What does it take to become a star?

Listening to Carson Daly talk about the beautiful Thalia, a very popular Latin singer that is just debuting in the U.S, he mentioned that Thalia was married to none other than Tommy Mattola. How do you do it Tommy? I just don't think I could live with myself knowing that these girls were marrying me for money and a record deal. Even Jessica Simpson seemed to be smitten by him...

"I was determined that I be able to stay who I am if I signed to a non-Christian music label," Jessica says firmly, "and when I met with Tommy Mottola (Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Entertainment) he was genuinely impressed with my beliefs and was completely supportive. I remember singing for him and he told me, "you are going to change the world with the power of your heart and your music. When he said that, I knew that I had a home with Sony."

Mottola is one of the rare music biz executives who is actually fairly familiar to the public at large. Mottola famously helped a young Mariah Carey transform herself into a platinum-selling superstar. He also made the singer his wife, marrying her in 1993. The couple divorced in 1998, shortly before Carey parted ways with Sony professionally. Mottola has since married Latin singer Thalia. Thalia is at least 30 instead of 23- Mariah's age when she married him. Maybe I am being a cynic, maybe they did get married for love, but I doubt it. Truthfully- Maybe I am just a little bit jealous.

Fortune Cookies

True friends will always surround you.

You will always do much, if you accomplish perfectly what you do.

A surprise treat awaits you.

What do these things mean??? These aren't fortunes, they are random phrases. I wonder what happened to the good ol day's when fortune cookies. I used to get them and keep them and they were mysterious and inventive. Now they are just plain. Maybe they were always plain and I just thought they were mysterious?

My weekend consisted of a plethora of pleasures, so many that I shall not be able to enumerate them all here.

Friday night I had to work, but Saturday morning I got up and went on a 3 hour bike ride with Dumas and it was AWESOME. Grapevine lake has these great trails and afterwards, Dumas and I went swimming in the lake to cool down. (My butt was really sore though after riding for so long, I have to get me a seat with more padding) So, the last night of the semester of Extollo Deus was Saturday night- If you do not know what Extollo Deus is, then let me tell you. I have 4 dudes that I mentor, we meet once a month, do some scripture memory and some bible accountability. It is simple, it is fun, and it is a blessing to work with such neat guys. So, since it was the last big hurrah, we went to Joe T. Garcia's- Mexican food Muy Delicioso- then afterward we went back to my house- which is really Jimmy's house, and we watched "Abandon" which I found to be really, really lame. But the night was fun.

On Sunday I played a supreme game of Ultimate Frisbee. There were only 9 people, but the field was sloshy and I loved sinking my teeth into the soft mud and destroying my opponent who was not wearing cleets. I just realized that never in my life have I seen the word Cleets/Cleats spelled our, nor have I ever spelled it, so I am not sure of the spelling.

Sunday night I just went to Cody's house, ordered Pizza, and played Power Uno! Yes, I haven't played that game in a super-age- so it was three shades of wonderful.

Monday Dumas and I ate out at Tin Star in Frisco, shopped Abercrombie, and then came back to the house and played vintage Atari games with Jimmy. My personal Favorite Pac Man- was a hit, and we played about 3 games each. Jimmy and Dumas continued to play the antiquated gaming system while I decided to dork around on the computer.

Later that night Heather and Katie joined us for a Barbecue and some Cranium- both of which satiated the palette, both of which were delicious. Heather, your chocolate chip banana nut bread is quite possibly the best tasting thing I have eaten this year- seven levels of heaven were reached upon eating the first bite of this moist delicacy. I could marry you and be happy as long as you made me that bread on a daily basis.

The entire weekend was a hodge podge of fun and games- I even got a little bit of a black-eye while playing frisbee- Man it feels good to be alive!

Saturday

The rains came down, lightning flashed, thunder boomed. God must have been bored because he sure put on a show Saturday night. I prayed fervently that I would not get burnt to a crisp while lying in my wondrously comfortable bed.

In the Fall of 1990, October 7th on a Sunday afternoon to be exact, our humble abode in Sanger, Texas was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground. This might be part of the reason why the lightning the other night was so threatening, or it might of been because that was the worst Thunder I have EVER heard in my 27 years. The more surprising part was that I talked to a few people and they said that they SLEPT right through it! What?! My sister can sleep through anything. If a tornado came and blew the entire house around her away, she would still be sleeping soundly. Man, what a blessing that is, it is like the Gift of Sleeping or something.

Well, so far my weekend has been fun, more to come...

eddo

Some Obvious Observations...

Chinese people can make anything look cool- hair, nails, donuts, cars, chinese food- and the list goes on and on.

Some of the nicest people I have met have been Indian.

There was a guy walking a Basset Hound today- and he was carrying a case of Coors Light- who walks with either of these items?

After consuming more than 120 Krispy Kremes- they are no longer desirable.

Smallville is one of the greatest shows ever.

Dr. Pepper DOES make the world taste better.

Windex wipes, and Clorox wipes are awesome.

Nivea Q10 firming lotion really works well- I mean really well.

The foods that are the most delicious, are the ones that are the worst for you- Pork, Ice Cream, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Some people take their jobs and themselves way too seriously.

Jimmy McWhinney is one of the smartest and most creative people I know.

Pizza is one of the greatest foods ever invented.

I over-use ellipses...

A lot of people spell Definitely wrong-most of the time I see it spelled like this- Definately.

Cranium is a fun game but is makes people mean and crazy.

Most of the time people think the world revolves around them and they never stop to think that MAYBE it don't.

RUUUUBEN WINS!!

Wednesday night, a big, black man who did nothing but get up and sing- WON AMERICAN IDOL!!

We were all hoping for it, but no one expected it, but it is nice when the underdog wins.

However... Did you see that commercial where Paula and SImon Kissed! It was a little pornagraphic with the sleazy music, whip cream, and strawberries- No need to get all Jerry Springer on the last night! Oh, well, it was kinda funny. I wonder if there isn't some truth to that little skit...

Empanadas and Rocket Science

I bought stuff today to make Empanadas- these are little puffed pastries filled with spicy meat. You can make them various ways: filled with chicken, pork, beef, turkey, raisins, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, various peppers, or even sausage. There is no limit as to what you can stuff in these little things. So what is the crust made from? It can be a corn crust, or a pie crust, or a crescent crust- it don't really matter- the only thing that matters is that I am going to make them and they are going to be delicious. I wish I could let you taste- come by anytime and I will make you some. Here is the recipe...

For the filling:
1 cup peeled boiling potatoes cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
2 cups sirloin steak, 1/4-inch dice
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, white and pale green parts
1 cup seeded and diced ripe tomatoes
2 tsp. ground cumin

For the dough:
1 tsp. roasted garlic
2 cups fine-ground cornmeal
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
2 1/4 cups hot chicken stock, canned low-sodium chicken broth, or water

I promise not to whine about my job too much, but here lately it has become rocket science- is there any other job out there that is not standardized to some degree? With computers you can fix something and have no idea how you did it- it is both rewarding and disheartening. It is hard to be proud of something one minute and then get the exact problem the next minute and look like a fool. Worse- you get your little hopes up, thinking you are all hot stuff, and then those hopes and dreams of problem resolution are pounced upon by some customer who not only needs you to fix their problem, but also needs you to be a shoulder for them to whine on. I hate to sound cliche, so I won't go into any details of my job, but remember when you are working- especially if it is not in computers, remember to thank God in heaven that you don't do over the phone computer support.

Big Mistake

I just don't get some people. Just this weekend there was this thing I was cooking for- and a couple of people kept trying to give me instructions on how to cook, and how to grill. I didn't get to 300 pounds by ordering out and driving through Jack in the Box- now please get out of my face and let me cook! It is a BIG MISTAKE to even point out the slightest bit of help- like how to place the foil on the grill, or what to use for seasoning. It reminds me of one time when I was a leader at Denton Bible Church Youth Group. I was putting together a slide presentation and this student started instructing ME on how to change the font and stuff. I looked at him and said, "oh, thanks, but I think I got it." Inside I was thinking, "What? You talking to me about PowerPoint? I practically wrote this program, there is NOTHING in this software that I don't know how to do, I could make a movie like Matrix or Lord of the Rings using this program, now back up out my FACE!!!!" This is what I wanted to say to this little person, but I didn't. No, people don't mean to irritate the crap out of me- sometimes they just do. And you know what, it can even be people you like a whole bunch, or your best friend- it happens. But just in case- some things not to try to tutor me on...

1. Cooking- If I need your help, or your advice, I will ask.
2. PowerPoint- This program ebbs and sways at my bidding, help me with something like C++ or Cold Fusion.
3. Weight Loss- Been there, done that- Lost 113 pounds in 9 months- looked amazing, got bored with eating healthy and working out- now, I don't need your advice, your tips, or your routines- I could teach Arnold a thing or two.

Okay, that's about it for now- peace out.

TEN GOALS IN TEN YEARS

1. I want to learn how to read music and play that music on a piano.
2. I want to get a black belt in karate
3. I want to take some cooking classes and learn to cook better than I already do.(smirk)
4. I want to learn Spanish- fluently, and the slang stuff as well.
5. I want to get my Doctorate in Anthropology or Psychology, I am still on the fence- maybe both?
6. I want to teach- children, grownups, and dogs.
7. I want to start a restaurant called Wolgang Kickmules or Eddo's. (this may be on the 20 year plan)
8. I want to buy a house.
9. I want to get married.
10. I want 3 kids and I want to name them Mercedes Lauren, Bliss Madison, and Azarian David- I have had these names chosen for over 4 years- so it will be a prerequisite. : )

This is pretty much it, I will take them in any order-

Jimmy's Birthday Reloaded

Jimmy turned 29 yesterday- yep, and I saw him all of about 5 minutes. He is one of my best friends in the world, so for the life of me I can't figure out why he would schedule a birthday party that I couldn't attend!? WHY JIMMY, WHY!!!??? Just kidding, I was totally invited, but I had to work, and in actuality, I could've taken off early, waited in line with him, and then forced myself to sit there and enjoy it while 500 other Matrix fans writhed with glee in their seats, but hey, I am 27 and I am finally learning the meaning of the word Responsibility. If I took off for every super-cool amazing movie that is coming out this summer, I would have to take off at least once a week. So, jimmy, I hope your birthday was a hoot. Really.

608 Yoga Positions

Last night I went to Barnes and Noble to just browse and relax. There is nothing better than a B&R trip to B&N. I started first with the Magazines, looking over the selection trying to steer clear of the smut magazines such as: "Stuff", "FHM", "Maxim", and "Martha Stewart". My eyes perused the incredible selection and I finally found my way to the Muscle Mags. Not planning to buy, and not in need of "great sex" yet, I just grabbed an "Iron Man" and started flipping through the pages. Here lately I have been working out, I have never had the opportunity in my life to work out in the mornings and get plenty of sleep- now I am doing both and with that I have started eating healthier and getting serious about the weights. So, I browse through the pages and I see this lamo add- it is a big video for "Fantasy Workouts". I don't know what guys are in to that, but I never fantasize about ladies in lingerie with dumbells in their hands.- Too weird. So, I put the Magazine down and headed for the more integritous material. (Is integritous a word? It is now.)

I didn't know what I was in the mood for. I looked over the religious section, but I had no money and last time I did that I wanted to BUY, BUY, BUY, and so I avoided that section after a while... moving on I looked at the diet books. Those books are ALWAYS the same- "look at me, I look amazing." or, "try my plan, IT REALLY WORKS!" There is always someone in shape with a smug, knowing smile on their face like they have all the answers.

Bored with these books, I decided to look over the Yoga and Pilates books. I am intrigued with this phenom that seems to be spreading like wildfire. I was becoming bored quickly with this as well until I saw this book of 608 Yoga Poses. Who sat around, or twisted around and thought all these poses up?? This skinny guy looked like he hadn't eaten- EVER and he was doing all these unbelievable poses that looked like he was an award winning Cirque De Soliel contortionist. But did he look happy? NO. He looked hungry. He looked gaunt, and tired. I would be too after all those poses.

The best thing about that whole experience is that it totally opened my eyes to what Yoga is- and I wish that I had kept them shut.

A New Face-

If you have been perusing my website in the past, perhaps you have noticed the many faces of eddo and co. Maybe you even remember "The Side Dish" a little side of humor from both Jimmy of ebumpkin and eddo of The Chair, or perhaps you remember- "The Silver Chair". The point is, I like to change things up, and change them up a lot. I have died my hair at least 6 times. I have gone completely blonde, I have just highlighted it, I have colored it platinum after bleaching it blonde and then dyed it back black that same week. Don't try it, it totally fries your hair and scalp. I have had liposuction- no really, I have. I have looked into getting colored contacts, at one time I wore nothing but western clothes, and I have thought about other forms of plastic surgery. No, it is not self-esteem issues- it's just that I like constant change. I am content now with who I am, but my clothes, my car, my website, everything I do is an extension of my personlity- and since my personality is constantly changing, then so does everything else in my life. So tell me, what do you like?

50 50 50 50
Most Beautiful People

I love this magazine. This crazy materialistic, shallow world. People who do nothing but look AMAZING and inspire me to do some Yoga or Pilates. I love Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Queen Latifah. I love them, I want to marry them. There are others, but lets start with these three. Queen Latifah, you larger than life beauty, I love you, I love the way you look, the way you talk, and I bet you smell good too. Your skin, your eyes, your teeth- but most of all your personality- I will just call you Delicious.

Aniston, with your warm complexion, cornflower blue eys, and simplicity, I want to wrap you up in my arms and never let you go. What does your hair smell like? How do you like your coffee? What makes you smile?

Reese Witherspoon, you are a delight. Your sweetness and radiance are like a cool breeze on a hot day. Your fresh, your inviting, your like new money ready to be spent. Crisp. You sparkle like diamonds, you glow, you are radiant and if you will divorce your hubby Ryan Phillipe, we could be together. So, maybe you have a couple of kids, I don't mind, instant family, just add Eddo.

Enough of that- now it is time to bash- What are some of these people doing in this magazine? Who in the world says Christina Aguilera is a beautiful person? She is stanky. There are others that don't deserve to be in this selection, but I won't go into that now- I could be ranting all night.

WWW

World Wide Wednesdays- Not World Wide Web- Duh.

Well, I miss them, that is what this post is about. Jimmy came up with the idea I think- All I know is it was a happier time, albeit a much more immature time, in my life when I used to live with jimmy- before I moved out and then back in with him. We used to go home for lunch when both of us worked at HyperGraphics (Now called eInstruction). We would invite people over and cook various foods from around the world. Rosemary Chicken, Thai Ginger Beef, Cuscous, Tabouli, Hummus, you name it, we tried to make it. It started out as a small group, and then it became this big thing where everyone was coming over. I think one time one chicken fed like 20 people- it was just like Jesus feeding the 5000, only on a much smaller scale and we didn't have any leftovers.

Well, today Jimmy, Booch, and myself ate lunch together- it was nothing special, but a plate of nothing special eaten with friends is better than Steak eaten alone. Now that I work 1-10, I may have to get the World Wide Wednesday's started up again. We also have an International Foods place right by our house on Sunset- I wonder if they have chutney or Paratha? If they do, you need to come by for a taste- it is sooo yummy.

Just like mom used to... Buy.

My mom is a good cook, but few mom's can smoke barbecue like Texas Hamburger Factory, their barbecue is Deeee-Lish-ous. I went with a group of men on Saturday night- the Extollo Deus group. Each month we get together to quote our verses that we have memorized. It is really a fun time, and we always go eat someplace tasty. Good food, Good company, Good Scriptures, Good Times. Well, we were running a little late getting our verses said as everyone took their turn around the table. One by one tables started to clear and soon we were the only table in the back room. This young girl of about 22-23 I'd say, was cleaning the tables, stacking chairs, etc. Finally, we all finished quoting our verses. (Kudos once again to Cody Miller who continues to amaze me with his memorization ability despite his apprehensiveness when we first began. Kudos to those of you as well that actually had your verses memorized- My hands are clapping.) The best part of the night was when we got up, I said, "We got to go so she can clean this up." and she said, "no need to hurry, I just want to tell you guys how much you blessed me by quoting verses, etc." She was super nice and gave us lots of praise, but then she even started preaching at us a little bit which was also extremely cool. She was very passionate about it. I try not to say too much about our little group. Humility is such an important part of being a Christian, but I can't help but be proud of these guys for memorizing this...

We put no stumbling block in anyones path so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way. In great endurances, in troubles, in hardships and distresses, imprisonments and riots, in sleepless nights and hunger, in purity, understanding and patience, in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God. With weapons of righteousness in our right hand in in our left. Through glory and dishonor, through good report and bad report, genuine yet regarded as impostors, known, yet regarded as unknown, dying and yet we live on, beaten and yet not killed, sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, poor, yet making many rich, having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 1 Corinthians 6:3-10

This verse is the bomb.

Extollo Deus- To the Glory of God.

Ranting... again.

Stingy people annoy the crap out of me. Some people are more stingy than others, but some people are so stingy, that they steal. I was with someone the other day and they got a water cup and then filled it with tea! I couldn't believe someone would be so cheap- especially since this particular person makes a lot of money. I also don't like it when people always just take. Would it hurt you to give a little back every now and then? It really vexes me sometimes, it is like these people are oblivious to the fact that they are cheap, or that they are users. I have an anonymous friend who is very good to me and has bought me tons of stuff, I couldn't imagine if I loaned him 20 bucks one day going back up to him and saying, "hey, do you have that 20 that I loaned you?" What a slap in the face. If he made me pay him for all the times that he had "loaned" me money, well, I wouldn't be able to pay him back, it would have to be in payments. It just really burns me up. So, if you are stingy, or cheap- stop it. Buy someone dinner that has bought you dinner, fill up their gas tank if they loaned you their car. Clean their house, get them a card for crying out loud. That's all I'm sayin, just be appreciative- that's all I'm sayin.

Reading blogs is fun. I recommend it. It is like reality TV in a way, except it is really reality. People just tell you so much about their lives and you get to know them. Why is it that we have no problem opening up on Jerry Springer, or when posting something on the web? Does this digital interface automatically remove all inhibitions? Apparently so. Most Internet traffic is supposed to be from the downloading of porn. So, what if you could get high just by visiting a website? What if you could get drunk? At first people would try it just to see if it was really true, then, like crack cocaine- Bam! one time and you are hooked.

Something of note that I have shared with everyone since I learned it. I used to wonder- "How can you be hooked on something after trying it just one time?" Then a friend of mine explained to me that once you try it, it is AMAZING, but you can't stop craving that "high". It is supposed to be like nothing else. However, you can never get that same high that you felt after the first time, but like a gambler to a slot machine, they keep going back hoping to hit the jackpot- usually they just end up broke in both cases.

I got this comments thing working- let me know what you think- post something, tell me to shut up, get angry- yeah, just let it out- vent a little if necessary. I love drama- it is so interesting.

Trying something new- please bear with me... Grrrr.