Monday, June 30, 2008
PUBLICIZING THE HANDS FREE LAW
I've noticed very few notices or signs reminding people that by Tuesday, July 1st, the law requires all drivers to only use Hands-Free headsets when talking on their cell phones (in California). They will NOT be allowed to hold their cell phones to their ear while driving.
Since everybody has a cell phone nowadays, you would think they would do a better job of publicizing it. But I feel like only this week, have I begun to see signs for it on freeways. And what if you don't ever drive on the freeways and don't really keep up with the news?
In fact, I've found the government has done a much better job publicizing the need for TV digital converter boxes in February 2009 for all those currently receiving their TV reception from an antennae. They run a little ticker on the bottom of many shows and have put several commercials on about this during all hours of the day and night. And that's still 8 months away!
The cell phone law goes into effect in 1 day! What are they thinking? Maybe they're not.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
FLASH DRIVES
Since I was a kid, I feel like I'm always trying to catch up with everybody else to stay current and "cool." Although I tried to tell myself not to get caught up in the hype and the fads, I couldn't help myself, especially as I entered the extreme peer pressure years of intermediate and high school.
When everyone started getting Reeboks, I asked my mom if I could get a pair. When everyone started getting Nintendo's new Game Boy, I had to have one too.
But one thing that I never got was a flash drive for storing data. For my life, I have been perfectly happy using those big floppy disks and then those hard disks (except for that one summer in college when I left my hard disk in my car and lost all the files on it).
But once I started my new job, everybody had one attached to their keychains. Soon, I realized I had so many files I needed quick access to at any time that went out and bought one.
Am I a nerd? Am I succumming to peer pressure? I'm afraid my answer might be yes to both.
Friday, June 27, 2008
WITH HOPE
I always found it interesting that when you're down, people tend to gravitate toward listening to sad songs. You would think you'd want to listen to something happier to help get you through tough times, but that's just not the case.
I guess Elton John was right, "Sad songs say so much."
For example, for anyone who has lost a loved one, here is a great Steven Curtis Chapman song called "With Hope":
This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...
We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again
And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...
We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so ...
So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope
We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope
I always found it interesting that when you're down, people tend to gravitate toward listening to sad songs. You would think you'd want to listen to something happier to help get you through tough times, but that's just not the case.
I guess Elton John was right, "Sad songs say so much."
For example, for anyone who has lost a loved one, here is a great Steven Curtis Chapman song called "With Hope":
This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...
We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again
And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...
We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so ...
So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope
We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
OLD FRIENDS
There really is nothing quite like talking to old friends you haven't talked to in a while.
I used to think that growing apart or losing touch with people was wrong and unforgiveable. But in more recent years, I've come to realize that it's okay and simply a part of life. It's near impossible to remain as close with former co-workers or classmates as you used to be when you saw them everyday. Still, like I said, it's nice to be able to bridge that gap later and come back together. The key is being able to talk to them like you used to talk before. Granted, the closeness might not be the same, but hopefully, it's still there.
I've been fortunate to talk to many of the classmates that I grew up with in elementary, intermediately and high school recently. In fact, Ruben, a good friend of mine that I've known since the 3rd grade managed to find me and contact me through this blog. Nowadays, with the internet -- Facebook, Google, Blogger -- it's much easier to find people and stay in contact . . . even if you're trying to find old friends.
Monday, June 23, 2008
HEAD IN THE FREEZER
Here is an excerpt from an entry I posted in July 2oo2 that still applies today, especially in this hot weather:
I don't know what you guys do to stay cool during these hot summer days, but I know I have the ultimate answer: sticking your head all the way into the freezer. I've been doing this since I was a kid and look how good I turned out!?! Err, nevermind.
Now granted some freezers are better than others, but most shoot the cold
air right toward your head if you open the door up wide and stick your head in
deep. And just keep it there for a while.
The best freezers are the ones with the baking soda in it so they don't
smell. Instead, all you get is that clean smell of cold air hitting your face.
It's almost like lying down in a field covered with snow as you make snow
angels.
All I know is, after putting my head in the freezer, I feel refreshed and
ready to go. And no amount of swimming, drinking a cold drink, or fanning myself can match that feeling!
In the 6 years since posting this, I've gotten pretty good at pretending to be looking at the merchandise in the freezer section of stores so I can specifically put my head in the freezer for a prolonged period of time. But by far, the best place on a hot summer day is that room in Costco where they keep the fruits and vegetables. When it's hot and I can't sleep at night, I honestly fall asleep dreaming of that room!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
POTLUCKS
I guess I've never really thought about it, but when you go to a potluck, you really are in charge of your own food.
What I mean by that is you are in charge of putting your own food out. Otherwise, it just won't get done.
During my first week at my new job, they had a potluck in honor of someone who was going to be getting married. Wanting to fit in, I knew I had to quickly sign up for something, even though it was last minute. I bought a veggie platter and put it in the work fridge that morning, along with all the other potluck food. And since I was busy doing something, I didn't get to the potluck until much later. And that when I realized that even though many people had already gotten their food, my veggie platter was still nowhere to be found. I ran to the fridge to find it completely empty except for my veggies. I immediately put it out there, but it was obviously completely wasted since everybody had pretty much already eaten.
I just figured that it was pretty obvious that it was for the potluck, somebody would have helped to put it out along with the rest of the food. I was pretty shocked it didn't happen.
But then yesterday, we had a potluck along with Zhi's BBQ for his birthday, and slowly people who brought desserts had to go bring out their own desserts by themselves. Some people who didn't think to bring out their food never had it eaten. What a shame!
So, I guess I've learned my lesson about the way it is with potlucks -- be in charge of your own food!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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CELEBRATING LIFE
Growing up, my parents always told me how sad it was to wait until somebody dies before saying good things about them that you have been thinking all your life. You see it all the time, eulogies go on and on about a person's life and all their positive qualities. But how often do we say those things to those people during the regular grind of daily life?
When NBC's Tim Russert passed this week, it got thinking about my own grandparents who have passed on. Three of my four grandparents have unfortunately passed on. And thinking about them always makes me reminisce about may of the good times we shared while I was growing up. The fact is that I do miss them a lot, even though they've been gone for some years now.
But the best way I can celebrate their lives and the life lessons they taught me is to live them out every day. And I have to remember to cherish and encourage those around me and acknowledge the good in people while they are in the midst of the daily grind the same way my grandparents taught my parents and the way my parents taught me.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
WRONG WITH THE WORLD
Gay couples are flocking to their local courthouses to get married in California. After all, it's legal nowadays.
Floods have taken over Iowa one town at a time to the point that some are calling it Iowa's Katrina.
And yet, I'm sitting here sad that the Lakers lost?!? What's wrong with me? What's wrong with the world?
The fact is, I'm happy for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen that they finally get a ring. They were the better team and deserved to win.
I should get over myself and move on. There are bigger, more pressing things to concern myself with. (But hey, at least I didn't cry like I did in 1989, 1991 and 2004!)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
BACK TO A REGULAR SCHEDULE
Since switching to a new location two weeks ago, I've also switched back to work a regular 8 hour schedule, 5 days a week. But it's been a tough transition after working 4 x 10 hour days for 5 and a half years.
I have really gotten used to having Tuesdays off to sleep in, go to the gym, run errands, go to Costco or the bank or doctor/dentist appointments, etc. Now, I have to juggle all those errands after work. That's totally feasible, but I'm still in the habit of not doing anything after work.
For these last few weeks, I've come home and done absolutely nothing. That's gotta change. So, please help keep me accountable. Make sure I go to the gym, run my errands, get work done, clean the house, etc. each day after work instead of just vegging out in front of the TV for hours.
Thanks.
P.S. To all the fathers out there (especially to my own father and father-in-law), I wish you a Happy Father's Day!
Since switching to a new location two weeks ago, I've also switched back to work a regular 8 hour schedule, 5 days a week. But it's been a tough transition after working 4 x 10 hour days for 5 and a half years.
I have really gotten used to having Tuesdays off to sleep in, go to the gym, run errands, go to Costco or the bank or doctor/dentist appointments, etc. Now, I have to juggle all those errands after work. That's totally feasible, but I'm still in the habit of not doing anything after work.
For these last few weeks, I've come home and done absolutely nothing. That's gotta change. So, please help keep me accountable. Make sure I go to the gym, run my errands, get work done, clean the house, etc. each day after work instead of just vegging out in front of the TV for hours.
Thanks.
P.S. To all the fathers out there (especially to my own father and father-in-law), I wish you a Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 13, 2008
ACTING OLD
Even though my body has been breaking down and making me feel old for years, I don't think that I've ever acted "old."
But I find that when it comes to going into Hollister, I start acting old.
Now, don't get me wrong, I have always been very impressed with the cool, surf atmosphere they create in their stores. They have beautiful storefronts, even in malls, and have a live camera feed of Huntington Beach.
But it's REALLY dark and crowded in there. And since the stores are always filled with teenagers, I feel like I can't get around the store without bumping into someone or something. And I always wonder how I'm supposed to look at any of the clothes with it being so dark in the store.
And the thing that's even worse than the dark atmosphere is the loud music. I mean, I have never had a problem with loud music. But it's WAY TOO LOUD there. I feel like shouting, "Turn that racket down!"
Then, I realize that I'm starting to act like a crotchety, old man. And so it begins . . .
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
SORTING OUT THE NBA MESSThis was supposed to be the dream NBA Finals match-up that would save the league. It's no secret that pro basketball has been in a decline since Michael Jordan retired. But the return of the rivalry between two of the NBA's most storied franchises - the Lakers and the Celtics - was supposed to return the NBA to its full glory.
But instead, the Lakers have come out flat. Even though the Celtics lead has been trimmed to 2 games to 1, heading into Thursday's matchup, I just don't think the Lakers can do it. So far, they haven't shown me anything that proves they can beat the Celtics collapse defense and they also haven't shown the Lakers can defend against the more physical Celtics. Don't get me wrong. I would LOVE the Lakers to prove me wrong. But so far, it took the absolute worst game the Celtics could play in Game 3 for the Lakers to win, and they still barely did that. Sorry, Kobe, I think it's KG's year. And good for Garnett 'cause he deserves a ring.
Speaking of who deserves a ring, the word is out that busted former referree Tim Donaghy has said the NBA encourages referees to cal the games so that certain teams win. This in turn improves the NBA's revenue and popularity. One of the most meaningful games in question is Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and the Kings. This is the hard-fought series the Lakers eventually came back to win.
I tend to believe Tim Donaghy, knowing that plays and teams like Michael Jordan, and the Bulls and Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were beneficiaries. Still, I think pretty lowly of Donaghy, and it pains me to think that the NBA is fixed. But in the end, it'll probably be better for the sport and the league as a whole. This is exactly the same way I feel about Jose Canseco, who openly talked about steroids and helped bring about stiffer testing and penalties in baseball. I can't stand the guy, but in the end, what he did helped to better the game.
Having said all that, even though I still think the Celtics will win in 6 or 7 games, I say:
Go Lakers!!!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
HARD-TO-OPEN PACKAGING
Most people know that I'm afraid of knives because I always tend to cut myself with them. Anytime I'm doing any sort of cutting in the kitchen, I end up cutting or slicing a part of me instead of the food.
But what's even worse is purchasing electronic equipment. Picture it: You're filled with excitement upon purchasing some new electronic device or equipment (I know, I'm a nerd). Once you get home, you can't even open it without a pair of industrial scissors!
And even then, you still have to brave the sharp edges by sliding your fingers ever so carefully to pry the device out of the clutches of this hard-to-open packaging.
Why do manufacturers do this? What is the purpose (besides giving me bloody fingers)?
I just purchased a 2GB flash drive and upon opening it, I found I got an added bonus -- a cut on my hand (don't worry, that's not my hand in the picture above; just one I found online.)
Sunday, June 08, 2008
HOMETOWN BUFFET IS THE PLACE TO BE
We didn't know it. You probably don't know it either. But apparently, Hometown Buffet is the place to be.
In order to try to get the most out of my birthday, we signed up for Hometown Buffet's email club several weeks ago. That way, we could get a free meal because we always heard their weekend brunch was good.
We ended up getting there right at 11am (when it ends). The good part was we only had to pay the cheaper price, but we missed out on the made-to-order omelets and the orange juice.
But the real story here was just how crowded it was. There were huge parties celebrating quincineras, graduations (there was a guy literally getting food in his cap and gown), first communions, and, of course, birthdays.
So, if you're like us and haven't been to Hometown Buffet in a while, then we're just not that cool.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
BIRTHDAYS
In recent weeks, there have been a slew of birthdays from friends to family. That got me thinking about celebrating birthdays.
When I was a kid, this was no doubt one of the highlights of my life. Every year, I looked toward my birthday was great anticipation. And I loved that it almost coincided with the end of school and the beginning of summer. I actually remember and enjoyed all the birthday parties I've ever had -- from the ones my parents threw, to the ones I started throwing for myself once I became a teenager, to some of the surprise parties others planned for me, to the big Hawaiian luau bash we had for my 30th.
And although I still think fondly upon the day and hope I have a good day, it's come to be less important to me in the last few years. I think it'll probably take more of a back seat in my life now until I'm a little older. That's probably when I'll start celebrating again, at least the big ones -- turning 50, for example. My uncles recently had large birthday dinners after turning 60 and 70. I thought that was great and I was glad the celebrations brought out family and friends.
Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED all the phone calls, text messages (although it does cost us for each one), emails, Facebook posts, cards, etc. Actually, I was extremely flattered and humbled that so many of you would take the time to wish me a Happy Birthday. It was definitely the highlight of this year!
But this is why there is no party or dinner. I'm just blessed to have good friends. And to me, at this point in my life, knowing and feeling that is better than any dinner or party I could have. So, thank you!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
ROBERT F. KENNEDY
The 40th anniversary of Robert Kennedy's assassination doesn't have as much of an impact on me as Martin Luther King's does.
Still, it has a special place in my heart because it always makes me think of my dad and his love for telling stories and recalling history.
He has told me the story countless times about how he was drifting off into sleep while watching RFK deliver his speech at the Ambassador Hotel. He wasn't fond of RFK's political opinions so he turned it off and went to bed. When he woke up, he was shocked to hear that he had been killed.
For me, I always think about RFK's most famous of quotes:
"There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were and ask why not."
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
A PIECE OF HISTORY
Whether you agree with his policies or not, it's worth noting that an already history nominating process has finally come to an end and Barack Obama came out on top.
Either way, it was going to feature a first -- the first female or first African-American Democratic nominee for President. And it looks like Barack Obama has done just that. History is being made today. And we'll be able to tell our kids we remembered when . . .
On a semi-related note, my early thoughts on the "dream ticket" all Democrats are hoping for are that it's going to happen. Obama will soon realize he can't win without her. Still, this is just my opinion.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
UNIVERSAL FIRE
I was so sad to hear that the King Kong ride and the clock tower made famous by the Back To the Future trilogy (and To Kill A Mockingbird) were destroyed in the Universal Studios fire a few days ago.
Actually, when I was leaving for church on Sunday morning, I noticed a thick cloud of smoke coming from that direction, but didn't think anything of it. Little did I know that the fire I was seeing would take away a fixture of one of my favorite movie trilogies of all time.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
SIGNS OF A POOR ECONOMYIt's no secret that the US economy has been horrible. The combination of a week dollar and surging gas prices has left everything else to become more expensive.
Here's how you know it's really bad:
(1) They've managed to keep the price of ice cream the same . . . but they've made the containers smaller.
(2) Some airlines are now charging to check in luggage. And US Air just said they will no longer be providing pretzels. Good thing our Boston trip already happened!
(3) Costco's 7 layer dip still costs about the same . . . but now it's a 6 layer dip.
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