Big Sports Week Kicks Off Tomorrow For Me

Why do I say tomorrow? Tomorrow is Wrestlemania 28, and it's already been ordered. It cost a little more than a new Xbox 360 or PS3 game at $64.99, but it's worth it. Definitely looking forward to seeing the Undertaker try to go 20-0, and the much hyped, and greatly anticipated match (amongst wrestling fans) - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson taking on John Cena. Also, it doesn't hurt that the pre-show starts at 2, and the event itself starts at 4, and runs 4 hours.

That's just Sunday, but Monday I'll be going to the Staples Center thanks to the two tickets I won (still have to pickup on Monday) to see the Edmonton Oilers take on the Los Angeles Kings. Tuesday, I'll be going to home church, and I'll be honest, the Quakes exhibition that night tempted me, but I left it at that.

Thursday night however, I will be going down to the Quakes stadium for Opening Night. Nothing like opening night to get you in the mood for baseball. Capping it off on Friday night, I will be down in Anaheim for the Angels home opener. That night should be rocking, as it marks Albert Pujols first official game as an Angel (aka, the stats count, hence official).

Won 2 Contests This Past Week

As the title says, I was lucky enough to win 2 contests this past week. (No, the lotto wasn't one of them), but I won 2 tickets to the LA Kings game on Monday April 2, 2012, and a few hours after church on Sunday, I won Mass Effect 3 Collector's Edition for the Xbox 360.

Now if only I could win an Xbox 360 (or get a job and buy one), because I don't have a system to play the game on right now.

There's A Titan In The Mirror

Well not really, unless your wearing a Titans football jersey and looking at yourself in the mirror. That's referring to the two movies I saw today. Wrath of the Titans and Mirror Mirror. Wrath of the Titans is the sequel to 2010's Clash of the Titans, and Mirror Mirror is another telling of Snow White (only from the perspective of the Queen, played by Julia Roberts).

Going into today, I went in expecting I'd enjoy Wrath of the Titans more so than Mirror Mirror, and in large part that held true. Wrath of the Titans, in my opinion was better than Clash of the Titans. Plot-wise, the film centers around Perseus (played by Sam Worthington) originally rejecting his calling, and later embracing his destiny by setting out to rescue a captured Zeus (played by Liam Nesson). The film also sets the end of the Olympic Gods (although there were quite a bit that we're missing from the film). The only gods that make an appearance in the film were Zeus, Poseidon, Ares, and Hades.

The film does set up a possible third film (although I'm guessing that it in large part depends on its box office run). I won't say how the movie does it, but I'll just say it involves the ending.

Up second was Mirror Mirror. This film was actually more enjoyable than I'd thought it be, once I looked past the fact that I thought it was poorly cast (Snow White and the Prince). Lily Collins (played Snow White) through the first half of the film was rather forgettable, with acting skills clearly lacking. Scenes that required her to cry, and the emotion was clearly lacking. The line alone from the prince (played by Armie Hammer) "Snow White is the most fairest, in fact the most beautiful woman in the world" really didn't do Collins any favor either. If anything, it makes you wonder why they didn't go with someone you could picture as being the most beautiful woman in the world.

Julia Roberts in my opinion was the brightest spot in the film (from start to finish). Lily Collins in my opinion didn't come into her own as Snow White until the halfway point of the film (or when she leaves the palace). Armie Hammer however never really is believable as a prince. I'm not saying he was bad, I'm just saying he wasn't believable as a prince. The film is good to take your family to see (I saw it by myself, because well I see a majority of films by myself).

Neither of the two movies are in the same category of The Hunger Games (film I saw last week), and if you haven't seen that, I'd advise seeing that one first. If you were going to see a movie by yourself this weekend (and you've already seen The Hunger Games), then I'd recommend Wrath of the Titans (unless you haven't seen Clash of the Titans, or didn't care for the first one).

Getting Back To My Routine

Now that the weather is starting to warm back up, and California's weather isn't as bipolar as it was the past week to two weeks, I'm eagerly anticipating to getting back on my routine of walking at least an hour every night. My ultimate goal is still get back down to 200 pounds and then really go from there. In all honesty, would like to get down to 175 pounds, but we'll see. I've done it before like I've mentioned in one of my other blog entries, but we'll see. First thing's first and that is 200.

E3 2012 Only A Few Months Away Means...

I'm closer to going to Summerslam at the Staples Center. Alright, so that isn't exactly what it means (E3 is the Electronic Expo where all the video game companies show off their latest products (consoles/games) that are due out between the time of the expo (which is June 5-7) and the end of the year.

Anyways, what I was getting at, is that since it's rapidly approaching, it's also that time of the year where rumors start flying, and apparently yesterday was no different. Gaming site Kotaku reported this in regards to the PS4, and then of course there's still the rampant discussion and anticipation of Nintendo's Wii U, which Nintendo is due to give a release date and price at this year's E3. I've thought about saving up for a Wii, because I've yet to play the latest Zelda game (even though my brother has it), but at this point (at least for me), it's out of the question and I'm better off just saving for the Wii U.

The Whole What Would You Do With $540 Million Thing

Well, I've seen others talk about it (either through Facebook or Twitter), and I've had to time to sit back and reflect on it, and my answer is the same since the last time I bought, and have ever bought a lottery ticket. (For those unaware, that's the current jackpot for the Mega Millions lottery on Friday). I would give more than half of it to charity/church. Whatever else I'd have left over, I'd use it to help others that are close or are a part of my life. I'd worry about myself last (if that's even possible).

For anyone that is reading my blog, comment below. What would you do if you won the $540 million jackpot?

My Blog Direction

I noticed that prior to this entry, I had written 73 blog entries. That's not bad (I suppose), but sitting here thinking about it, I'm not sure the direction I eventually want to take this into. I'm thinking that once I eventually do get a job, I do want to have some giveaways. Why is that? I want to get followers, and comments on my blog (on my entries or whatever), but I think that's where I want to go.

Secondly, I want this to give me an avenue first and foremost to just write and share what is on my mind. I'm quiet by nature (too quiet, and it bugs me sometimes, ok a lot), but I do express myself quite well with writing, and I don't know, but eventually I would like to write a book at some point in my life. That's always been a goal of mine. Something I would talk to my mom about, and it showed. Growing up as kids, every year we'd have to give our parents a Christmas Wish List (by Black Friday), and my mom would tell me she would look forward to mine the most. The reason being is I used to write her anywhere from 10 to 15 pages worth of my thoughts throughout the previous year.

So in essence, you can say that I like to write. I do write poetry from time to time as well, but I only share that with a select few (when I do write), and haven't been as inspired to write anything new (at least not lately).

The Status Quo...

Pretty much sums up where I'm at right now, and more and more I don't like it, and in a sense feel stuck. I'm still looking for a job and not having any luck at that, and my relationship with my father, seems more fake as time goes on by. It's kind of hard not to feel like that, but it is what it is. He tells you one thing in front of you, and another when he's not near you. Then there's the issue with him being diabetic, and using that as an excuse as to why he goes off on you.

My goal is to get a job and move out, and at this point both seem equally unattainable (at least that's the way it appears). Perhaps the reason I haven't been able to get a job, is well, probably because of my job experience (or lack thereof).

An area between my father and I, is that the more I do things either on my own, or my older brother, he tends to take offense to, and (for lack of better words) acts childish. I have examples I could list, but I don't want to. That's not the point. The point is just showing off a little of what my "status quo" is, and how I really don't like it.

The two biggest things I do like about my "status quo" though is going to the church on Sundays, and home church (college group prior to that). Even though I don't talk as much as I'd like, I really do enjoy it. I really do enjoy being able to sit amongst a group of individuals (friends) and listen to them talk about their view points on topics relating to the sermon, and more.

I left out my movie going. I do enjoy that. Granted it's not quite as fun when you go to the movies on your own all the time, but I do enjoy it. The writing has brought back memories of when I used to write for a few video game websites. I spent three to four years doing that, even got 10-12 video game interviews (with actual companies) that of course are gone now. I do check in on the site from time to time, and do think it's a shame that the owner of the site puts in more of an effort into the site now (when there's not as many members) as it did when I (along with a few others) were able to get the site into the (thousands of members).

Baseball Is In The Air

Well if it were hit or thrown it is, but I'm referring to the start of the 2012 Major League Baseball Season. This morning at 3 AM (Pacific time) the 2012 MLB season officially began, albeit in Japan of all places, as the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland A's (in what could be a battle of third and fourth place teams in the AL West this season) faced each other. I didn't see the game (as I'm not a fan of either team, and there was no way I was staying up until that time just to watch them play), but the game went 11 innings, and the Mariners won.

The two teams play again at 3 AM tomorrow, and like the first game, I once again won't be watching, as again I have no interest. What this means though is that we (as in baseball fans) are closer to Opening Day, which is next week (for those not aware). As of right now, I will be going to the Angels home opener next Friday, and probably the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes home opener the night before.

To say I'm ecstatic for the return of baseball is an understatement, but I am. This year should be fun (like every year). Let's play ball! (or not, doesn't matter).

Saw A Little Movie On Saturday

Alright, so it's not a little movie, but a movie that has set records (I believe for 3rd highest opening, and I forget what else). That movie would be none other than The Hunger Games. As for why I didn't post about it on Saturday, or Sunday for that matter, and why I chose to wait until today...well the answer for that is simple. I didn't feel like it at the time, and decided to put it off for a few days.

As for my thoughts on the film, I will just say, I went in (without reading any of the books, and still haven't after seeing the film), but I will say that I really enjoyed the film. The movie is actually one of my favorites so far this year (not sure if that's saying much though, as were only in March).

The Hunger games was the only movie I saw on Saturday, and might go see more than one movie this Friday. We'll see though if I get around to it, although right now I don't see why not. I have $10 on my AMC Stubs card, and there are two movies out this Friday that I want to see. Those two being Wrath of the Titans and Mirror Mirror.

Going To A Pay Per View Event

If I had a bucket list, I'd be able to cross off attending a pay-per-view, as Sunday August 19th, I will be attending WWE Summerslam at the Staples Center. I bought 4 tickets on the pre-sale a little while ago, so I'm thrilled right now. I have no clue what the matches will be, as it's 5 months away, but I'm looking forward to it regardless. As for the 4 people that will be going, as of right now, my older brother and myself are for sure going, and my cousin is probably going, so it's a matter of finding a 4th person to go.

My Quest To Own The Nominated Movies (Academy Awards)

I'm not sure if I'm going for all Academy Award movies (in the best picture, actor/actress, supporting actor/actress category), but I've started something (I think). Of all the movies that have been released that were nominated for best picture, I've already bought the following on blu-ray:

Actually now that I look at the picture, I'm just going with Academy Award nominees in general. Not pictured is Moneyball. My brother has that one. All those movies shown are Blu-ray combos (meaning they also come with the DVD), except for Midnight In Paris. That one is Blu-ray disc only.

On My Mind

May 5th is approaching. For most people it's Cinco De Mayo, but for myself it's really a day I don't look forward to. It's also the day after my birthday. Every year is different however. Some year's it's not bad and I'm fine, and others well, it kind of bugs me. The reason I don't look forward to it, is because it's the day my mom passed. It will be 9 years this year. Time sure does fly. In many ways, I was more close with her than anyone else.

As far as why it's bugging me this year, it's mainly because I'll be turning 30 this year, and there are certain areas I feel like my mom would be proud, and there are certain areas of my life where I feel I haven't lived up to her. I'm trying, but sometimes feels like it's a constant struggle. I haven't been able to get a job (still), still live at home (wish that would change, but I need a job first), and that's just two glowing aspects.

Kind of amazing though as to how time flies. 9 years. In all honesty, it still feels like it was only yesterday I was sleeping on the floor helping her during the night. I'd sleep on the floor Monday through Friday, help her out during the middle of the night, and off to college during the day. This lasted for a few months.

Next year is year #10, and I really hope I have a job by then. I want to make a donation next year to a charity in her memory, or do something that is worthwhile. I think she'd be happy that I got two of my brothers to go to church. My other two? Haven't seen them in at least 10 years.

As far as my birthday goes this year though, The Avengers is out on my birthday, and TNA (Impact Wrestling) will also be at the local arena on my birthday. I'd definitely like to get friends to go to either one. It'd definitely be fun.

What To Do On A Friday...

I know. How about two movies. That's exactly what I did today. Went out and saw two movies. Those two movies were John Carter (came out last Friday) and 21 Jump Street (came out today). I would have seen John Carter last week, but there was a situation that arose that prevented me from seeing it last week. Had I gone out to see it last week, I probably would have seen A Thousand Words, along with The Vow today. As for why I chose not to see The Vow again today, that's simple. I went ahead and bought The Descendants on blu-ray instead.

John Carter was the first movie I saw today, and I went in thinking what the trailer showed that it was set entirely on Mars (or Barsoom). I was wrong. The movie is actually based off a book, and was actually surprised to see that the film is initially set in 1881. I actually rather enjoyed this film. Apparently this film may have already flopped, but that's not really a surprise considering the film cost over $200 million to make.

The plot of the film, without going into a lot of detail, I'll just say that the film centers around (you guessed it) John Carter, whom stumbles upon a cave back in 1868 (notice I did say the film was initially set in 1881), and inside the cave is attacked by a Thern, and after the struggle, Carter uncovers a medal traveling relic and speaks the word into it that the Thern was trying to say, and awakens on Barsoom.

Shortly after awakening on Barsoom, he is taken captive by green creatures. Eventually he encounters a Barsoom princess that has escaped marrying one of the villains in the film. Dejah Thoris (the Princess from Helium), played by Lynn Collins plays a pivotal role in the film, and in my opinion was a real bright spot in the film. Of course it doesn't hurt that she has the looks either.

I really don't want to go into too much detail of the film (if I do, I'll probably spoil it). I thought the movie was good, and I'm a fan of blockbuster type movies, and this movie was aimed at being the first blockbuster of the year. Has the feel of it, just hasn't produced yet at the box office. Visually speaking, this film has the visual effects of Star Wars and Avatar. I didn't see the movie in 3D, but saw it in regular 2D. Speaking of the visuals, this film could potentially see itself nominated next year for some Academy Awards on the technical side of things (special effects, etc.), but it's way too early to predict (speaking of which Academy Awards will be February 24, 2013, which means Best Picture Showcase at AMC probably February 23 and February 16, 2013).

21 Jump Street is jump start (pun intended) of the franchise into the theatrical world. It's a comedy starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. The two play cops and go undercover in a high school. That's pretty much the premise of the comedy. The film advertises itself as the best comedy of the year, but in my opinion, it falls short of that, as I believe This Means War is by far the best comedy of the year (thus far). Will that title hold up as the year goes on? Probably not, but as of right now, it does. Nonetheless, this movie was funny on it's own, and in my opinion, was successful in starting a new movie franchise. Without giving away any of the plot, I will say that the film does good in setting up more movies down the line (hopefully) starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.

I recommend seeing both films. If you were going to the movies and the genre of film didn't bother you, I'd recommend John Carter, however if you want to laugh, then go with 21 Jump Street (that is if you've already seen This Means War)

Some Food For Thought

 

Well, I did say food for thought. So the title was correct. Thought I'd do something different with my entry. Thought I'd share some of the recent food pics I took. First pic is the "for a limited time only" Lobster & Seafood salad sub at Quizno's. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed, and will probably order it again at some point (that is if it's still available by the time I go back). The bread was the Chipotle Jack bread they have (at least I think that's the official name for it).  I recommend subscribing to their email list though if you want to go, as it's $8.25 after tax for the large sub. I got $2 off with my coupon, which is a $1.25 more than Subway, but it's also a tastier sub then Subway as well.

As for my other food pics, that was my discovery today at Walmart. 3 New Taco Bell sauces, On the Border getting into the chip and cheese dip business, and a new (at least for me it is) Zesty Taco dip from Tostitos. If it's any good, will be getting this again for April 1st.

Lastly, since this is a food thread, I thought I'd close it out with my favorite food picture that I have. Sorry in advance for the picture and the ones above if they made or will make you hungry by looking at them (no I'm not):

The Red Velvet Pancake from The Griddle Cafe in Hollywood. So good. I'm really hoping to go back soon at some point.

Contest Drought Is Over...

For the most part, I like to enter contests. I enter them a lot. I know a few good sites, and ones via twitter, so I enter different contests daily. (One of my entries is on contests), but anyways, my drought ended last week with a contest win via twitter. I guess it may have been technically ended when I won 3 $5 KFC gift checks via twitter earlier this month.

Anyways, my latest contest win was two tickets to Knotts Berry Farm. I won them through @Anaheim_OC's twitter account. It was a trivia response. About 95% of my tweets are contest related by the way, and I tweet a lot. Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, this is the second contest I've won through them. The first was last year when I won two tickets to the Lord of the Rings contest at the Honda Center. I went with a friend, and our tickets were in the lower bowl, which was nice.

Back to the tickets. All I was expecting was the tickets, and that's it. What I got in addition to the two tickets was this:

As of right now, I'm not sure what I'll do with the tickets. I'll either keep them, or wind up selling them. They expire next year.

In 3 Weeks...Wrestlemania

No I'm not going (unless I happen to win a contest), but I will be ordering it on pay-per-view. I'm looking forward to it (to say the least). I look forward to it every year. This year's build up seems rather weak to be honest, but that doesn't really bother me. I'm sold either way. This year, it'll be John Cena vs. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk, Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan, Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton vs. Kane, and a six man tag match (don't know the entire wrestlers). I'm pretty sure there might be a divas match, although I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't this year.

I'm pretty sure we'll (and by we'll referring to my brother and I) will be getting food for it like we do the Super Bowl. Planning on having KFC, pizza, chips and dips. Not sure if anyone will be coming over for the event. Would be nice, but I doubt it.

Frustrated...

I don't know if it's actually frustrated, or just that feeling of being stuck, but it's been on my mind for a few months, if not longer now. That feeling of being stuck? Has more to do with still not being able to get a job, and in large part my living situation. I live with my two brothers and father, but the relationship with my father has been strained (to say the least). Pretty much the only things I'm able to talk with him are sports and politics. Anything else, and it's iffy.

Job wise, I'm really limited as to where I can go to look. I don't have money for gas, so going out and looking constantly via car is kind of problematic. I've had this conversation over and over again with my father. Half the times he will say it's not his fault, part of the time, he will say he will take me out looking, the other, which is his specialty about a lot of people, is to bash behind my back.

What keeps me going through this time, honestly, my faith, and the fact I look forward to church on Sunday's, and home church on Tuesday's. I don't really like missing any days, and I rarely miss. I'll be missing church the weekend of May 18th, because I'll be down in San Diego. Then I'll also be missing father's day, because we're all headed down to Anaheim for Angels and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

That Time of the Year Again

For Wrestlemania, just kidding (well kind of), but for baseball season. Individual game tickets go on sale this Saturday for the Angels, and coincidentally, that's also the first day that Spring Training games are being played. This is probably the most I've been looking forward to the start of a season, since the 2003 season (year after the Angels won the World Series), and it's due in large part to the big acquisition of Chris Iannetta and LaTroy Hawkins. Oh yeah, and the two minor acquisition's of Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson.

This season should be really exciting. I'll also be heading down to San Diego the weekend of May 18-20th to see the Angels take on the Padres. I'll be going with my dad for the trip, as sports and politics (maybe) are the only thing these days we really get along on these days. That's a whole separate issue that I don't feel like getting into right now, so I'll leave it at that. I'm excited to be going because it will be my first time attending a game in San Diego, but at the same time I'll also be missing church, and I've only missed two other times since I've been going. First time was a weekend series down in Anaheim, and the other was the college group camping trip.

In addition to that series, as of right now, I'm going to about 10 other games, and will probably be going to more, as I mentioned tickets go on sale this Saturday. Should be a fun year of baseball (hopefully).