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Friday, February 25, 2005

Adjusted?

Most of "Me" is now in-synch, same timezone, intact. It's been a week and I think I'm back on solid ground. My driving has adjusted to US standards. I've talked with my employer regarding my schedule/job. My bank stuff is finally set up. Jet lag is almost gone. I still get the occasional "extended nap" syndrome where you wake up and feel like you slept the day away. I've been making the most of my time (I think) at my friend's apartment reading up on Retek stuff and doing an anime marathon. Neon Genesis Evangelion is the anime. Saw a couple of episodes in college but not the whole series. It's perplexing. Interesting. Engaging? Maybe. Watch it. You might like it. It borders on science and religion. The Japanese have a knack for obscure yet addicting plots. Add a dash of mecha design and a pinch of sexuality and you have a great series.

What to do this weekend? Not really sure. I have to run again. It's been a week since I last ran and it's driving me nuts. Must find a way. I'll check out my old apartment complex and see if the gym is open. Might also check out some running stores. Buy that new pair of Sauconies or New Balance. Maybe not. New shoe scent is addicting.

Saw an orange Subaru Impreza in a parking lot yesterday. Orange. Took a picture of it using my camera phone. The outside just doesn't give a hint of the monster inside. Cool. But orange?

Maui is attending our friend's wedding. I hope she has a good time. I miss her. I need to call her up this weekend. Just hearing her voice takes me back home.

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Flickering thoughts

Jet lag. Your body and mind go in opposite directions. Body buddies up with inertia and stays horizontal, mind defies physics and flies in all directions. I reign in some of these "thought darts" and try to impose wordly sensibility. From 2am to 5am, it starts and ends. Some I forget, some remain like the aroma of last night's breakfast/dinner.

Cashiers
Did groceries last night. Cashier was chatty. Most of them are. Back home, everyone evokes "Don't talk to me and i won't bother you." It's comforting for us. Years ago I scrambled to answer the everyday "How are you?" of Americans. It was never meant to be answered with full-on thought. First out of the cortex will suffice, also known as "Good, how about you?"

Missing out
I feel a pang of sorrow for those who haven't experience the "joys of reading" a book. The internet only serves as a plain alternative. Web pages cater to those who want information quick. Direct to the point. Vanilla. Broth without the stock. All is news. None is a good read. It's the difference between a good movie and a bad one. The bad one evaporates as soon as you exit the double doors. The good one stays to fuel conversations.

I miss my Maui.

Monday, February 21, 2005

Displacement

I read somewhere that jet lag is like leaving your soul behind. Souls can't move that quickly so they get dragged behind and must be awaited. During the first few days it is still in transit behind the wake of your airplane. Until it arrives, you wander around displaced and confused much like looking through clouded spectacles in dim light trying to find the light switch.

So here I am in Chicago. Displaced. In a state between denial and acceptance.

It will be a couple of hours more until my soul arrives. My confusion will then be replaced by realization when I meet it in my slumber.

I miss my Maui.

Friday, February 11, 2005

Back to blogging

It's been a while. Instead of going into another convoluted rant, I decided to go simple.

5 things I'm looking forward to
- Valentine's Day at the beach with my girlfriend.
- Driving my own Mitsubishi Lan Evo VIII. Drift driving anyone?
- Playing Metal Gear Solid III.
- Getting my first paycheck in my new job.
- Joining my first marathon.

5 things I'm NOT looking forward to
- Leaving for the States and missing my girlfriend and family.
- Driving in snow.
- Leaving for the States and having to work again.
- Driving in freezing rain.
- Leaving for the States and seeing Mcdonalds everywhere.

5 things I didn't get done during my 3 months+ without work
- Improve my piano playing past the point of hunt and peck.
- Use the ear training course I bought for $100 two years ago!
- Organize my papers (tax, bills, personal data, etc). I've been putting this off for the past 2 years.
- Improve my driving. I'm still a clutch driver.
- Sell anything over bidshot.

5 things I got done during my 3 months+ without work
- Visited my dentist.
- Cleared up my face. Acne is related to dental decay.
- Had my Xbox modified!!!
- Started my own blog.
- Spent quality time with my girlfiend!

That's all for now. My mind is still trying to get started after a long run.