Thursday, October 27, 2005

I Never Liked Fishing

First, I encountered minor problems with the Anime Expo 2005 cosplay pics. I upload the pictures to my webpage on Saturday. Sorry for the delay. I mentioned Friday the latest.

When I was a kid, I went fishing with my Dad, brother, Uncle, and cousin. Sometimes my Uncle’s friends came along. Everytime I went fishing, I hate it. I didn’t like fishing. I went because I had to. The bait, casting the fishing pole, the fishy smell, the cleaning . . . everything. My family and I fished mostly on the Santa Barbara pier when my family visited my Grandparents in Santa Barbara and the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) fishing pond in Lafayette, CA. I wondered why I was forced to even though I hated it. It was boring waiting for a fish to bite my fishing pole.

When was the first time you fished? The first time I fished was in Lake Tahoe. It was a summer day and there was a fish pond. The pond charged an admission fee. All fish caught were charged a fee by the length of the fish. I think three fish per person was the maximum. I caught the longest and the smallest fish length. I believe the fish was rainbow trout. The fishing poles were simple poles. No reel. Put the bait on the hook, set the pole on the water with the red and white colored plastic ball on the surface of the water. I forgot what the plastic ball was called. When there was a bite, the ball sinks into the water which tells me to lift the pole up to catch the fish. I lifted the pole up and the fish was on the hook. Whoopie :-|

One scary incident happened. When I was in 6th grade, I was fishing on the Santa Barbara pier. Part of the pier was under repairs. The area was marked poorly. My brother, cousin, and I fished next to the under repairs area. As I was walking away from our fishing area, I was one step away from falling down. I turned to the left, walked a few steps, and then I stopped. As I stopped, I realized that part of the pier was missing. I looked down and I saw the water. Holly crap! :-O What a relief! I was so close to falling down.

I think fishing is supposed to teach patience. Unfortunately, it didn’t—at least for me. Rather, it taught me nothing and I wasted part of my youth just sitting and lying down on the pier waiting for a bite. And sometimes the fish already took my bait and my fishing pole was just sitting there—when I realized, I recasted my fishing line back into the water and just sit there wasting time.

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

A Double Posting

Yesterday, I took the day off from work. I have at least five days of vacation time remaining, and I already maxed out my vacation time rollover for 2006. I already factored a possible trip to Oregon in November and one day off in December for Christmas shopping *_* Ho, ho, ho <:-O

On Monday morning, I eRecycled an old black and white television. Last weekend, people could recycled old electronics including monitors, TV, VCR players, and personal electronics. It was awesome. One less piece of junk to worry. Then I went to Trader Joe’s to purchase cheap red wine and a box of cookies. Trader Joe’s is an awesome store.

The rest of the day was catch up. I finished the Anime Expo 2005 costume pictures for my webpage. Friday is the latest the pics are uploaded. Any anime fans should check out my cosplay pics. Go to my webpage and click Anime Page. I also did my credit card expenses, especially the Washington Canada trip. Boy, it was expensive. What else did I do? I read some pages on the Shuffle Up and Deal book by Mike Sexton, mowed the lawn, cooked dinner, and watched a little of Monday Night Football.

Today at work, there was a little catch up from Monday’s day off. It was busy in the morning and it was dead in afternoon. I’m still at work and I have some free time. Enjoy while I can ^__^

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

The Waitress Was Really Pretty

From the Washington Canada trip, Steve and I ate breakfast at IHOP (International House of Pancakes) in Richmond, British Columbia on the way from Vancouver, BC to Seattle, WA. The waitress was very pretty. I was attracted to her. I remember her first name is Lisa. She is about my height around 5 foot 8 inches. My best guess her age is around 24, but she could be younger because Asians look younger than their actual age.

What I want to share (or what I’m asking) is I heisted to leave my contact information. Granted she lives in Canada and I live in California in the United States. Even if a serious relationship developed, it sure is going to be a big time long distance relationship. *Hee, hee* The contact information I have is on a business card which has my webpage logo, theme, link, email, and my name.

The plan was I place my business card on the table before Steve and I leave. On the back of the business card, I write “Lisa, you are very pretty. Email me and let’s talk. I live in the U.S.A.” And then I sign my first name.

Does anyone have an opinion? Should I have left the business card? Was the plan appropriate and in good taste? Any thoughts are welcomed. Thank you XD

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Dream on The Apprentice

Last night, I had a dream I was on a future season on Donald Trump’s The Apprentice. How do I get on the show? Trump someone was tired and wanted to browse the web. He did a Google search on “Innovate.” (I know it’s wacky . . . it’s a dream x.x ) The first search result was my webpage, www.innovateinfinitely.com. Trump was big-time impressed visting my website that I was given an automatic entry to a future season.

Throughout the season, I done a great job. Trump is impressed with my soft skills: the ability to communicate, the starter to start something for the team to move towards the goal, the stability to keep the team together, and getting along with all the team members. There are a few episodes my team is in the boardroom, and one of us is going to get fired including me. One teammate suggests I should be fired. I told Mr. Trump that my soft skills keep the team focused and working together to the end. Furthermore, a leader needs not to have charisma to be effective. Mr. Trump is convinced on my arguments he fired the teammate.

I managed to reach the top three in the season. Did I win? I don’t know. I woke up XD

Side Notes:

1. I’m not a die-hard Apprentice fan. I watched a total of 15 minutes of The Apprentice altogether.
2. I was never given the Exemption award in my dream. Anyone with an Exemption can’t be fired regardless of whether the team succeeded or failed. If you are given the Exception award, don’t give it away. My friend told me one episode a contestant gave away the Exception award and was fired.

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Say Hi and Smile Goes Miles

One of my favorite ways to be successful in anything is to do the little things. When the New York Yankees won a franchise record 114 games and won the World Series in 1998, the team won many games by doing the little things such as stealing a base, making a key defensive play, and doing a sacrifice bunt to move the runner from first base to second base.

One little thing is to Say Hi and Smile to co-workers, family, and friends. Doing Say Hi and Smile is an impression—an impression people remember. Trust me on this. In my workplace, the people who Say Hi and Smile are the top workers, the top professionals who knows their line of work, have lots of knowledge and experience, and are open. (Well, most of them anyway. There are a few exceptions. Hee, hee.)

Say Hi and Smile can also be the little things that gets you the promotion, the job hiring, the contract, the sale, meeting new people and them remembering you, and the something special you always wanted. If there is competition for a job, I bet Say Hi and Smile is the little thing that makes a difference who gets the job. I’m sure the level of knowledge is the same for all the competitors; however, the Say Hi and Smile is the difference and whoever Say Hi and Smile, the person has a higher chance of getting the job. Good luck!

Update: I delayed upgrading my digital camera. Looking at the rest of the year, there are no major family events that convinces me to upgrade. There is the family Christmas for which my Powershot is acceptable. I anticipate I upgrade around March 2006.

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

A Quickie

Hello. Happy early Tuesday. I should be sleeping now (-,-) Today at work a broker made a request which took half the day to complete. I think it’s the full moon that is making people nervous and anxious. When I went to work, there was almost an accident, a car cut me off before I entered the freeway, and when I went back home, there was a mini-van that didn’t let me merge into the freeway.

I’m continuing to re-read my Economics textbooks to re-learn Inflation. Yes, the economy is going to experience an Inflation and then a Recession. Prepare for them, everyone!

I have been sooooooo damn busy I have not continued my Innovating Common Knowledge Blogs. I have a list of topics which falls into the Innovating Common Knowledge Blogs. These blogs are short and to the point. I like to post at least one this week. LOL. Ah, man. For a guy who works at a dead end job, there is work outside work to help me get out of the dead end job. Another example of never stop learning . . . never stop innovating. I’m tired and I’m rambling :-O. Thank you and good night XX-))

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Epilogue

Finally, Finally, Finally!!! :-)) Epilogue is completed.

Why did I go on the Washington Canada trip? Two reasons. The first reason is a combination of visiting another state, visiting a foreign country, and visiting my friend at his home state. 100% success. Happy compliments only.

The second reason is inspiration. I wanted to learn something, get something, take something with me that gives me the extra I need to move forward in my life. During the trip, I was not inspired—not even a clue to begin thinking about what inspired me. The week after the vacation, I realized I actually was inspired. What inspired me? Here it is:

On the first day of the vacation, Steve drove around Hood Canal. He wanted to take the scenic route from the airport to Lilliwaup, Steve’s home city. During the drive, I paid attention to the homes facing the waterfront. Most of the people I saw are in their retirement age, have middle class cars (in other words, no BMWs, Mercedes, and Lexuses) parked on their driveways, and wearing clothes that likely were purchased from Old Navy or Ross. These people didn't earn the money to buy these homes to live for retirement and/or for a vacation home overnight. It took years for these retirees to make money. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. These people won their marathons and are retired. It takes time to become successful. I should enjoy the marathon. That is the inspiration from the Washington Canada Vacation. *Hooray, hooray, hooray*

I like to thank my friend Steve for taking the time to organize the vacation. I enjoyed every minute. It was a change in past visits when you always come to San Jose to visit and hangout.

Miscellaneous Everything

--Steve and I talked about going to Portland several times during our stay in Canada since Friday was open. The drive from the Seattle area to Portland was three hours. We choose not to go to Portland because there was extra driving for Steve and it was a six hours round trip drive. Not worth it.

--I made several comments during the trip that the cities visited and the roads traveled reminded me of parts of California and Nevada such that these were no different. I was 100% wrong. Each city visited and each road traveled are different and unique. The weather, the people, the streets, the shops, the air I breathe, the buildings, the roads, everything, everything, everything are unique. If you feel that there is a spot in a city or a road is the same as in your home city or home state, then your feelings are wrong. Malls are different, neighborhoods are different, stores are different, and people are different. Everything is different. Best example, in Victoria, sure Victoria has malls and stores in downtown, but it’s different that Downtown San Jose’s malls and stores; furthermore, all cars stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.

As I think back on all the sights, I am confident to say all of these cities are different than in California’s cities I know. Maybe at first, you think, “Yeah, what’s the difference, it reminds me of my home city.” In a future date, however, you are going to think about the places you visit and rethink. Trust me. It happened to me a week later after the vacation.

--I'm curious on the demographics in Washington. Not being racist, when Steve and I walked to Taco Time, I was shocked the workers were Caucasian. There were no minorities. Wow. All of the restaurants and retail shops Steve and visited were Caucasian. I live in the Bay Area, and 95 times out of 100, the workers in fast food restaurants are Mexicans. Not being racist. I'm thinking since many Californians have been choosing Washington as a top choice to leave California, I wonder if many of these workers’ parents and immediate families were from California. Again, not being racist :)

--Always do your research. The research completed during the trips to Victoria and Vancouver was important. It did rain during the two days in Canada; fortunately, with research, we found alternative activities so we don’t get bored. And always have the latest maps to prevent getting lost. It’s worth paying $5.00 for a map at a gas station because if you get lost, the $5.00 is a bargain (and a souvenir).

--Bring a wish list. Chances are when going on vacation, there are shops available. Bring a wish list and you never know when you find a bargain. Steve and I found many bargains.

--The $10.00CAD I didn't spend is displayed along the left side of my gameshelf and held with a BCFerries boat magnet and an old calendar magnet. The left side faces the walkway to my room and door.

And I like to thank the people who read the Washington Canada blog. There are probably a few people. Hee, hee. In the near future, I am going to think about the trip and if there are any big thoughts, I am going to post the thoughts on my blog. I already have two topics from the vacation I am going to post separately because these two are a new subject and deserve a separate blog entry.


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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Shy People and Quiet People

But first, the week in review. *Hee, hee* Later today, I’m 99% guarantee I upload the Epilogue to the Washington Canada Blog. I did a second proofreading on Wednesday. Yesterday and today after work, I’m going to the gym. And I reread my Economics textbooks to reacquaint myself with Inflation. I think the economy is going to experience Inflation soon. The last time the economy was in an Inflation was around 1986. I finish reading my Economics textbooks next week.

Tomorrow my family celebrates my grandfather’s birthday. The celebration takes place during the late afternoon and evening. During the morning and early afternoon, I’m going to update my webpage; unfortunately, my updates are not completed to upload, yet.

O.K. what is Shy People and Quiet People? In yesterday’s San Jose Mercury News, a newspaper for Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County in California, Male Call received a question on a shy guy. Male Call answered the question by make sure the shy guy is a shy guy, not a quiet guy. A shy guy is a “Tommy Lee in Dockers”—a person who has action and excitement on the inside for which trust needs to be established for the shy guy to come out. (BTW, the Male Call article mentioned guy and I kept it “guy” instead of “people” for which there are shy gals, too :-)

On the other hand, Male Call says a quiet guy is a person who is quiet—really quiet and alone. A quiet guy is “always down in the basement reading or hammering on something.” (Like shy guy, the Male Call article mentioned guy and I kept it “guy” instead of “people” for which there are shy gals, too :-)

Male Call advice is to get to know the guy (or person) to make sure the guy (or person) is shy or quiet. Make the first move. When you are certain he (or the person) is shy and has common interests, say “Hey, we should do that sometime—how about Friday night?”

Good advice!

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Highlights

I still remember the Epilogue for the Washington Canada Vacation Blog. I hope, hope, hope to complete the Epilogue very, very, very soon XD

On Saturday, my cousin got married. The wedding and dinner reception were great. Some of the highlights included a Chinese Dragon dance before dinner, dancing, and a Chocolate Fountain which is called a Foundeux (spelling?). People where taking cookies, strawberries, bananas, and breadsticks and other foods and placing on the Foundeux to cover the food with the warm chocolate. The kids loved it.

Unfortunately, my Canon digital camera experienced wear and tear during the entire wedding. Bad timing. I have been thinking about purchasing a new digital camera after Anime Expo 2005 when some of the cosplay pics turned out less than satisfactory. Given the events on Saturday, it’s time to upgrade. I start researching new SLR digital cameras tomorrow. I feel bad that I didn’t take a lot of good pictures. Only a few turned out well :-< I definitely going to get a Canon. The number one factor is money, and I’m going to get the best camera I can afford.

Tomorrow, my company is having an optional meeting discussing supplemental insurance such as AFLAC. I don’t need supplemental insurance and the like because I don’t have any dependents; however, I’m attending because I’m curious to know what’s all about.

And I still haven’t finished watching Wall Street. *Sigh*

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

No Experience Necessary

The Washington Canada Vacation Epilogue is coming soon. I’m proofreading and editing the epilogue and I’m going to add more.

President George W. Bush nominated Harriet Miers to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who retires when she is replaced. Miers has no experience working on the bench or never even judged a case—not even in small claims court like those court shows on TV. LOL!

Heck, why not nominated me? Why not nominate my co-worker? Wait, bad idea. Don’t nominate him. Better off nominating a few veteran brokers. For me, I’m a guy who hears both sides and I’m going to uphold the laws to the United States Constitution.

Heck again, anyone hiring? I’m an innovator. Hire me. I never stop learning and I always find better ways to do something no matter how big or how small. Innovating starts with a small thought, a baby step, a starter to bring the team to thinking how to make something or do something more efficient, and when completed, redo the process again and again and again.

Anyway, the chances someone hires me with the above reasoning is virtually not going to happen. *Acts Depressed* President Bush nominating Miers is an example that Who You Know is more important than What You Know. I doubt Miers is going to be confirmed, and Republicans shouldn’t confirm Miers. Miers know Bush and she impressed Bush to be the next choice. It’s all connections, who you know, and networking to become successful.

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Weekend Catch-Up

On Saturday, I finished paying my credit card bills and I finished reading the articles I printed out from the web. The articles included those from The Motley Fool, CNBC, and Poker Player Newspaper. After finishing catch-up, I started my Anime Expo 2005 cosplay pictures. I hope to upload all the photos anytime before November. As of the Blog entry, I cropped and edited over 170 cosplay photos.

I continued the Anime Expo 2005 cosplay photos today and went shopping. I needed to purchase a belt for my suit. My other belt used for work can’t be used anymore because of wear and tear. I noticed today there are wrinkles on my suit. I wonder if I can iron my suit to iron-out the wrinkles? Suits get wrinkles, too. I need to do research on the web because I don’t know the answer. The reason for the suit is my cousin is getting married on Saturday October 8.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to start on the Epilogue blog for my Washington Canada vacation. I have been on a roll cropping and editing Anime Expo 2005 cosplay pics. I plan to start tomorrow. The rest of the night it’s continuing the Anime Expo 2005 cosplay pics. I’m likely not doing the pics during the week and I’m likely to continue after the wedding.

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Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.