From "Angel" to "The Office"

I used to LOVE the "Buffy" spin-off, "Angel." At times, I enjoyed the story lines of the show more than Buffy. One my favorite characters on the show was Skip, a monsterous demon who appeared in a few episodes. Here's how Wikipedia introduces his character:

"Skip is a formidable and powerful demon, whose body is plated in armor. He appears in four episodes of the series. The demon sports a confident, charismatic personality and frequently makes humorous reference to human popular culture and turn-of-phrase. The history and nature of Skip is largely unknown since much of what Skip spoke was later revealed to be a lie. Skip was revealed to be a servant of Jasmine who was used to trick Cordelia Chase into becoming a vessel for the infestation and birth of Jasmine."

So why do I bring him up? Why now? Maybe it's because I miss that show and the actors in it... OR, maybe it's because Skip can be found on The Office. He plays Pam's ex-fiance, Roy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Denman

I can't believe that the actor has played both roles! Okay, back to studying...

"I'm an Accountant..."

I felt a little stupid today at work today. I was helping out a friend/coworker/fellow-blogger figure out an issue with our company's bank. Earlier this week, he had accidentally deposited a Canadian check into our US currency account instead of our Canadian account. It was an innocent mistake. In order to protect the bank's identify, I won't give the name. Let's just say the banks name is, "Fells Wargo." Anyway, my friend's called a customer rep for the zillionth time around 5pm. My boss wanted us to confirm, one more time, how the error was to be corrected. I was there to help since , me being me, wanted to get hear the story directly from Fells Wargo. My friend re-explained the problem to a rep, was put on hold for ten minutes , then had to hear the rep give the answer we didn't want to hear. So, in order to add to the conversation, I said, "Hi, this is Rodney. I'm an accountant here..."

Forget the rest of the call. I felt a little bit stupid. [waving hands in air] "Look at me... I'm the accountant. You must listen to me 'cause I'm a big man on campus. You know, me...the accountant..." I was a bit embaressed but finished off the conversation getting the answers I didn't want to hear.

Though I'm very happy with my new "Staff Accountant" title, it's strange actually using it...

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Seattle was shut down today. It snowed last night, making the roads icy, and forcing many a Seattle-ite to stay home instead of going about their usual business. Since I was out sick yesterday, I decided to brave the cold and bus it downtown to work. Being month-end, I felt this would be the best way to spend my day. Glo and I live four hilly blocks away from the bus stop on California Avenue. With our house smack dab in the middle of our block, we have the choice of two different hills to climb. One's less steep with a longer ascent, while the other is very steep with a shorter hike. I think the cold weather must have gotten to Glo's head 'cause she made a move for the steeper hill. "Ummm, hello? Scary." I quickly tackled her and exclaimed, "What are you doing? Are you MAD? Going that way is far too dangerous!" After snapping out of that delusion, I returned to reality and simply suggested, "Ummm... Glo? Maybe we should go the other way. You think?" She quickly agreed and we were off to conquer Mount Andover.

It took us some time to get up the hill but it was pretty uneventful, with only an occasional, "Whoa" and "Yikes" shooting from our mouths. We did see one car struggle to get up one of the hills, eventually giving up and reversing completely down the hill. The sidewalk itself was very slippery so we walked on the snow covered grass whenever possible. Once we were a block away from our destination, on level ground, I offered my arm in support to Glo. As chivalrous as that might sound, I did request that she let go of me if she felt the need to fall down. There’s no reason for both of us to injure ourselves in the event of an ugly wipeout.

The bus wasn't completely full when we got on but there was at least one person in almost every seat. The only two-seater offering was in the middle accordion section of the bus. We reluctantly sat down in what I consider to be the worst seats on the bus. Riding sideways? With no window? Not only do I get a bit nauseous in those seats, I also feel self-conscious since I’m forced to face in the direction of those sitting across or diagonally from me. Thankfully, the two people in front of us were reading books. I could look their direction without worrying they might think I was staring at them. I avoided looking diagonally to my right (to the back of the bus) because my eyes kept meeting those of the folks in those seats. Everything would be okay if I just looked straight ahead or to my left... so I thought.
At the last stop in West Seattle, the bus driver asked those standing in the aisle to move back in order to make room for more riders. Up until that point, there were a couple of guys immediately in front of me. One of them had a huge backup that could potentially crush me to death if the bus stopped suddenly, but I didn't care. After they moved further back, the two men were replaced by a tall, slender, attractive woman with a fit figure. This brunette was wearing some tight jeans, a short brown leather-ish jacket, and matching long boots. To my peripheral right, I could tell the two guys were checking her fanny out.

I refrained from looking up because her round booty was only a few inches from me. "Great..." I thought, "people are going to think I'm the biggest perv checking out her rump." I pulled out my law book to get some reading done and to avoid having to deal with her backside. But her buttocks were right there. Every time the bus made a turn, the corner of my book was close to stabbing her in the derriere. It's rather difficult to avoid a bum when it's right in your face. We've all been in a similar awkward situation with someone's rear bumper honking at us. In restaurants, you’ll see an occasional hiney of a waiter or waitress in someone's face. It doesn't matter whether they have a nice permanent vertical smile or not. An arse in the face makes for an awkward situation. I could tell she was occasionally looking back to make sure I wasn't gawking at her butt. But I felt like she was purposely putting her rear in my face so as to say, "Look at my ass. Isn't it the best behind you've seen? You have to admit, these are great buns." Thankfully, we arrived at the first downtown stop where Miss Gluteus Maximus took her can off the bus. That put an end to my rear end scenario.

I'm now home, after a six-hour work day. Unless it snows tonight, I'll still go to work tomorrow even if it's icy. But hopefully I won't END up in the line of fire of someone else’s tush...

Been busy...

Have I been so busy that I haven't posted a new blog in almost two months? Wow... that's a long time. What a depressing last blog too! So serious.

My back hurts and I've been kinda sick the past few days. I "coulda" went to work today but I decided to stay home and rest. It was nice to get caught up on some homework I couldn't do the past few days 'cause I was too nauseated to do anything.

So, a quick summary of what I've been up to since my last blog:

-I was accepted to UW Business School (yay!)
-I'll probably decline my acceptance (booooo) in order to attend Central Washington University's night program. I have to do what's convenient for my schedule!
-My title at work was upgraded to Staff Accountant/Financial Data Specialist! I'm so happy that I'm finally an accountant... I'm on my way once I get done with school.
-All I do is work and study.

It's been pretty quiet but things are moving along very well. I hope people decide to take the day off at work tomorrow so I can get a lot of stuff done. I'll keep my blog short for now and write more sooner than later...

Instant Gellin...

My coworker/budinsky Greg and I were chatting on instant messenger today. Not sure how we started making references to the Dr. Scholl's "Are you gellin?" commericials. But, in addition to using some existing rhymes, we came up with some of our own.

Rodney says:
i'm chillin' over there...
Rodney says:
"here"
Greg says:
Are you going to be zinfindel'in?
Rodney says:
certainly, just like Nate McMillan...
Greg says:
I like to eat watermelon.
Greg says:
I married a felon.
Rodney says:
I'd prefer if AV actually be sellin...
Greg says:
There's a revolt that needs a quellin'
Rodney says:
You're good enuff for 1st billin...
Rodney says:
101 Dalmations is what I saw Cruella Deville in.
Greg says:
If you don't stop bugging me, I'm tellin'
Rodney says:
Fine! Send me home now so I can watch Ellen...
Greg says:
Sometimes I wish you would bathe more, you need to stop smellin;
Rodney says:
HA! I'M TYPING ALL CAPS TO MAKE LIKE I'M YELLIN!
Greg says:
I wish comics weren't so expensive, I'm getting broke from all the money I'm shellin'

Yeah, it was funny to us.

WSA

Today's a big day for me. I took the day off to take the Written Skills Assessment (WSA) test at UW for entry into their Business School. Though I'm most likely attending Central Washing University, I thought I'd apply just to keep my options open.

My test was at 2pm today. I got up this morning around 8:30ish with plans of writing some essays as practice for the afternoon exam. I took my fiancee into work and was back to my house before 10am. "Lazy ass" best describes how I was feeling. That's absolutely what I was. When I got home, I fried some bacon & eggs and toasted some bread for a hearty breakfast. I watched "The View" which was the last day of Rosie's first week with the gals. I must say that it reminded me of Rosie's old show except with three other women trying to get a word in every second or so. Rosie's one of the best at what she does. She's great at interviewing folks and giving away the free shtuff to the audience (they all got tickets to "Wedding Singer" on Broadway since Rosie's one complaint from the first week was that there was no Broadway number).

But, yeah, what a lazy morning it was! I watched more TV and did absolutely NO writing. I had been transferring episodes of "So You Think You Can Dance" from DVR to videotape and caught myself wrapped up in the past season's performances. "Screwed" was now the thought in my head by 12:30pm. Completely 100% screwed. I started taping another episode around 12:45pm when I FINALLY decided to take a shower. But, before I did, I got my pencils and form ready to take with me to the test.

...so, hmmm, where's that form? Ah, here it is and it... says... the... test... WHAT????

...

THE TEST IS AT 1PM!

...what time is it????

... OH SHIT!!!!!!!!! It's 12:45PM... I'm in West Seattle and the friggin' test is at 1PM....

Shorts off. (I'M SO STUPID!)
Jeans on. (WHAT AN IDIOT?)
Wallet. (WHY DIDN'T I CHECK THE TIME?)
Watch. (CAN I ARRIVE LATE AND STILL TAKE IT?)
Phone. (THERE'S JUST NO WAY!)
Form. (SHOULD I JUST CANCEL?)
Two #2 pencils. (...out the door!!!!!!)

I jump into the car...

OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOH
MYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMY
GODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGO
DOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODO
HMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHM
YGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYG
ODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD

70MPH down the West Seattle Bridge...
traffic onto I-5 (darn!)...

...I get on I-5. Express Lanes. 90MPH. UW, first exit... not too much further...

YES! Street parking right in front of Schmitz Hall...

...elevator to 4th floor (testing center). WHERE'S ROOM 400????

...and there's a line to sign-in.

WHEW.

Thank-God-WHEW.

...so, I even had time to use the restroom really quick. I was the very last person in line, hair sticking up, but glad to have made it. The test itself? I feel like I did okay. Two essay questions in 90 minutes. First one was a position essay on something about making change in order to make the world the way you wish it. And the second was a persuasive essay on supporting one of two candidates as partner in an international law firm. The first candidate was a smooth & charismatic lawyer with rich upbringing, was good looking, and had experience with negotiations in European countries. The other candidate is someone with high technical skills, great at writing legal argument, and is a brilliant analyst. However, he's socially awkward and physically clumsy. Do you think I supported the first candidate (from a senior partners perspective)? Or was I a partner who supported the second individual?

It doesn't matter. I'm just happy I made it to the damn exam...

Ivan

Here's a video of Ivan with Elmer Pizarro, formerly of Seattle's Baneful Brew (way long ago). Ivan being linked to someone I used to admire locally is awesome. And I'm glad that Elmer (whose the same age as me) is still going strong with the dancing.


Another video of Ivan...


Here's Ivan with Marty Kudelka , tour choreographer for Justin Timberlake


Please take note of the disclaimer on these videos (which I admire):
DISCLAIMER: For Inspirational purposes only. Please respect the creative work of this choreographer. Duplicating or recycling these moves in any shape or form for your own use (without permission) is prohibited and "shameful."

Have respect for the dancing geniuses of our world!

GASP

I love those TV jaw-droppin' moments. The rare "I can't believe that just happened" feeling. It's quite a rush. Last season was filled with those during Lost. What a great show!

However, it wasn't such a great feeling last night when my favorite female dancer on So You Think You Can Dance was booted off by America. What the fug?

[on hands and knees screaming]: NNNNOOOOoooooooooo ! ! ! !

Me so sad. She was the most verse-ah-tile dancer of the very talented top four women who remained on the show. I expected her to at least last longer than Natalie. I mean, yes, Natalie's great, athletic, and very talented...but, Allison? Allison??? She deserved to be there longer than the Gnatalie.

Allison's the only girl that was able to successfully pull off every style of dance she was faced wih. Granted, her first hiphop routine of the season was "aiight"... but I had just got finished boasting about her and Ivan's performance the night before. Allison was the first performer to actually dance along to the lyrics at the end of the solo routines. It was so cute the way she'd shake to the lyrics, "So you think you can dance" then end with a Travolta Saturday Night Fever style pose. What happened? Did she not say enough for people to like her? Wasn't her talent and genuine smile enough? I guess not.

I predict that, next season, the judges will choose who gets booted off every show until the final two dancers are left. That'll ensure that this sheeeeaht doesn't happen again.

...By the way, did anyone know Ivan's from Seattle? Go figure! I found a Seattle P-I article on him. And, to think, I've danced in the same studio with him... Everyone now, "OOOOOooooo..."

Ivan and Allison

I look foward to every episode of "So You Think You Can Dance". This show is what a DVR was meant for. Every week, there's at least one performance which I just can't get enough of. Last night, Benji danced with his cousin Heidi. They probably danced the most professional routine of the week. They both excel in partner dances so their routine was SO amazing.

But their performance wasn't the one I watched over and over and over again. It was Ivan and Allison. Shane Sparks (did I spell that right?) put together a most excellent hiphop routine to a slow R&B song by Neo. Man, the song and the choreography was just so... cool.

The first five weeks of the show, these two youngins were partners. Last week was the first time they didn't dance together. By chance, they were paired up again in yesterday's top four couples' routines. They had two strong performances but Ivan, whose specialty is hiphop, showed how important chemistry is as he and Allison gave me chills with their sweet ass routine. I loved it.

Ivan has improved SO much. I didn't like him at first 'cause I thought there was no way he'd be able to do anything except hiphop. He looked horrible in his first couple of non-hiphop dances. But, man, I was wrong. He's so much better now. Still, he's at his best doing hiphop.

I hope this link works for awhile...

"Soft" Ball

I had lunch with Eric, Wes, and Erwin at 12:30 yesterday. The brainwashing has worn off and Wes is leaving Active Voice. Hence, lunch with the Fantasy Football fellas before he leaves downtown and starts working as a consultant for Microsoft...

Scene 1 - Restaurant
Eric: "Hey, you know... tonight's my softball league's championship match... wanna come?"

Rodney: "Maybe... what time?"

Eric: "6:30pm - It's at South Park..."

Rodney: "Oh, yeah, I remember that place. Sounds like it could be fun. Plus, I'd get to meet your new girlie, eh?"

Eric: "Yep..."

Six hours later. My fiancee (not Beyonce) arrive just a little late. It's the bottom of the 1st inning and we can see Eric up to bat. Awwww... he's out.

Scene 2 - South Park Ballfield
Rodney: "Hey, Eric... What's the score?"

Eric: "You just get here? You missed my brilliant first inning as pitcher where I gave up five runs. It's 5-0."

I guess Eric's no longer the pitcher. He's in at shortstop. It's a co-ed team. All I know is that his new girlfriend/we're not official yet/"friend" is named Angie. We listen carefully as each girl on his team gets up to bat...

"Go Becka!" Nope, not her. Next girl?

"You can do it, V!" Nope, not her either.

Eventually, there's an Angie. Hmmm... nice looking girl. She made contact with the ball. Sure, she got out - but at least she's playing sports. Eric likey girls who are into sports.

Smackdown (Eric's team) comes back, score seven runs, and lead at the top of the 4th/5th-ish inning. Great game! But, uh oh, the other team is making their own comeback. What a shame. It's now 7-6 and bases are loaded. Next person up? Big dude. On the first pitch, Big Dude swings and makes solid contact, the ball screaming towards Eric. This ferocious line drive bounces off the ground and ricochets vertically into Eric's face. He's down!

But no worries... Eric always gets hurt. He'll get up pretty quickly...

...

Ummm... nope. He's still down. Both benches are cleared as Eric's surrounded by everyone trying to help.

"Someone... grab a towel!!!!"

From my seat I think, "Hmmph. He must be badly stunned. He just probably needs ice. Good thing all these people are here to help."

...

"Hmmm... Eric sure has been down for quite a long time. That's it. I'm going to check it out."

I walk around the fence towards Eric but he's already up and walking to the dugout. Whoah. His hand and the towel covering his nose are completely covered in blood! The ball wacked him in the nose, not only breaking it, but creating an inch long laceration.

From the field (in the Georgetown area), I pull my best emergency moves, speeding down every road, and even taking a left at an intersection with a red light. I tried to scream this ambulance-type wail to get people out of the way - but that didn't work! We rushed to the Group Health Urgent Care center in Captiol Hill. Leave it to my pal Eric to want to go there instead of the closest emergency room. Ultimately, it's the smartest thing we could have done, in regards to finances...

We were at the hospital for over three hours. Glo and I left him in good hands with the new girlie. But the doctor who treated him didn't seem to knowledgable.

Scene 3
Doctor: So, yeah, there are a couple of options. But, I'm gonna call someone to ask them which route to go. So, yeah... Ummm... okay, I'll call them after reading up on how to do sutures.

All is well today. I just talked to Eric on the phone. He'll have surgery on Thursday to have his nose popped back into place. His girlfriend took care of him last night... and this morning... and... nevermind. It was nice to meet her last night and get to know her - despite the circumstances. I hope Eric's able to play softball again this season...

Econ Revisited

I received the following response from my buddy in Econ.

Hi, Rodney.

I'm really sorry about what happened.
but I want to explain why I copied yours.
To be honest, I'm not comfortable with English. I've been in USA for couple
years.
Everytime I do my hw, I always have ideas for each question
but it's not easy to write that down in English.
and I realized what I wanted to answer is the same as you had answered.
I didn't mean to make you upset and get scores easily or something like
that.
I'm trying to spend couple hours to study eco201 everyday
and figure out how to express my opinions efficiently.
I'm still dealing with it.
so.. please understand what I did to you.
and sorry about that again.

Thank you

__________

I guess that makes sense. Why would anyone flat out copy another person's assignment when the postings are available for everyone to see? I'll let this one go... this time!

"Individual" Assignments for Economics

I'm studying for my econ test tomorrow. Yep... that's right. I'm "studying"...

It's an online class. It's been quite a unique experience this quarter. What makes it even more unique is an assignment I completed over the weekend. In the online format, students post their answers to weekly homework assignments. From Lesson 5, I've copied and pasted two questions, my answers, and a fellow classmate's answers (to the same two questions). I have not edited any of the answers. I'm simply control-c'ing and control-v'ing to this blog:

Question 5c - Can you think of other aspects of well-being that are associated with the rise in womens labor force participation? Would it be practical to construct a measure of well-being that includes these aspects?

My answer:
The rise of womens labor force participation means a tradeoff of less time spent at home where, previously, time may have been spent taking care of children. This might have a negative impact on the children in these households. It doesnt seem practical to construct a measure of well-being that includes this. How does one quantitatively measure the happiness of a child whose mother is now working?

My classmate's answer (posted, today, two days later):
The rise of womens labor force participation means a tradeoff of less time spent at home where, previously, time may have been spent taking care of children. This might have a negative impact on the children in these households. It doesnt seem practical to construct a measure of well-being that includes this. How does one quantitatively measure the happiness of a child whose mother is now working?

Problem 1B - Do tennis racquets become more or less expensive relative to Gatorade? Does the well-being of some people change relative to the well-being of others? Explain.

My answer:
Tennis Racquets: ($600 - $400) / $400 x 100 = 50
Gatorade: ($400 200) / $200 x 100 = 100
Tennis racquets (50% increase) become less expensive relative to Gatorade (100% increase). Because of this analysis, those who purchase tennis racquets would be relatively better off to those who purchase Gatorade. And, actually, those who purchase tennis balls would be relatively better off than those who purchase tennis racquets or Gatorade, since the price of tennis balls dont change.

My same classmate's answer (again posted today, two days later):
Tennis racquets become less expensive relative to Gatorade. Because of this analysis, those who purchase tennis racquets would be relatively better off to those who purchase Gatorade. And, actually, those who purchase tennis balls would be relatively better off than those who purchase tennis racquets or Gatorade, since the price of tennis balls dont change.



...so, did you notice any similarities between the two sets of answers? It's like "Hocus Focus" in the comic section of the newspaper where you try to distinguish the difference between the two panels. But, in this case, there's nothing different. My classmate actually copied my answers? (Say WHUT?) So, I emailed my classmate (I went easy 'cause I don't like my instructor - what good would come from me reporting this?):

Dear _______,

Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I noticed that a couple of answers on Lesson 5 (Individual assignment) were copied directly from my answers to your answers.

Please dont do that again. If you do, youre taking away from your learning process. I work very hard on these assignments and for someone else to just come along and copy and paste doesn't seem fair.

Thank you,
Rodney
So, if you were me, what would you have done? Should I have reported this person to my instructor? This was more amusing than irritating...

I can't believe I'm an idiot...

I should be working on my Econ test ... but, it's all good... there's always tomorrow...

So I get in the elevator after work to head out of the building from our fifth floor office. It's usually a lonely ride in my escape from Active Voice... but, on this particular trip, it's a full load when I get in. Actually, there were only four people. But, with as small as our elevator is, it seemed like a whole bunch more. There are two younger guys, 'bout my age, carrying boxes filled with paperwork. I don't notice the two others who are against the side walls of the elevator. I'm focused on these first two 'cause they're struggling, especially this one dude trying to balance a cup of coffee on the top of his load. They're taking up a lot of room, invading my personal space. Noticing that the third floor button is lit, I realize I'm gonna have to step out to so one of these fools can get out. Mr. Coffee says, "Yeah, we're auditors for the state..."

Third floor, doors open, and I step out briefly in order to get out of the first two guys' way. In leaving, I'm amazed at Mr. Coffee's focus on making sure his drink doesn't spill. Quite impressive. I feel like I should applaud. Instead, I get back into the elevator and, being one never to miss an obvious observation, say out loud, "Man, that guy sure needed his cup of coffee". A slight chuckle from the remaining two. I don't deserve it since there's nothing especially funny about obvious comments. But, I appreciate their politeness as I step to the back wall of the elevator.

Normally, I don't look at people in an elevator. It's only right not to stare. But I can't... help... but... notice... the guy to my left is rather... tall. I look over... and up. Way up. Who do I see? Friggin' Bill Russell! That's right. Bill "What the HELL are YOU doing in the elevator with me???" Russell. He was a five-time NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star, and won eleven championships with the Boston Celtics. Yes, it's jaw droppin' time.

When it comes to celebs, I don't care 'bout autographs. I just like to say, "Hello..." to see if they're nice or not. Now, what moment would this be? Would this be another Shaun Alexander moment? Last October, I saw Shaun outside the theater down the street. Trying to play it cool, I confidently said to him, "Hey Shaun... 'sup?" His response of , "Hey, man..." made me feel like we were long-lost friends. I replied back, "Great game the other day..." And he genuinely reacts with a, "Gee.. thanks!"

Yeah, I could do that again with Mr. Russell. I was sure I could say something smooth. You know, something to make this moment last forever. Something I could brag about to my friends. Maybe I could chat it up with Bill 'bout the Sonics? Heck, maybe Billy-Boy here would want to head to Starbucks for a double-tall-non-fat-iced-mocha. We could joke about those silly auditors who got out of the elevator. I really wanted to say something impressive to Willy...

But, instead, what happens? In typical Rodney-fashion, I blurt out, "Wow... I can't believe I'm in the elevator with a star..."

[echo] star, star, star... [echo]

[silence]

What... did... I... just... say? Man, it was silent for such a long time. Mr. Russell, knowing that I probably hadn't had my medicine yet, broke the silence with, "Yeah, me neither..."

Dammit. He was mocking me. I felt like such a fool. C'mon elevator. Open, open, open. Finally, were on the first floor. Bill gestures for me to go first. But I insist, "No, no, you guys first."

Mr. Russell and his buddy go ahead & step out before me. But not without Mr. Russell saying, "Oh... age before beauty, eh?" Ugh. Another mockatory comment! Cmon, me beauty? I later learn from James, the barista from the espresso cart, that Mr. Russells lawyers are in our building. He was probably the other guy in the elevator. So, maybe one day I can redeem myself? Ummmmm... no.

So... alright. At least Bill Russell was a nice enough guy. I mean, look at his picture. Doesn't that smile just spell N-I-C-E??? But I had proven again that, yes, you SHOULD think before talking. Oh, well. At least it gave me something to finally blog about.

American Inventor

I tried watching American Inventor last night.

(Side note: When trying to type inventor, I typed "inventory". Twice. Wow, I AM in Accounting.)

I didn't just try to watch this show, I watched all but the first fifteen minutes of it. I thought the show was just "ehhhhh". Not one invention impressed me. There were cool "concepts" but no invention blew me away. I thought this show would be filled with life-changing innovations. Though I liked the idea of a sanitizer pump on a toilet tissue holder, it certainly wasn't the Next Great Invention. Or how about an additional pedal added to a bicycle so the front-handle bar passenger could help power it? This is supposed to change our world? This better get good quick before it becomes one of those shows released on DVD featuring "Episodes You Didn't See".

Maybe the lack of "eye candy" takes away from American Inventor's appeal? These people aren't even close to beautiful... they're not at all visually appealing folks. But, of course, the show is about inventors. I think an attractive cast of players adds to a show which lacks in substance. Don't get me wrong, I'm not all into looks. I'm certaily not that great to look at. I'm what you'd call "eye broccoli" - you know, not a great looker. But once you realize how good I am for you, you start likin' me? No?

Anyway, I can certainly do without this show in my TV lineup. I should have gotten caught up on Smallville, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Apprentice, or How I Met Your Mother. Yeah. That would have been better. We're only about forty shows behind...or so.

...sigh...

The Simpsons

You know I like a video clip when I play it over and over and over and over again... And it's an especially cool clip when I've linked it to my blog. Check out this live-action version of The Simpsons opening sequence. Sure, there are things they could have done to make it more like the animated series. But, hey, what a great job!

2006 Calendar

Seldom does an email forward come my way that sends me into hysterics. However, my coworker forwarded me a PDF file of a calendar. Whoever created this is brilliant! Below is a picture of the entry for March. It is currently hanging outside of my other coworker's (Sonja) office. That's what she gets for not being here today.



...and here's my favorite month. December. David Hasselhoff? You slay me!

Lent...

Lent. Everyone's blogging about it. I guess I should too.

Number one - I'm giving up fast food. More specifically, any dining facility which has a window from which, in your car, you can order & pickup food. Taco Time and KFC? Out. However, Dicks and Kidd Valley are still a go. But when do I ever go to those places?

Numero dos - No more pop. Soda. Soda-pop. That doesn't include Nestea or Hi-C Orange. Mmmm... Hi-C Orange... My drink of choice at Mickey Dees. There's a McDonald's a block from my work on 6th Avenue. And you know what? There's no drive-thru window at that particular McDonalds...

(Lent is not only a time to give up something. It's also a time for me to find away around those items I've pledged to stop consuming. And, did you know that "item" and "time" both have the same letters in them?)

And, lastly - No more rice. It's what I've been over-eating the past three months. Lots and lots of rice. I guess that's why I've gained so much weight...

I agree with another fellow blogger-er who says typing what you're giving up for Lent "makes it so". Word to her wiseness.

Yessss...Napoleon Chili

Erwin found a site that allows us to post a better quality video version of our Napoleon Chili. So glad we can [sob] share with the world...

in memory of...

I can't seem to articulate myself in front of a lot people. Actually, I'm not the best at expressing myself in writing. Still, it's a lot easier than trying to talk in front of a bunch of strangers. During my father's funeral services in November, I didn't have a chance to speak during the actual ceremony. Because of the strict policies of the catholic church in little ol' Port Orchard, only one person was allowed to say a eulogy. I'm glad my brother said it 'cause he needed to get out those feelings he was holding inside. It was an opportunity for him to say his peace with my dad. As for myself, I tried to say something during an "open mic" session at the reception - but I didn't do the thoughts in my mind and heart justice. The chance to say a little something was a bit unexpected. I don't work well under pressure.

So now, here we are, the night before my uncle's service. Within two months, two brothers lives on earth have come to an end. Very tragic for my family but it's just one of those things. Once upon a time, when I used to have "favorites", my Uncle Ponciano (pronounced pun-shawn-oh) was my favorite uncle. I rarely saw him 'cause he lived in Guam. But he took the time to visit my family when we were in Ft. Lewis in 1982. And, again, when we were staying in Colorado Springs back in 1987. Those visits weren't just about the gifts of cash (which I used to love). It was about him asking me all kinds of questions to quiz my intelligence. He taught me my state capitals and would ask me all kinds of math problems. Uncle "Chano" made learning fun. He was a teacher by profession and he enjoyed his job - evident in the way he interacted with me and all his other nephews and neices. In return, I enjoyed cooking breakfast for him, making him bundt cakes (yellow cake was my specialty), and playing tennis with him. He loved to tease others but was also able to take a little jabbing himself. And, boy, did me and my cousins make fun of him... but in the most respectful and loving way, of course! I'll always remember his kind spirit even though he did think I was a crackhead on ice when I visited Guam in 2000. But, hey, that was Uncle Ponciano! May he rest in peace... I'll remember him and my dad... always.

And it happened...

Thursday, January 19th, 2006 - A view of the beautiful Seattle skyline from Alki, in West Seattle, after days (days) of rain. Two hours later, it would rain again. For now, I'm in luck...

Well, whaddayaknow? A bench sits before this wonderful scene. There are rose petals sprinkled along the ground, a half-dozen roses representing the number of years we’ve been together, candles lit and blown out (repeatedly) by the wind, a flashlight and nightlight as backup, and a blanket to keep us (her) warm…

We sit together, in the cold, and I ramble…er…reminisce about our six years together – “the story of us”. After some laughs, some tears, and a whole bunch of emotions, I go down on one knee and ask her to marry me (details left out on exact wording to make it appear that it was asked smoothly).

…

[silence]

(but she’s smiling)

…

She takes a second to compose herself and finally answers, with a straight face, “I s’pose.”

I exclaim, “I’ll take it!” Sure, that may have sounded like a slightly ambiguous reply. But those who know her KNOW what I heard. It’s a, “Yes.” A clear and resounding YES! (No, I am not disillusioned)

…and there you have it. I’m the luckiest guy in the world!