Calm Kakashi's Hangout

8:59pm: :: THANK YOU EVERYONE!! ::


I'm making a note here... HUGE SUCCESS! ^__^

Thank you to everyone who made it to Electric-Trouble.com's Street Fighter 4 Cypher Number 1!!!

There was at least 30 folks there at the height of the night, with SF4 on the arcade machine, big screen, and 2 other flat screen TVs!! Check my facebook profile for a new SF Cypher No 1 album with pics!

It was an incredibly fun night, morning, and following day. Players at all kinds of different skill levels having a blast playing SF4. There were lots of smiles, laughs, good gameplay and budding rivalries. Gaming went well into the next morning, and was followed by breakfast at IHOP and the SF4 Gamestop tourney in Santa Clara. Then we went BACK to my place and played some more!! The last gamer left the Cypher 8pm Saturday! 24 HOURS OF SF4 MADNESS!! \^o^/

This will be the first of many Cyphers, I am sure!

A special thanks to everyone who brought food and drinks to feed all the starving gamers!!

To each and every one of you, thank you so much for your support. My company is getting off to a great start thanks to your positive feedback and spreading the word about the site!

See you at the next one!

BJ Wooden
Owner, Electric-Trouble Arcade Controls
http://www.electric-trouble.com/

7:54pm: :: THINGS ARE MOST CERTAINLY POPPIN OFF ::
Lots of action these past few days!!

--School

Right from the start, things are really challenging. Massive homework assignments the first week of school. I've got Advanced Mechanics part 2, Intermediate French Conversation, Intermediate French Writing, and last and certainly the hardest, Solid State Physics. OMG soo hard. Oh yeah, hockey on friday mornings. Hockey is soooo sweet. Except that the helmet is real tight, and none of my heat dissapates from my head because my hair is a really good insulator. I almost fainted out there. Time to retwist the dreds.

--Company

As most of you know, I have started a business venture making arcade style joysticks. The business is named Electric-Trouble Arcade Controls (ETAC for short) and the website is

http://www.electric-trouble.com/

Check it out and tell me what you think! Also, I am currently accepting orders thru email - please drop me a line on the site if you are interested! Currently I have a few orders that I am working on, in addition to ordering products, writing up all aspects of my business plans, and steadily enhancing the website. The goal is to have a fully functional interactive ordering/e-commerce system on the site before SF4 comes out. I am extremely excited about this!

--Summer Camp at the Tech Museum

The summer approaches, and I have a curriculum to develop and finalize. I am determined to make my class the most fun EVAR. Soo excited.

--Party Time

On Feb 20th, 7pm, there will be a street fighter extravaganza at my place. I'm calling it "Street Fighter 4: Cypher No. 1." I'm talking SF4 on the arcade cabinet, SF4 on the big screen, and random fighting games on an additional TV. I'm talking guaranteed laughs and record breaking game time. It is a celebration of the release of Street Fighter 4, the grand opening of ETAC, and my birthday (which was Feb 5th). BTW, thanks to EVERYONE who sent positive birthday wishes my way!!!

Back to work!!

-One love

BJ

8:04am: :: OH MY GAAAAHD ::


O_O

I love it.

James and John came over for some street fighter action last nite, and it was full of awesome! Dammit James is REALLY good at marvel! He came back to win the money match!! I coulda got another bear claw with that 2.25!! XD

Today I begin the website construction for my Joystick building venture, Electric-Trouble Arcade Controls. www.electric-trouble.com is not up yet, but will be soon. More about this later! Wish me luck!

BJ

12:06am: :: YOUR BODY NEEDS WATER, SO DRINK THAT SHIT ::


What a winter break. We had a great street fighter get together on friday, thanks everyone for coming!! 12 hours of street fighter... that has to be some kind of record... I was delirious the morning after and planned out my most ambitious project evar - converting my street fighter 15th anniversary stick to a combination ps2, ps3, and xbox360 joystick, complete with perfect 360 joystick and convex buttons. Just finished it today!!












In other news, drinking water is doing wonders for me. Seriously, i don't know if my body was bogged down with toxins, or if i have been dehydrated, or what... but I recently read some information on the amount of water in the brain and the body, and I came across an interesting quote:

"When you are thirsty, it means you are dehydrated. It is not a normal bodily response like getting hungry."

At that point, I made water a priority. Since then, I have energy through the roof, have been super productive, mentally sharp, and got over a cold in 2 days with no coughing afterwards like usual. I have even been solving sudoku puzzles in faster time now. I mean, my mom is a nurse and she told me to drink water all the time... why it never occurred to me as super important is ridiculous.

This semester should go pretty well, now that i have my secret weapon.

Water is my new energy drink.

4:45pm: :: JUST IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING ::






Yes. I am VERY excited about Street Fighter 4. The machine has been revamped. Febuary 17th lovelies. Prepare yourself.

7:51am: :: AND THERE WAS NO MUSIC ::
What an incredibly turbulent semester. If I were to split my life into categories, the challenges would go as follows:

Physical: A string of sicknesses to start the semester.
Academic: Struggle to overcome self-imposed expectations, find motivation and catch up from a slow start.
Familial: Mother diagnosed with breast cancer.
Financial: Unexpected circumstances put me, for the first time in my life, worried about making rent.
Transportation: No more Truck, car on the fritz.
Social: Combination of factors limit my social activity, including DSP. Bummer.
Emotional: Mini-depression due to focusing on the above.

Each of the previously mentioned challenges have been resolved in some way, thanks mostly to the support and understanding of family and friends. For everyone that has sent words of encouragement my way, I thank you dearly. I feel blessed to be connected to such wonderful human beings!

Compartmentalizing my life, as if it is an RPG, is somewhat therapeutic. I get to see the obstacles that I have overcome and prioritize the ones that I have yet to conquer. The experience points are piling up. ^_^

My health is in good shape, the semester ended well, and my finances have stabilized. My mom will be okay - interestingly, the experience brought us a bit closer. I make a serious conscious effort to focus on the positives every single day. Oh yeah, I have been confirmed as LEAD INSTRUCTOR for video game design at Tech Camp next summer!! ^______^ Making my own curriculum and everything!

My head is above water now; I can hear my theme song.

Live, Laugh and Love

BJ

10:57pm: :: MIGHTY ::
Just got back from Mighty 4 in San Francisco, what a great time! It was great to see some quality locking and popping. Congrats to Dennis and Shyguy for winning 2 on 2 locking battle! And thanks to James for the drive home - I REALLY appreciate it man!! Crispy Buns!!

Life has been a bit rough lately... I have been sick the past month with a sinus infection and bronchitis. As a result, I missed a few weeks of DSP practice and dance class, in addition to falling behind in some of my schoolwork. I have also been struggling to keep postitive... my 10th high school reunion was this weekend, and I did not go. Why? Because I am really dissatisfied with where I am right now.

I am still finishing a bachelor's degree at 28, when many of my friends have PhDs, Masters, and/or wonderful jobs. In debt, and low on cash. Mediocre at street fighter, dance, music, tech, and school. Failed at marriage, bad with relationships, and will probably never trust a person at that level again. Flaky friend. Horrible son. Procrastinator. Unattractive. Lonely. Insecure.

It may seem a bit silly, but this is my honest self perception. And sometimes I foolishly get absorbed into it. Like when I lost 15 games of SF in a row against my friend Dave, or when I can't really get whats going on at practice, or I can't follow what's going on in mechanics class. Every small insignificant failure is a crushing blow to an already feeble ego. I hate it.

I know what I'm supposed to say. "I'm going to go out there and change it!" But self help books wouldn't sell if it were that simple. You see, this place where I get to be negative and beat myself up is like a familiar house. I know where everything is, and its warm and comfortable. It's hard to go outside into the unknown, even when you know its the right thing to do.

Man, this post is really emo, isn't it? Whatever. Sometimes putting thoughts on paper helps to put them into perspective. I had a damn great time learning to lock from Dennis yesterday. And a wonderful time spectating at Mighty 4 today. I have a whole day tomorrow to catch up on some school work. Things aren't all bad.

Love.

B.

7:45am: :: RANDOM PIC ::


Okay, okay, random pic time. XD

7:39am: :: STUDY, GET WELL, STUDY, DSP, STUDY ::
What a week.

I lost my phone on the bus thursday nite, coming home from dance practice. Hopefully I will be able to retrieve it from lost and found on Monday. If not, I may have a new number soon. Now that I think about it, that 916 number was my last physical connection to Sacramento. Maybe its time to move on? Then I just need to get Antonio, Ray, Dame, Earvin, and Tracy to move out to the bay. The conversion will be complete! *bwahaha*

Checked my 'mysjsu' (site for managing enrollment/finances for sjsu) and it said I was about to be dis-enrolled due to non payment. O.O My financial aid appeal is STILL in progress. I bolted to the financial office the next day, and they told me that my appeal was APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!1!! Oh lord, what a load off my shoulders. Won't get my financial aid check for a few weeks, but at least it is on its way. hallelujah.

Have to play catch up in several classes, due to being sick and stressed out. Almost there. Now that the financial situation is straightened out, I can really focus on school. Homeworks, homeworks... Astronomy knocked out. Child Dev done. Gotta hit up the French and Advanced Mechanics today...

I got a call from Ceech, of DS Players. We talked about my audition, my lack of fundamentals vs abundance of showmanship/personality. Given that I attend his intermediate dance class at Mission College, I have been given a spot on the squad.

O_O

^____________^

Wow. I am incredibly grateful. I don't believe I get to be apart of these guys. They are a warm, talented group, and I am sure I will learn a lot. There's only been one practice and I already have 2 NEW potential dance names - Predator or Dred-Lock. Votes, anyone? XD
For all homies and friends that auditioned and didn't make the cut... just keep practicing. If you want it, you'll get it!

Well, time to stop the procrastinatin' and get back to the homeworks - dancing and academic. ^_^

Much Love,

--Bruce

1:30am: :: FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT ::


Wonderful and uncertain times.

Wonderful, because this will be a good semester. There is light at the end of the tunnel, the finish line is close. A new future is on the horizon.

Uncertain, because of the financial situation. It looks likely that everything will work out with the financial aid, but timing will be a key issue. I have to plan for both scenarios, and that makes me more financially restricted than ever. This really stresses me out.

Wonderful, because I have stuff to sell to keep me afloat. Old gameboys, Sidekick, Neon Signs, the Wii, and old games are helping to pay the rent. Its just stuff. I can let it go. I could take my sax and play out on the street corner. I could fill out some surveys. I do have options. I remind myself of this, attempting to squash the stress.

Uncertain, because my transportation situation sux - a broken car and an old gas guzzling truck. No means to improve either one.

Wonderful, because I can get rid of these things. Life would be much simpler without vehicles. No insurance, no gas. Although I hate to see the truck go - I have grown attached in these few short months... However, buses and light rail rock.

Uncertain, because I can't seem to stay well. First it was strep, then it was some serious stomach trouble, and now its a cold. I really need to stay healthy for a good semester this year.

Wonderful, because I had a kick ass audition for DS Players yesterday. It consisted of choreo - 16 counts of poppin, 16 counts of locking - and then freestyle. I think I did okay on both, and put smiles on the judges faces. I was not expecting to get in DSP (and still don't), but it would be really cool if I did. Everyone was incredibly nice, really talented, just an overall great vibe. New family for sure. ^_^

Wonderful, because I have great friends. The good timez from Paolo's Birthday Adventure really reminded me of this. I am blessed with people around me that have really good hearts and positive spirits. From school to dance to roommates, its finally starting to feel like a tangible network of folks I can reach out to. It was probably always there, its just that my perception of it is emerging.

Everything is going to be allright. "Just give it a few minutes."

Wonderful wins.

7:25am: :: TRYING TO GROK IN FULLNESS ::
Life is rather interesting.

My phone got stolen in Santa Cruz a few weeks back; got a new phone that has the same number. I lost all my contacts, please give me a call so I can put you back in - if you wish.

Went to anime expo, man was it sweet. I cosplayed as Jack Sparrow - never before have I got so many pics taken of me at a con. I even got a few pics with my Kaidoh from Prince of Tennis cosplay! There were SOOOO many people. Cool folks in the artist alley.. cool voice acting workshop.. awesome time with Dave, Piggy, Dang, Aileen, and Dang's little sis. ^_^ Good times.

Work at the summer camp was freakin' awesome. The kids were so cool, as was the staff. I will miss it. The last week was a bit of a bummer, missed a few dayz since I came down with strep throat real bad. Still, the best job I ever had hands down. I'll definitely be back next summer.

My car no longer goes in reverse, and I'm too broke to get it fixed. The truck gets 15 miles a gallon. In short, I am pretty much tied down - travel outside of San Jose is rough. It cost me over 80 bucks to get to Sacramento and back. -_- VTA (south bay transit) is saving my life right now.

San Jose state just won't make things easy. My financial aid has been held up becaue I have too many credits! It just makes me laugh. I've always said I've had more than enough credits to graduate, and it seems that its actually true. >.< The appeal process is slow because of the bumblings of the physics dept, who can't seem to get my major form squared away. Uncertainty abound. If the appeal goes thru, I'm fine. If not, I won't be able to go to school this semester. Funny - I have been to 5 different colleges/universities now, and not one of them was really eager to help. I'm beginning to think that a college degree demonstrates how well you are able to manipulate - or fight - a bureaucracy. Learning is a happy side effect.

So I read.

I read Starship Troopers, the original 1959 novel. The main character, Juan Rico, is Filipino. XD That would have made the movie so much cooler!

I also read Stranger is a Strange Land. Sci-Fi fiction, really awesome book. Highly recommend it! Really helps to put your life in perspective.

Re-read Harry Potter 6 and 7. The last book seriously needs a montage, where Harry really gets badass. He won the whole thing with luck and bravery, and not a whole lot of skill. I wanted better.

I got "My French Coach" on DS, its pretty awesome for review! I am feeling a bit "half-assed" when it comes to languages; I should achieve fluency in something. The Japanese and Chinese versions come out next month... great game if you have time to kill and want to expand your brain meats.

Moving is completely done, everything outta storage. came across some artifacts from the ex-wife. Jeez, ex-wife. Still getting used to saying that phrase. Sometimes, I don't think I will ever recover from what happened. Two quotes come to mind:

"Being divorced is like being hit by a Mack truck. If you live through it, you start looking very carefully to the right and to the left." --Jean Kerr

"If marriage means you fell in love, does divorce mean you climbed out?" --Unknown

I should really dance until I feel better. I might not make the audition for DSP, James, but I will be coming out to Mission College soon to hang out and learn.

School starts tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it.

On the bounce.

B.J.

8:22pm: :: LAWLZ, OMG, ZOMG, GGPO ::


First, the rejected French stepchild of locking:



The music is a remix of a song done by Yelle, and the dance style is called Techtonik (after the group that made up the dance).
If they were doing the exact same motions together, I would admit it as being cool. Any thoughts on this? "a cause des garcons..." XD

Next, Diablo 3. Hell yes. The female witch doctor calls to me. Antonio will stop playing WOW in preparation for this game. All I can say is that Blizzard hates me, because they REALLY don't want me to graduate. Maybe if I can replace the in game story with Physics equations...

Third, Wanted rocks - the movie and the graphic novel. This russian director just picked up the torch that John Woo dropped while tending to his aviary full of doves. The plot holds together well, the acting and dialogue is great, and the action is absolutely incredible. And somehow, Morgan Freeman became Samuel L. Jackson...

Fourth, the second week of camp was a whole lot of awesome. I have researched and performed so many camp games now, I can probably produce laughter from a room full of angst. My co-workers rock as well. Good times all around!

--BJ

Last minute edit:

I need to go to France. If no other reason than to get a hit of whatever they are smokin...



I don't believe I'm dancing to this RIGHT NOW. XD

12:33pm: :: JOB POPPIN AND SOCKS HOPPIN ::
Hey happy campers!

This summer is off to a great start.

-Training at the new job was nothing short of spectacular.
-Incredible Hulk was out of control excitement!!
-If you want to know my feelings about ABDC auditions, read Ray's post. ^_^ I still have yet to watch week 1.
-Had a great time with the "Brotherhood of Justice", the street fighter crew in farfield. Good times! Many thanks to Tyram for being an excellent host.

The first week on the job was extraordinary. My class is called "Action Contraption", where the main goal is to build a rube goldberg contraption. We have fun little projects, learn about forces, energies, and momentum, and then spend the latter part of the week constructing the machine. The kids are anywhere between 4th and 8th grade, and they are SMART. Full of energy, too. I think this seals the deal - I will definitely pursue a career as a teacher.







Attended the Sockhop in SF on Saturday, and hooooooooooooo boy. What a night!!! The highlights:

-DS Players, I love all of you. Definitely the most fun routine of the night! I promise to audition in Fall. *begins watching locking vids*
-Funkanometry SF = Cinemax. The most "soft core hip hop" I have ever seen. Amazingly sexy. Good job guys! ^_^
-Boogie Monstarz, the crew from Sac with the SHARPEST choreo.
-Project EM. It started as a army/drum corp gig, then suddenly was flaming, synchronized swimming goodness. Awesome!
-DeCadence, the awesome a cappella pop choir. Super mario, then a pop song battle!? Excellent.
-Kaba Modern's TV crew wasn't there, but the other 30+ members represented well. Strong finish!
-Fr3sh from New Jersey. ALL DAY! Yo, those cats get MAD props!!! Crazy sharp!
-The afterparty was the BEST. Imagine a party with nothing but top tier dancers. I'm talking multiple circles, crazy moves, and lots of love. YES!

Much love to everyone I saw, we must continue to do things like this on a regular basis! John, we are going to make it into DSP. And Ray, you better be apart of Boogie Monstarz next time I see you. XD Thanks to John and Pauuuulo for help with the parking! ^_^ It was a blast to hang out with everyone!

Time to prepare for summer camp week 2. Later!

11:43am: :: ODE TO FRAGILE INFORMATION ::
The last few dayz have been interesting.

Due to my brother's influence, I now have a Sidekick 3. So now, when you message me on Aim or MSN, the probability of response has increased by 99%. ^_^ Its a pretty cool little device, but I wish there was a better phone plan / cool homebrew software for it. I will still have my Ghettro PCS phone until T-Mobile has a good deal.

In a fascinating turn of events, my laptop crashed in a fit of jealousy. Wouldn't boot up AT ALL. At that moment, I realized just how much information - both vital and trivial - was hanging out on my lappy's hard drive.

O_o ... >.< ... T_T

Luckily, I was able to use the MacOSX install disc to at least get Terminal up. Using the bash subsystem (read: old school command line interface, Unix style) I was able to find and back up my important files to an external hdd, then wipe the drive and reinstall OSX from scratch.

Often I have fantasized about dropping everything and just traveling around the world... maybe learn kung fu at some far off monastery. This little scare made me realize just how much of a fantasy that trip would be.

--BJ

9:23pm: :: TIME TO REBOOT ::
Has it ever been a long time since I have used this space. I want to blame it on the intense semester at school that just ended, but I'm not sure that's the reason. I suppose it has more to do with having nothing in particular to say.

If you consider my social life as an operating system, then it can be said that Fanime 2008 was a fresh reboot - maybe even a clean install. It was a pleasure to have the entire weekend to spend at the event and really enjoy it! The most difficult part of it was time management; there were so many films, panels, and events that were interesting, on top of having to balance several "groups" of friends that were there. Congrats to the staff, almost every aspect of this year's con was better than last year. The dances were a blast - James, Lawrence, and John made me feel like a small fish in a big pond. I promise to practice, and maybe audition for DSP some time in the future!! BTW, where did Sean get all those b-boy skillz!! Dude, mad props. Mad props also go to Reign and Mel B for bringing the hot beatz.

Highlights:
-Discovering that Jonas' and Diana's Wii cosplays light up with blue LEDs
-ROFL at Jonas' Blanka cosplay, it was so tight!
-Getting 2nd in the CvS2 tourney
-Watching the most DISGUSTING hentai EVER
-The giant circle(s) during the dance(s)
-Marriott room 1000. It was OVER 900!!!
-BluEugene's drink. OMG.
-The occasional hilarious masquerade skit
-The suprisingly frequent hug requests from strangers
-A rather unforgettable pic request from a special someone XD
-'Anime fans over 30' panel (flashbacks of Bubblegum Crisis on VHS XD)
-'Whose Line is it anime?' panel (ticky tack methods!)
-Interacting with faces I had not seen for YEARS
-Having at least 5 people recognize my Bob Makihara cosplay!
-Blackuma

Needless to say, I was rather down when the con came to a close. Being in that place was almost like being in a different country, whose society was based on enthusiasm and comedy.

The only cure for this 'post con depression' was another adventure. Me and my brother tossed around the idea of a road trip on Wednesday morning. By Wednesday nite, we are on the road to LA. Thursday, we went to Magic mountain (BEST ROLLER COASTERS IN THE WORLD), then hit up Arcade Infinity. Friday we hit up Hollywood, Korea Town, Little Tokyo, Roscoe's, and Family Fun Arcade. Saturday we got some bomb ass fruit from the market by FFA, and headed back to Vallejo. Good timez!!

In a few weeks, I will start what may be the best job I ever have - Assistant Instructor at the San Jose Tech Museum day camp! In the mean time, I will treasure these awesome memories and attempt to make a few more.

I have free time people. Hit me up! XD

Peace and Blessings

--BJ

EDIT: Fanime Pix!! http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d67/BruceLeroy/Fanime%2008/

7:48pm: :: THE END OF AN ERA ::
Greetings, true believers. ^_^

Although I have debated whether I should post this, but here goes.

I am getting divorced.

Time for some good ol' LJ therapy.

There are many things running through my head right now. Whether actually posting this will help me deal with it. If I may be ruining someone's day as they read this...or maybe negatively effecting how they view love and marriage. What went wrong and where. If I will ever open up and try again.

I am incredibly sad right now. I have to admit that. I have emotionally detached myself, absorbed myself in work and school and street fighter, but there is still an air of sadness that hangs in my psyche like so much fog on the coast. Not thick enough to cloud the road ahead, but always creeping back after the sorry-to-hear-thats and the you-will-be-okays fade into the horizon, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Fault. I have made it a point not to get into that masturbatory battlefield. Lots of noise, lots of damage, all self serving and seldom really producing results. When it comes down to it, the relationship comes down to how two people treat each other. If love is the foundation, circumstance can only have limited impact. The love endures through hard times, easy times, and strange times. Even through the emotional abuse that only lovers can deliver to each other.

In light of this, I am forced to entertain the idea that the foundation of this relationship was something other than Love. Desire. Perception. Expectation. Lust. Attraction. Comfort. Loneliness. Who can know for sure, but I don't believe that Love would take us here. Still, I maintain no regrets. I have learned much about myself. Established a direction for my life. Improved my situation in all types of ways. There will be no psuedo guilt, no replaying of those events that hurt me most, no self-pity sessions to inflate ego or justify victimization. There will only be steps forward here.

No regrets. Just Fog.

And soon the Sun will rise.

Peace.

-B.J.

10:17am: ::: TIMES, AND THE MEASURES THAT THEY CALL FOR :::
Greetings all!

Things have been going well with me overall, but just when you think things are on track is when the craziest things happen. Which leads me to this:

CLASSIC VIDEO GAME BLOWOUT!!

For sale is an entire video game collection that spans from 8-bit NES to PS2, over 270 total items including systems, games, and accessories!!!

Some highlights:

OLD SCHOOL MADNESS:
Super Mario 3, with original box and booklet, with original strategy guide!!
Dragon Warrior I and II with booklet!
The elusive Sega Master System!
Genesis with Sega CD and 32X!
Phantasy Star III and IV for Genesis!
Turbo Grafx 16 console!

SUPER NINTENDO MADNESS:
Final Fantasy II!
Final Fantasy III!
Lufia!
Ogre Battle with booklet!
Secret of Mana!
Super Metroid!
Factory sealed Super Empire Strikes Back!
Japanese and American Sega Saturn games!

PLAYSTATION MADNESS:
Bust a Groove!
2 Copies of Castlevania Symphony of the Night - SEALED!
Lunar I and II, COMPLETE with all extras!!
Silhouette Mirage!! Super rare!
Suikoden!
Tobal No. 1!

LAST GEN MADNESS:
Ogre Battle 64!! Super Rare!
Dreamcast games, including Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Street Fighter Alpha 3!
Zelda: collector's edition (4 classic zeldas on 1 disc) for gamecube!!
2 Taiko Drum master games with drums!!
Banned XBOX game Kakuto Chojin!

AND MUCH MORE!!!!

For the full listing in a microsoft excel file, go to:

Fire Sale List!!

All items are in working order and in good condition. I am a former videogame store employee, so I was able to get a hold of some real gems. Asking price for all items is $2200, which averages to about 8 dollars PER ITEM!! Please email if interested, this is a collector's DREAM!!

.....and this.....

For sale is an XBOX 360 Core System With 20 GB Hard drive, games, and accessories. Included items are:

Hardware:

Xbox 360 Core system, AC Power cord, HD Component/AV cables
20 GB Hard Drive
2 Wireless XBOX 360 Controllers
2 Rechargable Battery Packs
Controller Charge Cable
Wifi Internet Adapter

Games:

Condemned
Dead or Alive 4
Gears of War
Tomb Raider Legend


All items are in great condition! I am a former video game store employee, so I really respect my items. Asking price for all items is $450. Original purchase reciept included for warranty purposes. Please email if interested!!

...

This will go on craigslist soon, but I figured I would give my friends first crack at it. My life has officially shifted. I wonder if by this act I must cease to call my self a "hardcore gamer" and transform to "a guy that plays games from time to time." If you know anyone interested, hit me up at bwooden@hotmail.com!

PEACE!!

1:47am: :: BECAUSE I'M STILL ALIVE ::
Fanime felt like reappearing on the face of the earth. So many individuals that I was able to catch up to...awesome. Good friends and good times.

For those that care, what follows is an explanation of why I fell off the face of said earth in the first place:

*The holiday season was busy as hell, but the long hours and extra effort paid off. I am now a permanent employee at sony, complete with the benefits and everything!! Things are still in high gear - I want to be promoted to the training team before the year is done. Sometimes its a bit frustrating, but in comparison to retail I really cannot complain.

*I completed my first semester at SJSU. I forgot how ridiculous the university administration is. Transferring transcripts, registering for classes, financial aid - everything was a big pain in the ass followed by some major hustling on my part. The classes weren't hard, but they did take up their fair share of time and energy. School is so different to me now - feels as if I'm just passing thru instead of being apart of a campus community.

*The relationship. It has been one wild ride, let me tell ya. It seems as if all the most stressful events for a couple hit us all at once. A rush of emotional bliss, followed by engagement and marriage. Growing pains of adjusting to living with each other. Moving house and home not once, but 3 TIMES. Close family members becoming deathly ill (and fortunately bouncing back).

Getting pregnant.

Yes, this was certainly a doozy. We found out back in September. Medically, we are not supposed to even be ABLE to, but life found a way - at least for a little bit. Just when we were getting over the shock and warming up to the idea - BOOM! 2 months later we lost the unborn child. To say that it was a difficult time would be an understatement. The loss of "Baby Hope" devastated us as a couple and as individuals, but fortunately we were able to come together and support each other during the healing process. We have emerged a bit stronger, wiser, and most importantly more connected as husband and wife.

So, compact all these events into a 6 month period and the result is a Live Journal page that has actually gathered dust.

Perhaps that can change.

More later,
BJ

4:11pm: :: EVEN MORE RANDOM ::
I also leave you this, quite possibly the funniest thing on the ENTIRE INTERNET. Just watch it.

http://www.mattround.freeserve.co.uk/files/tribute.swf

Peace

3:53pm: :: RANDOMNESS ::
Greetings everyone!!

A long pause for sure, but many things have happenned lately.

* Lots of work, since PS3 has come out. OT and Weekends and Holidays too! Gotta pay the dues for the chance to become permanent!!

* Being married, and all the rewards and difficulties that come with it. Quite the adjustment.

* School, which is finally done for the semester (after 4 YEARS of university education, i STILL had to take a community college course to be accepted to San Jose State for spring 07. WTF?). I will be at SJSU next semester, only a few classes away from my Physics degree.

* Got an arcade machine. Come one, come all. It runs Tekken Tag arcade version, and also my PS2. Bring it on. Please. Seriously, fools need to come to my house and game it up. Especially if those people are named Antonio, Ray, Dave, or Earvin.

* Got 2 dogs. Chihuahuas with lots of personality. Just ask Jesse.

* Got a Wii. Wii code # 0073 1646 8084 2845. Add mii.

This keyboard is dying, low batteries... write more later!!

Peace

BJ

11:45am: ::OPPORTUNITIES::
To anyone interested!!

Do you know alot about the PSP and Playstation 2? Do you have good communication and computer skills? Then CHECK THIS OUT!!

If you live in the Foster City area, and would like to work tech support here at Sony, let me know! There are current openings, applicants being accepted next Wednesday 8/30. Help poor grandmothers reset their DVD parental codes! Walk young children through their PSP network setups! Surf the web between calls! Work with me!

Contact me if you are interested.

Peace

BJ

12:16pm: :: LEVELING UP AGAIN ::
Greetings again everyone!

I have a bit of an announcement to make.

*ahem*

To all friends, family, and interested bodies, I would like to announce the marriage of Bertrand J. Wooden and Jasmine N. Kidd, on July 21, 2006!! We are now Mr. and Mrs. Wooden. ^_^

It was and EXTREMELY small ceremony, with immediate family only. I apologize profusely in advance (i know im gonna get it) to all people i am close to that are now caught by suprise. We had to keep it confidential for a bit. Don't worry, we will still have a big celebration in the near future for folks to mingle and bask in our blissful energy. XD

The decision to do this, like much of the relationship, was unorthodox but ultimately logical in my opinion. We wanted to do the whole 'nice wedding' thing - extremely simple, but elegant. Given that we are very friendly people, and i have a huge family, As we got deeper into planning, we realized how expensive the shindig would be - even cutting corners and getting hookups barely brought the thing below 7 THOUSAND DOLLARS. Madness.

We then had many discussions regarding the meaning of the wedding day, and putting it in perspective with the rest of our lives. It boggles the mind that, in this society, it is commonplace for families to spend upwards of 20 thousand dollars for the wedding day. Woman are told that 'this day is the most important day of your life'. The focus is on the day, and not what it represents - the celebration of the beginning of an eternal bond between lovers. So why would one endanger that bond from the beginning?
For example, the typical young couple getting married and finding their place in the world are not financially well off. In fact, the average american is about 8 grand or more in debt. Why then, would you start your lives together by incurring more debt? It seems to be alot more responsible to work together as a team to ameliorate the financial issues you have, then combine forces to make good invesments - property, IRA, money market, etc. After looking at that 'big picture', we decided that a big wedding might not be best. Also, given that over half of marriages end in divorce within a year (and in most cases the cause is arguments over finances), I figure that working on this 'financial project' together will reinforce the foundation of our relationship.

Well, there you have it folks. Look forward to a shindig (along the lines of a bbq in the park) in the future to officially commemorate the event. And now you know why i have been so busy lately. ^_^

More later,

BJ Wooden, married man

1:39pm: Man, has it ever been a while.

First off, every one reading this go to see Snakes on a Plane. Its GREAT!!! XD Don't miss out on these historic one liners:

"Do what I say, and you live."

"Listen Everybody! We have to put a barrier between us....and the snakes!"

"Great. Snakes on crack."

"How is that, Mr. prosecutor? WOOOO!"

"Sporks?"

"Only one guy would have access to such exotic snakes. He's in the desert."

"Turn this big muthaf--ka to the left!"

My goodness, what a riot. Some of the guys got together for Mike's birthday and saw the preview screening at the Metreon. The film was like a homage to Samuel L. I'd go see it again, no doubt.

8:42am: :: THE TIME IS NOW ::
Hi guys!

We both thank you dearly for all the well wishes and congratulations! I am very lucky to have friends that are so supportive! It is a great time to be alive. ^_^

I will post more later, but i have to go off and get the Uhaul - i am moving today! If any of you cool people out there are doing nothing today, we would appreciate the help! I'll buy you food! Then we can play Street Fighter, or Guitar Hero! XD Give me a call if you are free today!

Peace out!

--B

12:18am: :: BIG DEVELOPMENTS ::
Hi everyone!!

I have been out of the loop for a while, but now things have settled a bit and life can regularly commence.

As some may have heard, significant events have happened in my personal life of a very positive nature. In other words, some very cool stuff went down! ^_^ I suppose i will use this forum to broadcast it.

I would like to formally announce the engagement of BJ Wooden and Jasmine Kidd!

XD

Yes indeed! I have found a very true and sincere love; the kind that words can hardly explain and time has no effect on. Its an interesting situation...i had always been looking outward for love. Then, after a series of life experiences, i focused inward and began to learn how to really love myself. At that point love found me. They say that your true love comes when you least expect it. I disagree. I believe that your true love comes when you are ready. It just so happens that most people are ready when they don't expect it. ^_^

Jasmine is a wonderful person, an extraordinary compliment and an exemplary confidant. It is stunning how incredibly honest i can be with her, the small and large compatibilities we have, how comfortable i feel in her presence...it is very hard to express in mere words. The relationship operates outside the typical paradigms and definitions of society. It is something altogether special. And i am eternally grateful for it.

My friend, my love, my queen. Thank you for the love and friendship you have shown me thus far, and may this be another step of a most beautiful journey. I love you 'All ways and always.'

Clear your calendars for May 2008!!

--B.J.