I'm still at work because I am drowning in all these deadlines.
Am I worried? Not really. I thought about this just moments ago and wanted to capture it in my blog quickly. I am well known amongst my family and friends as a workaholic. Damn proud of it too. It's funny though that I don't stress. Deadlines loom, but I refuse to freak out. It takes quite a bit to make me snap. (I snapped at work about a month ago, but it's rare. I could disclose the circumstances, but I would not be doing anybody any favors.)
So having this ability to remain calm 99% of the time means I am dull and feel that I lead a dull life. What is the best proof? I have a blood pressure kit at home and took a reading last night. It was the usual average of 99/68. Those systolic and diastolic numbers are considered normal. They seem fairly low though for somebody as restless and as much of a workaholic as I am.
Having low blood pressure can be a bad thing too. Although, I'm not quite sure what the bad things are other than you are susceptible to fainting spells. I thought I was leading an exciting life with all that Gangnam Style going on and more to come. My cousin Pinky will be visiting President's Day weekend, and we will party and have a great time. But that probably won't raise my blood pressure one blip.
The other day I blogged about being restless. How can I be dull and restless at the same time? It seems ironic or like an oxymoron. Maybe I am an oxymoron. I have heard people describe me as likeable. Others have described me as intimidating.
Well whatever I am, I know that I love myself, that I work hard, and that I play hard! That means I am not dull!
I will sign off now and get back to finishing this project.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Correlation?
I receive a daily dose of sound advice via email. Today, the topic was about taking care of yourself, eating right, and getting enough sleep. Having a healthy body is definitely a result of doing a good job of that.
It then went on about correlating negative feelings and attitude with illness and depression. Can it be that simple? I think immediately of anger and high blood pressure. Then it would be easy to say that people with illnesses such as cancer in reality brought the disease upon themselves. The negative attitude, the bitterness, the anger -- can these explain these serious illnesses?
I'm not so sure. An acquaintance once told me of her daughter passing away from cancer. It was such a sad tale that my heart broke for her. Nobody could understand how such a young, vibrant lady could have been cursed with an incurable disease. I don't remember what form of cancer it was, but how could negativity, if any, result in something so tragic with such a young life?
I also had a couple of friends pass away at the age of 40 from cancer. Both were very loving, positive people and surrounded by loving husbands, children, other family and friends. One had breast cancer, and the other had stomach cancer. The toll cancer takes on the body can be incredibly quick so much so that I was shocked when I saw one of my friends at the hospital when a group of us decided to visit her. No warning could have prepared me for how quickly she deteriorated physically within a 3-month span. I was speechless the entire time. She was in good spirits as she always was. She passed away soon after. Her name was Marcia.
The other friend was Jamie. I didn't see Jamie in her final days but went to her memorial. There were so many people who attended, a testament to how much she was loved. Jamie and I became friends soon after we met, even though others around me tried to prejudice me early on. These people did not like Jamie and spoke negatively about her. However, I found that she was a hard-working, genuine, loving mother and wife. Jamie always made you feel important when you were around her. I still recall the great times we had in Virginia when we were sent to open up an office there. She, Wendy (Jamie's best friend) and I went on a weekend adventure to Alexandria. Jamie drove the SUV, and we would crack up as we tossed coins into the toll baskets because such baskets didn't exist in California.
We also met up for lunch and dinner many times. Jamie knew her wine. I still remember one of her favorites was La Crema Chardonnay. Jamie was older, wiser, and more positive than me. She was definitely an inspiration.
It almost seemed unfair when Jamie and Marcia passed away at the young age of 40, leaving husbands and kids. In either of their cases, I don't recall negativity, bad attitude, unhealthy eating, not taking care of themselves. Neither smoked nor were surrounded by smokers.
I don't see the correlation. I'm not condoning negative feelings, bad attitude, bad eating, bad habits. I just think that it is fate. It is God's plan.
One of my favorite stories is that of Evita Peron. She died at a young age of cancer. Correlation is questioned with this line from one of the songs, when Evita asks God:
"What is the good of the strongest heart in a body that's falling apart? A serious flaw - I hope you know that."
It then went on about correlating negative feelings and attitude with illness and depression. Can it be that simple? I think immediately of anger and high blood pressure. Then it would be easy to say that people with illnesses such as cancer in reality brought the disease upon themselves. The negative attitude, the bitterness, the anger -- can these explain these serious illnesses?
I'm not so sure. An acquaintance once told me of her daughter passing away from cancer. It was such a sad tale that my heart broke for her. Nobody could understand how such a young, vibrant lady could have been cursed with an incurable disease. I don't remember what form of cancer it was, but how could negativity, if any, result in something so tragic with such a young life?
I also had a couple of friends pass away at the age of 40 from cancer. Both were very loving, positive people and surrounded by loving husbands, children, other family and friends. One had breast cancer, and the other had stomach cancer. The toll cancer takes on the body can be incredibly quick so much so that I was shocked when I saw one of my friends at the hospital when a group of us decided to visit her. No warning could have prepared me for how quickly she deteriorated physically within a 3-month span. I was speechless the entire time. She was in good spirits as she always was. She passed away soon after. Her name was Marcia.
The other friend was Jamie. I didn't see Jamie in her final days but went to her memorial. There were so many people who attended, a testament to how much she was loved. Jamie and I became friends soon after we met, even though others around me tried to prejudice me early on. These people did not like Jamie and spoke negatively about her. However, I found that she was a hard-working, genuine, loving mother and wife. Jamie always made you feel important when you were around her. I still recall the great times we had in Virginia when we were sent to open up an office there. She, Wendy (Jamie's best friend) and I went on a weekend adventure to Alexandria. Jamie drove the SUV, and we would crack up as we tossed coins into the toll baskets because such baskets didn't exist in California.
We also met up for lunch and dinner many times. Jamie knew her wine. I still remember one of her favorites was La Crema Chardonnay. Jamie was older, wiser, and more positive than me. She was definitely an inspiration.
It almost seemed unfair when Jamie and Marcia passed away at the young age of 40, leaving husbands and kids. In either of their cases, I don't recall negativity, bad attitude, unhealthy eating, not taking care of themselves. Neither smoked nor were surrounded by smokers.
I don't see the correlation. I'm not condoning negative feelings, bad attitude, bad eating, bad habits. I just think that it is fate. It is God's plan.
One of my favorite stories is that of Evita Peron. She died at a young age of cancer. Correlation is questioned with this line from one of the songs, when Evita asks God:
"What is the good of the strongest heart in a body that's falling apart? A serious flaw - I hope you know that."
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Spiritual Guidance
Today is Vincent's birthday. We went to the House of Genji for dinner. After that, we went to Honeyberry for dessert. We then relaxed at the Milpitas house full of deliciousness.
These simple moments are so precious to me. I treasure the time I spend with my family and would not trade any of it for the world.
When it comes down to it, though, the time I have to spend with anyone is so little. I am busy mostly, and honestly I like the time that I have to myself. There is no way I could ever find myself in a serious relationship because I am selfish with my time and would not be able to dedicate enough attention to the other person. It would not be fair.
There are four people that I want to spend more time with and should. One is Vincent. The others are Alexis, Kaelyn, and Keanu. Who are they? They are all my Godchildren. I've been honored with the responsibility of guiding them spiritually.
But how do I go about it? I'm not quite sure. When Christmas and their birthdays come around, it's easy to give them gifts. Still, what is spiritual guidance, and how do you impart such wisdom to young ones?
I had a conversation a week ago with Vincent about the Big Bang Theory and Darwinism. We also talked about Jesus and what His death meant to us. We also touched on the Bible and Abraham and what our beliefs are. Vincent just smiled at me when I asked him what he thought of my thought that God created the Big Bang Theory.
I might not be good at this spiritual guidance thing, but it sure feels good to have an intelligent exchange with a 15-year old kid. So I can't wait to have more conversations with him and with my other Godchildren. I can't wait to guide them, spiritually.
These simple moments are so precious to me. I treasure the time I spend with my family and would not trade any of it for the world.
When it comes down to it, though, the time I have to spend with anyone is so little. I am busy mostly, and honestly I like the time that I have to myself. There is no way I could ever find myself in a serious relationship because I am selfish with my time and would not be able to dedicate enough attention to the other person. It would not be fair.
There are four people that I want to spend more time with and should. One is Vincent. The others are Alexis, Kaelyn, and Keanu. Who are they? They are all my Godchildren. I've been honored with the responsibility of guiding them spiritually.
But how do I go about it? I'm not quite sure. When Christmas and their birthdays come around, it's easy to give them gifts. Still, what is spiritual guidance, and how do you impart such wisdom to young ones?
I had a conversation a week ago with Vincent about the Big Bang Theory and Darwinism. We also talked about Jesus and what His death meant to us. We also touched on the Bible and Abraham and what our beliefs are. Vincent just smiled at me when I asked him what he thought of my thought that God created the Big Bang Theory.
I might not be good at this spiritual guidance thing, but it sure feels good to have an intelligent exchange with a 15-year old kid. So I can't wait to have more conversations with him and with my other Godchildren. I can't wait to guide them, spiritually.
Take It Easy
That was Dad's favorite line, "Take it easy." He himself was so relaxed that he did not have gray hair until his last years. Mind you Dad lived into his mid-70s.
At this point in my life, it is key advice. A million things seem to happen around me that I don't remember to relax. This might be the year that I finally lose my battle with gray hair. Or that I lose the beautiful texture in my hair. Oh say it isn't so!
Could it be my job? It's certainly not my career because I have been working at start-ups for over a decade. I have not before attributed any gray hair to the natural chaos of building a company.
Could it be my friends? There isn't any drama happening within any circle.
Could it be family? I am not worried about my son or anyone else close to me.
Could it be that I need a vacation? I took three trips last year. I went to Indianapolis to see the Indy 500. I went to New Orleans. I went to San Diego.
Why am I so restless? I should know this but I can't seem to put my finger on it. Perhaps it's my need to accomplish. What else do I need to accomplish?
I have chores. I have bills to pay. I have a job. I have family obligations. I feel that I accomplish something every day with all these responsibilities.
What is it? Why do I feel like there is something bigger out there for me? Why do I feel like I have to pursue it?
Sorry Dad. I can't take it easy.
At this point in my life, it is key advice. A million things seem to happen around me that I don't remember to relax. This might be the year that I finally lose my battle with gray hair. Or that I lose the beautiful texture in my hair. Oh say it isn't so!
Could it be my job? It's certainly not my career because I have been working at start-ups for over a decade. I have not before attributed any gray hair to the natural chaos of building a company.
Could it be my friends? There isn't any drama happening within any circle.
Could it be family? I am not worried about my son or anyone else close to me.
Could it be that I need a vacation? I took three trips last year. I went to Indianapolis to see the Indy 500. I went to New Orleans. I went to San Diego.
Why am I so restless? I should know this but I can't seem to put my finger on it. Perhaps it's my need to accomplish. What else do I need to accomplish?
I have chores. I have bills to pay. I have a job. I have family obligations. I feel that I accomplish something every day with all these responsibilities.
What is it? Why do I feel like there is something bigger out there for me? Why do I feel like I have to pursue it?
Sorry Dad. I can't take it easy.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Superbowl Commercials Will Trump
I don't like either football team in the Superbowl this year. If I really had to choose between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco Forty-Niners, I would choose the Ravens because there are shades of purple in their team colors. Yes, I will be that silly!
Seriously, though, I love the game of football. I learned the sport when I was in 5th grade. Our teacher would put on NFL films. I'm sure our kids today don't remember the reel-to-reel films, but that medium is nostalgic. Our family home movies were reel-to-reel. More importantly, though, the magic of football and the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers mesmerized me through those films. I was hooked. Thanks Mr. Hogle!
I have many stories to tell and share that relate to football. The history is fascinating because it includes things such as the AFL (remember that anyone?), team moves, expansions, and certainly growth in the fan base to global levels. I remember being in London one time and discussing the game of football with the concierge at the hotel. He was so excited to be chatting about the game with an American.
It is refreshing to see the changes such as more and more female fans and more and more female sports correspondents. I'm still adjusting to the latter, but I'll get there.
I have also noticed over the many years as a fan the number of Black quarterbacks that are first strings. This certainly was not the case when I started watching football at the age of 10.
Another notable fact is that this year, there is a large quantity of very talented quarterbacks. I have questioned why my favorite team doesn't have one. Yes, I am of the opinion that Tony Romo needs to go. This season, I was envious of the teams that found themselves in a dilemma of whether to start their second string quarterback or not. That's a good problem to have!
So the rigmarole through the season culminates in the most important Sunday of the year - Superbowl Sunday. It is exciting because it involves athletes, celebrities, strategy, entertainment, and TV commercials. This year, it's taking place at the Mercedes-Benz New Orleans Saints Superdome. My cousin Carol and I just saw the Superdome when we were in New Orleans in October last year. We were living it up in NOLA because YOLO. I'm sure Bourbon Street will be nuts!
This year the Superbowl is historical because the coaches of each team are brothers - the Harbaughs. Their parents must be very proud.
How do you root for a team when your team is not there? I usually vote for the team that represents the conference that my favorite team is in, but this year the NFC East is not represented. This has not happened in a very, very long time.
I've said it before that Colin Kaepernick piques my interest. His coming to be seems like a fairy tale. He grew up in Turlock. That fact alone could convince me. But that's not enough for me to root for the Niners. And Joe Flacco is just so so. (Hey that all rhymes.) Even the shades of purple in the Ravens' colors won't be enough to sway me to their side.
I said I would root for my Superbowl pool squares. Even that won't capture my interest throughout the game. So then I guess I will root for the Superbowl commercials and go to the bathroom when the game is on...
Seriously, though, I love the game of football. I learned the sport when I was in 5th grade. Our teacher would put on NFL films. I'm sure our kids today don't remember the reel-to-reel films, but that medium is nostalgic. Our family home movies were reel-to-reel. More importantly, though, the magic of football and the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers mesmerized me through those films. I was hooked. Thanks Mr. Hogle!
I have many stories to tell and share that relate to football. The history is fascinating because it includes things such as the AFL (remember that anyone?), team moves, expansions, and certainly growth in the fan base to global levels. I remember being in London one time and discussing the game of football with the concierge at the hotel. He was so excited to be chatting about the game with an American.
It is refreshing to see the changes such as more and more female fans and more and more female sports correspondents. I'm still adjusting to the latter, but I'll get there.
I have also noticed over the many years as a fan the number of Black quarterbacks that are first strings. This certainly was not the case when I started watching football at the age of 10.
Another notable fact is that this year, there is a large quantity of very talented quarterbacks. I have questioned why my favorite team doesn't have one. Yes, I am of the opinion that Tony Romo needs to go. This season, I was envious of the teams that found themselves in a dilemma of whether to start their second string quarterback or not. That's a good problem to have!
So the rigmarole through the season culminates in the most important Sunday of the year - Superbowl Sunday. It is exciting because it involves athletes, celebrities, strategy, entertainment, and TV commercials. This year, it's taking place at the Mercedes-Benz New Orleans Saints Superdome. My cousin Carol and I just saw the Superdome when we were in New Orleans in October last year. We were living it up in NOLA because YOLO. I'm sure Bourbon Street will be nuts!
This year the Superbowl is historical because the coaches of each team are brothers - the Harbaughs. Their parents must be very proud.
How do you root for a team when your team is not there? I usually vote for the team that represents the conference that my favorite team is in, but this year the NFC East is not represented. This has not happened in a very, very long time.
I've said it before that Colin Kaepernick piques my interest. His coming to be seems like a fairy tale. He grew up in Turlock. That fact alone could convince me. But that's not enough for me to root for the Niners. And Joe Flacco is just so so. (Hey that all rhymes.) Even the shades of purple in the Ravens' colors won't be enough to sway me to their side.
I said I would root for my Superbowl pool squares. Even that won't capture my interest throughout the game. So then I guess I will root for the Superbowl commercials and go to the bathroom when the game is on...
La la la la la
I was on the phone with my sister Rose for over 2 hours tonight. She prevented me from eating dinner. Just kidding.
We talked about a variety of topics, including what the definition of a bonus is versus the definition of commission. These can be used interchangeably, but the definitions are different. As a human resources and payroll expert, I can explain the differences easily. I can probably also debunk some myths along the way.
One highly held myth is how these different types of income are taxed. I've been told a couple of times just within the past six months that the tax rate for bonuses is higher than the tax rate for commissions. This is simply not true. Income is income, and at the end of the day (or year when you file your taxes), you are taxed at the rate that the IRS says you are to be taxed at.
I'm sure the confusion is in the difference between "tax rate" and "withholding rate." Employers are required to withhold your income tax. When you receive additional income such as a bonus or commission, the withholding rate is higher. So when you see your $10,000 bonus net out to $6,000, your employer was required to withhold at a 40% "withholding rate." You just paid the IRS $4,000. But when you file your taxes and you are in the 30% "tax rate" bracket, you were supposed to pay only $3,000. You will receive a refund of $1,000.
Are you able to absorb this information? I think some people naturally repel it just by virtue of the subject. My sister and I spoke about that too. We won't name any names, but some children in our family can easily absorb information and others are what we call our "La la la la la" children. We hold on to hope though because some "La la la la la" children grow up to be successful adults.
To help them along the way, we (parents and teachers) need to recognize that children learn differently. Some do well on tests, and some don't. Some are more artistic, and some are more academic. Some are leaders, and some are followers. Some care about details, and some don't. How do we make the learning environment more accommodating or more conducive to the different learning styles? I honestly don't know but have some ideas. However, that's for another day and another blog post.
I was not a "La la la la la" child, but my sister Rose was. It's true. She was not interested in math and hated it. This translated into not doing well in the subject but certainly did not mean she wasn't intelligent. I loved math and always did well. I can probably talk your ear off about how algebraic formulae can help solve everyday problems or what's exciting about derivatives.
Are we successful adults today? I think so. Rose is a certified personal trainer, which means she is an expert in physical fitness and nutrition. I am a startup junkie, which means I am an expert in building startup companies. I "La la la la la" her expertise and she "La la la la las"mine.
And I'm sure most people will "La la la la la" the IRS.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you learned something from my post today.
We talked about a variety of topics, including what the definition of a bonus is versus the definition of commission. These can be used interchangeably, but the definitions are different. As a human resources and payroll expert, I can explain the differences easily. I can probably also debunk some myths along the way.
One highly held myth is how these different types of income are taxed. I've been told a couple of times just within the past six months that the tax rate for bonuses is higher than the tax rate for commissions. This is simply not true. Income is income, and at the end of the day (or year when you file your taxes), you are taxed at the rate that the IRS says you are to be taxed at.
I'm sure the confusion is in the difference between "tax rate" and "withholding rate." Employers are required to withhold your income tax. When you receive additional income such as a bonus or commission, the withholding rate is higher. So when you see your $10,000 bonus net out to $6,000, your employer was required to withhold at a 40% "withholding rate." You just paid the IRS $4,000. But when you file your taxes and you are in the 30% "tax rate" bracket, you were supposed to pay only $3,000. You will receive a refund of $1,000.
Are you able to absorb this information? I think some people naturally repel it just by virtue of the subject. My sister and I spoke about that too. We won't name any names, but some children in our family can easily absorb information and others are what we call our "La la la la la" children. We hold on to hope though because some "La la la la la" children grow up to be successful adults.
To help them along the way, we (parents and teachers) need to recognize that children learn differently. Some do well on tests, and some don't. Some are more artistic, and some are more academic. Some are leaders, and some are followers. Some care about details, and some don't. How do we make the learning environment more accommodating or more conducive to the different learning styles? I honestly don't know but have some ideas. However, that's for another day and another blog post.
I was not a "La la la la la" child, but my sister Rose was. It's true. She was not interested in math and hated it. This translated into not doing well in the subject but certainly did not mean she wasn't intelligent. I loved math and always did well. I can probably talk your ear off about how algebraic formulae can help solve everyday problems or what's exciting about derivatives.
Are we successful adults today? I think so. Rose is a certified personal trainer, which means she is an expert in physical fitness and nutrition. I am a startup junkie, which means I am an expert in building startup companies. I "La la la la la" her expertise and she "La la la la las"mine.
And I'm sure most people will "La la la la la" the IRS.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you learned something from my post today.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I Need My Knee
I am blogging again. What should I blog about? It's been just about 3 years since my last post.
Well it's Tuesday night, a bowling night for me. I bowl at 4th Street Bowl in San Jose on Tuesdays. On Thursdays, I bowl at Mission Lanes in Milpitas.
All this bowling, including tournaments, is affecting my knee. I also do cross-fit training Wednesday nights. My sister Rose Academia is a certified personal trainer. She is in fantastic shape, and she tries to keep us in good shape. However, I think cross fit and bowling might be affecting my knee adversely. I prefer to run. I am more of a runner than a gym or bowling person.
So I find myself in a quandary. I might forgo crossfit now and bowling in the summer. To get out of this quandary, I need my knee.
Well it's Tuesday night, a bowling night for me. I bowl at 4th Street Bowl in San Jose on Tuesdays. On Thursdays, I bowl at Mission Lanes in Milpitas.
All this bowling, including tournaments, is affecting my knee. I also do cross-fit training Wednesday nights. My sister Rose Academia is a certified personal trainer. She is in fantastic shape, and she tries to keep us in good shape. However, I think cross fit and bowling might be affecting my knee adversely. I prefer to run. I am more of a runner than a gym or bowling person.
So I find myself in a quandary. I might forgo crossfit now and bowling in the summer. To get out of this quandary, I need my knee.
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