Special Guest @ The Farm

Mary Had a Little Limb.

Hello my faithful readers!

Thank you to the few who do read this.  I love you.  I know it hasn't been much but I never promised to ooh and aah you did I?  Nope, I just promised that it would be about me.  

"Oooh Aahh"

Well, as the first post of the New Year I will give you guys a short recap of what 2008 was about for me in list form because I like lists... and forms.  

-I graduated college!  <---Amazing, ME, I know.

-Watched my best friend get married.

-Performed as a lead.

-Made it onto IMDB.  Look me up. Raymond Lee (X).  It's nothing impressive yet but like Britney's hair, it will grow.

-Shot two commercials.

-Starred in three short films.  One of which is on the festival circuit.

-Got a job.

-Got health insurance for the first time.

-Started this blog!

Enough bragging though.  

To be honest, the second half of this past year was hard.  I was pushed through one threshold after another of shit I didn't know I could endure until I did.  Feeling completely helpless at times I found that turning to prayer was only thing left to do.  Which resulted in a cathartic bawl to end all bawls to wrap up the end of the year.  I prefer not to get into details about my hardships nor am I writing to vent but this may be an alternative way of letting some of my friends know why I have been distant.  I've had to rearrange priorities that have been jumbled while I've been away from home.  I've bailed continuously on my friends and I'm sorry.  Believe me I hate flakes more than flakes hate Proctor & Gamble for making Head & Shoulders more appealing to the masses with a hip new logo.  

The moral of this entry is that, I feel that 2008 was a year of opportunities.  Opportunities presented itself in beautiful and hideous forms but it was what I did with each opportunity that made it beautiful or hideous.  My amazing friends and peers have helped me to place things into perspective.  I've learned this past year that every opportunity can be made into something beautiful.  If something sucks, it's an opportunity to see that it sucks and then learn to grow from the suckyness of it.  My hope for 2009 is to make everything around me beautiful that suck.

I wrote a very short story last night and I wish to share it with you.

Mary Had a Little Limb

Mary had a little limb.

She was afraid people would look at it and laugh so she hid it the best she could.

Rude people called her T-Rex.

Nice people called her unfortunate.

Good people didn't say a thing.

But the best people made their own limbs short so Mary wouldn't feel like she was different.

Mary once had a longer limb and everyone thought she was perfect including herself.

Mary was even praised for her limb and people said her limb would make her famous.

Now that her limb is little Mary feels lost and hopeless.  

All she wants now is her limb back because she knows that she took it for granted.

Good night loves!

reading::    Doubt- John Patrick Shanley

listening::  Peacebone- Animal Collective 

touching::  My dog Cookie's ears

Growing Old-er and Lovin'

I suppose as you grow older things start mattering to you less.  I guess this is how adults manage to become adults.  Or maybe more important things start to matter so the trivial things get brushed aside.  I know I'm not super old or anything but I'm beginning to understand that I just don't care anymore about many things and that it's OK not to care.  To avoid sounding pretentious and dumb, I won't specify what I mean by "things" but I will say that I have trimmed some unnecessary, overgrown hedges and I'd like to think that I'm becoming a better person for it.  Caring less has allowed me to look forward keeping me away from the nostalgic swivels that occur at the most inconvenient times.  I'm realizing that love is becoming something that is more necessary than before and I'm giving in to the idea that being dependent and asking for help is OK.  Sometimes it gets difficult to hope for things to get better but having someone to listen to you and actively empathizing with you makes it easier.  Loving someone is something that does require a lot of effort but when you need somathat lovin' back you know that it was effort well invested.  I'm not talking about dirty lovin' but just sweet, honest, thoughtful, compassionate caring that happens when you guys both agree after an argument that "we're not mad at each other anymore."  Also comfort is taking precedence as well.  I'm realizing that I really enjoy being comfortable.  Not that I'm afraid of the unknown nor am I lacking in the adventure department, but I enjoy finding comfort in feeling a sense of familiarity and some sort of consistency.  Forget crazy spastic spontaneity man.  I like going to Mario's because I know the Lomo Saltado is going to be money every time.

I'm no longer as invincible as I once thought I was but actually the complete opposite.  Lately I've been plagued with unmentionable problems with my body which has made me realize that I'm incredibly fragile and in need of an enema.  Maybe it's because I've been on this dreadfully crippling medication for the past two months but I'm sore everywhere.  There was once a time I used to look forward to being sore the next morning because that was an indicator that I got a good workout.  Now I wake up wondering what the hell is going on with my body.  I feel that these should be the complaints of someone twice my age but I figure now is a good time to start so by the time I'm 50 I'd be really good at complaining.

I'm not sure if I need help or if this is growing older but I know that as long as I have someone who loves me whom I can complain to, it will be OK.  Because love should be like Lomo Saltado.

WHOOO!

Sorry, post is a little late but still sweet as ever.

iWaiter

Brrrr... it's colder than frozen dumpling balls!  It snowed in LA... what?

Anywho, so my job search has officially seen its end and I am now employed!  No more odd jobs for Raymomo.  Although I do wish that billionaire guy who paid me to move around lawn furniture and patch up drywall would give me a holler now and again.  He was great.  But yes, after trying to lie my way into jobs behind the bar I've succumb once again, to the only way actors know how to make a living.  I am a waiter at The Farm of Beverly Hills.  I've spent the past 2 weeks training and now I'm ready to take orders from real customers with real needs.  But really, I think I'm going to like this place.  I like most of my co-actors, I mean workers.  And most importantly the managers are muy bueno.  I think this could be the beginning of something beautiful.

It's at LA LIVE in DTLA across from Staples Center.  So if you're headed to a Lakers game, first holler at a brother, then if I'm not available, swing by!  I won't give you free food so don't ask.  But what you do get to see is me wearing a sweet gingham tie and an ankle length apron asking people if they want refills on their twice charcoal filtered UV treated Natura water bottles that support healthy living for the wee price of $6.50.

But seriously I'm truly thankful that I was able to find a job with everything being the way they is.  And thanks to all those that treated me out to free meals and stood up for me when all the bullies called me a poor fat ass dirt creature.

Thank you The Farm of Beverly Hills.

--currently reading:    A Wild Sheep Chase- Haruki Murakami

--currently listening:  Whenever Wherever Whatever- Maxwell

--currently touching:  My chapstick cap

Perhaps the greatest Criagslist ad ever.

Take notes... this is how you sell a bike.

Manly Bike for Sale

 

---

Date: 2008-07-22, 10:18AM PDT

 

Bike for sale�
What kind of bike? I don’t know, I’m not a bike scientist. What I am though is a manly guy looking to sell his bike. This bike is made out of metal and kick ass spokes. The back reflector was taken off, but if you think that deters me from riding at night, you’re way wrong. I practiced ninja training in Japan’s mount Fuji for 5 years and the first rule they teach about ninja biking is that back reflectors let the enemy know where you are. Not having a rear reflector is like saying “FUCK YOU CAR, JUST TRY AND FIND ME”.  

The bike says Giant on the side because it’s referring to my junk, but rest assured even if you have tiny junk that Giant advertisement is going to remain right where it is. I bought this bike for 300 dollars from a retired mercenary that fought in both World War 1 and World War 2 and had his right arm bitten off by a shark in the Phillipines while stationed there as a shark handler. When he sold it to me I had to arm wrestle him for the honor to buy it. I broke his arm in 7 places when I did. He was so impressed with me he offered me to be his son but I thought that was sissy shit so I said no way. 

The bike has some rusted screws, but that just shows how much of a bad ass you are. Everyone knows rusted screws on a bike means that you probably drove it underwater and that’s bad ass in itself. Those screws can be replaced with shiny new ones, but if you’re going to go to that trouble why not just punch yourself in the balls since you’re probably a dickless lizard who doesn’t like to look intimidating. 

The bike is for men because the seat is flat or some shit and not shaped like a dildo. If you like flat seated bikes you’re going to love this thing because it doesn’t try to penetrate your ass or anything. 

I’ve topped out at 75 miles per hour on this uphill but if you’re just a regular man you’ll probably top it out at 10 miles per hour. This thing is listed as a street bike which is man-code for bike tank. The bike has 7 speeds in total: 

Gear 1 - Sissy Gear�
Gear 2 - Less Sissy Gear�
Gear 3 - Least Sissy Gear�
Gear 4 - Boy Gear�
Gear 5 - Pre-teen Boy Gear�
Gear 6 - Manly Gear�
Gear 7 - Big Muscles Gear 

I only like gear 6 and 7 to be honest. 

Additionally, this tool of all immense men comes with a gigantic lock to keep it secure. The lock is the size of a bull’s testicles and tells people you don’t fuck around with locking up your bike tank. It tells would-be-thieves “Hey asshole, touch this bike and I’ll appear from the bushes ready to club you with a two-by-four”. 

Bike is for 150 OBO (and don’t give me no panzy prices) 

• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 765370039

RAY'S FAVORITE:: FOOD PLACES

For my sake and yours, I've decided to compile a list of my favorite places to eat.  This may perhaps serve as guide for you but will be used as reference for me.  And the greatest thing about it... you won't bust your bank just to get your tummies filled.  I wouldn't do that to us with money being the way they is.  So herrrre we go...

PIZZA

Dean's Pizza, Long Beach

Thai Curry Pizza

Mmm... this place is a must for when you're in LB and in need of some serious grubbin.  $10 will buy you a large Thai Curry Pizza, yes, a Thai Curry Pizza.  SO GOOD.  It comes with the standard yellow curry along with basil leaves baked into the cheese.  I recommend paying a little extra for chicken and onions.  Killing a large pizza has never been so easy.

SANDWICH

Mario's Italian Market, Glendale

Prosciutto Sandwich (scratch the middle bread and ask for extra red onions and deli mustard)

This place has been home to many fellow Glendale-ians for many years past.  A great market for all your deli needs as well as a stellar sandwich shoppe.  Not in the mood for cured ham?  Go with the Spicy Turkey Sandwich... pick up a can of $1 Arizona Iced Tea while your at it.

CHICKEN WINGS

Furaibo, West LA

Double Teba-Saki

Go between the hours of 11:30-2 on weekdays and order the Double Teba with miso dressing.  Best wings hands down.  I was once eluded by BonChon when I was really hungry but tried it the second time and was disappointed.  Plus you have to order in advance because they take like 30 mins to make.  Da heck is that about?  If you were headed there though, get the Garlic Soy.  Anyways, guys, I recommend taking your lady friends here.  Due to their large portions you will most likely end up finishing their wings.  Yessssssss.  Furaibo is my favorite meal.  Period.

TACO Y BURRITO

El Taurino, LA

Al Pastor Taco/ Carne Asada Burrito w/ everything or Puro Carne (for the meaties)

Yes, this one was obvious and we all know it but I'm doing this for me remember?  And maybe for all one of you who read this.

FISH TACO

El Taco Nazo, El Monte

Fish Taco

I was recently introduced to this place and I couldn't get enough.  I was full but I had to eat another.  Absolutely perfect in consistency and flavor.  Fish is not dripping oil from being over fried and the sauce is amazing.  Ask for some of their lemon salted peppers.  They used to have it out before until people got all greedy.

RAMEN

Daikokuya, Little Tokyo

Daikoku Ramen Meal w/ Pork Cutlet Bowl or Tuna Sashimi Bowl

I pondered over this one for quite some time.  Orochon or Daikoku...  It was tough but Daikoku does have better side options and a better atmosphere to grub.  I recommend good company or a good book because you're in for a wait.  But if you don't dig waiting Orochon is right around the corner and they're usually not as bad.  Their Chashu is GOOD.

KOREAN BBQ

Gil Mok aka Corner Place, Koreatown

Gal Bi and Dongchimi Gook Su 

Another one most of you may know.  Their beef is good but their Dongchimi noodle got it goin on!  Sometime I slip in and slip out just for some refreshiness of the Dongchimi.  A must if you're in KTown with some extra dough.

BREAKFAST BURRITO

Lucky Boy's, Pasadena

Breakfast Burrito

I have traveled to many a places seeking out the best breakfast burrito because cmon, who doesn't like breakfast burritos?  It's all the essentials firmly wrapped in a tortilla for your eating pleasures.  I happen to like this one because its huge, they put tons of crispy bacon (hate the flimsies), and their hash browns are fried to a perfect golden crust.

OK, Well, I'm starving.  I'll write more later.  Holler at me if you have any questions or suggestions about food and places you like to eat.

**EDIT**

Just got news that Sushi Studio burned down... yikes!

Someone find me a good sushi joint.