Work

I have this theory that if I work on a weekend, I'll have less stress during the
coming week. It's all about controlling the stress.

Since I was the only one on my floor I had music as loud as I wanted playing
in the background. My choice for the day was the Sundays from my early days.

Then I heard the loud Indian music.

Friday already?

It's sad when instead of being happy Friday is here and the weekend is hours away to
wish that it were only Tuesday and that time was passing s-l-o-w-l-y.
I have too many deliverables this week and they are taking their toll on my sanity.
Examples: I locked myself out of my XP box, forgot my UNIX password and could not
help someone with a regular expression. What the %&*$!

I did get an excellent review for 2003. Not excellent enough for a promotion
[working on letting that go...], but great for the upcoming bonus. ;)

French Films

You know what I like about French films? I like that the people in them look like
average people. People you'd see sitting at Starbucks, grocery shopping, walking down
the street on a regular work day...like the co-worker you see every day but don't
necessarily know. The cast of Amelie (one of my all-time favorite films) comes
to mind.

The Housekeeper
I liked this film. It reminded me of the roles in Lost in Translation except these
two took it to the next level.

Pronunciation

I know pre-teens and maybe even teens laugh at the possible mispronunciation of Fockers. But having my mother mess it up, was just hilarious specially since that was not her intention. I bugged her the rest of the day, "What was the name of the movie?" just to hear her say it again.

Meet the Fockers
We thought Meet the Parents was funny and the sequel did not disappoint us. Robert De Niro's character reminds me of my dad when he met my first boyfriend. It was something else. I feel sorry for the next guy I introduce to my dad and brother. ;)

Crappy Day

Late start this morning.

Rained.

Late to first meeting.

Everyone wanted everything YESTERDAY.

Unplanned tasks took over most of the day.

Did not get promotion.

Worked longer than planned.

Got a parking ticket.


On a brighter note, I read this great article on the first expeditions to Mount Everest,
which reminded me of my planned Half Dome hike. No, not comparing the two. Let's
face it, Half Dome will be my Everest. ;)

Societal Norms

I rarely think of myself as old-fashioned or being affected by societal norms.
Yes, I like to think I can form my opinions without being influenced by outside
factors. Since I don't live in a bubble, this is unlikely. Consciously, with
some work, it's possible; subconsciously it's a different story.

a: Someone is cheating on spouse.
me: What's his name?
a: I didn't say it was the guy.
me: Oh please, it can't be the girl.

I just assumed it was the guy without a second thought.

No, cheating is not a societal norm. Atleast, I'd like to think it is not. But, most
people do think that when cheating is involved the dog is the guy.

Which brings me to the following assumption: fathers leave their families not mothers.
Not so. I know, but it's the first thing that comes to mind.

Evelyn
The mother leaves her family in this film. It took a few minutes to adjust. I mean....it goes
against the norm.

This film was funny, sad and based on a true story. The little kids were adorable.

Apartment Hunting

It's time to move. Where? Haven't quite decided or researched for that matter.
I hate moving. It's amazing how much junk one person can accumulate.

Part of me wants to give up the commute, which means my guaranteed two
hours of reading would be gone.

Location or amenities? Hopefully a nice compromise.

In preparation for a possible move, paper shredding has begun and inventory is taking
place (what to keep, what to give away, what to throw out).

Paper Shredder

It's sad to get this much joy out of my latest purchase. I have years of information that needs
to be shredded.

Why don't I just rip those papers up and throw them out?

A friend of mine was a victim of identity theft. Someone applied for credit cards and checking
accounts. He (or she) proceeded to max out the credit cards and bounce checks. Friend can no
longer write checks because she is in 'the system.' And the worse thing, friend had an arrest
warrant out in her 'name' and she had to turn herself in. She had to hire a lawyer to go to court to
try and clear up all of these problems. More than a year later she is still suffereing the consequences
of identity theft.

Lesson learned: better safe than sorry.

The Amish

I thought the Amish were mainly found in Pennsylvania. I was wrong. You can find
the Amish in various states, e.g., Florida, Indiana, Ohio, etc.

I'm not very knowledgeable on their beliefs, but I know they choose to live outside of
modernity and follow the Bible to the letter. They choose to stop education at about
the 8th grade. Women are second class citizens, no 50/50 idealism.

It's hard for me to understand why anyone would want to live outside of modern times
voluntarily. But, at the same time I find this way of life oddly intriguing and peaceful.

Devil's Playground
I found this documentary very interesting due to the contrast.

"... At age 16, Amish youngsters are allowed to break free of the religion's strict code of conduct
to decide whether they want to be baptized as adults. During the period of 'rumspringa,' a Pennsylvania
Dutch term that means 'running around,' they often date, drink, drive cars and move away from
their homes.

The majority return to the faith. ..."

Of course, reality t.v. could not be far behind: Amish and the City

Shameful

me, that is.

If you see Roger & Me on DVD, make sure to watch Michael Moore's
commentary.

I gave a warning about the Thumper scene in the previous post. I did not give a
warning about the black male that was shot. Moore commented on this action by
movie viewers.

That is sad.

Better Late than Never

Damn, it took me over a decade to watch this. I would probably be deep
in nonprofits had I seen this docu-film in my more impressionable years.

Roger & Me
This docu-film was great. It was funny (in a different way) and eye-opening even if it
was released in 1989. People never fail to amaze me. They either do not think
before they speak or really have no clue. That happened a few times in this film,
specifically the rich people talking about the laid off blue-collar workers. It sheds a
brighter light to 'walk a mile in someone else's shoes.'

I'm on the fence about a segment in the film. Factories going to Mexico for the
cheaper labor. I have seen the poverty of Mexico. Mexico provides a competitive
(wage-wise) alternative labor pool. Businesswise it makes sense. Having witnessed
the poverty there it makes sense. As an 'American', it is hard to justify.

Fast-forward to present day and ask me how I feel about companies, including the
one I am employed by, sending software development to India. Don't like it.
I'm directly affected in one way or another by this money saving strategy.
Let Russia and China open up and things will be dire indeed. So when I hear
management complaining about employee loyalty, I can't help but ask 'Where is
the company's loyalty to its employees?'

My first intro to Michael Moore's work was Bowling for Columbine.
My friend and I were speechless walking out of that theatre. Dialogue continued
for days and we proceeded to spread word about the film to our friends. Those
friends who really needed to see the film and maybe would have a change of heart
regarding their own personal views.

Roger & Me reminded me of three things.

1. Nickel and Dimed
   
   This book reinforced what I have forgotten. It's tough to live on minimum wage.
   Minimum wage for me was $4.25/hr back in the day, except I wasn't 'making a
   living' I was earning weekend spending money.
   
   
2. Broken Window Theory
   
   I was given this link from the perspective of software development chaos.
   The 'broken window' for Flint, Michigan was GM leaving.
   
   
3. White-collar woes
   
   "Walk a mile in someone else's shoes," who knows, I may be destined to do the same.
   

Be warned: Roger & Me has a very graphic scene involving a bunny. Thumper?

Entertainment Weekly #737 Nov. 14, 2003

My friend let me borrow this magazine. Here are the things I want to read or see.

Reads
Gabrial Garcia Marquez's Living to Tell the Tale or Vivir para contarla.
Have to decide if I want to read it fast (English) or if I don't mind it taking a bit longer (Spanish).

Wendy French's sMothering
Fun chick literature genre.

Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Tuesdays with Morrie need I say more?

Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code
Someone said the origins of Friday the 13th was explained in this book.

Michael Moore's Dude, Where's My Country
Who by the way has decided to endorse Wesley Clark for President.

Movies
The following are recommendations courtesy of Stephen King, who wrote,
"...here's a list of good films I've seen during the last 15 years."
[The additional comments are my own to refresh my own memory.]

The Usual Suspects
I believe this film is worthy of ownership. One of the few I've seen more than once.

Fargo
Have this in my rental queue.

There's Something About Mary
Seen it, was not crazy about it.

Sling Blade
I saw this a lifetime ago and remember it was powerful, but not much else.
Time to rent it.

Frequency
Saw it, can't remember if I liked it.

The Matrix
Maybe worthy of ownership.

Stir of Echoes
?

American Beauty
Kevin Spacey is one of my favorite actors.

Wonder Boys
Liked it.

The Sixth Sense
Loved it. Ownership worthy.

High Fidelity
Didn't like it.

L.I.E.
?

In the Bedroom
It was okay.

Cinema Paradiso
Recently saw it. Great movie.

Iris
?

Mystic River
Looks too depressing, but I'll plan to watch it.

Modern 'Annoyances'

Electric toothbrushes. I finally decided to give it a try. Don't like it. It has a sensor
mechanism that detects pressure. If it senses you are applying too much pressure,
it stops. Either the thing is defective or I have been applying too much pressure all
my life. I'll have to have a chat with my dentist.

Cell phones. Imagine my surprise to discover 12 voicemails on the cell phone. [Not
really surprised.] What's the deal with calling the thing in the first place, if I have
forewarned about it being only for emergency use. It's either off or silenced at
the bottom of my bag. Come on now...
Things I hate:
-Cell phones ringing in theatres. Didn't you see the request to turn it off before the
movie began? And then you have the gall to answer it!
-Cell phones ringing in church. That is just plain wrong. God should give you a call.
-Cell phones on public transportation. It is public so I can't stop you, but
do you have to scream into it?

American Idol and Reality TV

American Idol is back again. You have to give it to the contestants, it really
takes guts to stand there and be criticized while at the same time possibly have your
dream shattered.

The Apprentice: Let's see which person winds up working for Donald Trump.
I'll bet it's one of the females in the end.
[I am not ambitious, which makes me glad I changed majors in the end.]

America's Next Top Model: Unrealistic standards of beauty reinforced
with just a touch of cattiness.

Survivor: All-Stars is coming and I'm looking forward to it.

Yep, reality t.v. is fun. It makes up for all the psychology and sociology classes I never
signed up for.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Following is an excerpt of a
speech read in many history classes, seen in documentaries, and which
has moved me in the past and present.

Delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
on August 28, 1963.

"... I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live
out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be
self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that
one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves
and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together
at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the
state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of
injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom
and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by
the content of their character. I have a dream today.
...
When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and
every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed
up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews
and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and
sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last!
thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Entire speech, click here.

Hiking Shoes

My aim for today was to get a new pair of hiking shoes. Since rain seems
to be a thing of the past, it's time to get back out there. My legs hurt
just thinking about it.

Did not find the hiking shoes, but I did find another pair that came home with
me. ;)

Movies

Netflix is paying off.

Yana's Friends
I was surprised and moved by this film. The plight of immigrants in a new country is
always touching. Want to talk about eye-opening scenes?
It has to involve gas masks and not just as a film prop. Considering people in Israel,
where the film is based, do own these things and use them on occasion, it was a bit too
real. Brought back the images of people in China wearing face masks during the SARS
'epidemic.'

How to Deal
Teen movie. Mandy Moore could be the next Meg Ryan. (I read that somewhere, and now
I believe it.)

Ikea

I had not been to Ikea in over two years. Parking is a pain. Traffic is
murder. Since I had to go to work and it was on my way home, I
decided to stop and see if anything had changed.

Nope, nothing had changed. Same cute/weird stuff. That is why I stay
away. When I walk into Ikea, I ask myself, "What do I want?"
Note how that should actually read "What do I NEED?"
The answer is: I don't need anything.

I walked out with kitchen stuff and other junk. Let see, it is the seventeenth
day of 2004 and I have yet to cook anything in my own home. The funny thing
is one look at my kitchen and no one could help but conclude that I must be a
great cook. Wishful thinking. Subconsciously, I must think that if the kitchen
looks inviting and nice I would eventually go in there and cook. We'll see if
my subconscious is correct.

Ikea is also a great place to people watch. Any onlooker is guaranteed to see
the following:

1. people who just moved in together
   
2. couple's disagreeing (read: fighting)
   
3. bored men
   
4. people trying to remember how big the space is where the new thing is
   suppose to go
   
5. bored kids running around to not be bored
   

The first two things got me to thinking about couple's and how I am not part
of one. Then came the real question: Do I want to be in a relationship?
After some contemplation the answer was still no. I'll have to revisit this later.

People should control their darn kids.

Saturday + Work = $%@#$^*(^

Working on a Saturday sucks! And it sucks even more when it is
partially your own fault for having to be there in the first place.

Late Friday it came to my attention that something could be possibly
misconfigured. To find this out at the beginning of what was to be a
three day weekend, which was to be spent in Los Angeles, f*cking sucks!

Books on Tape

I've known books on tape have been around for a while, but I've
never really bothered. Well, I bothered. I reserved a book on tape
from the library months ago and I finally got it.

Steve Martin's Shopgirl. Yes, the same Steve Martin who starred in the
Three Amigos, L.A. Story, and Father of the Bride among many other films.

Skeptical as I was initially, I am now a fan of his writing. He knows how to tell a
story. Straightforward story, but he captured the complex emotions so well.

I looked forward to listening to this story about every other day depending on
my schedule. My imagination was fine-tuned with this recording. I could sit back,
relax and imagine it all.

Lazy? Could be; but, I don't really care. I enjoyed reading time as a young kid.
One of my favorite memories has to do with my ex and I reading to each other.

I look forward to reading or listening to books in the future, which will include
other works by Steve Martin.