tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305705492012-01-13T15:18:49.292-08:00Still stories of life (or is it the lack thereof?) of a thirty-two-year-old <strike>grad student</strike> recently employed <strike>engaged</strike> happily married, expecting a bundle of joyXindanoreply@blogger.comBlogger6031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-44643659598616616852011-12-05T14:22:00.000-08:002011-12-05T14:46:46.093-08:00

And time for pregnancy updates in bullet points:Belindy passed screening test for Trisomies 18, 21 , and neural tube defectMommy passed screening test for gestational diabetes mellitusBelindy has been kicking hard all day every day. Kick count cards average 10 minutes for 10 movements!Mommy's weight gain is uncontrollable..blaming year end festivities including Thanksgiving, Daddy's Birthday,

Xindanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-39909057067639029982011-10-02T23:11:00.000-07:002011-10-03T14:40:57.754-07:00

It was another sunny Sunday in Berkeley today. The last time I was at this campus was when @inokathome visited Bay Area two years ago. Today, Hubbostrich and I were on a trial drive for his upcoming Thursday interview. We left the house 10:30-ish and arrived within an hour to cover that 42 mile distance.Morgan Hall, the home of UC Berkeley's Nutritional and Toxicology Department.The post-doc

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-66692278125347914492011-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:002011-09-27T12:38:33.131-07:00

While watching The Great Food Truck Race finale on On Demand last night,BB: Babe, can we change it? We watched this before...I gave him the (pinky) finger and the following respondPregnant Wife: Do you want me to eat this?It was Club & Cheddar sandwich crackers from Keebler. The crackers were merely gross to his standard because almost half of the calories per serving is coming from fat, and as

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-3326209610960410732011-09-24T22:33:00.000-07:002011-09-24T23:08:55.828-07:00

There are reasons why couple ends up with other. In most cases, opposite attracts, in Hubbostrich and I case, it is the opposite. We are just so alike, except maybe temperature wise. If one is cold water, the other is a bit warmer. One significant example of being alike is that we are both enablers specifically in the field of gastronomy. The following examples are just covering today. But the

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-79157665173577033242011-09-22T23:57:00.000-07:002011-09-23T11:20:25.116-07:00

We started taking pictures on 12 weeks and then approximately every 4 weeks after. Here they are so far. Every pregnancy is different. Every body shape is different. I joke to Hubbostrich that I can be one of those celebrities who conceal their pregnancies until late term. More postings is imminent to journal Belindy's prenatal growth. Next post...ultrasound pictures? We'll see...But before that,

Xindanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-6875539485620387382011-08-01T14:04:00.001-07:002011-08-01T15:03:45.706-07:00

For whatever reason, I am on the board of finding a new person to employ at work. I am sorry to say there is a decline in professionalism these days.Let's take a look at the definition of professional (adjective) as defined here.c (1) : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-55936994343823260012011-07-28T10:58:00.000-07:002011-07-28T14:31:33.151-07:00

Yawn. Life at work is relatively boring these days. I am reminded on how I am not content to be immobile behind a computer while waiting for machines to perform measurements. I prefer the hustle and bustle of running around like a headless chicken around the lab to perform multiple tasks. I am afraid this inclination is not in line with my aspiration to be a somekind of a manager. Oh, well!

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-18025967459991927162011-07-21T15:51:00.000-07:002011-07-21T16:40:47.932-07:00

Even Belindy is a victim of spreadsh*t.Here I just wanted to chart fetus crown to rump length (CRL) measurement compared to those of "average" fetuses, data taken from here. From its first ultrasound, Belindy is pretty normal, I conclude.After GDM, there's another thing that has been occupying the back of my mind. It's Down Syndrome screening test. We are scheduled for an ultra sound and a blood

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-67468690811427521592011-07-18T15:19:00.000-07:002011-07-20T00:12:02.352-07:00

I found out that I (and so is any other pregnant woman) have to undergo a glucose screening test aka glucose challenge test. The test is aimed at screening for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). If one tested "positive" on this first screening test, a glucose tolerance test then will be administered to determine if one really develops a GDM. GDM itself is a type of diabetes

Xindanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-61357006052016637032011-07-16T12:01:00.000-07:002011-07-16T12:36:58.531-07:00

We finally finalize our vegetarian nacho recipe. This week's nacho night is the best one yet. It's the addition of cilantro and the fresh ground cumin that makes the difference. What happened was that we were out of cumin and had to grind the seeds on the spot. Don't forget to put the ground cumin back to fridge because once they air dried, they are not that flavorful. We love nacho night because

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-48018742683920551992011-06-18T20:06:00.000-07:002011-07-20T00:12:51.469-07:00

Dear Belindy,Yes, Belindy was our code name for you, a portmanteau of your father and my names. And the following is a little early story of you.We were planning for your conception towards the end of 2011. I, your mom, was an avid advocate of basal body temperature method (along with some other symptomps) to pin point my fertile time of the cycle. This way we can hopefully, God willing, time

Xindanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-89701369297162961402011-06-10T10:27:00.000-07:002011-06-10T10:58:38.700-07:00

Really, one should easily accept that music is influential and ubiqutious as a meliflous background to one's everyday life. I, on the other hand, can go for months not listening specifically to anything. Forget about work these days, there's never enough time to listen to the internet while I am too busy moving and thinking. Then, you would think that time at home affords you the chance and the

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-43213602797646463632011-03-01T12:35:00.001-08:002011-03-01T20:05:21.592-08:00

What can I say, I miss Hubbostrich so much. He spent a week after defense in College Station to finish up some lab work and now he is visiting his family. Yes, he is a Mr. Dr. N now!On behalf of my sanity and health, I can't wait until he gets back here Wednesday. Sleeping with the light on and eating junk food are recurring old habit I need to rid of, all while I am nursing a cold. Although, I

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-81930663431501191382011-02-17T13:40:00.000-08:002011-02-17T13:56:31.146-08:00

Bermula dari ngomongin uban, dasar cewe-cewe chatting royals... bu!uban saya tambah banyak*wail*beat chest in sorrow*hide under a rockyou want to hear where my uban isdi alishahahahhahahWHAThows that possiblekmrn dah dicabut tumbuh lagi ????itu brarti udah akutsi Stacy What Not to Wear itu highlight putihshe's probably starting a trendlol thattrend udah dari jamannya si mamiekinget mamiek

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-19872337447211093822011-02-13T22:29:00.000-08:002011-02-13T22:58:38.960-08:00

Hubbostrich finally finished his dissertation on Thursday. He is working on the slides for presentation since then. His defense is this coming Friday. Apparently, all of these have finally taken a toll on him. As a little break, we said yes to a birthday lunch of a girl in the gank today. In the car,I feel better today.You were that burnt up...burnt off...I mean...burntout yesterday?Yeah! At the

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-30591660863956791212011-02-03T23:25:00.000-08:002011-02-04T14:56:39.795-08:00

While I was getting pulled in into a project with demanding work hours (this morning I got home at precisely 2:01 AM) and Hubbostrich is on a deadline for February 19 defense, our household has given up a few time vested luxuries such as meals from scratch and recreational activities. Before bed time TV watching is now reduced to numbness entertainment (well, hello, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) or

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-76431562580506317592011-01-26T12:15:00.000-08:002011-01-26T12:53:12.357-08:00

My group at work has an opening. I handed a hard copy of a friend's resume to Manager in Charge of this hiring. The resume in transit is four pages long. We are all eager to sell expose ourselves for jobs we want, but at four pages it probably is not going to hit the point. Also, a third party tête-à-tête is tad more efficient. The irony is I just realized those after MiC talked to me at my cube

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-19185656885896111322011-01-24T17:34:00.000-08:002011-01-24T17:41:18.368-08:00

Pseudo-boss: "Happy?" He chugged a devilish laugh.He was walking by my cubicle this afternoon. I was pulled out from his project to another one by my Big Boss (which is really at the same level as P-B 's) last week. This week feels brand new to me. I have never been this scared working on a new project. The past two years I was a baby learning to walk. Somebody always grabbed my arms and shielded

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-65863133509227611752011-01-20T12:29:00.000-08:002011-01-20T15:15:17.857-08:00

Last night when I got home,Xindy: What's for dinner, Babe?Hubbostrich: Something with meat sounds good.Xindy: Does chicken count as meat?Hubbostrich: Yeah!Xindy: OK, think exactly what you want for dinner while I'm excusing myself to the bathroom.Hubbostrich: OK!Xindy is back.Xindy: So..?Hubbostrich: Chicken with Aaron's famous rub, baked potato chips, oh, and some salad.Xindy: OK, sounds good to

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-53526934862000191612011-01-19T15:02:00.000-08:002011-01-19T15:43:28.387-08:00

Nothing strikes my senses a couple of mornings ago other than stumbling upon this article via a certain microblogging. It sucessfully raises my blood pressure as well as mental confussion, the article hit bases too close. As we all know, Hubbostrich and I have teamed up on the so-called Western-Asian household model for a couple of months and counting now and we do have a few ideas on raising our

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-286255125188906922011-01-11T21:22:00.000-08:002011-01-12T13:01:24.831-08:00

Tonight I discovered French provencale cooking by chance. A recent bout of vegetarianism leads me to buying a large eggplant thinking to make somekind of lasagna. Hubbostrich, though, had some craving for cheeseless, hence less calories, pasta dish. We consulted this indispensable book for an eggplant recipe and stumble on Ratatouille Provencale.As always, yours truly and her partner in crime

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-36471334380349392082011-01-07T10:47:00.000-08:002011-01-07T11:39:19.800-08:00

New year, new resolution, new hope for a better life.This year I started at the 9 x 9 ft square patch of green box where I perch during some of my hours at the office. The project started in the spur of the moment the second day of work in 2011. I acquired a gently used white board from the division secretary by chance of reading her email a few minutes after she had sent it. And then a manager

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-58996729081743096652010-11-21T22:44:00.000-08:002010-11-22T11:07:15.498-08:00

Idea for homemade small ring-shaped cakes fried in a fat aka donuts stroked Hubbostrich one Sunday morning. We used The Joy of Cooking recipe for sour cream donuts. It was not going to take that long if we didn't have to walk to a nearby grocery store for cooking oil.After gathering wet ingredients, mixing in the stand up mixer and a bit of folding of dry ingredients, Hubbostrich went to roll and

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-87336054539722775332010-11-10T19:45:00.001-08:002010-11-10T19:56:16.450-08:00

Yes, we got your wedding invitation as well as the favor frame. They are so lovely!Thank you for inviting us to be part of your day….it makes us think about our own wedding day back in May.But, we are pouting because we just couldn’t make it back home for your wedding.We are praying that everything will go smoothly on the D-Day so that you two love birds can just start your next day as a husband

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-8877840035645392792010-11-01T16:37:00.000-07:002010-11-02T15:48:51.314-07:00

Wife: Bibi, are we going to carve pumpkin this year?Bibi: Hmm, I don't know, it's too much work. We'll see how we feel about it.Wife: Yeah, it might be Baby's First Halloween when we will get around to it.Bibi: *Pause walking* What do you mean?Wife: LoL. Nothing.We didn't dress up for Halloween and didn't go anywhere either despite of a (kids friendly) party invitation. But instead we had three

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-17718419159055273812010-10-21T10:59:00.001-07:002010-10-21T11:22:07.005-07:00

On our recent excursion to the wine country, we visited this small winery in the Russian River Valley appellation. Its name is Christopher Creek. It was a surprise to find one of the wine makers actually graduated from Texas A&M! Texas and California are not really all that dissimilar when it gets to the country side. But the point of this post is not about the wine or the winemaker but about the

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-1193880461535428602010-10-19T12:42:00.000-07:002010-10-19T18:05:41.967-07:00

My flightless avian spousal unit/sidekick and I love thriller political drama movie. All hell breaks loose when we watched The Ghost Writer the first time this past Saturday. We just could not help to watch it again two more times within the next 24 hours. Note: those two more times watching were with caption turned on for greater clarity.In between times of the day we were not concentrating on

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-56235260586448798952010-10-12T12:40:00.000-07:002010-10-12T13:05:28.872-07:00

We were driving on Highway 101 back from Los Angeles to Santa Clara Sunday night. As we cruised along the coast, moon light was reflected in the Pacific ocean. Together with the dark they cascaded an undescribable feeling.The thing about being on a road trip is you get to think about anything and everything to the point that it is therapeutic. A big plus if in the background you have songs that

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-81531484245017502842010-09-28T15:00:00.001-07:002010-09-28T15:00:58.001-07:00

The Rotisserie Chicks!

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-81531086697329864182010-09-22T10:50:00.000-07:002010-09-22T15:26:33.694-07:00

I am having a writer's block. It's that time of the year when we, lowly servants of the capitalist world, have to write self-assessment on our performance at our jobs. I'd say this self-review has no value since when the bosses get to it, it doesn't really matter what you think about your performance, it's what they think about you. In my line of work, it is a possibility that you do a good job

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-59289485394018673392010-09-15T17:06:00.000-07:002010-09-16T16:08:04.860-07:00

1. Issue order for Hubbostrich to return DVD.2. Confirm that Hubbostrich indeed gets the order.Text message, 4:15 PM: Did you get my email?3. Hubbostrich checks order.Text message, 4:17 PM: Yeah returning movie now.4. Voila! Confirmation return from DVD box.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-85371005722219053282010-09-13T10:48:00.000-07:002010-09-13T11:03:17.297-07:00

Yesterday, I mentioned to Hubbostrich that before long there will be a lot of advertisements offering "helps" for victims to represent them on San Bruno fire cases. It's troubled me that these lawyers are going to make so much money on top of other people's sufferings! And they didn't wait long. While searching for San Bruno updates on Google news this morning, three of such sponsored links

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-8145186131600707222010-09-08T18:56:00.000-07:002010-09-08T19:06:10.675-07:00

I was simply saying thank you for this birthday present by posting it on T******.Little did I know that hilarity ensued from my presyush followers.@d***s******: @xinda_ woopitty whoo! wait, why is hubbostrich shirtless behind you?@i***a*h***: @xinda_ @d***s****** AHAHAHAHA!! PHOTOBOMB!!!In my defense, it was really hot, notice the sliding door was wide opened. Also, that's pretty much how

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-29915907151839506452010-08-31T17:03:00.000-07:002010-08-31T17:19:21.587-07:00

What a sentimental song this score is. The movie hit too close to home.So tenderlyYour story isNothing moreThan what you seeOr what you've doneOr will becomeStanding strongDo you belongIn your skinJust wonderingGentle nowThe tender breeze blowsWhispers through my Gran TorinoWhistling another tired songEngine hummsAnd bitter dreamsGrow heart lockedIn a Gran TorinoIt beats a lonely rhythmAll night

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-81144023031617543752010-08-24T15:37:00.000-07:002010-09-07T18:32:23.650-07:00

Husband is supposed to start writing his paper and dissertation once he's moved out here with me. I can only demand some progress, right? So, I texted him this yesterday morning while I was at work.Daily progress report starts today!His reply a couple hours later,LOL I am at airport now.What? He is not going back to Texas, is he? Suddenly, the chorus of one of the popular songs from lagu cengeng

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-41961804871653461462010-07-26T12:57:00.000-07:002010-07-26T23:21:46.927-07:00

I told Husband that I love him, but I am going to watch Inception by myself. Two weeks from now seems like a long time to wait for such a blockbuster. Armed with high expectation from the reviews of internet reviews and real life people, I pushed myself to be out of bed at 9 AM last Sunday morning. I freshened up, drove and bought my ticket at the counter. Matinee show was at 10:20 AM.The studio

Xindanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-12531755448668549452010-07-23T11:09:00.000-07:002010-07-25T01:47:39.222-07:00

A couple friend of ours got pregnant. She had this splitting headache for months and finally gave up to see a doctor, a cousin of hers. "Dude, you don't know you are pregnant?" says Doctor Cousin after she was done examining her. My friend had been carrying four months without realizing there is a fetus growing. My friend is a typical happy-go-lucky. At least around that time, she sure had a

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-44398145282122615302010-07-22T22:25:00.000-07:002010-07-22T23:50:19.826-07:00

Continuing with keep-the-refrigerator-clean theme, I have just baked a Banana Blueberry Bread tonight. Yes, I store bananas in the fridge to keep them from ripening, I love the raw taste. Unfortunately, banana bread recipes usually require ripe ones. Since, there was no spare bottle of acetylene around, I microwaved the banana to induce ripening, of course, it did not work.I have just enough of

Xindanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-112065242298621492010-07-21T12:06:00.001-07:002010-07-21T12:12:40.845-07:00

Best conversations these days are still with that Dianosaur gal. Here is one of them, edited and translated to protect the innocence.Me: You go softie, I go jaded, what's wrong with usHer: Its called growing up, we become bitterMe: I knowHer: Maybe we should all move to tibet, find our inner being Me: Follow @DalaiLama first, baby step you knowHer: hmpftMe: LOLOLOL

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-81196224156990776762010-07-17T13:11:00.000-07:002010-07-20T09:56:37.713-07:00

Wow, I finally had a chance to clean up the refrigerator. Practically, more than half of them are thrown away. Yuck. How did I amass this mess? Easy, it's because I never did any cooking when NY and Mama were here and I didn't resume cooking after they were gone. I didn't aware of the state of my own refrigerator. Among the perishable, I found a bag of washed spinach still intact. It has been

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-10571260878271435812010-07-16T14:47:00.000-07:002010-07-16T14:59:49.922-07:00

Husband put his furnitures on sale on Craigslist. He is finally moving out here with me.He has a lot of reponses. He forwarded one of them to me.So, I texted him. "LOL. You pass the test."He didn't response, so I called him while bursting in laughs.Yeah, I am one misbehaving wife. LoL. He didn't fully grasp that he's being pranked by his own lovely wife.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-2855240889259469092010-07-08T23:08:00.000-07:002010-07-08T23:16:41.311-07:00

Guy 1: I think she's pretty cute.Guy 2: Nah, she's not.Guy 1: You don't think so?Guy 2: I've seen her in pretty bad light.I wonder what the two bears gonna do tonight.Yeah, I don't know. I hate to be prejudiced but I can't help too in this situation. I was walking to the gym by bypassing apartment's pool area when I overheard these two guys sitting on the hot tub talking about some girl. I like

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-63691702482273656402010-07-07T22:44:00.000-07:002010-07-08T13:10:57.926-07:00

Apparently, I am not dead yet. So while I am waiting for husband to call (I doubt he will, this is already close to 1 AM his time), I have a pseudo recipe for a flatbread pizza. Speaking of the devil, here he is calling!To be continued...Here it is. Note on why I call it a pseudo recipe. All ingredients are store bought so it is not even qualified as a Semi Homemade recipes like those of Food

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-85624238163471018012010-07-07T18:14:00.000-07:002010-07-08T17:37:48.208-07:00

What a weird day today is. I woke up this morning and just wished I didn't have to. As I dragged myself out of bed three minutes after the alarm went off, I thought that 07/07/07 was such a good date, while 07/07/10 is not.The day being unusual started with my drive to work. First, I almost hit another car turning left just went I was turning out my apartment complex. Gladly, he stopped before he

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-4375363537118547162010-07-05T04:29:00.000-07:002010-07-05T04:35:06.430-07:00

I am telling you a dark secret.Yeah, what?It's what I think about 60% of the time.Go on.That I am unique, there's no one else like me.Wow. I thought that is like 10% of what you think all the tine. The other 90% being...so, now you switch.Well, now I have it on a regular basis...Wow. LoL.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-45329794392388142112010-07-04T00:13:00.000-07:002010-07-04T00:14:14.636-07:00

While we are still talking about the depression episode, I figured I needed to record tonight. In attempt to clear my mind, I dragged myself this evening to a neighboring market place. There are a nice grocery store, fast food restaurants, cafes, bakeries and many small businesses in the area. It is quite a convenience. So I walked across the manicured neighborhood. Blooming agapanthus greeted

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-71383287462902994892010-07-03T17:27:00.000-07:002010-07-03T17:57:23.018-07:00

I don't know what it is about this summer. I have been feeling depressed, very depressed. I am feeling ungrateful of all worldly things (and this marriage). At first, it seems that I don't care about the past, present and future, and that I am slowly losing my faith. But at a closer look, it is not that I do not care about the present and the future. Being helpless usually instills nothing but

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-7269810149473809082010-07-01T18:10:00.000-07:002010-07-01T20:19:59.069-07:00

We were watching this, totally not my cup of tea, by the way. The scene was a guy proposing to a girl."What more do you want?" The man character said after the whole walla walla.Yeah, what more do you want? Husband said to me."A house...and a baby," I fluttered my eyelashes and ooggled my eyes. He rolled his eyes.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-84267428091003095482010-04-07T15:44:00.000-07:002010-04-07T17:22:52.699-07:00

Seperti yang Anda sekalian ketahui, susasana sebuah tempat itu kurang ceria tanpa kehadiran NY (Ndoro Yada). Saya pasti akan kangen sekali sama dia kalo dia memang harus balik ke tanah air bulan Mei ini. Akhir-akhir ini dia tambah gokil, mungkin ditambah dampak samping persiapan interviunya untuk sebuah lapangan pekerjaan di Dallas. Ini merupakan peluang si Princy yang terakhir untuk bekerja di

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-27460997023810373722010-03-29T17:55:00.000-07:002010-03-29T18:09:59.796-07:00

One Friday morning, the phone rang. A familiar but forgotten number showed up on the screen followed by a disfigured hello from the other side. Suddenly, my brain cells fired up. It was the advisor. He brought an unusual inquiry granting I am not his student anymore. This could be a fodder for the PhD comics guy."Could you present this material for me? I couldn't be there for the conference. You

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-29245164037491732872010-03-08T15:43:00.001-08:002010-03-08T15:45:26.962-08:00

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-64505938760754811022010-01-26T16:39:00.000-08:002010-01-26T19:39:31.367-08:00

Hey, ho! How did that happen? Entire month of December was barren of posting and January is almost gone.In retrospect, December was crazy, indeed. I had an itinerary that involves traveling to the many cities in Texas, helping people move, graduations, Christmas celebrations, wedding preparation, in short, spending time with loved ones. Sure, that was the second part of the month, the first part

Xindanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-87172075191521763782009-11-30T11:27:00.000-08:002009-12-01T13:53:44.983-08:00

Getting high off strong a cup of Vietnamese coffee turning me into a deeper movie thinker than my usual self. It was Star Wars marathon playing since before midnight two nights ago. In the middle of trying to put myself to sleep, which I know was kinda futile from the amount of caffeine consumed, I turned the Star Wars watching experience into something more philosophical.Starwars vs. Startrek,

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-49361144740288730722009-11-29T19:13:00.000-08:002009-11-30T00:26:04.554-08:00

We served early dinner for some fifty senior citizens in a center in Oakland today. Some of them are homeless, some are not. The seniors must be registered with the center and then they would be eligible for dollar meal. Today it was green peas, corns, baked ham and dinner rolls, and due to our lack of information on legwork, no desserts. As we were preparing for the dinner, they gathered at the

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-63949329233467408402009-11-27T19:57:00.001-08:002009-11-27T23:10:55.945-08:00

I woke up today and felt a sudden urge to change my hair style, as in urgent, I need some sugar, my blood sugar is low. I am not planning to drastically making it to a short style as Bibi will have quite a fit on it, but I need to have some layers cut in order to give more volume to my rapidly balding hair.I did look up the interweb two nights ago for possible styles for a wavy hair like mine.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-45612728254656304182009-11-26T11:53:00.000-08:002009-11-26T12:33:51.879-08:00

I said before and I said again. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Partly, because it is celebrating life, friends, and family and also because everybody celebrates it. The celebration transpires beyond age, religion, gender, race, ethnicity, and [insert other other socio-economic, socio-politics attributes we use to classify ourselves].This Thanksgiving I am celebrating it away from family,

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-24017160114944538062009-11-16T01:27:00.000-08:002009-11-16T01:33:43.513-08:00

On the phone the other day...X: Bibi, I have just learned a new word, miscogeny, ah, miscegeny, ah..how do you say it? *getting frustrated with my pronunciation, as usual*Bibi: Is that what you are going to do to me?X: Hi hi hi...yeah! I am going to be a proud miscegenator.Bibi: Hi hi hi...

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-51279368646224460742009-11-16T00:01:00.001-08:002009-11-16T01:02:57.416-08:00

To have myself content with life is always simple. A fall cleaning on Saturday with classical music playing in the background resulted in a better organized closet and mopped kitchen and bathroom floors. It gave me a chance to enhance some musical sense as I've never listened to Vivaldi's Four Seasons as a whole before. I feel completed to experience the progress and movement from one season to

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-87407399828680037392009-11-15T20:30:00.000-08:002009-11-15T22:58:08.568-08:00

As we grow older, we gather life experiences. We categorize them, the good, the bad, and the everything in between. I have come to realize that in the end it is how we react to these trials and tribulations that matters. I think it is only wise to procure this kind of attitude in order to make sense of mystery of life.Latest reminder of the epiphany is that I was getting mad at the news at work

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-71879313435966064902009-11-11T17:14:00.000-08:002009-11-11T17:15:11.296-08:00

I want these books so bad, I should splurge. Craig Ferguson's autobiographyIna Garten's Back to Basic Cookbook

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-90782621363818205802009-10-26T21:24:00.000-07:002009-10-26T21:30:01.175-07:00

I usually practice safe interweb browsing maneuver during office hour. But today the big boss decided to stop by my cube to personally confirm my attending a very important meeting this Friday. I had no guard whatsoever and this was what he saw on my screen...trying to salvage the situation, I ALT+TAB the windows and arrived at this...Sudah jatuh, ketimpa tangga...LoL!

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-56780746488155762362009-10-20T16:04:00.000-07:002009-10-20T16:13:49.565-07:00

Since when this becomes a fashion blog?Eh, eh, eh...my personal stylist, Dian Zoe, tried to hook me up with various budget friendly pretty shoes online. I was in the market for pretty, pointy, flat shoes. DSW, Ross, and Macy's showed me no love. And then I hit Marshall's two nights before I flew to Texas.I scored the flat version of these for 20 bucks. They are not pointy, but still pretty, and

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-11102254624774755412009-10-02T14:49:00.000-07:002009-10-02T15:11:04.892-07:00

Egg has always been my favorite food item. As such, it is naturally that I am drawn to Hollandaise sauce.A couple of favorite Hollandaise ladden meal (to be fair, I've only tasted these five so far, and they all made into the list):IHOP's Spinach and Mushroom OmeletteAtlantis Hotel brunch buffet's egg benedictCafe Amelia's Salmon Omelette (Bibi and my favorite)Some fish (forget the species) we

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-32120835100232639902009-09-28T18:43:00.000-07:002009-09-28T19:01:45.898-07:00

Woohoo! I'm high. I just finished sending an Invention Alert (a preliminary step for a patent) to our internal patent office. The process is rolling and might take a few...years? LoL. I'll be really happy and grateful if it is really awarded, heck, I am happy and grateful now.It's been quite an experience and a solid teamwork for us to come with the idea (with solid evidence and some more claims

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-30347654649124697522009-09-25T01:25:00.000-07:002009-09-25T01:26:50.926-07:00

It's been two days since your 30-day no question ask return policy expired...I guess I pass my probation period? LoL. yeah you pass lolHappy belated engagement lunaversary, Fiance.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-69219510255311735642009-09-19T00:01:00.000-07:002009-09-18T21:19:52.353-07:00

I finally had the first painting of me commissioned. The artist was a borderline genius in style but had not enough self-esteem on his capability as a painter. "Koko masih kecil," he said when I asked him. Can you see the resemblance between the painting and the model? LoL...

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-3426017634336420092009-09-18T11:01:00.000-07:002009-09-18T11:20:32.151-07:00

I finished up burning the mix CD for Il Divo two days ago. At first all the songs sounds alike to each other. I did a little research on most reputable artists of the genre and went on from there to pick songs I like. It was like finding needle in a haystack, but it was enriching. Here is the playlist.I went kinda crazy and had so much fun on making accompanying booklet of lyrics last night and

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-30616280704567803732009-09-14T21:33:00.000-07:002009-09-14T21:41:48.858-07:00

Oh my, a couple of deadlines coming really close:1. October-December bulletin--need to start up this baby like right now.2. Zydeco CD mix for Il Divo--need to actually find a safer downloading source (PC might have just gotten infected with lsas virus). Lucky, I have connection to installing XP, forgot to bring CD from CS.3. Costumes making for All Saints' Day, I'm in charge of embelishmentI am

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-24009028861522703372009-09-09T16:16:00.000-07:002009-09-10T01:14:05.797-07:00

So we took the plunge. We are doing this!I took a moment and a deep breath and promise myself that I am not going to be obsessed with having too high an expectation on having a grandeur wedding reception, it should be simple and intimate. Planning for the reception should not be something that takes away sleeping time and creates yet another monster. Ultimately, I want us to focus more on the

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-18980349543106663072009-08-31T17:48:00.000-07:002009-08-31T18:00:22.077-07:00

I feel happy every time I see this picture. I placed the original color print on my cubicle right by the laptop. It feels as if Bibi greets me every time I return to the cube and I find my self saying hi to him.It was taken by a film SLR of Bibi's colleague, a certain Dr. K. He and his wife were one of the first ones who witness our early going out back in December 2007. We were attending some

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-67249407481431276462009-08-28T22:23:00.001-07:002009-09-09T16:39:11.483-07:00

Remember Pollo Desperado?I made Bibi that for dinner just after he landed. Bibi carved the chicken fresh out of the oven. He had salad for a side dish while I had soup. I also made some baked potato with rosemary from my pot garden. We opened a bottle of wine I had handy for a sitdown dinner like this.We had elaborate plan for Saturday to visit the Santa Cruz mountain, drive the 17-Mile Drive at

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-26436706296344702702009-08-18T16:59:00.000-07:002009-08-18T17:31:29.271-07:00

In light of the so-called drama, I couldn't resist to post the following excellent eye-opening piece up here. It is applicable to the situation, as we, in a sense, are geeks, religious geeks. LoL. Come to think of it, it could be applied on any social groups, circles, etc. As for me, I am a GSF1 &GSF5 carrier, so people beware. Taken from here via Facebook. © 2003 Michael Suileabhain-Wilson.Five

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-64723729341284118382009-08-13T15:44:00.000-07:002009-08-18T16:58:17.069-07:00

I had heard about a recipe that somehow results in many boyfriends' proposals to their respective girlfriends. So after taking the idea into the pensive, I decided to give it a try, just to see how it tastes like. The recipe calls for a 3-lb chicken, two lemons, salt and pepper. I, of course, modified it with more seasonings for the outside part of the chicken and some onion. I added significant

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-33947849243060409052009-08-05T16:43:00.000-07:002009-08-05T17:50:18.461-07:00

One day on a meeting with the many groups and commissions at church back in CS, a favorite priest commented on my name, "it's Latin for the one who is nominated," he said. I smiled, mildly disagree. I have nothing in me that spells out L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P. I am good working with myself and from time to time can bring into reality some degree of successful fashion things that interest me. Working

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-26439041123492371232009-08-04T13:39:00.001-07:002009-08-04T13:39:55.714-07:00

Xindanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-89789345930306018232009-08-03T01:47:00.000-07:002009-08-04T15:58:21.170-07:00

Another volunteering chance served us on the 18th of July at MedShare, a fine institution formed in 1998 delivering surplus medical supplies from the US of A to all over the world.The many types of medical supplies handled at this Northern California location.The ready-to-be-shipped supplies in the background. Terry Monday is the Medshare person in charge on managing all volunteers.We diligently

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-2310718541327673402009-07-29T22:00:00.001-07:002009-07-30T17:49:41.952-07:00

It would have been your 57th birthday, Papa. Mama went to your grave in the morning and texted me afterward. I didn't do anything but composing this post for you tonight, with not enough tears in my eyes. I didn't write anything last year, I am sure you would understand. It was still painful and it will still be like that until we meet again. I miss you.Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-90351988299863170512009-07-27T17:07:00.000-07:002009-07-27T17:55:11.721-07:00

I should've used a better judgment yesterday when my lazy body lulled my mind for a nap. I never take a so-called power nap--a few precious minutes and one will rise up energetically--it is always a long two-three hours one. I woke up too early by my Sunday standard for a first showing of Harry Potter at 10:15 AM with the girls. After the nap, there was a momentous decision to go to the last Mass

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-62749954171142669622009-07-23T15:02:00.000-07:002009-07-23T15:52:24.132-07:00

Too many backlogs. I don't think I can provide good accounts on them. I am not really keen with writing when I have no decent pictures to accompany the post. Hey, I really need to get a camera!Here is a brief summary for you, that is if you can handle the annoyance of too many parenthesized words and exclamation.Sunday, June 28thI went to SF for Gay Pride Parade and hunting French macaron. I

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-435936478690133032009-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:002009-07-20T16:01:00.659-07:00

A little summary on Indonesian Catholic community around Bay Area I wrote for St. Justin's, Santa Clara. The church is where we celebrate second Sunday Masses in Bahasa Indonesia.http://www.st-justin.org/weekly_bulletins/2009Archives/488800stjustin071909.pdfEnjoy.:D

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-541958796672207682009-07-14T14:14:00.000-07:002009-07-14T14:20:53.021-07:00

As posted on July 14th, 2009, on ApartmentRatings.comThe apartment unit that I and my two other roommates lived in at Briarwood was great. It was very clean and the carpet was spotless. The maintenance people were reliable so that we never have problems with AC, cable and internet, water leaks, etc. The neighbors were relatively quite, even on the weekend. Also, we always had ample parking space

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-27248318237738455882009-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:002009-07-14T00:00:00.604-07:00

We were playing tennis at an officer picnic for WKICU sometime in June. I teamed up with the president. We obviously won.I am thinking I need to start playing tennis again. I am entertaining an idea of an all-girl tennis match at my apartment complex on one of the weekend days followed by bbq/picnic and hot-tubbing. Hmm...

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-14912038073098034072009-07-13T14:56:00.000-07:002009-07-13T15:13:28.734-07:00

you were hotttin the purple dress:Pi demand a clearer picLOL!iya hot as in kepanasan, tan banget,iya darker ya?but it created a gorgeous backdrop for that jewel tone of the dress:D thank you thank you you made my day**You did look thinner, and your complexion is clearer, what did you do?Ah, it's only because I told you I've lost some poundsAs for the face, I don't know, it's probably the make up,

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-42221768415441382872009-07-12T15:12:00.000-07:002009-07-12T15:20:25.981-07:00

(Alternative) Examination of conscience for the act of contrition.On one's relationship with: GodThose nearestEveryone elseGod's other creaturesOneselfIn which I must conclude by borrowing the words of the Coldplay folks, I know Saint Peter won't call my name.Sigh.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-67627658176821667962009-07-09T01:59:00.000-07:002009-07-09T02:36:27.953-07:00

13:33 -- Hi! (the usual start of text message ritual, no reply from moi)17:54 -- The Governor want to see you...(referring to his post on the workout blog, still no reply from moi)20:58 -- Are you ok? (Sorry, Babe, I misplaced my cellphone at home and didn't see your text messages until midnight.)I am thinking there is some sort of a black hole at the apartment. I was sure that the cellphone is

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-20408512745757192872009-07-09T00:16:00.000-07:002009-07-09T18:12:13.898-07:00

Let's see, too many things to recount. Caveat for the readers, the following rambles are mainly for self-notes. I should have been more persistent on picture taking. It just escaped me.Texas TripWhat follows is my account on what happened on this trip after the hilarity that was on the last post. But before we began, I wanted to state that I forgot how 100 degrees weather feels like. Tank tops,

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-43911140330403427862009-06-17T00:51:00.000-07:002009-06-17T17:44:45.754-07:00

Travel Notes, Day 1I can never get a good night sleep before a trip to see Bibi (LOL, Bibi!). I watched TV and filled in New York magazine crosswords last night after a final packing and general grooming. Past midnight, I watched TLC including the new season of The Gosselins saga and one from the old seasons. TLC successfully markets their contrast. Total sleeping hours: about three. Total TV

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-75121885091327203322009-06-05T14:12:00.000-07:002009-06-05T21:43:12.835-07:00

As part of Memorial Day long weekend, I enjoyed the company of this adorable couple for a light hiking trip around the South Bay area. A detour for a to-go of tummy filling Vietnamese rice platters and yummy durian creme puff treats to South San Jose's Vietnamtown (thank God for GPS) could almost christened this trip a Culinary Adventure instead. We were supposed to see chain of seven waterfalls

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-31736845904221294972009-06-04T14:17:00.000-07:002009-06-04T14:43:15.356-07:00

The grad school advisor: "So, can you speak Chinese now? You have missed on the opportunity while you were in grad school. Don't miss out on it now that you have many Chinese colleagues at work."Me: "Uhm..."[damn it, what should I say, why do I need to learn Chinese anyway, you foo'...]GSA: "Or maybe you should find a Chinese husband. So you can learn and speak Chinese all the time!"Me: *fainted*

Xindanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-44840697417082571232009-06-02T17:57:00.000-07:002009-06-02T18:25:02.962-07:00

When I was young(er), there was an intention to pursue a career in medicine. And then I got that full-ride scholarship to study anything I want here in the States. The unpaved path to become a medical doctor got slashed out for being not too practical (time-wise and financial-wise). I regret the decision sometimes that I could have done something for my father and his sickness. Maybe he would

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-8929258603963013112009-06-01T15:11:00.001-07:002009-06-01T20:21:31.789-07:00

I just want to take a deep breath into an imaginary online paper bag. I have been reciting this too many times, "My timeline is not God's timeline". Although, I have bought a magazine last weekend--something I have been avoiding so as to minimizing the creation of yet another monster. I also have been looking at possible dates for EE--a weekend in Houston, right on August shutdown, cheaper than

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-86676301115969821732009-05-24T01:48:00.000-07:002009-05-24T01:54:34.401-07:00

Baby

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-78674520631257908792009-05-19T17:27:00.000-07:002009-05-19T20:51:40.851-07:00

Life sans laptop is just unbearable, specially when there is need to catch up on gossip time with a certain someone, winks. As a temporal solution, I needed to fire up that old desktop unit. Little did I realize that it lived on the dark age technology that are eight years behind and had no recent anti-virus updates. On Saturday morning, I opened the tower only to find a total of 256 Mb at 266Mhz

Xindanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-24599421463921160222009-05-13T23:04:00.000-07:002009-05-14T18:18:39.235-07:00

Being laptop deprived since Friday has resulted in nights and weekend sans internet. The situation can easily be relieved if yours truly got her ass sitting in front of the desktop unit. She has been just too lazy to do that. Instead she's been focusing her mind on watching endless TV. She would be really happy to catch reruns of any of Star Trek series, but sadly, none of them were on during her

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-988930701680539582009-05-07T17:24:00.000-07:002009-05-07T18:13:50.177-07:00

Me and two other girlfriends were going to lunch at an ordinary workday. I came first to the restaurant, there was a pregnant woman with a year old toddler on the sitting next table. The little girl was cute and has a mixed race appearance.The first of the two friends came, saw me and walked towards my table. Before we had time to catch up, the woman on next table talked to my friend. They knew

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-41512510281402461012009-05-02T23:54:00.000-07:002009-05-02T23:59:23.531-07:00

There are clothes to press, an apartment to clean, food to cook,people to socialize with, instead I am currently sipping wines (cabernet and dessert), eating a mini chocolate bundt cake, browsing the 'net from A-to-Z, with TV on in the background, while lying down. What a life!

Xindanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-78319924960036016942009-04-21T17:33:00.000-07:002009-04-21T17:45:10.284-07:00

Donna, the Atlanta BFF, came to visit for a Leonard Cohen concert last week. We had a lot of fun driving around to places (SF, Sausalito, Monterey, Oakland). I had been driving to all three bridges on the open bay (Richmond, Golden Gate, Bay). Unlike March shutdown time (Inok's visit), pictures from disposable cameras commemorated the days.

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-90301774365560308252009-04-20T19:07:00.000-07:002009-04-21T13:18:06.326-07:00

While he was driving me to Austin to catch a flight back to the Valley last night...X: I am so past a waiting for a wedding. Other than the ceremony, the reception is sort of like, "Here people, eat our wedding cake with us now that we legally and morally can have sex with each other." You know, an announcement where you feed people.BF: *rolling his eyes, shocked*X: So, the objective has been

Xindanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-68652771225095034532009-03-30T23:55:00.000-07:002009-03-31T02:09:07.676-07:00

There are three events today that made the day bound to be remembered than most days these days. Two of them hit, literally, so close to home.Earthquake, a 4.3 Richter scale, with epicenter within 20 mile radius of my place of work and residence, at 10:40 AM. From what I've gathered from news, no major impact on the daily life of the South-Bayers. People at work including myself didn't

Xindanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30570549.post-26344692432476357992009-03-26T23:26:00.004-07:002009-03-26T23:53:25.767-07:00

Tada...would you believe that yours truly is sick again. This time, whateveritis is riding on a fast track. By the second day, I have a runny nose, by the third day (today) I was in multiple coughing fits. I popped the only over-the-counter medication I had on my medicine cabinet just before the weekly meeting with the group. I anticipated its "comparable to a Nyquil" effect by preparing myself

Xindanoreply@blogger.com0