" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate,Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

Monday - February 20, 2012

The guys at work were talking about weight loss and weight stuff today, my comment was I usually don't believe what the scale says and that is the reason I don't weigh myself as I am most comfortable using my pants as a gauge for weight gain or weight loss...funny thought...

...I guess next time when I start not wearing pants-- I've become an unbeliever of the "pants gauge"

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate,Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

Monday - Feb. 20th, 2012

I was hoping the magical creatures of the abyss did all my work for me, finished all the Fall12 collection sample sets, did the sample inventory, input all the fabric styles, color codes and sewn quantities...but nope, waiting on my table this morning are the line-up of linesheets and a pile of other paperworks to do. Oh well...

...Driving to work this morning, my brain is doodling more than usual, thoughts are passing through like information running at 100mbps. One particular thought kind of resonated and my mind made an immediate agreement - ""don't u just "LOVE"" those people who seem to know everything and seem to always have an opinion on everything, even the unsolicited ones?

In most cases I try to just nod or do the usual "oh" and "hmm" reaction but sometimes when I'm really not in the mood, i tend to just keep quiet until the "disturbance" leave the premise or done with what is seemingly a full dialogue of "blahs"...ANYWAY

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

7/20/11

I miss a lot of things, things I used to do, things I used to enjoy, people that made me smile, my dogs that loves me and comforts me.

I miss a lot of things, when decisions doesn't have to be extremely complicated, things that won't be such a pain.

I miss a lot of things, I miss the simplicity and calm the comfort amidst the pain. I miss a lot of things...I miss the peace of mind and like a beloved friend, I have to find again...it feels empty, incomplete...

I miss it---with God's help I hope I find again.

These kind of moments suck.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

7/20/11

Now I know how Monica Geller feels... I literally ate my cookie by the sink! But wait! There's a reason for this seemingly weird behaviour...It's ants season and they seem to find their way into my shack!

Don't sweat the small stuff, I always tell myself, being a little OC, it can be tough but it helps...big time!

Here we go again (a re-post)

A Re-Post of my old entry which makes a lot sense re-publishing:


This morning while having my cup of coffee, I decided to read the reader's section of the newspaper. As usual the typical political views and annoying local government F**k-ups are expressed by the local newspaper subscribers.

 Browsing through the whole page of the paper, one particular issue caught my attention...

...Responsible Pet Ownership, this issue has always been a topic that I am very much interested about, don't get me wrong, I am not an animal activist at all nor have any desire to be one. The lady expressed her frustration with the stupidity of some pet owners and their audacity to whine and complain about concerned or pissed neighbors trying to catch their wandering kitty who poops at the neighborhood yard or the obnoxious loose dog who has become a nuisance to be surrendered to the local humane society.

First and foremost, when you decide to add a new family member to your home, you better make sure to realize that you are adding not just a pet but most of all a RESPONSIBILITY for every member of the household. Most people are often caught in the excitement of having an adorable dog or kitty to their new home but later regret the responsibility that comes along with it, it is almost like an obsession to get the cute pet, like buying a brand new handbag then later left alone and neglected, the poor creature...hmmm...If I am not mistaken last I heard, dogs are not handbags and you cannot just buy one and keep it in your closet!

Second, and this is absolutely one of the most annoying and frustrating IMO...RESPONSIBILITY DOES NOT END AT HOME!!! When you decide to take your dog for a long walk in the park or at the trail, PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG!!! Trails and Parks are not doggie toilets and there is absolutely no excuse for leaving your dog poops on the trail unless of course you're just a lame-lazy-stupid-lard-butt!Walking your dog is a good exercise not just for your pet but also for you, why not double the effort and try to stretch your back and reach for your pets poop and not leave it for somebody else's shoe! This is basically the same reason why a lot of our nice parks and trails doesn't allow dogs anymore, It is a shame and lack of respect for other responsible pet owners. Parks and trails are made for everyone's enjoyment, please be responsible.

Lately there has been a lot of buzz about breed specific legislation, this means banning a certain breed of pet in a community. I have always believed that there is no such thing as a bad dog only, really STUPID owners. From the moment that you bring that dog into your life, it is a commitment. Love it, Discipline it, most of all TRAIN IT! If you cannot do any of this, just buy a stuffed-toy doggie in the store, I guarantee you that you are doing a VERY good thing for every responsible pet owner and the community.

Our shelters are getting crowded day by day, Cats & dogs are being bred unscrupulously and irresponsibly by people who think that breeding is a profitable business - If you are a responsible dog or cat breeder, you know that it is not!, most of the time, your loss is more than what you'll gain. If you are a puppymiller who could care less about the quality of dogs you produce and sell out in the public- then probably you'll gain some money, but to sell an unhealthy dog to someone is something that will eat my conscience through out that dogs life not to mention the heartache and vet bills that you will give that unfortunate family.

If you are thinking of getting a pet, please weigh your options and really think about it before committing to getting one - It is a life long commitment, don't let the cuteness of those pups shadow your logical thinking, unless you are really ready to get one, unless you are certain that you can responsibly take care of one, unless you realize the commitment that comes along with it, then probably you should hold-off before adding a new "living creature" into your life.

P.S.: If you want to support the shelters, donate to your local humane society, don't waste your money to the HSUS, ( Humane Society of the United States) mind you the HSUS people are seating their ass comfortably in a (probably) multi-million dollar leased bulding in NYC, the saddest thing though is they only spend a small percentage of this donations towards the protection of animals...hmmmnn...they probably should stop sending those address label stickers, calendars and umbrellas and just use the money for what it is meant for...darn'it!

Here are some links that tells about the millions of dollars donated by unsuspecting people to the HSUS, It is easy to get carried away with their propaganda's especially if there is a poor little dog and a sad sad story about him.
http://btoellner.typepad.com/kcdogblog/corrupt_politics/index.html
 http://talk.rgj.com/viewtopic.php?t=37505

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

Infommercials are like sex, after all the exciting bruohaha, it makes me feel sleepy after ...Triverex? Hmmm? Gimme a break ha ha

Calories in-Calories out. Kick boxing =a plate of meatballs swimming in delicious marinara sauce ( I guess I need to add an extra mile running on the treadmill before that)

Why is it that before I hit the sack, my brain decides to switch into high gear? Things to do, things to pack, did I do this? Did I lock the door, it'll be nice to take a shower before bed, what to wear tomorrow, what's in the fridge, I wonder if traffic will suck, did I lock my car, did I lock the doors ( yes i did!!! Already!!!), kill the darn ants, why are the plant leaves turning yellow...sighhh...but wait! What's for breakfast?!

Good night.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

7/18/11

Was driving along Pacific Coast Highway today, a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, it's Kind of nice to just drive and go where your mind takes you, from the 101 to Kanan Rd ( which by the way is a beautiful back country drive) with my camera, a few candies and my water bottle in tow, I strolled the seemingly endless shore of Zuma beach, not too crowded and so relaxed, the cool breeze from the ocean, almost crisp and salty...

...I was there, all by myself not thinking of anything, not worrying about anything, just seizing the moment- every click of the shutter is a part of the relaxing sound as the ocean rumbles as it hits the shallow shore...

...I don't know where the next adventure will take me but a part of the mystique of adventure is in not knowing.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

7/15/11

No fun getting into a crossroad... sometimes you feel better if your are numb.

There are times when you feel like you just don't care anymore, but the sane side of your mind says "there'll be more harm done than good" in doing so.

Dreams and wishes are free, I wish I could say the same for reality.

Oh screw it, I'm off to bed.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

7/10/11

Earlier today, I was at Arlington garden in Pasadena, nothing grand, just simple relaxing conglomeration of california species, armed with my faithful companion, my camera, i basically just "clicked" this day away...off to the beach

I can't believe the crowd here today, Venice is always a bustling, interesting community of their own, I love it here, I feel that i could careless about what anyone would think when I'm at this place, very laidback, relaxed, live and let live scenario - the diversity is amazing, the environment- for me, it's a release.

I don't know if it's the depression or just stress, but sometimes, I'd rather be alone on days like this- not thinking about work, not bothered by all the stress, no cellphone (maybe my fb for my thoughts), nothing nada, zip. Just me, my car, my camera and refillable water bottle..and some candies---I don't even want to think about tomorrow, I'll just wait for the sunset and enjoy the rest of my day.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/28/11

There are days that are bright, full of light, fun and worry free but comes the dawn of the day when darkness overcomes the bright cheery day, the feeling of being alone sinks in, sadness and darkness makes you feel like a child, alone in a dark room.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/20/11

I love the fact that good TV Ads are still out there, those that touches your heart, brings a smile on your face and occasionally brings tears to your eyes...

...Hallmark makes good ones especially during the holidays, even beer commercials such as budweiser are doing a great job, but one that really brought tears to my eyes is the one made by Jello:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyKhP6x0tXE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/18/11

There's a reason for the seasons.
Spring comes like a new beginning, Summer shines, a life celebration.
Autumn comes like a wardrobe change,
Winter's peace, and time of solace.

Life is a cycle...

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/16/11

Paddling upstream is hard, it can be an awful time :(

...Learn from the Salmon, perseverance and have a set goal, you'll get there.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/15/11

In the morning, I'm like a slug...it's a good thing though that I don't leave a trail of slime along the way...or do I? *eww..never mind

Gym bag packed, stuff for tomorrow ready, I just hope by the time I get to the gym after work, my gym bag is in my car. Like the time I was about to leave for work, I grabbed my office satchel and camera bag, locked all the doors and "thought" I grabbed my car keys...nah-ah, I grabbed the wrong set of keys (locking my self out of my own shack with my car keys still inside...grrr)

another fiasco...I brewed myself a very nice cup of Joe- fresh out of the Keurig, direct drip in my travel mug, poured a good amount of cream, stirred and capped, I'm ready to go! but then I get side-tracked either I went to the John or looked for something in my bedroom, last thing you know "oh my-time to hit the road, am gonna be late for work"............after the long day at work at least somebody is there to greet me, sitting on my counter is my now cold and stale cup of Joe!

I need to unclutter this brain...seriously.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/15/11

Listening to Shania Twains "Today is your day" love the song, almost like a mantra...I'm hopeful.

Travelling on a different road, much better than the rocky one I used to be on, few bumps and pot holes along the way but I feel much better on this path.

Sometimes I just feel like sitting at the corner and watch the world go by---when depression strikes, you just feel like a gummy bear, lots of flavors but no nutritional value, in other words, just a way to kill time, you chew and chew until your jaw hurts...maybe it's better to hide under a rock, which reminds me of the Geico commercial...it's geico not gecko.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/12/11

At Panda Express for a quick lunch - the fast food that is super slow! Can't blame them though it's mostly the people ahead of me who seem to want to have free lunch by tasting all of the entrees...geesh ...I usually go to Costco for that

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/3/11

Just got home, everything seems so mundane on this Friday evening.

I sat down on my over stuffed leather recliner, so soft, so comfy and cushy- it always made me sleepy.

Second day in my new job, training is over - damn I have a lot to learn.

We hear fashion, the first thoughts that comes to mind are clothes, dresses, styles - but na-ah...I can't believe the process it takes to create that darn dress not to mention the amount of work that doesn't even involve being in the sewing room- fit, trims, vendors, outside work, outsourced garments---wow ( and that's just some of it!)

Oh well! Everything can be learned with hardwork and patience...but for now,

...I'm hungry, got to get out of this chair and find some grub :)

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

6/1/11

When one door closes, another one opens. The events in our life happens for a reason, some totally unexpected, and some are utterly disappointing but yet there is always a reason for whatever good or demise or for whatever the case maybe. As we gradually accept and let go of what had happened in the past, we can fully open ourselves to the adventures that awaits on the other side of that open door.

Embrace change, open your mind to new adventures, who knows it could be so much more than what you had previously expected.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter (Questioning, Mysterious, Compassionate, Doubting, Hilarious, Can be down-right weird and funny)"

8/22/10

We sometimes ask why the winding road never seem to end, why the light at the end of the tunnel seem so hard to reach.

Some of us come to a point when we feel like tumbleweeds, We travel, We go where the winds of time will take us, we feel lost and with no definite direction.

When life throws us a basket of lemons, catch it and juice it!...We cannot blame life for all that's happening around us, and there is really no point in blaming life for all the misfortunes and unfortunate events happening to us...

Depending on an individual's maturity and grasp of reality, Life's lemons can be a valuable source of strenght and will power to move on. Although at times, we have to make such difficult decisions, we shouldn't allow the regrets and our past hold us back, instead, apply the lessons from this experience to find peace and direction to lead our lives in a much brighter, productive and peaceful way of living.

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter " ( mysterious, questioning, adventurous, funny, random or weird)

8/21/10

I need Coffee!...

...on second thought, I'll ditch the coffee, Mr. Bed and Blankie won't let me go...

...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter " ( mysterious, questioning, adventurous, funny, random or weird)

8/20/10

On Hwy 46, on our way home from Santa Cruz, Del Mar Elementary to be exact...

...The longest part of the weekend is basically the drive. A day and a half at the house in LA then returning back to Santa Cruz on Sunday afternoon...

Hectic friday, stressful friday, aggrevating friday, hard to find inner peace dealing with two faced, back-stabbing, know-it-all, ungrateful artard...this I need to count more than 1 to 10, I better start counting now, while I still have a couple hours of driving ahead of me...

...1,2,3....weha!

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter " ( mysterious, questioning, adventurous, funny, random or weird)

8/19/10

"Frozen corndog on a stick, a far cry from the real deal - sigh, where did the deep fried snickers go?"

I'll go for a run after my coke and milkduds :)

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter " ( mysterious, questioning, adventurous, funny, random or weird)

8/18/10

This morning, on our way to work in our vanpool a co-worker gave a hefty sneeze...ACHOOOO!!!!

Immediate weird but funny thought:
"Can I hold my breath for at least 5 minutes more?"

Seems like the gray matter woke-up on the funny and weird side of the bed...

" Thoughts of the Gray Matter " ( mysterious, questioning, adventurous, funny, random or weird)

5/14/10

There once was a village that had among it's people a very wise old man.
The villagers trusted this man to provide them answers to their questions and concerns.

One day, a farmer from the village went to the wise man and said in a frantic tone,
"Wise man, help me. A horrible thing has happened. My ox has died and I have no animal to
help me plow my field! Isn't this the worst thing that could have possibly happened?"

The wise old man replied, "Maybe so, maybe not."

The man hurried back to the village and reported to his neighbors that the wise man had gone mad.
Surely this was the worst thing that could have happened. Why couldn't he see this?

The very next day, however, a strong, young horse was seen near the man's farm.
Because the man had no ox to rely on, he had the idea to catch the horse to replace the ox-and he did.
How joyful the farmer was. Plowing the field had never been easier.
He went back to the wise man to apologize.

"You were right, wise man.
Losing my ox wasn't the worst thing that could have happened. It was a blessing in disguise!
I never would have captured my new horse had that not happened.
You must agree that this is the best thing that could have happened"

The wise old man replied once again, "Maybe so, maybe not."
Not again thought the farmer. Surely the wise man had gone mad now.
But, once again, the farmer did not know what was to happen. A few days later the farmer's son
was riding the horse and was thrown off. He broke his leg and would not be able to help with the crop.
Oh no, thought the man. Now we will starve to death. Once again, the farmer went to the wise man.

This time he said,"How did you know that capturing my horse was not a good thing?
You were right again. My son is injured and won't be able to help with the crop.
This time I'm sure that this is the worst thing that could have possibly happened.
You must agree this time.

" But, as just he had done before, the wise man calmly looked at the farmer and
in a compassionate tone replied once again, "Maybe so, maybe not."
Enraged that the wise man could be so ignorant,
the farmer stormed back to the village.

The next day troops arrived to take every able-bodied man to the war that had just broken out.
The farmer's son was the only young man in the village who didn't have to go.

He would live, while the others would surely die.

The moral of this story provides a powerful lesson.
The truth is, we don't know what's going to happen--we just think we do.

Often we make a big deal out of something.
We blow up scenarios in our minds about all the terrible things that are going to happen.
Most of the time we are wrong. If we keep our cool and stay open to possibilities, we can be
reasonably certain that, eventually, all will be well.

Remember: maybe so, maybe not.

I'm back...

It's been a while since I last wrote my thoughts on this side of the blogosphere, however, I have been doodling on other medias so I will be transferring them here one at a time to share and maybe get a laugh or hopefully find some thoughts that you may find interesting.

Everyday...I Am Thankful

Every night before I sleep,
I say my prayers and give thanks.

In the morning when I wake up,
I clasp my hands and thank God.

I thank God for giving me another day, to live it with meaning and reason.

I thank God for my parents, My Mom Flora and Dad Irving, They are the most gracious, generous loving parents and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

I thank God for my Brother Gil and Sisters Imelda & Monet,
they have showed me over and again, that
blood is thicker than water.
Thank you for always being there for me.

I thank God for Dickie,
through the years he has always been there for me.
I pray every night, every day,
that He bless him and heal him...Please pray for him too.

I thank God for my family and friends,
(You know who you are)
they complete me and keeps me grounded,
I thank them all for life's simple joys and comfort
that they bring me everyday.

I thank God for my pets (Patrick, Bertram, Paris & Pepito)
though they are far from me at the moment
they give me joy and little smiles
everyday.

I thank God for my boss,
He is a wonderful example of
generosity, compassion and kindness.

I thank God for my job,
though it is stressful, I am thankful
to have one.

I thank God for the people who test my patience,
because of them I can practice being kind
and self control.

I thank God for all of the blessings
that comes my way...

...I am thankful everyday
for all these blessings that come my way,
eventhough there are struggles and pain,
burdens and heart aches...

..I am GRATEFUL for the gifts
that most of us seem to take for granted.
If we don't share the love now,
when will you make it happen?

Literacy

As some of you may know (or not) I love books, I collect hardbound books and treasure my books. Reading is one of the many things that make your braincells function so that it won't short circuit and hopelessly dive into oblivion.

In recent months (years too) several literary pieces (such as; Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, His Dark Materials - The Goden Compass(I) by Philip Pullman and etc.) are being scrutinized by Fundamentalist Christians, some books are said to have rubbed their belief the wrong way and is now trying to do everything they can to ban and yank some beautifully crafted literary pieces in our public libraries!

I have a BIG problem with this kind of attitude especially if a child is interested in opening his or her mind to the adventures that a book can definitely give them. The political correctness this days is not just frustrating but also undermines an individual's intelligence and ability to decide which and what not to read...

...I guess my question is "What the hell happened to Free will?"

As far as I know and as for someone who have studied some Theology in college, free will is God's gift to man, "To be able to choose, decipher, decide & pick what is right and what is wrong" WITHOUT anyone dictating and shoving their OWN opinions down your throat.

Aren't Christians suppose to know that? Do these Fundamentalist know how demeaning it is for them to tell me what I could read and what I can't? What gives them the right? Do they really think that people are that stupid to have no sense to know what is wrong and what is right? Whatever the F*** their reason's are, IT IS definitely not the Christian way or in any means a part of the Christian teachings.

America used to be the best in everything! - Education, Science and Technology & Leadership but now, I am not sure anymore...

...with so much political bullcrap going on and fundamentalist religious people trying to hammer down THEIR OWN opinions down our skulls... I just don't know anymore. Never-Ever mix Politics & Religion...NEVER. Like oil and water, they just don't blend well together.

Freedom is what made this country and I am almost certain that the abuse of this freedom will kill it too.

NOW...

...People are complaining and whining about the literacy problem in this country - already in 5th grade and still can't read...hmmmn?...

...WELL ...

...Blame it all in these religious political BULL CRAP! - The truth is, Children loves to read and will read if they find something that amuse their brains and imagination BUT sadly their interest in reading are halted because certain GROUPS doesn't agree with some author's opinion and point of views - If a child is interested in reading literary pieces LET THEM! dammit!

If you are a responsible Christian parent and raised your child properly "I believe in my soul and with all my heart" that your Children will be able to decipher what is good and what is wrong, kid's are a lot more smarter than what adults give them credit for.

Again, I rest my case, frustrated and annoyed...

...I'll just sit here in our living room and read my book, find solace, comfort and peace.

Challa Bread

Winter is here! ...and...
...being stuck in the house is one of the many things
that comes along with it,Yes oh Yes...Yes indeedee! BUT
A little snow here and there is not too bad, I love winter,
I sometimes wish that after all the leaves have fallen down to meet
the grass I really wish that It would just snow instantly, like
flipping a light switch...I HATE the fall rains and having 4 dogs
doesn't really help in keeping the house clean -
Thank God for the invention of the mop.

ANYWAY...Back to the subject

As some of you may know, I got this new toy
I really like it - a lot. I bought myself a nice
William Sonoma baking book and attempted a sweet braided bread
called the "Challa" - someone told me that it's the same as
an easter bread.

Anyway - It was a success!
Just look at that picture of deliciousness :o)

Yumm!

2008 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Calendar

Click here to order:

2008 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Calendar
Order Yours Now!

$20.00
+$5.25 S&H USPS Priority Mail
I accept VISA/MC/AMEX/DISCOVER
or Checks via snail mail.

NOTE: PLEASE CONTACT ME IF ORDERING MULTIPLE CALENDAR

www.sleepylanecorgis.com

THANK YOU!

My new toy :o)

Today I made my very first French Bread using my newest toy,

A KitchenAid Professional 5 series - Multi-purpose mixer :o)

I can't say anyting bad about it, it has all the attachments, tools and recipe book to help you get going with your culinary/pastry making project! Compared to my old Krups which can only make batter's and mix ingredients, this guy can even knead dough, slice vegetables & grind meat - very versatile!

Love the color as well-sort of eclectic for a country home, I guess it really does say something about the owner...ha ha

Anyway, I wish I could share this yummy loaf of bread with you'all - seriously this is one yummy French Bread - Fresh out of the oven...hmmmmmn!

Bon Appetit!