Woo moved my cheez?....

2008-11-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

A FUNNY THING ABOUT TODAY'S ECONOMY AND HEADLINES...

is that the general public is learning what many companies have not been doing, or aren't doing, or should have been doing. It's like a dumbed-down version of 'Enron', kind of like a flu-shot you get.

So many public companies are coming undone, and many exposed to the scrutiny of the consumers, investors, our own government, other countries' economies. It is just sad that there is still a lack of transparency admist current policy & regulations that are in place (i.e. SEC, FTC, PUC, FDA, etc). What will it take to restore integrity to our open, competitive markets? What??!!!!

I can't help but laugh when I think that a bottle of water, even a candy bar costs more than a share of a once-multi billion dollar company. Maybe that is the next revolution: stock up on water, candy bars and goodies, and you will be the master of the universe in an economic downturn.

The money is out there-it can't simply have vanished into thin-air. When you are at a casino table [pick your game of choice], you either win or lose money. If you win money, the chips are right in front of you; if you lose money, the chips are in front of the dealer. Regardless, YOU KNOW WHERE THE CHIPS ARE! In aggregate, all the major governments of the world have poured TRILLIONS of dollars in capital into it's financial system, and that still doesn't help? Where has the money gone to? What are companies and banks still not telling us about their debt positions? Who are these creditors? Insurance companies, like AIG - where is all that money you got? These are the questions I ask and wonder about, and I know I am only among millions of others that are asking the same thing.

And no, don't blame it on aliens.

2008-11-06T13:02:00.001-08:00

PURGING OUT THE OLD...

AND HOPEFULLY MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW.

I know Halloween has passed, but I can't help but laugh at this picture my co-worker had found and sent to us.

As much as it is representative of "too much partying," in a sort of analogous way, it is representative of the times. Our economy has downed some pretty nasty stuff over the last couple years, and the only way to get back to the road to recovery is to purge the bad stuff, and reset. At the same time, many of us are just kind of caught with a sort of bewilderment-like expression of "man, what happened?" or "what the @#%$$^ is going on with our economy and the world?".

So often, I think about the areas in my life I need to "purge" in order to make way for the new. You know, the customary things, like bad habits, bad ideas, bad diet, bad choices, bad attitudes. As optimistic as I like to always label myself, it has been more challenging to see the positive. It's like I ate a bad taco, or had 2 glasses of regular milk without my lactaid pills, and with cereal that offers 51% of your daily allowance of fiber intake per serving.

I know, TMI analogy. And yes, I am lactose intolerent.

In a funny way, this picture just reminds me of how important my responsibility as an individual, and as a citizen can mean in the context of our homes, our families, our country, and collectively the world. I know sometimes I just look up, and pray that God would just do something. But it is not so much a call upward, but moreso, a call downward. It is a call to DO SOMETHING because we all have a stake in the work of restoration and reconciliation. If we sit idly, and proverbially just stuff ourselves with the same 'bad stuff', we are most likely not going to feel well, or do well. I think we are such creatures of habit, but CHANGE HAS COME (as the new President elect often says). I say: WILL YOU MAKE IT MATTER THIS TIME?

And so that is my theme for upcoming new year. Whoever still reads this (and thanks if you do), spread the word, encourage your friends and family, retool your ideas, and make it matter...

cuz it DOES MATTER!!!

2008-09-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Financial Firms & Banks & the Economy

REPORT CARD GRADE: F - ! ! !

What is bigger than the fall of Enron?

How about, our economy. Bank failures, big investment houses such as Lehman, AIG, Bear-Stearns, WaMu...the list goes on but it's very depressing to write. Retail giants. Auto makers. California. (yes, how could we have 2 consecutive $15 Billion budget deficits in a row, and currently not have an approved budget for a fiscal year that already started? Um, HELLO!!!!

Fannie Mae. Freddie Mac. Indy-Mac....don't name your kids any of these unless you want them to be teased till kingdom come.

So many things have happened to our financial markets over the past year, let alone the last 3 weeks, that I can't help but wonder what justifies selecting & paying executives of those companies, the millions and millions of dollars they receive, only to watch our economic foundations get brittle like termite-invested planks. Even skin deeper, now I question the quality of those fine ivy-league colleges with the big-name graduate business schools and professors. I know these schools have their merit, but right now I move them to my short list. At this point it just feels like some aspects of our higher education system are shallow.

As citizens we push and make education priority; but teachers lose their jobs, and those that do well get paid little & feel less empowered to thrive, and many actually quit.

We push for better healthcare, but many families and individuals can't afford it because the health care providers are too busy figuring out how to give the CEO(s) almost a billion dollars in options & other compensation. Was the priority even straight to begin with?

Our infrastructures across the land are weakening...where is all the money REALLY going toward, hmm?

We asked for higher accountability in our marketplace, but where is the oversight?

It really feels like we are creating a "candy wrapper, without the candy inside" type of society (I heard a pastor use that analogy about a person's integrity and character; in my opinion, I think this notion is useful here). Where is the substance of those values we keep talking about? Where is the substance and integrity of the leadership we count on? After so many books on it, we still can't get it right?

$10 says there will be an FBI report or publication entitled "We saw this coming...5 years ago."

If there are folks that smart that they can investigate and write hind-sight reports like these, why aren't they being responsible enough to say something? And our 'Fundamentals' are still strong? What are 'fundamentals'? They are not fun, and right now, they are completely making me mental!! I think the politicians who keep using it in the press need to define it for the public and the lay-person, because there are still quite a few people that don't know the financial market lingo.

I read/watch CNN, CNBC, listen to AM news radio stations, read different newspapers, Yahoo (yes, YAHOO), the list goes on. All the personalities that write/report our daily news and events get paid big bucks. Sometimes I think "for what?". All you have to do is get out, drive a few miles, talk to your own friends, and you will know more deeply what is truly going on in our economy. And by most measures, that information is free.

So what will it take to get out of this hole? A DEFINITE change in our attitudes. It will take common sense, firm communication and creating a REAL sense of understanding to anyone who has a job, needs a job, or even is retired. I think it will take challenging some or all of the logic that we understand to be the "law of economics" because that logic is leaving A LOT of people behind. Think outside the box? I don't think there was a 'box' to begin with! Duped again!!

I am frustrated with being frustrated!!!!

And what about the poor and the marginalized? They seem to get ignored when the economy is doing well; and they still seem like they are being ignored when the economy, such as now, is bordering on broken. Celebrities are foreclosing on their multi-million dollar real estate?...GIVE ME A BREAK!!! I dare that celebrity to say that to the face of the homeless man or poor family that think about provision for their next meal, and on a daily basis. The reality is that they won't; the sad thing is that it's true.

One of the lessons I learned when my parents passed away, 18 years ago this year, is that there is great value in loss. I think sometimes it will take a tragic event for one to realize the value of what is lost. We grieve, we mourn, and hopefully we rebuild and with renewed understanding. I think in a real sense, that is what probably needed to happen with our economy for many of us to simply understand. Of course I don't like it, nobody does! A change in attitude and perspective are partners in recovery. I seriously hope we become 'students' of our own economy, because right now it is failing on the whole.

Just think for a moment, how it would feel to have an "A grade" economy. I know it's hard to see now; then again, was it ever that high? What if we were empowered by the right kind of political leaders, the right kind of business men and women, the right kind of teachers? Even with those people, there will still be some cyclical action in the transition, but falling and getting a scrape is a far cry different from falling and breaking your bones.

I love my bones.

2008-06-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

'FISH' OIL

Question: Since the oil prices (NYMEX Crude Oil) have taken a downward dive this week, with documented news and coverage that supplies have been increasing, then WHY-let me repeat-WHY are gas prices at the pumps still rising? Why is the price of everything else rising?

I am going to research into this one. That is in large part why I support the claim that there is market manipulation in play.

We [the consumer] are at the mercy of what the media tells us.

We are at the mercy of the fuel companies charging what they charge and changing those plastic cards on the gas-station pylon signs week in and week out (yes, Chevron, Exxon-Mobil, Shell-not that I'm naming names or anything).

We are at the mercy of paying tax dollars for the government and governing exchange market boards to investigate the meteoric rise of gas/fuel prices...only, it is about 8 months too late.

Thanks, I guess. Then again, what other choice do we have?

In my opinion, I think there is a cover-up. I think the media, oil executives, and government officials have caused inflation to accelerate faster by first instilling the 'fear', and then putting themselves in the 'position' to be the 'hero', if in fact we ever see reasonable prices again. What do I mean by 'fear?' When you watch the news, or hear on the radio, that the gas at your locale has risen again, what is your initial reaction? Yup, mine too. At this point, asking for lower prices is now like asking for the moon!

Cut the jargon! Cut the rhetoric! Are we in recession? Are we not? WHO CARES NOW! Give me a break! Media and government are wasting money talking and debating over the same thing, over and over, and over....

People are starving. People are losing homes and jobs. Debt is rising. Morale is low. Troops in Iraq are dying unnecessarily (yes, I don't think we don't need to be there anymore). People are flat out frustrated.

Prices are rising and quality is falling. I'm sorry, but I think it's lame for any CEO to receive over a $1 Million in any sort of compensation, especially when things are not going well, PERIOD!!!!!

And those congressional hearings on sports figures doping up with HGH or other performance enhancing drugs? C'mon! We are paying double for that kind of drama (1. our tax dollars; 2. tickets to games). BOO!!!!!!

I just think it funny that the buzz-words-of-the-day are "conserve" or "alternative". Why not focus on reducing waste? I'm not just talking about fuel, or uneaten food (especially in the food services industry), but all the drama listed above, and some I haven't even written about. We need to get out of a "buffet-style" mentality. I will say, if there is one thing that has fallen, I believe it's our values...but that is another topic to write on.

Ok, I may be a bit cynical here...mmm...ok, more like venting. I realize I have a lot of research ahead of me. But the feelings and reactions are real, and justified. Something just smells fishy, and it is not just the oil. Ya know, as if there weren't enough injustices in the world before this 'circus'.

So stay tuned....

(pssst...at least this blogger is still for free...+1 for the little man!)

2008-05-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Jury Duty, um yeah.

Sir, yes sir! Reporting for jury duty sir! At O-frickin-800 hours sir!

Today's 'sermon' is a judge giving an orientation talking about his starting tenure here when the building was first opened and disclaiming if the air conditioning breaks...that it's not his fault.

Yes, your Honor.

So my call date was Friday May 9. The group called for that day had to report at 12:30pm.

The recording directs that my group # is to call after 5pm on Monday May 12.

At 5:34 Monday, I call and get this: "For group #s 5--- through 5---, please report to the Jury Assembly Room at 7:30am..."

7:30am!!!

Plus, it happens to be "Jury Appreciation Week"...we are supposed to get magnets and post-its.

yippee. No, not really.

I will be happy to mention that this is my 1st time appearing in person for jury selection.

yippee. No, not really.

As I grudgingly and respectfully wait, to fulfill my annual 'civic duty', I wait. I wait and hope that the judge was just kidding about the air conditioning.

Cuz it's gettin hot in this mo-fo!!!

I know, this post is about as exciting as my time here at the jury assembly room.

yippee. No, not really.

2008-04-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

WILL THEY HAVE 'MOVIE' THEATERS IN HEAVEN?

I know this is just my imagination running wild on me again, but c'mon, I can't be the only person that wonders what REALLY happened behind the most significant events or is reasonably critical of headlines in our history.

DISCLCAIMER: I'm not a history buff, nor an expert in any one area. I'm only including my current TOP 10 that I wonder about. If you have some, leave a comment!

So if I was in heaven, I would want to see these features:

1. What did O.J. Simpson REALLY do the night of the murders?

2. All the sports games that were "thrown" or "fixed" because of sportsbook betting/gambling, or insider strategies. Plus, all referees, coaches and players that actually bet. Since there are some folks that have been caught, I just wonder how many more are still under the radar.

3. The TRUE story behind the media and its operations. How does the media know where ALL the breaking stories are, and how they amazingly get there so fast. I have this belief that the media somehow "creates" some of their stories. Anyone but me think that the news media may be more powerful than our government, CIA, FBI and [add agency/organization name here], combined? And then, whenever the news attempts to report something positive, like after a murder or reported deaths, it gives some lame story about a monkey that can juggle, or birds have the same 'dna' as gigantic dinosaurs like a T-Rex. And who is REALLY controlling the weather??!!!!!

4. The REAL story behind televangilists.

5. goverment secrets (all major countries)

6. Is Bin Laden REALLY alive, and if so, where has he been hiding all this time?

7. Why do the same 'natural disasters' always happen in virtually the same places? Do you know what I mean? Hurricanes tend to happen along Atlantic coast; tornados through the mid-west; earthquakes (the big ones) in the west; typhoons and tsunamis in the far east. I dunno, for things that happen naturally, it's just funny to me that they predominantly occur in very recognizable regions, in predictable and somehow unusually familar "record-breaking" fashion.

8. Are drug and other medical research companies using third-world countries as their 'test subjects', where absent civil rights and corrupt governments are still predominant? The movie Constant Gardner got me wondering. And what independent 'clinical studies' do these drug and diet supplement companies use when they advertise their products? Are they so obsure that you can't release the name of these so-called research facilities? How about a little more disclosure before we decide to put foreign chemicals inside our bodies? Many people pay good, honest money for them, how about a little more transparency?

9. Who is TRULY benefitting from tobacco and oil companies? I bet there is an A-list of politicians and several millionare/billionare folks in there.

10. Are there really UFOs or is it just strategically released pieces of information used to distract people. PLUS, why are almost ALL UFOs round, with a ring-like feature, almost like the planet Saturn. C'mon now, are we getting lazy on imagination or what!!!

These are my current top 10. How did I arrive at these ideas & questions? I am a normal guy, grew up watching most of the same cartoons (now classics), reading/listening to the same news/media, and started with probably the same imagination template as the next person. (How imagination develops, and its capacity, differs from person to person).

Here are the movies/show that fuel my thinking/imagination: Truman Show; Good Night, and Good Luck; The Insider; Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room; V for Vendetta; Super-Size Me; National Treasure; Constant Gardner, Michael Clayton and the T.V. series LOST.

Yes, it is not the most stellar movie list. I'm not offering movie reviews here, and I am open to other suggestions. The media, these certain movies and t.v. shows sparked a unique curiousity, one that leads me to question what has been fed to us as reality, the intepretation of it, and/or what portion to believe. Plus, other recurring events like the massive toy, meat, produce, automotive recalls, and unusually volatile market conditions, which in my opinion, present injustice issues-are issues that we (the consumer) often end up paying double for. Anyone out there lookin out for the 'little man'?!!!!!

As 'crazy' as my imagination can be at times, I am being honest here about my curiousity.

2008-04-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Breaking out of the blogger 'SLUMP'...

Have no fear, I still have plenty to say! It has been a very eventful 6 months since that last time I thoughtfully sat down to write, let alone update my blog here.

As if getting back into the swing of things wasn't hard enough, now there are new features/additions on the blogger--let alone everything else in the world--that are now in the mix of life today. It's funny, often times we are encouraged to stop and smell the roses. But nowadays, the way our local and international economy has been, even them 'roses' are starting to cost too much!

I thought smelling was supposed to be free!

Well, everything in life runs through cycles. I know we each can attest to our own individual life happenings; as well as how our life coincides in the context of today's lifestyle/economy/craze/etc.

The world is certainly NOT VOID of fresh content. I hope to add my 3-cents (2-cents, plus 1 penny of inflation) back into the mix of the public blog realm. Shoot, frickin GOOGLE has a Search page for Blogs alone! (Sorry, that was a random brain fart).

2008....here I come!....minus 113 days.

Oh man, 2008 is a LEAP YEAR! (after-shock).

2008-01-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

Under maintenance. But in the meantime.....

How about a literal 'jump start' into 2008. Tell me, does your coffee or RedBull do this:

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1786021

Stay tuned....

2007-10-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

NEW ADDITION TO THE WOO-STER VOCABULARY:

So I just come back from Reno, NV from an annual mini-golf invitational with co-workers and friends, and thought, "what a great weekend!" Of course during weekend we joked around like we always do. However, on the Saturday, we were given tickets to a comedy show, featuring Bill Engvall. Mr. Engvall went at length to talk of his recent doctor's check-up visits to do those coveted prostate and colonoscopy procedures that every middle aged man will most likely sing about into their 50s and 60s. During the course of the night his act covered a whole range of topics: family, enimas, women-n-boobs, and of course, redneck humor. As a product of the midwest, and having family that lives in a part of the south, I've been exposed to my fair share of redneck jokes and people. But I won't go into much detail, because I have taste, and taste matters!

But....

But when the silliness in me beckons to be unleashed, well, the senses are heightened. So, I'm at my 2nd home (formally known as Costco), and I come across this book: Redneck Dictionary III: Learning to Talk More Gooder Fastly by comedian Jeff Foxworthy. I walked past the book the first time, stopped, then went on to go grab the things I came to get for the house. Since it only took about 10 minutes, I went back to the DVD/Books section (not thinking about the book) to see if I missed some new releases or cheap deals.

And then...

And then I walked by this book again. I picked it up, looked at the back cover, did the fan-flip of the pages, looked at the $9.29 price sticker, and then well shoot, might as well look at one page in this book to see what it's about....

And it is HILARIOUS! You know how sometimes you have those moments where you are in a public place, and you hear or see something funny, and you just kind of laugh outloud? Ok, ok, usually you're with someone - I happened to be alone.

Lucky me.

So on each post going forward, I will be including a "word of the day" taken straight from the book. For legality sake, I will reference the book after each excerpt, cuz I'm cool like that. I'm not THAT silly enough to come up with my own, but I figure you expose yourself enough to these things, something's bound to light up.

Sound good? You may have to re-read it if you don't get it the first time. If you got some redneck in you, well shoot, it'll be as natural as dirt on a freshly mowed lawn. (People wonder why I have such a disjointed sense of humor. So do I.). But c'mon, you know you got a little bit in you somewhere :P

Here's is today's Word-of-the-day:

abil - i - ties (ĭ-bĭl'ĭt-ēz), n. and noun. a statement of charges for services rendered and subsequent action to be taken by a specified male person. "I don't care if he's broke, Ma, the house payment's abilities got to pay."

(taken from Redneck Dictionary III by. Jeff Foxworthy)

2007-10-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

YES FOLKS, TEAM MAUCHLY CREW IS IN 1ST PLACE!!!

I've never been in first place in anything before, let alone bowling! Now I understand much more clearly what "team effort" is, and what it can do. I am very thankful-as always-to be doing something as fun as bowling with my co-workers! My personal mantra for the team is to celebrate the successes for each individual and for the team! We have each had "career night" scores, and we have each had our "junk nights" as well. But in rallying the team, we can't hang on those low points, we have to always celebrate the successes and the fact that we are doing this together as a collective.

And right now, for the first time in this, our rookie bowling season, starting in Week 5 of 31, we are in 1st PLACE bee-otch!!!!

(DISCLAIMER: Mauchly is the name of the street that our office is on--a play on the music group Motley Crew; in NO WAY are we affliated, unless members of the team like their music, in which case SCORE!)

2007-10-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Alright, I'm addicted....

then again, who isn't?

Out of nowhere, this thing pops up, and people are signing me up, and poking me, pirates stealing coins I didn't know I had, finding out I'm a pirate (I'm a pirate?), throwing chickens & sheep at me, giving me a drink...

Giving me a drink?...I DON'T DRINK! (but thanks for the consideration).

I've been drop-kicked and I've defenstrated myself (whatever that is, man I hope it's not obscene).

All this in the name of friendship.

And now I find myself on a personal journey to be #1 on the "never-ending movie quiz". Why? I don't know why! Is that just NUTS, or WHAT!!!!

2007-09-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Dude, I swear....

I don't know where else to write this, so I'll write it here...

Someone at the Associated Press needs to stop being bitter and putting out all these negative articles about the economy, because it almost seems tabloid like in their timing, which I think is poor.

The stock market goes up, and then low and behold the AP puts out another article about sub-prime woe's this and that. C'mon! It's old news, you only have to report it once. Leave the stock market alone! Repeating things people already know after Wall Street has an honest good day, is just bad reporting.

Ok...[sigh], I'm done venting. I "see" patterns, and I just think there is some sort of collusion or funny business with the way the Associated Press puts out information.

The jobs report fluctuates every month!

Housing Sales are down compared to last year...ok fine! But houses are still being bought and sold.

I get confused sometimes - the way the media "reports" the health of the economy sounds conflicting. One day, consumer spending is up; then jobs are down; then payroll is down, oh no wait, payroll is actually ok. I don't know, if I string all the articles together, I bet it will be even more apparent...unfortunately I don't have enough time on my hands to do it.

Whew, ok, I'm done venting. At least my QB in Fantasy Football did well this week. :)

2007-08-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

As Al Bundy would say....

..STEEEE-RIKE!!!!!!

Tonight marked the end of our 16-week summer bowling league. My illustrious co-workers, dubbed "Mauchly Crew" (Mauchly is the name of the street our office is located on, and a play-off of...take a wild guess) finished in 5th place, out of 19 teams in this, our rookie season! Shout out to the team...you guys rock!!!!

I love bowling. I know, my profile says PBA, and I am far from professional. When I get to 200+ average, I'll make a run at pro; I currently have a 158 avg. Aight, aight, so I can throw down a little smack. :)

It has been 22 years since the last time I was in a bowling league. But as a kid, and back then, it was basically pay, play and grab your score sheet. Nowadays, teams (and its individuals) play for bragging rights, and for $ (pronounced "cha-ching!"). Ok, well not big money, we mainly play for the thrills, the fun, the commraderie and just plain FUN. Ok, let me rephrase that--PHAT FUN!

"So Woo, what did you win?"

First, the team won:

5th PLACE (with 35.5 points won): $142

15th PLACE, (during SWEEPS week): $56

Individually, I won:

MEN'S HIGH SERIES, W/ HANDICAP: $15 + pin
(3-game total of 850)

140 PINS OVER AVERAGE-SERIES (score of 613): patch

600 SERIES -SCRATCH (613): patch + pin

180+ EMBLEM (score of 190): patch

200+ EMBLEM (score of 212): patch

75 PINS OVER AVERAGE-GAME (score of 212): patch

It's all about the patches!!! None of us expected to do so well in our rookie outing; but most importantly we had a great time doing it together.

The League should have as awards (which we would win):

MOST TEAM SPIRIT

MOST ANIMATED TEAM IN TOP 5

MOST IMPROVED-TEAM

MOST CONSISTENT

But I guess a litle $money will do just fine. I asked the team to decide how our winnings will be used; and team consensus (i was ex-officio), was to put the $money down toward next season's fees. Yes, that's right, we are joining the longer, 33-week winter league baby, with the potential to do even better!

WHO WANTS SOME?....COME GET U SOME!!!! hahaha...

2007-08-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

Recalls suck! Period!!

I'm sorry, I let this build up in me for years, and I just have to get this out of my system. Ok, a company recalls a product, ok, that's fine, good thing to see a company take steps to rectify the problem.

But when I hear the SAME company repeatedly, that just gets under the skin a little. It's unsettling to hear, let alone be one of the thousands of consumers that had to find out the hard way that something was not right with a product they purchased. For example, Ford...ugh they boil my pot! Back in the day in college, some of the intro business classes and/or intro accounting course textbooks would have a "case study" or feature on cost-benefit analysis, and Ford would be a main example. The case study (i'll just give a short synopsis so I don't detract from the point) basically touched on the usefullness of cost-benefit analysis. So the study said that back in the day, when Ford had an issue with the old Mustangs' and Pintos' ('70s) gas tanks blowing up when impacted due to poor placement, etc, the study would conclude that it was more beneficial for Ford to pay settlements to the victims of these incidences, rather than spend the money to actually "fix" the problem.

One does not have to search hard to find that Ford has a serious history with recalls. Double boo! And the recent commercials, such as the one with their new SUV, the "Edge" being compared directly with a BMW....ha, I laughed. I thought it was one of the boldest commercials I've seen in recent time. Well, anyhow, with such a laundry list of recalls, I feel big companies, such as Ford, have lost a lot of integrity with what a worldwide brand ought to deliver.

So the latest wave of recalls include the very things we grew up with, and that we love to pass on to our children - toys! Lead in our toys....c'mon, lead is for pencils chump!!! Shoot, if they are finding this out in 2007, I wonder what the heck were in our toys the last 20+ years! While I do think it is notable that Mattel and Fisher-Price have been quick to act on the recall, it's just disconcerting how consumers' trust, like yours and mine, are undercut.

So here is how my feeble mind sums all this up: there's a bunch of people that make millions, and then there are millions that get 'bad' products. I feel this is a huge justice issue. If it's not the cars we drive or the toys we have, it's the spinach, chicken, beef, broccoli, prescription drugs, child car seats....the list can go on, and I think you know what I'm getting at. Where is the accountability? These companies will report profits to wall street so quickly, and I'm sure execs will make their $millions in bonuses and spend it before the first major report of a recall makes its wave across the media to alarm the very people that paid hard earned money for a 'good' product.

Of course an exec will get on the tube or internet to quickly address the concern and initiate action, but am I the only one that feels unsettled about the frequency of recalls? I think there are a lot of companies that need to refresh their integrity and clean up poor controls before they ask even one consumer to buy their product.

Ok, a critic might tell me, "oh c'mon Woo...it's just a little slap of the wrist mistake". Well shoot, one doesn't have to slap the wrist that many times before it starts to hurt.

It is natural economics that there will always be demand (and supply) in our economy. Then let me suggest that we demand greater accountability and controls at every level of product development because integrity and quality matter. Yes, yes, the most important people of the 'company' are the shareholders. But what good is it if you make your shareholders a good profit only to 'poison' them on the back end. And besides, for the average consumer, we purchase in large part on the premise of quality.

I think anyone who owns their own business will place a lot of pride on their product(s) and/or services. If we are able to value this so highly at the micro-level, why not at the macro-level? As I ponder about this more, I think of all the workers (at the non-exec levels) at these big companies who pour long hours, sweat and energy to do an honest job.

Recalls - oooh I get a sour taste in my mouth thinking about it, and it's not from bad grapes!

And what's up with the freaky Elmo (picture above)? I would recall that thing based on looks alone! Honestly, who is going to buy that toy?

2007-08-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

Are you playing that FOOS-BALL again?

YES!
Guilty as charged!!

L.T. or NO L.T....

BOYAKASHA, it is on Foo!!!!!

I have to admit, even though this is only my 3rd season, I think this is one of the most exciting things you could do to get a bunch of guys & gals together (yes gals too). This year I drew the 7th pick in our 14 person league.

Yes, I will admit openly, last season I had first pick, and I picked Antonio Gates.

Ok, ok, I know. I know. I heard it ALL last season. I endured much grief and ridicule. "What a fool Woo is!" Of course, who picks a tight-end as their first pick nowadays?

Go ahead, put my name on the wall. And how did Woo do last season despite this rookie mistake?

Semifinals baby!

Of course the irony is....[sigh]...that I lost by account of one player...yes, I loss to L.T. How shamefully poetic is that? Wait, that's not even poetic...oh forget it! [sigh]

I was really lucky to have gotten as far as I did. A roller coaster ride of a season...but man, I want s'MORE!!!

This season will rock! Can you feeeeeel it?

Good luck to everyone this season.

(I cool it on the smack talk now, cuz in my first season, smack talkin put me in last place).

2007-08-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

Isn't it interesting?...

You know when you periodically have one of those contemplative/reflective thoughts run through you mind that you just can't help but think more about them?

Ok, maybe it's just me. Allow me to share my version with the rest of the world:

Isn't it interesting...

...that the news/media always seem to get to the location of some 'late breaking' thing faster than than a blink of an eye, or faster than even the police can get to? C'mon, what about those occurrences that happen during rush hour...cuz the thing I REALLY WANT TO KNOW is what back road(s) they took to get there so whoopin fast!

...that the news/media can't go one single day...wait, lemme back up...one newscast without mentioning a death/murder/killing? Yes, I know it's 'reporting', but don't you wish you heard something more positive, on a more regular basis? I sure do!

...after all the terrorist-like activities that have been in the news since 9/11, that architects/developers still want to build super towers taller than 1,500 feet? I mean don't get me wrong, those tall skyscrapers are magnificent, but I just wonder what the point is sometimes. One of these days, one of them is going to scrape the sky.

...that the same exact issues, education, healthcare, defense policy, fiscal budget, etc. always pop up at every single national politician election you can think of, dating as far back as you can remember or read up on. No offense, how many 'centuries' is it going to take till we can hear about another issue, or claim true progress? I respect some of our elected officials' leadership, but it seems after one politician's term is up, there is another quick to criticize their predecessor, and another not running quick to criticize the one running...doesn't it seem all like a broken record to anyone sometimes? All the time?... anybody? As a tax payer, what are we REALLY paying for?

...there is still so much controversy/drama surrounding Barry Bonds' home run record, and that some of the same people that criticize him are still buying tickets to go watch him? I just think it's interesting how we are all quick to criticize (in general, and myself included...I'm not above anyone here), and for what gain? I think there needs to be a little bit more of grace, cuz I think we sometimes forget that we are ALL human. Here is my spin on the idea: suppose you are a golfer, or a tennis player, and you want to get the equipment that will give you the "edge" or that extra bit of "performance enhancing" feature that will give you the "longer" drive, or "cleaner" backhand. The idea is that we want something that will help us perform "better", and will pay a cost for it. I understand the stigma and illegal use of sterioids in baseball (and whatever other sport that bans it)--and I think professional players need to honor and respect the rule; but I think all of us need to be a little more gracious, because a part of all of us wants the "edge" to do something better. (It's just a thought, I am in NO WAY condoning steroid use--accept for the stuff the optometrist gives you to treat pink eye...ok, I know, that's a lame example...).

...that as of recent, that every time the stock market (specifically the Dow, since that is what media uses as the general "barometer" for the day's investing activity) does well, someone timely makes a blurb about the "credit" or subprime worries, and then the Dow tanks, and then repeat cycle. C'mon, the subprime mortgage lending fiasco and credit worries are old news!!! Get over it, people are trying to make money$$ here!!!!

...that there were studies that once said peanut butter may be good for you, and that later studies show that now it's not as good for you as previously studied. Does someone just have bad 'study' habits and then use the media to confuse all of us? What are they going to say next, water is not water? This one gets me: there is now a lawsuit involving Coca-Cola's "Dasani" & PepsiCo's "Aquafina" drinking water coming initially from tap or public sources (before it is purified), and specifically, how it was marketed. I bet some of the prosecutors who filed this suit, drank some Dasani or Aquafina water during the process. I'm sorry, I don't think the principal is as strong on this one as other issues in our world--besides the average person in several parts of our country who drink bottled water, most likely have bought/drank more than one brand in a given year. Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water?--C'mon, how do you know an animal didn't pee in the spring at some part of the stream? I guess for some things in nature, ignorance is bliss, but forget it if 'tap' water is knowingly purified.

I admit, I could be tagged as being critical, cynical, silly, or maybe--just maybe--I actually make some sense of the matter. For me, and the viewing window of my own perception/views/opinions/observations, I think it's a bit funny how people are quick to criticize something(s) or person(s) and depend on it at the same time (whether for sustinence, entertainment, investment, convenience, etc). Anyways, I just thought I'd share my opinions/observations on some things that have been on my mind the past couple weeks, because to me, it is interesting.

2007-08-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

I love LEGOS.....

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/giant-lego-man-pulled-from-sea/20070808141109990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

but this is ridicu-R-ous!!!

2007-08-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's official....

Times Watched: 5

2007-08-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

SUMMER - version 2007

Sum-sum-Summa-Time...Summa Tiiiiime!!! Who needs a break?...

I Do! I Do!

This summer has been another non-stop blockbuster. But hey, what other time of the year can one experience weddings/busyness/Vegas & dating all at once? I ask myself these questions:

Am I having FUN? - Yes.
Am I tired? - Yes.
Driving or Flying? - Driving.
Worth the experience (dating)?- Yes.
Will I watch Transformers for a 5th time? -Dare I say, Yes? Am I NUTS? - Yes!!!!!

Here is the run-down:

CANADA - FULLY LOADED

At the beginning of June, I traveled to good "O - Canada" for my cousin's wedding. It has been great seeing family that I don't see often (because of physical distance), and I am thankful for such time spent.

But this trip to Canada, will be the most memorable on record. In baseball, there is a term called the "cycle" where a player hits a single, a double, a triple, and a home run all in one game. It is a very rare occurence. I had a 'cycle' experience in Canada.

Here is the run down:

Day 1: A&G's wedding. Beautiful! I was very encouraged how inclusive the wedding was overall. It also turned out that my other cousin's (bride's brother) birthday was the same day. It was very nice to see brother and sister share the wedding cake to celebrate both occasions-very thoughtful.

After the wedding, 3 other cousins and I hit the town to check out the local bar & pub scene. We ended up playing pool, and then at 2am, grabbed hot dogs and pizza to eat...

big mistake for me...

Day 2: The next morning, I woke up naustious. I thought it was simple diarhhrea (cha-cha-cha). Just my luck, I came down with a sudden, unusually strong case of stomach flu, which gets about as gross as you want to imagine it. My entire family that came from Nor-Cal came to Canada at the tail end of their stomach flu episode. And like a good t.v. series, the episodes continue! Lucky me. I personally had never had that bad of a vomiting experience in my life - I hope I never again. To my recollection, a total of 8 family members contracted the annoying virus during this trip; my cousin A who got married experienced it the next morning also....boo stomach flu, boo!! After another cousin gave me a dramamine to sedate me, we drove 3+ hours from Edmonton to Calgary, for part 2 of my trip.

Day 3: After having slept continuously for almost 14 hours, I was WAY better. With a few runs, I was pretty much normal again. This day was bitter-sweet for another reason: my cousin's found out that a cousin on the other side of their family, passed away from cancer during the weekend, AND it was my cousin L's college graduation ceremony.

Later that evening, I got a text message from my sister: "...I got engaged!!"

Day 4: Nothing beats capping your vacation experience with a little bit of fishing. Calgary has these communities built around man-made lakes, that provide year round fishing and canoeing and paddle boating to residents within the 2-3 mile radius of the lake. It's awesome! Later this evening, I fly back to the O.C.

A wedding, stomach flu all-around, news of relative passing, a graduation, and sister's engagement - all in a 4 day period.

Next up: VEGAS BA-BY!!!

My best friend and 9 other guys rented two mini vans and hauled our
phat arses to Vegas for a weekend bachelor golf outing/celebration.

Because I don't want to break the mojo, (cuz "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"), we had a nice time golfing and nice time dining/gambling, "etc". I was a good boy, that is ALL I have to say.

Wedding in Nor-Cal

The following weekend after Vegas, I traveled up to Nor-Cal where my other good friends,
A & M were celebrating their wedding. Congratulations to both of them.

I also managed to spend some time to meet up with my other best friends, E & M (I'm just going to use initials throughout this post), and see their 2nd newborn son. The rest of the time was spent with family, which was too brief. I hope to make up some time on a near-future trip in a couple months.

Wedding in So-Cal

Ha, ha, yes, one more for the books, but certainly not the last! My very good friends D & H were up-to-bat for their wedding bonanza. Since I was best-man, I had limited time to do the very thing I enjoy doing most at weddings: photography. But since I had the dual-role of best man & driver (I got to drive my friends Beamer), I was able to tag along at a photo-opp that their main photographer wanted to take prior to the reception. Of course, I always have my toys with me and I took some, and from a short distance. I must say these were the most fun, and natural shots I've taken in my 10-year amateur/semi-pro career. And to compliment all of the pics on this post, I was able to edit them on my new....

(I think a picture here will save me a thousand words).

With August here, my summer has just started! I do have a couple more to attend later in the year, but the flurry is over! And somehow in between even all of that, I managed to attend Pageant of the Masters, go on a date I met online, bowl in my weekly league with co-workers, help run a games booth at an outdoor carnival, perform major service on my car, AND, my greatest feat of all-watched TRANSFORMERS 4 times.

2007-07-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Haha...I knew this day would come:

Pigs are flyin bee-otch!!!!

Now I KNOW anything is possible...my hope has just been renewed.

2007-06-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

Man, I never thought you could have that bad a day at golf...

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070618/NEWS18/70618022&oaso=news.rgj.com

Maybe I better keep a few bottles of water in my bag just in case. Man, if there's a story where a bowler destroys the foundation of the building off of one throw...my world is over!!! O(o.o)O

2007-06-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

16 YEARS in CA - A RETROSPECTION OF TRANSFORMATION

It was 16 years ago this past Monday that my sister and I transplanted over to good 'ol sunny California from the Midwest (OH). I will never forget how culture shocked I was--I had never seen so many Asian folks in my life! When I reflect on these last 16 years, it is amazing to see my transformation to who I 'thought' I was, to who I am now.

The reason it was so hard for me to re-adjust, was not so much that it was a new environment, but the fact that I spent my first 13 years of life denying my own Chinese heritage, and doing everything in my power to fit in with the predominantly Caucasian population around me (ha ha, there's 'asian' in caucasian!). I even fussed enough that my parents gave up on trying to send me to Chinese school to learn to speak and write. Shame on me because now I wish I did learn my own language. I mean I can understand quite a bit, but I don't speak or write. Though the family name lives on, that huge cultural part ends with me also. Coming to California turned my world upside down, twice over. All of a sudden I was totally lost and confused. It is a very lonely place to be.

At 14 I was a sort of rebel kid, losing both my parents the previous year, with no cause, no ambition, no faith in anything, and little identity. I even went so far as to lie to my aunt (who was my legal guardian, hence the move out here) that if I didn't like it, I could call back to my other relatives back in the midwest (KY) and move back. That obviously was not going to happen, and I couldn't have been more angrier at the world--at least what was left of it in my own eyes. I tried to think of myself as the sh-t; when really, my life was just sh-t. My aunt invited the pastor of their church to come meet with me and my sister to welcome us and such. I will never forget what I told him:

"I never liked California. I never have, and I never will!"

After a few words, he shared the Gospel with me; I didn't listen to it, I didn't care. And shortly thereafter, he left, leaving me 2 cans of salted almonds. His humble gift to an ungrateful kid. (I'm not sure what he had spoken when he met my sister; at that time it didn't matter either way).

After asking all the questions to myself of 'why me?', a series of events began to change my attitude and outlook on life. After about the first year of being 'forced' to go to church, I found myself in a sort of "starter" class for seekers and new Christian believers called Survival Kit. The teacher, who was a cop at the time, shared his upbringing with me, and for whatever reason I could somehow identify with it. He was a gangster growing up, bullying people, beating them up and without a care in the world. His life changed when he became a Christian, and he described how his heart changed for Greater purpose. His mentorship finally began to chip off the hardness that had formed over my heart. God was at work, and through this man, whose name is Henry.

The next major thing that happened to me was that I finally made friends at school. Albert, who was in my sophomore English class, brought me to the other side of campus one day for lunch, where there was an entire ampitheater full of other friends. A lot of them had grown up together, but they all accepted me for who I was, and I very openly shared why I was here in California. Most of the crowd were a mix of Asian kids, and for the first time, I felt my own identity. I felt accepted and belonged. I had friends, and I began to care. I began to care about life again. I became a Christian my graduation year of high school. It was a great feeling to understand love in both a very real and supernatural way. My cup went from half empty, to half full.

There are a whole lot of specific experiences that I could write on and on about that shape who I am today and give me greater understanding of who I want to be years down the road. Perhaps I write of those at another time.

So who 'am I' today? I am a man loved by God and His people. I am a man that relentlessly tries to care for and be understanding toward friends. And I am man that refuses to give up on life. I love California, I enjoy my current career and the people I work with. Heh, yes, I admit it, I love California now. I realize that the more I kept fighting or resisting that which I know was good, I kept getting 'stuck'. I learned to make choices that kept moving me forward, that kept people involved in my life, and mine in theirs'.

And for the record, I love my family and all my churched friends, both old and current.

I am...not alone. That is the forecast of me for the rest of my life.

2007-06-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

DATING-GUYS ARE LIKE WOMEN'S SHOES

So I'm with my friend at dinner last night, and during part of our multi-part conversation we talk about guys, gals and dating. And as I stared at Sushi Chef, Akio-san, the strangest, yet somewhat logical picture of women's shoes came to my mind.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, expert on dating or women's shoe salesman--just a simple guy that gets random visions in the middle of conversations.

First the context: my friend talks about another guy friend who was recently dating a gal, and after a few months, the gal decided that she could not care or love him beyond what she has already put into the short-lived relationship. So, she asks to call it off, and shortly, as logic goes, they will part their separate ways.

My vision: So for whatever reason, the first picture that comes to my mind are women's shoes. To some women (cuz I don't want to be accused of over generalizing here; this is just a theory!!), guys are like "shoes" to them. So typical scenario: woman goes to the mall, window shops and sees the millions of shoes glaring in the window (where shoes telepathically send this low-frequency signal that even HD Radio can't pick up that says "hey there, pick me"). And then somewhere along the way, a pair or 3 catches a woman's eye, and she goes in, etc, etc, and subsequently buys one of the pair of shoes. The woman brings home the shoes, and at some point wears them once, maybe twice, and then ditches them and the pair of shoes ends up in a dark place called 'the back of the closet'.

At best, shoes for women tend to be short lived: First the attraction; Then, 1 or few uses; Then shoe is let go and stuck in the back of the closet (boo!!). And then, after about a week, the cycle starts over again.

At best I'm being a little humorous here with the analogy, but as my friend was describing that situation with her friend, I began thinking of some of the friends I have, (female friends), that just seem to go in-and-out of dating for various reasons or another. And for some reason, my vision is skewed because I can't think of an analogy for a guy.

When I blurted out this sudden vision to my friend after she shared her friend's story, she laughed, then took a moment, and cited that was actually an interesting analogy: not totally right (of all cases), but not necessarily far-fetched either. Ha ha, could I be on to something here? Ladies, please comment!!!

I will say, having been in 3 relationships, where I was basically the "pair of shoes" put to the back of the closet, I spent a lot of time thinking what I did wrong. As my friend briefly indicated, I didn't do anything wrong; and it's not necessarily that I could have done something more right. It's just one of those things (i.e. chemistry). So are guys (single, non-married guys) relegated to simply a "pair of shoes"? In that case, BOO!!

But I also said that my analogy above is for women in their 20's. I had mentioned that once a woman hits their 30's and become more aware that their 'clock is ticking', that the "shoe buying" may slow down, and then well, maybe the 'shoes' will get longer 'use life', on average.

So what does this all mean?

Guys, wait till the 30s!!! Ha ha, I'm just kidding.

In all honesty, relationships are such a complex thing to pinpoint. Just think there are as many books on dating and relationships/marriage as there are shoes in the world. So I don't expect relationships to be as shallow as my shoe analogy, but as a guy, when you see certain patterns, sometimes I wonder. Guys, are you hearing me on this?!!!

Guys? Anybody?....Oh dear....

2007-05-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

iPod --> myHeart!!!!!!

If felt your heart skip a beat, it wasn't exactly because of the music.

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/ipods-said-to-cause-pacemaker/20070510172809990002?ncid=NWS00010000000001

(for those with pacemakers, that is).

Well everyone, another indirect reason to eat your vegetables and watch your health while you are young.

You know what this means?....Apple needs to R&D an iPacemaker, with wireless and FM capabilities. Ha ha, I'm such a dork ::pounding chest::

2007-05-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

How Tall IS TOO TALL?

This is just nuts!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bw/20070501/bs_bw/may2007gb20070501516453

I'm not afraid of heights or anything, but constructing a building almost 1/2 a mile high is JUST NUTS!!!!!! It'd be awesome, but NUTS!!

Here are questions that come to mind:

1. Why?
2. Who honestly wants to have an office that high up in the air? Would you? I wouldn't.
3. What if the elevator breaks, and you have arthritis, broken or sprained leg(s)?
4. How would you feel if your office was near the top, and when you got there, you realized you forgot something from your car? Sucks to be you buddy!!!
5. Plumbing problems from the 160th floor? Yikes. That's a lot of @#%!%&!!! traveling down!!!
6. What if you had an appointment near the top floor, and all they had was metered parking, with 1-hour limits? Sucks to be you buddy!!!
7. If you are a smoker, and the only place to smoke is on the roof, is there enough oxygen for the cigarette to burn?
8. Security risks from terrorist acts? That's a whole lotta building my friend.
9. How much janitorial service is needed to clean the bathrooms and take out the trash? How many truckloads will it take to haul away the trash on a daily basis?
10. What if someone near the top has a heartattack or stroke? How long will it take for medical response?
11. Staples office supplies deliveries? NOT so EASY.
12. Is there enough electricity for such a tower? I bet the utility bills alone would be the size of some whole cities! Power outages?...furget about it!!!!
13. I wonder how they address earthquake and natural disaster risks for such a structure.
14. Who is brave enough wash the exterior windows? What if you get water spots? Boo!!!
15. Whose idea was this anyway?

2007-04-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

?QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS? - The Evolution of My Own Thinking

I think it was nicely said in the movie The Matrix, "it's the question that drives us". When I sat down this last month thinking about the way I think and where it has gotten me today, I am almost bewildered. Growing up, I never asked questions; actually I almost didn't know how to 'ask' questions; well at least what I thought were not "worthy" enough questions to ask outloud. Here are some of the questions I remember thinking about (remember, this is me as a kid):

- Why is it that I can look straight and see other stuff peripherally?
- Who made God? Where'd his parents go?
- How painful are the wrestling moves on WWF? (of course later I found it was fake...why would they tell me that!! boo!!)
- Why do guys like going to the mall to check out girls? I mean, girls are everywhere!
- Why are vegatables the only thing that's good for you?
- How come every time I wash shrimp, I can't wash the smell from my hands?
- Where do all these fly's come from?
- Where does the 'poop' go after I flush the toilet? Man, there must be a big tank somewhere!
- If my Mom believes in God, how come he didn't make her better when I said I would give my life to save her? (my Mom passed from cancer)?
- Why did God take Dad too? (my Dad passed from heart disease)
- Does anyone think of the same questions I am thinking?
- What is 'cool'?

When I look back, I realized I focused on a lot of things other people did not. I asked questions that were so abstract, and well, not finding the answers frustrated me. At the same time, I never asked these questions to anyone, because I felt I would either be ignored or feared that they were "stupid" questions, and stupid questions were not 'cool'...God!!! What is cool?!!!!

>>>Fast foward >>>

As of the last 17 years, I obviously have grown up, and find myself more bold to ask questions. Mostly because I have to know, and partially because I have this wierd feeling sometimes that someone will ask me the same question and that I better have some intelligible answer. But one thing I do notice of the quality of my questions- they are more relational. They are more questions about why something does/does not work in context/relation to someone/something else. Here are some of them:

- Why is the divorce rate still so high, given we have so many therapists, counselors and help books available?
- Why do many people in the church not 'feel' as genuine as my friends who do not go to church?
- What is really driving the stock market? Facts or emotions?
- Why does the U.S. always feel like it needs to fight other wars when we have trouble fixing our own national problems and wasting money figuring it out.
- Man, why did WWE have to be fake wrestling? Boo I said!!!
- Why do good companies still employ bad practices?
- How come there are always studies on debunking other studies about a certain product or food? For instance, within a 10 year period, I saw the news say 1st, peanut butter may be good for you, then later, peanut butter not so good for you. Make up your mind researchers before opening your mouths!!!!!
- What is the limit of grace? In the context of Christianity and socially throughout the society?
- Why do politicians always use the SAME issues as the platform for their campaigns, every single term, for the last 20+years? (i.e. education, healthcare, taxes, soc. security). Is there ever going to be a sense of satisfaction?
- Why does the news/media always seem to know where the late breaking stories are, and happen to be there on the spot at that instance? I know where some places are, in So. California, and sometimes it takes a long time to get to it. Hmmm??.....
- Why does the media spend 85% of the newscast telling us who died or who got killed? There is more to life than death people!!!!!
- Why do women love shoes, purses and jeans so much? (I had to throw that in there; I might get shot down for that one..haha)

I actually do have theories and reasonings for a lot of the questions I've asked/not asked over the years. I realize some questions will always have open-ended answers, and I realize that every person will have a different perspective, depending on how they were reared. Whatever the case, I think a good question ought to bring people together, not cause more problems. Asking good questions is so important to cultivating great relationships, and I think the type of questions that are asked are a sort of barometer of maturity, no matter what age. Of course the flip side of that is being responsible to respond, and in the most helpful manner possible. And of course, there are those questions that I don't like being asked, and I'm learning take it in stride and keep pushing to be open about everything about my life. I think genuine curiosity ought to be appreciated more so than it has over the years. I really undervalued my own curiosity in the early years, but now that I am of the age of understanding, I will always remind myself that no question is ever really "dumb", cuz after all, I do have to start somewhere.

Man, why didn't I ask more questions when I was younger?!! :)

2007-02-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

Lenten Journey 2007 - A Dental Analogy

The Lenten season commenced this past Wednesday (Ash Wednesday), and for many it may be a time of reflection. For redirection. For Healing from brokenness. For answers.

In the almost 12 years that I have been a Christian, I've never taken the Lenten season that seriously until last year. I mean, I reflect a lot, and I think through things, praying that every big decision I've made has been done so with mix of wisdom, prudence, and just plain guts. But as I look back on last few years of my life, and how busy I have made my life to be (via long work hours, wasted time watching too much t.v., healing from some relationship woe's), I found myself arriving at outcomes different from what I intended to do. And of course, because I'm the self-proclaimed illustration-prince, the first thing that came to mind was my teeth, and the Dentist.

I know. I know. Why a Dental analogy you say? Let me try and explain myself...

My teeth have a funny way of accumulating calculus on the inner-side of my teeth, no matter how much I brush. But to avoid TMI and to make my point, the calculus buildup around the inner-side of the teeth is much like hardening of my heart (figuratively here; my physical heart is strong as an ox). As a result, I have not been as reflective, I haven't been pro-active enough in reaching out to the poor, I've not been as disciplined (i.e. prayer, fasting, regular devotionals, resting). And much like I feel "guilty" when I go to the dentist and find out I have all this build-up, I realize that some vital parts of my life have been lacking because I've somehow produced some build-up around my heart.

So what's a Win to do? Time to make an appointment with the 'Dentist'. And by 'Dentist', I mean God.

As I read today's reading from Henri Nouwen's Show Me the Way, my heart and my thoughts began to quiet down. I realized a little more of what I need to actively do during Lent this year. As I pray for God to chisel down my slighly hardened heart, I hope to regain a greater sense of love and gratitude than I've ever had before. I have so much to be thankful for, and I almost boxed it up for storage. While I believe that it is God's love and his people that have watched over me all these years, I have to learn to respond with more urgency.

You know, in the apparent dark times of my life, its hard to see things around you. You hope also that you are not alone and that love and support come to your aid. And then I'm reminded that many times all you have to do is look up, and the Light is closer than you think.

I encourage you that if you are observing Lent or are going through a journey in your life currently, please take a moment and check out the "Lenten Journey 2007" blog site, hosted and provided for by my good friends.

www.lentenjourney2007.blogspot.com

2007-02-21T12:27:00.000-08:00

30 years, and KICKING

This past week, I turned 30. While turning 30 is not the glamourous part, as the Valentine heart-shaped cake that my sister gave me can attest to, the events immediately leading up to it were awesome; and the festivities are still on-going!

I'M 30 FOO!

First, to kickoff 2007 (literally), I jetted off to AZ to attend the 2007 BCS College Football Championship. As a former native of Ohio, I waited 19 years for the opportunity to go (well more like till I could afford it). The Ohio State Buckeyes vs. The Florida Gators. I went solo with intention of trying to meet folks and mingle during any pre-game parties I could find. While I only managed to engage in small talk with a bunch of people, the

experience was awesome! Everywhere I looked, red, red, red...and some blue (later I learned the OSU fans totally outnumbered the Gator fans). Then at random times, different crowds would chant "O--H!!!" and the corresponding response "I --O!!!" I couldn't risk getting drunk (then again, I've never been) since I didn't know anyone nor did I have my hotel address with me, so I just pretended. Ha ha, what the hay, it's FOOSBALL!!! During the game, the stadium was blistering loud, and luckily I sat in the OSU side of the stadium. However, the 2 people on my left, the 4 on my right and the 4 behind me were Gator fans. Out of the thousands of OSU fans, I had to pick the seat with Gator fans around me. Seriously, am I a magnet for the opposites attract. During the game, the cheering was blistering loud! It was unbelievable! But soon the tone changed as the Gators defense and short-pass offense chomped away at the Buckeye lines. Sadly, OSU got whooped-on 44-14. The relatively small Gator contingent were strong in spirit and play. I take my hat off to them...they showed up for the game.

Next up was snowboarding at Snowboarding at Big Bear. I was a bit nervous, as I hadn't gone in over 6 years, and at that time, due to improper footing, I nearly messed up my knees. Not to be repeated! This time I

triple checked and learned that I am a goofy footing. While there had been no snowfall for the couple weeks leading up to the day, Big Bear, and as only Big Bear can do, blew a ton of snow and I must say, it is a well kept place.

With goofy footing, some cool friends, and tons of determination, we hit the slopes. I managed to fall a few times, but very lightly, and I was surprised that I was not that sore afterwards. To me it was a successful day, so much so that I plan to come back in a few weeks to continue the momentum. Look out X-Games!!! Big shout out to Henry & co. for setting up the outing and the great accommodations!

Superbowl Sunday. My cousin's wedding. What is wrong with the picture?

Hint: THE WEDDING IS ON SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!!

Well, I think my cousin got enough grief, and for the occasion, it is well worth the sacrifice to miss the big game. Thank God for Tivo!!! hee hee.

The wedding was at the beautiful La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates, CA.

The family was out in full force: from Hong Kong to Canada, from the Bay Area to Irvine, we were out to have us a wedding!!! The scenery was postcard perfect.

And the kids were cute.

Too cute.

And then...my big PHAT berfday. Here was my initiation:

First was dinner at Woodranch BBQ & Grill with my sis and cousin (super awesome tri-tip y'all). Thanks guys for dinner and some good 'ol family bonding. On the way back, my sister says, "um, the cake I got you might be a little inappropriate...it's not what I ordered, but oh well" (loose paraphrase of her actual words). Inappropriate? Well, I guess a Valentine heart cake (above) was not the first thing that came to mind. But we family-it's coo, it's coo.

Next a good friend from my previous company invited me over for dinner with their family to celebrate her husband's b-day. I was surprised when they also had a small little cake for me as well.

And then, they told me to take a bite without using my hands. They told me it was tradition. I said "huh?" They said just do it. I said "huh?". Then I did it, and got my face smashed into it. I shoulda seen that one coming. Ha ha, it was fun. I didn't plan on that happening until my wedding day

V & J, thanks so much for the awesome Columbian tamales and your geniune hospitality. I had a great time.
Next a bunch of other friends took me out to Cheesecake Factory at the one and only Irvine Spectrum. Friends from college, previous work and church graciously came out to spend time with me. And because many good things come in 3's...the restaurant smelled my name wrong on my cheesecake (above). For the night, my name was 'Kristin'.

All you all, thanks very much for your kindness, generousity and friendships.

And then as I was about to turn 40...just kidding ( I swear, my friends are super generous), my friends from work threw me in to their victory dinner. The dinner was originally the result of a bet from a college football game this past season. MBI's Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. YY's USC Trojans. The Trojans won the game. Since it was busy at work, they didn't have a chance until last week to finally go. And, I was graciously invited by both to partake in their dinner, but as the berfday boy. I was knocked down one on the totem pole...I only got to eat the scraps. Just kidding! The venue was Mastro's Steakhouse. The steaks: Mastro-piece! Very fine dining and we had a good time. The most interesting thing we had were their wasabi mash potatoes.

Thanks MBI and YY for a great dinner and for allowing me to share a meal with you all. It is great working with you.

(ooh, yikes...you can see my muffin top belly...that's gonna leave a mark..)

I still don't know what to say about turning 30. It hasn't hit me yet. It's like that thing where when you write your first check of the new year and you put last year's date on it out of habit. I still feel like I'm in 20's habit mode. When it finally does hit me, I will blog the play-by-play. What I will say is that, I am where I am because the good Lord has watched over me. He has put so many great people in my life, that it is a true blessing to know and feel that you are loved, accepted, the butt of some jokes, and valued. There are so many others that are not on this post that I want to give a shout to. Thank you all for your friendships. Good times. Good times.

2007-01-08T01:07:00.000-08:00

Zoom, Focus, and....Inspiration!

A camera analogy.

Photography has been my own little hobby for about 11 years. I love the craft because many aspects of photography remind me of life: zoom in and out to change the perspective; fine focus for clarity; and 'snap', execute.

While spending quality time with family this holiday season, a gentle knudge of inspiration decided to pay me a visit. Why? I don't know. It just happens; kinda like the candid photography I am accustom to taking.

Ok. Ok. Let me try and put my thoughts together here...

ZOOM: 2006 has been a year of endurance and renewal. The first 9 months can be summed up this way: moving into a new house (the fruit of 4 years of planning); enduring long work hours, and working through borderline burn-out. The last 3 months: a second chance to re-group at work; small chunks of time off to re-think my intentions and career, and most importantly, quality time with family.

FOCUS: So now I understand much better what is working for me, and what doesn't work. Trying to be 'superman' is just not going to happen. Wanting to do everything at once is not the wisest route to go. The biggest sacrifice I gave was all my time. In the spirit of giving myself, I neglected to care for myself: I gained much of my weight I lost the previous year back, I did not make enough time to nurture my relationships with folks and I missed out on some learning opportunities. I did discover something toward the tail end of the year-my patience in persevering grew a bit stronger.

and now, it's time to take the picture...

EXECUTE: For 2007 and beyond, my new mantra is "no excuses." Period. I lost discipline in so many areas of my life, such as my own spiritual nourishment, fitness, and taking initiative. Not that I was ever super great at any of them before, but it's enough for me to realize that I have disappointed myself one too many times the past couple years. I learned in greater detail that if you want be taken seriously, you have to be serious about it first within yourself. No one will 'spoon feed' character, if I want to grow, I gotta WANT to grow.

I have never been a person of vision (except when I look through the view finder of a camera), and perhaps visioning is not my gifting. What I believe is my gifting, and what will partially help me in my continuing journey through 2007 is my patience and my perseverance. Beginning in 2007, I also want to learn to inspire people. When I look at all the friends I have and see how well they are doing, how genuine they are in character, the risks they take and how they work through their own trials, I get inspired. While there are many books that talk about inspiration and leadership...I personally think the best kind comes unscripted and is informal. So along those lines, this year I will begin taking the risks I think will help me be such a person...at least as best as I can be. If I can learn to be more encouraging and inspirational like some of the pictures I have taken over the years, I will have made a giant leap in the right direction.

As I turn 30 this year, I want to make it one of the most proactive years of my life. Specifically, these my goals (and in no particular order):

-study and take brokers exam
-study and take the GMAT
-attend ICSC (conference for retail real estate professionals)
-begin looking at graduate business programs
-look for a new opportunity to serve my community (church or non-church)
-fine tune my investment strategy
-READ more books (I'm such a slacker!)
-make dinner for small groups of friends periodically
-learn new dishes creations to cook
-get to 160lbs (or less...ha, ha..naw seriously, I think I can do it)

The time to capture the moment is always present. One blink you see it; one blink and it's gone. I hope and pray for a steady heart and willingness to take such risks. Some months ago, my pastor said something during a sermon that has rung in my ears ever since. He said (at that time, of our church; here I am applying the idea to my life) that there is no failure in trying-the failure is not trying. I can say for myself that I don't know what the outcome will be like for the risks I am preparing to take; but I won't know until I take that proverbial 'picture'.

Wow, when I look at the list above...YIKES! But you know what, the odds have always been against me since I can remember; and I am no where near giving up yet.

Here's to a New Year and to new possibilities!

2006-12-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

An undeniable movie demands a real response.

I just got done watching Al Gore's movie, and it is really eye-opening. For someone that is semi-conscious about saving energy and fuel, recycling and well, of course, money, this movie knocked me 50 years into the future--and it is not a land flowing with milk-and-honey. Yikes!

In this well presented, well documented and carefully researched topic, Al Gore has made the clearest, and what I feel, undebatable case that the earth is under attack--not by terrorism, and certainly not by aliens--but by our own wasteful habits and convenience.

I'm not an expert, and I would do a disservice summarizing the movie (which is another way of saying WATCH THE MOVIE!!) I will probably ease into changing my habits like a person inching their way gradually into a cold swimming pool, but I honestly can say I will be more conscious of the environment than before.

I think what is neat about Al Gore's presentation is that it's down to earth. He's casual and well spoken in this film--very "unpolitician-esk". (I've lately had this criticism of politicians, but that's a different discussion) What is also cool is that for almost his whole life he has been deeply passionate about this issue; and it shows that he cares, and cares enough to go all over the world to speak and spread the word. I respect and appreciate him and his message. I hope many others will also.

2006-11-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

Golf in the
"Biggest Little City in the World!"

A couple weekends ago, my co-worker buddies and I hit the road, driving up in our pimped-out Ford Explorer rental to Reno, NV to join JJ's family for an annual golf mini-tournament. Aside from the almost 13 total hours of travel time, we were super psyched for that coveted hobby we have come to love - GOLF!

DAY 1: Lake Ridge Golf Course

Format: 2 teams of 3; best-ball play; no handicaps; winning team receives $20 per individual.

We were fortunate in that the course marshall started us off in what is called "shot-gun" fashion, by letting us start on hole 14, while other teams are started on different holes throughout the course as their first start off hole. (the benefit is that it relieves golfer congestion and maximizes player satisfaction). While it took about 6 holes for me to warm up my Drives, my trusty teammate JJ had his game-on. I did have decent middle shots and putts, but combined we had a balanced team effort.

Check out the absolutely awesome Hole 15. The tee box is elevated about 300 feet above the green level, 190 yards to the green, which is on an island. Yes, on an island!!! On this hole, we were given 3 chances each to hit it on the green. I biffed 3 times.

The competition was close. How close? The margin of victory was 1 stroke, almost down to the wire. JJ and I dug deep for the win. Whew, cuz we were sweatin bullets, but hey, no pressure!And for the record, this course was very good looking course.

Later that night, we enjoyed all-you-can-eat sushi at the Atlantis Hotel & Casino. To cap the night off, I played a little roulette and won me a cool $60. (using the hit-n-run strategy, I made approx. $160 total, from 3 separate sittings). Look-out Vegas, here I come!! ha ha.

Day 2: Wild Creek Golf Course

Format: same 2 teams of 3; best-ball play; no handicaps; winning team receives $40 per individual.

Man, I tell you, even though I warmed up with a 1/2 bucket of balls, I still had a cold start that lasted me through about the first 4 holes. Once again, JJ brought his A-game Drives. I took some time the previous night to assess my putting snafu's, and this day my putts were a lot better. We needed all we could get...thank goodness for teammates!

Talk about pressure, like the previous day, the competition went down to the final hole. JJ & I pulled even within our threesome. We looked to JJ's dad, in the other threesome, to pull us through. On Hole 18, it came down to the last putt. And sure enough, JJ's dad putts the clincher. What a round! What a weekend!

This post is dedicated to my homees, JJ & BI, and to JJ's dad and family for setting up the weekend, and showing us generous hospitality, AND let me not forget, for bringing their A-games!

(More pictures to follow)

2006-10-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

Grillin like a Villian

Yes, that be my new grill. And yes, I have crossed over into a new realm of cooking. At heart, and by strength, I am a kitchen guy. But hey, sometimes kitchen guys need a little air. :)

So what lucky menu items broke in the hunk of metal?

1. Tri-tip from Trader Joes. We seasoned it with a dry rub from my trusty Costco cook book.

2. Seasoned Yellow-Tail cooked on Cedar plank. Dude does that sucker smoke! And it smell gooooooooood.

3. Blackened King Salmon from Pike Place Fish Market (straight from Seattle, WA). We can taste why the place is so popular.

Grilling is a tricky thing. I realize that there will be some trial and error with getting the right texture and medium-rareness that is OH-SO-GOOD!

Wait...shhh...did you hear that?...I think i heard...could it be?....I think it is:

FIRE IT UP MONKYFRIES!!!

Added Bonus: I checked on sears.com and my grill is further discounted by $70! So I go to the store I purchased from, and sure enough, they have the price guarantee program! Sweet! I get my card credited back $75 (w/ tax), and that brings my savings on the grill to a total of $150!

2006-10-02T01:09:00.000-07:00

Feelin Crabby...and Oh so deliciou-oso!

Finally after 9 long hard months at work and meeting one of most important deadlines of the year, it is safe to say that I was able to comfortably enjoy a weekend of rest. To kick things off, I joined my fab-2 homies for an early morning tee-off at Costa Mesa Golf Club. Back-9 special of course. OF COURSE!! Then when I got back home, I naturally got in that mode of thinking that I have put aside for the last several months: "what new thing can I attempt to cook?"

I pulled 2 cookbooks that I acquired over the years as gifts, "Cooking the Costco Way" and "How to Cook Everything", and I began to flip through the through the pages, hoping something would jump out at me.

An hour passes by, and I'm still looking. Don't you hate when you get to that point where you spent too much time thinking about something, you almost drown-out your own enthusiasm?

Uh Uh. Not this time.

So I close my eyes, I dig deep, and there it is, page 331. Crab cakes. Of course! I've always wanted to learn and make crab cakes! I stick with it.

Alright, the appetizer is chosen, now for the main dish. The first thing that came to mind next was Pesto. Hmm, something with Pesto. So I ask my roommate for his Pesto recipe. Since I have spent about an hour and a half already, I decided to keep it simple. Main dish: Grilled chicken w/ Pesto over Fetticine. I asked my other roommate to come up with a vegetable dish to add to the meal. His contribution: sauteed asparagus w/ sun dried tomatoes.

As I was making the crab cakes, I stumbled upon another similar recipe, which called for worchester sauce. Being the crazy experimenter that I am, I decide to add some, along with some chives and a squeeze of lemon. When I cook from a recipe, I almost always add/change to it. The worchester sauce was a good call!

The neatest part of the dinner was cooking it together with my roommates. Tim prepared his pesto, James prepped his asparagus dish, and I was all over the crab cakes!

For my first time, the crab cakes came out pretty good. I pan crisped them, which gave it a nice outer coating. Next time, I will add a bit more lemon and more pepper for spice. My quest to perfect a crab cake recipe has begun. I was thinking next time instead of mustard, to substitute it with wasabi. Stay tuned for that expiriment.

The pesto was awesome! Everything came together pretty nicely, without being too strenuous or going overboard. In this case, it was ok to feel crabby! O(o.o)O

2006-09-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

FRIENDSHIPS ARE LIKE THE MOON

(Disclaimer: I am not an astronomer nor a philospher. I am just a simple guy trying to understand life in general...and no, I'm not saying people are moons)

At the conclusion of my freshmen year of college, I applied for summer school at a community college to take care of my 1 life science and 1 physical science pre-requisites. My selections: Astronomy and General Biology. For sake of the topic, I will put biology aside.

Astronomy is such a fun class. I find it a bit astronomical (ha ha, get it, astronomy, astronomical...nevermind I'll laugh to myself) that I would use one of the things I learned there to illustrate my latest reflection on friendship. (I'm still laughing at my...[sigh], nevermind.)

Ever wonder about the moon? Believe it or not, we see the same side of the moon (when full), almost always. Is the moon flat? Is it just a stuck piece of bright rock? Answers: No; and not really. The moon is in what's called "synchronous rotation" meaning that the rate at which the moon actually rotates (spins) and the rate at which the moon orbits (revolves) around the earth are the same. There are slight variations called libration, where, depending on the moon's orbital position, a few degrees of extra moon are apparent. The moon is very much active, alive and kicking!

The sychronous rotation is like a constant, similar to how I think a good friendship ought to be. A friend will always show their face to you (and hopefully not 'moon' you...ha ha...[sigh]. Through the good and the hard times, friends provide that constance in our lives, via support, encouragement and honesty. While people have individual experiences, those are the slight variations that simply come with life. In the grand scheme, a friend of several years is like the moon.

Now I realize that as I use this illustration, there is that dark side of the moon we never see. I am not suggesting that we keep the "dark sides" of ourselves from our friends, or those we love. I feel that close friends will alleviate the tendencies to hide those parts of us from them. Then again, we may have friends/acquaintances that are like the dark side of the moon, and we only see the front, always. Again, for sake of the topic, I will return to the original illustration of the constant moon.

Question: What kind of friend are you? What kind of friends 'revolve' around you? I think about these questions for myself, and think I for a good part of my latter life (after age 14) I've been pretty constant as a friend. However, I will be the first to admit, I can totally do much better! There are probably many other concepts and thoughts that can be extracted from the moon illustration, and respectfully, everyone is entitled to their freedom. I realize that during this time of reflection and "How People Grow" series at my church, that there are much deeper aspects of friendship I am still learning to apply. I believe that a better understanding of true and honest friendship is a key element to growing.

Other 'useless' facts about the moon that I remember from that class, 10 years ago:

1. The moon itself is not a source of light. The moon actually reflects about 40% of the sun's light. The planet's reflective property is known as it's albedo.

2. The earth only has one moon. (ha, go figure!)

3. The 'kind' of moon that we see (crescent, waxing/waning gibbous, full) is due to the position of the moon relative to the earth and the sun. Remember, as the earth rotates and orbits the sun, the moon is rotating and orbiting earth.

4. It takes about 27 days for the moon to fully orbit the earth.

5. When you see a full moon and it's kind of orange color, the moon is in Earth's umbral (meaning the earth is directly between the sun and moon).

6. When you see a full moon and it's really bright, the moon is in the Earth's penumbral shadow (meaning the earth is indirectly between the sun and the moon).

7. Similar to Earth's orbit of the sun, the moon has an eliptical orbit about the earth.

Whew, I'm all mooned out now.

2006-09-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

Mr. Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin dies in accident.

Wow, this is shocking.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060904/ap_on_en_tv/obit_irwin

He made things fun, and his persona was upbeat and passionate. He was so fun to watch.

I will miss the fellow. He died doing what he was passionate about. I can't help but admire a person like him.

2006-08-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

Screwed up, but Loved

I initally started this blog to not only ramble, but to use it as a 'tablet' to log deep thoughts, thoughts that I think matter. I realize I have only done more of the first part, ramble.

Time to re-balance.

At Church service today, I heard a great message that got me a little choked up. And I needed it. Our church community is going through a series on "How People Grow: Stories and Insights About the Process of Growth". No, it's not just about physical growth, but rather digging deeper to discover how God desires us to grow in maturity, healing and wisdom for the darts that life throws at us. To aid us, we are going to go through a book entitled "How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.

Question: Do I love well? What does that really mean, and what does it really look like?

After both my parents passed away 16 years ago, I have been searching for the answers to what it means to be truly loved. And not just by God (although the most important), but by the people I hold close to my heart, or think that I do- namely my family and close friends. When I lost my folks, I also thought I lost love too. I was 13 years old, the pivotal pre-teen age and first real major fork-in-the-road (in my opinion). I had no idea how that event would really impact my relationships with others, and whether I could ever love people in a genuine and deep way. Man, I thought I would be all screwed up. For a young boy who didn't grow up in any church setting, I could have easily have an F-you attitude and shut everyone out.

While all these thoughts were running through my mind, I could feel myself getting 'cold'. So what happens when you see your child getting cold? You clothe them, or wrap a blanket around them. And in a beautiful, metaphorical way, that is exactly what my extended family has done. They came to mine and my sister's aid. They took us in as their own and loved us. I believe with all my heart, and without a doubt that such love was Love come down from God. When I thought my life was going to be screwed up, love came.

Sixteen years later, love is still teaching me. Each year after my folks' passing, my heart began to soak in pieces of what I understood love to be: how to be sensitive to others who have lost loved ones, and mourn with them; how to discern who are the right people to surround myself with (high school, church, etc); how to make decisions that put others before myself, and without hurting myself; to be generous in heart and actions; to learn to embrace discipline and suck it up; to not complain so much because it only produces more unnecessary negativity; to listen intently to people and face them; and most importantly for me, to THINK ALWAYS before I spoke--it just sucks to say something that you will end up regretting. (I still do it sometimes, but I'm much better than I used to be).

Lately, I've had some moments where I feel 'stuck'. Not crazy, thankfully, just a little stuck. Our pastor shared of the merits of counseling, and that one of the prime things that counselors are able to do is help people get "un-stuck". Moreover, God's love can unstick us from the things holding us back: broken relationships, loss, depression, etc. I would not do justice, unless I mentioned the passage used during the message, Luke 7: 36-50. Short synopisis: Jesus is dining at the home of one of the politicians of those days, and a woman who led a sinful life, comes to the feet of Jesus weeping and uses a jar of expensive perfume on his feet, wiping it and her tears with her own hair. The politician judged her on the spot. She came with a faith and show of genuine and deep affection for Jesus. Jesus then said to the woman: "Your faith has saved you; go in peace". Translation: this woman knew how to love well, because she was first loved. That notion to me is beautiful. (Oh yeah, Jesus taught that politician an important lesson also).

Love is the most reciprocal act I can think of. While I am far from perfect in my actions, I find myself trying harder and harder to love better, to treat others with fairness and dignity. I will admit that life took a few cheap shots at me, but I am a persistent bastard. I will not go down without a fight and I hate giving up. Stubborness is only good when you grow from it and are moving forward in life. I have my parents, first, and the rest of my family to thank for teaching me that.

So the journey to love better and be loved continues. Stay tuned.

2006-08-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is way too funny dude! Why didn't I think of that in school! Man, calculus kicked my a--!!

2006-08-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

2 Things

1. I did about 1.25 shots-worth of Japanese saki the other day. (Apparently that is debatable). Anyway, all I know is that's new record for me.

2. I weighed in at 178.2lbs - a .4lb gain from previous week's weigh in. Oh well, got to try a bit harder. I know I lost something, I don't have to strain to button my pants. My poor pant's buttons, their all on their last threads.... hee hee.

Besides work being busy, it was fairly tame week. Tomorrow is the JEMS softball tournament. My team's first game is at 10:15am--whew, glad we didn't get the 8am game! The last few practices looked pretty good, come game time, NO MERCY!!!

2006-08-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

Roadtrip-06 - Reloaded

Ok, you've asked for it, well, actually no asked, I've just been slow to deliver. So I've finally managed to edit and re-arrange the album of my roadtrip this past May.

Heads-up, if you are going to view the slideshow, be sure you have phat chunk of time, because it is 328 pictures long. Yeah, can you believe I chopped that down from 400 pictures! It only took me 3 months!

If you've never been to Oregon, Washington or Vancouver B.C., I highly recommend it.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2104763531&code=23649624&mode=invite&DCMP=isc-email-AlbumInvite

2006-08-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

WHAT: The 10-week diet

OBJECTIVE: To lose weight

PROBLEM: To LOSE the weight

Two weeks ago, my work buddies and I went back on the program. Our 10-week diet program, that is. It's not officially a competition, but rather an accountability and mutual support group to try and lose the weight the we easily gained over the past year, since our last efforts. One has adopted some of the South Beach diet practices, where you are supposed to only do very little carbs for at least the first 2 weeks. I am doing the Jamba Juice lunch approach, with a sensible dinner, almost 0 fast food and some gym time. Jamba has curbed my diet, and has become a lower calorie substitute for food. Amazingly, my appetite feels smaller by the day!

There is a spreadsheet I created to help us track our progress. First you fill in your start weight. Then you fill in the total lbs. you want to lose, (i.e. goal setting). What the spreadsheet does is calculate the avg. lbs that each would have to lose per week, to make the target weight by the 10th and final week. Weigh in is every Monday, which helps remind us that we need to eat responsibly over the weekend--the most vulnerable time to mess up. The average lbs. is a progressive figure, such that after weigh in, it calculates the average you need to lose per week to make the goal. The first couple weeks are hard as hell; but soon enough the discipline begins to sink in. Thank God!!!

I figure I should log my weight progress on a weekly basis, My start weight was 178.6. Last week I weighed in 177.8-a measily .8 lbs. I did pretty good overall last week. I might be teetering on a 2-lb. loss for the past week. I did a lot of athletic activity, and at my age, I have survived to tell about. Just kidding, I guess I'm not that old yet. :) But I still survived!

2006-08-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

When it's Hot, IT IS HOT!!!
(a blogspot mini-rewind)

Yes, take a good look at the picture: one is the time of day, and the other is the outside temperature on the I 5N freeway. Can you guess which is which?
Yep, It's 1:14 pm, and it's 512 degrees. Crazy huh? Crazy enough that you start seeing dyslexic. Right reading: time: 5:12pm, 114 degrees.

Then again 512 degrees did not feel that far fetched. It was unbelievably hot on my 41st roadtrip to Northern California. Probably the hottest on record for me. It was practically the same temperature driving up and coming back. So hot in fact that the news made a big deal about this day (pick a day, any day from the past week) being the highest recorded usage of utility demand in CA history. No offense, but a state as big as we are, with as much money we have (8th GDP entity in the world) would have a shortage of electricity and several incidences of power outages. (I think it's a conspiracy! I'm not crazy! I'm hot, but I'm not crazy!!)

I went up for a friend's wedding 2 weekends ago, and yes, you
guessed it, it was HOT! The wedding ceremony itself was indoors, but the reception was in a nice metro-urban place called the Valencia Hotel in San Jose's Santana Row shopping district. The hotel had this beautiful outdoor courtyard, but on this joyous day, it happened to be during a major (unexpected) heat wave. Oh well, enough about the heat for a moment, back to the wedding. It was a fun wedding in that I caught up with friends I hadn't seen or spoken to for a while. I was really encouraged to see one of my early sprititual mentors, Henry (sorry, no picture), who I consider one of the most influential people in my life. It was great seeing him and his wife Arleen-God bless those guys! Once again, congratulations Pegs & Chris (above)!!

For me, a Nor-Cal trip would not be complete without me talking about my nephew and niece: Zach & Hannah. Zach just turned 6 and will be entering 1st grade this coming year. Hannah is 4 and will be applying to Cal-Tech in the fall...just kidding; she is a clever girl. I love 'em. Maybe another year or so, I can snag them to come stay a week down here with me. Kids are amazing-sometimes they remind you of how clever you used to be (and what it has evolved to, present day), but how much more important it is that they need caring adults to help them develop well in a super-complex and crazy world. Zach & Hannah always remind me of how love never fails.

Did I mention it was hot? :)

2006-08-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

DRAFT DAY!!! The Cleveland Launchers Strikes Back!

Gear up boys and girls, NFL Season is back in swing...and d'ya know what that means? Fantasy Foosball ba-by!!! Yeee-Yeah!!!

Dun, dun, dun, da...Dun, dun, dun da da da Da...
Whose ready for some foosball? OMG, I am stressed out. I will no doubt lose sleep over this. Last season, I suffered too many single digit defeats only to smack talk my way straight to last place. BOO!!! I was totally glad and grateful that I was able to land the first draft pick for Season 2.

Wait huh? Yikes! First pick, this is just NUTS!!!

Of course I'll be ok, better than ok. I've been waiting 1/2 a year for the fun-filled excitement of fantasy football with fellow co-workers and friends. This season has been beefed up and primed for the big leagues. This year we managed to enlist 12 fine individuals to have a more competitive (yet fun, of course fun!) head-to-head combat of wills, strategery, and battle for a small pot of 'gold' for the victor.

My Team Logo: Mugatu. Don't ask me why. But we think it's funny!

Since it's still pre-draft, I will not divulge my master-roster until we are complete. But dude, what to pick?! What to pick?!

Well, I know what I'll be mulling over in my sleep tonight...

2006-07-11T00:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Berfday Day..."Stinker!!"

Last night I drove up to LA to take my sis and Rob to

, probably the 2nd largest garlic hub next to Gilroy. This place is just NUTS! Everything has garlic, including the ice cream.

For starters, we had the Bagna Calda

which is: (Garlic soaking in a hot tub) Garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil and butter with a hint of anchovy. A wonderful treat for spreading on our house-baked focaccia bread. Served at your table in an iron skillet.

We also had the popcorn calamari. Both were delish!

And for the main event: my sister had the Garlic Braised Boneless Short Rib (I wish I had a picture, but I forgot my camera...I know, it's a tease to talk about it without being able to see it). Rob had the Forty Clove Garlic Chicken roasted on the bone. I had the Surf & Turf: Medium Cut, Garlic Roasted Prime Rib and 1/2 Crab. Despite getting a little bit of heart burn, I thought the food was great. I could get used to super garlicky stuff.

I was afraid the next day that I would totally stink of garlic and have to shower 3 times to keep the pores clean. While I didn't stink topically, I did have gas in unspeakable quantities. Let's just say "Gilroy had nothing on me!".

TMI. I know.

To cap off the evening, the restaurant helped to celebrate my sis's b-day with a serving of their Gilroy's Famous Garlic Ice Cream with Caramel Molé Sauce. The waiter didn't know my sis's name, so when we got to that one part in the song, he said "happy birthday dear STINKER!".... The ice cream takes a little warming up to--it certainly is not for the faint of heart. My sister couldn't continue past the first bite. Rob, he took a couple, and then he tapped out. I dug deep from within all that was in me and finished off the scoop. Toward the end I began liking it. How often do you eat 'garlic ice-cream?

At any rate, my sis is young lady now. Not the kid-sister I used to bully around; although we'll still always laugh at our 'toilet humor'. She has grown up to be a smart and beautiful person, just like our Mom. I could not thank God more for how He has provided for us, and opened the door for us to go to college (our folks did not go to college) and to have a job, amidst the unstable marketplace. I am thankful that she is down here in So-Cal--it wouldn't be the same without her.

2006-07-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

4th and Bowl

Nothing like celebrating the 4th of July with a couple good friends and at the Hollywood Bowl. This large outdoor ampitheater, located in Hollywood (naturally) is a great venue for cool concerts-a must for visitors to southern California.

This year's show featured the Bowl's own Symphony Orchestra playing American favorites during the 1st half of the show, and featuring Kenny Loggins during the 2nd half of the evening. Yeah, the "Footloose" song, yes, now I know! Kenny rocked the house playing various songs that he wrote and performed throughout his early career. (sorry, I'm so music illiterate, I forgot what songs he actually played--but I assure you they were great and got me clappin. He got many-a-women off their seats dancing, singing and drooling (he's kind of old though...oh well, I guess I'm too young to appreciate them as the women did).

Later in the evening, the Bowl put on a nice display of

fireworks as only the Hollywood Bowl can deliver! It is rather cool, depending on if you sit toward the back where you are actually higher than the fireworks themselves! There is always that sense of awe and amazement when watching fireworks. I am always intrigued by the new designs and formations--it really is a great testament to our freedom to live and create in this country. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience the celabration year after year, when I know that there are many places in the world that still experience strife and civil war. My late dad, was a veteran, who served in the the Korean War. In my own special way, I thank those soldiers who are overseas serving our nation. While I don't agree with all the reasons we get involved in overseas affairs, I will never discount the sacrifice and lives they set aside to fight for our freedom. Henry K-I'm glad you are back from Iraq. Allan S. - shout out to you over in Germany (I think that's where you are). Congratulations on your new baby girl. God Bless both you guys.

So yeah, as I was saying, Hollywood Bowl is cool.

2006-06-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

The Blog: Woo Returns

Besides being a bit busy at work, I don't know what has gotten into me over the past month to keep me from blogging...but it SUCKS!!!

Ok, since I'm not the gun-n-shoot guy I used to be (man, am I getting rusty, or what?), I thought a good way to warm-up and reset the palette is to show some food.

This is not just any food. Uh oh, my finger tips are getting a little warm...I might just blog away the past month in review; nope, mu..st con...tain...the...urge....!....

SMACK! POW!! KABOOM!

Nothing like uppercutting yourself to knock the senses back into their sockets. Ok, I focused now.

A few weeks ago, I had to travel for work and had the food of my life. On the company of course.

OF COURSE!!!

Food this good should not go unblogged. Food this good will damage your keyboard (from the drool).

The Restuarant: Michael Mina
The City: SF, CA
The Buzz: Bon Appetit Chef of the Year 2005, San Francisco Magazine Chef of the Year 2005, and Restaurateur of the Year 2005 by the International Food and Beverage Forum.

The following is the 3-course meal I experienced. I have never chewed my food more than 40 times per bite until this day. This is as fancy as it gets for me.

The appetizer (sorry it was dark, and I didn't want to look like a dork flasing my camera)

Next: Seared Diver Scallops ~ Marinated Scallops Meyer Lemon, Osetra CaviarSweet Corn, Black TruffleScarlet Beet, Maine Lobster

Next: Kobe-Style Beef Rib Roast - Braised Zabaton; Artichoke Roasted Garlic, Morel, Mushroom JusWasabi Garbanzo Beans, Radish, TeriyakiHorseradish Fingerling, Caramelized Onion, Worcestershire.

I've never had meat that literally melts in your mouth.

Next: ChocolatePeanut Butter Pudding Cake, Peanut Butter Shake Banana Bread Pudding, Banana Pot de CremeDevil's Food Cake, Caramel Sundae

THEN...

It was off to Chicago for some training. The windy city wasn't that windy that week. So the buzz is that Chicago is home of the deep dish pizza. How deep you say?

The Restuarant: Giordano's Restaurant & Pizzeria
The City: Chicago, IL
The Buzz: How deep you say?

Now that's DEEP!! Yes, the pizza is bigger than DK! No camera tricks or PhotoShop necessary. Ambulance may be required.

I love my job. :)

2006-05-31T00:58:00.000-07:00

I am all WestCoast now baby!! Roadtrip 06 - 1 for the road, 3 for the memories

In my 16 years living in out here in the west coast, I have traveled border-to-border along the west coast. This lookback at our recent 3,000 mile journey is dedicated to two great friends who literally went the extra mile to train me as a co-worker and nearly 7 years later consider me as a brother. Rex, you are straight pinoy yo! David, "Kim Chee" in da house!! I am thankful for the opportunity to hit the road with you guys - and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again with y'all again! (even with yo 80s music lovin & gigglin). Go Sirius satelite radio!!!

While this is not all the pictures, there are 400+ more where these came from baby! (link to follow shortly). I am a picture shootin foo-man-chu!!!

Enough of me, let the pics do the talking:

From Sac-town to Tinseltown...

A serene spot near Portland (T) and the PHAT Pike Place Fish Co in Seattle (B)

Find the Frappacino in this picture...have you found it yet?

Smell that Vancouver air [sniff...aaahh], now that's freshness you can see and feel.

Let us back! Let us back! We're not fobs, we have passports!!

On the road, pimpin in our Toyota Camry. YeeYEAH!!

In the land of Redwoods, bushes just don't cut it anymore.
Picture has been blurred to protect Rex's identity.....ha ha!!

Stay tuned...the link to more pics comin' soon. O(o.o)O

2006-05-09T01:33:00.000-07:00

ROADTRIP 06 - Coming soon...

The Woo-ster just clocked 3,000 miles! Pictures and details to come shortly...

If there's one thing about vacations, it's realizing why I don't take more!!!

2006-05-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

NOW LET'S DRIVE OUR HEARTS OUT - UNLIMITED DRIVING BALL MONDAYS!!

MBI and I are going to our training grounds at Lake Forrest Golf to check out their unlimited driving range special tonight, $10 ALL YOU CAN HIT!

Yes ALL YOU CAN HIT!!! AAWW YEAH!!!

After 4 months of long work hours and working Saturdays to meet our annual project deadline, we are going to let out all our pent-up stress and agression to hit golf balls till our arms start shaking and our knees buckle. Yeah, I got your your 250 yard bomb right here!!!

In all honesty, today was the first day in a long while that I can remember feeling relieved at work. While there's still catching up to do on the lower priority items I had to set aside to make our deadline, it is cake-walk level stuff in comparison. I think the hardest part during the last 4 months was having to skim time and be ultra picky with who and when I could spend time with. I have 8 months before next year rebalance my outside life so that this doesn't happen again.

But all in all, doesn't it feel great to finally feel that sense of accomplishment and relief after a long-ass project?

BADOWWW!!!!

Ok, so we've both drank a MONSTER, and we are totally amped right now. I AM POUNDING ON THESE KEYS AS I TYPE!!!!

One more hour till drive time.

Mr. bucket-o-balls, meet our fury!!!!!

(of course in all this excitement, the main objective is to improve our game in the process)

2006-04-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

What's in your wallet?

Doh! I've been tagged by SP about my wallet and music meme:

What's "meme"? Oh well here goes:

In my wallet (and I've been wondering too b/c it feels like I'm sitting on an apple) there is:

-$77 bucks
-7 different friend's business cards
-3 of my own business cards
-Blockbuster Card
-Wolf Camera Frequent Foto Card
-30 game pre-paid bowling card (anyone want to go?)
-DMV change of address card
-Build-A-Bear punch card
-Scottrade info card
-2 ATM cards
-American Express/Costco Platinum credit card
-Discover Platinum card
-MBNA Platinum card
-Smart-N-Final club card
-11 ATM receipts
-1 $2 lotto ticket from last week (hmm, I better check on that)
-AMC gift card
-driver's license
-proof of insurance
-Costco card
-expired AAA card
-Southwest Airlines Rapid rewards card
-American Red Cross blood donor card (I'm O+, making me a "hero")
-Healthcare card

sheesh, I might as well use my own wallet as a footstool for hard to reach places.

Ok, my Music MEME:

Number of records/tapes/CDs I own: less than 30 (I got into music late)
First record/tape/CD I bought: MC Hammer: 2 Legit 2 Quit (hey, stop laughing I said!!)
Last record/tape/CD I bought: Genius Loves Company - Ray Charles
Recordings or songs that mean a lot to me (and/or changed my life): burned CD's from my sis, because somehow she knows what I like, and she takes the time to burn it for me.

If I had to choose a soundtrack of my life, what 5-10 songs would be on it?:
1. More than it Seems - Kutless
2. Someday - Boyz II Men/Mariah Carey
3. The River - Garth Brooks
4. Amazing Love - (various artists; but same words)
5. Justified - According to John
6. 1000 Miles - The Proclaimers
7. Free fallin - Tom Petty (I just like the melody so much)

Ok, so am I allowed to tag? Is there anyone left?

2006-04-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Chronic-what!

http://www.nbc.com/Video/videos/snl_1432_narnia.shtml

This is hilarious! Why don't they make teaser trailers like this?

woo-tang out.

2006-04-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

2 pair of Hsu's comin to town!

Woohoo! My family's coming from NorCal. They will staying over for a couple days and coming to Easter service this coming weekend.

Then I'll be joining them in sunny San Diego (yeah more sunny than Orange County-beleeedat home-skillet!) for a couple days to spend some very missed quality time with them and the kids. Zachy (almost 6) and Hannah (4) grow up every time I see them. I'll be playing with them at Legoland - a first time for all of us.

Legos rock!!!

And as if the timing couldn't be better, last Friday, I went to In-N-Out with my co-worker for lunch. The place was crowded, and I asked a gentleman, sitting by himself at a 4-seat table if we could join him and sit next to him. "Sure, please", he said while whoffing his Double-Double. He first asked for directions, and then a conversation ensued about what we each did. This fellow, Chin, is the owner of a chain of successful Chinese Szechwan Cuisine restuarants, 11 locations within the San Diego County area. He had stopped for lunch, on his way back home from a business trip to Waikiki, where he just opened his 12th restaurant. He was very gracious and easy to speak with. Reminded me of one of my uncles. He wrote some special dishes

on my In-N-Out receipt to try when we go.

To make a short story short, this dude will hook us up!!! Not with free food, but LARGE portions. Dinner on me! We are absolutely going eat at one of his restaurants. Chin said, "if you have any problems, have them page me."

YOU DARN RIGHT WE WILL!

2006-04-05T00:59:00.000-07:00

NCAA...IT'S FANTASTIC!!

After a hard fought NCAA basketball tournament, the Bruins put the pedal-to-the-medal, and got chomped by the Florida Gators. Not the ending I hoped for, but the Bruin's overall performance regained my confidence in the blue-n-gold. Next year, I think we still have a chance...I believe baby! I believe!

So as an aside, I entered 3 NCAA pools: my co-worker friend's former company, my old company and my current company. It was a fun way to interact, compete and experience the MaDnEsS!! Can you feel it ba-by?!!!!

So how'd I do? I can't believe how well I did! I won 1 pool, and placed 2nd in two. So what to do?...gotta share the love!! As a gesture of appreciation and celebration, a round of back-9 at Willowwick on me, with Papa Jon, Magnum BI and myself. (after my wrist heals of course). Their friendship, sports enthusiasm and humor make work fun. Then, I'll take my sis and her b.f. to dinner. Do I finally smell The Stinking Rose? [Sssnifff...aaahh]...I do!! Then the last 1/3 will go toward my need-window-blinds-fund for my pad.

Oooh, I got a fever! And the only prescription, is COWBELL!!!

2006-04-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Limb down!! Limb down!!

I sprained my right wrist moving equipment yesterday, and it hurts like a mo-fo. It's quite humbling to lose use of a limb; frustrating also. But in comparison to people who have lost their limb(s) indefinitely, I can only imagine the level of difficulty their lives must be, even emotionally. I am thankful because I know I will heal in a week or two, but I feel I would be insensitive if I didn't take a moment to pray for the people whose lives are impaired by permanent handicap. I have much more respect for these individuals.

One person in particular that comes to mind is this older gentleman that I see sometimes at the swimming pool at my gym. He comes with his plastic grocery bag holding his goggles and shower stuff, wrapped around the handle of one of his 2 crutches as he limps into the pool area. His left leg is noticeably shorter, limp and about 1/4 the size of his good leg. It doesn't reach the ground. I can safely assume his handicap is permanent because it's been about 2 years since I first saw him. To get from the wall to the pool, he slowly hops over and sits on the ground and slides into the pool. I get nervous watching sometimes because the pool deck is ultra slippery--even for a person with both their legs. He has perfected his approach. He has to.

Swimming is a need-all-your-limbs type of sport. If you don't know, effective swimming requires strong kicking to keep your body streamlined with the plane of the water and to propel you and make work easier on your arm strokes. It's super great exercise when done consistently.

After finally getting into the pool, he slips his goggles on, loosens his skinny arms, and then hops off his good leg to push himself upward. Usually its supposed to be foward, for him its upward. After a second his legs float up and then he begins his arm strokes. Man, it is sort of hard to watch him swim in such a contorted fashion. When I first saw him, I wanted to yell out "KICK!!!" because his body was about 45 degree angle. From the back, his body sways side-to-side, sorta like a snake on the ground--totally not streamlined! At best, I've seen him swim a 50 (2 x 25 laps) straight; most of the time he swims one lap at a time and has to rest. To illustrate the duration of a 50 for him, (I swear, this is totally not to boast), I can swim a 100 before he finishes his second lap.

Yet as hard as it looks, he is able to endure for an hour. To get out of the pool, he backs into the corner and using both hands, he pulls up and sets himself up on the pool deck. He then rolls over to the side where his good leg is, and pushes himself up and then hops over to the wall for his things.

I think the next time I see him, I will finally meet him (I feel like a dork, cuz I've seen him for the past two years and don't even know his name-only managed to say hi.) Since I see him pretty often when I go swim, I will make it a point to get to know this fellow. Watching him has helped me understand a good deal of how to persevere under hardship and handicap, in this case. He has accepted the reality of his life, and it seems like he is doing just fine. When I look at my current temporary injury, I can't help but be frustrated. It's so convenient for me to complain about everything under the sun and be selfish about it. I think pain or impairments, whether physical or not, whether permanent or temporary, has to be seen with a greater perpective than we are initially willing to consider. I think its a lesson in truthfulness that I am still processing.

This post is dedicated to the guy at the pool-whose name I promise to know before this summer. I wrote this entire thing with one hand because that is the best I can do now.

2006-03-29T21:42:00.000-08:00

RETREAT, RETREAT, RETREAT...lalalala

This past weekend, many of us from Epic Church headed up the mountain to Arrowhead to learn a little bit about investments.

Investments? No not the financial kind. Nope not talkin retirement either (at least not directly). I be talkin about the relational kind- the investment in one another's lives.

I certainly needed a refresher in this area. There is a lot of thoughts and ideas that sprung to heart and mind the last couple days as I reflected on our time. When I gather my thoughts, I'll will take a moment and blog it out till my fingers cramp up.

In the meantime, here are some pics. You may click on this link or the one off to the side -->

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107900616&code=21370199&mode=invite&DCMP=isc-email-AlbumInvite

2006-03-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

When life gets a little hectic...

you just need a little more cowbell.

http://webfeedcentral.com/index.php/archives/2005/01/21/more-cowbell-video/

:)

2006-03-19T23:52:00.000-08:00

Phishing the 500 with my head in the water

Some of my most free 'thinking' times I've had come while swimming, and swimming a 500. I don't know why, but I notice my swim stroke is less strenuous when I start thinking of other random things, instead of counting my laps. Yeah, I guess I'm wierd like that.

So a couple weeks ago, after about 5 months hiatus from the gym, I pysched myself up enough to go to the gym, and swim. I knew I had to take it easy--last time I went all out after a long break from the water, and the next day I couldn't even lift my arms up to put my clothes on.

So after about 1800 yards of workout, I decided to warm down with a 500. Here's an account of what I remember...[WARNING: RANDOM THOUGHTS]

[pushing off the wall]. Aw man, my right goggle let water in. @#%@#%!, that's another dollar to the pot; I'm up at $27 on my Lent tally. What a week. I cant believe I've been away from the gym for 5 months -- I feel like a sinking rock. Why is keeping in shape so hard? Have I lost my discipline; did I ever have discipline?...

100, 4 to go...

This class...THIS CLASS!! I can't believe our final is on Wednesday. I can't wait till this is over with! I guess if I am going to go to grad school in a couple years, I better take it more seriously than I did with this. A "B-" is not bad--oh shoot, I better figure out where I stand. Win, you know better! God, I'm glad I'm taking this class with friends...it's funny how we all react and joke about this class...we are clowns!!! I hope my reimbursement got approved...

200, 3 to go....

Ouw!! Crap, my calves are cramping!!! Focus, no pain, no gain. Hmm, rotating my shoulders makes the stroke easier...I better not stop though. I better stop thinking I'm the shiznit in the water; I know I can swim faster than those people in the jacuzzi...duh, they're over 50 dork! I got to stop thinking this water dominance thing--the guy that just left is faster than I am; I remember him from last time...Mr. Italia with the flag on his swim cap. Shoo, give me 2 weeks, I can take him!! Ok, quit messing around woo...

300, 2 to go....

I'm hungry. Oh well, it's probably a good thing then...don't screw it up and get fast food. I wonder what people in the pool think when they see someone swimming on and on an on and on...they probably don't care! Aiyah!! Get over it!! I better take a look at myself and see what Lent has meant to me...giving up soda and coffee isn't too bad. Kev's question the other week, really stuck well, I wonder if I am bearing fruit now...

4, 1 to go...

Do I measure up? I better think that one out. Hmmm, that's worthy to think and blog on. Ouw!!! my leg!! almost done...I can't believe I swam this today...I gonna be sore as hell when I wake up tomorrow. Oh well, you know what you have to do!!...pull, pull!!! Ok, should flip turn--I better not, I'll cramp. Crap! Hmm, did I lose count? 1...2...3...four....yep, I did about 5, this is it.

Is there such a thing as organized randomness? Anything is possible, right? I will say, that last notion got me thinking: "Do I measure up?"

Stay tuned...

2006-03-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

You feeling a little MaDNeSs in your March?

I AM!! I AM!!

Nothing like working hard and fixing that live scoreboard..er..I mean spreadsheet and making sure your teams, I mean, numbers tie out. I mean, yeah.

Ok, lets be honest NCAA pools are cool!! I will admit, I didn't pay attention to 2/3 of the season--it's just been so busy. I did however have the opportunity to go to the tail end of the Big West tournament in Anaheim w/ my co-worker and his family to see Pacific sqeak by Cal Poly in the final 1:30, and UCI lose a heartbreaker to Cal St. Longbeach on a miracle buzzard-beater 3 pointer. Oh my gosh, the emotion and watching live is unreal!!! Long Beach's mascot, this nearly 10-ft tall 49'er, was hilarious!! Earlier in the day, my alma mater, UCR played UCSB, and well...well at least Disneyland's acrosss the street.

But doing the pool with co-workers, or other former
co-workers, friend of a friend's -- it's one of the most fun ways to rally folks for some fun at work and get in a little smack-talkin.

Since I live vicariously through my sister, I have UCLA goin deep to the Indy. Yeah, I think it's bold, and yes I do think they have a chance.
With folks like Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (yes, that's all one person), WHAT'chu gonna do cowboy?!!!! hahahaa.

The only thing I'm scared of now is if my toggle button doesn't work when my boss comes. "Johnson! Where's that cash flow report?!!"

J/k. My name's not Johnson, just thought it was funny. My manager is doin the pool with us also. Isn't it lovely how everything comes together for the greater good? O(o.o)O

For all y'all participating in the NCAA pool this year, GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

2006-03-07T09:43:00.000-08:00

Guess who else blogs....

http://mchammer.blogspot.com/

He was one of the first music artists I started listening to.

"Can't touch this...."

2006-03-07T01:30:00.000-08:00

Lent - a reality check for the mind, soul and body.

I was looking through my comments, and through a friend's blog, I found this other friends' blog where folks share their Lent journey for this year, and a little extra of what the good Lord is stirring in the heart.

I made it a point this year to be disciplined for Lent--and I totally messed up already. Externally, I have chosen to give up my morning coffee, and soda. Both are hard for me to give up because they became so "mechanical" or routine for me. I'm afraid that one day during this period, I'll botch my login password and lock myself out of the network. Soda-even though I drink diet, it has become like water to me. At an intial level, giving these up will cause me to be more responsible about my rest routines. The biggest times of temptation will be in social functions throughout the 40-day period. You know, when you're at someone's b-day party/dinner, or you're out with friend's at [add favorite food place], you are in the moment, and then you hear "sir, can I get you a drink?"...ah yeah sure, I'll have a diet coke. I've had coffee 4 times, and about 9 sodas - and it totally slipped my mind what I set out and commited to abstain from. Gotta stop making the excuses; gotta try harder. Time to break out the 1/2 gallon water jugs I put away.

Internally, the last several months I started swearing again, and mostly out of frustration at something: work; traffic (not as much as I used to in LA). While I do limit myself mostly to the d-word at work, in the car and at home, I get lazy. I grew up with a foul mouth, and since high school I learned to zip-it. Such talk is not helpful, at best it's negative even. I wish I had a punching bag at my desk sometimes. No, no, I'm not violent. I am a gentle beast with hidden fury!! ha ha, j/k. that doesn't make sense. @#% #W$%#@.

So through all this, I realized how I became a victim of convenience. It's convenient for me to stay up late (like I am now writing this) and rely on the coffee in the morning; it's convenient for me to say sh*#, or da@#!!! when messed up my spreadsheet or another emergency project pops up at work. It is convenient for me to be loose in my personal care and not hold my tongue. Lent (I pray) will be that time to restore my discipline and touch base with God on what I need to grow in this year.

I know that there are some folks who read my blog who probably don't go to church or have any religious belief for that matter, but if I may challenge you with this - if you have an open mind, give something up for a month. No this is not a secret ploy to break down your wall and come to faith (if I'm going to share my faith, I will show you and hopefully my actions speak for themselves). For starters, pick a bad habit or something like giving up watching some aspect of TV (or all of it). Challenge yourself by giving something up. Sacrifice/abstainence are almost universal in meaning to many folks. If you have a friend that does go to church, Christian, Catholic, etc, ask them what Lent means to them.

Remember, while it's an open invitation, make it purposeful. Why would you give something up? Why not? What do you have to gain or lose? What matters to you in life? I grew up half my life outside of church, and the last half trying to figure out why God loves me so much. I have lived life on both sides of the coin, and boy let me tell you, life is not easier either way. BUT, one is more purposeful.

So riddle me this - - What drives your life?

2006-03-05T23:11:00.000-08:00

Robinsons-May liquidation sale...wait let me rephrase that:

ROBINSONS-MAY LIQUIDATION SALE!!!

As many already know, Macy's bought out the Robinsons-May department store chain and as a result, will be closing its familiar door (in most areas) by March 15th (according to a couple cash register operators that I asked).

I must say, the next crazy shopping experience to the holidays are liquidation sales! I went to the one in South Coast Plaza and it was a madhouse. PHAT deals yo! But man, the place already looks ransacked! Signs everywhere stating 50% to 70% off practically everything. The neatest thing I got was a poker table topper for $20 ($50-$60 normally)! I also got one of those automatic card shufflers for $8! (which honestly, shuffles better than me on my best day).

Fellas without me saying: poker table topper; card shuffler. You know what that means!! haha...

I also got some great looking dining and serving ware in the home section. Nice handpainted bowls for $3. And these are deep bowls-ones that will hold a full pack of ramen noodles without worring about the broth spilling over. Sweet!!! (for the record I'm not a ramen junkee any more--I just like the thought that they are deep bowls).

My friend bought a nice looking silverware set, with a brand name "Gingko". Does that mean if you eat with them, you memory will improve? Aside from name, they were a solid set of silverware.

Consumerism is funny thing sometimes. I was pretty bent on not getting more stuff, but I am a sucker for good deals. If by some fluke chance Costco announced "Merging with Sam's Club, everything must go...", well shoot, I might rent me a U-Haul, take a day off--no wait, 2 days off, and buy me a storm!!! Just kidding, I'm not that out-of-control. See what I mean by funny. Now I'm just laughing at myself for the nonsense I just wrote.

[sigh].

So yeah, you have till March 15 to check out Robinsons-May closest to you for good deals on whatever is left over. Hopefully there is something still there that is useful to you. Oh yeah, wear loose, breathable clothing. With everyone running around, the place is lke a sauna in there. The couple in line in front of me at one register were totally sweating! I should have walked over to the home section and bought them a discounted towel.

2006-03-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom's.

According to my Mom's expired passport, she would be 57 today. I say "according" because I was told by relatives that when she immigrated to the U.S. back in the early 70's, she bumped her year of birth up from what it actually is, as a way to appear more favorable in the eyes the officials.

It has been a while since I took a moment to remember my Mom's birthday. It's not as painful anymore, because I've had several years of healing. I don't do anything ritualistically, never really did. I understand what my reality is. I'm not sure why the memory was stronger today--my usual memorial day is Mother's Day, the day she passed away in that year. Refreshing the memory bank is a good thing; never an ill time for it (as long as it's helpful). I don't know why, but I remember stuff vividly back to when I was 2. What I do know is that Ginko Biloba has NOTHING to do with it!!

One of the last things she told me was to look forward; but I've always been a stubborn kid. I think I am much better at choosing what I want to remember--no matter how hard it is, or may be, you never forget the one(s) you love. She is the most beautiful person I will ever know.

Happy Birthday Mom.

Love your son, -win

2006-02-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

Better people --> Better self

Ever had that realization of being around people that make you want to be a better person just by being around them? You know 'em when you see them. You want to gravitate toward them, learn from them, hang with them. Of course for me it wasn't always like that.

Here is my journey.

I remember when growing up, me and my friends would hang, chill out, play games, go to the mall to scope out chicks...(did I just write that outloud?...maybe it's an mid-west thing)...basically do fun stuff. There was of course that stint of time where I tried to make friends with the "wrong crowd", disguised as the "in crowd". For example, when I was 12, there was a 15-year old dude who introduced himself to me as "Susan B. Anthony". Had no clue at the time--I was a little gullible then. This kid managed to turn my then best friend against me (which lasted about a month) and managed to get me into vandalizing property with him, citing that such and such ripped his mom off and he needed to get back at [fill in the blank]. We smashed in windows, broke into private property, snuck into construction sites to mess the materials around. I finally ditched that and tried to fit-in with the "popular clique" at school. I even cuffed my jeans like them! Nothing. Here I am, little Asian kid in suburbian Westlake, OH, trying to fit in; be accepted; find my niche...be "cool".

Whole lotta "cool" got me in trouble.

Fast foward to high school. After relocating from the mid-west, it was time to restart. Make new friends- hopefully more helpful and fun, but in a good way of course. My high school had about 4,000+ students. Bound to be lots of good kids in the crowd, right? But being new to the area, my first thought, well sh--, where do I start? (I had a sailor's mouth; never really been to church up to that point, at least that I consider impactful). Overwhelmingly, I became lost.

So after about 2 years of hanging out in the student commons watching the best-of-the-best play foos ball (yeah foos ball sucka!), being anonymous was growing on me. Outside of school, the church I "had" to attend with my aunt & uncle, seemed like the same thing as school. The youth didn't seem any different from the kids at school other than 0-swearwords, and smart times 10^x power. (not to mention I was totally culture shocked coming to CA because I had never been around so many Asian folks before). It was hard for me to relate to anyone, no one really to hang and connect with. [sigh]. At least here in CA, I was now among "average height".

Then one day, during my junior year of high school, in English II, 6th period, I made my first friend...well rather he made me his. Albert K. We had a group project for class, and since we sat next to each other, it was convenient. For some strange reason we connected and started joking around. We laughed so hard; we connected. And to my knowledge, he was pretty smart. So one day, he invited me to join him to meet his friends during one of the lunch periods (because there were so many students, lunch was divided into 2 periods among students). He brought me to the back ampitheater where....Halleluiah!!..Halleluiah!!...more Asian folks!!! (there was some mixture, but they were the minority)

There was a whole mess of them in this area, monopolizing a good section of the premises. There were folks doing homework, some studying for a quiz, some just hanging out and kickin it and all eating lunch at the same time. Man, it was the other extreme of being overwhelmed! Albert introduced me to, man, over 30 friends. And a lot of these folks were smart! Not the kind to really shove-it-in-your face, but driven, pressured by parents (to an extent), and naturally gifted. And everyone liked to joke around...no one was really "square"; everyone had a unique personality. And strangely (for me), I could connect with almost all of them. In no-time, I said good bye to foos-ball (later suckas!!) and joined my new enclave of friends on the other end of campus. These folks had an uncanny and personable way of making folks feel inclusive. To my knowledge only a few went to church of some sort. Before my time, the majority of them had history together dating back to elementary school. They were respectful to the teachers, to one another, to their parents (well, most of them), and to others throughout school. They became the friends that I wanted learn from, hang with...I wanted to be a better person with them. I finally came out of my shell. Sh--, this is f---ng cool! (still had a sailors mouth...I trained myself to control it). I don't think I would have done as well, or been as motivated at the tail-end of high school without the gang.

Uh oh, this is getting long...better bring this home soon...

When college came around, I had become a Christian, and got myself plugged into a fellowship on campus with...you guessed it...more Asian folks!! They're everywhere!!!! What is this the twilight zone?!!!! j/k, I like my peoples. I've learned to get in touch with my own roots here in CA--still so much I need to learn. Anyway, again I made many new friends, and with higher purpose. In short, my college friends and fellowship taught me valuable lessons in community, integrity, hard work, and selflessness. I know I'm not anywhere near perfect in a lot of areas of my own life, but by a touch of grace, and hard work, I've learned to surround myself with people that model various facets of qualities that I admire, and respect. No more "Susan B. Anthony" characters for me. (with all due respect to the real Susan B. Anthony and her work). I had a PHAT time at UCR!!!

I could go on and on about co-workers turned long-time friends, who have knowledge and experience that I have yet to encounter. We each have grown and are slowly moving up the ladder of the corporate world. Their genuinenes and work ethics have been constant instruction in my still young career. I've had my slip-ups, and setbacks, life has simply taught me to not give up. I hate giving up!!! As long as there are people willing to accept me as collegue and friend, I will learn everyday to be a better worker, and better person. And not so much that I have to be; I want to be. The right people make the difference.

Church. I cannot forget the congregation...for my gangsta nation!! Ha ha, that doesn't make any sense, but I bet anyone reading this will still know what I mean! Well all my friends are my brothas and sistas. The church that I call family have been, to an ever increasing degree, just that- my family. They bear fruit that doesn't grow on trees, but the 'fruit' that grows from the heart--and the heart that seeks God. The people are my teachers and my testimony.

So here's a PHAT shout to all the peoples in my life. Thanks for being who you are...yeah, you know who YOU are!!

2006-02-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you...but I am

I'm on Disk 5 with a few friends. Currently, Sunday evenings at 8:30 pm at my place.
This show is insanely good. C'mon ABC, is that all you got?!!!!

2006-02-21T22:39:00.000-08:00

SIGN
OF THE
TIMES

Today on the way to work, I have one of them reflective moments - you know the one where you take a step back and say "wow, times have changed!" Ok, maybe just me, but see if you can relate. Allow me to share my PHAT revelations...

(that's my new word now until I stop laughing while writing or using it...ok, that might be a while...) I guess I'm evolving too.

Remember when TV was flooded with game shows: Scrabble. The Price is Right. Hollywood Squares. $25K Pyramid. Tic Tac Toe. Family Feud. Wheel of Fortune. Jeapordy. Let's Make a Deal. The Newlywed Game. Name that Tune. From the tube to the table, these were, for many folks, reality.

Today, ok, so the stakes have been risen, and now we have tons of "Reality" shows. But the old school game shows were my reality...uh uh, time to go more risk-ay. Today's shows tap into the super pyscho-emotional side of our beings: Fear Factor. The BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE. The Contender. SURVIVOR [name your exotic place]. American Idol. The Apprentice. American Inventor. Oprah. (ha ha...man she came out of no where!!!) Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Wife Swap. The Ultimate Fighter.

Remember when, not too long ago, remember when one nationally known product was pitted against "X" Leading Brand:

Detergent: Tide w/ Bleach vs. Leading Brand
Beer: Bud Light vs. Leading Brand
Cleaners: Windex vs. Leading Brand
Food: Jif Peanut Butter vs. Leading Brand
Under Arm: Secret vs. Leading Brand

What the heck is the "Leading Brand"?!!!! Anyone ever wonder that?

Now, forget nice product pleasantries!! Companies have gotten BOLD with their commercials. One product's commercial are like the neo-retro wild wild west gun duels: Name and Logo and all! I think the change in trend comes from the fact that companies began to realize that they have always spent tons of $$ on advertisements, only to leave a passive impression of their product in the consumer eye; why not put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is and go head to head with your competitor brand. Finally, Coke vs. Pepsi....Pepsi I bet was that "Leading Brand! Those sissies!!!! j/k. I like them both. I just think company product commercials are more creative and bold now than just 5 years ago.

Remember when shampoo commericials were just, well, shampoo.

Now, Herbal Essence comes along, and washing your hair has become (or can be) and "orgasmic" experience! C'mon it's just shampoo!! When these Herbal Essence commercials came out, boy I thought they pushed the envelope. Never thought shampoo could go Rated R.

Remember when gas was $1 - something, and for Premium!

Now, well look at your wallet, and you know. Boo!! (My critique of those oil companies still stands: how can you justify a record $36+ Billion in profit and still sleep at night!...yes profit; not Gross Revenues...that's just NUTS!!!).

Remember when cars had just a seat belt and the CLUB was deterrent of choice?

Now we have cars with airbags EVERYWHERE in the cabin, Lo-Jack, GPS Navigation, On-Star assistance; satellite radio options and seat warmers. Can I put some 22's on that Civic?!!! Ha ha, shoot, that just might happen.

Remember when as kids, we dreamed of being adult and having a home, thinking life would be better after college, hoping to have all the time in the world to do things.

Now we wish were kids again! Where has the time gone?! Wedding after wedding to attend; long work hours; sitting in traffic. This get together, that. Getting little sleep. (Unless, you partied hard in college...if this is you...quit your whining!!! ha ha). Know what I mean?

Ok, this probably applies to me...it's still hard for me to accept fully:

I Remember when I used to drink milk like it was water, and eat cereal by the multiple bowl fulls, without a hitch, without hesitation.

Now I am lactose intolerant. Shoot, more than a glass of milk or a few slices of pizza..and I will blow the roof off the place to kingdom come with category 5-like "winds". Lactaid pills help a lot, and granted I am not as bad as I know some folks are with just a fraction of the dairy...[sigh], the glory days....

I know I could go on and on of the "then-and-now" things that have evolved. It is funny how our expectations change with the times also. I ask myself if we are better off now, or our we setting ourselves up for more frustrations. Where is the constant in life? Not the constant that stagnates, but the one that helps us grow and move forward.

Relationships/Friendships.

It is the constant in life that sticks around, and yet still grows over time. As I look at my friends then, and my friends now, a lot has changed...we grew up!!. Though I've lost touch with many childhood friends over time (not because of tension, thankfully), I've made many new ones also. I guess I better not go off on a tangent, as I know I can. But for final thought: with everything around me constantly changing, I am challenged and encouraged about how I can do relationships better. And not because I want them, nope. It's because I NEED them. I think we all do. I think any purpose driven life is not absent without relationships. I remember when I took friendships for granted. Then I lost them. Loss has a funny way of teaching a person great value. Now, God-willing, I hope I get it right...and all the time!

2006-02-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

A PHAT Time in Cash Flow Analysis

About a month ago, my phat co-worker friends, Papa Jon, Magnum BI, and I (code name Dr. Woo) dug deep within our beings and decided to take a Cash Flow Analysis class through UCI Extension. 3 working professionals (we like to think..hee hee) hittin the books once again after a 6+ year hiatus from academia. What were we thinking?!!! Let Dr. Woo lay down the skinny on our phat time thus far...

Syllabus: Course MGT 252: Intro to Cash Flow Analysis. It is a 10 week course, one night a week, 3 hours for each class. The course is focused more toward the developing Financial Planner pursuing their CFP (or equivalent), or to any working financial professional, looking to gain or sharpen his/her understanding of valuation of assets, stocks, equity, and how real world economic events affect financial planning.

After the first couple weeks, we're like "what are we stooges getting ourselves into?!". As relevant and informative as the class is, we each agree that we are totally glad we are taking this together. Yeah, to soothe the serious academic aura, we take it upon ourselves to make sure that we create a PHAT TIME during this experience! Before class we stop over at the University Center for dinner and some last second homework completion; cramming if it is a quiz night. On the way to class, during class, during break, and after class, we humor ourselves with little tid-bits about who the hardcore students are, who the lost ones are (ooh, ooh, me, pick me!"), who we think the professor looks like, and his little "ism's". Our favorite is when the professor asks the class a question, and less than a split second after, says "hello?!" as if someone is to always have the answer on the tip of the tongue, ready for immediate deployment. While we are pretty serious during most of the class, when we hear the "hello?!!", one of us just wants to blurt back "McFly!!!".

Quite honestly, I am having the most fun that I could ever remember for a class. So far, we each have learned a lot from the subject matter, AND we find ourselves laughing a storm as we carpool back to the office after class. I swear laughter is a gift - and a great way to unwind from a long day. I'm so glad I'm doing this with 2 gentlemen that I have great respect for and learn from everyday at work. Amongst the 3 of us, we each have 6+ years of Real Estate experience in Lease Administration, RE Accounting and Operations Management. We have great commradirie with one another and with the others in our office. We work with other relatively young, energetic and talented professionals, who are committed to helping our fledgling, yet fast growing regional office succeed. PHAT props to the co-workers!!

I am really thankful for being where I'm at now, in this company, amongst these co-worker friends. But boy, it is hard work!!! Life is not without its struggles. But my learning curve is like this "/", and as much struggle and hard work that is, it's totally worth it. I had shared this sentiment with my co-workers not too long ago after they had gotten me a small gift for the new place: very seldom does a workplace impact you in so many facets of your life, relationally and professionally. It is very empowering, and fun to work.

From class, Present Value is PV = FV / (1 + i)`n

Conversely, Future Value is FV = PV x (1 + i)`n.

Translation: The future value of our relationships is equal to the present value of the time and experiences we have now, multiplied by the addition of 1 person's interest in sharing those experiences over time.

Here's to PHAT times and PHAT experiences!

2006-02-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

Just for the record...and without going into detail...

1. It hecka hurts to SNEEZE and BURP at the same time!

2. 1-PLY toilet paper sucks!!!

and

3. It TOTALLY SUCKS when you are in a public restroom and you find out your stall is out of toilet paper and seat covers...AND...there are multiple stalls!

C'mon, you all know what I'm talking about!!! Don't be clickin to another website acting like you don't!!!

And if you are wondering, no, all three did not happen at the same time. Thank God this is not a trifecta situation.

2006-02-11T00:29:00.000-08:00

2006-02-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

ALRIGHT!! I made the headlines today!!.

Where to "Woo"? Dude, Woo is right here!! I'm Woo!! Whatchu talkin bout Willis?!!!

2006-02-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

AN XL SIZED HOUSEWARMING COMPLETE WITH AN XL SIZED GAME

Yesterday's Superbowl will be one for the books! I threw me a nice sized "WarmHousing" as I dubbed it and packed da house with 40+ close friends that have been a part of my life for many years now. Like a good pair of shoes (jeans, socks...whatever helps you illustrate), my house was broken-into nicely, and warmly.

Anyhow, I realized something, that I have been so busy to remind myself of, until the wee hours of the night:

I have learned (and still am learning) to not take things/people for granted - not because it is one of those cliche phrases, but because nothing and no one is exempt from loss. I am no stranger to loss, the Good Lord knows my journey! I believe loss is a primer for understanding the greater values in life. No one likes to lose - in fact, I think it ought to be taken as a way to strengthen character, and to drive forward to do well in life. Everything I have, the friendships I've made, is totally a blessing and worth all the hard work! I will continue to work my a-- off if it means I can do life better. Sure, I will lose some battles along the way, but I think it takes that kind of humility to succeed. Then you know it's not just "fluff".

I don't know if that is one of the secrets of life--but yo, life has a funny way of showing things.

Okay, Okay, so back to Superbowl XL. Seahawk's got spanked. Actually they spanked themselves. They are a great team and they just didn't execute. I liked them...but got to give props to the Steelers...who 'stole' the show. (ha ha, get it, steal, stole...grammar school...ok, nevermind I was trying to be funny...[sigh]...).

Thanks to my friends that were able to make it the party and for sharing the home with me! You guys rock! I promise to have smaller get-togethers over the next several years cuz if I keep packin da house, the floor might cave in. That's a loss I will try to avoid by being smart about it! O(o.o)O

2006-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish the answers in life were as simple as this (without the recourse, of course).

2006-01-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, where was I...

Oh yeah, the 12 Days Christmas...and a Happy New Home...I'mean Year...I'mean, Yeah!

REWIND<<<>

12/23 - I signed my loan docs! I have no idea what I just did! I do think it's a good thing...this is insane!!!

(j/k. I know full well what's going on...uh oh, my shoes are on backwards).

12/24 - Driving up to see the familia. I haven't seen them in a while. Everytime I come back, the kids grow up!! I'm waiting for when they are just old enough to come visit more often. Besides, I'm less than 15 minutes from the happiest place on earth - Costco!!! I mean Disneyland. Ok, back to the road - this will be the 40th time I've driven up to NorCal. By golly, I'll drive 40 more! When I arrive, I find out that my old church is going on it's annual Christmas caroling. Since I just drove in, I decided to stay back and join everyone at the final meeting house, where there will be good food and time to hang out. But, no worries, I have time and go visit the Nakasones, who recently moved up from SoCal. Miss these guys! After a short visit, I head on over to the meeting house, where I catch-up with many of my friends. We sang a few songs and ate the night away!

12/25 - Christmas day. The last few years, it's been alot about the kids. It's a gift to experience the holiday with them. While they have enough toys to make a fortune on eBay, to be able to provide for them (and for each other as a family), is more than I could hope for. I thank God each day for opportunities to make more memories.

Zach and Robo-Rex! (fingers not included).

Hannah w/ the new quilt my sister hand made, hand stitched, hand stuffed, and hand delivered. Almost a year in the making! Thanks Auntie Vicki!

Grandma and Zach w/ his super cool water-sensor Thomas Train play pad.

Uncle Winston & Hannah - woohoo, it's Cariboo!!

12/26 - Christmas weekend is short, but that's because I got 1,400+ sq foot of new home waiting for me! My walk-thru with the construction manager is tomorrow. Hmm, there might be traffic. No worries, off to Ed & Milan's house! Hanging out with Ley's is always a pleasure. Great friends, good times! And little Matthew is getting big!

Driving home took 7.5 hours. Not bad. I showed that Honda CRV from Oregon who da man on the road is. That rookie!!!

12/27 - Walk thru day! I can't believe it's today! 7 months of waiting, 3 weeks of lender-builder-title co. hoopla communication. That was an ordeal. Sis and I had to do double time to get on the same page. Thankfully we did (for the most part! right Vic?!).

Vick gets caught on entrance ramp due to a closure; she's not going to make it from West LA in time. I go solo to the house for the walk thru with Anthony. I make sure I have my camera, and my two FULLY charged. (I don't know why I capped "fully"...I don't know why I'm writing this line...). It's nostalgia! Sis, finally makes it after an hour-long delay. Enough chatter, it's us in our new pad!

it's our new kitchen!

el bano! (sorry can't get the ~ on the "n" to work).

The Island...

no not the movie.

and not as dramatic.

but it's functional!

12/28 - So the title company tells us that closing on our home will be 12/30. Let me tell you, the days are agonizing now. I wait 7 months, not a problem. 3 remaining days? Oh man, I'm beside myself!!!

12/29 - I'm on the edge...must hold on...just kidding. I'm cool. I'm cool. I talk with sis about furniture and possibility of coming out to go furniture shopping during the New year weekend. After a long and busy season at work, with family, and house stuff, we just want the keys!!!

12/30 - Should be receiving the keys today! I can barely focus at work. I might have to get a taxi to drive me over. Nerves Woo! Get a hold of the Nerves Woo!! 12pm - no call yet. I'm anxious to email; but they are supposed to call me. 3:30pm comes - no word from the sales office. Just more tenant calls. 4:36pm. Ok, I can't help it. I email Florence at Fidelity Title. She replies back - Winston, you’re all closed! I’ve called the sales office, and informed them---they should call you shortly unless you want to beat them to it. =) Hope you enjoy your new home! Florence. The thing is that builder has the keys. So why aren't they calling?

Nerves! Nerves!

4:55 pm - Emily w/ the builder finally calls. Hi Winston, your all closed. I'll wait here so you can come get your keys. So I jet over to the sales office from work. I'm handed 2 garage openers and 5 keys. I don't know what to think! I go over to our new place, and walk through the garage. I meet 2 of my neighbors and then I walk in. It's awesome. The place looks great!

I take a moment and walk around the house. Spending time in each room. I look out the windows to see if any of the neighbors are still moving in, or settled in for that matter. After 2.5 hours, I head back to the apartment, and then the thing I knew I couldn't avoid, and have dreaded for weeks came to realization...I gotta pack up again and move!..Ugh. When I was sitting in the house, for a moment, I actually felt ok, with just leaving it all at the apt. and starting off new. (then I realized, I couldn't make it beyond the day without fresh boxers and clothes. (yes, I wear boxers. you happy?!!!...I am :) ).

12/31 - My sis and her boyfriend drive down and we spend the day furniture shopping. First we take measurements of each of the rooms. Pictures of the color schemes we have, with the floor, cabinets and carpet. Boy, let me say, this became more stressful than before we got the keys! But I'm estatic though; excited and willing to go the distance. Must follow through Woo!! We travel to Home Depot, Lowes, Robinson May, Wickes furniture, and Cost Plus. Dude, if there's one single thing that burns me out more, it's shopping. We just got to buy something after spending all this time and effort. Can't forget the first rule though - "never at full price"! Different places have different pre-New Year's sales. I wonder if the deals are better after New Years! I still think I'm the ultimate price shopper!

After a long day, we head over to Buca De Beppo for some grub. That chicken parmesiana hit the spot. Afterwards, I head on over to friends to catch the last few minutes countdown of 2005. I wish I was able to head over earlier, but I'm just thankful I could spend time with the sis, and share time with good friends.

5! 4! 3! 2! 1!!!...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

1/1 - Ok, my sis and her boyfriend come out 1 more time to go furniture shopping. We are totally bent that we must buy at least something to show fruit for our efforts. Luckily, stores are open till about 7pm. Based on a tip from the salesman from the previous day, Wickes has an 11% off sale on almost everything in the showroom. The previous day was no sales tax day. The 11% sale is actually a better value...I'll take that to the bank! After much indecisiveness, and the prompting of my sis, I buckle up, and I buy that sectional we eyed the previous day. I choose tea green microfiber upolstery. Man it's a huge sectional. But it's nawwice!!! From there we head over to IKEA, hoping to find the right dining chairs to match the Cost Plus table that we both agreed was a good fit in the dining room. After walking throughout the show room, we find the HARALD chairs, a deep chocolate colored finish...hmm, we think it'll match the table. So we pick up 8 and bring'em home. Yeah, that's right, HOME!!!!

Whew, finally something to show for our time and effort. Ok, now all I need is the downstairs couch, the dining table, fridge and washer and dryer. Oh boy, can I get a refund on this house?

ha ha. heh, [sigh]. Why didn't the house just come with this stuff?!

1/2 - I head over to Robinson-May and go to check up on this couch that has been on clearance for the past 2 months, discounted $50 at 2 week intervals. Maybe I'll get lucky. I get there, and sure enough, extra 10% off the lowest red-tag price. There it is. The Charisma. 4 colors to choose from. I choose the Desert colored microfiber upolstery. Microfiber is so cozy. It's coo. It's coo. I get the matching loveseat as well, which was also on sale. Free shipping on purchases of $1K minimum. Just barely made it. Can't beat free!!

1/3 - Went to work. Now that was anti-climatic, wasn't it? I think I humor myself too much. I'm actually glad to go to work. No more shopping, no more shopping, mommy make it stop!!!! After a long weekend of shopping, guess what? I still have to pack up and move!!! But you know what, this will hopefully this move will last at least 5 years.

Did I mention I still need to get a fridge and washer and dryer? Mommy, make it stop! make it stop!!!

And there be my 12 days of Christmas and my New Year. In a quick fast foward>> I took 1/5 - 1/6 off to pack up and move. Thankfully my roommate has his folk's mini van. I must say I've underestimated those cars--way bigger and spacious than I thought. With it, I get my table from Cost Plus--and yes, as we hoped, the chairs go well with it! It's all comin together now. Within the week I buy my fridge and washer and dryer through a friend - saved me a cool $1,500 combined. Sweet deal. My washer is so quiet!!

So what's one of the top priorities for my new place? To be as hospitable to friends and family as it has been shown to me.

2006-01-15T00:46:00.000-08:00

FLYING FISH!!!!

Check this out, this totally nuts! (and funny).

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/videos/flying-fish.html

Forget the pole. Forget the net! These fish are asking for it! I was waiting for a big one to smack the dude in the side of his face...that's mean huh?...

Then again, he's out there doing this video...he's askin for it too!!!

Good thing they aren't piranhas.

2005-12-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

got keys? IN LESS THAN 6 HOURS I WILL!!!!!

After a long 3 weeks of sweet and sour sauce communication with the big 3 (Lender, Builder, Title/Escrow company), my sister and I are almost golden! More details to follow. (Note to self: talk about Christmas and holidays...Woo, this is your blog for God sakes!!).

(from time to time I talk to myself; my traveling companion I call "Woo" who is me, but outside of me talking to me. Ok, nevermind, you all get the picture. I so excited, I made over 20 errrorss typing this one sentnence...can yuo tell?).

2005-12-23T23:47:00.000-08:00

My Dog's Name is Winthston!!!!!

Oh GREAT!! For the 3rd time on tv, I just saw another commerical where the pet dog in there is named Winston. Here Winston, here boy!.

When I went to interview for my first job out of college, I was all serious, straight faced, well groomed, well dressed and ready for whatever tough questions might be asked of me. I was called in by my first interviewer, Vonny, a straight faced, courteous and professional-looking lady. I sat up straight, and looked directly at her. After she sits down behind her desk, she looks at me, then at my resume. And then she looks over to the couple of framed pictures on her desk. The first thing she says to me: "hey, my dog's name is Winsthton!" (she had a small lisp). In my mind, I'm like "so, does that mean I get the job?". I found out later that her comment, while ironic, was meant for me to relax.

I got the job by the way.

A couple years later (same company), I'm at my desk on the phone with my property accountant going over important reports that are due. Vonny comes to our quad of cubicles and talks to one of my bosses sitting behind me. 5 minutes pass, and I'm still on the phone; Vonny's conversation behind me is in low tone; I couldn't hear them clearly (not that I was trying to eavesdrop or anything). Then, all of a sudden in a noticably louder voice, "I had Winsthton neutered yesterday" I put the phone down, and turned around bewildered at what I did hear. They both looked at me and then started laughing. "Oh my god, I'm sorry, not you..." [more laughing]. What's a guy to do?

If I see one more commercial where the pet dog's name is Winston, I am calling the TV networks for royalties!!!

But for the record, I do like my name. All I ask is that you please don't whistle at me.

2005-12-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to make a call, please hang up, and try again...

Disconnected. Nope, not talking about the phone or email (and especially not dial-up! ha ha, j/k). I'm talking about friendships/relationships. I wonder if it is just me, but I get in those moods sometimes--that mood where it seems everyone or everything is moving faster than you, and sometimes your just trying to figure out what's going on. Where is the 'Tivo' remote to pause life for a moment.

So recently, I ask myself a few questions, and one by one I interview myself. The below content is rated NRR (Not-Really-Rated).

Me: Are you depressed?
me: I don't think so. I'm not taking meds or anything. I'm still working hard; figuring out what cards to make for Christmas; looking foward to driving up north for Christmas; excited about mi new casa; still able to crack a joke and laugh first before others do (hmm, ok revisit that thought); still able to enjoy movies with friends; still like cooking when I make time for it.

Me: Are you taking care of yourself?
me: Well I just got a small cold--the first time in almost a year. I have been working quite a few hours over at work, but the worst of the worst is almost over, right? Oh no, CAM/Tax season!!. I haven't gone to the gym in 2 weeks, and might not make my 10lbs goal by end of this month - holidays are the catch 22s!! Prayer time has been sporadic, not consistent. Got to stop praying on the john! Why do my best prayers tend to be when I'm going #2? I could do a better job to follow-up with folks at church and outside.

Me: Are you frustrated?
me: Yeah, I would say so. The past few months, my temper at work has been on a short fuse--difficult tenants, frustrated with company policy. I have been venting too much the past few months. Not productive. But thankfully my-coworker buddy pulled me aside to tell me straight up and pray for me--I was quite thankful and receptive. I already started taking steps to just let things go so I can get things done. I think I let a little bit of frustration spill over a bit into my life outside work. Plus, I watched way too much TV the last few months and wasted too much time. I will confess that it affected how I prepped for my Bible study and related to my group. (Man, my group is an awesome bunch!) I think my lack of discipline got my leg bitten off the last few months...and running one-legged is hard! I do have a great friend and co-leader that has been more than gracious; and a group who just enjoys each other's company. I'm not frustrated with the outcome of our group dynamics, I think I'm just I'm a little frustrated cuz I had a vision and didn't communicate it that well. I didn't follow through quite enough.

Me: So why are you frustrated?
me: I think I'm the most stubborn fool in the world. I hate giving up!! Thru familial osmosis, mom and dad passed it on to me. But the circumstance is different; I'm not running a restaurant like they did. I finished college like they told me to. I guess what I realize is that it doesn't matter the circumstance--there is always a way to work smarter. What I need to do is learn to let go of things easier. Quit holding on and pick my battles more carefully. I realize I alone can't change the company or the community around me; I realize that I should never assume that no one will help with a task--all you got to do is ask! (ha, ha, it's like that commercial I saw as a kid!!).

Me: Ok, ok, me, that is all good stuff. But we're going a little off tangent. Let me ask you this, do you think any part of your frustrations have become a source of your feeling disconnected?
me: [sigh]. I guess I haven't asked myself that before. You're good. [sigh], Um, I think I trapped myself into my arch-nemesis "busybody". I think being a busybody carries with it a certain anonymity and sense of isolation. As a recovering busybody addict, one thing that I learned about community is that you can't assume everyone has time for you; you must first make time for others. I'm beginning to think if I've been hopping on one-leg for several years, rather than just recently. Community starts with me, and I need to figure out how I can be a better student of it. I think I'm a very communal person- after all, fellowship has been a blanket to my salvation, given by God through his people. I know everyone is busy, and I can't be responsible for their schedules. But maybe part of the solution is making more space in my schedule for people, and being more pro-active in meeting up with folks. Man, this sounds so simplistic. I've got to think s'more on this.

Me: Well thank for your time me, it was a pleasure hearing you share what's going on inside, and diving into this feeling of disconnect.
me: Wait, I'm not done! I have more to share!

Me: Sorry, that's all the time I can give you now, we'll have to schedule for another time slot, perhaps in the next couple weeks or after the move-in.
me: WHAT?!!! Are you mocking me?!!! Do you know who I am?!!! I'm YOU sucka!!! You can't cut me off--I created myself!! Why you little @#$%!@#$^%&#!.....

2005-12-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

OH MY

Holy smokes! It's everywhere! Is it enough to be a phenomenon? The stock "GOOG" has gone through the roof in just the past 6 months! That's just nuts!! I check my and I see the little ad for the IM thingy. Last night I was on the phone with a friend and he ranted about , and boy was he trippin! I downloaded it and test drove it for the first time. I zoomed around to find Irvine Spectrum, and then I scrolled to see my birthtown of Cleveland, Ohio. It's like your in an airplane, but not really. That's news to me, and speaking of news, there's to get the 4-1-1. Uh, oh, lost? Try . Is there a community of peeps you'd like to hook-up with or create? Sure! Why not use ? Say, after a few discussions, you talk about gifts and shopping for the holidays:
to the rescue! Don't worry, still spells Relief!!! And of course this
tribute brought to you by . Hey, wait a minute, where's the "OOGLE" in that one? Hmm, that one is a bit fishy. What's up with that peeps? I got my on you!! How about hookin me up with a Woogle? I was also wondering how long the "BETA" period lasts; anyone else ever wonder that? Hehe, silly rabbit, BETA is for !!
I wish my silly-not-sarcastic-blog will get me a free ?

Hmm, I spoke too soon: .

2005-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

You Gotta Know When to Hold 'Em

This one's for you Russ!

On behalf of the guys, we're "ALL IN" when we say congratulations to you and Tammy!

2005-12-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

$4000 Seats and not a Bowl Game!!!!

My co-workers and I were amping one another up for the UCLA vs. USC college football game tomorrow. We thought we'd check out how much a ticket goes for, and on the eve of the big game.

So we look on ebay, and what do find? Various seats still available, each going in excess of $400 bucks a pop. We scroll down a bit, and find the mother-lode of available seats: 2 tickets, Sec. 29, Row 75 - $4000.

Yes FOUR THOUSAND dollars for 2 tickets! Who in there right mind would pay for such tickets? That is almost 2x the amount of my mortgage for my house!!! I would have totally loved to go to the game (I went to the UCLA vs. CAL game earlier this year -- awesome game and great experience, but only $30.

I understand that in economics, increase in demand will usually drive the price upward. Seems logical, right? But when does logic become irrational? How the hell do you come up with $4000 beans for the value of 2 tickets? 2 tickets!!!!! What is the mathematical formula for arriving at such a figure? Is it emotional? As crazy as it sounds, there is someone, well off and eager enough to get his/her hands on these tickets.

Oh well. :) Thankfully it's televised.

GO Bruin's! Fight! Fight! Fight!

2005-12-02T00:45:00.000-08:00

the Idiot Savant
(14% dark, 76% spontaneous, 47% vulgar)
your humor style:VULGAR SPONTANEOUS LIGHT

My friend SP had a link on her blog from another friend's blog for this 3-Variable Funny Test!. If you thought I am funny now...give me one drink and I show you funny!!! Hehe. (actually more like bright red face where you might laugh). [sigh]

My Test results: (Sorry, even those 3 words sounds funny, like I...nevermind...hehee)

You like things silly, immediate, and, above all, outrageous. Ixne on the subtle word play, more testicles on fire, please. People like you are the most likely to RECEIVE internet forwards--and also the most likely to save them in a special folder entitled 'HOLY SH--'. Because it's so easily appreciated, and often wacky and physical, your sense of humor never ceases to amuse your friends. Most realize that there's a sly intelligence and a knowing wink to your tastes. Your sense of humor could be called 'anti-pretentious'--but paradoxically enough, that indicates you're smarter than most.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Johnny Knoxville - Jimmy Kimmel

After the conclusion of the test, I had an avocado mask moment. This thing tingles!!!! So do I get points for spontaneity? Jackass make room for one more!

2005-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

AAAAHHH!!!!

Do you ever get those moments at work where it seems that everyone wants something, and at the same time? I am having one of those moments. Man, I swear, I wish they (i.e. co-workers outside of my office, on-site at our properties) would understand that some things don't come as quickly as they think.

Yesterday I'm on this 3 hour conference call with a gentleman from Prudential and my property manager to finalize the 2006 budget for one of our joint-venture centers. The man is ridicurous!!! He went line for line picking at every $1 and all these other peripheral questions, for which I was only equipped to answer 1/3 of them on the spot. Doesn't he know I have bigger items to deal with (like spending 20 minutes to write in my BLOG ) than look at EVERY $1 of the Revenue and Expenses budgeted!!! Just kidding, I shouldn't be writing in my blog at work. Thankfully budgets are only once a year!!! And for the record, he is a nice guy, just didn't know he was going to be that meticulous with the budget.

See I calmed down now.

Currently chewing: Arby's Giant Roast Beef.

Arby's is my common cure for the daily grind. :)

2005-11-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

game night

So what's a good way to lose a couple pounds the day after Thanksgiving? Playing board games! Guaranteed to laugh till your obliques ache!!

My cousins love board games. And as customary, we invite some friends over for some serious fun and big laughs. One of the games we played tonight is Beyond Balderdash - a game in which there are 5 categories with a corresponding clue, and each player must write what he/she believes is the correct answer. (The real correct answer is also read in the pool of choices) Extremely hilarious - you see the creativeness and humor that each person is really capable of. And suprisingly, one can write answers that seem so real, but can be way off. Here are some notables.

Category: Dates
Clue: October 2, 1988
Submitted Answers:

1. Tienemen Square Incident
2. The first electric car was sold
3. Fall of the Berlin Wall
4. The L.A. Dodgers beat the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of World Series
5. Mafia Boss John Gotti was sentenced to prison
6. Hooked on Phonics made its debut on QVC
7. The Chinese Consulate in Japan was closed indefinitely
8. Spray-N-Wash was created

Category: Initials
Clue: P.A.H.A
Submitted Answers:

1. Paranormal and Haunted Association
2. Parents At Home Association
3. Perserved Average Herbivores Alliance
4. Pan American Horse Association
5. People Are Here Again (we are rolling on this one)
6. Parents At Home Association (yep, suggested twice!)
7. Professional Association of Hair Artists
8. Professional Air Hockey Association

Category: People
Clue: Leslie Silva
Submitted Answers:

1. Creator of the Swifer
2. Co-Founder of the Guardian Angels
3. Mexican-decent Politician
4. The only woman to have deep sea dived a depth of over 5000 meters.
5. The first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress
6. The first Mexican-born female admitted to the Texas State Bar Association
7. Founder of Silvania light bulbs (real spelling is Sylvania)
8. First Hispanic female mayor in America

Category: Initials
Clue: P.D.C.A
Submitted Answers:

1. Professional Dental Chinese Americans
2. Patient-Doctor Confidentiality Agency
3. Pediatric Dislocation Center of America
4. People Dedicated to Changing America
5. Pre-Kindergarten Development Children's Association
6. Prevention of Disabled Cats Association
7. Pediatric Diseases Childrens Associations (every word is plural!! hahahaaaa...)
8. Professional Dog Catchers Association

Category: Word Definition
Clue: "THENAR"
Submitted Answers:

1. Narcissistic Theory (in Pyschology)
2. Tropical flower that blooms at the end of Spring
3. A Roman ceremonial shield
4. fruit
5. Device in the Kiln that activates the heat elements
6. A North American stoneware fired in kilns fueled by camel dung
7. A 17th Century British warship
8. The bony bump on your wrist

Category: Initials (yeah, we kept rolling the dice on this one)
Clue: I.C.C.A.
Submitted Answers:

1. Interpret Classical Composers Association
2. Ice Cream Creations Association
3. International Cambodian Christian Alliance
4. International Christian Charity Alliance
5. Ice Cream Cone Association
6. Institute for Creative Crayon Arts
7. International Cave Climbers Association
8. Institute of Chess Champions of America

Category: Initials (yes, again!)
Clue: E.I.M.A
Submitted Answers:

1. European Institute for Mediterranean Animals
2. Elksborough, Illinois Meat Association
3. Electrical Institute of Modern Aviation
4. Equistrian Institute for Military Aviators
5. Electrical Industrial Mechanical Association
6. Essential Intelligence Mastering Accuracy
7. Extra Intelligent Monkeys Association
8. Endlessly Interesting Mothers of America

Category: Movies (finally a new one! Movie Title is given, and you must write a plot)
Clue: Movie Title: "13 Women"
Submitted Answers:

1. In this dark comedy, woman in an internment camp attemp to escape by seducing the military guards. However their efforts are being secretly videotaped and sold to neighboring countries as entertainment.

2. A romantic comedy in which 13 women are interested in the same guy

3. The story of the 1927 Yale University women's field hockey team

4. Based on a true story of 13 men who disguise themselves as women to enroll in the prestigious St. Ramona's Girls Boarding School in Dublin, Ireland.

5. Documentary of 13 women diagnosed with terminal cancer in their final days.

6. A French comedy where a middle-aged man must make peace with his past relationships in order to gain his grandmother's inheritance.

7. Documentary of 13 women working in the mills and their involvement in the women's movement.

8. Chronicles the lives of 13 women determined to be selected as a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

During and at the end of the game, a couple of us remembered the one word that stuck in our minds as one of the most hilarious and memorable.

Word: Hornito
Notable Submission: A little Mexican man with only one thing on his mind.
Real Answer: Mosquito larva

2005-11-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

THANKS in GIVING "This here kids, is a special turkey. I caught it myself."

Gotta love the feeling when the holiday comes around. We laugh, we cry, we hurl. Ok, it's not exactly a Wayne's World moment. It is funny though how something of almost a switch turns on right when Thanksgiving comes; as if the deepest sentiments of our hearts surface for these 30+ days out of the 365 days. Oh no, I have seasonal emotions! Just kidding.

For the past 15 years, Thanksgiving has been special for me. When my parents passed in 1990, it almost numbed my heart from feeling anything remotely resembling love, and making it much harder to "give thanks." By God's saving grace and provision, I have received love from both sides of my family, and made new friends whom I have walked life with both in and out of church/work. I always used to have these thoughts that if my relatives did not reach out to us, would I have gone to church? Would I have been a drop out, and not finish high school like my parents? What about my sister's fate? Would she accomplish what she has academically?

I am thankful cuz I can take these questions and run them over with my car over and over. For God's Spirit had said unto my spirit that "I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

If God were a store, He'd be "Restoration Hardware".

Thanksgiving for me is the ongoing story and journey of God's restoration work in my life. And I admit I still make some bad decisions here and there, but if the last 15 years has shown me anything, restoration is not far away. I give thanks because He has given me a renewed reason to give back. To give back to family. To give back to friends. To give back to those hard pressed. To give back to life, because it is important and it does matter.

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to help out with a special Thanksgiving meal teen pregnant moms, coordinated by some friends from church, and another local church conducts this ministry. It was a great way to give time and good food to these teen moms, who are experiencing hard times.

After the event my pastor and I were able to bring some food to a homeless man, Rudolph ("like the reindeer" as he said). We asked him about where he stays, if he had shelter, what was difficult, and what we could pray for him for. He has been homeless for a little over 10 years. I told him about a weekly bruncheon at a local Catholic church in Brea, CA that if he had a way to get there, or was in the area, that he could count on food being there every week. I hope I see him there one of these days, when I go to serve.

So what does Thanksgiving mean to you? I know it's hard to write down, huh? Don't know where to start, what to say, and to say what you mean, not mean what you say. GOOD!! Use this time to get your thoughts together. Maybe its time for restoration for you too.

Have Thanksgiving from the wooster!!

(Note to self: don't mind the picture too much; I was just trying to find something random to get me in the mode to write.)

2005-11-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Why is Good Help Hard to Find?...Is there something in our teeth?

"Oh, we see your resume and you have good experience. Why are you seeking this position?"

"Name 3 words to describe yourself."

"Given your past experiences, what do you look for in a manager?"

"What is your experience with Accounts Receivable, and Recovery Billing? Tenant Disputes?"

"Ok, thanks for coming in. It was a pleasure to meet you. We will take a moment to discuss and we'll be in contact with you" [shaking hands].

Recently my company has been looking for 2 experienced folks seeking a position for Lease Administrator. It is a good retail real estate company, publically traded on the NYSE, based in NY and growing! Currently, our regional office supports the accounting, leasing, redevelopment and management of over 77 regional shopping centers, in 8 states. We are growing fast. And we need more good people to work!!

Already in this short work week, we have interviewed 3 people. Results: 3 up, 3 down. For the past 2 months, it has been something like about 6 candidates. None. What the hell? Do we smell? Did I accidentally pick my teeth? Did my boss scare them away with the daunting job description? Did we, the interviewers not communicate well? Did I chew my gum too noticably? Shoot! [banging head], I always do that!

Not really. I was just kidding. C'mon, I'm a professional, kinda. Ok, I'm a hard worker. I claim that in the name of the Lord!!

Before this job, I have never participated on the side of the interviewer, and it is quite a learning experience. There is no science to it; and there is no real formula. One of the things I've observed is that you have to make it clear what position you are offering and what the expectations are for that position. And by expectations, for our team (I work on the Accounting/Finance side) it is breadth of technical experience, work style, commitment to learning, outside life (our goal is that everyone should have a life beyond work), clear expectations of the employer, and overall vibe (is the candidate easy to talk to; is the candidate engaging; has the candidate clearly communicated his/her expectations; will they be a good lunch buddy?...c'mon, you know it's relevant!!...and we all know that the real "bizness" gets done over lunch!!"). Our office is pretty diverse, so we are far from being legally discriminatory in any way. (I am forever thankful for the diverse work place; for where it exists and is managed well...it's a great learning experience).

Our team has discovered that our culture is serious about work and serious about fun. We enjoy each other's company in and outside the office. We put in the long hours when needed and are committed to becoming a solid regional office in the company. Another commitment we have is good training for new hires. With each of us having gone through rigorous training and constant trial-and-error, we make it a point to mention to candidates that when hired, they will have full support during their training from us. Why the slim pickins? Here are a few things I've observed:

-candidates not fully understanding their own intentions
-lack of certain outlined experience (i.e. lease abstraction, recovery billing, a/r, tenant disputes)
-hard to communicate with (our job requires dealing with difficult tenants and difficult
personalities within the company; the quiet ones just don't fly)
-needs to be totally flexible
-at this point, we don't need someone that will "grow" into a role, we just need someone already
there and ready to hit the ground running
-we have better results with relationships thru networking, including temp agencies that we
have a favorable track record with

I do hope that the search will be short, cuz we be bizzeee!!! Maybe we can make it a reality show...um, ok, maybe not.

I wonder if anyone has any hiring wisdom to share.

2005-11-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

Words per Minute

At work we are currently hiring and had reviewed a few resumes where the candidates indicated how many "WPM" they can type. 45. 50. 65. Rookies!!!. J/k, these are really good.

So, being wierd that I am, I looked on GOOGLE to see if there was a site that could evaluate (to a certain degree) how fast I could type. So the first site that came up was: http://www.programmingart.com/free/utilities/.

It's a simple little test and it also tracks accuracy and analyzes each finger. I found my right pinky is useless. It's a cool, simple test. According to that site, I type avg. 60 wpm, at about 95.5% accuracy.

The my right pinky is what caused me the .5% and will be resigned to be the official nose-picker.
Just kidding, I pick my nose with my thumb.

Just kidding again. I have no comment.

I typed this blog entry at about 50 wpm at 90% accuracy. The 10% because I had to sneeze and it threw off my hand placement.

2005-11-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Apples Didn't Work for Me This Time.

I went to the dentist for the first time in 8 years. Yes, I bear the shame and confess my laziness of not scheduling regular visits. But as of today, I vow to maintain better oral hygiene and to brush better.

My friend and I mentioned to our boss a couple months ago of having not gone to the dentist in several years. I learned I wasn't the only one that went several years without a dentist's visit! Our boss then made a promise to help us men get hooked up with her long time high school friend, a dentist in near by Santa Ana. So yesterday our boss calls us in and made good on her promise to set up appointments for us with her friend. It was embarassing, but nonetheless we were thankful. Yeah, we be tight like that at work.

It might have been a few more weeks before I would have gotten around to it. I know, I know.

So my appointment was at 2pm today. So I made sure I brushed really good in the morning, swished around the mouthwash really good and smiled. I dunno, I think I'm a nut sometimes. Everytime in the past, including this morning when I had a dentist's appointment, I brushed my teeth 10x better on day of then any other day. Am I the only one? Like as if I could fool myself that 8 years could be erased with 3 extra minutes brushing and swishing. Never again will I delude myself of instant fixes!

1:55 P.M. I arrive at the dental office. Good thing that it happens to be only a few miles away from where I live; if they knock me out, they can stick me on a bus to my apartment! I was hoping 8 years of neglect wouldn't put me out too seriously. Up until today, I was resigned to the fact that I might have my first few cavities. [Sigh] I guess the streak must end. Nonetheless, it was time to face oral hygenic reality.

As I walk around to the front, the back door was open, although the outside gate of the door was closed. I heard a tremendously loud scream, like Westley in the "Princess Bride" screaming on the torcher table. It was just NUTS!

I go in the front door and was greated by Aurelia, the office manager, and another of my boss' best friends. She handed me the initial paperwork to fill out and initial. While doing so, the TV in the waiting room was showing Yu-Gi-Oh. Two little boys with their mother and baby sister were in the room with me. And in the background - that excruciating scream! What the hell is going on here. I stand up and yell out "what kind of gestapo tactics are you using here!!".

Just kidding. I didn't do that. At first I thought maybe it might be jungle noises, to go along with the apparent safari theme on the walls. (I looked more closely and it was actually a marine theme...yup, I was way off). I did get up and ask Aurelia, cuz I was beginning to get nervous.

Me: Aurelia, is that screaming I hear?
Aurelia: Yes. it's their older brother. He's having many cavities filled and getting a couple teeth extracted.

Me: Oh. ok.

I sat back down to wait my turn. Periodically the mother and the brothers would go in and out of the waiting room to be at his brother's side. Each time that door opened - "AAHH!!!...AAHHH!!!." Then I noticed that the mother had been crying for her son during the excruciating treatment. I know it must have been hard. During my wait, I did look over to her, and gave a small smile. For over 45 minutes, the poor kid screamed at the top of his lungs while the dentist did her work. Man, that must have been hard for the dentist work through; just as it was for the entire office to hear.

Finally the young man comes out, tears still running down, and his head and shirt noticably wet from sweating. Poor kid. The dentist then allowed him to pick a small toy and sticker for being a good sport over all. Another satisfied customer!

My turn. The first thing they did was take X-rays. Ok, so far so good. Then Quynh comes over to greet me. I congratulate her, as she is 6 months pregnant with #2. I saw her last at my boss' wedding. We chatted and then asked for some hygenic history. Told her I never had cavities, and that my wisdom teeth all seemed to be out such that I would accidentally bite my cheek while eating. She asked if I flossed regularly. "Nope" I said embarrassingly. After writing some quick history, it was time to go to work.

Diagnosis - I had 2 "mini" cavities, requiring minor fillings. Darn! The apples didn't work for m this time-the dentist had me! I also had a good thick layer of calcium around my teeth, which could be scraped off. I needed a deep cleaning and my wisdom teeth out (which will be later down the road). After she finished initial inspection of my teeth, she called over her assistant and asked for the "sharpening stone". I looked over, and holy cow! She needed to super-sharpen her picks for my teeth. That is a first. I thought, oh great, I'm going to bleed a lot now. And damn, I was still wearing my nice work clothes!

Suprisingly, she was very gentle. Sure and steady handed, but she cleaned me up pretty good. She commented that I had very good teeth; that I could have passed for someone that didn't go to a dentist for only 1 year. As she was scraping I accidentally fell asleep for about 3 minutes. I told her afterwards and she laughed, "oh that's good, you're doing very well by the way". Then after the cleaning it was time to do the minor fillings. After getting numbed up on the lower left side of my mouth, she quickly drilled, sucked, and injected a small amount of clear filling. I couldn't belive how quick that went. I was certainly thankful for her care of my teeth; and mostly thankful that 8 years only got me 2 mini cavities. Again I promise to brush and floss more reqularly.

Before I left, I made an appointment for next month to come in to have deep cleaning. I'm going to ask for a toy on that visit.

2005-11-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

Do the Chickens have Large Talons?

2005-11-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

SPOILED OIL

So finally, the gas prices have finally fallen below the $3 mark. So can we give a sigh of relief? Why am I still not satisfied?

I read a few articles from different online newspapers and online sources about the recent testimonies between the Senate and the big-wig oil companies about their record breaking $33,000,000,000 in profits for just the past 3rd calendar quarter! (did your eyes dry out like mine reading that number? sheesh.).

As an accountant, I know that it's quite a ways down the income statement from the Revenue line item, to the Net Profit line. $33-Bil PROFIT in just 90 days, is GINORMOUS!! Anyone else a little upset and skeptical as I am, mostly because we each had to pay big $$ for fuel. Hundreds of companies combined don't even come close to that figure over an entire year! For example, Bank of America posted something like $23 Million in profit in 04 (don't quote me, but it's around that figure). That's like pennies in comparison to the oil companies. That's just NUTS!!!

(I promise not to bog you down with numbers; this is just an honest opinion and perspective as a fellow consumer).

I read one article that aimed to explain the large taxes that these oil companies actually pay to the government, and that due the prior year operating results, the topic of discussion is to see if it is justifiable to impose a "windfall" tax on these profits. (Yeah, I know that look, I have as much a clue as you about what a "windfall" tax is. At any rate, as I finished reading the article I couldn't help but smirk my lip and shake my head. Pay more taxes to the government? Great, how does that help the situation? How does that help us? If you ask me, I don't think at all.

I wouldn't be suprised if there was a government imposed audit, or SEC-imposed one (who is independent from gov't..thank God!). There might be some some eye-opening findings. So what exactly are these giant oil companies going to do with $33 Billion profit? Buy more land and build more drills only to still retain the power to set prices and production? Is it an issue of corporate social responsibility? Too many people will probably have lost their jobs while money-wasting debates continue to go on. It's just like sports athletes who talk smack and become "contraversial"...and somehow at the end of the day profit from it. While it makes for good drama and probably another cinematic movie, where is the justice?

I know there are many dynamics at play, from the economics of the oil industry, supply v. demand; emerging fear of resource depletion (I think "fear" has been used as a marketing ploy to control emotional behavior; I mean c'mon, is there a E.........F meter stuck in the ground somewhere; don't sell me "fear", where is the proof I said!); discussion of possible regulatory action; R&D for alternative fuel innovations; inflation and impact on the retail industry (i.e. clothing, food, travel). While I understand that the biggest stake holders of a company (public and private) are its stockholders, where is the line drawn? What will the oil companies do with all that money? I believe if they just pocket it, and continue to draw in record breaking profit figures qtr after qtr, without indication of how they would "give back to society", then it's almost like stealing; almost like rape. I know its strong words, and I don't mean to offend anybody personally, but as a consumer, I feel taken advantage of.

I wish....I wish that the oil companies would be more pro-active about helping out, like for instance, help fund new fuel efficient buses for schools across the nation; or help subsidize fuel costs for lower income individuals meeting certain qualifying criterion; or small businesses that rely heavily on transportation to conduct commerce; or more scholarships (I know some exist, but I think they can afford to dish out and publicize more $$) for students interested in pursuing engineering or the sciences as a prospect career; or help third-world countries build infrastructure to learn and become self-sustaining economies; or to help me build my restaurant...haha, you still with me here? J/k, but hey if they offered... Without having done super extensive research, I will claim some ignorance if oil companies are in fact doing things to give back. But they need to kick it up a notch, because I can't see beyond those zeros right at this point.

I don't know if my ideas would actually materialize. But wouldn't be great if we saw these oil companies make a bigger effort to restore trust, value, and goodwill in the public eye. And I don't mean tag teaming with government, but going solo. Government has it's own reputation to fix. A good company must stand on it's own two feet.

When I first began reading about this topic, the first things that popped in my mind were "Enron/MCI" and the tobacco industry. Big bulls that got taken down by their horns. Hopefully it is not the case with these oil companies; the country, and world for that matter could use some good news, don't you think?

Mindless tidbit, only because I saw it on Yahoo! Finance: there was a link to Forbes magazine of this years top-fitty richest people. Of course Mr. Gates is still #1, sitting pretty with a a net worth of $51,000,000,000. That's just NUTS!!! But Mr. Gates also owns his own non-profit corporation that helps out in 3rd world countries. The last I saw was a BW article a couple years ago, where he dumped a whopping 40+% of his wealth into it. If one man can do it, don't see why 8 giant oil companies couldn't rise to the occasion and spare a $1,000,000,000.

Ok, I hope I don't have a wierd dream because of all the zeros I alowed myself to type. I need a hug.

Thoughts? Rebukes? (please be gentle, I'm vulnerable right now...j/k.)

2005-11-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

HOME IS ON THE WAY!!!!

Oh man! Oh man! I can't believe it's almost here! I am in the home stretch (ALL PUNS INTENDED!)

Man, I know I said I wasn't going to stress out, now it just hit me like a tidal wave. My hands are sweaty just writing this! Still quite a few things.

[if you are interested in one buyer's perspective of the home buying process, first get comfortable and get some eye-drops, and please read on. My experience is for new home construction, so may differ between builders and for existing home purchases, although I many of the concepts may apply accross the board].

If there is something I learned about the home-buying process, it's to be patient, and make it a point to get informed from friends who have purchased, or who are in the market, or who are in the business as agents/brokers themselves. I know I will not know all the tricks-of-the-trade, but the process is still fun. You have to be willing to learn, and don't always accept the first good property you see! I understand everyone has different tastes & preferences, and I think So-Cal has more than large enough selection to satisfy the toughest customer! Sorta like how Starbucks can make any coffee concoction you can think of!! (Starbuck's is cool!).

This letter came with 7 pages of basically a timeline of specific events that will take place regarding final loan procedures, to timing of vacate notice (if you are renting), to any final documents required to close the deal. So this is what my final 60 days will be:

-Approx 45 days prior to close: lender to order appraisal and to discuss rate locking options more acutely.

-Aprox 30 days prior to close: must lock rate and decide on loan program that works for you. (Please note, that the time frame may differ between new construction, and existing home purchases.) Also, usually if you decide to acquire outside lending from the builder's preferred lender, usually there is stipulation in the Purchase Agreement as far as to how much time you have to shop around for lending. In my case, there was a 72-hour timeframe from time of first signing back in June, which got me worried cuz how would you know you are getting the best deal when closing is 7 - 10 months out? Anything can happen to rates. Luckily as long as you do not sign anything in the form of a "commitment", you have full right to still look around. I inquired, and apparently there is flexibility where ultimately the builder or seller may approve. I've learned its all about doing peripheral research first upfront, getting to know the lender during the first couple meetings, narrowing it to a few, and then deciding based on gathered info who you would trust the most going with. Relationship is key.

To illustrate, I was talking to my cousin Annie this morning, who also is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Loan agent, and she was very helpful and helping me understand the agent perspective during the transaction process. She says it's frustrating many times, when you have a potential client, who comes in and sits with you, seems willing to use you as an agent, and then decides far into the escrow process that they are still "shopping around" and pitting you against some other agent "X" by bringing a competing good faith estimate ("gfe"). She was telling me about her latest client, who she did a lot of leg work to prepare info, background check, pre-approve, etc, only to find out after all that work, that the client was still "shopping" around. So until the deal is closed--that is if that client decides to go with my cousin-- she is basically working for "free". I understand there is the cost of doing business, and the inherent risks are there, but she was just sharing with me to illustrate that a good lender is basically trying to earn your trust, and to help the buyer understand that they will work hard to earn that relationship. Of course there is the understanding that the consumer has rights, and freedom to shop around, but nonetheless it does help to know what the agent's side of the table feels like, especially when its one you know (or are related to).

I appreciated her sharing so much because her character is all about maintaining good relationships in and outside church, and it is encouraging to see that she is able to apply it successfully to her business practices. In my own life, I hope at the end of the day, that can be said of me.

So how does Annie's info relate to me and my housing situation? My plan was compare gfe's between my cousin and my current loan officer and see if the loan officer could match or beat it. While it's still a hard ball way to get the best deal, my motive totally missed the mark. I had already established a good relationship with my loan officer. I had asked a million questions (with the help of my sister...ok, I asked about 5, and she asked the remaining 999,995 questions..shows where the brains went..hehe..) and she answered every one of them. We gave about 90% indication we were going to go with her, reserving the other 10% to use our cousin as a proxy, and potential alternative. Again, this is late into the process. So after our talk this morning, I realized that I would be burning some bridges with our loan officer who already did so much work; the hard work to earn our trust and her way of showing us that she is doing the best she can to offer us the most competitive rates and loan program in the area. She has 14 + years experience, and I just totally forgot about that, cuz I was hungry for the "deal". At the end of the conversation with my cousin, she suggested I stick with my current loan officer for ease of transaction: we do have an established relationship; she has up to date information from directly from the builder since she is the preferred lender for that site (whereas my cousin would have to start from "scratch"); and because the loan officer is local (my cousin lives in Nor-Cal).

-Approx 14-21 days prior to close: Following up with lender to make sure loan documents have been ordered and are processing. Need to make sure you are available in person to come in to sign papers the week the paperwork arrives.

-Approx 1 week prior to close: Time to sign on loan docs!! Funds are then deposited in escrow account one day prior to close. Concurrently, I will need to deposit downpayment in certified funds. In addition, an appointment will be made to meet with the Construction representative to do a thorough walk through and conduct a New Home Orientation.

-The Close of Escrow: After a week after the orientation, we sign on the dotted line for our close of escrow and title. Funds are deposited one day prior to close. Then escrow company orders Change of Ownership to our name. The Grand/Deed is stamped, signed, and dated. Once the phone call confirmation from escrow is made, I get handed the keys and then....

Then...

ITS TIME TO PARTAY!!!!

Now I have to figure out game plan for moving. That's a whole 'nother blog!! Ha ha, j/k. We all know how that works.

2005-11-14T22:48:00.000-08:00

Great. I lost by 8 points. UNBELIEVABLE!!! 6 straight weeks by single digits! 135 - 143.

2005-11-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

Fantasy Foosball!

Aargh!! I am down by only 13 points going into tomorrow's Monday Night Football showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and the Phildelphia Eagles. T.O. is out - that winer!!! Wine, Wine, Wine, want some cheese with that Wine!! He has getting paid too much to talk smack. Doesn't any feel the same way when an athlete makes himself/herself to be "contraversial"? What a waste of money I say! So I finally dump him off my roster, and pick up Hines Ward (Hines Ketchup! I always call him). Hopefully that was a good move.

Man, I can't stand losing by single digits anymore!!! I've lost 5 straight weeks by single digit defeats - those are the ones that eat you from the inside! I asked my co-workers to throw me a frickin bone! Please! (by the way, the Fantasy Football is with 5 of my co-workers). I need Jason Witten on Dallas to catch some balls and one for TD!! I just need 14 points to win!!!!

With the worst record in the league, my co-workers have been rather gracious when beating me by single digits. Which, if I was in their shoes, I would rub it in!! haha, j/k. Well, maybe I'd rub it in for a couple minutes and then I'd be "j/k". Ok, maybe if I'm playing for the wild card spot...I just need 2 more good weeks. Smack talking did get me to last place though. I have been humbled.

I must say, Fantasy Football is too cool--this being my first time and all. It's been a cool way to relate with my co-workers, not to mention the little smack talk we have on occasion. All in good fun! These guys are great; it's been cool getting to know them in many other ways. Whether it's playing golf at 6am, fantasy football, shooting hoops with our nerf basketball, venting about some archaic company policy that hinders our ability to move forward with issues, dating philosophies, politics, or when we are going to hit Vegas together (someday...someday!!), it has become the most fun work environment I will have ever been in. I am thankful for these guys, I am thankful for this job. It has its moments, and more recently some drama, but that's not enough to deter the fun us guys are still able to have, in the office, and outside.

A couple months ago (hope no one from my corporate reads this..haha..can't prove anything on us!) 3 of my co-workers and I were given the day off, and we played golf ALL DAY LONG! 36 holes, between 2 different courses. Though we didn't hit well the latter part of the day(which was at the nice expensive course), it was the best "work" outing thus far.

Golf balls. Football. Basketball...we are a bunch of foos havin some fun. FOOSBALL!!.

2005-11-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

Cool Beans!

We usually have a variety of coffee here at the office. But we be runnin short and only have this "Columbian Supremo" that is just bitter to me! (I know there are folks, that like that though). So got to make a coffee run!

Ooh, can't forget the Starbuck's gift card I won at a friend's halloween party last year. $5! I went around asking for orders. Got 2.

1. Grande-Decaf-Lowfat-Misto
2. Venti-Latte-Non Fat-No Whip-Hazelnut...uh, no, better make that Vanilla
3. Grande Caramel Macchiato (I'm still the simple straightshooter)

Is there a published dictionary for the hundred ways you can order your coffee at Starbucks? Do they have "animal style" like In-n-Out? Aha! Gotcha Mr. Big-Chain-Coffee-Giant! j/k. Seriously though, I was glad I wrote the orders down.

So in my feable little mind I wonder:
-how do people know how they like their coffee? did they taste test different versions?
-if people have such specialized orders; did they first make it themselves, and then got too busy to make on their own?
-does it cost extra after a certain number of items in your order?
-how do Starbuck's baristas train for the "unknown concoctions"?
-did they ever add too many things to where an order began to not look like "coffee"?
-next time I'm going to ask: "What has been the hardest order you have had to make?"

I asked the guy at the cashier if there was a dictionary of the different ways they have made coffee. He chuckled, and said "nope".

Darn, now that I think of it, I must have ordered easy ones.

2005-11-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

Home Sweet Townhome

I need to write about something fun. I need to loosen up. No talk about work for week--unless I really need to vent. Time to talk about the new pad!

Its funny how the days seem to get longer, the closer it gets to completion. "FINISH THE HOUSE ALREADY!" I say in my mind. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but pretty soon it will be time to PARTAY!!. I really do hope I can make a home out of it, and place for people to fellowship in, just like my cousins do with their home. I'm always thankful they make fellowship important, and do it well. I'm also thankful to Edmond for showing me hospitality x 10; he is a great friend.

So here are the early pics of what my hard work will earn me.

(Top) Phase 1 homes in 8/05; (Bottom) The beginnings of the Framework for our Phase 4 homes

(Top) Outside of our home 9/05; (Bottom) Me and the sis in the dining room

(Top) Phase 1 almost complete! Back side; (Bottom) Completed Model homes Front side

(Top) Cabinet, carpet, counter top and Entry Tile; (Bottom) Inset for middle of living room, tile, and hardwood flooring. Tried to go earth-tonish. Hope it's not too much brown! Need to think of wall colors. Any ideas?

Well, I meet some of the neighbors tomorrow at a special luncheon/orientation. Lets see who I have to compete with for parking spaces! hahaa.

Next stop - Furniture!

2005-11-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

Mini-me! I love this picture. It is my best friend's baby son, Matthew in his cool monkey suit. And check out the bananas! When I look at this picture I smile and am reminded of my destiny. Just kidding, no destiny. Hey Matthew, give Uncle Woo-Woo one of dem bannanas!

2005-11-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

Walking through the valley

So a bunch of big-wigs from my corporate come to hear us out and smooth the drama that has invaded our office. Misunderstanding has led to distrust. Distrust to accusations. Accusations into reactiveness that rivals Nuclear bombs in...ok, now I'm over-reacting.

To be honest the relationships in our office need to be repaired. I have said very plainly and openly to my staff and 1 of the 2 individuals (ha, now you have to go back and read my ridicurously long blog of the situation at my work) that at my one on one interview with the head of our company's HR that I will say (1) we have worked too hard to be divided in such a manner (believe me, I think this whole thing is fixable) and therefore no one should get canned, and (2) plead for the opportunity to allow our office to fix itself, whether through a team building consultant, a one day retreat -- something that we can all gather around to do and get to the source of the problem and work on resolution. Yes it might be difficult, but it's doable. I would really be discouraged to see someone at my office let go or leave.

On a lighter note, my laptop is finally fixed! I am a little disappointed in that I didn't think it was going to take the notebookshop.com place 24 hours to fix. Well, I guess it's worth it, because I spent too many nights trying to fix it, and to no avail. I just want my wireless to work! Oh well not having access at home helped keep me out of trouble. Now I just have to stop watching too much dang TV! If its not Smallville, its Apprentice (w/ the Donald); if its not that its WWE (grew up with that stuff; yeah I know its fake--I body slammed the fool that told me years ago...j/k....I was pissed that he told me though); AND if it's not that, its Ultimate Fighting. UFC baby! I've been slowly getting myself to read more. I've got a bunch of books that I bought off recommendations from friends, but have not touched. I must have been thinking it would sink in by osmosis. I better go stock up on Red Bull, cuz reading knocks me out faster than a whole bottle of sleeping pills. But for the record, despite this slight impairment, I can read! Just want to clear the air. Seriously, I need to rebuild the discipline.

Now that I've rambled off on silly pander, I better stop for today.

2005-11-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

MEAT, MEAT AND MORE MEAT!!

For the 2nd time, I had Brazilian BBQ for dinner in celebration of a friend's birthday. Meat is good! Tried alligator, and when it's they say it tastes like chicken, it practically is. Look, texture, taste. The hit of the evening was the skirt steak, cooked just right with perfect flavoring and texture. Other pieces of meat that we had were rib-eye (little bit chewy); quail, lamb, bacon wrapped turkey chunks (they looked like marshmellow's), top sirloin (it was bloody), and grilled pineapples (those were excellent). For 2 hours, we were big-time carnivores, and it was sweet! Chomp-Chomp!

The place we went to was in Fullerton. Can't remember the name, but I'll fill in blank later. The first Brazilian BBQ place I went to, is in Covina (I think), called Greenfields. They had much more variety cuts of meat and selection. Perhaps my next birthday will be a visit to the coveted meat-haven, that is Greenfield's. :)

Now I will need to spend the next half hour picking the meat chunks out of my ginormous molars.

Beyond the meat, it was a great dinner. Sitting with fellow UCR alumni, a fews years younger than I, but that didn't matter. It was a great time of eating and fellowship. I am very thankful that I am able to remain in relationship with fellow alums-post UCR. Keeps me feeling young! It's cool to see where each person is at, and to see that many are still serving in many capacities.

2005-11-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

TOO MUCH DRAMA!! DRAMA SUCKS!

Man, what a week. I don't even have the words to describe the drama at my work this week. You know when you just want everyone to just get along, respect one another (not necessarily like each other or be someone's best friend). So what is the value of relationship in the work place? It sucks when an assumption and misunderstanding get blown out of proportion, and both sides are telling the other to not "over-react". At any rate, it involves my Lease Admin, who I have come to respect. She makes it a point to be truthful and honest, and at the same time stand up for what she believes in. She is also gay, and by that alone places her as a minority in my office. Basically, she was implicated on suspicion that she aided a temp (who worked for us for a few weeks) to write a complaint email of certain 2 certain individuals not being productive, being discriminatory, both racially (may have been mis-interpreted though), and socio-economically (the temp was a Latina, who had an accent, but was very intellible, and in fact co-owned a business with her husband). The email was sent to one of the chief officers in our company, and our regional VP. The attempt to retract the email was made, but with no such luck. The temp did apologize for sending the email, but felt something did need to be said, because she felt her treatment during her short time was basically not fair.

The 2 individuals were brought in by our regional VP and after that meeting, started to speculate who in the office could have helped the temp write such a revealing email, and had the knowledge of who to send it to. Somehow, my Lease Admin was implicated and suspected of aiding, which she had no idea of the content at the time, had no part whatsoever. I believe her. My portfolio of properties have major tenant issues, so there is barely any time for her to have been involved in such a scheme. And this is the part that pains me, and just makes my heart drop: the 2 indviduals, (whom I like to say I still have good rapport with, and some goodwill) are fellow Christians. What they did not too long after the initial incident, was to try and have my Lease Admin's emails and internet monitored and traced. Our VP said "no" and denied such request. But the 2 individuals tried to go behind the back and still do it by contacting the head of our IT at our corporate. The request got wind of HR, and HR notified our VP, which led to a formal written reprimand and warning to improve behavior, or _ _ _ (I don't know what the reprimand actually is, but it wasn't good). What it has evolved into, is a big chasm between our side of the office, and the other side, filled with "dirty looks", some snares, some trash talkin, and unhealthy behavior. It has driven my Lease Admin to tears. (who is recovering from a back surgery to fix her spine, after a horrific accident).

How horrific you wonder? She was run-over by a large construction truck (not at full speed, but you can do the math of size ratio) and basically folded in half. She was asked by her corporate to take pictures of construction of a new Sketchers store at the outlets in Barstow (near Las Vegas), which was outside of her job description, and (in my opinion), totally stupid request. The truck operator, "accidentally" got back into the truck and didn't see her. It is considered a miracle that she was still able to walk, but damage was done, leaving unbelievable discomfort constantly, and leaving a lone individual the ardous task of trying to get justice, by way of lawsuit, and experiencing shady lawyers in the process. She is a fighter, with a strong spirit, and will to live the most honest life she can. I actually am very blessed to work with her, and have learned a lot of "loving thy neighbor" and being a light to her without throwing Bible or judgement her way. So anyhow, that add's context to the difficulty my Lease Admin is, emotionally, physically, and pyschologically.

I think in illustrations; it's the only way to help me understand the world. I liken this situation to a couple of kids playing with toys and getting out of control, and a parent/teacher [insert desired discipinary figure] coming and taking the toys away to get them in check. The 2 individuals, are the kids in this scenario that got their "toys" taken away; my Lease Admin being the one who "took the toys away", but I mean that in a professional and mature way. She just wanted the courtesy of a quiet work environment in order to focus at her desk. (They all work in open cubicles). Anyway back to the 2 individuals. So naturally, they are reacting, in a not so favorable and unhealthy manner. I wish I could just tell them "GROW UP!!!" (these 2 are a few years older than I am).

So the tension and animosity since that time has grown into an ugly beast, that has gotten to me, my fellow accounting team. During the past month, another Temp came and gone (and she ended up writing a letter to our CEO, citing racial discrimination for not hiring her full time) and another Lease Admin quit suddenly, implicated my Lease Admin, and left abruptly to another job. I think her exit was unprofessional and showed lack of integrity. There is much more detail that I could write, but I'll be here forever, so I hope the jist of the environment at my work as of late, is understandable.

Why is it difficult to detach myself from the situation? In the past I could easily step back, if I know I am not involved and because I was just staff; but it's different now because I'm the manager. Gosh, things change when you become a manager. And if there is one thing I have learned from my previous companies, is that the manager must learn to have a backbone, to support his staff, when rightfully justified. It has become my issue because it affects the work needed to be done in my area of oversight. That's what's different about this situation for me. Quite honestly, it has drained a lot from me emotionally, and has left me confused of what to do. I've been praying for wisdom, and discernment on how I can somehow get accross the point that we in the office need to learn how to value one another. And I don't mean we all need to be best friends. We need to be professional, to respect one another, and one another's work space, and we need to heal. Re-arranging the office is the current quick-fix -- I personally don't think it fixes anything. If anyone has insight, or has advice, I humbly and am open to suggestion.

If you have read this far into my email (and you are someone I know), I will buy you lunch! Ha ha, you had to endure 20 min. of your time, when you just needed to scroll down to claim the prize! Seriously, I thank anyone for taking time to read this. I know I will look back on this and hope I learned something practical to apply as a manager. I guess I need to grow up too (in a useful way of course!).

2005-10-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

STRONG LIKE BULL!!!!

When life gets tuff, grab the bull by its...um, yeah. As tough as it has been lately, I am so glad I got good rest this past weekend, not to mention the extra hour fall back.

Anyone leave the clock alone to try and extend the effect? 1 day later, and I still haven't changed it!

I took some time to reflect this past weekend and realized how beneficial practicing good rest is, but also how challenging it is to make it for yourself. One of my good friends from church asked how I was doing, and I said "work has sucked me dry emotionally; so life outside of work has been quiet." While I don't think I'm burned out, I do feel that trying to make a conscious effort to rest on a daily basis is better than letting it accumulate and trying to figure out on the weekends. When life gets tough, you have to learn to fight back, with some time-outs of course. When they say perseverance builds character, I will certainly be the first to testify to that. While I still endure hardships, I hope that I learn enough from them, to work smarter.

Today's sermon at church was on 'oaths' -- from making them to learning to keep them. I know I've made enough to make oath-meal, I realized how much simpler and desirable my life could be if I bridged the gap between good intentions and my oaths. I never saw it this way, but it's funny how good intentions are a lot like debt:

-many interested parties
-it accummulates
-the older it gets, the more bothersome it becomes (if not taken care of)
-accountable (which can hinder dependability and integrity as a friend)
-never expires (unless there is a bankruptcy court for good intentions)
-the minimum (like "minimum payments") make no dent at all.

So in a year or less I promise to revisit this blog entry and see how much improvement I've made toward this goal. Intead of fighting the bull [life], I hope to run with it.

About the picture: The above picture is the famous bronze bull statue on Wall Street in New York. This is the good side; the backside is well, you will have to see it for yourself! New York is a great city to visit. The hardship and tragedy that so many experienced, has really shaped the character and perseverance of the city. Strong like bull!!!

2005-10-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sun up, Sun down

The past couple weeks have been a little tough, part because of work, and part my own laziness catching up to me. Granted that I've been busy with external things (work, church life, home stuff), I'm excited and exhausted at the same time. Is that possible? I thought about what I could share and my mind drew a blank. Then right before end of the work day, my co-worker mentions he placed a picture I sent to him recently, and that he placed it on his desktop? I was in a brain-fart when he talked to me and I had no idea what he was talking about, so I got up and walked over, and then it was clear again.

If there is one thing I realize about the sun, is that it looks good coming up, as it does going down. However, the cloud cast from difficulty and hardship in one's life gets in the way so many times that you can forget the good things that make life worthwhile. I think the sun (not that I worship the sun or anything..ooga buga....) reminds us of what is possible, from sun up, to sun down.

This picture reminds me of a verse, Psalm 113: 3 "From the rising of the sun, to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised."

A little bit about the picture: I took this picture a few weeks ago after returning from signing papers with my sis on a new home we are purchasing! Yay, home! She had parked her car at a nearby gym. As I pulled out after dropping her off at her car, I looked up, and and almost hit the curb. Oh, and I also saw the above. I have done no touch up to the picture whatsoever. What you see is exactly what I saw. There was a puddle of water from the sprinklers, and I didn't know at first how that would come out; I will claim ignorance with a touch of luck on that one. It's sights like these that make me want to try harder in life.

It's amazing what you can see in a parking lot.

2005-10-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, I can't take it anymore, I've given in to free blogs! What's a guy to do?

So what are MonkyFries? I never realized how much of a starting conversation piece my email sign-in would become. Although I'm glad it turned out that way, because it broke the ice better than I could ever thought of.

MonkyFries is the creation of 2 distinctive things about myself, born of neccessity, and bound by limitations. As I neared the end of my Sr. year at UC Riverside, I realized that my school email would not follow me out of the high-n-dry desert. AOL seemed like the best option. When I registered, I wanted to use MonkeyBoy as my user name, since it was a nickname given to me by many friends in highschool and college for my unique personality, and of course the face. When I first input my selection, it was taken. I then tried a few other variations. Taken. Gosh, I guess out of a few million people in the country, there are people that almost think like me!! It just so happened that I had eaten some fries from McDonald's (the one in Riverside that was close by sold bucket-o-fries--the unsung lifesaver of my college days). I then thought, there is NO WAY that someone would put the 2 together as a user name, so I typed in MonkeyFries. Sound good right? Well stinkin AOL (back then, believe it or not) had a 10 character limit for a user name. Unbelievable! By this time in the registration, I had spent almost an hour just to come up with a user name! Next thing to put was my address, which is another story because I was about to move-out and had not found a place yet. So after careful stare, I took out the "e" and that is MonkyFries. O(o.o)O

So are MonkyFries a good way to describe myself? In a way, yes, because it was a unique creation, born of careful thought, learning the hard way, and fun. I think an individual's creativity is as unique as the fingerprint. If you get to know me, and my friends can help vouch for me, I love creating stuff - through photography, through crafts, through cooking, through spreadsheets at work (spreadsheet? yeah, I'm an accountant by trade, but the good kind...I know what what you must have been thinkin...). Unfortunately, I have never been totally creative with words, so my hope is that as I do this blog thing, it will help me express thoughts more clearly, maybe get some feedback along the way, and just blog down what's on my mind so I can look back and wonder back "did I say that?", no way! And besides, the ad on the sign in for this blogger said "The fastest way to understand blogging is to try it out". I better get my $0 cents-worth out of this!!!