What Not Thought: How To's, Advice, and A Lot of Randomness on Life's Loves, Hates

I Needed My Best Friend

2008-06-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

Today, I needed my best friend.

As I climbed down the stairs from my 3rd floor office, across the quad, and through the turnstile to the employee parking lot, I realized that I didn’t have my best friend. I didn’t have my best friend there to sit with me, heart and ears open, ready for me to unload weeks upon weeks of stress from school, work, and dancing. It’s been building up. My daily dump of the days quandaries have festered in a stagnant pool of rain gathered from the passing storms with brief moments of sunshine to evaporate some of the water away, just to fill up again as another storm arrives unexpectedly.

I have my outlets. Some outlets are better than others. I can go up to a friend, stand there quietly and he can already read what’s on my mind without me even saying anything. This even applies virtually made famous by my “Coach” with me simply saying “hi” in an instant message and from that he already knows something is wrong. Others, I’ll begin unloading my thoughts, but they don’t really have anything to say, but give a little notion of acknowledgement.

More and more now, I catch myself at work staring in the direction of the trees swaying in the wind. Most of the time I’m unaware of what’s present on the other side of the window. I’m too encapsulated in my thoughts, running scenarios in my head of how I should attack the rest of the day's workload without getting myself into trouble. Sometimes I wonder how I look to other people as they pass to go the copying machine. I know the scowling look on my face is most likely uninviting.

You probably miss that girl who always used to smile and giggle all the time. I know. I miss her too.

Excerpt Into My Past: My WNT's Back Then About Now

2008-05-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

I was looking over some of my old writings and I came across an essay I wrote during my undergrad for ENGR100W:

~The first milestone in my academic and professional timeline is at the receipt of my mechanical engineering degree with a prominent career following. In addition, I see a Master’s in Business Administration after a few years of working in the industry, thus allowing me to rise in the ranks of a prestigious company. After I am satisfied with the income I have accumulated, along with smart investments that will set me for early retirement, I will end my academic career with a teaching degree at the high school level. Like my parents, I have always wanted to teach the young to become the great minds of our future. I believe that to be one of the world’s greatest investments.~

Wow! I'm pretty ambitious there with "rising in the ranks of a prestigious company." My view on that now is, why do I want to rise in the ranks? At work, I'm seeing what all those big boys and girls do and I'm not sure if I even want to touch the bureaucracy, the hand waving, the "make me look good" manipulation. I would be passionate to work in those ranks only if I felt like I was working toward a cause I truly believe in.

For the teaching degree, every now and then, I still cater the thought of doing that. Several weeks ago, I visited two elementary school classes in Milpitas and talked to them about engineering, my career so far, and the cool stuff that I've worked on. I had the kids do a team activity building rockets. They were great! I hope I left an impression on them to do well in school, to learn from failures (because they will happen), and to seek out the many opportunities that are available to them.

~While my academic and career goals are already set, on the other hand, my personal timeline is clouded by uncertainty. Ultimately, I would like to start my own family before the age of 30. With my husband, who ever he will be, I will be the best mother of five children. The only mark on this timeline I see clearly is the responsibility of returning the gratitude that my parents have given to me. They are the crutches to supporting me in reaching my goals and for that, if all goes well with my professional timeline, is to permanently retire them from many years of blue-collar work by paying off all their debts such as their house, so that they can finally relax and enjoy life.~

Dayum, 30! I wanted to start having kids before 30? My how time flies. I'll be 29 in three weeks! AND, I wanted five kids?! I don't know where I got that five from, but I think I'll just settle for three knowing how expensive kids can get.

I still wish that I could retire my parents. My dad has already retired, but my mom at 57 is still working. She says she's tired of working. It would be nice that she could just stay at home, relax, exercise, and cook and watch The Filipino Channel all day.

Wow, good thing not a lot of my goals have changed, but some of them were just too unrealistic!

Another Single Blog (Part II)

2008-04-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last night, I put on my heels and raisin glaze lip gloss and hung out with my PASEr girls. Oh man, and you know when you get a bunch of girls together, we be talking and gossiping the night away!

The four of us that are single were exchanging juicy stories, strategizing what we should do with our crushes, updating each other on who broke up with who, who's looking and who's not. Being the women scientists and engineers that we are, we postulated the question, "Why does it seem like girls are actively looking and trying to attract the opposite sex while men our age aren't even looking or trying?" My answer to that was "40-Year-Old Virgin." Hey man, if guys don't step up, they're going to end up like that (example below)!

Let's face it, and this goes for both men and women, don't tell me you're too busy to date. If a guy or girl asks you to go out to coffee, then you go do it. Let's get organized people! You can hold off on that work assignment for a measely 30 minutes to an hour. That measley 30 minutes can lead to a second date, to a third date, and yeah, other things, if you can catch my drift. You think that bailing out on that opportunity to do overtime at work is going to get you that raise or promotion? Haha, yeah, dream on! Even if you did, what are you going to do with all that extra money anyway? Spend it on videos games when you could be having breakfast the morning after with your girl/boyfriend?

If you want to ask someone to go out for a drink or chit chat around the bend, but you're too scared, you know what, get your balls out of your purse and just do it. The worse thing they can say is no, right? Big deal! Still scared, bring a wingman or wingwoman with you, but please, dump the wingers after a couple "hanging out sessions." You don't want to give the impression that the crush is just a friend or a "nice guy" (NG). NG, the kiss of death, or how Wong Fu Productions would put it, it's like the scarlet letter.

Step it up people! And for those who are, keep your head up and continue on. Someone's sure to bite!

Live What You Wear (Part I)

2008-03-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Right now, I'm sitting with my seven grain bread peanut butter sandwich with the closet open in front of me. My wardrobe colors--black, dark blue, some white, browns, tan, more black. Hideous! No wonder I don't have a boyfriend.

A few days ago, after snoozing the alarm my usual 3 times, I rolled out of bed using my cell phone as a light to navigate to the lamp. After switching the light on, I quickly scanned my work garb. If I were to try to catch that guy's attention, most of these outfits I wouldn't even wear. To the left I saw a few tops that my mom brought back from the Philippines. I grabbed this deep red top from Kamiseta, a famous brand back home. The first time I tried this on about a year and a half ago, I couldn't even close the buttons together, but it fit perfectly!

At work that day, I sported my black pants and my fitted deep red collard blouse with a cute sash that tied in the back. I felt warm, cute, happy, like I had every reason to smile about! My coworkers bid me a few compliments on it too. One even called me the lady in red.

It was a nice spring day outside, so I took a walk over to another building to take care of some business. The rays of the sun felt soothing after this long awaited winter I couldn't help but smile. I bet those guys riding those yellow bikes on the sidewalk were wondering what the hell I had to smile about.

So wear whatever will make you happy! I'm not only talking about what's in your closet, but other things such as wearing a beautiful smile. I cannot stress enought how far a smile will go to enlighten someone's day. A kind smile to a friend, loved one, or a stranger is a gift so simple, yet priceless.

Another Single Blog

2008-03-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

My ass was glued to the chair, my eyes glassing over in front of the computer, and my pointer finger sore from clicking all these freaken cells on the Excel spreadsheet I've been working on all morning. I grabbed a dollar out of my purse and made my way to the soda machine for a nice boost of Diet Mountain Dew.

On my way down the hall, I caught my buddy walking my direction. "Wanna take a walk?" he said. Sure, it's a beautiful day outside. It's a shame being inside, chained to your desk when there's such a beautiful world out there, although it can be difficult to imagine if you're in one of those buildings with no windows. Sucks to be you. I have a nice view of the intersection in front of my building and watching people get tickets for jaywalking and cars honking at the guy stopped at the light for not turning right on a red. Idiots.

Me and my buddy made our way down the escalator. Me being attentive to protocol and common courtesy, I made a passageway standing behind my friend to allow other people to treckle down the escalator passed me.

It was a bit chilly coming out of the building entrance. We were in the massive shadow of the building blocking the rays of the sun. As we turned the corner, the warmth of the sun energized us for the walk. We made chit chat about his family, movies, Britney Spears. No room for my opinion about her here in my blog. To our right, we passed by these grey storage bins for those yellow bikes that everyone's having accidents on.

We continued on. I told him that I owe him lunch. He paid the last time we had lunch together. I keep tabs well when it comes to money. He said I shouldn't worry about it and that I shouldn't see it as I owe him, but see it rather simply as having lunch. He said I'm a genuine person. I try.

He asked about the ex, if there was any contact. Nope. I sure hope he doesn't. And if he does, then I'll have to get my friends' support to remind me not to go back. I told him the next guy I date has to be a good boy, stable, responsible. A family type of guy basically. I told him I'm 28. I'm in no rush.

He then told me a story about people who wait a long time to get married and marry people with "baggage." His friend and coworker married a divorcé with a child. He asked her why she married a man in that situation and she told him "All the good ones are taken."

I forget how we got into this conversation, but at first I was thinking he was trying to tell me something. I patted myself on the chest "I'm 28, I'm still young!"

Haha, I wonder how much longer I'll be claiming how young I am...haha...hum.

I eventually ended my journey back to my desk, popped open the Diet Mountain Dew, sipped it, trigger finger strategically placed on the mouse, ass conformed back into the chair, eyes in wonderment.

Ramiele, That Was OFF DA HOOK!

2008-02-20T21:34:00.000-08:00

Hooold up ladies and gentlemen! Ramiele Malubay was off da hook! Ramiele sang "You Don't Have to Say You Love me." She started off slow and mysterious and built up the voice, added an accent with the head toss over the shoulder, and she blew the judges away!

Man, earlier in the show Simon was being really brutal with the usual no mercy attitude. I was holding my breath when it got to Simon's comments. He rolled over like a little dog in submission showing his belly admitting to Ramiele that at first he wasn't impressed, but this evening, she out sang all the girls!

Girlfriend looked good too. Loved the hair and make-up, loved the shoes!

Did you catch that one bitchy girl in the background with the queen bee look like she wanted to destroy Ramiele? Haha, no way man, Ramiele blew 'em away! Vote, vote, vote! We got to see more of her!

Looking to the Future, With a Smile

2008-02-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

I found a message in my Facebook recently from an old high school friend I haven't seen for almost ten years. The picture on his profile was taken at his recent wedding. Beautiful! I'm very happy for him and his new wife.

At 28 years old, several of my friends are already married, in long term relationships, or like me, enjoying life as a singleton. I'm enjoying this time to myself and I'm going to take advantage of that time until I'm ready again to share it with another person.

Sometimes when my thoughts are not encapsulated in work, school, or dancing, I try to imagine what more blessings will come my way. Will I be getting that condo I've been waiting for? Will I get that promotion? Will I ever stop going to school? But I still like to imagine who I'm going to raise my kids with. Are my kids going to look more like me or my husband? I try to imagine the look on my parents' faces when my kids come running in the house I grew up in and jump up to kiss and greet their grandparents.

I smile. I smile and look forward to the future and what blessings it will bring. I've been so blessed thus far and right now, I'm going to enjoy and party as much as possible until then!

People who I've come across with who have kids tell me to enjoy the time I have now as much as possible. Enjoy it before getting married and having kids because there won't be much "me" time. It's all about raising the family well. Imagine that? Smelly diapers, crying kids, husband not listening to you. I don't really like to include those thoughts in my future forecast, but I welcome that too because I know it's not going to be easy.

So until then, live your life to the fullest and take care of "you!" Go out and have fun, try new things, and meet and learn from new people. Don't fear or fathom over what's going to happen later on. It'll come. Just enjoy and welcome the blessings that will come to you.

WNT on American Idol Season 7: Go Ramiele Malubay!

2008-01-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

I gotta give much love and support to fellow Filipina, Ramiele Malubay! I saw her on this evenings American Idol Season 7 auditions in Miami singing Natural Woman and she blew me away. Before she sang, Randy and Paula warned her that it's a big song and I literally braced myself and crossed my fingers that she'd sing well. Ramiele more than sang well, she broke it down!

I can't wait to see Ramiele perform in Hollywood. Like she mentioned before auditioning, I want to see more Asian-Americans in mainstream media. Good luck, girl! I'm rootin' for you!!

Stay tuned because I'll be writing more about Ramiele during her journey on American Idol.

Watch Ramiele's American Idol audition here!

WNT on American Idol Season 7: They Weren't That Bad

2008-01-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'm watching the tryouts right now for American Idol Season 7 in Charleston, NC and I was disappointed to see that Lindsey Goodman and Oliver Highman didn't get a golden ticket! From what I was hearing, I thought they were decent enough to go to Hollywood.

First off, I was impressed by Lindsey's profession as a pilot in the U.S. Airforce. It was cool to see these "you wouldn't have thought" lifestyles come through this show. In my opinion with her voice, singing "Black Velvet," I thought it had good tone. I agree with Paula that there was quiver to her lips, but I enjoyed hearing her voice and I wanted to hear more in Hollywood. Well girl, I think you should definitely try out next year. I'm sure next time you'll impress the judges the second time around.

Oliver Highman. What a nice guy. Even though he got rejected from the judges, he still wanted to show the world how proud a father he is. He brought his new baby girl out with his wife to show Randy, Paula, and Simon and he left without a complaint. Good job Oliver! I enjoyed listening to your voice too and I hope to see both you and Lindsay back in Season 8.

WNT Product Review: Belkin Leather iPod Touch Case

2008-01-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I bought myself the 8 GB iPod Touch. With its sleek design and susceptibility to being scratched or damaged, I had to get myself a cool case to go with it!

I wanted something that would be durable and stylish and at the same time not compromise the functionality of my new iPod Touch. I chose the Cameo Pink/Chocolate Belkin Leather Folio.

The Good

The hexagon pattern on the front and inner flap of the Belkin Folio gives this classy leather case a "touch" of a retro. The iPod Touch slips in very easily while allowing enough access to attach your headphones and charger. I like the fact that this case doesn't have a clear cover on it that could potentially decrease the touch sensitivity on the iPod. It's probably wise to leave the clear cover on (or purchase those clear covers if you've already taken it off) as an extra precaution.

The Bad

Since the case doesn't create a tight fit around the iPod, it takes two or three tries to press the home screen button. I'm hoping after a few weeks that the case will form better to my iPod's contours. I'm doing that by squeezing the case around the iPod and securing it in place with the velcro strap.

I give this product 3.5 stars. What do you think? Your comments are appreciated!

Anjelah Johnson (Comedian) at Tommy T's in Pleasanton

2008-01-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

I had the honor last night to watch the famous "Nail Salon" skit made famous with over 4 million hits on youtube. Yes! Comedian, Anjelah Johnson, now part of MADtv's new cast Season 13, was at Tommy T's in Pleasanton, CA and she's hilarious!

If you don't know, Anjelah grew up as a cheerleader starting out in Pop Warner. She's a former Raiderette! The cheerleading skit she did almost made me spit out my Coconut Mojito! She made fun of herself dancing at the club for the first time. All the dancing she ever knew was from cheerleading and she sampled some of the moves to Rob Base's "It Takes Two." It was off the hook!

In a new skit, Anjelah took Tammy from the "Nail Salon" skit and put her in as a flight attendant on Southwest Airlines selling peanuts and pretzels over the PA. I won't do her justice to even try to explain the skit. You'll just have to see her perform or find her on youtube.

Go see Anjelah Johnson live!

WNT on New Year Resolutions: Losing Weight (Part II)

2008-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

Scared to step on the scale this morning? You and a million other people who enjoyed the holiday bounty a bit too much this past season and are finally getting back to work with some extra insulation on the rear.

So you come back to work this week fresh and well rested and a long list of new year resolutions. #1 on the list: Lose weight. As you walk to your cube, you noticed that some idiot brought in some boxes of chocolates, cakes, and other tempting goodies. They must have read http://whatnotthought.blogspot.com/2007/12/wnt-on-new-year-resolutions-losing.html .

You have a decision to make:

a. Take all the goodies and stuff them in the trash while everyone's at their morning meeting.
b. What's another day, right? Go ahead an indulge for another day!
c. Walk away.

Answer Key:

a. WRONG. What a way to start off the new year by pissing off your boss by throwing away all the goodies she slaved over making. Say goodbye to that promotion.
b. WAY WRONG! One more day becomes another day and another day becomes another week and another week becomes another month. And before you know it, it's the end of the year again and you're 20 lbs. heavier.
c. CORRECT!! Keep on walking. If you haven't had breakfast already, go to your cafeteria and get some yogart and granola and a nice hot bowl of fresh oatmeal. Pass on the eggs, pancakes, and hashbrowns. If you need to snack, grab some fruit or granola bar. If your boss insists you try some of her cookies, take only one and take a few bites (make sure you tell her that their the best cookies ever). Don't eat the whole cookie though. When no one's looking, wrap the remaining cookie in a napkin and throw it away.

Now that we got that covered, what else can you do to lose some pounds? GET ACTIVE!

Join the gym or take an aerobic class

A lot of gyms like 24 Hour Fitness and Bally Total Fitness have good deals on memberships (The company you work for may even reimburse you for joining a gym. Ask your Human Resources Departmant). Just visit your local gym and take a tour. It's free! Make sure to shop around though because some of these gyms can be a bit aggressive in trying to reel new members in. I pay about $29/mo for my three year contract. Yes, that is a long committment and at times I regret it, so make sure to check out other venues like your local community center or even consider taking a few aerobic or dance classes each quarter or semester at your local community college.

The gym and aerobics classes boring you? Consider taking up a new sport or hobby. There are tons of martial arts studios around, dance groups of all styles, hiking groups, groups training for marathons and triathalons, the list is endless. I'm very active with my hula and tahitian dancing group and I've lost several pounds dancing with them 2 to 3 times a week. These groups have all levels and of all ages. I was a bit intimidated joining my hula halau at the age of 24 with a large "tire" around my waist. But I came to discover that there were other women there as old as 60 that have been dancing and one doesn't have to be as thin as a super model to look good dancing.

You have a lot of down time?

In between classes or breaks at work you probably have a lot of down time. Take a walk around campus ,or at work, walk a lap around the building or climb up and down the stairs a bit. At home, while you're watching the news, do a few squats, sit-ups, push-ups, or tidy up your room or kitchen, even fold laundry. The point is to keep your body moving instead of sitting your life away.

Drink Water!

Before grabbing the soda pop or your favorite diet beverage, consider walking over to the water cooler with your reusable cup and drink some water. It's free, isn't it? You know how many calories you consume per regular can of soda? That's like 150+ calories each! Diet soda? From experience, I've lost more weight drinking water than drinking diet soda. I would limit my diet soda drinks to maybe once a week and supplement the rest with drinking water. Water better hydrates you.

Enjoy your journey to losing weight! Do you have any tips to share?

WNT on New Year Resolutions: Losing Weight (Part I)

2007-12-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

Are you the one I heard say in the buffet line, "I'll start my diet after the holidays." No wait, that was me!

We've all said it while drooling over grandma's home made apple pie, except for that skinny bitch behind you that's already on her 3rd round. How can you say no when everyone's practically force feeding you at every party you attend? You can't say no, right? Okay, okay, we have to indulge sometimes, but now that the holidays are winding down we got to get back on track or for most of us, LET'S GET IT STARTED!

1. What do I do with all those boxes of goodies I got for Christmas?
So you have piles of See's Candies boxes, assorted cookie tins, rum cakes, and hopefully you didn't receive that dreaded fruit cake. Don't even think about eating all that yourself. How about sharing the joy and bringing them goodies to work with you? Make sure to place them in a high traffic area so you can get rid of them faster like a break room, kitchenette, or near the water cooler or coffee pot. Just don't put the fruit cake next to the boss' office. She might get the wrong idea and think twice about promoting you.

2. I have leftovers and I don't want to waste it.
Mom has always taught you not to waste food. Let's compromise. Try to make healthy choices when eating your holiday leftovers. First, eat when you're hungry, not when you're bored. If you're bored, have a glass of water and take a walk, take out the garbage, or knock a couple things off that "to do" list. If you have to snack, do it in moderation and with healthy choices like carrots or half a granola bar.

Second, when it's time to eat don't use the biggest plate you can find. As a rule of thumb, don't use any plate bigger than your face. Better yet, try to find a small saucer or bowl to put your meal in. This cuts down calories significantly. And when you're close to finishing your meal, leave a couple bites left on your plate. This can save you a few more calories.

3. I'm cutting down on food, what else can I do to lose weight?
Now that you've gotten your coworkers fatter, organized your whole house, and eating portions the size of happy meals, it's time to get a bit more active. Go to the mall and exchange those unwanted gifts and when you do, park on the far side of the parking lot or take the stairs instead of the escalator to increase your walking time. Do the same at work. Walk from one building to the other instead of catching the shuttle and take frequent breaks if you sit at the computer all day.

Now you know what to do. Then do it! Stay tuned for more losing weight tips.

A Time for Cleaning = A Time for Selling!

2007-12-31T00:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again to clean out the old closet and shelves and get rid of the useless junk that's been collecting dust for the past year!

Yes, that old calculus book you got stuffed under that table leg or that human sexuality book you got marked up with phone numbers from thoses cuties you sat next to in college (and you're now hiding it from your spouse along with your other stash...unless that cutie is now your better half).

Make a fresh start for the new year and get rid of the crap you have. By all means, donate your used goods and maybe you can get a tax break before the year ends. Or even better--SELL IT!!

I've posted probably 8 items on amazon.com the past week and I've sold 4 items already!

Okay, maybe I didn't make a whole bunch of money selling $3 DVDs and under $40 textbooks, but it's nice to have some pocket money to fund my coffee fixations. I mean, look around the house. The saying goes "Your junk is someone else's treasure," or something like that. I just sold a used A Nightmare on Elm Street DVD for $2.40 and The Fugitive for another $3. Shipping? Amazon.com credits you for it.

Never sold anything online before? It's SIMPLE! Amazon explains it all here.

Still don't get it? Just ask. =)