11.01.2008
10.21.2008
10.03.2008
why i should be vice president
Dear Senator McCain -
Recently, some political pundits, both conservative and liberal, called for Sarah Palin to step down as your VP nominee. In the case that you are considering it, please allow me to tell you why I would be just as good, if not a better, replacement candidate.
- Like Palin, I am young, female, and attractive... and look damn good in red, navy blue and purple.
- I am also Asian, so I represent a minority.
- I'm Republican, Catholic, and heterosexual. I actually go to church (or used to, when it was 5 mins away from my house), sang in the church choir, and plan to stay at home with my kids when they are young. And yes, take them to soccer practice.
- I know your voting record and politics, as I had been a supporter of you the last 2 presidential elections. Best of all, I understand what they mean.
- I was personally affected by 9/11, as I lived near NYC all my life, and visited. A lot.
- I have leadership experience. I was VP of a student club in high school, and have managed projects that made a lot of money.
- I am a foreign policy guru. I was in Model UN in high school and college, and even spoke at some of them!
- I have extensive policy experience. I majored in History - researching tyrants like Mao and Hitler, so I understand good leadership, and studied Political Science for a year, before I dropped it b/c I got so depressed by how stupid the American voting population was. Therefore, I really understand our potential constituents.
- I talk like the rest of the country. I can alternate between Jersey girl and Valley girl, so I'd connect with both sides of the coast. I'm like, *totally* ready to lead.
- I own a small dog, which would appeal to animal activists and small dog owners everywhere.
- I can navigate the DC old boys club. Being in the tech industry, work mainly with guys, so know how to get them to do things by wearing short skirts or baking cookies. And I get along with white males - or at least usually date tall, blond guys.
- Finally, I would attract your minority blue collar population. I have a great booty, which black and Mexican construction workers always comment on.
I hope you will consider my candidacy. Not only am I just as qualified as Ms. Palin, but I don't look a thing like Tina Fey.
You betcha!
Serena Yang or Preston
(I can be either, depending on what group you are talking to)
9.29.2008
ah, the magic of rob
Rob Zhang: i had 2lb poo last night
Rob Zhang: i weighed myself
Rob Zhang: before
Rob Zhang: and after
Rob Zhang: i weighed myself
Rob Zhang: before
Rob Zhang: and after
9.28.2008
9.23.2008
9.22.2008
pumpkin perusals
As this incredible year slowly barrels to an end, I'm often struck by just how different my life was from a year ago... or how it could have been. I talked a little bit in my bday post about the changes that I am proud of / thankful for in my personal life, but I haven't mentioned one of the best things that's ever happened to me: Pumpkin.
Of course, everyone knows that I love her to pieces, and everyone knows how much my life, and my attitude, has changed because of her. But as her 1st birthday gets closer (its this Friday), I started to wonder what things would be like if I had gotten a puppy, but just not P. I was this close to actually getting a sweet little doxy girl named Jan, when I ran across Pumpkin's sassy little picture on the web.
Even though pics on the web are always a crapshoot, I knew that I wanted a puppy with a lot of character. And boy, did I get that and more with my bunny! She's such a silly, silly girl, with her funny faces and shameless "pet me" belly flips... I am always just laughing. Last night, she got a hold of this bow that came with a package I received, and spent a good 10 mins on her back playing with it. I could not help cracking up.
I wonder... if I had gotten Jan, who is quieter by nature, would my personality have influenced her, or would she be completely different from P? Would I have been as amused and in love?
I'm sure as a mommy, I would have still loved her. But, I might not have gotten some of the most memorable Pkin moments, like when she got her head stuck in my sneaker and couldn't get it off :-)
Happy birthday, P! Mommy loves you!
Of course, everyone knows that I love her to pieces, and everyone knows how much my life, and my attitude, has changed because of her. But as her 1st birthday gets closer (its this Friday), I started to wonder what things would be like if I had gotten a puppy, but just not P. I was this close to actually getting a sweet little doxy girl named Jan, when I ran across Pumpkin's sassy little picture on the web.
Even though pics on the web are always a crapshoot, I knew that I wanted a puppy with a lot of character. And boy, did I get that and more with my bunny! She's such a silly, silly girl, with her funny faces and shameless "pet me" belly flips... I am always just laughing. Last night, she got a hold of this bow that came with a package I received, and spent a good 10 mins on her back playing with it. I could not help cracking up.
I wonder... if I had gotten Jan, who is quieter by nature, would my personality have influenced her, or would she be completely different from P? Would I have been as amused and in love?
I'm sure as a mommy, I would have still loved her. But, I might not have gotten some of the most memorable Pkin moments, like when she got her head stuck in my sneaker and couldn't get it off :-)
Happy birthday, P! Mommy loves you!
9.13.2008
... and the pics from the last 2 months
Andy's Bday on Bastille Day:
The bday girl looking adorable
Me, Jess and Christen
Burlesque!
Hatching Things and Siamese Twins
Andy looking cute... the Bearded Ladies? We're not quite sure.
Masks and Mayhem
And of course... the Blue Bunny, clothed and, er, not.
My Bday @ Tres Agave:
"I am now old, I must be serious."
Rob trying out for the Zoolander sequel
Now Rob just plain trying out for a porn
Scott and Deepali. Oh, they seem so normal!
Why am I screaming? Because I knew from the look on Daniel's face that he was up to something...
... and there it is: Ambused by a Tequila Shot! The pic is as fuzzy as I felt afterwards.
c-c-c-changes
Its been 2 months since I've blogged... and that means that I've had better things to do than sit in front of a computer, pouring out insane babbles. A lot has changed in the last two months - so much that, well, I'm too lazy to write about them :-)
BUT... I do want to report that FINALLY, my life is back to normal. As I said, a lot of changes - new job, new friends, new furniture, new outlook. And all of that has been incredible. But to some degree, I've been rather out of sorts, because I've spent most of the last couple of months trying to get the changes settled in. This weekend, I finally got back to my routine: bills, cleaning, fitness, Pumpkin.
I'm back on WW, not to lose weight, but just to stop eating crap. Really, I'm shocked I haven't gained MORE weight considering the way I've been eating! I also finally plowed through that pile of mail that I haven't wanted to deal with. Now I'm poor, but oh well, that's reality.
Besides getting back to life-as-usual, albeit a very new life-as-usual, I do have to comment on my birthday this year. It was a very low key celebration - just a bunch of us having dinner and drinks at Tres Agave. But it was probably the best birthday I've had since I was 19. Exactly one year ago, I swore that I would finally deal with the instability that has basically hijacked my life. And by my birthday this year, I'd not only dealt with it, but conquered it; and gave myself the only things I've ever asked for in life: stability, normalness, sanity, and the ability to finally enjoy my life.
Yeah, yeah, I've got thousands of pics to get up. Now that there's Facebook, it almost seems pointless to post...
BUT... I do want to report that FINALLY, my life is back to normal. As I said, a lot of changes - new job, new friends, new furniture, new outlook. And all of that has been incredible. But to some degree, I've been rather out of sorts, because I've spent most of the last couple of months trying to get the changes settled in. This weekend, I finally got back to my routine: bills, cleaning, fitness, Pumpkin.
I'm back on WW, not to lose weight, but just to stop eating crap. Really, I'm shocked I haven't gained MORE weight considering the way I've been eating! I also finally plowed through that pile of mail that I haven't wanted to deal with. Now I'm poor, but oh well, that's reality.
Besides getting back to life-as-usual, albeit a very new life-as-usual, I do have to comment on my birthday this year. It was a very low key celebration - just a bunch of us having dinner and drinks at Tres Agave. But it was probably the best birthday I've had since I was 19. Exactly one year ago, I swore that I would finally deal with the instability that has basically hijacked my life. And by my birthday this year, I'd not only dealt with it, but conquered it; and gave myself the only things I've ever asked for in life: stability, normalness, sanity, and the ability to finally enjoy my life.
Yeah, yeah, I've got thousands of pics to get up. Now that there's Facebook, it almost seems pointless to post...
7.12.2008
out with the old, in with the... nothing?
This morning, the rest of my bedroom furniture went bye-bye. I sold practically the entire set to this college student at San Jose State. Now my bedroom consists of a mattress, a stool, a lamp, and a bunch of boxes and laundry baskets.
My new furniture isn't coming until next weekend, so I'll be living bare for the next week or so. Strangely enough, I realized that this is the exact same setup as I had when I first moved to SF, and it took 3 weeks before my furniture was delivered. Sort of like going all the way back to the beginning, as I start a new phase in my life.
And, my carpet is phenomenally dirty. Dammit, I need my vacuum back.
My new furniture isn't coming until next weekend, so I'll be living bare for the next week or so. Strangely enough, I realized that this is the exact same setup as I had when I first moved to SF, and it took 3 weeks before my furniture was delivered. Sort of like going all the way back to the beginning, as I start a new phase in my life.
And, my carpet is phenomenally dirty. Dammit, I need my vacuum back.
7.06.2008
a busy (and meaty) 4th
Man, I can't believe that its only Sunday. This has been one of the longest weekends that I can recall. Of course, I've been unemployed for 2 months now, so days / weekends have far less meaning, but I feel like the weekend has lasted close to 4 days.
Bar Tartine & Elixir
We kicked it off on Thursday night with dinner at Bar Tartine, followed by drinks at Elixir. Vicky and I have both been dying to try Bar Tartine, and boy, was it worth it! I mean, South was good - and lots of fun - but the food at Bar Tartine was sublime. We started off with a cold Pea and Mint soup that was topped by a dollop of Bacon Cream, paired with Sea Urchin with Egg and Toast, and Scallop Crudo. Each was delicious in itself, but best of all, they worked really well together - especially the soup, whose cool mellow flavor balanced out the intensity of the sea urchin.
For the main course, we chose only the duck, which was also amazing. Again, the details really just made the meal: not only was the duck and the sauce itself flavorful, but even the baby turnips that garnished the dish were delicious. We ended the meal with a charcuterie plate that consisted of pork ear terrine, chicken pate, and figs, and then headed out to meet up with Alex, Fernando, Nathan, et al., at Elixir for my I-Got-A-Job celebration drinks.
A Foggy Fourth
Friday was the 4th proper, and in true San Francisco style, it was foggy and cold. I was pretty hungover from the night before, so my day didn't really get started until 2, and I was sort of foggy myself for most of it. Pumpkin and I did finally make it out to Nathan's for his BBQ, which was a lot of fun because there were 4 other doggies there. I made plans to go to meditation and dance class with Jess, while Pumpkin did laps from the backyard, up to the house, down to the hall, and through the garage back to the backyard.
This was probably one of Pumpkin's most exciting weekends, since we went to not one, but two BBQs. Not only did she get out to socialize with families and doggies, but she also got the treat of being allowed to eat people food for once. I figured, since it was a bbq, she could have something special. So it was Nathan's special chicken on Friday, and some hamburger patty yesterday at Corinne's.
Serena & Vicky's Big Adventure (courtesy of Google Maps)
Yesterday was both an extremely good, and an extremely frustrating day. On balance, it ended up being good, but there was an hour there that I felt like I was in some bad comedy starring Keanu Reeves.
Pumpkin, Vicky and I headed out towards the East Bay for Corinne's BBQ. Mmmm... more meat. Since she's out in Livermore, I decided to actually stop in EQ3 to order my couch, instead of doing it over the phone. I wanted to double check that I had the right fabric color name. In any case, I got there, and there was this HUGE sale going on for the weekend. I had planned on getting the couch this weekend regardless, so I was happily surprised to get 15% off! When you're talking about a big-ticket purchase, 15% comes out to about $250 in savings, so score!
I also managed to lose my parking ticket in the black hole that is my Pumpkin bag. I figured I'd just pay the lost ticket fee, since it was only $12, but the guy was so nice that he let us through for free! He made my day... and I am definitely adding him to my Kindness of Strangers hall of fame :-)
Vicky and I were chatting the entire drive out to Livermore - so much so that I completely forgot to stop by Marie Callender's (in San Ramon) to pick up some pies. You see, I have been dreaming/craving a strawberry pie for about 6 months, so I was excited to be headed towards a Marie Callender's. So we pulled off the highway, fired up Google Maps, and got some directions to get to the shop.
Well, I don't know if GMaps didn't pinpoint our location correctly, or if its being subsidized by the gas industry, but we ended up on a grand tour of San Ramon Valley. It instructed us to head back 15 miles west on 580, exit, make two turns, get back onto 580E (towards where we came from), and then get on 680N. Why we could not have just gone back the 5 miles from where we were to the 680N exit, I will never understand. Eventually, we got there, and we got our pies, but by that time, we had driven about an hour / 40 extra miles, and Pumpkin's bladder was about to burst. AND, to add insult to the injury, when we actually drove towards Corinne's, we realized it was about 10 minutes away from where we originally stopped.
Well, we made it. And by that time, we were ravenous. So we chomped down lots of meat, had some beer, and then finally settled in for some good talk and good food. Pumpkin had a blast trying to dig food out of the paper bags where the plates were thrown. At one point, she came up to me and Christine with whipped cream all over her nose! Nola, Christine and Mark's 2 year old, was so brave and cute and chased Pumpkin around for a while. Finally, it got late, so the three of us headed back to the now freezing cold city.
All in all, a fun weekend filled with lots of good friends, good talk and good food. And Pumpkin fun, which is always a bonus!
Bar Tartine & Elixir
We kicked it off on Thursday night with dinner at Bar Tartine, followed by drinks at Elixir. Vicky and I have both been dying to try Bar Tartine, and boy, was it worth it! I mean, South was good - and lots of fun - but the food at Bar Tartine was sublime. We started off with a cold Pea and Mint soup that was topped by a dollop of Bacon Cream, paired with Sea Urchin with Egg and Toast, and Scallop Crudo. Each was delicious in itself, but best of all, they worked really well together - especially the soup, whose cool mellow flavor balanced out the intensity of the sea urchin.
For the main course, we chose only the duck, which was also amazing. Again, the details really just made the meal: not only was the duck and the sauce itself flavorful, but even the baby turnips that garnished the dish were delicious. We ended the meal with a charcuterie plate that consisted of pork ear terrine, chicken pate, and figs, and then headed out to meet up with Alex, Fernando, Nathan, et al., at Elixir for my I-Got-A-Job celebration drinks.
A Foggy Fourth
Friday was the 4th proper, and in true San Francisco style, it was foggy and cold. I was pretty hungover from the night before, so my day didn't really get started until 2, and I was sort of foggy myself for most of it. Pumpkin and I did finally make it out to Nathan's for his BBQ, which was a lot of fun because there were 4 other doggies there. I made plans to go to meditation and dance class with Jess, while Pumpkin did laps from the backyard, up to the house, down to the hall, and through the garage back to the backyard.
This was probably one of Pumpkin's most exciting weekends, since we went to not one, but two BBQs. Not only did she get out to socialize with families and doggies, but she also got the treat of being allowed to eat people food for once. I figured, since it was a bbq, she could have something special. So it was Nathan's special chicken on Friday, and some hamburger patty yesterday at Corinne's.
Serena & Vicky's Big Adventure (courtesy of Google Maps)
Yesterday was both an extremely good, and an extremely frustrating day. On balance, it ended up being good, but there was an hour there that I felt like I was in some bad comedy starring Keanu Reeves.
Pumpkin, Vicky and I headed out towards the East Bay for Corinne's BBQ. Mmmm... more meat. Since she's out in Livermore, I decided to actually stop in EQ3 to order my couch, instead of doing it over the phone. I wanted to double check that I had the right fabric color name. In any case, I got there, and there was this HUGE sale going on for the weekend. I had planned on getting the couch this weekend regardless, so I was happily surprised to get 15% off! When you're talking about a big-ticket purchase, 15% comes out to about $250 in savings, so score!
I also managed to lose my parking ticket in the black hole that is my Pumpkin bag. I figured I'd just pay the lost ticket fee, since it was only $12, but the guy was so nice that he let us through for free! He made my day... and I am definitely adding him to my Kindness of Strangers hall of fame :-)
Vicky and I were chatting the entire drive out to Livermore - so much so that I completely forgot to stop by Marie Callender's (in San Ramon) to pick up some pies. You see, I have been dreaming/craving a strawberry pie for about 6 months, so I was excited to be headed towards a Marie Callender's. So we pulled off the highway, fired up Google Maps, and got some directions to get to the shop.
Well, I don't know if GMaps didn't pinpoint our location correctly, or if its being subsidized by the gas industry, but we ended up on a grand tour of San Ramon Valley. It instructed us to head back 15 miles west on 580, exit, make two turns, get back onto 580E (towards where we came from), and then get on 680N. Why we could not have just gone back the 5 miles from where we were to the 680N exit, I will never understand. Eventually, we got there, and we got our pies, but by that time, we had driven about an hour / 40 extra miles, and Pumpkin's bladder was about to burst. AND, to add insult to the injury, when we actually drove towards Corinne's, we realized it was about 10 minutes away from where we originally stopped.
Well, we made it. And by that time, we were ravenous. So we chomped down lots of meat, had some beer, and then finally settled in for some good talk and good food. Pumpkin had a blast trying to dig food out of the paper bags where the plates were thrown. At one point, she came up to me and Christine with whipped cream all over her nose! Nola, Christine and Mark's 2 year old, was so brave and cute and chased Pumpkin around for a while. Finally, it got late, so the three of us headed back to the now freezing cold city.
All in all, a fun weekend filled with lots of good friends, good talk and good food. And Pumpkin fun, which is always a bonus!
7.05.2008
daily horoscope for virgo | july 5, 2008
There are many crucial pieces of your life coming together now and if you don't pay serious attention to what's happening, you could miss your chance. Nevertheless, you will be more productive in the long run if you take some time to simply enjoy the little things in life. Balance is your key to happiness.
That about summarizes my life for the last few weeks.
6.18.2008
****aaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!****
Ok, its a little hard to convey Mary's screams in print (although, unfortunately for everyone around me, I can do it pretty well in person). But HOT DANG! So You Think You Can Dance is back, and I am stoked!
I don't think the dancers this year are nearly as solid as last's, but then, that was my first season, and I was so absolutely impressed with everything I saw. I have to say, I am totally rooting for the hip hop and Latin dancers this time around (plus Kourtni, just because her audition was off the hook). Its not just because those are my dances, but because I feel like they are all a lot more real and passionate than the [way too many] contemporary dancers that they brought on this year. Seriously, all those contemporary guys? They're all the same to me, with the exception of Will.
My favorites: Twitch, Comfort, Kherington, Joshua. I'm on the fence about Katee. She's a great dancer, and I have definitely improved my opinion about her the last two weeks, but she didn't make a great impression on me at the auditions (fans will understand why).
Ugh to Marquis, Gev, and Chris. They all blend. Marquis is going to bring Susie down, who is my underdog favorite. Luckily, Comfort is strong enough that Chris just pales in comparison. And I love her Week 1 thing where she was like, "Nigel, I am wearing bras and beads!" in her southern twang.
Some kick ass routines from the last two weeks: Ooh, definitely both of Josh & Katee's routines, and the Broadway one with Twitch and Kerington (can you tell I LOVE Broadway?). The hip hop one last week was fun; this week's was a little uneven. The disco last week was the bomb! And my favorite of all is Comfort and Chris doing the jive.
Btw, what the f*** was Mary wearing tonight? Stevie thought she looked like she was a streetwalker; I actually think hookers have more style. She looked like a Long Island housewife who just came back from a sale at Strawberry's. Or, for you non-New Yorkers, Peg Bundy with money.
I don't think the dancers this year are nearly as solid as last's, but then, that was my first season, and I was so absolutely impressed with everything I saw. I have to say, I am totally rooting for the hip hop and Latin dancers this time around (plus Kourtni, just because her audition was off the hook). Its not just because those are my dances, but because I feel like they are all a lot more real and passionate than the [way too many] contemporary dancers that they brought on this year. Seriously, all those contemporary guys? They're all the same to me, with the exception of Will.
My favorites: Twitch, Comfort, Kherington, Joshua. I'm on the fence about Katee. She's a great dancer, and I have definitely improved my opinion about her the last two weeks, but she didn't make a great impression on me at the auditions (fans will understand why).
Ugh to Marquis, Gev, and Chris. They all blend. Marquis is going to bring Susie down, who is my underdog favorite. Luckily, Comfort is strong enough that Chris just pales in comparison. And I love her Week 1 thing where she was like, "Nigel, I am wearing bras and beads!" in her southern twang.
Some kick ass routines from the last two weeks: Ooh, definitely both of Josh & Katee's routines, and the Broadway one with Twitch and Kerington (can you tell I LOVE Broadway?). The hip hop one last week was fun; this week's was a little uneven. The disco last week was the bomb! And my favorite of all is Comfort and Chris doing the jive.
Btw, what the f*** was Mary wearing tonight? Stevie thought she looked like she was a streetwalker; I actually think hookers have more style. She looked like a Long Island housewife who just came back from a sale at Strawberry's. Or, for you non-New Yorkers, Peg Bundy with money.
have edd, or just plain b*tchy?
If it wasn't for my recent (and clearly not yet demonstrable) opening of compassion, this might have been an "Aha!" moment. Even as is, it makes a lot of sense to me.
Empathy Deficit Disorder: Do you suffer from it?
P.S. Notice that EDD is also the acronym for the unemployment agency :-)
Empathy Deficit Disorder: Do you suffer from it?
P.S. Notice that EDD is also the acronym for the unemployment agency :-)
6.16.2008
getting back into the groove
Well, its been great and all to be brain dead for as long as I have, but I finally realized last night that I have to start getting back into my life. And the truth is, when I sit around for too long, I brood. I am, and will always be, a project person.
So, for one thing, I'm totally stoked about my interview schedule for this week!
AND - personal training starts this week. Yay!
So, for one thing, I'm totally stoked about my interview schedule for this week!
- Today: none but a phone interview. Phew
- Tues: Another Autodesk phone interview in am, Adobe Round 2 in pm
- Wed: Adobe CTO office phone interview in am, Pure Digital Technologies Round 1 in pm
- Thurs: Adobe Round 2 wrap up in pm
- Fri: Autodesk in person
- Mon: Cisco Round 2
AND - personal training starts this week. Yay!
6.15.2008
shockingly poor quality
I downloaded the Amazon Unbox player today, as my wireless router is busted, and I have no way of getting vids onto my Tivo. (I missed Friday's ep of BSG, and its the last one before 2009.) I am shocked at how bad the quality of both the player and the video is! Seriously, the only way to get even halfway decent resolution is to have a screen that is smaller than the size of my palm. And every time I pause or resize the screen, it crashes, causing me to have to restart the ep from the beginning!
In these days of technological advance, its really quite surprising. I mean, I could get a better vid off of YouTube.
In these days of technological advance, its really quite surprising. I mean, I could get a better vid off of YouTube.
6.11.2008
on a roll!
WHOO!! I got second round with Adobe! I'm stoked - they are super cool - but I know its going to be tough. The next round will be with all the technical ppl, and I am neither technical nor experienced in this particular area. Oh well. I'll do my best and hope that's enough!
I also had a great time meeting ppl at Cisco today. I don't know if they liked me, but I felt good talking to them. On top of that, I'm scheduling some stuff at Autodesk, and 3 startups.
*Cross fingers*
I also had a great time meeting ppl at Cisco today. I don't know if they liked me, but I felt good talking to them. On top of that, I'm scheduling some stuff at Autodesk, and 3 startups.
*Cross fingers*
6.10.2008
finally
I finally figured out the perfect way to capture where I am at right now: I'm finally taking my life off hold. It scares the sh*t out of me, but I'm excited and optimistic at the same time.
There.
There.
6.09.2008
diving right back in
Welcome back to my life!
My re-entry to San Francisco, the job hunt, and the beginning of the rest of my life got off to a turbo-charged start. We didn't get back until 4am this morning, and when I finally crawled out of bed at 11, my apartment looked like it had vomited mail, clothes and random puppy stuff. Really, I should have been sleeping until 2pm and then had a leisurely day unpacking. Instead, I dived right back into the pool.
I wanted to start generating some leads on jobs, so this weekend, I applied to some new things on Monster, Hotjobs, and Dice. By this afternoon, I had had 3 calls from recruiters, one phone interview, and another one scheduled. I also had to go back into the old BEA building to meet with a recruiting agency, so I stopped by to visit some folks.
After a 4pm doctor's visit, I grabbed a quick bagel (the only thing I'd eaten was french toast this morning), rushed home, and then headed off to get my butt kicked at the gym. By the time I actually got around to clearing a small square on my kitchen table, I was half dead.
The frenzy continues: a 9am interview tomorrow, a 9am interview Wed, and meeting with the personal trainer on Thurs. Then, furniture shopping on Fri + drinks with the crew. For someone who, only 3 days ago, didn't even know what day of the week it was, this is quite a change of pace.
But I like it. Now that I've embraced my flaws and accepted myself the way I am :-D I can happily say that I just like being busy. Hey, calm and zen is great emotionally and at the end of the day, but I am nothing if not a whirlwind of energy. Oh, and I am going to hire someone to help me decorate. If I do it myself, I'll be stuck on the "slightly pink" or "just a little pinker" for 2 weeks because I'm such a freaking perfectionist.
Now I am going to eat some dog food. Seriously.
My re-entry to San Francisco, the job hunt, and the beginning of the rest of my life got off to a turbo-charged start. We didn't get back until 4am this morning, and when I finally crawled out of bed at 11, my apartment looked like it had vomited mail, clothes and random puppy stuff. Really, I should have been sleeping until 2pm and then had a leisurely day unpacking. Instead, I dived right back into the pool.
I wanted to start generating some leads on jobs, so this weekend, I applied to some new things on Monster, Hotjobs, and Dice. By this afternoon, I had had 3 calls from recruiters, one phone interview, and another one scheduled. I also had to go back into the old BEA building to meet with a recruiting agency, so I stopped by to visit some folks.
After a 4pm doctor's visit, I grabbed a quick bagel (the only thing I'd eaten was french toast this morning), rushed home, and then headed off to get my butt kicked at the gym. By the time I actually got around to clearing a small square on my kitchen table, I was half dead.
The frenzy continues: a 9am interview tomorrow, a 9am interview Wed, and meeting with the personal trainer on Thurs. Then, furniture shopping on Fri + drinks with the crew. For someone who, only 3 days ago, didn't even know what day of the week it was, this is quite a change of pace.
But I like it. Now that I've embraced my flaws and accepted myself the way I am :-D I can happily say that I just like being busy. Hey, calm and zen is great emotionally and at the end of the day, but I am nothing if not a whirlwind of energy. Oh, and I am going to hire someone to help me decorate. If I do it myself, I'll be stuck on the "slightly pink" or "just a little pinker" for 2 weeks because I'm such a freaking perfectionist.
Now I am going to eat some dog food. Seriously.
4.08.2008
3.14.2008
netflix for books
Every year, I swear that I am going to start going to the library. I am a book junkie, especially when I have one area or the other that I am exploring. (Right now, its attachment theory.) I spend a lot of time on Amazon.com, perusing the recommendations, reviews, table of contents, etc.
I spend a ton of money on books - Amazon, Borders, B&N - you name it. My parents always get me gift cards to a bookstore for Christmas. And lately, I have been making a point of reading a bit in bed before sleeping - it really does help wind me down for the night.
So my biggest wish was to be able to "borrow" books online... you know, like at a library, without actually going. I never return stuff to the library. I'm not even sure I return stuff to Hollywood Video. And tonight, I stumbled upon what people are calling Netflix for Books... a book rental service called Paperspine.com.
Its my dream come true.
Before signing up, I did a lot of searches, to see how obscure and what type of books they have. Far better selection than the other two competitors that I dug up. And I was duly impressed. I'm so completely stoked - $14.95/mo is far less than I usually spend at the bookstore. And if I really love a book, then I can just buy it.
Whoo!
I spend a ton of money on books - Amazon, Borders, B&N - you name it. My parents always get me gift cards to a bookstore for Christmas. And lately, I have been making a point of reading a bit in bed before sleeping - it really does help wind me down for the night.
So my biggest wish was to be able to "borrow" books online... you know, like at a library, without actually going. I never return stuff to the library. I'm not even sure I return stuff to Hollywood Video. And tonight, I stumbled upon what people are calling Netflix for Books... a book rental service called Paperspine.com.
Its my dream come true.
Before signing up, I did a lot of searches, to see how obscure and what type of books they have. Far better selection than the other two competitors that I dug up. And I was duly impressed. I'm so completely stoked - $14.95/mo is far less than I usually spend at the bookstore. And if I really love a book, then I can just buy it.
Whoo!
3.12.2008
what's YOURS telling you?
Finally... a book written just for me!
See, guys - I'm not alone! In fact, there are, er, load of other poo-gazers letting loose... um, ew, not in THAT way.
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/03/12/poo/
I wonder if there is a section on bok choy...?
See, guys - I'm not alone! In fact, there are, er, load of other poo-gazers letting loose... um, ew, not in THAT way.
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/03/12/poo/
I wonder if there is a section on bok choy...?
2.25.2008
upside-down doggie
Wow, I thought Brindo was weird for sleeping on his back, but Pumpkin takes the cake.
Sleeping half out of her bed
Not very ladylike, honey...
Playing against gravity
I'm getting a neck cramp just looking at her.
Sleeping half out of her bed
Not very ladylike, honey...
Playing against gravity
I'm getting a neck cramp just looking at her.
2.24.2008
kappa good
Forget Gary Danko, forget Michael Mina. Neither of those restaurants have impressed me or my foodie friends. To date, the only "high end" restaurant that I would recommend unequivocally was Myth... but Myth was never special occasion high end, and now its changed owners.
And then we met Kappa.
Certainly, Kappa doesn't seem like a schmancy place: it's upstairs from the Japantown Denny's, with an unmarked door, and seating for no more than 10. But the food, the service... its heavenly. Plus, one of the things that I was not impressed by Gary Danko was that the food they served was so generic. It was damn good, for sure, but I can get good foie gras just about anywhere these days.
Kappa is like no other restaurant - Japanese or otherwise - that I've been to. John and I went last Tuesday for his 30th birthday, and it was a wonderful experience. We ordered the omakase so we didn't have to think about what to order, and what paired well with what. We were the only two customers in the place until the last 30 mins, so Rumiko (the owner) fussed about us. Everything was superbly presented. All we had to do was to order a sake, and enjoy the food.
The omakase consisted of 8 courses of small plates - think tappas Japanese style. This included two appetizers, one sashimi platter, one soup, two desserts, and two mains. Even though each taste was just a morsel, by the end of the night, even Mr. Hollow Leg John was stuffed. Besides, the flavors were so rich and different that we were able to savor each bite.
It will be hard to top something like Kappa. But that's ok, that's why we have special occasions only occasionally.
And then we met Kappa.
Certainly, Kappa doesn't seem like a schmancy place: it's upstairs from the Japantown Denny's, with an unmarked door, and seating for no more than 10. But the food, the service... its heavenly. Plus, one of the things that I was not impressed by Gary Danko was that the food they served was so generic. It was damn good, for sure, but I can get good foie gras just about anywhere these days.
Kappa is like no other restaurant - Japanese or otherwise - that I've been to. John and I went last Tuesday for his 30th birthday, and it was a wonderful experience. We ordered the omakase so we didn't have to think about what to order, and what paired well with what. We were the only two customers in the place until the last 30 mins, so Rumiko (the owner) fussed about us. Everything was superbly presented. All we had to do was to order a sake, and enjoy the food.
The omakase consisted of 8 courses of small plates - think tappas Japanese style. This included two appetizers, one sashimi platter, one soup, two desserts, and two mains. Even though each taste was just a morsel, by the end of the night, even Mr. Hollow Leg John was stuffed. Besides, the flavors were so rich and different that we were able to savor each bite.
It will be hard to top something like Kappa. But that's ok, that's why we have special occasions only occasionally.
2.14.2008
god bless mao
This article appeared in the SF Chronicle today. Its hysterical...
Mao Offered Women to U.S.
Thursday, February 14, 2008 15:34 PST WASHINGTON, (AP) --
Amid a discussion of trade in 1973, Chairman Mao Zedong made what Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger called a novel proposition: sending tens of thousands, even 10 million, Chinese women to the United States.
"You know, China is a very poor country," Mao said, according to a document released by the State Department's historian office. "We don't have much. What we have in excess is women. So if you want them we can give a few of those to you, some tens of thousands."
A few minutes later, Mao circled back to the offer. "Do you want our Chinese women?" he asked. "We can give you 10 million."
After Kissinger noted Mao was "improving his offer," the chairman said, "We have too many women ... They give birth to children and our children are too many."
"It is such a novel proposition," Kissinger replied in his discussion with Mao in Beijing. "We will have to study it."
2.12.2008
ahh... the memories
Today, MTV announced their very own "Real World" awards show. (Seriously.) Of course, no Real World history could omit Coral, from Back to New York, a.k.a. my former roommate from hell. This should bring a nostalgic tear to my friends from 1999, who provided refuge for me from her.
The award she is up for is very appropriately named.
I wanted to embed the video, but MTV doesn't publish the link, so go here to check out Coral in all her glorious insanity: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/specials/real_world_awards/category.jhtml?catId=roommate_from_hell&cpid=9
In fact, it was MY interview with the producers that got her onto the show. One of these days, I'm going to get off my lazy ass and write up those stories.
The award she is up for is very appropriately named.
I wanted to embed the video, but MTV doesn't publish the link, so go here to check out Coral in all her glorious insanity: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/specials/real_world_awards/category.jhtml?catId=roommate_from_hell&cpid=9
In fact, it was MY interview with the producers that got her onto the show. One of these days, I'm going to get off my lazy ass and write up those stories.
2.03.2008
the irony of pumpkin
Yes, I know its been more than months since I've posted. Everytime I think of something to write, I get distracted by the adorable little puppy I have at home. Or, rather, distracted by something bad that she's doing, trying to do, or trying to pretend she's not doing.
(It doesn't help that my wireless has been down for weeks, so I'm tied to the LAN line - which is closest to my couch - and everytime I sit down with the laptop, Baby plants herself on the keyboard.)
One of the bad things Pumpkin has been doing is eating her own poop every once in a while. According to my Vet, is normal puppy behavior. But still - EW. So I've been trying different ways to get her to stop doing it. I've tried scolding her (associating negative consequences), spraying bitter apple on it, even adding MSG - which my vet said would work, and promptly induced a tummy allergy in the poor thing.
Finally, I found something non-toxic to add to her food that seems to be working. Yep, you guessed it... pumpkin!
It took feeding Pumpkin pumpkin to get her to stop recycling her food. The irony is beautiful.
(It doesn't help that my wireless has been down for weeks, so I'm tied to the LAN line - which is closest to my couch - and everytime I sit down with the laptop, Baby plants herself on the keyboard.)
One of the bad things Pumpkin has been doing is eating her own poop every once in a while. According to my Vet, is normal puppy behavior. But still - EW. So I've been trying different ways to get her to stop doing it. I've tried scolding her (associating negative consequences), spraying bitter apple on it, even adding MSG - which my vet said would work, and promptly induced a tummy allergy in the poor thing.
Finally, I found something non-toxic to add to her food that seems to be working. Yep, you guessed it... pumpkin!
It took feeding Pumpkin pumpkin to get her to stop recycling her food. The irony is beautiful.
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