Per an article in a Colorado newspaper:

Let's agree there's probably no good place to get yourself mowed down by a hit-and-run driver.

But if you have a choice, you might want to avoid Hartford, Conn., where drivers and passers-by opted not to dash to the aid of a 78-year-old man who was struck as he was crossing the street.

The gripping one-minute video shows the violent May 30 accident and bystanders' apparent lack of sympathy. No one rushes to Angel Arce Torres' aid, and no one bothers to stop traffic as Torres lays motionless in the street.

In the video, released by police Wednesday, Torres walks in the two-way street at 5:45 p.m. after buying milk at a local grocery. He is struck by a dark Honda that was chasing a tan Toyota. Both cars dart down a side street as Torres crumples to the pavement.

Several cars pass Torres as a few people stare from the sidewalk. Some approach Torres, but most stay put until a police cruiser responding to an unrelated call arrives on the scene.

Police suggested the video shows a city that has lost its moral compass.

"At the end of the day we've got to look at ourselves and understand that our moral values have now changed." Police Chief Daryl Roberts said. "We have no regard for each other."

Torres is paralyzed and remains in critical condition in Hartford Hospital.

Just letting everyone know, I'm back from my brother's wedding in NJ. Everything was nice. I hope to have an update posted tonight or so. Keep checking back.

I know, I don't post as much as I should anymore, but I'm just too lazy and I just don't have time anymore as much as I did.

A couple things....

Derek and I will be moving into his grandmother's condo towards the middle to end of June. His grandmother broke her leg and arm a few months ago and was brought home a few weeks ago. Bascially, she needs to live in an apartment where everything is all on the same floor so we were offered the condo and have decided to take the offer. It's a 2 bedroom condo, with 2 1/2 baths, garage, basement, and a lot of the furniture is staying so we're pretty happy.

My 1st week at my job went ok; basically it was training, but I'm starting to get the hang of it. It's a job where I'm constantly busy 24/7, so no play time.

The weekend...

Friday: There was supposed to be a block party in Hartford, but since it rained for the 2nd consecutive Friday, it was cancelled. Instead we  played a board game and hung out.

Saturday night: Derek and I hit up up Mohegan Sun for some dinning, gambling, and fun. It was a really good time.

Mr. bear in a store




Sunday: I headed down to NJ to see my mom for Mother's Day.

First off, I survived my 1st week of working in what seems like an entirety since I did. And I wasn't too tired, which I might be more this week.

Anyways....  

On Friday night, Scharisma, the local band that we normally see was playing at Upor on the Rocks in Hartford. It was a good time as always and the band knows us so even better.


the band




Once we got home, it was a little after 2 and we went to bed.

On Saturday, Derek and I did some errands in the AM and then came home for lunch. Later on in the afternoon, I went out and did some shopping.

Saturday night was the last regular season home game for the Pack, which was another good time as always.


Fritz w/Derek and myself


Miika

Then today we went to Bridgeport for the Pack's last regular season game before the playoffs begin on Wednesday.

I went on a few interviews this past week and out of the 3, I'd really to get 2 of those. The other is through a temp agency and I'm supposed to start at that on Monday. Yes, I'm going to take it because it's money and I need some, but it's only a temporary position untill September. Bascially, I'm going to take it untill a full-time position arises and go from there.

Other than that, not too much has happened. Just been busy with the job searching and cleaning up.

I'll check back this weekend.

This past weekend, I made another trek down to NJ for my brother's fiances' bridal shower. It took place at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ. It was a very good time as I also got to catch up with my future sister-in-law.

Here are some pics from the event:



Stephanie and I


Cake



me in the bridesmaid dress

Things have been going well over here. No job yet, but I did work for 2 days this week at a company in Avon so I'll get a little money, but nothing major.

Other than that, things have been going smooth. Going to hockey games, playing games, watching movies, hanging out with friends.

I'm heading home for Easter on Sunday and then on Saturday for the wedding shower for my brother's fiance...I like traveling, but more in the summer time.

I'll leave with a few pics of the recent events:


Drinking my apple martini on St Patty's Day

the happy couple

After a fight

Last Monday, Derek and I went to the Tip A Player @ the XL Center in Hartford. It was fun and it took my mind from several things.

Here's a few pics:


Dane Byers

Ivan Baranka

Derek and I in Pack locker room

Jake Taylor

Greg Moore

Well, hello everyone, it's time for me to update my journal, yeaaaahhhhhh!!

As for the job situation, nothing new has come up. I've been on interviews, but nothing to show for them yet, so I keep plugging away.

The past week:

Tuesday night: Since it was Ally's birthday party on Feb 9th and I was unable to attend, I treated out for dinner to Bertucci's in West Hartford and then we went over to Starbucks right around the corner for some dessert and coffee. We had a really good time as we haven't seen each other in awhile and we needed to catch up.

Wed night: Derek and I decided to hit up the Pack game in Hartford since there wasn't much happening with us. Pack took control of Springfield with a 6-3 victory.



Mike Sauer and Tommy Pyatt in between periods.


Mike Ouelette

Tommy Pyatt

Thursday: Had an interview with Lauren Staffing in Glastonbury in the AM and then afterwards went out and did some errands for Valentine's Day.

Derek was orginially supposed to work till 7, but got earlier and we headed out to TGI Friday's for dinner which was good as always. Afterwards we came back and exchanged V-day gifts. I got a NY Rangers shirt, Vic's Secret body spray and gift card and stuff here and there. I love my boy so much. Then we played a new video game that I got for him and we ate of V-day dessert I bought.

Friday night: We headed over to Derek's parents for dinner since it was his sister's birthday. It was a good time as always and it's good to catch up on his sister and her boyfriend.

Saturday: Nothing really exciting happened during the day. I just went out to Kohl's and purchased a couple of things that were on sale and then came home to watch the end of the Uconn and Rangers game, while playing video games.

Later on at night, Derek and I went to the Pack game in Hartford. The Wolf Pack won 6-3 and the game was played with playoff type atmosphere; good stuff.

During the 2nd period

Yesterday: We did our usual chores in the AM with food shopping and laundry. Originally, we were going to head down to Bridgeport for the Wolf Pack game but since it was the start of Nascar racing with the Daytona 500, Derek wanted to hit up Hooters in Newington for a party there. So we headed over there for a late lunch, drank some beers and watched some of the race preshow/race.

Later on at night, one of our good friends Justin came over to chill and hang out with us. It was a good time.

As for this week:

Tonight: Tip a Player in Hartford
Tuesday: Interview in Newington
Thursday: Pack game in Hartford
Friday: Out w/Derek
Sat night: Pack game in Hartford
Sun: Lowell for game

That's all for now. I'll post later in the week. Have a good one.

So, since I haven't written much in the past few weeks, I figured I"d write and post a few pics from some recent happenings.

From Wednesday  to Friday, I headed home to NJ to visit my parents as well as take care of a few things for my brother's wedding. It was a good time as always.

Since, I wasn't feeling well on Friday night, Derek and I stayed in and played NHL 08 on PS2 which of course, I kick his butt in, as always.

Yesterday we did a bunch of things around town and then for dinner we wanted to go to Carraba's, but the wait was forever, so instead we hitted up Outback which was just as good.

Not too much has happened today. We did our usual Sunday errands and then we went to Buckland in Manchester to buy V-Day and a gift for Derek's sister's birthday. In a little while, we're going to his parents house for dinner.

Anyways, that's all for now, I'll write later in the week.

But, I'll leave you with some pictures from a few weeks.


 Derek and I - Jan 26th


Pregame stuff


Jake Taylor


Mike Sauer

Happy days to everyone!

Since my lay off from the company I was working in, I haven't done much except clean up, apply for jobs, and sitting around being lazy. No, I've actually managed to do a few things

Tuesday: Derek worked till 6 on New Years Day so I didn't do too much except relax, and watch some of Winter Classic. Once Derek came home from work, I cooked him some dinner and we watched come TV together.

Wednesday: Didn't do a whole lot during the day expect for doing the job searching and doing some errands in the morning.

Wednesday night: Derek and I decided to hit up the Pack game in Hartford. We didn't play too bad, but we did lose in a shootout to lose the game 3-2.




the boy

Thursday: With the weather being very cold outside, I stayed in and did nothing really, excpet for the job applying and laundry. Fun stuff, huh.

After dinner, Derek and I cuddled on the couch and watched Pirates of the Carribean 3, along with eating popcorn. We didn't think the movie was overly the best, but it was still good.

Friday: Since the weather was better, I headed over to Old Navy to use a giftcard on a few items. Afterwards, I came home to eat lunch and relax.

Later at night, Derek and I headed into Hartford to watch the Pack play versus the Hershey Bears. This definitley wasn't a good game for the Pack as they fell behind early in the 1st 4-0 and winded up losing the game 5-4. We attempted to make a comeback, but with early letdown it was hard to come back.


Tough guy Mitch Fritz

David Liffiton and Jordan Owens

Saturday: Early in the afternoon, Derek and I decided to use the Lowe's cinema giftcard we got for Christmas and saw National Treasure 2. We saw the first one, so we knew what we were getting and number 2 was incredible and very thrilling. I'm glad we saw it. Afterwards, before the Pack game, we went to dinner at Mayor Mike's in Hartford, which was a very nice inside and we got great dinners. Afterwards, we headed over to the Pack game and saw the Pack lose another game to the Lowell Devils.


Alex Bourret


Mike Sauer

Today: SInce we both didn't have anything planned and neither of us didn't want to watch football we decided to head over to East Hartford and watch the Wolf Pack players bowl; plus it was only 15.00 to watch and the money was going for Special Olympics. We hung out there untill the 1st session ended and chatted, took pictures with several of the guys.

Al Montoya


Brodie Dupont

Sonar

Ivan Baranka

Other than that, it's a busy Sunday TV night so leave me alone. Lol.

Have a good week everyone.

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone has a happy and successful new year.

As for my new year celebration...

Since it was last day of work due to my lay off, I got out early and so I relaxed untill Derek came home. Once he came home, I cooked up some hamburger helper and chowed down.

Later at night, Derek and I went out in downtown Hartford and checked out Pig's Eye Pub first and drank same beers/smirnoffs. Shortly, after we went over to the Pour House and ringed in the new year with hugs, kisses and lots of partying. Once the ball dropped, we went outside to see the fireworks that were shooting off over Bushnell Park. The streets of Hartford were rocking, haha.

Afterwards, we went home and drank some Kalula and cream and watched more of the festivities on TV and then went to bed.

 
*first picture of 2008*

Today: Derek is working till 6 and the weather is crummy, so I'm going to relax after last night and watch a little of the Winter Classic on NBC. That's all.

Time to go now, talk to you all later.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and got everything they wanted. Mine was alright as I traveled down to jersey to be with family. Nothing to special. Here's what I got for Christmas.

- Clothes
- Slippers
- Swiffer
- DVD's
- CD's
- Silverware
- Lots and lots of other things



*Friday: My brother and his fiancee arrived in from Pittsburgh so Derek and I picked him up from the airport later in the evening and then we all went to eat at TGI Friday's in Newington. After dinner, we went to Target for some things and then we went back to our apartment to play Pirates of the Carribean DVD game in which we got ffor xmas. Afterwards, we took them back to their hotel.

*Yesterday: Derek and I picked up my brother and Steph at their hotel around 10 and we then came exchanged our gifts and played DVD games while waiting for my parents to come. Once they came, we all went out to lunch at Chili's. Once everyone left we relaxed and did a little cleaning.

*Last night: D-mack and I headed down to Bridgeport for the Pack vs. Tigers game. The Pack lost 2-0 but we did enjoy ourselves there. 


Montoya


*Today: Derek and I did a few errands: laundry, grocery shopping, Target to pick up the Pirates 3 DVD. After lunch we came home to clean up the apt and take down all the Christmas decorations/tree and putting stuff away. In a little while, I'll be getting dinner ready and then I'll be watching TAR, and then who knows what.

That's all for now. Time to get dinner ready!

I hope everyone had a terrific holiday and hoping a bright new year in store for everyone.

Mine was good; went down to NJ for a few days and returned to CT.

Good a lot of good gifts.

To all my LJ'ers, I want to wish each and everyone of you a Happy Holiday season and great new year.

Here's a few pics from this weekends Wolf pack game:


Brodie Dupont

Hugh Jessiman

Pierre Paranteau

Derek and I

*Whores up my journal after a busy weekend*

Friday night: Derek and I decided to hit up the Webster Theatre in Hartford for the WCCC Christmas Party. Livin Trust, Gary Hoey and Z02 were the attendees. We only stayed for Livintrust and Gary Hoey. It was a good time partying it up with the WCCC gang.


Gary Hoey

Gary Hoey

Saturday: Derek graduated CCSU!! Yay for my boy. Graduation lasted for about 2hrs and then afterwards we all went out for lunch at Dakota's in Rocky Hill which was quite yummy.


Derek and I

Then Saturday night we went to the Pack game in Hartford in which my boys beat the baby Kings 2-1. 

Sunday: Derek and I headed into NY to see the Rangers take on the Coyotoes. Even with the bad weather we still decided to head into the city. Maybe we should've stayed home since the Rangers got thrashed 5-1. Such an awful performance.


Greg Moore and I


That's all for now. Catch ya later.

 Oh, what a wonderful day to be outside, not!

Work was ok. I got home in one piece, but it was bad out there. It took me about an hr to get home, which it should normally take 20 minutes. But I got home safe and I watched the snow fall





We just came in from cleaning our cars and now we'll watch TV and get ready for tommorrow.

Laterz!

 Friday
- Went to the Pack game in Hartford
- Pack won

Saturday
- Saw A Christmas Carol in Hartford w/Derek
- Had dinner @ the Corner Pug
- Put up our Christmas Tree


Before the show

Our tree

Sunday
- Christmas shopping in Manchester
-Dinner @ Derek's parents
- TSO show in Hartford

So, this morning I realized it was pay day for me and when I got into work I checked our pay schedule and saw that I ONLY have one more pay period left at OB, then I get severance pay and then knows who what. It's getting tough for me, especially when 12/31 comes, I'll no longer be an employee of OBI. But, during this whole process, I've kept a positive attitude and I have a few interviews next week, so we'll see what comes about from those. It's better to get started early rather than later.

Anywho...

So far this week, I've been pretty productive. Besides the ice storm here in CT/Northeast, I managed to send out most of my Christmas cards, except for my immediate family and a few here and there. Plus, I also went over my Christmas list to see what I've gotten people and how much more I have left to do.

We had a BIG lunch at work on Tuesday sponsored by HSB at Tommasso's in Rocky Hill. It was a very good lunch and very nice place. So after dinner and Derek leaving for class, I picked Ally up and we went to see 'August Rush.' The movie was good and was more or less like a fairy tale. After the movie, I drove her home and relaxed with Derek.

Last night after work, I went to the West Farms Mall to do a little X-Mas shopping...I wanted to get a few of Derek's things, which I did, but I still have more things to finish up.

In between the stores and the car, I listened to the Pack game...they had a 3-2 lead heading into the 3rd, but blew it and lost in a SO. We can't seem to beat those suckers. 

Tonight after work, I'll be doing laundry, making sloppy joe sandwiches w/Derek, and then watching the Rangers/Grey's Anatomy. Plus, my old-college friend, Ken, is in town for the weekend, so I'm sure he'll drop by and we'll catch up on old times.

Tommorrow, Derek and I will be going to the Pack vs. Devils game. This game has a yawner all over it, considering it's the Devils farm team and they play like their parent team. After the game, we hope to head downstais beut it'll depend if they win or on the weather.

Also, Saturday, we're going to the Christmas Carol in Hartford, and on Sunday, we're seeing TSO n Hartford @ night. Plus, at some point we're going to put our tree up.

Well, I should get back to work. Have a wonderful day and weekend!

First off...first ice storm of the winter season here in the Northeast...it was crappy I tell you.

Anyways...

Friday nights was one of those nights where I didn't know what we wanted to do. Derek was working till 7 so there was ample time for us to head into Hartford, but instead we decided not too and rather watch Shrek 3 all cuddled up. The movie was absolutely terrific and very cute!

Saturday was a very productive day. Early in the morning, I headed to West Hartford Center to do a little x-mas shopping, in which I was productive. Afterwards, I came home to eat lunch and we started to put up some of our Christmas decorations, which I'll have pics once everything is up.

Later on that night, we headed into Hartford for the Pack game. Pack rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Springfield Falcons 6-2. Nigel Dawes had the hat-trick which lead the way for the victory.


Skirmish

Pierre Parenteau

Pierre cutout *i look dorky*

On Sunday morning, Derek and bought some Christmas stuff @ Rite Aid with his employee discount and then I went out and did grocery shopping and laundry. 

A little after 3pm we left for the Pack game in Hartford. The game at first turned out to be a yawner since it was our 3rd game in 3 days, but of course the Pack won 5-2 and have now won 5 in a row. 


Mark Lee signing autographs

Justin and I

Derek and I

3 amigos

After the game, we took out Chinese food.

Well, that's all for now. Talk to you later.