (5 credit dual class math, incomplete)

Semester 4- (Spring 2001)
Survey of Organic Chemistry
Survey of Organic Chemistry Lab
Physics II
College Algebra II & Trigonometry

Now I hold a Bachelors in Packaging and am finishing my Masters off. In this 7 year time frame I've had two internships at good companies, taught classes, researched forestry, taught gymnastics, been an office aide, and most of all...found happiness, joys, and freedoms that have made my life a greater thing to me, and helped me become a better person.

On top of all this I'm a packaging engineer at a big company in less then a month. So I dreamt of being a Spartan, became a Spartan, moved onto a Masters, then into the world where I'm a Spartan for life, but a full-time employee till retirement.

Basically since the pics below were taken, a whole lot of things have changed! In essence it can be summed up that;

1. Potentials have been realized
2. Difficulties have been overcome
3. Goals (Manifest to Success) have been set
4. Goals have been accomplished
5. Steps 4 and 5 will be repeated, regularly!

1999

This is a picture of me in 1999 using the first digital camera owned by the Vincent family. It's crazy looking at the pictures of what was in essence my first car. The 1965 Mustang, aka Foxy Maggie...I wish I would not have sold her :(

 
 
 
 

Development

Life is certainly changing. I'm shifting from a packaging student to a packaging professional aka engineer and that is weird! Thank God for this opportunity!

Today I got called by another company, looking to interview me. This simply makes me feel good, and actually better about myself. I am so indebted to the gentlemen that lured me into this field...I just wish I knew his name!

Back again

Well, I'm back in the blogosphere and find it interesting that I had it before. I was just keeping up on my brothers and thought, oh boy...maybe I can sign in. I had fully forgotten about this. So anyhow, I'll keep getting up on the postings to the best of my ability.