Carpe Diem!

Seize The Day! I always thought that sounded cool. Anyone that can quote a line made up of Latin words just seemed educated and well-travelled. No matter if its just something that was taken off a poster, a book or even from a cereal box. Often times, the person uttering such words don't even know what they mean. But just the same, they say it like they know it.

I think Latin should be offered more in schools as part of the elective curriculum. Not that it has some major applications in the business world compared to learning Spanish, Chinese Mandarin or Chinese Canton. That's why I'm saying it should be offered as an elective subject so that kids can choose it in lieu of another option.

Learning another language is fun. And when you get the hang of it, you can actually associate words across them. Think of pig-latin. It might prove useful later on when you have kids and you don't want them to know that you are bringing them to the doctor for their regular scheduled shots. I know I would have appreciated that when I was growing up and my mom and dad would spell out words. I just knew I was in for something I know I won't like.

So before I go, let me impart a Latin phrase I love to mutter every now and then. Carpe Burrito! That's right, you read it correct. That will prove useful for you when you are hungry.

Seize The Burrito!

All Is Quiet

At least in my blogsite it is. It's been a full week and I haven't written anything new. Not for the lack of material anyway. I have tons of things I want to say out here but am keeping it as clean as possible. I know if I let loose, it won't be a pretty sight. And I don't want to lose what's littler of my readers out there.

It has just been a busy week for me since I'm on secondary on-call. That means I'm supporting my on-call collegue. Come Monday, I'm primary and that would mean a lot more busier than this week. I don't really mind it though. It just mean that I wont be able to work on any outstanding project on my plate. Everything I'd be doing will be mostly support.

It's not pure job security since I know a lot of people out there have the capability to do my job. That's why I don't complain. It's part of the job and it pays my bills and brings food to the table. And I got a good secondary on-call to boot. Everything just looks fine and dandy.

I'm hoping to get some vacation time though. The boss told me last week I need to get some time off. I couldn't agree more. Besides, work will still be there when I get back. The only problem though is that she can't let me go for more than two successive days. So until that opportunity arise, I will take one day leaves whenever I can.

If only I could get the approval to do so.

What A Week...

Yes, it was a week but it felt like a year. It was that busy that I didn't get the chance to update my blog until today. And to top it all, I had something in mind that I wanted to write down but just didn't get the chance to do so. Not even at nights.

Until tonight anyway. I'm just glad the workweek is done though I know it would pretty much be the same scenario next week. I know because I saw my load for next week. But it's okay though. I can deal with that. By the week after next, I'd be on-call again so that means my load would be limited more on issues and not on projects. That's a lot better. (knock on wood)

I was supposed to be in another city this week but that got cancelled. I heard my boss saying the schedule has been moved next week. I don't really mind the travel. At least it gets me out of the office even if it's just for a day. A change of scenery is always a welcome change.

I think I'm going to just stay in bed tomorrow. A couple of hours of sleep is also a welcome respite. Then maybe I'd go for a run for an hour. There's much to do tomorrow. Maybe some grocery shopping too.

I guess I better get some sleep now.

Chocolate Rain

Wow... what a voice. This video has been getting a lot of hits lately and some people say that he's the next big viral video. If this kid is for real, then great. At least someone is making use of his talent. I know I'll check if ever he releases an album in the future. He's voice is like a combination of James Earl Jones and Nat King Cole.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann

Big City

I was assigned to work at one of our corporate offices in the big city for about a week. That means suitcase living again. At least the hotel was in a good part of the city. That allowed me the luxury of doing my nightly runs out in the streets. Sure, I can run in the threadmill at the hotel's gym but what fun would that be? I do say that soaking in the jacuzzi afterwards just takes away my body's ill.

Meal times are always the issue with me. I just can't seem to get myself to eat if I'm by myself. The good news was that my boss was with me the whole time so the decision on where and when to eat does not fall on my shoulders. Two of the places we frequent is the Genghis Grill and the other is the BJ's Restaurant/Warehouse.

Genghis Grill is a place where you pick your meat (raw), vegetables, sauce, and additional spices from the buffet table and bing it to the kitchen corner where a bunch of cooks work on your meal. Once everything is ready, they bring it back to you so you can enjoy your meal at one of their tables. Personally, I like this place a lot. And that's because I get to prepare what I want to eat. Makes it feel like homecooking without having to stay in front of the stove.

BJ's Restaurant/Brewhouse is another story. It's typically a burger/grill joint where you order off the menu. Since it is a microbrewery, you can order beer from the tap freshly brewed. Most of my collegues love this place for the beer. Me, I don't really drink beer that much so I can't really comment on that. I do know that they have a killer rib plate. Now, that's something I know I won't be able to say no to.

As much as I enjoy big city assignments every now and then, I prefer being back at the home office. Each time I get travelling assignments, all my other projects suffer. And I have to play catch up when I get back. That's the other part that I don't really like.

As they say, you can't serve two masters at the same time.