Going under the hood

I don't know what got into me, but after reading articles on the web about some guys who've upgraded their Compaq Presario laptops, I looked into it and found myself shopping for new parts. The low cost of AMD chips, memory, and hard drives was really tempting and I just couldn't resist going under the hood :)

So far everything's working great so I'm glad I didn't break anything (getting to my V2000's processor required me to disassemble a great deal of the board's components). Upgrading from the Sempron to the Turion processor, 512MB more memory (for a total of 1.5GB), and a 7200RPM Hitachi drive really brings out obvious performance gains.

Bottom line: sweet!

:)

Markings Complete

The day finally came. Session 2. Completion of my Giger tattoo by Micah Parker. After constantly looking at the partially finished sections of my tattoo for a month, I was dying to see it in its entirety. We had the whole afternoon dedicated to it and while I was able to tolerate the pain through it all, I'd be lying if I said it was a picnic. After a number of hours, it did start to get sore. And as Micah layered through all the shades and details it certainly did sting.

After finishing the tattoo, my arm had to be treated with some sort of vitamin extract and sealed in a wrap. After about four hours, the wrap came off and it had to be cleaned with warm water and soap, then let dry.

I know I just sat there all day, but I honestly did feel exhausted and once I had finished cleaning my arm and lay on the bed to rest, I fell asleep for a couple of hours.

Of course, as soon as I woke up I just had to go in front of the mirror and look at my tattoo again :) .

It certainly was the artistic expression of Giger's biomechanical I had wanted. I remember in my first session Micah asked why I chose to come to her for this tattoo. I knew the answer, but for some reason was slow to respond (or maybe it was because I had just re-acquainted myself with the feeling of a high-speed needle on my skin ;) ). I wanted to combine several elements from his work and needed someone who could do an interpretation of the fused elements. I definitely wanted an artist who was familiar with Giger's work. Prowling cyberspace for a tattoo artist who fit the profile, I stumbled upon Micah's flash art. My search ended there. Of course, I didn't explain this story the same way when I answered Micah's question. (If I remember correctly, I think I said "...I saw your work on the web and that was it, I knew where I was gonna go for my tattoo...").

Going through the images in my digital camera, I wanted to post this last one I took before I left Micah's studio. 'Just the right image I want for the completion of this entry.

Thanks Micah :)

Centerville stop

I'm back in Utah today for the completion of my Giger tattoo. With some time on my hands, I stop over here in a local Starbucks in Centerville. Last night I was watching the Warriors on ESPN (I know this part should be a Mos Eisley entry...but...nah). I am thrilled that they've reached the playoffs and as a fan I at least get to watch them on national tv wherever I am...and they creamed the Mavs!

Sling Heaven

Woke up this morning and watched the local news...the bay area morning news! Thank the heavens for the Slingbox. My brother setup a unit at his home and wallah!...I am able to watch the Warriors and Giants LOCAL broadcasts (sweeeeeet).

I just watched the evening news...the bay area evening news! Ah yes, KTVU, KRON ;)

Spring Training 2007

This year's trek to Arizona lands me and my brother in a soldout game against the Cubs. Both Barry's were playing (Zito pitching in the photo), temp was 75 degrees, we got sunblock on (this time, yes :) ), beer's cold, priceless ;) Linden and Klesko continue to hit really well and Sweeney hit a home run in the 8th (or was it the 7th?)

Oh....and by the way...we were cruising AZ on a Mustang :). It had a really good kick and we took turns driving and abusing all that packed heat in the hood. (pix below of my brother on the wheel)

Tomorrow we visit Peoria AZ to watch a road game against the Padres.

It's time

"Alright!....No one messes with the Duke!"

Hahahaah......exactly what I had in mind when I saw this in the mirror.....and before I finally got a haircut :)

Rain to Snow to Water

Last night the temperature was so cold it turned the heavy rain to snow...and so morning came and I found my car covered in snow. The temperature was begining to heat up though and by the time I started my car and brushed off the white powder, the snow around already started to melt into water.

drive to work

Revisiting old routes

When you have a lot in your mind, your brain can sometimes decide to run a sub-routine in the background that executes an autopilot sequence. Yesterday, I was sorting through a number of thoughts when I realized I was not on the route home to Woodinville but to my old home in Kirkland! But, hey, what the hell...haven't gone back to Kirkland in a while. So I kept my course and just drove through Kirkland (since I knew a way through to get me back to the 405 anyway :) ). The image above is from Juanita beach, which used to be just a quick walk from my old place.

Salt Lake City

No sirreee that is not the Mormon temple :). It's actually the City and County Building of Salt Lake City. It was a Saturday so federal offices would have been closed...so I really couldn't tell if this place really was being used as a full-time federal building.

I drove around town that day....

shots along the way

Snow Morning

Yup, the snow stopped falling. Now, its just managing to go about with all the slush. Very few people came to the office as the company put out a notice that weather conditions were not favorable. I honestly enjoyed driving in the snow :). A lot of establishments were closed so I headed for the one place that had a high probability of being open.....the local McDonalds :). A McMuffin and Coffee later I'm ready to start my snow day :).

Snow Fog

Snow's Back!

And the odd season continues :). So far it hasn't been as bad. I'll take powder anytime over ice. Driving is no trouble at all for as long as you keep your distance and remember to brake early and pulse the brakes when you have to make sudden stops. You have to give your tires a chance to get a grip :) so stay light on the gas pedal. Accidents still do happen...

Zunday

Oh, just one of those weird Sundays. You're lazy but can't even manage to get to sleep :).

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 :)

Snow Patrol

Ahhhh.....nothing like waking up to snow in the morning. The locals tell me it really does snow sometimes in the Seattle area....and this week is probably one of those few weeks of powder. I'm sure glad I brought along my snow scraper/brush from my Lake Tahoe days.

Long Thanksgiving Weekend

So there I was, back in California for a long thanksgiving weekeend. Although I didn't plan on taking any pictures, I did bring my Canon S50 to cover whatever whenever.

I spent a lot of time at my brother's house in South San Francisco. The backyard garden is pretty much my mom's domain. Lots of cactus, roses, vegetable plants, fruit trees...but this array of bouganvilla (well, I think it's bouganvilla) perched up a trellis is always a welcome sight.

On Saturday, my friends brought me along for a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see the latest attraction: a baby great white shark. Seeing it in that big tank with giant tuna fish was a little funny. Soon the great white will be larger and most likely attack them for food...but for now, he just swims alongside them...sometimes I wonder if tuna fish ever passed along historical information to other tuna fish....they could take on this great white now.

Anyway, there are lots of interesting items on display at the aquarium. If I ever maintained an aquarium at home, I would have used this place for tons of good ideas on how to stage the environment. I just wonder why manufacturers continue to sell the same decor (love that 'No Fishing' sign).

If you ever come to Monterey and catch them feeding the fish or doing any type of maintenance during exhibit hours, you're up for a treat and see a diver (you know, like that blue one you have floating in your tank :) ) in the big tank.

I just wonder how many janitor fish they use to keep these tanks clean :) ;).

The Sunday before the trip home, I went with my brother to join my parents at the Cache Creek casino. Our usual casino trek back in the days was Reno, Nevada. But Cache Creek casino's 2 hour distance was far less driving stress. The hotel rooms still have that new interior smell.

Down to Oregon

So my brother asked me what was the cheapest way to the northwest. I say...go to Emeryville and get on board one of the freight trains, get off at this spot in Oregon where I pick you up...and here is the photo of my brothe after he got off the train (I'm waiting in the gettaway car)......I'm kidding, of course ;). He actually flew to Seattle and we drove down to Oregon.

Our first stop was the Multnomah Falls. I'm still trying to figure out the right way to pronounce it but I think it's "mool-no-mah". It's a 600+ feet waterfall and quite a sight. Seeing that the weather was still a little cloudy, we drove farther east to find the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center.

On the way to the center, we had to cross the Bridge of the Gods. It's a steel bridge that goes ove the Columbia River. Crossing this bridge actually brings us back to Washington state! It's no Canadian border or anything, but I just got a kick out of crossing 2 states that easily. It's a buck to cross...and having lived in California before...that's quite a deal :)

This shot is of my brother taking a shot of the bridge (and some moving fog in the mountains).


The Interpretive Center has a museum with relics of the old livelihood at the Gorge. One of the displays was this 1921 Mack truck.

According to the sign, the thing still runs! Looking at it though, it looks like the engine had a tough time tugging all that heavy metal alone. And when you load the lumber....well, I beleive it when they said it only went no more than 17mph. Take a look at the tires!...I guess z-rated low-profile tires are ancient technology!


Outside the museum, we found old tractors, machinery, and two old trains. I enjoyed looking at this red one. I remember having one like it in one or two toy train sets I've ever had. Now I'm looking at it...the real thing!

After we left the center, we crossed the bridge again and, on the other side of the bridge (the Oregon side), we ate lunch at the Charburger Restaurant. I have to say, they served the best mashed potates and gravy and it was an excellent complement to my baked chicken (yumm!)

Back at the Multnomah Falls place, there was finally enough light to take some decent pictures. The exit to the falls is actually in the middle of the freeway so you exit to the left. After parking, you go underneath the freeway and see this entrance with an inn that's actually a gift shop.

There were a lot of tourists and quite a number of professional photographers using the falls as a backdrop for wedding photos...or photos of the couple at some informal place...or whatever you call that kind of setup.

You actually walk the hill to get this nice view. We went as far as the bridge but when we got there, the weather started to get bad again so we never really found out what was on the other side of the bridge. Who knows what we might have missed (maybe there was this isolated tribe living behind the falls!....or, as we joked on the ride back...maybe we find a machine that pushes the water to simulate the falls!....kidding!)

Aaaannywayyy.....this is my favorite shot.....the things we do to force people to visit our exhibits! :)

The Sunken Master

The Butchart Gardens in Victoria B.C. was a beautiful place. It's amazing how using the contours of the land exposes the most of a location's grandeur. There were lots of botanical subjects and wonderful details that I could have spent the whole weekend and would have still been hungry to eat through my film bag (or memory cards).

Getting to and from Victoria was half the fun of the day. On the fall schedule, we went there via the Anacortes ferry and went home on the MV Coho to Port Angeles.

The first and last

Well, better late than never.

I made it in time for the last game of the season for the Mariners. Technically, this isn't my first time at Safeco Field (our annual company meeting was held here a couple of weeks ago), but this is my first time to be here for a baseball game.

It's a big ball park and it was so obvious I was enjoying it because I couldn't stay on my seat (despite the fact that I was at the lower level). I went to the upper levels and just picked spots where the whole section was empty (this photo was from the highest point).

Oh yes, the game!....I really did want to see Ichiro, Sexson, and Beltre. Local favorites Ibanez and Jojima weren't to bad either. I'm still a Giant at heart but I know in time I will be able to support the local team as well.

The Mariners won 3-2. Yipee! ;)