hairycamel's Xanga

Wee

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 09:44:36 GMT

Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.
Such a heavy burden now to be, the one.

Russell!

Sat, 22 Apr 2006 17:48:25 GMT

So yesterday, Adam, Erik, Sandra, Tina, and I went down to San Diego to watch Russell Peters in action. While Russell was his usual hilarious self, the events that transpired afterwards were hilarious in a twisted way. I was really upset about it yesterday, and still am, but I'm sure I'll look back later and laugh, as well everyone else. So what happened you ask?...

We had a late start out of Irvine, because most of us didn't finish working or school until 4. We all met up and drove down to San Diego, but traffic was a *****, so we didn't end up getting there until 7:20 or so. I was told to park in my friend's dad's parking garage. They own a liquor store in downtown San Diego, and they have a parking garage across the street. The parking garage is literally 3 blocks away from the Spreckles Theater, where the show was being held. So we're going down broadway and turn right on 7th street, and park in the parking garage. Now you need to understand me when I say this parking garage was the most GHETTO thing I have ever seen. It has a very narrow, steep entrance. So we parked in the parking garage, and made our way up a dark set of stairs using my cell phone to light the way. We met up with a bunch of my friends at the Yardhouse on Broadway, but considering the show was going to start at 8, we didn't have time to eat. So we decided to starve until the end of the show. We headed over to the Spreckels Theater and headed over to our seats, which were on the balcony. I hadn't been to the Spreckels Theater in years, as I haven't been there to watch the San Diego Symphony perform in some time. I forgot how steep that place is. After the show we were all hungry, and decided to head over to TGI Fridays. Damn that place takes forever, but whatever. We finished eating and what not, and headed back over to the parking garage to leave. The parking garage, however, was locked! After the initial confusion set in, which lasted for about 2 seconds, I called my friend Tony. Tony told me, oh man, I told Jonathan to tell you guys. Then I called Jonathan, who then told us that he had told Tony to tell us. To tell us what you ask? That the damn parking garage was going to close! What a bunch of loser friends I have. So Jon Jon got right on it, and after waiting about 30 minutes, his cousin Christina showed up and opened the parking garage. We went down into the parking garage, jumped in our cars, and then started driving up the steep, narrow ramp. Guess what? The damn thing wouldn't open. So Adam got out and tried to get it to work. Then, out of nowhere, our guardian angel appeared. This random Chaldean dude was outside, and he showed Adam how to open it. Now that was pure luck, because his cousin Christina didn't even wait around to make sure we got out. It wouldn't have been a big deal, but one of my friends lives at home and has a curfew. I know Chaldean parents, and sometimes they don't care about the circumstances. We will all look back at this and laugh one day...

Argggggg Matey

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 06:40:31 GMT

So when are we all going to that Pirate's Adventure place, or whatever you call it? We should do so soon.

I for one had a great Spring Break. I was able to visit many friends and family members, which always makes me happy. My parents were sad though, because I only spent a couple of days with them. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves too, although I'm sure it's much different when you're working in the real world.

I do have some good news though. My parents want to move back to San Diego. So we're going to start making minor repairs, and making sure everything looks nice so we can put this baby on the market. The housing market is going to go into recession soon, so I think we're going to rent a house in San Diego for a little while, and then we're going to buy. Either that, or hopefully we'll get lucky and find a cheap home that is being foreclosed.

All I know is with everything that has gone on, I feel blessed...blessed with the best family and friends a little sand man can ask for. I don't know though, my life has truly been a roller coaster ride (sorry for the clichÃ©). Hopefully it only continues to go up from this point forward. Here's to hoping!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 11:57:51 GMT

I've been writing for what seems like ages. Two papers. 3, 300 words. 8,300 words (Don't worry, I worked on this bad boy with Erik). I'm spent. Time to finish the long one tomorrow. Good night world.

Revelation

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 01:08:54 GMT

I know what must be done, and I know how to do it. Hopefully everything turns out well in the end. Afterwards, all I can do at this point is have faith that everything will be alright. Thanks Zach.

The woes of being Chaldean

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:19:43 GMT

History Lesson Part 1

First of all, let me provide you all with a brief history lesson. So I'm Chaldean, and most people have no idea what we are. Essentially I have succumbed to giving my bullshit answer to most people, which is that "We're Catholic Iraqi's." That usually simplifies matters, and makes my life easier. In reality, we're not even Arab, much in the same way that Persians aren't Arab, and Afghani's aren't Arab. We speak "Soureth," which is a form of "Aramaic." But considering you all are some of my closest friends at UC Irvine who are not Chaldean, I should probably explain it to you all.

The Chaldeans are the descendants of the Babylonians. For those of you who have heard of the Tower of Babel, or the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, that would be us. Our most famous ruler was Nebuchadnezzar. I'm sure most of you read about the Chaldeans and King Nebuchadnezzar in 4th grade. However, soon after taking over Jerusalem, the Persian military invaded and defeated us. Fast forward to the time of Christ. We were among the first people to convert to Christianity. I always find it funny when it surprises people that Christians in the Middle East actually exist, considering it started in that region... oh well though, what's a brother to do.

Fast forward to today.

The Chaldean Culture, Chaldean Lifestyle

When we all used to live in Iraq, we were the most educated group of people in the Middle East. Iraqi's in general, before the Iraq-Iran war, were educated and wealthy. We're very tribal, and most of us like to stick with our own. That's just the way it works. When most Chaldeans moved to the United States, they went to Detroit and worked in the automobile industry. However, in the 50's, many immigrated to California. It is safe to say that 98% of Chaldeans living in the US today have owned a liquor/convenience store, and/or gas station at some point in their life. Most of them still do, and most of the Chaldeans my age have gone that route. Liquor stores have the potential to make a lot of money. Most Chaldean teenagers notice this early on, and neglect school. I'm not saying there is something wrong with owning a liquor store. That's completely fine... but, if you're educated you can do an even better job. Not to mention the fact that Liquor Stores are fucking dangerous, and at any moment, a loved one can be taken from you by some mad lunatic with a gun.

Chaldeans are all about family. We're all about reputation. Dating is taboo. We love food. I've noticed some troubling things in my community lately. For one, Chaldean men in general have addictive personalities, and they love to gamble. These two qualities do not go hand in hand. Gambling ruins lives... especially when people can't control themselves. Also, Chaldeans seem to be obsessed with money these days. This comes in many flavors though... now there's nothing wrong with wanting to make a lot of money. The way Chaldeans live, we need a lot of it. But money tears families apart. People should never let something as fickle as money get in the way of what they truly love. For those of you who I have discussed this with, it may seem as if I'm ashamed of my people. In all reality, I just want things to be better. I try my best to be optimistic. I'm generally one of the happiest people you'll ever meet. Yes I'm stressed, and I'm sure that's what it is. Life is too short to stress, and I have to constantly remind myself of this very fact. But I just can't stop caring. I just want things to get better.

I heart you

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 19:42:19 GMT

What's up everyone? I hope you're all doing well, and I miss each and every one of you.

So last night I went to my friend's funeral. It's really sad to see someone go, especially when they had so much more life to live. She was one of those people who would take over a room when she was present, because she was filled with joy, humor, and love. She will be missed, but she is now in a better place. Over 2,000 people were there. That's called the Chaldean brotherhood.

Afterwards I hung out with Trevor and Paul... truly my brothers from different mothers. I went to school with them for over 10 years (Pre-School through 8th grade). Then they both continued going to Catholic School, while David and I made the switch to public school. Man... I have so many people I'd like you all to meet, I just don't know when. Maybe I should throw a huge party and invite all my friends and cousins. That would be insanity, but hey, I'm borderline insane as it is.

We all need to hang out soon. We need to celebrate two birthday's. We need to just let loose.

Oh baby

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:53:41 GMT

Erik and I went to Santa Monica yesterday, for what is almost our last research related visit. We just need to go back one last time this coming Wednesday, and no more wasted Saturday's conducting research for class. We never have time to have fun in LA .... hopefully soon. However, Mr. Breezy did call me up, and I was able to meet up with him and Hoa for dinner. Claim Jumper is always damn good, but as good as the food was, the company was better. I loves my black Breezy and my Hoa Ly. Too bad the rest of you couldn't make it...oh well, birthday season is ramping up and it's time to celebrate.

We all need to pool our collective minds and resources in an effort to find Ms. Ly an affordable apartment. Get to work people!

Adam, I'm excited about tomorrow. 2 hours of Jack Bauer!? I don't think it gets better than that.

I'm going down to San Diego this tuesday for a funeral. If any of you want to come, I can use the company.

Pure Insanity

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 01:43:29 GMT

R.I.P Heather Mattia: April 16, 1983 - March 1, 2006

You know, life is interesting. I don't think I'll ever understand it. One day you can see someone, and tomorrow they might be gone... you just never know. Now I would get into the whole live life to the fullest deal, but I for one truly need to do more of that. I don't see my friends and family as often as I should. I don't take the time to enjoy my surroundings. I need to bask in the beauty that is life. Never take things for granted. You live in a small house? Well, it's a beautiful small house. You have a shitty car? Well, that shitty car is a sexy piece of machinery that gets you from one place to another... from one loved ones home to another. I need to take advantage of my situation.

I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Sat, 25 Feb 2006 07:15:24 GMT

The drum has been purchased. My neighbors better have earplugs.