Lifestyles of the Sophisticated

If you build it, build it big!

2011-06-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

My friend just could not justify owning a desktop computer.

He wanted it so badly that he hand picked all the parts and had them shipped overnight to his home. Really, there was no reason for this as his laptop worked adequately. He doesn't play internet games and is married at the hip to his popular smartphone of the fruit variety. Tax preparation options, movies and music is all that he needs.

But, the deed was done. He built his computer using the latest and greatest technology, including 8GB of RAM, one 80GB SSD, a 1TB hard drive, 27" monitor (to which he has to sit 6 feet away to see the entire picture), wireless input devices, blue ray burner, hot-swap drives, and enough fans with LED lights to make an in-home dance club.

He loves his new toy. And it's great, because maybe finally he'll take up internet gaming as a second career.

The real kicker though, is that his daughter has claimed it as her own. It's $1600 purpose is set: Movies on demand. Alternative music. And the drawing of rectangles on the desktop.

Hold on tight, or there will be a mattress in the road!

2011-04-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Moving is no easy task, even for those of us who try to live simply. Everyone has seen the picture where a mover ties a mattress to the top of their car, unknowingly tying their doors shut with twine or rope.

Learning from that experience, a fellow driver tied down his California king mattress to the top of his SUV. Rope connected through the rear windows, inside and out to hug it tightly to the roof. There was no rope on the front half. Instead, the driver's hand extended outward through the window. With a death grip on pillowtop comfort, he expertly maneuvered - at more than freeway speeds - all the way home.

That guy must have some serious arm muscles.

Knitting is in again, apparently.

2011-04-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Public transit brings people from all walks of life together. And because of that, it is sometimes difficult to observe when times are getting tough.

Wonder no more.

Three middle-aged men boarded the train today. All had a carefree attitude. One was armed with knitting needles, fervently constructing clothing for himself - and his buddies.

You certainly don't see that every day.

Hello Sun.

2011-04-08T23:06:00.001-07:00

After a week of torrential rain the Sun was finally here at work with me. Sadly, none of my coworkers were. And the few and the proud who were everywhere else decided to call it a short day - quitting time Friday afternoon at 230PM.

Push the button harder!

2011-04-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

I pushed the elevator button, then waited. The lunch lady arrived and hammered on the button with her thumb. She lectured me and said, "You must push it with STRENGTH!!!!!!" As she turned to face me the elevator arrived, the doors opened, and she felt validated from imparting wisdom onto me.

If only the elevator would come every time, if you really mashed that call button frantically.

My, where has the time gone?

2011-01-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

Well, this is awkward.

I'm sorry for neglecting you, but life got in the way. I hope you can understand, the world has been quite crazy in the past year and a half.

Since our last encounter:

I applied for a job, got an interview, and found out that it was exactly like my current employment - except with less pay :( I was not offered a position and would not have accepted anyway.
I got married, to a wonderful woma
I broke my leg, and through the 6+months rehabilitation process, said wife did not leave me. Rehabilitation is still ongoing and you never really appreciate the ability to walk until you cannot at all.
Not a day goes by without someone, somewhere, doing something absolutely insanely crazy. And I still laugh.
The neighborhood continues its decline into 10th-world status. The gang bangers still shoot each other up and twilight is riddled with gunfire and sirens. Yes, even when it's freezing outside. This is not the environment to which we will begin a family.
My commute is still deathly long. Thanks to being partially crippled at one point, my ride home is in a car, for now at least - and not in a bus full of tired, short-tempered, after work/school commuters - with freeways filled with tired, raging, no-patience drivers. Though, I would take those crazy drivers over the public transit shenanigans any day.

I guess that about sums everything up.

Now: Back to the important stuff, Lifestyles Of The Sophisticated people all around me!

Draw with your eyes closed.

2009-07-04T21:37:00.001-07:00

Silly internet games keep everyone busy. Social networking breeds a new type of game; the "let's see how well you can draw with MS Paint" game. This is the 21st century equivalent of Pictionary where people trick you into drawing on a dry erase board and having to guess what your silly squiggles mean.

There are only a few rules:

1. You must draw a cat. (We know what you're drawing, we just want to see how good an artist you are not!)
2. You must draw it with your eyes closed (No peeking, this is all the fun!)
3. There is no help allowed. (Your friend must do one too.)
4. You must publish a self incriminating photo on the web for us to critique and laugh at.

Somehow I got suckered into this mindless activity. And well, it was 100* at 12AM and I had nothing better to do. So I present to you, my Dear Internet Reader, original art:

#35: Job Searching

2008-09-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I probably won't be embarking on career change #1 for several more months. Apparently people tell me the norm is something like 12 career changes in one's lifetime.

Although I frequent the popular job sites, it makes me happy to know that

1) I don't have to stay at my current job forever.
2) Much of everything advertised is a different career.
3) It will be challenging.
4) I can do it!
5) I'll be able to help others make that dreaded career hop when their time comes.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#34: Signs that are spelled wrong...

2008-09-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

The meaning of that sign is wrong.

For lunch I had Dragon Roll Sushi with eel. Except, it was advertised as "Ell". Maybe they were right and I tried something new and gourmet. Either way, it was almost as as good as the "ID'S HERE" sign that has been in the main office for the past 10 years.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#33: Amtrak

2008-09-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone for a scenic rail ride? When they drive, instead of me, I get to see parts of the country that haven't been urbanized or paved over. Hello, America.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#32: Campfires

2008-09-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

It is warm. It is relaxing. After making the campfire big enough, it makes getting up at 6AM to a really cold campsite worthwhile.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#31: Blogging

2008-09-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll be realistic. Nobody except a few close friends/family probably read this blog. While anyone in the world can access it, it makes me happy that I can use it to practice my writing skill that have been neglected since college. Sure, I'm no poet and I'm not scholarly author. But Blogging gives everyone a glimpse of me. In 10 years, I'll probably look back on all of this and laugh.

It's just like looking back at my writing samples from 1st grade. Go me!

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#30: Chopsticks

2008-09-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I can use chopsticks.

Yes! I use them better than my Asian friends. (Some of my friends give up and use a fork!)

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

Do not pass "Go"; Proceed directly to jail.

2008-09-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

While living in a metropolis you will eventually see some awesome criminal acts. Bicycles running red lights, pedestrians jaywalking, graffiti, etc., The list is practically endless!

The best way to meet your local law enforcement officer is to jaywalk right in front of them while they're busy enforcing the law. Imagine said pedestrian's surprise when the cop confronts him, asks him why he jaywalked right in front of him (over a busy rail line, no less!), then hancuffs him and has his partner walk him to jail.

Oops for them.

Did we learn our lesson today? I hope so.

Ahh, life in the big city. It is never dull.

#29: Being Engaged

2008-09-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

We got to introduce ourselves and our life story to friends, family, coworkers, and strangers. And we'll throw a party and feed everyone because everyone knows that lots of good food and conversation in an open house setting = happiness.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#28; Housewarming Parties

2008-09-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

We celebrate the accomplishment of our friends, inside their new home. And when the families (in-laws) come to party it makes me happy to celebrate with them. Our lifestyles are starkly different, but to come together "as family" puts a smile on my face. We're there for each other through all the times of life.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#27: My Kitchen

2008-09-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

Me, my wife, cookbooks and the ambition to meddle with the recipes. Delicious meals and snacks forever!

The aromas that linger for hours remind us of our cooking adventures. This includes all our successes and our few failures. And we still haven't thrown flour at each other :)

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#26: Ducks

2008-09-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

"But the one little duck
With the feather on his back
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack." - lyrics from Six Little Ducks

I have fond memories of feeding the ducks at the pond, when I was a child. They were friendly ducks! I'd like to think they 'remembered' me (the guy with the food).

And then when I grew up a little bit, I couldn't go to school with out stopping at the duck crossing. Mother duck and her eight ducklings would cross the same road at the same time every morning.

Someday I will take my future children to the pond and they will get to feed the ducks. And they will imitate them as they waddle along.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#25: People Watching

2008-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Express yourself!

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#24: My Old Photographs

2008-09-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

My memory isn't as good as it used to be. Photographs help jog distant memories that I used to be able to recall on a whim.

"When I was a kid, I had to walk miles in the cold pouring rain to go to school!"

I smile. I've lived many great moments.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#23: AIR GUITAR!

2008-09-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

I can sing, I can dance, but if you really want to see talent, watch me make a fool of myself with some air guitar. I put on the shades, crank up the music, and pretend that I'm a rock star. It's fun when I play solo. It's more fun when someone catches me rocking out. Nobody has had the courage to join me yet but I hope for some day that I can have an air guitar band...similar to the one on Scrubs.

Even if it's a duo.

Is that wishful thinking? I'm a self-proclaimed expert at pantomime. Watch me toot my own horn.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#22: Golden Retrievers

2008-09-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, Dogs.

Perhaps they are the only dog to appear perpetually happy. That's infectious. And a golden retriever holding a tennis ball or two, in its mouth, off center? That's a friendly sight.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#21: Pet Cats

2008-09-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

Balls of fur. Balls of purr. Curious, clever little beings.

And when they go, "Look, there's that bright spot on the wall again!" I can't help but move the flashlight around. It drives them nuts and makes me laugh. They chase it! It's entertaining!

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#20: Tea

2008-09-07T00:38:00.000-07:00

It's not carbonated. And it doesn't come pre-sweetened.

Including its many personal benefits, and aromas, it is the drink that hits the spot for every occasion.

And it is something that every culture can relate to, in one way or another.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#19: Lazy Sundays

2008-09-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said for low-key days - even if they are far and few between - when society demands maximum participation in everything we do.

Simple days. Life will be there tomorrow, and I will be recharged to take on new challenges.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#18: Self Reflection

2008-09-05T00:20:00.000-07:00

I've only been through 18 "things that make me happy" and it is nice to write down the little joys in life :)

Self reflection - self discovery - self growth - appreciation for the little things in life (and the big too!).

Thanksgiving is every day.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#17: Singing In The Car

2008-09-04T00:20:00.000-07:00

I can sing loud. I can sing soft. The tire-rumble makes it harder to tell if I’m off key. I can sing harmony with the radio. And those songs that nobody really knows the lyrics to? I can sing those songs – and make up my OWN lyrics! – and my passenger will laugh at me for coming up with something original and convincing, or they will laugh harder at me for making a stunning failure with lyrics that don't fit…

And while they *still* don’t want to sing along … or make up lyrics, I’m happy to do it for them. The rides are so boring with no entertainment.

I think they like my melody.

I’m not the next American Idol and I’m going to keep it that way :)

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#16: Winter Rain

2008-09-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

It’s a good winter if we get torrential downpours.

Some people will hide under their umbrellas. Others will don a poncho. Me? T-shirt and shorts, baby! Yeah! (OK, not quite; but definitely sparing use of a hat, umbrella, poncho, etc)

I guess I’m half-man, half-duck. Quack quack!

The rain tempers and cleans the air. It sounds nice against my window. It keeps the land green and refills our reservoirs.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#15: Fireworks

2008-08-29T00:00:00.001-07:00

Even when it’s not the 4th of July, there is just something special about seeing the sky lit up with a massive display of fireworks…all colors, sounds, and effects…especially with someone you love.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#14: Naps

2008-08-20T17:47:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid I didn't like to nap. I had too much energy that had to be used up running around the neighborhood!

Grown up now, with a real life, a job and commute that sucks the life out of me, I cherish 'nap times'.

A quick evening snooze is the best for recharging me, forgetting about the day, and even preparing for tomorrow.

#13: Fallen Leaves

2008-08-18T21:26:00.001-07:00

Shoof, Shoof, Shoof – It’s autumn and the trees have dropped their leaves all over the sidewalk. While I don’t jump in the piles of leaves I see on each streetcorner, I can kick the dry, crumply, leaves all over the sidewalk.

Ah, to be a kid again.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

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#12: Calvin and Hobbes (comics)

2008-08-18T21:25:00.001-07:00

Little did I know that after 20 years I would enjoy this comic even more! Looking back on the adventures of Calvin and Hobbes I relive the adventures of my life :)

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

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#11: Blueberries

2008-08-18T21:14:00.001-07:00

Not only are they good for me, and bite sized, they are refreshing! I don’t know exactly what is inside to make it so rejuvenating but it isn’t summertime without a basket full of blueberries!

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

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#10: Harley Davidson

2008-07-28T23:25:00.001-07:00

There is nothing quite like the Harley Davidson Flagpole (with XXL sized American flag). Just exactly how big is that thing?!

And if I can see all of it at once, I know the wind is blowing really really hard. That probably means I need to stay indoors.

Burger King comes in a close second with their flagpoles at every restaurant. It’s a friendly sight.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#9: The view during my commute

2008-07-23T21:42:00.001-07:00

There is one thing that I will miss when I stop commuting by train. That is the spectacular view as we enter the inner city. As the train climbs onto and past a bridge, I’m greeted with views of the valley, the city, the mountains, and the lush, green trees that fill my state and our neighbor state.

I can see for miles and miles and miles.

And to accent the view (a photograph doesn’t do it justice), sunlight and clouds paint the sky, while the final rush of jets float down from above and into our international airport – much like birds coming home to roost.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#8: Stars

2008-07-20T19:26:00.001-07:00

Not many people look to the heavens above. A lot is washed out by the pollution of city lights.

Maybe we’ll see some stars. Maybe not.

Out of the city, I become lost, there are billions…trillions…more than I can ever count.

And it is humbling. I am just one of many people in this gigantic universe. And while the stars twinkle, form pictures in my mind, and fill the entire night sky – They really are quite beautiful.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

#7: Top Ramen.

2008-07-19T22:00:00.001-07:00

Top Ramen takes me back to my college days.

I think it is the last “complete meal” that you can still get for under a quarter.

On the stove, in the microwave, fried up. Cheap, easy, tasty.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

Local Music (#6): Happy Summer Days

2008-07-16T23:40:00.001-07:00

Local talent sometimes goes unnoticed- unless I know exactly where to look. Summer days are remembered best with live concerts:

Musicality? Everything included. Jazz, rock, pop, symphonic/orchestral, big band, youth, blues, electronic, hip hop, etc.

Our first concert of the summer included Intervision, a local quintet.

Local musicians bring a nice change to separate us from mainstream radio, and many of my memories are filled with evening concerts in the park, at the square, in the village, or around town.

It is an added bonus that a lot of this music is free. I have not ever been disappointed with the quality of any of these artists.

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

I'm Happy Hour (#5)

2008-07-16T23:33:00.001-07:00

Tell me, who the heck goes to Happy Hour on a Wednesday Afternoon at 4PM?!

US THAT’S WHO!

Wow, can you say not cool.

Or not, it is one of adult life’s little pleasures. Eat a lot of cheap foods, get buzzed, tell entertaining and crazy stories about my life and work, and celebrate relaxation.

Although, the last time I recall a mid-week-day happy hour some drunk nut was dancing like a loony in the pay to park lot.

American custom seems to be best shared with food and alcohol and that makes it perfect to share anytime! Even when you have to get up early the next morning and go to work again the company is much appreciated.

TGIAF?

See more progress on: identify 100 things that make me happy (besides money)

100 Happy Things: #3 Family and Friends

2008-07-13T21:28:00.001-07:00

This goes without saying. Social support, moral support, a GREAT source of knowledge and wisdom and these are the people who will stick by me through everything in life. They will share the joys, the sorrows, the excitement and adventure, and all of life’s great moments.

See more progress on: 100 things that make me happy

100 Happy Things #2: Popsicles

2008-07-13T16:40:00.001-07:00

2. Popsicles

The best way to temper Summer is with everyone’s all time favorite childhood treat, the popsicle. Sure, it’s sticky. But I can’t really enjoy Summertime without bright red lips or tongue.

See more progress on: 100 things that make me happy

100 Things That Make Me Happy

2008-07-12T23:14:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving is not the only time to be thankful. It is nice to enjoy life 24/7/365! I’m going to take the time to look around me and reflect, and share with you the little things in life that make me happy:

1. A Summer Drive
All I need is a) the AC blasting or the top down, b) CD/radio tunes turned up loud enough so I’m sharing it with the town c) lots of curves for an entertaining drive d) my best friend in the passenger seat to enjoy the countryside with me.

See more progress on: 100 things that make me happy

It's official. We're all going to hell!

2008-03-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

At least, we can go in style. I think?

The old seven deadly sins - sloth, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, wrath and pride - are popular now. They don't count against you anymore.

That is, just as long as you remember to not commit any of the NEW seven deadly sins: genetic modification, carrying out experiments on humans, polluting the environment, causing social injustice, causing poverty, becoming obscenely wealthy and taking drugs.

Hoorah.

From "Recycle or go to Hell, warns Vatican" @ Britain's Telegraph

Or for a less sensationalized version see, "Vatican updates its thou-shalt-not list", at Yahoo! News

(I know religion is a hot topic, and everything above is sarcasm. Except the news articles - they're real. Wow.)

Hello, world.

2006-06-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes hosting a blog yourself fails. Not by your fault, however, at least not this time. If something has a possibility of going wrong you can expect that sometime it will. And that is what happened. So I decided to move here and try a shot at typing up my personal musings.

Maybe this is my microphone to the whole world or maybe just to my family. No matter, I hope you all enjoy.