City lights...

DSC_3324
Originally uploaded by Chewy823

View of downtown Vancouver at night. A nice reminder of home:)

genius?...

Just called a local hobby store to ask about a game a friend is looking for...here's the exchange

Me: Hi, I was wondering if you had ___?
Person: Uh, we don't have that in stock, but I'm sure we can get it for you.
Me: Ok, how long would it take to order it?
Person: Um, I'm not sure...
Me: Would you please check?
Person: Um, I don't think we can get it.
Me: Oh ok (spoken); why did you tell me you could then? (thought)

Enough said!

Back from the east coast...

Been back for 1.5 weeks now...it's been pretty busy. Well, to be honest, I have plenty to do...but am not particularly motivated!

Was out for 10 days on the east coast with my gf and her parents (and later, her cousin's parents as well!) to attend her cousin's wedding in Rockville, MD. In retrospect, it was an interesting trip...one where I had to exercise a great deal of patience:)

I bought a dSLR prior to this trip, as I figured I would be taking a lot of pics...and boy, was I ever bang on! After 10 days, 9 of them with two sets of parents...2600+ pics...many of them with the same backdrop, but different ppl...500+ at a wedding...and seeing most of the sights through my camera lens...I have to say...if I can avoid this in the future...I will!

It's not that the parents were annoying...it's just tiring to be the photographer...the navigator when the tour guide wasn't around...the food orderer...and the accountant. The first 2 - 3 days after I came back...I was exhausted...the time zones didn't help either:(

Ok, enough complaining! I am happy to say that I got a chance to explore Washington DC a little...see Niagara Falls from the Buffalo side (the Canadian side is much, much, much better!)...see the Corning Musuem of Glass...see NYC (will definitely go back!)...the Inner Harbour of Baltimore...and got to spend about 1.5 hours in each of Atlantic City and Philadelphia. The latter was simply to see the Liberty Bell. To that end, can I actually say I visited the latter two cities?!?

When we went to NYC...we actually stayed in Newark, NJ. The thing that I remember most from this city was the billboard that greeted us when we came off the freeway, near Newark International...


HELP WANTED
Stop the killings in Newark now!
Paid for by the Newark Teachers Union.

Sigh...welcome to America!

Do you believe in fate?...

Was thinking about this the other day...the logical part does not, but the romantic part does.

My gf and I have had our share of moments...some good, some bad, some we don't care to remember...but I suppose the only thing that counts is that we are still together:)

We met at a community centre a 10 mins drive away from where I used to live. It turned out that she lived on the same cross street as me...less than 3 blocks away. Soon afterwards, her and her family moved away...5 blocks this time...on the same street. Forget about the countless times, even after I have moved to Cali, we have called each other at exactly the same time...something very curious that we have both laughed about:) Now her parents are preparing to move back to China...so she has to find a place to live...b/c she was busy with exams, her mom found her a place...this time, 2 - 3 blocks away from where my roomie and I used to live. And the funniest thing...she just got a co-op job with HSBC across the street from where I worked for 4.5 years...interesting, eh?

;-)

My new toy...

Some pics taken with my new Nikon D40 with kit lens (18-55 mm)...hope you like them:)

Spencer, Owen and the Chan kid:P...

Wow, it's been an eventful week...

Spencer and Owen Dang...happy 5 days:) Congrats Tim and Kerri-Ann!

And the Chan kid (not sure of his name yet!)...happy "birth" day! Congrats Jen and Carlton!

You guys have great parents:)

Kudos to Putin...

I don't always agree with Putin...as he seems to have his own agenda (but which world leader doesn't?)...having said that though...it is nice to see someone on the world scene stand up to a bully...

[Link]

Perseids...

For the first time in a long while...went outside on Sunday night and stared at the sky. It was the night that the Perseids, as they appear to originate from the Perseus constellation, would be the most numerous.

The last time I went to look at a meteor shower at night...I still remember well...to see the Leonids...at 4 am in the morning...at my old place on Lonsdale. I remember waking up and going with my little sis to the neighbourhood park and staring at the sky...that was impressive! Made a lot of wishes that night...or perhaps, to be more accurate, made the same wish many times:) But that was a long time ago...many things have changed...some for the better: I no longer have to worry so much about money...whether there would be enough to buy food, pay rent, go to school, etc...some for the worse: not sure if my sis and I will ever do that again. In some ways, I have grown up and in others, away.

As I stood in the middle of the street (and later in the driveway)...I shielded my eyes from the streetlights (that may have seemed strange to the neighbours...since there wasn't anyone else out...or so it seemed). Looking up...I could barely make out the span of the Milky Way, but it was impressive, nonetheless...learned a few constellations...there were thoughts of happiness and regrets...but that's what life is about...but I couldn't help but think...what if things had been different?

And like the grains that bounce off or burn up in the earth's atmosphere...I realized how small I am...and how vast this universe is. I only hope that I too will be able to shine brightly (though I hope it won't be as brief:P)...even if to only one...I think that will be a great thing indeed...

Reign over me...

Watched this last night...was very impressed! I know some will have reservations about Adam Sandler delivering a credible performance in this type of movie...but to be honest, I hope he receives an Oscar nomination.

Very briefly, the movie is about a widower (Sandler) who loses his family to the 9/11 incidents. He loses everything...including himself. His college roommate (Don Cheadle, who is also excellent...watch Hotel Rwanda too, another great movie!)...he offers a glimpse of what life could have been...and this dynamic is evident throughout the course of the movie...to me, at least. Cheadle's character, seemingly living the life that many dream of, as he tries to help his old friend...realizes that Sandler's character has his own type of "freedom"...but it's clear that this came at a great cost.

I've always been a movie buff...in a sense, it offers an escape for me...(haha, no I don't need professional counseling)...movies (probably for most ppl) grant a brief respite from reality (whether that be good, bad or indifferent). Some, in their simplicity, make me think...long after their closing credits...

my pic...

Shot this a few months ago with GF's Nikon D80, using an 18 - 200 mm VRII zoom lens. He calls it my "award-winning" pic:) Unfortunately the focus is a little bit off...and the bee's colours seem a bit over-exposed:(...haha, that's my amateurish interpretation! Comments?

another day in paradise:)...

Well, it's been more than two weeks since I have flexed my (typing) fingers...at least in this forum anyways:) My trip home has come and gone...been back for 2 weeks...and been busy with work...which, in a sense, is good...it prevents me from being homesick or lonely...

Had a craving for Vietnamese food today...the cheapest place I knew of was in Van Nuys...30 miles away...just finished at the gym and the thought of a plate of food for 5 bucks was irresistible...although, when one factors in the gallon of gas it takes to go there and the gallon to come back...it's more like 11 bucks per plate:( But I refrain from doing math sometimes...haha:P The food wasn't as good as I expected...I shouldn't deviate from my norm!!! But I did manage to snag some snacks at the Chinese supermarket next door;-) That helped decrease my plate's cost:)

It's always interesting driving on the 101...Van Nuys, for those that don't know, is just off the 405/101 junction, close to LA. First off, I guess I am spoiled living and working in Camarillo and TO, respectively...it was maybe 26 C in TO and 23 C in Camarillo (don't ask me to convert to Fahrenheit...smoke would rise from my big head:P)...in Reseda, it was 36 C (according to my car's gauge)...and in Van Nuys, it was 34 C...when it was all said and done, the hot tea was quite refreshing:P J/K, haha!

Coming back was an adventure...I still can't get over this...every time I go to LA or its vicinity...I swear I am driving alongside some of the finest drivers on this fair planet! Perhaps, due to the short duration of my existence...these have to be the best!...ppl changing lanes to avoid others (who merge without looking in their mirrors), but doing so without looking in their own mirrors...and hence, I get to observe the near synchronous lane changing by two cars, in two different lanes...with one of them cutting me off at 75 mph! Gotta love that! Then there are the geniuses who believe they will get to their destination faster by zipping in and out of all five lanes on the freeway...it amuses me the most when I actually pass them while staying in one lane:P I could go on, but will refrain for fear to boring you to tears!

Till next time...cheers! ;-)

Some thoughts at 1:30 in the morning...

Maybe when one factors in the time...what I have to say...and what I am thinking is perhaps best left for another time...but will ignore conventional wisdom for the time being:)

Just some vague thoughts floating in my head...well, to be honest, they are not vague, but though I try to be honest in how I pen my thoughts, a part of me refrains from opening up totally...

When there is history involved...it appears impossible to change the misconceptions, ideas, perceptions...both good and bad, I suppose...(I know it's not impossible, but often it feels that way)...making mistakes is part of life...and learning from them, sometimes slowly, is one of the lessons... However, there are times this seems like a futile process! I had some reminders of this tonight...it seems the closer the ppl are...the more they cling to what was done and said before...at times, ignoring what happens now...and on occasion, using that past to, in essence, support and reinforce the "reflex" ideas about an individual. This frustrates me!

How can one counteract this? Cut the ties, and make new ones? Trying to repair, what were once, strong roots seems an exercise in futility...esp. when the other has no interest (or sees no reason) to feel the same way. Is it wise to do everything to appease that individual? Or ignore what cannot be changed? I am not sure...

sleeping in my own bed again... :)

Well, it's been awhile since I have written anything...it's been a long while since I have slept in my own bed. As an aside, though I am back in TO, it does not feel like home...I suppose that that is a function of time and people who make it feel that way...but I digress... ;-)

The past few weeks have been interesting...so lest I forget all the details, I will pen them down for your sedation:P Here are some of the highlights (and lowlights:P)...

Montreal, Quebec:
-Spent 4 days there, the conference was terrible, but the city was great. I still like Quebec City more, but it was really nice to be back in Montreal again. The locale for the conference was beyond reproach...in Vaudreuil-Dorion (on the 40 about 30 mins from downtown)...right on the edge of a lake...couldn't be better!
-I had attended another conference in Columbus, OH the week before (sponsored by the same company)...and it was light years ahead...this was a tremendous waste of time!...but who's complaining?!?:P
-In any case, enough about work:) Ma fan girl came out and we did a little sight-seeing...she loved Vieux Montreal...she went in and out of every shop (or so it seemed).
-Tried the best of Montreal's famous smoked meat - Schwartz's (for lunch) and Le Main (for dinner)...both on St. Catherine's...the former was much better...haha, but can't complain!
-And to top it off, on the last night in Montreal, we went to the top of Mont Royal...the view is pretty amazing...a bit of a hike, but on a clear evening, the view of the city is unparalleled! If you ever go, it's close to Le Lac de Castors (Beaver Lake, I hope I got the French right!:P)
-Almost forgot, we also drove to Ottawa to visit my uncle, aunt and their sons...they were very accomodating...and did the touristy stuff with us...the most memorable moment was when we were all in the elevator going to the top of the bell tower in the Parliament buildings...ma fan girl decided to take her sweet time photographing the stained glass windows, much to the chagrin of everyone in the lift:P She definitely marches to the beat of her own drummer:P

Omaha, Nebraska:
-Stats: approx. 500,000 ppl; known for their steaks; 2nd best transplant center in the US, 2 medical schools.
-Spent two weeks in a short course (Integrative and Organ Systems Pharmacology, ASPET) at Univ. of Nebraska Medical Center.

Interesting Tidbits
-Lived in dorm with 3 other students (total of 12 in course).
-Ate four steak dinners,
-Discovered Jimmy John's is pretty good
-Went down a giant slide in the middle of downtown at 11 pm
-Rode in the back (the very back) of an SUV for the first time (there were 7 of us, and only 5 seats)
-Drove my roomie's truck 3 times (all b/c he was drunk)...the 2nd time included us getting locked out of our dorm. Actually, we got in the building, but were stuck in the stairwell before we realized we didn't have our keycard). And to make a long story short, we had to throw stuff at our other roomies' windows...I was going to throw a rock, but thought better of it...threw bark mulch instead...my dumbass, drunk roomie, threw it at the wrong window on the wrong floor...and incurred the wrath of it's inhabitants!
-Saw tigers from 3 feet away, as we got the behind-the-scenes tour with the director at the Henry Doorly Zoo.
-On my last day, made reservations for a cab to take me to the airport at 530 am (710 am departure)...the cab was 45 mins late...turns out the driver had just left the police station, as he had just been robbed (and all the other cabbies went home, as the suspect was still at large)...then ended up being the last person on the plane...
-Midwest Airways is the best! Leather seats, extra-wide and I got to sit in row 1:) But they ran out of breakfast:( Now I am only a shadow of my former self...boo hoo hoo:P

However, my biggest thrill was the opportunity to work with an exceptional cardiovascular physiologist...he must be 65+ years old...however, his hands in surgery are more stable than mine (though that is not saying much, haha!). It was truly an honour...I did my elective with him (for 1.5 days)...and I have to say that I will remember that for a long time! If the opportunity presents itself, I would like to go back for an internship...I just have to convince the powers that be, that there is value in this!;-)

Enough rambling...time to get the clothes out of the dryer:)

Until the next time I bore you to tears...

soaked to the bone in Montreal...

Well, am attending a symposium in Vaudreuil, just outside Montreal right now. The location is really nice, with my room overlooking a lake, but the conference sucks! If I had known it would be this terrible, I would have stayed in LA! Incidentally, am writing this as the last few talks are going on...I skipped out early...that, perhaps, angered the gods...so they rained on me:P

********

Flew in late last night...no gps in rental car...had to take 3 highways to get to hotel, but got here in one piece! Am driving to Ottawa on Saturday, hope Google maps (and my ma fan navigator) are good:P

It was kinda interesting...I normally don't talk to ppl when I am on the shuttle or on the plane, as it would ruin my reputation!:P But as I was picked up from work during morning rush hour, the trip to LAX took a bit longer than usual...in the meantime, had an entertaining conversation with a guy about drifting (apparently they have competitions in the LA area)...why V-8, rear wheel drive Impalas from the early 90's were the best police cars (as the guy used to work for GM)...and more importantly, why I should test-drive a Cadillac CTS-V (as it has a Corvette engine in it, with similar brakes, etc.). Haha! Actually, I quite enjoyed it! Maybe it's a guy thing...or maybe it was a nice brake (er, break...excuse the pun!:P) from the things I usually think of!

On the plane, I was seated next to a guy who, on paper, seemed like one of the usual ppl who went to LA to strike it rich. He was originally from Montreal...moved to LA...he has a band...ended up working as a software tester, repo man (some pretty cool stories!), light bulb and fixture changer (he developed a system to maximize his efficiency), tow truck driver, auto mechanic, etc. Seems like the typical story of someone who didn't make it, eh? Well, he did all these to put his gf (and later, wife) through physiotherapy school at USC! He, himself, never went to university...but would like to go one day...he simply made some choices...to support his wife...and to pursue what he loved...but to be honest, he's one of the smartest ppl I have met in a long time! Street smart, definitely...but from some of his stories, he clearly had something between his ears. I explained the physiological basis of an electrocardiographic wave to him (more on that later!)...he had a better grasp of it than most ppl would...b/c he understood the principles behind electrical conduction...from his various jobs, from his wife...he understood the ideas behind positive and negative displacement within the waveform...and it certainly wasn't due to my ability to teach:)

The sad part...and the reason we ended up talking...he saw what I was reading...and it turns out the only reason he was heading home was that his younger brother's 1.5 month old son had a heart issue (it sounded like a conduction defect...he had found out the night before, drove up to LA that morning and was on stand-by)...that the little boy had had a recent episode where his heart stopped (and was defibrillated). Now, doctors are recommending a heart transplant. He was equal parts nervous (to see his family under such circumstances) and a bit angry (as he felt that it was unfair that such a thing could happen to someone so small and innocent).

But in a way, it made the 5 hr flight seem much shorter...we talked about hockey...he grew up in Quebec, so he followed both the Habs and the Nordiques...and I am a Canucks fan (and I used to cheer for the Nordiques b/c they were always huge underdogs...Ron Tugnutt's 70-save performance against Boston stands out!)...how to set up a entertainment system in our house...the best hole-in-the-wall places to go in Montreal...family...yada, yada, yada!

It showed me something...I know I am guilty of this...I sometimes judge ppl too quickly...and sometimes, ppl will surprise you...IF you give them a chance!

Off to take a nap! ;-)

happy mom's day...

On this day, I remember...

hanging out with a kid...

Spent part of this weekend tutoring my landlords' kid...he's 9 years old...his parents asked me to help him with reading comprehension, as he's not doing too well in some of his schoolwork. Reading comprehension? Moi? Well, it was kinda interesting...I hope I taught him something, but I think I learned something as well...

Actually, on Saturday, I was almost a babysitter since I spent much of the afternoon and evening with him...his parents work long hours (5 am - 9 pm, 7 days a week), his grandmother was out and his older brother is never home (...to be honest, even when his grandmother is home, she spends most of it watching tv...so the cable company is his real babysitter). I ended up spending a few hours before dinner helping him go through his homework...and to be honest...I was a little bit frustrated...his attention span was poor...as a result, he ended up reading each section multiple times...he didn't seem interested in trying to understand each passage...if he didn't know the answer, he simply made one up!

After dinner, I had him try some of the exercises by himself...however each time I checked on him, he made little progress. I was frustrated...then my gf reminded of something...he's a kid...if I am going to teach him, I must make an effort too. It was a little bit of a kick in the pants. So I decided to change my strategy...I challenged him...I turned one of his exercises into a game...I sat with him...and know something? His homework became more than just work, it was fun! At the end of the day, he owed me 5 ice creams...but lo and behold...when we went to go get them, he forgot his money...so I bought!...smart kid:)

These few hours made me think...as an adult, we aren't that different. Sure, we can cover up many things...hide behind our facades...use our words and actions to compensate for our inadequacies (real or perceived). But at the end of the day...this weird, little 9 year old kid made me realize something...we all like someone to sit with us...to listen to us...to not judge us...to really engage our imaginations. And the biggest thing that became obvious to me...it really matters when someone acknowledges that we exist...and that we matter. It's funny...sometimes I think I know a great deal...but then I realize how little I know...

;-)

imagination...

"I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

-Albert Einstein

US CBP sucks...

Another day, another rant about the US government...this time about the US Customs and Border Protection...

Finally, today...after calling 25-30 times over the past 5 weeks...I finally spoke to someone live. You see my difficulty with getting through has little to do with getting a busy signal...in fact, I rarely get those. I suppose, with the service center being closed randomly...even during their business hours...it would be difficult to get a busy tone. Almost without exception, I hear a message that claims the center is open from 8 am to 5 pm, eastern time...and then "if you are calling during these hours, the service center is not available." Well, today, I got through...and my conversation went like this...

*************

Me: Would you please send me a copy of customs form 7501, as I would like to register my vehicle with the California DMV and obtain the title to my car? (form 7501 is usually given to the shipping company, but even the CBP admits that this is not absolute)

Agent: You should get this from the shipping company.

Me: I already spoke to the company, they did not receive this from the customs agent.

Agent: Are you sure your car was imported?

Me: Yes!

Agent: How do you know this?

Me: Well, I am driving it in California right now...have been doing so since January.

Agent: But it may not have been imported properly...you may not have the necessary EPA forms.

Me: Ok, but in order for my car to cross the border AND be registered with California DMV, I need to have documentation from the US manufacturer stating the my vehicle complies with all US federal standards of emission and safety. And since it was allowed across the border by the CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION and subsequently registered with the DMV, doesn't it mean that it satisfied all regulations?

Agent: Well, if that's the case...I still think it wasn't imported properly...you should call the port of entry.

Me: Would it be possible for you to check for me?

Agent: How am I supposed to do that? (Perhaps with a modern invention called a database...though maybe the 21st century skipped certain parts of the govt.)

Me: Would you please give me the numbers that I can call?

Agent: Go to the website and find them yourself.

Me: Oh, ok...well thank you very much (for nothing!).

*************

Ok, perhaps my logic is faulty in this conversation with another esteemed member of the US Govt. workforce...but this blew my mind. I'm going back to my village in Canada!!!

things not to do in an interview...

Esp. if you want to get the job...(alternatively, the following are means to ensure the contrary!)...

Have been involved in interviewing candidates for the principal scientist (Ph.D.) position in my group at work...the most remarkable thing about interviews is the consistent normalcy of the process...but my ideas were shattered late last week...

I have to qualify what I have to write next with the following...I have no doubt this individual is very knowledgeable...and he is definitely a very nice person. So Thursday night, my supervisor, a coworker and myself met this individual for dinner...then I attended his seminar the following morning...and was in the group that had lunch with him...and what follows...I swear there is NO embellishment!!! So here's the list of things you should NOT do at an interview:

1. at dinner...if the hiring manager is a bit round and is obviously enjoying his dessert...you should not ask if they exercise...this is almost akin to asking an overweight lady if they are pregnant...

2. when you present data at a seminar...it is good to review it beforehand..."hot off the press" data is great...if, and only if, there are NO holes big enough to drive a bus through...

3. you should never make a statement that one of the interviewers looks like a mass murderer (apparently yours truly looks like the Korean guy at Virginia Tech...good thing I have a thick skin and didn't take it personally)...and when others give you repeated hints to drop the matter...you should NOT continually re-assert your point by mentioning the various rationale for thinking a certain way...(to be honest, I think his prescription must have been a little off, but I digress...)

4. it is bad form to negotiate "work from home" days on the interview...particularly when you are told that the company does not have this policy...he spent 10 minutes further discussing the merits of doing so after being told this...

5. when asked "why do you want to work for the company?"...it's best to say something that is attractive about the company...even if it is not true...of course, no one ever fibs:P Stating that you turned down the offer for an interview the first time HR approached you...and the ONLY reason you came, is that they were persistent...(and that it is hard to find a good HR dept these days)...probably not adviseable! But what do I know ;-)...

a weekend with ma fan girl...

Well, went to the SD zoo this weekend...picked up my gf from LAX on Friday night...took us an hour to get out of there and onto the freeway...2+ hrs later, we rolled into our hotel...was way past my bedtime...combined with having to deal with California's finest drivers, I was in a wonderful mood...haha, actually was quite excited to go meet the animals! The zoo is worth going to...now if only I had a Nikon dSLR with an 18-200 mm VR lens...then I would be truly happy:P

In the course of two days, this is what I discovered (or "re-discovered") about my gf:
-she likes to make fun of my small ears and big head (it never gets old for her!)
-she likes to slap me on the forehead or pull my ears when I least expect it (such as when I am driving on the freeway!)
-she always makes herself at home in my car (indications of this include cookie crumbs all over the passenger seat, her feet marks on my dash and the seat reclined all the way back!)
-she never closes doors after herself and leaves my cupboard doors wide open (perhaps she forgets what was in them?!?)
-she moves my bathroom mat around with her (apparently it keeps her feet warm)
-she will break off a conversation and run off whenever she sees an interesting thing (animal, flower, bird, strange spot on a wall...ok, ok, the last one I made up...but her randomness does wonders for my ego...guess I have no ability to carry on any sort of interesting banter:(...)
-she is happy (truly happy) when she gets a chance to have an In n Out double double cheeseburger! (that's awesome...since I am so cheap:o)
-she was extraordinarily excited when it turned out we had time to go to LA Chinatown to look for 2 buck t-shirts in Saigon Plaza...and wasn't disappointed when we arrived too late...(plus she bought 2 - 1 dollar lanyards...and that made her happy!)

After all these (and more)...there's one thing I learned...for some, a few of these may be annoyances...but this is really the good stuff...

(and if you think I am normal...guess again:P)

Took this with a point and shoot digicam awhile ago...wanted to share :o)...now if only I could justify getting a Nikon D80 with an 18 - 200 mm VR lens...sigh, one day... :(

feels like heaven:o)...

Took this pic with my phone on the trip back to LA...doesn't really do the moment justice, but I tried:)

i want to go home...

What a frustrating day...for a country of 300+ million ppl, you would think the US would have it's act together...but I fear not...good to know that this country has the most bombs in the world...lovely...

1. I always thought that a bank would be able to issue a bank draft (even if it is in foreign currency...but clearly the US dollar is the ONLY currency of importance!!!...but I digress). I went to BoA this afternoon to get a Canadian bank draft...they don't do it in branch...instead I was directed to a phone, so that I can order one and have it delivered to me...what the f@*#!!! Almost as good as how they cannot get the zip code right on my debit card (b/c they combined my addresses from two countries...this still hasn't been resolved (they even sent me another debit card)...I give up!). Or better yet, they got it right on my credit card, but not my debit card...apparently b/c they are different departments...what about using a unified customer database?...what an incredible leap?!?

2. I received a letter from California DMV head office saying that they couldn't issue a title to my vehicle...the reason? B/c they didn't have the right documents...a letter from American Honda on emissions/safety compliance and a form from US Customs stating that the vehicle can enter the country. Nothing wrong with that...except for some small technicalities...

a. My car crossed the border...3.5 months ago...and US Customs saw the emissions/safety letter from Honda...or else it wouldn't be allowed to cross.

b. And this one is the funniest...DMV wouldn't allow me to register my vehicle if I were missing ANY of these documents...and since they gave me California license plates, allowed me to apply for title and enabled me to buy car insurance...you would think I shouldn't be getting such a letter!?! But you would be wrong!

Is it just me? Or did I miss something??? I should never have got up this morning...would have been just as productive!

some thoughts about my gf...

Went on a road trip to Pasadena this week to visit an engineering firm specializing in telemetry devices. Was stuck in the back seat of a Ford Mustang convertible...combined with my rental in January, I have to say that I really dislike Fords...I know, I know...I am offending those who are strong supporters of domestic US products...but I'm Canadian...haha, what can I say?:P Anyway, it's taking quite a while for my back to unwind itself:(

While we were enjoying the wonderful soundproofing walls lining the 101, cruising at wet-my-drawers speed of 30 mph...we talked about quite a few things. Among them, my supervisor talked about his wife...who I had the privilege to meet the previous night. And it got me thinking...(I may steal some of his words...as I think they ring true).

I've been down here for more than 3 months now...and to be honest...my gf and I have had our share of moments. Don't get me wrong...she's feisty...well, that's one way to describe her. And me? Well...there's a number of appropriate adjectives...some of which though, are not appropriate to this forum:P Let's see...stubborn...short-tempered...impatient...selfish (not all the time, I hope...but too much so, methinks). My gf?...most days, she is patient with me...she loses her temper sometimes...but she knows when to stop...when most days, I don't. So, at the end, I'm no angel...not by a long way. And if there is a heaven, I think she's guaranteed a spot (I borrowed that)...and I am very thankful...b/c despite all my charm...there are few who would be willing to wait for someone like me...just a thought:)

cool song...

Went driving to try to shake the cobwebs from my head...listening to some Deep Dish songs I had on a disk...this one stood out..."In Love with a Friend" from their "George is On" disk. Can't find a link on YouTube...but kinda cool lyrics...and something about the way it's sung...almost a deep melancholy feeling imparted...interesting... If you get a chance...take a listen...think you'll like it:)

a thought...

Had this idea in my head last night as I was trying to sleep...I suppose lightheadedness and headaches are not conducive to the most coherent ideas. Not sure if it is a perfect parallel with my life...on a certain level, I find this quite amusing...and on another, less so...but here goes nothing...

If one were sitting on the top of a mountain, and threw a snowball down the hill...what if that snowball gained momentum and became something far bigger?...an avalanche...and what if that avalanche ended up hurting ppl on the slope? Does the person have to take complete responsibility for the end result? Or does it depend on the perspective? The one who threw the snowball may feel devastated and blame themself or think nothing of it. Others may vilify or simply consider that person a victim of circumstance. What do you think? This is a difficult question, methinks.

Sometimes I think I am the person who cast the snowball...for me it is quite interesting...b/c no matter what the answer is...it seems quite lonely, eh?

feel sick (want to go home)...

Got a terrible headache right now...my whole body aches...feels like the flu:(

Started out the day at the neighbourhood B of A...2nd time there is 3 days, 5th time I have talked to customer service (3 times after lengthy waits on the phone)...and I'm still not sure if they have fixed my issue. As I am a Canadian citizen, it is bank policy to retain a Canadian address (what if I didn't have one?)...but the genius of this situation is that they took the 1st line of my US mailing address...and the 2nd line of my Canadian address...so as of this moment, I have no idea where my mail goes...good thing my accounts are paperless! Each time I have talked to them, I was assured of the changes...but their system appears extremely convoluted...as even now, I have two statement mailing addresses...one in each country...maybe they will alternate to add a little variety into my life...(I know, I know...am not in the best of moods:P).

Came home early this afternoon...couldn't sleep...felt exhausted...actually was worried that I would fall asleep on the 101...since my blood glucose felt extremely low:( Felt almost too tired. At home, my gf and my friends were off boarding...either at Whistler or Cypress...so I think all the extra time, combined with my malaise...it got me thinking. This is perhaps the first time I have seriously asked myself whether coming to TO was worth it. Normally, it is but a fleeting thought...often dismissed by the next item on my "To Do" list...but my list is getting shorter. Those who have moved have told me that there would be a period when I would feel this way. But knowing all that...I still felt kinda sad...and kinda lonely...funny, for someone who is a loner and anti-social, eh?

************************

I want a bowl of congee!!!

a new friend...

A friend of mine visited LA last week...we got a chance to hang out between Friday and Monday. It was an interesting 4 days. To be honest, prior to meeting up with him...I wasn't sure what to expect. I have known him for a few years now...but mostly, we only talked briefly. I worried that this weekend would be one filled with awkward moments...not b/c either of us are poor individuals (I hope I am not too full of myself to think that way:P)...but sometimes ppl just don't (for the lack of a more succinct term) "click." And to be honest...since it was his vacation, I didn't want him to feel awkward. Haha, I guess at times, I think too much...

We got a chance to do some touristy things...went to Pasadena and Universal Studios on Saturday, Santa Monica, the Getty and celebrity stalking in Hollywood on Sunday...then the outlets on Monday evening. Celebrity stalking was boring...we were trying to catch a glimpse of Hollywood stars as they headed into the Kodak theatre prior to the Oscars...but we were stopped short by barricades and LA's finest...but we spent 3.5 hours at the Cafe Sierra in Hilton Universal City stuffing ourselves at a all-u-can-eat seafood buffet:P We even got mistaken as Columbia University alumni (we went in the wrong entrance)...got the red carpet treatment...haha...GF and I will remember that for awhile:P

In that time, I think both of us were surprised...from different backgrounds, we found a common interest in IT things...and found that we had many similarities...even ones beyond simply tech toys. For many ppl, I think there's no doubt that he is a genius...and he clearly has a vision that few possess (yours truly included)...to be honest, I hope he realizes his dreams, b/c they have the chance to really make a difference. For me, I hope I have made a friend...the reason I say this...is that sometimes, we put so much stock in our judgement and our impressions of ppl...that it colours how we think of them, how we treat them. And in this way, my time with a friend, proved how wrong I can be...and THAT was eye-opening...perhaps for both of us ;-)

war and peace (calvin & hobbes style)...

Saw this on digg...testament to the genius of Bill Watterson...my favourite comic...hope you like too:)

welcome to the world...

Little, little guy (only MK and AY know what this means:P) was born today at 1:19 am...welcome to the world! And congratulations to little guy and kiwi turtle:) All the very best for Owen and you guys...from the bottom of my heart:)

Hope you guys don't mind me posting this:)

stanford workshop...

Attended a workshop at Stanford on Tuesday...was an interesting (albeit much too short) trip. After my road test on Monday (which amounted to a couple of times around the block:P) and a meeting...was off to LAX and SF...arrived at SFO around 845 pm...100 bucks later (was charged a 50% premium for going to Palo Alto (actually went to Mountain View first)...with a cab driver who was arguing with his wife about his tax return and lamenting to me about his choice of spouse)...finally met up with some friends for a late dinner/dessert. Was nice...though too short once again...met P's bf and his brother...and Kiwi and little guy too...btw, congrats on your new upcoming arrival...

A short snooze later...7 am Tuesday morning...walked over to the campus...got lost a few times...but finally found my way over to the right building. The session was very good...better than most conferences I have attended...only 12 attendees...2 research fellows from the medical school, 2 reps from AD Instruments and a researcher from one of the rodent transplant labs...learned a great deal...technically and theoretically...very cool indeed. One of funny moments happened as I left...a scientist from a Vancouver company asked me if I was interested in returning home...since she felt that it was always hard to find good ppl...I was a bit flattered...it was a nice compliment. I suppose she was paying attention when I was giving the tech guys a "hard" time about ECG software...maybe she thought I actually knew what I was talking about...haha...little does she know:P Immediately afterwards, it was back to the hotel to catch the shuttle (since it was cheaper than taking the yellow cab!). Well, my ride came...instead of a van, it turned out to be a Mercedes...and I was the only passenger...go figure:)

One thing I have to rant about...I absolutely hate LAX...was delayed in SFO for 1 hr b/c of weather conditions in LA...which is fair...but the place is crazy...had to wait for 1 hr for the shuttle (despite having made reservations in advance)...when the shuttle came, the driver decided to spend another 25 mins circling around LAX 3 times to try to rassle up more passengers...so for a 730 pm flight out of SFO, I returned home at 1230 am...the crappy thing is that the flight itself tok 57 mins:(

for one more day (mitch albom)...

Very funny...can't remember the last time I read a book cover to cover in one sitting...I did with this one...it's not long...less than 200 pages...but finished it rather quickly. Albom's latest book is not his best...I am still quite partial to The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

Perhaps b/c certain aspects of this story was close to my heart...not sure. It is simple enough...it is the story of a man who wants to end his own life...but through an event, came to have the chance (real or imagined) to spend one more day with his mom. I won't give away too much of the story...but it does raise an important question. In this age where we spend so much time concentrating on our work...our goals...timelines...accumulating more material wealth...do we sometimes forget those who are dear to us? Do we take those ppl for granted?...b/c they have always been there...and with our internal logic...they will still be there tomorrow... And so day after day, we keep using this to comfort ourselves...while we concentrate on the "important" things...b/c there will always be time...once I finish what I am doing right now... I cannot speak for anyone else...but I am guilty...and perhaps this is why this simple story captured my attention for this brief moment...

my dad...

Talked to my dad tonight...haven't heard him this sad in a long time. It is times like this I wish I were home...he told me that my aunt called from HK...she had had cancer surgery earlier, but had to check back into the hospital...she told my dad that she feared that this may be the last time she would be able to talk to him. To be honest, my dad and my aunt almost never talk...they were never really that close...

It's funny...my dad and I were never really close. My sis and I have our moments...maybe best captured in the movements of a pendulum. And I don't know my aunt...I saw her once almost 20 years ago... I think this may be the humanity in all of us...I felt saddened...even though I told my dad to try to have hope...and try to be even...I really felt saddened...actually I don't really have the words to describe how I feel...b/c at times like these, words seem trivial...and maybe, my words sound hollow to my dad right now. And perhaps, though my aunt and I are strangers to the other...and though we know nothing of each other's world...we are tied together...b/c we are family...and sometimes, that means more than anything...

My dad has gone through a great deal...and though we went through those events as a family...I do feel sad. No matter what, b/c my sis and I are young...we are resilient... I wish with all my heart that at this point in his life...things would just be easy for him... I wish...

there is a reason for this:P...

Haha, like my frankenorange? Was a bit tired of reading on Wednesday...was going to eat my tangerine...and then the dusty light bulb came on...am it almost blew my mind...:P

These days, I spend too much time reading...and no time on practising my surgical skills:( So decided that with suture, tools and my trusty orange peel...I was going to practise!!! And here are the results...pretty creative, eh? :)

interesting few days...

Ha! The week is almost over...can't wait for the weekend...oh wait...what will I be doing this weekend? Oh right! Have to study and prepare for my workshop next week...sigh! Such is my mundane existence...

Had a half day seminar on diversity today...kinda interesting. To be honest...actually I said this to the instructor of the course during the class...prior to attending...I chalked this one up as another one of those required courses for new hires...another class to snooze through...where ppl will simply teach one the obvious...nothing more, nothing less...so to say that I wasn't bouncing out of my bed this morning...well, that would be an understatement!:P

Well...straight to the matter...I was WRONG! The session was facilitated by someone from a consulting company...he has been doing this sort of training for 17+ years...and to be frank, I learned something. Nothing specifically to enable me to act more professionally...though there were discussions regarding the usual suspects: race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. However...one point stuck with me...and this is true at work and also in one's personal life...it is the results that matter...intentions are important...but the things that impact other's perceptions and reactions...they are the products of those intentions. Of course, everyone can think of examples whereby one's intentions, though good, ended in less than ideal results. Honestly, I knew this...but sometimes I find...not just in this area, but when someone vocalizes an idea that I am aware of...it somehow brings it to the fore in my mind...not sure how to explain it better...

In other news, I was once again rejected at the DMV. Once (if) I get my license, I will be happy never to set foot in the $*&!)^ office again!!! Scheduled my road test on Wednesday...arrived there with my rental car...the main reason for this is that I had to return the loaner that afternoon...thus I would not have to try to find a parking space afterwards (as this is next to impossible during work hours)...it was a brilliant plan (if I say so myself:P)...but the execution left something to be desired! Unfortunately, though DMV states in their handbook a rental car is allowed, Hertz does not permit this...I have to admit partial blame for this...as I assumed it would be fine! But nonetheless...it was a nice drive in the middle of the afternoon...since I don't have better things to do... :)

dreary day...

Just finished my delectable dinner consisting of a foot long Subway sandwich:) An atypical California day...or so I've been told...dreary and grey, rain alternating between light drizzle and its heavier relative...but still nothing to write home about...but it matched my mood:( Hope tomorrow will be better!

It's kinda funny...I guess it's similar at home (if we exchange the rain for snow)...I think most just aren't prepared for it. Case in point, went to work this afternoon...as I was heading home, the freeway onramp has a small curve...I was following a pickup...as soon as I came around the curve, I noticed the truck was pointed in my direction...I suppose the lady took the run too fast, skidded, turned her steering wheel the wrong direction and ended up spinning 180 degrees. Thank goodness, she was ok! Another interesting observation was when I was driving home tonight on the freeway (I like to hang out at the neighbourhood Walmart:P), and ppl still do the obstacle course routine at 80 mph in limited visibility and relatively heavy rain...definitely different.

In other news...am settling in now...at work, am trying to organize all my training...haha, ordered a 30 inch LCD:) Combined with a new vid card and Core 2 Duo box that's coming...made my week...I know...simple minds...yada, yada, yada:P I suppose with my usual mundane existence...it comes as great surprise that my poor, frail heart could handle all this excitement...haha:P

Outside of work...I am settling into my new place...the morning and afternoon drives are interesting...as I am always facing the sun:) I can sense that as things slow down (only one thing left to do - get my DL)...I do feel a small twinge of being homesick. I will try to keep myself as busy as possible with work, gym, writing papers, working on website, etc...and hopefully it won't be too bad...but that remains to be seen.

In other areas, the biggest hurdle I foresee is the long distance relationship. Some days things are easy...and some days, even small things are magnified.

At the end of the day, I suppose...with all decisions, there are consequences...some good, some bad...

It's funny...as I think about what I have written today...it strikes me that I started with one topic and it transitioned in both tone and scope...but perhaps that is how the human mind truly is...sometimes it is just utterly random...

...welcome to my world:)

back to work:(...

Got back last night...spent most of the day travelling...got to YVR at 10 am for a 12 pm flight...that got delayed 90 mins...so instead of getting to LA just before peak rush hour, I got there at 5...by the time I went to Ikea (and had 3 hot dogs, a bag of chips, a frozen yogurt and a large drink - hey, I didn't have lunch!)...and 50+ miles and a huge fire consuming one of the hills around Westlake...I was home...at 830 pm:(

This trip home was too short. But it was amusing...on Friday afternoon, heading to LAX gave me an idea of the things to come:) Left work at 2 pm, got through security at 545...after going to terminal 2 instead of terminal 7...and having to trudge across the parking lot with all my junk! Sheesh!

The weekend was relatively uneventful...but that's nice...didn't go dancing or boarding...my gf was sick...but it was just nice to spend some time with her and my dad...and not have to rush around...sometimes I think that we spend so much time running from one task to another (case in point...I have already spent more than a month in TO)...that we forget about the little things...the ones that make life what it is...and worth living...so this was nice:)

i can drive now, but i can't get a credit card:(...

Well, after 3 hours had elapsed between walking into the local DMV and walking out triumphantly...I managed to register my car...though it cost me $540. Ok, will start a rant...why doesn't the state of California recognize that I paid 2 taxes in Canada?...even though it's printed on my vehicle purchase form. They only gave me credit for paying one tax...then assessed the state tax on the car and made me pay the difference..sheesh! But I have license plates!!! Finally! I also passed my written exam...and my car passed the smog test...woo hoo...$650 bucks later, my car "exists." Then, was off to AAA to buy insurance...$1400 later, I am insured...I think I will just move back to Vancouver and ride the bus! At least my bus pass would be covered by work:(

Haha, on a different note, spent 45 mins on the phone with the bank this morning...went from the customer service rep to the credit "specialist," back to cust. service and then was on hold for credit again...gave up after waiting for 10 mins. You would think that they would be happy to give me a credit card...after all, I had finally gotten my SSN...but NO! I do not qualify...and they don't know why either (???)...the funny thing is that my checking account is with their bank and they know how much gets deposited by my company... What the $#@*! For goodness sake, perhaps I don't have enough education or a good enough job(?). Sigh...once again...more fun times ahead!

life in TO...

Well, a few more observations...
-I hate networking...have spent way too much time tinkering with the %$^#(* network at my place ...and it still doesn't work:(
-driving at 80 mph (128 kph) with 40 mph (64 kph) crosswind gusts makes freeway driving that much more interesting...factor in crazy, aggressive drivers...and I never fall asleep at the wheel
-the closest Asian supermarket is 40 miles away...and they don't even sell the dumplings I like:(
-In 'n Out Burger is really good (or have I mentioned that already?)...it's worth repeating
-some Americans don't know any geography outside their state
-having no internet sucks!...but I detest networking even more...(notice I separated my two references about networking...this way, I don't seem to be going on a rant...haha:P)
-driving to Fry's Electronics 3 times in 2 days is too much...I should get a job there, considering how much time I spend perusing the networking section...that makes it 3 references (if you're counting at home)
-and the strangest thing I have noticed so far...a Chinese restaurant (albeit fast food) doesn't have any Chinese ppl working in them...not even a token Asian-looking person...:P

Aside from that, am continuing the existence that can best be described as mundane...

...good to know I do one thing well:P

children of men...

Am watching the movie "Children of Men" right now...definitely not the standard Hollywood fare. Not to give anything away...but the movie is set in the not so distant future (2027) where women are no longer fertile...it is a time where, even though humanity cannot ensure its future, it continues to destroy itself...a dark, distopian future characterized by a police state with areas that are reminiscent of the European ghettos of WW2 and fighting that brings reminders of the current situation in the Middle East. It is a time when there is seemingly no hope...

I am not sure if this is a brilliant movie or not...or even how to classify this movie...is it an action movie?...or something to provoke thought?...is it a statement about the world we live in?...is it about sacrifice?...not sure...maybe it is all those things...no matter what, it works on many levels...I really liked this movie...

It made me think...humans are dominant in this world of ours...but within that, we are the only species that can create what spans the ages...but also have the ability to destroy what we have created and kill each other...

discussion with coworker...

Had some interesting talks with my officemate. She's been with the company for 15 years...as such, she's seen a lot...and b/c of that...she is a little bit of a guide to me, as I try to adapt. Over the few weeks I have been here, we have had some interesting discussions...

-this company looks good on the outside, but depending where one looks, it can be quite ugly
-politics are everywhere...even those who are good and don't play can become victims
-it is better to be selective in choosing who to talk to...in a competitive environment, there is always the possibility of one's intentions not being the same as another's perception...(see above point:P)
-ppl in TO lead a charmed life...top 10% in good stats, bottom 10% in bad ones...can't complain about that, I suppose
-there is no good, authentic Chinese food for many, many miles around:( ...I want my BBQ pork!
-everything is far apart
-recycling seems to be a foreign concept (in fact, environmental issues seem to be less impt...maybe I'm the only one who notices the huge blanket of haze that covers LA
-in the US, one is truly a number...SSN anyone?
-seems like too many ppl are really materialistic (ok, I like my toys, but it's a different league here)...seems many live beyond their means...I suppose that's where the 15 credit cards come in...

And the funniest thing...
-ppl look at me funny for wearing shorts...in California of all places...since when was 55 F cold?

Until next time... :P

am still frustrated...

Sigh...more than 3 weeks after flying down to TO...still cannot get a SSN. Called the office today...apparently the 4 - 6 weeks I was initially told was an optimistic estimate...instead it could be as long as two months:( In the meantime, due to my not having a SSN, I cannot do the following:
-do the written/road test to obtain a California DL
-register my car (so have to see if I can get my rental extended)
-buy insurance for my car b/c it can't be registered
-get a credit card
-exist in any system that pertains to health/dental coverage, stock purchase plans, timesheets, access to internal payroll db's
-breathe!!!

I jest with my last point...but to be honest, am getting very frustrated with the whole process. Oh well, I suppose that this is just part of relocating to a new country...but considering the supposedly good relationship between Canada and the US, this is a bit surprising...

interesting week...

Well, the holidays are over...am back at work now...can rest now:P Where are my manners?...Happy New Year! All the best to you and yours!

Flew back from Vancouver last Tuesday, with ma fan girl close behind...drove to SF the following day...the first 50 miles were pretty nice, but the last 310 miles were terrible...boring, boring hills!!! Stayed at a friend's place (thanks Ms T!)...extraordinarily gracious to offer us her place. Got a chance to go to "Sushi on the Run"...the place run by whom we affectionately refer to as the sushi nazi (after the soup nazi from Seinfeld:P). Went to bubble drink with some other friends...the ma fan girl got sick during the night...and boy, was she ever...was a nurse for the next day...she finally had her fever decrease at 5 pm on Thursday night...I collapsed from exhaustion...hope that never happens again.

We spent the next day running around SF like tourists...but ma fan girl had little energy after not eating most of the previous day. Decided to drive back to TO in the evening...left Mountain View at 10:30 pm and got home at 3:30 am...sigh, that was an adventure. Met some strange ppl on the highway in the wee hours...but what can I expect in the good ol' US of A?:)

Saturday and Sunday were filled with 9 hours at the outlet mall (funny how shopping energizes Y)...and in traffic in LA:( Watched the "Pursuit of Happyness" on Sunday night and then Y was back to Vancouver early on Monday morning:(

Found something out over the past week with her...

1. I am pretty stupid when it comes to relationships - I tend to make too much out of little.
2. She is smarter than me in many things - but that's probably why she is special to me - but only God knows why I'm special...haha:P
3. Long drives help ppl know each other better - there's nothing to do but keep each other company!

No matter what...we made it through...we had a few moments...but the memories of this week will make us stronger...and that is a great thing:)

PS. I got my first paycheque...I feel like a kid in a candy store:P