We're Going To Stay Like This Forever...

So Congress decided to not bailout the failing economy. I say, finally, Congress looked at the future and voted for economic stability. Sure, things will always be the darkest before dawn, but if the Federal Reserve gives the economy $700 Billion and doesn't get it back like they hope, then we're in real trouble. As a hardworking taxpayer, I am happy that my tax dollars will stay with police officers and parks & recreation and not to bailout financial fat cats who don't want to lose their seven digit salaries. Don't get me wrong, I am distraught at the thought of a one in every 538 homes this year will receive a foreclosure filing this year. Not being a homeowner, it doesn't effect me, but it does effect the money markets and credit. I hope that the United States one day shy away from our consumer based economy which should hopefully give us a level head.
I hope that we can get out of this very soon.


Happy Birthday Stevie Arndt!
Current Music - brand new

Addicted to These Places...

...Taking Chances Tonight

Oh what a weekend.
This was the most fun I've had since I've been in South Carolina. I wonder if it is coincidence that it happened in North Carolina. The University of South Florida Bulls ventured to Raleigh, NC to take on the NC State Wolfpack. The game was the low light of the weekend. My friends from Tampa drove up for the game. Friday night we went out to a bar. It was awesome. The atmosphere, coupled with great company, equaled a fantastic time. So fantastic that I drank so much I woke up in a closet. Yes Sir, game over. All in all, I wish that the weekend would have never ended, but it's time to get back to the grind.
This Wednesday I will have a meeting that should begin the process if normalcy. Here goes nothing.

Is it smarter to blow yourself up for 72 virgins, or wait out life for one.
Current Music - something corporate

Clay Aiken is Gay...

...anyone really surprised?

With all the problems our society is facing, this is our top news story? Our Federal Reserve is considering a seven hundred billion dollar bailout to save our economy. If the Fed prints out that much money, our dollar will become worth even less than it does right now. If every time we have a economic problem, we print more money, in no time we will soon have very large bills that are no worth as much as they should. A cup of soup will cost $500, and going to a movie will cost a cool two grand. I hope that our government will take a second, forget about their own financial gain and think about the little people. I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a middle class in a few years. I feel that America is moving backwards. One Nation Under the All Mighty Dollar. I guess the whole going green movement in the United States is a loaded metaphor.
In other news, it is official that Lance Armstrong will be joining Astana cycling for the 2009 cycling calendar. I hate to say it, but Alberto Contador is the strongest grand tour rider in the peloton. Don't forget about Ivan Basso will be back this year riding for Liquigas. Floyd Landis will return to cycling with Heathnet. There are plenty of heavy hitters in the cycling world this year. Sorry Lance, you can't walk right into elite competition and expect to win the biggest race of the season just like that. I'm not saying that he couldn't win the race, but he is over the hill. I applaud his raising awareness of global cancer. I think he should get the Nobel prize or something, but if getting second place isn't an option for him, stay retired. You went out on top. Every other top cyclist has always chased the record and was beaten. I hope he knows something that we don't.

"With my one last gasping breath, I'd apologize" - taking back sunday
Current Music - thursday

Light at the End of the Tunnel...

The few readers of this blog may know that the majority of my entries have covered my financial and vehicle troubles since moving to South Carolina. I am happy to report that things are on the up swing. Don't think I'm swimming in cash, far from it. I can buy myself lunch at Wendy's or Piggly Wiggly, and not worry about the six dollars I just spent. I am in debt up to my ears, but with the face of the economy, I am humbled to consider my problems small in comparison to others. I'm looking forward to October. It will the be the first good month of 2008. I can't wait to be able to buy things I don't need. I am not chasing vanity, it's only an idea.

"When people die, they take a piece of us with them" - thursday
Current Music - story of the year

Please Read...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and a popular disc jockey were critically injured in a Learjet crash in South Carolina that killed four people, authorities said Saturday.

Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said the plane carrying six people was departing shortly before midnight Friday when air traffic controllers reporting seeing sparks. The plane went off a runway and crashed on a nearby road, she said.

Hospital spokeswoman Beth Frits said Barker and DJ AM, whose real name is Adam Goldstein, were in critical condition at a burn center in Augusta, Ga., about 75 miles southwest of Columbia.

Two other passengers and two crewmembers died, said the National Transportation Safety Board. Their identities were not immediately available.

Barker and Goldstein, who perform together under the name TRVSDJ-AM, played a free concert in Columbia's college neighborhood Friday night.

Taken From USAToday.com

I hope nothing but the absolute best for Travis and DJ AM. I am positive for a full recovery, but who would have thought.

Current Music - boxcar racer

Yo Burrito!

Cruising through the downtown Columbia, I met some friends at Yo Burrito, a quaint little mexican establishment. I would recommend it to everyone passing through the capital of the Palmetto state. The food was fantastic, and not to mention the ninety-two cent PBR, yum. Followed by the Office and Snakes on a Plane. What an evening.
On the way back home, the five points district was a buzz of the block party to go on this evening. Yes, Columbia will be have Travis Barker and DJ AM performing. Also, Perry Farrell (of Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros for those of you who aren't excited right away) will perform. Last but not least, Gavin Degraw will draw the sorority crowd. The best part of it all is that it's free and the city is closing off streets accommodate the party. I'm looking forward to having a blast tonight.

Only one week from South Florida vs. NC State in Raleigh.
GO BULLS!!!

"Enough is enough! I've had it with these mother fucking snakes, on this mother fucking plane."
And the crowd goes wild.
Current Music - beloved

The Simple Life...

...Don't Worry, this isn't about the Socialites.

Life in South Carolina is different; much slower that Florida. Sitting, enjoying my lunch this afternoon, I was enlightened upon the simple things that encompasses the people here. I was enjoying a bowl of corn chowder, and one of my coworkers spent a good twenty minutes about the different food he likes to eat. First it was how he marinates corn on the cob with mayonnaise. Then it was his homemade chicken salad that is better than the Piggly Wiggly. And as I was sitting, I realized the lack of consumerism here in South Carolina. I was humbled to think that different ways to make barbecue ribs and corn excited him. I hope that one day something simple captivates me. In reading the USA Today, the cover story has been howthe US is feeling the effect of the stock market. In Florida, everyone I know be complaining about it. they would be scared to even go out to dinner because they fear that their money will be gone in the morning. I love that I haven't heard anyone complain about here. My investment banker mentioned it one time. From hearing it everyday, I love the fact that it doesn't bother the working class here. You just go to work and do what has to be done. I love it.
I hope everyone wishes me luck. I am having an awful time with finances and I'm having to look into an additional job. We'll see what happens.

I think tonight I'll take the long way.
Current Music - dashboard confessional

What Part of Jamaica You From?

...Down By the Beach.

Retirement.
I'm only twenty three years old and I'm signing up with a bank for a 401(k)? It's a little overwhelming. I year ago I was chin deep in english papers and expository writing assignments and now I have a industry job with benefits and a retirement plan. The sound of it alone makes me want to scream for the hills. But, things could be a lot worse. I could be face down in a ditch, or living with my parents trying to figure out what the hell happened. It's a good problem to have. This blog just allows me to vent my thoughts. Ahhh. Do you feel it? It's the sense of clarity. And that my friends is priceless.
If I did retire, I might move to another country. Maybe Belize, Jamaica, or even somewhere else. I'd love to retire in a completely different economy that will guarantee myself financial security without the hanging threat of recession or of having to work because my IRA is depleted. Who knows. I just started my career and now I'm having my retirement being brought up. Time flies.

Ari Gold is my Hero.
Current Music - thursday

Being Green...

...What?

Waiting for the next day to arrive, I was thinking of my place in the world. I realized that besides supplying bicycle shops with whatever they need, I contribute nothing to society. I absolutely love riding my bicycle. If the least I can do is ride my bicycle so there is one less car on the road, I'll feel better. Unfortunately I didn't ride my bike to work today, but don't fret loyal readers, I plan on riding home tonight. My commute back tomorrow morning will reslut in my ability to drive myself home tomorrow night. Thusly, I will eliminate forty miles of gas consumption. I know it doesn't seem likem much, but if one person starts to ride thier bike more, than maybe it will catch on.
Can one bicycle communter make a difference? Some say that only one rider couldn't make a change, but with enough tenacity, many could raise as one voice and change the world. In the bicycle industry, we have a monthly publication that deals with quarterly reports, market trends, and consumer testimonials. The cover story this month is about "The Rise of the Bicycle Commuter." So, as you can see, the revolution is happening. Why not fix up or purchase a new bicycle and take a ride this week.

I challenge you.
Current Music - the almost

In a Court of Law...

I hope that no one ever has to deal with a ghetto check cashing establishment. During the headache that was the "memphis affair", I was forced to go to a check cashing place in Columbia to pay for my car to be release from the auto shop. I wrote my roommate a $1500 check which turned out to be an awful decision. My rent was taken out before the check was cashed. Then I received a call saying that I needed to pay for this balance or have someone represent me in a court of law. Just when I thought my problems were over. Oh well, Looks like I'll have another two weeks of poverty and PB and J. I'm hoping that next month I can slip into a comfortable life.

I also want to state this very clear. This blog is a outlet of thoughts that clog my mind. Getting them out helps. Also, I have known in my life to be very vague and abstract in my description and retelling of events in life. I hope to change that about me. I hope to be as open, honest and clear as I can be.

With a new life comes a new set of thought parameters.
Current Music - rascal flatts (don't ask)

The View from the Top...

In the space of time that was the weekend, there was only a few points of note. Honestly, I enjoy going out and seeing the world just as much as the next guy. When the gamecocks play, there's no use going anywhere in town. I'm sure in time, I'll make it to a game, but for the time being, Entourage it is. I have found my new show. Don't get me wrong, I will always love The Office and the Chappelles show, but this show is the wish of every guy in their early twenties. Just hanging downtown with your boys living it up. There are times with my roommates where I feel like that. We're ten feet tall and bulletproof. No one can touch us. But when I snap back to reality, I have to humble myself. I am content with my situation. I have my ducks in a row, and am ready to take on the world. I have started to learn where some places are and I look forward to going out on my own. Five points is pretty cool, but I can't wait to go the Town theatre and then on to the New Brookland Tavern. Whatever the future holds, I'm optimistic.

Twelve Days and Counting to South Florida against NC State in Raleigh. Can't wait to see all my friends again.

Let's hug it out bitch.
Current Music - taking back sunday

At Least I Have the Moon...

I don't know what it is about this town. I never thought that being an outsider would feel this alienating. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before this place becomes to feel more like home. When I'm at work, I have control. I know what I'm doing. Everything else, I'm having a hard time with.
I've always told myself that if I follow my heart then I will never be disappointed. And that when anything happens, I can only move forward. In all this rhetoric regarding moving on and facing the truth, I would only hope that my professional life and my personal life would compliment each other. As a sales rep in the cycling industry, I know what I am doing. In my personal life, I have no idea what I'm doing. Part of me wants to run back to my old life, but I have to stick it out. At night when I sit alone in my room, I look out the window. I see the moon. I know that the moon will never leave. Even when the moon may not be there for a couple nights, I know that it's coming back. It helps.

And if I fail, well then I fail but at least I gave you something.
Current Music - anberlin

The Rise and Fall of American Sensibility...

Sometimes I wonder what the United States are coming to. With a Hurricane on the way, they decided to raise gas grices exponentially. But with the prices on the rise, the sensibilty of the people in my town has gone out the window. The lines to get into a gas stations is unreal. Everyone is in a state of panic. "I hope I have enough gas to last me for the rest of the week." I must say that I did give myself gas to last for at least the rest of the week. BUT, if I'm at a quarter tank and we still are having gas rations and shortages, hello mr. bicycle. I would like to have a road bike to ride into work, but the one I have now works went it needs to. I might even start riding it next week for the hell of it. For now, I have gas, I still have my sense and I hope that you don't lose yours yet.

With each ending, a brand new beginning is waiting with open hands.
Current Music - fall out boy (don't worry, it's the first record)

Whispers from the Grave...

Sometimes I wonder why I have to deal with somethings. Today I received a call in regards to a check I wrote to a check cashing establishment. I am no longer with my car, but its trail still seems to follow me. I wish money wasn't such a driving force in our society. Sure, money is necessary to drive the economy and buy cool things, but when you don't have it, nothing seems to go right. I thought my problems were over, but now they're adding up. I am hoping to to get to some sort of normalcy, but my finances are making it very difficult.
I am very blessed to even have this problem. I guess I could be broke and living with my parents still. It isn't cheap to relocate yourself with nobody around. I am slowly gaining a support group, but I can't rely wholeheartedly just yet. Time will tell. Everything will work out in the end. Soon enough I will be able afford an IRA, boats, you name it. I am getting back on my feet. I need to take it one day at a time.

Try not to spend money you don't have.
current music - hit the lights

Strike While the Iron is Hot...

I feel that sometimes in life we are faced with challenges and question we may not have resolution for. We only move forward and can take what learn into the next adversity. And the sometimes, it's almost as if the next time you try, it's not even that hard. I guess you get into that state where you have nothing to lose. Ten feet tall and bulletproof as they say.
I love my life where is at. I have a new car, that gives me no problems whatsoever. I have great roommates that have helped me through the tough times of transition. I now I am starting to make new friends. I would never forsake my old friends, never. But, I can't hang out with people 500 miles away everyday. It's nice to develop the relationships of new people, hear new stories and create memories. I hope that everyone do something for themselves. Not let whatever it is that is holding them down, hold them down. Sure, if you're happy, then it can't be holding you down. But to those of you that are floaters, just gliding along the coastlines of life, DO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY. When an opportunity comes along, don't worry about your job, your apartment, whatever it is. Someway, somehow, it wil all work out for you. Never settle for anything. When you're on your deathbed, you should kvell about something in your life.

Complacency is the root of sedentary life.
Current Music - cartel

My Curse Has Now Lifted...

...I'm on Fire Tonight

Things in South Carolina are looking up now. My curse of a car is out of my life. I was very sad to see it go, but I can only move forward. I am now the proud owner of a Honda Element, and can now get to work like a normal person. Before I left Tampa, I royally ruinned a connection which I had held dear for so long. Hindsight is 20/20. I could have done this, I should have done that. I didn't. What happened between us will leave a bitter taste in my mouth, but if nothing else, it will give me a blueprint for the future. I am not in any place to get hot and heavy with anyone. I know how I am around women. In high school I only had a couple girlfriends until my senior year. I guess at that point in my life I enjoyed the attention, but now I've learned the importance and the difference that relationships and relationships offer. I welcome a new person into my life. Someone to captivate. But I refuse to fall head over heels anytime soon. This is my new life. Hello World, here I am.

Running from the rain only leads into the storm.
Current Music - my hotel year

I Wish You Joy...

...Success, Happiness and a Better Life.
There's something about weddings. We can't say no to them. Along with funerals, they're the only thing you can get out of anything for. Some weddings are awesome. Some, not so much. I know that true love is in the air, but the dark cloud of suspicion loomed in the air. Even with the stench of premarital relationships, you could see that they loved each other. I've been to a few weddings in my time, and to be honest, it wasn't the best. I figured that with the ceremony as beautiful and traditional as it was, the reception would have blown the doors off of any other wedding.
We got to the reception, and it looked like it had the potential. Large dance floor, buffet, DJ, all the parts of a great reception. Until it got underway. The wedding party was announced and soon after arrived the bride and groom. They proceeded to have their first dance together. But I was curious when the rest of the wedding party danced right along side of them. I didn't think that was the right time for it. After that, the head table was served their dinner. The DJ then opened both the dance floor and buffet at the same time. Half of the reception began eating their food, while a handful of people started to dance. After everyone was served, they began the toasts. The best man, gave a long winded speech including a song, a story, then the toast. The maid of honor was a little brief, but in the case of giving a toast, something short, sweet and to the point cannot be argued with. The funny thing is that most of the people in the reception were having their own conversation and weren't even paying attention. The best part of the reception was the cha cha slide. Thirty plus people all danced the slide and scattered as soon as the song was over. I sat down and had a drink after the dance and next thing I knew, the bride and groom were feeding cake to one another. I didn't even know they were cutting the damn thing. With all the confusion and disorganization, I decided to call it a night.
I wish them nothing but the best. I know that they will have a beautiful family one day, and have many years of wedded bliss.


Having joy in others will only insure joy for yourself.
Current Music - hit the lights

It's Good to be Home...

Enough Said.

Current Music - rainer maria

Today is the Day...

I know that in the last few entries, I've gone on and on about taking control of my own destiny. My car gave up on me for the last time on Friday night. After spending so much money, it still didn't work. I guess the Acura and South Carolina just wasn't meant to be. I'm going back to South Carolina today to start over. A fresh heart, a fresh mind, and a new vehicle. Look out SC, I'm on the raod in a couple of hours to take you by the throat, and say you're not kicking my ass anymore. It is my time now. I love Florida, but it's time to leave it behind for good. There are a couple of things I need to take care of, but after that, it's on.

Hope is what gets you through the day.
Current Music - Hit the Lights

For Those that May....

As many of you may read, my life has not been the smoothest by any means. Today was the day that I took the power back. I had to take a hand, grab a rope, call for help; whatever you call it, I couldn't do it on my own. But, my streak of bad wasn't over there. Oh no. I don't think fate would have allowed to get away that easy. The other night I was listening to Mitch Hedburg. One of his jokes were that if he had the choice he wouldn't have four easy payments of 19.95. He'd want to have three easy payments and one complicated payment. If anyone could have a complicated payment, it was me. I purposely got to the auto shop right when they opened at eight am. I learned that their credit card machine did not work. I went to the ATM, and I only had a $400 dollar limit. I ended up having to write my roommate a $1500 check to cash in his name so I could get the cash. We went to two banks, one being his own, and they wouldn't accept an out of state check without a week hold. I couldn't wait that long. We finally got to the Ace Cash Express place to cash the check. And they charged me seven cents on the dollar to cash it. What else could I do at this point. After all this I finally got my car back. After three weeks of headache, wonder and self revelation, I am wiser and better for it. The root of my problems and stress all stemmed from not having a car. I am happy to be able to come home to Florida this weekend for a wedding, recharge my batteries, and return to South Carolina with a fresh mind, fresh heart and above all, a fresh car. Look out Florida, the Gabe you knew is gone.
I am the life ridden self evolved. My hero's trial is over. My patience has overcome the adversity set before me. I am very happy to see my friend get married. He is making the commitment I hope to make one day. I wrote in an earlier entry that I couldn't see anyone loving my above anything else in the enitre world. I have reflected in leu of the exchange of nuptuals, that time is only thing between myself and eternal bliss. I do believe that there is someone out there for everyone. Have I already found it and let it go? Maybe. But they also say there is plenty of fish in the sea. It is only a matter of time before someone enters, or reenters, my life and takes it by storm. The most exciting part of whole process is that I am in a place of my life right know that I can truly, 100%, put everything I have into making a relationship work. I am sad to think that I was close to where I am know to have lost so much invested time, but it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.
Oh how the plot thickens.
Current Music - Silence, but the new underoath is great.

I'm Just Thinking Out Load

Another day brings the dawning of inspiration of things to come. Today is the day I fully encompass South Carolina. Today is the day I get my car back. Today is the day I take back my life. For the last few weeks, I've been dependent on other for whatever, getting to and from work or trying to get to the bar. But that's all over today.

If you're attempt at ambition is met with resistance, perseverance is the hallmark of a champion.
Current - underoath

Take You Away From that Empty Apartment...

...But what about my empty apartment?
Another day, and this one I truly am excited about. Since I've been in South Carolina I feel like I can't catch a break. I had car problems let and right, my financial security is a complete joke. But I finally caught a break yesterday. Some say southern hospitality is dead, I found some last night. I was attempting to purchase a car at a big name dealership, they couldn't finance me for less that twenty-two percent. Yeah, about that. So, I left, with no car. I started walking. I got about a mile down the road and my salesman was dumbfounded that I was walking away. He tried his best to get me to get in his car and go back to the dealership. I told him thanks but not thanks. I kept walking. Now I'm starting to think how smart this move might have actually been. Until I walked into this no name dealer ten minutes before they closed. The sole proprietor was very nice and when he heard I walked from another dealer, he offer for me to take an extended test drive so I can get home. I feel like last night was the first breaks of many that I should get here in South Carolina so it feels like home. This is my home now, I hope it's ready to welcome me.

When you are faced with a challenge, remember, no matter what happens, you can only move forward.
Current Music - yellowcard

There are Angels on my Shoulders

...and they're laughing at me.
The dawning of another week brings optimism like the last brought. What are you going to do this weekend; Are you doing something Thursday night? Each one may bring the next chapter, or they could spell another let down from it. I am starting to believe in the theory that if you don't have expectations, you're never dissatisfied. It's not unlike myself to hype up an event to the point that if things don't go as I wish, I'm not happy. For instance, at my old job, my boss joked about going to Las Vegas on a Friday, and coming back to work on Saturday morning. I said why not, what else am I going to do. I learned quickly it was all talk. Since, I stopped listening to what they had to say when it came to making plans. By the way, I lived in Florida at the time. If nothing else, South Carolina has taught me patience. From the two hour bicycle commute to work, to the trains that stop you every morning, to my job, to my car in the shop. I am slowly learning of my hero's trial. In keeping tradition with optimism, I am excited for nothing. I am twiddling my thumbs in earnest for something to come along. If I knew what that was, it wouldn't be worth it.

This gift is my curse for now.
Current Music - inkwell

I'm Not Asking for Pity

For many of you reading this, some may know me from Florida, and others may now know me from South Carolina. Before leaving, I learned a valuable lesson, to say the least. I never thought of myself as someone who could captivate some one's heart to the point that they could love me with no hesitation. When I walk down the streets or through a store I see a couple where the lady is pregnant, I wonder if someone could ever love me enough to have a child. Its an overwhelming thought that chokes my earnest attempt at love. I have learned in my short twenty three years on Earth that I am bad at relationships. Sure, it's easy to start a relationship, fall in love and create a bond. But what happens when the honeymoon is over? For me, I think I get lazy, fall into a rhythm that doesn't coincide with hers. Maybe in the future, I can love someone so much that food can lose it's taste. I wonder if it's wishful thinking. For now, I'm letting things happen. I've spent too much of my life trying to make things work. I am a firm believer that good things come to those who wait. Growing in a military home, patience was something I was bred with.

"Don't be concerned, you know I'll be fine on my own"
Current Music - dashboard confessional

This Direction I'm Heading, Let's Toast to New Beginnings

I've had my regrets in life; some small, some larger. I feel that in the past month, I've taken the reigns of my life and carved a path for me. I know that I've left everyone and everything I hold dear behind, but there is no day but today for happiness. I haven't felt this free in so long. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, and when I had the shot to remove the albatross, I did it. Do I regret leaving Tampa? No. I'll make that very clear right here, right now. I always felt like I had a bigger plan than Tampa had to offer. I hope I don't offend anyone who thinks Tampa is the greatest place in the world. It has it's moments, but the moments weren't enough to hold me. So far, everyone is really nice and welcoming. It's also nice to have something to talk about with everyone I meet. Might I add it's the perfect genesis of conversation.
I'm giving my new home everything I have. My new job is awesome. I get paid to sell bicycle parts to bike shops and research new bike stuff all day long. I couldn't ask for a better life. Getting to have a career in my passion and hobby. I hope that no one settles in life and chases their dreams.

When words fail, just listen.
Current Music - daphne loves derby