New 52! Green Lantern Corps #1 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Fernando Pasarin

Green Lantern Corps, just like Green Lantern, wasn't a complete reboot.  This issue really revolved around Guy Gardner and John Stewart.  They mention Kyle Rayner, but he's no where to be seen.  For new readers, this might be really confusing.  Something I heard over and over when the Green Lantern movie came out was, "What the heck!?  Green Lantern is supposed to be a black dude."  More than likely, these people were used to seeing the Justice League cartoons on WB and Cartoon Network where John Stewart was the featured Green Lantern.

Similar to that scenario... I feel like new readers would be like, "What the heck?!  Since when were there so many Green Lanterns?  Screw this... It's confusing." 

To that end, I feel like the comic could have gone through a little more explanation on the origins of Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Kyle Rayner.  Instead, the comic tells the story of a mysterious bad guy killing off Green Lanterns and how Gardner and Stewart try to "fit" or deal with everyday life.  The problem I have with this scenario is that it isn't consistent with the world Justice League #1 set up.  People are supposed to be afraid of these super heroes, not wanting to see displays of their abilities... Then again, maybe this series is supposed to take place another time?  Or I think JL is a flashback?  I forget... Anyway!

Story is pretty exciting.  It's a space adventure.  What, I think, the Green Lantern movie should have been.  Writing is fun.  Art, specifically the coloring, could be better but worked...

Writing: 9/10
Art:  7.5/10
Storytelling: 8/10

Overall: 8.17/10

New 52! Batman and Robin #1 Review

Writen by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason


School work is absolutely killing me!  As CFO, the amount of work  needed for this business simulation is insane.  The part that makes me upset is that the business policy game manual continues to reference pro-forma spreadsheets that were never supplied to us!


Anyway off to the review...


~~
This is another title that never really got completely rebooted, based on my little knowledge of Batman and Robin.  I say this because Tim Drake, Bruce Wayne's son, plays Robin.  Obvious reasons being that if they completely rebooted Batman and Robin, there would be no Nightwing, right?


Anyway, there is nothing very revealing about this first issue except for a creepy bad guy that has his sights on Bruce Wayne.  Batman "celebrates" his parents death, giving the reader a little back story on Bruce Wayne and how his parents were murdered in front of him; thus, eventually spawning Batman.  Batman takes his son to spot in which they were killed (via sewers?  not sure why) and vows a new outlook on life: to celebrate their life (not their death).


My reaction?  Batman is a little bit of a sissy and Robin is a total jackass to his father.  Robin doesn't seem to have any respect for his father and Batman turned into an over-protective father.  For a 10 year old kid, he's given a very rebellious attitude that a teenager would have... He wants to do things his way and bum-rush bad guys with brute force -- usually not a good idea.


I suppose this comic was really to lay the ground work for the type of relationship Batman and Robin (father and son) have with each other.  It's not pretty.


I've read different perspectives on this comic... Some people felt Batman was a total douche to Robin...  Me?  I think Robin is an over confident little punk that probably should listen to his father a little more.


Writing: 9/10
Art: 10/10 (I love Patrick Gleason!  I'm a little biased because he drew a sketch of Kyle Rayner for me at Comic Con 2010)
Storytelling: 8/10


Overall: 9/10


I'm pretty sure that I will be picking up the next issue!

New 52! Green Lantern #1 Review

It's new comic-book Wednesday, and I'm behind a couple of reviews!  Sorry about that.  Things with school are starting to get pretty hectic; especially with this simulation class.

---

Written by: Geoff Johns
Art: Doug Mahnke

If you know me, then you probably know that Green Lantern is and has been my favorite super hero since I was a little kid.  I have no idea why...  He just appeals me.  Something about rings, I guess.

So far out of all the new 52 comics that I've read Green Lantern didn't feel like a complete reboot.  At Comic Con, Jim Lee and company explained that the new 52 was going to give new readers, potentially people that have never bought a comic book in their life, the opportunity to join the band wagon.  [minor spoiler] In Green Lantern, the only thing that rebooted is the fact that Hal Jordan no longer has a ring and Sinestro is, once again, a Green Lantern (against his will).  The three other Green Lanterns that patrol Sector 2814 i.e. Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Kyle Rayner still exist and will probably be featured in this week's Green Lantern Corps.

Since I've been following Green Lantern, it's not so much of a big deal to me.  I know the story... However, new readers won't get to experience or read about Abin Sur... Except for maybe a flash back, possibly?

Geoff John's writing is awesome, as to be expected.   Doug Mahnke's art is pretty cool too.  However, I think I've fallen in love with Felipe Massafera's art in Flashpoint Abin Sur series.

Writing: 10/10
Art: 9/10
Storytelling: 10/10

Overall: 9.67 / 10

Netflix / Qwikster The Half Apology

Many people woke up this morning to an e-mail from Co-Founder and CEO of Netflix Reed Hastings apologizing for the lack of communication regarding the price structure at Netflix (not the price hike)

The e-mail started quite plainly.

"I messed up.  I owe you an explanation."

I'm not finished with my MBA program, nor does an MBA qualify me as an expert in business whatsoever.  However, it's pretty safe to say that the decision to raise prices was probably not a decision that rested squarely on his shoulders.  It's nice to see that he is taking ownership.

The problem with his e-mail is that it was a half attempt at an apology. Essentially, it was a "yes-but". He made a mistake? And yet, he's justifying his said "mistake." I don't think many people view streaming and DVDs as a separate business. However, I think I know where he's going with this (which may be completely off base or naive of me to say).. In order to compete with Red Box, I think he's separating streaming and DVDs in order to have two management teams focused on each market segment. I smell a merger and acquisition in the future... Not sure if Qwikster side of the company has the cash flow to buy out Red Box but that would certainly be interesting!  Video game rentals sounds appealing to me, but that will definitely have to wait until after I finish my MBA.

Another Night at Lestat's

Today, I spent the day with my business simulation group at Pepperdine University in Orange County.  We had a really productive day organizing our thoughts, calculating financial ratios / sales forecasts, and putting together our game-plan for the simulation weekend.  We also put together a draft of our mission statement.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with our progress.  I worked with most of these folks in our Finance class, and we all seem to work together really well.  I'm definitely blessed to have them around!

It's 8:47pm and I'm back at Lestat's (west location on Park Ave) for another night of study and homework.  Bring on the coffee!

PS.  At this location, there are ridiculous throne chairs!  I wish the older guy would stop watching movies and let me sit there!  Oh and the Irish Monkey is delish!

Brunch at The Mission

This weekend, I went to The Mission in North Park for brunch. Aside from the 30 minute wait, the food was decently priced and Ah-Mazing! I had the Chicken Apple Sauce and Eggs with Cinnamon Toast!! Coffee was diner-delish and the orange juice was freshly squeezed. I highly recommend!

New 51! Red Lanterns #1 Review

Writer: Peter Milligan
Penciller: Ed Benes
Inker: Rob Hunter
Colorist: Nathan Eyring

I was first introduced to the Red Lanterns while I read through the Blackest Night series back in 2009 (has it really been that long?!).  Apparently, the first appearance of Red Lanterns was back in 2008 during the Green Lantern Sinestro Wars story arc.  I always thought that the emotional spectrum of lanterns was thought up during Blackest Night... See http://www.dccomics.com/sites/greenlantern/

Anyway...

Okay so this comic delves into a little more detail about the Red Lanterns and Atroticus, the first member of the Red Lantern Corps.  The comic gives some detail about how the Manhunters, controlled by Krona (a Guardian of the Universe), killed Atroticus' family along with his entire race.  The Manhunters were the Guardians first form of a galactic police force before creating the Green Lantern Corps (i.e. Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan).  Anyway, this left Atroticus in a deep rage that spawned the birth of the Red Lantern Corps.

As the leader of the Red Lanterns, Atroticus knows that he has to keep a certain level of toughness and rage in order to command obedience.  He senses that some of his followers seem to be questioning his "manliness" and abilities to lead.  Lead to what end..?  I guess they are vigilantes for people that want justice/revenge...?  I'm not quite sure yet...

For a first time reader: a lot of information... kind of confusing if you don't know anything about the Guardians, Green Lantern Corps, etc.

Of course, you most likely wouldn't buy this comic book unless you had some sort of familiarity with Green Lantern...

Anyway, I thought the story was just okay.  Kind of a slow start since most of the comic was spent as an introduction...  The art got a little better towards the end.  I might get issue #2 just to see how the story plays out, but not quite sure if I'll stick with this series.

Writing: 7/10
Art: 7/10
Storytelling: 6/10

Overall score: 6.67 (that's kind of interesting if you know the sector number of Ysmault)

Study Night at Lestat's

If I had to sum up my day today into one or two words, it would have to be "School Night."

Today, I met with Tyler, Sopa, and Carolina @ Pepperdine's Irvine campus to go over our presentation of Edward De Bono's book "Six Thinking Hats."  We have a skit that we are going to perform that is pretty hilarious.

Afterwards, I made my way to Lestat's coffee house off Adam's Ave in Normal Heights for a night of GSBM 670X.45 simulation work.  A new friend of mine, David, introduced me to this 24/7 coffee house.  The place has a very "hipster" vibe to it: non-matching furniture, various art pieces on the wall, an eclectic genre of music playing in the background, and lots of people reading, studying, and/or conversing.  Some people may find this type of environment very distracting, but for me it helps me focus.  More and more I'm finding it difficult to read and/or study in completely quiet environments.  I usually end up dozing off. I think I might have a little ADHD?

It's about 11:55pm and I got a lot done!  I calculated the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for the starting point of our company.  Now that I've calculated this percentage, we just have to make sure that our Return on Investment is greater than this and we'll create value for our shareholders.

A Day With the Family

This weekend, my brother came to town to hang out with the family.  Since my brother moved to Las Vegas, it's been a rare occasion that all the Soriano kids are together with mom.

Today, the Soriano family and Grandma went to go visit my Grandfather.  We bought some flowers and trimmed the grass around his headstone.  The last time the whole family was together to see my Grandfather, was when he was buried.  It's still painful to see my Grandma so sad, and she told us how she missed her husband.  I love her so much.

Although the visit brought back many memories, it was really nice to be with my family and my Grandma.  Afterwards, we went to get some boba tea and my Grandma made dinner - arroz caldo, a filipino dish.  It's a comfort food of mine and reminds of when I was in elementary school.  Instead of walking home, I'd go to my Grandma's place for dinner.  Her cooking is the best and makes me feel at home.

The Crazy 10 Units!

This trimester, I'm taking 10 units towards my MBA at Pepperdine University:

• Organizational Dynamics and Managing Change
• Managerial Creativity and Innovation for Leadership
• Integration in Business Operations (aka Simulation)

Today was the start of the third class, simulation.  (Yes, I had class on a Saturday from 9am ~ 4pm).  Needless to say, I knew that this trimester was going to kick my butt.  This class is going require a lot of my time and energy.  The point of this class is to simulate the running of a business.  First, we have to put together a paper that pretty much describes how we're going to run the organization:

• How will we create value
• How will we manage the various operations such as inventory, etc
• How much money will we put towards R&D
• What kind of capital structure will our company operate with
• Will we offer dividends and how much

Stuff like that...  My initial feelings: overwhelmed, encumbered, frustrated, and kind of excited.  All of my classmates that have gone through the simulation tell me the same thing: it's a lot of work, it's not so bad, and the two day simulation is actually really fun.  Bad part.  I was nominated to be the CFO.  And I'm not a Finance guy (granted, I did  pretty good in Finance but still!! huff)

After we submit our operations plan, there is a two day simulation where we have to make a series of decisions:

• Increase dividends?  Build another plant?  Add additional lines?  Fire or hire workers?  What kind of quality and functionality do we want in our products?  For what market segments? etc. etc.

Based on these decisions, we receive feedback on how our company performed in the economic conditions the software imposes on our company.  We have to analyze the financial statements that get spit out, along with information on how the other teams (our competition) are doing as well.  It sounds like fun, but it's going to be a painful 6-8 weeks...

My other leadership classes are, luckily, pretty manageable.  No education-to-business projects or other huge projects.  Just a lot of reading...  Speaking of which... I think I have a couple of friends that would appreciate a review of some of the books we've been reading.  I think I'll put up a short review on CATS: The Nine Lives of Innovation, The Six Thinking Hats, Blink, and more...

Of course, I'll be taking my mental breaks... One good escape I've found is to write reviews on some comic books I'm following.  Yeah I know reading comics is a little "child-ish" but it's always been something that interests me and gives me a mental escape from my busy lifestyle.  Plus, writing reviews is a good writing exercise!  Reading and writing more will undoubtedly be a benefit...

Wish me luck!!

New 52! Superman Action Comics #1 Review

Written by: Grant Morrison
Art by: Rags Morales and Rick Bryant
Variant cover art by: Jim Lee (Squee!) and Scott Williams

So I purchased the variant cover of this comic, and am totally blown away...  Jim Lee and Scott Williams are simply amazing.
---

Before this comic came out, there was one thing that I was told to expect, or at least... what not to expect:  Superman isn't the same person.  Oh and a new costume.

DC Comics proudly presents: Superman Versus the City of Tomorrow.

[minor spoilers]

In the first few pages, we get a good feel for Superman.  He isn't the man in blue tights (yet?) but a guy in a Superman t-shirt, jeans, and red cape.  He stands for justice, as he wants the law to work the same for everyone: the rich and the poor.  That sounds pretty much like the Superman I'm used to; except, this time he's kind of an arrogant and stuck-up douche.  A good guy but he toys with the police officers that try to capture him.  And he does it with a smile...

Later, we find Luthor aiding the US Army in the capture of Superman (or "it" as they sometimes refer him), and based on their conversation, Superman seems to be slowly discovering his abilities: jumping long distances, speed, strength... etc.  In Luthor fashion, he attempts to capture Superman by also putting innocent lives on the line: from demolishing buildings and sending a bullet-train out of control with Louis Lane and Jimmy Olsen on board.

This definitely felt like an homage to older Superman comics, and was a great way introduce old, familiar characters.  Great story and I'm looking forward to more!

Writing: 10/10
Art: 10/10
Storytelling: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

New 52! Batwing #1 Review

To comic book enthusiasts,

Please don't hurt me.  I have NO idea who Batwing is, but I guess that's the whole idea behind this reboot, right?  To attract new readers... So, here's my review of Batwing #1.

When I first saw the comic on the shelf, I thought to myself, "So, is this a spin-off character from the Batman series?  Is this a futuristic Batman in a different world?  Kinda like the half Latino, half African-American Spiderman?"

I was sort of wrong... and sort of right...

---

As I turned the front-cover, I was blown away by the art.  Ben Oliver is amazing! 

DC Comics proudly presents Batwing, in, The Cradle of Civilization.  Here we go...

The first quarter of the comic was amazing.  Judd Winick does a masterful job in quickly explaining the origins of Batwing.  From what I can gather, Batwing is Batman's counter part in Africa.  Batman seems to be assisting Batwing in creating an "image" for himself in Africa.  Same modus operandi as Batman, i.e. fear. 

Later we learn that David Zavimbe, an officer in the Tinasha Police Department is the man behind the mask.  He has a high opinion about the state of Tinasha, but keeps a low profile behind a desk.  humm.. Clark Kent-ish?  As Batwing, he leaves clues to lead the Tinasha police force to the master minds behind the criminal activities that have plagued the city.

Everyone knows Batman's secret headquarters... The Batcave.  For Batwing, it's The Haven.  And Batman's butler?  Alfred.  For Batwing.  Matu Ba.  Okay so is this just Batman in Africa?

Whatever the case... The comic ends with a total cliff-hanger!

I have to say... I was really skeptical when I picked up this comic, but I am pleasantly surprised at how good it really turned out!  I don't want to say that this series is a means to include minorities... Heck, I feel like there aren't enough Asian super heroes.  I really encourage you to give Batwing a chance...  Judd Winick is a great a writer and Ben Oliver is a talented artist!  I'm a fan!

Writing: 9/10
Art: 10/10
Storytelling: 9/10.  I couldn't tell if Massacre or Batwing beheaded the criminals.

Overall: 9.33

New 52! Green Arrow #1 Review

[may contain minor spoilers]

Okay, so Green Arrow is a character I pretty much know nothing about... Except for what I've seen on the TV series Smalleville and various appearances in Green Lantern comics.  I know the guy is supposed to be really rich, similar to Bruce Wayne aka Batman.  So, let's see how this comic turns out...

Oliver Queen, or the Green Arrow, is tracking down some "celebrity" criminals instead of being at an important executive meeting in which the future of his company Queen Industries is being decided.  Queen seems like he has (or at least should have) an active role in his company.

Most Superheros seem to operate solo, but in Green Arrow's case, he has a little team that's looking over his shoulder and helping him along the way.  Green Arrow, similar to Batman, has a lot of toys.. Arrows that he shoots with a collapsible bow that have specific functions.  (How he knows what kind of arrow he's pulling from his quiver is beyond me... Muscle memory?)  From arrows that stun bad guys to arrows that get shot into computer systems without damaging any of the hardware and establish remote connections that his team can then hax0r.  Um...  Realistic?  Of course not... Neat idea?  Love it... Where can I get one?

Writing.  This comic pretty much embodies how I imagine comic book narratives.  Action packed scenes with the cheeky conversations...

Y'know, the scenes where the protagonist says, "why don't you take a seat?!" as he flings a chair at said bad guy that ends up sitting in said chair?

"You're not a punk.  You're worse.  You're a loser."  Remember kids... Don't do drugs!  D.A.R.E.

Now, I know comic books are generally targeted to younger audiences.  But I think the kids these days have graduated from using words like punk... Which by the way...  Don't ever use that word in prison.  It spells a lot of trouble, apparently...

One thing Green Arrow and Batman have in common... They both have somewhat of a vigilante spirit.  They don't want to stay on the sidelines and watch people get hurt.  They want to step in and take action themselves.  I suppose that's what all superheros have in common...

Overall, this was a decent intro to Green Arrow.  One things for sure, Green Arrow has quite a few characters that he'll have to deal with...  Even one that looks like Chewbacca.

Writing: 7/10
Art: 7/10
Storytelling: 7/10

Overall: 7/10

I'm not sure if I'll give Green Arrow another go... Maybe #2 will be a little better.

New 52! Batman Detective Comics #1 Review

Batman Detective Comics #1

I'm still trying to figure out a good system on evaluating the comics I'm reviewing.  I thought about reviewing comics based on three aspects: writing, art, and storytelling

Again, this is just my opinion and what does my opinion mean?  Pretty much nothing.  This is just my personal feelings.

Writing - There is only so much space in a comic book to give the reader an idea / feeling of the characters' thoughts, feelings, aspirations, etc.  How well did that come across?

Art - How well did the art match up with script?  And what is the overall quality?

Storytelling - Pretty much... Did I feel like I was immersed in the world this creative team is presenting?

Each category is out of 10 points and then averaged for my overall assessment.

[ may consist of minor spoilers ]

Gruesome.  Shocking.  Disgusting.  Three words that jump out to me after reading this comic.  There's a reason why, I feel, Batman has always done well in comics and on the big screen.  Batman doesn't have super-powers and neither do the criminals (per se).  Everything is so grounded, dark, scary, and just raw.

Written and drawn by Tony Salvador Daniel... Wait?  He does both?  What a talent!!  Where does he find the time?!

The comic starts out with an inner-monologue by Batman.  Throughout the comic, we get Batman's insights:  from his deductive thinking to calling the police idiots.  Consistent with the world that was introduced in Justice League #1, the police don't like Batman with exception to a detective he meets on the roof-top.

One thing that isn't explained yet is Batman's relationship with Detective Gordan (I believe that's his name)  I don't even think they even mention his name, how the Bat-signal was made, and why the detective has a "working relationship" with Batman.  To a first time reader that doesn't know anything about Batman, this could be a little confusing...

The story is pretty cliche, but very well written and drawn.  Batman chases the psychotic Joker...  Nothing new (to me) except the Joker isn't playing silly tricks like he did in some of the cartoon portrayals.  The Joker is one crazy and scary guy!  Tony gives us a little hint of something more going on other than Joker causing havoc.  Dr. Arkham (i.e. Arkham Asylum?) and the Joker are up to something...  Last page of the comic is just disturbing.  You'll have to read it to know what I mean...

I'm really looking forward to reading more of this comic and excited to know what happens next!

Writing: 9/10
Art: 8/10.  Some shots of Batman on the rooftop seemed disproportionate to other shots... Mostly his cap was one crazy big bed sheet.  Tony deserves big props though for writing and drawing!
Storytelling: 8.5/10

Overall: 8.5 / 10

Operation Bag and Board

I picked up 100 bags and boards from the local comic book store, COMICKAZE Comics Books and More, located on Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

And so...

Operation Bag and Board is in effect.  With the help of my co-worker Mike, I organized my current collection of comic books.  All the older Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps comics were given to me as a gift by my good friend, Ray.

Before

After

Anniversary Green Lantern #200.  My most precious comic

New 52! Justice League #1 Review

Justice League #1

** Caution: minor spoilers **

Right away, we are pulled into a world where the term super hero doesn't exist.  JL #1 starts off in Gotham city, where Batman is chasing a cloaked figure and the police after, not the cloaked figure but, Batman!  Geoff Johns doesn't completely come out and say it, but the world is afraid of "super humans" or, at least, have a dubious opinion towards them.

Just before Batman was going to get pummeled, Green Lantern (squee!!) enters the scene.  Geoff Johns does a really good job describing how powerful Green Lantern really is to new readers.  The majority of this issue is dialogue between Batman and Green Lantern.  None of the super heroes know each other (that we know), in fact, Batman and Green Lantern refer to Superman as an alien.  They don't even mention his name until they display the title of the next issue:  Superman vs. Batman.

I can already tell that Green Lantern is going to be a source of comedy relief.  Hal Jordan is arrogant and makes fun of Batman for just being a guy in a bat costume.  The creative team at DC comics make an interesting choice to introduce us to Green Lantern and Batman first.  Two, almost, completely different personalities.  One fights with the light and the other prefers the darkness.  One is a loud mouth and the other grunts his words.  Id est, Christian Bale *grunt* "WHERE IS SHE?!"

One moment in this issue that really made me laugh was a line from Green Lantern where he says something to the effect of, "... how else are we going to get there?  A deep voice?" Hilarious!!

While trying to find the alien in Metropolis, we are introduced to our third super hero, Superman!  He's not going to be an easy person to talk to using force.  He smashes right through Green Lantern's constructs which are supposed to be impenetrable...

Overall, I am REALLY excited for the new 52 and can't wait for more!  Jim Lee's art is amazing!  I would love a sketch (hint hint Michael).  The ink and color are masterfully done.  The new grittier and darker perspective of the DC Universe has a lot of potential.  My friend, Michael, describes it as the Deep Space 9 world of Star Trek.  If that's the case, I'm all in!  Slow to start but AWESOME in the end.

Rating: 9/10

***

As you probably noticed, all the heros have new costumes!  DC's creative team believed that a new perspective on the new 52 should also mean a new set of costumes.  Because of that... I may have to invest in Action Comics because that's where they'll explain the origins of Superman's costume.

That's all!  Off to class...

A Turn

I know it's been awhile since I last wrote a blog.  Honestly after my grandfather's passing,  I've kind of lost the motivation to write.  I put so much of myself emotionally into the post that anything else I write is kind of "blah."  I've thought about moving my blog into different directions -- less of a narrative and more of a photographic journal.

So we'll see how this goes...

Just a little update:
I'm on a little break from school.  Managed a B+ in Finance and an A in Organizational Development.  Not bad.  This next trimester should test my mettle, however.  Three classes and a lot of reading, group projects, and papers.  I'm dreading it a little.

Blog 28 - Catharsis

I really can't think of a logical way to write this blog.  The past three weeks have been such an emotional roller-coaster and sorting through those feelings and memories is kind of difficult.  I really don't even know where to begin...  So, I'm just going to write this blog for catharsis.  I apologize for the unorganized structure.

When my grandfather passed on April 26th, my family and relatives were constantly together. We all spent the night at my grandparents house to... just be together and show support to one another.  Every night until my grandfather's burial, there was a vigil and lots of Filipino food to go around.  All the coming and going certainly helped give my grandmother, my mom, and aunts a distraction until the viewing/burial.

I was in charge of putting together our family's own video montage of my grandfather.



I had fun putting the video together, but it was also a very emotional little project.  I watched the video over and over for editing purposes that, at times, I almost felt emotionally detached.  I actually started to feel guilty.  The last thing I wanted to be was a robot or emotionless when we buried my grandfather.

I took three days off for bereavement, so I could be with my family during the Viewing (or Wake).  There was an overwhelming feeling of "togetherness" and family at Glenn Abbey Memorial.  Seeing my Grandfather in the casket was... just unreal.  As a Christian, we know that the body laying in the casket was no longer my grandfather... Just a shell...  We believe that he's somewhere in Heaven having a grand ol' time and eating whatever he wants...  It was incredibly emotional nonetheless.  Seeing my grandmother lean over the casket, stroking my grandfather's hair, crying, and saying goodbye was the most heart-wrenching moment of my life.  Thinking about my family and relatives in tears just makes... I don't know... It just breaks my heart and I want to break down and cry.

The first day of the Viewing, I was really afraid to approach the casket to see my grandfather.  It took me about an hour to muster up the courage to see him.  When I finally did, I really didn't know what to think.  I was just numb.  "This is my grandfather...  Wake up, grandpa!"  I didn't cry... Until I walked to the back of the mortuary to be with my family and maybe get something to eat.  My mom asked me, "Did you see your grandpa?" and.. that's when I grabbed my little sister and broke down...

On the last day of the Viewing before my mom closed the casket, we got to share a story about my Grandfather.  I think of myself as a decent speaker and didn't think that I would choke.  The first words out of my mouth were, "I want to tell you a st..." and I broke down again.  My grandfather was behind me and family in front... Almost everyone that went up to speak had to pause to gather their emotions.

The day of the burial, my cousins and I were the Pallbearers to bring my grandfather's casket into the church.  We had a wonderful service and headed to Glenn Abbey for the burial.  Along the way, we had three police escorts to make sure our funeral procession arrived at the same time.

My grandfather had a military ceremony done by the U.S. Navy.  At this point, I really thought I was "cried-out."  4 days of crying felt like enough... I couldn't possibly cry anymore than I have been.  At least until the Navy performed their 3-volley salute.  The gun shots hit me square in the chest (not literally) and when they played Taps... I had mixed emotions of pride and sadness.  My grandfather was such a great man.  A man full of integrity, humbleness, and love for his family.

We said our final good-bye's as he was lowered into the ground.

Our family has a tough time ahead...  I'm trying to spend a lot more time with them.  I am worried about my grandma... I know she's trying to keep herself busy by cooking and cleaning, but sometimes... I catch her with her hand to her face...

The loneliness must be so overwhelming.

My motivation with school and work have taken such a big hit.. And there are also other things going on in my own personal life.

Emotionally, I've been calling the past 3-weeks a "spectrum of overwhelming emotion" and a real "roller-coaster of emotion."  From sadness, depression, happiness, and pride to anger, frustration, loneliness, and hope.  It's just a lot...

Look to God.  Pray for comfort, strength, and wisdom.  That's what I'm hoping for... My family is there as well...

Anyway, that's all...  We love you Grandpa..

Blog 27 - Family and Friends

I'm writing this blog from the Raleigh-Durham airport in North Carolina...

It's only Wednesday, but it feels like I've been up for a week. My trip to North Carloina was short but sweet. I was supposed to be here till Friday, April 29th but I was struck with devastating family news and had to find a flight back to San Diego in a hurry.

I flew to North Carolina to meet some friends that I've known since 2007: Ed, Michele, and Michael.

I got into my hotel room in Durham, NC around 9:45am EST. I met up with my friend Michael at the hotel. We called up Ed and went over his and Michele's place. It was kind of awkward at first but comfortable at the same time. These are people I've talked to andplayed video games with for a long time. It waas was "strangely familiar."

Michele had to work, but the three of us went to have lunch at a pretty cool restaurant in Hillsborough. Culture shock definitely sit in: I was amazed at how slow everything ran. I don't mean that people were slow as in being inefficient or anything.. The pace of life was just so different. Everyone took their time to say hello, to see how you were doing, and all around... Wholesome and friendly. That's something very different from living in Southern California for the past 27ish years.

After lunch, we we this organic/natural shop called Co-Op to buy.. Lots and lots of beers. We were definitely going to drink it up that night. And we did... Maybe not in the original intention. We even got a bottle of mead just because it sounded medevil and cool. We also went to Walmart to get lots of meats to BBQ: hamburgers, steaks, and hot dogs.

I also got to meet Ed and Michele's three boys: John, Derrick, and Chris. Three really well mannered and intelligent kids. John is a very responsible kid. Working and going to school. Something that I am all to familiar with. Derrick was very well mannered and a huge MMO gamer. I was really taken by their youngest, Chris. Probably because he plays trumpet but more because of his level of intelligence. That little boy has a huge vocabulary for his age. Ed and Michele told us stories about how he gets picked on, but I have no doubt he will grow up to be one very intelligent and successful kid.

Around 9:15pm EST, I received a call from my mom that my grandpa collapsed and didn't have a pulse... He was rushed to the hospital and the whole family was on their way. I broke down. It ws really difficult to hear my mom crying over the phone. I could just hear her heart breaking... As was mine... Just this passed weekend my mom suggested that I help my grandpa in his garden he was starting... That was going to be one the first things I was going to prep for when I got back from my little trip.... I was going to buy hats, gloves, and gardening tools... I was looking forward to hearing more of my grandpa's stories.

I wish... I should've been around more often...

Anyways...

I really didn't want to make things "weird" around my friends... After all, it was the first time I was meeting them all in person and I didn't want to make people feel uncomfortable. I really hope i didnt.

Right away, everyone knew there was something wrong and Michele was the first person to ask me what was going on. I just started crying... My grandpa's health was something he's fought with for some time... I knew this day would come, but I was really hoping he would be around to see me graduate with my MBA. I knew he was proud of me, but... It was something I was really wishing and praying for.

The rest of the night was full of stories, drinking, and the occasional laughter. Michele and Ed shared a lot of stories about their families. And they gave me a lot of emotional support. If anything, I think this event kind of brought all of us a little bit closer. I dont necessarily like how everything turned out but I'm still very grateful that I got to meet them all. This definitely wont be the last time I will see them.

We just sat at table talking for hours... I mostly just listened and starred blankly at the table and my phone... But it was nice to have friends around to listen to. We eventually wrapped everything up around 2:30am.

This morning around 11:30ish... Michael and I had breakfast before he left to drive back home and me to the airport.

Now it's 2:31pm EST... My plane arrives in about an hour and I'll be back in San Diego around 9:15pm PST. I'm headed straight for my grandma's house where all my relatives and family are... I hope my grandma is doing okay...

What a crazy couple days it's been...

Blog 26 - Trimester Coming to a Close

I know it's been awhile since I last made a blog entry.  I had a feeling this was going to happen when the trimester started back in January.  Between school and work, this trimester has been a complete whirlwind.  Add some personal issues, and the last 4 months really drained me.

Nothing too exciting is happening in my life, otherwise.  I was surprised how interesting Accounting ended up being and how much a pain Marketing was!  I don't think I want to see another marketing plan for a long LONG time.  Overall, I'm pretty proud of the end result but the process was really a challenge.  The only thing I can say about the people I worked with is:

"Such is life... You don't always get to choose the people you have to work with."

I love my classmates, but I don't think I want to go thru that torture again.

In my personal life, it's just a big cluster...  I'm just glad that school and work can keep me pretty distracted; otherwise, I'd be down in the dumps with everything that's going on. 

Tonight, I have my Accounting final and tomorrow is the big Marketing presentation.  I'll write more soon!

Oh yeah.. and I'm going to North Carolina.  Random, right?  I'm going to go see some very dear friends of mine and I'm looking forward to the trip.  I'm kind of hoping I come back with an accent...  Just because...