Saturday, February 10, 2007

that's life, so what are you going to do about it

Was very late for my hair appointment last night, and then I had to rush off to pick up my cousin from the airport who is staying with me.

With coloring, cutting the appointment short has consequences. I just don't look quite right.

This morning, am off to sit in on a co-worker's presentation. How to not distract??

Good thing my cousin's friend gave me a good idea last night. Am going to wear a cap today and try to squeeze back into my hairdresser's schedule today. My other cousin has an appointment with the same stylist today, so maybe I can fit in there?

If not, there is always the at-home hair-coloring kit.

The key is I don't have time to waste over petty things like negative emotions or getting frustrated. Every challenge is an opportunity to solve a problem and to learn something.

2007 is off to an amazing start. That feeling of something revolutionary is still within me. Am psyched about a lot of things right now...

Friday, February 09, 2007

courting women

One thing that I do is I cater to my friends, especially my girlfriends.

When I meet a woman that I admire, I will "court" her and befriend her. It feels a bit like dating.

I try to spend time with the person. With someone who is busy, time with her means on her terms. For instance, if I know that someone loves to dance to a particular type of music, I will try to find venues near her that plays that type of music. I will travel out of my way to go to that club with her. I also know to take care of the details: check in her coat for her, buy her a drink, and hold her purse when she goes to the bathroom.

Food is a big one. I try to always cater to what the other woman wants to eat. Type of cuisine, price range, fine dining or hole in the wall. Once I know what that person prefers for her dining experience, I can usually suggest a restaurant that pleases her. I will usually drive and pick her up.

All just so that I can spend time with that person and enjoy her company completely.

I am grateful that by being flexible, I have friends who are so different from me and from each other. It also gives me a lot more appreciation for when a man takes me out. Still, it's been a while since a man did all the planning and know just how to make my day. At this point in my life though, is it even possible for a man to out court me??

Thursday, February 08, 2007

beauty

Had to make a flyer for work and came across this image.

The arts and creative endeavors are important because they nurture the soul. It's as if beauty calls for us to be better.

It's a choice to be better all the time. I want to continue to make myself ever more beautiful by always thinking creatively and acting intuitively.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

oh my heart

from Don Gambelin 10:12 am (15 minutes ago)
to xxxxx
date Feb 7, 2007 10:12 AM
subject RE: checking in

xxxxx,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was travelling the last few business days.

Thanks for coming in for a second round of interviews with me, Archie, Amy, and Rachel. At this time, we are not going to take discussions with you any further. Thanks for your interest in Norcal and best of luck to you professionally.

Donald.

the love of my life

It's been a very tough day, or should I say, yesterday was tough.

Rough day at work, and I had to witness the Sharks plummeted against the Ducks. Many people have been trying to help but only make me feel worse.

Called my dad about the logistics of my parents' return to the States and their immediate departure on a cruise, and instantly, I felt better.

I had planned to take today off work because I was feeling so awful, but now, I am ready to hit the sack, get up, and go to work. Yes, that is the power of my dad's wisdom.

I always say, until I figure out how my dad can make anyone feel so much better, I am not going to have kids. There is just something in the way he _always_ say the right things that makes me whole. Never once did my dad raise his voice with us kids, yet we always behave perfectly in his presence.

That is the one quality I look for in a partner. That magical ability to put me at ease and give me strength. Close to finding it a couple of times, but it was never the right time. I will keep on searching for the love of my life...

Monday, February 05, 2007

my own timeline

Was down for a while b/c I am trying to come to terms with work. For the first time in my life, I care a great deal about my career. There was some frustration b/c I have yet to find my true calling.

Then, it all made sense.

Most people I talk to don't even know what it's like to not be career oriented. I am fortunate enough to spend a lot of time exploring other areas of life. Learning how to do a lot of other things (from sports to cooking) is something that I will have even when my career finally takes off.

This is one of the most exciting times of my life. To confront the crossroads of my career later in my adult life is perfect timing. Not only am I choosing the next job based on projects, I am also being choosy over people and lifestyle. It'll be tough to find the place where I can be myself and part of a dynamic team.

Just have to be patient. Ha. Even being patient is a new feeling.

Psyched about a lot of changes right now. Want to take my health to the next level for example. May take up vegetarianism again. I had even more energy for the brief time that I cut out meat before. I may need to call upon that lifestyle again.

Have a feeling that something big is about to happen. Cannot wait!

action or reaction

One of the benefits of being very busy is that there is little time to react emotionally to events.

I am constantly going from one activity to another and just enjoying the moment. There isn't any time to have unrealistic expectations or to wonder about could haves or should haves. When I need to relax, I work out my mind by reading and learning or work out my body with physical activities. Most importantly, I cultivate my connections to the world and the people in my life.

Of late, I have been quite happy because there is hardly any worrying in my life. In fact, the lack of worry is probably the main reason why I sleep so soundly at night. Worrying is a modern bad habit that may be the result of boredom and the lack of empowerment.

Modern society has failed its people by not focusing on empowerment. How does each individual achieve his or her potential? Rather than focusing on our inner selves and take actions to cultivate our spirits, there seems to be more reactions to the outside world.

It’s time to take action, stop reacting, and make the world a better place.

One of the benefits of being very busy is that there is little time to react emotionally to events.

I am constantly going from one activity to another and just enjoying the moment. There isn't any time to have unrealistic expectations or to wonder about could haves or should haves. When I need to relax, I work out my mind by reading and learning or work out my body with physical activities. Most importantly, I cultivate my connections to the world and the people in my life.

Of late, I have been quite happy because there is hardly any worrying in my life. In fact, the lack of worry is probably the main reason why I sleep so soundly at night. Worrying is a modern bad habit that may be the result of boredom and the lack of empowerment.

Modern society has failed its people by not focusing on empowerment. How does each individual achieve his or her potential? Rather than focusing on our inner selves and take actions to cultivate our spirits, there seems to be more reactions to the outside world.

It’s time to take action, stop reacting, and make the world a better place.

Friday, February 02, 2007

career development

Is it a sign of getting older that I want so much more out of my career? Back in college, I just want something stable. Now, after graduate schools and years of working, I expect more.

Not only do I want to support my lifestyle, I want to make a difference. I cannot be at a place where the main objective is to make more money for the shareholders. That should be one of the objectives, but there should be other things like creating a welcoming work place and to contribute to community.

I have been in enough work places to know what all those elements are like, and my mission is to find the right place.

More and more, my job is an extension of myself. I want to hand out my business card knowing that I earned that place and that it is a reflection of me.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

the dark side

Very few people see my dark side. The best part about having so many friends is that I don't see many people often enough for them to see me at my worst.

Still, I like it when I get mad about something. That means there will be changes. I never settle for a compromising situation or dissatisfaction.

It's through these many changes that I cultivate my lifestyle. Whether it's going to grocery store at 8am on a weekday or always calling and e-mailing friends to plan get togethers, I like to call the shots.

That's why the single life is something I hold on to dearly. I have absolute control. It's a freedom that I am not quite ready to give up yet...

community

Heard the discussion on the radio this morning about the black communities lacking role models b/c many black men are either in prison or dead.

In a twisted way, there are similarities in Silicon Valley. This is an area where most of the workers are male, single and with few role models about how to be part of a community.

In the little free time that people do have, consumerism and entertainment have higher priorities than addressing the social ills around us.

Even I am guilty of being too passive. I have done more this past year, and my work has allowed me to do community work.

It's time to have new focus about making a difference in this world.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

leave your trash behind?

Theresa Gill Jan 25 (5 days ago)
to xxxxx
cc
Jan Boone ,
David Cahill
date Jan 25, 2007 3:25 PM
subject recycle at the HP Pavilion

Hi xxxxx,

Thanks for emailing the HP Pavilion.

While we do not have receptacles in the public areas (due to co-mingling that renders all recycling garbage), we do recycle glass, plastic, cardboard and mixed paper from our back-of-house operations, suites, and bars. Also, after Sharks games we pick up recyclable beverage containers from the seating area.

In total, over 80% of HP Pavilion's waste is diverted to recycling or compost.

Theresa Gill

HP Pavilion ~ Receptionist
525 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, Ca 95110
Phone: 408-287-7070
Fax: 408-999-5797
www.hppavilion.com
www.sjsharks.com

Go Sharks!

Monday, January 29, 2007

the next level

Now that life is very, very good, it's time to think about bigger dreams. Besides my daily comforts and having fun, I want to make a difference in the world.

In some ways, I know I have made a difference because I live by my own rules. By asserting my independence, I am reminding myself and those around me that trusting our intutition is the most important act.

So what's next now that I can get by and have more fun than ever?

You shall wait and see as I enter the next phase of creativity and connectivity...

Sunday, January 28, 2007

celebration

The way I connect with many women in my life is completely serendipitous.

The network of women in my life, most of them older, has enriched my life beyond belief.

Lately, a friend has been on my mind. She is my ex-husband's co-worker's wife. When she first dated her husband, she was living abroad. During her visits to the US, I would be her tour guide b/c for a period, I was unemployed. That friendship has developed tremendously, and now she lives across town with her husband and child.

My thoughts of her gave me the idea to invite her family to dinner. Given her small child, I usually visit her, but it felt time to have a meal at my place.

Due to a schedule conflict, I called just now to reschedule. It turns out that she is pregnant again!! Her second preganancy was doubtful b/c she had her first child past 35, but this was such tremendous news.

I feel a sense of peace b/c she has been on my mind, and now I know why. It is the sacred newws of the arrival of a little one. Oh the joy of having a good friend being blessed by new life.

It's been a good weekend due in part to several female friends just sharing their lives and giving me a lot of support to the changes in my own life. It's both exciting and a bit scary to enter something new, but it's comforting to know that many people are out there thinking of me.

Friday, January 26, 2007

sense of well being

Something is in the air.

I always know when good things are happening. I sleep better, and I am joyous.

This is the best kind of happiness. The kind that permeates into all areas of my life. It is the motivation I need to give unconditionally to others and to try to make the world a better place. This is me being myself.

Lately, been having a lot of these moments. Is this what it means to be in my 30s? This incredible feeling that everything is going my way because I just naturally go down the path that is meant to be.

Oh yeah, life is good.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

feeling unstoppable

Sometimes life is easy, and right now, it's as good as it gets. Yesterday was a bit down b/c I had to do some really silly things, like "chaperon" two checks through to make sure some consultants get paid. At the end of the day, things get done. Got to focus on that.

Round 3 of interviews with a company tomorrow.

After the offer, am going to bring up doing my own outside consulting work. I might not have to quit completely. Stay tuned.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

baby



I have a college roommate who lives in Brazil. She and I were friends for one semester when she came to the US to study masters in material engineering.

That was 1993.

We stayed friends all these years and kept in touch via e-mail and letters. We visited each other. I went to Rio, and she came to SF. That visit to Rio changed me. Now I want to spend some time in South America. Maybe move to Buenos Aires to work.

Next month, she will be a mother. I am excited because she is such a wonderful person and will make the world a better place by her contribution as a mother. I am looking forward to meeting a new friend.

SBC/ATT phone customer?

I received a privacy notice from AT&T. AT&T will sell my information to its family of companies unless I opt out.

Today, I tried to opt out, but the website in the mailing led to a "no longer exist" page.

It took a some researching, but I was able to find the actual page:
https://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=3990

What exactly is "family of companies"? I am sure anyone who pays AT&T mega bucks can be in its family. Still, it'll be interesting to see if I do get more junk mail now that I am a land line phone customer...

making a living

Went to see the Peking Acrobat Sunday. A perfomer fell during the last act, but I doubt many people noticed. She was in the back row, jumping down from a human pyramid. She fell on her side and was in so much pain and could not get up. Her fellow performer carried her off and left her in the wing.

Given where I was sitting, I could see her feet as she laid in the wing before someone could attend to her. :(

It was a good performance, but there is a part of me that thought about what a hard life it must be. To practice endlessly, to travel all the time and be away from families, and to be at risk of injury or death.

In comparison, my life is amazingly cushy. My work is much more mental and social than physical, and I take risks to have fun. I am truly grateful.

Monday, January 22, 2007

popularity contest

I like trying new things, and this weekend, it's going to be paintball. A friend suggested it, and I set up the evite, inviting about 60 people.

So far, only 3 of us responded yes.

The idea originator is a bit discouraged, e-mailing me that only 3 people are going.

I've never let the lack of company stop me before. I went skiing once and snowboarding twice all by myself in Tahoe when no one had time to go. All three trips were fine. I got to do what I wanted.

Sure, it's more fun to do things with people, but sometimes, not everyone else is willing to take advantage of the opportunities at hand. I am very lucky to be able to do so many things, either with people or on my own.

Yes, it would be great to always have someone the to accompany me. After so many solo adventures, including international travel, it's all the same to me. I am here to live it up, and if someone joins me for the ride, great. If not, I'll see you in the rear-view mirror!

get that look

Several friends have asked me about how to get toned abs and arms. Yes, there are plenty of exercises you can do, and I am happy to give some one-on-one training sessions.

However, the diet is just as important if not more important.

Take lunch. Today, I made a salad with the following:
spinach
carrot
avocado
apple
orange
sunflower seed
honey
kiwi for dessert

It took more time to cut up all the vegetables and fruits than to eat them, but there was no cooking, so no oil. Usually, I would add extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for taste.

Three hours later, and I am not at all hungry b/c my taste buds were fed with so many flavors. Eating well does take a lot of time, but it sure is yummy. It's nice to be able to look fit, but I will settle for just being healthy.