Blindly chasing after an illusion of dream, or perhaps nightmare

It turned out that all my worries were for naught. One who fails to review its own history is doomed to repeat the failure. By now, I should have learned to believe in myself bit more, but my nagging insecurity stops me at dead track. My licensing examination, as it turned out, only needed to ask me the bare minimum amount of questions before deeming that I was fit to receive the license to practice. I expected to receive the actual license in a month, given all the talk about layoffs in state government center. I ended up receiving the license in five days after the examination. In a hard-shelled envelop, no less. It still does not seem quite real, and yet, my name is there, spelled correctly.

Job hunting has been, nothing less of frustrating experience. Sadly, it has been an ongoing experience. Most of places I placed my hopes on retracted on job openings, and the my fallback plan has failed as I missed out on deadline by one week. For good five months, I have been eating (and over-indulging) on humble cake and licking my wounds while still working in same job I have had for last four years.

By recommendations of my parents, I took two detours and almost ready to step into the next chapter of my mundane, and ever chaotic life. Instead of stubbornly insisting on finding a job in hospital, I took whatever I can take, and take them as an extension of learning experience on both my skill and life lesson. Life is never predictable (and I should have known this well by now).

First new job is in school. My sister laughs at the thought of me working with "snot-nosed brat", and that is exactly what is going on every few weeks. Their lies are transparent, and they are blissfully unaware of the fact that I knew too well to believe their words, but for whatever its worth, they will keep on lying about their stomachache. It is not entirely true to lump them up as a lie, as fundamental difference lies within multiple factors such as family and other interpersonal dynamics. In other words, they may complain of stomachache because something bothers them, let it be parents, friends, class or sometimes, even their lunch. Never feed a child with two hot dogs, a bowl of chili and ice cream at same time. That is all I have to say for now.

Second new job, which I will start shortly, involves more traditional setting. However, my practice most likely involves smaller sets of skills and in more mundane routine. I think I will be able to work through first few months purely on adrenaline filled nervousness and anticipation of working in new environment, but after that, I am not too sure. I had to go through two shots of PPD, and chest X-Ray. Now I have this ugly scars on my arms that might go away in few months, and in need of new uniform.

I really blew up the chance to meet my friends around last Christmas, and I am truly sorry for what I have done. What started out as a case of miscommunication had turned into something pretty ugly, and I am not proud of that.

School:
Starting a new term in March 2010. Most likely take out most of my tax return.

Well-being:
Tasting something fishy, is it from my dinner or am I tasting my own blood?

Job:
I requested a schedule change with a letter of resignation, just in case they could not accommodate my request, and now everyone thinks I am quitting. Whatever happened to my request? Have they forgotten about it? Have they decided that it cannot be done? Just what is going on here?
Starting my second new job in one week.

Reading:
Book: What Americans Really Want... Really: The Truth About Our Hopes, Dreams and Fears by Frank Luntz
Manga: Ai Yori Aoshi (by Fumizaki Kou), Dorothea (by Cuvie), and Happy Negative Marriage (by Amazume Ryuta)

Playing:
Just waiting patiently on Star Ocean: Last Hope International Edition
Soon: Final Fantasy XIII, Sakura Taisen: Good Bye My Love

Two-Cents (does not improve your scratch lottery winning odds):
"Happy Negative Marriage" is so spot-on, it hurts me to the core. I feel like peeping into my inner most fear and it describes myself so well in so many levels, it depresses me. I am getting quite close to that age, and I fear that I may not even have such comical luck (as in real life).
My big boss' wife (also another boss) dropped by to observe how the place is being run. She pretty much laid out that my abrupt resignation will not bode well for the store. I doubt that they will offer to match my new salary (50% hike), so they will have to scratch, bite and crawl to keep the place operating. That, and another person in my department recently handed her resignation letter (four year veteran), so things are not all rosy in my soon-to-be-former workplace.

List of prohibited item (You can't bring that in here!)

The moment of truth has come and gone. After many delays (twice, to be exact), I got up at 4 AM, and started driving from too-early-for-anyone 5 AM for two hours before I waited for the testing site to open up. There were too many regulations. I had to take my fingerprint, which was wholly expected, and palm print, which I did not expect at all. All the personal belongings were removed, then stored into one of the assigned locker before examinees were brought to their stations one at a time.

Then it was over. I did not know what hit me, and before I knew it, the screen was telling me that the test was complete, and I was free to leave. This happened within two hours of the beginning of the test. TWO HOURS!!! My round trip to and from the testing site took almost three and half hours. I felt cheated. I felt lost. I felt as if computer has already decided that it was not worth their time to bother grading my test and promptly sent to electronic paper shredder, all done in encrypted form.

I am fighting the urge to chuck my review book, then stomp on it few times for good measure, if it was not for the uncertainty of passing the test. I guess I will savor the moment where I get to destroy this book without reservation.

I must apologize to my friends. Stephanie is thinking that I have gone AWOL. I just was not in mood to talk to anyone, and felt somewhere in between jittery and nervous wreck with touch of twitchiness that comes with pre-test period. Most people seem to think that I seem relaxed before the test, almost too relax to the point of uncaring. That is not quite true. I just try my best to keep it bottled up instead of having a public display of nervous breakdown.

School:
Could not get license before Fall Semester. My application is now being pushed to Spring 2010 Semester.

Well-being:
Needs coffee, and sleep.

Job:
Feels like my coworker is getting away with murder by throwing a crying/sobbing fit. Amazing... simply amazing experience this is.

Reading:
Book: Random issues of Time Magazine.
Manga: Zero (by Toume Kei), and Happy Negative Marriage (by Amazume Ryuta).

Watching:
TV: New York Jets and New York Football Giants games.
Anime: Taisho Yakyuu Musume, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, and Kanamemo.
Movie: Transformers 2, and Wallace & Gromit Collection.

Playing:
Bioshock.
Soon: Batman: Akhram Asylum, Demon's Soul, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.

Two-Cents (AWP of 81 mg Aspirin):
I stopped watching FOX News after one of moron accused Tesla Auto as a foreign company illegally receiving government loan. Really? Tesla is a foreign company? Since when do we classify a company that has corporate headquarter in US as a foreign company? Last time I checked, that is regarded as a domestic company even if most of goods were produced elsewhere. If having its product to be assembled (but not its parts) in other countries, maybe we should label 1/2 of all so-called-domestic brand automobiles as "foreign" product. And while at it, FOX News should stop calling Honda and Toyota sold in US to be foreign. Afterall, majority of their products sold in US is assembled in US. But no... Honda and Toyota just don't roll in their native American tongue. I have seen recent bouts of stupidity being overloaded and spilling out of mouth in all cable news channels (with CNN's Healthcare-or-Bust, FNC's TEA party organization drive, birther-conspiracy, and MSNBC... too many to say), but this one tops the cake in my point of view. Most viewers would not question this completely fictional statement since this has no direct impact on their lives. Worse yet, they will accept this as a fact and in turn tell more people about this foreign company called "Tesla", and how they swindled our tax money.
Wake Up! News channels need to stop putting their own opinions and package them as a truth, and people needs to start questioning their validity... all three of them! As for me, I have turned to Associated Press for news... a real news, wholesome, dry, without drama and more facts with valid statistics and not smeared with opinions.
Thank you internet for sparing me from having to rely on TV for news... real news.

夏よ、来い! (roughly 'Summer, come to me!')

Well, well, well. I have managed to graduate in flying color (but with crawling attitude). Scrapped enough in final exam and presentation to pass the most important class without begging and pleading. Almost everyone have managed to pass, but not without a casualty in the shape and form of the treasurer of the club.
Pinning Ceremony was unfortunately timed right before the graduation. I believe most people, including myself ended up skipping the graduation due to shear length of it (as well as cold and rainy day dampening the mood). Presentation during the ceremony was rudely interrupted (and never recovered) by an incompetent projector technician, which prompted fellow classmates to chant my name to fix it (I became a go-to guy for anything computer before I knew it).
We exchanged few words and took some commemoration pictures before we part our ways for what could be whole eternity in search for our own path, some would even seek their destiny. Not surprisingly, my father managed to neglect on bringing the camera, thereby keeping his streak of ruining any ceremonies alive.
Harsh economy favors no one. My new job prospective, which I expressed my doubt on the last blog has come true. Three resumes sent, with zero positive return. All I can do at this moment is to pass the board exam, and lots of prayers.

School:
Graduated, new school application is pending until the outcome of the board exam.

Well-being:
On diet (day 1).

Job:
One boss were let go due to two straight days of no-call/no-show. Store manager has moved on to different store, and I might get enough hours over the summer to replenish my bank account.

Reading:
Book: History's Worst Decisions, illustrated edition.
Manga: K-On! (by Kakifly), Acony (by Toume Kei of Hitsuji no Uta, Kurogane and Sing 'Yesterday' to me) and Jasper Temptation (by Himuro Serika of Gekkoh)

Watching:
TV: Mets, and French Open.
Anime: K-On! and Fate/Stay Night.
Movie: Terminator Salvation, Up and Star Trek.

Playing:
Valkyria Chronicles and Flower.
Soon: X-Blades and Cross Edge.

Two-cents (makes better sense than one cent):
California state budget has imploded, prompting the governator to start cutting back on everything, including the state welfare. For those who cries foul, riddle me this:
Where would money come from if no one pays the tax? Our founding fathers once cried, "No tax without representation". Too many people are relying on the government for too many things. While protecting individual rights granted by the constitution and amendment are one thing, but demanding the government to feed is not. Greed and sloth have firmly took there place, and too many hard working people are being ridiculed, and brushed aside when their voices should be heard. Perhaps people might think I am a hateful person for being bashful towards welfare recipients, but I have a right to be resentful. Afterall, I am one of those hard working people who contribute towards the state and federal budget, and yet we are being marginalized when the policy makers are set to make up their mind.
Maybe this event will serve as a wake-up call to those who eats away the budget. What happens in California will soon happen everywhere.

Dancing on the ice on four rubbery boots

New semester has begun, already into the fourth week, and my fellow classmates are already counting down on Days until the Graduation (95 Days to Go). Looking outside, it is endless sea of dull gray and dirty brown surrounding tired white. Road is atrocious to drive, and too messy to walk around. Nearby Stop sign has gone to the way of Dodo after side-swiped by a small pickup truck few weeks ago during a snow storm. Graduation anxiety has yet to set in, but I am already wondering about the future that is unknown to me. Anxious to find a permanent job, equally anxious to think that I may not be able to find one. It is tough time for us to live in. Summer will surely come to this town like a clockwork, but will our heart thaw in time?

School:
Taking 16 credits, and already tired of it.

Well-being:
Blood Pressure is fine, slower season does relieve bit of stress from overworking.

Job:
One boss has quit, and not the one I dearly wanted to be departed from us.

Reading:
Book: 50 Essays
Manga: Amanchu! (Amano Kozue's latest work)

Watching:
I'm not sure if I'm really watching anything on TV anymore.
Watched Coraline; It was highly artistic movie, refreshing change from a depressing movie like The Wrestler.

Playing:
Prince of Persia (Visually pleasing to look at, not so much with playing due to some control issue; thank you princess for saving my bacon).
Waiting for F.E.A.R.2 to arrive.

Two Cents (One Four Hundred Trillionth of the latest stimulus package):
Pfizer bought Wyeth, leaving just few smaller players left in this ever-looking-like-a-gladiator-field industry. Everyone is feeling the effect of higher copay, first from $0.05 increase on Medicare Part D program, and even the Empire Plan is taking hike, leaving many state workers unhappy. My sociology professor once said that one of the best gauge to determine one's social class is to measure their volume level. Louder they are, lower class they are in, and vice-versa. Most customers in my work packs the maximum volume.

What to do with all the lemons when you don't want to make lemonade?

I am bitterly grumbling about the phrase, "Be careful of what you wish for" taking its full course and learning hard lessons of its power. Just when I thought my work could not be any worse, it reared its ugly head and threw me a lemon size of giant boulder. The name who I will not mention in here (and thereby soiling my blog), has been by far the least capable, the most ignorant, and the most obnoxious human being I have ever met... and he is my boss whenever he is around.
He will do the least amount of work. He will avoid the customers to the point that he will pretend that they do not exist. He will push aside any works he does not want to do (and most likely, he has no idea how to do) with his pseudo-trademark phrase, "I am busy, call back tomorrow". He acts and appears as if he is senile, and talks like a person suffering from Tourette Syndrome. He will complain about back pain and sits on the stool or spend time on the waiting area while talking on the phone or fiddling with his iPhone, all the while pushing works to other people. He will rudely talk about customer's last name in loud voice enough to let people from far side aisle to hear him talking, and he will constantly repeat himself and demand others to repeat over and over after him like a broken record stuck in loop. He will take no responsibility over his action when he is ultimately the one to be responsible for any mishap, and crucify those who works beside him in front of customers if it means he does not have to make a small apology to defuse the situation. He alienates many customers, makes them question his competency, sanity, and angers, frustrates those who work with him which they will feel bitter about his $50+/hr. salary all the more.
And that is why I can officially say that I hate my job. I guess being torched by those who were supposed to be on your side stings a lot more and brews resentment towards them.

On the other note, my mother just completed her second course of chemotherapy, the long overdue kitchen remodelling is still... overdue (originally to be completed by mid-November, now, late-January). In other words, life is pretty much the same outside of the work. Perhaps even the work is pretty much the same as well.

School:
On winter vacation, one more semester to go.

Well-being:
Thinking about the leftover birthday cake of mine (about 17 minutes past my birthday).

Job:
Store merger pending (or perhaps never); read above for my ranting.

Reading:
Book: 1421
Manga: Otaku no Musume-san (funny, or tragic, it depends on how you see it)

Watching:
Mostly regular television. My PC suffered human equivalent of simultaneous heart attack and spinal cord injury back in 12/10. As result, I had to scramble to get PSU returned for repair/replacement, and bid for MB. It all ended up taking 20 days to replace the parts and bring my PC back on line. Catching up on all those series that I have missed out, and not doing very well at all.

Playing:
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (really needs to stop cramming Suzuki Cappucino down on player's throat... it's stupid looking car that is slow as hell)
Valkyria Chronicles (Lovely game that made all the other grid-based RPGs obsolete)

Two Cents (out of five cents sitting on my desk):
Thanksgiving dinner was memorable for what my sister-in-law said (and not in a good way), Christmas dinner did not exist this year, and New Year's dinner was a simple and a humble meal together with my family. I gave a lot, and I received more than I expected. I am forever grateful for those who stood by me and supported me through and through. I wished for good health on my family, wished that I will pass my board in first try, and bit of happiness to those around me and myself. Maybe, just maybe this year would bring a glimpse of light on my personal life.

Visual Bliss, Empty Heart

It has been one hectic September. My mother has fallen ill, which turned out to be ascending colon cancer requiring an emergency surgery to remove the ruptured tumor. As she recovers, the market collapsed, sending the market into a never ending downward spiral. My sociology class predicting a daily doom scenario, my boss' seemingly lack of regard for starting on time and indifferent attitude towards work is giving me a heartburn. Clinical rotation is putting me in doubt as if I am getting adequate preparation for the next year's license exam.
Met someone in school who seem to care about anime/manga... (and her first approach was, "日本語ですか？") She is planning to do some kind of cosplay at the end of the semester, and I could tell that she wanted to ask me if I was interested in that. Heavens... anything but cosplay ;_;
Foliage is at its peak right now. Watching the leaves falling down, it is breathtaking sight everywhere. I wish my friends were able to join me to enjoy this scenery.

School:
Attending, and feels bit out of sync.

Well-being:
Munching Sun Chip as I write this.

Job:
Weekend store hours shrunk due to ailing economy. Store merger coming in November.

Reading:
Book: Crest of the Stars (again)
Manga: Karin (by Kagesaki Yuna)

Watching:
Angelic Layer (I tend to favor the series with instrumental scores. Hence the reason why I watched Princess Nine so many times. Not so much for the story, but the shear greatness of its soundtrack)
Code Geass (Very odd series, that clashes with traditional setting as the main character isn't very likable, and I really cannot stand the opening and the closing songs)

Playing:
Little Big Planet (Until Sunday, when the Beta testing ended)
F.E.A.R. (I haven't enjoyed FPS in a long time)

Two Cents (one four hundred trillionth of our recently approved bail out package):
You don't always need a reason to NOT like someone, but it sure is nice to have some kind of legitimate reason. I found a such person for the first time in a while, and I just do anything to stay away from her.
Lots of people were (and still are) angry at the bail out package. They argue, "it's the only those rich traders getting screwed, so why should we pay to save them?" Alas, the aftermath is showing up already, and more jobs will be lost. My parents, with their outstanding credit score couldn't get a small loan to remodel their 30 year old kitchen. Expect to see your loan application getting rejected until the economy improves.

Looking for silver lining in the needle stack

I found about my pay raise in the most unlikely way. First, I was greeted with unbalanced pay, which led me to believe that I was just handed down massive 33% pay cut (figure according to the direct deposit). When I marched into the office, demanding an explanation, they provided that their input was correct, only to find out that the central payroll office inputted wrong amount of hours I have worked (for the second time, no less). When I received the paycheck with hours that were missing, I found out that I have indeed received a pay raise (for the first time in two years). My contract pretty much forfeits any room for pay negotiation, and it also clearly states the basis on my pay raise, so I never complained about it, even if it seemed unfair. After all, I signed it. Looks as if my PDM came to conclusion that he couldn't afford to lose two paid interns in one single summer over pay raise issue, even if he lost the one who would've made an immediate impact.
Summer is almost over, and my wallet will be shrinking soon. Sigh...

School:
In four days.

Well-being:
Losing sleep to watch the Olympic Game.

Job:
Summer customers are leaving, which makes my job bit more manageable.

Reading:
Book: Better (by Atul Gawande)
Manga: Koi Neko (by Mashima Etsuya)

Watching:
The 29th Olympiad (Gymnastic scores are RIGGGED!)
Zero no Tsukaima: Princess no Rondo

Playing:
Soul Caliber IV (Taki & Darth Vader)
JS3

Two Cents (The very same amount I dropped into my parents' penny bank last night):
Intestinal Worm season is almost over (Vermox), and it is now time for some Lice hunting (Ovide). It is hard to fight the temptation to grab the script with rubber glove when you know what it is (and not so sanitary).

Things I've learned from working this summer:
1. Summer people loves to negotiate over everything. Let it be wait time, their insurance copay, etc... Sadly, they won't take the cue that it is not for negotiation when I try to be subtle as possible. Full frontal insult and agitated tone works, but I much rather not use those as it really sours my day after words. Then they complain that every race hates them. There must be a "Taking the cue for dummies" book somewhere.
2. They love sex as much as people next to them. Personal lubricants sells out at record pace during the summer. Most are very discrete as they will come to the section, grab one, then ask if they can pay here instead of the front register. I have been asked by a particularly appalling old grease ball regarding which one feels most like spit, though (Spit???). Which brings...
3. Their choice of contraception is strange as their dress. Yes, yes... most people cannot believe that they are actually using contraceptive. Or that they can even use it in first place. I mean, everyone outside of their belief were told that their idea of sex is purely for procreation, and all act of consumation is holy, etc, etc... I suppose I should be relieved that they are doing their part to curb their population growth (which is nothing short of explosive, as they often end up with 8-14 offsprings, most of whom will be under welfare).
They use contraceptive foam, sponge, and ovule that sits inside like a suppository, except in the other orifice. Supposedly that is how they get away with using contraceptive as it is "passive" form, and not the "active" form like condom. Just plain weird, if you ask me.
4. They stare at people. Have you ever seen a deer staring at you when you flash your headlight at them? It's just like that with those summer people. After their business is done (dropping the script, answering all the essential questions, etc.), they will stand still and keep staring at you. Only after I tell them kindly that there is waiting area to sit down (instead of standing up and staring at me), they will reluctantly move over. I was once told by my old boss that they believe theirs will get done sooner if they stare at the person who's working on it. Um... I guess most people would tell them "what's your ****ing problem?", if they weren't working.
5. They love talking on the phone. They always seem to be stuck to their cellphone, and won't let go of it even if the situation necessiates them to part away from their cellphone. Worse, they will use hand gesture to catch my attention while they jabber away on their cellphone about the most mundane things in their life. I tell them that I cannot serve them until they are done with cellphone due to HIPAA reguation. Then they get irritated (few things that irritate them, one is not bending over to accomodate them), demanding to know why I will not do as they tell me. Some places posted (No cellphone in this area) notice. I think I will have to make one for next summer.
6. Hygienes, hygienes, and hygienes. Some practice of basic personal hygienes (like using soap, very often, very throughly) might prevent many cases of infection and will reduce them from frequently visiting the medical office and taking more antibiotics, and antifungal, etc... Sometimes, I can see clearly that they are in need of personal hygiene training (almost like pigpen, except you can't smell the comic strip). If some religious doctrine prevents from taking their of they body (I don't understand that... even in old testament, people cleaned themselves up after the consummation), then either the person who created the doctrine is out of his mind, or they are dying in the name of religion (kinda like many wars in this world, isn't it?).

That is it for this summer. I can't wait to see what the fall will bring.

Somewhere in between heaven and hell is where grass grows green

My job is looking bleaker and bleaker as days go by. I stand in the middle of the place, trying to stop the rat ship from sinking, but the passer by rat says, "It's all for naught, pal. Why don't you bail out while you can?". Maybe I should take that advice before it's too late.
So my district manager dropped by unannounced. Armed himself with fellow manager. In the name of "listening to the employees", he put up a show worth a penny at the most. All we got in the end was lousy 10-hour increase in total staff hours. Wow... I am throughly moved by his generosity... wait. Doesn't that result about 1 & 1/2 hour increase per day? Ok, I am insulted by his "generosity" now. I told him that "you need to spend money to make money", not that he ever understands it, though.

School:
Six weeks before it resumes.

Well-being:
Tired, frustrated, and annoyed.

Job:
My boss got arrested for driving with suspended license... so I am guessing that I am gonna see the excrement hitting the fan tomorrow.

Reading:
Book: Parasite Eve (by Hideaki Sena)
Manga: H2 (by Adachi Mitsuru)

Watching:
Batman Begins (in Blu-Ray)
Planetes (Off-beat comedy/drama about not-so-distant future grunt workers... reminds me of... me? Highly recommended)

Playing:
Waiting for Soul Caliber IV (Darth Vader, here we go!)

Two-cents (which buys you two drops of gasoline):
When your two year old comes down with oral thrush, it's time to check hygiene for whole family and their living environment. If that parents cannot remember their billionth child's birthday (um, I don't remember. Does it matter?), then it's time to check their parents' fitness to raise that child. If that parents drive a minivan like drunken stupor... well, that means you are in Upstate New York in summer. Road filled with retarded Brooklynese with their fucked up logic for everything.

Just when you thought you were down, you could drop a notch lower

This happened a week before Monday. Our "wonderful" District Manager decided that we should operate the store by itself, sans automated machine. Just like that, most of the employees lost a third of their hours. It does not matter that summer is our busiest time, nor the fact that I am dying in the store try to do three persons' worth of work, nor the fact that my boss is having a midst of hiss fit which ultimately results in more work for me to mop up on. It is all about the bottom line, and thanks to the costly merger, I am getting the short end of the stick.
Thanks for nothing, Sam. You are a real pal for leaving us high and dry in the store while you ignore our call for help. Let us repay you by turning away customer on the basis that we cannot take care of them since we have no one to take care of them.
Oh, who am I kidding... he doesn't give a damn as long as his "cost cutting" measure appeases his bosses.

School:
Orientation soon.

Well-being:
Dead tired, and slightly drunk.

Job:
Go to hell, Sam. And to hell with my boss for throwing hiss fit without regard to anyone else.

Reading:
Book: Um...
Manga: Skyhigh Karma (and thank god, Inuyasha has ended after 12 years).

Watching:
Princess Nine, Ergo Proxy, Azumanga Daioh (all through PSP)

Playing:
Jeanne D'Arc (Stage 4) , Metal Gear Solid 4 (Act 1: Liquid Sun)

Two Cents (or 1.28 Euro Cents):
It does not matter if Randolph should have seen his firing coming from miles away or the fact that Mets were under-performing to the point of needing coach replacements. The fact is that he got axed at 3:15 AM EDT, and NO ONE deserves to get fired in such ungodly hour.
And I want all the narcotic junkies to mark their calendars on next refill date and STOP calling every f***ing other days to have their fix when it's 5, 10, or 15 days too soon. Keep on doing that, and I might have to start calling DEA office to have ourselves raided, their narcotic supplying doctors, and the abuser's home as well.

Tears of allergy

Classes are over, and I am heading into yet another summer break. Pinning ceremony for the upper-classman was somewhat disappointing, and left plenty of room to improve upon (so that we won't end up with same dumpy ceremony).
I have been sneezing up the storm, and nothing seems to work. Perhaps I should confine myself inside and refuse to go outside.
My friend's wedding is almost here, and once I figure out how to embed the picture within the blog, I might post few shots (and no, I won't post anything embarrassing). Trip to Shea Stadium has been delayed, hopefully I will get a new camera by then.

School:
End of the semester, passed all the classes. No summer classes for me (I hate them).

Well-being:
Sneezing up the storm.

Job:
Perfectly dreadful, and my PDM is a.... never mind.

Reading:
Book: Open for suggestion.
Manga: Omamori Himari (by Matra Milan)

Watching:
Too many events in CNN Headline News.

Two Cents (buys less than two cents worth of penny raw material):
Entire stock of Digitek (generic-brand of Digoxin) becomes the latest of recalled medicine, and screws up the lives of million people out there. Panic ensues! Geezers call to plea their cases and try to buy some sympathy from us (as if I haven't heard every excuses already). The simple fact is that the Mylan/Bertek/UDL fucked it up big time and once again we take the blunt end of misery. Getting tired of telling people that "yes, we are well aware of the fact; no, we haven't been able to secure bottles of digoxin from other companies; yes, over 20000 pharmacies are going through same shit, trying to secure their supplies; yes, we can give you few tablets to hold over; no, I'm not uncaring, just sick of repeating myself in front of groveling, sobbing people who are just as selfish as I am.". Now, please stop calling every pharmacies and tell your life stories. Next geezer can't call us to tell same story if you are hogging the phone all day long, ok?

NexGen into the LastGen

Store conversion is finally completed, and at last, my old discount card has become nothing more than a memory. With all the changes it has brought, with people leaving, stores closing, curses are often heard like a casual greeting, and frown are the only face worn by the people around me.
As for me, I feel as if I'm stuck in a vortex of misery, forever swirling around and around into the abyss of numbness of indifference and agony.

School:
Almost at the end of the semester, two papers to write, and few more exams before the finals.

Well-being:
Tired and worn out, but still managing to do what I have to do.

Job:
Understaffed and overworked, thinking about finding new job real soon.

Reading:
Book: Textbook
Manga: Zetman (from the author of I"s. Very dark, and very good)

Watching:
Mets! Mets! Mets!

Two Cents:
So you blame everyone for your medicaid not working. That how suck our government and how suck we are for not being able to just magically override PA for your $1000 medicine. Well... how about not blaming us for your lazy fat ass keep on growing and get a job to support yourself? I'm sick of dishing out hundreds of dollars every year on medicaid to those ungrateful bastards when I have no health insurance of my own to count on.

Laughing at my own misery while digging out the car from snow pile

It's day... whatever. I am already few weeks into this semester, few tests after me, and more before me. Just had 3rd snow day, which is probably something of record setter for my college. At the least it spared me from having to write another clinical paper which was due today XD.
Love digging the car out while cursing at some random object. One thing that has been constant with my Olds is that the thing has a way to keep me honest. Water bracket broke (and I had no idea such thing existed until then), it's finally fixed. Rear Defroster didn't work, and turned out it just had low amp. to make it worth awhile.
So I brave through this winter season in nicely chilled car, while I drown the engine noise with Sakamoto Maaya's DIVE album. Oh yes, I do sing along. Quite possibly the worst sing along ever, and I haven't been shameful enough to dare tape my singing. It would put Prez. Bush's rambling to shame.

School:
So much harder... and reminds me that getting old sucks monkey's butt.

Well-being:
Beef jerky makes poor substitute for a meal... and same goes with Tator Tots.

Job:
Floater named "S" is an absolute piece of work. And a creep, and a pervert, and a lecher, and a moocher, and a shameless asshole, and incompetent baboon, and...

Reading:
Book: Textbooks
Manga: Kamisama wa Chuugakusei! aka. Kamichu! (by Naruko Hanaharu, and yes, his hmanga is even better!!)

Watching:
Democrat mudslinging.

Two cents:
DEA complains about CII abuse, and yet, they changed the regulation to allow doctors to write consecutive scripts to let patients have 90 day supplies. Why? Because either A) DEA is run by paradoxical contradiction makers (sounds like our government to me), or B) DEA is run by pro-MD ass kissers. Feels a lot like peeping through the keyhole to hell. As if it isn't bad enough to battle with bunch of drug abusers. I think bulletproof glass will be needed real soon in pharmacies everywhere.

Sympathy is easy to fake, but empathy is hard to come by.

Day 3 of new semester has gone by, and I felt like I just got hit by a 16-wheeler. I couldn't see where I was going, and before I realized it, Day 1 was already over. And to think that I volunteered to attend early classes... too late to make a change but to remind myself every morning that attending morning classes when I am a night owl. I feel like a moron now.
My wonderful (insert sarcasm here) job has swindled me. My paycheck pulled a magical disappearing act, and I am short by roughly 40%. Just when I found out that I might have to dish out $400 on books, I am officially broke until next month. Isn't life ought to kick my groin or what?

School:
Started, and already dreading it.

Well-being:
Might have to start an involuntary diet like Gari.

Job:
They robbed me in broad daylight! SOB.

Reading:
Book: Class notes.
Manga: Nazo no Kanojo X (by Ueshiba Riichi; one behind "Yume Tsukai")

Watching:
South Carolina Primary Report.

Two Cents:
Simvastatin (generic Zocor, the cholesterol reducing drug) pulled an amazing disappearing act. All pharmacies using McKessen as their primary distributor are all affected by it. Next time you go to your local pharmacy and told by them that they are out of 20mg and 40mg, don't bitch at them. It's not their fault. Call up Teva and tell them to stop getting their factories blown up by terrorists or move the factory out of Jerusalem.

Snow! (and how this powdery goodness is killing my car)

I got together with my friends for the first time in a long while, and we ended up stuffing our face with food until we literally exploded. Not the prettiest sight you could imagine. Timesquare is looking sparkling as ever, even at 2AM, when the most of visitors either heads home, or to their hotel room. All I could see is a NYPD cop getting a free coffee inside a 24-hour Starbucks, and some random joe talking on the phone while heading to nowhere. It was drizzling outside, so I could imagine that it must've been snowing where I live now.
Yoshinaga (it's some japanese food chain that serves beef bowl) in Timesquare is their 1000th chain. I didn't even see the sign inside the store until now. Brooklyn USA Diner is one truly shining example of everything being overpriced around there. Todai (it's sushi buffet place around 32nd street) is expensive... at $27.95 per person, you better bring someone who will eat their money's worth, and some more. At the least fishes were fresh and quite edible.

School:
One more week until Spring Semester begins.

Well-being:
Needs to take Pepto-Bismo.

Job:
Driving 1 hour to work really drains out the gas tank. It doesn't help that my feet aches after standing up for 9 hours or so.

Reading:
Book: Nothing (just some newspapers, and Popular Mechanics)
Manga: Umi no Misaki (For you leeches, thank Gari for translating, and editing, and I for bring this series to Gari)

Watching:
NFL Playoffs.

Two Cents:
Vytorin and Zetia really failed on the clinical trial. All those stupid commercials about Zetia, and funny ones about Vytorin disappeared from the TV since yesterday. I expect many angry patients to see their doctors and pharmacists. (Whatever should I do about those 15 bottles of unopened bottle of Zetia?)

2008 is the year of... what animal is it again?

Wishing that everyone had good Christmas, and got what you wished for (if not, there's always next year, right?)
2008 is the year of Rat, by the way. With up coming election brewing in full force, I smell stench of rats gathering around in Washington D.C. already.
It's pretty cold here, and yet another birthday of mine came and left. I thank those who sent me a card (especially my cousin Sue).
Few more days until the classes resume, so until then...

School:
Read my previous post.

Well-being:
Had cupcake as my birthday cake. Otherwise, not so bad.

Job:
Able to take on few more hours from other stores; and very annoyed.

Reading:
Book: Mitchell Report (and my gawd, it's boring report at that)
Manga: Kurogane (by Toume Kei, one of my favorite author)

Watching:
College Bowls (minus Rose Bowl), NFL, and lots of PBS HD (Loved their MET presentation of 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia')

Two Cents:
Never knew that PS3 could be so loud while in operation. MGS4 is looking more promising as the days go by.
Protonix is now available as Generic, and Zyrtec will be out as Generic and OTC. Allergy sufferers, rejoice!

I've survived Black Friday and among others...

Oh my... Look how time has flown. I meant to post this entry right after Black Friday, but little things called final exams and life got in the way.
As for Black Friday, it was sheer madness. Bestbuy opened at 5AM, and by the time I arrived at 4:40, there were about 400 people in front of me, thinking very same about how to save some money. As it opened, there were about 200 behind me, go figure :(
I managed to slug my way through human traffic and get what I wanted (and what I needed), and thanks in no small part to Black Friday, I managed to finish all my Christmas shopping done early. It was rather fortunate day (as Lego Store employee pointed out), as I found instant 50% off coupon upon check out at the Lego Store (which something those employees thought were nothing but an urban legend).
Final exams were all completed, I managed to take care of it with ease... except I had to retake clinical competency (sign of things to come?).
I can't wait to open up some gifts already.

School:
First of four semesters completed, passed all classes. Break until 1/23/2008.

Well-being:
Was on diet for awhile, lost about 10 lbs.

Job:
Still the same job, except in the midst of hour cut (and ever shrinking paycheck).

Reading:
Book: Nothing in particular.
Manga: Berserk (actually pretty decent series if you can get over with violence and gore part), Nodame Cantabile (Gyabo!)

Watching:
Tinkering with QAM in my TV-Tuner. HD never looked this good in 22" monitor.

Two Cents: (Soon to be Two and Two-Hundredth, inflation adjusted)
Lots of snow here, about 8" from few days ago, and more to come tomorrow. Picturesque view, except I have to navigate through a car that is too low, and 2WD short of bearable in winter time. Hot cocoa anyone?

Battle Maiden in Canary Yellow Smock

Lo' and behold, the summer has ended. My first week of school has been nothing short of sheer ruthless, and lots of folks are here, enjoying the labor day weekend in this countryside.
What lies ahead of my path is still uncertain, but it doesn't seem like a shade of murkiness. It looks very... wet and slippery now.

School:
First is over, and I am already eight chapters behind my reading. Le sigh...

Well-being:
Blood work is done, and the lab value reads that I am fine.

Job:
Summer is over = less work to do

Reading:
Book: Whole bunch of textbooks
Manga: Mimia-hime (one of three series being published by Tanaka Yutaka, one of my favorite mangaka)

Watching:
Los Mets, and the football season is almost here.

Two Cents: (Short of 48 cents)
Lots of burnt out people in my classes, I feel right at home. New class of AIDS medication is about to hit the door, and I expect the sales rep. to bring some spiffy pens. About time, too.. as I am running out of ink on my Valtrex pen.

Stereotyping... It's painfully fun even if it's politically incorrect

This is what I have learned from my job.
1. Customer is the king (and that is precisely why they are ruthless... just like how the royalty treats his subject)
2. Stereotype is there for a reason (Yellow, black, white, whatever; I have yet to see a stereotype without a valid reason)
3. Doctors love to feel superior (and that is why they get all angsty whenever I bust their chop)

School:
Registered, tuition paid, just need to straighten out few kinks... (such as books, etc)

Well-being:
A Okay.

Jobs:
Busy, busy, busy...

Reading:
Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Zero no Tsukaima (The Familiar of Zero); it is currently unavailable in English form, unless Seven Seas really did acquire the right to release in US.
Manga: None.

Watching:
Zero no Tsukaima, Baseball Tonight

Two Cents:
Back-to-School sales event are everywhere, but not where it matters the most to me. Dell needs to bring out new CPU lineups from Intel really soon, or I will just bolt out and buy from HP.

Someone I know once described certain people "Buffalo Warriors". Can you guess whom they might be?

Whatever happened to my winter?

It's long gone, goodbye winter.
I've been on the move yet again, hopefully for the last time in a long while. Grass is tall, birds are chirping, and my dog is sleeping as usual. Oh, and Mets rule! (Status Report Time!)

School:
On break, considering making some changes soon.

Well-being:
Can't really complain about it.

Jobs:
Slow for now, but it will get busy in a week or two.

Reading:
Book: The World is One: Princess Yi Pangja's Autobiography (out of print for almost 30 years now, had to search around to find a decent used copy)
Manga: Claymore (Action/Myth/Drama: Highly Recommended Series)

Watching:
Mostly Weather Channel XD

Two Cents:
Exubera flopped like a fish out of water, people around here take more Percocet than crack cocaine, and doctors are retarded as ever. What's new?

Time to hop onto the iron beast known as a lawn tractor and round and round we go...

Maddening normalcy of 'wtfbbq'-ism

It sure has been one stressful month. Classes bother me, job gives me upset stomach, and coworkers bickering makes me want to just roll my eyes. At least there is Thanksgiving break for me to look forward to. Since it's hard to name the name and play some blame game without giving away the explicit detail regarding my job (hence jeopardizing my job security), I will let it go until I can think this one through: (Status Report Time!)

School:
It's there, immobile as ever.

Well-being:
Could use some exercise.

Job:
Let's not talk about it.

Scanlation:
Waiting for this series to be released in tankobon.

Reading:
Book: Memoir of Geisha (Drama)
Manga: Ah! My Goddess (Drama/Comedy/Supernatural/Harem)

Watching:
Mets lost, so no more baseball for me until next season.

Two Cents:
More anti-diabetic drugs... terrific. Let's see how much insurance companies will profit from this, and let us hope that no CEO will retire with billion dollar golden parachute.

Kenny Rogers didn't put dirt on his pitching hand... that was poo.

Mets better land on Zito and stop chasing after another Japanese player... because Shea Stadium has been a graveyard for Japanese player.

I hope you got your flu shot.