Silvino’s Blog

In an effort to avoid being the absolute worst blog ever, I’m adding this entry to update what’s going on these days :0).

Life has been pretty scary lately with all the economy troubles.  I’ve been working on organizing our personal finances to keep us even safer should things get worse.  Irina isn’t a big spender like I am but we have a habit of spending when we go out on food or entertainment which can add up really quick.  I’m working on actually organizing our finances versus the “we have more going in than out” method that I was used to doing.  I should know how much we actually spend per month to compare with what we bring in.  Life could be worse though if I didn’t have a job.  I have a few friends dealing with that now and some really good people are out of work.  I do what I can for them but right now that’s a whole lof of people and luck is often needed in times like this.  I’ll keep my fingers crossed for everyone.

On the personal side of things Irina and I are off soon for a much needed vacation.  It will let us spend some good time together without work or computer games to screw things up :0).  I should probably quit gaming but I would miss some good friends if I left.  Often times I realize it’s not the game that keeps me playing but the social aspect.  I don’t go to a bar or club weekly but I hang out with friends online, lol.  We’re also still working on baby #1 but at least we know what our roadblocks are now.  I’m so paranoid about making sure things are stable at home before the baby comes that I feel that sometimes I’m too sensitive about things.  I know every marriage has its little issues but I tend to over analyze I think.

Let’s see how soon I can remember to post something.  Hopefully it’ll be interesting to someone out there :).

So the other day someone reminded me of a time where I had a near death experience. I told my quick story and the idea of me being dead didn’t leave my head. What if I did die? What if I died tomorrow?

First, I’d hope that Irina and the dogs would be fine with me gone. I’d hope Irina would be able to move on after such an event. I tell her that I probably wouldn’t ever marry again but I’d hope she’d find someone to grow old with. I’d also want my friends to live life to its fullest to make up for me being gone since I wouldn’t be able to. I think it sucks when death brings so much sadness and depression. I don’t plan on dying anytime soon but I really hope that my thoughts here are considered when its my time to go.

Oh yeah, I also thought about where I’d want to rest. Cemeteries are becoming a pain in bigger cities since they just grow and grow with the population. At some point that space may have to be used for living space or whatever. I’m thinking that I should just be burned into ash so that i can be spread out in the Pacific somewhere near Maui. It seems like a great place to have your spirit rest. Who needs to burden the people of the future with my rotting remains? Not me.

I’ve been pretty laid back the past month or two with medical issues. It seems like age is hitting me hard all at once with issues involving my eyes, knee and shoulder. Thankfully everything seems to be going in a positive direction now.

I’ve been getting headaches on and off while at work (figured it was just work) and sometimes at home. I started to see a pattern where it didn’t matter what I did but as long as I used my eyes all day, I’d get a headache. That led me to believe it was time to get checked by the Optometrist. Sure enough, I need glasses and now have two pair.

Two pair? Yup, I have my computer glasses (read regular - Nautica frames) and sunglasses (perscription Maui Jim!). I was used to wearing glasses back in the day before my Lasik so things aren’t too odd for me. I actually kind of miss wearing something and since these are SO light (technology and my perscription) it’s no big deal.

My knees were having issues because I tore up my cartilage in the joint but it was only a minor tear so a coulpe months of “taking it easy” has fixed things up mostly.

And lastly, my shoulder has some calcium build up on the tendon which was a lovely painful learning experience. I was basically a one armed bandit for 3 weeks and am still rehabbing the arm to work! I must say that this has sucked bigtime but things are looking better.

Ok, work is slamming me today so Ihave to run. Take care :).

Well, I’ve been too lazy to post much but I hope to do a bit of catch up here. Here are a few scattered thoughts for the day :).

MAUI!

I just got back not long ago from a trip to Maui. I was there Jan. 5th to 12th and loved every minute of it. I usually say places are great to visit but not to live at; Maui is an exception (assuming I had a job!).

I really enjoyed everything about Maui. The weather, the people, the ocean, and the laid back atmosphere. Maybe I just needed a big tech break? In any case, I’m sure I’ll be back to visit as soon as I can. We stayed most of our time at Wai Ola (http://www.waiola.com/) with Kim and Jim. They have a real nice setup going there in Lahaina. I’m still dreaming about Kim’s banana chocolate chip bread! Most of the food there was pretty good if you know where to go. The prices are what I would expect from any places you go to eat out at in the Bay Area. You can find some cheaper places if you look around and you can run into some pretty pricey options if you aren’t careful. I suggest checking out the Pioneer Inn for breakfast and MALA for lunch/dinner. Oh yeah, if you’re a guy and you NEED a sports fix, Moose McGillicutty’s is the place to go.

The Old Lahaina Luau was a mixed bag for me. I appreciated the beautiful grounds and authentic dancing/show but the food didn’t live up to my expectations. The pig being cooked underground was supposed to be THE thing to try at a Luau. The string pork from the pig was dry, overly mesquite tasting and super salty. Very disappointing.

Got Maui Pics? Sure do!

See more: http://www.silvino.net/gallery/v/fancy/ and http://www.silvino.net/gallery/v/trips/maui07/ .

Sirius Satellite

…can kiss my ass! These jerks have now wasted SO much of my time! For the SIXTH time they’ve screwed up my billing and are trying to shut down my service because of non payment when each and every time it’s their fault! If it wasn’t for Howard Stern, I’d have canceled service already (which I did TWICE NOW but they begged me back with FREE service for a limited time). I honestly may just cancel altogether tahnks to their poor serviec where people don’t seem too bright, have crap attitudes and like to hang up on you.

I had more to write about but I got busy with work and sidetracked. I don’t recall what else I wanted to post so there may be a follow up sometime soon.

I’m out..

So I’ve been a bit too lazy and busy to post much lately but today I figured an update was in order.

I’ve been dealing with a sore knee the past few days and it hasn’t gotten much better.  Before I panicking, I decided to see the Dr. to find out what’s going on.  After a 2 hour wait at Kaiser (whom I have a love/hate relationship with), I finally found out that I have a torn meniscus.  The tear is slight and I should be able to rehab myself into normal shape; at least that’s the hope.  I’ve got to avoid running/jogging/twisting on my knees but still get in 3-4 times per week some time on the stationary bike.  I also am taking some supplements to help as well as attempting to drop some weight.

Christmas is coming and I’ve got a ton of shopping to do still.  3/30 presents found :(.  I should say 4 because I got Irina a wedding band that she wanted since she only had an engagement ring.  I also have to pick up a Christmas tree which I don’t know where I’ll put :).

Oh yeah, I snagged a PS3 just this past Friday.  The Bluray movies look fantastic!  The games I have so far look decent but nothing mind blowing yet.  I’m sure that’ll change in 3-6 months.  Big thanks to Mike, Sushi and Alex for setting me up with one.  Only downside is that I need an HDMI switchbox now :P.

I’m planning to take the normal holidays off and then maybe another week or two.  I’m seeing if I can fit in a Hawaii trip but I’m not sure if I’ve got to worry about rain or not.  We’ll see :).

If I don’t post anything until next year, happy holidays to everyone.  Be safe and remember to appreciate the good people around you and don’t stress over gift stuff too much.