I say I need more water....
~Posted From My Black Jack II
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tiki Fountain
I say I need more water....
~Posted From My Black Jack II
Monday, December 29, 2008
De Donde Eres?
I had discovered this podcast one day called "
Coffe Break Espanol." It was a podcast that was created to aid one in learning Spanish. i thought I would try it out and I found it to9 be quite simple. I can now ask you how you are (Que tal?) and how is the weather (Que tal el tiempo?) and where are you from (e donde eres?) all in Espanol.
That's not to say that this is easy. In fact it's quite difficult. When trying to translate into Spanish my thoughts sift through 2-3 languages. You would be surprised at the phrases you remember in various languages when trying to think of a particular phrase in a 4th language.
Sigh.
This is what I get for being so adamant that I will not learn Spanish.
What am I doing?
Sitting here trying to learn Spanish.
Argh!!
~~
Coffe Break Espanol." It was a podcast that was created to aid one in learning Spanish. i thought I would try it out and I found it to9 be quite simple. I can now ask you how you are (Que tal?) and how is the weather (Que tal el tiempo?) and where are you from (e donde eres?) all in Espanol.
That's not to say that this is easy. In fact it's quite difficult. When trying to translate into Spanish my thoughts sift through 2-3 languages. You would be surprised at the phrases you remember in various languages when trying to think of a particular phrase in a 4th language.
Sigh.
This is what I get for being so adamant that I will not learn Spanish.
What am I doing?
Sitting here trying to learn Spanish.
Argh!!
~~
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Reading Suggestions
It has been several weeks since I finished The Society of S and since then I have not really been reading. I firmly believe that my literary diet is in direct proportion to my writing creativity. As such my creativity of the moment is zero.
Any reading suggestions are welcomed.
Thanks!
~~
Any reading suggestions are welcomed.
Thanks!
~~
My 2008 Favourite Christmas Moment...(thus far)
It's been a very stressful year, not just for me, but for everyone as Wall Street saw stocks tumble, prestigious banking institutions crumble and pink slips were handed out like free tickets to some crummy comedy show that now one wanted to see.
This has affected people in different ways. For me, I was so caught up in just dealing with life that I did not even realize that my favourite season had arrived. My last entry went on about how I've felt this Christmas, so I will not repeat myself. However, this weekend as I battled the crowds, whined about the cold, and just overall behaved the way a modern day multi-racial Scrooge would, I suddenly remembered a moment at Friday's Christmas party that not only made me smile, but kicked me into a more jovial mindset.
Last Friday was quite possibly one of the hardest days of work that I have had in a long time. Amidst the looming deadlines and demands, a group of us participated in a gift exchange. I had planned a particular gift for my Secret Santa (a Beatles Monopoly game), but I found they were out at the Barnes and Noble. As such I had tried to figure out a good gift for this individual. I really did not know him that well. There was an instance where we got into a long conversation about the Walrus, a song by The Beatles. So, I knew that he was a Beatles fan. While searching the music section of books, I found a huge book wrapped in cellophane entitled The Beatles Anthology. Supposedly, it was a book about The Beatles by The Beatles. I found the price, purchased the book and had it gift wrapped, all the while feeling a sense of apprehension about what I had purchased.
At the gift exchange I was really rushed. I was in between meetings and a training session I was running, all the while dealing with some extremely difficult clients. Once the gifts were all distributed, everyone tore into their gifts. Before even opening the bag I had in front of me, I glanced at my gift recipient with worry. However, the moment he got a portion of the wrapping paper off the gift his jaw dropped. He was so happy with the gift and I felt a burden being lifted from me.
Immediately following the gift exchange, I returned to the front lines once again as I was bombarded by calls, email, and other forms of correspondence. Every person wanted something and they wanted it 5 minutes ago, and I fell for it all, forgetting that magical moment that was bestowed upon me not so long ago.
Fast forward back to my weekend of shopping and moping and that memory came back to me of the gift exchange. It just reminded me of how great it feels to be able to give and to think of others, not only at Christmas but anytime. There have been many gifts given to me throughout the years, some good and some bad. The greatest being that of my wonderful Saviour for whom this holiday I celebrate. That moment during the gift exchange reminded me that I should be sure not to let life get in the way of...well life. I have been blessed in so many ways and through so many people. I just hope that I could be a blessing to others as well.
This was my favourite Christmas memory of the year....thus far.
~~
This has affected people in different ways. For me, I was so caught up in just dealing with life that I did not even realize that my favourite season had arrived. My last entry went on about how I've felt this Christmas, so I will not repeat myself. However, this weekend as I battled the crowds, whined about the cold, and just overall behaved the way a modern day multi-racial Scrooge would, I suddenly remembered a moment at Friday's Christmas party that not only made me smile, but kicked me into a more jovial mindset.
Last Friday was quite possibly one of the hardest days of work that I have had in a long time. Amidst the looming deadlines and demands, a group of us participated in a gift exchange. I had planned a particular gift for my Secret Santa (a Beatles Monopoly game), but I found they were out at the Barnes and Noble. As such I had tried to figure out a good gift for this individual. I really did not know him that well. There was an instance where we got into a long conversation about the Walrus, a song by The Beatles. So, I knew that he was a Beatles fan. While searching the music section of books, I found a huge book wrapped in cellophane entitled The Beatles Anthology. Supposedly, it was a book about The Beatles by The Beatles. I found the price, purchased the book and had it gift wrapped, all the while feeling a sense of apprehension about what I had purchased.
At the gift exchange I was really rushed. I was in between meetings and a training session I was running, all the while dealing with some extremely difficult clients. Once the gifts were all distributed, everyone tore into their gifts. Before even opening the bag I had in front of me, I glanced at my gift recipient with worry. However, the moment he got a portion of the wrapping paper off the gift his jaw dropped. He was so happy with the gift and I felt a burden being lifted from me.
Immediately following the gift exchange, I returned to the front lines once again as I was bombarded by calls, email, and other forms of correspondence. Every person wanted something and they wanted it 5 minutes ago, and I fell for it all, forgetting that magical moment that was bestowed upon me not so long ago.
Fast forward back to my weekend of shopping and moping and that memory came back to me of the gift exchange. It just reminded me of how great it feels to be able to give and to think of others, not only at Christmas but anytime. There have been many gifts given to me throughout the years, some good and some bad. The greatest being that of my wonderful Saviour for whom this holiday I celebrate. That moment during the gift exchange reminded me that I should be sure not to let life get in the way of...well life. I have been blessed in so many ways and through so many people. I just hope that I could be a blessing to others as well.
This was my favourite Christmas memory of the year....thus far.
~~
Friday, December 19, 2008
My Netbook
Yes, it is 2:23am and I am writing a blog entry. This may not seem unusual as I have written blogs even later than this in the past. However, those entries are usually signed with my cell signature. So, this is the latest that I have written a blog while on my own and not on my phone.
The reason? My shiny new Acer Aspire One Netbook. On Monday I had walked by a Radio Shack on my way to Starbucks and I noticed a sign that had a laptop. Reading the fine print, I found out that one must sign up for the AT&T wireless internet service agreement. That was not such a bad thing for me as I had been considering getting the wireless internet for sometime. After several days of debating, research and attempts to fix my laptop, I decided to go ahead with this purchase.
Now here I am in the wee hours of the morning, composing this entry in the cold of my room. 'So far I must say I love the portability (it fits in my purse) and the internet capability. However, the keys are taking some getting use to.
I'll give a more thorough review at a more decent hour.
~~
The reason? My shiny new Acer Aspire One Netbook. On Monday I had walked by a Radio Shack on my way to Starbucks and I noticed a sign that had a laptop. Reading the fine print, I found out that one must sign up for the AT&T wireless internet service agreement. That was not such a bad thing for me as I had been considering getting the wireless internet for sometime. After several days of debating, research and attempts to fix my laptop, I decided to go ahead with this purchase.
Now here I am in the wee hours of the morning, composing this entry in the cold of my room. 'So far I must say I love the portability (it fits in my purse) and the internet capability. However, the keys are taking some getting use to.
I'll give a more thorough review at a more decent hour.
~~
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Feels Like Christmas
Christmas in southern California can be completely unpredictable. Some years it is windy but overall decent weather, then there are some years where the sun is shining and it feels like beach weather. However, this year is slightly different.
This week has seen an alternating pattern between rain and no rain. Yesterday, was one of the worse days as cold rain poured and strong winds made the temperature feel lower than the readings on the thermometer. Since I have been putting off my Christmas shopping, I spent yesterday out an about in the rain. There were a couple of things that I was able to cross of my list. However, I still have a little ways to go.
Although I still find it hard to believe that Christmas is actually less than a week away, I have to admit the cold does make the season more Christmas like. I just wish I had gotten more into the holiday spirit. Its just with so much going on in my life, I feel like it all gets in the way of the joy and love I always cherished during this holiday.
I still have a week. Here's hoping it gets better.
~~
This week has seen an alternating pattern between rain and no rain. Yesterday, was one of the worse days as cold rain poured and strong winds made the temperature feel lower than the readings on the thermometer. Since I have been putting off my Christmas shopping, I spent yesterday out an about in the rain. There were a couple of things that I was able to cross of my list. However, I still have a little ways to go.
Although I still find it hard to believe that Christmas is actually less than a week away, I have to admit the cold does make the season more Christmas like. I just wish I had gotten more into the holiday spirit. Its just with so much going on in my life, I feel like it all gets in the way of the joy and love I always cherished during this holiday.
I still have a week. Here's hoping it gets better.
~~
Monday, December 15, 2008
White Gown
i dreamed of a white gown last night
layers of satin and silk and lace
you had this smile upon your face
did i tell mention that you were there?
or that i was feeling very scared?
i dreamed of a white gown last night
a veil hung before my eyes
there would be no need to improvise
as it all had been rehearsed
a kiss from you would end the curse
i dreamed of a white gown last night
boquets of roses very red
long gone all feelings of dread
filled with feelings of love instead
awaken the romantic once thought dead
i dreamed of a white gown last night
~~
Friday, December 12, 2008
Inspiration: Rather, The Lack Thereof
I have spent several days staring at blank pages, blinking cursors, and QWERTY boards in desperation. Nothing comes to me. I look around at the Christmas decorations, tune in to the carols on the radio, and overall search for some beacon of ligtht. Something, anything that will have me going.
Yet, there is nothing.
There was a brief spurt of creativity that resulted in a short poem on Sunday night, brought on by a bought of heartache. However, as quickly as it came, it was gone.
Again nothing.
It really is starting to get to me. This lack of energy, ability. Now at the point where I feel really drained. So I'm searching online for stanzas of the great. Neruda, and the like.
Still nothing.
Doubt creeps in and I get to the point where I really don't even know if I want to continue writing. This block seems so immovable, as even music stirs no type of inspiration for me at this point.
Nothing
~~
Yet, there is nothing.
There was a brief spurt of creativity that resulted in a short poem on Sunday night, brought on by a bought of heartache. However, as quickly as it came, it was gone.
Again nothing.
It really is starting to get to me. This lack of energy, ability. Now at the point where I feel really drained. So I'm searching online for stanzas of the great. Neruda, and the like.
Still nothing.
Doubt creeps in and I get to the point where I really don't even know if I want to continue writing. This block seems so immovable, as even music stirs no type of inspiration for me at this point.
Nothing
~~
Monday, December 8, 2008
Here We Go Again
Another round of uncertainty and doubt as the director spearheads another round of layoffs.
We're called into a meeting to "discuss some things that are going on in the department." However, some of these things are already very evident as we see another co-worker pack up his box. Really?? They couldn't wait and do this after the holidays? I mean 2 more weeks was too long to wait.
Then there’s the other office that’s being completely shut down. I cannot even begin to imagine what all of those people are going through as they discover that they will all be without work.
HR tried to assuage our fears that we will be the next to go. However, we've heard this all before. We've actually heard this on 4 separate occasions and after each time there was another round of layoffs.
I've been told to be grateful that I still have a job, and I am grateful. Yet, I can't help but sympathize for the other artists.
~~
We're called into a meeting to "discuss some things that are going on in the department." However, some of these things are already very evident as we see another co-worker pack up his box. Really?? They couldn't wait and do this after the holidays? I mean 2 more weeks was too long to wait.
Then there’s the other office that’s being completely shut down. I cannot even begin to imagine what all of those people are going through as they discover that they will all be without work.
HR tried to assuage our fears that we will be the next to go. However, we've heard this all before. We've actually heard this on 4 separate occasions and after each time there was another round of layoffs.
I've been told to be grateful that I still have a job, and I am grateful. Yet, I can't help but sympathize for the other artists.
~~
Oh Sleep
oh, blessed sleep please come to me
and keep me from the rain
please bring me a reprieve from reality
and numb me to the pain
oh dreamless sleep descend on me
and hide me from my tears
envelope my mind just as the divine
and chase away these fears
oh elusive sleep grab hold of me
and take me from this world
stow me away from today
dont hide from this shaken girl
oh merciful sleep converse with me
just as you've done before
as fragmented thoughts continue to haunt
please bring me peace once more
~Posted From My Black Jack II
and keep me from the rain
please bring me a reprieve from reality
and numb me to the pain
oh dreamless sleep descend on me
and hide me from my tears
envelope my mind just as the divine
and chase away these fears
oh elusive sleep grab hold of me
and take me from this world
stow me away from today
dont hide from this shaken girl
oh merciful sleep converse with me
just as you've done before
as fragmented thoughts continue to haunt
please bring me peace once more
~Posted From My Black Jack II
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Take 2 of the Black Jack II
In the summertime, I decided that it was beyond time for me to upgrade my phone from the Black Jack to something else. After some price and product comparisons I decided to go ahead with the Black Jack II.
Fast forward several months later and I started noticing that sounds on my phone were weird. There were certain alerts that would no longer sound. What threw me over the edge was when I discovered that my media player will play my music, but no sound could be heard.
I called AT&T and spoke with a regular customer service rep, an AT&T technician, and a Samsung tech. After checking a few things Samsung decided that the phone had some type of internal defect and AT&T offerred to send me a replacement phone free of charge (well except the $12 I have to pay for expedited shipping.)
So now I am writing out all my contacts, having already transferred all other files to my SD card. Shortly, I will begin texting from my new Black Jack II.
This is Take 2.
~~
Fast forward several months later and I started noticing that sounds on my phone were weird. There were certain alerts that would no longer sound. What threw me over the edge was when I discovered that my media player will play my music, but no sound could be heard.
I called AT&T and spoke with a regular customer service rep, an AT&T technician, and a Samsung tech. After checking a few things Samsung decided that the phone had some type of internal defect and AT&T offerred to send me a replacement phone free of charge (well except the $12 I have to pay for expedited shipping.)
So now I am writing out all my contacts, having already transferred all other files to my SD card. Shortly, I will begin texting from my new Black Jack II.
This is Take 2.
~~
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