For Amy

Twilight - Addendum

I Wiki-ed (is this the new term that replaces "Googled"?) the author of the Twilight series and was fascinated by Stephenie Meyer's story, how the idea for the book came in a dream. It got me thinking about my lifelong dream of becoming a famous author. Perhaps the story of how a 42-year-old loner who found love on the Internet would work.

Twilight

There was a lot of late hype regarding this "teen" movie that had no well-known stars. After dinner at Earl's, Amy and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I could almost say that it was the best movie I saw all year. This was a wonderful twist on the age-old romance novel. I don't know much about the books other than the fact that four were written. I hope to see the other three become films as well.

Feelings

The passion is back at work. I feel wonderful. Yes, there are stressful times but back in the days of the COB, I thrived on stress. It was like a drug. And I guess I lost it a bit at Fraser Downs due to the lack of work. Now I feel great again.

This is all because a burden has been lifted in my social life. I'm in love. Does it sound corny and silly? Well, I'm in love, and with a wonderful girl too. We've gone through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but we're together. Now I feel great about my personal life just as I do about my work. Life is good.

Thanks baby.

Big Show Part 2

My second attempt at running the floor went more smoothly than the previous night's. Even though my feet were extremely tired in the morning from all the walking through the casino, it was worth it. All my past worries and paranoia are vanished, and it seems as if I've found that passion for work again that I've sorely missed. Tomorrow night I'm running the "weekend" floor, which means the casino will be packed. Hopefully things will go as well as they did last night.

The Big Show

After three days of shadowing, I finally got to run the floor at River Rock last night (well, early this morning) from 11:30pm-7:30am. It was quite an experience, as compared to running the floor at Fraser Downs at the old Casino on Broadway. My difficulty now is remembering all the pits and names of staff. I managed to get through the shift without any major errors. In terms of workload, I've always enjoyed the night/graveyard shifts. The lack of sleep is a different matter. I still have a lot to learn.

Quantum of Solace

No, I was not at the premiere of the new James Bond movie, as I had to work graveyards. But I was off Sunday so off we went. As a 007 fan, I was looking forward to this continuation of the James Bond revitalization that occurred with Casino Royale. Unfortunately I must say the movie was quite disappointing. While I can handle the new rugged and more violent Bond that Daniel Craig is portraying, there were none of the other things that got me hooked on 007 as I was growing up; fancy cars, gadgets, even women. There were two "Bond girls" but they just weren't the same.

Madagascar 2

I forgot to post about watching this sequel with Amy. In terms of storyline, I preferred it to the original. I could definitely relate to some of the plot developments.

Listen to Your Heart

I know there's something in the wake of your smile
I get a notion from the look in your eyes yeah
You've built a love but that love falls apart
Your little piece of heaven turns to dark

Listen to your heart
When he's calling for you
Listen to your heart
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why
But listen to your heart
Before you tell him goodbye

Sometimes you wonder if this fight is worthwhile
The precious moments are all lost in the tide yeah
They're swept away and nothing is what it seems
The feeling of belonging to your dreams

Listen to your heart
When he's calling for you
Listen to your heart
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why
But listen to your heart
Before... You tell him goodbye

And there are voices that want to be heard
So much to mention but you can't find the words
The scent of magic, the beauty that's been
When love was wilder than the wind

Listen to your heart (take a listen to it)
When he's calling for you
Listen to your heart (take a listen to it)
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why
But listen to your heart
Before oh... Before you tell him goodbye

Listen to your heart (take a listen to it)
When he's calling for you
Listen to your heart (take a listen to it)
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why
But listen to your heart
Before you tell him goodbye

Listen to Your Heart - Roxette

Because I'm a Girl - KISS

A coworker passed along this video to me a few years ago and it has been one of my favorites. Even though it is in another language (I hope the subtitles help) it is one of the most touching videos I've ever seen. Is this what true love is about?

The Road to Happiness

...is paved with crossroads and forks in the road. I only want to go across that road with one girl.

Sometimes When We Touch

You ask me if I love you
And I choke on my reply
I'd rather hurt you honestly
Than mislead you with a lie
And who am I to judge you
On what you say or do?
I'm only just beginning to see the real you

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

Romance and all its strategy
Leaves me battling with my pride
But through the insecurity
Some tenderness survives
I'm just another writer
Still trapped within my truth
A hesitant prize fighter
Still trapped within my youth

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

At times I'd like to break you
And drive you to your knees
At times I'd like to break through
And hold you endlessly

At times I understand you
And I know how hard you've tried
I've watched while love commands you
And I've watched love pass you by

At times I think we're drifters
Still searching for a friend
A brother or a sister
But then the passion flares again

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

- Sometimes When We Touch (Dan Hill)

Yum Yum

Long time no see, Miss Scarlett....

Life at the Rock

My first three shifts at the Rock have been quite overwhelming. While I didn't have full access, I took time to "absorb" the atmosphere and it's such a big change from Fraser Downs. There is so much to learn (this is the same as my last post, isn't it?). Hopefully I'll be able to get everything down pat soon. Time is of the essence.

New Beginnings

Even though I've known for some time, I had to keep my impending location change a secret. But on November 2 at 2pm, I began my new "career" at the humongous River Rock Casino. It's definitely a big change from the much smaller Fraser Downs Casino. While I miss the comraderie and amazingly friendliness of all the staff in Cloverdale, I look forward to my new challenge at The Rock. Today was an overwhelming experience and I never really was able to grasp the enormity of the casino. It will take time, and I hope my staff will accept me.

Wait

25 years, it was worth the wait. While the sound at BC Place Stadium left something to be desired, seeing Madonna live is something I'll remember for a long time.