Trick and or Treat

Little Frankie stopped by the office to wish me and you the loyal reader a very Happy Halloween! As you can tell from the photo, we are having a scary day at the office.

The Thing About Being Married Part 2

Another thing about not sleeping alone... just because you have problems going to sleep or staying asleep through out the night and just because your wife is next to you, it doesn't mean that you can start a conversation especially about random things and expect an enthusiastic response.

The Thing About Being Married...

Is that you don't sleep alone. So if you happen to be a type of person (which I am) who tosses and turns all night and rolls over all willy-nilly, you will - on occasion - hit, kick or smack your wife who just happens to be sound asleep next to you.

Observations at the 1 Year Mark

I must admit that when I launched the blog version of THE DARK MONKEY CHRONICLES a year ago, it started off a bit bumpy. But as many things in my life, things are always bumpy - but that's what makes life fun right?

Anyway, as a quick refresher, the original purpose of THE DARK MONKEY CHRONICLES was to inform my friends of what I was up to since I was bad about returning calls. Then it evolved into version 2.0 which was basically a lengthy e-mail newsletter that was made up of witty (if I do say so myself) observations and short stories. Then version 3.0 came along which is this here blog. And this has been a lot of fun.

So as I look back at the year that was, here are a few things that I've learned (or have been reminded of) in no particular order:

• Just because an event is called something, it does not necessarily mean that's what it will have.
• At 60+, Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan to the unfamiliar) puts on an amazing show.
• So does Los Lobos - no matter how many times I see them. Especially when I'm with cool people.
• Yes, at times I do partake in Mexican-American cliches. But that is OK and could be a good thing.
• There is comedy in everything. If there isn't - take comedic liberty... not that I ever have.
• Sometimes, I just have way to much free time on my hands. Other people have way to much free time also.
• Sometimes, I really should be working instead of updating this here blog... but where would the fun be in that.
• A funny idea shared among friends can become a nationwide event. I'm personally working on this as we speak.
• Always pay attention - you never know what you might capture.
• I love Los Angeles.
• Life is full of little moments that remind you how good life is.
• Always look at the good things of any situation - comedic liberty works well here.
• A blog can be filled with laughter and tender moments. So far, I've avoided sad moments - knock on wood.
• It's cool talking about things that have influenced you and make you tick.
• Friends - especially those that choose you - are good to have around.
• You are nothing without family.
• When you are in love and planning a wedding, there are things that you will do that you thought you never would do... and you will do them happily.

I guess I've learned many things. More than I thought. I wonder what the next year will bring.

Happy birthday DARK MONKEY CHRONICLES.

I Do!

Forever.

October

October is a busy month. Starting off today we have the release of Walt Disney's Jungle Book - the 40th Anniversary Edition - and the Bob Dylan retrospective "Dylan" where the entire play list was picked by fans. And beyond, we have my dad's dia de su santo which also happens to be my santos day, my favorite brother-in-law's birthday, a fellow music lover's birthday, my birthday, my best girl and (very) soon to be wife's birthday and Halloween.

And a new date to add to the calendar and to be celebrated for many years to come - Wedding 2007! Specifically this Saturday will be the big day... in five days... less than a week... with a plethora of things still pending on my things to do list... and with lack of sleep. But I'm not stressed.

So with that stressed - sorry I meant to say said - anyway, with that said - The Dark Monkey Chronicles will be taking a short break in order to focus on the tasks at hand. Check in later for a recap of the adventures to come in a couple of weeks.

In the mean time, wish me luck.

Six Days

Or is it five days? I never know if I should count today in the "days left" count because technically, the day is already here but it is not done yet... but that is beside the point. For argument sakes, let's just say six days.

Anyway, six days. One of the things that I'm looking forward to after this Saturday - which happens to be the Wedding day - beyond the spending the rest of my life with my life or getting my weekends back (which are truly something to look forward to) is getting my memory and organizational skills back.

Before wedding planning, I remembered everything I needed to do on a daily basis. I would keep "a things to do" list mostly so I could check things off as sense of accomplishment but for the most part, everything was stored away in my memory bank. And when it came to organization - everything had a place.

But since the planning, all those skills went out the window. I am so scatterbrained it is not even funny. I started with a wedding notebook but was discontinued after I misplaced it and began using another notebook. Five weeks later, I found the original notebook so now I had two notebooks I was working with. But I also had the random pieces of paper and back of business cards where I would jot down notes on but would only later misplace - and then find again (sometimes.)

And don't get me started on the forgetting. I leave things at work, my apartment, my parents house, my car, everywhere. Only to find them a few hours/days/weeks later. It is all so draining. And nothing is where it should be. I have always been very particular with where things go but lately, items stay where they land. Perfect example - my CD's are not in order!

Good thing I only have six days left because I'm not sure I could go on like this.