It's the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year
It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It's the hap- happiest season of all (Eddie Pola and George Wyle)
Really? Is it really the happiest time of year, or just an illusion of the mind? I'd be inclined to say bullshit, but that'd be a bit harsh. I don't know what the people who wrote that popular holiday song were thinking, but I sure don't feel like it's so happy, or at least the last five years or so or perhaps since the early '90's when commercialism exploded. What is it about the holidays that brings out the worst in people? I mean, c'mon, getting in fights over that last item at Wal-Mart, or camping out two days before a big sale? What happened to the REAL meaning of the holidays and Christmas (as former hockey coach and Hockey Night in Canada commentator Don Cherry puts it, "we all love Santa, but Christmas is baby Jesus birthday" as in this clip here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcerBrY816c). Seems like it's gotten lost, just like Thanksgiving. It goes literally from Halloween to Christmas while skipping Thanksgiving, then as soon as Christmas is over, Valentine's Day. Working in retail these last six years has really opened my eyes to how this rat race is, trying to beat out the competition, trying to sell the hottest new product, outdo each other on decorating. It's disgusting! Now, before anyone gets all bent out of shape, I don't hate the holidays entirely. I do love the Christmas music, the parties, the time with extended family (although going to be a hard one with my grandma's passing in September), etc..
However, I do get disgusted with the commercialism of the season, especially when all the retailers start their decorating in October! And then with radio stations playing the Christmas music in early November is just overkill. And with the fact that it's been in the 70's to low 80's these last few Novembers, I'm not in the mood to see Christmas stuff up when it's warm outside (although we couldn't help it in 1999 when it was in the upper 70's-low 80's around Christmas, as it was more like Christmas in SoCal or Florida; more likely to see Santa at the golf course than at the mall!). Oh, and I was also appalled that a local shopping mall had Santa Claus out on Friday. What the hell? What has happened to the simpler times, when Christmas wasn't thought about until the day after Thanksgiving, or the peace that the world should be feeling during the holidays (although it would be nice to see that peace last the whole year around). I wish the world was a simpler place and that we could slow down and enjoy the season and all it has to offer rather than compete with each other. Is it too much to ask? It's all why I just can't help being cynical during the holidays!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Halfway Down with Another Semester...
At last, that eight weeks has past and it's halfway through another semester. Usually the time when the chaff is separated from the wheat, well, more or less the slackers separated from the dedicated students. It's definitely been a busy semester, especially with music theory, which is very intense on the intermediate level. LOTS of four part harmony, although it's starting to make some sense at last. Sometimes I feel like trying to remember all those nit-picky rules of four part harmony is like putting a vise to the head, but it's worth it in the end (at least I hope). And considering how much I hated theory when I was first studying piano, this isn't so bad. More importantly, I'm having fun and still enjoying it despite the fact it's sometimes frustrating. The other class, applied music is alright, although have had to miss the last couple classes due to a major project at work, Project Simplify (which we'll be glad when it's finished). And of course, I can't go without commenting on the choir, which is a group I hold in high regard and am going to have a hard time saying goodbye to when I move on to UOP, San Jose State, San Francisco State, or wherever I wind up applying to. My closest friends in the choir have also been a Godsend this semester, especially being there for me after my grandma's passing last month. The music has been a nice diversion, especially last week with my mom's hospitalization with celulitis. Now it's onto Handel's "Messiah" (well, the Christmas portion), which is a work I've been wanting to sing in for a long time. Well, for once I'll keep this nice and short, as the semester's not over yet...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September Update
Amazing how time always seems to go by since the last time I posted something on here. Plus so much has happened that life has been in a perpetual overdrive since April. It's been quite a roller coaster, more like one of those extreme ones that I saw on Travel Channel that goes up at a 90-degree angle and comes back down at a 90-degree angle (no way in Hell will you EVER get me to go on one of those either!). It's also been more sweeping changes to deal with since April, some for the good, and some for the not-so-good.
I managed to make it through my second semester at Sac City College, although ended up just finishing off by singing in the choir and men's ensembles, while dropping the history class due to work and just because I wasn't into it all that much. I liked the professor and the content of the class, but it was too early for me, especially when I had choir until 10 the night before, then had to be up early the next day. Plus there was a lot on my mind as well that just distracted me from my school work, but then again, I was going to take the semester off as well. I just needed the break, but will continue the class next semester. However, it was a delight to sing the second half of Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah (just got the CD back and it was great!). Plus the new friends I have made in the SCC choir already feel like family to me, as well as our director, whose daughter was my first piano teacher.
In late May, we had a major upheaval at work with our upper management. While I cannot say what exactly happened, it all ended up being for the better, as we got a new store director and assistant director that actually care about the employees and don't treat us like dogs. They let us do our job (as long as we follow policy) and I feel like I can talk to them about many things. Plus in July, we also got a new general merchandise manager and he has been a godsend as well. I worked with his sister previously and he is just as fun to work with as his sister was. Plus we have several friends in common, love our Mexican food, and beer!! Granted that the district management doesn't decide to make more changes, it's going to be hard to say goodbye when I move to the Stockton area next year.
In late July, said good riddance to living in The Arbors in Antelope and moved to the Citrus Heights/Roseville area into a townhouse style apartment. I actually love it, and the surrounding area. Been able to walk about 2.5-3 miles in the area and not feel like I'm going to get jumped or shot at. It's also semi-rural in the area behind us, which is a lot like the area I spent almost most of my life around.
As for travels, didn't do as much as I would have liked to. Did a few random drives here and there, particularly along the river and have gone down to Rio Vista a couple times, looking for places I might want to stop and eat at in the future, or other parts I would like to explore more along the Delta. So far, Walnut Grove and Isleton seem to have a nice variety of restaurants and kitschy shops worth exploring. Then in June, Alison and I made my first (her seventh or so) trip to Vegas and it was quite an experience. So much to see and do and no wonder they call it "Sin City" (then again, it's funner to commit sin than confess it). Didn't go too wild, although did enjoy the strong drinks, reading by the poolside (basically "wasting away in Margaritaville"), exploring the shops in each of the major hotels, and the food. However, it's not cheap, so I probably won't be going back for awhile. Still, I'm happy with Reno and Tahoe (despite the fact there's not all that much to do in Reno, although Rum Bullions at Silver Legacy makes one great Bahama Mama!!). Then in August, went to Monterey with Alison for my 29th birthday and what a way to live it up before I turn the big 3-0 next August!! Left Citrus Heights at 6am and made it into downtown Monterey around 10am, then spent most of the early part at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the seahorse exhibit was extremely fascinating!). Then too the seventeen mile drive through Pebble Beach into Carmel and talk about God's country right there. I've never seen anything more beautiful than that (next to Lake Tahoe). Had a very nice birthday dinner at Louie Linguini's, then ice cream at Ghirardelli's below (all while taking in a nice sunset and ocean view). Next morning, had a good breakfast at a little sidewalk cafe/coffeeshop, then went to Santa Cruz and the Mystery Spot and Boardwalk. The Mystery Spot is definitely odd, as there is some kind of gravitational force where a cabin was built there that makes for some weird stuff. Of course, the Boardwalk was quite fun as well (and the roller coaster there wasn't too bad). I do love being a kid at heart there (and getting a nice tan). However, it was really hard to return to work after that vacation.
Unfortunately, things haven't gone so well this month. My grandparents had both accepted my parents offer to move in with them, with my grandpa moving in in August, then my grandma joining them after her release from Manor Care. Well, Grandma did get released, but only stayed with them two days when I get a phone call telling me that she was in the hospital after an apparent stroke and that the prognosis wasn't good. What a sinking feeling, after a nice weekend, but after the support of friends, and another drive along the river, came to terms that she was heading to a better place, which she went to when she passed away on the 19th. While it was hard to swallow (and still is), a friend made a point that she basically came home to say goodbye, which could not have been a better goodbye, after spending a nice afternoon, playing the CD from the Mendelssohn concert, and a nice tri-tip dinner. But, this feeling of sadness remains and probably will for some time, even though we had a beautiful memorial service at our church for her last Thursday. And it was also great to see family I hadn't seen in a long time, or even friends of the family I hadn't seen in awhile either. Still, I really have nothing to look forward to with the upcoming holidays, as she and my grandpa were always there for them, plus half our other family now lives out of state now anyway. I wish I could end on a more cheerful note, but my cheerfulness just isn't there for now. But, will continue trying to think happy thoughts, especially with the cooler weather coming. Until the next time...
I managed to make it through my second semester at Sac City College, although ended up just finishing off by singing in the choir and men's ensembles, while dropping the history class due to work and just because I wasn't into it all that much. I liked the professor and the content of the class, but it was too early for me, especially when I had choir until 10 the night before, then had to be up early the next day. Plus there was a lot on my mind as well that just distracted me from my school work, but then again, I was going to take the semester off as well. I just needed the break, but will continue the class next semester. However, it was a delight to sing the second half of Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah (just got the CD back and it was great!). Plus the new friends I have made in the SCC choir already feel like family to me, as well as our director, whose daughter was my first piano teacher.
In late May, we had a major upheaval at work with our upper management. While I cannot say what exactly happened, it all ended up being for the better, as we got a new store director and assistant director that actually care about the employees and don't treat us like dogs. They let us do our job (as long as we follow policy) and I feel like I can talk to them about many things. Plus in July, we also got a new general merchandise manager and he has been a godsend as well. I worked with his sister previously and he is just as fun to work with as his sister was. Plus we have several friends in common, love our Mexican food, and beer!! Granted that the district management doesn't decide to make more changes, it's going to be hard to say goodbye when I move to the Stockton area next year.
In late July, said good riddance to living in The Arbors in Antelope and moved to the Citrus Heights/Roseville area into a townhouse style apartment. I actually love it, and the surrounding area. Been able to walk about 2.5-3 miles in the area and not feel like I'm going to get jumped or shot at. It's also semi-rural in the area behind us, which is a lot like the area I spent almost most of my life around.
As for travels, didn't do as much as I would have liked to. Did a few random drives here and there, particularly along the river and have gone down to Rio Vista a couple times, looking for places I might want to stop and eat at in the future, or other parts I would like to explore more along the Delta. So far, Walnut Grove and Isleton seem to have a nice variety of restaurants and kitschy shops worth exploring. Then in June, Alison and I made my first (her seventh or so) trip to Vegas and it was quite an experience. So much to see and do and no wonder they call it "Sin City" (then again, it's funner to commit sin than confess it). Didn't go too wild, although did enjoy the strong drinks, reading by the poolside (basically "wasting away in Margaritaville"), exploring the shops in each of the major hotels, and the food. However, it's not cheap, so I probably won't be going back for awhile. Still, I'm happy with Reno and Tahoe (despite the fact there's not all that much to do in Reno, although Rum Bullions at Silver Legacy makes one great Bahama Mama!!). Then in August, went to Monterey with Alison for my 29th birthday and what a way to live it up before I turn the big 3-0 next August!! Left Citrus Heights at 6am and made it into downtown Monterey around 10am, then spent most of the early part at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the seahorse exhibit was extremely fascinating!). Then too the seventeen mile drive through Pebble Beach into Carmel and talk about God's country right there. I've never seen anything more beautiful than that (next to Lake Tahoe). Had a very nice birthday dinner at Louie Linguini's, then ice cream at Ghirardelli's below (all while taking in a nice sunset and ocean view). Next morning, had a good breakfast at a little sidewalk cafe/coffeeshop, then went to Santa Cruz and the Mystery Spot and Boardwalk. The Mystery Spot is definitely odd, as there is some kind of gravitational force where a cabin was built there that makes for some weird stuff. Of course, the Boardwalk was quite fun as well (and the roller coaster there wasn't too bad). I do love being a kid at heart there (and getting a nice tan). However, it was really hard to return to work after that vacation.
Unfortunately, things haven't gone so well this month. My grandparents had both accepted my parents offer to move in with them, with my grandpa moving in in August, then my grandma joining them after her release from Manor Care. Well, Grandma did get released, but only stayed with them two days when I get a phone call telling me that she was in the hospital after an apparent stroke and that the prognosis wasn't good. What a sinking feeling, after a nice weekend, but after the support of friends, and another drive along the river, came to terms that she was heading to a better place, which she went to when she passed away on the 19th. While it was hard to swallow (and still is), a friend made a point that she basically came home to say goodbye, which could not have been a better goodbye, after spending a nice afternoon, playing the CD from the Mendelssohn concert, and a nice tri-tip dinner. But, this feeling of sadness remains and probably will for some time, even though we had a beautiful memorial service at our church for her last Thursday. And it was also great to see family I hadn't seen in a long time, or even friends of the family I hadn't seen in awhile either. Still, I really have nothing to look forward to with the upcoming holidays, as she and my grandpa were always there for them, plus half our other family now lives out of state now anyway. I wish I could end on a more cheerful note, but my cheerfulness just isn't there for now. But, will continue trying to think happy thoughts, especially with the cooler weather coming. Until the next time...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April Showers, Allergy Season, and Spring Break
While I should be working on writing a paper for my music history class, I just can't seem to get motivated, especially since it's due on Monday. I don't understand why professors do this to students, as I have no plans of assigning papers or homework on the weekends or vacation for the simple fact that most students aren't going to do it (unless they're highly dedicated or have no life). Still, can't get away from the reading, though (especially since for grad school you sometimes have to be able to read entire novels within a week). Unfortunately, allergies have also put my mind in a bit of a fog, coupled with this cold I'm coming down with just in time for Easter.
Weather also seems to have turned a 360, going from springlike back to winter overnight. Only our first rain of April, as after all, April showers bring May flowers, although it seems like out here in CA, it starts earlier thanks to climate change (although we maybe had only one 80 degree day, making it a normal spring). Kind of fitting considering the stuff that's been in the news. The biggest story was how they authorities found Sandra Cantu's body, bringing back memories of Polly Klass in 1992 (which hit home at the time because Polly was the same age as I was at the time). I don't understand why people do such things and hope they find this sick son-of-a-bitch that did this act to an innocent little girl. I would love nothing more than to see this child-killer dismembered, stuffed in a suitcase, and thrown into a canal just as he did to this child! I have ZERO compassion for people like that and I hope justice finds him swiftly and severely. It's no wonder parents have to micromanage their kids anymore because of these threats and perverts out there. Plus add the continuing rise of unemployment and mass killings and it's no wonder the news is unbearable to watch. But, there is hope out there considering the stock market is slowly turning around and the housing crisis seems to have settled a little bit. So, time will tell.
Weather also seems to have turned a 360, going from springlike back to winter overnight. Only our first rain of April, as after all, April showers bring May flowers, although it seems like out here in CA, it starts earlier thanks to climate change (although we maybe had only one 80 degree day, making it a normal spring). Kind of fitting considering the stuff that's been in the news. The biggest story was how they authorities found Sandra Cantu's body, bringing back memories of Polly Klass in 1992 (which hit home at the time because Polly was the same age as I was at the time). I don't understand why people do such things and hope they find this sick son-of-a-bitch that did this act to an innocent little girl. I would love nothing more than to see this child-killer dismembered, stuffed in a suitcase, and thrown into a canal just as he did to this child! I have ZERO compassion for people like that and I hope justice finds him swiftly and severely. It's no wonder parents have to micromanage their kids anymore because of these threats and perverts out there. Plus add the continuing rise of unemployment and mass killings and it's no wonder the news is unbearable to watch. But, there is hope out there considering the stock market is slowly turning around and the housing crisis seems to have settled a little bit. So, time will tell.
Friday, February 27, 2009
A Busy Two Weeks
Since posting this, I had hoped to do some writing about the world, life, etc., but life has gotten in the way as of late. Been working a lot this last month, which is nice for the paycheck, not so nice on the body. But, must remind myself (and am reminded by others) that I have a job while many others presently don't. Can't take it for granted, as I could be on the other end, scrounging for work, begging for money because I can't eat (although could probably live on fat reserves for awhile), or doing anything out of desperation. But, there's hope for a turnaround, as nothing lasts forever. As one commentator on The Mike O'Meara show mentioned last week, this is only temporary and we just need to weather this storm. I hope she's right. So, until vacation starts in a couple weeks, it's all a matter of working as much as I can.
Friday, February 20, 2009
A New Blog!!
Howdy!
Welcome to my new blog, as it's time to upgrade from MySpace or Facebook and share my thoughts and random ramblings with everyone around the world. I enjoy talking about the news, local happenings, politics (warning, I'm a lefty, though), as well as cultural commentary. Looking forward to jumping into the REAL blogosphere.
Welcome to my new blog, as it's time to upgrade from MySpace or Facebook and share my thoughts and random ramblings with everyone around the world. I enjoy talking about the news, local happenings, politics (warning, I'm a lefty, though), as well as cultural commentary. Looking forward to jumping into the REAL blogosphere.
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