Well, after a long day including triathlon training, my first swim with a swim cap (which was nice!), a fun bachata group lesson, a 21 mile ride (13 of those after a half mile sprint swim), and a 1.7 mile run (undernourished, wanted to do 3.5), I finally got this site up.
I’m really excited to have it up here.
The bachata class was fantastic. I actually went to massage school with the instructor, who is a nationally renowned salsa and bachata teacher. She offered to do trade for either massage or dance lessons. Either one is quite enticing.
Funny thing happened, though, on the ride. I feel in love with the road bike. This has been my first week with not only a road bike, but clipless pedals. I had been apathetic towards the whole thing for my first three rides with it, but today something just clicked and I fell in love with having the bike right on me. I felt like a high speed centaur or something... Oh! It reminded me of those animals in The Amber Spyglass, the last book of the His Dark Materials series (you know, of Golden Compass fame?) Great reads.
Anywho, I’m glad to finally have this up.
I’m going to be slowly transferring my photography from ariessun.com over to alchemyphotography.com over the next...hopefully a week.
Tomorrow is the Renaissance Festival with my wonderful girlfriend, then Sunday is the triathlon and work. Luckily, work has been busy and my paycheck is solid. A couple more solid checks and I should be set for (relative) comfort for the slow season.
I hope to have comments enabled and figured out shortly, plus an RSS feed. Twitter, facebook, and other site links to come soon, as well. And an email specific for this site.
Any suggestions or help, please send an email to edward@ariessun.com!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tri day
Well, it’s my tri-day.
The Renaissance Faire was a blast yesterday. Jacque seemed to enjoy herself quite a bit and I had a total ball. Lots of fun people, great food, great shows, etc.
I’m warming up for my tri right now, about to take off.
Wish me luck!
The Renaissance Faire was a blast yesterday. Jacque seemed to enjoy herself quite a bit and I had a total ball. Lots of fun people, great food, great shows, etc.
I’m warming up for my tri right now, about to take off.
Wish me luck!
Tri results
I finished 15th overall out of about 360 people. My time was 1:06:42. I came in first in my age group.
Not bad for a first triathlon.
Okay, finally to update this.
In all men, I came in 13th place. There were a total of 18 men in my age group, so coming in first is quite a thrill for me. My swim time was 12:04; my ride time was 33:51 for a mile pace of 2:49; my run was 20:47 for a mile pace of 6:56. Fantastic results for what I was actually expecting!
The biggest pain in the ass was the start. I hadn’t had time to get my goggles situated quite right when they started the race. I ended up swimming it with water in both eyes...half blind! It was a thrilling swim, though.
The ride was great. Some nudnik driver turned out of a neighborhood into the coned off bike lane and drove about a block and a half in front of me for probably a quarter mile. Crazy.
I’m so glad Jacque and Shaina made it, and it was great to see my mom and dad cheering me on with huge smiles!
My dad offered to coach me in running...I’m considering taking him up on the offer. It could be fun.
My pal Cody, who is my mentor in photography and leant me the bike for this event, came out and snapped some fun shots. It was a total surprise to run into him during my first lap running.
Running was great, actually. I maintained a really comfortable, yet intense pace. Everyone I passed got some words of encouragement from me, I know I’d appreciate the same if I got dropped (which I did, and did). One older woman (I know she was older because our ages are written on our calves!) was barely moving along. I told her I knew she had some more left in her and to start kicking it out. She stood up taller, squared her shoulders, and started pumping it out with a big ol’ grin on her face! Made my day.
What a fantastic day! All this on only 2 hours of sleep! Photos of today are in the general photos gallery. :)
Not bad for a first triathlon.
Okay, finally to update this.
In all men, I came in 13th place. There were a total of 18 men in my age group, so coming in first is quite a thrill for me. My swim time was 12:04; my ride time was 33:51 for a mile pace of 2:49; my run was 20:47 for a mile pace of 6:56. Fantastic results for what I was actually expecting!
The biggest pain in the ass was the start. I hadn’t had time to get my goggles situated quite right when they started the race. I ended up swimming it with water in both eyes...half blind! It was a thrilling swim, though.
The ride was great. Some nudnik driver turned out of a neighborhood into the coned off bike lane and drove about a block and a half in front of me for probably a quarter mile. Crazy.
I’m so glad Jacque and Shaina made it, and it was great to see my mom and dad cheering me on with huge smiles!
My dad offered to coach me in running...I’m considering taking him up on the offer. It could be fun.
My pal Cody, who is my mentor in photography and leant me the bike for this event, came out and snapped some fun shots. It was a total surprise to run into him during my first lap running.
Running was great, actually. I maintained a really comfortable, yet intense pace. Everyone I passed got some words of encouragement from me, I know I’d appreciate the same if I got dropped (which I did, and did). One older woman (I know she was older because our ages are written on our calves!) was barely moving along. I told her I knew she had some more left in her and to start kicking it out. She stood up taller, squared her shoulders, and started pumping it out with a big ol’ grin on her face! Made my day.
What a fantastic day! All this on only 2 hours of sleep! Photos of today are in the general photos gallery. :)
On sails and winds
I went to a networking group lunch today which I was invited to. Spent about 5 minutes there trying to get information about them and who was there and whatnot before plunking down a Hamilton and signing up.
I was interrupted too much to get that information, and then they tried to sign me up. No dice.
The people there seem to be predominately older (50+) and unhealthy. I don’t want to associate with that sort of crowd, as while they may know business, they don’t know the youth. I am interested in catering to athletes for my massage, this group didn’t seem to outwardly have that predisposition. Sadly, I won’t get to find out, as I’m too finicky to give money just to find out what I’m giving money too.
I had a really great interview with Aflac yesterday. They’re considering taking me on as one of their...representatives?...sales people?...field agents?... Well, one of their crew at least. I researched the company and like what they’re about. I believe in their product. I just need to ask them a few (15?) questions and figure out if it’s something I can put massage on the far back burner for.
I’m still sleep deprived. I woke up earlier than my body wanted to in order to make it to the waste-of-time lunch thing. It was even at a restaurant (Sakura) which I detest. The food is subpar and the business practices of the owner are more dubious than a Republican senator at a gay bar.
I really want to work out but have no energy. I think I’m going to fuel up and chill out, get my energy together for a photoshoot tonight. I’m helping get some promo materials for a fire group I work with.
Gonna go pull myself together.
I was interrupted too much to get that information, and then they tried to sign me up. No dice.
The people there seem to be predominately older (50+) and unhealthy. I don’t want to associate with that sort of crowd, as while they may know business, they don’t know the youth. I am interested in catering to athletes for my massage, this group didn’t seem to outwardly have that predisposition. Sadly, I won’t get to find out, as I’m too finicky to give money just to find out what I’m giving money too.
I had a really great interview with Aflac yesterday. They’re considering taking me on as one of their...representatives?...sales people?...field agents?... Well, one of their crew at least. I researched the company and like what they’re about. I believe in their product. I just need to ask them a few (15?) questions and figure out if it’s something I can put massage on the far back burner for.
I’m still sleep deprived. I woke up earlier than my body wanted to in order to make it to the waste-of-time lunch thing. It was even at a restaurant (Sakura) which I detest. The food is subpar and the business practices of the owner are more dubious than a Republican senator at a gay bar.
I really want to work out but have no energy. I think I’m going to fuel up and chill out, get my energy together for a photoshoot tonight. I’m helping get some promo materials for a fire group I work with.
Gonna go pull myself together.
Wiped
I haven’t really had a chance to get caught up on my sleep. It really stinks. Feeling this worn down really gets to you.
I’m really tired of clients that run late, and then work tells me to accept them late at the detriment of my break time. I need a good amount of time to eat so as not to get sick. It’s quite frustrating to have someone pay for only an hour of your time but take an hour and half or more of it.
I’m not Massage Envy’s bitch, really. Right?
I’m still writing down questions for Aflac and getting my mind in the right place. Going to call them tomorrow to get the second interview underway.
Great photoshoot last night. We got some really great stuff. I need to get the proofs gallery up.
And here’s one of the shots from yesterday.
I’m really tired of clients that run late, and then work tells me to accept them late at the detriment of my break time. I need a good amount of time to eat so as not to get sick. It’s quite frustrating to have someone pay for only an hour of your time but take an hour and half or more of it.
I’m not Massage Envy’s bitch, really. Right?
I’m still writing down questions for Aflac and getting my mind in the right place. Going to call them tomorrow to get the second interview underway.
Great photoshoot last night. We got some really great stuff. I need to get the proofs gallery up.
And here’s one of the shots from yesterday.
Post 27
See that?
That’s the cake I made for my birthday.
Sure, it collapsed in the center some, but it was damn good. From the bottom up it’s yellow cake (made from scratch!) with almond and vanilla extract, almond butter, and orange zest; homemade caramel; mama mia gelato (vanilla with cherry and chocolate) from Cafe Italiano in town; then ganache.
Yum.
The day was spent with family. Lunch with Jacque, dad, dad’s fiancee, brother, and sis-in-law. Then we went to see half-sis in a Christian Youth Theater production of Tom Sawyer. She had her first lead role, which was quite exciting. She did quite well, I’m very proud of her. I don’t like the CYT group, though. Tom Sawyer isn’t about religion, it’s about things heavier and more important than transcribing a Christian bent on a story which took racism head on.
Fuck, just read the warning in the front of The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn!
That warning? Read below:
Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.
By order of the author
Yeah.
Anywho, then it was off to dinner with the family. Then karaoke, where Jacque and I dressed up and sang out hearts out.
I got to sing a few great rock songs (Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Pride and Joy” and Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”) with the live band.
Then I went back to Jacque’s.
Woke up this morning, breakfast with the family. Rushed off and went to work. Now I’m back off to Jacque’s for some snuggling and warm-fuzzies before I have to carpe diem tomorrow.
That’s the cake I made for my birthday.
Sure, it collapsed in the center some, but it was damn good. From the bottom up it’s yellow cake (made from scratch!) with almond and vanilla extract, almond butter, and orange zest; homemade caramel; mama mia gelato (vanilla with cherry and chocolate) from Cafe Italiano in town; then ganache.
Yum.
The day was spent with family. Lunch with Jacque, dad, dad’s fiancee, brother, and sis-in-law. Then we went to see half-sis in a Christian Youth Theater production of Tom Sawyer. She had her first lead role, which was quite exciting. She did quite well, I’m very proud of her. I don’t like the CYT group, though. Tom Sawyer isn’t about religion, it’s about things heavier and more important than transcribing a Christian bent on a story which took racism head on.
Fuck, just read the warning in the front of The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn!
That warning? Read below:
Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.
By order of the author
Yeah.
Anywho, then it was off to dinner with the family. Then karaoke, where Jacque and I dressed up and sang out hearts out.
I got to sing a few great rock songs (Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Pride and Joy” and Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”) with the live band.
Then I went back to Jacque’s.
Woke up this morning, breakfast with the family. Rushed off and went to work. Now I’m back off to Jacque’s for some snuggling and warm-fuzzies before I have to carpe diem tomorrow.
No witty titles
First thing’s first.
I officially accepted the invitation to join Aflac.
I go in Monday to get my study materials and figure out the next step in working for them and getting licensed.
This. Is. Huge. Or, as Joe Biden would put it, “It’s a big fucking deal.”
I bought some new pedals for my bike, double sided SPD pedals. I only bought them for the cleats, as they were $20, the same price as Shimano branded cleats. For those not in the know (I was one of them last week!), pedals come with their own cleats.
I’m now waiting for some shoes I ordered to come in, then I’ll return all of Cody’s stuff (bike and shoes). I have about 1.5-2 weeks before it all comes in.
They say everyone who rides clipless falls at some point. Well, I still haven’t fallen while riding clipless. That said, I did have a spill while adjusting the release tension in the pedals.
In the garage.
At a standstill...
Got that out of the way!
I’m excited to ride my Xtracycle clipless tomorrow. Maybe even tonight! The weather is gorgeous, 55º outside (Fahrenheit, not Celsius!). I intend to get to the pool tomorrow.
Speaking of exercise, I took Marco to the wash again today. First, we went for a run anywhere from 1.5-3 miles, not sure as I can’t google-map it out due to the fact it’s not on a road. Then we went down into the wash, I took off my shoes and socks, and we tromped around in the water. He had such a good time. I did, too. He really is a great dog. I wish I could take him off leash just to see how he would react on his own...someday...someday.
I’m so nervous for Monday. I hope I can ride my bike there to blow off some energy and get my brain working. I don’t really anticipate a problem with that. I’ll ask the manager...wait, no. He won’t be in until that day. I’ll just do it and hope for the best. Assuming I’m not too tired to bike that early on Monday. 8AM appointments can be difficult for me.
I’m really putting off editing photos. I need to get on it, but I’m too busy resting! Tomorrow...maybe. Sunday, definitely.
I officially accepted the invitation to join Aflac.
I go in Monday to get my study materials and figure out the next step in working for them and getting licensed.
This. Is. Huge. Or, as Joe Biden would put it, “It’s a big fucking deal.”
I bought some new pedals for my bike, double sided SPD pedals. I only bought them for the cleats, as they were $20, the same price as Shimano branded cleats. For those not in the know (I was one of them last week!), pedals come with their own cleats.
I’m now waiting for some shoes I ordered to come in, then I’ll return all of Cody’s stuff (bike and shoes). I have about 1.5-2 weeks before it all comes in.
They say everyone who rides clipless falls at some point. Well, I still haven’t fallen while riding clipless. That said, I did have a spill while adjusting the release tension in the pedals.
In the garage.
At a standstill...
Got that out of the way!
I’m excited to ride my Xtracycle clipless tomorrow. Maybe even tonight! The weather is gorgeous, 55º outside (Fahrenheit, not Celsius!). I intend to get to the pool tomorrow.
Speaking of exercise, I took Marco to the wash again today. First, we went for a run anywhere from 1.5-3 miles, not sure as I can’t google-map it out due to the fact it’s not on a road. Then we went down into the wash, I took off my shoes and socks, and we tromped around in the water. He had such a good time. I did, too. He really is a great dog. I wish I could take him off leash just to see how he would react on his own...someday...someday.
I’m so nervous for Monday. I hope I can ride my bike there to blow off some energy and get my brain working. I don’t really anticipate a problem with that. I’ll ask the manager...wait, no. He won’t be in until that day. I’ll just do it and hope for the best. Assuming I’m not too tired to bike that early on Monday. 8AM appointments can be difficult for me.
I’m really putting off editing photos. I need to get on it, but I’m too busy resting! Tomorrow...maybe. Sunday, definitely.
Easter and beyond
Yesterday, I went to a small family dinner with Jacque. Her mom drove her grandma, Jacque, and me up to Phoenix to have dinner with her aunt and uncle. It was really nice. I quite enjoyed it -- it’s not often I get ham!
Anywho, today’s quite a big day for me. I go in at 8 to get my study materials for my insurance license exam. Quite exciting. I’ll probably turn in my two-week notice by the end of the week, if not tomorrow. I’m also working on getting some brochures together to give my regular clients so they have all the information on why I’m leaving and advantages and disadvantages of following me independently and staying with Massage Envy.
It’s going to be quite an exciting day.
After the Aflac meeting, I’m hoping to drive home, then hop on my bike and ride in to work. After work, I want to ride to the salsa lesson...I could use some blood pumping in my veins to start the week. Sadly, my Massage Envy career resembles the work shirts they gave me: falling apart with no move to improve upon them on their part. I haven’t had a replacement uniform in the over two years I’ve been with them! Sad.
I really want to be successful with Aflac. I have some ideas on how to inspire confidence and hope with small, local companies. I just need to talk to my soon-to-be managers and trainers.
To be honest, I have quite a bit of respect for them. As I’ve said before, it will be quite nice to have a manager who knows more about the industry I’m working in than I do. For 5+ years, my managers have known considerably less about massage than I. Changing careers is, I suppose, one way to switch it up some!
Anywho, today’s quite a big day for me. I go in at 8 to get my study materials for my insurance license exam. Quite exciting. I’ll probably turn in my two-week notice by the end of the week, if not tomorrow. I’m also working on getting some brochures together to give my regular clients so they have all the information on why I’m leaving and advantages and disadvantages of following me independently and staying with Massage Envy.
It’s going to be quite an exciting day.
After the Aflac meeting, I’m hoping to drive home, then hop on my bike and ride in to work. After work, I want to ride to the salsa lesson...I could use some blood pumping in my veins to start the week. Sadly, my Massage Envy career resembles the work shirts they gave me: falling apart with no move to improve upon them on their part. I haven’t had a replacement uniform in the over two years I’ve been with them! Sad.
I really want to be successful with Aflac. I have some ideas on how to inspire confidence and hope with small, local companies. I just need to talk to my soon-to-be managers and trainers.
To be honest, I have quite a bit of respect for them. As I’ve said before, it will be quite nice to have a manager who knows more about the industry I’m working in than I do. For 5+ years, my managers have known considerably less about massage than I. Changing careers is, I suppose, one way to switch it up some!
Two weeks
I’ve registered for the insurance test and will start studying today.
That means I turn in my 2 weeks today, as well.
I’ve also put together some information for my clients so they know a little about why I’m leaving and how to reach me. As much as Massage Envy would like to leave them in the dark about my departure, I cannot facilitate that. Servicing their needs and giving them as much information as possible are two predominant traits of a reasonably competent massage therapist, of which I fancy myself as being. Hell, I’d say I’m even a little more than reasonably competent!
The only issue I have today is that I seem to have misplaced one of the full-fingered riding gloves. It’s frakin’ chilly outside!
I had a great Bowenwork treatment yesterday. The first one I had (last week) was okay, but yesterday’s was amazing! I feel like my entire chest and lungs are far more open, like I can breathe deeper and the air I breathe actually goes deeper in my body. Great stuff!
More fantastic news: the pool right by my house is open again! I’ve missed the convenience of the pool and the crew that works it. I hope to start swimming more because of the seasonal re-opening. We’ll see what happens with the new job and how much time I’ll have, though.
That means I turn in my 2 weeks today, as well.
I’ve also put together some information for my clients so they know a little about why I’m leaving and how to reach me. As much as Massage Envy would like to leave them in the dark about my departure, I cannot facilitate that. Servicing their needs and giving them as much information as possible are two predominant traits of a reasonably competent massage therapist, of which I fancy myself as being. Hell, I’d say I’m even a little more than reasonably competent!
The only issue I have today is that I seem to have misplaced one of the full-fingered riding gloves. It’s frakin’ chilly outside!
I had a great Bowenwork treatment yesterday. The first one I had (last week) was okay, but yesterday’s was amazing! I feel like my entire chest and lungs are far more open, like I can breathe deeper and the air I breathe actually goes deeper in my body. Great stuff!
More fantastic news: the pool right by my house is open again! I’ve missed the convenience of the pool and the crew that works it. I hope to start swimming more because of the seasonal re-opening. We’ll see what happens with the new job and how much time I’ll have, though.
Final week at Massage Envy!
I’ve been studying diligently (except for the past two days...brain recovery time!) for the insurance exam. The test is Friday in Tempe. I’m hoping to have lunch with a friend up there after I kick ass on the test and get my insurance license.
I’m slowly, steadily, making headway into eliminating my sleep deficit and starting to work out again. I’ve missed swimming...it’s terribly cathartic to feel the water against me as I push through it, breathing in a controlled, finite manner. The pool right by my house opened back up for the summer (through the fall). I’m really enjoying that convenience along with the familiar crew that lifeguards there. Great people, great times.
I’ve had some good photography, as well. Fire shoots are always fun and family shoots can really warm the cockles of your heart! I also have a good number of dates that I’m modeling at Art Institute, just for a little financial cushion.
It’s still hard to get my butt going and working out in the mornings, but it’s getting easier. The weather getting warmer helps immensely, although it does take a different kind of energy to exercise in warmth than it does in cold. I suppose I’ll only have to get used to exercising in warmth for a few weeks, no? Soon I’ll be exercising in heat. Searing, blistering, wonderful heat!
This is the last week of my tenure at Massage Envy. I hope both my shirts make it through the week. One of them is really on the fritz. They both have holes where they’re not supposed to, the edges of the sleeves are separating from the sleeves, the bottom right corner of the button part on the front has a hole, the top of the button part is frayed... They’re a mess. And Envy didn’t have a plan to replace them.
That’s enough whinging about that, though. Soon it will be irrelevant.
I’m excited for the new career. Really excited. My dad thinks it’s a good change. I had lunch with him the other day and told him what I could. It’s really good to have his support through this.
I’m slowly, steadily, making headway into eliminating my sleep deficit and starting to work out again. I’ve missed swimming...it’s terribly cathartic to feel the water against me as I push through it, breathing in a controlled, finite manner. The pool right by my house opened back up for the summer (through the fall). I’m really enjoying that convenience along with the familiar crew that lifeguards there. Great people, great times.
I’ve had some good photography, as well. Fire shoots are always fun and family shoots can really warm the cockles of your heart! I also have a good number of dates that I’m modeling at Art Institute, just for a little financial cushion.
It’s still hard to get my butt going and working out in the mornings, but it’s getting easier. The weather getting warmer helps immensely, although it does take a different kind of energy to exercise in warmth than it does in cold. I suppose I’ll only have to get used to exercising in warmth for a few weeks, no? Soon I’ll be exercising in heat. Searing, blistering, wonderful heat!
This is the last week of my tenure at Massage Envy. I hope both my shirts make it through the week. One of them is really on the fritz. They both have holes where they’re not supposed to, the edges of the sleeves are separating from the sleeves, the bottom right corner of the button part on the front has a hole, the top of the button part is frayed... They’re a mess. And Envy didn’t have a plan to replace them.
That’s enough whinging about that, though. Soon it will be irrelevant.
I’m excited for the new career. Really excited. My dad thinks it’s a good change. I had lunch with him the other day and told him what I could. It’s really good to have his support through this.
Out!
Massage Envy called me today (tomorrow is my last day there) and told me that my one client for tomorrow cancelled (he’s a repeat with my information who is likely to follow...) so they just took me off the books.
I’m free!!!
So I get to sleep in tomorrow. Then take a simulated insurance licensing exam, then take my exit paperwork and some bread I baked for my (now former) coworkers into that place I now no longer work. Then take that simulated exam again.
I have a couple other errands and tasks to do tomorrow, as well. A part of the rearview mirror on my bike broke off, so I have to replace that. I also want to lube the drivetrain, but I’m out of lube, so that needs picking up. My bike also needs the rear derailer cable replaced, although that’s not crucial (yet). Finally, it’s time to put the rear fender back on, as the weather could be soggy the next few days...I’ve been lazy about getting that back on for the past three months... Y’know how it is!
Been editing some photos in the very little spare time I have. Oh look, here’s one!
On a really serious note, while I’m happy to be leaving Massage Envy; happy to never have to deal with missing files, late clients, and idiotic scheduling mishaps, I’m really going to miss my coworkers.
I’m free!!!
So I get to sleep in tomorrow. Then take a simulated insurance licensing exam, then take my exit paperwork and some bread I baked for my (now former) coworkers into that place I now no longer work. Then take that simulated exam again.
I have a couple other errands and tasks to do tomorrow, as well. A part of the rearview mirror on my bike broke off, so I have to replace that. I also want to lube the drivetrain, but I’m out of lube, so that needs picking up. My bike also needs the rear derailer cable replaced, although that’s not crucial (yet). Finally, it’s time to put the rear fender back on, as the weather could be soggy the next few days...I’ve been lazy about getting that back on for the past three months... Y’know how it is!
Been editing some photos in the very little spare time I have. Oh look, here’s one!
On a really serious note, while I’m happy to be leaving Massage Envy; happy to never have to deal with missing files, late clients, and idiotic scheduling mishaps, I’m really going to miss my coworkers.
Contract is finalized
Well, I rode in to meet up with the regional manager today. My contract has been finalized and I should have a writing number tomorrow! I’m excited!
They want me to go up to Phoenix for some training on Friday, then back up for three days next week for sales training. I’m really excited about this. I have a few contacts which could lead to the start of my career with this company. In the meantime, I have a good amount of stuff to familiarize myself with (the three main plans and some informational stuff) and some miles to destroy on the road. Also have a dog to give some lovin’ to and a girlfriend to dote on.
Today is going to be glorious!
They want me to go up to Phoenix for some training on Friday, then back up for three days next week for sales training. I’m really excited about this. I have a few contacts which could lead to the start of my career with this company. In the meantime, I have a good amount of stuff to familiarize myself with (the three main plans and some informational stuff) and some miles to destroy on the road. Also have a dog to give some lovin’ to and a girlfriend to dote on.
Today is going to be glorious!
Letter to the editor
I wrote a letter to the editor of our local paper today. I hope it gets published.
Copy of it follows:
I am disappointed in the Star’s coverage of the protests against SB1070. When I attended the protest the very first day, I did not see a single Mexican flag. I did see at least 5 American flags at one point. There were cars full of supporters driving loops around us waving American flags. We even chanted “USA, USA, USA” and “Viva los Estados Unidos” at many points.
As a born citizen of this country, I am offended and frightened by the prospect of having to carry identification saying I was born here. It reminds me of a sort of oppression that my great-grandparents fled from in the 1940’s. I’d sooner be arrested for not showing proof of citizenship while out for a run or ride than succumbing to the powers that be, who presume me to not be a part of the country I love, based on my skin tone.
Edward Arriola
Copy of it follows:
I am disappointed in the Star’s coverage of the protests against SB1070. When I attended the protest the very first day, I did not see a single Mexican flag. I did see at least 5 American flags at one point. There were cars full of supporters driving loops around us waving American flags. We even chanted “USA, USA, USA” and “Viva los Estados Unidos” at many points.
As a born citizen of this country, I am offended and frightened by the prospect of having to carry identification saying I was born here. It reminds me of a sort of oppression that my great-grandparents fled from in the 1940’s. I’d sooner be arrested for not showing proof of citizenship while out for a run or ride than succumbing to the powers that be, who presume me to not be a part of the country I love, based on my skin tone.
Edward Arriola
Too long
Wow, it’s been too long since I’ve written.
Yesterday was Jacque and my fifth month. I’m so excited to have shared five months of life and emotion and trust with someone so amazing as her. I really am.
I made my first sale through Aflac last week. I received the commission from it today. I had my first employer meeting last week. I had my first employee presentation today. I took second in command on all those -- my district coordinator took the reins and showed me the ropes. I have an employee presentation tomorrow, but everyone above me is in Phoenix for the weekend so I get to go at it alone. I’m freakin’ scared, but so damn excited.
I have two employer meetings, one presentation (which may turn into an enrollment), and two enrollments next week. I’m so stoked.
Once things settle down I hope...wait...no...I will get back into a regular workout schedule. As it is, I now have a sporadic riding and swim buddy. She was a sprinter on a swim team, so we both have some things we can learn from each other.
It’s time to go off to celebrate. Life is freakin’ grand.
Yesterday was Jacque and my fifth month. I’m so excited to have shared five months of life and emotion and trust with someone so amazing as her. I really am.
I made my first sale through Aflac last week. I received the commission from it today. I had my first employer meeting last week. I had my first employee presentation today. I took second in command on all those -- my district coordinator took the reins and showed me the ropes. I have an employee presentation tomorrow, but everyone above me is in Phoenix for the weekend so I get to go at it alone. I’m freakin’ scared, but so damn excited.
I have two employer meetings, one presentation (which may turn into an enrollment), and two enrollments next week. I’m so stoked.
Once things settle down I hope...wait...no...I will get back into a regular workout schedule. As it is, I now have a sporadic riding and swim buddy. She was a sprinter on a swim team, so we both have some things we can learn from each other.
It’s time to go off to celebrate. Life is freakin’ grand.
On updates
I really don’t update this as much as I’d like. Ideally, I’d go for 2-3 times a week, even though nobody reads it. I’m just so tired and busy lately.
Work is slow. It’s hard to get established and it’s hard for me to get going -- hence why I’m still sitting at home writing. A bike ride is in order once I finish this entry. I need to get some exercise to clear my mind and focus my head.
I am going to practice a direct sale this evening and go prospecting this afternoon. I’m also attending an open enrollment to see how the district coordinator runs them. It should be a good day.
Next week I have a couple meetings which should pan out to be quite profitable. I can’t wait!
Work is slow. It’s hard to get established and it’s hard for me to get going -- hence why I’m still sitting at home writing. A bike ride is in order once I finish this entry. I need to get some exercise to clear my mind and focus my head.
I am going to practice a direct sale this evening and go prospecting this afternoon. I’m also attending an open enrollment to see how the district coordinator runs them. It should be a good day.
Next week I have a couple meetings which should pan out to be quite profitable. I can’t wait!
A month!
It’s been over a month since I wrote!
In that month Jacque and I have gone on a hiatus.
I’ve had breakthroughs in salsa dancing.
I realized how out of shape I am after starting with Aflac.
I’ve started changing that last sentence.
I’ve done a few photoshoots as a photographer.
I’ve met some amazing people who are beautiful inside and out.
I’ve strengthened my core group of friends.
I’ve been helped by and helped out a team.
I’ve started to realize how much worth I actually have to many people.
And, if you’re reading this, I love you!
In that month Jacque and I have gone on a hiatus.
I’ve had breakthroughs in salsa dancing.
I realized how out of shape I am after starting with Aflac.
I’ve started changing that last sentence.
I’ve done a few photoshoots as a photographer.
I’ve met some amazing people who are beautiful inside and out.
I’ve strengthened my core group of friends.
I’ve been helped by and helped out a team.
I’ve started to realize how much worth I actually have to many people.
And, if you’re reading this, I love you!
Good stuffs
Wow, I’m really not updating this as much as I would like to.
Jacque and I broke up a while ago. A good while ago. We’re still really close and I’m terribly glad to have her as a friend. We run into each other a lot and go out a lot still, but the context has changed. I’m actually really glad to have dated her, despite us breaking up. We ended up closer than we’ve ever been and I really got to see how amazing of a person she is.
Aflac is going well...well enough, at least. I’ve finally conquered my fear of prospecting and having business owners/decision makers shoot me down. That was a tough one to beat. I also landed my first employee presentation on my own. Next step is getting to the enrollment. Quite exciting! I’m also working on a few clients, on should be really good, the other should be really fun.
I had an amazing date last night. We met on OKCupid. She is a really, really amazing person. I picked her up and we immediately hit it off conversationally. She's the lead singer in a band, majored in vocal performance, is a runner and cyclist, dancer (swing, rumba, chacha, tango), etc. etc. etc. We went to karaoke (her choice, perfect!) and start the singing. Her voice is sublime. Luckily, I was pretty on with my singing, as well.
Her favorite song that I sang was a mariachi song about heartbreak and pain. It's one of my favorite songs ever. We also did a little duet from Grease (not Summer Nights, dear lord...) and both sang some rock, jazz, and whatnot.
It was just a fantastic night with great conversation and someone who could have potential. Whether or not we end up together, I met a great person. I do have a couple more hopefuls from the site to check out, so there is more to be done, but we’ll see.
I have a couple photos added to my modeling site. There was a huge fiasco on getting those! Basically, I ended up going to a shootout event hosted by someone who tried to start some internet drama with me years ago. Said person stole one of my images in order to promote an event for pay and refused to own up to the fact that she committed copyright theft. Well, at this event she asked me why I thought she was in the wrong, so I explained how she was in the wrong. Her basic argument was that she has been doing what she’s been doing for over 20 years and is significantly older than me, so she knows more. The law is the law, though, and she was in the wrong.
There was a great deal more that went on, but that’s the gist. The most amusing part was her rants on how she threatened to sue me for defamation of character (Ha! Bring it on you salty bitch!).
I really want to go out dancing. I may do that after I make an appearance tonight at a party.
Jacque and I broke up a while ago. A good while ago. We’re still really close and I’m terribly glad to have her as a friend. We run into each other a lot and go out a lot still, but the context has changed. I’m actually really glad to have dated her, despite us breaking up. We ended up closer than we’ve ever been and I really got to see how amazing of a person she is.
Aflac is going well...well enough, at least. I’ve finally conquered my fear of prospecting and having business owners/decision makers shoot me down. That was a tough one to beat. I also landed my first employee presentation on my own. Next step is getting to the enrollment. Quite exciting! I’m also working on a few clients, on should be really good, the other should be really fun.
I had an amazing date last night. We met on OKCupid. She is a really, really amazing person. I picked her up and we immediately hit it off conversationally. She's the lead singer in a band, majored in vocal performance, is a runner and cyclist, dancer (swing, rumba, chacha, tango), etc. etc. etc. We went to karaoke (her choice, perfect!) and start the singing. Her voice is sublime. Luckily, I was pretty on with my singing, as well.
Her favorite song that I sang was a mariachi song about heartbreak and pain. It's one of my favorite songs ever. We also did a little duet from Grease (not Summer Nights, dear lord...) and both sang some rock, jazz, and whatnot.
It was just a fantastic night with great conversation and someone who could have potential. Whether or not we end up together, I met a great person. I do have a couple more hopefuls from the site to check out, so there is more to be done, but we’ll see.
I have a couple photos added to my modeling site. There was a huge fiasco on getting those! Basically, I ended up going to a shootout event hosted by someone who tried to start some internet drama with me years ago. Said person stole one of my images in order to promote an event for pay and refused to own up to the fact that she committed copyright theft. Well, at this event she asked me why I thought she was in the wrong, so I explained how she was in the wrong. Her basic argument was that she has been doing what she’s been doing for over 20 years and is significantly older than me, so she knows more. The law is the law, though, and she was in the wrong.
There was a great deal more that went on, but that’s the gist. The most amusing part was her rants on how she threatened to sue me for defamation of character (Ha! Bring it on you salty bitch!).
I really want to go out dancing. I may do that after I make an appearance tonight at a party.
Long overdue
Wow, I haven’t updated in far, far too long.
First off, all those dates I went on ended up in me finding one very amazing girl. Her name is Raquel and we’re quickly closing in on our 1 month “anniversary.” She’s been an amazing addition to my life and has enriched it in many ways. She’s absolutely beautiful, amazingly compassionate, quite giving, and is as crazy about fitness as I am.
I’ve also started to exercise again. I’m tired of sitting on my laurels and getting soft and undefined. I want my damn definition back! I hope to be able to find a good way to do some leg lifts that isn’t on my back, something more comprehensive and intense for my abdominals.
I haven’t been dancing as much as I’d like, but I’ve been getting more involved in Judaism and hiking. Two things which I didn’t realize I missed so much.
Aflac is going pretty slowly, unfortunately. I should be pulling numbers up this week, or at least seriously setting myself up to pull some numbers next week. We’re implementing a new method of prospecting, so cold calling (my weakness!) will matter less.
After uploading this blog I have to stop by my photography site and update that blog. I’ve had a few shoots which I want to share. :)
I even had a second letter to the editor published! It’s “Pearce, Brewer have wrong priorities.”
I’m tired. But less tired than I have been. Things are looking up!
First off, all those dates I went on ended up in me finding one very amazing girl. Her name is Raquel and we’re quickly closing in on our 1 month “anniversary.” She’s been an amazing addition to my life and has enriched it in many ways. She’s absolutely beautiful, amazingly compassionate, quite giving, and is as crazy about fitness as I am.
I’ve also started to exercise again. I’m tired of sitting on my laurels and getting soft and undefined. I want my damn definition back! I hope to be able to find a good way to do some leg lifts that isn’t on my back, something more comprehensive and intense for my abdominals.
I haven’t been dancing as much as I’d like, but I’ve been getting more involved in Judaism and hiking. Two things which I didn’t realize I missed so much.
Aflac is going pretty slowly, unfortunately. I should be pulling numbers up this week, or at least seriously setting myself up to pull some numbers next week. We’re implementing a new method of prospecting, so cold calling (my weakness!) will matter less.
After uploading this blog I have to stop by my photography site and update that blog. I’ve had a few shoots which I want to share. :)
I even had a second letter to the editor published! It’s “Pearce, Brewer have wrong priorities.”
I’m tired. But less tired than I have been. Things are looking up!
On Bin Laden
Just for reference, in case you haven’t heard the news, Osama Bin Laden has been killed. Many people are celebrating his death and many people are saying that we should not be jubilant about his death.
I need to put down my thoughts, as that’s what a blog is for, right?
I’ve always believed that if someone sought to kill you, you need to kill them first. Ironically, Judaic dictations and commandments agree. This is a matter of pragmatism, as your life is literally the most precious thing you have. I would say that you “own” but many people don’t seem to take ownership of their lives.
Question: is celebrating the death of someone a dishonorable and immoral act?
Answer: it depends. Losing a life is always tragic to someone. Everyone has those who look up to them, adore them, and love them. When a life is taken it is invariable that it goes unnoticed. With rare exception we must mourn, not celebrate the deceased.
Back to my third paragraph, about exterminating those that seek to kill you.
If all alternative courses of action have been eliminated, you need to destroy those that actively seek your death. This supersedes other options because you cannot fully function under the threat of death. When the one that seeks to destroy you is, himself, destroyed, you should not feel guilt for their death in any form whatsoever. Acknowledgement of the fact that others will feel pain is humane, but this is about the choices of the deceased not the inadvertent consequences that their support group will face.
Celebrating their death is definitely in the grey area of morality, of course. Celebrating the fact you no longer have to worry about that person is obviously justifiable. Celebrating the movement and reclamation of life post-threat is also obviously justifiable. Celebrating the loss of a life, though, has imprecise complications. These complications are where people protest.
With regards to my agnostic, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Jewish friends and brethren, everyone in the United States and everyone in Israel, everyone in New York and everyone in Pennsylvania, everyone in England and the rest of Europe, everyone with a hint or degree of moderation in their views, I am not just glad that the top of Al Qaeda is no longer a threat, I’m glad he’s dead.
His death is much more than the death of a man, it’s the death of a symbol and a very, very large step forward in the war against Al Qaeda. Remember, the entire mission which killed him took about 40 minutes, the actual fight that destroyed him took but a couple. The remaining 30-something minutes were spent collecting computers and data, evidence, and other things to help implicate the rest of Al Qaeda’s network of hate and discrimination.
The US Government not only guaranteed Bin Laden’s voice being silenced, they gained priceless information to protect the assets of ourselves and our allies. This, indeed, is cause for celebration.
I need to put down my thoughts, as that’s what a blog is for, right?
I’ve always believed that if someone sought to kill you, you need to kill them first. Ironically, Judaic dictations and commandments agree. This is a matter of pragmatism, as your life is literally the most precious thing you have. I would say that you “own” but many people don’t seem to take ownership of their lives.
Question: is celebrating the death of someone a dishonorable and immoral act?
Answer: it depends. Losing a life is always tragic to someone. Everyone has those who look up to them, adore them, and love them. When a life is taken it is invariable that it goes unnoticed. With rare exception we must mourn, not celebrate the deceased.
Back to my third paragraph, about exterminating those that seek to kill you.
If all alternative courses of action have been eliminated, you need to destroy those that actively seek your death. This supersedes other options because you cannot fully function under the threat of death. When the one that seeks to destroy you is, himself, destroyed, you should not feel guilt for their death in any form whatsoever. Acknowledgement of the fact that others will feel pain is humane, but this is about the choices of the deceased not the inadvertent consequences that their support group will face.
Celebrating their death is definitely in the grey area of morality, of course. Celebrating the fact you no longer have to worry about that person is obviously justifiable. Celebrating the movement and reclamation of life post-threat is also obviously justifiable. Celebrating the loss of a life, though, has imprecise complications. These complications are where people protest.
With regards to my agnostic, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Jewish friends and brethren, everyone in the United States and everyone in Israel, everyone in New York and everyone in Pennsylvania, everyone in England and the rest of Europe, everyone with a hint or degree of moderation in their views, I am not just glad that the top of Al Qaeda is no longer a threat, I’m glad he’s dead.
His death is much more than the death of a man, it’s the death of a symbol and a very, very large step forward in the war against Al Qaeda. Remember, the entire mission which killed him took about 40 minutes, the actual fight that destroyed him took but a couple. The remaining 30-something minutes were spent collecting computers and data, evidence, and other things to help implicate the rest of Al Qaeda’s network of hate and discrimination.
The US Government not only guaranteed Bin Laden’s voice being silenced, they gained priceless information to protect the assets of ourselves and our allies. This, indeed, is cause for celebration.
Delicious roast chicken
Here’s what you’re going to need (ingredients, duh).
1 3-5lb roasting chicken
4-5 cloves of garlic, depending on size
1 medium tomato
5 small tomatillos, husks removed
1 lemon OR 3-4 small limes
A little olive oil (maybe 3 tbsp?)
Fresh cilantro (6-7 leaves)
Fresh basil (8-10 leaves)
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Salt N Pepa to listen to
A tiny bit of butter
Set your oven to 450º. Also, put on your Salt N Pepa album or cassette.
Slice your tomatillos and tomato into thick slices. Pound your garlic with the side of your knife to release some of the flavor.
In a frying pan with heat to low-medium, melt butter and put the red pepper flakes and garlic in the butter. Let that soak for 2 minutes or so. Turn the heat up to medium high and add the tomato, tomatillo slices, and some salt (~1 tsp) and pepper. Pan roast these until they’re tender then quickly transfer everything over to a small food processor.
In the food processor add the cilantro, basil, rest of the garlic, juice of a lime or a little of the lemon, more red pepper, some olive oil, salt (~1 tsp), and some black pepper. Process it on low until it’s blended yet still chunky. Set aside so it can soak together while you prep the chicken.
Get the chicken and a roasting pan of appropriate size. Do not combine (yet).
Remove giblets from the chicken and rinse out the cavity and outside of the chicken well. Dry both the inside and outside. Place the chicken in the roasting pan breast up. Put the remainder of the sliced lemon or lime in the cavity.
Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil just to lightly coat. Now top it with the sauce you made and work it into the skin, making sure to cover the entire chicken.
Baking time will be 20 minutes for every pound the chicken is, plus an extra set of 20 minutes.
Place in your 450º oven. After 15 minutes turn the heat down to 375.
Once the time is up and your meat thermometer says it’s at least 160º in the thigh, remove the chicken. Cover with tinfoil for 10-20 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
Enjoy.
1 3-5lb roasting chicken
4-5 cloves of garlic, depending on size
1 medium tomato
5 small tomatillos, husks removed
1 lemon OR 3-4 small limes
A little olive oil (maybe 3 tbsp?)
Fresh cilantro (6-7 leaves)
Fresh basil (8-10 leaves)
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Salt N Pepa to listen to
A tiny bit of butter
Set your oven to 450º. Also, put on your Salt N Pepa album or cassette.
Slice your tomatillos and tomato into thick slices. Pound your garlic with the side of your knife to release some of the flavor.
In a frying pan with heat to low-medium, melt butter and put the red pepper flakes and garlic in the butter. Let that soak for 2 minutes or so. Turn the heat up to medium high and add the tomato, tomatillo slices, and some salt (~1 tsp) and pepper. Pan roast these until they’re tender then quickly transfer everything over to a small food processor.
In the food processor add the cilantro, basil, rest of the garlic, juice of a lime or a little of the lemon, more red pepper, some olive oil, salt (~1 tsp), and some black pepper. Process it on low until it’s blended yet still chunky. Set aside so it can soak together while you prep the chicken.
Get the chicken and a roasting pan of appropriate size. Do not combine (yet).
Remove giblets from the chicken and rinse out the cavity and outside of the chicken well. Dry both the inside and outside. Place the chicken in the roasting pan breast up. Put the remainder of the sliced lemon or lime in the cavity.
Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil just to lightly coat. Now top it with the sauce you made and work it into the skin, making sure to cover the entire chicken.
Baking time will be 20 minutes for every pound the chicken is, plus an extra set of 20 minutes.
Place in your 450º oven. After 15 minutes turn the heat down to 375.
Once the time is up and your meat thermometer says it’s at least 160º in the thigh, remove the chicken. Cover with tinfoil for 10-20 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
Enjoy.
Quick update
I want to give just a basic update on my life and get any first time visitors or long since talked with friends caught up.
First, the bad:
I lost a very dear friend to suicide.
My family's store lost their main manager, who was a friend of mine, to an intoxicated driver.
A very talented athlete I used to fence with died in a motorcycle crash.
My grandparents were in a pretty nasty car wreck (follow up to this in the "good" section!).
Since the store lost their manager, I've stepped in to help them out a few days. I actually really dislike working there...retail, despite my skill at it, is not my passion.
I haven't done anything with fire in far too long.
Now, the good:
I have the most amazing girlfriend a man could ever ask for.
My grandparents are recovering well from the car wreck.
I have an amazing support system of friends and loved ones.
I became an uncle.
I love my dogs.
Since taking up a part-time position at the family shoe store, I've been able to increase the work I put into my job with the Fortune 200 company. I'm an independent contractor with them, so I have to create my own business with them.
I've further developed my style, skills, and prowess as a photographer and model.
My love for my religion has been rekindled thanks to many factors and I've grown so much more knowledgable in it.
I successfully won a productivity contest with my main job to win an iPad, which is just freakin' awesome. Oh, it's made my presentations bomb-diggity.
I'll expand on this as much as I can, when I get the chance and energy. I'm going to be keeping this much more current this coming year (no, I'm not going by the Gregorian calendar here, folks).
First, the bad:
I lost a very dear friend to suicide.
My family's store lost their main manager, who was a friend of mine, to an intoxicated driver.
A very talented athlete I used to fence with died in a motorcycle crash.
My grandparents were in a pretty nasty car wreck (follow up to this in the "good" section!).
Since the store lost their manager, I've stepped in to help them out a few days. I actually really dislike working there...retail, despite my skill at it, is not my passion.
I haven't done anything with fire in far too long.
Now, the good:
I have the most amazing girlfriend a man could ever ask for.
My grandparents are recovering well from the car wreck.
I have an amazing support system of friends and loved ones.
I became an uncle.
I love my dogs.
Since taking up a part-time position at the family shoe store, I've been able to increase the work I put into my job with the Fortune 200 company. I'm an independent contractor with them, so I have to create my own business with them.
I've further developed my style, skills, and prowess as a photographer and model.
My love for my religion has been rekindled thanks to many factors and I've grown so much more knowledgable in it.
I successfully won a productivity contest with my main job to win an iPad, which is just freakin' awesome. Oh, it's made my presentations bomb-diggity.
I'll expand on this as much as I can, when I get the chance and energy. I'm going to be keeping this much more current this coming year (no, I'm not going by the Gregorian calendar here, folks).
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