O P E N M I Q

Papa's got a brand new home

2011-07-13T09:49:00.002-04:00

http://openmiq.tumblr.com/

But I don't have any money!

2011-07-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

The new Drums track being released this week. It's awesome!

The Drums - Money by WorkItMedia

TRIPADVISOR TAKES A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH THE TOP 10 ADVENTURE TOURS IN THE WORLD

2011-07-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

TRIPADVISOR TAKES A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH THE TOP 10 ADVENTURE TOURS IN THE WORLD

Obsessed!

2011-06-29T18:58:00.000-04:00

I'm literally obsessed with this song!!

I Wanna Go Surfing

2011-06-15T07:57:00.000-04:00

This is my 3rd time surfing, 2nd on Macao Beach in Punta Cana, DR. As you can tell from my first video in Macao, I fared a little better this time around =)

Rain Rain Go Away..

2011-05-26T07:28:00.002-04:00

Something to cure the gloomy rainy weather for today...

TRON 2.0

2011-05-11T08:11:00.000-04:00

I finally saw this movie and it just absolutely blown my mind! This is the second movie I regret not watching in 3D. The first being Avatar. The thought process of this story line is amazing and so complex. Considering the original was from 1982, the person that created this whole world is absolute genius! One of the best visually stimulating films I've seen!

Water For Elephants

2011-05-01T19:15:00.000-04:00

Today I watched the movie Water For Elephants after finishing the book this morning. I started reading the book while I was on vacation 2 weeks ago. I had no interest in reading this novel because it seemed like nothing I was interested in. I've never seen the trailer for it, so I didn't really care. While my wife was reading it on the beach, she said that I have to read it. She told me that Francis Lawrence was directing the film and he is one of my favorite directors. I believe visually, he creates one the most fascinating landscapes on film. The other director who does this well and is also one of my favorites is Tarsem Singh who directed The Cell and the upcoming movie Immortals.

After reading the book (which I enjoyed by the way), I wanted to see how it translated on film. The way the book was written reminded me of how The Notebook was placed on film and I was hoping the screenwriters were smart enough not to use the same formula.

The book and the movie are very different. My wife enjoyed the book better while I enjoyed the film instead. I enjoyed the movie better cause it cut out alot of the fat that didn't need to be in the book, more of a straight read BUT the book gives you more character and relationship building. I don't think I would've enjoyed the movie as much if I didn't read the book due to the fact that I knew these characters already and how each of them meant to each other, which I found the movie was lacking. Nevertheless the combination of both introduced me to a wonderful story line, great acting and a life of a nomad.

The Big Bang

2011-04-30T10:24:00.002-04:00

Pompadour Chronicles

2011-03-22T19:37:00.002-04:00

Wilhelms Scream

2011-03-05T13:42:00.000-05:00

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard

Top 10 Fashion Hit List

2011-03-05T10:27:00.000-05:00

It's rare in my circle of friends to be able to share this passion of mine. For the most part my friends just know how I am and take jabs on how I dress but I have come to the realization last night that you can talk to other straight men about fashion and style without being embarrassed. So below are 10 things that I would like to purchase for the SP/SU11 season.


Air Liam Chukka

Acetate Round Keyhole

Double Breasted Blazer

Mohair and Cotton suit

Colored Jeans

Herring Bone Trousers with Braces

Plush Trousers

Crossover Cardigan

Greason Boot

Hand Painted Small Messenger Bag

COLORS!

2011-03-03T07:16:00.000-05:00

via

I've always wanted a pair. 2 years now I've been eying some colored chino's. Last summer I did the bright color Bahamas shorts. This summer I'm finally going to do the chinos.

Things I want from FALL 2011

2011-03-01T08:38:00.000-05:00

via

The first two looks are Simon Spurr. Looking through pics of the show, I'm really starting to like his stuff. The boots by GANT is what I've been looking for and I really like the jacket by Perry Ellis. I got this thing for military jackets and high boots. I don't know why but I'm glad designers make them. They make me happy.

I got to get this off my chest...

2011-02-13T09:22:00.000-05:00

I saw The Social Network last night and there are a few things that I would like to say.

I can't belive that people are still members on that site considering the immoral fact on how this company was created. The whole thing is a fucking oxymoron if you ask me. I mean he stole the idea for fucks sakes! Seriously if he wasn't guilty, those guys wouldn't have been paid their settlements. There is no doubt that Mark Zuckaberg is a very VERY smart man. There is also no doubt that many of you out there are just plain idiots.

He got rich playing on everyones need to feel cool, important and needed. They say curiosity killed the cat, well curiosity got Mark Zuckaberg rich. I'm not hating on the guy. In fact, I think he's a genious. It's the rest of the 500 million members on there that are idiots. Instead of him being the socially awkward detached guy, he has made 500 million people the same way. If you notice these days, people can't have a decent conversation anymore in person and don't have the maturity to have their point come across in an appropriate manner kind of like the first 5 min of the movie.

I get the need to want to have an online presence. I have this blog and I have Twitter but neither comapnies got created on the grounds of screwing your friends over. The whole basis of Facebook is to get as much friends as you can get but its funny how the person that created it fucked over his only one.

The need to fit in is absolutely relentless. To some of us, you will do anything to feel it.

Keep in mind that everything you have earned and achieved is worth SHIT if you're sharing it on your own.

They Didn't Know Either...

2011-02-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

via

I have long drives to and from work and time to time I tend to just think about things. Sometimes I think about them too much and sometimes I run into some sort of a personal epiphany.

I was an emotionally needy child and teenager. I got mad at my parents A LOT! I blamed them for a lot of things, I didn't get this, I didn't get that, you didn't do this for me, you didn't support me here, etc, etc. As a kid, you can come up with a million things that someone didn't do for you and who can blame you? Every child is selfish! Trying to carve out a niche for yourself in a world filled with billions of people isn't easy.

The other day I was thinking about all the tweets I read from my friends who I follow on how hard it is to be a parent. Since they are my friends, I know that they are trying the best they can to help their child have a healthy balance of fun and discipline. I thought to myself "you can't blame them for the struggles because it's not like they know what they are doing in the first place, I mean there is no manual to parenting".

That's when it dawned on me. MY PARENTS DIDN'T KNOW EITHER! I realized that parenting is basically flying by the seat of your pants and trying to hang on. All these things I blamed my parents for had no merit at all! They obviously didn't know what they were doing as well. I mean who can blame them? I was the second child. They had a couple of years to practice with my older sister but as we all know and have seen, raising a boy and girl can be very different. Hell, I mean raising a boy after another boy can be very different. Each child has their own character that the parents have to adjust to. My parents had 4! So by the time it was time for them to do all those parental soccer mom things for me, they obviously couldn't cause they were raising my other 2 younger siblings!

I guess I can finally let go of being that bitter child and teenager and realize that sooner or later, I'll be going through the same thing my parents did. At least this time I'll know what both sides are really thinking and can make me have better decisions as a person and a parent.

Up Up Here We Go

2011-01-30T11:11:00.001-05:00

I really love this song. I can't get enough of it! Here is an amazing instrumental cover that someone on youtube did.

Lazy

2011-01-21T07:47:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted anything in a while. Thats because I got nothing to say or bitch about really lol! With that being said, here are some current songs I'm really loving right now.

Deep Thoughts

2011-01-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

"If I piss you off with my opinions that I'm clearly entitled to, it's because you know I'm right." -miQ

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T21:33:00.000-05:00

Happy 2011 everyone. I really didn't do anything exciting over the weekend. I think the highlight of my Holiday was today when I finally went snowboarding for the first time since March of last year. My friends Dwight and Jp joined me and I'm glad to say that JP is HOOKED. Dwight, not so much lol. He actually tweaked his knee on his first run down so he didn't really get to doing it at all. In fact, I think he hated it.

I like snowboarding because it makes me love to get out during the Winter season. Like surfing and longboarding, I'm not out to be a superstar. I just want to live life and try out different things and I'm glad to say that I have now shared longboarding and snowboarding with my 2 best friends. Now the last task is to take them surfing.

I hope everyone had a great NYE. I didn't really want to do anything. 2010 was a great year for me and I was sad to see it go. Maybe that's why I didn't want to celebrate NYE. I actually slept through it LOL! Thats okay. We saved money by not doing anything.

The holidays were a success this year. Leesh had a great time (so I think) and all was well. It was nice to spend Christmas with my family but no so much on sleeping on air mattresses. I think this year I'm banning sleeping on air mattresses. I rather sleep on the couch.

I hope I go snowboarding more and get better at it. My goal is to board out west in Cali when I visit my mother in law but for now I have to take baby steps in order to get better.

This year in June will be my 5 year wedding anniversary with Leesh. We are trying to plan something special. I tried to show her a couple of cool new destinations but she's not feeling birds flying into your room or monkeys on the beach. She'll come around though. It just takes a while for her to realize it. 5 years married and 12 years together in total, I got her all figured out...well kinda LOL!

Most Overrated Occasions

2010-12-31T16:42:00.000-05:00

Valentines Day - If you really need ONE day to show how much you love a person, you're pretty fucking lame.

New Years Eve - It reminds me of a wedding. Such a big anticipation but after midnight it's like any other day. Though it can be fun, you really have to go all out or there is no point.

Halloween - Do people really know what this holiday is all about? Or is it just an excuse for idiotic women to dress like sluts for one day and think they are sexy?

St. Patrick's Day - If you're not Irish, don't celebrate it. Nothing worst than seeing an asian guy boast that he is going to be drunk on green beer, when he has no clue what the fuck it's about. Have some green tea instead.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..

2010-12-12T12:31:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve 2009 - Punta Cana, DR

...in Toronto. For the first time in 2 years we will be staying in town for Christmas. As much as I love going away for Christmas, I think it will be fun to spend it with my family and my 2 nieces and nephew. My perfect Christmas would be to have my whole family down in the Caribbean one year to celebrate in the sun.

Christmas for me became different 3 years ago. It was the first time I ever saw the stress of Christmas affect my wife. I felt bad. I know its hard for her to see me and my family together for Christmas. She loves the idea of Christmas but hates her reality of it. As much as my family can say that she has them no matter what, I know what she means how it's not the same. This is the reality of her situation.

Then her reality got worst when her brother died 2 years ago and we finally decided to fly down south for Christmas. She needed to get away. The last 2 years I've helped her forget about Christmas and as much as I want to go away for Christmas this year, I want to help her love Christmas again. I want to make her idea of Christmas come to reality. I want her to be in the Christmas spirit again. This of course will take time, but this Christmas will be the first step into getting her back into the swing of things.

Slowly I'm seeing her change her thoughts and perception about the holidays. Her mom is happy, her dad is happy and she is at peace with her brother's death. Trying to replace new memories with old ones is what needs to happen and I hope down the line the site of snow, cold, lights and trees will make her smile again.

Don't Ask...

2010-12-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

Don't ask a single person why they aren't in a relationship

Don't ask a couple in a relationship when they are getting married

Don't ask a married couple why they don't have kids.

Most of the time people want these things, they don't need to be reminded by people what they don't have.

Injuries SUCK!

2010-11-30T22:41:00.000-05:00

It's been about 4 months now since my rotator cuff has been injured. It's fine when I walk, move or whatever but once there is some sort of force needed or resistance against it, the fucking thing seizes up. I hate it! I can't play the sports I want to play like volleyball and tennis. I mean it's so bad that for the first time since grade 8, I served underhand in a volleyball game!!

To make matters worst, my surfing buddy Geoff is planning to go to Costa Rica in Jan for a surf trip. I WANT TO GO but I CAN'T! I won't be able to paddle out and I'm worried that going down there will just make my shoulder worst but to have a 2 in 1 combo of surfing and Costa Rica together makes me tinkle LOL! I have another acquaintance that is going to Panama for a surf trip in Feb. That maybe more realistic but it's going to be more expensive!! GRRRR!!

So I decided that enough is enough and I finally booked a physiotherapy appointment this Friday. Lets get this bad boy fixed!

On a side note, my surfing buddy is awesome. I met him through tripadvisor and he is the one that told me about surfing in Punta Cana. He's 35, married with 2 kids and he still goes on what I call "miQ time" and his wife agrees with it. She also goes on her own "I need my time" trips. I love seeing people not using marriage and kids as an excuse not to do anything. I love it. This is how I want to be when I have kids and now I know it's not impossible. GO GEOFF GO! LOL!

Eagle Cafe

2010-11-29T09:12:00.001-05:00

Eagle Cafe @ Fishermans Wharf Pier 39

Oysters

Clam Chowder

Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon

2010-11-23T21:57:00.001-05:00

TEA FOR THREE

	Selection of twelve tea sandwiches
	Six warm house-made scones with clotted cream, jam & lemon curd
	Three toasted crumpets with butter
	Twelve house-made sweets & treats
	Three large pots of tea (Lychee Oolong, After Eight, Mint Peppermint)

Haltun Mayan Cuisine - Taco Window

2010-11-21T20:44:00.000-05:00

Taco De Pollo
Taco Carne Asada

Fresca

2010-11-21T20:23:00.001-05:00

Sweet Potato Fries - with aji verde aioli.
Yucca Frita - fried yucca with aji huacatay aioli.
Hamachi Tiradito - peruvian style sashimi, jalapeño, soy, white truffle oil, andean corn.
Ceviche Mojito - halibut, mint, onion, rum, rocoto, lime juice, sea salt, choclo, cancha morada.
Empanadas - beef tenderloin picadillo, olives, egg, pickled onion, aji verde aioli.
Espinacas y cangrejo - spinach and Dungeness crab salad, fried avocado, candied walnuts, feta cheese, red peppers, creamy tarragon dressing.
Pez espada - grilled swordfish, sundried tomato aioli, mushrooms, onions, lettuce, tomato, jack cheese, toasted ciabatta.
Ceviche Chino - ahi tuna tartare, guacamole, ponzu sauce, lettuce cups, aji verde, wonton chips
Pisco Punch

San Francisco/San Jose/Monterey

2010-11-21T15:53:00.000-05:00

Sharing is caring..

2010-11-09T19:57:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, I decided to donate a bunch of my boardshorts and flip flops to Macao Surf Camp. I've stayed in touch with one of the owners Rafael since I had a lesson with them last Christmas. I really want to go back cause I had such an awesome time!

Today he sent me a picture of them wearing some of my gear! It's so awesome! It made me feel good that I was able to help people. Keep in mind, these are 5 guys. I think I gave them 10 pairs in total which goes to show how excessive I am LOL! I'm really glad they liked them and I can't wait to go back!!

KS10

2010-11-08T17:49:00.000-05:00

my fucking hero.

NYC III

2010-11-05T09:20:00.000-04:00

Deep Thoughts

2010-11-01T10:46:00.000-04:00

Fear is something we are not born with, it's something we learn. Learning feeds information. Information feeds the mind. The mind takes control. Take control of your fear. -miQ

Golden Gate by miQ

2010-10-27T08:21:00.000-04:00

30 Day Blog - Day 30

2010-10-19T19:57:00.000-04:00

a photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days..

Doing this was quite fun! I guess it gave you an insight of how I think and what kind of person I really am. Since doing this the following 3 things have happened in the past 30 days.

I got my tattoo finished
I got my new guitar
I got Netflix

Thanks for reading the last 30 days of my life. Kinda funny cause in just about the next 30 days is my 32nd birthday and I'll be celebrating it in San Francisco. First time I get to celebrate my birthday away! That will probably my next post cause I'll be honest, I'll get lazy after doing this =)

30 Day Blog - Day 29

2010-10-18T08:17:00.000-04:00

things you collect + things you would like to start collecting...

I am OBSESSED with boardshorts!!! I buy about an average of 3 boardshorts a year but I finally stopped this year! I actually went through all of them and donated them to a surf school down in Punta Cana because lets face it. I don't surf up here or have surfed more than twice to warrant 10+ boardshorts in my collection so I gave them away.

Doesn't end there...I'm also OBSESSED with Flip Flops! I have over 10+ pairs as well LOL! I love the beach lifestyle and every summer I go crazy with these things but just like the boardshorts, I've stopped buying them.

30 Day Blog - Day 28

2010-10-17T09:44:00.000-04:00

the best part of your day...

I love waking up after a good sleep, seeing the sun just peak out and everything just has this peaceful feeling to it. I try to re-create that feeling everytime I go away on vacation. I try to wake up early and sit on the beach by myself before everyone gets there and I get to enjoy the peace and quiet. It's awesome!

30 Day Blog - Day 27

2010-10-16T09:39:00.000-04:00

something you could never get tired of doing...

This is a tough one but if there was something that I could never get tired of doing then that would be trying new things. Everyone should try new things. It's awesome. You go through the feeling of fear, anticipation and then accomplishment all in one day. Seriously. Step out of your comfort zone a little and feel like you're actually living. Some people laugh at the things I take up at my age but I just brush it off because honestly I'm doing it for myself and no one else. There are some awesome moments though when you can share some of these things with your friends. When they get you, they are happy for you in whatever you do. That feeling is awesome! Somethings that I've tried in the last 2 years are

surfing
snowboarding
longboarding
meeting people with similar interests

I've actually met 2 people. This guy Geoff who told me about the surf camp in Punta Cana (and possibly might go to Costa Rica with him and his friends this Jan for a surf trip) and another dude named Ivan who I went longboarding with a couple of times over the summer (who has invited me to go snowboarding with them and possibly a trip to Whistler). It was awkward at first but it's so nice hanging out with people that have the same interests as you.

30 Day Blog - Day 26

2010-10-15T09:00:00.056-04:00

5 pet peeves..

If this was 5 years ago, I would've listed you 1,000. Since then I'm a much happier person. I still do however have some pet peeves and here they are.

Office politics: It's bad enough that we spend time with our co-workers more than we do our family, so it's even worst when gossip and politics get in the way. I have one simple rule about office gossip and politics. If the job you're there for is done and done well, no one should question anything else but that. We are all grown adults. People should start to learn how to act professionally. Sure it's nice to have fun and be friends with co-workers, but when you start back stabbing them cause of your own damn insecurity, you need to check yourself.

Assumptions: You should never assume what peoples motives are for whatever they do or assume the reasoning for how they act. It's such a bad thing. Emotions can get stirred for no reason. Here's an idea. If you do feel like something is wrong, ASK THE FUCKING PERSON!

Weddings: I find weddings these days are so annoying! Same old bullshit! Everyone is so concerned about how nice and classy their wedding will look but they are forgetting the main thing. Instead of showing how you can out do the last wedding you attended, why not try showing everyone how much you love each other instead. Isn't that the point of the wedding? Kill all that pomp and circumstance bullshit and make your wedding genuine. Your friends and family will appreciate your relationship and journey a lot more than a fucking 5 min slideshow.

Taking for granted: I see a lot of this and it makes me sick. People who are married complain about being married. People who have kids complain about having kids. People who have big houses and big ticket items complain about the lack of money. Here is a dose or reality. If you were lucky enough to find someone, don't complain about them because there are other people out there that don't have anyone. If you have kids, don't complain how tired you are and how your life has changed. Plenty of people in this world would like to have that problem. It's a good problem to have. Don't buy big expensive things if you can't afford it. If you did, that means you can, so fuck off and shut up about it because other people can't afford what you can.

Expectations: I struggled through this from my teens to my early 20's. I felt like I needed to be at a certain point in my life due to my age. Anything else was a failure. I've come to learn though that all that is bullshit. You do certain things when you're ready for it. If you feel like being married at 40, go be married at 40. If you feel like having a baby at 20, go have a baby at 20. What I'm trying to say is that the only expectation everyone should have on themselves is to make sure they are happy. There is no standard timeline of life. Just be happy and enjoy it. Please.

30 Day Blog - Day 25

2010-10-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

celebrity crush list..

Actress: Blake Lively...nuff said! I love her. She's awesome and hot.

Athlete: Candace Parker..any girl that can ball like her and look like her is sexy!

Music: Amel Larrieux...former front girl of Groove Theory has the sexiest voice hands down!

For fun, I thought I'd list my man crush list too LOL!

Actor: Chris Pine. Star Trek. He's my hero!

Athlete: Kelly Slater. See a few posts back why.

Music: Jared Leto. Kings and Queens is the most awesome video ever and that everything he rocks, I'd wear too!

Deep Thoughts

2010-10-13T14:48:00.000-04:00

"Holding on to what you were prevents you from becoming what you are."

-miQ

30 Day Blog - Day 24

2010-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

a list of things you don’t leave the house without...

Wallet
Keys
Lipbalm
Lighter
Cigarettes
iPhone
Shades
Backpack (on weekdays)

Seems like a lot but the only thing thats really hard to carry here is my wallet. It's too damn bulky and my wife always tells me to thin it out but I can't seem to. I am going to buy a nicer, thinner wallet so that may solve my problem.3

30 Day Blog - Day 23

2010-10-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

a show I'm currently addicted to...

Sons of Anarchy!! This show is AWESOME! Currently into season 3 now and it's an amazing series. I'm actually going to give Boardwalk Empire a shot this weekend so there might be another one added to this list. I'm glad quality TV is finally coming back cause seriously, reality shows had their 10 years, but it's time we really move on.

Lets Go Surfing

2010-10-11T10:10:00.002-04:00

I love this song. I really REALLY LOVE THIS SONG!

30 Day Blog - Day 22

2010-10-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

a photograph of the town you live in..

Mississauga, ON and yes, those buildings twist

30 Day Blog - Day 21

2010-10-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

a photo of your favorite place to eat...

this is easy. Thats Koi. I've eaten at this sushi restaurant in NYC and in Vegas and I love it! They are known for this appetizer called Crispy Rice and it is amazing! I've recommended this place to everyone and they haven't been disappointed yet. They also have one in LA so if you are in any of these 3 cities, splurge a little and check it out.

crispy rice

30 Day Blog - Day 20

2010-10-09T08:24:00.000-04:00

my dream wedding...

I already had it =). I got married in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 50 of our friends and family came and spent the whole week with us. It was awesome and I really want to do it again (for our renewal, not another marrige! lol)

30 Day Blog - Day 19

2010-10-08T08:16:00.003-04:00

a photo of an animal that I would like to keep as a pet..

I would want a dog but after experiencing my dog's death a few years ago, I don't think I can handle it ever again. However, I REALLY REALLY want a seahorse as a pet. I think they are so cool!!! No I didn't get a seahorse tattoo cause I thought it was cool, there is actually a meaning behind it. Just watch them. They are awesome!

30 Day Blog - Day 18

2010-10-07T08:11:00.000-04:00

a picture of you last year and this year and how have you changed then..

Well besides the obvious that I got a new tattoo, my hair has also changed. I want my pompadour back!! I really liked it! I could rock clothes that I want to rock and it would fit the style. I've come to this realization that I don't like short hair. I had all intentions of keeping that hair, but after a disastrous time trying to fix it while I'm away on vacation, I decided to cut it lol but now I'm growing it back.

last year

this year

30 Day Blog - Day 17

2010-10-06T08:50:00.000-04:00

a picture of a recent purchase...

well here it is...my seahorse got some waves...unfortunately it doesn't look like this anymore due to an ointment I used that was recommended to me. It got faded but hopefully I caught it in time to minimize the damage. It's been eating me up for the last 4 days that the ointment ruined this piece but it wasn't my fault. The person that did this actually recommended the ointment so i'm waiting to go back to him so we can touch this bad boy up and get it to how it was originally suppose to look.

30 Day Blog - Day 16

2010-10-05T07:30:00.000-04:00

Things I crave A LOT...

nuff said..

30 Day Blog - Day 15

2010-10-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

What makes you different from everyone else?

By being me...and I've always been me. Need proof? See this card I sent my wife back in 2001 on Valentines Day. If you know me, you'll laugh. If you don't. You might be quite disturbed! LOL!

Sing this as the same melody as the Barney theme song..

20 Day Blog - Day 14

2010-10-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

Plans, Goals and Dreams I have..

This isn't a complicated one for me. It's basically 4 things

Have 2 kids
Move to an Island with my family (once I have one)
To just be happy in whatever I do
Try everything I've always dreamed of

As we all know though, life is unpredictable and you just got to go with what you are given everyday.

30 Day Blog - Day 13

2010-10-02T07:30:00.002-04:00

Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day + why..

This is EASY!

KELLY SLATER!! Why? Cause he is the sickest athlete known to man kind!! He started off his pro surfing career in 1990 and has won 9..yes thats right NINE ASP World Championships and right now at age 38, he is in position to win his 10th!!

This guy is the coolest ever! I'd switch places with him for one day ANY DAY! Anyone that can surf like this is just INSANE!!

30 Day Blog - Day 12

2010-10-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

A photo of what you ate today...

roasted chicken w/ steamed veggies

I love my age...

2010-09-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

...instead of getting mad that we are all getting older day by day, we all should relish the fact that what we possibly have gone through in our childhood, teens and 20's can probably never be ever replicated again musically. My generation has been blessed with such artists as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Sade in the 80's. Kurt Cobain, Notorious B.I.G, 112, Jodeci, Boyz II Men to name a few in the 90's and adding the cherry to the top of the wonderful music sundae we have all eaten from is Miss Lauryn Hill in 1998. Im sorry, I love me some Alicia Keys, but she can't even hold a match to Lauryn Hill.

We grew up with legends. We didn't grow up with wannabe's replicas and fake musicians, we grew up with artists. So the next time you walk around with a frown cause you're a day older, just sing one of the classics in your head and you'll have a pep in your step in no time. As Miss Lauryn Hill said, "it can all be so simple, but you rather make it hard"". Keep it simple then. Enjoy it all! =)

30 Day Blog - Day 11

2010-09-30T08:05:00.002-04:00

Isn't my nephew Blake soooo cute!!

First 10 songs on my iPod that plays while on shuffle...

Miike Snow - Song For Noone
Keith Martin - I'll Never Find Someone Like You
Ray Lamontagne - Meg White
Daniel Merriweather - Not Giving Up
MGMT - Song For Dan Treacy
Glenn Lewis - It's Not Fair
Lifehouse - Everything (Live In Studio Version)
112 - In Love With You
Ozomatli - Super Bowl Sunday
Octoberman - Trapped In The New Scene

30 Day Blog - Day 10

2010-09-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

A picture of you and your family.

Here it is...the Solon Massive...though my sisters husbands and my wife is missing form the picture, but this is my immediate family.

30 Day Blog - Day 9

2010-09-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

A song for every mood..

Love -

Whenever, Whereever, Whatever - Maxwell
Orange Moon - Erykah Badu
Untitled - D'Angelo
Love - Musiq Soulchild
Crazy Over You - 112

Sadness -

Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday - Boyz II Men
This Woman's Work - Maxwell
Kissing You - Des'ree
Music Box - Mariah Carey

Epicness

Kings and Queens - 30 Seconds To Mars
Resistance - Muse
Holiday - Green Day

Fun

Canned Heat - Jamiroquai
Big n Bad - Kid Sister
Alejandro - Lady Gaga
I Feel Better - Hot Chip (cause of the video)

Beachy

Soul Sister - Train
Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Billionaire - Bruno Mars
Heartbeat - Enrique Iglesisas ft. Nicole Scherzinger
Just A Little Bit Of Love - Ocean Color Scene
Vampire Weekend - Holiday

I'm not really good picking out songs for every mood. A song hits every single person differently so these are some "suggestions"

30 Day Blog - Day 8

2010-09-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

4 short term goals for this month...

Weird...I actually have some and they honestly just started in my head a few days ago. So in random order here they are...

Eat Healthy
Quit/Cut down on smoking
Fitness - Excersise more
~~Social Media Detox~~

As you can see I've already done one of my short term goals for this month. The rest I have to work on. I know it sounds so cliche that my goals are to be healthy, but you can't really enjoy life if you're not. The activities I do require me to have some level of fitness and I've seen my friends get of track and some of them REALLY get off track. I don't want to be one of them

30 Day Blog - Day 7

2010-09-26T07:00:00.002-04:00

A picture of someone that has influenced me the most.

This my friends is a picture of my grandfather, Justice Felix Q. Antonio or otherwise known to us as Tata.

He has had the most influence in my life by far. Things that I do or strive for is because I saw that he wanted the same things as well. He along with my grandmother, loved to travel and he used to tell me stories of where he went. He made me realize that there was a bigger world out there for me to explore when I get older. He used to bring me to his vocal lessons and I sat there and watched him sing, which everyone knows, singing was a big part of my late teens and 20's. As far as I'm concerned he has shaped my goals in life which is basically to be happy in what you do. He was awesome and I loved him to death!

I really wished I was old enough to ask him some questions. I would've loved to hear what he would've had to say. Learn from him and his experiences. I would've loved to ask him how he survived through WWII and the experience of just being there. I just feel I could have learned so much from this man but I left the country too early and too young to ask these types of questions but when I was old enough to, it was his turn to leave.

When he passed away I remember crying so hard in pain knowing that I would no longer see him and that with his passing, my childhood had ended. I knew from that day it was time for me to grow up. It was a sad day, but the man left a life long imprint in my being.

30 Day Blog - Day 6

2010-09-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

Whats in my bag? I'm guessing this challenge was more for women than men huh, but in any case, here is what is in my backpack.

Items:

Work 17" Macbook Pro
Aerial 7 Headphones
Waterfront Trail Maps for Longboarding
The Losers Graphic Novel
Billabong Wallet
Steadler box set of sketching pencils
Sketchbook
Bottle of water

Not as exciting, but hey it's efficient ahahhaha!

Liquify

2010-09-24T07:29:00.001-04:00

LIQUIFY! by Aira from Aira on Vimeo.

30 Day Blog - Day 5

2010-09-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

My favorite Super Hero.

Since I was a young boy, I've been always attracted to female super heroes. Zarana and Jinx from G.I. Joe, Storm and Psylocke from X-Men are the ones that stand out in my head. There was one that did stand out to me from my comic days and that was Dark Phoenix.

Dark Phoenix is Jean Grey's dark side. When this part of her is unleashed, she is virtually unstoppable. I have a thing for strong, bitchy women. Women that can stand up on their own and hold their own cause and be accountable for their actions. The ones that don't beat around the bush, play games and just say things straight up. Dark Phoenix to me symbolizes this. How an attractive girl can hold such power and destruction has always amazed me as well as taking away the old "don't judge a book by it's cover" lesson.

The Phoenix too has always been a favorite mythological creature of mine. How it can come out fresh from it's own ashes and start new, always giving life a fresh start. Re-inventing yourself is a great characteristic that I find very important in life. Go with the flow...roll with the punches...take what life has given you.

Besides all that deep shit, Dark Phoenix is one sexy bitch!! ROAR!

If I had Twitter

2010-09-24T00:00:00.002-04:00

Thursday, Sept 23, 2010

Ate a vegetarian dinner last night...I was quite full surprisingly.
I did join back on twitter but not for personal use. It's for our travel blog
I'm really craving for Jerk pork today. I hope Ed calls me for lunch.
This one guitar I can't get out of my head..I feel like just buying it no questions asked
Why the hell do I watch America's Next Top Model?
Man 23 followers already in our Beach Junkies blog!! This is so cool!!
So I just realized I haven't eaten meat since....ummm 48 hours ago! Feeling great though!
Still don't know how much my tattoo will cost..I better call him tomorrow!
Acorn Squash is soo good!
This if I had Twitter posts are getting kind of redundant cause noone really cares after the moments passed.
Yup this is my last If I had Twitter post..sorry Hayden LOL!!

30 Day Blog - Day 4

2010-09-23T07:05:00.002-04:00

Here are 7 facts of my childhood...

I was born in the Philippines and lived there till I was 9
I was an amazing golfer till I was 9 when I got fed up of it
I took gymnastics when I was 8 and won a silver medal in the floor excersise stealing my sisters move lol!
I was scared to swim till I managed to teach myself how when I was in grade 7
I was known as butterfly cause I used to flap my wings and say "look I'm a butterfly"
I idolized my moms father and he is the only person I've ever looked up to.
I was almost mugged in Jersey City being mistaken for someone else but managed to stop him by offering him a lollipop

If I Had Twitter

2010-09-23T00:00:00.003-04:00

Wednesday September 22, 2010

It's raining..therefore I'm not going to go plant tree's...just going to work instead..
Last night I had a serious craving for grapefruit! It's awesome with salt!!!
Shit, looks like I'm the only one that didn't go to that tree planting thing lol!! OOPS!
Oh looks like I'm wrong, 3 other people are in here!!
Maroon 5's album is really good!! Same with 30 Seconds to Mars!!
Day 2 of social media detox..I had to download Mobile Reader to read something in the AM..then I just followed friends blogs
It's really hard to find good surfing blogs out there. I had some good reading material which I obtained through twitter and now I can't get them.
My wife told me noone will read my blog anyway so I shouldn't bother with it. Nice support huh..this is for me and noone else to be frank.
Netflix has finally arrived in Canada. Is it worth it?
I really should watch how I say things...I'm such an asshole that when I'm trying not to be, I come off like an asshole anyway.

Now on twitter..

2010-09-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

Follow them here

Snack of the day

2010-09-22T15:12:00.000-04:00

Here is a snack I had for dinner last night.

potato chive cracker
double cream brie
boiled spinach
wild smoked salmon

FLASHING LIGHTS

2010-09-22T11:28:00.002-04:00

Forest from LICHTFAKTOR on Vimeo.

30 Day Blog - Day 3

2010-09-22T07:00:00.003-04:00

A habit that I wish I didn't have...

Well that's obvious. This for me is smoking.

I have tried to quit but I think I haven't really tried seriously. I can make up any excuses why I haven't quit but the point is I have to. The worst culprit for me wanting to smoke isn't nicotine itself, it's just plain old boredom. I'm so used to the habit. It gives me something to do. Keeps me pre-occupied. I've quit smoking in my car for 4 years now which means that smoking in general shouldn't be that far away. One day I will quit, but unfortunately with me, it's my mind that has to tell me that, not my body.

If I had Twitter...

2010-09-22T00:00:00.019-04:00

Tuesday Sept 22, 2010

It's such a nice day outside! What happened to the RAIN?!!? It better rain tomorrow
I think I'm now onto my next obsession...Bass guitars! I want one..NOW!
It's actually nice not having to know what the fuck people are up to on an hourly basis..kinda calming!
This seaweed salad is wrank! Something is definitely off with this...off to the garbage you go
Can't wait to finish up my tattoo with Marlon this Sat! I also can't wait to see how much this will cost =I
Maroon 5's new album is pretty good so far. Too bad they didn't release it in the Summer...some good summer songs on here.
I'm really liking this 30 day blog challenge. I'm already on Day 5 hahaha!
Seriously, do you know how focused my life got since deleting Twitter? I'm more worried what I'm doing rather than wondering what someone else is.
Did I mention that I want a Bass...seriously..I really want one!!!
Saw an ad for a singer wanted in a casual jam band....should I try out for it?
Sold all 6 of my Scott Pilgrim books today..now I need to get all of Umbrella Academy
I really hope I get to see Mavericks when I'm down in SF...the pictures look INSANE!
I was the only one not to attend my co-workers baby shower..I feel like an asshole but I had my reasons.
Now that I think about it, my friends and I don't share the same interests in regards to my hobbies with the exception of 1.
OMG I WANT A BASS!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCNrBeRdeEQ
I don't know whats up, but does anyone else here notice this guy at work STINKS all the time?!?!
NBA 2K11 looks disappointing again so far...shall I invest all this time into it again? I care that Jordan is in it, but after he fucked up that trade, not so much anymore..
So this tree planting thing tomorrow is suppose to still be on...ITS SUPPOSE TO THUNDERSTORM!
If I get hit with lightning, I'm going to slap someone with a fucking shovel!
Finally went grocery shopping! There is food in our fridge!
Did I mention I want a Bass Guitar?!?! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxL-EfMZOPA
Day 1 of my social media detox has been awesome! I actually only have 1 screen in my face at all times! lol
Ending this session with the topper of the day, my posers motto "I'm here to look good, not to be good" LOL!

MORE FIYA MORE FIYA!!!

2010-09-21T15:29:00.003-04:00

If I had Twitter...

2010-09-21T15:01:00.001-04:00

I've gotten a few emails now with people saying how they'll miss my tweets lol! So I decided to do a daily post called "If I had Twitter.." basically posting all the things I would've tweeted if I didn't delete it this morning..so stay tuned!!

BYE BYE TWITTER

2010-09-21T08:37:00.002-04:00

So in a serious emotional impulse move, I deleted my twitter account. I loved reading some of my friends tweets but frankly there were also some that were fucking getting annoying.

Im a very opinionated guy and I'll say what I want, after all it's my account! There were some that always questioned or had to know what I meant by a certain tweet and frankly thats for me to know. It was for me to outlet my feelings at that time and it was the quickest way to do it. I don't need to explain shit to anyone. If people feel the need to update me on where they are every fucking second of the day like going to the bank, their home, a movie, a restaurant or even a fucking highway, I have every right to tweet what I feel without being questioned about it or someone trying to debunk what I got to say. Seriously? I deleted Facebook for this same purpose and this is the same reason why I have deleted my Twitter account. Time to focus on my life and not waste my time about what other people are fucking doing...here's a thought, want to know what people are doing? KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THEM!

No one has the fucking right to question how you feel, what you feel and how you express it. No one! I didn't take that shit from my parents and I'm not about to take that shit from anyone. I don't live in a communist world, I can say, feel, act, buy whatever I want!

I killed the bird and I liked it!

30 Day Blog - Day 2

2010-09-21T07:00:00.003-04:00

My favorite season?...

It used to be Summer, but I go away so much that the whole year is like an endless summer to me (which ironically enough is one of my favorite surf movies of all time). I hated Winter, but ever since I started snowboarding, I've gotten this new appreciation for the cold weather up here. Especially snow! I can't hate Fall cause that's when my birthday is and usually is the time when the dopest coats come out in retail! Spring I like cause it reminds me of my trips to NYC. I always go in the Spring. So really at the end of it all, I don't have a favorite season. Since I live in a climate where the seasons always changing, there's no point in complaining when a certain season hits. Enjoy it all. In fact, enjoy the fact that you are alive, breathing and get to experience another season in your life! Life is all about changes and we should embrace them and find the positives in every single one. Change is good!

Whoa I got deep there in the end! LOL!

30 Day Blog - Day 1

2010-09-20T08:41:00.003-04:00

I saw this 30 day blog challenge and it seems pretty interesting so I decided to participate in it. So here is my Day 1 which is post a recent picture of you and the meaning behind my blog name.

The meaning behind my blog name is simple. I find blogs are an open forum to let your thoughts, opinions and feelings out. Similar to an open mic. I go by miQ (mike) and I love music so I just put the two together...TADA! Actually it was my friend Pat's idea. I originally had a miQlive URL and I had it for a while but I let it go since I liked this concept better. Funny thing is Best Buy took that URL from me those idiots!

Here is a picture taken of me in Jamaica about a month ago

I left my heart in San Francisco..

2010-09-17T15:06:00.001-04:00

so I'm going back to get it hahahaha! We're off to visit Leesha's mom in San Jose and then visiting her cousin in San Francisco in November!! I can't wait. Most importantly, I finally get to go away for my birthday. For my birthday wish, I will be spending the day at The Monteray Bay Aquarium!!! GYEAH!!! Another one off the list!

I can feel your heartbeat

2010-09-15T00:11:00.003-04:00

such a nice song...I can't get it out of my head

Kings and Queens

2010-09-13T13:34:00.003-04:00

A music video of legendary proportions!
(please don't click any ad links on the video)

SNORGEL

2010-09-10T11:34:00.003-04:00

Now I know where my infatuation with snorkeling came from!

Pon Di Floor

2010-09-03T07:46:00.001-04:00

Pon Di Floor from openmiQ on Vimeo.

Lucea, Jamaica

2010-08-30T18:41:00.001-04:00

JAMROCK

2010-08-20T21:53:00.003-04:00

Because I'm FINALLY going to Jamaica tomorrow, I thought I'd leave you with these videos that I swear almost made me piss my pants!!! Keep in mind, you need to know patios to understand this, and when you do, it's the funniest shit ever!

IDIOT!

2010-08-02T09:28:00.003-04:00

SOOOO....yesterday my friends Chris and Janet got married. They had the ceremony and reception at the same venue. After the ceremony we had an hour and a half to kill. We didn't know what to do. So my smart self told the boyz, "HEY LETS GO LONGBOARDING IN THE PARKING LOT!!"...hmmmmm, longboarding in a parking lot in the middle of a wedding wearing a suit and dress shoes? SURE!!

Jokes started to crack about imagining someone falling and their suit ripping and having holes in their pants! It was just too funny and stupid that something like that could or would even happen, especially at a wedding! So we just went on with it cause you know...stuff like that happens only in movies. You can't write that shit!

So my friend Dwight went first...went down the hill..carved..turned..he was fine

...then I went...down the hill..carved too late..turned then saw GRAVEL and the last 15 seconds will explain how it went from there..

The reaction was the same. The fall was the same. The only thing that was different was that I was wearing a suit!!! LOL!!! Right when I fell all hell broke loose! I realized that my pants had ripped around my knees cause I gashed it on the pavement. Then as I got up, I realized my dress shoes flew off and my socks looked like a dog mauled them...BOTH OF THEM! Then as Dwight and I were walking up the hill I realized I felt a breeze! Turns out that when I fell, the back of my pants (yes the ass part) split open and when I slid across the pavement, IT ALSO RIPPED MY UNDERWEAR! LMFAO!! Everything from the waist down was ripped, torn, dirty or scuffed!!!

The events that happened after that was hilarious!! I mean HILARIOUS! I ran up the hill to my friends car with my blazer behind me. We were going to his house to find me a new pair of pants. I was trying to get into the car as quickly as possible then Leesh, Lyn, Dae, Darryl and Cless were wondering why I was rushing up to get into the car. I took off the blazer behind me and there it was..my ass! Everyone started to HOWL and loose it with laughter! Darryl couldn't resist and came in the van. Jp saw us leaving and asked "WHAT HAPPENED?!?!" then Dwight responded "Mike RIPPED HIS PANTS..AND THEN SOME!!" To Jp, when we said "..and then some", he thought I shit my pants LMFAO!! So he joined Dwight, Darryl and I off we went to Dwights house laughing all the way there. Laughing so HARD that we couldn't breathe!!

When I got to Dwights house, I tried on the pair of pants he gave me. I realized that all his pants looked like MC Hammer pants on me!! They were so BIG!!! The girls followed us and when I came out with the pants doing the Hammer dance, they all took off to the mall to get me a new pair. Keep in mind at this point, we had 45 min left before the reception started and there I was still pantless and tending to my wounds. Before they left though, Darryl and Jp went out to show the girls the pants. As I was in my Dwights room I just heard them laughing so hard!! I came to find out why once they came back from the mall!! They took this picture...

That pretty much sums it all up. Lets also not forget that Dwight didn't have anything to clean the wounds except for RUBBING ALCOHOL!! The old skool kind that comes in vinegar bottles. That shit BURNNNNED!!!!!

Ohhh the good times!! Glad to be a service of entertainment my friends! I'm pretty sure my gashed up knee, ankle, feet and calf isn't too happy but at least all of us figured out how to kill an hour and a half and have it be soooo memorable!! LMFAO!! Seriously, I don't remember seeing my friends laugh this hard in a long LONG time. Definitely one for the books!!

Random Thoughts

2010-07-27T12:25:00.001-04:00

An experience was once a thought that turned into an idea that turned into reality. A letdown was once a thought that turned into an idea that turned into a dream that never turned into a reality.

Another one off the list

2010-07-12T08:38:00.002-04:00

YES YES YES!!!! I'm FINALLY GOING!!! Yesterday we booked to go to Jamaica! I have been wanting to go here since 2004!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!! Surprisingly Leesh agreed to go and this is what made it all happen!! I'm so proud of her slowly stepping out of her comfort level slowly! She also agreed on another trip with me next year but I won't mention that till then.. in the mean time, COUNTDOWN TO JAMAICA STARTS TODAY!

Bustin Boards

2010-07-03T20:11:00.001-04:00

Here is one of the potential boards I'll be getting. It's really just a matter of price at this point. One thing I love about them is how you can customize the look of it to your liking. After the video are a couple of designs my niece helped me with =)

Riding the Bustin Boards Complex Longboard w/ Gullwing M1 trucks and Orangatang 4President wheels from Bustin Boards on Vimeo.

Couch Surfing

2010-06-23T17:50:00.001-04:00

I had a couple of friends tell me about this before and I thought it was nuts! Then I thought about it some more. I mean if you can crash at someones place for FREE, wouldn't that make your dream trip more affordable?!?! It would also help you get around better since you have a local to take you places and speak the language!

So I joined today to see if I can get and meet people from Japan so that I can finally get my ass over there! This would be the best way to get to see Japan in a well budget way! So far it's kind of weird cause you're basically putting yourself out there to people you don't know asking them to stay at your place, but at the same time these people are on this site for the same thing. I've gotten no replies yet but lets see where this takes me. If this turns out to be a success, OMG BRASIL HERE I COME!!

Cayo Levantado

2010-06-20T10:19:00.002-04:00

Here are some pics from my trip to Cayo Levantado, DR

NYC II

2010-06-11T23:23:00.001-04:00

some more pics I took..

Scott Pilgrim Volume 1

2010-06-10T20:02:00.001-04:00

I bought this book to take with me on vacation to read while on the beach. I also bought 2 other graphic novels, The Umbrella Academy and The Losers. I figured I'd start Scott Pilgrim now and work my way to the other two on vacation. Well I started it 2 hours ago and now Im done lol! I know its not a hard comic to read but the thing with me is if the book or whatever it is doesn't catch me in the first few pages, I totally turn out. This got me hooked from the start!! It's funny and witty and I can relate to it since it's based out of Toronto.

Now I have a dilema, do I buy the next 2 volumes and take it with me to read or do I wait till I come back and read it? Honestly it was such a good graphic novel, I can't wait to see how the movie does! It is truly entertaining on page!!! Im debating to go to Chapters right now and get the 2nd one lol!!

Amazing!

2010-06-10T18:15:00.001-04:00

I caught this video off of a Sector 9 tweet and I just can't believe how sick this is! Check it out

NYC

2010-06-09T21:00:00.001-04:00

Some photo's I took around the city during my recent trip to the big apple.

Hamboards

2010-06-09T16:33:00.001-04:00

I think I found the perfect longboard for me =)

Meet My Friends!

2010-06-08T07:24:00.001-04:00

just wanted to show everyone the toys that keep me company at work =)

The Jam Matte Grey Green Ion

2010-06-08T07:08:00.000-04:00

Last week I purchased a pair of sunglasses online. I've sold a few of my old ones through Kijiji since I wasn't wearing them and I figured I needed one more just to solidify my collection. I was looking for something different and possibly retro looking.

When I was in Vegas about 2 months ago, I saw this guy wearing these sunglasses with the retro looking lens on them. Had the same irridium of what you would see in snowboarding goggles. It was awesome and I had to have it. Obvioulsy easiest place to find it was online and I found a great deal through Amazon. I had it shipped to my step father in law's home in the US so that I could take advantage of the free shipping and not deal with the duties and such of it crossing the border. He'll be here end of July so I will have it just in time for my trip to Cuba in August. I can't wait!

4 years ago..

2010-06-07T07:55:00.001-04:00

...we got married.

Did I mention how much I want a longboard?!?!?!?!

2010-06-06T14:17:00.002-04:00

UPDATE

2010-06-06T10:27:00.002-04:00

As you can tell I've updated the style of my blog. I thought I needed a change. Let me know what you think...thats if anyone even reads my blog lol!