shifting gears

The one thing I love about driving a stick is that you can adjust the performance of the car more precisely to the conditions of the road.

It's all about paying attention, having fun, shift, and having more fun.

Work is kicking up a notch. It's all about how to be even more productive as a major deadline looms. I never thought I would love work this much, but I really do. There are some bumps b/c some of the deals are complicated, but the learning is exciting.

I am going to be working a few hours this weekend and late one day next week. Don't mind at all because all the fun things this week and next will balance things out. Besides, I am still working about the same hours as the last job even with overtime.

It's like shifting, one actually step on the gas during the gear change, so it's more efficient at a higher speed.

p.s. Started to talk to dealer again about the next car. Stayed tuned...

man of the times

There is being oneself, and there is being oneself that is embraced by others.

In talking to a couple of guy friends lately, being a nice just doesn't seem to win the ladies' hearts any more.

My mother told me that one of the reasons that she picked my father over her many suitors was that most of her friends agreed that he was the nicest guy.

These days, being accomplished seems to be the most desirable trait. A person has to be fit, intelligent, talented, and well-traveled. Whatever happen to just having a good heart?

When has being adventurous a desirable trait? My father is not the most adventurous person, but he was respected due to his dedication to the community. He is very lucky that his personality suited his era.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, women tends to look for men that have what is socially desirable.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I don't usually follow the trend. Let's see if the current candidate will be around long enough for me to see if I need Mr. Nice Guy or Mr. Accomplished...

work, play and evolve

As luck would have it, I am currently working on affordable housing projects. It's exciting to do something I truly believe in.

Am filling out a planning application for the project and justifying why this project promotes the various policies of the City's general plan.

I am thoroughly inspired to make this my life's work - increasing housing stock, especially affordable housing. Only by providing everyone with a comfortable home, can we strive toward utopia.

It makes me sad to see people ask for money at freeway junctions. I don't give change then, but I hope that when I have kids or grandkids, we can have less homelessness and better housing stock.

unexpected surprises

Just when I have life all figured out, it throws me a curve ball. I am no longer phased by surprises, but some how people who don't fit neatly into boxes continue to appear in my life. Like-minds attract?

On another note. I spent a few days in San Jose, CA, and the 10th largest city in the U.S. is a force to be reckoned with. Between new high-rise condomiums, a light rail transportation system that is on-time to the minute, and more brain power than anywhere else in the world, SF should be very affraid. City persons like myself might just find another city to live in soon. The most unexpected conclusion is the diversity. Some how San Jose is allowing all types of lifestyle to co-exist more seamlessly.

Appaulse to the City to the South.