Seventeen hours more and we will be on a plane to the West Coast for a week of doing what our whim dictates. Ahhh. I am looking forward to being in a place where the climate is warmer and more stable. I love travelling. Travelling has one downside...packing. I HATE packing. Unpacking is easier but I hate that too. No matter how much I prepare myself mentally with lists, I still find myself packing until the wee hours of the morning before we have to leave for any destination. My lucky husband gets to snore the night away while I agonize about making sure we have everything we need, but not overstuffing our suitcases. He gets done way ahead of me because he takes care of making sure we have all the gadgets (GPS, PDAs, laptop, video camera, tapes, digital camera, batteries, wall chargers, car charger, battery charger, cables, etc.) that he wants to bring along. Egad. Getting those things ready is a bit easier though. I have to pack toiletries, medication, vitamins, maps, travel documents, etc. and planning two people's wardrobes for an entire vacation. Just thinking about it tires me already!
I must count my blessings though, because the vacation always makes the packing worth it. It's just that I am used to a simple vacation with just a camera and some clothes in tow. Going on a vacation with a techie adds a totally new dimension. Gadgets are supposed to make the vacation experience better. The thing is, sometimes you spend more time setting up the stuff rather than just enjoying the experience. Anyway, just to get out of chilly Boston will be a treat. Having some warmth, whether setting up a gadget or truly experiencing a place, is better than being cold and wet.
:)
Hasta luego, baby!
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
The Doctor Is In
That's a sign I should post outside my door at work. Or I could close it and replace "IN" with "OUT". My office has become a haven for people who wish to vent. Two people do that more than anyone else but there's this one that's very regular. I see her about thrice a week during her lunch break. She strolls in whether I am working or having my quiet time during lunch and starts to talk about her life. During midday, I put myself in "break" mode, nuke my lunch, read a book or go to a website that I am interested in. Then I hear her say, "What's going on?", plops herself on top of one of my drawers and makes herself comfortable. I then have to be polite, tear myself away from whatever pleasure I was indulging in and play therapist at least for the next half hour.
I really am amused sometimes at what other people consider a "problem". I have heard the "problems" of many people and sometimes I really try to suppress a smile because they might think I am trivializing something they consider serious. I know people's feelings are valid even if they're emotionally distraught over something so perplexing as a best friend not calling, or whining because they can't decide if they should buy all the colors available for a pair of pants at Banana Republic. That is when I want to say, "By God, get a life and get a real problem!" It's become so bad that if I hear the person's voice in the hallway at that time of the day, I grab my bag and flee! I find myself window shopping a lot! :)
I really don't mind being a shoulder to anyone at all. I love to be of help to people usually. I have played the role of sounding board/counsellor to many friends and even acquaintances who, later on, become friends. There is satisfaction in seeing people resolve their challenges and grow from it. It's just that if the advice given is never heeded or the issues play like a broken record for months then that's when I become really "busy". I can help someone who's fallen down get up, but I can't be an enabler to a person who has an addiction to self-pity or just to his/her 'self' (I bet you know the kind, it's all about them!). I will not be a permanent crutch to an emotional cripple who doesn't choose to get better. Life's tough enough. It's dang hard keep someone else emotionally afloat! Heck, my degree should have been in psychology. I can at least get paid for this! Arrrgh!
I really am amused sometimes at what other people consider a "problem". I have heard the "problems" of many people and sometimes I really try to suppress a smile because they might think I am trivializing something they consider serious. I know people's feelings are valid even if they're emotionally distraught over something so perplexing as a best friend not calling, or whining because they can't decide if they should buy all the colors available for a pair of pants at Banana Republic. That is when I want to say, "By God, get a life and get a real problem!" It's become so bad that if I hear the person's voice in the hallway at that time of the day, I grab my bag and flee! I find myself window shopping a lot! :)
I really don't mind being a shoulder to anyone at all. I love to be of help to people usually. I have played the role of sounding board/counsellor to many friends and even acquaintances who, later on, become friends. There is satisfaction in seeing people resolve their challenges and grow from it. It's just that if the advice given is never heeded or the issues play like a broken record for months then that's when I become really "busy". I can help someone who's fallen down get up, but I can't be an enabler to a person who has an addiction to self-pity or just to his/her 'self' (I bet you know the kind, it's all about them!). I will not be a permanent crutch to an emotional cripple who doesn't choose to get better. Life's tough enough. It's dang hard keep someone else emotionally afloat! Heck, my degree should have been in psychology. I can at least get paid for this! Arrrgh!
Thursday, May 20, 2004
A sunny day in Boston...
Sunny days in Boston in any other season other than summertime is something to write home about because it's few and far between. When it does happen, it's an almost perfect day. It's this ideal mixture of just enough sunshine to warm you up but with a cool breeze to keep it from being humid. On days like these, you find Bostonians dressing down like they are headed for the beach. Capris or shorts, flip-flops and tank tops in all of the happy, spring colors. It is quite a change from the long coats in deep, dark winter colors. Everyone will rave about how beautiful a day it is. I guess it's the classic case of appreciating the things that you don't always have. I never understood how people can obssess about the weather until I moved here. Before, all days were the same to me since I come from a country where probably 330 out of 365 days are sunny and warm. I never checked the weather unless there was a typhoon or storm warning. In the last couple of years, I find myself checking the weather every single morning in order to dress appropriately as New England weather has proven to be very unpredictable.
On American Idol...
To the disappointment of Hawaiians and Filipinos all over, Jasmine Trias got voted off American Idol. Jasmine, as young, pretty and popular as she is, just didn't measure up to the performances of the other two finalists, Fantasia and Diana. She sings quite well and is a sentimental favorite of mine (La Toya was my choice to be American Idol), but it was time for her to go. Her performances weren't strong enough to top the other two. It would have been bad for her if she stayed as the resentment against her was steadily growing. This way, people still think of her in a favorable manner and that is better for her in the long run, PR and record sales-wise. It really is not her fault that she topped La Toya in that one show. Everyone thought La Toya was a sure thing and probably gave their sympathy vote to Jasmine. AI or not, La Toya has it made. I am sure she'll be fielding offers from all sides once her contract with AI finishes. As for Jasmine, even if she doesn't make it in the music biz nationally, you know that Hawaiians will always support her no matter what she does.
So now it's on with the final two, Fantasia Barrino's incredibly sensitive, unique, very endearing style and amazing vocal prowess against Diana DeGarmo's rah-rah cheerleader personality and often astounding "diaphragmic" strength. Let's see who wins the hearts of the fickle AI voting audience.
On American Idol...
To the disappointment of Hawaiians and Filipinos all over, Jasmine Trias got voted off American Idol. Jasmine, as young, pretty and popular as she is, just didn't measure up to the performances of the other two finalists, Fantasia and Diana. She sings quite well and is a sentimental favorite of mine (La Toya was my choice to be American Idol), but it was time for her to go. Her performances weren't strong enough to top the other two. It would have been bad for her if she stayed as the resentment against her was steadily growing. This way, people still think of her in a favorable manner and that is better for her in the long run, PR and record sales-wise. It really is not her fault that she topped La Toya in that one show. Everyone thought La Toya was a sure thing and probably gave their sympathy vote to Jasmine. AI or not, La Toya has it made. I am sure she'll be fielding offers from all sides once her contract with AI finishes. As for Jasmine, even if she doesn't make it in the music biz nationally, you know that Hawaiians will always support her no matter what she does.
So now it's on with the final two, Fantasia Barrino's incredibly sensitive, unique, very endearing style and amazing vocal prowess against Diana DeGarmo's rah-rah cheerleader personality and often astounding "diaphragmic" strength. Let's see who wins the hearts of the fickle AI voting audience.
Monday, May 17, 2004
"I do."
It's a very historical day in Massachusetts. As of midnight today, same-sex marriage becomes legal here. Cambridge City Hall opened its doors at midnight until about 4:30 am to accomodate couples. More than 260 couples filled out application forms for marriage licences in the wee hours of the morning. A lesbian couple from Malden where we live, were the first couple to get married. They filled out their paperwork, got a waiver for the usual three-day period, and returned to Cambridge City Hall to have a Justice of Peace officiate their wedding.
Like it or not, what happened today is legal. What is not sure is if it is binding, as this issue comes into ballot as early as 2006. Whatever the results might be, the legality of same-sex unions performed from today until then is in a precarious position.
Like it or not, what happened today is legal. What is not sure is if it is binding, as this issue comes into ballot as early as 2006. Whatever the results might be, the legality of same-sex unions performed from today until then is in a precarious position.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Choices, choices...
A fork in the road ahead...deciding which one to take can be agonizing. You're quite content where you are. Being on cruise control can be quite comfortable and worry-free. Changing speed or making a turn switches it off. Manoeuvering into a new direction might take you to a road that is a less comfortable drive, although staying the course does not guarantee a smooth one either. So what do you do?
That is where I am right now. Do I stay on the road that's familiar and comfortable? Or do I take a chance and go somewhere uncharted? I will always wonder where that unfamiliar road would have taken me should I decide not to take it. But if I do, I may end up somewhere disappointing.
Making a decision is never easy. I know I have to make one soon and I will, after careful thought and prayer. Wish me well.
:)
That is where I am right now. Do I stay on the road that's familiar and comfortable? Or do I take a chance and go somewhere uncharted? I will always wonder where that unfamiliar road would have taken me should I decide not to take it. But if I do, I may end up somewhere disappointing.
Making a decision is never easy. I know I have to make one soon and I will, after careful thought and prayer. Wish me well.
:)
Getting started...
Okay, I have been wanting to do an online journal for a very long time simply because it would be the easiest thing for my family and friends to keep up with what is going on in my life. Not that my life is that exciting. In fact, my friends back home live far more exciting lives as they jump from one gig to another, meeting new people, taking on new artistic challenges.
I came to the US to take a year and a half break from that same fun but sometimes crazy existence. Little did I know that my break would become permanent! Friends have asked me why I have not networked and looked for gigs locally. Truth to tell, as much as I miss doing shoots, rehearsals, recordings, concerts and musicals, I love being home by dusk and spending time with Michael. I guess I am getting old or Michael is just darn good company. :D
My challenge now is to make my very normal existence sound interesting and make my family and friends want to keep reading. Let's see how long this will last!!! :)
I came to the US to take a year and a half break from that same fun but sometimes crazy existence. Little did I know that my break would become permanent! Friends have asked me why I have not networked and looked for gigs locally. Truth to tell, as much as I miss doing shoots, rehearsals, recordings, concerts and musicals, I love being home by dusk and spending time with Michael. I guess I am getting old or Michael is just darn good company. :D
My challenge now is to make my very normal existence sound interesting and make my family and friends want to keep reading. Let's see how long this will last!!! :)
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