Even a developer (the likes of which we RARELY hear from, unless we're in trouble ;)) sent me a random email asking where I got it the next day ;)
http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts/frustrations/595d/
Also, Patty now blames me for her shopping spree in the aforementioned website :D
Oh, and Wil Wheaton loved this shirt ;) ... and no, Chris, he didn't ogle at me, okay?! 8-)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Post Memoriam
7:30 in the morning and you step in, the gray sun barely gaping through the green glass composing the windows and facade of this squat five or so story building that is home to my workplace. The fragrance immediately hits you - a subtle perfume of earth and water upon earth; like springtime when the buds begin to bloom, and mother nature tirelessly gives birth, blooming flowers and buds, and seedlings all around. I have yet to see a building quite like it, really. The scent is familiar, and the sight of a rather sizable garden inside a "commercial" (I hate the word) building - alas! a white face nearly frightens me, with glimmering green eyes afloat in this dark room; it's my kitty cat, Shelob (fie, fie upon thee, lovely and treacherous feline you are!) - is still something I am getting used to. And to think I've been working here for almost eight months now. Oh how time has passed and I have barely noticed. I am still not used to it. The scent housed within these cavernous, open walls is both familiar and new, so is the feel of the air, the feel of the step on the first stair upon the pavement, and then the carpeted spiral up to the second floor. Strange yet absolutely delightful. Everyday is still a new experience.
Three and a half days seems too long; I almost feel nervous going in - almost like I don't know what to expect; what challenges I am to meet today. I suppose it comes with a job you feel is worthwhile and to your liking. You always worry if you'll do good.
I am still hung over Shakespeare. Three nights and three doses of the Merchant of Venice, starring no less than the likes of Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Joseph Fiennes. Amazing how a literary background changes your train of thought - thoughts of the tragic hero, his tragic flaw, who is redeeming who, what the prophetic words may be uttered and so I hang unto the dialogue for dear life... and yet this is a comedy, for the hero never dies; he is a comedic hero, though the fabric upon which the play was woven is by no means laughable. In truth, I had no idea this was a comedy until I finished the movie. How you can empathize and not empathize with the Jew, Shylock, as with the merchant, Antonio. You instantly know, though, that this is a story of redemption, of a contemptuous Christian broken by a vindictive Jew demanding for his own version of justice.
Shakespeare seems to love multiple teamings in his comedies - Bassiano and Portia/Antonio, Lorenzo and Jessica, Gratiano, Bassanio's henchman, and Nerissa, Portia's handmaiden, not to mention that it takes deception, ironically, to discover the truth and bring about just recompense (Much Ado ring a bell, anyone?). Shakespeare's take on something equally simple and complex as the virtues of truth, mercy and justice, and the recognition of a man reformed and a man ruined, all by discrimination is really worth experiencing. I slept at 2 am last night finishing the movie, and yet I didn't care :)
Tomorrow is training day, again. I will close the day training and sharing my, as Brad would put it, "Dashboard Tips and Tricks" with the rest of the magnificent team I'm a part of. We are limiting the topic to only two modules because based on past experiences, they tend to be rather inquisitive ;) I am also taking the initiative to install mySQL on, as Brad would put it, my laptop, so we can play around with it and learn before they even decide to go with it full force. I just thought about it today - it's funny how within a year's time, I evolved from trainee to trainer, and in a different company and much more challenging position, too. Miracles do happen and I thank God for my blessings everyday. I'm not worthy. I suppose I'll close my night documenting the backups I went through with Jeff. We are, after all, not done yet, and have much more to do... I need to remind myself of some errands to run tomorrow, especially for my poor car whose door has mysteriously gone haywire, though there are no signs of anyone trying to break in. Oh well. It happens. But all will be well, my friend, let tomorrow take care of itself. Till then, see you at the tracks.
Ciao.
Three and a half days seems too long; I almost feel nervous going in - almost like I don't know what to expect; what challenges I am to meet today. I suppose it comes with a job you feel is worthwhile and to your liking. You always worry if you'll do good.
I am still hung over Shakespeare. Three nights and three doses of the Merchant of Venice, starring no less than the likes of Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Joseph Fiennes. Amazing how a literary background changes your train of thought - thoughts of the tragic hero, his tragic flaw, who is redeeming who, what the prophetic words may be uttered and so I hang unto the dialogue for dear life... and yet this is a comedy, for the hero never dies; he is a comedic hero, though the fabric upon which the play was woven is by no means laughable. In truth, I had no idea this was a comedy until I finished the movie. How you can empathize and not empathize with the Jew, Shylock, as with the merchant, Antonio. You instantly know, though, that this is a story of redemption, of a contemptuous Christian broken by a vindictive Jew demanding for his own version of justice.
Shakespeare seems to love multiple teamings in his comedies - Bassiano and Portia/Antonio, Lorenzo and Jessica, Gratiano, Bassanio's henchman, and Nerissa, Portia's handmaiden, not to mention that it takes deception, ironically, to discover the truth and bring about just recompense (Much Ado ring a bell, anyone?). Shakespeare's take on something equally simple and complex as the virtues of truth, mercy and justice, and the recognition of a man reformed and a man ruined, all by discrimination is really worth experiencing. I slept at 2 am last night finishing the movie, and yet I didn't care :)
Tomorrow is training day, again. I will close the day training and sharing my, as Brad would put it, "Dashboard Tips and Tricks" with the rest of the magnificent team I'm a part of. We are limiting the topic to only two modules because based on past experiences, they tend to be rather inquisitive ;) I am also taking the initiative to install mySQL on, as Brad would put it, my laptop, so we can play around with it and learn before they even decide to go with it full force. I just thought about it today - it's funny how within a year's time, I evolved from trainee to trainer, and in a different company and much more challenging position, too. Miracles do happen and I thank God for my blessings everyday. I'm not worthy. I suppose I'll close my night documenting the backups I went through with Jeff. We are, after all, not done yet, and have much more to do... I need to remind myself of some errands to run tomorrow, especially for my poor car whose door has mysteriously gone haywire, though there are no signs of anyone trying to break in. Oh well. It happens. But all will be well, my friend, let tomorrow take care of itself. Till then, see you at the tracks.
Ciao.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Strawberry Milkshake #2
I had my second go today at making Strawberry Milkshakes. Whole milk works. YUMMY.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
One Fine Day
Today was spent car shopping with Annie over at Bastrop - about 30 minutes southeast of Austin, depending on how fast you're going ;) She didn't have to shop, really. She knew what she wanted, and all she was waiting for was some "good vibes" - that gut feel that tells you you're getting a good deal and you're doing what is right. We went to {whoops, the lights just flickered. We lost electricity for about 3 seconds... thank God I'm on a laptop... heavy thunderstorm here for the second night. BEAUTIFUL.}... Covert Chevrolet... took awhile for someone to assist us then finally we got to talking to the nephew of the owner himself, Chance Covert. Very nice guy and very helpful, not pushy, at all. I think that was all Annie needed - a place she felt comfortable with, where she'd feel taken cared of.
It's funny how the more we push people, the more reluctant they are to give us what we want; and the more we give them space, the more inclined they are to give us a break. I suppose it's that innate stubborness we all have; our sense of pride and wanting to assert ourselves and self-awareness - wanting to insist we are our own person. I really admire people who can say no nicely yet firmly. Positive negation is more or less a lost art... a lot of people feel they need to work themselves up in a frenzy in order to complain or get what they want, or so that people will respect them when they say "No." Why is it so hard, really? Are we simply afraid of how people will respond to us? Do we even stop to think that people think less of us if we act like an upset madman?
Anyhow, I digress. I felt real happy that Annie chose me to be a part of this climactic moment in her life - her first car, and her first major purchase (not including Lasik). She was hilarious... she ended up crushing on Chance and being a tad bit obvious to his financial person, Vickie. Vickie must be used to it, and I admired her professionalism. And thank God Annie began to realize she was being just a little... obvious. Anyhow, we had fun - we laughed and I held her as she cried tears of joy. She will have her little Black Cobalt pretty soon.
We were very hungry and immediately sought out a place called Daddy's Grille (highly recommended by Annie's friend) on Highway 95 towards Elgin. Unfortunately, the place was closed, so we rushed all the way back to Austin's Hill's Cafe, one of Annie's favorite places in town. I had a fajita wrap, she had their fried catfish. The food was okay. Our server was pretty awesome and checked on us fairly often, even if we were seated outside... kept on saying see you, ladies! Always called us ladies, and always called on us. He must not be used to serving two hot chicks at the same time >;) hahaha. Kiddin.
After lunch, we dropped by her house where we filled Mama (her mom in law) in on everything that happened... and then a spontaneous trip to Ruta Maya (or something like that) to check out the Salsa Scene. Unfortunately, nothing was going on, so we decided to make another spontaneous trip - to Town Lake. Finally!!! I'd been wanting to walk around the area. Tired as we were, we hiked up the trail, and I urged Annie that we take the whole route between Lamar and Mo-pac. She kept on ranting about it past the 2 or 3 mile marker because we ended up taking the long hike back ;) To be honest, I was grateful. It's been awhile since I did a lot of walking. And it was GORGEOUS out there! Absolutely gorgeous. Even the drive to Bastrop was gorgeous. It reminded me really of why I love Austin so much. It's a lovely place. And the culture is great. And while I was appreciating the gorgeous scenery around me, Annie was doing the same thing, too. Except she was focused more on the joggers/walkers/sprinters breezing by... sigh. I don't know why but I've never really been one to "check out" other people. Not like that anyway... I just feel it's rude to stare and gawk and flirt outrageously... if they can tell you're doing it anyway ;)
Anyhow, we were so tired and thirsty afterwards we went straight all the way to her home, and I drove home soon after. She is planning to go to Spain next year and I to London and the Philippines to be at Cal's wedding. I am kind of sad yet happy for her. She'll be a family woman now. Things will be so different. As for me, I see myself living a bit of the independent life for now. In fact, even if I get married, I don't see it as "settling down," but cementing a committment. I don't think marriage should hold you back from the things you want to do. Life should still be a great adventure... and you'll have someone by your side for the rest of your life to go through all that with you. Once you have kids though, they should definitely be your first priority. Family comes first. Haha, amazing I could even say that. All my life I've considered friends my family. I love and miss them dearly.
Well that's it. I'm currently enjoying a cup of homemade strawberry milkshake. Mmmmm. Strawberries. My favorite berry next to raspberries. One lesson well learned tonight: never EVER use fat free milk for milkshakes. It's horrible.
It's funny how the more we push people, the more reluctant they are to give us what we want; and the more we give them space, the more inclined they are to give us a break. I suppose it's that innate stubborness we all have; our sense of pride and wanting to assert ourselves and self-awareness - wanting to insist we are our own person. I really admire people who can say no nicely yet firmly. Positive negation is more or less a lost art... a lot of people feel they need to work themselves up in a frenzy in order to complain or get what they want, or so that people will respect them when they say "No." Why is it so hard, really? Are we simply afraid of how people will respond to us? Do we even stop to think that people think less of us if we act like an upset madman?
Anyhow, I digress. I felt real happy that Annie chose me to be a part of this climactic moment in her life - her first car, and her first major purchase (not including Lasik). She was hilarious... she ended up crushing on Chance and being a tad bit obvious to his financial person, Vickie. Vickie must be used to it, and I admired her professionalism. And thank God Annie began to realize she was being just a little... obvious. Anyhow, we had fun - we laughed and I held her as she cried tears of joy. She will have her little Black Cobalt pretty soon.
We were very hungry and immediately sought out a place called Daddy's Grille (highly recommended by Annie's friend) on Highway 95 towards Elgin. Unfortunately, the place was closed, so we rushed all the way back to Austin's Hill's Cafe, one of Annie's favorite places in town. I had a fajita wrap, she had their fried catfish. The food was okay. Our server was pretty awesome and checked on us fairly often, even if we were seated outside... kept on saying see you, ladies! Always called us ladies, and always called on us. He must not be used to serving two hot chicks at the same time >;) hahaha. Kiddin.
After lunch, we dropped by her house where we filled Mama (her mom in law) in on everything that happened... and then a spontaneous trip to Ruta Maya (or something like that) to check out the Salsa Scene. Unfortunately, nothing was going on, so we decided to make another spontaneous trip - to Town Lake. Finally!!! I'd been wanting to walk around the area. Tired as we were, we hiked up the trail, and I urged Annie that we take the whole route between Lamar and Mo-pac. She kept on ranting about it past the 2 or 3 mile marker because we ended up taking the long hike back ;) To be honest, I was grateful. It's been awhile since I did a lot of walking. And it was GORGEOUS out there! Absolutely gorgeous. Even the drive to Bastrop was gorgeous. It reminded me really of why I love Austin so much. It's a lovely place. And the culture is great. And while I was appreciating the gorgeous scenery around me, Annie was doing the same thing, too. Except she was focused more on the joggers/walkers/sprinters breezing by... sigh. I don't know why but I've never really been one to "check out" other people. Not like that anyway... I just feel it's rude to stare and gawk and flirt outrageously... if they can tell you're doing it anyway ;)
Anyhow, we were so tired and thirsty afterwards we went straight all the way to her home, and I drove home soon after. She is planning to go to Spain next year and I to London and the Philippines to be at Cal's wedding. I am kind of sad yet happy for her. She'll be a family woman now. Things will be so different. As for me, I see myself living a bit of the independent life for now. In fact, even if I get married, I don't see it as "settling down," but cementing a committment. I don't think marriage should hold you back from the things you want to do. Life should still be a great adventure... and you'll have someone by your side for the rest of your life to go through all that with you. Once you have kids though, they should definitely be your first priority. Family comes first. Haha, amazing I could even say that. All my life I've considered friends my family. I love and miss them dearly.
Well that's it. I'm currently enjoying a cup of homemade strawberry milkshake. Mmmmm. Strawberries. My favorite berry next to raspberries. One lesson well learned tonight: never EVER use fat free milk for milkshakes. It's horrible.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Scarred yet Persevering
I won't even try to make any excuses. I've been procrastinating. And still working on that run through regarding my dad's visit. I suppose it's also because I got extremely frustrated writing THAT run through when the hotel's network decided to go bonkers on me, and I lost sentence upon sentence of hurried writing despite the fatigue and tiredness I was feeling. Yaargh. That was so frustrating. Hopefully, I play it smarter this time and just update with real short entries ;) Verboseness can really be a bane, sometimes. So can being detail-oriented... so don't even bother gleaning through the fine print ;)
Quick updates:
Cello lessons - I have to postpone to July... don't ask me why. It's sad :( But at least it's not too far off... just one month. Sigh. I finally have something to look forward to in the middle of the year :)
I have been obsessively looking at Serendipity's picture in Stringworks' gorgeous color catalogue. Sigh. I can't wait till you are mine...
Work - good, sometimes busy, sometimes idle. I'm secretly setting up mySQL on my laptop for a nasty surprise for my teammates next week ;) I personally think I'm slacking off a little. Either that or there's just so many things on my plate that I'm sub-consciously slacking off to slow things down. Anyhow, Brad, being the awesome boss that he is, decided to give us all a half-day off to extend this weekend's 3 day long holiday. Also, it was Vidya's last day at work today before going off to India for vacation for 2 long months! She, being the darling that she is, invited me to have lunch with her and her team at Pappadeaux. I LOVE THAT RESTO! Excellent seafood dishes with a Cajun flair. I had a mixed seafood grill with veggies, and half-shell oysters to start with. And Gail treated us out. It was super fun and that was super nice of her.
This weekend - I'm going to Bastrop with Annie who is apparently a) wanting to buy a car b) wanting to introduce some people to me. It oughta be fun :) I'd love to spend most of the weekend watching as much movies as I can at the cinema, but that will be mighty expensive - that's something I can't afford right now with rent coming and all that. Delayed gratification :D
Miscellany - Went to Blackbart's Books yesterday, which is apparently closing. Bought 6 books for clearance at a dollar apiece - mostly 1940's hard bounds (some are first edition print, I believe) ranging from The History of Greece, to The History of American Literature. Eat your heart out, bookies ;)
Current reading - I've never read the Chronicles of Narnia. I have just finished reading the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and am now unto the Professor's Nephew (or something like that). I LOVE ASLAN!!! Freakin book made me cry. Just goes to show how good writers can be at getting atcha... assuming they are good writers, of course. I want to reread the His Dark Materials Trilogy and the HP series, especially as Book 6 is coming out, of course. I'm also reading an imponderables book - "What are hyenas laughing at, anyway?" Hilarious book, that one... interesting, too!
I really want to study English. And I can't wait! Really, English is the most fascinating language - with all its inconsistencies and nuances... and the literature!!! Oh, the literature. Although I am sure that there are other great literatures and languages in the world, I believe English is my cup of tea. No pun intended :)
Hopefully, I'll get to upload my entry on my dad's visit very soon. Till then, ciao.
Quick updates:
Cello lessons - I have to postpone to July... don't ask me why. It's sad :( But at least it's not too far off... just one month. Sigh. I finally have something to look forward to in the middle of the year :)
I have been obsessively looking at Serendipity's picture in Stringworks' gorgeous color catalogue. Sigh. I can't wait till you are mine...
Work - good, sometimes busy, sometimes idle. I'm secretly setting up mySQL on my laptop for a nasty surprise for my teammates next week ;) I personally think I'm slacking off a little. Either that or there's just so many things on my plate that I'm sub-consciously slacking off to slow things down. Anyhow, Brad, being the awesome boss that he is, decided to give us all a half-day off to extend this weekend's 3 day long holiday. Also, it was Vidya's last day at work today before going off to India for vacation for 2 long months! She, being the darling that she is, invited me to have lunch with her and her team at Pappadeaux. I LOVE THAT RESTO! Excellent seafood dishes with a Cajun flair. I had a mixed seafood grill with veggies, and half-shell oysters to start with. And Gail treated us out. It was super fun and that was super nice of her.
This weekend - I'm going to Bastrop with Annie who is apparently a) wanting to buy a car b) wanting to introduce some people to me. It oughta be fun :) I'd love to spend most of the weekend watching as much movies as I can at the cinema, but that will be mighty expensive - that's something I can't afford right now with rent coming and all that. Delayed gratification :D
Miscellany - Went to Blackbart's Books yesterday, which is apparently closing. Bought 6 books for clearance at a dollar apiece - mostly 1940's hard bounds (some are first edition print, I believe) ranging from The History of Greece, to The History of American Literature. Eat your heart out, bookies ;)
Current reading - I've never read the Chronicles of Narnia. I have just finished reading the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and am now unto the Professor's Nephew (or something like that). I LOVE ASLAN!!! Freakin book made me cry. Just goes to show how good writers can be at getting atcha... assuming they are good writers, of course. I want to reread the His Dark Materials Trilogy and the HP series, especially as Book 6 is coming out, of course. I'm also reading an imponderables book - "What are hyenas laughing at, anyway?" Hilarious book, that one... interesting, too!
I really want to study English. And I can't wait! Really, English is the most fascinating language - with all its inconsistencies and nuances... and the literature!!! Oh, the literature. Although I am sure that there are other great literatures and languages in the world, I believe English is my cup of tea. No pun intended :)
Hopefully, I'll get to upload my entry on my dad's visit very soon. Till then, ciao.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
In Full Color
Well, it's over. My dad finally left for LA yesterday... I'll post an entry soon about every single thing that happened; I was writing it yesterday in my hotel room when the damn network started acting wack and I lost my whole entry!
Anyhow, today was spent mostly catching up with about 20 emails that arrived since Monday afternoon, working, working, working, and I come home to find a mysterious looking package from Wisconsin in the mail. It's my Stringworks Catalog in full living color! How timely is that? And I begin my cello lessons Thursday next week! I also opened up my mail to see that Janelle had written me to check on next week's lessons. Everything seems to be falling into place... Serendipity... I am so excited :)
One thing I'd like to talk about right now is the prospect of going to England in the next year or so. I and my dad had the opportunity to talk a lot about what I really want to do in life - what I feel is my personal legend. England kept popping up. And I suppose he took pity on my poor soul and offered to send me off to England next year or the year after just to check on the schools!!!! How cool is that?! I'll be staying about 2 weeks there checking out the different Universities I might want to study in, although I more or less know which one I want to go to. He does know that this is not a career move, necessarily, but something I feel I must do simply to complete me. It's my personal legend. I am doing it simply because I want to, for personal, and not career reasons. I'll see where I go from there, you know? All I know is I want to take it - and I have to because if I don't, I won't be fulfilling my purpose, I don't think. It'll be like Hector not wanting to face Achilles and him actually not doing it. The world would have been so different...
It is the deepest desire from the bottom of my heart and soul for me to go to England and take that degree. And it may just be like the case of the shepherd boy Tiago. He had to go to Egypt to see the pyramids, though his treasure may not have been there. What mattered was the journey and the experience. Ultimately, your gold may be somewhere else. Either way, I know my pyramids lie in England. Where I go from there depends on the clues I shall find and try to interpret with God's guidance.
Sigh. I'm so excited.
Anyhow, today was spent mostly catching up with about 20 emails that arrived since Monday afternoon, working, working, working, and I come home to find a mysterious looking package from Wisconsin in the mail. It's my Stringworks Catalog in full living color! How timely is that? And I begin my cello lessons Thursday next week! I also opened up my mail to see that Janelle had written me to check on next week's lessons. Everything seems to be falling into place... Serendipity... I am so excited :)
One thing I'd like to talk about right now is the prospect of going to England in the next year or so. I and my dad had the opportunity to talk a lot about what I really want to do in life - what I feel is my personal legend. England kept popping up. And I suppose he took pity on my poor soul and offered to send me off to England next year or the year after just to check on the schools!!!! How cool is that?! I'll be staying about 2 weeks there checking out the different Universities I might want to study in, although I more or less know which one I want to go to. He does know that this is not a career move, necessarily, but something I feel I must do simply to complete me. It's my personal legend. I am doing it simply because I want to, for personal, and not career reasons. I'll see where I go from there, you know? All I know is I want to take it - and I have to because if I don't, I won't be fulfilling my purpose, I don't think. It'll be like Hector not wanting to face Achilles and him actually not doing it. The world would have been so different...
It is the deepest desire from the bottom of my heart and soul for me to go to England and take that degree. And it may just be like the case of the shepherd boy Tiago. He had to go to Egypt to see the pyramids, though his treasure may not have been there. What mattered was the journey and the experience. Ultimately, your gold may be somewhere else. Either way, I know my pyramids lie in England. Where I go from there depends on the clues I shall find and try to interpret with God's guidance.
Sigh. I'm so excited.
Friday, May 06, 2005
It must suck to be a man, sometimes
I am appalled!
This morning I went into the breakroom and bumped into Adam - a workmate (developer) I have always found to be pleasant and fun to be around. He was lively, as usual, and began to engage the slowly trickling stream of people in lively conversation about their weekend plans, and how his consisted of working on the yard with a javelin-like tool in order to plant trees and how he was worried he might hurt his back, but thank God he didn't have to work out as he had this to replace it for him. Well, soon enough I was left alone with him, and I sat down by the table as we talked about his wife and kids and how raising a family is like... when Anky goes into the room very prettily dressed in a black top and lovely pink skirt. Oh how he could not help but nonchalantly yet brazenly check her out. I was APPALLED! Maybe I'm such a tightwad when it comes to it, but man, if I knew that the guy I was dating was that kind of guy, I'd seriously think twice about him. I want a man who has eyes only for me. I want to be the perfect woman for him and him the perfect man for me so we have eyes only for each other. Is that too much to ask for? Gee... well, needless to say, that kind of turned me off, so I left the room as soon as I was done spreading a nice layer of maple and walnut cream cheese on my plain toasted bagel. I was disgusted.
Another thing that kind of irked me today was the unprofessionalism displayed by he-who-must-not-be-named. Honestly, being very intelligent or good at what you do could trigger you into two different pathways: either you push yourself harder to get even better or you slack off. This person slacks off. I think he takes his intelligence for granted... granted he's good at what he does but he likes to slack and doesn't take initiative, I notice. I mean, that's fine if you slack and it doesn't affect other people. But if what you're doing involves others, please be sensitive... we all don't have as much time to play with and you could be wasting other people's time. Sigh. It was all just very frustrating. I totally respect this person, but that level of respect is seriously beginning to dwindle. Aargh! I hope it gets better.
In any case, I DO admit I'm a workaholic. I don't care how late I have to stay to finish my projects or whatever... it's just the kind of person I am. I'm also very OC (obsessive compulsive). I look and review and re-review everything I've done before I send them... and I have them tested. It may take a little more time but at least you know you're getting quality work. You get what you pay for, eh? ;)
Anyhow, tomorrow is the day my father finally arrives... 6:15pm at the Houston Hobby Airport, flying in from New Orleans. Course I'll have to drive over to pick him up. I've asked Chris to come with because I don't feel safe driving alone at such a distance. San Antonio's one thing, but Houston's quite another... besides, the real life Chainsaw Massacre happened on the highway somewhere between Austin and Houston ;) I'd hate to end up in someone's chili bowl someday...
Anyhow, I've spent a bit of time cleaning up the place today, in preparation for Dad's arrival. Looks like everything's mostly good and ready to go; books in order, nice fresh sheets... I'm looking forward to some sleepy time tonight. See you at the tracks.
This morning I went into the breakroom and bumped into Adam - a workmate (developer) I have always found to be pleasant and fun to be around. He was lively, as usual, and began to engage the slowly trickling stream of people in lively conversation about their weekend plans, and how his consisted of working on the yard with a javelin-like tool in order to plant trees and how he was worried he might hurt his back, but thank God he didn't have to work out as he had this to replace it for him. Well, soon enough I was left alone with him, and I sat down by the table as we talked about his wife and kids and how raising a family is like... when Anky goes into the room very prettily dressed in a black top and lovely pink skirt. Oh how he could not help but nonchalantly yet brazenly check her out. I was APPALLED! Maybe I'm such a tightwad when it comes to it, but man, if I knew that the guy I was dating was that kind of guy, I'd seriously think twice about him. I want a man who has eyes only for me. I want to be the perfect woman for him and him the perfect man for me so we have eyes only for each other. Is that too much to ask for? Gee... well, needless to say, that kind of turned me off, so I left the room as soon as I was done spreading a nice layer of maple and walnut cream cheese on my plain toasted bagel. I was disgusted.
Another thing that kind of irked me today was the unprofessionalism displayed by he-who-must-not-be-named. Honestly, being very intelligent or good at what you do could trigger you into two different pathways: either you push yourself harder to get even better or you slack off. This person slacks off. I think he takes his intelligence for granted... granted he's good at what he does but he likes to slack and doesn't take initiative, I notice. I mean, that's fine if you slack and it doesn't affect other people. But if what you're doing involves others, please be sensitive... we all don't have as much time to play with and you could be wasting other people's time. Sigh. It was all just very frustrating. I totally respect this person, but that level of respect is seriously beginning to dwindle. Aargh! I hope it gets better.
In any case, I DO admit I'm a workaholic. I don't care how late I have to stay to finish my projects or whatever... it's just the kind of person I am. I'm also very OC (obsessive compulsive). I look and review and re-review everything I've done before I send them... and I have them tested. It may take a little more time but at least you know you're getting quality work. You get what you pay for, eh? ;)
Anyhow, tomorrow is the day my father finally arrives... 6:15pm at the Houston Hobby Airport, flying in from New Orleans. Course I'll have to drive over to pick him up. I've asked Chris to come with because I don't feel safe driving alone at such a distance. San Antonio's one thing, but Houston's quite another... besides, the real life Chainsaw Massacre happened on the highway somewhere between Austin and Houston ;) I'd hate to end up in someone's chili bowl someday...
Anyhow, I've spent a bit of time cleaning up the place today, in preparation for Dad's arrival. Looks like everything's mostly good and ready to go; books in order, nice fresh sheets... I'm looking forward to some sleepy time tonight. See you at the tracks.
Of COURSE I have to post this, too ;)
For those who know about my presentation with the SR VP of Pepsi ;) Sigh, the beauty of feedback... especially if it's positive! ;) But bring it on :D
TGIF!!!
Subject: Nice work today on the QTG Call!
Jenny
Nice work putting this together and delivering it today! Craig and Letty were both impressed with it and hopefully it sets the stage for moving quickly on their additional reporting needs Craig discussed.
Thanks again and have a great weekend.
Bruce Nagle, President & CEO
RW3 Technologies, Inc.
TGIF!!!
Subject: Nice work today on the QTG Call!
Jenny
Nice work putting this together and delivering it today! Craig and Letty were both impressed with it and hopefully it sets the stage for moving quickly on their additional reporting needs Craig discussed.
Thanks again and have a great weekend.
Bruce Nagle, President & CEO
RW3 Technologies, Inc.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Interesting! How cool is that?
| Your True Birth Month Is April |
 Hasty Moving Consoling Emotional Aggressive Diplomatic Revengeful Adventurous Good memory Loves attention Strong mentality Loving and caring Brave and fearless Active and dynamic Suave and generous Easily get too jealous Decisive but tends to regret Motivates oneself and the others Attractive and affectionate to oneself Friendly and solves people's problems Prone to sickness usually of the head and chest |
Interesting...
I won't say where it hits right on the mark or where it doesn't, or if it's just saying it differently... if you know me, you know me, I am who I am. Some insight - don't we all seek the answer to the "ultimate question"? ;) Is this not the hardest thing to wrap our minds around (though the subject is ultimately simple, I bet... we just like to make things more complicated than they are, usually)? Anyhow, I thought this interesting enough to post here. Sarah will more or less jump at the chance to say, "See! I told you so! Gryffindor or Ravenclaw!" Hahaha. If you are reading this, I miss you Sar. I really do.
| Your Birthdate: April 25 |
| Your birth on the 25th day of the month (7 energy) modifies your life path by giving you some special interest in technical, scientific, or other complex and often hard to understand subjects. You may become something of a perfectionist and a stickler for details. Your thinking is logical and intuitive, rational and responsible. Your feelings may run deep, but you are not very likely to let them show. This birthday makes you a more private person, more introspective and perhaps more inflexible. In friendships you are very cautious and reserved. You are probably inventive, and given to unique approaches and solutions. |
Of COURSE I have to post this!
My awesome boss, Brad, wrote me an email today (which had a scary subject line of in writing):
Just to let you know, in writing:
I'm very impressed with your quality of work and your outstanding communication skills. You have been a wonderful addition to the team and I sure appreciate all your hard work, you good ideas and your super attitude.
Keep it up!!!
Brad
I personally think it's very much AWESOME to be meeting and/or exceeding the expectations of the one person who hired you and are working for - for me it's like, it's the best gift you can give them - make them feel a great sense of gratification for picking you out of all the rest because you are doing such a good job, and also help improve your team and actively contribute to its success. Brad and my team have and always will have my undying loyalty. I am so thankful Brad chose me for this job, even if I feel I wasn't up to par at that time. And I do love my job, but I think it has more to do with my boss and my team than what I'm actually doing. God, I'm so thankful, thank you, really, thank you! I can only wish the same for everyone else out there. Really, despite all the difficulties, we are so blessed.
Anyhow, I responded to him with a "Wow, thanks so much, Brad!!!" out of sheer surprise and thanked him for all the support and belief he's given to me and the team; and for going to last night's show despite the fact that he spent the previous night driving cross country to pick up his brother and going to work at sunrise with little or no sleep. I was so touched by that, I didn't even expect him to come because he was so tired that morning. And here I was hustling and bustling for the most part of the day, not knowing what to do, restless, harassed, head floating and swimming, thoughtless... and people do kind things like that for me. Anyhow, I gave a dramatic goodbye to Jason (our pianist) yesterday, by the way, and gave him the little pink flower I had with me onstage, thanking him for everything (cause he SO rocks!).
I promised I'd write down something more about my personal legend, so here goes... I think theatre (and originally, this was my plan anyway) is really just a means to an end, and not the end itself, for me. It is a great tool through which I can understand literature more... which is probably why I found my Shakespeare workshop experience immediately much more gratifying than this one, methinks. I felt I finally understood Shakespeare in a whole new light from a thespian's point of view - it's just so different when you act out his plays rather than just read them. Everything has a stark clarity to it... Which is why theatre for me will always be the best medium to express the written word. It's much more human than film as there is a deeper vulnerability performing live AND you actually get to connect head-on with your audience. It's awesome.
This recent re-focusing back to "pure literature" is also a result of an epiphany I had not too long ago about what I'd like to have as a dissertation or masteral (even doctoral) thesis. I won't post it here though, lest someone steal my idea. ;p Let's just say that it leaveth me a-mused. ;) I am SO excited about it, and can't wait to start. But let me relish living in my crystal shop for now. I must gather my strength and resources. And when the sweet Zephyr whispers it is time, I will know where I must go.
CIAO, everyone!
Just to let you know, in writing:
I'm very impressed with your quality of work and your outstanding communication skills. You have been a wonderful addition to the team and I sure appreciate all your hard work, you good ideas and your super attitude.
Keep it up!!!
Brad
I personally think it's very much AWESOME to be meeting and/or exceeding the expectations of the one person who hired you and are working for - for me it's like, it's the best gift you can give them - make them feel a great sense of gratification for picking you out of all the rest because you are doing such a good job, and also help improve your team and actively contribute to its success. Brad and my team have and always will have my undying loyalty. I am so thankful Brad chose me for this job, even if I feel I wasn't up to par at that time. And I do love my job, but I think it has more to do with my boss and my team than what I'm actually doing. God, I'm so thankful, thank you, really, thank you! I can only wish the same for everyone else out there. Really, despite all the difficulties, we are so blessed.
Anyhow, I responded to him with a "Wow, thanks so much, Brad!!!" out of sheer surprise and thanked him for all the support and belief he's given to me and the team; and for going to last night's show despite the fact that he spent the previous night driving cross country to pick up his brother and going to work at sunrise with little or no sleep. I was so touched by that, I didn't even expect him to come because he was so tired that morning. And here I was hustling and bustling for the most part of the day, not knowing what to do, restless, harassed, head floating and swimming, thoughtless... and people do kind things like that for me. Anyhow, I gave a dramatic goodbye to Jason (our pianist) yesterday, by the way, and gave him the little pink flower I had with me onstage, thanking him for everything (cause he SO rocks!).
I promised I'd write down something more about my personal legend, so here goes... I think theatre (and originally, this was my plan anyway) is really just a means to an end, and not the end itself, for me. It is a great tool through which I can understand literature more... which is probably why I found my Shakespeare workshop experience immediately much more gratifying than this one, methinks. I felt I finally understood Shakespeare in a whole new light from a thespian's point of view - it's just so different when you act out his plays rather than just read them. Everything has a stark clarity to it... Which is why theatre for me will always be the best medium to express the written word. It's much more human than film as there is a deeper vulnerability performing live AND you actually get to connect head-on with your audience. It's awesome.
This recent re-focusing back to "pure literature" is also a result of an epiphany I had not too long ago about what I'd like to have as a dissertation or masteral (even doctoral) thesis. I won't post it here though, lest someone steal my idea. ;p Let's just say that it leaveth me a-mused. ;) I am SO excited about it, and can't wait to start. But let me relish living in my crystal shop for now. I must gather my strength and resources. And when the sweet Zephyr whispers it is time, I will know where I must go.
CIAO, everyone!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
And The Curtains Fall
May 3rd , 2005 is a very climactic and tumultuous day for me - it marks my first ever official "public performance" (not including last year's Company Christmas Party) here in Austin, Texas. Hell, in the good ole U. S. of A, baby! And it was awesome! For once, I just knew everything would be okay. I didn't hold back, I was unafraid, I just shared and enjoyed, I wasn't even afraid of any migraines coming in because for some reason, I just knew I wouldn't have any. I'd be okay. Albeit... work was nutz today. I couldn't think. Must get those meds to wear off. But I digress. Tonight was fantastic! The class was awesome, most everyone performed at their best, Brad, Dawn, Chris, Tina and Jason made it. .. and oh did we just have a mighty fun time. And I was the finale! Anne put me as the finale! Everyone was saying how perfect (as in appropriate... I *did* have my own bloopers ;)) and cute (yuck! :P) of a finale it was and by the end of the show, everyone was singing my song ;D
I was able to say goodbye and hugs to Michelle, Anne, our director, Meredith, our other director, and Jason, our accompanist (whom I really admire). Afterwards, Adrianna invited us to go the bar she works at - Aussie's! Since I hadn't had dinner yet, I had myself a "Roo" (their version of a burger) and a virgin Pina Colada (couldn't risk getting drunk as I have MORE work to do tonight plus risk of migraines). Anyhow, Jesi, Joel, Adrianna, and I all exchanged email addresses and numbers so we'd keep in touch after all is said and done, and probably take voice lessons in the near future. I was so touched by Adrianna's words to me tonight. She honestly caught me by surprise. She gave me the biggest complements ever. .. Ah well, It is almost half past the witching hour so I must keep this short and get back to working. I just have to let this all out.
Next target: CELLO LESSONS!!!
Ciao and live life to the fullest baby, yea!!!
I was able to say goodbye and hugs to Michelle, Anne, our director, Meredith, our other director, and Jason, our accompanist (whom I really admire). Afterwards, Adrianna invited us to go the bar she works at - Aussie's! Since I hadn't had dinner yet, I had myself a "Roo" (their version of a burger) and a virgin Pina Colada (couldn't risk getting drunk as I have MORE work to do tonight plus risk of migraines). Anyhow, Jesi, Joel, Adrianna, and I all exchanged email addresses and numbers so we'd keep in touch after all is said and done, and probably take voice lessons in the near future. I was so touched by Adrianna's words to me tonight. She honestly caught me by surprise. She gave me the biggest complements ever. .. Ah well, It is almost half past the witching hour so I must keep this short and get back to working. I just have to let this all out.
Next target: CELLO LESSONS!!!
Ciao and live life to the fullest baby, yea!!!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Poetry Reading #3: Your Laughter
I'm sick if you can't already tell ;) Found this treasure of a poem yesterday at BookPeople. Pablo Neruda's The Captain's Verses. Stupid, stupid, how I always overlooked this volume!
Just a thought
After all the posting I've done, I have yet to post another personal literary post... and I ironically intended this blog to contain my literary works. I think the lesson here is that inevitably you cannot separate the important aspects of your life - your art, your work, and your everyday experiences, both significant and insignificant (seemingly, anyway). They all make you who you are.
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