Today I'm thankful for ...
... not really knowing what I wanted to do today. I got to spend time with a few other relatives today and even headed out to the mall with one of them. I didn't care what I did so long as I got to the airport on time. It was fantastic getting a chance to be with the smaller group of people. The reunion yesterday was very fun but 30 people is a bit overwhelming. Today we had a lunch between 5 of us, and then I got to hang out with an aunt. It was, I guess, quality time.
31 March 2008
30 March 2008
We're all one big happy family
Today I'm thankful for ...
... my cousin who arranged a very large family reunion. It wasn't an extravagant reunion---we had it over dim sum. But it was very very important to me. I had not seen everyone for over 10 years. Since they live up in Canada and I'm in California, it's not like I can hop over to someone's house for dinner or meet them up to play with their kids. (And so many people have kids now!!!) I've been living someone vicariously through the photos my Mom and Dad bring back from their visits up there. I wish I could have been a part of many of the life events that have transpired in the past 10 years, but I guess better late than never. And this reunion was possible by the efforts of one very special person.
... my cousin who arranged a very large family reunion. It wasn't an extravagant reunion---we had it over dim sum. But it was very very important to me. I had not seen everyone for over 10 years. Since they live up in Canada and I'm in California, it's not like I can hop over to someone's house for dinner or meet them up to play with their kids. (And so many people have kids now!!!) I've been living someone vicariously through the photos my Mom and Dad bring back from their visits up there. I wish I could have been a part of many of the life events that have transpired in the past 10 years, but I guess better late than never. And this reunion was possible by the efforts of one very special person.
29 March 2008
You may now kiss the bride
Today I'm thankful for ...
... being able to attend a friend's wedding. He and I worked together at our last company and due to unfortunate circumstances we all were disbanded. But he and I stayed in touch and today he got married! He looked totally nervous but he and his now-wife made it through. I got a chance to meet her and she sounds like a great person. Hopefully I'll see them again in a few weeks when they're back in the area.
... being able to attend a friend's wedding. He and I worked together at our last company and due to unfortunate circumstances we all were disbanded. But he and I stayed in touch and today he got married! He looked totally nervous but he and his now-wife made it through. I got a chance to meet her and she sounds like a great person. Hopefully I'll see them again in a few weeks when they're back in the area.
28 March 2008
Wait, we're there?!
Today I'm thankful for ...
... short plane flights. I flew into Canada today and the whole 800-mile trip took a mere 1 hour 40 minutes. This compared to 16+ hours of driving. While I'd love to drive up to Canada one of these days, I'm not crazy about sitting in a car that long. I'd probably take a long, scenic route if I went by car.
... short plane flights. I flew into Canada today and the whole 800-mile trip took a mere 1 hour 40 minutes. This compared to 16+ hours of driving. While I'd love to drive up to Canada one of these days, I'm not crazy about sitting in a car that long. I'd probably take a long, scenic route if I went by car.
27 March 2008
Ah, grasshoppa
Today I'm thankful for ...
... getting the chance to do a knowledge transfer over to a couple of colleagues. Unfortunately we've all be running so fast on our individual projects that we haven't had a chance to catch each other up on all the new developments. I was able to steal two of my colleagues this afternoon and walk them through all of the new pages and how they interact with the main parts of the web application we're building. Wow, our system is complex. And tomorrow I'm on a plane ... so it's their last chance to learn from The Master!
... getting the chance to do a knowledge transfer over to a couple of colleagues. Unfortunately we've all be running so fast on our individual projects that we haven't had a chance to catch each other up on all the new developments. I was able to steal two of my colleagues this afternoon and walk them through all of the new pages and how they interact with the main parts of the web application we're building. Wow, our system is complex. And tomorrow I'm on a plane ... so it's their last chance to learn from The Master!
26 March 2008
QWERTYUIOP
Today I'm thankful for ...
... having learned to touchtype. Honestly, I don't know how people get by without doing it. One of my colleagues still does the hunt-and-peck. He was amazed of his productivity increase going from pecking with one finger to TWO fingers. Still, I'm betting that he'd get an amazing improvement if he only use the other 6 fingers and 2 thumbs! I learned how to touchtype in highschool and I've been pretty fast ever since.
... having learned to touchtype. Honestly, I don't know how people get by without doing it. One of my colleagues still does the hunt-and-peck. He was amazed of his productivity increase going from pecking with one finger to TWO fingers. Still, I'm betting that he'd get an amazing improvement if he only use the other 6 fingers and 2 thumbs! I learned how to touchtype in highschool and I've been pretty fast ever since.
25 March 2008
One more time
Today I'm thankful for ...
... getting a chance to see The Boyfriend. Unfortunately because of how this week is going to go, neither of us will be able to see each other until I get back from vacation.
... getting a chance to see The Boyfriend. Unfortunately because of how this week is going to go, neither of us will be able to see each other until I get back from vacation.
24 March 2008
I have a bad feeling about this
Today I'm thankful for ...
... not completely losing my temper with my boss. He was supposed to have the designs done today for the new set of login pages but he's still dillydallying on them. We're pretty much out of time right now and I'm fearful of what it'll take to implement them. But still, I'm trying to maintain enough of a professional edge that we can focus on the work and not on the emotions. However, I did make it quite plainly known that I'm feeling anxious and worried.
... not completely losing my temper with my boss. He was supposed to have the designs done today for the new set of login pages but he's still dillydallying on them. We're pretty much out of time right now and I'm fearful of what it'll take to implement them. But still, I'm trying to maintain enough of a professional edge that we can focus on the work and not on the emotions. However, I did make it quite plainly known that I'm feeling anxious and worried.
23 March 2008
I'll be right over...
Today I'm thankful for ...
... my parents living within driving distance. I've probably written about this before but it's really nice to have them just a short drive away. Mom did up a simple but tasty Easter dinner. And of course there was a bit too much food, but it hit the spot. Thanks Mom!
... my parents living within driving distance. I've probably written about this before but it's really nice to have them just a short drive away. Mom did up a simple but tasty Easter dinner. And of course there was a bit too much food, but it hit the spot. Thanks Mom!
22 March 2008
Dahling, you look fabulous!
Today I'm thankful for ...
... people at makeup counters who know how to make people look their best. The Friend needed makeup badly so we visited a department store makeup counter. The guy (yes) that helped us was quite skilled and made a couple of really good suggestions for her.
... people at makeup counters who know how to make people look their best. The Friend needed makeup badly so we visited a department store makeup counter. The guy (yes) that helped us was quite skilled and made a couple of really good suggestions for her.
21 March 2008
Grab on to my hand
Today I'm thankful for ...
... the opportunity to help someone. A friend just needed a getaway from her usual situation and so she's up here for a change of context. Sometimes I guess we all get stuck in life and it takes a perspective adjustment to see things properly. Even if it's not for very long, or very much, hopefully this will help. She was also kind enough to change her flight to a week later due to my crazy-ass working schedule.
... the opportunity to help someone. A friend just needed a getaway from her usual situation and so she's up here for a change of context. Sometimes I guess we all get stuck in life and it takes a perspective adjustment to see things properly. Even if it's not for very long, or very much, hopefully this will help. She was also kind enough to change her flight to a week later due to my crazy-ass working schedule.
20 March 2008
Good teacher
Today I'm thankful for ...
... having patient people teach me how to play pool properly. I did have one really cool amazing run of like 4 balls which left him pretty astonished. Not as astonished as me.
... having patient people teach me how to play pool properly. I did have one really cool amazing run of like 4 balls which left him pretty astonished. Not as astonished as me.
19 March 2008
Tuck flap A into slot B
Today I'm thankful for ...
... a friend who has put together Ikea furniture before. I've done the tables and bookshelves without problem, but this was the first time I've attempted a couch. And, whoa, it's big and heavy! It came in two big pieces with tons of cardboard and plastic wrap. I got a third box with the cover in it.
There were some tense moments when a nut wasn't going down its bolt---I think there was a manufacturing defect in the threads. But together we powered through it and we got it to eventually lock into place. And then there was the cover-stretching fiasco. It's a good thing there's Velcro everywhere to hold things in place, but still. I'm thinking now that I ought to tip it back and borrow someone's staple gun to really nail that cover into place, literally. I suppose not affixing it would be good so I could wash the cover, but that would also imply disassembling the arms of the chair. And the feet. Ugh. Maybe it's not worth worrying about.
... a friend who has put together Ikea furniture before. I've done the tables and bookshelves without problem, but this was the first time I've attempted a couch. And, whoa, it's big and heavy! It came in two big pieces with tons of cardboard and plastic wrap. I got a third box with the cover in it.
There were some tense moments when a nut wasn't going down its bolt---I think there was a manufacturing defect in the threads. But together we powered through it and we got it to eventually lock into place. And then there was the cover-stretching fiasco. It's a good thing there's Velcro everywhere to hold things in place, but still. I'm thinking now that I ought to tip it back and borrow someone's staple gun to really nail that cover into place, literally. I suppose not affixing it would be good so I could wash the cover, but that would also imply disassembling the arms of the chair. And the feet. Ugh. Maybe it's not worth worrying about.
18 March 2008
Almost there...
Today I'm thankful for ...
... being almost done clearing out the living room! It's about time. And there's furniture coming in tomorrow!
... being almost done clearing out the living room! It's about time. And there's furniture coming in tomorrow!
17 March 2008
Gesundheit!
Today I'm thankful for ...
... not getting sick. I'm starting to feel icky. :( But I'm still functional.
... not getting sick. I'm starting to feel icky. :( But I'm still functional.
16 March 2008
The little hours
Today I'm thankful for ...
... those few extra moments of spare time that can be spent well with other people.
... those few extra moments of spare time that can be spent well with other people.
15 March 2008
Understanding
Today I'm thankful for ...
... my hairdresser. I've been going to her for the past few years and we've settled on some hairstyles I like and can live with for my low-maintenance lifestyle needs. I don't have time to do hair and while I like to look good I'm not going to spend more than 15 minutes on hair. I actually have a few shortcuts that let me get things done quickly, but in general as close to wash-and-go is best.
... my hairdresser. I've been going to her for the past few years and we've settled on some hairstyles I like and can live with for my low-maintenance lifestyle needs. I don't have time to do hair and while I like to look good I'm not going to spend more than 15 minutes on hair. I actually have a few shortcuts that let me get things done quickly, but in general as close to wash-and-go is best.
14 March 2008
13 March 2008
12 March 2008
Time out!
Today I'm thankful for ...
... being able to work from home. That fact let me concentrate on a hard problem and I got through it! Yay!
... being able to work from home. That fact let me concentrate on a hard problem and I got through it! Yay!
11 March 2008
ECHO echo echo... e...
Today I'm thankful for ...
... cellular telephones. They let me keep in touch with people who are far far away that I wish were a little bit closer closer...
... cellular telephones. They let me keep in touch with people who are far far away that I wish were a little bit closer closer...
10 March 2008
Oh the variety
Today I'm thankful for ...
... living in a city where within a block there's some of the best food on this planet. And a great variety of it too. When I moved to this apartment I made sure that it was near transportation and food and that my parking situation would be really close too.
... living in a city where within a block there's some of the best food on this planet. And a great variety of it too. When I moved to this apartment I made sure that it was near transportation and food and that my parking situation would be really close too.
09 March 2008
It won't ... it DID!
Today I'm thankful for ...
... having a hatchback and an Internet connection. So, yay, I got to take home a new TV. Unfortunately, TVs are getting a bit larger these days even though they are technically getting smaller. It's all that packaging...
I went online a few days ago and found a TV on sale and thought ... oh cool! The next thought was: delivery or pick-up? Well, I read Sony's website and copied out the dimensions of the packaging. I went back to my car and ... holy ... the box would fit exactly. I mean exactly. With millimeters (if at all) to spare. In fact, when I went to the store to get the TV the guys looked at me as if I was insane.
"If the Internet measurements are correct then there won't be a problem."
"There's no way this is fitting in there."
"Just try it. I can always get it delivered."
They tipped it into the back and ... "oh my ..." ... it slid in perfectly with a couple of millimeters to spare on both sides. Then the tailgate wouldn't close, but I was sure it was capable of closing. I went through my checklist: seats forward all the way, no obstructions, won't close... OH. And then I noticed the seats were reclined. (My car has locking seatbacks to "remember" the recline position.) So I straightened the seatbacks and ... voila. The box actually had a couple of inches to spare! So after shutting the lid I even got to recline my seat a bit.
... having a hatchback and an Internet connection. So, yay, I got to take home a new TV. Unfortunately, TVs are getting a bit larger these days even though they are technically getting smaller. It's all that packaging...
I went online a few days ago and found a TV on sale and thought ... oh cool! The next thought was: delivery or pick-up? Well, I read Sony's website and copied out the dimensions of the packaging. I went back to my car and ... holy ... the box would fit exactly. I mean exactly. With millimeters (if at all) to spare. In fact, when I went to the store to get the TV the guys looked at me as if I was insane.
"If the Internet measurements are correct then there won't be a problem."
"There's no way this is fitting in there."
"Just try it. I can always get it delivered."
They tipped it into the back and ... "oh my ..." ... it slid in perfectly with a couple of millimeters to spare on both sides. Then the tailgate wouldn't close, but I was sure it was capable of closing. I went through my checklist: seats forward all the way, no obstructions, won't close... OH. And then I noticed the seats were reclined. (My car has locking seatbacks to "remember" the recline position.) So I straightened the seatbacks and ... voila. The box actually had a couple of inches to spare! So after shutting the lid I even got to recline my seat a bit.
08 March 2008
It's not quite a winter wonderland
Today I'm thankful for ...
... getting one last chance at the snow. A couple of friends and I headed out to Tahoe on the good ol' Ski Bus and when we got there the situation was looking pretty bleak. It was all hard-packed ice. :( But by midday things were starting to melt a little and so that actually made some of the runs bearable. I stuck to blue and green ones and got really good speed on a number of them. My balance is definitely much more keen.
... getting one last chance at the snow. A couple of friends and I headed out to Tahoe on the good ol' Ski Bus and when we got there the situation was looking pretty bleak. It was all hard-packed ice. :( But by midday things were starting to melt a little and so that actually made some of the runs bearable. I stuck to blue and green ones and got really good speed on a number of them. My balance is definitely much more keen.
07 March 2008
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ... cookies?!
Today I'm thankful for ...
... Girl Scout cookies. OK, maybe I shouldn't be thankful for them because each Lemonade has 75 calories!!! But once a year I love it when I get a little chance to eat sweet stuff. This year's order: Lemonades, Cinnaswirls, and Thin Mints.
Oh, and thanks to the kind friend who ordered them for me and who did NOT eat them herself. :)
... Girl Scout cookies. OK, maybe I shouldn't be thankful for them because each Lemonade has 75 calories!!! But once a year I love it when I get a little chance to eat sweet stuff. This year's order: Lemonades, Cinnaswirls, and Thin Mints.
Oh, and thanks to the kind friend who ordered them for me and who did NOT eat them herself. :)
06 March 2008
A little company from Cupertino
Today I'm thankful for ...
... Apple's Airport Express. Seriously. This is like the most awesome $100 I've ever spent. If you haven't ever seen it, it's part wireless router, part network audio sound card, part network printer hub, part wireless hub. I have been having problems with my old Linksys router---probably a configuration setup---and I was about ready to give up when I remembered I had the Airport Express. So I plugged the DSL modem into it and changed its mode to be a wireless router (all configurable by software) and it worked instantly! Yes, I have wireless back! I just have to move it to the main room where I can route the audio to the speakers...or maybe not. Maybe I'll route it to my stereo in my room?
... Apple's Airport Express. Seriously. This is like the most awesome $100 I've ever spent. If you haven't ever seen it, it's part wireless router, part network audio sound card, part network printer hub, part wireless hub. I have been having problems with my old Linksys router---probably a configuration setup---and I was about ready to give up when I remembered I had the Airport Express. So I plugged the DSL modem into it and changed its mode to be a wireless router (all configurable by software) and it worked instantly! Yes, I have wireless back! I just have to move it to the main room where I can route the audio to the speakers...or maybe not. Maybe I'll route it to my stereo in my room?
05 March 2008
Let's start with your feelings
Today I'm thankful for ...
... B for being able to talk openly about lots of things. I think that's why we get along. Things don't always work as planned and sometimes you need a good long chat on the phone to sort things out.
... B for being able to talk openly about lots of things. I think that's why we get along. Things don't always work as planned and sometimes you need a good long chat on the phone to sort things out.
04 March 2008
Ver 2.0
Today I'm thankful for ...
... for T.M.'s help in making Ver 2.0 possible. Let's just say that 2.0 is fully functional and performs to spec.
... for T.M.'s help in making Ver 2.0 possible. Let's just say that 2.0 is fully functional and performs to spec.
03 March 2008
Collaboration
Today I'm thankful for ...
... some colleagues at work who are taking the time to help pair-program some things at work. There are some sections of code which are turning out to be much more difficult than predicted, so a couple of us are pair-programming a section.
... some colleagues at work who are taking the time to help pair-program some things at work. There are some sections of code which are turning out to be much more difficult than predicted, so a couple of us are pair-programming a section.
02 March 2008
Bumper cars ... not
Today I'm thankful for ...
... not hitting cars on the way back home. After working all day at the office I finally called it quits late and made it home in one piece.
... not hitting cars on the way back home. After working all day at the office I finally called it quits late and made it home in one piece.
01 March 2008
I can has Internets konnekshun?
Today I'm thankful for ...
... having a working DSL line! OMG. It's the little things. After several days of not having working DSL at home (and when it worked it was only 10% of my provisioned rate) I finally got through to tech support this morning. Voila! I now have 2.5 mbps down and 420 kbps up! AND, I hooked up my wireless DSL router this morning and things are great! Well, except for one strange thing: for some reason Firefox doesn't work with Google but works with everything else. Go figure. (Safari works fine.)
... having a working DSL line! OMG. It's the little things. After several days of not having working DSL at home (and when it worked it was only 10% of my provisioned rate) I finally got through to tech support this morning. Voila! I now have 2.5 mbps down and 420 kbps up! AND, I hooked up my wireless DSL router this morning and things are great! Well, except for one strange thing: for some reason Firefox doesn't work with Google but works with everything else. Go figure. (Safari works fine.)
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