miker33

Hey y'all, I hope that you all are doing well and that you had a great holidays with your family! Happy belated New Year! It has been a year and a few months since I last time blogged here. My life has been to busy- juggling my education (had graduated already, yay!), job, and family/friends. My girlfriend and Alex (my son) are doing well, and we enjoy our family time. I can't believe that Alex is growing up too fast! Alex is three now, and he will be four in May. He is cute and handsome just like his daddy . I'll bet that Alex will be a real heartbreaker once he's older.He's talking a lot, and his vocabulary is good for his age. He absoutely love sports, and I love teaching him some basics in sports. We enjoyed watching baseball and football games. There are ups and downs. There are more ups and a few downs in my life. The happiest moments in my life are graduation, job, making new friends, and new family members either through marriage or blood-related. One of my cousins' wife will have baby #2 very soon, next month. Alex will gain a new baby cousin! Needless to say, Alex is pretty excited to play with a new cousin very soon. There are some down moments in my life that I wish didn't happen. I lost one of my really good friends from college, A.A. in November 2013. It's hard to believe that she's gone and that cardiac arrest robbed her life out at somewhere between tender age 22-24 (sorry, I don't feel comfortable spilling out her real age here on blog, since you all don't know her. No offense). I've missed her, but I am glad that I've gotten to know her over few years. We always still be friends, no matter what. Even though she isn't here physically, she's still here spiritually. A.A. really got along with my girlfriend and absoutely loved Alex. My girlfriend was having a tough time with that news and she still misses her and always think of her every single day. It was really hard to break the news to Alex about A.A. because he really loved her. I just wish that it didn't happen to A.A. because she didn't deserve it and I can't believe that she will never get a chance to do so many more in her life. Also, I just can't believe I lost her along with my other friends (from high school). It's hard. Another down moment was that a week before A.A.'s passing, another friend just broke the news by saying that he was diagnosed with cancer. When hearing the word "cancer," all of memories about my three high school classmates who lost their battles with their cancer immediately rushing into my mind. My friend is very strong, and he's fighting for his life. He just had a surgery to remove the tumor in December, and is receiving the treatments. He has very tough health issues, he was born with kidney problem and had a kidney transplant twice...and now, he was diagnosed with cancer. I wish that he didn't have tough health challenges. But, he is always positive and is thinking positive while fighting against cancer. I seriously can't believe that all New York sports teams (except New York Rangers) were doing horribly. First of the all, Yankees and Mets didn't do so hot in the last season. Plus they didn't even make to the playoff for World Series. It really really annoyed me that Boston Red Sox won World Series last year. Yes, I hate Boston Red Sox. C'mon, I'm a Yankees fan, and that's to be expected! Lol. It was downright embarrassing that Yankees were doing WORST last season. The worst season of the all than other seasons that they've lost the games because last season was the most games Yankees lost. Second of the all, Giants and Jets were doing not so great. Giants lost more games than won the games. The record for Giants is 9 (L) to 7 (W)...I seriously hope that in fall 2014, Giants better pull it together and do much better. The record for Jets is 9 (L) to 9 (W). Ehhh, Jets did slightly better than Giants, but not was doing so good. Superbowl is coming up (Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks) and I'm definitely rooting for Broncos. One thing I'm really really glad is that Denver Broncos beat Boston Patriots (Yes, I hate Patriots, especially I don't really like Tom Brady, a quarterback). Eli Manning's (a quarterback for Giants) older brother, Peyton Manning is a quarterback for Denver Broncos. I was so gleeful to see that Tom Brady lost to two Mannings. Brady lost to Eli Manning twice in Superbowl games (2008 and 2012), and lost to Peyton Manning in the playoff game to Superbowl recently. My girlfriend is so in love with Eli Manning because, in her words, 'He's so cute and have gorgeous body shape." Nope, I'm not jealous because I know she really do love me and only me. Basketball.... Let's just say Knicks are doing awful...terribly awful. In some games, Knicks had really low scores, which was the worst score I've ever seen in my life. Knicks record is 27 (L) to 18 (W). Brooklyn Nets also didn't do well, and the record is 23 (L) to 20 (W). The only team that isn't doing awful and is doing okay is New York Rangers (ice hockey team). Justin Bieber......Let's just say I feel bad for him but really was annoyed that I got a breaking news notification from cnn on my phone about Justin Bieber's arrest. Seriously, his arrest is a breaking news? I heard that there is a petition that says that Justin Bieber must be deported to Canada. I aint get involved in this, no way. I don't even care for Justin Bieber or his songs. But, I find it hilarious that there were so many young girl fans that wrote letters to him saying how disappointed they are in him. An 8 year old girl, a fan of Justin Bieber, wrote a letter to him saying "I'm so disappointed in you... Get your act together." I don't know what's up with him, but seriously, Hollywood is really crazy when it comes to something like that. Gotta run now, but have a great day!

Wow, can't believe that it has been a little bit over a year since the last time I posted a blog. :-/ I was really busy as usual, focusing on my academics, working, and taking care of my family. Past a year to past few months, there have been ups and downs, some are good, and some are bad. I am so glad that I am almost done with my education. Needless to say, I am proud of myself and my girlfriend that we still pursued our education ever since Alex was born, and we never give up despite how challenging and difficult it was. But we both are so thankful that we have so many support from our families, and friends. I seriously can't believe that Alex is two and a half years old already. He is getting very cute, and looks like a combination of his mom and me. He is very energetic, and always love to run a lot. Often had to chased after him to grab him before bad or dangerous thing happened. Didn't want Alex to get hurt badly! haha. I can't believe that he can talk now... I never forget that he said the word, which was 'mamma.' You should have seen my girlfriend's face when she heard our own son's first word. Yes, he also said dadda, but not at the same time when he first said mamma. It was little bit later on. When I heard him saying to me, 'Dadda!' there's a feeling of pride runs in my body. But at the same time, it was kind of bittersweet because he is really growing up that fast. I remember several times whenever we asked him, "What is your name?" He would've answered either "Alex" or "Sando." (FYI, Ty, my younger brother give him this nickname- Sandro since 'Sandro' was the part of Alex's name- Alessandro. That is what Alex was trying to say- Sandro, but ended up saying Sando since he had kind of a difficulty time saying it right). He had a great second birthday party which was on May 30th. He had fun with his family, relatives and friends at the party. Yes, he had a lot of presents. There were some downs moments as well. One of these moments had affected me deeply. In the end of July, one of my uncles had passed away. He taught me so many lessons about life in general. He had a stroke that left him unable to walk on his own and left him having a difficulty to talk properly. But, my uncle is capable of walking with the help of walker and he can talk but not like us. He was a wonderful grandfather to two adorable grandchildren. I regret not seeing him for the last time before he passed away. It was unexpected, and we didn't expected that he was leaving us. The last time I saw him was a year prior to his death. It's hard to believe that I lost two uncles in two and a half years apart. I wish that my another uncle who passed away two and half years ago would have been alive to see his very first grandson, who was born a year and four months after he passed away. Additionally, I also wished that he would have been here to see my wonderful son since he was born 5 months after he passed away. He would love to spoil my little man. I remember when he first found out that my girlfriend was pregnant with Alex, he gave me few great tips of being a good dad (to make things clear, my dad is one of few male figures that gave me good tips, as well). I am grateful that he gave me some tips of how to be a wonderful father since they really help a lot. Don't get me wrong, all of the tips that the male figures in my family gave me also help me a lot. I am so relieved about the presidential election yesterday. I am glad that Obama won because if Romney won, then we would have been screwed up. So far, I have heard that Maine is planning to legalized the gay marriages. So are other three states, I believe. I am so happy to hear that. Honestly, I believe that all people have equal rights regardless of their race, sexual orientation and others. In the middle of October, it was an awful time. Hurricane Sandy had hit the East Coast. The states that were affected badly by Hurricane Sandy are Southern NY, PA and NJ. NJ is the worst of the all. My friend's friend lost her home and everything due to Hurricane Sandy. My hometown...there were flood around and the powers were out. NYC...God, if you see the pictures, it was really bad. Flood, and powers were out. Subways, bus transportations, and etc were closed. We all are okay here, and our families are okay as well. I am so lucky to have Alex and my girlfriend in my life. To be honest, I can't imagine my life without my girlfriend. She is the one who always keep me to think positive, and she really taught me a lot of valuable lessons. You know, when I first met her and we became good friends, she wasn't like any other girls. Most girls back in high school would've worn make ups or wear trend of clothes, but not my girlfriend. She looks pretty without make up (she only wears little bit of make up sometimes) and she dressed comfortably, just jeans and shirts. My girlfriend look awesome with her natural looks. It showed me that she didn't care about following the trends that most girls did in high school. It's hard to believe that she and I have been together since 2008 (that was when we were in high school, so I guess you should considered that we are high school sweethearts). Our relationship is still going strong even though we had some arguments. But we just talk things out, made up and then move on. Alex is the biggest proof that shows my girlfriend and my relationship is going strong, and also to show that we really do love each other. I know I have said this before, but I never ever regret having my son at a young age. Alex really taught me many valuable lessons, and I am looking forward to millions of lessons he will teach me as he is growing up. Christmas was wonderful, and I had enjoyed spending time with my family, relatives and friends. Yes, Alex had gotten so many gifts. Heh, he's pretty spoiled, i know. New Year's Eve was wonderful too. To end this message with: HAPPY BELATED NEW YEARS! I hope that 2013 is treating you better than last year. P.S. If you see the date that blog was posted on- November, that was wrong, since I saved this blog as a draft, but forgot to post it officially since I was pretty busy in my life. So, I just posted it now.

Many of you know that September is the childhood cancer awareness month and this week is national deaf awareness week. I often think about children with cancer, and hope that one day, there will be promising treatments that can cure any type of cancers. Three people I knew from high school had cancer and didn't survive from them after few years of battling. From my perspective, I believe that the government is focusing too much on research on adult cancers than childhood cancers. The government needs to fix their goals- focus equally on adult cancers and childhood cancers. I mean, most chemotherapy treatments doesn't really cure any type of cancers, just to slow the cancers down to give people more time to enjoy their lives. So far, the cancer treatments seem successful for leukemia, and few other type of pediatric cancers. But, so far, I have noticed that the cancer treatments aren't successful for brain tumors, bone cancers, and etc (you can research to see more type of pedatric cancers that doesn't seem successful with the treatments). You know, one of the three people I knew, her dream was that "someday no child will ever have to face cancer" (its her quote that she said since when she was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 11). She was the one who realized that the government wouldn't help childhood cancer research that much, as the government did for the adult cancer research. Therefore, she established a non-profit organization that dedicated to raising awareness and funding research fo pediatric cancer. This organization seems successful so far, ever since 2003. Majority of the children than adults are dying from cancer everyday in every years. So, I hope that you all can donate some money to pediatric cancer foundations for this month and from now on because you can help in a small way for the children to have a chance to live. I often donate money to any cancer foundations and organizations because it's the only way I can help the people who are suffering from the disease in a small way. In memory of: VN 06/04/89 to 07/30/07 brain tumor (fought for 10 years) TM 11/01/91 to 02/22/08 rare type of bone cancer- chrondosarcoma (fought for 5 years) JS 05/08/89 to 04/16/10 bone cancer- osteosarcoma (fought for 2 years) This week is national deaf awareness week. I know someone who is very close to me is deaf, and she is determined to prove to others that she can be normal like any of us, except that she can't hear. A lot of hearing people didn't really know that deaf people can feel isolated from the hearing world because they are different from them, and that there is a lack of communication between hearing people and deaf people. Most deaf people now uses hearing aids or cochlear implant, but they had to be trained for a long time to learn to listen to the sounds, get used to the sounds and learn to talk. Deaf people communicate by sign language (the talk of hands, or movement of hands), but if a deaf person is in the hearing world, such as in mainstream school or at work with other hearing people, it is more likely that some hearing people may have discriminate against the deaf people or refuse to provide an interpreter or learn ASL (American Sign Language) in order to communicate with deaf people. I can see that some deaf people feel hurt when being discriminated and often feel left out if they had no idea what the hearing people are talking about. The purpose of national deaf awareness week is to make people aware of ASL and cochlear implant researches and how to support deaf people. I hope that you all have a good day!

Hey, I have more things on my mind based on open mind towards homosexuality, but also the religion ( I know that none of you didn't really much care for religion, again sorry if I offend you all by saying it). One thing that have been on my mind was due to a religion (in other words, my friend's words had been on my mind). Apparently, one of my friends who I know, used to be a Baptist... Why is he 'USED' to be a Baptist? Well, it's because he had converted to Islam (that, well may be tend to be sticky issue due to 9/11 attacks and war on terrorism for me). He converted to Islam for various reasons (but they seems personal so I will not mention them here on blog). He believes that homosexuality is abomination... Apparently, most of you may know that Torah (Jewish Bible) is the first religion to mention that homosexuality is abomination in the Old Testament. Then, when Christianity came, they adopted Old Testament to the Bible along with New Testament and other books, and that is how Christianity came to believe that homosexual is abomination. Then, for Islam, Qur'an also said same thing. But Islam is the last Abrahamic religion, so it's a possibly that Islam also adopted thebelief that homosexuality is abomination from Judaism and Christianity. BUT, I am still quite doubtful if Christianity and Islam said that homosexuality is abomination just becaue Torah said that, beause there may be other reasons why Christianity and Islam said that homosexuality is abomination. But, if homosexuality is abomination...There are a lot of other abdomination that straight people yet do it. I mean people break the rules and didn't seems to be concern about it. I mean, look at everyone. People eat pork and shellfish, while it is an abomination to eat them. People had cursed at others while cussing is an abomination. People watch porn, which is an abomination (in Torah, Bible and Qur'an, it said something similar about that porn is abomination). You know that fornication is an abomination... A lot of people (not only gay or lesbian, but straight people as well) are doing fornication. Lust is also an abomination, and many people still lust for things. SO, WHY do people STILL keep going against homosexuality and KEEP saying that it's an abomination, while they didn't riled up on the people who eat pork or shellfish or letting people watch porn or do fornication or lust for things?? It's probably because that a lot of people keep focus on Leviticus 18:22 (the one about homosexuality is an abomination in the Old Testament), and have turned into their entire basis for saying that God hates homosexuality. One of my friends who is agnostic said that the Bible is written by a man, because there are somethings that are very unclear and some parts are missing (when comparing Torah and the Bible). This is part of the reason why I hope that churches, mosques and temples can be open minded towards homosexualiy and can accept it. I wonder if as of now, churches, mosques and temples are slowly progressing to be an open mind towards homosexuality. Do they? P.S. I am still Catholic, but I don't dwell on abominations when reading the Bible. I keep my faith in God, which is good for me. I still believe in Him. I am not devout or strong Catholic. I am just a Catholic who believes in God. Another thing is that some countries are very completely closed mind towards homosexuality. I think you all know which few countries I'm talking about. The countries in Middle East, North & East Africa, India, and mostly Islamic countries. For your information, I know that India had uplifted the rule about punishment for homosexuality, but still, India is a very conservative country and they didn't accept homosexuality. I wonder... Will these countries will start to progressing to be open mind towards homosexuality? Will America be open mind towards homosexuality? I've seen America is slowly becoming open mind...But, will churches, mosques, and temple here in America will start to progress to be open mind towards homosexuality? In all, homosexuality isn't only thing that people is being discrimination about. There are a lot of different type of discriminations, such as disability, race, gender, and religion. So far, I have noticed movements on race or disability or gender or religion are starting to progress slowly to help other people to be open mind. Do ya agree me on this one? Additionally, my girlfriend was being discriminated before just because of her deafness. When my girlfriend was in 5th grade, she was having a difficulty time with her math skills, and the chairperson of special education suggest that she should be in special education math class just because she is deaf and doesn't really understand about math. At that time, my girlfriend didn't have a teacher for the deaf (no, it is not the same as sign language interpreter. Basically the teacher for the deaf is a person who go to classes, sit in the backkof the classroom, take notes and review the concepts, and work on schoolworks or homeworks with my girlfriend during her resource room period. In other words, teacher for the deaf is like a special kind of teacher for deaf students only, in order to help them to be successful in the mainstream schools). Her mom disagree and think that teacher of the deaf is one way to help my girlfriend to do well in mainstream school, and it lead to a war-like. Turns out that this chairperson of special education is so biased and refused to understand the purpose of the teacher for the deaf, and think that deaf people needs some special education. Wow, but luckily my girlfriend wasn't in special education math class...She had the teacher for the deaf from 6th grade to 12th grade. I am really proud of her, she works so hard.. You see, not a lot of people understand about deaf discrimination... And, it's time to bring the awareness about the deaf discrimination, but it's small step by step to bring the awareness to the people. Like I said before, it's a slow progress. To end with this blog, all I can say is that I hope that soon or slowly in later years, I hope that American, especially churches, mosques and temple can be open mind towards homosexuality and accept it.

Well, I know that it's a slow progress. It's like a same concept as equal/civil rights for African American back in 1950's to 1960's. But, the equal/civil rights movement for African American still continues today, since it is a slow progress to help the people to understand that African Americans are equal human as whte people. Honestly, there are discriminaton against bascially everything, such as homosexuality, disability, race, religion, and gender in America, and also over the world. My girlfriend is deaf, which is a disability. She was discriminated before. To make a long story short, when she was in 5th grade, she was having a difficulty time with her math skills, and she didn't really have a teacher for the deaf (it's not the same as interpreter. basically, teacher for the deaf go to her classes, sit in the back of the classroom and take notes as the students listen to the teacher/taking the notes, and then review the concepts or go over schoolworks/homeworks during her resource room period.). So, she was suggested to be in special education math, which I think is ridiculous. The chairperson of special education disagree wtih my girlfriend's mom about letting her stay in the mainstream math. This chairperson of special education is so baised because she think my girlfriend was a special education need, and that most deaf people are. She didn't realized how smart my girlfriend is, and that she should been in all mainstream classes. All deaf people aren't special education students just because they are deaf and didn't understand everything, all they need was to learn in little bit different way. But, no one have answer my question- are churches or temples in America are now becoming open minded towards homosexuality and accept it? I want to know the answer. Do you think in later years, America will progress to be more open minded towards homosexuality? Thanks!

Hi all, Just feel like spilling things that have been on my mind past 24 hours. First of the all, I am going to apologize in advance if any topics what I am going to discuss in here may annoy you. If it does, then please do not read further. Well, we know that the world is so complicated, never is simple. There are a lot of issues, such as war, government corruption, and etc. One BIGGEST question is that- Is America now open minded towards homosexuality? I mean, New York had passed the gay marriage just recently. I wonder if other states are planning to pass the gay marriages. There's another question in my mind- are churches all over United States are now accept and open minded towards homosexuality? One of my friends' friend mentioned that he went to the pride, and he saw a few of churches there supporting the pride. I have talked about this to one of my friends few months ago. He mentioned that the older generation influenced the younger generation about their opinions on homosexuality. Do you think he is right? In my opinion, I believe that it's the older generation that keep passing on their beliefs about how wrong homosexuality is to the younger generations. I mean, I have seen more parents now accept their child who is gay or lesbian; never throw them out of their homes or disown them. This is pretty much what is on my mind as of now. Besides, if I have new things relating to this issue on my mind, I will share with you all about it next time when it comes to me.

that's what i did when comes to personal issue- i went to who i had an issue with, and i did go to them in a calm way by stating my point of view but then it got me banned unreasonably. i never get over this thing because it made me feel like that no one would've believe me. i mean, the administrator (aka myr) didn't even bother to ask to hear my side of the story. ive went through a lot of s--t when people messed me over and refused to hear my side of the story, and it made me feel really upset or pissed. i don't think ill write another entry again ever because somehow, people didn't give a care about my opinion or my point of view.

well... seems like that nobody believe me or hear the side of my story, since they take someone's word over me. this is what really upsets me a lot, and i wanted to tell them my side of the story, but i couldn't... *sighs* story of my life... look, i didn't mean to harass someone, but im not really harassing someone, im just saying or telling someone, thats all? i just wanted to show them my point of view... but i guess no one would understand me. i thought people here would understand me...

Hey all, THANK GOD THAT IT'S SUMMER NOW! I'm doing another co-op as well, since my major requires few co-ops in order to graduate. MORE $$!! Final exams were alright, and did well on them, so that's good. I've been busy and was pretty stressed at times past few months, but now, I can relax at times. April was a really tough month of the all, and this put little bit of stress on me. April...April 11th marked three years since my friend and a classmate were killed in a worst car accident. I really missed my friend, and it's so hard to believe that he's really gone. He'll be 17 always in my mind... His birthday was on April 20th (yes, he died about a week and a half before his birthday). He would've been 21, and we would've been celebrating by drinking alcohol, but he isn't here to celebrate. But I know for sure that he's up there, celebrating his birthday and having fun. To S: save a spot up there for me, will ya? I've missed you so much, and can't believe that it's been three years since you left. I wish that Alex can get to know you personally. I know for sure that you are watching over him, and protecting him. I promise you that I will tell Alex a lot of stories about our times in a way he will really know you too well. We had a lot of good times, eh, no matter that we did a lot of stupid things. lol. I'll bet that you are so happy up there, and is pain-free. Tell Q hi for me, will ya? I know for sure that you are proud of how much I have accomplished and how much I took my responsibility seriously. Ya know, whenever I have a problem, I had always think of you and think what would you say in order to help to solve my problem. I'm not going to end with 'good bye' since I know for sure that I'll see you some day. So, to end with this note: I'll see you later, and love ya, bro. April 16th marked a year since another person I knew from HS died of cancer. Hard to believe too...Three weeks later he would've been 22 and he should've been here to celebrate his birthday by partying too hard. *sighs* April is soo not my favorite month since then. Well, Memorial weekend was good. May 30th (obviously on Memorial Day ) was Alex's FIRST birthday party and we did BBQ as well. I can't believe that he is a year old, already! It seems like that it was yesterday that he was born and was so tiny. But, now he's no longer tiny! The birthday party was fun. A lot of relatives came, along with my girlfriend's and my family and family friends. Alex enjoyed playing with his cousins (I would say more likely second cousins since the babies he played with are Tara's cousins' and my cousins' children). Alex hardly cried, except when we sang happy birthday too loudly and he didn't appreciate it too kindly. Heh. He got a lot of birthday gifts, which is pretty cool. Guess he was spoiled just on his birthday. lol. The part he really enjoys the most is CAKE! He mostly had cake on his face, and it's so cute. I just can't believe it...Daddy's boy just turned one. I don't know how I really felt that Alex is one now. But, I guess it's a mixture of pride/proud and sadness. But, I can't wait to see what more things Alex bring into my life! Well, Obama's first term is ending soon, and I'm really wondering who the candidates for President 2012 are. In my opinion, Obama is a good president, but things need to be done, such as economy issue. He hasn’t solved the economy issue completely. A lot of people were having a hard time to find a job, some businesses were out and some companies were out as well. I have heard that he is re-running for president 2012, too. But, he'd better not make the same priorities, such as resolving issues between countries first then focus on economy. I think it would be better to focus on issues in America first, then international issues. I definitely DO NOT want Sarah Palin to be one of the candidates for President 2012. She's really awful and sucked a lot. Any opinion on any candidates you have heard so far? If so, do share here. Thanks! I think that's pretty much it, since I've been very busy with all of things in my life such as co-op, taking care of Alex with my girlfriend, and more things. Have a good day!

Worst weekend I ever had, just few days after my Christmas break began...Why? Well, let's read the convo that I've provided below when I got a phone call from Matt (my older brother) Matt: Mike, the news I am telling you won't be good Me: What? What happened? (At that time, I was baffled and confused) Matt: Ty (my youner brother who is 16.5 years old) was in a car accident. That was when my heart started beating like crazy, because two years ago, I lost a very good friend in a worst car accident ever. I was scared as hell when I hear that Ty was in a car accident. Continue the phone convo: Me: WHAT?!?!?! What happened? Please, PLEASE tell me that Ty is fine! Matt: Actually, not really... Listen, what I am going to tell you- it ain't pretty...it's not small accident, but a serious accident. Ty was going to hang out with few friends of his and he was on his way to go one of his friend's house. Anyways, he was driving in the car, as the light turned to yellow, he was about to turn right. But out of nowhere, another car that was driving straight, was also driving through the yellow light. It had hit the car (the car that Ty was driving isn't his, but our dad's). I was panicking and my face was really pale. I was so scared as f*ck to hear the next part...I didn't want to hear those words- Ty is dead. I started praying that Ty is fine, got away without any scratch on him. Continue the phone convo: Me: Oh my God...God... What happened to Ty? (I was so scared that my fear showed in my voice as I said that...I felt like that I wanted to throw up) Matt: Ty was pretty messed up... Ty's chin was bleeding, the skin was peeled off from his chin and his face was swollen due to that the airbag hit his face. Ty's chest has some cut because of the seatbelt strap was pressed on his chest so hard as the car was being hit... His left arm was broken since when the car hit the passenger's side, Ty's left arm hit the driver's door so hard. Ty was rushed to the emergency room by the ambulance, and dad got that phone call, then called me. We are here, in the emergency room as of now. That part- my face was so pale and I had to sit down since I was shaking with fear... But I was SO relieved to hear that Ty is alive... I can't imagine what my life would be like if he died (I am NOT going to THINK about it, EVER AGAIN!!!) I told my girlfriend about what happened, and like me, she was scared as hell but relieved that he's alive. We rushed to the ER. Let me tell you- I saw Ty, and he looked so messed up... I saw and hug (gently) Ty, I broke down crying because I was so scared and relieved. Ty also cried and said, "Mike, I'm so sorry to scared the hell out of you. But, I'm okay. Everything is fine now..." I am so thankful to God that Ty is alive and is doing okay even though he is in so much pain. I said, "I love you, bro. I can't imagine my life without you... I can't imagine Alex growing up without an uncle that he would never know if something worse had happened to you...Thank God that you are alive so that Alex will know you as he growing up..." I really do love my brothers, and we are very close, no matter how many years apart we are from each other. God, I will def. make sure that once Alex turns 16, I am NOT going let Alex to be careless when learning how to drive. I AM GOING TO TEACH HIM THE SAFETY AND RESPONSBILITIES, AND I WILL NOT GOING TO GET HIM A CAR RIGHT AWAY. Ok, I think many of you thought that the age to get a license is 17 here in New York State. But, not really. Once you are 16 years old, you have a learner's permit if you want to and must have driving classes for 6 months. If you feel confident with your driving skill by that time, then you can take a road test to get a license. Most importantly, I want EVERYONE (not only teenagers) to be safe drivers, and no deaths from car accidents (well that can't be prevent, that's true)... I think S (my deceased friend who died as a result of a car accident two years ago) is watching over Ty and make sure that he got out of the car safely... I am so happy that Ty is still my life... Ok, moving on...Alex is doing well, and he is growing so big. I can't believe that in 5 months, he'll be a year old (I know, I've said that in the previous blog, but I can't help it!). Also, I can't believe that my girlfriend and I are together for two years (soon to be three years in few months). I do love my girlfriend, and she is the ONLY one who can make me happy and make me feel better. She's sweet, caring and funny. She is a great mother to Alex, really. I am really lucky to have her in my life. I remember the first time I met her (that'll be another story for another time) and the first time I fell in love with her. Mind you, we do have our up and down at times, but our love for each other made our relationship stronger. My girlfriend always make Alex as her first priority. She didn't care if she'll miss out things with her friends since she knows that taking care of Alex is more important. I feel the same way, as well. But, we do balance taking care of Alex, school and hanging out with our friends. Our friends help to babysit Alex sometimes, not all the time, whenever my girlfriend and I want to go out on a date, just two of us. I am thankful that our families and our friends are there for my girlfriend and me whenever we need it. Well, I'm really tired, so I'd better go to bed. Good night! Oh, before I forgot, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE!

Sorry for not posting the blog for awhile. I was busy with work, school, and Alex that I had no time for any free time mostly. I hope that your Thanksgiving with your family/friends had went well and that you all have a great and blessed time with your loved ones. My Thanksgiving was great. My girlfriend and I had lunch with her family and dinner with my family. Alex's first Thanksgiving seemed very enjoyable. I am very blessed to have a wonderful girlfriend, an awesome and a healthy son, and supportive family/relatives/friends. I have thought of few people who I knew that aren't with their family and us during Thanksgiving. It's hard to know the fact that they aren't here, but I am grateful that I got a chance to know them, became their friend and made memories with them. Despite that I had to bring another depressing news, but I really hate how cancer affect people's lives. The final straw was an acquaintance of mine from high school who graduated a year before me had died from osteosarcoma (most common bone cancer occuring in teeangers and young adults) seven months ago. He would've been 21 three weeks after his death. He was really tall, to be 6'10" and was excellent at basketball. He was recruited by colleges to join the basketball teams. He was on a college basketball team, but unfortunately; I think sometimes in his freshman year or sophomore year, he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg. He couldn't play basketball due to that his leg was too weak to able to play or run. He was really brave, and didn't give up while undergoing chemotherapy treatments and surgery. He always keep his faith (he was Greek Orthodox- very similar to Catholic) during his battle. He was among one of the many people that often is in my mind during Thanksgiving. His younger brother is having a tough time to deal with his life without him. He really loves his brother and he could give up anything to bring him back. The Christmas will be very difficult for his family, since it will be the very first Christmas without him. I am glad that he is no longer suffering the pains that he had during his journey to fight against his cancer. He will always be an angel, watching over his family and protecting his little brother always. He would've been a senior in college, and will be graduating in May 2011. He was so f***ing close to finish his college degree, but instead, cancer stole his life away at young age. Frankly, I did remember the last time I saw him was class of 2009 graduation, when he was there to see his cousin graduating. It did really shocked me a lot to see that he was bald as I first saw him. Instantly, I knew that he must've underwent chemo for treating his cancer. I was getting more upset that cancer is affecting many people's, who I knew, lives. This is really unfair, to have them to suffer through all of pains, and side effects of chemo and radiation treatments. I really hate cancer, who doesn't? It is really bad that the fact that I knew three people from my high school had cancer and that cancer took their lives away. I have often question myself why can't the treatments be successful since cancer can become resistance to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It's like that cancer is winning, but I know that the war against cancer isn't over yet. I am hoping that one day, the scientists/researchers will find many very successful treatment that will destroy many types of cancers. I don't give up that hope. Bright news- babies is growing in a large number in my family. My cousin's wife on my dad's side is pregnant and my other cousin's wife on my mom's side is also pregnant. This means that Alex will have more cousins that is close to his age to play with. and me being a Godfather. I am so glad that Matt (my older brother) and Leah (my girlfriend's cousin) are Alex's Godparents. Ty (my younger brother) will be Godfather to one of my cousin's twin daughters (who were born in the beginning of November) soon and I will be a Godfather to my other cousin's baby (who isn't born yet, but his wife is pregnant now, and the baby is due by spring/summer). I am very blessed that my cousin chose me to be his baby's Godfather. I am looking foward to see their kids and Alex growing up and playing with each other. It is hard to believe that Alex will be 6 months old next Tuesday. It just seems like that it was yesterday that he was so tiny and newborn. Alex is starting to teething, and this is not pleasant to deal with. He cried most of the time, my girlfriend and I took turns to comfort him, and gave him some chewable toys, teething rings and pacifiers to relieve the pains. Alex is pretty spoiled by his uncles, grandparents and sometimes his parents! Lol. He is getting more and more adorable. He sure will be a heartbreaker once he is older. College is going well. I did manage to do very well in my school works. Honestly, it's real challenging to balance school works, work and taking care of Alex. But my girlfriend and I did manage around that and we did fine most of time, but sometimes we are pretty stressed under some circumstances. We had to be very wise to save the money, in order to provide things that Alex needs, which is our top priority. I never regret having Alex during my college years, and he is never a mistake to my girlfriend and me. Alex is more like a blessing unplanned surprise to us. We don't regret for not giving him up to adoption, considering that we couldn't bring ourselves to put his life in the hands of strangers. Alex really taught us how to handle the challenging times and I thank Alex for that. I am very lucky to have a wonderful son like Alex. I am so blessed to have Alex in my life. I hope that your lives are going well, and that you all looking foward to Christmas!

Hey, I never updated about my uncle's death because I had a hard time believing this new. Often a lot of time, I have been thinking about my uncle. His death was all sudden and unexpected. My uncle passed away in December last year. June 12th was the most difficult one because it was 6 months and it was on Saturday, which was the exactly same day on Dec 12th last year that my uncle left this world. It's hard to believe that it's been 6 months since he left. Heart attack really sucks a lot and I wish that it didn't happened to my uncle. I just can't believe that he's gone. He won't be around to witness his daughter's wedding. But I'm glad that he got a chance to witness his son's wedding in August, 4 months before his death. But, my cousin is daddy's girl, and it was really difficult for her to deal with this situation. I know for sure that she will be always daddy's girl, no matter what. I felt so bad for my aunt...She never expected to be a widow right now. I never expected that my uncle is the first one out of 6 siblings to die. He wasn't supposed to die before his parents...It wasn't supposed to be. My uncle wasn't supposed to be the first sibling to die before his three older siblings. But, there's nothing you can control it. I always have awesome memories of my uncle and I never forget my moments with my uncle. I feel sad that he never got a chance to see my son (his middle name is Cristoforo, which was named after my uncle, in honor of him). If I would pick any godfather for my son, I would pick my uncle. I bet that if he is still alive, he would be really thrilled to be my son's godfather. I really miss him a lot and I know for sure that he is with me always. I know for sure that he is watching over me. Alex is doing so well. He's getting cuter every day. True, it was tiring sometimes since Alex woke up for feedings or diaper changes. But, after all, it wasn't that bad, even though taking care of newborn son at young age is hard. But, my girlfriend and I handle it pretty well. Alex is pretty spoiled by his uncles and grandparents, of course. Well, I do admit that my girlfriend and I spoiled him sometimes, not not always. We don't want our son to be spoiled as he growing up. Honestly, taking care of Alex and my job is keeping me busy, but I dont really mind at all. My girlfriend is really a great mother, and she is so caring and loving to Alex. Honestly, my greatest gift for father's day was my son. Alex really brings joys in my girlfriend's and my lives. Well, I'd better go to bed now. Good night!

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His name is Alessandro (first name, Italian version of Alexander) Cristoforo (middle name, Italian version of Christopher). *Note: the reason why my girlfriend and I chose Alessandro is because my deceased friend, S said if he has a son one day, he would name it Alexander in honor of his grandfather but he never got a chance to, and I think S would wanted me to do it for him.* He was born on Sunday, May 30th, 2010 at 5:43 PM. My girlfriend and our son are doing well. Alex (nickname we decided to call him Alex) has dark brown hair, hazel eyes, is 7 pounds 10 ounces and is about 50 cm (20 inches). I seriously can't believe it...I have a son now...I can't believe that I am a father now...It feels like that it was yesterday when my girlfriend first told me that she's having our baby...For past few months, I've noticed my girlfriend's stomach got bigger as our baby grew inside of her. I just can't believe that he is here already...When I first saw him as he came out, I was really in awe. I almost cried as when I cut the umbilical cord. I feel like that there is a special bond between my son and me as I first held him in my arms. He is really tiny in my arms... My girlfriend said as soon as she first held Alex, "I can't believe that I am a mom now. And that he's here already." She is really bursting with tears when she held Alex. My girlfriend and I are so in totally love with our son. I am positively sure that my girlfriend will make a great mom to Alex. We are going to take care of Alex with our love. My brothers are excited to be uncles and that they will going to spoil Alex. lol. But, I am hoping that Alex will not grow up being a spoiled kid. My mom is really happy to be a grandmother and will probably spoil Alex too. To be honest, even though my dad and my relationship are kinda rocky, but as soon as he first saw and held Alex, he smiled and said, "Hi Alessandro, this is your grandpa." I think Alex really soften my dad's heart. Tara's family are really happy and are also in love with Alex too. I can't wait to see how he looks like as he grow up. Right now, my first priority is to be a great dad to Alex and take care of him with my girlfriend. My second priority is my education and my job. I am happy to have a healthy son, a wonderful girlfriend and a very supportive family, relatives and friends. Well, I'd better get off since I am so tired with all of the excitement went on past two days.

Wow, I can't believe it...Today and tomorrow marked two years since my two high school classmates were killed in a worst car accident ever. The driver drove fast, like over 75 mph, and the car hit through the garbage then hit to the pole. It was an accident, didn't meant to have this happened. The driver was critically injured, and two classmates were in critical condition which became their death sentence. I was pissed off when the news showed the totaled car after the accident occured...I do not know why I was mad. But, this scene always will be the spot where two classmates were killed and the driver was injured. It's hard whenever I have to drive past by this accident scene. It makes me feel like that it was yesterday when it actually happened. It wasn't supposed to happen...They wasn't supposed to die...One of the two deceased classmates was my friend and he died today two years ago. Next day, another classmate died. God, I can't believe that it has been almost two years without them here. I can't believe that my friend isn't here anymore. It really hurts a lot, you know. I really miss him so much more than you ever know. It was just feel like that it was yesterday that I got the worst news in my entire life, that I learned that I just lost a classmate and a friend. I remember when I first got this news, I felt like that it was a cruel joke, but it wasn't. It is a REALITY. A REALITY that I have to live with every single day of my life. My classmate and my friend NEVER got a chance to graduate, go to college and so many things. They died in our senior year in high school, just freaking two months before graduation. It wasn't supposed to be- to have them to die before their parents. It wasn't supposed to be- to have their lives cut so short, in eighteen/ seventeen years. The worst thing was that my friend's birthday and death was in the same month- April. My friend never got a chance to be 18 because he died a week before his birthday. It hurts a lot- to know that his birthday and his death always will be in the same month. The worst thing about my classmate was that his parents and his sisters lost two sons and two brothers already. My classmate's older brother died in the swimming accident few years before his death. He left his two younger sisters behind, and his parents are still hurting everyday knowing the fact that they lost two sons already. This is really unfair, and still is. I am Catholic (but, not very extremely strong Catholic), and I believe in Catholic beliefs. So, I believe that my classmate and my friend are up there, in Heaven watching and protecting us always and forever. I know for sure that I will see them later. It is not a good bye forever, because I know for sure that I will see them later. S: please watch over me always. I miss you so much, and I can't believe that it's been two years without you here. I really miss hanging out with you, and making stupid jokes with you. I'll bet that you are up there, trading a lot of jokes with others. Also, I really wish that you are here, to give me advices that I really need since you always give me a lot of best advices. But, I always would think of you, and that really helps me a lot when I have some problems. Thanks for being my great friend...But you are still my friend, no matter that you aren't here physically. You are really here spiritually, and you are still my friend, always. I miss you so much. My girlfriend is doing well, and we can't wait for 1-2 months to come. I am excited and nervous! We've been talking about names, and we picked two names (one for a boy and one for a girl). We still don't know what gender yet, because we want it to be a surprise. By the way, I don't want to reveal the names we picked out until our baby is born. Well, I have approximately five weeks left till summer vacation! Well, as I said in the last entry about co-op interview and co-op job is the requirement for my college graduation. Well, I got the job! I am so happy about that. I can't wait to work in a company and work with the engineers on various of things. I am pretty excited to start my new experience, and I will work for ten weeks. But, I am still helping my girlfriend out with our baby, no matter what. It's my top priority, then my co-op job is my second priority. I have to run now...Hope you all have a good day.

Well