heuristicus

2012-02-08T19:30:00.001-06:00

I don’t mean to just abandon the blog. But life’s been busy. I am going to ATL next week to visit mom, then San Diego the week after to attempt a surf & ski adventure. Work is a donkey job and I’m not being a good donkey. Been dating a bit. I think I may start watching The Voice this season. I hope all of you are doing great. I love you!

Lucky in Vegas

2011-12-06T17:44:00.004-06:00

Vegas was fun. I think I paid for the food and entertainment with my winnings. I didn’t gamble a whole lot but my returns were huge.

I was staying at the Mirage, and let me tell you, I did not have a good experience at this hotel. The concierge service sucked, my room was not clean, and my upgraded room’s key stopped working midway through the stay.

So I spent most of my money at the Venetian and regretted not staying there. I love the Venetian. It’s my lucky casino and I won a lot of money here. I also spent it here.

Vegas marathon was on Sunday and we cheered the runners on a bit. There were spectacular holiday themed, free shows outside the Venetian all weekend long.

I went to see George Wallace and it was not very funny. Chris Tucker came midway through the show and saved it a bit. As much as I enjoy standup, it was not a fun time.

I guess I had the most fun on the casino floor, playing blackjack. Also placed some football bets but came out even.

One thing I can say for sure is that the food was excellent. The buffet at the Mirage was excellent. The only place that disappointed Johnny Rockets at the Mirage.

It was definitely my lucky weekend because it was Rodeo week in Vegas, and I do enjoy country music. They had free country music concerts at the Mirage. Beautiful country girls and men in cowboy hats were all over the floor. And Tiger Woods won this weekend. So yeah, I think it was lucky for me.

I was not really taking pictures but here is one of the view from my room:

The right answer

2011-11-21T22:00:00.002-06:00

When life makes no sense and days seem long. When everyday mundane tasks become too much to bear. When everything else fails. There is only one solution:

Las Vegas Baby!

What if all these fantasies come flailing aground

2011-11-03T21:20:00.002-05:00

Seems like work problems are catching on like a plague.

I have had a terrible summer and fall thus far. In that nothing was exciting. Everything was dull. Life was dull. Sort of a slumber. Kind of a depression. I didn’t meet anyone new the entire summer. I kept to myself. I ran, read great books that created a life of their own in my head, and these two activities were my only interests.

I think I am at a threshold, a fork in the road. Money is not an issue and I have saved up for a bad time, but work is not working out for me.

I couldn’t really define happiness until one day I saw JFK define it in a speech: The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence.

I am not employing the full use of my powers for anything remotely excellent.

Sure, the economy is in the gutter, but must I define my life around the GDP and macroeconomic factors?

I listened to Steve Jobs’ commencement speech he gave at Stanford, where he tells the students to go after their dreams. But for every one guy successful doing that, there were 99 who didn’t succeed. Of course, we never hear about them. We only hear about the one success story.

Most of all, I am afraid of not feeling anything. I don’t feel happy or sad, up or down. I don’t cry, nor do I laugh too much. The biggest emotion I feel is a drive to succeed, or maybe to struggle.

And so I feel as if I am now jeopardizing my career because I don’t have the struggle. Life is too easy, and I don’t have to use my mind much. Happiness level is low because I am not pursuing anything meaningful. Subconsciously then I am finding a battle, a war, a struggle.

I am a bit nervous and scared, because I think I could damage myself in the process. I may not be able to get back to this income level in the near future, I may just become a statistic, just a sad story, an afterthought, a footnote. I am scared of that.

I know that I am lost, and I don’t know which way to go. I have not a clue. I am in possession of myself, I am healthy and clean, I am energetic and strong. But I am lost.

Stop watching E!

2011-11-01T20:46:00.001-05:00

I fucking hate Kim Kardashian and what she stands for. I never saw the show except for an episode or two when I was dating someone who was into it last year. It just seemed like a show about people way into themselves, exhibiting really bad relationship and dating behavior, just for the sake of ratings.

I am afraid that too many women these days are modeling their relationships and dating lives on these reality shows, including the Bachelorette series. I am sorry but I think that nowadays more women are responsible for failed relationships than men are.

You can’t just walk out the door without trying to make it work. You can’t put your career ahead of your relationship either; neither can a man, for that matter.

And I think some old fashioned values help make a relationship work – like cooking at home once in a while (men should help), having good manners, valuing human interactions.

I love strong, independent women and am attracted to them, but you can’t be strong and independent in a relationship to its detriment. You have to stay in touch with your feminine, nurturing, comforting side. There cant be two men in a relationship (not talking gay couples here).

Memory of an uneasy date

2011-10-24T21:18:00.002-05:00

I had a race Saturday – another 5K. I thought I’d wake up in time so didn’t set the alarm. When I woke up it was 8 and my race was at 9. I am one of those guys who have to go to the bathroom in the morning before they can do anything. So it was a bit of a crunch – pun intended.

Anyway, I had a banana and made it to the race on time. I warmed up a bit. Many had already lined up at the Start line and so I found myself in the middle of the pack, which I hated.

Then I looked up and in front of me stood a girl who looked familiar.

And then I realized I had gone out with her earlier this year. She didn’t see me (I think), and the race was about to start anyway. And off we went.

So she and I had met for drinks and although she was very serious, we kind of liked each other. But she was going to China for 2 weeks. She is an architect. So when I asked her if she wanted to go out for dinner, she said she would like that but after she came back. I commented that we were in danger of running out of conversation, and she said she’d tell me all about China.

I am kind of an abnormal personality so I looked up a hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint for dinner that was supposed to be really good. Only trouble was it had no ventilation. Seriously. It was BYOB and I brought wine, which she really appreciated.

Once we settled and started talking, it was good conversation but very serious. I tried to break the ice several times but she was all walled up. The smoke was obviously bothering her although the food was authentic.

And when we were done, she said she would buy me a drink. Not like I was expecting anything in return, really. So we went in search of a bar. And we couldn’t find one for the lives of us. She seemed to have got in a bad mood by then.

We found a Mexican bar with Mexican music – really bad music which was also very loud. It was just us at the bar. The bartender had a cowboy hat and a huge mustache on. Beyond the bar area, there was a dance floor and then an open area where families sat and occasionally looked at us.

Its not easy to perturb me over such trivial stuff but she seemed like she was ready to call it a night. So after one drink we went back to our cars.

She was distant and aloof. So I said goodnight and went home. I never called back. She did not seem like the kind of girl who could improvise, adapt.

So on Saturday after the race, I started wondering what went wrong. It occurred to me that she had lost her dad in 2010 and maybe she was all serious because of it.

I did check my time and hers - I finished in 25 minutes and she did in 36.

We ran up the steps

2011-10-17T19:35:00.003-05:00

The Bisbee 1000…..well it was some experience.

The small town of Bisbee is located about 85 miles southeast of Tucson. The temps were in the 90s. I just read on Wiki that “Bisbee is noted for its gay-friendliness, and its Gay Pride Days is considered one of the top 5 rural Gay Prides in the United States by the online site at gay.com.

Uh-oh, now my coworkers must really think I’m gay.

Anyhoo, it was a tough race because of the altitude and the temperature. There were nine sets of steps and each of them was very steep. I was able to finish under an hour.

Afterwards, there was an art show and a local food festival.

On Sunday I hit the golf links.

Today my legs hurt despite the fact that I run 3/4 times a week.

One of the sets of steps:

Limited vacancy and I had to sleep in a hostel with bunk beds:

Never ending stairs:

Live local musicians along the path:

2011-10-09T20:41:00.002-05:00

Maybe I should go back to school and become a Doctor. I'd be 45 by the time I'm done and I'd be several hundred thousand dollars in debt. But I'd have a bright future. Maybe.

Project Guac

2011-10-02T17:40:00.001-05:00

At Whole Foods, I saw California Avocados and they looked great. So I bought a few. Then I Googled ‘how to cut an avocado’ and lo and behold, there are several videos out there that demonstrate. So I was able to cut open my avocado and eat it with breakfast. But I found it to be a bit bland.

So then I thought I should make guacamole. But I don’t have a food processor. So then, I went to Target to get one but they all seemed to be rejects. So instead I decided to buy the ingredients first and then order a chopper on Amazon. At the Whole Foods, I bought all the ingredients, and right when I was about to wrap up the shopping trip, I saw, right in the aisle across from me, surrounded by salsa and ripe fruit, gua-ka-moley!!!!!

So then I read the ingredients and there was no processed food in it. So I bought it.

And that’s how I made guacamole magic this weekend.

Running Bisbee

2011-09-28T19:23:00.003-05:00

So I’m running the Bisbee 1000 in a couple of weeks in AZ. Yeah it’s a bit crazy for me to fly all the way out to AZ to run a race but I am up for it. The race is supposedly a 5K but the actual distance is more like 5 miles. It also includes over 1000 steps to climb.

I really like AZ so it should be fun. Flying out to Tucson and staying first night there. Then onto Bisbee. All the B&Bs and hotels were completely booked but I found one hostel with 4 bunk beds at $20 each. So I got all 4 because I think I will feel more rested for the race if I had the place and the bathroom to myself.

I still don't know what I am doing after the race. I may drive back to Tucson or play some golf or both.

Very excited.

But I am feeling a bit sick do I have not been running the last 2/3 days. I also need to start training for climbing the stairs. So I will climb up and down my building a few times.

And finally, serious training begins this weekend. Bring it!

Curb Your Front Door

2011-09-18T14:52:00.001-05:00

Today was the 5K to benefit the cause of prostate cancer awareness. So I woke up earlier than usual for a Sunday and got ready. It was drizzling. I thought I knew where the event was but it was not where I parked. So I had to run a mile or so to get to the event. I was nervous about that because I wanted to save my best energies for the race.

Anyway, I ran a strong 2 miles when I reached a fork in the course. There were a bunch of volunteers standing with cups of water for the runners. I saw one guy wearing the event shirt running left, and two other going right. I shouted, which way, and a volunteer pointed me in the wrong direction. Others behind me followed.

In the end many of us ran way more than a 5K and all our times were bloated when we reached the finish line. I was wearing my GPS watch so I knew exactly what I ran. We ran a mile more than others.

So this is the stuff Curb Your Enthusiasm writers get their material from. I was not happy and I said to the volunteers at the finish line that something was not right with the way the course was organized. Nobody was listening and I shut myself up. If you say too much, they say, hey it’s for a good cause, why are you being so aggressive. Yes, it’s for a good cause and I donated money, but for crying out loud, my other main motivation is to get a good race.

So I walked back a mile to my car and went to Peet’s Coffee.

My day in sports

2011-09-10T21:11:00.001-05:00

I ran my personal best 5K time today in a race. I felt ok. There was a guy who was running next to me and passed me less than a mile to the finish. Then when I passed him within a couple hundred yards of the line, he grunted and I could hear him giving me chase. Dude, you do not do that to yrautca. You come after me, I will demolish you. So I sprinted strong. Had he not grunted, I would probably have let him be but grunting and chasing me is not OK. Not OK. I did shake hands with him afterwards.

‘tis the time for races here and I have at least two more at the time of this post.

Today was a bad sports day for me. Roger lost and then Murray lost. Days when your guys/gals win are so much better. Now if Wozniacki can somehow take out the younger Williams brother aka Serena, she just may save the night. As to why she’s dating Rory is beyond me. Makes no sense from either side.

2011-08-28T15:27:00.005-05:00

And finally it happened, I fell off the bike. Now sporting a bruise on my left knee and right hand. Wasnt wearing no helmet either. This woman driver cut me in my right of way and I flipped her the bird but when I got to the other side of the road I got distracted and hit the brakes hard, Next thing I am on the hard pavement and the bike rolls over me, thankfully not hitting me on the head.

On the positive side, women now want me more for my bruises. So its all good. I must get to the bar while the wounds are fresh. Must!

Eat mo' chiken

2011-08-27T19:23:00.001-05:00

Chicken Hut is great but I wanted to try out a different chicken place – some place that would require a decent bike ride. I found this place called Pollo Express in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago – a few miles southeast of my place.

Pilsen is a Hispanic neighborhood and has a very Texan feel to it, or so I thought. It seems that some of these restaurants do not have a venting mechanism in place. There was a lot of smoke in there. Nobody spoke English. The lone waitress took her time to come to my table but brought with her chips and two different kinds of salsa. Both were very spicy but delicious. I wanted a quarter white but they only offered half a chicken – so half it was with a side of refried beans.

It was spectacular. Juicy chicken and texture-consistent beans. I didn’t eat all of it. Couldn’t. But I ate more than I had planned. Total cost $10 plus $3 tip.

I then biked my way to the bike trail by the lake and rode for miles. I was dying to find a beer but it’s illegal to drink on the beach and I didn’t like any of the lakeside restaurants that offered beer on menu.

Meanwhile, this past weekend, I went to the new and only Chick Fil A in the Chicago loop area. I am a huge Chic Fil A fan since my Georgia days and I found this new experience to even exceed my prior experiences. That chicken sandwich was so good. Not to mention the absolutely gorgeous Cookies n Creams shake.

Now I am searching for more chicken places on yelp. Main criteria is that it has to be grilled and must involve a decent bike ride. I must eat as much chicken as I can before winter comes.

No beans

2011-08-23T17:54:00.003-05:00

The weather is changing - it's already windy out and rarely gets above 80. I need one more day of 95 so I can just absorb all the sunlight I'd need for a while. Now trying to spend as much time as possible outside by the lake. It feels like the last few days one would spend with a lover, knowing that they would soon have to depart and you would be left in the cold.

And I am out of pinto beans.

Living room makeover project begins now

2011-08-15T21:08:00.004-05:00

Right now I have a leather couch in the living room. There is also an ottoman. I am planning a living room makeover. I am thinking of getting a recliner, a loveseat, and a new rug. I will put the recliner right in front of the TV. My first instinct is to look at La-Z-Boy recliners, but gosh those things look so old and grandpa-ish. Looking for something solid, need to spend some money on this thing now but not crazy.

My style is more European than American. I still need my place to look like a guy's place. Thinking of keeping the recliner basic leather in dark color, and using a brighter color for the loveseat. Not sure what color the rug should be.

The TV is at an angle on a huge entertainment center which I cant move. So the recliner will be at an angle in the middle of the room, and the loveseat will act as a sectional at the corner. Maybe one small table. Minimalist look.

Can’t seem to find any good stores around here. Suggestion, if any are welcome.

So far I like this one from Oslo Mac Motion:

Before the storm

2011-08-14T10:21:00.001-05:00

Just an opinion

2011-08-07T20:03:00.001-05:00

What is the world coming to? Everything keeps getting worse – the economy, the society. I am a smart guy and have always been able to see the light at the end, but this time its just a bit different.

In my humble opinion, anyone with opinions is dangerous. I know I just contradicted myself. Its like 90% of the world population just wants to mind their own damn business, raise a family, live and let live. But the remaining 10% of the population are the ones with opinions regarding how the other 90% should live their lives. Anyone with conviction is an idiot, in my opinion.

Guns don’t kill people, opinions do.

A blogger rendezvous

2011-07-30T14:17:00.002-05:00

I met Christielli and a friend of hers for pizza last night. This is the customary blogger meeting minutes:

C-elli and I had a nice conversation. It is always fun to meet someone off the net and stalk them in real life. She is a very intelligent person and a good conversationalist. We enjoyed pizza, beer and wine. We bored her friend to sleep because we talked about blogs too much. Overall, I really enjoyed meeting and talking to her aboot a lot of different things including her extended itinerary that will take her to Utah and NYC. She’s living the dream I tell ya. She is full of life, which is always refreshing.

We also planned a blogger re-union of sorts in Walton, ON. Yes that’s the one in Canada. All bloggers and their better-halves will converge for a bloggy convention at the general store in Walton, BYOB style. We’re working on the details. So far we have chips on the menu.

Alrighty then. Who shall I meet next?

Rolling in his grave

2011-07-23T18:16:00.004-05:00

Amy Winehouse is dead, joing the 27 Club. Kurt Cobain is another member of that club. I don't proclaim to be a Nirvana fan but apparently many teeny boppers of today profess their love for the guy, much to the chagrin of many a die-hard fan. The youtube fights over this are hilarious. Reading the comments are a great way to kill some time.

Justin Bieber thinks he is Cobain. Now that's a bit of a stretch:

Cobain is Miley's dream boyfriend. Only thing is he would sooner kill himself than look her way. Oh shoot, was that too soon:

But the most disturbing of all, Cyrus sisters love Nirvana. Like, really? OMFG!!!!

I walked across an empty land

2011-07-20T19:07:00.000-05:00

I haven’t been traveling much for pleasure by my own standards. My last fun trip was Miami in April.

I have just been enjoying the summer in Chicago. Much to do at home.

However, the wanderlust compelled and I booked another backcountry backpacking trip in August – this time to the Olympic National Park. It will be a 5 day/night trip in the mountains and rainforest of Olympic.

I took my time doing the research. I did not want to just roam around in a rainforest with no scenery. But I found out that Olympic is indeed beautiful with a wide range of wild life in animals and vegetation.

These trips are a lot of fun but they are not easy. In order to enjoy the wilderness you have to get away from the touristy spots. It’s not easy walking miles every day carrying a 35 lbs backpack but nature rewards you at every bend, every corner. For me the hardest part is going bathroom in the woods.

I have all the gear I need and I bought a rain jacket.

Let the adventure begin!

So good......yummy

2011-07-16T14:57:00.001-05:00

Chicken Baby

2011-07-15T20:21:00.003-05:00

I bought a new bike. My previous bike was just getting old. The new bike is great. I was going to get a road bike but after test riding, I decided to get a Trek hybrid:

We call it a fitness bike, but this is Trek's most popular platform for a reason. Roadies, commuters, fitness freaks, errand runners, Sunday riders—everyone loves the FX.

So tomorrow, we are gonna get hit by this stupid heat wave but I’m gonna go to Chicken Hut on my new bike.

Chicken Hut is a joint in my old neighborhood of Lakeview where I moved to when I first came to Chicago. CH is run by a bunch of Mexicans and probably illegal, but it makes the yummiest, juiciest chicken of all time. Like all friggin’ time man!

And their chutney is also just plain brilliant. Chutney and chicken is an irresistible combo.

One time I was dating this girl and one day we had a fight in her car and then we drove past the Chicken Hut and this huge, like humongous smile came upon my face and she was like, whooaaaaaa man, I never saw you smile so broad before. She thought I saw some girl, but I told her it was because of Chicken Hut. So then she said that on my birthday she would take me to Chicken Hut, even though it costs like $6 for a full meal there, and I was so happy. But then we weren’t dating on my birthday.

But tomorrow, I will go to my old neighborhood in my new bike, and eat Chicken Hut – quarter white with side of mashed potatoes and gravy and chutney, please!

And a few memories.

Gee Whiz!

2011-07-11T20:26:00.002-05:00

I used to drive a G35. It was a beautiful car and actully I drove it from Seattle to Chicago. It handled really well. Unfortunately, it was a rear wheel drive and at the first snow sprinkle that winter in Chicago, I lost control of it, and sold it shortly after.

Gatorade has a new G Series line of drinks that promises to keep you at the top of your game before, during and after. I swear I don’t recall seeing A through F series in the market. Maybe I missed something.

I heard these beautifully crafted lyrics on the radio:

Poppin bottles in the ice, like a blizzard
When we drink we do it right gettin slizzard
Sippin sizzurp in my ride, in my ride, like Three 6
Now I'm feelin so fly like a G6
Out of curiosity, I looked up what a G6 is. Well it turns out, G6 refers to the Gulfstream 650, the fastest and longest range business jet available, made by Gulfstream Aerospace. Nice. Makes perfect sense now. These guys are sippin the slizzards on a G6 and feeling fly.

I signed up for HBOGO for free. Now I have access to all HBO shows, present and past, including the Late Night series called the G String Divas. The show was filmed in 2000, and follows the lives of strippers working in a Bristol, PA gentlemen's club. Brilliant.

The last Space Shuttle just launched into space. The G force on a Space Shuttle at takeoff is 3G. This lasts until the SRBs (Solid Rocket Boosters) quit.

I wanna drop a few Gs on this Olympics backcountry backpacking trip that I saw online, late August.

There is so much G in my life.

Casey walks

2011-07-05T20:25:00.002-05:00

So Casey Anthony is acquitted. I mentioned in an earlier post that I thought this would indeed be the outcome of this case.

I personally think she is guilty or knows who did it.

But Jose Baez did a spectacular job in her defense – throwing off the entire courtroom with his opening statement, allegations of molestation against George the dad, and admitting that Casey was a lying slut – his words, not mine.

The rest of the trial was basically the prosecution presenting evidence that Casey was a lying slut. But wait a second, defense already admitted to that. Brilliant. Yes, you can be a messed up lying slut, but that does not make you a murderer.

Brilliant defense strategy. Also, the prosecution was too smug, too cocky. They must have come across as arrogant to the jury.

Anyway, it’s a shame that Caley is dead and nobody is in jail for it.

2011-06-29T07:54:00.003-05:00

As luck would have it, I did not get the job. They could not afford me. But I am angry that they made me drive 5+ hours each way when they could have easily told me not to come to begin with.

But I'm already over it. On to new horizons. I do know for sure that I killed that interview. I was the bomb. Wait, that's a good thing right?

White Trash Wedding

2011-06-26T18:14:00.001-05:00

Last evening, I accompanied a girl to a wedding as her date. Highlights:

1. She introduced me to a small group early on, then said to me about a girl in the group, she is a hooker.
2. Her legs were different shades of tan and she told me it’s because she used a spray tan and couldn’t get it right.
3. She carried a small plastic whiskey pouch ‘for the party.’
4. When we arrived, everyone looked drunk in our group.
5. A guy in the group said openly that he is not happy in his marriage of one year.
6. The pastor forgot the bride’s name and kept calling her Sheryl (her name was Crystal).
7. It started raining but the pastor went on and on and on.
8. Over the course of the evening my date kept getting more and more drunk. The more she drank, the friskier she got. It was hilarious. Alas, she was making me feel a bit uncomfortable pulling me around by my tie, messing with my hair, and forcing my suit jacket off me.
9. She asked a guy, who dated a girl who had Chlamidya, if he now had it.
10. She told another guy that his ex always dressed up like a stripper.
11. On our way back to the hotel, she passed out in the van while still carrying a beer, sitting next to me.
12. When we got back to the hotel, I hurried to use the restroom in her room, but she followed me to the room, asking me to take her shoes off for her, which I did.
13. I then told her I needed to take care of business the next day and have to hurry back home but she should totally go to the after-party and stick with water.
14. I came home.

I can visualize this shot

2011-06-23T19:02:00.001-05:00

Interview went well. I am so very hard on myself but I had to pat myself on the back on a job well done. I was well prepared. They treated me with a lot of respect. But it was an adventurous trip.

When I arrived at the airport for my flight late Tuesday, I found out that the flight was canceled due to weather. I didn’t want to reschedule so I just hopped into my car and started on the 5.5 hour journey. I was essentially chasing the storm which was moving northeast. At one time I was the only car on the road with lightning touching repeatedly and randomly. I was scared but I kept going.

Interview was good. They asked me questions I had prepared for within the last week. Like I said, I was prepared – very confident but also admitted when I didn’t know the answers.

I think they liked me.

It is a small town and there wasn’t much going on at least all the while I was there. It is basically a company town. The company is a multinational and employees over 50,000 people all over the world.

Here is the deal: I am a strategist in life, and if I should say so myself, I have managed my career nicely thus far. You know in golf they say you have to visualize the shot first and then play it. In my career I visualize the future and then make moves. And if I am ambitious, this job will take me high up the corporate ladder to potentially a CFO or even a CEO position some day. It gives me great exposure to the Corporate Department, the Treasurer, and the C-suites. It will lead to power and more money.

I will now admit openly: I thought I didn’t care for power and money. But I realized a while ago that I do care about making lots of money (even though I never show it off and don’t even buy extravagant things). And only recently I also realized that I want power. Maybe I will change my opinion some day.

So call me shallow, but I am in pursuit of power and money. I can argue with myself that perhaps I should be looking for love, which I am and which I will find, of this I am sure.

So something tells me I should take the job, climb up the ladder in small town America, then make a move to a bigger city when I am a young 40 year old.

I never do politics, never back-stab, never kiss ass. I succeed based on hard work and ability. And I promise you, I will say humble.

10,000 forks and 0 knives

2011-06-20T16:00:00.001-05:00

Don’t know who else to say this to but I need to.

Alanis Morissette’s song Ironic comes to mind.

So I am all set for the interview on Wednesday, but today, on my current company’s website, they posted my podcast. It’s a video and a presentation of our recent research. And now I am getting emails from people saying how I am such a star.

Awkward!!!! Like how will I ever be able to resign? It will be mega awkward. They can’t just post a podcast of an employee on their website just days before he quits.

So now I am just further nervous and confused. On the one hand, I am proud to have gotten center stage, and on the other I wish I wasn’t in the limelight just yet.

Krista Allen is so HOT!

2011-06-19T10:56:00.002-05:00

US Open is on and I miss Tiger Woods. All those memorable rounds and shots seem like another lifetime now. The good part though is that if I had to root for another golfer, it would be Rory.

My interview is this Wednesday. Feeling a bit nervous about that now. I did prepare all week long. Luck favors the well-prepared, they say.

Have been doing a lot of running too. Just haven’t only done timed 5Ks and that’s why the scores top right corner are not updated regularly. I just go for an easy 10K at time.

HBO has been showing this movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. It’s definitely for the teenyboppers but I liked the direction and music. But my favorite show these days is Game of Thrones. I also am reading the first book. Great drama but I am sad that Ned is dead. My favorite character though is the midget.

Later today I am getting a sports massage. My back and neck are so sore.

Oh and Casey Anthony is so guilty but I get the feeling she will walk. State failed to make a case. Pisses me off.

So that’s about it for now.

Should I stay or should I go

2011-06-13T21:17:00.001-05:00

I saw a job opening on the net for a Director level position with a multinational. I applied for it. They called me a few days ago and interviewed on the phone. I think the hiring manager liked me. He was selling himself instead of asking me questions.

Anyway, today they called to set up an interview in person.

Here is the curve ball though – they are located in the middle of nowhere. I’m sure the money is good, and a Director level position will catapult my career into another orbit, but I will forever be single and alone. There is no way I will meet anyone in this small dingy place in barren Michigan. I suppose I could get a condo in Florida or even Chicago for the weekends but its all a bit gray at the moment.

So now I am just feeling a bit anxious.

The in-law juggernaut

2011-06-12T20:28:00.002-05:00

My new sister-in-law is beautiful and confident. I really like her. My brother ensures she has all she needs and desires, and more. They make a very attractive couple.

Funny thing though, my other sister-in-law and I never got along. But ever since my youngest brother got married and brought to the family a new daughter-in-law, the elder is now being very pleasant and seemingly loving. She held my hand, kissed me on the cheek, almost imploring me in silence for the opportunity to be my favorite sister-in-law. I never liked her moods, but she is also stunning.

The in-law politics and sociology – what a twisted, absorbing drama! And they all shouted for my head. Bring to us our last and most sorely missing daughter-in-law, they said. In good time, my people, in good time.

She's workin' on a tan

2011-06-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

Loving this song right now:

Sense of self worth

2011-06-08T19:02:00.004-05:00

I read this comment on BBC today:

It is clear that Tiger's off course shenanigans have left him mentally scarred and until he can rebalance his own sense of self worth he will never recapture the dominance he once had.

So very true in every person's life - that sense of self worth. Once lost, it is hard to recapture. And that balance is so very important. Life is so much about the mind and its psychological state. Battles are lost and won in the head of man.

world we live in

2011-06-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

I had a really depressing moment last night as I watched the Weiner debacle unfold. I think the wifey Huma was aware of her husband’s shenanigans or at the very least, did not care one way or the other. I think she married him to make a life in the power circles of DC. Everyone is like that these days, love is dead, truth is dead, people buy and sell people like vegetables. Nobody feels.

And that, my friends, made me a tad depressed.

The White Shirt

2011-06-06T20:29:00.002-05:00

I have been wearing only white shirts to work. Why, I don’t know. I just don’t feel like wearing any colors. I don’t want to make any statements. I do wear nice trousers, designer belts and fancy shoes, but the shirt has to be white. Midlife crisis?

More on running

2011-06-01T19:48:00.004-05:00

I have not been running as much as I have wanted to because 1) the weather’s been sucky, and 2) I’ve been sick – again! I think I am allergic to my friend’s cats.

I spent more money on buying running gear such as a two bottle waist pack and a running hat with a pocket.

Anyhoo, I went running today and enjoyed it. The sun is out and it’s a bit windy. But I ran at a slower pace. Since I am such a nice guy I will give you some gems below that you may or may not already know.

My observations:

1) My watch and heart rate monitor are working great but I observed that I consistently run at over 90% of my max heart rate. I am exerting myself but not to the extent that my heart would explode. So I read up on heart rates and workouts. I don’t feel much tired after my 5K even at a good pace. So I don’t know why the watch shows me running at such a high rate.
2) I am able to bring the heart rate down quickly.
3) My resting heart rate is 70 which I would consider to be normal.
4) If you are trying to burn fat you should run at only 60% to 70% of your max.
5) I observed that at lower pace I am burning more calories.
6) My right knee is holding up great since I bought a new and more pricey knee support. It works great. No pain.
7) I am excited to be out running and want to work on speed throughout the next few weeks before I enter races.
8) Running with a goal is so much more fun than just running without one.
9) I am the coolest guy I know.

I was telling my boss that the best thing about summer is all the sports that goes on. And the bad thing about summer is that you have to go to work. He told me to get a DVR.

Hangover Part II

2011-05-29T21:42:00.003-05:00

SPOILER ALERT!

Went to see it. I am a huge fan of the original, own it on blu-ray disc at home, seen it at least 30 times, love it!

But Part II was less than inspiring. It has some funny moments but they totally lost the plot here trying to basically rehash the original but in Bangkok instead of Vegas. It just doesn't work. It is predictable and boring at times.

I wish they had changed the story a bit, used some imagination. The reason it won the box office was everyone was curious about it. On its own, it could not haven been able to pull the business it did.

Rock on!

2011-05-17T19:14:00.003-05:00

Did a 26:56 5K run today. Went running south today. Brutal wind was on my face coming back north from halfway mark and slowed me down. So did the right knee in the last few hundred yards. Still happy that I am getting the time down. Target is 21 but seems far fetched at this time.

Downloaded data to PC afterwards. Found out that I could map the route on Google Earth automatically. Very very cool. I can see my exact route.

Well this is going to be good motivation to run fatser and more often this summer.

New gadget

2011-05-14T14:40:00.001-05:00

My latest toy is a sports watch with GPS by Garmin.

I went for a run with it today. After it locked into a satellite, it was perfect in telling my pace and distance covered. It also came with a heart rate monitor, so I can see how hard I’m working, or not working.

Another great feature is the software that I downloaded on my PC. After workout, I plugged the watch into my PC and the software downloaded all of my workout data to the computer. I can see exactly the route I ran and what my pace and heart rate was at each point in time.

No excuses but it was rainy today so I ran a 5K in 30 minutes (6 minutes off my best time). Hopefully, I can improve upon that in the coming days.

Ciao and happy running!

berly

2011-05-07T14:22:00.004-05:00

Well let me just start off by saying, berly’s mom is HOT!!!

berly’s mom has got it goin’ on….

All kidding aside, Mr berly definitely married out of his league, you lucky son of a bitch, Alan.

I enjoyed meeting both berly and Lisa. And they eat so little. That’s every guy’s dream date. Girls who let you eat all the pizza – that’s heaven man!

berly looked great, fresh from her 40-day no chewing food routine. She is a classy lady, very elegant.

And she remains one of my favorite bloggers. I have probably read Lisa and berly the longest starting circa 2005. So much has happened in that time. She has had two kids, I have switched cities and jobs. Its funny how you don’t realize it when blogging but time just flies by.

berly, move to Chicago so we can hang out every weekend. Leave Alan in Texas though.

P.S. Alan, I kid bro.

Pizza yummy:

Lisa, berly, yrautca:

At Giordano's:

Double Bagel

2011-05-03T20:33:00.002-05:00

That's today's score. I won 6-0 6-0. Feel sorry for the guy. I think they may put me in a more advanced league after this, although I think that guy played well.

Man Overboard!

2011-05-01T14:21:00.002-05:00

Sailing is a lot of fun. It’s not an easy activity and requires strength and coordination. But I loved it this weekend. It’s somewhat of a military setup with a captain (coach) and a crew following his orders. It’s also mathematical. You rig the boat, and then look for the wind, navigating through the water using a tiller.

We did some ‘man overboard’ drills. Captain throws a small tube in the water, crew member shouts ‘man overboard’, the helmsman sails the boat beem reach, tacks the boat 270 degrees, straightens the boat now going broad reach, then comes back at the tube. Another crew member then leans over the side of the boat (port or starboard) and retrieves the ‘man overboard’.

Lots of terminology and incredible fun.

'Working' from Home

2011-04-29T11:24:00.001-05:00

Working from home today and eating junk food. Today is my cheat day (once a week day when I eat the greasiest of food).

The week turned out well for me at work and yesterday ended on a high note with my boss sending an email of praise to his boss about me, and CCing me. I realized this week that I set my own standards very high and I should only try and meet my own standards instead of worrying about others. That philosophy worked well.

Today is the first day of the tennis league that I joined for the Spring/Summer. It’s a competitive league where if you get 5 wins you qualify for the next round. My first match is at 7 today. I haven’t played since last summer and not in a league in years. But hoping I’m able to turn my game on.

Tomorrow morning is sailing lesson #1 early at 8:30. It’s a 4 hour lesson. Sunday morning the same. Then more tennis matches next week. Excited to get out and play.

berly says she’s coming to town and there’s a good chance that we will meet. She will be the third blogger I’d meet in person. berly doesn’t post often but her posts are heartfelt. berly is a Texan and bitches about warm weather a lot – she doesn’t know what she’s talking about cuz I can tell you berly, winter sucks!

I should probably get back to ‘working’ from home.

UPDATE - BREAKING NEWS - I WON MY MATCH 6-3, 6-3...WOO HOOOOO>>>>>>>>>

well deserved self loathing

2011-04-24T16:07:00.001-05:00

I don’t learn from my mistakes. I keep making the same mistakes again and again. It is so hard for me to just move on. I just create this bubble in my head and start thinking things that aren’t real, that can never be real. I look back and only see the positives and just don’t seem to remember the negatives. I just keep hurting myself over and over until I hit rock bottom and then I move on. Or do I?

Hating myself today.

Rules of Dating and Shout Out to Miss Ash

2011-04-21T19:52:00.003-05:00

Chetana commented on my recent dating post that there are too many rules for dating. True and false. It's funny that when you like someone there are no rules; or rather, there are rules that you are trying to follow to keep them interested. And when it's someone you dont feel a connection with, suddenly you have all these rules that are just nonsensical - like not borrowing a book by MJ Fox first time they are over.

And my dear bloggy friend, Miss Ash's best friend Miss LD lost her dad. I'm sorry Miss Ash. I know how close you are to LD. I hope LD and you can find some closure. I cant even imagine such a loss. I hope her dad did not suffer much. Thoughts and prayers!

2011-04-20T20:21:00.000-05:00

Nailed it! Fun times.

2011-04-18T19:46:00.002-05:00

Well I sorta nailed the mock presentation. On to Seattle tomorrow for the real thing. My boss is being real annoying. He is a non-yrautca but wants to act and talk like one. I ignore it mostly but when he tries to change my material, it infuriates me. I am ready to walk out but I keep thinking I should not be such a hardass. I want to tell him that I am the expert not him. I think I will. They need me, I dont need them.

Everything's still

2011-04-17T15:59:00.001-05:00

Feeling the pressure this weekend.

I am not good at presenting material. First, I am just not a good speaker in formal settings. Secondly, it is really hard to explain very technical issues to a non-technical audience. If I keep it high level, I lose them, and if I make it sound too basic, it comes across as a lecture. Needless to say, I am not good at this very important skill. I wish I were a good orator.

Anyway, this week I am heading back to Seattle to meet a prospect as part of a sales team. My boss is coming as well. I prepared the material and expressed the desire to present it, but now that I have the opportunity I am nervous. On Monday, the team has scheduled a mock meeting where my boss’ boss will be the mock CEO. Other senior management people are expected to attend and ask tough questions. Bossman told me that the greater the opportunity, the more serious these people get about these mock setups. Uh-oh.

So I prepared all week but I just don’t have the skill. My voice is deep and it takes a lot of effort to make it loud. I am kind of soft spoken. I have presented in at least 100 meetings with clients, but I am just as nervous as I was that first time.

This can be one of those career defining moments because I am still relatively new to his company and they are only now getting to know me in upper management.

It was a very low key weekend. I went to the Field Museum yesterday to see the Horse exhibit. That was cool. And today despite it being cold outside, went for a long bike ride along the lake.

I hate it when someone that you are just starting to see, ‘borrows’ a book off your shelf. My Michael J Fox autobiography is the victim. I’m sure she took it as insurance. I decided to tell her we weren’t going nowhere fast, and she still has the book. She texted last night to ask if she could take it with her on her 2-week business trip. I said, ok. But I am angry at her. I want my book back. One reason I backed off was because I felt we moved too quick, and a big part of that was her just picking that book off my shelf the first time she was over. NOT OK!

Morning fight

2011-04-06T21:02:00.004-05:00

Got in a street fight this morning.

I was on my way to work and was crossing a street. A guy in his SUV took a turn into the street but it was my right of way as I had already started walking. There was a stop sign that he ignored. I kept walking at my pace and shouldered the rear of his car.

He applied the breaks and shouted, what the fvck!

And I said, fvck you!

So he got out of the car – this huge, black man. And I turned around to confront him, our faces 3 inches apart.

He said, do you know who I am bitch?

I said, I don’t care, it was my right of way, there is a stop sign.

He: but you saw me!

Me: it was my right of way. I don’t care!

He: I will punch the shit out of you, mutherfocker!

Me: go right ahead, I will call the cops.

He then proceeded to pull his arm all the way back as if about to punch me but then walked away.

I felt ok. My heartbeat wasn’t even up. In fact, I remained stoic and sleepy. What a badass yrautca!

But then when I got to the train station I thought I should have avoided the confrontation. Nothing ever good came of these situations, and I easily could have gotten injured, or even killed.

No more fighting!

Sony Ericsson and Miami

2011-04-04T18:38:00.004-05:00

It was Yes Man that we were watching in our hotel room, and Zooey Deschanel was in it. I told my friend I didn’t like her much, didn’t think she was all that. And he said that I didn’t like her because of the movie 500 Days of Summer. And I thought for a moment and agreed that indeed my dislike for Zooey is due to her bitch of a role in 500 Days.

I told him that she also reminded me of Katy Perry. They do kinda look similar.

And then one evening we were roaming the streets of Miami and were in a shop in the Lincoln Road Mall area, and my friend comes to me and says, check out the security gal as we exit. I saw this beautiful wax creation right out of Madame Tussauds sitting by the exit in a short skirt and fishnets, with a laptop. I moved in to take a closer look and she started typing. Whoa!!!!!! She looked a mix of Zooey and Katy. So we called her Katy Deschanel.

Miami and Key Biscayne (where the tourney was) have so many beautiful women. Drop dead gorgeous, jaws-dropping-to-the-hot-Florida-asphalt hot women. Predominantly, these were European or Hispanic.

The event itself was great. We got to see all top 3 men’s players – Rafa, Djokovich, and, of course, Federer. Federer-Rafa match was huge. Most people supported Rafa but they also showed a lot of support for Roger. I bought a ‘Roger That’ T.

We went to Miami Beach and played football. The sand and the water were great. The lunch we had on Ocean Drive was delicious. Very relaxing.

It was a great time. Sure my friend can sometimes be moody but I have learned to not stress out. Sooner or later we can have fun again.

When I took my camera out of my bag in Miami, I discovered that it broke during the flight. So I could only take pics using my iPhone. But my friend had brought his fancy camera too and he would send me the pictures later.

Schedule of Play looks great on Friday:

Playing at the beach:

Rafa downs Berdych:

Scoreboard says it all: Rafa versus Roger:

Rafa serving:

Yrautca Bradshaw

2011-03-22T22:10:00.002-05:00

Since nobody reads my blog anymore, maybe I should write about my dating adventures/love life, or sometimes lack thereof. Maybe I will get more readers.

Until about a couple of weeks ago was going out with this gal who said she was a neurological tech. I usually don’t have a preference for what they do for a living. But I put a high value on intelligence because, and this is important, intelligence is a sign of humor and wit, and I find both these incredibly sexy in a woman. A woman who can make me laugh - and yes I know how they love a guy who makes them laugh, and yes I can indeed be very funny in person – is a keeper. It’s a huge turn on. This is because I have a quick wit and it’s not easy to keep up let alone dominate.

We went out a few times and turns out she is not very smart. She was pretty though and I was physically attracted to her. I also liked that she was a foody. She found me to be very handsome. She loved my graying hair and thought my German glasses were incredibly sexy. Couldn’t keep her hands off my hair.

But she possessed no humor. I told her we weren’t exclusive until we were exclusive. I said that twice and the second time she got mad. She said, what did I do to make you think I didn’t get it the first time. I apologized.

She thought she had never met anyone with ideas like mine. I don’t follow a specific religion, political ideology. To her that was unheard of. She didn’t live in the city but in the suburbs so I could believe that.

She and I used to text a lot. After a while I stopped texting. And in a few days she stopped texting.

More adventures later.

Eat all you can Fridays

2011-03-17T19:52:00.001-05:00

Been a while.

Not much going on. Miami trip coming up in 2 weeks. Excited.

I eat healthy mostly but have decided to splurge one day of the week – so I eat all I want, what I want on Fridays. I got the idea from a crazy book called 4-Hour Body. The trick is that I have to behave 6 days of the week and workout regularly. Then on Fridays I go bonkers. Its working out for me thus far and I am excited about tomorrow. Start with a huge breakfast – then start eating junk around 10am – you know the drill. Of course, this only makes sense if you stay away from junk the other 6 days.

It works great because whenever I want to eat something bad, I can just make a note of it and postpone it till Friday. Also, by eating junk all day Friday, I am pretty over it by Saturday morning. Try it.

Trying to Bi-Win

2011-03-06T13:14:00.002-06:00

I need some inspiration. And people and relationships are so much about negotiation these days.

I have some ideas I can convert, and bossman is increasingly looking to me to score, and I feel like if I really want, I can run with it, but I feel like I need a lovely evening with a pretty and sweet gal to convert my actuarial ideas to money-makers.

So I picked the phone up and called an ex. How goes it? You wanna grab a bite, a coffee. And she went, no you were a jerk to me and you are an insecure imbecile. And I went, but darling, it takes two to make it and two to break it. And she went, no you’re a jackass.

Well, ok then.

So then I talked to my niece a bit and she is having problems at school and cant listen to my problems just right now.

So then I picked up a pen and a paper and started writing in my blog.

For all the successes I achieve, by god, just a tiny bit of inspiration – like a kiss, or a touch, can be pretty #WINNING#. Sure I got tiger blood in me but I still need some motivation.

Don’t be a troll!

When I close my eyes, I'm somewhere with you!

2011-02-27T17:49:00.005-06:00

It was terrific! Florida redeemed itself in Clearwater Beach. It till seemed pretty transient and redneck, but the beach was gorgeous. I just laid there with my margarita and caressed the sugary white sand in my hands forever. Oh life was good! I didn’t try to do anything too adventurous (that can wait until later in the year); I just spent my time on the beach. Lindsay, my bartender, was awesome – and lovely, if I may add. Fish was good, room fine, golf great. I had a nice vacation.

On my way back, I was sitting with a woman in her 50s/60s maybe? And she and I started chatting. And she said she wanted to pray for me. She then held my hand, raised her other hand and prayed for me.

When I reached Chicago I almost thought about making fun of her in my head. But I couldn’t; I just thought it was kinda cool that this woman wished me well and prayed for me.

Back to the grind tomorrow.

Sunset:

Resort:

Captured:

Lying on the Sand:

Lounging in the Sun:

I just had sex!

2011-02-22T19:28:00.005-06:00

Ok maybe I didnt just have sex but man this songs' a rockin'.

Off to the beach now. Gonna eat, drink, be merry. Jealous?

Watson got me thinking

2011-02-20T13:26:00.001-06:00

Immortality. Most of us either choose not to think about death or feel immortal. I don’t want to go into the fallacy of this state. But secretly, I feel (hope?) I would escape death. I didn’t always think this way but a few years ago I read an article where some scientist claimed that humans would conquer death in another 50 years. So I started thinking that all I had to do was somehow survive through 2050 and get my ticket to eternal life (and hopefully youth, as there would be no point in spending an eternity in a wheelchair).

But now looking at Watson (the Jeopardy champion computer), I have other reasons to believe the prospect of escaping physical death (key word ‘physical’), is quite plausible. The Jeopardy domination of this supercomputer, along with ideas I gathered from the show Lost (which I have been watching back to back from Season 1 for weeks now), have led me to believe there may be a way out, literally out, of our bodies, and into our minds. Isn’t life predominantly what we think?

But first, we would have to shed these outer shells we call human bodies.

Suppose the computers really advance to a high level of intelligence. Suppose that they are able to think, imagine, create, dare I say feel. Suppose that. Now suppose, I am able to download the imprint of me, my life, my history, my emotional DNA onto a supercomputer like that. I could start from my childhood and recall every possible memory, recollect every vital moment, and feed it to the machine. I could start living inside the computer. The computer could recreate me as a software program. Sure I’d be confided to its physical domain, but the reality that it would create just for me would be infinite. And real, at least for me. I would then be able to leave my body and live as a computer program. Hold that thought.

I will now go eat some chicken.

I'm not shallow, just happy :)

2011-02-16T17:55:00.002-06:00

Happy happy day today. I got a bonus and a raise. Dudeman, I was so happy. I couldn’t keep this grin off my face all day. I am so lucky, so lucky!

But before that I also booked my latest vacation to St Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida. Just a few days playing golf, lying on the beach, enjoying good food and drinks. So very excited. Leaving in a week.

Its warmed up here in the middle of winter and all the snow is melting into pools of black water. Looks hideous.

Overall, I know money isn’t everything, but today was a very happy day after a long time. Love my boss!

Slip Slidin' Away.....

2011-02-05T16:43:00.007-06:00

Blizzard hit the city Tuesday night. By Wednesday morning, the city was submerged in snow. The transportation system had come to a halt. Everyone tried to remotely access work and that system failed. We then received email to stay off, stay back, wait and watch.

So I did what any good employee would do. I went for a walk. In the snow. I put on these really thick wool socks I bought from Cabela’s, a warm jacket, and snow boots, put my camera in my pocket and went out. Starbucks was closed. What had the world come to, I wondered.

There were very few people out and about.

I walked to the lake. Visibility was very poor. I couldn’t tell where the land ended and the lake started. It was a bit scary.

I then looped around Museum Campus. Finally I found myself a little south of my place wondering the shortest way to get there.

This is when I found myself on Lakeshore Drive. This is kind of an inter-state and a very busy multi-lane road that runs by Lake Michigan. There was nobody out there, no cars, no people. It was like a scene from some ghost movie. I started walking on the road. Imagine walking in the middle of a highway. I was scared and certain that some car would hit me from behind thus ending my slightly eccentric life.

I eventually made it to my street.

I later learned that the reason I survived my walk on the highway was that there had been several accidents farther up north and they had shut it down.

Walking back on Lakeshore:

Field Museum:

Believe it or not, this is Lake Michigan - You dont know where it started:

Going to the Museum Campus:

Star Trek Girl

2011-01-30T20:20:00.003-06:00

Very doable.

Pipeline and Pipe Dreams

2011-01-24T20:13:00.001-06:00

A couple of exciting things coming up down the road – late winter/early spring.

First, one of my good friends from ATL and I are headed to Miami for the Sony Ericsson Tennis Tournament end of March. We want to see Roger Federer in action one time before he hangs his boots. We are excited.

Second, I will be taking sailing lesson starting late April. I love being on the water and perhaps this will be an ongoing activity in the summer on Lake Michigan. I was surprised how pricey these classes are but at the same time feel that I will enjoy the experience.

I am reading Ted Turner’s autobiography. Ted was a champion sailor. I enjoyed reading about his adventures on a sailboat.

Also, looking for one winter getaway in February. Don’t know what to do. Ideas welcome.

#@$! My Dad Does, Lesbians, Flirts, Hookah

2011-01-17T10:27:00.005-06:00

....did that catch your attention? Read on!

My dad can be overbearing at times. I guess that’s his personality. Growing up it annoyed the heck out of me. Now I have learned to ignore it.

I showed him my Kindle, and Dad literally tried to flip it over to advance the pages. He then thought that it was a touch screen gadget. He is a smart guy, my Dad, but he can be clueless too.

I like my Kindle. The readability is amazing. It doesn’t strain the eyes. Good purchase.

Food was good. Also got to meet my best friend for brunch. He loves hanging out in this part of town called Decatur. We see many lesbians there. I was curious about that and my friend said, dude, that’s why it’s called ‘Dick Hater’. De-ca-tur. Get it?

On my way back, at the airport, the lady at the gate assigned me seat 3C. I said something like, I must have done something good today, and she said, it’s because you are handsome. Whoa! I said right back, and you are beautiful. She just started flirting with me, and vice versa. I told her that I thought Atlanta women, and southern women in general, are really beautiful, whereas Midwest women are just ok. She loved hearing that. She was blushing alright. At boarding, she asked everyone to get a bag tag and have their carry-ons checked in at the door. But let me go with mine. Sweet. I wanted to give her my business card but I didn’t have any on me. Lost opportunity right there.

I bought a hookah from a Lebanese store. I have never smoked one before and don’t know how to use it. It looks cool though. Need to figure it out. At security point at the airport, the security person saw it and said, hey look it’s a hookah. Someone said, its a bong, and I said, no Sir, its not a bong, its a hookah. She then proceeded to call her supervisor to come look at the hookah. I was sure they would make me open my bag, but turned out they were just excited to see a hookah. That was funny.

P.S. thanks to all who left a Birthday wish for me. Thank you!

Half of my life

2011-01-12T21:15:00.001-06:00

I have a new Kindle and I really like it thus far. I have a burnt orange cover. I have bought two books and Wall Street Journal. My two books are The Confession by John Grisham (reader will recall that I always buy Grisham) and Call me Ted – an autobiography of Ted Turner.

I had a bad moment at work today that may have caused damage to my cause. I generally have a problem with authority and I felt like I was cornered. I defended myself rather vigorously and counter-attacked. Such tactics are very undesirable in the corporate world. I should have kept my mouth shut. I am sure it will come back to haunt me.

January 15th is my birthday and as last year, I am planning to spend it with family in ATL. I leave tomorrow. Mum’s got plans for me. Mum always buys me shirts that I end up not wearing. It went on for years until one day I mustered up enough courage to ask her to buy me neckties instead of shirts. So last year she bought me two ties – both of which I can’t wear to work because they are really design-y. They look good but are more suited to informal occasions. So I mustered up more courage and asked her to buy me only stripes and dots. And she said, your dad buys them, I don’t. Yes ma, thank you, I love you.

Be good dear friends. So long.

Movies

2011-01-04T20:11:00.002-06:00

I saw Shutter Island. Two out of my three favorite movies this year star Leo. The other one is Up in the Air starring Clooney.

Nicely done movie but very dark. You feel sorry for Teddy. The twist wasn’t as shocking as the one in The Others with Nicole Kidman. That one really threw me off.

Mark Ruffalo has become one of my favorite actors over time. He has a really mellow temperament, like he is always high on weed.

So I am gonna say something. Years ago, when I asked someone what their hobbies were and they said, movies, music and books, I’d get all snobby and say, hey that’s what everyone does, that’s not a hobby. Said that to a girl on a date once. Mistake.

But somehow, somewhere, life caught up with me and I don’t watch movies as much as I used to. I used to love foreign films, especially Spanish ones. And then I never had the time to watch a movie. So now I am getting back into it. Netflix makes a huge profit off me because I never return any DVDs for more DVDs.

And I say, if your hobby is movies, music, or book, hats off to you Sir/Madam. You are indeed spending your time wisely.

2010 - a recap

2010-12-31T12:53:00.000-06:00

2010 was a good year for me overall.

Last year at New Year’s Eve I was in Las Vegas with 4 buddies, being silly, having fun, watching Hangover, roaming around aimlessly from casino to casino.

It was tough to come back to the cold of the winter. For my birthday I went to ATL and mom made excellent Chinese cuisine ‘for me’ (they love Chinese food and I am ok with it).

Then in February I decided to leave my previous job and accepted a new position locally. I also decided to take the month of March off to travel. I sold my Volkswagen Touareg – a very manly, but very heavy car, for a BMW 2-door coupe, and started South. It got lonely at times out on the road but overall it was a memorable trip and I wrote about it extensively on here. It was a time for reflection and I figured I needed to make some changes to further improve the quality of my life. I felt like I needed to be more open to people and possibilities, that I needed to smile more, make more friends, be more approachable.

My new job started at the end of March. Despite a few hiccups, I liked it a lot. And over the last several months, as I started getting more involved at work, I started liking it more. That is not to say that this is a destination. No, I think I am looking for something slightly different. I developed a good relationship with my boss. To the extent that it gets a bit weird at times. For example, him bringing me okra from home. One time we both went to Men’s Room at Denver airport together. He took a leak and I used a stall. When I came out he was waiting for me at the room’s entrance. I said, thanks for waiting for me, and he said, hey we are in it together. I didn’t know what he meant.

Then at the end of spring and beginning of the summer, I met someone that I had a terrific time with. Summer 2010 was one of my best to date. Every weekend was fun, every thing we did together was fun. We had many jokes, laughter, food, good food, home projects, city explorations.

But there were also issues. She was very moody. I had become very peaceful and content with my life and she was not at the same place. There was a lot in her life that she was unhappy with. And sometimes she would think that I trivialized that by telling her to look at the positives, or recommended a book, or meditation of some sort. I was also very uncomfortable with confrontations, and she thought it was ok to have fights. Perhaps it was ok, but there was so much fun to be had, and life was so kind to us, that I didn’t understand it. We both made a decent income, so we could indulge in any and all activities that we wanted.

It all broke down in Carmel in August. I was very sad but surprisingly, I was not heart broken. I was at peace with myself. I knew that I didn’t make crucial mistakes, or gave less than 100%.

We tried getting back together but the issues remained. Once upon a time I was a very unhappy person. Over time I had to learn the hard way how to be content and happy with life. I reduced my stress level dramatically. I wished the same for this girl but she wouldn’t listen. Her problems engulfed her and I feel like I lost her to her unhappiness.

This episode also made me question myself at times. Was I being a good partner? Was I patient enough with her? Should I have been a better listener? I feel like at times I couldn’t understand why someone would be unhappy at something small. Instead perhaps what was needed was for me to just listen.

The wedding in Cancun was a high point of the year. I loved the warm water and the white sands. My run on the beach was the run of the year for me. I am holding on to that memory tightly.

This year, I passed the CQF. I gained 10 lbs in the summer when all we did was eat and drink, then lost it in the fall. I started Insanity workouts. This year, I traveled as much as time permitted. This year was a memorable one.

As I look forward to 2011, I already know my resolution. My only resolution is to make more friends. It is difficult to meet new people and make new friends, but that is what I want to do. I also want to be a better listener, and more patient in relationships.

Best wishes to all.

Alpha and Beta

2010-12-29T20:55:00.001-06:00

So guys talk. Just like gals. And they talk about picking up girls and having sex. That’s what guys are programmed to do. Or so I hear.

I hear about alpha males and beta males. There is even a category called omega males. There are websites and blogs devoted to alpha males. I don’t fully understand the concept but essentially alpha males are the leaders in relationships. They treat women like conquests, objects, and go about finding a prey in a methodical, calculated manner. They are confident, brash, rude. They don’t pay for dinner. They don’t buy you flowers or tell you that they love you. They always make themselves the catch and have the women pursue them.

Beta males are polite and pursue women. They want a girlfriend and a home life. They bring you flowers and tell you that they love you.

According to some guys, women end up being in relationships with beta males and fucking alpha males. Because beta males are providers and alpha males excite them.

This has me utterly confused for a couple of reasons. First, some part of me is alpha in the sense that I am very competitive and in your face when need be. But some part of me is also beta, where I pay for dinner and romance her, and am generally not abrasive.

My gut feeling says that it might just be true that women seek alpha traits and are turned on by men who treat them roughly. As soon as a guy becomes nice, women lose interest. After all, isn’t it all about conquest for women too? What’s the pleasure in fucking someone you could have any day of the week and twice on hump days? Women always talk about needing and wanting a nice guy who will take care of them but deep down do they actually want someone dangerous and unpredictable?

Biologically, when we lived in caves, the strong men were the hunters and providers and would bring home the meat. Females would have seen these men as ideal candidates for reproduction purposes. Beta must have been builders, or farmers, or cooks.

I feel like in today’s world, it’s not ok to be a nice guy. It’s the kiss of death. And although I am very much in charge of my life, I end up being polite and nice.

Any women reading this, please be honest, even if you have to post anonymously – are you seeking an alpha? Or is this all just bullshit?

Christmas Insanity

2010-12-25T18:17:00.001-06:00

Relax. I love the holidays. I started this new workout program called Insanity. Its by the same peple who created P90X, which I highly recommend. I was getting bored because I’ve gotten used to the P90X workouts. Insanity is interval training. My body hurts after today’s workout. I have had a lot to eat today just to recuperate and get ready for tomorrow’s workout.

It was a white Christmas for us. Snow on the ground, people going crazy at Whole Foods yesterday, not obeying traffic laws – how’s that for a merry season!

I watched this movie called Inception yesterday. Awesome movie. Loved it. Highly recommend especially if you liked the Matrix.

Now I have enough vacation time to take the entire next week off but I am thinking if I should. My boss is gone for the week. Although I have vacation time I am thinking if he would prefer that I spend at least some time at the office next week.

And I just got a text from my buddy who was part of the Vegas group last year at New Year’s. We miss that time and I would love to plan something with the guys again. Good times, good memories, bad facebook experience.

Hope you are having a peaceful time!

Throw my hand on a blade for ya!

2010-12-21T21:00:00.002-06:00

It must say something for my attachment to this blog and you, that tonight as I seek comfort and familiarity, I come here to jot down my rambling thoughts.

There is nothing terribly wrong. I just don’t have any new resolutions. That takes away all the appeal of the prospect of failed resolutions.

I don’t know what to say. I just wrote something because it feels good. My blog, and those who read it – we have had warmer, better times. And I want to know and feel that.

Oh and through an online quiz I found out that I am not a geek or a nerd. No Sir, I am a dweeb.

I made myself some pasta and sauce tonight. Loved it.

Phil Collins Rocks.

Drowning in the darkness

2010-12-17T17:00:00.001-06:00

Basically, Cancun was fun but now I am pretty miserable. I try not to say such things but December gets me. It did last year too. It’s cold and dark and all the pretty girls are gone for the winter. It doesn’t help that I retreat my neck into the warmth of my jacket and it forces me to look at the ground when walking. Where did all the long, bare naked, smooth legs go? I just want December to be over so we can get into January. January is better because of my birthday. February promises March which is essentially gateway to the spring season.

I know all about the power of positive thinking but right now I am just laying low. Stock up on food and never leave home.

I miss the white warm sand in Cancun. The water was blue. One afternoon, I went for a run by the water wearing only my swim trunks. I ran forever. I ran after these little birds that ran on the beach away from the waves and then from me. The sound of waves was just magic. I could listen to that soundtrack for hours. I then went for a swim in the warm waves. Just dove into them. A wave would come to the shore and as it would reach me I would dive into it head first. The salty water went into my eyes but I didn’t care.

Right now there is plenty salt in my city too. But on the streets and for the wrong reason.

Man I hope I see January soon.

Another beer in Mexico

2010-12-01T19:47:00.003-06:00

Hey guys, how you doin'? Work's been kinda busy and the weather finally turned. Winter has arrived in the Windy City. In the winter, days and nights just seem to overlap and become this one long stretch of nothingness and cold.

I am, however, going to Cancun this weekend for a wedding. That should be fun. Pretty excited about that.

All in all, not much to report here. Just finished work out and now baking a tilapia in the oven.

Ciao!

Kristen loves me too

2010-11-17T21:53:00.003-06:00

Man, Kristen Bell sent me a signed photograph man, because I contributed a pretty decent amount to her clean water charity man. I dont fall for blondes usually but she is definitely in my top 3 list man. I love you Kristen Bell! So much.

And in other news (there's always other news, eh?) I gotta wake up at 3:45am man to go to the airport as I have to go to California to meet with a client man. Life's a suckfest if not for Kristen Bell man. Over and out. Roger. Denmother.

P.S. never drink and blog. NEVER. man.

GSU I miss U

2010-11-12T10:22:00.001-06:00

I came home on November 10th to find an invite from my alma mater Georgia State University for an alumni event on November 11th in my mailbox. They had requested RSVP by the 8th. This was the first time I got an invite for an alumni event in Chicago and was not going to miss the event.

I remember vividly my first day. My brother-in-law dropped me off a block from the new student center. It was a hot and humid August day in Atlanta and in just a few steps I had started to sweat. Then I walked through the huge glass doors of the student center and it was very cold inside. I remember the smell – it was a new building and it smelled of paint, brick, and technology. That moment has stuck with me. Its only one of many from that time.

And I narrated that entire scene to my fellow alumni last night. When we are young, our minds are untainted and memories are made for a lifetime. As we grow older it gets harder to make new memories and learn new things.

The GSU president was there as well and we had a nice conversation. I think it was pretty obvious how excited I was to be there. And I also met two other people from the Risk Management and Insurance department – one of them an actuary.

In other news, I have 70 hours of vacation time left and I have to utilize all of it by year-end. So I took today off and am sitting here in my boxers wondering how to best spend my long weekend.

People suck ass (including moi)

2010-11-07T16:17:00.002-06:00

It is easy to hurt someone. But can you make someone happy? So that’s the relationship question I have today. Can you actually make someone happy? Granted, we are all responsible for our own happinesses but, BUT, can YOU make someone, or help someone be happy. Someone you love, you care about.

Went to yoga with a friend last night. It was a hot room with a bunch of good looking women – all of us sweating to our core. Intense power yoga. It was my second workout of the day and that was a huge mistake. My posture was less than good. I sweated more than I ever did on the Hermit trail. Exhilarating, exhausting, Bull’s eye good. Almost, ALMOST, better than sex. But not quite. Right?

So my friend, she and I, we have seen better times, yes? So prior to my going for yoga, I asked her if we could have healthy food afterwards. She agreed.

But, after yoga, she says, she wants to go Indian. I’m like, whoaaa dude, Indian food is not healthy, dude. And she goes, well that’s what I want. So I say, hey can we stop by Whole Foods on our way home so I can get something healthy. And the lady says no, she isn’t up for it. Whoaaaa….. I’m like is it really important to you that we eat the same thing? And she retorts, actually you know, it is.

So I say, ok I am gonna go home then. And that was that. Brutal end to a lovely Saturday night.

Dang it man. People are just stuck up. And when I say people I mean me. Just stuck up you know. Cuz we can’t just meet someone half way, we are just too damn important in our own lives ya know.

Happiness. It’s a warm gun. And you just shot yourself in the foot.

Jackass 3D

2010-11-03T21:44:00.003-05:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I went to see my first movie in 3D and it was, wait for it......Jackass!!! I have to report that 3D does work and things fly off the screen right atcha. But when the said things are pieces of shit and dildos of various sizes, you realize that it might have served you better to have seen Avatar instead. Its a recurring theme with me as I vividly remember, to my utter disgust now, watching Jackass 2 in theater as well. It is not for the faint of heart and you need to be able to keep your vomit down for a good hour or so. I shamefully enjoyed it and was surprised to see very young kids sitting next to me watching an 'R'.

I lack skillz

2010-10-31T10:14:00.001-05:00

So this weekend, I have been pondering over my relationship with people. I must admit that I don’t have excellent people skills. Actually, I think I am one of the most interesting people ever (who doesn’t think that about themselves, eh?) but often misunderstood. And my sense of humor is so dry that it comes across as critical, even hostile. Self-deprecation is not well received either. And I tend to be hugely, intensely competitive. I just don’t have the skills to make friends.

And I want to change it but a big part of me also doesn’t want to change it. As if to say, hey, they should change, not you. But I know that’s unreasonable.

But honestly, sometimes I meet someone new and I am pleasant and funny but I come across as cocky. I am not. I do appear confident but that stems from a lack of self-esteem which took its root when I was very young.

See my folks were not very good at instilling self-belief and confidence in us. They were always too busy in their own lives. Dad was especially never appreciative of my academic credentials. So I had to learn on my own how to be independent and confident.

It didn’t help matters when I left home at 18 to basically fetch for myself. And over the years, I had to become strong, or pretend to be strong when dealing with others. Thus I learned to appear confident even at times I felt anything but.

And that brings me back to this weekend. I want to be more agreeable but I don’t want to give up being competitive. So I still need to figure out how to walk this line. This is probably some psychological phenomenon I am struggling with.

Well they say self-awareness is a virtue. So all’s not bad.

And the deletion of the blog Eloquent Gibberish was overdue and is completed. Spanned a good period of time.

Grand Canyon II

2010-10-24T09:59:00.006-05:00

Check out great pictures on my Flickr.

There are 4 categories of trail in the Grand Canyon: Corridor, Threshold, Primitive, and Wilderness. Hermit is Threshold. From wiki:

This type of trail is recommended for experienced Grand Canyon hikers only. There is a medium density of hikers in a fairly established area. There are non-permanent structures, bathrooms, signs, although most trails are unmaintained and there is minimal water.

The first day was especially hard because the Hermit turned out to be, as one of us described it later, ‘not user-friendly’. There was loose rock and stone on a steeply downward sloping trail, a sheer drop on one side and protruding rock on the other. In the moment, though, there is too much going to stop and be fearful.

We covered about 8 miles that first day. Camped at the Hermit Campsite. There was a compost toilet available but in a very unpleasant condition. Whereas in Yosemite we bear-proofed our tents, over here in the Canyon we rodent-proofed by putting everything that smelled in a bag and hanging it from a tree.

The second day we hiked to Granite Rapids and reached camp early in the afternoon. It was an easier hike that the first day. The Colorado River at that campsite was very cold. The views were beautiful.

Our third day on the trail, we hiked the Tonto Trail from Granite Rapids to Horn Creek for 10.1 miles. We made excellent progress throughout the day and nobody really fell behind. At the campsite, I found a great place for my tent. Again, a compost toilet was present but at some distance from the campsite.

The next day (our last on the trail) we started super early at 4:30 am. We would climb back up via the Bright Angel trail to the South Rim. This is the touristier trail and we came across a lot more people here. En route we made a stop at Indian Garden for breakfast. The toilet facilities here were really good.

The climb back up was challenging – a real test of stamina and muscle power. The last 200 yards or so were especially steep. One thing that bothered me a LOT was that people climbing down wouldn’t give way to people climbing up. That’s hiking 101: if you are climbing down and people are coming up on the trail, step aside and say hi.

Bright Angel Loop on Final Day Ascent:

Rafters floating down the Colorado:

Toilet with the best views of nature:

The Monument:

Hermit Camp:

The Battleship:

Canyon Blue Jay:

Grand Canyon I

2010-10-17T16:05:00.008-05:00

Day 3 – I am feeling the camera holster around my neck. It probably weighs a little more than 10lbs and I am feeling it. The strap rubs against my neck and the metal hooks make a squeaking sound as I tread across an ever changing landscape of stone, sand, and dust. The 40lbs backpack I am carrying is making matters worse.

We spent the night at Granite Rapids at the shore of the Colorado River. Found ourselves a perfect campsite (unmarked) on a sandy little beach a few feet from the water. The water is the coldest I have ever stepped in. I went all the way to my waist until my legs started to hurt and I couldn't take it anymore.

To replenish our drinking water supply, we hiked down a few hundred meters to a spring. We carried with us two water filters. We have one camelback each and several empty bottles. Water is welcome here. Water feels so good running down the back or the throat. Water is life in the Canyon.

We arrived at Granite Rapids early afternoon a little ahead of schedule. It was by far the shortest hike of the trip (5 miles) and we needed that because it gave us a chance to recuperate from the brutal hike down Hermit Trail a day earlier.

After setting up tent, I changed into more comfortable shoes and read a book. As the sun slid behind the mountains and the shadows lengthened, we had dinner comprising bean and cheese burritos. At the end of each grinding day, everything that we eat tastes like manna.

After dinner we played cards. We are not allowed to build a fire. We use our headlamps to see in the dark. The stars are out and so is the moon. The best thing about being out here is that when you lie down in your tent and look up, the last thing you see before falling asleep is an endless sky sprinkled with infinite stars. You look hard enough and you see shooting stars. I suspect that you only imagine them.

How did I get here? How did I survive the threshold trail that is the Hermit? Death was only a false step away. I had run out of water well before we reached camp. Let me gather my thoughts.

Moon at Granite Rapids:

Granite Rapids Campsite:

Granite Rapids:

Colorado River:

Colorado River:

Prologue

2010-10-09T16:14:00.002-05:00

Spent a good part of today preparing for my Grand Canyon adventure starting Tuesday evening. I looked up the temperatures. Its colder on the rims and as you descend it gets warmer. We will be descending to the bottom in the first part of the journey. Temperatures are in the high 40s to low 50s at night and 70s during the day.

I have to pack everything up in a small duffle –change of shirts, underwear, flip flops, some toiletries.

We will be hiking the Hermit trail, which as I understand is not maintained by NPS i.e. it is not a well defined trail. We can avoid crowds though, which would be great. I fly out Tuesday night to Phoenix. The adventure begins with a bus journey starting at 4:30am on Wednesday morning to the South Rim. We remain in the wilderness for 4 days. I don’t think we will have any cell phone reception down there.

I am very excited. I am in good physical condition. I started getting ready a few weeks ago and right now in very good shape. I will write a detailed account of my trip when I get back along with, of course, pictures.

My ma said

2010-10-02T18:02:00.002-05:00

I passed my course that I started in January and finished in August...with Distinction. I told my ma and she sighed and said, God I wish you were half as efficient in finding yourself a bride as you are in your career pursuits. Women are way more complicated than actuarial tables ma!

I can't lie

2010-09-29T20:36:00.002-05:00

Just a weird time this is
Pondering all my life’s misses?
Drinking bourbon on the rocks
All them ships left the docks
Took a break from P90X
Damn I could use some sex
Red Sox playing at White Sox
Wonder ex changed all her locks?
Try to keep a beat on twitter
God I hope I aint no bitter
Dead tonite is Greg Girlado
Ryder Cup and no Nick Faldo?
This my friends is me kinda drunk
Still digging the junk in yo’ trunk

I wake up super early

2010-09-26T10:03:00.001-05:00

At some age, at some stage, do you get so set in your ways that you can’t cohabitate, coexist, be in a functional relationship? Most of the singles in their 30s have learned to live a full life with our without a partner. We are able to go out, have fun, be successful in our careers, be good citizens. But have we also, inadvertently, learned to live alone, and more importantly, only alone?

All relationships take work and compromise. And most of us make sacrifices. But what I have found is that it’s not the big things that become an issue. It’s the smallest of things that cause problems.

Toothpaste cap, toilet seat, hand soap, hygiene, eating habits, sleeping times, and temperature settings can determine the path of a relationship just as much, if not more, as politics, religion, and sex.

Question is, do these become more and more significant with age? Are we better able to adjust to someone new when we are young?

I think, yes.

One-minute songs

2010-09-23T21:46:00.004-05:00

You know what the world needs? One-minute songs. I am into music, I swear I am...but I am sick of 3-or-more minute songs that take forever to get going. Why cant they make a haiku song, or a twitter song, or a mini-skirt song, or a thong song? Heck it even rhymes!

I just get bored after one minute of song play and click/press/push Next.

The Beatles, though, had it down pat. Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

Chicken

2010-09-19T17:24:00.001-05:00

Those following me on twitter know that next month I am backpacking Grand Canyon backcountry for 4 days. This will be a strenuous hike similar to the one I did at Yosemite but among different elements and landscape. I am very excited.

Today I ran the SEA Blue Prostate Cancer 5K. In the last one mile, I caught up with and then ran past a little girl in an orange jersey who was no more than 12. a few yards later she caught up with me and started running by my side. Again I moved ahead and yet again she came back to run alongside me. She was being real competitive. In the last 100 yards she just sprinted for the finish line and I ran out of steam to give her a chase. Overall I finished in decent time but wouldn’t know the exact pace until posted on the website.

Sometimes I think I don’t believe in anything and I don’t know if that is good or bad. For example, I don’t have very strong religious or political views. Nor do I get overly emotional about sports, or literature. I see many world events as a neutral spectator and wonder how and why people get so serious about things. Maybe they are living fuller lives because they have beliefs. Or maybe I am seeing the bigger picture by not getting attached.

Tonight I will make chicken.

Home from home

2010-09-12T20:11:00.001-05:00

Trip back home brought back memories. And pushed forth conflicts of character and personalities, which have become more and more evident and, more importantly, inevitable, as the four of us siblings have grown older over time. What was once unsaid, and yet remains unsaid, now drips off every word of every conversation of every evening of every day. We once could not have fathomed anyone between us, amongst us, but now brothers and sisters in law are part and parcel of this family. Political correctness is Oreos and milk.

The great city that once was ATL, has now become a lot less desirable for abode. It might be the culture and art of Chicago or it might be a huge influx of population in the southeast US, but somehow, somewhere, ATL lost its charm as a sexy, up-and-coming, already-arrived, hip metropolis.

Best buddy provided redemption by taking me out for a decent brunch followed by excellent coffee and looking at, staring at, watching southern girls. It was nice. It was hot and humid and suffocating and nice. In a way that only an Atlanta afternoon can be. Decatur, Virginia Highlands, North side.

In the end it was humid and barren, and I did go for a run as my dad walked behind me and watched me disappear on a hot pavement that gave up a light steam in protest and anticipation of a promised but hardly guaranteed autumn. Words remained unspoken, actions remained untaken, and that was the end of summer for me. Home far from home.

Making Twits...

2010-09-01T20:19:00.003-05:00

...out of nothing at all...

Hahahaha

Now I'm cooking

2010-08-29T20:16:00.000-05:00

I went for a cooking class today at the Chopping Block. It was called Meat 101. There were 5 other students. The facilities were top notch. We made:

- Flank steak with red relish
- Brined and stuffed pork chops with roasted peaches
- Roasted leg of lamb with mint chutney

Everything turned out delicious. The class was two and one half hour long. There was a chef, his assistant and a supervisor. It was a hands-on class i.e. we prepared the whole menu with our own hands.

I had a great experience and am going back for more. It was $75.

2010-08-26T21:15:00.001-05:00

The days are already getting shorter and I don’t like it one bit. I feel sad. It feels like I was on a roller coaster ride and it kept moving so fast, and now everything comes to a stand still. Didn’t think I’d be back here.

Saying goodbye

2010-08-24T15:58:00.007-05:00

We flew into San Francisco around 9pm one night and checked into the W. originally we were supposed to get the ‘Wonderful’ room but upon negotiation the front desk agreed to upgrade us to the ‘Spectacular’. The view did justice to the name.

We met up with a friend of hers at a wine bar/restaurant around 10. it was my first time meeting her so the usual questions regarding work, education, travels, pursuits etc ensued.

The food was good here. The friend had to be at work the next day so we parted company a little after midnight.

The next day we drove around to find a good breakfast joint, and based on recommendation and reviews ended up at Brenda’s French Soul Food. Verdict: I have had better in Chi-town.

At our own luxurious pace, we then decided to start our journey towards the city of Carmel-By-The-Sea, about 120 miles south. The drive was beautiful as it had been on the two previous occasions I had found myself in the area.

We stopped at various places to take pictures. It was a beautiful day. We made a side trip to Half Moon Bay. It was covered in heavy fog.

We reached Carmel around 4pm. We stayed at the Carriage House Inn. It was a lovely room with an attached living room, and two fireplaces. After freshening up, we decided to go out for dinner.

I had already made reservations for us. She wanted to try out some wines at a wine bar, which we did with olives and cheeses. This was probably the most delicious meal we had during the entire trip. The olives were buttery and the cheeses varied in taste and texture.

The dinner was a bit overshadowed by our earlier stop at the wine bar.

The next day we slept in but later on went to a coffee shop. Carmel is just a beautiful little town with several art galleries and shops. We found it to be rather affluent and pricey. We took our coffees and a huge 5 lbs chocolate éclair and walked to the beach. It was a beautiful scene and there were several other people as well as many dogs on the beach. We walked the length of it.

We then went to eat some oysters and bar food. The oysters were delicious. I had reserved tee time for us later in the afternoon and so after changing into more golf appropriate attire, we went to tee off.

It was foggy and a bit cold and we didn’t see many people out on the course which suited us just fine. We played 9 holes at a leisurely pace and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. By the time we were done, we were both a bit cold so we went to the restaurant on the golf course for dinner and it turned out to be very warm. We sat by the fire and enjoyed a great meal.

When we returned to our room we decided to call it a night.

The next day, we traveled further south along Highway 1 to go hiking. We hiked at a national park. The sun was out and it had gotten considerably warmer. A couple that was climbing down warned us that they had seen a huge rattler on the path. So we decided to make our way back.

We then had lunch at Nepenthe. We sat outside. This restaurant in Big Sur has the most incredible views of the ocean. The burger we had here was one of the best I have ever had. I overate by also ordering a key lime pie. When all was eaten and done, I was 10 lbs heavier and struggled to drive us back to our Inn.

I took a nap while she explored the city. In the evening we went out for dinner. But the highlight of the day was the lunch sitting in the sun, feeling the warmth of it while looking at a gorgeous sight of hills and ocean.

The next day was our last day in Carmel.

Unfortunately, I think we broke up that day. I really don’t have a good grip on why we did but perhaps it was too early to go on a romantic vacation.

I returned to San Jose for work and she took a flight home from San Francisco.

Overall, despite the sad ending, it was a memorable trip. We enjoyed a great time together and I will keep those good feelings with me.

A great view in Point Lobos:

Nice little stretch of beach:

Messing around with B&W:

I like this shot:

Nepenthe - Great burger, great view

Yep, I ate all that key lime pie:

Yoga in Carmel:

Carmel street:

Teeing up:

Brilliant colors, contrasts, nature:

Great view from a hill:

Again, beautiful colors of nature:

Au revoir:

My Doggy Friend

2010-08-10T18:51:00.002-05:00

Cutest dog EVER!!!!!!

Interlude

2010-08-05T19:48:00.001-05:00

During my absence I made friends with a dog. This is noteworthy because I have never owned one and also used to be scared of them. This dog is a basset hound and belongs to a friend. She is 15 (the dog, not the friend), and she is so much fun to be with. She doesn’t talk much anymore but loves the treats I give her.

This made me want to get a puppy of my own. I have been looking for a basset hound puppy for a few days now. I know some of you may think I should get one from the rescue but I want a puppy not a grown up dog.

I have been hanging out at the beach over weekends. Went kayaking on the lake. It was great fun. One time we got drunk on the beach too. Thankfully home is never too far.

Heading to California in a few days. Specifically planning to spend time in Carmel and nearby towns. A trip to a winery, a hike, surfing, and golf are in the plans.

It’s been a busy summer because of the new job and my course (which is still going), but also because there’s just been so much fun stuff going on – barbecues, beaches, dogs, parks, parties, restaurants….sometimes I just wish for a quiet weekend. I’m sure plenty of those are coming up in the winter.

Every summer is unique. Last year, I was all about traveling. This year has been more about the city.

If I Can’t Be #1 In Your Life, Then #2 On You

2010-07-14T20:11:00.001-05:00

Well babies, my car got vandalized but other than that the summer’s not been bad at all. They took my GPS, MP3, and home keys. Fuckers thought it would open doors. I was spending the night at a friend’s place at the time. Whatever.

Final exam on Saturday and then I am free until August when a project is due. Planning a trip to Cali in August.

This blog will likely be ignored for a while, by which I mean I will be posting now and then whimsically, sporadically, sparingly yada yada….

Fall and winter are more conducive to blogging anyhow. I am fat now. I love ice cream shakes and Chipotle burritos. It kind of gives me a straight look which makes me more appealing to women. That skinny look was not working out for me and the ladies.

Love!

Americano

2010-06-27T20:07:00.000-05:00

I discovered the beauty of an Americano much too late in life. But now that I have, I am addicted. I can probably never revert to drip coffee. Americano is made by adding hot water to an espresso. It is pricier at your local Starbucks or Caribou but worth the difference.

And relationships are like drinks too, no? Some are shots that you gulp down in one swift motion. Others, you just let brew for a while, bringing out the aroma and taste. Some you are not sure of; they taste different but you want more. Yet others are acquired taste.

That’s all I got.

Domestic God

2010-06-20T15:09:00.002-05:00

I have wanted to do experimental cooking for a long time. When mom visited, I asked for a few recipes. I tried one of them the day they left and loved it. And so now I am cooking. Right now I am making minced beef with green peas, and I made brown rice with black beans to go with it. It’s so therapeutic. I bought a food processor too. It chops my onions very nicely.

This weekend has been great. Loving the soccer action on TV. US Open is also on and Tiger has made a run at it. Excited to watch it later today. Chicago street festivals are in full swing. August 9 is my deadline for my final project for my course and after that I will be on the road.

While watching US Open at Pebble Beach, CA, on TV, I realized how much I belong in California. I love it so much that it hurts a little. I will make plans to be in Cali the first chance I get even if for a long weekend. One of my goals in life is to move back to the west coast. I can’t wait.

I have been really at peace with myself the last few days. I am going through a patch where I kind of like who I am. I am sorry that I haven’t kept up with many of my dearest bloggy buddies. But trust me when I say that I think of you often, and when I am blogging full speed again, I would love to see you still blogging.

Cheers!

2010-06-14T19:46:00.002-05:00

Well I wasnt really going away from bloggy-world as some of you seem to have suggested.

Anyway, I will be done with my course in the next 2 months. Some possibilities this year are:

Italy
Argentina
Mexico
Montana

So more of an international focus as compared to 2009 when I traveled within US. The city has come to life with its summer festivals. You have to understand that we Chicagoans must live our lives in the next 4/5 months before another round of deathly cold. I am sure my Canadian friends can relate.

Love!

2010-06-11T17:20:00.005-05:00

Sorry folks, studies, exams, and someone new have kept me away from my blog. I know its such a cliche that you ignore your blog when you are busy, but life and exams kind of catch up with you.

I am dying to get out there and continue with my traveling. Alas, I wont be done with my course until July.

Oh and downtown today was crazy with the Hawks parade. I went to see and it was awesome.

Wake up the kid, the 'rents are here!

2010-06-04T09:40:00.001-05:00

‘rents were in town. Hilarity ensued. My folks love Chicago because they have never been here in the winter. Dad just loves walking by the lake.

We went to a restaurant. My parents are old fashioned and a bit clueless. For example, the restaurant was rather small and the host and waiters were close to the tables. My parents didn’t like the food and made no attempt to hide their disapproval. I am sure everyone could hear their critique of the food.

Next, my mum and dad had an argument in the elevator because my dad said hello to a woman, who was also in the elevator. I was cringing the whole time. They were arguing in front of her. Mum wasn’t happy that dad said hello, and dad couldn’t believe that mum though that a simple hello could have led to a substantial relationship. This after almost 40 years of marriage.

My dad has no sense of anyone’s privacy and went on to download a bunch of stuff on my laptop, including software and favorites. I protested but he dismissed. That man doesn’t know when to quit.

All in all, it was a good time. As before, they love everything about my place. They love my style. Mother thinks I have become too thin because she couldn’t see my ass. She brought me a Banana Republic gift certificate. I cooked fish for them which they loved. I slept in the living room and gave them my bedroom.

So that was the ‘rents’ visit recap.

These days

2010-05-27T19:09:00.002-05:00

I am fine. Just doing things like exploring the city and meeting new people, trying a few new restaurants, a new running route, white pants. But everything for the most part is ok. Heard from some old friends. ‘rents* are coming to visit the long weekend. I am a bit nervous about that. My folks can be quite intrusive at times and I am in no mood for that right now. I can smell and taste the summer. Almost. Its going to be great.

Do you know sometimes when you feel really really good, and are in a sweet moment and you ration it, pace your happiness, for that moment, that feeling to last for a long time. Well that happened to me. More on that later.

*'rents as in parents - stolen from Christielli

Women's restroom

2010-05-12T21:13:00.002-05:00

When I was 20 or 21, I made out with a girl in a women’s restroom. That too at work. Its amazing how I was subsequently able to build and thrive in my career. If I had been caught, surely it would have derailed the process. I don’t remember much from that restroom (although I remember the girl). It was bleak, ordinary, and bland albeit very clean. The gal had keys on her and you had to have keys to enter.

Today at work, some guy visiting our office opened the door to the women’s room as I walked by. I shouted, ‘wrong room’, like a golfer would shout ‘fore’. The guy, stunned, hurried out and looked shaken. Surely, I saved him from a lawsuit.

Then I told my coworkers about the incident and one of them said, you can’t even enter the women’s room without a key. I asked how he knew that and he just tried to change the subject. Apparently, the women’s room has two doors. The first door leads to a sitting area, and the second door leads to the women’s room.

At my previous job too, it was rumored amongst the guys that the women’s room had a leather couch where upon they sat and chatted away. They even provided women with female hygiene products (god only knows what that means, and please if you are a woman reading this, DO NOT elaborate).

Men’s room I assure you is NOT a place where you want to sit down and chat. It’s smelly and noisy. We go in, we come out. That’s the extent of it. Although guys love to chat at the urinal for all of 3 minutes. Since we are trying to concentrate on peeing, the voices tend to get just a bit heavier than normal and its actually kind of funny. I think it would be like trying to talk normally when ejaculating.

So why the double standards? Why do all work places give women preferential treatment when it comes to the restroom? Women complain that they still don’t get paid as much as guys, but could it be that a part of their salary is spent renovating their restroom. I ask you, dear reader, am I onto something here?

True Blood

2010-05-09T17:20:00.003-05:00

I was able to catch a little bit of an episode this weekend and then purchased episode 1 of Season 1 from iTunes. Despite my aversion to the recent vampire craze that’s caught everyone (especially teenage girls) in a frenzy, I was thrilled by this drama. It is dark and twisted, abnormal and shocking. I find it intriguing and it now sits atop my Netflix list.

How the city works

2010-05-06T19:45:00.001-05:00

Today was Junior Achievement volunteer training. JA Worldwide is a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers — all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. JA’s hands-on, experiential programs teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to young people all over the world.

I have volunteered with them before in Washington.

Anyway, during the training I realized a few things:

First of all, it must take incredible smarts to be a teacher. As I have pointed out elsewhere, you can be smart in a number of ways. Smarts do not mean being able to do math in your head. I don’t think I have the smarts to be a teacher.

The trainer briefed us on some teaching techniques and I thought it must take a very smart person to master these techniques. It’s a whole different set of people skills where these young kids are listening to you intently and you have to keep them engaged or you would lose them and they you.

The trainer emphasized on teaching a concept in pieces. It’s ok to learn with them. We are the facilitators of knowledge and it’s alright if we learn as we teach. We should not create an adversarial atmosphere. We should not have winners and losers in a classroom setting but rather emphasize on encouraging everyone to do their best. Kids would sometimes test you to see what you are made of. Defer all requests to their teacher.

I found it to be a bit overwhelming. I will be volunteering this month for a day teaching 3rd graders about how the city works.