Friday afternoon eclipse

Why is it that most work-related problems appear on Fridays? Why is it that I am busiest during Fridays? Grrr! Today was no exception. I had to put my "game face" on and its not helping that the OM (the same one) is stressing out. Hmm hello I already answered pretty much all the questions of the inspector. All she (OM) needs to do is prep the supporting documents needed. Shouldn't I be the one stressing out?

But anyway, my whole stressful Friday was overshadowed by this news...

Daniel Henney is Agent Zero in "Wolverine".

Okay, I am not going to pretend I know who "Agent Zero" is. I know "Wolverine" though from the X-Men cartoons and movies. But I know nothing about "Agent Zero". All I know is I like Daniel Henney enough to get to know "Agent Zero" I have followed his career ever since he started on the Korean Drama "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon". He has improved and has gotten good breaks. Him, getting casted for a major Hollywood film is really something. Yay for Daniel Henney!

Debut pictures are up!

The pictures from my niece's 18th birthday party over the weekend can now be seen here.

Ang Waiter

I am so excited to read that one of my favorite bloggers, WaiterRant is coming out with a book. In fact, it is already about to be released - August 2008. I am really excited to get a copy of this book. I am sure like his posts, this book will be full of his sarcasm, cynicism and wit. I have mentioned it before that since reading his blog, I have been more sensitive to the servers at restaurants. I hope more people find humor and lessons from his stories through this book. It would be a nice and subtle gift to those I know who are not so nice to waiters.

Sumalyay (Sommelier)

I am not going to pretend that I know wines or that I am so fond of it when up until four years ago I have never had a glass of it. When benefits of red wine to reducing cholesterol came to light, my relatives even my grandma, started drinking red wine. I wasn't one of those who got all giddy and excited and I would usually just drink it when a glass is shoved at me. I drink a few sips and pass it on to my uncle or cousin. That is until I started getting the hang of it. It is an acquired taste at first. But now I do know sorta the types of wines and I do prefer white over red. I like the smoothness of the white. Some reds can be so tart. But I guess it depends on who makes it. I've tasted red that I like and the names escape me now.

I haven't really gone out to buy for one my own. I usually depend on my uncle, cousin or friends. But after reading Marvin's blog about the very first Filipino family owned and operated winery in San Luis Obispo County, I feel like getting some. Its called Eden Canyon Vineyards. Its owned and operated by a father and daughter team of Danny and Elaine Villamin. I like what Elaine said in one news article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle that "we're definitely carrying on a tradition, not by our family, but by our people." That is so impressive and makes me so proud.

Another thing that sets them apart, I guess, is that they are educating people on how to pair their wines with Filipino food. Imagine that. Who would have thought of pairing wines with simple and yet complex Filipino dishes. Another thing was the family's tenacity, well actually the dad's tenacity to rebuild his vineyard after it was gutted down by a fire in 1996. His entire family thought he was insane but he persevered and he is reaping the fruits (no pun intended) now. Their wines have won awards and have been given to the nominees and presenters at the Grammys. I love how they interject their heritage into each and everything they do like the labels.

So, I guess this means a road trip to San Luis Obispo is on the way. I have been wanting to go back and eat at this quaint Italian restaurant where my aunt, uncle and I ate on our way back from the Bay Area. That was some 5 years ago I think and I still kept the business card. Eden Canyon Vineyards is one more reason to plan that trip. When would that be?

Near the shallow end

I found an evening bag that is of the same fabric and color as my purple shoes for this weekend's debut of my niece. I got it on sale too. At first, I didn't think it would match but I was hoping that at least be close to the color of shoes. Its really hard to find a perfect match of accessories unless they come as a set so I was really pleased that they matched. Its a bit small for me but its okay. I would just have to make do with what I have.

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Sunday will be so hectic. I was hoping that all I need to do was just show up. Then, my cousin asked me to take care of the back-up videocam. Okay as if I know how to work one or ever worked with one. I am scared that it will look like the movies "The Blairwitch Project" or "Cloverfield" in terms of video quality. I think the party being in a boat is already worthy of a dose of Bonamine, I dont want them to need another one when they watch the video. Well, as long as there's a tripod, I should be good. Then, last weekend, I was informed that we will be going there early to set up the ribbons on the Tiffany chairs. Great! The ribbons cannot be made in advance because they were not able to borrow one that I can use as a guide. Making ribbons is not easy. I got volunteered again to help. I just hope it will be quick. Good thing I declined all requests to do people's make-up. What usually happens is everyone else looks good and I look like it was half-hazardly done which is usually the case. During Lola's party 2 years ago, I changed at the bathroom at the venue with its poor lighting and all. This time around I am not going to let it happen.

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I enjoy watching Bravo's "Project Runway" and "Make Me A Supermodel". I like Thursdays because I am usually by my lonesome at home and its that the day Bravo airs the marathon episodes of these shows. I have the whole night of uninterrupted viewing. I am rooting for either Jillian or Rami for PR. I think Christian is really talented but the attitude turns me off. As for MMAS, I like Perry, Holly, Shannon and Ronnie. Perry has a lot of potential and between the two girls I think Shannon has what it takes. Ronnie is so gay which I dont mind but he can pull off being hetero as well. At least he has range but I am not sure if his "matinee idol" looks would allow him to stay. I want him to though, he makes the show really interesting.

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This day is going by ridiculously slow. Come on its a Friday!! Geez!

Defying logic

Now I really am going to go on a power trip if she will insist on this filing system. This filing system in place in this crazy office (that's what I am calling them now) defies all rules of logic. My immediate boss and I were raking our minds trying to find a logical reason why charts in this crazy office is the way it is and for that entire hour ride, we couldn't think of one. We couldn't come up with one because well, there isn't one, plain and simple.

Charts in the two offices are arranged alphabetically, regardless of what insurance coverage they have. Its efficient and convenient that way when you serve a population that changes coverage rather often. The rule is..first 3 letters of the last name and then for multiple people with the same last name, go by the first name, A..B..C.... Easy to understand and implement. Anyone can handle that. BUT for reasons beyond me, the way the filing system in this crazy office is first 2 letters of the last name and then first letter of first name. so ROmero, Carlos (ROC) is before ROdriguez, Delfin (ROD). That's how the letter sticker appears on the side of the chart and that's what they go with. Where is the logic in that????? It defies all laws of alphabetizing if such a thing exists. No wonder my immediate boss was asking if what could be the reason why they cant seem to always find charts and have to make duplicates. Well, there's your reason right there. No wonder they take too long finding charts or if they are lucky enough to find it. Anak ng... Nakakagigil talaga!!

I was scared that the same was going to be started in the other 2 clinics to make everything uniform. So I checked and good thing it was still filed the way it should be. Though the letter stickers are already being implemented, I told them to follow what has been done for the past 10 years. My staff in the other offices did tell me that they were told to follow this crazy office's filing system. Hell no! I told them no way and if someone tells them otherwise to tell me. I will raise hell, that's for sure.

I am all for change. I am receptive to it for as long as its going to make things more efficient and easier. But in order for me to agree to this "filing system", they have to convince me the logic behind it AND to prove to me that its more accurate, more efficient and quicker. If not all these qualifications are met, I will fight it for as long as I can. They think they have seen me at my worst, well they are about to find out if they keep this up. I know it will create division among all three clinics and create friction between me and her but I cannot agree to something so absurd and illogical. Besides, why are the two clinics following this crazy clinic? They were the ones who came on board, they follow the existing one not because they have been here longest but because what they have works.

pucha ang tanga!!!

Reel 1; Frames 4-

So researchers finally have a study to back up what sounds like an excuse to shop - retail therapy. There's a new study that delved into the correlation between emotions and shopping. The study said that people's spending go out the window when they are down and especially when they are self-absorbed. Well, I am not depressed or sad or down and not really self-absorbed but I want this shoes from Old Navy.

Shoes na naman! Eh wala, I am really going to admit now that its my weakness. But in my defense I don't buy really expensive shoes. So there. I sure do come from the same province as ImeldaMarcos. 4 and a half heels!! I am wondering how I am going to walk in these. I think the thick heels will help. I like it and It doesn't help that Christine tried on a pair and told me that its really comfortable. Patay na!

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Is it so bad of me to squeeze in a meeting this weekend when I will be at my nephew/godson's birthday party? The venue of the meeting is close to my cousin's house where the party will be. Its a really important and urgent meeting. But another reason why I agreed to the meeting is so that it will get me out of the house. Its a children's party hence what some of the adults (hahaha) usually do is sit around the table and talk. Okay, gossip is more like it. It irritates me when some do that. Sure, hey I do gossip too sometimes. I am not going to be all hypocritical about that but its annoying if its about the same people and the same topic. Wala na bang ibang puwedeng pag-usapan? There's the presidential race...the shootings...shows on TFC..anything. Someone once said when we were talking about celebrities that why should she care about them when she doesn't know them. Well, its precisely my point, why I prefer to talk about celebrities. I don't know them, not personally, so no feelings will be hurt well not directly. Or maybe my mind is really just screwed up. In any rate, I have a meeting for Saturday night. Before that, I, along with a few other people will just have to stay away from that table.

Reel 1; Frames 1-3

Up until last night, I didn't have anything to wear yet for my niece's debut that is 10 days away (9 days now). I have shoes but no dress. When I got the shoes, I knew that I would be building my outfit from shoes up once again. I did have an idea what the look is in mind and where to get the dress. It was just the matter of getting it. So, finally last night, I went to get the dress and I got one more blouse in its wake. *sigh*. I am happy with how the look will turn out. If only hair and make-up will come that easy.

I knew I wasn't going to wear a long dress because I might be assigned to do something that a long length dress would be cumbersome. I was right. I already have an assignment which would pretty much require me to be all over the place. I just hope my shoes with its slim heels will be able to support me. If not, there's always good old flats as back up.

But, yikes, I don't have my wish ready. I am one of the 18 candles and I must prepare a wish or greeting for her. I don't have a clue what I am going to say.

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A funny, weird thing happened last night while having dinner. Its another testament as to how this world is really getting smaller by the minute. My cousin B and I met up after I did my errands to have dinner. We were on the fence whether we were going to have shabu-shabu or once again go to Gerry's Grill. The other restaurant, SweeteeThai was out of the equation since I wasn't feeling Thai food that night. We were still debating where to go and just decided when we were already within the complex. Gerry's Grill and the shabu-shabu place are just right next to each other. We picked Gerry's Grill and it turned out to be a good choice. The food was once again amazing. We got the grilled pusit (again!) and grilled tuna steak. As always, the grilled pusit/squid was good. But the tuna steak was great. It was grilled right, juicy, moist, flaky and full of flavor. No wonder this is one of their bestsellers and gets out of stock right away. Anyway, going back to why this is really a small world. First off when I told the guy in the front of my reservation, he looked familiar. He goes to the same church as I do and he went to the same elementary school s my cousins. The usual person at the concierge/front desk, a girl turned out to be our server. As we were looking at the menu, I saw my aunt's brother-in-law and said our hellos. Then as if that wasn't enough, the table right behind us included someone I haven't seen in probably two years..JP, who is, okay brace yourselves, the boyfriend of my brother's friend, Cat. I tried to get his attention, we after all were facing each other, to no avail. So I tried calling his phone which he didn't answer in my plain view. In his defense, I bet he was wondering why I would be calling plus he had company. So I sent him a text, asking "busog ka na?". I think he finally realized that either I have cameras at Gerry's Grill or I was in the same place. Finally, he looked around and saw me. That was a laugh trip plus embarrassing when he introduced me to his sister and his sister took our picture to show to Cat. We were standing in the middle of the dining area and our photos being taken. So we chatted a bit and found out that it was his birthday and they went there to celebrate. Good timing. Since they were there before us, naturally they left early. Then it was B's turn. She knew someone who is related to the executive chef so now B and Sheryl have formally been introduced. All Sheryl knew about B was that she (B) would always request for a sauce. Now, there's a name behind that request. We were the last diners to leave. It seems that we are starting to get cozy there. The staff didn't seem to mind but we cannot abuse our welcome.

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I knew I left a more than generous tip to Elaine last night. Well, she deserved it and yes I will admit I sort of have an ulterior motive. Elaine will go back to being at the front desk at some point and who knows it might score us a table quickly. But more than that, I pride myself for being a good tipper. If the service and the food merited it, why not give it. See, if the food and service sucked, naturally I wont be going back hence I couldn't care less if I left a tip or not at all. But, if I do have plans of going back, I will leave a good tip the first time so that the next time I go, I will be given the same kind of service if not a better one. Besides, I think servers take so much crap from people more than they deserve and I commend them for having the patience and the stomach to take all that in. I really felt for them after reading a waiter's blog - WaiterRant. It doesn't hurt to see the other side, be more sensitive and nice to your servers. They bring to you your food for goodness sakes. I want my food to come to me as it originally should be, with no added seasoning that are not supposed to be there. Being nice is my insurance to getting what I am supposed to get. I hope.

Plugged

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, as a Christmas present, albeit late, my sister Jehann gave me an mp3 player. Its not an IPOD. It's a Zune which is what I really wanted. Its so pretty and its in red which is my favorite color.

I don't know why but the ipod just never appealed to me hence my lack of eagerness to go and get one. But when I saw the Zune, I wanted it. I held off buying it right away since at some point it wasn't at the top of my priority. Then, as I was just planning to, Jehann said she will give it to me as a Christmas present. Since it would be an understatement to say that Christmas was chaotic, we never got around to getting it until last weekend. She sent me a text asking if a 4gb is fine and what color. I was at church so I wasn't able to respond right away. Next thing I know, her reply was she got the red one. Yay! Thank you Jehann!!

Why do I like thee? Well, for one thing I liked the big screen. It would be great watching a video while on the road. I liked how I don't have to convert a lot of my files because it supports a lot of formats - .wma, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b and .mp3 for audio; .wmv, and .m4v for video; and .jpg for photos. Syncing is easy. All I have to do is connect the device to the computer and drag and drop the files that I want. Best of all, the battery charges each time its connected to the computer. I have less cords to bring along. Its slim and thin and light. It looks like the nanos before they became wide but with bigger screen. I always had a problem with the pad of ipods. For some reasons it didn't cooperate with me so I am glad that the pad of the Zune is a lot less complicated and I tried it, its nice to me. I still have to try if the earphones will be as friendly. But at least that's easier to replace. It has an FM tuner too. It can also be wireless.

I came home late last night so I was planning of holding off putting files into the zune because I knew once I start I wont be able to stop and I had to sleep early. But did that happen? Not a chance. I sort of compromised okay I will just do the initial set-up, but did I follow that? Yeah right! I ended up putting some files into it that are already in my laptop and I ended up sleeping at 1 AM. Great! But I am so happy with it. I came to work and added more files. So far I have 130 songs which hardly caused a dent in the memory. I have only used 1/4 of its capacity but its a wait and see game. I still have a ton of cds at home to add. I try not to download songs online unless I really need to. I am going to go get something later to protect it.

4gb = approximately 1000 songs, 25000 pictures and up to 12 hours of video

I do feel though that my zune will be unpopular among my cousins because of what is in it. It doesn't have much of the mainstream music. It has a lot of Asian songs - OPM, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Chinese. So I am asking my friends who are into the same type of music to send those files my way. Those that actually have lyrics they will understand are either ballads, opera and electronica - not their type of music at all which works just fine with me. I cannot wait to test it - road trip..flight..gym.

And oh yeah while setting it up, the software asked me to name my Zune. I couldn't come up with a name so I skipped it...well for the meantime.

ETA: Another reason to like it is that the album art is shown when a song is played. If there is no image, I can always add the album art to go along with it.

Nameless

My sister has just renamed her dslr from "tsong" to "nigo". I don't know where she got that name. I envy people who give names to stuff that they have and hold dear. At first, I thought it was a bit weird naming them, as if I am giving them a personality when they are things..objects. But then, I realized naming them makes them my own..separate from every other things found at the store. But I have difficulty with it. I don't know why. I mean, some people, by just one look or as soon as they hold it, they can think of a name. Me? I grapple with it. It just doesn't come easy for me.

my laptop which is more than a year old...nameless
my dslr which is almost a year old...nameless
the digicam I had before the dslr which is almost 3 years old...still nameless
the blanket I've had since I was young, faded and torn...nameless
the mp3 player I am getting later (Thanks! Jehann ), I bet will be nameless

come to think of it..all my poems and short stories don't have titles themselves. I remember when we were told to write an essay and there was a ready title, I had difficulty with it. It felt stifling.

Imagine me, when the time comes, with a baby in my arms and someone asks me "what are you naming your child?" I will be "hmmm..." and staring at that person. Or worse if I would have to say "can I get back to you on that." Yikes!