Random Spring Notes 2013

The time has come for another seasonal update in the good ole blog, and this one is unusually full with big news and exciting changes. It was another tough winter, just like the 2 years before that, however the spring has once again brought new hope. The future is still unclear as always, yet I continue to move onward, with no regrets of the past and wiser into the future.

Compuvision: I always knew deep down that I couldn't be a courier forever. Sure I loved the freedom and simplicity of it, however over time I had grown quite bored with it. I wanted a job that challenged me just a little more, in which I could engage myself with responsibilities. I somewhat got this feeling with baseball games, however still wanted something more during the day. I began applying back in December, and even had an interview for a 3D Printer Technician, however this fell through. Then in late April, I got an email from a Tech Company called Compuvision, who interviewed me, and gave me the job a few days later. I was to be the IT Assets Manager at Dow Agro Sciences. I gladly accepted, and after 2 years and 2 months at RCL, I said my farewell with gratefulness, and looked forward to a new career.

I've already worked one week in the Tech Depot at Dow Agro Sciences and have a good feeling about it. I'm being trained by my predecessor, James Ward, who is a friendly laid back guy. We work in the basement of the facility, as a tech unit for Dow Agro. Although I work at Dow Agro, I am employed by a third party company called Compuvision. This makes us contractors on site, however it is still a full-time job, with medical benefits, dental, and PTO. For the most part my duties will consist of keeping inventory, shipping, receiving, and updating databases on the tech assets within the company. I was given my own laptop and will have a desk, phone, and entire warehouse under my supervision. The company is quite large, like a giant campus, with a cafeteria and fitness center, and I really hope to meet some new people there.

Baby Benjamin  James: On April 12th, Philip and Shawnna gave birth to baby Benjamin James at the Community North Hospital. He is my first nephew and a very healthy and cute little baby. They also moved into a new house back in March, on the east-side of Indy, known as Lawrence. I've already spent several weekends with Philip, Shawnna, and Benjamin and have come to enjoy my visits there. We watch movies, eat good food, and I often help Philip in his basement or his wood shop. I'm very happy for them and hope to also one day have a house and a family of my own.

Indy Mini Marathon: On May 4th, we partook in our 8th annual running of the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. I managed to maintain my running fitness throughout the brutal winter, however have begun to suffer body aches and heel spurs because of it. Nonetheless I bought a new mattress and running shoes (Brooks) which have slightly helped and was eager to run a good time at the race. That night we had our traditional pasta dinner at Carl's & Devon's. The following morning we all met downtown, Dad, Aunt Laurie, Philip, Gabriel, Stiven, and myself, the weather was perfect. I started in coral B, and maintained a steady 7:30 min mile pace all the way until mile 11. At this point I began to hit a wall, which got worse on the last mile. I finished with a time of 1:42:01, which was under my goal of 1:45, yet no PR. (I set the PR last fall at the Monumental Mini Marathon at 1:39:37.) I was still satisfied with this time. Later that day we had a nice barbeque at Philip and Shawnnas.

My New Galaxy S4: I finally upgraded my Galaxy S1 smartphone that I've had and loved for the last two years, to the recently released Galaxy S4. T-Mobile changed the way they do business, by eliminating contracts, however they also lowered their bill, which was nice. The phone is amazingly clear, and I have been quite addicted to it the last few days. It's greatest feature is it's high resolution mega-pixels, which greatly enhances images. The new phone seemed fitting with a new job, and I've updated my old apps (Wordfeud, Twitter, IMDb) and added some new ones such as Instagram.    

Upcoming Events: So with the completion of the Mini Marathon, summer is underway and off with a new start. There's still many weekends and plans to be made, and I can already say it's not as event-filled as it was last year at this time. However there are still going to be many events to look forward to. Next weekend is Memorial Wknd, in Fort Wayne, Baby Benjamin's Baptism, and probably a visit at the Palmer's LMP celebration. On June 15th, I'm joining Ryan, Zach, and Corey Shwartz in Zanesville, Ohio to compete in my first ever MudRun. This is basically a 12-mile obstacle course you run with a group. It will surely be a challenging and fun experience. On July 20th we are hosting our 5th annual sprint triathlon at Kekionga, and this year we're going to the original unofficial format.I hope to make much more plans this summer such as a concert, Chicago weekend, camping trip, and Bloomington weekend.

These are new exciting times for me, filled with change all over. My number one priority is learning and getting comfortable with my new job, however I also hope to continue forward in other areas as well; fitness, finances, spirituality, social life, and especially love. And so I look onward, learning from my past, with no regrets. 

Random Winter Notes 2013

Well I've begun my fourth year in the Indianapolis area, with some new developments, events, and notes to post. The Winter has been a harsh one, as usual, with a series of misfortunes yet a steadfast resolve. I have completed my 2nd year as a courier, at Racer Cartage and Logistics, and continue forward with them. With the onset of Lent and the approaching Spring season, I have maintained my course, gotten through the ups-and-downs of life, and continue to look onward.


Meridian Hills: The biggest change of course is my new living headquarters at Meridian Hills. After two years at River Road Apartments, I found it was finally time for a change of scenery. I was very satisfied at River Road, and hardly had any complaints besides it being located near a very busy intersection (96th and Keystone). I therefore was keen to find a new area, away from the commercial/traffic, in a more suburban setting, yet still in the same price range. Meridian Hills was an ideal location near my church at St. Lukes and the Monon Trail. It is a mix of my Chicago and Fishers apartments; very stylish, on the 2nd floor, big bathroom, yet tight on storage space. I've been living there for a month now, and thus far I like the apartment much better than River Roads

Car Report: This past two months beginning in December there came a series of unfortunate financial bombs. Most of which had to do with my car. The first was brake repairs at Midas that put me out $1000 the second came about 2 weeks later with some engine repairs that cost me $500. My Night Rider is in it's 5th year, and approaching 175,000 miles. She's made me a lot of money as a contractor courier, and it seems only fitting that she costs me a little from time to time as well. I've also done well to get the oil changed frequently and new tires. At this point I have accepted that my car is in it's final weeks/months and hope to get the most of it before I buy another one. As of now the Night Rider is running quite well and I can only hope that it gets me into the summer.

Medical Report: Back in the later summer I was experiencing some terrible stomach pain, which I felt was caused by dehydration. There was one August night in particular that was so bad, I felt as if something inside me had ruptured. At that time I knew I had to get medical insurance immediately. I found a basic private plan through UnitedHealthCare, that cost me $80 a month, gave me a $5000, deductible with 4 free office visits. I wasted no time to see a gastroenterology specialist, and get my stomach and intestines looked at. The doctor suggested an endoscopy, an X-Ray of my system. The results came back normal, and I later found out in Janurary that I had to pay for the entire procedure out of pocket $3000. I was quite upset with this financial bomb, thinking my insurance would cover most the bill. My stomach has been perfectly normal ever since August and the end of the harsh heat. I am still convinced that the whole thing was cause by dehydration yet never got an official diagnosis on the pain.

Fitness Report: I've done my best to maintain my shape and fitness through this harsh cold winter. I got several runs in on the treadmill over Christmas, and even outside on the Monon, however lost a good three weeks in mid January due to my move. I've also been faced with a new problem over the past 2 months, a growing heel spur pain. I am intent however to overcome this painful challenge and continue my running into the spring and onto the Indy Mini Marathon. I've bought some foot inserts and my aunt Laurie, who also experienced the same problem, has given me some helpful inserts and stretching tips. I still have a long way to go however to get to my peak shape last fall. (PRed at the Indy Monumental Half Marathon at 1:39)

Also worth noting in this section that our Kekionga Sprint Triathlon will be back to its original free format. This was mostly due to upset neighbors with last year's mammoth sanctioned race. It'll be the 5th year for this event, and I'm hoping we can still put together a well organized race for amateur triathletes.

Lenten Report: This year I became an official member at St. Luke's Parish on 75th Street, very close to my new apartment. My Lenten fast is nowhere near as intense as it was last year, yet still quite challenging. I have taken an unusual strict vow of sexual abstinence in hopes that I may find and fall in love with a woman. Over the past few months, this has become a high priority for me. For too long have I lived a free-spirited life, and would now like to finally settle down and share a deep connection with someone. I have also given up sweets. I intend to go to Confession in the next few weeks and continue my spiritual cleansing.

Phases: Starting back in late December I saw the Musical film Les Miserables, and have been very inspired by the story, movie, and the music. I listen to the music constantly, while driving at work or running on the Monon, and have even embarked on the mammoth novel by Victor Hugo. I am currently half way through it. I've also been listening to alot of classic rock lately. I met a really interesting person from Missouri, however she's only an internet friend. I've been into wine lately and even went to some local wineries in Indianapolis.


Upcoming Events: As of now things are finally in a steady lull which always gives me a chance to reflect and catch up. However big events are constantly arising, and here a few worth noting;

Philip and Shawnna will be moving to a new house, sometime in March. They've already had one deal fall through, yet seem to have secured a 2nd deal. Their baby, Benjamin James, will also be due in April. This is a very interesting, life-changing time for them, and the Sundberg family as a whole. I see them as my number one social connection in this city, and hope to continue supporting them as they've supported me.

Gabriel has begun his 2nd semester at IUPUI and a new job at Express, an apparel store. Andres has gotten through his freshmen swimming season at Luers and is now embarking on the baseball season. Pedro has begun his spring training for the Minnesota Twins.

For me, things remain the same, besides my living situation which I've adapted too rather quickly. I finally received a pay increase at RCL, which is encouraging, and am planning to work another Indianapolis Indians baseball season for Sportvision. As of now I am satisfied with this contractor lifestyle, and I have my finances well in line. The next biggest goal is to perhaps find and meet somebody new. I've realized that it's not as easy as it once was. I know she's out there though, hopefully just a matter of time.

Oscar Nominations for 2013

This past year was a great year for movies, one of the best I can remember, of which I went to the theaters far more the usual. From Avengers, Dark Knight Rises, Lincoln, The Hobbit, and Les Miserables I was constantly satisfied with the quality. As usual I always anticipate the release of the Oscar Nominations far more than the actual awards themselves. This year's batch deserves great recognition, and there's still a lot of films and perfomances I cant wait to see.So here's the list as usual and my predictions with the photo.

Best Picture

Amour
Argo
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

Best Director

David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook)
Behn Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild)
Michael Haneke (Amour)
Paul Thomas Anderson (The Master)
Steven Speilberg (Lincoln)

Best Actor

Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook)
Denzel Washington (Flight)
Daniel Day Lewis (Lincoln)
Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables)
Joaquin Phoenix (The Master)

Best Actress 

Emmanuelle Riva (Amour)
Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)
Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty)
Naomi Watts (The Impossible)
Quvenzhane Wallis (Beats of the Southern Wild)

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams (The Master)
Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)
Sally Field (Lincoln)
Helen Hunt (The Sessions)
Jackie Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook)

Best Supporting Actor

Alan Arkin (Argo)
Christopher Waltz (Django Unchained)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master)
Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook)
Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln)

Total Film Nominations

Lincoln (12)
Life of Pi (11)
Silver Linings Playbook (8)
Les Miserables (7)
Argo (7)
Amour (5)
Django Unchained (5)
Skyfall (5)
Zero Dark Thirty (5)
Anna Karenina (4)
Beasts of the Southern Wild (4)
The Master (3)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (3)
Snow White and the Hunstman (2)
Flight (2)

Movie Masterpiece: Les Miserables

I've anticipated this film since back in the summer, and remember the first time I saw that trailer of Anne Hathaway singing "I Dreamed a Dream". With big names such as director Tom Hooper (The Kings Speech) Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe the movie was sure to be critically acclaimed sucess. However this film also offered something quite unique in it's visual style and musical dialogue. I thus decided back in the summer that this film was the must-see of the year (even over The Hobbit) When I first saw it last week in the theater, I felt somewhat disappointed that maybe it did not meet my expectations. However a few days later, I found myself consumed by the music and quite inspired by this masterful story. I would highly recommend this film, hope to maybe see it again in theatre, and will definitely purchase it!

I first became familiar with the classic Victor Hugo story of Les Miserables, after watching the 1998 film directed by Billie August, starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. I was quite in awe of the thick plot, with multiple characters and stories. I knew that there was also a Broadway musical of this story, however I guess I was just waiting for the right time to experience it. With this big screen debut I finally had that chance, and expected that it had the potential to inspire me. In December of 2009 I saw the classic musical The Phantom of the Opera for the first time and was very inspired by the music. Sure enough, after watching this movie and downloading the soundtrack, it did just the same thing!

Each of the actors in the film do their own singing, which gives the musical a unique presentation. It is not by any means clean sounding, however it is heartfelt; full of emotion and powerful performances from Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen. The film is non-stop musical dialogue which at times can drag on, however when one of the feature songs comes into play it is well worth the wait. My three favorite songs are "One Day More", "Stars", and of course the classic, "I Dreamed a Dream". The acting should be greatly recognized in this film, and Anne Hathaway dissevers to be an Oscar shoe-in for her emotional performance. Tom Hooper also deserves some major recognition for bringing this classic musical to the big screen, in such a colorful and vivid fashion.