By 7:00 pm, the sky has already turned dark. It serves as a good reminder that Fall is here, and that the string of holidays is just about to begin. I actually never liked this time of year. Besides the holidays, I only associate Fall with cold and wet weather, and of course, darkness. I'll wake up in the morning with a dark sky, and then I leave work with a dark sky. It always feels like I've been stuck in the building all day long without seeing the light of day. The only thing I like is the extra sleeping hour, which I especially appreciate lately.
I've just been promoted to a new position and to a new department. As in all new things, there is a learning curve. However, I feel like my grace period is a short one...it seems like everyone is expecting me to pick things up and know enough to answer any questions that come my way, now. It's hard to juggle with the unfamiliar and the unknown. I have been putting in extra hours to do "homework" (work-at-home). I am hoping that my 14-hour days will prepare me enough to run this new position smoothly. And eventually, my goal is to have my hard work pay off in getting me back to normal working hours. Despite the sky turning darker earlier, I really do want to see the light of day, work-wise.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Friday, September 24, 2004
Everyday I get over 100 emails in my inbox. Unfortunately, about 99% of them are junk. But once in a while, I do receive an email or two that just makes me smile. No, I am not referring to those recycled jokes that get circulated over and over again. I’m talking about a personal email from an old friend, a picture of a newborn baby, or simply an invitation to a get-together. Today, I got an email from a friend relaying such good news that brighten my day. That’s why-- as much as I hate getting those annoying junk emails, I still look forward to opening my inbox everyday to find one or two of those special emails that will make me smile.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Gun Control and the Right to Bear Arms
I am so angry to learn that the federal ban on semi-automatic weapons expired yesterday. I'm especially mad at lawmakers in Congress who didn't make it a priority or have the initative to renew the ban. Now it is legal in some states for people to buy weapons such as AK47's and UZI's. The legislation, drafted by Senator Dianne Feinstein in 1994, came about when a disgrunted man shot and killed people in a law office at 101 California. The tragedies of sniper attacks in the Washington DC in 2002 and the Columbine High School masscre in 1999 were also results of people using these assault weapons. Now, with the federal ban lifted, it's easier than ever to obtain the dangerous weapons.
The 2nd amendment of the Constitution states that people in this country has the "right to bear arms." This, I get. No doubt about it. I understand that people should have the right to possess a gun for self-defense and for gaming. However, why do these people need to have semi-automatic weapons that can fire hundreds of bullets in a few seconds? Weapons that can pierce through a policeman's bullet-proof vest? Weapons that can kill scores of people? There is absolutely no reason and need for that at all. Why should any sane individual need to have a weapon that can do so much damage? The advocates for the legalization of these weapons are the gun manufacturers who want more business. Worse is that we also have those lawmakers who care more about campaign contributions than the welfare of their constituents.
The Brady Campaign Organization is a strong supporter and leader in preventing gun violence. Their website contains a lot of useful information and it includes a "scorecard" of how the individual Representative voted in relation to gun control. I would urge everyone to check out the website to find how your rep voted, and that you let him/her know your thoughts on this very important subject.
The 2nd amendment of the Constitution states that people in this country has the "right to bear arms." This, I get. No doubt about it. I understand that people should have the right to possess a gun for self-defense and for gaming. However, why do these people need to have semi-automatic weapons that can fire hundreds of bullets in a few seconds? Weapons that can pierce through a policeman's bullet-proof vest? Weapons that can kill scores of people? There is absolutely no reason and need for that at all. Why should any sane individual need to have a weapon that can do so much damage? The advocates for the legalization of these weapons are the gun manufacturers who want more business. Worse is that we also have those lawmakers who care more about campaign contributions than the welfare of their constituents.
The Brady Campaign Organization is a strong supporter and leader in preventing gun violence. Their website contains a lot of useful information and it includes a "scorecard" of how the individual Representative voted in relation to gun control. I would urge everyone to check out the website to find how your rep voted, and that you let him/her know your thoughts on this very important subject.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
The Art of Negotiating
I dedicate this posting to the art of negotiating. Not until recently did I realize how often do we need to utilize this skill and how difficult it is to actually be successful at it. Everyday in our lives, we have situations where we are faced with someone who doesn't think like us and that a mutual decision needs to be made. Whether the case is to get a company to offer you a better compensation package, or to get your spouse to agree on a DVD rental, the list is endless. How can we be able to win the concession without getting into a nasty fight or damaging the relationship? No, of course, I do not know the answer. Thank goodness there are experts on this very subject.
Most people might think that in order to win at a table of negotiations, you have to be good at persuasion and good at influencing others to accept your opinion and choice. Or you can be so powerful that you can bully the other party in accepting your terms. I have been reading Herb Cohen's Negotiate This!, a self-improvement book on tips on how to be successful at negotiating. Among all his valuable insights, I took this piece of advice to heart-- "Always view yourself as a problem-solver, " he said, "and search for creative alternatives to satisfy both sides' real concerns and interests." In any situation, I learned that there is always more than just a black and white solution. It's never only my way OR your way. It can be a combination of both your way AND my way. The trick is to find the right combination and develop from there. And that is what I believe the art of negotiating is all about.
Most people might think that in order to win at a table of negotiations, you have to be good at persuasion and good at influencing others to accept your opinion and choice. Or you can be so powerful that you can bully the other party in accepting your terms. I have been reading Herb Cohen's Negotiate This!, a self-improvement book on tips on how to be successful at negotiating. Among all his valuable insights, I took this piece of advice to heart-- "Always view yourself as a problem-solver, " he said, "and search for creative alternatives to satisfy both sides' real concerns and interests." In any situation, I learned that there is always more than just a black and white solution. It's never only my way OR your way. It can be a combination of both your way AND my way. The trick is to find the right combination and develop from there. And that is what I believe the art of negotiating is all about.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
August 31 - 2/3 of the year is practically over. It may be too early to reflect upon the year, but the first 8 months really have been truly a period of changes for me. Good changes, for the most part. The most exciting piece is that we welcomed another nephew into the family in May. It has been 5 years since we had an infant in our house so you can imagine the joy he brings us. 2 of my sisters both bought and sold homes within the past 6 months. And within the past week, I was presented with a promotion at work. So overall, an eventful year, even if I have to summarize it now.
To add to everything, Sept 6 will be my first year wedding anniversary!
To add to everything, Sept 6 will be my first year wedding anniversary!
Friday, August 20, 2004
Olympics
I love the Olympics. There is so much national pride and individual triumph shown in these games. This, and the fact that they show competition in sports that we normally do not get to see, like swimming, diving, badminton, gymnastics, etc. They're so much fun and excitement to watch. However, out where I live, I do not have access to the NBC channel since I do not have cable. It already sucks that when NBC airs the games on primetime that the results have already been posted due to the time difference between the US and Greece. Even worse if you have to watch the games 1 day behind from recorded tapes. That's what I have been doing. I try hard to avoid hearing the results beforehand but somehow, it always fail. Someone, from the radio or the TV, or just people having casual conversations, will always give it away! But that doesn't stop me from watching. I still love the games, and how much these athletes deserve their moment of glory.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Exodus
This week has been a tough week at work. There were 4 resignations, adding to the 3 that I found out about last week. What is this exodus all about? I can only reason that the job market has picked up and/or people in my company have been simply pushed to the edge with unhappiness that they are determined to leave. Besides layoffs, this is perhaps the biggest exit movement I have seen since I joined the company 4-1/2 years ago. The feeling of seeing so many people jump ship is not a good one.
I do not like to see people leave, and among all, one of them happens to be my ex-boss. My ex-boss and I got along great. We had an unusual relationship - weird if you actually think about it. Because when I still reported to him, I could feel completely comfortable telling him that I am looking for another job outside the company. Or I could tell him how much I hated my work, etc. And he would be understanding and supportive. This type of relationship between a supervisor and his report is something that is hard to come by. So needless to say, I will miss him and everyone else when they're gone.
I do not like to see people leave, and among all, one of them happens to be my ex-boss. My ex-boss and I got along great. We had an unusual relationship - weird if you actually think about it. Because when I still reported to him, I could feel completely comfortable telling him that I am looking for another job outside the company. Or I could tell him how much I hated my work, etc. And he would be understanding and supportive. This type of relationship between a supervisor and his report is something that is hard to come by. So needless to say, I will miss him and everyone else when they're gone.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Net loss
Don't you hate it when you go out of your way to try to save a few bucks here and there but ended up dishing out more money than what you signed up for? So here is what happened. Trying to save some dough on renting DVD's, I went through the trouble of obtaining some discount coupons for a video chain store near my house. The savings on these coupons added up to $12. So what happens next? Well, somehow, someway, one of the videos I rented disappeared. I have no clue as to where it went. I tried to trace back when or where the last time I saw it, held it, touched it. Nope, nothing. My memory failed me. So in order to avoid those late fees from accruing and multiplying expotentially, I confessed to the video store that I lost the DVD. Total charge: $27. Simple math: $12 bucks saved. $27 bucks lost. Net loss of $15 + rental fees. Ok, there is a net loss on the balance sheet. In straight accounting terms, I should close the business and file for bankruptcy. In the case of videos, I should never rent DVDs again if I can't get my head back together.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Real Estate
Looking out the window of my house, it's hard to believe that today is August 1st. The skies are gray, gloomy, and covered with clouds. In the heart of the summer months, all we get out here along the Coastline are cold and ugly weather. It's a paradox to call this district "Sunset," when the sun never comes out, let alone sets. Ocean beach is literally only 3 blocks away from my house, but I hardly get to use it. The weather is simply too cold to be outdoors.
As bad as the weather is out here, I find it unbelievable that people are still willing to pay big bucks to live out here. The lowest asking price for any house in the Sunset district has risen to half a million. The fixers are actually the only ones with the half a million price tag. Move-in condition houses go at least $600,000. Some ambitious (or greedy?) sellers are even asking for $700,000 for their tiny hut. Sound ridiculous? Well, it's happening. People, for whatever insane reason, are wiling to bid well over the asking price, thus driving up the overall neighborhood cost of homes. Other homes follow suit. As the snowball gets bigger, I can't help but wonder if the real estate bubble will ever explode?
Just a few years ago, practically every conversation evolves around stocks: the Dow, the NASDAQ, the newest IPO, you name it. Everyone had a share of something in the stock market. Now, a few years later, every social conversation involves real estate investments, the housing market, and interest rate. It's scary how everyone is trying to get onto the bandwagon for a joyride in real estate, just as they did in stocks a few years back. When the mass public all decide to grow their money in the same venue of investment, the prices tend to be inflated. Supply and demand: Simple economics. Given all this happening, I will not be surprised when eventually, the housing market will reach its limits. I sure hope the bubble won't "pop" per se, and I myself have my investment in the housing market as well. Hope it will just level off. Yep, level off to a more realistic and reachable level.
As bad as the weather is out here, I find it unbelievable that people are still willing to pay big bucks to live out here. The lowest asking price for any house in the Sunset district has risen to half a million. The fixers are actually the only ones with the half a million price tag. Move-in condition houses go at least $600,000. Some ambitious (or greedy?) sellers are even asking for $700,000 for their tiny hut. Sound ridiculous? Well, it's happening. People, for whatever insane reason, are wiling to bid well over the asking price, thus driving up the overall neighborhood cost of homes. Other homes follow suit. As the snowball gets bigger, I can't help but wonder if the real estate bubble will ever explode?
Just a few years ago, practically every conversation evolves around stocks: the Dow, the NASDAQ, the newest IPO, you name it. Everyone had a share of something in the stock market. Now, a few years later, every social conversation involves real estate investments, the housing market, and interest rate. It's scary how everyone is trying to get onto the bandwagon for a joyride in real estate, just as they did in stocks a few years back. When the mass public all decide to grow their money in the same venue of investment, the prices tend to be inflated. Supply and demand: Simple economics. Given all this happening, I will not be surprised when eventually, the housing market will reach its limits. I sure hope the bubble won't "pop" per se, and I myself have my investment in the housing market as well. Hope it will just level off. Yep, level off to a more realistic and reachable level.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Junk Mail
I just realized that the only pieces of mail I get everyday now are junk mail. I guess no one sends things in the mail anymore. E-cards, E-mail, E-bills, E-this, and E-that. Everything is electronic nowadays. I actually don't mind getting junk mail. Well, maybe only certain kinds. I like the colorful and full print advertisements for upcoming sales and discount coupons. Even restaurant menus are Ok. Those especially come in handy when ordering take-out.
What I hate the most of all junk mail are those annoying re-finance interest rate notices I get day in and day out. First of all, they usually have on the envelope the words, "IMPORTANT: DATED MATERIAL," underlined. They try to make the letter more important than it really is. Inside the letter, the typical words:
"We can save you hundreds on your current mortgage from ABC Bank! 30-year fixed interest rate is only 6.8%, blah blah blah. "
I guess it would have been important to me if I can actually save a few hundred bucks for the next 30 years. But the truth of the matter is that I've already re-fied multiple times since I took out a loan with ABC Bank. Since then I have had loans with DEF Bank, GHI Bank, all the way down to XYZ Bank already. And why would I refinance against a 6.8% rate if I currently have a 5.3% rate??
I suppose that the word, "dated," on the envelope refers to how dated the information they actually have on their records! My two cents to those people sending me those junk mail is that if you really want to extract business from me, get your numbers straight!! Get your records current!! It's nothing more embarrassing than to have your customers think that you are stupid. Or outright incompetent. So unless you can get your records straight, it's best to divert your investment from buying stamps for junk mail to upgrading your system instead. Now, that's the smart thing to do.
What I hate the most of all junk mail are those annoying re-finance interest rate notices I get day in and day out. First of all, they usually have on the envelope the words, "IMPORTANT: DATED MATERIAL," underlined. They try to make the letter more important than it really is. Inside the letter, the typical words:
"We can save you hundreds on your current mortgage from ABC Bank! 30-year fixed interest rate is only 6.8%, blah blah blah. "
I guess it would have been important to me if I can actually save a few hundred bucks for the next 30 years. But the truth of the matter is that I've already re-fied multiple times since I took out a loan with ABC Bank. Since then I have had loans with DEF Bank, GHI Bank, all the way down to XYZ Bank already. And why would I refinance against a 6.8% rate if I currently have a 5.3% rate??
I suppose that the word, "dated," on the envelope refers to how dated the information they actually have on their records! My two cents to those people sending me those junk mail is that if you really want to extract business from me, get your numbers straight!! Get your records current!! It's nothing more embarrassing than to have your customers think that you are stupid. Or outright incompetent. So unless you can get your records straight, it's best to divert your investment from buying stamps for junk mail to upgrading your system instead. Now, that's the smart thing to do.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Aggh, today is finally Thursday! This week seems really long. I guess whenever we get a short week at work, we mentally think the days will go by fast. But reality is that the anticipation for the weekend simply makes the waiting even longer than it really is. A hard concept to comprehend, but the truth indeed.
I don't know if you've been watching the gameshow Jeopardy!, but I've been catching it everyday after dinner for the past couple of weeks. This is this one guy on it who has been champion for 27 straight days. Yep, 27 days! They used to have a 5-day limit, but the gameshow has since lifted that rule. He has won over $800,000. It's really amazing how minute and how obscure some of the details this guy knows. First he's fast with the buzzer, and second, he knows every subject from A to Z. I totally think that he might be a genius! The gameshow hosts should definitely bring back some of the previous 5-day champions to compete against him. I wonder when will he lose, and who will dethrone him? That would be so interesting!
On a side note, here are some more hearts for you. These I found along the Embarcadero during my daily lunchtime walks. I'll upload more next time... meanwhile, enjoy!
I don't know if you've been watching the gameshow Jeopardy!, but I've been catching it everyday after dinner for the past couple of weeks. This is this one guy on it who has been champion for 27 straight days. Yep, 27 days! They used to have a 5-day limit, but the gameshow has since lifted that rule. He has won over $800,000. It's really amazing how minute and how obscure some of the details this guy knows. First he's fast with the buzzer, and second, he knows every subject from A to Z. I totally think that he might be a genius! The gameshow hosts should definitely bring back some of the previous 5-day champions to compete against him. I wonder when will he lose, and who will dethrone him? That would be so interesting!
On a side note, here are some more hearts for you. These I found along the Embarcadero during my daily lunchtime walks. I'll upload more next time... meanwhile, enjoy!
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