Perfectly ripe - both physically and physiologically.
Aromas of cassis, blackbe3rry and clove followed by a full textured mouth.
Layers of black fruit, spice and espresso bean plus a hint of smoky oak.
Yup, I'm now about to lie down and snore.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Two Hours to Monterey
Recovering from a winetasting at Wine from the Heart. We ended up buying the 2002 Swanson from Oakville, Napa.
Yup, I'm now about to lie down and snore.
Yup, I'm now about to lie down and snore.
He's as Colonized as I Am
Meet Oliver, the Pin@y Blogger of the day for the 4th of November in the year of the Pin@y 2005. He is as colonized as I am. He says in his blogs what I thought fifteen to twenty years ago when I first came to the land of the free. His blog title "Where Am I Going?" is quite appropriate because he is in the ride of his life. His life hinges on the brink between reality and freedom. When he realizes that he is colonized, I wonder what he will do. I hope at the very least the he continues to write because he is as eloquent in it as anyone else I have read.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Bold and Wonderful
Gigi looks like Alma Moreno. Bold and beautiful. But that is not why you should go to her blog. You should go because she's a great blog designer and she takes celibacy dares. Bwahahah. Stunning layout. Amazing writing. You are really lucky that she's blogging. Gigi is the Pin@y Blog of the Month for November in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Very Cool Gifts
Very Cool Gifts
It will be four weeks since the wedding. I have been coming down from the high of the wedding thanks to my teacher's advice on life. To wit, make sure that you have events planned from week to week and month to month so that you can relate it to your wedded life. In short, you still have to work at your married life even harder now.
Two weeks ago, we went to Macy's to finalize our gift sets. We ended up taking ten of the china plates. Although, we have never thrown a formal party, nor do I see one coming up within the next five years. Maybe those are for twenty years from now. I don't know. But the pattern we selected was nice with embossing on the plate.
We got two of the pots that we wanted. They were the All Clad stainless steel type. I have to thank my Ikea pot and say goodbye to it. I probably also have to let go of the steamer from Chinatown. When the steamer started, it was a nice light brown color. After years of use, it is now dark brown. Does food taste better in an old steamer? Someone who was very generous also got us a complete set of pots and pans. Very nice.
We also received a complete knife set. Now, when I first graduated from school, I bought a Henckel's knife set. When the SO went into the condo, she also bought a knife set. The parentals then gave her some never needs sharpening knives. So, we now have three sets of knives. We will keep some as stea knives I guess. The others might have to go to Las Vegas. But then again, they will never want for sharp knives in my house.
As for travel, I believe we have completed our wish list. We now have four Samsonite travel bags. Plus the old Samsonites that we had taken to just about everywhere, well, we are complete. We just have to select stickers for some of them. Samsonites are another one of those things from my childhood. My father bought them when he went in one of his few jaunts to the US or was it Japan?
By the way, of course, we are missing all the other gifts here. I'm just giving a summary of the ones I remember. There was cash and we thank everyone for it. I hope you had fun in the money dance. You know tha I took dance lessons for that, right? There were a lot of glass and crystal wedding photo frames. Very nice and they need to be kept in a cabinet or something.
And for the weekend, off to Monterey for a couple of days for the SO's conference. I was a good boy and was cleaning up my apartment. Now, I just need to begin moving materials.
Somewhere along here, there is supposed to be a lesson. Maybe it is that if you are generous to people, your generosity will come back tenfold. Ohh! that's it!!! I just got news that one of the SO's uncles is going to be interviewed at the law firm. For the longest time, I wanted to him to come on board. It's just getting the right fit of job. So hopefully, he does well in the interview. Then surely, generosity will come back tenfold.
It will be four weeks since the wedding. I have been coming down from the high of the wedding thanks to my teacher's advice on life. To wit, make sure that you have events planned from week to week and month to month so that you can relate it to your wedded life. In short, you still have to work at your married life even harder now.
Two weeks ago, we went to Macy's to finalize our gift sets. We ended up taking ten of the china plates. Although, we have never thrown a formal party, nor do I see one coming up within the next five years. Maybe those are for twenty years from now. I don't know. But the pattern we selected was nice with embossing on the plate.
We got two of the pots that we wanted. They were the All Clad stainless steel type. I have to thank my Ikea pot and say goodbye to it. I probably also have to let go of the steamer from Chinatown. When the steamer started, it was a nice light brown color. After years of use, it is now dark brown. Does food taste better in an old steamer? Someone who was very generous also got us a complete set of pots and pans. Very nice.
We also received a complete knife set. Now, when I first graduated from school, I bought a Henckel's knife set. When the SO went into the condo, she also bought a knife set. The parentals then gave her some never needs sharpening knives. So, we now have three sets of knives. We will keep some as stea knives I guess. The others might have to go to Las Vegas. But then again, they will never want for sharp knives in my house.
As for travel, I believe we have completed our wish list. We now have four Samsonite travel bags. Plus the old Samsonites that we had taken to just about everywhere, well, we are complete. We just have to select stickers for some of them. Samsonites are another one of those things from my childhood. My father bought them when he went in one of his few jaunts to the US or was it Japan?
By the way, of course, we are missing all the other gifts here. I'm just giving a summary of the ones I remember. There was cash and we thank everyone for it. I hope you had fun in the money dance. You know tha I took dance lessons for that, right? There were a lot of glass and crystal wedding photo frames. Very nice and they need to be kept in a cabinet or something.
And for the weekend, off to Monterey for a couple of days for the SO's conference. I was a good boy and was cleaning up my apartment. Now, I just need to begin moving materials.
Somewhere along here, there is supposed to be a lesson. Maybe it is that if you are generous to people, your generosity will come back tenfold. Ohh! that's it!!! I just got news that one of the SO's uncles is going to be interviewed at the law firm. For the longest time, I wanted to him to come on board. It's just getting the right fit of job. So hopefully, he does well in the interview. Then surely, generosity will come back tenfold.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
CPR: For the Body
CPR
Went to a certification for CPR yesterday. Cardiac problem is one of the leading causes of death in the US. I figured that I should know some things about it.
Learned how to do the Heimlich maneuver as well as CPR. Also learned that there are now disposable mouth shields in case you don't want to have mouth to mouth contact with someone.
The teacher posed an interesting question. What if you see a stranger pass out and you don't have one of your face shield / mouth shield. What do you do? In the old days of the 1970's, they used to just put mouth over mouth. But with the coming of AIDS and hepatitis, those days are now over.
The answer is that you can give them chest compression until someone comes along. Hmm, maybe I would let someone else better trained than me to handle that. But it does pose you a tickle, doesn't it? You essentially have to measure your life against their life.
I also learned that there are now new electronic defibrillation devices that one can use in the event of a heart attack. Apparently, it is better to defibrillate earlier than later.
Went to a certification for CPR yesterday. Cardiac problem is one of the leading causes of death in the US. I figured that I should know some things about it.
Learned how to do the Heimlich maneuver as well as CPR. Also learned that there are now disposable mouth shields in case you don't want to have mouth to mouth contact with someone.
The teacher posed an interesting question. What if you see a stranger pass out and you don't have one of your face shield / mouth shield. What do you do? In the old days of the 1970's, they used to just put mouth over mouth. But with the coming of AIDS and hepatitis, those days are now over.
The answer is that you can give them chest compression until someone comes along. Hmm, maybe I would let someone else better trained than me to handle that. But it does pose you a tickle, doesn't it? You essentially have to measure your life against their life.
I also learned that there are now new electronic defibrillation devices that one can use in the event of a heart attack. Apparently, it is better to defibrillate earlier than later.
She Hates the Philippines
Katie is planning on changes in the Philippines. She will begin with the common-tao. Work her way to the top-politicians. Then finish it all off as she becomes a candidate for the presidency. Don't let her blogtitle fool you. She loves her country more than others. Katie vs the Philippines is the Pin@y Blog of the Day for the 3rd of November in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Haynaku!!!
The anthology for haynaku is now ready for your perusal.
The "hay(na)ku" is a poetic form invented by Eileen Tabios, as inspired by Richard Brautigan, Jack Kerouac, and Tabios' meditations on the Filipino transcolonial and diasporic experience. The form is deceptively simple: a tercet comprised of one-, two- and three-word lines. Many poets also created variations from the basic form, attesting to its paradoxical suppleness despite its minimalist orientation. Inaugurated on June 12, 2003 (Philippine Independence Day), the form swiftly became popular and since has been used by poets all over the world -- including the anthology's 38 poets and editors Jean Vengua (U.S.) and Mark Young (Australia).
Boyish Chick is Growing Up
It is hard to find a blog where you see the transition from kolehiyala to a professional consultant. Abigail is the Pin@y Blog of the Day for the 2nd of November in the year of the Pin@y 2005. It is interesting to see her thoughts on ex-boyfriends and her thesis. Slowly, she's growing up.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
It Was Only Two Year Ago?
Only Two years Ago?
Hmm, it seems odd. But only two years ago, I left the job at the crazy factory. I just saw my calendar last night as I was packing it. Odd. Only a year ago, I was going nuts at the photofinishing place. Now, I am enjoying life at the law firm.
It seems that the crazy factory was five years ago. It seems that the last job was three years ago. I suppose, it's all the positive things and the energy.
My teacher was telling us that inevitably, there will be a depression after the wedding. It's because of the fact that most people will have moved on. It's true. When I see people, I still ask them about their memories of the wedding. I suppose I have not come down from the high yet.
However, my teacher also told us that the cure for this depression is to plant small events throughout the year so that you can have small celebrations each month. That is a wonderful idea. It's a great idea.
Many times, people will get depressed and ask "Is that it?" Well, it will be if you just sit on your ass and not plan anything.
Many times, people ask in relationships, "I want it like when it first started. Fireworks." Well, it can't be because you actually know your partner. The fireworks came from the adrenaline.
We are addicts. Addicts to dopamine or addicts to cortisol. Dopamine for the good times. Cortisol for the bad.
If we are not happy, we would rather feel sad because in the end, it's better to feel than not to feel.
So yes, those crazy factory and photofinishing place are now in the past. I have started purging my life of those bad memories so that I can remember the good ones.
Happy Halloween!!!
Hmm, it seems odd. But only two years ago, I left the job at the crazy factory. I just saw my calendar last night as I was packing it. Odd. Only a year ago, I was going nuts at the photofinishing place. Now, I am enjoying life at the law firm.
It seems that the crazy factory was five years ago. It seems that the last job was three years ago. I suppose, it's all the positive things and the energy.
My teacher was telling us that inevitably, there will be a depression after the wedding. It's because of the fact that most people will have moved on. It's true. When I see people, I still ask them about their memories of the wedding. I suppose I have not come down from the high yet.
However, my teacher also told us that the cure for this depression is to plant small events throughout the year so that you can have small celebrations each month. That is a wonderful idea. It's a great idea.
Many times, people will get depressed and ask "Is that it?" Well, it will be if you just sit on your ass and not plan anything.
Many times, people ask in relationships, "I want it like when it first started. Fireworks." Well, it can't be because you actually know your partner. The fireworks came from the adrenaline.
We are addicts. Addicts to dopamine or addicts to cortisol. Dopamine for the good times. Cortisol for the bad.
If we are not happy, we would rather feel sad because in the end, it's better to feel than not to feel.
So yes, those crazy factory and photofinishing place are now in the past. I have started purging my life of those bad memories so that I can remember the good ones.
Happy Halloween!!!
Maligayang Araw ng Patay
Maligayang Araw ng Patay
Happy Day of the Dead! Actually, perhaps I should not say "Happy." I don't think you were supposed to be happy in the Philippines on this day. You were supposed to be solemn and respectful. How Pin@ys equate respect and solemn with being sad is beyond me.
As for me, we continued our packing last night Halloween night. No trick or treaters in our area because most of the area is student housing. Most of the students were probably out in the Castro.
Packing. Yup, I recycled several years of material. I don't know how to recycle bank statements though. But I have let go of some photographic magazines. Though I don't know what to do with the Playboy. I was thinking of selling them. But, that is a lot of time and energy. Garage sale maybe?
I remember when I used to get really excited that an Asian became a Playboy centerfold. It turns out that in the last year, a Japanese became one. When I saw her, she looked like the Charlie's Angel Lucy Liu.
From time to time, I would say, "It looks hopeless." But then the SO replied that if it was hopeless, we would have to throw everything out. Back to work I went packing.
The SO got to a workbook on biochemistry which was in tatters. It was in tatters because I spent all my time in that book. I learned everything about biochemistry. She said that it was time to let go. I said that someday, I was going to sit through and do all the problems again. She managed to say that "All the biochem is inside of you." And maybe she was right. At least she did not say that I was an idiot.
~~~~~
By the way, I am temporarily omitting the next three days of Pin@y Blog. I realized that it could be disconcertning for some people.
Happy Day of the Dead! Actually, perhaps I should not say "Happy." I don't think you were supposed to be happy in the Philippines on this day. You were supposed to be solemn and respectful. How Pin@ys equate respect and solemn with being sad is beyond me.
As for me, we continued our packing last night Halloween night. No trick or treaters in our area because most of the area is student housing. Most of the students were probably out in the Castro.
Packing. Yup, I recycled several years of material. I don't know how to recycle bank statements though. But I have let go of some photographic magazines. Though I don't know what to do with the Playboy. I was thinking of selling them. But, that is a lot of time and energy. Garage sale maybe?
I remember when I used to get really excited that an Asian became a Playboy centerfold. It turns out that in the last year, a Japanese became one. When I saw her, she looked like the Charlie's Angel Lucy Liu.
From time to time, I would say, "It looks hopeless." But then the SO replied that if it was hopeless, we would have to throw everything out. Back to work I went packing.
The SO got to a workbook on biochemistry which was in tatters. It was in tatters because I spent all my time in that book. I learned everything about biochemistry. She said that it was time to let go. I said that someday, I was going to sit through and do all the problems again. She managed to say that "All the biochem is inside of you." And maybe she was right. At least she did not say that I was an idiot.
~~~~~
By the way, I am temporarily omitting the next three days of Pin@y Blog. I realized that it could be disconcertning for some people.
Manila, Manila
Tour Manila through the eyes of one of its own. Old Manila Walks is the Pin@y Blog of the Day for the 1st of November in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Monday, October 31, 2005
When a blade is the only thing left
I wince each time I see a blog that supports communist / socialist tendencies. I wince because in my experience, those paths are not the ones that lead to happiness. However, in the Philippines, when you have nothing else, perhaps even to a knife you will also begin clinging. Ilang was a writer before she was a blogger. She writes of communism and socialism in the Philippines. She tears at my soul because there should be something better for the Philippines, but there is not. Ilang is the Pin@y Blog of the day for the 31st day of October in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Yup, He's One of Us
Damn. This is the bad part. When you go out and own all the good working Pin@ys, you have to suck it in and own all the bad ones. Here's a Pinoy who got caught stealing federal secrets to pass it on to the Filipino government.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Halloween Weekend 2005
The weekend started up on Friday evening with a jaunt at Good Vibrations for a bridal shower gift. I suggested that we give the happy couple something fun. We ended up giving them a giftbox containing lotions, edible oil, and some bath salts. We decided not to give the more exciting leather straps, feathers, and silicone instruments.
Friday night dinner was at Breads of India where cash is king. Unfortunately, I believe there has been a change in the cook since the last time we were there was about a year ago. The food was still good, but it did not give us pause in our eating. I ordered the tandoori prawn while the SO ordered chicken tika masala. In the previous times that we dined at Breads of India, there were moments of EUREKA. Times in which we stopped and said, "This is really good." ON Friday, it was just okay. The chicken breast was dry. The prawns were a tad bit too salty. ON the other hand, the naan bread was exceptional. It was slightly puffier. But bread plus yougurt was exceptional.
Saturday started out early with us going to my apartment to water the plants and to buy some boxes for the move. $75 for twenty boxes. Then, off to a bridal shower where Pin@y food was served: kare-kare, shrimp, fried rice, beef stew, and lumpia. The soon-to-be newlyweds are the last pair to be married this year. They also are the last of the five couples who got married over a period of a year.
After the party, off to the mall we went to shop for the SO's attire for the wedding and an upcoming dance recital where the SO and I will be dancing the argentine tango. I learned little except that men will haggle with the jewelers just to get some bling-bling.
At about eight o'clock, we finally get to my place where we begin sorting out ten years of living. The SO suggested that I start with the photography stuff. She went and boxed up the CDs. Two hours later, there were four boxes of materials that were boxed up. More than thirty more to go. I managed to throw away just recyclabe materials. I hope that the next few nights are the same. To celebrate, I stayed up till 3AM by wathcing the WEst Wing.
Sunday was a slower day. Went to the Financial Workshop Tubig where we learn the painful process of becoming millionares. Today's lesson was how emotion can lead to purchases that are depreciating assets. The strategy is to buy appreciating assets which are stocks, real estate, etc. Spread out the special events in life over the year so that you don't get depressed and start pining for cortisol. Celebrate the small things so that you can get dopamine. Don't just keep looking back at the wedding because people have moved on. Instead, plan for the next things or events for us to do.
A year ago, I wondered if I was ready to get married. NOw, I am married and planning small little events so that throughout the year, there will be small celebrations.
Friday night dinner was at Breads of India where cash is king. Unfortunately, I believe there has been a change in the cook since the last time we were there was about a year ago. The food was still good, but it did not give us pause in our eating. I ordered the tandoori prawn while the SO ordered chicken tika masala. In the previous times that we dined at Breads of India, there were moments of EUREKA. Times in which we stopped and said, "This is really good." ON Friday, it was just okay. The chicken breast was dry. The prawns were a tad bit too salty. ON the other hand, the naan bread was exceptional. It was slightly puffier. But bread plus yougurt was exceptional.
Saturday started out early with us going to my apartment to water the plants and to buy some boxes for the move. $75 for twenty boxes. Then, off to a bridal shower where Pin@y food was served: kare-kare, shrimp, fried rice, beef stew, and lumpia. The soon-to-be newlyweds are the last pair to be married this year. They also are the last of the five couples who got married over a period of a year.
After the party, off to the mall we went to shop for the SO's attire for the wedding and an upcoming dance recital where the SO and I will be dancing the argentine tango. I learned little except that men will haggle with the jewelers just to get some bling-bling.
At about eight o'clock, we finally get to my place where we begin sorting out ten years of living. The SO suggested that I start with the photography stuff. She went and boxed up the CDs. Two hours later, there were four boxes of materials that were boxed up. More than thirty more to go. I managed to throw away just recyclabe materials. I hope that the next few nights are the same. To celebrate, I stayed up till 3AM by wathcing the WEst Wing.
Sunday was a slower day. Went to the Financial Workshop Tubig where we learn the painful process of becoming millionares. Today's lesson was how emotion can lead to purchases that are depreciating assets. The strategy is to buy appreciating assets which are stocks, real estate, etc. Spread out the special events in life over the year so that you don't get depressed and start pining for cortisol. Celebrate the small things so that you can get dopamine. Don't just keep looking back at the wedding because people have moved on. Instead, plan for the next things or events for us to do.
A year ago, I wondered if I was ready to get married. NOw, I am married and planning small little events so that throughout the year, there will be small celebrations.
Hiding from his Grandfather
Vic Nierva hides from his grandfather in his blog. He translates Neruda into Bikolano and comments on statues on Copenhagen. A thousand Pin@ys dream of writing as well as Vic. To capture a dream, to seize a moment, to celebrate a lifetime. Vic is the Pin@y Blog of the day for the 30th of October in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
I want to be like Jake
Jake is the world's greatest photographer. The black and white are the best in capturing ephemerals. He's the Pin@y Blog of the day for the 29th day of October 2005.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Rhett Needs
Got this from the SO who got if from Veronica who got it from the Wily.
1. Rhett needs a personal assistant /stylist???
2. Rhett needs a jeep. OK? ;-)
3. Rhett needs to lay off the booze that early in the morning.
4. Rhett needs a caretaker or foster!
5. Rhett needs to corrall the seven deadly sins, but the task proves more interesting_than one should expect. Expect to see a sequel soon!
6. Hey Scarlett, Rhett needs a companion
7. Have any info. on poultry_that Rhett needs to know?
8. I have found that Rhett needs to attack someone at all times. ...
9. Well if rhett needs a car Ill let him have it, I have 10 already (including_a 75/77 that are in pretty bad shape (major reconstruction). ...
10. It sounds like Rhett needs an enema, because he is WAY for A LONG time full $h@t!
1. Rhett needs a personal assistant /stylist???
2. Rhett needs a jeep. OK? ;-)
3. Rhett needs to lay off the booze that early in the morning.
4. Rhett needs a caretaker or foster!
5. Rhett needs to corrall the seven deadly sins, but the task proves more interesting_than one should expect. Expect to see a sequel soon!
6. Hey Scarlett, Rhett needs a companion
7. Have any info. on poultry_that Rhett needs to know?
8. I have found that Rhett needs to attack someone at all times. ...
9. Well if rhett needs a car Ill let him have it, I have 10 already (including_a 75/77 that are in pretty bad shape (major reconstruction). ...
10. It sounds like Rhett needs an enema, because he is WAY for A LONG time full $h@t!
Pitik-Bulag
Luis Liwanag is shooting from the street the essence of Philippine life. The good, the bad and the ugly. Go see truth in his blog, the Pin@y Blog of the Day for the 28th of October in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Sari-Saring Litrato
Sidney Snoeck might have been born a Belgian, but he has become a Pin@y because of his photos of the Philippines. True and honest. Sari-sari store is the Pin@y Blog of the day for the 27th day of October in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Jessica Zafra
Jessica Zafra's blog discusses why Pin@ys can not rule the world and movie reviews. What else do you need from one of the best writers in the Philippines? Twisted is the Pin@y Blog of the Day for the 26th of October in the year of the Pin@y 2005.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)