2006 year marker

2006 is the first full year for me in as far as blogging is concerned. Initially, I didn't know if I had anything to say, moreover publish on the web. Not that I had nothing in my mind, but I had doubts on whether I would be able to share as much without feeling my privacy being invaded.

But alas, it resulted in a yearlong series of blogs that multiplied to four...well, four released blogs to-date.

This year's major event, of course, was my relocation from California to Washington.

California to Washington
The Bay Area to the Seattle Area
East Bay to the Eastside
Hayward to Woondinville

I still miss California, but that doesn't take away the fact that Seattle is its own beautiful character and I look forward to exploring more of it. It just wouldn't be fair to compare a decade long experience to a single year in a new location.

The Seattle relocation is not just a Washington state experience, but a true Pacific Northwest one as Canada and the state of Oregon are within under 3 hours of driving range.

That's a lot of ground to cover :).

Alright, break's over. Time to get up and continue on the trail...

Home for the Holidays

Merry Christmas!....Feliz na vidad....Happy Christmas!

Christmas dinner was at my mom's home in San Francisco. The picture on the left is my mom's Christmas tree. She makes a lot of ornaments by hand. It's not clearly visible but she has one gold ornament for each son, daughter, and grandchild. After dinner, we travelled to my eldest brother's home in Pittsburg (in CA).

It was a working a holiday for me, as I had projects that couldn't spare a break. Being granted permission to work remotely, though, is enough incentive and it's all good. Besides, I couldn't just leave projects behind and worry about 'em while I'm away. In a way, I prefer it this way (alright, alright, go ahead, call me a workaholic ---I do have other "holics" in my portfolio, though ;) ).

Plus, the change in scenery is actually good for productivity :)

My nephew and niece were born in the technology age and I am sometimes at awe when I witness how they are able to grasp not only games but computer software and internet sites with ease (Important Note: they are completely aware of cyber-criminals; constantly reminding me to be careful of what information I provide - good call, kids!). The Nintendo DS happens to be one of the gadgets we all share an excitement for. In this entry's photo, we're playing a Mario game that my niece is able to share with me via a wireless download. They are such experts that I make no ambition to catch up at all :). It's just plain fun for me and I think that's what makes it really enjoyable.

My mom is a master tailor and this was an opportunity for me to bring a couple of pants I had bought that were way too long (thanks, Ma! :) ). And mom, being mom, gets to see what my current measurements are...so the following day I get an extra pair of pants...my mom was shopping that day and got me one (now already cut to my exact measurements, of course :) ).

I wasn't kidding when I called my mom a master tailor. Once I had an old couch and my mom (who asked me what color I liked), came over and literally covered and sewed my couch (paddings, pillows, an'all) in magnificent black, all while food was cooking in the stove. Mom was done by the time we had to eat lunch :).

Windstorm

The wind was howling wild Thursday night and by around 10pm the power was out. At first I thought it was just a trip but after waiting for about an hour I began to wonder and searched for my portable radio. Apparently a lot of trees went down...and along with them a number of power lines. So I went to bed and figured the power would be back come morning.

Good morning....power's still out. I turn on the radio and the news reports continue to describe the damage brought about by the windstorm. I decide to get dressed and head for the office (where power would most likely be on)...I dread the cold water...but surprisingly I got hot water when I turned on the shower.

I get to the office and find out power was out as well. No establishments open...I head for Safeway to buy some groceries. The supermarkets are pretty much the only ones open...even gas stations (and seven elevens!) are closed...I still have half a tank of gas so I think I'll be ok (long lines in gas stations was in the news). I stop by the Target store near my home (yes, it was open!) and got a box of Duraflame fire logs. Forget the camp gas...they're all sold out!

I honestly have never used a fireplace...I had one in my home in California but the need just never presented itself.

As soon as I got the heat running...I pulled out my small camp kit and cooked rice over the fire...I prepared some corned beef and onions in a frying pan...once I was done with the rice, I placed the pan over the fire and cooked my meal.

Yum! I'm actually enjoying this virtual camping! I start dreaming about ham and eggs in the morning.....soup for lunch....coffee?


The cordless phone wasn't working. I decided to preserve the remaining juice on my cellphone for emergencies. On my desk is an old rotary phone...I wondered if it actually worked...so I spliced the wires...plugged it in....it works! I called my brother and I have to admit I was giggling while I dialed his number...I've been transported to the 80's!








Nothing much to do so I decide to call it a night.

11:30pm....power's back :)