The Realm of the Cheese Wizard

2007 - Stick a fork in it!

2007-12-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

Aloha!!

Been a long time since I have been able to drop a post in here. If you know who I am, then you know it has been one hell of a year. So many things have changed in my life that I struggle to find the time to post much on this blog anymore. I guess that means it is time for this adventure to come to an end.

It has been a great two years ranting, raving, and writing this blog. Thanks to all of you who checked in on occasion to see where the madness was taking me. Looking back over the last two years, I laugh at the journey life has been. From one end of the spectrum to another - things have changed drastically in the Land of Beef and No Regrets. I must say that I have made so many new friends over the last few years that I do not regret any actions I made along the way. At this point in my life, my time is consumed by my family and my job. It takes a miracle to free up any time to post on some of my personal favorite forums.

I hope all of you have had a fantastic year, and that the upcoming new year treats you well. If you need to find me, and know who I am - then you will know there are other ways to reach me should you feel the need to laugh at someone! Be safe, be happy, and always remember to smile!

Goodbye and Goodnight!

Zane aka "The Wiz"

2007-04-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Aloha ~ Hello ~ and Holy Cow Batman!

So, this one is comin' at ya the same way it came at me - fast and non-stop! The past month has been one for the ages out here in the Land of Beef and Regrets. Let me begin dumping it on ya -
(In order of appearance) I got a promotion! I am moving to St. Louis to take over my new store and actually be in charge of people! Less than three days after this news, I received the greatest news I have ever had in my entire life......I am going to be a DAD!! That is correct, yours truly will be bringing a life into this world with the help of......my new FIANCEE!! So short of naming him/her Cheese Nip (the soon to be wife won't let me) I am not sure how much more great news I can take at once!! On a not so great news note, I also found out my home was burglarized last Friday night while I was out of town. While that news was totally a downer, it doesn't even put the slightest damper on my life right now. Today I turned 28, and was able to find a place out here with Sarina (afore mentioned and newly annoited fiancee) to move into at the end of the month. Whew!! Alot going on at once, huh? You don't have to tell me that! I will check in as soon as possible, but as you can tell - there is a ton going on right now. Till next time, be safe-smile-and be happy!

The Wiz, The Wizette, and the soon to be Cheese Nip

PS-Love ya'll!

Yeah, it has been awhile....

2007-02-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

Aloha and hello!

The Wiz comin' at ya finally in the New Year! Hope ya'll had safe and fun filled holidays since we last spoke. Things have been insane here. Work, as usual, is taking up the majority of my time and brain capacity. The social life is still rolling right along, with some new friends that I have met over the last few months. Even more importantly, yours truly is dating - exclusively! After having reconnected with an old friend late last year, we are dating and it is really wonderful. She is an amazing gal, and so much fun to be around. Our relationship may have been a long time coming (three years or so), but we finally got together on the same page and things are going swimmingly! Hard to believe that four years ago I really wasn't interested in a meaningful relationship, and now I cannot get enough of it! On a more serious and less mushy note, this relationship has really helped me to pull myself together and feel complete now a days. I can't thank her enough for waiting around for me, and for being willing to take a shot at this. Cheers to bright futures for us all, now drink!

Till next time......

"Ass to mouth is acceptable, in the heat of the moment." Clerks II

I don't know about that quote, lol!

The Wiz

Another year in the books!

2006-12-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

Aloha and hello!

As we wrap up 2006, and begin looking ahead to the new year - I thought alot about this past year. I was so very lucky to experience so many great things over the past year. For all of you whom I met this year - thank you for being a part of my life. I really cannot tell you how many new and amazing people I was able to become friends with this year, and I am truly grateful for all that we experienced together. Good times out in Oregon with my fellow Goonies (as always), and of course I am looking forward to making the trip next year. Thanks Mike for the fishing trip again this year - couldnt ask for a better buddy! I think that this really was a breakout year for me. I am looking forward to next year with extremely high hopes and goals.

Instead of a monthly wrap up, I have decided to drop one last quote on ya'll that really sums up what this year was - and what I hope next year to be. With that being said, here ya go!

"My religion is to live and die without regret." - Milarepa

Guess that is it for 2006. Hope ya'll have a wonderfull and safe New Years Eve - and I will catch ya on the flipside!

With love and respect,

The Wiz

Getting ready to wrap it up!

2006-12-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Well, looks like another year about to be in the books. Been one hell of a wild ride (as have the last two years) and as usual I didn't see hardly any of it comin'. I will get around to a "Year End Wrap Up" sometime in the next few weeks, but for now I just wanted to take a minute to pause and really think aloud about things. I guess the upcoming year will really bring new and amazing experiences with it. I have no doubt that some things from this year will spill over into the new year in both positive and negative ways. I am looking forward to 2007, and whatever it may drag along with it. Cheers!!!

Wishing each and everyone of you an exciting new year,

The Wiz

Starting with a Blank Slate

2006-11-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that "moving on" is the most cliched saying out there. But, what it means hold so true that it cannot be described any other way. How has everyone been? Its been a wild couple of months around here, with alot of things changing. For the most part, things have really changed for the better. I think that its been awhile, but I can say that I am a pretty happy person now a days. Things that have been on my mind for ages have finally been dealt with. Fears have been faced, and answers have been revealed. I guess it was a good idea to step back from everyone and everything to take some time to look at my life. As of now, the time was well spent. I was really able to figure out some stuff, look past some things, and......move on. Been an uphill battle to say the least, but it feels good to be back on some solid ground. I will be taking off next week for Cannon Beach, Oregon - probably one of the most serene places in the United States. Going there with the thought of really wrapping up these past few months of soul searching. I am looking forward to coming back and applying all that I have learned to make everyday a better one. Thanks to those of you whom helped. Whether you know who you are or not, I truly appreciate all that has transpired. Catch up on here later!

Chin up, eyes on the prize~

The Wiz

Ps - Good to see you Mrs. Data! Miss your blog though, I am in gossip withdraw!

It's all about starting over.

2006-09-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Aloha ya'll!

So, after a very long time behind the wheel of my favorite (and only for that matter) ride - I really got alot of thinking done about things. I think that I have been overthinking things way too much. Been so involved in my own head, that I really have not been paying attention to life as it is going by. I know that I tend to do that, but never as bad as I have recently. Its like I thought I should be down about things, and then I really did start becoming down about things. Not really happy with how that is working out, so its off to form a new mindset.

Do ya ever just wish you were an animal or something? I mean seriously, how hard could life be for some animals........like ducks? Gotta be a good life strutting around a pond for the day, right?

Anyways, I am starting back at square one since the other path I have taken didn't really do my head any favors. Things have changed alot over the last few weeks (or maybe its been a month now), and I really am headed in a different direction......again. I will keep ya'll posted as to how things are working out. This time around, I am starting off with a smile - and plan on keeping that sly grin plastered on my face for the long run. Going to be an interesting couple of months ahead, and I will post as much here as I want to be public knowledge. The rest will get Z Rated and maybe get released in the unedited version on DVD?!?!? Ya never know, do ya????

Adios, take care, and give someone speacial to you a hug~

The Wiz

"The trouble is that you think you have time. " Jack Kornfield

Movin' on and on and on....

2006-09-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Just another day, and a quickie for anyone left out there still reading this thing. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend - I know that I am going to try! For those of you out there who are still trying to live in your own little fantasy worlds, have a good time. The rest of us are going to chill in reality and not let the drama take over. My personal life was everyones business, but guess what? That show just got canceled and its time for me to roll the credits, hide out on my own, and just step waaayyyy outta the spotlight. See ya'll around......maybe.

The Wiz

One Day at a Time.....

2006-09-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, I hate that fucking saying. Its like saying that someone is not strong enough to deal with the lengthy time span that is life. As if getting by one day at a time will make the next day any better. Then I realized what that meant. It really has nothing to do with tomorrow, as much as it does with yesterday. As humans, we really dont have enough time to understand each and every encounter, emotion, and circumstance that we deal with everyday. Sometimes it takes another day just to realize what in the hell happened yesterday. Sometimes it takes a heck of a lot more than just one day to figure things out. So I guess that living for each day is a great idea, as long as you get some time each day to think about yesterday and days gone by prior to that. Seems like time moves so much faster as you get older. The weekends are shorter, and the work days so much longer. When did that happen? So cheers to today, thoughts of yesterday, and absolutely no concern about tomorrow. It will get here soon enough......

The Wiz

When you weigh out the cost....

2006-08-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. Just sitting here pounding out the once a month entry that I get to now a days. Been a lot going on in the Land of Beef and Regrets. I have recently come to the conclusion that I am not capable of being in a relationship these days. Seems like work is demanding so much, that it was time to make a choice - and a choice I did indeed make. I took a hard look at the last six years of my life and made some interesting conclusions. It appears that the only thing that has been constant over these last six years (other than my great family) is.....Work. Its been there through thick and thin, good times and bad, all the ups and downs. So now instead of being a relationship addict, I am going on a run to be a single, but above all happy, guy. Work will continue on everyday, and I am going to spend the majority of my strength in just dealing with that. Been a long time since I have been truly single, but for the first time in awhile I find myself there without any prospects of a relationship on the horizon. Scary at first, but I think that in time I will begin to enjoy this new found lifestyle. I hope that everyone is doing well and things are getting better for those of you struggling out there. I will check back in a little more frequently if possible in the upcoming weeks. Have a great end of the month, and I will catch ya'll later!

The Wiz

"My life is my message." ~ Ghandi

Been a long time, long time......

2006-07-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Aloha and hello!

Just checking in as it has been about a month since I have gotten around to posting here. Been pretty dang busy with life for the past few weeks. I am headed off to Ohio this weekend to pickup a boat, and will hopefully be spending many of the upcoming weekends in a drunken haze while attempting to catch more than just a buzz on the lake. Headed out to Wisconsin next week for some work stuff, and then get to move that weekend as well. So, yours truly is moving in with a great friend and looking forward to many happy moments in the upcoming year. Hope to be able to meet up with my Goonie pals in November and catch up with ya'll since its been a year since we last hung out. Otherwise, things are going well - been so busy that I havent really had time to look back at anything. Hope everyone is doing well and I will be thinking of ya'll as I make the 10 hour roadie on Saturday. Have a great end of the month and I will catch ya'll later!

Adios!

The Wiz

Howdy Ya'll!

2006-06-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Whats shaking everyone? Been awhile since I have had a chance to post here. Life is going, not well - nor poorly, just going. Work has continued to consume the majority of my life right now. I need a vacation, and soon! Nothing really new to update anyone on. I hope that everyone is doing well and things are going great for you guys. Looking forward to the upcoming fourth of July, and a day off! Still in search of that elusive happiness - and will update you whenever I find what it is I am looking for. Till next time - be safe, be happy, and smile!

The Wiz

What are YOU looking at?

2006-05-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Aloha and hello!

I am just dropping in this quickie to say what uppie to ya'll. Things have been rather melancholy around here of late. Trying to do some inner searching is a very draining task I do believe. Work has become increasingly more difficult over the past few months. I know that I haven't been able to post here on this blog or anywhere else for that matter as much as I would have liked to. Single life sucks, although it is what I need right now - I guess. Hope that each of you are doing well, and that life is treating you grand. I know that some of you are facing your own internal issues, and others are facing some issues with friends or family. I wish you all the best of luck in working things out. Remember, in the end our time here is very short - and if at all possible we need to make the best of it. There are very few pains which cannot be healed. Miss you all very much and I hope to talk to you soon!

The Wiz

Back in the drivers seat....

2006-05-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Aloha and hello to ya'll!

Its time for me to jump back in the drivers seat of life. Been sittin' on the sidelines of life for a little bit. I guess I have been having a little bit of a pansy ass pity party for myself of late. After watching life go by and not stop for me (not that I expected it to), I have decided to take up arms and continue fighting the good fight. I know that I do have alot of things to figure out about myself, my life, and my goals - and now I have regained the energy to search for them. I am going into this adventure alone for the first time in a long, long time. After a few weeks of serious thinking, I have come to the conclusion that now is the time for me to be single and find myself before I can move on with life. This realization has come with a price, and has pissed off/hurt a few people along the way as well. All I can say is that I am sorry, but it's my time now. So lookout everyone, because those headlights that are bearing down on you is me. I am coming forward to take on my challenges with renewed vigor and zeal. No matter how many shots I take on the way......I will find what I am looking for and won't rest until I do. That being said, time for me to go and begin tackling things head on. Till next time, be safe and be happy ya'll!

~The Wiz~

Random thoughtS ~ Mindless banteR

2006-04-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Just sitting here spaced out on this screen this afternoon. Things have become rather crazy round here. Its like that feeling you get just as the roller coaster begins its stomach dropping descent after climbing what seems like a mountain to the clouds. For the first time in a long time, life is moving at a faster pace than my mind. Although I am desperately trying to keep up, it seems like no matter what I do I am still falling behind more and more each day. I know that in time things will slow down and return to normal, at least I try to believe that. I am distancing myself from many friends, as I try to regain control of my life. Work has taken over to the point that I have given up the majority of my social life for now. I am taking off this weekend to spend my birthday away from practicaly everyone. I dont know why, but I feel compelled to just disappear for awhile. Thats about it for now, as work beckons once again..........

April fools day...feels like its everyday sometimes!

2006-04-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

What's shakin' ya'll? Just wanted to drop in a quickie on this quiet Saturday. Hope things are going well for each of you. Everything here in KC is absolutely insane at this moment. I have been trying to make amends with friends, a new job, and life in general. So far I have managed to deal with everything sans one friend. I miss you, and hope that "waving the white flag" will get things back to normal with us. Not sure what your travel plans are as of now, but I do hope to catch up with you sometime in the future. Thanks for the shout out on JMA by the way. Till we speak next, take care and smile once in awhile. Miss you tons, and I will catch you later.

The Whiz

Make it a double!

2006-03-13T14:15:00.000-08:00

Aloha to you from the mess that is my head!
Just a quickie to let ya'll know that things are still insane here. Hope that everyone is doing well. Some points of note over the last few weeks. My ex-best friend is once again my best friend, so that was one victory for yours truly. Still fighting the battle with the ex-girlfriend to see if we can maintain a friendship or not. It's funny though, how can someone that I am no longer involved with still manage to drive me to the point of being absolutely insanely pissed off?!? Not sure how that happens, but it sure as hell still does. Other than that, just getting by day to day here. Seems like everyone around me is having some kind of personal crisis in their lives right now. I hope ya'll make it through okay, and you know who you are. Time to get back to the grind I guess. Till next time, keep your chin up (but look out for lifes wicked uppercut)!

Live~Laugh~Love

2006-03-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Not really sure what else I can say in this post.

It's time to put down the swords and embrace one another. All of you and each of us.

If we all let it go and moved on, don't you think the smiles would return?

Too tired to fight, too wound up to sleep, too short of a time together on earth.

Chill out.

Trying to find cruise control...

2006-03-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, this week has totally whipped me. I am completely drained of all emotion. A few thoughts to sum it up. I so miss my old friend, and hope that one day we will see eye to eye again. I realized that no matter what was said or thought, I would forgive that dude in a heartbeat. I also miss the friendship that I had with my exgirlfriend. Over the years, we did so many things together. I hope one day we can grab a beer and chat the night away - just like we used to. On a positive note, I am still digging into the dating scene. I was lucky enough to come across this woman who really just intrigues the hell outta me. Cheers to seeing where that goes. Well, time for me to take my flu riddled ass home for the night. I hope this finds each and everyone of you doing well and happy. Thought this week: If it is hard as hell to get, then keep on fighting because odds are it truly is worth it.

Peace out ya'll.

The New Battle Plan

2006-02-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hands off! That is what its gotta be. I am going to sit back and let people do their thing now. I have tried so damn hard to please everyone and get out of this shit without anyone getting upset. Once again, I find myself sacrificing my happiness for that of others. I am going to just chill, focus on the one or two things that are new and important in my life and go from there. To those of you who feel slighted by me, sorry. Its time for me to get control on my life - and that may mean you are going to be pissed off. Its nothing personal towards you, but it is personal towards me. Fuck chasing happiness, I am going to fight for it now. Until the next wave of maddiness, I bid you a big fat adios!

The battle rages on....

2006-02-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it would appear the first shots have been fired. Yours truly was NOT the one to take it! No, in fact the Wiz himself has taken the first loss of the opening round. It would appear that a friend of 16 years has decided to end the friendship that we had in order to pursue.....wait for it......my ex-girlfriend! Suprised? I sure as fuck am. Of course, he is telling me that it has nothing to do with her. Apparently he is pissed about things that happened around ten years ago. Glad that people dont hold onto things. Then, as if that wasnt enough, he then has the balls to tell me that I am turning his family against him. Why would he say this? Because his brother told him what an idiot he is being. So, I am now at am impasse as to whether or not I should even try to be friends with the ex. By the way, she claims no involvement in the entire ordeal. I am sitting in the middle of a shit storm, with no end in sight. I will keep ya'll posted on further developments. Till then, I shall keep my helmet strapped on tight - lay low in the trenches - and avoid any and all enemy fire!

Somethings Never Change!

2006-02-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I thought high school was over nine years ago! I cant believe how some people like to play the games that we all played in high school. I figured that once you became an adult things would be different. When a couple breaks things off, I had the disillusion that everyone could be friends and carry on normally. I had no idea that people would be jockeying for position and taking sides! Why do that?!? Not sure about you, but I know where I stand. The friends I had and the friends I made during any relationship will always, no matter what - be my friends. I wont ask anyone to pick sides, or to trash talk on the ex-mate. Life is too short people, and this shit came to an end a long time ago. If people want to pick a side, then so be it. Just remember that the day will come when everyone is hanging out together-and then you gotta face the person you sold out. Good luck!

Running in circles....in the dark....blindfolded

2006-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

I need a break. I have got to get the fuck outta here for awhile. Away from a cell phone, and from a computer. I guess I have a tendency to ride out an emotion for a little longer than need be. Having said that, you should know that I am an over-analyzer. I take something and break it down over and over again. I used to try to see all aspects of something, and then look at it again. Finally, I have realized how tiring this really is. I am now going to start trying to just let it ride, and go with the flow. Not sure how long that will work before my brain over powers me, but I think its worth a shot. Could be something that will either a) work out well, or b) totally screw my head up even more. I will let ya'll know how this shakes out......

My Addiction...

2006-01-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

As I have come to find out recently, I am an addict. Not to alcohol or drugs, but to relationships. I am one of those people who finds comfort in being with another person. Looking back over the past seven years of my life, I realize that there has not been a single week in of which I have been single. I am now three weeks into being a single guy and find myself fearing the whole alone thing. I guess I know that now was the time that it had to happen, but also realize that I truly am a relationship addict! I guess in time I will learn to play the role of single guy and be happy with the decision I made to become said person. Cheers to those who find happiness in solitude, and I hope to join you all very soon. Till next time, be safe and be happy!

~The Wiz~

The Nifty Fifty!! (a work in progress)

2006-01-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

After reading the lists of some great friends I have decided to post fifty goals that I must do prior to the end of my time on this planet. That is, unless anyone out there knows how I can get them done from the flipside?!?

*Update: This shit isn't as easy as I thought it would be!

1. Go skydiving
2. Snowboard Colorado
3. See the Superbowl in person
4. See a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway
5. Live in Oregon
6. Own a Porsche
7. Write a novel - Started in September 2006!
8. Visit Switzerland
9. See the Northern Lights
10. See my child be born (after finding someone to marry that is!) - November 25th, 2007!
11. Send my parents on an awesome vacation
12. Wear a kimono....in Japan
13. Learn braille
14. Stay in Cannon Beach again - Done in November 2006!
15. Drink wine in Italy
16. Watch my brother get married
17. Get married.....again! - Early May 2007!
18. Purchase a house and spend a year or two fixing it up
19. Go on an overnight white water rafting trip in Colorado
20. Try a five day fast - Done in May 2006! (totally sucked by the way)
21. Take part in a protest for something I truly believe in
22. See at least one of my friends make it past five years of marriage - Done April 2007! Congrats Mike and Shauna!
23. Let go of lost loves - Finally there after alot of tears!
24. Truly find myself and inner happiness and all that jazz - Done! April 2007!
25. Take over my own store within my company - Done in April 2007!
26. Scuba dive in Hawaii
27. Start jogging daily
28. Take a four or five day road trip with close friends
29. Meet Kevin Smith
30. Surf - somewhere, anywhere
31. Watch important people in my life find whatever it is they are looking for
32. Make it to the 25th anniversary of The Goonies
33. Stop smoking - Hoping to be done by June 2007!
34. Continue to broaden my horizons and expand my views on people, life, etc. - Done! (See 41)
35. Ride in a jet plane
36. Visit Amsterdam
37. Bungee jump out of a hot air balloon
38. Take a boat down the Nile
39. Go on a long fishing trip in the Ocean
40. Get a new tattoo - Done!
41. Not stress so much over the little things in life, and go with the flow a little more - Done! Between becoming a father and a husband, who needs to worry about anything else?
42. Read some of the classics by the greatest authors of all time - Have gotten through a few!
43. Give back to my community in some fashion - Done March 2007! Extreme Makeover Home Edition, over $75,000 in equipment rental donations!
44. Hangout backstage at a concert
45. Travel Europe for a few weeks straight
46. Win big once at a casino
47. Love someone fiercely and without boundaries - Done, I love you Sarina!!
48. Twenty years from now, sit on a porch and chill with old friends
49. No matter what, always be able to look back and realize that I lived a good and honest life
50. Upon my death, donate whatever useful organs I have to someone who needs them

The Year End Wrap Up

2005-12-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

Dudes and dudette, this has been one hell of a year. As this will be my last post for 2005, I thought I would wrap her up in style. Rather than attempt to look back and just list everything, I thought I would drop in some of the high and low lights that happened, as well as what it all meant to me.

January '05 - Happy birthday to ya brother. Glad to see who you have become and that you are happy. I could never be happier for you. Congrats on passing your Vet Tech exams, and for moving one step closer to your dreams.

February '05 - Rest in peace Nichols. I will miss you for ever, as will everyone you touched during you time with us. I wish the best for your family as they grieve over the loss of such an amazing guy. I never got to say it, but thanks for welcoming me back to town after my two year absence. It was your outgoing and amazing personality that made you a great friend. We will never forget our fallen friend.

April '05 - If you get a chance - hit the Bahamas. What a beautiful place full of so many friendly people. If you do get out there, hit up the Bohemian Kitchen. The locals that hangout there were the nicest souls I came across during my stay there.

June '05 - Goonies Never Say Die 20th Anniversary Event. I would sit here and thank all of those who made it possible, but ya'll know who you are. Thanks for a great event, and for allowing me to be able to finally close a chapter in my life. The place, the people, and the timing were all perfect.

August '05 - The second time this year we have lost another friend. Goodbye Ben and you know that we will all cherish the memories of you. To your family, especially Adam, I cant tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Ben was a great guy who always, always brought laughter with him. To all of our friends out there-lets get together more often next year. Less tears and more beers is something that we all need.

October '05 - Wow, this one was huge month for me this year. First of all, mad thanks to Wiseman for taking me on the best fishing trip I have ever had. Lake Texoma is rockin' and your dad is an amazing guy. Cant wait till the next round. Next, thanks for coming out to the land of beef and hopefully no more regrets Andy. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. One day you will find what you are searching for. I had a great time getting to know you even though it seemed like we had been friends forever. Stay true to yourself and you will go very far in life. Keeping writing, because you have an amazing talent. Hope to catch ya next year up in Canada!

November '05 - Round two into Oregon was mind blowing. Special props to Jeff for being an amazing guide throughout the trip. I hope you are doing well and I cant wait to get out that way again. Ali and Mikey, you are two of the sweetest people I know. It was great to get to know you both, and I miss you guys tons. Andy, I was really glad to get to hangout properly with you in Oregon this time around. Some great times, great memories, and great pictures to remind of those times forever. Seth, what can I say. One of my best buds since I was ten years old. I am glad that you were able to come out and see how beautiful that place is. We had a blast knocking off a case of wine, and there isn't anyone else on this planet that I would rather have done that with. Sometimes you meet people in life that are truly genuine and caring individuals - and that is exactly what those listed above are. Thanks guys.

December '05 - I cant tell ya how insane this year has been. I am so happy as well as sad to sit here and revisit all these experiences in my mind. While it has been a trying year, I really think that it was a good one. I am happy to say that 90% of this year surprised the hell outta me. Honestly, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Here's to whatever 2006 may bring. No matter how many curve balls life throws you, stand in and swing away. Cheers to ya'll. Stay safe, stay happy, and stay true to yourself. Till next year, adios and goodbye!

With love for each of ya,

The Wiz

A journey into the darkness...

2005-12-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to drop a little something different into this otherwise upbeat blog.

As the holidays approach, it seems as though people really get into a funk. I will come right out and say that I am guilty of this as well. Attitudes and tempers flare, and people get really uptight really fast. Due to the fact that I know how stressful this time of year is, I make it my priority to NOT get up someones ass during the holiday season. Instead I prefer to step back and quietly knock off a bottle or five of wine while everyone else seems to enjoy themselves (or fake it very well). Why cant we all just chill out, wait in line, and be courteous to each other around Christmas? The answer is pretty simple for the most part. People suck. That is the non-sugar coated answer anyway.

Alot of people I know do their best to find the good in all human beings. I guess I just enjoy being different. I do believe that most people have good in them, and that they also have some bad as well. Its all a system of checks and balances. Those who are extremely evil (serial killers, rapists, and child molesters) probably have a tiny bit of good in them. In retrospect, those who are full of good still have some evil in them. I would have to say that I tend to look for the bad in people, and then contimplate how much room is left in them for the good. I know its backwards, but thats just the way it is.

Thanks for tuning in, and till next time......dont eat the cheese!

When your dreams are running on fumes.....

2005-11-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

.....keep on dreaming! I have noticed that everytime I get home from a vacation, my brain starts working in overdrive. Its not that I am glad to be back, but more that I seem to come back being overly refreshed. I end up burning through all the work that has backed up, and then I am stuck with my thoughts of the prior vacation.

Thinking about things that happened, people I met, and places that I was able to see. Inevitably, the thoughts of moving there start to creep in my head. Then I start thinking about how to meet up with all the people that were with me in said location. In the end, you just have to sit back and laugh it all off. There is just no way to recreate all the experiences, no matter how hard we try. Or is there?????

I guess that you just have to cherish the moment, both as you live it and as you relive it in your mind.

The True Cost of Happiness?

2005-10-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Aloha to ya'll!
After a week of hanging out in no mans land, I have decided to come to yet another conclusion in my life. It all started out by making the trip down to the middle of nowhere aka Oklahoma. Not sure where I was, but I do know the closest WalMart was about forty miles away. That is when you know you have hit BFE. Anyway, after five days down there I realized that maybe money and success is not directly related to happiness in life. I mean seriously, the median income down that way is around $40K per year. Being a young single guy in KC, I know that I cannot live as comfortably as I am used to on that kind of cash. To my utter shock, most people down there not only live on that, but live very well indeed. I have never met that many people in one place that were so happy with their lives. It wasnt until I was sitting on a boat in the middle of Lake Texoma that it hit me. Sitting there with the sun setting and the moon rising, I truly realized what happiness is. Boiled down and stripped of all the b.s. in life, happiness is what you make it to be. While I would never find a lifetime of happiness down there, that doesnt mean that others would not. With that knowledge in hand, I am off to seek true happiness. Good luck to each of you to not only find that in your life, but to live it as well. Till next time, peace out!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion!

2005-09-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Right o', so here we go. I am under the impression that everyone has an opinion on everything these days. I have only one small problem with that. It is perfectly acceptable to have an opinion, but one should be able to support ones theories. I love to debate all the "hot topics" with my friends and family. Religion, politics, and ethics hit home with almost everyone. What sucks is when someone gives their two cents, without any supporting facts or evidence. PEOPLE, get informed!!! This is your world you live in, so try to know something about whats going on. I was lucky enough to meet this girl on a forum I frequent, and was amazed by her knowledge of current events. (very impressive if she is indeed in her early twenties or late teens) I think that the issues that impact us today are of massive importance, and should be taught in our schools from a very early age on. That's just MY two cents on things. Until next time, aloha!

Bigger! Faster! Stronger!

2005-09-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

That pretty much sums up every product on the market now a days. Dont get me wrong, I am in love with all that is new and shiny. I just miss the days of GI Joes who DONT have any missiles that shoot with the touch of a button, or some kind of motion activated voice. I guess that it is all a part of evolving as a civilization. The toys that were around when I was young are pretty much obsolete now. Keep in mind, my childhood wasnt that long ago. Back in the day, when Nintendo was the bomb, things seemed so much easier. Maybe it was because I was just a kid without any worries, or maybe it was because life really was easier then. As we progress into the future as a country, a world for that matter, are we really making things better for ourselves??

When the carpet is swept out from under your feet...

2005-09-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when that happens? Case in point: I have a group of friends that I hang out with on a constant basis. Most of the females in that group dislike one particular female that runs with us. Over time, they have really hammered her with mean comments and rude allegations. One male friend and myself have constantly stood up for her, no matter who the accuser is. Two weeks ago, we realized how stupid we have been. She is everything bad that the others say she is. Now my buddy and I find ourselves totally screwed. We get to go around the group and say that we were wrong to defend her, and apologize to everyone that we battled with. My personal opinion, screw it. I am so pissed that I now look like a fool because of her actions. When does one know that one is fighting the wrong fight? It's hard enough to keep friends together in todays age. This did not help the situation at all. I find myself harboring some ill will toward her, and that sucks. I guess people do change over time, and not always for the better.

Nextel/Sprint Merger means headaches for EVERYONE!

2005-09-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Due to the recent Nextel and Sprint merger, I have come to a conclusion. The customer service has gone to hell in handbasket. After spending thirty minutes at one store, I was told to go to another. Forty minutes into being there, I was told that they couldn't help me. This was after the people at the first store told me "we dont know how to do Nextel." What does it take for two multi-billion dollar companies to get their acts together? As I was leaving, I heard one of their sales people tell a customer that they had only 1% of their calls dropped. If anyone out there has service from Sprint, then you know how big of a lie this was! Another customer was told that they would not fix his phone because Sanyo makes a crummy phone. They sell Sanyo phones in their store! Terrible service, terrible customer service, and terrible products equal one terrible company. My apologies to all Sprint and Nextel customers out there, you all have a long road ahead of you!

It's all about being happy.....I think.

2005-09-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Alright, so here goes another rant for the masses. How many of us spend too much time making others happy, while disregarding our own happiness? I am not talking about putting in those extra hours at work, nor am I speaking of taking Junior to baseball practice. What I am speaking of is when we shelve our own feelings in order to make another person happy. At what point do you draw the line and stick to your guns? I know that I have comprised my beliefs on many occasions in order to do something for someone else. I know that is my fault, but where does that line start and end? At what point do you have to take a stand, in order to be able to face yourself in the mirror? I guess what I am looking for is that fine balance between personal happiness and being a good guy. I do hope that as I grow older (and hopefully a little more intelligent) that this becomes apparent to me. Until then, I guess I am flying by the seat of my pants on this one.

Goonies Fans Return to Astoria in November!

2005-09-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

We are making another run to the motherland at the beginning of November! A few goonies from Kansas City, Florida, Oregon, and The United Kingdom will be making the journey back to Astoria. For those of you who did not make the 20th Anniversary event in June, you all missed out on so much! Hope for information to start cropping up across the Internet soon in regards to the 25th. If you are a Goonie, and will be in the Portland or Astoria area around Novemeber 3rd, look for us strolling down Cannon Beach!! Till next time folks, have a great day and remember: "Goonies Never Say Die!"

Gas Prices: Does it really matter?

2005-09-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Not to be a total jerk about the rising gas prices, but does it really bother YOU? Personally, I do not care how high the pricing gets for one single reason. I will always need it. That is the plain and simple fact. No matter what the price per gallon is, I will buy it. I drive to work, to social gatherings.....hell, I just enjoy driving. I cannot stand those people who do nothing but complain about the rising gas prices. If you want to travel, then catch a plane! At this point in time, it is just as cost effective to fly somewhere as opposed to driving there. Suck it up people, because the cost of gas is not going anywhere, but up! Have a nice day and remember, drive safely!

Top Five Films That Will Scramble Your Noggin!

2005-09-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

5. Butterfly Effect - The only downside being that it had Ashton Kutcher as the main character.

4. Akira - The best animated sci-fi film ever produced. Period. End of story.

3. The Matrix - Only because of all the what ifs that pop into your head.

2. Donnie Darko - The theory that one small action can change the direction of you life forever

1. A Clockwork Orange - Just make sure you put the children to bed before you press play...........

Aloha, Hello, and Welcome!

2005-09-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Right o'!

Hello to you and those people reading along with you! Yes, I am speaking of the voices in your head, of course! Congratulations on being able to witness the dawn of yet another blog! Like you have never seen one of these before!! Like the many people who did this before I ever got around to it, this is a personal blog that will eventually be filled with my opinions, feelings, and thoughts on ALL subjects. I am looking forward to stirring the pot, and to see if you are awake enough to respond! Here's looking forward to seeing what will happen, as well as what will become of this site! Good luck and have a safe day!

More to follow...........

The Land of the Chokes....er, Chiefs!

2005-09-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

So I am stuck here in the midwest with the biggest bunch of whining football fans around. The fans of the Chiefs have got to be the most easy people in the universe to fool. I mean seriously, I cannot tell you how many people in this town think that the Kansas City Chiefs are going to win the Super Bowl. With what? A washed up coach who cries more than a woman in the midst of menopause? A quarterback who has had one good season wearing the red and yellow? Or is it the running back who is on his last leg that will take us to the promised land? NONE OF THEM!! Wake up Kansas City, alot of changes have to be made if you EVER think you will see the big game again. First and foremost, we must say goodbye to Carl Peterson. He was an excellent business man, but a terrible general manager. It really is not his fault though. I place blame on every single season ticket holder in Kansas City. You guys keep on paying and selling out each and every game of the season, but for what? A mediocre team that will break your heart in the first or maybe second round of the playoffs. Until we wise up and keep hold of our cash, we will never see a Super Bowl caliber team in this town. On that note, good luck Chiefs fans.....and get out your tissues because it's gonna be another long season!

Good Luck Josh and Natasha!

2005-09-01T09:25:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Josh and Natasha on their marriage! We all wish you the best of luck!