Thursday, July 30, 2009
Unconcerned
It seems like for the past three weeks, people have become very busy. I for one seemed to find no time in using my own computer. Whenever I get home from work, I find the bed more tempting that tinkering with my laptop. So most times, I just leave it for my siblings who said they were going to work on something important like pet society or farm something. Sometimes I just look at them while working on their games, but never once did it draw me to play as well. I don't know why.
The mornings don't even give me a chance to use the computer either. So far, the longest time for me to stay in front of the computer was less than an hour and that was only to take a peek at my emails for any important messages (which most times didn't contain any important messages lately just updates).
So now my laptop looks battered inside and outside. It needs maintenance work very badly. Apparently those who borrow it from me were not really keen on taking care of it. Just today when I opened it, I didn't hear any sound and the sound device somehow showed signs of wear. Yet I still seem unconcerned. I wonder why.
The mornings don't even give me a chance to use the computer either. So far, the longest time for me to stay in front of the computer was less than an hour and that was only to take a peek at my emails for any important messages (which most times didn't contain any important messages lately just updates).
So now my laptop looks battered inside and outside. It needs maintenance work very badly. Apparently those who borrow it from me were not really keen on taking care of it. Just today when I opened it, I didn't hear any sound and the sound device somehow showed signs of wear. Yet I still seem unconcerned. I wonder why.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Daddy's 81st
81. It's not really a high number, but when counting a person's age, you might be thinking about a hospital bed or a likely life on crutches.
Who could have thought they could live this long and still manage to stay as happy and fun loving? I mean, back when I was an intern, most old folks I met at my rotation were all grumpy, miserable and suffering.
But not this guy.
He could smile like there was nothing to worry about. His health problem so far has been his aching leg which he got broken when he was 78 by climbing up a pole. Really jaw dropping.
So even though we've stopped having birthday parties at home, we couldn't let his birthday pass. Really, who would? You don't get the chance to be 81 everyday, right? So last night was one big feast, just some family members and a few of my parent's friends from church. My grandfather was grinning to the ear.
A doctor once told me when I accompanied my grandfather to the doctor that I would have a slim chance to reach his age.
Maybe he's right, maybe not.
But one thing's for certain, my grandfather would still get to live longer than 81 at the rate he is smiling and enjoying life. And I hope I'm right.
Who could have thought they could live this long and still manage to stay as happy and fun loving? I mean, back when I was an intern, most old folks I met at my rotation were all grumpy, miserable and suffering.
But not this guy.
He could smile like there was nothing to worry about. His health problem so far has been his aching leg which he got broken when he was 78 by climbing up a pole. Really jaw dropping.
So even though we've stopped having birthday parties at home, we couldn't let his birthday pass. Really, who would? You don't get the chance to be 81 everyday, right? So last night was one big feast, just some family members and a few of my parent's friends from church. My grandfather was grinning to the ear.
A doctor once told me when I accompanied my grandfather to the doctor that I would have a slim chance to reach his age.
Maybe he's right, maybe not.
But one thing's for certain, my grandfather would still get to live longer than 81 at the rate he is smiling and enjoying life. And I hope I'm right.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Howl's In Two Days
I borrowed Michi's Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones last thursday. Well, actually she lent it to me while waiting for our friends when we went out on my birthday. That was last week.
For those who seem to have heard the title before, it is where the multi-awarded animated film by Hayao Miyazaki of the same title was based. The one that was nominated in the Academy Awards and won several others in Europe and America. It was that famous.
I managed to get hold of the book after aiding Michi to find the it. It took months but I didn't mind at all. I have a long reading list anyway.
I was excited to read about it. I even planned to read it the next day when I called in sick from work. Apparently, I didn't read it for almost a week. I even brought it to work thinking that maybe I would find time when one of my kids couldn't come in. It turned out that some kids didn't come in, but I completely forgot about the book. I even forgot that I brought it until I came home.
Yesterday, I was too lazy to stand up and manipulate anything digital before going to work. I was up early and didn't want to fall asleep again. I grabbed anything that I thought I could do and that was when I came upon the book again. Why not? I thought to myself. I still have five hours till work.
I read the first few pages only to find out that I made it to the middle of the book and that there was still time. When it was time to go to work, I immediately packed it with me. I had the break that I needed and for two hours I was adrift with Howl and Sophie.
After work, I was not looking forward to the mall and instead went straight home. Although it took quite some time because of the torrential rain, I managed to get home earlier than usual where I resumed reading the book.
Funny but the pages seemed to thin out evey minute or so and the adventure seemed to be more exciting. I only realized that I was through with the book this morning when I got the chance to continue reading it till the end. It was fun till it lasted.
Review of the book will be posted sometime.
For those who seem to have heard the title before, it is where the multi-awarded animated film by Hayao Miyazaki of the same title was based. The one that was nominated in the Academy Awards and won several others in Europe and America. It was that famous.
I managed to get hold of the book after aiding Michi to find the it. It took months but I didn't mind at all. I have a long reading list anyway.
I was excited to read about it. I even planned to read it the next day when I called in sick from work. Apparently, I didn't read it for almost a week. I even brought it to work thinking that maybe I would find time when one of my kids couldn't come in. It turned out that some kids didn't come in, but I completely forgot about the book. I even forgot that I brought it until I came home.
Yesterday, I was too lazy to stand up and manipulate anything digital before going to work. I was up early and didn't want to fall asleep again. I grabbed anything that I thought I could do and that was when I came upon the book again. Why not? I thought to myself. I still have five hours till work.
I read the first few pages only to find out that I made it to the middle of the book and that there was still time. When it was time to go to work, I immediately packed it with me. I had the break that I needed and for two hours I was adrift with Howl and Sophie.
After work, I was not looking forward to the mall and instead went straight home. Although it took quite some time because of the torrential rain, I managed to get home earlier than usual where I resumed reading the book.
Funny but the pages seemed to thin out evey minute or so and the adventure seemed to be more exciting. I only realized that I was through with the book this morning when I got the chance to continue reading it till the end. It was fun till it lasted.
Review of the book will be posted sometime.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Old School
I bought an MP4 player last month. It was one of those impulsive buying that racks me up sometimes. But the deed was done, there was no turning back.
Apparently, I did not regret buying it. It saved me from boring-patient-less days or during long trips or during the many occasions I wanted to shut my self from the world. It really replaced my Motorola phone, which was stolen the month before I bought it. It was that incident that triggered the need for an MP4 player.
The player's features were simple. Of course, it can play music and some videos (actually, I was able to load 5 movies in it, hahaha). It also has a camera. It's not really a decent camera, but it can take pictures and record videos, so I'll just leave it at that. It also has an FM radio that I really don't care about. I was never a radio fan. It also has a voice record function that could really be handy if you're an SP. You don't need to take down notes when taking articulation or language samples.
Another feature that really caught me breathless was a working e-book reader. Now, I have an super extra overly extended reading list (notice the superlatives)!! The last few players I got my hands into can't even process e-books. So I was able to load those Maurice LeBlanc novels, ancient legends and tales I downloaded years ago but could not read since my eyes get computer sore with novels. I feel like partying!!
But the really awesome stuff didn't end there. I learned that I could load NES games on the player. Now that's a bargain I wouldn't dare miss.
I remembered when I would only look at a NES and watch other kids play and when I got my first family computer (didn't buy it long story), it was the advent of the gameboy, so I got outdated games.
A month after buying the MP4 player, things seemed to enter a rennaissance era. I rediscoverd Punch Out, Hoops, Super Contra, Final Fantasy (the first one), Megaman (part 1 to 6) and the classic Mario Brothers. My ROM and game finding skills since Pokemon in HS were updated and put into use when I was able to find all those old school games I have never played or heard off. Some seem vaguely familiar. Others were simply original versions of the current games found in your Wii or PSP.
Looking back at those old games, I found myself looking at an era where fun is at its simplest. You don't have to bother with stylish graphics or amazing gameplay, its just shoot and beat em no brainers that really brings the fun out of gaming.
Apparently, I did not regret buying it. It saved me from boring-patient-less days or during long trips or during the many occasions I wanted to shut my self from the world. It really replaced my Motorola phone, which was stolen the month before I bought it. It was that incident that triggered the need for an MP4 player.
The player's features were simple. Of course, it can play music and some videos (actually, I was able to load 5 movies in it, hahaha). It also has a camera. It's not really a decent camera, but it can take pictures and record videos, so I'll just leave it at that. It also has an FM radio that I really don't care about. I was never a radio fan. It also has a voice record function that could really be handy if you're an SP. You don't need to take down notes when taking articulation or language samples.
Another feature that really caught me breathless was a working e-book reader. Now, I have an super extra overly extended reading list (notice the superlatives)!! The last few players I got my hands into can't even process e-books. So I was able to load those Maurice LeBlanc novels, ancient legends and tales I downloaded years ago but could not read since my eyes get computer sore with novels. I feel like partying!!
But the really awesome stuff didn't end there. I learned that I could load NES games on the player. Now that's a bargain I wouldn't dare miss.
I remembered when I would only look at a NES and watch other kids play and when I got my first family computer (didn't buy it long story), it was the advent of the gameboy, so I got outdated games.
A month after buying the MP4 player, things seemed to enter a rennaissance era. I rediscoverd Punch Out, Hoops, Super Contra, Final Fantasy (the first one), Megaman (part 1 to 6) and the classic Mario Brothers. My ROM and game finding skills since Pokemon in HS were updated and put into use when I was able to find all those old school games I have never played or heard off. Some seem vaguely familiar. Others were simply original versions of the current games found in your Wii or PSP.
Looking back at those old games, I found myself looking at an era where fun is at its simplest. You don't have to bother with stylish graphics or amazing gameplay, its just shoot and beat em no brainers that really brings the fun out of gaming.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Won't be Sidelined But I Could Be Guttered.
This post should have pictures but nobody who got the camera that day bothered to upload them yet, so bear with the narrative.
July 9 - A day for me... to get sick. I was really feeling bad the moment I woke up. To think that it's supposed to be my birthday, and I felt this way. My coughing spell was already bad last Tuesday and I was already feeling feverish by Wednesday. Come Thursday, I was stuck with the decision if I should go to work.
Bummer.
I had the whole week until the weekend mapped out. I'd go to work, submit some reports that I made yesterday and go out with some friends. So should I just let a fever stop me? Not now. Not today.
With all the strength I could muster (with the aid of medicines as well), I was able to pull myself together. The fever was not so high as last night, but the coughing spell was still there. I was able to control it though and even managed to take a bath and prepare myself for work.
I trudged my way to the jeepney stop. It was an unusually slow pace, I was sweating profusely, which made me feel a little better. By the time I reached the MRT, I was in the optimum condition. I was able to climb the stairs to the northbound side (I never took the MRT elevators). It was as if I wasn't even sick.
The day went on with just a few bouts of headaches and a coughing spell. During lunch, the treat was on me when I ordered lunch for my colleagues and co-therapists. It was fun when you do it once in a blue moon. Make it regular and it's devastating to the pockets.
By afternoon, I thought I was already OK and needed only to battle with the coughing spell. It wasn't until my last session when I felt the cold. The fans were not turned towards me so why am I cold? That was when I felt myself shivering. I immediately took my meds. I later on felt better. I have to be for the next things to come.
Afterwork, I immediately fell asleep on the taxi JM, Con and I took to MOA. It's a bowling night (the new frenzy this season). I woke up refreshed and ready. I felt better.
We met the others: Michi, Mike and Len there. We had dinner at a fastfood restaurant. The boys also put me on the hotseat just for fun (when didn't it?). But it was fun.
It was time for the climax of the night: Bowling. I was actually expecting to be creamed given my condition. I was able to play a good game. I was happy. Michi won the two round but it was no contest, she was more experienced than any of us. So there.
July 9 - A day for me... to get sick. I was really feeling bad the moment I woke up. To think that it's supposed to be my birthday, and I felt this way. My coughing spell was already bad last Tuesday and I was already feeling feverish by Wednesday. Come Thursday, I was stuck with the decision if I should go to work.
Bummer.
I had the whole week until the weekend mapped out. I'd go to work, submit some reports that I made yesterday and go out with some friends. So should I just let a fever stop me? Not now. Not today.
With all the strength I could muster (with the aid of medicines as well), I was able to pull myself together. The fever was not so high as last night, but the coughing spell was still there. I was able to control it though and even managed to take a bath and prepare myself for work.
I trudged my way to the jeepney stop. It was an unusually slow pace, I was sweating profusely, which made me feel a little better. By the time I reached the MRT, I was in the optimum condition. I was able to climb the stairs to the northbound side (I never took the MRT elevators). It was as if I wasn't even sick.
The day went on with just a few bouts of headaches and a coughing spell. During lunch, the treat was on me when I ordered lunch for my colleagues and co-therapists. It was fun when you do it once in a blue moon. Make it regular and it's devastating to the pockets.
By afternoon, I thought I was already OK and needed only to battle with the coughing spell. It wasn't until my last session when I felt the cold. The fans were not turned towards me so why am I cold? That was when I felt myself shivering. I immediately took my meds. I later on felt better. I have to be for the next things to come.
Afterwork, I immediately fell asleep on the taxi JM, Con and I took to MOA. It's a bowling night (the new frenzy this season). I woke up refreshed and ready. I felt better.
We met the others: Michi, Mike and Len there. We had dinner at a fastfood restaurant. The boys also put me on the hotseat just for fun (when didn't it?). But it was fun.
It was time for the climax of the night: Bowling. I was actually expecting to be creamed given my condition. I was able to play a good game. I was happy. Michi won the two round but it was no contest, she was more experienced than any of us. So there.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Time Out
There's so much to do, yet so little time. These days I found out that I have so many neglected chores that I could only stare at them as they rot away. I found this out when I checked my email accounts. They were cluttered with life that just whizzed by. Some of them, including updates from various social networking sites, which normally I would have deleted upon reading were on my in box for several weeks now. Yet I still never found time to delete them. I wonder why.
That is not the end of the story.
I picked up some of my book keeping OC-ness when I started collecting books (that was grade 4 I think). I had the awareness to cover my books with plastic cover after reading them. So with that I had two on my things to do list. Read books and cover them. Unfortunately, I was only able to read and finish some and never cover them. Other books, I never get to finish at all. Adding to the humiliation was the fact that most of these books were the inspirational books I managed to grab. Here are some of these books:
1. Red Letter Questions - Got this from MV Doulos I managed to read the first few chapters but was not able to really finish the book. It was interesting though. Since I never got to finish it, I was not able to cover it as well.
2. Letters from a Skeptic - This one is really great. I managed to finish this and this was probably the reason why I never got to finish the book on top of this list. Still, I can't find the time to put a cover on it.
3. Disapointment with God - I'm currently reading this one, hence uncovered. This is one of Philip Yancy's great works.
4. Not Even A Hint - Joshua Harris's third book. Loved it and finished it. But I can't cover it since someone borrowed it before I even had the mind to.
5. Infinite Crisis - This one does not fall into the inspirational/religious category, but its a book none the less. It's one of DC Comics' famous story arcs that they produced with a novelization. I managed to find it at the most reasonable price at National Bookstore to boot. But I never got to finish this one. Bummer.
6. The Kitchen God's Wife - A work of Amy Tan, the author of the Joy Luck Club. I was supposed to read it. Really. But things got out of hand and I can't find the book anymore. I hope it wasn't turned into something else by our cats.
7. MEMORY - this one's a text book. One of the most interesting ones. Because of its nature, I guess I wouldn't be able to finish this, but I keep on returning to this book once in a while.
8. AAC - this one's the real gold in the booksale mine. I found it accidentally. Its a text book on AAC techniques. another text book = not able to finish in one sitting.
9. Lord Of the RIngs compiled edition - This is my second LOTR book. I was able to finish this one a long time ago, despite finishing the uncompiled ones. I was supposed to cover it last year but I ran out of plastic cover.
10. The Challenge - This one is already covered but already in a bad condition. I acquired this from the black hole formerly called the YM HQ. It was about to be thrown away but I was able to save it. It's a dissertation of an Australian Seminary. Loved the topic, but can't digest.
11. The Social Cancer (2 copies) - Also known as Noli Me Tangere by Rizal. I enjoyed reading it in my spare time before we even discussed it in HS. The books were dilapidated and needed re-binding badly. My mom and dad initially owned these. They had two copies.
11 books but I wouldn't limit myself to just 11. There are others that are lost somewhere in my room. Which brings me to another task - cleaning my room. It's already a mess - a real mess. I need to clean the shelves. I just hope the termites won't get to those shelves first.
So what's the cause of all the chaos on books, emails, and my room? the answer is simple: Work. My work takes me away from doing these simple chores and the days I have reserved for a break were for making reports and making up for lost sleep.
Haaay!! It's back to the bunker for me...
That is not the end of the story.
I picked up some of my book keeping OC-ness when I started collecting books (that was grade 4 I think). I had the awareness to cover my books with plastic cover after reading them. So with that I had two on my things to do list. Read books and cover them. Unfortunately, I was only able to read and finish some and never cover them. Other books, I never get to finish at all. Adding to the humiliation was the fact that most of these books were the inspirational books I managed to grab. Here are some of these books:
1. Red Letter Questions - Got this from MV Doulos I managed to read the first few chapters but was not able to really finish the book. It was interesting though. Since I never got to finish it, I was not able to cover it as well.
2. Letters from a Skeptic - This one is really great. I managed to finish this and this was probably the reason why I never got to finish the book on top of this list. Still, I can't find the time to put a cover on it.
3. Disapointment with God - I'm currently reading this one, hence uncovered. This is one of Philip Yancy's great works.
4. Not Even A Hint - Joshua Harris's third book. Loved it and finished it. But I can't cover it since someone borrowed it before I even had the mind to.
5. Infinite Crisis - This one does not fall into the inspirational/religious category, but its a book none the less. It's one of DC Comics' famous story arcs that they produced with a novelization. I managed to find it at the most reasonable price at National Bookstore to boot. But I never got to finish this one. Bummer.
6. The Kitchen God's Wife - A work of Amy Tan, the author of the Joy Luck Club. I was supposed to read it. Really. But things got out of hand and I can't find the book anymore. I hope it wasn't turned into something else by our cats.
7. MEMORY - this one's a text book. One of the most interesting ones. Because of its nature, I guess I wouldn't be able to finish this, but I keep on returning to this book once in a while.
8. AAC - this one's the real gold in the booksale mine. I found it accidentally. Its a text book on AAC techniques. another text book = not able to finish in one sitting.
9. Lord Of the RIngs compiled edition - This is my second LOTR book. I was able to finish this one a long time ago, despite finishing the uncompiled ones. I was supposed to cover it last year but I ran out of plastic cover.
10. The Challenge - This one is already covered but already in a bad condition. I acquired this from the black hole formerly called the YM HQ. It was about to be thrown away but I was able to save it. It's a dissertation of an Australian Seminary. Loved the topic, but can't digest.
11. The Social Cancer (2 copies) - Also known as Noli Me Tangere by Rizal. I enjoyed reading it in my spare time before we even discussed it in HS. The books were dilapidated and needed re-binding badly. My mom and dad initially owned these. They had two copies.
11 books but I wouldn't limit myself to just 11. There are others that are lost somewhere in my room. Which brings me to another task - cleaning my room. It's already a mess - a real mess. I need to clean the shelves. I just hope the termites won't get to those shelves first.
So what's the cause of all the chaos on books, emails, and my room? the answer is simple: Work. My work takes me away from doing these simple chores and the days I have reserved for a break were for making reports and making up for lost sleep.
Haaay!! It's back to the bunker for me...
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Kitten Capers
Three kittens were born 2 months ago. Yep. Just three cute looking kittens. Three small seemingly innocent and fragile little kittens. Yet, just like the transformers tag line, there's more to these kittens than meets the eye. So don't be surprised if I literally threw them out of my room.
I have somewhat a hesitation to admire the cute-ness of kittens. They seem to be overrated when you call it that. Mind you, it is not out of spite of kittens or cats in general. We have three cats at home for pets and they seem to be pretty well fed and taken cared of. It's all about past experiences with kittens. No, there was no kitten trying to kill me like from some boring horror flick. It's just that sometimes their feigned cuteness and innocence could really be deceptive. Sometimes you just don't notice the damage they have done to your home.
A week after the kittens were born, their mother, our cat, somehow managed to sneak them inside my room, and eventually my closet. I didn't even notice it the first few days until I noticed the fur on my trousers and my jeans. I thought of letting all of hell break loose, but thought better of it since they were still so young. My mistake later on.
A month later, I discovered that they were strong enough to walk - and run. The discovery wasn't so much as shocking than irritating. I realized that they were agile and springy when I felt their paws on my bed. I tried to put them away but they resumed their petty kitten games under my bed where the wooden floor kept on thudding as their footpaws landed on them. It was like a wooden stick was being pounded on my head. I was so irritated that I did the inevitable, it was time for them to go out of the room to explore, but they didn't want to go out that easy so I sent them out the hard way - by throwing them out.
Still a month later, we - as in all of us at home - noticed that the kittens have grown to be independent. That was the exact moment when they could eat rice or fish and jump around on their own. That was also the moment when their excrement would really smell - I guess it's pointless to say how we knew that they could eat rice or fish, just follow the scent. Still that was the moment when they should be thrown out, given away or adopted.
Apparently based on past experiences, no one wanted to adopt new kittens, and we were running out of options. The first option seemed to be the inevitable, not unless someone actually wanted them. So who wants kittens?
I have somewhat a hesitation to admire the cute-ness of kittens. They seem to be overrated when you call it that. Mind you, it is not out of spite of kittens or cats in general. We have three cats at home for pets and they seem to be pretty well fed and taken cared of. It's all about past experiences with kittens. No, there was no kitten trying to kill me like from some boring horror flick. It's just that sometimes their feigned cuteness and innocence could really be deceptive. Sometimes you just don't notice the damage they have done to your home.
A week after the kittens were born, their mother, our cat, somehow managed to sneak them inside my room, and eventually my closet. I didn't even notice it the first few days until I noticed the fur on my trousers and my jeans. I thought of letting all of hell break loose, but thought better of it since they were still so young. My mistake later on.
A month later, I discovered that they were strong enough to walk - and run. The discovery wasn't so much as shocking than irritating. I realized that they were agile and springy when I felt their paws on my bed. I tried to put them away but they resumed their petty kitten games under my bed where the wooden floor kept on thudding as their footpaws landed on them. It was like a wooden stick was being pounded on my head. I was so irritated that I did the inevitable, it was time for them to go out of the room to explore, but they didn't want to go out that easy so I sent them out the hard way - by throwing them out.
Still a month later, we - as in all of us at home - noticed that the kittens have grown to be independent. That was the exact moment when they could eat rice or fish and jump around on their own. That was also the moment when their excrement would really smell - I guess it's pointless to say how we knew that they could eat rice or fish, just follow the scent. Still that was the moment when they should be thrown out, given away or adopted.
Apparently based on past experiences, no one wanted to adopt new kittens, and we were running out of options. The first option seemed to be the inevitable, not unless someone actually wanted them. So who wants kittens?
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