Hooray Spider-Man 2! WOOO!!!

Saw Spider-Man 2 today, junior detectives. And I think I can say, without any hyperbole whatsoever, that it was the greatest movie in the history of the universe. I laughed. I cried. Ya, that's right. I cried. Wanna make something of it?! Anyways, regardless what I think, you should probably all go see this movie...three maybe four times in fact. Seriously though, some people were disappointed with the first one...and I can see why. And while I throughly enjoyed the first one, the second one is better than the first.

I'd have to say, that Spider-Man 2, along with visits with my favourite person, albeit over the phone, were the high points of the day. Cause you see, my Euro 2004 dreams came to an end today...I'd like to congratulate Portugal on a very well played game. Good luck in the final. Anyways, more apartment stuff this holiday weekend. Should be in soon...I know I keep saying that, but I think this time I'm getting closer to being right. :) Later.

Hooray democracy! WOOO!!!

Unfortunately, the people of Elections Canada, at my local polling station, did not share my democratic enthusiasm.

'Nuff Said, Pt. 2: Hero

Courageous, self sacrificing people. Setting examples for all of us. Everybody loves a hero. People line up for them, cheer them, scream their names. And years later, they'll tell how they stood in the rain for hours...just to get a glimpse of the one who taught'em to hold on a second longer. I believe there's a hero in all of us...that keeps us honest...gives us strength...makes us noble. And finally allows us to die with pride. Even though sometimes we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams.

-Aunt May, Spider-Man 2

Two plus two is...four.

I got to run around my yard with airplane arms yesterday...sort of a Netherlands victory celebration in the fashion of footballers. And while, my neighbours, parents, sibling, friends, mental health professionals, etc. continue to insist that I am still a four year-old...it made me laugh. And in the end, that's what's really important. :)

But, I have to say that, while exciting as it is, I dislike the use of penalty shoot outs to settle a match. I just think that both teams should keep playing indefinitely. The team with better skill and endurance, should ultimately be the victor. That being said, the penalty kicks yesterday, were definitely entertaining and exciting to watch. I swear that I almosted stroked out yesterday afternoon. And in retrospect, I think that I'd be better off if I had...but, that's a story better left untold.

Anyways, things for the most part, are smiles and sunshine...

Later.

If you're gonna live under my roof, you'll obey my rules! Now butter up that bacon, boy!

I swear...that show just gives so much...and expects nothing in return...*single tear*. Speaking of angry white guys and bacon, I think that DC may have been a little angry with JS (aka Callahan) and myself yesterday...probably more so me than Callahan. As you know, DC, KA, and myself (and also Callahan), play Ultimate. It may also not surprise you to know that DC is our esteemed coach and captain. Since the beginning of his illustrious days as our fearless leader, DC has had the nickname Candyman. This is because he routinely brings out candy to the games. I thought it was originally because of his latent pedophilia. :) Nevertheless, the nickname sticks mostly because of the candy. A little sugar boost for our team and our opponents. But, how can he call himself the Candyman, when he refuses to supply the team with adequate and/or appropriate candy. Case in point (this is where the angry comes in).

You see, last week, our good friend TB, suggested a pre-game cheer. That being: "Bacon! The candy of meat!" And seeing as DC is the Candyman, you would think that he would be receptive to taking requests for candy suggestions. Apparently not. Cause when I suggested that he bring out a grill to provide us with "the candy of meats", he gave Callahan and myself the cold shoulder. Needless to say, both Callahan and I were laughing when I asked him. Don't know why it was so funny...I think it was more the expectation of DC's response that was so funny, more than the absurdity of the question, or the actual response. That being said, who knew that DC would be so unreceptive to bacon. Just goes to show you...DC...not a fan of bacon. :) Later.

Rhymes with Orange...

So the Dutch are through to the next round. Smiles and sunshine!? I think so! I tracked the results of both the Netherlands-Latvia game and the Germany-Czech Republic game at work via the Euro 2004 website. Fantastic website! I started the day with this whole "No one talk to me. I don't want to know the score of the game" mentality...but by the time it had started, I was too nervous not to know what was going on. Thanks to KN who phoned me to update me on the games status (he didn't know whether or not I had internet access or a television at work). Kudos to you sir. And kudos again. When the result of the Germany-Czech Republic game came in, and the result of the Netherlands-Latvia game not in question, my first inclination was to pull my Netherlands jersey over my head, and run around my department cheering and screaming like an idiot.

Unfortunately, for everyone else, I didn't do that...but, it still would have been funny. Anyways, I'm still kinda riding the high from the Dutch victory. With all of the things going on in my life right now, when the little things go your way, like this, a simple footbal match becomes strangely important. It's a very strange feeling, when you think that your fandom actually makes a difference in the result of a sporting event and your team pulls off the impossible. There is always something to be said about generating the good karma. It's all good, ladies and gentlemen. It's all good! Anyways, there next opponent is Sweden. A squad that is not to be taken lightly. There will definitely be a good match this coming Saturday. But enough about football.

There have been some interesting revelations of late in my little world. Nothing earth shattering...still I can't help but feel a little bit more alone than I've felt in quite some time. Friendship is an enigmatic creature. No two friendships are exactly the same. The dynamic from person to person will differ in ways that you could never expect. And that is definitely a good thing...because if everyone was the same...well, natural selection would have taken care of our species along time ago. But, while that part of my world is less than smiles and sunshine...there is a definite break in the clouds...I can seen blue skies on the horizon. There will not be a repeat of mistakes from my past. I think I can truly say that I have learned from them...I will not be doomed to repeat them. Plus, there are a whole bunch of people who won't let me. Thanks. :) And while the darkness is an ever inviting, easy and comfortable place to retreat to and hide...mostly because it is dark here in the darkness...I've discovered that there are far more intersesting and entertaining opportunities out here in the light. Plus, the light, that's where I keep all my stuff. I'm just really to lazy to pack it all up and move it back into the darkness. :)

Seriously though, there will be an adjustment. But, awkward or not, I will endure...she knows that she carries my heart with her always. I love her to pieces. There's no changing that. But, I suppose I will have to try. It won't be easy...but, her friendship with me is more important than anything...even a Dutch victory. My friendship with her, is more than I could have ever hoped for. When a person as wonderful as her comes along, I would be insane not to want to have her in my life. So, while right now, we cannot be more than just friends, if you were to ask me if we would remain just friends? Damn straight! Wouldn't trade that for anything.

Alright, enough cryptic philosophizing...Go Holland!!! Here's a haiku for you. I got it from the nice people at Broken Saints. A website that you, the reader, should definitely check out. Very cool stuff. Oh yeah, you'll notice that websites that I refer to here in this shiny blog are actual links now...DC was disappointed that I hadn't done that in previous blogs...something about being useless and lazy. Happy now jackass! :) I'm out. Later.

A proven 'good thing'
Can be made even better
with a little Love

-Broken Saints

My Dad can beat up your Dad...

Happy Father's Day!!! Didn't spend too much time with my Dad today. Mom and Dad went out on the town. Livin' it up, so to speak. So, I took it easy today. Hey, God got to rest on the Sabbath...why shouldn't I. That's right; I’m comparing myself to God. Anyways, I watched Spider-Man today. Sort of a preemptive screening of the original before the release of Spider-Man 2 on June 30th. Watched some Euro 2004 later on, and then mes parents came home. So, it being Father's Day, I took the folks out for some grub. Nothing fancy, just my way of saying thanks. My brother and I will make a more elaborate statement later in the week. He went over to his in-laws this evening. It is his brother-in-law's first Father's Day. That's pretty cool. Anyways, as for a Father's Day gift, I got my Dad, this shiny new laptop case. This thing has all of the bell and whistles you could possibly want in a computer case. In fact, it has its own kitchen sink. We stopped at the Wal-Mart on the way back from dinner. Something about that place makes me uneasy. It's almost like Wal-Mart is the staging ground for manifest destiny. I don't know. I just get this weird vibe when I'm in there. Whatever, right? Anyways, today was pretty much smiles and sunshine. Alright, go to bed junior detectives. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow. I'll talk to you soon. I'm out. Later.

'Nuff Said

…when you look in her eyes and she’s looking back in yours, everything feels not quite normal…because you feel stronger and weaker at the same time. You feel excited and at the same time terrified. The truth is, you don’t know what you feel…except you know what kind of man you want to be. It’s as if you’d reached the unreachable…and you weren’t ready for it.

-Peter Parker, Spider-Man

All Is Well

What a great day! Despite the heat, I got quite a bit done today...cleaned up a bit more stuff for the apartment, ran some errands for my parents, and got in some chill out time with a few of my favourite people. Not to shabby, with the exception of the Dutch loss to the Czech Republic, which I don't want to talk about. :( C'est la vie. Anyways, DC, KA and I watched Bubba Ho-Tep last night. Not quite sure what their take on the movie was, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Those of you who have seen it will understand why. Those of you who haven't seen it, I caution you that it's not for everyone. Still, a movie that I highly recommend. 'Nuff said. Anyways, I'm kinda sleepy...I'm out. Later.

I think we all know who this is for...or do we?

Come stop your crying,
it will be all right.
Just take my hand, hold it tight.

I will protect you
from all around you.
I will be here.
Don't you cry!

For one so small,
you seem so strong.
My arms will hold you,
keep you safe and warm.

This bond between us,
can't be broken.
I will be here.
Don't you cry!

'Cause you'll be in my heart.
Yes, you'll be in my heart.
From this day on...
Now and forever more.

You'll be in my heart.
No matter what they say.
You'll be here in my heart.
Always...

Why can't they understand
the way we feel.
They just don't trust,
what they can't explain.
I know we're different but,
deep inside us...
We're not that different at all.

And you'll be in my heart.
Yes, you'll be in my heart.
From this day on...
Now and forever more.

Don't listen to them.
'Cause what do they know?
(What do they know?)
We need each other,
to have, to hold.
They'll see in time...
I know.

When destiny calls you,
you must be strong.
(You gotta be strong...)
I may not be with you.
But you've got to hold on.
They'll see in time...
I know.
We'll show them together!

'Cause you'll be in my heart.
Believe me, you'll be in my heart.
I'll be there,
from this day on...
Now and forever more!

Oh, you'll be in my heart.
(You'll be here in my heart...)
No matter what they say.
(I'll be with you...)
You'll be in my heart.
(I'll be there...)
Always...

Always...
I'll be with you...
I'll be there for you always...
Always and always.
Just look over your shoulder...
Just look over your shoulder...
Just look over your shoulder.
I'll be there always...

-Phil Collins, You'll Be In My Heart

I Have Special Features You've Never Seen...

So, I greeted the day much like I always do...sleepy and cursing at it like a trucker. :) Today seemed to be more about the sunshine than the smiles. That being said, there were plenty of reasons to smile today...ok maybe only one. But, she's more than reason enough. And with an incredibly beautiful woman by my side and gorgeous sunshine, it's days like today, that I'm thankful that I live in the greatest city in the entire world. That's right folks...I think that I can say without any hyperbole whatsoever, that Vancouver is the greatest city in the history of the universe. :)

Nothing new to report on the apartment front...mes parents just returned from Boston no more than a week ago, and it's taken them a little more than a week to get back into a regular routine. Which ultimately means that my father isn't around to complete the renos. C'est la vie. So, as things stand, I should be in hopefully by the end of next week. Although, the goal is to be in and settled ready to host the World Cup of Hockey at the end of August...which in theory gives me more than enough time to move in...although, sooner is preferable to later.

That being said, I'm one step closer to having a fully furnished apartment. My father and I went refridgerator shopping the other day. The current fridge in the apartment is too big. In fact, its kinda obtrusive. My father seems to be leaning towards the apartment size LG fridge. It's actually pretty shiny. But...if you're gonna buy an LG fridge, you have to buy the internet fridge! That's right folks, you can surf the web with your fridge now. What would we do without technology. I eagerly await the day, when I will be able to scan, photocopy, print, collate, and fax with the simple flush of a toilet. :)

Anyways, while I was in the Futureshop...which I might add, are seeming to be more ghetto everyday...I came across the new Deluxe Edition Spider-Man. Which is unfortunate, because I had to buy it. It has a new special features disc. It told me so..."Oh Jeff...Jeff...I have a new special features disc...special features..." And while many of you will be questioning my Spider-Man psychosis, I should remind you of one simple fact...new special features disc! Ok. Not especially convincing...but, it's my malfunctions, and I have to live with it. Good thing my father was there, (he ridiculed me for buy a movie I already own...much like many of you will do...for a special features disc...but, I vow to you now, that old man is going down!) cause I probably would have bought the Superbit version as well. :)

Leaving my childhood (and according to some adulthood) hero behind us, I had a nice chat with the nice Dutch lady at work today regarding the Holland/Netherlands-Germany game yesterday. I had the presence of mind to tape the game, and politely refuse any football conversations with people yesterday, until after I had watched the game. Let me just say that my pronunciation of Dutch names was seemingly good, as she never corrected me once nor did she seem offended by my pronunciations. I find that nowadays, people can be easily offended, when an "outsider", such as myself, tries to co-op their culture.

Let's face facts: I'm Canadian. I'm also Chinese. I'm not Dutch (or as my brother likes to call them the Hollish...there's something wrong with that guy). So, it could be very easy for her to dismiss me and my "allegiance" to the Dutch national team. What's very cool, is that my love for her native country, was taken as it should be. Positively. And my support for the Dutch, was seemingly enduring and perhaps brings me one step closer from being a wanna-be Dutchman to being fully clad in the orange grace that is the Netherlands. :) But seriously, I think that's what makes this country so great. Not only tolerance and acceptance of other cultures and peoples, but how we as Canadians, embrace those cultures and people and make them apart of our everyday world.

Ok. So, that's today's lesson:

1. Smiles and sunshine...or is it sunshine and smiles?
2. Vancouver. Greatness of epic proportions.
3. Futureshop is ghetto.
4. Currently, only Mother Nature accepts faxes from toilets.
5. Inanimate objects are capable of telepathy.
6. I have new special features.
7. The Dutch or Hollish are damn fine people (so are Hungarians...but, that's a discussion for a different time :) ).
8. Apparently, I look good in orange.

Remember, while this won't be on the mid-term, everything is fair game on the final exam. Alright folks...I've just been given some sherbert...it's lemon. I have to eat it post haste. Have yourselves a good one. I'm out. Later.

RUUUUUUUD!!!

Ok...not exactly the greatest showing by the Dutch squad, but a draw with Germany, isn't exactly a bad result. Each team looked pretty tentative in this the opening match for the Group of Death. And while the Czechs currently sit a top their group, I have the utmost confidence that the Netherlands will move on to the next round. Let me just say what a beautiful cross by Andy Van Der Meyde! And what's more, what an incredible strike by Ruud Van Nistelrooy!!! One more thing...great substitution bringing in Marc Overmars. He definitely changed the pace of the Dutch attack...when there was one. He's definitely a threat and the Germans recognized that, sometimes sending two defenders against him. Nonetheless, he was able to get a couple of shots on goal and cause major problems for the German defenders. Finally, I want to give well deserved props to Michael Ballack, who had an outstanding game, despite getting a yellow card. That guy is always a threat carrying the ball through mid-field. Anyways, this game is behind us...on to bigger and better things. But, the Dutch should not underestimate the Latvians and especially not the Czechs...they don't call this the Group of Death for nothing.

I went to IKEA this evening to find some more furniture for the shiny new apartment. Bought some bookshelves and a light fixture...I think I'm a little over stimulated though...there's so much stuff there...so many ways to class up the Fortress of Solitude. It's all good. It will all come together in time. Anyways, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you out there...not for any particular reason, simply...thanks for being there. Today, things were definitely smiles and sunshine. 'Nuff said. I'm out ladies and gents. Later.

A Distinct Kicking Motion...

I met up with DC this afternoon. It had been a while since we had just got together to shoot the breeze, watch some Euro 2004, toss the disc around and play a little nine-ball. I've been busy with apartment stuff and DC's been busy with school and other miscellaneous projects. Let me just say, that I seemed to have brought my A-game today. I have to say, I made some pretty impressive combo shots. And it is definitely a rare event when I defeat DC at a best of five in nine-ball. I'm not bragging or anything, it's just nice to beat the master at his own game sometimes.

In any event, I spent the majority of the morning and early afternoon at the apartment. Mostly puttering around doing miscellaneous stuff. I moved a bunch of furniture over there today. It's all starting to take shape...I have to say that I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing. I think that I should be in by the end of the weekend...maybe sooner. We'll see.

Just to update you, Timmy is doing well. He has good days and bad days. A broken heart is not something that is easily recovered from...it still hurts junior detectives. I've had to refrain from listening to the blues for the time being...it just wasn't helping. But, I have to say that for the most part...things seem to be smiles and sunshine. It's all good. Although, I just realized that I haven't really had anything funny to say in the last little while...I'll try to give you something this week. That of course will all depend on whether or not the world pisses me off. I'd say there's a pretty good chance of that happening. Alright, stay frosty. I'm out. Later.

Saturday...Japanese-Style

I took my sister-in-law and my brother out for dinner tonight. The occasion you ask...her birthday. We went to this Japanese Noodle House called Kintaro. Now, for whatever reason, the location of said restaurant eludes me right now. Needless to say that the food was very good. After dinner, we decided to see a movie. We saw Zatoichi: The Blind Samurai. Now, this movie is not for everyone. In fact, there are few people that I would ever recommend this movie to. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was done in an old school Japanese action-style. The only thing that really confused me was the big musical number at the end...was so not expecting that. After the movie, we went back to their house and chewed the fat, so to speak.

Sounds like a pretty tame and uneventful evening right...Far from it. The company was more than enough to make the evening incredibly interesting. Now, I may dump on my brother from time to time. It's what brothers do. But bottom-line, that guy's a riot. He's simply one of the most interesting people I know. And my sister, well, I have nothing but good things to say about her. She is absolutely one of the most caring and empathetic people I know. My life is richer from having these two in my life. I guarantee it.

Speaking of people who make my life better, I was able to hang out with someone very special to me today. After a fun filled morning of Euro 2004, I spent the better part of the afternoon and evening talking with her over the phone. I don't get to see her all that often anymore...so any time that she chooses to lavish upon me is more than welcome.

Anyways, I have to say that Saturday was a pretty good day all round. I got some more stuff ready to go to the apartment, and cleared out some more junk that I don't need to take to the apartment. So, that's where I'll most likely be tomorrow. Hopefully by this time next week, I will be writing you, the reader, from my new place. But, it might not work out that way...we'll just have to wait and see. Alright...I'm tired. Not as tired as yesterday...wow, that stupid tired thing was a total drag...but, tired enough to know when to stop writing because my spelling will slowly become more and more atrocious. 'Nuff said. Good night junior detectives. Later.

Good Intentions

I was wicked tired today…or perhaps I should say...I was stupid tired. Every eight weeks, I donate blood. The friendly vampires down at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) are diabolically clever. For just a small pint of blood, they will give you cookies and juice. Can’t say no to that, now can I junior detectives. In any event, any one who’s read Under New Management may recall my post praising the benefits of donating blood. Although, DC mentioned in his blog the other day that donating blood is potentially one of the only truly altruistic acts a human being can partake in.

Unfortunately for me, this is far from the truth. I started donating blood for one reason. To give back. You see, my Aunt passed away several years ago. She had cancer which meant a lot of chemo therapy. And in turn the need for many blood transfusions (or at least that’s how I understand it). So, someone in my family needed the system and it was there to provide. And to those brave souls who helped my Aunt in her darkest hours…I thank you. I am more than eternally grateful. So, you see, I feel it’s my duty to try to balance the scales. Give back to the system that helped out my family. In retrospect, it’s a little sad that until this event I never considered donating blood…better late than never, huh. But, I digress.

Where was I? Oh yeah! Stupid tired. So, I donated blood yesterday. That was, followed up by three hours of Ultimate…out at UBC…in the rain…and cold. Now, in retrospect, perhaps not the smartest thing that I’ve ever done, but there was no way I could let down the team and not show. Remember, unless you misspell it or you are simply a team of one, there is no “I” in team. Ok…poor excuse. I just really wanted to play. Is that so wrong? Well according to some…yes. Oh well. I did make one person especially worried. Know what…there is an incredible indescribably fantastic feeling you get when you know that someone cares about you so much that they actually get mad at you for making them worry. Weird, huh. It’s all good.

But, I’m in one piece. A very tired piece…but, one piece nonetheless. Anyways, we took one of my colleagues out for her birthday lunch today. How did she put it…this was the seventh anniversary of her thirty-first birthday. She kept telling us that she was thirty-one. To which I kept adding “hundred”. I know…not really funny…but, after the fiftieth time…it’s f’in hilarious. But, I have to say despite being stupid tired, lunch was exceptionally fun…well, lunch was tasty…what made it fun was the company. I don’t think that I’ve had that much fun or felt that good about myself in sometime…broken heart and all. Let’s just say that there was something special about the car ride back to the office. Get your minds out the gutter. Although, the simple fact that your mind went immediately to the gutter makes me proud. Way to go junior detectives!!! Way to go. ‘Nuff said.

I watch CSI: Miami for the first time tonight. I’m not a fan of the whole CSI franchise, but I thought that I would give it another shot. Anyways, I taped an episode a while back. However, the intent wasn’t to watch CSI: Miami, so much as the preview episode for the new CSI: New York. I have to say that I was impressed. I guess I’ll be watching a new crime drama this fall.

If any of you are not familiar with www.apple.com/trailers, I suggest that you become familiar. Intimately familiar if necessary. I’m a bit of a movie freak…not as much as DC, but I enjoy my fair share of trips to the theatres. In any event, I’ve know about this particular movie for sometime. I learned about it from www.superherohype.com; another website that those of you who are enjoying the current flood of superhero/comic book movies might want to check out. Anyways, the movie is called Constantine. It’s based on a Vertigo Comics series (published by DC Comics) called Hellblazer. I don’t really want to give anything away. You, the reader, can either wait ‘til February 2005 for the movie, or go pick up the comic to find out more for yourselves. Needless to say, very cool stuff junior detectives. Alright…stupid tired is becoming insanely tired…so I best be off. Stay frosty junior detectives. I’m out. Later.

There's a definite echo...

It's been a while since my last post...since the closure of Under New Management, I don't know how many of you junior detectives have found your way to the new blog. Although, I haven't exactly been advertising. Oh well. I'm writing regardless of an audience.

There is a definite sadness in my heart right now...and it has nothing to do with the stuff from Under New Management. The reason for a lack of blogs is I've been moving all of the merchandise that I have collected on my twenty-six years on this tiny blue planet, from my parents house to my new apartment. It's been a evening project...pack and move a little each day. And now, my room is grotesquely empty. There is a definite echo in here. So, as tired as I am from moving, the many memories that I've accumulated over the years seem to cycle through my brain. Almost like looking through a View Master. There are certain memories that stick out more than others. I have to say that the majority of them are happy. But, even though I've taken all of my things with me, it feels as though somehow I'm leaving these memories behind...

Anyways, things are relatively peaceful otherwise. Alright, that's it for me. Stay frosty. Later.