Continuing from a previous post...
Then in the secondary school, which I thought I could start over, making new friends... But I seemed to run into similar problems. I found that I didn't fit into any of the "groups" in school. One of the problems was that I didn't get to hang out with them. My family was poor -- I didn't have the means to go out with them. I had a couple of really good guy friends though whom I regret that I didn't really keep in touch with them. But if I look for them now, we'll be still be good friends. Anyway, other than those 2 friends... the rest of the classmates didn't really like me all that much. But as I remember right, it was ok. Life was good, most of the time. Then after the HKCEE exam, I left Hong Kong for a student exchange program. And I came to the States.
To be continued...
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Running
I never liked running. I remembered back in the college days... ooh.. the number of times I did any serious running can be counted with one hand. But I have been running pretty regularly in recent weeks. Hurt my foot when I started about a month ago coz I didn't have proper shoes. Now that I bought a pair of Nike... I run about every other days for about 2.5 miles each time. I run about very slow... a little more than 10 min/mile. I think I have gotten better now. My breathing is better now, except my legs still get tired towards the end. My goal is run a half marathon, oh, maybe next year... just maybe.
I start to like running... coz it gives me some quiet time that I can think and meditate. I realize that you don't have to sit still to meditate, you can run while you meditate... hah... I never sit still and therefore could never really do any meditation. But I found that running gets you into this trance state that you can actually forget that your legs are hurting and your lungs are running of the air. Anyway running really helps me to clear my thoughts and get me focus on my priorities again.
I start to like running... coz it gives me some quiet time that I can think and meditate. I realize that you don't have to sit still to meditate, you can run while you meditate... hah... I never sit still and therefore could never really do any meditation. But I found that running gets you into this trance state that you can actually forget that your legs are hurting and your lungs are running of the air. Anyway running really helps me to clear my thoughts and get me focus on my priorities again.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Blueberry Picking
Took a day off yesterday and took my parents blueberry picking. We got 7+ lbs of blueberries. I have been munching on them since yesterday at the field. Mom made blueberry muffins. Yum!
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| Blueberry Picking 2007 |
Friday, July 13, 2007
On relationship with others
I was never a person who was well like by others. Even when I was in primary school, I knew some of the classmates really didn't like me. Part of it was probably because I always did well in exams... and ppl thought that I was a smart-ass... always wanted to show off. I was probably a smart-ass then, and probably still is. But I never intended to be one and I certainly don't want to be one. The consolation was that in primary 6, a group of girls accepted me into their circle. I know... sounds weird... for a guy to be with a group of girls... yeah I was attracted to one of them but that was another story... nothing really happened. The friendship with those girls were genuine, however. They told me that they thought I was arrogant, but then once they got to know me... they told me that I was actually quite nice to them. Yup... that was my consolation of being rejected by some of my peers at that time. And I knew I was arrogant at times... and I tried really hard to be humble and meek and be really nice to ppl I know. Whether it worked or not I wouldn't know.
To be continued...
To be continued...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Parents
The weather is so nice today. Dry and breezy. This is the kind of summer weather I like. Too bad that I had to stay in the office all day.
There are advantages to my parents being here. Dinner's always ready when I am hungry. My dad is doing most of the cleaning. Haha.. yeah he does. And it's quite entertaining sometimes listening to mom yapping at dad, "counting" his wrongdoings. My dad is getting really forgetful these days---leaving keys stuck on the door knob, forgetting dishes in the microwave. And he is too lazy to remember things too.. that's part of the problem. Funny and sometimes annoying and also sad to see that my dad is developing some old man's habits---slurping soup, making unnecessary noises while eating and even while sitting idle, being really stubborn and not listening to others.... Oh well... it is more sad to see my parents grow older. I have to take good care of them, making their lives as joyful and carefree as possible. So far, I don't think I am going too good a job.
There are advantages to my parents being here. Dinner's always ready when I am hungry. My dad is doing most of the cleaning. Haha.. yeah he does. And it's quite entertaining sometimes listening to mom yapping at dad, "counting" his wrongdoings. My dad is getting really forgetful these days---leaving keys stuck on the door knob, forgetting dishes in the microwave. And he is too lazy to remember things too.. that's part of the problem. Funny and sometimes annoying and also sad to see that my dad is developing some old man's habits---slurping soup, making unnecessary noises while eating and even while sitting idle, being really stubborn and not listening to others.... Oh well... it is more sad to see my parents grow older. I have to take good care of them, making their lives as joyful and carefree as possible. So far, I don't think I am going too good a job.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
green monochrome
On the way home, I saw fireworks all over the place. But it couldn't beat the display of the fireflies. They dotted the fields with dancing green dots---nature's monochrome fireworks---reminding me of those old greenish monochrome computer monitors. hahaha
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
July 4
I will pick up my parents from the airport this evening. Tonight my 6-month prison term begins. Oh... ha... just kidding. I love my parents. I guess it is a good thing for them... and for me as well that they are here half of the year. Things are a little different this year. We'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rainbow
A morning sprinkle... emerges a rainbow. I have never seen a rainbow so low near the horizon.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
To my dear friend
You know... we do make an amazing number of decisions in our surprising short life. Granted, some of the decisions we have made or will be making are definitely right or definitely wrong. However, a majority of the decisions is in this gray area where there is no absolute right and wrong. Maybe time will tell. But I do believe that we can always learn something from the decisions that we've made. It is this learning experience that helps shape our character, our value, and our future. Without this experience, we might as well be living in a green house where we'd be sheltered from all the elements. We grow as we learn as we experience. The most important thing is to move forward in life, taking one step at a time. Only look back when you need to learn from your previous mistakes and to draw motivation, but never dwell in the past. What happened in the past, stay in the past.
We create our own cloud nine!
We create our own cloud nine!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Friendship Festival
There is this carnival in town near my townhouse this weekend. After sunset, I took my camera and walked over there to check it out. I was going to take some pictures but I couldn't find my tripod... yeah an excuse, really... I was too conscientious. Just too many people there. I feel embarrassed to take any pictures.
As I walked amongst the rides, game booths, and food stands, I wonder what people are attracted to in small carnivals like this one. I understand kids are excited just about every ride and game... but what about adults other than kids' parents? I do admire this simple way of life. We can and should find contentment in small things, even in a small carnival in a small town. There are many great and grand things in this world. But everything has its place, I believe.
As I walked amongst the rides, game booths, and food stands, I wonder what people are attracted to in small carnivals like this one. I understand kids are excited just about every ride and game... but what about adults other than kids' parents? I do admire this simple way of life. We can and should find contentment in small things, even in a small carnival in a small town. There are many great and grand things in this world. But everything has its place, I believe.
Road of Life
To know,
to understand,
to explore,
to experience.
The road of life
is tortuous and
cannot be without pain,
yet we continue on
to achieve our greater purpose.
to understand,
to explore,
to experience.
The road of life
is tortuous and
cannot be without pain,
yet we continue on
to achieve our greater purpose.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Jasper's Visit
Finally get to meet Jasper in person yesterday. Picked her up at the airport and had dinner with her and friends in Magianno's. Will take her sightseeing in Chicago today. Got tickets for the architecture boat tour in the evening. Today will be very hot... Jasper is going to complain about the weather all day... I guarantee.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Surreal II
Morning mist surrounds me
I can hardly make out the
silhouette of things laid in front of me
But there she is
I can smell the fragrance of her hair
I can feel her presence
I know her
yet I don't
She is so close
yet so far
Never have I had such a multitude of feelings
I am lost in the continuum of space?
I can hardly make out the
silhouette of things laid in front of me
But there she is
I can smell the fragrance of her hair
I can feel her presence
I know her
yet I don't
She is so close
yet so far
Never have I had such a multitude of feelings
I am lost in the continuum of space?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Surreal I
I know what I've been feeling and
what I've been experiencing
and yet things have been so
seemingly unbelievable
or at least to me
that they are beyond my imagination
as if it has been a dream
a surreal kind of dream.
what I've been experiencing
and yet things have been so
seemingly unbelievable
or at least to me
that they are beyond my imagination
as if it has been a dream
a surreal kind of dream.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
daisy
As I was leaving for rehearsal/party last night, Daisy shouted at a distance and said "I need a hug!" Then she ran to me... I lifted her up and gave her a hug and swung her around.
Daisy and Douglas are living with their grandparents and they don't get to see their father very often. Maybe once every 2 weeks or so. It must be tough for the kids not having a father around.
Daisy and Douglas are living with their grandparents and they don't get to see their father very often. Maybe once every 2 weeks or so. It must be tough for the kids not having a father around.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Do We Really Care?
Do We Really Care? -- Faye Wong
Joey Tang/Alvin Leong
I saw pictures of a small girl
Crying, livin in the lost world
The men fight for dear god, she don't care
Cuz there's nothin left to share
I watched TV about a sick girl
She was only nine
She'll be gone soon
When and where she's going god will know
She doesnt want the sun to go
Don't you know that we care?
Keep the faith hope is here
Deep in my heart i ask myself
Do we really, really care?
Read the paper of a colored boy
He was starving so were the lone vultures
Why so full of sorrow no tomorrow
No rainbow will he ever know
Don't you know that we care? (don't ya know that we care)
Keep the faith hope is here (hope is here)
Deep in my heart i ask myself
Do we really, really care?
Don't you know that we pray (we pray)
For you to see the light of day (the light of day)
For you to bring back the look of love
Words of wisdom is not enough
Friday, May 18, 2007
The unattainable
Lost in the reverie
of the unattainable
men move forward
toiling each step
dragging their feet
not knowing the future
yet stubbornly so
they move forward.
How ironic that men hold
dearly onto things
and people that are
no longer relevant to them.
of the unattainable
men move forward
toiling each step
dragging their feet
not knowing the future
yet stubbornly so
they move forward.
How ironic that men hold
dearly onto things
and people that are
no longer relevant to them.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
再別康橋----徐志摩
輕輕的我走了 正如我輕輕的來
我輕輕的招手 作別西天的雲彩
那河畔的金柳 是夕陽中的新娘
波光裏的豔影 在我心頭蕩漾
軟泥上的青荇 油油的在水底招搖
在康河的柔波裏 我甘心作一條水草
那榆蔭下的一潭 不是清泉是天上的虹
揉碎在浮藻間 沉澱彩虹似的夢
尋夢 撐支長篙 向青草更青處漫溯
滿載一船星輝 在星輝斑爛裡放歌
但我不能放歌 悄悄是別離的笙簫
夏蟲也為我沉默 沉默是今晚的康橋
悄悄的我走了 正如我悄悄的來
我揮一揮衣袖 不帶走一片雲彩
Let's translate this. I think jasper222 and I have taken a crack at it in an earlier post.
Oh you know?
Oh you know?
How hard it is
to resist the urge of
picking up the phone and
dialing your number;
to refrain from the temptation of
clicking the compose button and
writing you a message;
to restrain my restless brain from
thinking of you and
dreaming about you.
And you know, the hardest thing of all?
Not knowing whether all my efforts
will end up in vain.
How hard it is
to resist the urge of
picking up the phone and
dialing your number;
to refrain from the temptation of
clicking the compose button and
writing you a message;
to restrain my restless brain from
thinking of you and
dreaming about you.
And you know, the hardest thing of all?
Not knowing whether all my efforts
will end up in vain.
Monday, May 14, 2007
the conflicted
The pain as it turns out
is more than I'd like to bear.
I tell myself to let go.
Others have told me so as well.
But the stubborn side of me
refuses to budge.
Knowing is worse than not knowing--
at least it is so in this case.
And the worst thing is...
knowing is simply not knowing.
Life is full of contradictions.
is more than I'd like to bear.
I tell myself to let go.
Others have told me so as well.
But the stubborn side of me
refuses to budge.
Knowing is worse than not knowing--
at least it is so in this case.
And the worst thing is...
knowing is simply not knowing.
Life is full of contradictions.
Friends
I was just thinking this morning. I am fortunate to have a few very good friends. Only a few. But it's quality not quantity that counts. Just just a few words of encouragement, or a sentence or two of "low b" from them would cheer me up. Genuine care and love for each other. What more can I ask for?
Tulips
Tulips, tulips!
Why had you withered so early?
Was it the weather?
Or was it because you were foretelling my destiny?
I could only imagine you were once beautiful.
I could only imagine your flowers once spread every corner of the fields.
But I did experience that, didn't I?
Was my mind playing tricks on me?
What seemed real turned out to be just fabric of my imagination?
The icy cold Lake Michigan water did not wake me from my sweet dream.
May the dream continue...
But NO...
It wasn't a dream.
The sand dunes, the pine and cottonwood trees, even the icy cold water could testify
that I wasn't dreaming and that what I experienced was real.
What could I make out of all these?
An invisible wall had barricaded the way forward.
But I could not turn back either
for the tide was high and the water was cold.
I climbed to the top of the dune,
overlooking the far horizon
where water meets the sky.
Sun was setting.
Time did not wait on me, ticking away mercilessly...
I wished I could see farther ahead.
Yet where the sun rested was the limit of my vision.
[to be continued!?]
Why had you withered so early?
Was it the weather?
Or was it because you were foretelling my destiny?
I could only imagine you were once beautiful.
I could only imagine your flowers once spread every corner of the fields.
But I did experience that, didn't I?
Was my mind playing tricks on me?
What seemed real turned out to be just fabric of my imagination?
The icy cold Lake Michigan water did not wake me from my sweet dream.
May the dream continue...
But NO...
It wasn't a dream.
The sand dunes, the pine and cottonwood trees, even the icy cold water could testify
that I wasn't dreaming and that what I experienced was real.
What could I make out of all these?
An invisible wall had barricaded the way forward.
But I could not turn back either
for the tide was high and the water was cold.
I climbed to the top of the dune,
overlooking the far horizon
where water meets the sky.
Sun was setting.
Time did not wait on me, ticking away mercilessly...
I wished I could see farther ahead.
Yet where the sun rested was the limit of my vision.
[to be continued!?]
cold water
When a cistern of cold water tips over
and drenches you from head to toe
and you still can't accept the reality that you are wet,
......
and drenches you from head to toe
and you still can't accept the reality that you are wet,
......
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sand Dunes and Lake Michigan
Where the sand dunes lay,
A fool stood at the top of a mound.
Surrounded by golden waves of moving sand,
He stood still;
He never wavered;
He waited and waited.
Last time I looked,
He was still there!
Or not?
Or it was just a sculpted sand statue,
Alone,
By itself...
Withstanding the uncertain Lake Michigan wind;
Braving the pounding of Lake Michigan rain.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Picture in the newspaper
Ha... Had a sing-out Tuesday at a Senior Fair. Got a picture of me in the newspaper!
The Daily Journal
The Daily Journal
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Untitled
When the stars weep
and the moon mourns
clouds gather to collect their grief
Rain falls as teardrops
sadly yet softly upon your fields
It is when sadness of the night passes
and clouds disperse
Sunshine yet once again emerges
and warms upon your face
A new day of hope has begun
and the moon mourns
clouds gather to collect their grief
Rain falls as teardrops
sadly yet softly upon your fields
It is when sadness of the night passes
and clouds disperse
Sunshine yet once again emerges
and warms upon your face
A new day of hope has begun
Monday, April 30, 2007
A plan to stay focus
I think what I need to do is stop thinking and keep myself busy with work.
The more time I sit idle, the more opportunities my brain has for wondering aimlessly.
Timing is a tricky thing.
I suck at it.
Big time.
The more time I sit idle, the more opportunities my brain has for wondering aimlessly.
Timing is a tricky thing.
I suck at it.
Big time.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Pictures from weekend
Went to Garfield Conservatory in Chicago Saturday. A big greenhouse. Spring flower show.
Should have been working today. But I ended up taking a walk in Perry Farm. Snapped a few pictures.
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| Garfield Conservato |
Should have been working today. But I ended up taking a walk in Perry Farm. Snapped a few pictures.
 |
| Perry Farm--Spri |
A hug from Daisy.
I opened my garage door this afternoon and there she is... Daisy standing right there with her bike by her side. She asked... are you going to work? I was going to take a walk at Perry Farm (will post pictures later) and then come to work. So I said... yeah. She stretched out both of her arms, asking for a hug! Oh...... My heart just melted right there.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
joy
You know what makes me truly happy after I get home from work every evening?
Seeing the kids playing outside... and Douglas would come up to me and say... Can you fix my scooter? ... and Daisy would ask.... Can you play race with me?
Seeing the kids playing outside... and Douglas would come up to me and say... Can you fix my scooter? ... and Daisy would ask.... Can you play race with me?
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
長滿在湖邊的花
I ended up singing karaoke tonight on my computer--Jacky Live Performance 2005. I think it's kinda pathetic. I finished the 2 vcds... didn't sing every song coz I don't know some of them. But I was actually enjoying myself, believe it or not. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep better tonight. The closing song is:
愛 是 永 恆 傳 說 中 代 表 愛 情 的 花 , 終 於 長 滿 在 湖 邊
曲 : Dick Lee 詞 : 林 振 強 編 : Iskanda Ismail
有 始 不 有 終 能 受 百 樣 痛 從 沒 有 合 約 合 同 但 卻 跨 時 空
這 滔 滔 不 息 的 愛 我 贈 給 你 用 這 一 生 和 下 世 有 幾 多 全 奉 送
閉 起 的 眼 中 無 論 重 又 重 仍 是 見 著 你 面 容 在 我 心 湖 中
這 份 愛 永 遠 都 存 在 共 你 同 在 無 盡 永 恆 中
有 著 我 便 有 著 你 真 愛 是 永 不 死 穿 過 喜 和 悲 跨 過 生 和 死
有 著 我 便 有 著 你 千 個 萬 個 世 紀 ( 天 老 地 老 也 好 ) 絕 未 離 棄 愛 是 永 恆 當 所 愛 是 你
兩 手 雖 似 空 其 實 抱 著 你 其 實 你 沒 有 別 離 在 我 心 湖 中
每 掠 過 也 似 風 撩 動 令 這 湖 上 無 盡 愛 浪 湧
This is what love is supposed to be. Not the perfect kinda love, but love that endures pain and sadness, and joy and hope. Love that has a beginning but with no ends. Love that requires no commitment, yet lasts forever, beyond life and death.
愛 是 永 恆 傳 說 中 代 表 愛 情 的 花 , 終 於 長 滿 在 湖 邊
曲 : Dick Lee 詞 : 林 振 強 編 : Iskanda Ismail
有 始 不 有 終 能 受 百 樣 痛 從 沒 有 合 約 合 同 但 卻 跨 時 空
這 滔 滔 不 息 的 愛 我 贈 給 你 用 這 一 生 和 下 世 有 幾 多 全 奉 送
閉 起 的 眼 中 無 論 重 又 重 仍 是 見 著 你 面 容 在 我 心 湖 中
這 份 愛 永 遠 都 存 在 共 你 同 在 無 盡 永 恆 中
有 著 我 便 有 著 你 真 愛 是 永 不 死 穿 過 喜 和 悲 跨 過 生 和 死
有 著 我 便 有 著 你 千 個 萬 個 世 紀 ( 天 老 地 老 也 好 ) 絕 未 離 棄 愛 是 永 恆 當 所 愛 是 你
兩 手 雖 似 空 其 實 抱 著 你 其 實 你 沒 有 別 離 在 我 心 湖 中
每 掠 過 也 似 風 撩 動 令 這 湖 上 無 盡 愛 浪 湧
This is what love is supposed to be. Not the perfect kinda love, but love that endures pain and sadness, and joy and hope. Love that has a beginning but with no ends. Love that requires no commitment, yet lasts forever, beyond life and death.
A futile attempt to take a nap
Haven't slept well for the past couple of nights. Got back from church this morning and tried to take a nap. But my head was just full of ....., so with my eyes closed, I probably lay there in my bed for an hour.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Morning Duck
A female Mallard was sitting on the lawn outside of my living room window this morning. The pond is actually couple blocks away. Wonder what she was doing here. Will she come back tomorrow morning?End of Love?
My neighbors' kids made this heart-shaped sign with gravel right on the sidewalk by my garage. Thought it was kinda cute. End of Love? I suppose?
Wastewater treatment in HK
Wittybb sent me this article: 黎廣德﹕淨化維港 加速發展 決心何在？
I too don't understand why Hong Kong Government is dragging its feet in wastewater treatment. Despite a large surplus in the budget, Phase 2B of the wastewater treatment plan won't be reviewed till 2010? Secondary treatment (activated sludge or other biological processes) is a must and should have been implemented along with the primary treatment (physical/chemical processes). If the government is serious about cleaning up the Victoria Harbor, it should build a treatment plant that is up to the US standards.
I too don't understand why Hong Kong Government is dragging its feet in wastewater treatment. Despite a large surplus in the budget, Phase 2B of the wastewater treatment plan won't be reviewed till 2010? Secondary treatment (activated sludge or other biological processes) is a must and should have been implemented along with the primary treatment (physical/chemical processes). If the government is serious about cleaning up the Victoria Harbor, it should build a treatment plant that is up to the US standards.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Pursuit of Happyness
Never give up... no matter how difficult the situation appears to be. There is always a way out. There is always a solution. Never loose faith... never loose hope. This is the pursuit of happiness.
P.S. I think Will Smith's son deserves an Oscar for his performance.
P.S. I think Will Smith's son deserves an Oscar for his performance.
Uh Oh
I think babies like to say "uh oh" all the time. My boss' son does that when something falls out of his hand... or whenever he feels like to. Today... a baby girl was saying "uh oh" too while I was lunching at El Burrito Loco.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A piece of advice
I asked my good friend why it is so hard to find someone whom I can share my life with?
She replied
b/c
- you're unique
- you won't treasure her as much if it's easy
- and if it's so easy she won't be special and unique?!~
Very true.
She replied
b/c
- you're unique
- you won't treasure her as much if it's easy
- and if it's so easy she won't be special and unique?!~
Very true.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Untitled
When reality hits you smack in the face,
it's got to hurt.
It is unsettling.
But truth cannot be denied.
Intuition has its place?
Or experience calling its shots?
The unknown is the biggest fear of all.
Shall we lift this fear
by revealing our true selves underneath?
it's got to hurt.
It is unsettling.
But truth cannot be denied.
Intuition has its place?
Or experience calling its shots?
The unknown is the biggest fear of all.
Shall we lift this fear
by revealing our true selves underneath?
Einstein and God and Science
Reading the two articles recommended by Wittybb and David... reminded me that I had actually written a couple of blog entries a while back which talked about similar issues.
An Equation...
I pondered the possibility of a single equation that would describe everything in this world and universe, including every physical thing and you and me and even our behavior. This is the deterministic view point held by Einstein. And as Christians, we believe that God has a plan for us... which in a certain sense, for He has laid out a plan, His plan is deterministic. Yet, we also speak of free will and that we are responsible for things that we do and say. It is contradictory. But I do not struggle with it. I'd like to believe that we do have free will and we should be held accountable for our actions. But who are we to say that our free will is not part of God's grand plan for us? Our free will could very well be just the random noise in the grander scale of things. Knowing this makes us humble and meek as how Jesus has taught us.
On God and Science
I struggled a great deal and I still do, to this day, on how to make compromises between faith and science. I believe science is a discovery tool... a tool that we should use to explore and understand God's creation. The more we know, we realize that there are still more things that we don't know. What remains mystery is in our faith to believe.
An Equation...
I pondered the possibility of a single equation that would describe everything in this world and universe, including every physical thing and you and me and even our behavior. This is the deterministic view point held by Einstein. And as Christians, we believe that God has a plan for us... which in a certain sense, for He has laid out a plan, His plan is deterministic. Yet, we also speak of free will and that we are responsible for things that we do and say. It is contradictory. But I do not struggle with it. I'd like to believe that we do have free will and we should be held accountable for our actions. But who are we to say that our free will is not part of God's grand plan for us? Our free will could very well be just the random noise in the grander scale of things. Knowing this makes us humble and meek as how Jesus has taught us.
On God and Science
I struggled a great deal and I still do, to this day, on how to make compromises between faith and science. I believe science is a discovery tool... a tool that we should use to explore and understand God's creation. The more we know, we realize that there are still more things that we don't know. What remains mystery is in our faith to believe.
Easter Weekend
What a disappointment that the weather was so unseasonably cold this weekend. Despite the weather, this Easter weekend was quite good (or at least so it seemed).
Saturday, I went up to Chicago Chinatown and had "dim sum" with my friend and my boss' family of four. My boss was brave enough to try "chicken feet" but didn't like them. Andrew was so dazed at first as I had never seen him so quiet before. But then he finally sobered up and just didn't want to sit still on my lap. We did a little tour of chinatown after lunch. But it was just too cold to be walking around, let alone with two kids. Dinner was at chinatown again and met some new friends. And that was good.
Sunday morning I was at church for the Easter service. A family invited me to their Easter's dinner, for the second year. It was so kind of them.... I felt like I was in a home away from home. Jokes, laughters, and kids running around and screaming... they said grandma had a crush on me... as she complimented on my eyes, saying that there were attractive?! No one had ever said anything nice about my eyes, except with words like "tiny" and "small." Anyway, I was flattered... Kidding aside, grandma is really kind.
I took many pictures especially of the kids. Here are two of them.
Carly looking up at the balloon...
An intimate moment of Maya and Carly...
Saturday, I went up to Chicago Chinatown and had "dim sum" with my friend and my boss' family of four. My boss was brave enough to try "chicken feet" but didn't like them. Andrew was so dazed at first as I had never seen him so quiet before. But then he finally sobered up and just didn't want to sit still on my lap. We did a little tour of chinatown after lunch. But it was just too cold to be walking around, let alone with two kids. Dinner was at chinatown again and met some new friends. And that was good.
Sunday morning I was at church for the Easter service. A family invited me to their Easter's dinner, for the second year. It was so kind of them.... I felt like I was in a home away from home. Jokes, laughters, and kids running around and screaming... they said grandma had a crush on me... as she complimented on my eyes, saying that there were attractive?! No one had ever said anything nice about my eyes, except with words like "tiny" and "small." Anyway, I was flattered... Kidding aside, grandma is really kind.
I took many pictures especially of the kids. Here are two of them.
Carly looking up at the balloon...
An intimate moment of Maya and Carly...
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Leslie
They had the music video-movie on last night... I believe it was the last of Leslie's work. Never watched it before. Pretty good.
Snow's in the forecast later this week. Hope the Easter weekend will have good weather. Last year it was horrible. Thunder and bad storm.
Going to work this afternoon, again. Have to finish the resubmittal to INDR. My client is breathing down my neck.
Snow's in the forecast later this week. Hope the Easter weekend will have good weather. Last year it was horrible. Thunder and bad storm.
Going to work this afternoon, again. Have to finish the resubmittal to INDR. My client is breathing down my neck.
Friday, March 30, 2007
....zzz
in this sleepless night
even the stars are hiding their twinkles
no more little no more wonder
the one is the special one
who flies to the moon and Jupiter
even the stars are hiding their twinkles
no more little no more wonder
the one is the special one
who flies to the moon and Jupiter
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Being nice
Since everyone's written something about friendship and being nice to ppl and all. I decide throw in my 2 cents as well.
I don't have many friends, honestly I don't. I am not good at socializing. My tongue starts to tie up when I get nervous.
On the other hand, I have certain expectation on whom I choose to be friends with. I desire a higher level of connection, whether it is a on an intellectual or emotional level. This might explain why I don't have many friends.
That said. I think I have a pretty good sense of "seeing" ppl. I mean, I can tell whether a person is good or bad, not just on the surface... the deeper kind of understanding if you will. That way, I can see past one's mistakes and wrong doings, and can forgive others readily.
I hold dear to the belief that if I am nice to ppl... ppl will do the same in return. After all, you feel good anyway even you don't get anything in return. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
As for friendship, I always wonder what makes two persons click. Has it to do with personality? Or the day and time you were born? Or just random chances? Anyhow, treasure your dearest friends. I think one of our purposes in life is to make friends and develop relationships with ppl. Take away that purpose, our life would be empty and meaningless.
I don't have many friends, honestly I don't. I am not good at socializing. My tongue starts to tie up when I get nervous.
On the other hand, I have certain expectation on whom I choose to be friends with. I desire a higher level of connection, whether it is a on an intellectual or emotional level. This might explain why I don't have many friends.
That said. I think I have a pretty good sense of "seeing" ppl. I mean, I can tell whether a person is good or bad, not just on the surface... the deeper kind of understanding if you will. That way, I can see past one's mistakes and wrong doings, and can forgive others readily.
I hold dear to the belief that if I am nice to ppl... ppl will do the same in return. After all, you feel good anyway even you don't get anything in return. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
As for friendship, I always wonder what makes two persons click. Has it to do with personality? Or the day and time you were born? Or just random chances? Anyhow, treasure your dearest friends. I think one of our purposes in life is to make friends and develop relationships with ppl. Take away that purpose, our life would be empty and meaningless.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Crapioli
I swear I made up the word "CRAPIOLI" myself. I don't believe I've heard anyone saying it before.
But then Jasper did a search on Google. Holy Crapioli!
157 hits for crapioli
Well. Not too bad I guess. 157 great minds think alike.
But then Jasper did a search on Google. Holy Crapioli!
157 hits for crapioli
Well. Not too bad I guess. 157 great minds think alike.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Life and Nature
Watching a nature show on discovery channel...
A bird gave it best show, dancing and flashing his beautiful feathers, and yet his potential mate was not impressed and flew away.
Nature is cruel sometimes.
Life likewise.
A bird gave it best show, dancing and flashing his beautiful feathers, and yet his potential mate was not impressed and flew away.
Nature is cruel sometimes.
Life likewise.
Puzzle
To understand a person is like putting a puzzle together. The major difference is that you actually have to ask for the pieces yourself---the puzzle doesn't come in a whole set but with possible missing pieces that you may spend your whole life searching for them. Each piece of the puzzle is a tidbit of information about that person. After you gather all the pieces, you still have to find out how they all fit together.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Hand on the mouse
My boss caught me napping today. I was working on a drawing. And for some reason, my eyes were just too tired to stay open, but hand on the mouse.... my boss stopped at my door. He said, "You sleeping? I can't let this shit happening there!"
Ha ah ha... he was joking of course. But man, was I not embarrassed.
~~~~
Thanks to Jasper for the following illustration!
Ha ah ha... he was joking of course. But man, was I not embarrassed.
~~~~
Thanks to Jasper for the following illustration!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
一凹一凸
When we are young, we can be molded to fit each other fairly easily. Even if we don't fit perfectly, we are pliable enough that our rough edges can be rounded and ground out without too much pain. Think of ourself as clay. As we dry out and get older, we can no longer be shaped into different forms easily. We settle into a rigid self.
To find the second half that fits.... is not easy any more.
But.... water. As long as the clay has not been fired before. You add water. You get back the workable clay. Yes it will take time and lots of hard work. But as long as you add enough water and with patience, your clay can be reshaped again.
To find the second half that fits.... is not easy any more.
But.... water. As long as the clay has not been fired before. You add water. You get back the workable clay. Yes it will take time and lots of hard work. But as long as you add enough water and with patience, your clay can be reshaped again.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
weekend
Had dinner last night at a restaurant called Asian Grill in Noblesville, IN. The food was pretty good. Kinda like Asian fusion type deal. It's right there in the downtown square. A neat little downtown.
Going wine tasting today down in the Bloomington Area. They've got Oliver and Butler there. Hopefully it'll be a worthwhile trip.
Going wine tasting today down in the Bloomington Area. They've got Oliver and Butler there. Hopefully it'll be a worthwhile trip.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
work
Being a project manager is not easy. Thanks to my boss. All of a sudden I have five or six projects on my hand. All of which are not my usual flood studies. Yeah something new and something exciting. But then I don't have help... I need someone who can do the tedious cad and gis work for me. Yes I am lazy. I am good with GIS but not so with CAD.
A little burned out.
A little burned out.
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Spark
I ponder the possibility of an existence
An existence of a spark that triggers a fire
A fire that burns passionately
A fire that cannot be extinguished
A fire that continues to light up the night
and brings life to an otherwise boring soul
An existence of a spark that triggers a fire
A fire that burns passionately
A fire that cannot be extinguished
A fire that continues to light up the night
and brings life to an otherwise boring soul
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Chicago
Had a great time with friends in Chicago Saturday.
Brunch at Orange. A good breakfast joint. Good atmosphere, good food and big serving.
Went to Lincoln Park Zoo. Spent a lot of time watching the chimps and the gorillas. The weather was really nice... in the 50s. Even the chimps were out and about. Looking at the African apes, I wish they weren't kept in cages. The facility at the zoo is really good. But I just wonder if the animals would be happier in the jungle. But then, from their perspective, they might just as well be thinking.... "what are all these people in cage staring at us for?"
Oh... we saw zebra too. Two zebras stood out from the herd of three there. One with a black body with white stripes and the other has a white body with black stripes.
Then we watched a play at Lincoln Square Theatre... Rashomon. A Japanese story about a rape and murder, being told by four people with four different contradicting accounts. Very well acted. The actress who played the samurai's wife and the actor who played the bandit were exceptionally good. Moral of the story? People see things what only they want to see and they tell only what they want to tell. We are selfish creatures; we lie; we are deceitful. But the silver lining is that we have compassion--the goodness that lies within us, no matter how deep and hidden it is, is undeniably there.
Lincoln Square... a nice street (square?) with small shops and eateries. After the play, we stopped at a pastry/coffee shop. I want to go back there later in Spring. I want to take pictures of kids playing in the plaza. I want to visit the book stores there or just stroll along all the row houses in the neighborhood.
Dinner was at Medival Times. With low expectation, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the show as well. You don't get to see people dressed up as knights and kings and princess... jousting on horses and sword fighting all the times. Eating with your fingers was actually quite a satisfying experience.
After dinner, we went to a Andy's for some good Jazz. I wish I knew how to play Jazz. Well... wishful thinking really... my piano skill has deteriorated so much due to years of lack of practice, let alone playing jazz. I will probably stick with my singing for now. Even with singing, I have a long way to go.
Brunch at Orange. A good breakfast joint. Good atmosphere, good food and big serving.
Went to Lincoln Park Zoo. Spent a lot of time watching the chimps and the gorillas. The weather was really nice... in the 50s. Even the chimps were out and about. Looking at the African apes, I wish they weren't kept in cages. The facility at the zoo is really good. But I just wonder if the animals would be happier in the jungle. But then, from their perspective, they might just as well be thinking.... "what are all these people in cage staring at us for?"
Oh... we saw zebra too. Two zebras stood out from the herd of three there. One with a black body with white stripes and the other has a white body with black stripes.
Then we watched a play at Lincoln Square Theatre... Rashomon. A Japanese story about a rape and murder, being told by four people with four different contradicting accounts. Very well acted. The actress who played the samurai's wife and the actor who played the bandit were exceptionally good. Moral of the story? People see things what only they want to see and they tell only what they want to tell. We are selfish creatures; we lie; we are deceitful. But the silver lining is that we have compassion--the goodness that lies within us, no matter how deep and hidden it is, is undeniably there.
Lincoln Square... a nice street (square?) with small shops and eateries. After the play, we stopped at a pastry/coffee shop. I want to go back there later in Spring. I want to take pictures of kids playing in the plaza. I want to visit the book stores there or just stroll along all the row houses in the neighborhood.
Dinner was at Medival Times. With low expectation, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the show as well. You don't get to see people dressed up as knights and kings and princess... jousting on horses and sword fighting all the times. Eating with your fingers was actually quite a satisfying experience.
After dinner, we went to a Andy's for some good Jazz. I wish I knew how to play Jazz. Well... wishful thinking really... my piano skill has deteriorated so much due to years of lack of practice, let alone playing jazz. I will probably stick with my singing for now. Even with singing, I have a long way to go.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Childhood Games
Wittybb was writing about games we played while we were kids, which reminds me some of the fun games I used to played with my friends/classmates....
Foot Trample
ok... it seems weird but we played this game all the time in primary school. First a group gathers with each person sticking out one foot touching others'. Then take turn and jump/hop away from each other as far as possible. That will usually take about 2 rounds. Then TRAMPLING begins. Taking turn, one can stump on any other's foot with one leap. If you are able to step on one's foot, the person you step on is out. If you miss then you are in trouble because you now are very close to the person you tried to step on. So very likely you will be out soon. We used to wear "white sail fish." That is one way to turn the white fish to black fish quickly.
Sticking to the Wall
I don't remember exactly how this game is played. But basically one or two persons will serve as the "catcher" and the rest will try to stick to the wall. Usually the game is played between two columns. So the wall is actually the column. Your goal is not to get caught while running between the two columns. You can form a chain by holding hands. So as long as at least one person is touching one of the columns, the whole chain is safe unless one get chopped off. A lot of running around and screaming, but quite fun I remembered. This game is usually not allowed because running is involved. The prefect will catch you and no more "rest period."
Racing Game with Pencils
This is my favorite. I would draw a race track on a piece of paper, furnished with the starting and finish lines. Also on the racetrack are the "bouncy" guardrails. To play the game, you need pencils of various lengths. So you start at the starting line holding the top of pencil with your index finger with the pencil tip pointing at the line. You would then push the top of the pencil with your finger and create a streak or a line. Where the line fades is where you start your next turn. The idea is that if you use a longer pencil, the line you fire will be longer. If your line hits a "bouncy" guardrail, you are ok. But if you hit a solid wall... then you crash and lose a turn. I think it is really fun.... give it a try.
Foot Trample
ok... it seems weird but we played this game all the time in primary school. First a group gathers with each person sticking out one foot touching others'. Then take turn and jump/hop away from each other as far as possible. That will usually take about 2 rounds. Then TRAMPLING begins. Taking turn, one can stump on any other's foot with one leap. If you are able to step on one's foot, the person you step on is out. If you miss then you are in trouble because you now are very close to the person you tried to step on. So very likely you will be out soon. We used to wear "white sail fish." That is one way to turn the white fish to black fish quickly.
Sticking to the Wall
I don't remember exactly how this game is played. But basically one or two persons will serve as the "catcher" and the rest will try to stick to the wall. Usually the game is played between two columns. So the wall is actually the column. Your goal is not to get caught while running between the two columns. You can form a chain by holding hands. So as long as at least one person is touching one of the columns, the whole chain is safe unless one get chopped off. A lot of running around and screaming, but quite fun I remembered. This game is usually not allowed because running is involved. The prefect will catch you and no more "rest period."
Racing Game with Pencils
This is my favorite. I would draw a race track on a piece of paper, furnished with the starting and finish lines. Also on the racetrack are the "bouncy" guardrails. To play the game, you need pencils of various lengths. So you start at the starting line holding the top of pencil with your index finger with the pencil tip pointing at the line. You would then push the top of the pencil with your finger and create a streak or a line. Where the line fades is where you start your next turn. The idea is that if you use a longer pencil, the line you fire will be longer. If your line hits a "bouncy" guardrail, you are ok. But if you hit a solid wall... then you crash and lose a turn. I think it is really fun.... give it a try.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Crappy Night
Went to Jewel-Osco and mistakenly bought an expensive bottle of Pinot Noir. Thought it was 6.99 and turned out to be 18.99. Oh well. I didn't return it. Thought that I could treat myself to a good wine.
Then I got home. Opened the kitchen door. Kicked down a suitcase. Damn it. It has a laptop in the suitcase. Worse yet, it is not mine but belongs to my barbershop chorus. Then I set down the grocery... and the damn bottle slipped out of my hand. Did a somersault and landed on the kitchen floor. As it landed, glass shattered and bloody wine splashed all over the floor. ARGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!
Took me at least half an hour to clean up. Well... got wine on my down jacket... in the washer now. The good thing out of all this is that now my kitchen floor is mopped clean. And my laptop is ok.
Then I got home. Opened the kitchen door. Kicked down a suitcase. Damn it. It has a laptop in the suitcase. Worse yet, it is not mine but belongs to my barbershop chorus. Then I set down the grocery... and the damn bottle slipped out of my hand. Did a somersault and landed on the kitchen floor. As it landed, glass shattered and bloody wine splashed all over the floor. ARGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!
Took me at least half an hour to clean up. Well... got wine on my down jacket... in the washer now. The good thing out of all this is that now my kitchen floor is mopped clean. And my laptop is ok.
My Office
Had been quite busy with work and everyday life since I got back from HK a month ago. Oh man, I can't believe a whole month has already gone by. I know... I still haven't written anything on my HK trip yet. It will come when time is right... eventually... I'll write about it. And the pictures... sigh....Anyway.. have to come back to work on a Saturday morning coz my office is getting new furniture. Nice, huh? Lots of shelf space and a big desk. More room for me to pile up my junk. I am going to move the server into my office as well since I am managing it anyway.. sortof... we have a contract with a local company for computer support. But I do take care of some day-to-day problems and surprises.
I am too lazy to move my stuff to the new desk yet. My stuff is currently occupying the 2 desks on the other corner of my office that you can't see in the picture. Oh... I need some decoration too. Any ideas? I've got some pictures framed. Should hang them on the wall.I did put up the "fei chuen" from Jasper. See the tag in the middle. See if you can read it.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Valentines... belated
On valentines day, I asked a quartet from my barbershop chorus to sing for all the ladies in my office. Here's a slideshow made by the local newspaper... I was singing in the quartet as well.
http://daily-journal.com/multimedia/display.php?id=48
http://daily-journal.com/multimedia/display.php?id=48
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Wii-athon
Picked up my friend, wu kong--the monkey (Mii nickname), from Ohare yesterday afternoon, then went to Trader Joe's to get some grocery and couple bottles of wines. I cooked chicken and some vegetables for our "year-end" dinner. The Black Mountain Chardonnay was good but the Barefoot Merlot was a bit of a disappointment. Anyway, we stated playing Wii after dinner. We started with the Sports games then moved on to the Wii Play. Then we spent all night playing Excite Truck. The Excite Truck game was a lot of fun. High jumps, drifts and crashes... We didn't realize it was 6 in the morning until we quit playing.
Happy New Year! Year Year Have Fish! Heart Thinks Things Made!
Happy New Year! Year Year Have Fish! Heart Thinks Things Made!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Snow and Wii
At least 12 inches of snow forecasted for tonight and tomorrow.
I got my Wii this evening! I played all the sports games. I am now exhausted. But Fun!
I got my Wii this evening! I played all the sports games. I am now exhausted. But Fun!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Shitty Island
Excerpt from The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, by Haruki Murakami
Somewhere, far, far away, there's a shitty island. An island without a name. An island not worth giving a name. A shitty island with a shitty shape. On this shitty island grow palm trees that also have shitty shapes. And the palm trees produce coconuts that give off a shitty smell. Shitty monkeys live in the trees, and they love to eat these shitty-smelling coconuts, after which they shit the world's foulest shit. The shit falls on the ground and builds up shitty mounds, making the shitty palm trees that grow on them even shittier. It's an endless cycle.It's a book that I recently picked up from the bookstore. I am a third through... and I cannot put it down. The story is so fascinating and dream-like. It is as if I am reading an adult version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I am certainly going to read other novels of his.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Back to the States
I am back to the States. Arrived Wednesday night and my boss was kind enough to pick me up at the airport. We had sushi for dinner. Poor Bo and Daisy (my boss' two dogs) were freezing in the car while we were having dinner.
The past two days I have been fighting my jetlag. Mornings were fine but then when the afternoon came around, my head would become light and start spinning and my eyes would start drooping. 2007 has been so far a year of surprises and unexpectedness. For better or worse, life goes on. It is how we make sense of it.
I was going to spend time writing about my HK trip during my plane ride. But I ended up drifting in and out of sleep. Nothing was written as a results. I will start writing soon, I promise. A lot had happened. Hope my memory will serve me well as I write. Fortunately, I do have pictures to help me remember.
The past two days I have been fighting my jetlag. Mornings were fine but then when the afternoon came around, my head would become light and start spinning and my eyes would start drooping. 2007 has been so far a year of surprises and unexpectedness. For better or worse, life goes on. It is how we make sense of it.
I was going to spend time writing about my HK trip during my plane ride. But I ended up drifting in and out of sleep. Nothing was written as a results. I will start writing soon, I promise. A lot had happened. Hope my memory will serve me well as I write. Fortunately, I do have pictures to help me remember.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Last day in Hong Kong
I am tired and exhausted as I am writing this. My 2 week trip to Hong Kong is almost over. Tomorrow I will head back to the US. On my flight home, I will try my best to recall and write down as best as I could what happened during my stay. A few unexpected things ... otherwise a good trip ... I realize I do miss Hong Kong. Not so much the city itself, but my friends and family and my childhood memories.
~~~~
Human beings are mysterious animals. Their behaviors defy simple logic. If we look at people's actions and reactions as simply mysterious behaviors and try not to find explanations for them, then life will simply be a mystery. Better leave the mystery alone and not be hurt by the mystery.
~~~~
Human beings are mysterious animals. Their behaviors defy simple logic. If we look at people's actions and reactions as simply mysterious behaviors and try not to find explanations for them, then life will simply be a mystery. Better leave the mystery alone and not be hurt by the mystery.
Friday, January 12, 2007
kaleidoscope rebuttal
really
twisting kaleidoscope
so cliché
who says life is always colorful?
unexpected for sure
but not always colorful
twisting kaleidoscope
so cliché
who says life is always colorful?
unexpected for sure
but not always colorful
Thursday, January 11, 2007
On Manipulation
Mind be controlled
He says one plus one equals three
And you dare not disagree
Truth be told
No manipulator shall exist
If you choose to resist
~~~~~~~~~
Ha ha ha... but resistance is futile. You shall be assimilated.
He says one plus one equals three
And you dare not disagree
Truth be told
No manipulator shall exist
If you choose to resist
~~~~~~~~~
Ha ha ha... but resistance is futile. You shall be assimilated.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
phone calls
My sister called twice; left a message on my cell phone and my home phone asking me to call her back. I still can't get a hold of her. Hope she's alright.
Update: Finally got my sister on the phone. She's alright. Just a few things about her wedding and my mom.
Update: Finally got my sister on the phone. She's alright. Just a few things about her wedding and my mom.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Lingering Christmas Cold
Just thought that I had just recovered from my Christmas cold. Well... not quite. I was late to work today. Headache and cough this morning. The headache got worse in the afternoon. Now I am ok. Still have this cough. Maybe I should see a doctor tomorrow?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
kaleidoscope
LIFE is like a twisting kaleidoscope
with ever changing shapes and colors
squares, diamonds, and triangles
ruby red and turquoise green
together, pictures painted and awe inspired
tidbits of everyday moments
flash before our eyes
as if a kaleidoscope never stops turning
tears, despair, and hatred
laughters and amazement
our life formed and we EXPERIENCE
with ever changing shapes and colors
squares, diamonds, and triangles
ruby red and turquoise green
together, pictures painted and awe inspired
tidbits of everyday moments
flash before our eyes
as if a kaleidoscope never stops turning
tears, despair, and hatred
laughters and amazement
our life formed and we EXPERIENCE
A delightful/funny lunch
My day didn't start all that well. I woke up this morning and the alarm clock read 8:40 am. After muttering a few curses, I rushed to brush my teeth. Then I realized that I had someone to come in at 9 for a job interview. My rush became a mad dash. To my own amazement, I made it to my office before 9 o'clock with a minute to spare.
The guy was already in the conference room, yet my boss was no where in sight. I called him up and he said he was still a good half hour away and asked that I would handle the interview. Arrghhh. The interview went well for me and for our new hire. And yes, we ended up hiring him on a trial basis. The rest of the morning I was training him on a few things. My boss kept emphasizing that I should not spoon-feed him so that we can gauge his skill sets. Ok... we'll see how that go. I am glad that we finally found someone to help out with projects. I've been supporting everyone by preparing nice graphs and cad drawings. It's time that I can move on to bigger and better things. Career-wise, I need to branch out and maybe get involved with different types of projects. Not that I don't enjoy doing flood studies (they are challenging at times), but it'll be nice to venture into some groundwater stuff and maybe some wastewater side of things so that I can apply what I picked up over the years in school.
Hmm... I am supposed to write about a delightful lunch. Yes... So the story goes... My coworker went out to lunch and promised to bring me back something from a new Filipino restaurant in town. She got back an hour later empty-handed. She said... "2 good news and 1 bad news." The first good news was that the food was really really good. The bad news was that you couldn't order carry-out without a 2 hour notice in advance. Huh? Another piece of good news was that she got cans of tuna stacked away in the kitchen cabinet and that I could help myself to those for lunch.
Since she was raving about the food so much, my boss and I decided to go try it ourselves. It was a buffet lunch. Got curry chicken, roast pork, sweet and sour tilapia, crispy rolls made with pork (I think), beef, fried rice, and stir-fried rice noodles. The food was surprisingly good, kinda have a home-made feel to it. Not greasy at all. If you want to order any dishes on the menu, you need to call in in advance, since according to the chef--in his exact word--he prepares everything from "raw," meaning from scratch.
The best part of the whole lunch was that after we were done eating, the chef came out and sat down and started yakking away. We talked about the Philippines, how beautiful it is, the early history of its settlement. We touched on global warming, bad food/bad customers, his business philosophy, .... the list goes on.
He is such a colorful person with a good sense of humor. We were talking about ignorance and intolerance of people and about America being a melting pot. Then he commented that unless your name is Racing Bull or Sitting Duck, you are really just a foreigner in this country. [That really cracked me up.]
He continued... "The blacks came here on the Amistad; the whites came here on the May Flower; I flew here on Northwest!" [Man, he should be on Comedy Central!]
Then he said that people told him that he came to the US and took the job away from the Americans. He would reply, "Are you a cook? Are you a nurse (he was a nurse by profession, but he loves to cook and therefore the restaurant)?... No... So I didn't take the job away from you." [I thought to myself--good argument!]
One thing he said which made my boss a little uneasy afterwards was that he has a theory about our immune system. If we aren't expose to the germs, we won't be immune from them. People use soap and wash their hands all the time... and the theory goes washing hands all the time is not necessary. [Ok he didn't say that in those exact words, but we thought he really meant it. He was a nurse for goodness sake.]
It's great that we have a little nice ethnic restaurant in an otherwise very vanilla (my boss' word, not mine) town. To me, it's always interesting to meet people from different culture and with different experience. In essence, this is what Life is meant to be lived. You live to experience the people, the nature, and all the things around you. [And don't forget God, if you believe He is among us and in us.]
So for once, my WORK infected soul seemed to be cured miraculously. I didn't really do any work today. After lunch, I was just talking to another coworker about the project we were supposed to be working on. All talk, no work. And before we knew it, it was 4:30. Time to go home.
The guy was already in the conference room, yet my boss was no where in sight. I called him up and he said he was still a good half hour away and asked that I would handle the interview. Arrghhh. The interview went well for me and for our new hire. And yes, we ended up hiring him on a trial basis. The rest of the morning I was training him on a few things. My boss kept emphasizing that I should not spoon-feed him so that we can gauge his skill sets. Ok... we'll see how that go. I am glad that we finally found someone to help out with projects. I've been supporting everyone by preparing nice graphs and cad drawings. It's time that I can move on to bigger and better things. Career-wise, I need to branch out and maybe get involved with different types of projects. Not that I don't enjoy doing flood studies (they are challenging at times), but it'll be nice to venture into some groundwater stuff and maybe some wastewater side of things so that I can apply what I picked up over the years in school.
Hmm... I am supposed to write about a delightful lunch. Yes... So the story goes... My coworker went out to lunch and promised to bring me back something from a new Filipino restaurant in town. She got back an hour later empty-handed. She said... "2 good news and 1 bad news." The first good news was that the food was really really good. The bad news was that you couldn't order carry-out without a 2 hour notice in advance. Huh? Another piece of good news was that she got cans of tuna stacked away in the kitchen cabinet and that I could help myself to those for lunch.
Since she was raving about the food so much, my boss and I decided to go try it ourselves. It was a buffet lunch. Got curry chicken, roast pork, sweet and sour tilapia, crispy rolls made with pork (I think), beef, fried rice, and stir-fried rice noodles. The food was surprisingly good, kinda have a home-made feel to it. Not greasy at all. If you want to order any dishes on the menu, you need to call in in advance, since according to the chef--in his exact word--he prepares everything from "raw," meaning from scratch.
The best part of the whole lunch was that after we were done eating, the chef came out and sat down and started yakking away. We talked about the Philippines, how beautiful it is, the early history of its settlement. We touched on global warming, bad food/bad customers, his business philosophy, .... the list goes on.
He is such a colorful person with a good sense of humor. We were talking about ignorance and intolerance of people and about America being a melting pot. Then he commented that unless your name is Racing Bull or Sitting Duck, you are really just a foreigner in this country. [That really cracked me up.]
He continued... "The blacks came here on the Amistad; the whites came here on the May Flower; I flew here on Northwest!" [Man, he should be on Comedy Central!]
Then he said that people told him that he came to the US and took the job away from the Americans. He would reply, "Are you a cook? Are you a nurse (he was a nurse by profession, but he loves to cook and therefore the restaurant)?... No... So I didn't take the job away from you." [I thought to myself--good argument!]
One thing he said which made my boss a little uneasy afterwards was that he has a theory about our immune system. If we aren't expose to the germs, we won't be immune from them. People use soap and wash their hands all the time... and the theory goes washing hands all the time is not necessary. [Ok he didn't say that in those exact words, but we thought he really meant it. He was a nurse for goodness sake.]
It's great that we have a little nice ethnic restaurant in an otherwise very vanilla (my boss' word, not mine) town. To me, it's always interesting to meet people from different culture and with different experience. In essence, this is what Life is meant to be lived. You live to experience the people, the nature, and all the things around you. [And don't forget God, if you believe He is among us and in us.]
So for once, my WORK infected soul seemed to be cured miraculously. I didn't really do any work today. After lunch, I was just talking to another coworker about the project we were supposed to be working on. All talk, no work. And before we knew it, it was 4:30. Time to go home.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Virus Warning!
A dangerous new virus is being distributed electronically. It is called the Worm Overload Recreation Killer (WORK). You can get WORK from your boss or colleagues. Do not touch it. The virus will wipe out your private life.
If you come into contact with WORK, there are two antidotes. You can purchase Work Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) or Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). They're available at your local grocery store. Take repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated.
Forward this warning to five friends. If you don't have five friends, you're infected with WORK and it is controlling your life.
Very funny! I thought I just eradicated the virus b4 the New Year!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Camera
I have to write about this because I am really excited. My sister bought me a Nikon D80 SLR Camera and a hard-to-find 18-200mm Zoom-Nikkor Lens. (Ok, I have to pay her back....) Really have to give my sister credit for finding the lens. The lens is so popular that it is out-of-stock almost anywhere in the world. I think she went to several camera shops in Hong Kong and finally one store said that they had ONE in stock. And the only reason they had it was because a customer ordered it but thought that he had waited too long and canceled the order. Ha ha... I guess I am lucky. I am going to take a LOT of pictures while I am in Hong Kong. And to be a good brother as I always have been (my sister would totally disagree), I will try to capture every moment of my sister's wedding with my new Nikon D80. :) Thank you, my dear sister!
Monday, January 01, 2007
corruption and GDP
I was reading the January issue of The Economist. In it there was an article about corruption.
There was this graph showing the relationship between corruption and GDP. Data points are scattered but they fit an exponential decay curve fairly well. The amount (or cases?) of corruption increases exponentially as a nation's GDP decreases.
I guess it is not a surprise that corruption is related to economic wealth.
What makes me a bit uneasy is the realization that our moral or morality depends on money. Our morality has a price! We can't afford talking about morality if we can't even make our ends meet, or if we can't keep our stomach full. I might have taken this a bit out of context. But think about it. I think, to certain extent, this is true. Sad, but true.
There was this graph showing the relationship between corruption and GDP. Data points are scattered but they fit an exponential decay curve fairly well. The amount (or cases?) of corruption increases exponentially as a nation's GDP decreases.
I guess it is not a surprise that corruption is related to economic wealth.
What makes me a bit uneasy is the realization that our moral or morality depends on money. Our morality has a price! We can't afford talking about morality if we can't even make our ends meet, or if we can't keep our stomach full. I might have taken this a bit out of context. But think about it. I think, to certain extent, this is true. Sad, but true.
Happy New Year!
Today is such a gloomy day... cloudy and all, hope the new year will be brighter than the weather.
I spent New Year's Eve at a wedding. Didn't stay for the ball drop. The midnight just slipped by unnoticeably as I drove home. For some reason, I was in a depressed mood. Finally got to be alone and quiet, but I realize quiet moments are way overrated. I opened up a bottle of wine. Make a toast to myself. Happy New Year!
I spent New Year's Eve at a wedding. Didn't stay for the ball drop. The midnight just slipped by unnoticeably as I drove home. For some reason, I was in a depressed mood. Finally got to be alone and quiet, but I realize quiet moments are way overrated. I opened up a bottle of wine. Make a toast to myself. Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas!
I was asked an interesting question today.
Does Santa use a whip?Really, would the whip actually work when he travels with supersonic speed?
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, Party Day
Had an exciting day yesterday.
Three parties, sort of. The first one was at the church and I wasn't really part of it. My parents have been going to this quilting groups at church. They make quilts for missions. The ladies in the group presented a quilt to my parents as a parting gift. Very nice of them.
Around noon, I picked up my parents from the church then headed to my company's X'mas party. Free drinks and free food. And a year-end bonus check!!!!!! To top it off, my dad won the dart tournament and got a $50 gift card to TGIF. Now he is revered as the king of dart at the engineering office next door coz he beat all the top guys there (guys who always hang out at the bar).
We then had a Wii party at my coworker's. Man... that Wii was fun to play. And yes, the remote did slip out of my hand once. It hit and ceiling.... no damage was done. I was sooooo embarrassed.
After the Wii party, I met up with a professor of mine from Purdue. He was on his way to Toronto and stopped by to visit us. We went to TGIF for dinner, thanks to Dad's daring performance at the dart tournament. After the dinner, my prof supposed to follow us home and stayed with us for the night. But we lost him on the way home. It was raining... at night... and visibility was low. I actually spotted him twice after he took the wrong turn. He didn't have a cell phone. So I had no way of finding him. I just got his email tonight. He ended up staying at a motel 6 last night and he has arrived Toronto safe and sound.
Three parties, sort of. The first one was at the church and I wasn't really part of it. My parents have been going to this quilting groups at church. They make quilts for missions. The ladies in the group presented a quilt to my parents as a parting gift. Very nice of them.
Around noon, I picked up my parents from the church then headed to my company's X'mas party. Free drinks and free food. And a year-end bonus check!!!!!! To top it off, my dad won the dart tournament and got a $50 gift card to TGIF. Now he is revered as the king of dart at the engineering office next door coz he beat all the top guys there (guys who always hang out at the bar).
We then had a Wii party at my coworker's. Man... that Wii was fun to play. And yes, the remote did slip out of my hand once. It hit and ceiling.... no damage was done. I was sooooo embarrassed.
After the Wii party, I met up with a professor of mine from Purdue. He was on his way to Toronto and stopped by to visit us. We went to TGIF for dinner, thanks to Dad's daring performance at the dart tournament. After the dinner, my prof supposed to follow us home and stayed with us for the night. But we lost him on the way home. It was raining... at night... and visibility was low. I actually spotted him twice after he took the wrong turn. He didn't have a cell phone. So I had no way of finding him. I just got his email tonight. He ended up staying at a motel 6 last night and he has arrived Toronto safe and sound.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Work
Really excited at work today. Gotta move in an office. And a big news that I need to keep it under wrap for a while. Next year will be interesting.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Tiramisu
oh... haven't posted a real entry in a while. I guess it's about time.
My company had a X'mas party tonight. We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner. Almost every one from the office plus their significant others have showed up. I brought my parents along as well. The food was good.
I had tiramisu for dessert. It was sooooo good. It was very light and soft. It just melts in your mouth. I think I had just tasted the best tiramisu, ever.
After several bites, however, I was lost in thoughts. I hate how my brain works. A piece of tiramisu could bring back so many memories. I was surprised that I still miss her. Damn it. Never learned how to let go. Or will I ever?
My company had a X'mas party tonight. We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner. Almost every one from the office plus their significant others have showed up. I brought my parents along as well. The food was good.
I had tiramisu for dessert. It was sooooo good. It was very light and soft. It just melts in your mouth. I think I had just tasted the best tiramisu, ever.
After several bites, however, I was lost in thoughts. I hate how my brain works. A piece of tiramisu could bring back so many memories. I was surprised that I still miss her. Damn it. Never learned how to let go. Or will I ever?
Sunday, December 03, 2006
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