During my trip to NY, I saw the Hirst shark. It was sad that not many people were crowded around this amazing piece. Guess not everyone is a modern art fan.
Then, there is the Eliasson exhibit at SFMOMA going on now through February 24.
Good art makes us feel so much. The amazing pieces energize me and give me a sense of joy.
Happy viewing.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
work and play
One observation about the new job is that I am working about the same hours as before but learning 3 times as much.
It's all about focusing. Now that I am not trying to put out fires around the office, I am able to zero in on the substantive assignments.
It helps to have a good boss and an amazing support staff.
Also scaling back in my personal life. It's been six months since someone made it past the second date. Looking forward to falling madly in love again, but I am not holding my breath.
Life is perfect as is, and I want to enjoy this moment for a while.
It's all about focusing. Now that I am not trying to put out fires around the office, I am able to zero in on the substantive assignments.
It helps to have a good boss and an amazing support staff.
Also scaling back in my personal life. It's been six months since someone made it past the second date. Looking forward to falling madly in love again, but I am not holding my breath.
Life is perfect as is, and I want to enjoy this moment for a while.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
yet another sustainable tool
New job is fantastic. My first three assignments are a senior care facility, rebuilding dilapidated affordable housing and tax-credit housing project, and it's only the second day.
New job means new ways to get around. I take public transportation to work now.
Today, had to go to a community meeting (I am helping Skyline College raise money. How to get there when there is no public transit close to the campus?
Car share program. I had signed up during their free annual-fee promotion, so I only pay as I use the cars.
I was able to sign up for a car last night. Today, I drove take a car from a public parking lot that is a 5-minute walk from the office, attended my meeting and got back to work without worrying about parking or traffic to and from work. The process costs less and was faster than driving my own car.
It's fun to be green.
New job means new ways to get around. I take public transportation to work now.
Today, had to go to a community meeting (I am helping Skyline College raise money. How to get there when there is no public transit close to the campus?
Car share program. I had signed up during their free annual-fee promotion, so I only pay as I use the cars.
I was able to sign up for a car last night. Today, I drove take a car from a public parking lot that is a 5-minute walk from the office, attended my meeting and got back to work without worrying about parking or traffic to and from work. The process costs less and was faster than driving my own car.
It's fun to be green.
Friday, November 09, 2007
life gets better w/age
Went to a couple of events tonight. One professional and another at a friend's place. Wow, is it the latest session with energy healer, or am I seeing everything so clearly? It's a lot easier to just see people for themselves and not be so concerned about how I can fit in or be liked.
Felt slightly foolish for being so eager to please in the past, especially with men, but now it's just about letting events unfold.
Lots of candidates running for Mr. Right, but I know better. Many are more suited as Mr. Right Now, so why not just enjoy their friendship and free them from finding someone who will care about them unconditionally?
It's tricky. Give first or wait to be given. I am still giving first, but that's part of who I am. Waiting to see what happens next.
Felt slightly foolish for being so eager to please in the past, especially with men, but now it's just about letting events unfold.
Lots of candidates running for Mr. Right, but I know better. Many are more suited as Mr. Right Now, so why not just enjoy their friendship and free them from finding someone who will care about them unconditionally?
It's tricky. Give first or wait to be given. I am still giving first, but that's part of who I am. Waiting to see what happens next.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
fully committed
What have you done for your community lately?
The reason for all the posts lately about recycling and sustainability is due to the belief that each of us can make a difference.
To make more of a difference, I decided to join my HOA Board and the President's Council at Skyline College (fundraising group).
In addition, organizing all the social events are quite fun, but they are merely reminders that to receive, we must give.
It can be something small, like voting or donating to charities, or it can be as big as changing another human being's life.
We don't know the limitations of our powers until we test it. I am lucky that my passions happen to be quite social, so I can stay connected and continue to pursue what makes me happy.
Tomorrow is another day off, but I will be going to a community meeting and a professional function. There is something about being connected to civic organizations that increase the meaning of living in the now.
What are you going to do for your community tomorrow?
The reason for all the posts lately about recycling and sustainability is due to the belief that each of us can make a difference.
To make more of a difference, I decided to join my HOA Board and the President's Council at Skyline College (fundraising group).
In addition, organizing all the social events are quite fun, but they are merely reminders that to receive, we must give.
It can be something small, like voting or donating to charities, or it can be as big as changing another human being's life.
We don't know the limitations of our powers until we test it. I am lucky that my passions happen to be quite social, so I can stay connected and continue to pursue what makes me happy.
Tomorrow is another day off, but I will be going to a community meeting and a professional function. There is something about being connected to civic organizations that increase the meaning of living in the now.
What are you going to do for your community tomorrow?
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
sustainability
What have you done for Mother Earth lately?
After I toured the NorCal Transfer Station (the garbage dump), I thought long and hard about my daily habits. They are pretty good but could be much better.
Garbage is a big part of sustainable living. I recycle and throw out very little garbage (I take plastic bags to grocery stores and packing pellets to mail stores). After this Thursday, I'll throw out almost no garbage as my building joins the compost service (green bins that take away food scraps).
I bring my own bags to stores. It throws the clerks off to not bag, but I insist on not creating more waste.
I bring my own coffee mug to cafes. Think about how many cups you throw away on a weekly basis, so just recycling paper at the office is not enough.
I keep metal utensils at work, so I don't have to use plastic forks, knives, and spoons.
Once a week, I have my no-car day. This is a day (it'll be Sunday this week) in which I get around by walking or public transit or carpooling. I also walk to the gym and one of my grocery stores.
Food turns out to consume the most energy, even more than driving because so many items have to be trucked in. Also, some items take much more energy to produce than other items. Red meat is the worst. The rule of thumb in the sustainability movement is that if you cut down the red meat that you eat by half, you will save more resources than giving up a car. Who knew!
Also, eating locally helps. My try to not eat food that come in a package and shop at farmers' market. It's also better for our body and tastier.
It's not hard to be environmentally conscious, but it does take a conscience. So get on it already!
After I toured the NorCal Transfer Station (the garbage dump), I thought long and hard about my daily habits. They are pretty good but could be much better.
Garbage is a big part of sustainable living. I recycle and throw out very little garbage (I take plastic bags to grocery stores and packing pellets to mail stores). After this Thursday, I'll throw out almost no garbage as my building joins the compost service (green bins that take away food scraps).
I bring my own bags to stores. It throws the clerks off to not bag, but I insist on not creating more waste.
I bring my own coffee mug to cafes. Think about how many cups you throw away on a weekly basis, so just recycling paper at the office is not enough.
I keep metal utensils at work, so I don't have to use plastic forks, knives, and spoons.
Once a week, I have my no-car day. This is a day (it'll be Sunday this week) in which I get around by walking or public transit or carpooling. I also walk to the gym and one of my grocery stores.
Food turns out to consume the most energy, even more than driving because so many items have to be trucked in. Also, some items take much more energy to produce than other items. Red meat is the worst. The rule of thumb in the sustainability movement is that if you cut down the red meat that you eat by half, you will save more resources than giving up a car. Who knew!
Also, eating locally helps. My try to not eat food that come in a package and shop at farmers' market. It's also better for our body and tastier.
It's not hard to be environmentally conscious, but it does take a conscience. So get on it already!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
policy choices
One of my professional interest is affordable housing (or BMR, below-market-rate, units).
I truly believe that providing adequate housing is the first step in making the world a better place. By taking away someone's worry about having a roof over their heads, that person can begin to focus on financial stability, health, and making the world a better place.
The latest debate over affordable housing is on-site versus off-site.
Affordable housing policies usually require a certain percentage of large housing projects to be affordable. This percentage of units are sold at a capped price. In SF, that number ranges from 12 to 20 percent. For the developer, the affordable housing requirement cuts into the projects' profits because these units are sold at below-market value, thus the nickname BMRs.
In an effort to compromise, a new type of BMR has emerged, the off-site. These BMRs are located not on the project site but within the City boundary. In SF, the off-site has to be located within one mile of the project site. Another requirement is that the number of BMR will increase relative to the original percentage.
The idea is that the cost of the off-site will be lower and that the developer is making enough on the original market-rate units that there is a financial incentive to opt for more affordable housing units. It's a win-win situation because the developer don't lose out as much and more housing units are created overall.
Is it really?
I am against off-site because w/o integration of the different classes, affordable housing are not as successful. Many of the public housing of the past are slums because throwing a lot of people who are financially strapped is never a good idea, not to mention many of the drugs and mental health issues that are often associated with those in public housing/affordable housing projects.
Housing, like neighborhoods, need to be diverse and integrate different populations to be successful. San Francisco is not as viberant as Los Angeles, scale aside, because it is not economically diverse. On-site BMRs are just another solution to create diversity.
True, BMR is not public housing, it is merely subsidized. Many people will never be able to afford even BMRs. Also, many developers feel that BMR is yet another exaction that is similar to the taking of property, so they argue that off-site is the best compromise.
One reason to leave my job (yes, I've accepted the offer) is that my company is about to embark on off-site BMRs, and it feels wrong to work on a project that wants to create off-site affordable housing.
The debate continues, and I am excited that I learned enough from this last job to be able to know where I stand. The next job will have its share of tough choices, and I welcome the opportunity to help clients make the right choices.
I truly believe that providing adequate housing is the first step in making the world a better place. By taking away someone's worry about having a roof over their heads, that person can begin to focus on financial stability, health, and making the world a better place.
The latest debate over affordable housing is on-site versus off-site.
Affordable housing policies usually require a certain percentage of large housing projects to be affordable. This percentage of units are sold at a capped price. In SF, that number ranges from 12 to 20 percent. For the developer, the affordable housing requirement cuts into the projects' profits because these units are sold at below-market value, thus the nickname BMRs.
In an effort to compromise, a new type of BMR has emerged, the off-site. These BMRs are located not on the project site but within the City boundary. In SF, the off-site has to be located within one mile of the project site. Another requirement is that the number of BMR will increase relative to the original percentage.
The idea is that the cost of the off-site will be lower and that the developer is making enough on the original market-rate units that there is a financial incentive to opt for more affordable housing units. It's a win-win situation because the developer don't lose out as much and more housing units are created overall.
Is it really?
I am against off-site because w/o integration of the different classes, affordable housing are not as successful. Many of the public housing of the past are slums because throwing a lot of people who are financially strapped is never a good idea, not to mention many of the drugs and mental health issues that are often associated with those in public housing/affordable housing projects.
Housing, like neighborhoods, need to be diverse and integrate different populations to be successful. San Francisco is not as viberant as Los Angeles, scale aside, because it is not economically diverse. On-site BMRs are just another solution to create diversity.
True, BMR is not public housing, it is merely subsidized. Many people will never be able to afford even BMRs. Also, many developers feel that BMR is yet another exaction that is similar to the taking of property, so they argue that off-site is the best compromise.
One reason to leave my job (yes, I've accepted the offer) is that my company is about to embark on off-site BMRs, and it feels wrong to work on a project that wants to create off-site affordable housing.
The debate continues, and I am excited that I learned enough from this last job to be able to know where I stand. The next job will have its share of tough choices, and I welcome the opportunity to help clients make the right choices.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
time for a vacation
Am organizing yet another social event. This time, I made a couple of errors in corresponding to the venue manager. The details are now straightened out, but I know it's a sign to slow down.
Since February 2004, I have organized over 100 events. 70 of those were organized via evites. This is not counting the dinners and guests that I hosted over the years. Of course, not counting the dates with men...
Wow, that is a lot of good times. I am grateful for the events, but it's time to change focus.
I am not quite ready to give up my guestlists, but I am ready to slow down. Am off to a mini vacation and then possibly the last wine event?!
Since February 2004, I have organized over 100 events. 70 of those were organized via evites. This is not counting the dinners and guests that I hosted over the years. Of course, not counting the dates with men...
Wow, that is a lot of good times. I am grateful for the events, but it's time to change focus.
I am not quite ready to give up my guestlists, but I am ready to slow down. Am off to a mini vacation and then possibly the last wine event?!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
turn it down
For a couple of months now, I have been on a mission to not take a plastic bag at stores. It's simpler than you think, but some effort to think is required.
Every time I was at the check out and offered a bag, I either have my own bag or refuse a bag. It's amazing how many bags I have saved.
Try it. Keep a cloth bag around or bring old plastic/paper bags to the grocery store. Try carrying items in your hands from the store to the car; you don't need a bag when you've got hands.
Also, I try to use a travel coffee mug when I get coffee. Between my weekend breakfast with E and my community meetings at the local cafes, I saved closed to 40 paper cups this year! It was funny to carry my coffee mug to lunch and to the movies this past Sunday, but at least I didn't throw yet another paper cup away...
Every time I was at the check out and offered a bag, I either have my own bag or refuse a bag. It's amazing how many bags I have saved.
Try it. Keep a cloth bag around or bring old plastic/paper bags to the grocery store. Try carrying items in your hands from the store to the car; you don't need a bag when you've got hands.
Also, I try to use a travel coffee mug when I get coffee. Between my weekend breakfast with E and my community meetings at the local cafes, I saved closed to 40 paper cups this year! It was funny to carry my coffee mug to lunch and to the movies this past Sunday, but at least I didn't throw yet another paper cup away...
Saturday, October 13, 2007
opportunities
Yes, one day Mr. Right will appear and sweep me off my feet...Or not. Now that I accept the reality that I could end up without a life partner, I am a lot happier. Having a family is still a major goal in life, but I am not quite ready to settle down just yet.
It's all about cultivating my spirituality right now. By tapping into my spiritual self, I am able to connect with lots of people who are good companions.
Wanted to learn to tango, and I met a new friend who is a good dancer but new at tango too. Wanted to go see a risque foreign film, and my friend suggested it first. Love hockey, so will tag along another big group who arranged to watch the game at the Tank.
Life is full of opportunities to realize our dreams, but it is up to us to be true to ourselves and to be confidant. Cultivating the connection to my spirituality is the guidance I need to accept life's uncertainty. Growing my spiritual self is the key to finding answers. Dad was right, all the answers are within, and I shall not fear but only embrace challenges, overcome them, and succeed beautifully.
It's all about cultivating my spirituality right now. By tapping into my spiritual self, I am able to connect with lots of people who are good companions.
Wanted to learn to tango, and I met a new friend who is a good dancer but new at tango too. Wanted to go see a risque foreign film, and my friend suggested it first. Love hockey, so will tag along another big group who arranged to watch the game at the Tank.
Life is full of opportunities to realize our dreams, but it is up to us to be true to ourselves and to be confidant. Cultivating the connection to my spirituality is the guidance I need to accept life's uncertainty. Growing my spiritual self is the key to finding answers. Dad was right, all the answers are within, and I shall not fear but only embrace challenges, overcome them, and succeed beautifully.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
settling
Another friend asked me why so many of us are single.
My new theory is that there is a fine line between settling and finding the right person. Most people don't want to settle; they want Mr. or Ms. Perfect. Compared to dating just a generation ago, we have so many more expectations of our mates.
Instead of just a person to have kids with, we now want a friend, a confidant, a model, a genius, a tycoon, and the list goes on.
How many of your parents are actually all those things to each other? Yet we want it all?! Some of the traits are not even compatible. A lot of men who appreciate my outgoing personality are disappointed to find that I don't want to spend all my free time with them...
Instead of going for so many qualities, maybe just pick two. I know my two... ;)
My new theory is that there is a fine line between settling and finding the right person. Most people don't want to settle; they want Mr. or Ms. Perfect. Compared to dating just a generation ago, we have so many more expectations of our mates.
Instead of just a person to have kids with, we now want a friend, a confidant, a model, a genius, a tycoon, and the list goes on.
How many of your parents are actually all those things to each other? Yet we want it all?! Some of the traits are not even compatible. A lot of men who appreciate my outgoing personality are disappointed to find that I don't want to spend all my free time with them...
Instead of going for so many qualities, maybe just pick two. I know my two... ;)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
meeting of the minds
Had an interview at a law firm yesterday. Yes, I am considering returning to the profession where many are dissatisfied. There is something about the way us attorneys think, and no other profession can beat the quality of training.
It was a great interview. We went as far as discussing starting dates and salary, but there are a few more candidates yet to meet the partner.
The highlight of the conversation was discussing the other members of the firm. One of them is not licensed to practice although went through law school and does excellent research and writing. That person is currently in China on a personal investment venture. The other was on vacation and only works at 75%. I would replace an associate who moved to a bigger firm. What was impressive was the way this partner, who would be my direct supervisor, accepts his colleagues' choices.
Perhaps that is also my motto in life. I want to accept those around me completely despite their differences.
So now I wait. I will hear back next week. Regardless of what happens, I am psyched to meet a good soul, someone who is at his best despite life's challenges.
It was a great interview. We went as far as discussing starting dates and salary, but there are a few more candidates yet to meet the partner.
The highlight of the conversation was discussing the other members of the firm. One of them is not licensed to practice although went through law school and does excellent research and writing. That person is currently in China on a personal investment venture. The other was on vacation and only works at 75%. I would replace an associate who moved to a bigger firm. What was impressive was the way this partner, who would be my direct supervisor, accepts his colleagues' choices.
Perhaps that is also my motto in life. I want to accept those around me completely despite their differences.
So now I wait. I will hear back next week. Regardless of what happens, I am psyched to meet a good soul, someone who is at his best despite life's challenges.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
standing by my decision
I happened to look up parcel information for work, and I decided to check out my old place, the one that I bought together with my ex but then moved out of when we divorced. It was an amicable parting. He bought me out by paying me a lump sum that was suppose to cover my initial investment and the appreciation.
In California, community property is an asset acquired during marriage that is considered equally owned by both parties. At time of divorce, all assets are suppose to be divided equally.
At the time, I decided to take the buyout b/c I could not imagine throwing someone I cared about out into the streets. I took the cash, moved to my parents temporarily and got back on my feet shortly. Today, I have a place of my own.
My ex is now selling the place at a substantial windfall. He stands to gain double what I got from the settlement. The unequal payout is the reason why most of my family and friends urged me to sell the place and divide the proceeds equally.
Still, there are some decisions in life that are made more based on our gut than our logic. I knew that he probably would not have met, married his new wife and had a child as easily if it were not for his property in the City. The move would have taken a bigger toll than I could wish upon him even though he asked for a divorce in part due to my struggles with career.
I will never forget the way he declared that if my boss could not believe in me, how could he believe in me. However, I have long since forgiven.
The turn of events explained my father's prediction based on his fortune telling that my ex would need me more than I need him.
Today's information discovery is a reminder that I must always trust my gut in making unpopular decisions. I am glad that his new family will benefit as a result of my decision.
In California, community property is an asset acquired during marriage that is considered equally owned by both parties. At time of divorce, all assets are suppose to be divided equally.
At the time, I decided to take the buyout b/c I could not imagine throwing someone I cared about out into the streets. I took the cash, moved to my parents temporarily and got back on my feet shortly. Today, I have a place of my own.
My ex is now selling the place at a substantial windfall. He stands to gain double what I got from the settlement. The unequal payout is the reason why most of my family and friends urged me to sell the place and divide the proceeds equally.
Still, there are some decisions in life that are made more based on our gut than our logic. I knew that he probably would not have met, married his new wife and had a child as easily if it were not for his property in the City. The move would have taken a bigger toll than I could wish upon him even though he asked for a divorce in part due to my struggles with career.
I will never forget the way he declared that if my boss could not believe in me, how could he believe in me. However, I have long since forgiven.
The turn of events explained my father's prediction based on his fortune telling that my ex would need me more than I need him.
Today's information discovery is a reminder that I must always trust my gut in making unpopular decisions. I am glad that his new family will benefit as a result of my decision.
Monday, October 08, 2007
drama v. serenity
Over the weekend, met some new people who have lots of drama in their lives. Between dissatisfying work, mismanaged finances and unresolved romances, it's no wonder that the group partied hard.
It's all about being disciplined. Everyone talks about goals, but how many actually get rid of the distractions and focus?
Personally, I have a hard time focusing on my career, but it gets easier as I focus more in my own health and spirituality. By having sound mind and sound body, life's tough choices become much easier.
Work, money and love are all areas we want satisfaction, but those goals can't happen until we are healthy and spiritually connected to the universe. That means cutting off people or activities that hinder those first steps.
If one is struggling in matters of the heart, finance and work, it's time to tap into our physical and spiritual beings. The answers are all within, but we must be still to hear the messages.
It's all about being disciplined. Everyone talks about goals, but how many actually get rid of the distractions and focus?
Personally, I have a hard time focusing on my career, but it gets easier as I focus more in my own health and spirituality. By having sound mind and sound body, life's tough choices become much easier.
Work, money and love are all areas we want satisfaction, but those goals can't happen until we are healthy and spiritually connected to the universe. That means cutting off people or activities that hinder those first steps.
If one is struggling in matters of the heart, finance and work, it's time to tap into our physical and spiritual beings. The answers are all within, but we must be still to hear the messages.
Friday, October 05, 2007
what's truly important
Yesterday during our monthly managers' meeting, a co-worker pointed out Covey's Urgency/Importance Quadrant.
The concept is to prioritize our tasks into one of four categories: urgent and important, urgent but not important, important but not urgent, and not important and not urgent. For instance, networking is important but not urgent.
I spent most of yesterday thinking about the quadrant and noted that many people spend most of their time on the last category. There are constant distractions from life, and their feigned urgency pulls us toward unimportant matters.
So from now on, I will examine how I spend my time more closely and try to make time for the truly important things.
The concept is to prioritize our tasks into one of four categories: urgent and important, urgent but not important, important but not urgent, and not important and not urgent. For instance, networking is important but not urgent.
I spent most of yesterday thinking about the quadrant and noted that many people spend most of their time on the last category. There are constant distractions from life, and their feigned urgency pulls us toward unimportant matters.
So from now on, I will examine how I spend my time more closely and try to make time for the truly important things.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
rapper toe
only those who suffer the lowest of low
will understand the joy of makin' it
i have had it good,
no doubt,
but i do see all the lows because
no one can hide from me
finally understand that
i don't have to suffer
to be motivated
but there is also no puttin' others down
because i have had to struggle too
having every opportunity means
i've got more to prove
am i running out of time,
or is this just the beginnin'?
will understand the joy of makin' it
i have had it good,
no doubt,
but i do see all the lows because
no one can hide from me
finally understand that
i don't have to suffer
to be motivated
but there is also no puttin' others down
because i have had to struggle too
having every opportunity means
i've got more to prove
am i running out of time,
or is this just the beginnin'?
Monday, October 01, 2007
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