For the last few weeks, I have been asking myself if all this trouble was worth it. Was it worth leaving a comfortable job for something new? Was it worth leaving my friends only to be a stranger trying to fit in? Was it worth leaving something I knew how to do well to being a freshman again and trying to relearn everything I knew? Was it worth all this effort , pain, heartache, and frustration?

Well, friends…I got my first full paycheck today. And let me just say…it was worth it.

Dad, I’ll finally be able to pay you back! :)

This weekend is FFM: Sacramento. Brian is bowling up there, so I will be photographing various people and visiting with our Gender Relations Advisor. Should be a nice weekend. Looking forward to it, but not necessarily the drive. But Brian and I are the masters of the roadtrip, so it should be fine. I’ll keep you advised of the happenings…and cameras will be in tow, so look forward to a videographic representation of our journey.

Happy Friday, people! :)

Don’t get me wrong, I like things to be pretty too. But Martha Stewart just bugs the heck out of me. At least, I thought she did. Sure, she is the epitome of homemaking perfection. A household name, if you will. And her recent short-term incarceration didn’t give her any points in my book. As a matter of fact, I found the media frenzy a bit annoying; and, of course, the leniency given to her because of the fact that she is a celebrity. That always bugs me.

So when I heard about the new Apprentice with dear ‘ole Martha, I was less than impressed.

Until I actually saw it.

I watched the replay on CNBC last night, and I was enthralled. It’s a softer Apprentice, with her conference room and letter-writing. She’s less abrasive than The Donald, but she knows her stuff. This is a woman who for the last 15 years has worked to create a media empire; a self-made billionaire. And THAT is impressive. Her demeanor is very professional and her business knowledge formidable.

And her daughter, Alexis, is sort of cute too. The self-dubbed “original Apprentice.”

The cast is also interesting; a very colorful, talented group of people who I think will prove to be entertaining and enjoyable to watch as they vie for the chance to work with Martha. It’s definitely like Sears; a different spin with a softer side.

It sort of makes me regret not majoring in business. It looks like so much fun.

These weekends seem to fly on by, don’t they? Grrr, it’s already Monday, which means another week of work. Ick! But looking forward to the Sac trip this weekend. It seems that I am in demand up north; I will be photographing several individuals during my visit, while Sir Brian is bowling. But it should keep me busy and out of trouble. :) I just hope I don’t suck.

This weekend was just as productive…seems like the days are getting busier and busier. I did a little work on Renee’s website, getting that all up and ready and adding a few new things to it. I decided to go with a different, lighter, color scheme than before for a better contrast. It still looks nice and you can actually read the text. That’s important, don’t you think?

Also did a photo shoot with Michele and Rob. Those two are so stinking photogenic, it’s not even funny. But we went out to Shelter Island and Sunset cliffs and got some REALLY nice ones. I’ll post some a little later. The behind the scenes gallery is up in my Photo section; Brian took some nice shots as well.

Today, we met a potential client. The young couple, and their parents, sat around while we gave a brief sales pitch regarding our wedding videography services. They were impressed. We showed them the sample wedding we had done in March and showed them some photographs that we had taken and they seemed VERY pleased. So we will be doing their wedding next summer. We are really starting to pick up business just by word of mouth…it’s great!

Well, I must get to sleep or I’m going to be worthless tomorrow. More later!

It’s funny how you come into work on Friday…and the same conversations are taking place. For instance, the whole “It’s Friday” thing is universal. Everybody, everywhere, makes it a point to tell someone else that it’s Friday…even though calendars everywhere tell them this secret information. Then there are the, “Who got cut on Survivor/Apprentice last night?” A couple ladies were standing by the front door to the office discussing The Donald’s latest season of ambitious young people. It’s going to be an interesting one, that’s for sure. And Donald isn’t pulling his punches. I’d like to see who makes it to the end. I’m glad that Melissa chick is gone, even though she was one of my peeps.

On a totally unrelated note, I would like to think that my mom raised me right. But when I start traipsing mud all over the office, you start to think twice about this. I maintain that it is not my fault, however, being that I’m not allowed to park in the parking lot and have to hike through the mud to get to the office. And the picture I paint is so dramatic…because it’s just a little hill of mud I have to hike. But it sounds more interesting that way. I’ve been parking on the street, which means I cut through this little path to get to the building. Very short. Only a few steps. But in those few steps, my shoes get muddy. I try stomping my feet or scraping against the sidewalk, but that doesn’t seem to be that effective. But when I look at the mud I tracked in, I can’t help but feel a little guilty.

Oh well. :)

But I did walk a few extra steps this morning so I wouldn’t have to walk through the mud. Needless to say, I think my efforts are worth it as there was no muddy mess tracked in. I’m the man.

They made us stay late at work tonight. I know, I know…the slave drivers! But one thing that was cool is that they bought us dinner. That’s something that would never happen at my old job. Panda Express. Mmmm. It was good, even though I had Chinese last night.

I’m a huge fan of the noodles, though. That’s the funny thing about Chinese food…there is only one way to go: up. Just pile it on, baby. Beef broccoli, orange chicken, egg rolls. These are a few of my favorite things.

I’m so excited…even though I got off of work late, I am still able to catch a good portion of Must See Thursday: Joey, The Apprentice, and ER. I’ve been waiting all summer for it…and it’s here, it’s finally here. I’m so excited for ER later tonight…and The Apprentice is off to a good start.

Well, gotta get back. The Donald is waiting.

Well, I’m happy to report that I finally got my car back. I missed my baby! She runs all nice now. The nice boys at the dealership even washed her. Ain’t that nice?

Although, that doesn’t mean a darn thing since it rained and stormed last night like nothing else. It always works out that way, doesn’t it? Freshly washed car? It’s like, “God, I already washed it…it’s okay!” I’m sure He knows that, though. The lightning itself was spectacular…and I had a great view from my room. All was quiet on the front; then I heard the thunder in the distance. All of a sudden, “crash!” a lightning bolt struck and lit up the sky like a thousand fireworks. The intermittent bursts of light peaked through my blinds. It was uber-cool.

Sorry. I’m a California guy. It may sound like I’m easily amused, but we don’t get very many thunder and lightning storms out here. *grin*

So the thunder and lightning kept me up. This may sound strange, but I woke up at 4:30 in the morning to get some water and had this strong desire for something sweet. I remembered I had some Milk Duds in the freezer…but when I looked inside, they were not to be found. No duds. It was really sad. I think someone ate them.

Californians get dumb with water. It’s irritating. Driving is fun when it’s wet, ain’t it, folks?

I saw a real Georgia peach this morning on my way to work. She was on her cell phone and driving a black Civic. She was cute too. :) But on the cell phone? At 8:00am? I can only speculate that she was talking to her boyfriend. If I didn’t have to work, love would be the only force strong enough to get me awake and on the phone with another human being. I mean, come on, it’s early! Let me sleep, for crying out loud!

Well, that’s about it for all my early morning observations. I have to actually work now. Have a great day!

Just got back from lunch and I had to fill up my rental car with gas before turning it in tonight. I thought that since I haven’t appropriately complained about the gas prices (like everyone else and their maternal representative), I would now.

I mean seriously, $3.09…and that’s for the cheap stuff! The other night, I spent about 20 minutes driving around for gas under three bucks…I finally found it, but it was barely worth the effort. Although every little penny helps.

But as I stood at the pump today, couldn’t help but feel like I was being robbed. It was like I was just shaking my wallet dry of all the loose bills and letting them spill onto the ground. It felt like a really cute girl walking up to me, smiling all adorable-like…and then kicking me in the crotch as hard as she could, laughing as she walked away, whilst I writhed on the ground like a pathetic schmuck. It’s like ten thousand spoons; when all you really need is a stinking knife. Actually, it’s nothing like that. But isn’t that irony for you?

Well, that’s the end of my gas rant for today. I’m still pleased as punch about Jeff and Jer. And about the Submarina sandwich I had for lunch (although it’s just not the same without Kat).

Back to work, people.

I was so very excited to hear Jeff and Jer back on the air…except they were a little ways south on the dial. They are now on “Star” 94.1. They sound much happier; they seemed…different…during their time on Jack. But I sense good things a-happenin’ now that they are back on Star. 94.1 has always been a good station with good music and good personalities. And now, they have my attention in the mornings. So welcome to Star, guys. It’s gonna be good.

It’s funny, but, whenever there is stuff to write about, I’m never motivated enough to actually write. Such is the case right now. But I’m going to do it anyway since I’m not really doing anything else.

Well, I am, actually…I’m waiting for my stupid computer to render some audio so I can start work on yet another project I have waiting in the wings. It’s annoying, actually. But such is life…

And speaking of life, I’ve completed my second full week at my new job. Happy to report that I know where the bathroom is now. Also happy to report that I am no longer feeling that dweeb-esque feeling; although, I do fear that I still do have a little dweeb-osity still in me. I’m actually working on files now, people, can you believe it? All my by myself, with the help of my notes and a cool aid that this cute girl a few desks over made up. Cool aid, get it? Sounds pretty refreshing right about now. Anyway, enough of the puns…work is going much better…and hopefully I will feel even less stupid next week.

Last night, Dave and I hit up the Padres game. It was cool because our food was free…so I indulged in some Rubios. There was even a couple of girls sitting in the section over that enticed us to purchase some ice cream because it looked and sounded so darn good. Mmmm. But we lost. Nothing like tonight’s game…man, if any if you saw it, you would also say it was a great game. I had to settle for watching on TV…but Kahlil hit his first career grand slam tying it up in the bottom of the 9th taking them into extra innings. And the Pads win with a 3-run homer in the 12th, courtesy of Ramon Hernandez. Eight to five. Talk about a nice comeback and sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat action. That would have been a nice one to see live.

But the ice cream last night was good. :)

Today was mostly errands. I deposited my first paycheck and then took my car in for an oil change; only to find out it has to have a major routine service done. So I am with rental for the next two days. It’s a nice one, though.

And that’s about all I have to say about that. Pics from last night (from my trusty camera phone) are on my moblog if you care to peruse. I’m out for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, party animals.

I have determined that despite the “longer lasting” promises on the package, the life of a stick of Juicy Fruit is less than one hour. I have gone through about 3 pieces since lunch time; and each time, chewing way past the flavor threshold. Not bad for a piece of chewing gum, but not very economical as far as I’m concerned. While considering the monetary value of your typical chewing gum habit, I’d say this could turn out to be a very costly habit.

Of course, I’m not a Financial Guru by any means, so this is mere speculation at this point. Just my observation…

It’s almost 5:00!! Woohoo!

I felt like Mary Tyler Moore yesterday. I have been annoyed, frustrated, and downright annoyed with work. I mean, so far it’s just a place I have to go to everyday. I didn’t even really have a desk. Now I do. And I have stuff too. Like a stapler (though, it’s not red) and pens and Post-Its. Granted, these new items were not obtained until the end of the day…but still…

Office supplies made things a little better. But to be honest, it’s still irritating. I’m giving it time, though. As I sat at my desk yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed; you see, they’ve been throwing information at me left and right. It’s sort of like being repeatedly pegged with small pebbles. After a while, it just hurts, man! But I kept thinking to myself that I’m going to make the best of it…at least for a while. And I started humming the theme song to the Mary Tyler Moore Show (“you’re gonna make it after all…”). I wish I had something to throw in the air. Maybe my new stapler?

After it comes down on my head, maybe they will let me go home early?

I’m sick of training, dude. If I have to sit through another day of this, I may just go out of my mind. Someday, the future holds great things…like a pill or something that you could take instead of sitting through endless hours of crap.

But it’s not the future. It’s now. And I have to go train now. Later…

As I was driving to work this morning, I was watching a couple in a truck behind me. I can only assume that they were married, because other than the obligations of work and true love, I can’t imagine being awake that early. I also spied the wedding band on the dude’s finger. But the interesting thing was is that neither of them were talking. The chick, who was hidden behind big, dark shades mostly stared out her window. The guy was focused on the driving, his gaze never deviating from the road ahead. It takes nearly 5 minutes to actually get on the 8; most of the time, you are sitting at a stand still on the overpass and the ramp, patiently waiting, until the light lets you pass like a bouncer at a nightclub. But in that five minutes, not a word was said between these two. Lips did not move. Looks were not exchanged. And it makes me wonder; is this what we have to look forward to in marriage? Getting so sick of someone that we can’t converse? Knowing everything we need to know about the other person that there’s no reason to talk anymore?

Oooh, sign me up! And that was sarcasm, if that didn’t come across.

I truly hope the future holds more than silence.

My friends, Monday is nearly here. And I don’t want to go to work. Anyone know of any second-week excuses I can use? I’ve been doing online training modules all weekend, so I guess you could say my brain has had enough “W” it can take. Do you know what would make this all better? Some cake.

This weekend was pretty nice. Friday was low-key, which I dig. And going to bed at reasonable hour allowed me to get up early for breakfast with my grandparents and my dad on Saturday. We hadn’t been to breakfast for a couple months because it was hard for my grandma to get around; but she’s doing much better now, so we decided to go. Good times.

Saturday night, though, was cool. I hung out for a while at the airport waiting for my best friend, Katrin; she was coming back from visiting friends in Texas and I had the honor of picking her up. I didn’t know what flight she was on, only that her plane was coming in at 7:30 p.m.. It turns out that we sat on opposite sides of the airport terminal for about 30 minutes until she ran into me while walking to a pay phone to call me. We had an excellent time talking and schmoozing, catching up on old times, that sort of thing. We headed out to my neck of the woods and enjoyed dinner and drinks at BJ’s. We nearly closed the place, talking and having a grand old time. After sharing a Pazookie, we made the long trek up to Julian. It was actually a very quick drive; I don’t think I was driving like a maniac…but I’m pretty sure it was the conversation and the Coldplay that made the time fly. In no time, we were winding up the mountain roads to her parents’ house. After briefly saying hello to her brother, Shroom, and her Mom and downing the couple glasses of water, I was on my way back home. It was a nice drive. Julian is starting to get colder, which reminds me of winters at home in Ramona. I may be a city guy, but I love those backcountry falls and winters. Reminds me of growing up. You can even throw summer in there too; nothing beats those summer nights. After being on the road for nearly two hours, I hit the hay pretty early.

And now, it’s almost Monday. So begins another fun, exciting week. I hope you have one too.

I’ve been sort of lame this week. For instance, it’s almost 10:00 p.m. and I’m already thinking about going to bed. The combination of work and feeling stupid has put me in the mood not to do anything. Sort of sad, really. I hope I snap out of it soon.

Makes me feel old, too.

And on a sad note, I went exploring during my lunch break today for a Mexican food joint. The closest one I found was Sombreros, next to Pat and Oscars. This is a travesty. You see, Sombreros is a larger Mexican food chain, which means their prices are much higher than other places. In addition, there food isn’t half as greasy as your typical Mexican food joint. So that is my sad news for the day; there is no good Mexican food near my new job. At least there’s a Pat and Oscars. Mmmm, breadsticks.

Well, I have nothing else to write, so I’m going to cut this one short. Thank God tomorrow is Friday.

Well, the last two days have been quite the whirlwind of activity. As many of you know, I started my new job yesterday. Due to company policy (which I had the pleasure of thoroughly reading yesterday), I am not allowed to disclose the name of the company nor am I allowed to say that I am an employee of the company. Never mind that I have mentioned the name several times in this blog … from here on out, I will affectionately refer to my place of employment as “The W” as or Dubya, since that seems to have caught on.

So, my time at “The W” has been interesting. Actually, you could say that it sucks a little bit. Don’t get me wrong; these things take time to get used to. But I hate being the new kid. I don’t know anything or anyone. I ate lunch by myself. I had asked where the bathroom was. I felt stupid. I hate that feeling. I went from being able to tell people how to do things to not knowing how to do anything. And I hate it. Have I mentioned that already? Today was slightly better, although I did spend all day in a training class relearning everything that I thought I knew. Tomorrow and Friday looks the same.

But enough about work. Work is depressing. Let’s talk about something happy!

Well this isn’t necessarily happy, but funny … on Monday, we had our photo shoot on Sunset Cliffs. I brought a towel for our model, which ended up getting drenched when a giant wave crashed into me as I was climbing up the cliff. Not to mention my shirt and shorts got absolutely annihilated. When I got home, someone was washing their clothes, which meant I could not utilize the washing machine. Rather than put wet articles of clothing in my room, I left them in the back of my car hoping to get them into the washing machine ASAP. That didn’t happen. It wasn’t until yesterday that I got the opportunity to wash them. As a result, my car stank. This offending odiferousness permeated every inch of my vehicular unit. It smelled like something died in there. So I spent a good part of my evening Febreezing every inch of my car. It now smells like a glorious meadow on a beautiful spring day. It’s quite pleasant.

Let’s see, what else is new? I got back a little while ago from having Chipotle. I also went to Wal-Mart and bought things I didn’t need, including Milk Duds that were 88¢. I did pick up the Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds Live At Luther College CD which was suggested to me. I’m a big fan of the Matthews/Reynolds combo; this CD is really good! I am also full of ice cream. Coldstone is great, but the small size is always more than adequate. I forget that sometimes … and their marketing ploy to get us to buy the bigger sizes. I went for the medium-size, thinking that I was being economical and smart about the whole ice-cream purchase. It turns out that my eyes were bigger than my stomach and there was a small portion I could not finish. I wasn’t even able to eat the cone, which is really sad. It’s a cone!

Well, since I’m feeling like a big ice-cream blob and pretty useless, I think I’m going to clean up and get ready for bed. I’ll try and write more at a later date. Goodnight.