I wish I was musically talented

For the first in my life, I have been keeping up with American Idol. The reason? Andrew Garcia, a singer I follow on youtube was on it and I've been following him since. He's in the final 24 right now. Although it may sound like a typical "sad" story, he is looking to make a better life for his son. His parents were involved in gangs when he was a child and him being on the show brought tears to his fathers eyes. I'm not hoping he wins because of his story but because of the passion he shows for singing.

On another note, DVR is the greatest thing ever, its allowed me to keep up with shows like American Idol, but also sporting events, How I Met Your Mother ( some people said this was AS funny if not MORE funny than Friends but I really do not agree ), CSI (NY is the best one) and anything else I remember to record.

Here are a couple videos of Andrew singing.

This is his 1st audition on Americon Idol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f0_YyxpDYI

Michael Jackson Medley:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--hMhGgpoYU

The Simple Things

It's the simple things in life we forget. Sometimes I forget about how blessed I truly am and complain about stupid things like my leg, not having this/that and hundreds of other dumb things. I find myself being frustrated with a lot of things, a lot of LITTLE things which really shouldn't even bother me in the first place. Through this past week, I have been OVERFLOWED with blessings. Most of you know I just had surgery last week and so many people have visited, brought me food, balloons, cards, called, texted, facebook and just coming to spend time with me. I am extremely thankful for everyone. I've had two days of physical therapy and my therapist is really cool and I'm excited about working hard to get back to playing sports again.

I guess round balloons are in?Thanks Cristina

Thanks Eugene and Grace

As some may know, Caron Butler (one of my favorite players) recently got traded from the Wizards to the Mavericks. He has come a long way since his youth of drugs and crime and plays with a swag that I admire. I've actually had the privilege of meeting him one time at a club in D.C. He was so chill and shook hands to anyone who came up to him. Even though he had a game that day and was probably just looking to relax after flying into D.C. he was still willing to take pictures with us when he easily could've just stayed in the VIP section and ignored us. For those who havn't, please read this, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/21/AR2010022103133.html?sub=AR, it explains the type of person he is and he will be truly missed as a person and player.

So it begins...

So I had my surgery yesterday to repair my ACL and meniscus. Turns out my meniscus was worse off than anticipated but he repaired it so I won't have arthritis later one. I wanted to thank everyone for their support, prayers and visits. It really is a blessing to have everyone ask me how I'm doing and I'm extremely blessed. I'm currently on a CPM machine which bends my knee to a set degree. This helps get my range of range of motion back but it hurts to be on it. I also have an ice machine that generade ice throughout my brace. I have my first physical therapy Monday and i'll be doing that 3 times a week for a month or so then 2 times a week then 1. I can't really express how excited I am to get things progressing torwards playin basketball again. I'll have not played for about 10 months before I can play again.


This is a picture of my new best friend, the CPM machine

More

So I've been neglecting this thing for a little while, so I apologize to my dedicated (hah) readers. Nothing too exciting has really happened unless you count the blizzard exciting. Anyways, I have my surgery coming up in two days and it's come up a lot faster than I expected. I have been relatively prepared/calm about my surgery but I'm becoming a little nervous which is normal I guess. I'll be missing 10 days of work with pay which is nice. So for any of you in the Rockville area, PLEASE come visit me during and bring me food and such or just come spend time with me! That would be greatly greatly appreciated. My doctor is very well known and every PT person I've spoken with has said nothing but good things about him which is very reassuring. I've also had a friend who's has surgery done by him which is also reassuring. Physical therapy 3 times a week is going to be hard but I'm excited to get to work and rehab hard and get back to playing basketball soon. I appreciate everyone's prays and thoughts.

The Maryland Men's basketball team has gotten me excited once again. We look like a solid team (minus our loss to the the scrubby Dukies). We look like we're tournament bound and I'm hoping to go to some games this year. For everyone who goes to MD, GO TO THE GAMES.

New song of the day:

Usher - More
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybo74Az5qek&feature=related

Old school song of the day:

Craig David - 7 Days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABuWphlnZ1A

To You Miranda Law

Well well well, look who has finally joined the old club, or as Hao Min calls it, the "wise" club. Happy 23rd Miranda Law. It has been an absolute blessing to have you as one of my closest friends. I've known you for about 6 years now? Our friendship has been... unique to say the least. We had those 2 years or so of not talking much but I'm glad that even through everything you were able to come to me and I am able to come to you. You are ALWAYS there for me, even though you aren't as good at waking up to my 2 AM phone calls anymore. You always want to hangout with me and you're always willing to anything I have to say. You've been there for me to offer me advice through all my troubles and always been supportive. I can honestly say that you never judge me in any way and that you have truly accepted me for who I am.

With that said, I am truly thankful to have you as a close friend, someone who I can ALWAYS rely on and there are no words to describe how thankful I really am. You're going to Philadelphia for pharmacy school in August. I'm going to miss you tons but I will definitely be sure to visit you. You are going to do big things in this world Miranda and I know you will continue to reach for your dreams until you achieve every one. You're one of the hardest workers I know, both educationally and professionally, I still have no idea how you work so much. I have no doubt in my mind you will achieve great things and I just can't wait to see exactly how things unravel for you.

I apologize for this being late, but better late than never I hope. I hope your 23rd year is your best year yet and I look forward to future adventures with you. Happy Birthday Miranda.

That's some good eatin

I'm sure many of you have been to Rockville Town Center for either Gordon Bierch, that Thai Place, Regal movie theater, the new Buffalo Wild Wings or for whatever other reason. I'm also sure many of you have never heard of a Peruvian restaurant called La Canela. This has quickly become one of my favorite restaurant even though I have only eaten there twice. My first time going I got "Lomo" (It was either this or "Polo") I believe which was a beef served with jasmine rice and Peruvian Fries time going, I got the steak. I don't remember the name but it is served with 3 different dipping sauces with jasmine rice and Peruvian fries. This has to be the best tasting steak I have ever had in my life, with a huge portion and a decent price, i think this was 28 dollars? I would highly recommend going to eat at this place. For dinner expect to spend on average about 20-25 dollars a person unless you get something like the steak. I want to go back now...


Washington Post Review:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/la-canela,1146598/critic-review.html



On a complete unrelated topic, today someone violated the man rule today in the bathroom at work.

The man rule states: "Given a string of unoccupied urinals, you must choose one on the outside. When one outside urinal is occupied, use the other side, then middle. Avoid standing directly next to somebody at all costs." Further I've added, use the toilet even if there is an open urinal next to someone. If everything is occupied, hold it and come back! All I thought in my head was "COME ON MAN!"

These two videos will better explain things for people who don't understand.

Short version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHbiFn7w5DI

Long version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzO1mCAVyMw