One routine I continue for the rest of my life is grocery shopping. Going to the grocery store is a reason to leave the house. I breath fresh air, get my vitamin D from the sun, and blend in with people in my neighborhood.
I want to see and touch my groceries I can't do online. I read the Sunday ads and the grocery ads from the mail for sales. It's fun buying groceries on sale to save money. It takes 5-10 minutes to read the ads. Moreover, I see new products available for the consumer.
I feel good physically going shopping. Grocery shopping is a time out from daily life. I enter the store, browse by walking the aisles, and buy my groceries. I take ownership what I buy because I want to buy the best to live my best. The grocery store is like a peaceful zone. All of life's troubles stay outside the store. I see many foods and drinks. I purchase my favorite foods and drinks for a good life. I try new foods and drinks that interest me. Good food and drinks are a key for a happy life.
I can't experience all this buying groceries online. Read my thoughts on grocery shopping for anyone who hates going to the grocery store. Try it. A little effort and a smile may change your mind shopping for groceries.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Multiple State Of Mind Everyday
Suppose I fill up my gas at a cheap gas station. People who know me knows I fill up my gas at either Chevron or Union 76. Some of them may think, "Raymond's senses are coming to him. He now realizes gas is gas. There is no difference." It's true experts say gas is just gas. The price differences are the additives, marketing, and brand name. Others may think I'm going crazy putting (supposedly) crappy gas in my car. Both ideas make sense. What conclusion my family, friends, and acquaintances make depends what we think at the moment. I say even timing and luck are factors whether the conclusion is correct, incorrect, or incomplete.
Our thinking and state of mind are fluid. It fluctuates. Wherever, whatever, and whenever we're doing, thinking, saying, seeing, hearing, touching, feeling, smelling influences our state of mind at that moment in time. There are situations I communicate my thoughts. Sometimes I'm correct. Sometimes I'm incorrect. I miss a few details. I misunderstood information or there is a miscommunication between me and the other party. Sometimes I don't know this and that, and someone communicates me the information I miss.
I believe I have a clearer and consistent state of mind as long as I remember my favorite scene in Star Wars. Obi-Wan Kenobi taught Luke Skywalker to see with his mind, not his eyes when they were in the Millennium Falcon. Take a deep breath, think before you say, and share your thoughts. If you think this blog entry makes no sense, then you need to change state of mind.
Our thinking and state of mind are fluid. It fluctuates. Wherever, whatever, and whenever we're doing, thinking, saying, seeing, hearing, touching, feeling, smelling influences our state of mind at that moment in time. There are situations I communicate my thoughts. Sometimes I'm correct. Sometimes I'm incorrect. I miss a few details. I misunderstood information or there is a miscommunication between me and the other party. Sometimes I don't know this and that, and someone communicates me the information I miss.
I believe I have a clearer and consistent state of mind as long as I remember my favorite scene in Star Wars. Obi-Wan Kenobi taught Luke Skywalker to see with his mind, not his eyes when they were in the Millennium Falcon. Take a deep breath, think before you say, and share your thoughts. If you think this blog entry makes no sense, then you need to change state of mind.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Make Every Happy Day In Life With Value
Imagine dinner is the same every night consisting of potato, steak, and broccoli only. A few people accept that because they rather have some food than no food. Food is food. That's another blog topic. Imagine the potato, steak, and broccoli are cooked with limited cooking methods: bake, broil, or steam. No stir-fry, pan-fry, and deep-fry. A few people are lazy to clean the stove and exhaust. They accept that because they hate cleaning and want minimal mess. That's another blog topic.
I believe the best way to live life is add value daily. You do something, anything that makes you happy. One of the best ways to live happy is cook delicious food. Bake, broil, and steam are legitimate cooking methods; however, eating foods cooked the same ways daily are bland and boring. There are many ways to cook delicious food. Limiting your cooking methods means you're short-changing your life. You're holding back on a happy life. Why? Open up and enjoy one of the best happy moments in life. Eat good food.
My point is think of your life as a never ending life resume. Create bullet points on your resume daily. You're earning achievements. Add value to your resume. Make an effort to do something positive, something happy. Find a new adventure, experience new experiences, and try something new. I finished reading a book today. I finished a major project at school or work today. I ate a new meal today. I visited a new city today. I met a new person today. I lifted a record bench press today. I helped my friend finish his garden today. I vacuumed the house today. I cooked a good weekend lunch today. I solved a puzzle today.
Live the present. A happy life doesn't come to you. Stop being miserable and join the happy people. The happy club always have open memberships. Live a happy life.
I believe the best way to live life is add value daily. You do something, anything that makes you happy. One of the best ways to live happy is cook delicious food. Bake, broil, and steam are legitimate cooking methods; however, eating foods cooked the same ways daily are bland and boring. There are many ways to cook delicious food. Limiting your cooking methods means you're short-changing your life. You're holding back on a happy life. Why? Open up and enjoy one of the best happy moments in life. Eat good food.
My point is think of your life as a never ending life resume. Create bullet points on your resume daily. You're earning achievements. Add value to your resume. Make an effort to do something positive, something happy. Find a new adventure, experience new experiences, and try something new. I finished reading a book today. I finished a major project at school or work today. I ate a new meal today. I visited a new city today. I met a new person today. I lifted a record bench press today. I helped my friend finish his garden today. I vacuumed the house today. I cooked a good weekend lunch today. I solved a puzzle today.
Live the present. A happy life doesn't come to you. Stop being miserable and join the happy people. The happy club always have open memberships. Live a happy life.
Monday, September 17, 2012
My Open Cover Letter
Blogger's note: I choose to post my open cover letter at both my blogs to increase my chances of someone who's interested in hiring me. My resume is available to prospective employers.
September 17, 2012
Dear World,
I worked as an analyst for over 10 years: 8.5+ years in commercial real estate and 1.5 years in technology. I was the proactive worker solving problems. I made the working days easier with my positive attitude and the stability such that I was missed working somewhere else. My experience and background:
•Statistics. I calculated statistics monthly and quarterly using Excel, Access, Crystal Reports, and MySQL.
•Analysis. I studied them, interpreted them, and communicated the results such that anyone could understand--the bottom line in plain English.
•Reporting. I extracted the data to create marketing reports for the clients. I created internal reports for management and stakeholders. Ad hoc reporting and last minute presentations were easier with templates.
•Research. I find information for the brokers. I researched on the internet including subscribed information databases and online resources. I choose relevant information for their client's requirements.
•Database Administration. Data entry and database maintenance were a daily responsibility in the Research Dept. I maintained my Proposal Experts' internal database.
•Audits. I audited the internal database between the data and my team's individual records. I checked their information with the database followed by verifying and correcting with them. I sent a monthly report of all the contracts and account managers we supported.
•Never Stop Innovating. I always find ways to improve. I do it better continuously. It's second nature.
My highlights working at my technology company were cleaning up the data, sending weekly and monthly audit & ad hoc reports, and publishing quarterly reports. I was responsible for extracting the data, calculating the statistics, and analyzing the results. I used Excel, Access, Crystal Reports, PowerPoint, and SQL. I increased the number of surveys submitted for the satisfaction survey every month instead of every quarter.
At my commercial real estate company, I calculated monthly and quarterly statistics, maintained the database, and created marketing reports. I expanded the Research Dept. providing technical support, training in real estate software programs, and researching companies to create a jack-of-all-trades dept. I completed up to 95% of all my broker requests in one business day because I always find better ways to complete my responsibilities.
For example, I expanded my Excel skills and I learned SQL to calculate weighted average asking rents faster and update standard monthly reports in seconds. My knowledge in graphics and Photoshop propelled me to edit building photos for the database and modify marketing email campaigns. The bottom line was I wanted to give the brokers first-class service and accurate information for their clients.
I earned an AA degree in Accounting. I learned business knowledge from an accounting point of view. I'm a better worker combining that with a BS in Economics thinking analytically. Despite going back to school, life continues every day. I started to read fiction books, learned ballroom dancing, and hiked in the trails around the San Francisco Bay Area. I visited new places for the first time including the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and Hoover Tower in Stanford University. I became interested in classic jazz, board games including mahjong, and eating new foods. I re-learned Excel, PowerPoint, and Crystal Reports. I self-taught myself MySQL and Visio. Learning new skills never ends. Bruce Lee said it best, " Even today, I dare not say that I have reached a state of achievement. I'm still learning, for learning is boundless."
I'm looking for an analyst position for databases, reporting, contracts, and analysis. I'm also looking for a support position such as supporting a sales team or supporting a dept. to let the big players concentrate on the moneymaking opportunities; in other words, I worry about the little things. My ideal working conditions include the following:
•Open Office. I like to see, hear, and talk to my co-workers. Cubicles are no problem as long as there is some kind of openness.
•Loudness. Continuing from the first bullet point, I like to hear conversations, jokes, and music, as well as work socializing. Background noise is good.
•Working With Others. I believe working together is the best way to complete responsibilities and tasks. We help each other when one of us needs help. We channel our minds together learning from each other. Moreover, we also get to know each other better.
•Music Helps Me Think. I listen to classic rock, classic jazz, classical music, and big bands at work.
•I'm Here To Work. I prefer to work at the company. Telecommuting is okay under a few circumstances.
•There Is Always Something To Do. It's hard for me to be bored. I'm doing something, anything. I'm at my cubicle working on a deadline, completing my to do list, finishing secondary tasks, or talking with co-workers.
My desire is to meet new people, learn new skills, and grow. I want to do my best for my team and my dept. to stay together for years. My working values are team chemistry is more important than a smart team, the procedure is more important than the final result, and action speaks louder than words. I never criticize, condemn, and complain. I work smarter, not harder. Businesses prosper and grow when people support each other and information is communicated swiftly and efficiently.
Thank you for taking the time to consider me. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Raymond Mar
September 17, 2012
Dear World,
I worked as an analyst for over 10 years: 8.5+ years in commercial real estate and 1.5 years in technology. I was the proactive worker solving problems. I made the working days easier with my positive attitude and the stability such that I was missed working somewhere else. My experience and background:
•Statistics. I calculated statistics monthly and quarterly using Excel, Access, Crystal Reports, and MySQL.
•Analysis. I studied them, interpreted them, and communicated the results such that anyone could understand--the bottom line in plain English.
•Reporting. I extracted the data to create marketing reports for the clients. I created internal reports for management and stakeholders. Ad hoc reporting and last minute presentations were easier with templates.
•Research. I find information for the brokers. I researched on the internet including subscribed information databases and online resources. I choose relevant information for their client's requirements.
•Database Administration. Data entry and database maintenance were a daily responsibility in the Research Dept. I maintained my Proposal Experts' internal database.
•Audits. I audited the internal database between the data and my team's individual records. I checked their information with the database followed by verifying and correcting with them. I sent a monthly report of all the contracts and account managers we supported.
•Never Stop Innovating. I always find ways to improve. I do it better continuously. It's second nature.
My highlights working at my technology company were cleaning up the data, sending weekly and monthly audit & ad hoc reports, and publishing quarterly reports. I was responsible for extracting the data, calculating the statistics, and analyzing the results. I used Excel, Access, Crystal Reports, PowerPoint, and SQL. I increased the number of surveys submitted for the satisfaction survey every month instead of every quarter.
At my commercial real estate company, I calculated monthly and quarterly statistics, maintained the database, and created marketing reports. I expanded the Research Dept. providing technical support, training in real estate software programs, and researching companies to create a jack-of-all-trades dept. I completed up to 95% of all my broker requests in one business day because I always find better ways to complete my responsibilities.
For example, I expanded my Excel skills and I learned SQL to calculate weighted average asking rents faster and update standard monthly reports in seconds. My knowledge in graphics and Photoshop propelled me to edit building photos for the database and modify marketing email campaigns. The bottom line was I wanted to give the brokers first-class service and accurate information for their clients.
I earned an AA degree in Accounting. I learned business knowledge from an accounting point of view. I'm a better worker combining that with a BS in Economics thinking analytically. Despite going back to school, life continues every day. I started to read fiction books, learned ballroom dancing, and hiked in the trails around the San Francisco Bay Area. I visited new places for the first time including the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and Hoover Tower in Stanford University. I became interested in classic jazz, board games including mahjong, and eating new foods. I re-learned Excel, PowerPoint, and Crystal Reports. I self-taught myself MySQL and Visio. Learning new skills never ends. Bruce Lee said it best, " Even today, I dare not say that I have reached a state of achievement. I'm still learning, for learning is boundless."
I'm looking for an analyst position for databases, reporting, contracts, and analysis. I'm also looking for a support position such as supporting a sales team or supporting a dept. to let the big players concentrate on the moneymaking opportunities; in other words, I worry about the little things. My ideal working conditions include the following:
•Open Office. I like to see, hear, and talk to my co-workers. Cubicles are no problem as long as there is some kind of openness.
•Loudness. Continuing from the first bullet point, I like to hear conversations, jokes, and music, as well as work socializing. Background noise is good.
•Working With Others. I believe working together is the best way to complete responsibilities and tasks. We help each other when one of us needs help. We channel our minds together learning from each other. Moreover, we also get to know each other better.
•Music Helps Me Think. I listen to classic rock, classic jazz, classical music, and big bands at work.
•I'm Here To Work. I prefer to work at the company. Telecommuting is okay under a few circumstances.
•There Is Always Something To Do. It's hard for me to be bored. I'm doing something, anything. I'm at my cubicle working on a deadline, completing my to do list, finishing secondary tasks, or talking with co-workers.
My desire is to meet new people, learn new skills, and grow. I want to do my best for my team and my dept. to stay together for years. My working values are team chemistry is more important than a smart team, the procedure is more important than the final result, and action speaks louder than words. I never criticize, condemn, and complain. I work smarter, not harder. Businesses prosper and grow when people support each other and information is communicated swiftly and efficiently.
Thank you for taking the time to consider me. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Raymond Mar
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Saturday, September 08, 2012
My Favorite The Most Interesting Man In The World Quotes
Jonathan Goldsmith is the actor who portrays The Most Interesting Man In The World for the Dos Equis commercials. The narrator is Will Lyman from Frontline. The commercials started in 2006. I want to see a book on all of The Most Interesting Man In The World quotes.
I compiled a list of my favorites from various sources on the web including YouTube, Google, and the Dos Equis website. I didn't find a source with all of his quotes. Here are the favorites from what I found:
*He has never lost a sock.
*He has won the same lifetime achievement award twice.
*If you didn't use your back-up plan, you played it too safe.
*His business card simply say "I'll call you."
*One should never shake his gifts, just trust me on this one.
*He's never needed lip balm.
*He went to a psychic once . . . to warn her.
*Mosquitoes refuse to bite him, truly out of respect.
*He is the only man to ever ace a Rorschach test. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorschach_test)
*Strippers tip him.
*If he were to give you directions, you'd never get lost, and you'd arrive at least 5 minutes early.
*Even if he were the last person on earth, mankind would still have a chance.
*If you don't have a dark secret, it's never too late to make one.
The Most Interesting Man In The World . . .
*On Life: It's never too early to start beefing up your obituary.
*On Careers: Find out what it is in life that you don't do well, and then don't do that thing.
*On Lady Luck: Be wary of a woman who only shows up when you are winning.
I compiled a list of my favorites from various sources on the web including YouTube, Google, and the Dos Equis website. I didn't find a source with all of his quotes. Here are the favorites from what I found:
*He has never lost a sock.
*He has won the same lifetime achievement award twice.
*If you didn't use your back-up plan, you played it too safe.
*His business card simply say "I'll call you."
*One should never shake his gifts, just trust me on this one.
*He's never needed lip balm.
*He went to a psychic once . . . to warn her.
*Mosquitoes refuse to bite him, truly out of respect.
*He is the only man to ever ace a Rorschach test. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorschach_test)
*Strippers tip him.
*If he were to give you directions, you'd never get lost, and you'd arrive at least 5 minutes early.
*Even if he were the last person on earth, mankind would still have a chance.
*If you don't have a dark secret, it's never too late to make one.
The Most Interesting Man In The World . . .
*On Life: It's never too early to start beefing up your obituary.
*On Careers: Find out what it is in life that you don't do well, and then don't do that thing.
*On Lady Luck: Be wary of a woman who only shows up when you are winning.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
A Life Lesson I Learned Gangnam Style
You probably heard about Gangnam Style, a rap song by South Korean rapper PSY. The rap video is currently number one on YouTube's Most Viewed Videos in the music category. Gangnam is a district in Seoul, South Korean populated with trendy and affluent people. The song's theme is about girls behaving well or behaving wild at the perfect moment.
Jae-Sang Park, PSY's birth name, was born on Dec 31, 1977. He has been singing since 2000. He attended Boston University and Berklee College of Music. His Gangnam Style song won awards this year.
The life lesson I learned is PSY himself in his video. He taught me everything in a person counts: looks, appearance, confidence, strength, eye contact, social skills, knowledge, conversation skills, style, charisma, personal hygiene, physical fitness, emotional stability, etc. PSY is not the most handsome person in the world; however, he's a good looking man because of his other attributes. He can dance, he dresses with style, he performs with confidence , and he shows good charisma. I'm sure his social skills and conversation skills are great because he has a public life.
Every attribute, feature, and characteristic in a person complement each other. If a person is beautiful, that person should be responsible, show knowledge, and have a sense of adventure such as trying something new or visiting a new place. If a person is not beautiful, that person should dress well to show there is beauty and take care of the body . . . brush the teeth and bathe regularly.
The bottom line is the inside of a person brings out the outside and the outside of a person brings out the inside. Nobody wants to be with a good looking person who acts like a jerk. Nobody wants to be with a responsible person who wears t-shirts and sweat shorts. Both inside and outside must be in sync working together to show the best in the person.
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