The Force is strong with this one

There's this female cousin of mine from my Madre's side of the family whom I've never really gotten along with. We were born a month apart and ever since then it seems like we've always been in competition. Oh yeah, she intimidates the hell out of me. (Another story for another day) We never really go beyond the requisite exchange of pleasantries so imagine my surprise when I recently found her oldest son playing with Star Wars figures. My Nina, who was also there at the time remarked to him "Go ahead Dezmon, ask Michael he knows everything about Star Wars." So this child of seven or younger (again we don't talk much) asks "Obi-Wan taught Anakin so who taught Obi-Wan?" So I told him it was Qui-Gon and he handed me his toys. As I fuddled with Mace's lightsaber and Dooku's detachable Force lighting (very cool) I told him I have all kinds of figures like these at my house. His eyes lit up and he told me we should play sometime.

Oh, it's so on now.

210 Freeway

A couple weeks ago I went to go see my cousin play a show somewhere in San Dimas. I must admit, I didn't really want to go. I rather much hit the sauce on a Saturday night at the Burgundy, but he is like a little brother to me so off I went. I decided to pick up a bottle before we hit the freeway. I didn't know what type of venue it was and if they had booze who knew how much it would cost. So on the sixty to the six 0' five. It was raining and the night had officially begun.

We were making good time. The freeways were pretty clear (it was early) and I guess you could say so far so good. But looming in the distance was the two ten. Now let me stop right there, I have nothing against the two ten. I didn't see a horrific accident there or something like that. It's just I get kind of nostalgic whenever I travel on that road. It's just that particular on ramp off the six o' five north that always gets me.

Years ago that place, that little intersection, played a huge role on who I was and who I now am. During that time I was living in Rialto and then Victorville with an ex-girlfriend. It was a pretty good relationship for the most part accept she was really pushing me to move in with her. I decided to go on with it because 1) I liked her (obviously) 2) She SEEMED like she had a good head on her shoulders 3)She said it was time for me to "grow up" (i.e., leave your friends and all that you love behind) Truth be told it was more like a forced situation. As result of this I became bored and angry. (honestly there's not much to do out there unless you have a healthy Meth habit) So more than often I would travel back home.

I had a female friend who lived in the Pasadena/Altadena area. We used to talk for hours on end. She wasn't perfect though. She came from a huge sc family. (she even tried to put me in an sc sweater once, didn't happen..lol) As result of her interesting opinions and similar tastes we grew to be pretty close. Sometimes, on the way back to deadsville, I would be selfish and instead of making a right to take the two ten east I'd make a left and go west. It was a decision I never regretted but it was one some didn't agree with, namely the woman I was living with at the time.

Nothing came from either relationships. Well. I guess you could count the personal growth, and knowledge I gained from the experience. I always sort of chuckle when I near that road and always wonder how much different my life would have been if I would of just stayed to the right.

(I should of stayed right more often. The Miller brewing company is there. Have you seen the silo of High Life they have?-M)

It's those damn car flags

I hate the Lakers. Don't get me wrong, I respect the organization and it's players past and present, but as a native Angelino I think it's supposed to be in my DNA to root for the ol' purple and gold. But it's not and why you ask? It's because of you Laker fan with your myopic thoughts of winning 70 games every year, your constant arguments of Kobe being the greatest thing since sliced bread, and of course the aforementioned car flags. I'm sick of it. Mostly it's a shame. I wish I could be one of the many that wears a team jersey (Naturally I would sport Farmar's) but when your average sixteen year old fan tells me that they have been a fan since '88 I come to my senses.

Don't think I'm singling you out Laker fan. There are others. Giants, Angels, Padres, (although I am a huge Peavy fan. Dodger fan will kill me on this one) Trojans, and Yankees. But those are givens of course. I never really go out of my way to root against someone with such eagerness. Well maybe the Raiders but now they are mostly irrelevant. Either way I am done with you. So when you get eliminated this year and fail yet again to win a championship, I don't want to hear it. Most importantly leave the car flags at home.

Either one can't lose

Alright, decision time. I am having a bit of trouble with choosing this year's Halloween costume. I have narrowed it down to two:


1.)


2.)

Opinions obviously needed and appreciated.

I'm going with Backbeat

Over the weekend there was an interesting discussion topic that came up. What has been the greatest musical artist bio picture ever made. Some of the choices were:

*The Buddy Holly Story
*La Bamba
*Backbeat
*Ring Of Fire
*Great Balls Of Fire
*The Glenn Miller Story
*The Doors
*Ray

Opinions? Arguments? Comments?

Quick Observation

I don't know if I have mentioned it or not, but I have had a playoff beard going since the Dodgers won the West. Two observations I have made(well three if you count the fact that I look fucking ridiculous)one is this thing is itchy, and two is it makes me look even more Mexican. So now when I am approached by someone who decides to assume that I speak Spanish as my first language, they become even more upset then they usually do when they find out I speak muy poquito Español.

Oh the joys of East Los Angeles....

Change of pace

(Going to try and change the pace here. Usually I don't get all emotional and personal on this blog, but here goes nothing-M)

It's fall. The time of the year that is somewhat cruel to yours truly. Bruin football and Dodger baseball are usually non-existent. Accept this year. The fellas over there in Chavez Ravine are in the playoffs and there is actually a glimmer of hope surrounding the city of angels. This team has all the tools to do some damage and maybe just maybe win it all.

Only one problem with that. You are not here. Over these past couple years I have tried many times and have gone to many games but I still can't shake your memory. I was a fool to take the time we spent together for granted and I feel even stupider knowing that it was my own selfish fault for letting that happen. Little things like sharing a smoke or singing duets on the 110 freeway are a treasured memory that I will hold close to my heart till the day I die.

You were a friend that will be sorely missed.