Changes

Finally landed a new job and promotion. Will also be moving in with the gf and got a new car. Head is spinning, so I guess I should enjoy while it lasts!

Haven't been posting much..Sometimes I run out of things to say, but I have been thinking what I want to do with my life from now on:

I plan to pursue acting which has been a passion for a long time. I Want to get some experience in maybe a local play or film, even if it means no pay, then eventually take an acting and voice class. From there, I hope to get an agent and go from there. I know the success rate in this industry is slim, but I feel we all owe ourselves the chance to at least TRY and pursue what we love.

I know I will have to work a day job for a long time, but I'm also looking for something meaningful. Sure..a job that pays well is a charm, but I also feel it should have and give one a sense of purpose. What I am currently doing is far from that. I actually feel trapped, but I also know there are people in far worse predicaments than myself.

The end of an era

Like millions of other fans of "The Sopranos", I mourn the end of one of the greatest shows ever. Unfortunately, I did not watch the final episode, and in fact, I have not even watched one episode of season 6, part deux. I will wait and get it on DVD and see it without waiting a week or interruption. I have the other seasons and have gone through them twice. I'm also considering getting some Sopranos memrobilia as well.

Since I've always been a fan of the mafia genre, this show has captivated and cast an addiction over me like very few have. If there is a "Sopranos Anonymous" group, please let me know.

While I'm also a "Six Feet Under" fan, it just did not ignite the raw emotions in me as Tony and crew did.

I will say though that this show has typecast many of it's actors, but I'm sure they will have no problem getting work. This show has also made once relatively unknown actors into pop icons whose careers have gotten a mega-boost, and can more or less name their price now. Take Tony Sirico, AKA Paulie for instance. Before the Sopranos, while he did appear in quite a few films, namely Goodfellas, Money Kings and others, you could probably pass him on the street and not even take a second glance. Now he has become one of the most recognizeable figures in show business. I'm sure he will need a few bodyguards now. I can also say the same for Frank Vincent, Vincent Pastore, Dominic Chianese and others.

As for the last show, I have seen some unfavorable reviews in recent days, but I will just draw my own conclusions.

Granted, this show is not everyone's cup of tea, and I can understand that. It has definitely created quite a bit of ire in the Italian American community, which to some degree is understandable. However, it's just a show, or is it?

UFC 71

I did not see the fights since I was away, but from what it looked like, it was one of the best UFC cards ever. I was definitely surprised to hear Rampage took Chuck out in the first round. Not luck at all, and I will say Rampage came to win. Chuck made a mistake and Rampage seized the opportunity. I at least hoped the two would at least go the full 5 rounds. Maybe Chuck will fight Jackson one more time to avenge those losses, then maybe not. Like with any sport, MMA has it's share of surprises. My hats off to all fighters

Mr. Carter

While former president Carter was probably not one of the greatest presidents ever to reside at the White House, I still admired him for his down to earth Southern demeanor. But for heaven's sakes, Jimmy..aren't you RETIRED? Granted, we know the current administration is not up to snuff, but If I were you, I would be out playing golf, sailing, travelling, gardening, spending time with the grandkids... doing whatever retired people enjoy doing. Let it go, Mr. Carter. the country will go on long after you are gone. Don't get to the point where few people will show up to your funeral here in DC. Enjoy life.

Project "De-Clutter" 98% complete!

Well, Sunday night I put the last of unwanted things in the trunk of my car to be donated and after an undertaking that lasted about 2 months, I can say I'm near the end. I will also say I slept peacefully and woke up refreshed, even though it was Monday and time to go to work. I actually FELT better waking up in a pared down apartment.

All in all, I have no idea how I accumulated so much and vow never to let it happen again. Generally, I'm a clean and tidy person, but I just let things get way out of hand. I was also buying things here and there that I eventually no longer used, especially knicknacks. One day, I just said "enough". Plus, I also decided that I want to live simply and with less and my life will no longer revolve around material goods. I feel when too many items clutter up our physical spaces, they can have a negative effect in other areas of our lives as well. Now, I am in no way implying that I will live like a pauper since we all need creature comforts in life. However, I now feel one can have and live more with less. Thankfully, my girlfriend is that same way about her place, so at least we have SOMETHING in common :).

The vast amount of things that were banished and donated were knicknacks and decorations, magazines, extra weight plates, cassette tapes, many books, clothes that no longer fit or WAY out of style. In fact, I had to ask myself did I really wear this??. I also got rid of excess dinner and sliverware, coffee cups, appliances that were no longer working and other items. A perfect illustration of how bad it was in my apartment, I could hardly open the closet door and literally had to yank an item of clothing out.

I also organized books, CDs and videos in somewhat logical order by genre and author. I bought shelves and storage units to accomodate said items. I also downsized furniture that was not functional and/or bulky and put casters on shelves for easy mobility, especially for cleaning. I gutted the bathroom and can now step out of the shower without knocking something over.
Eyesores, such as old and excess decorations and paintings were removed and given a freshening up or donated. Also things that were previously packed and hidden away by other clutter are now more accessible and easy to reach.

I didn't have a prescribed system, but this is what worked for me:


Have a box for donations, one for trash and the other for friends. The things you decide to keep can be organized later.

I focused on one area at a time, such as the living room, thus avoiding the temptation to stop. Plus, my entire home was not in shambles during the project.

Do a little each day instead of trying to accomplish too much at once, but make sure you devote at least an hour a day.

Remind yourself that someone else can enjoy what you no longer need or want.

Once you've decided to let go of something, stick with that decision. I know it's hard, but do it anyway.

Remember that your are also getting rid of items that may attach you to a period of turmoil in your life. It's time to start anew.

Visualize what your "new" home will look and feel like.

Upon completion, reward yourself with a special meal or other gift.



Now, after all of that work, your new home must be maintained. This is what will be very helpful to me:



ALL junk mail should immediately be thrown out. If possible, pay your bills online, thus cutting down or eliminating paper clutter.

Instead of subscribing to the newspaper, read it online. As for magazines, the same should apply. If there is an issue you really want, just buy it at your local bookstore.

Avoid Garage sales, rummages and flea markets at all costs. Remember that we are trying to maintain a clutter free life now. The aforementioned outlets offer items at a reduced price and it can be tempting to give in.

Also minimize trips to IKEA, Bed Bath and Beyond and other similar places. This was my downfall for sure, as I had to have the latest accessory or candle holder. Go only if you need something and have allocated space for it.

Money that is spent for unneeded items can be saved for a trip or home improvement down the line.

Once every month or two, do a re-evaluation and see if there are some more things that can be given away.


I found these sources to be extremely helpful:


www.eliminatechaos.com

www.simpleliving.com


Hopefully I won't have to do this again, but for now, I'm enjoying my new place.

The Mayweather-De La Hoya Fight

I didn't get to see this fight, but I knew Mayweather would take Oscar..Nonetheless, I have the utmost respect Oscar De LaHoya. Now if Floyd will only fight Hatton...