I figured out my problem...
I bought a can of refrigerant with the gauge, checked the pressure and it did not register anything. So I followed the steps to charge it, filled it appropriately for the ambient temp. The compressor kicked on instantly, I took it around the block and then checked on it again, compressor was back off and very little pressure remaining. So I filled it back up, but this time with the engine off. I heard a hissing sound and after about 5 minutes tracing it around the engine compartment ... found a baseball sized dent in the condenser.
It's about as obvious as a bullseye, I recommend everyone check their condenser for holes before wasting money on a charge of refrigerant. At this point i'm looking for a new condenser and I will need to do the whole vacuum withdraw, fresh oil and fresh charge. I think its been at atmospheric pressure since last September.
Any advice on where to get a cheap condenser? Also I will be putting in mesh on the lower valence of the grill, that's where the rock came in.