Friday, December 31, 2010



Well as another year grows closer and closer to the end and another one about to begin we as humans take time to look back , share , and begin to expect for the future. People send out Christmas cards and others just write there thoughts down. Shoot some just talk about it with other s and go about there merry way. Well in this case this is my holiday card. The new way. The blog way. The facebook wy.

So first off let me wish you all a season greeting especially ones for this new year. I know a lot happened to myself ofver the past year and am personally looking forward to my new adventrues seeing were I have been. So with that lets begin my recap.

Man what a year…

Enough miles to circle the globe is what comes to mind first. Being all the way to the desert and back. But I guess I could just make this a highlight real seeing how my blog over the year has covered the majority of the year. But on to my top 4 highlights




I think my number one highlight was Eibach. Meeting James, Chris, Jen, and Cody for the first time. About time. Amazing that we speak to each other on almost a daily basis and finally meeting each other face to face with our passions right there by our side. Just wonderful time with wonderful people. I mean I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, well maybe the Kitty Kar to run a little better, but then were would the story be. Looking forward to seeing yall again for sure..



Highlight two for me would be going to the desert. Talk about a mixture of emotions of up and down with a daily struggle of staying positive. I’ll tell you what, even if you don’t support the war reach out to a soldiger, airman, marine, and sailor. Seriously just saying hi how was your day goes so far for them. There really just people doing there job. But personally I’m thankful for the people that I met over there andI’m so happy that the rest of my crew made it home safe the day before Christmas. That was great news for me on my Christmas day. Overall I thnk it was a good 5 months of growth for me. Sure I wasn’t in school but I learned a lot about myself in them. Physically and mentally actually. Working in 120 degree weather is something else, but after doing it makes the rest of the days so much easier.


Sorry no beauty shots yet.. Stay tuned stuff in the mail...

Highlight number three for me had to be bying my bike. The first ever purchase I made that big and taking the full responsibility for myself. Sure I paid for it all in cash and don’t have a payment but to save up and to put that money down and say you did it. It to me shows groth within me. And who doesn’t take satishfaction in buying something that they have been wanting since they were 18. Plus it allows me to focus on the sol and take her were I want her to go.



Lastly I’m gonna say highlight four. It’s the time I spent with my family and friends this year. I mean sure there were a lot but I think the distance that I have between us I has brought all of us closer. To my high school friends that have thankfully been stronger then me, and are going up so fast. Avalon nights. Birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgivin. I mean I can’t highlight all them times..



Now the to the future.. I’m gonna keep this short.
2011 – year of gettin’ IT!
It has to be your dreams. I’m only gonna put down three
1. Going back to school.
2. LA marthon. I’m putting out there like this.. I’m gonna do it
3. Rebirth of the sol.. Again more details later!


With as much joy there was also sad. My we remember the loved ones we lost and cherish the time we got with them.




Peace, Love, and Beats!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Happy Birthday to ME! 26

So another year down and another year older. Funny how times change and the way that you view the world, as well. I never thought that one I would be were I am in my life, or were I am currently, sitting on a porcelain throne in Iraq.
I would have to say that my 25 had to be one of my biggest years as far as growth though. Finally really stepping out of my mother’s shadow and starting the creation of something on my own. Bills actually came apparent to me and they actually cost you money and you have to budget accordingly. Thank god that I have a little of my father in me for the fact that I haven’t to this day missed a payment on anything that I said I would pay for, when it comes to creditors mom. Another big thing is I paid off my mom as well, getting all my debits straightened away with her. So I can finally build a relationship were I know that she isn’t looking at me every other minute thinking “I’m never going to see that fuckin money.”
Project IheartMYSOL, which on another note is coming up on our 10-year anniversary is up and running again, well not at this moment because that is another story. But the second rebuild s now a completely moving chassis and is registered in a new state with a new plate, that I won’t put on till I’m back in America as well. But I couldn’t be any happier that I saw the engine swap threw and I really did a lot of it myself. I’m not going to lie when I really jumped off the deep end with some of the ideas that I did. Especially with the lack of background that I had with it all. But some how in a parking lot on an Air Force base with a common jack and tools. I got that shit pretty close to done. But yes I did have to send it to a shop to get the wiring all straightened out and there was a problem with the brakes and the battery, blah blah blah. But yeah!
Other then that I must say that things have been good. New people, new city, and a bunch of new experience and places to go. I really think that this year is going to be the biggest and the best though.. Let me say thank you to everyone and there experiences they had with me during the last year. One of the best for damn sure!
So let I be 26!
And let the new good times roll

Oh and I don’t think I could ever top last years birthday events.. I still remember it, well as much as people told me.
Thank you again. Much love and lets party when I get home!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

iheartMYSOL quick update 6



Well I havn't done much to the sol..
Well I havn't done shit actually seeing how I'm over in Iraq and she is at home. Stuck in her unit battery dead and god knows what else is now fucked up again. Some person had to go and back into the storage unit about a month of me being here. At least i know when I get back I now have some things to do and put on. she is going to be going the all motor root because the want to get into time attack and autocross. I figure its the best thing for that chassis and I love to go into corners with her anyways. I remember the days of chasing exotics down the 110 and the back roads of La Canada. As well as my wonderful drives to Jackie Robinson field along the windy road with the last corner reaching about 65 and just letting the car sit in it.. Then blasting out to a 100+
But anyways. Time for the update.
I picked up this Sparco quick release if you couldn't tell. No saying if I'm going to be keeping the NRG short hub or not see how it feels and looks. I'm happy with it rare piece. Beautiful piece.
Seeing how my birthday is coming up I'm going to be getting her more presents and what not have a couple things with my eye on time to talk to the buyer and get money in the right place..
and on with the pictures!



Sunday, July 18, 2010

Deployment 1st month


Well I'm gonna try and do my best to explain this place without breaking military rules or putting someone in danger by giving other things away.
With that said as the first thing, let me know try to explain my first month of deployment, to me..

If the heat wasn't shock enough the culture will get you as well. The moment that you get to the deserst after stepping off the last comfy plane you just notice a totoally different atmosphere compared to a home station. You can really see it in people's eyes that there is a different tone, a different pace, a different feeling. That feeling is you pushing your wall every day, the idea of being tierd seems to be a lingering feeling in the back of your head that you fight every day. But you keep going because this is your job, this is your core task, and something even as simple as me fixing plumbing. To the way that people get there water and just flush there toilets makes an impact. To think of the Armed Forces to America would be looking at a well greased and oiled machine. I throw the greased in there because its that old and you have to tinker with it to work right. You have to be gentle with it to move in the direction or get the hours of operation out of that you need to finish the job. Just remind you because this machine really does have a face, actually many of faces from many of branches and walks of life.
This base in its self...
Just imagine a a small island in the middle of the desert though. Completely ran by generators. The black smoke bellowing out top of the field. All around you see nothing but a mix of T-walls and concrete buildings with blast roofs over them. The ARMY walking around at the ready of moments notice. The Air Force manning the buldings and taking care of the grounds. The sprinkle of a Navy or Marine here and there. Third Country Nationals and Local nationals all over, also doing there roles while being watch by Force Protection. Wether it be manning a post, or fixing a toliet right along with us. The presence of the Iraqi people and surrounding nations is huge on this base, and is only getting bigger. This base is going to close as Obama does say, I will not be here for that day. But I'm part of the process of making this happen. I am part of one of the last teams that is handing this base over to Iraqi military. Probably the last group of plumbers from the military that will be handling these systems, after this it should be gone to contract. With a small group of Civil Engineers to just maintain and make sure the contract is still seen threw. This is Joint Base Ballad.
I invisioned to see nothing but dirt when I got here. But where we are as I peer threw the chain link and C-wire to see nothing but farmland. I mean were surrounded by mostly farmland. Later in the day you see kids playing in the irrigation river, doing there best to stay cool in this extreme heat. The days feel like that one scene from the Chronicles of Riddick, when there on that one planet that catches fire and the guy walks outside to his death. How that when you have a window open in the day, you feel as if the air alone is going to burn your face off. But don't get me wrong this is the desert and there are dust storms.
Overall though this place is interesting to say the least.
So lets see what I can make in the next 5 months to come and what I can learn.

But enough of my idealism.
What have I done so far. As my mom would ask what shit holes have I been in.. Well sorry mother I haven't got in any wet one actually yet. And the one I got in I didn't get a picture of. I was in a communications box but it was on the flight line and there is no flash photography there unless permitted. But I'll get some before I leave.
I have done many of small jobs in indoor plumbing. Lets just say that this is what I see all the time. Well not this bad but this is indoor. A lot of European shit all over the place none of it is the same. So your always just fiddling with shit to make it work..

Outdoor is a little different story.
Replaced two tanks now, a pump, and built a whole system for the Iraqi Chow Hall..









Thats pretty much it for this first month of excitement. Haha.
5 more and I'll have the stories to tell when I get home.


Oh yeah and one small joke.
Army learning colors.
It was outside there finance office. Now that is a reassurance




and Random

Monday, July 12, 2010

World Cup 2010


Well I must say that it was a splendid World Cup.. For once I had a chance to watch many of the games at a decent time, not having to stay up till the middle of the night to see just a piece of one of the two half's.
As for the U.S. we are clearly still no were there. Great effort but the team is just not there yet. Horrible offense it was a surprise to me as to why we got so far. If anything are midfield could be giving all that credit. They were the ones scoring goals to get us back in the game and get us ahead. Not to sound like I'm bitching but they just didn't live up to the hype of there play at all. Very sloppy to me and they did the typical American thing of just sending the ball long and having someone run upon it.
Now to my favorite team. Germany! What a great World Cup. Absolutely wonderful movement of the ball. Can't wait to see with what they come with in the next Cup. I mean there only going to go up. With such a young team and such smooth ball movement. The more they get to play together the better. Just wonderful to watch. Just exactly what my dad always said beautiful soccer looked like. Funny how he learn the game so well so quick for me.. haha.
But in the end Spain won. They played wonderful. They did such a great job of getting teams out of there game plan and out of there tempos. Such wonderful disruption. There ball movement was wonderful as well. They really moved a a team. I see why people say that the final was such an "ugly game" but its what I would want to see. Both teams struggling to hold and create a pace. Sure Spain held the ball for the majority of the time. But both team had wonderful build ups, shots on goals, and big saves. I personally love the final. Dramatic as all could be coming down to the final minutes there in the second overtime period. Not going to PK's. and yes the better team all the way threw the cup won but not without one hell of a fight by a strong defensive team.
Congratulations Spain.
Germany will be there next time around.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend



Well I’m only starting this now because I’m stuck on the side of the round damn near super hours after I broke down waiting for my little brother to graciously show up and save my motha fuckin ass.
Lets say the trip just had that feeling I forgot my BBerry charger and my toothbrush just to name a couple of things that I forgot to bring with me. I guess you can say I was such a hurry to leave the Vegas area that I wasn’t careful. I checked the oil level before I got on and top off the tank. And then I checked the oil level again at Primm.. Did fine didn’t hear anything till Yermo then well here I am. And here are the pictures since I was killin time.. Was trying to get one how Chris (Sarge) always get with that silotte feeling guess it can’t really happen when you have a white car. Or I’m just not there yet with camera skills. Plus it wasn’t the best sunset but you deal with that you got.
Enjoy
This was what it looked like after I moved my car a couple feet for these pictures..









I mean what else you gonna do out in the middle of no were for 4 hours
So I got it home thanks to my little brother who drove all the way out there and then we towed the bitch all the way back to our house in Pasadena.

Friday
Took the car to Pit Crew
Went to the cemetary after that put flowers on the family graves. Saw my fathers grave again. So weird to think that it has almost been 10 years. After that mother took me and we went and picked up the new pieces to my car so I could get the trunk and garnish off so I could preserve the signatures on them forever. ( I forgot to have Lane and Sean sign it )
Flowers




Saturday.
The car was done.. Went and got her and thank god.
It was the car wash and wanted to pay my respects and show up for the sols.

The rest of the day just spent drivin around and waiting for the night.
If you follow my twitter you alerady know what happend and saw and heard all the stupid shit I did.
But I had a damn good time at Avalon.

Sunday.
Lane and Sean came out from AZ for Juans viewing.
Pretty calm day in that sense. Went to the viewing that was the crushing moment hard as hell to see that guy laying there and knowing that he is only 1 year older then my little brother. That process is still very hard for me even after all the times that I have done it in my short life. Went and had a good dinner with those guys and we just went back to the pad and drank and had a good time.

Monday
Sean and Lanes tour de LA. I'm just gonna let the pictures talk. Questions just ask












Then we went to Vience Beach.. LOL







Tuesday.
Was Juans funeral.
I have never seen so much love in my life. HIs mother is so strong. My heart goes out to them every day. I know the feeling of waiting for your loved one to come walking

With three sol and 5 members we were like fuck it were gonna go to Northwood Pizza.
OMGayed what a drive. LOL
It was worth it though good time.
From there everyone went there own ways
Came home racked out for a couple of hours, packed
Then Alicia and I headed back to Vegas

Sunday, May 23, 2010

R.I.P. Juan Lemus



Well finally I think I can write about this
After a shit ton a liquor and half a day I think I suppressed my feeling enough to get this off and go to sleep.

Juanito,
Were to begin.
I met you before I walked into Pit Crew. I read about you before your sol got stolen for the first time. I'm pretty sure I started talking to you soon after that. We were both going threw stolen rebuild at the time and comparing stories. My sol in all the 9 years I have owned her was never and I quote "never" on your level.. Your love your expertise, your knowledge, you drive to DRIVE!
Remeber that one time before I went in the Air Force and Alica came down from Vegas and you and Johnny came over after we went to the club. We were all so shit faced.. But man was that some funny shit. How you ended up with Alicia's ID and credit card.
Juanito I envy you!
I looked up to you as a person, owner, and car guru.. You knew your shit and helped everyone out. A perfect example of what a true enthusiast was.. It didn't matter if you had the most rictastic car out there. If they loved it you were there. And that was a true example of your heart. You never cared you never passed judgment you just put it out here for everyone to see. That is why so many people love you.
And truly my brother I love you.
For everything you are.
To think that instead of the driving force behind us on the road pushing us to be that much faster threw that corner. Your now are angle guiding us threw the day is baffling. But you are that angle now. You are that guiding force to so many people. People you don't even know. You were that big my friend.
It has only been a week since we last hung out. Hours since talked.
I have cried but it's not the last of my tears. When I see your sol roll again and your not behind the wheel with that smile of bliss that, and that, will be the time when I personally shed the biggest tear.
I may own the plate that says IloveMYSOL but brother you were there with me. You loved it. When she was clean it was like your smile full of love, and out there for the world to see.
I end this with pictures and quotes from the man himself
I will hold you in my heart and remember you every time I turn key.
I love you, your loving family, and all those that love you!
You are my friend, a close and dear one!
Juan,
I love you mang!







There are so many more.. I chose these three because 1) that was his sol before it got stolen #2.. I remeber he made a shirt of that shit to. 2) His sol the last time I saw him and it at Eibach '10. 3) Well if you had to have personal shot that would be it. Or #4.
I miss you mang!
Del Sol's are only gay if you make them gay!