In a Westerly Direction

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2009 Goals
2009-01-22 00:25:00
I'm not big on setting New Resolutions. I do, however, make a practice of setting goals at the beginning of each year.A resolution is a vow to change--which is a good thing to desire--but it doesn't necessarily focus on the steps needed to take in order to keep that vow.I could say, "In 2009, I'm going to be a better employee."That's a good resolution to have. (Especially for Christians. We should be the best workers!)But HOW are you going to be a better worker? Chances are, if you don't have a plan, then you will end up forgetting your resolution and again adding it to your list for 2010.On the otherhand, a goal offers a more defined target at which to aim.Instead of vowing to be a better employee, I could say, "I will not be late to work or have any unexcused absences in 2009." See, much more clear-cut and, therefore, easier to achieve.Steven's '09 Goals Lower body fat percentage by 3%Read 15 booksLearn 500 new Cebuano wordsComplete through Lesson 40 in my Cebuano "textbook"...

The Lima Bean
2009-01-20 20:26:00
Unfortunately, at this present time, I have a lima bean lodged somewhere in my nasal cavity. I'm not sure exactly how this came to be. One moment I was taking a quick bite of my lunch; the next moment I was coughing and felt the vegetable rapidly travelling up my nose. While I wish this event had been avoided, there is not need to worry; this is not an unfamiliar experience for me. I once also managed to lodge a macaroni noodle deep in my nose and was able to recover. I trust I will have the same success this time around. The difference is that the macaroni incident occurred when I was around 4 years old, where the lima bean happened at 29.
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The Countdown
2008-07-08 03:03:00
I never would have thought I would spend an entire year apart from my wife. I left the Philippines for America in order to earn money for us, to be able to meet our needs financially. My heart was set on only 3-6 months of separation. I was prepared for that. Having it turn into twice the amount of time has been extremely difficult.We are almost through it though. Aisha's coming to America very soon! How much longer, you ask?You can monitor it here: Aisha's Arrival.
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Another Day, Another Dollar
2008-04-15 00:13:00
It's quite discouraging to be tired of my job after only having worked there 2 1/2 months. The day started out pretty well with my monthly review with my supervisor. She gave me a stellar review, which was really nice. It's nice to know my hard-work is paying off.I'm glad that my supervisor sees my hard work. I've always been a "good" worker, I think. But I've honestly never been able to do my very best all of the time. It's human nature to want to take shortcuts at times, or do the minimumWith this job I've beem learning how to work my hardest for the Lord. I want to honor him in all that I do there. That is a new attitude for me and I'm really grateful that God has given me such a desire.We as Christians should be the hardest of workers, really."Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically." Romans 12:11"Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3The hardest part about working my very hardest is that there are ...
More About: Dollar

You've Got Mail
2008-02-06 06:25:00
Opening my email inbox to find a plethora of new mail is one of the small things in life by which I find great joy--excluding junk mail, of course. Tonight I came home from a rather tiring day of work and an evening Spanish class to find 8 new emails! Nice, eh?The most exciting part though was that amongst those emails was one from Uncle Sam--the government of the U.S. of A.I double clicked and held my breath, scared that the last 6 months of waiting would be for naught. But why be afraid, really? Hasn't God always taken care of my needs? Hasn't He always been in control and given me His best? Even if our petition for Aisha's visa ended up being rejected, wouldn't God still complete His will for our lives, a will to prosper us? Yes.Finally, the email loaded(slow computer, huh?).......Petition Status: Approved!!!!Aisha, get ready for your interview. :)
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A Year in a Post
2007-10-03 02:16:00
If you were to look at my daily planner, and more specifically my ?To Do? list, you would notice that every single day I have had ?post to blog? as one of my items. Procrastination at its worse. The past year has brought about some pretty major changes. I now wish I hadn?t waited so long to blog again. It would have been really nice to have told you all about it while the events were still fresh in my mind. Since I failed to do just that, here is my year in one run-on sentence: I in the last year I resigned from my job, visited the Philippines for 2 months, was stung by a sea urchin, proposed to Aisha, came back to America for 6 weeks & packed my belongings, moved to the Philippines, got married, got a dog, ingested an amoeba, learned a new language, discovered the greatest donut known to man, cut my curly hair, got eyeglasses, packed my belongings & moved back to Oregon, enrolled in college once again. So, there you have it. It?s good to be blogging again.
More About: Post , Year

I'm Heartbroken
2006-12-02 15:45:02
I know I said I was done blogging--and I still may be--but I needed to share my grief with somebody. My favorite band, Nickel Creek, is no longer.Dearest Listener,After seven years of extensive touring in support of three records (seventeen years as a band), we've decided to take a break of indefinite length at the end of 2007 to preserve the environment we've sought so hard to create and to pursue other interests. It has been a pleasure to write, record, and perform for you through the years and we'd like to heartily thank you for your invaluable contribution to our musical lives.Yours,Nickel Creek(Sean, Sara, and Chris)
More About: Hear , Heart , Broken

The Chips III
2006-12-02 15:45:02
I do realize that my posts have been completely devoted to the topic of tortilla chips as of late. But I know you love it, so quit your complaining. In fact, my daily traffic on this site has quadrupled since I started writing about the chip fiasco.And because I know you love it, I have another update for you on the chip count at Burrito Boy. God has granted me his favor today, ladies and gentlemen, because I was just given 3 chips!
More About: Chips , Chip

Brilliant Idea
2006-12-02 15:45:02
Coffee Flavored gum containing caffeine.
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Demon Bird
2006-12-02 15:45:02
Yesterday I had a little mishap on my bicycle that caused me to foot it for the day--the pedals fell off. That in itself was quite an interesting experience, but the day actually had a handful of surprises for me.I dropped off my bicycle at the shop & started walking to the University of Oregon campus to meet some friends for dinner. On my way through downtown a young woman asked me if I could tell her where the youth hostel was in Eugene. I wasn't quite sure. I started walking away when she asked if I would help her carry her luggage, which was quite large and heavy(it really makes me wonder what she had in there).I agreed, thinking it would be just down the block. Long story made short, an hour and a half later I will still carrying her bag for her. Finally I got her to the bus station and on her merry way.I continued my walk to campus, trying to hurry so I could make my dinner plans. About 50 feet ahead of me I saw another woman walking in my direction. As she passed under some ...
More About: Demo , Bird , Demon

Trains
2006-12-02 15:45:02
Why the crap do trains blast their horn so loudly everytime they cross an intersection? Doesn't it seem completely ridiculous to anyone else? There really is no need. I understand the conductor wants to warn people in the vicinity, but isn't it obvious?There are a few clues people can look for: 1) The ground shakes & rumbles. 2) At the railroad crossing, two barricades are lowered down while red lights flash & a bell rings. 3) The train can usually be seen coming down the tracks.I don't think many people get hit by trains because they don't know it's coming. If they do get hit, they're either not able to move out of the way anyway or don't want to move out of the way. I would, however, venture to guess that many people have their hearing damaged by the excessive volume. It's really pissing me off!
More About: Rain , Train , Trains , TRAI

String Cheese Incident
2006-12-02 15:45:02
We have a lunch thief in the office. He or she has taken advantage of many brown bags in their time. I finally decided to make contact with that person, so I sent this email out to the department this morning:Dear String Cheese Bandit,While you succeeded in stealing my cheese on Monday, I must inform you that you will not have that pleasure today. I have already eaten it.Also, since it appears you are a very hungry person & love mozzarella, I am willing to pack extra for you next time. Just let me know. :)Cheers,StevenI am confident that terrified them.
More About: Ring , Incident , Cide

Best Jingles
2006-12-02 15:45:02
What ever happened to the art of writing jingles? It doesn't seem like they are really a part of advertising now. Maybe the reason for that is they don't actually influence anyone to buy the products. That may be true, but I still miss them.I split my vote for best jingle of all time between the Folgers and 7-up tunes?--The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup! **--7-Up! It's an up thing!If those songs were available, I would most definitely add them to my iPod.What are your favorite jingles?**Disclaimer: the best part of waking up is not Folgers in my cup. I'm pretty much a coffee snob.
More About: Best , Ingles , Jing , Jingle

5 Most Hated Songs
2006-12-02 15:45:02
When you work in a office, or call center environment, and are in close proximity of coworkers, it is essential that you have a way to drown out their voices. I know that sounds incredibly mean, but you really have no idea how painful it can be to listen to the same explanations all day--especially when you are giving them for eight hours yourself.My friend & co-worker, Jessyca, uses a radio to drown out the sound around the office. I know it is for the sole purpose of blocking out the surrounding phone calls, and not for enjoyment, because she hates nearly every song that plays--and I would have to second that.(except the "If you like Pina Colodas" song....she puts customers on hold to sing that one.)While the music is loud enough to block out most of the conversations around me, it's not really the volume that makes it so effective. The reason I can avoid being driven crazy by my coworkers is that I'm being driven crazy by the music instead.I just sit there, completely overw...
More About: Songs , Song , Hate , Hat , Most

Boom Goes the Dynamite Video
2006-12-02 15:45:02
Brian Collins, a college student from Ball State University, fills in as as sports anchor for the local university newscast. It's pretty painful to watch this kid bomb so badly.
More About: Video , Boom , Dynamite , Mite , The D

To Blog or Not to Blog
2006-12-02 15:45:02
I think I may be done for now. Just thought I'd let you know.
More About: Blog , Fakta , Doof , The Lover , Auction 73

String Cheese Bandit Strikes Again!
2006-12-02 15:45:02
It happened again. And this time the bandit stole a half package of string cheese from my dear friend Diane. What the heck is wrong with this person! Cheese has gone missing at the office repeatedly over the last year.It's time to fight back. I have some ideas as to how we will do this, but due to the violent nature, I cannot post them while I'm on my company computer. Let's just say it involves two poles, laxatives & a bicycle chain.
More About: Band , Ring , Again , String

Question of the Day
2006-12-02 15:45:02
Why in the world is the jingle for Hot Pockets stuck in my head?!
More About: Question , Quest , The D

Haiku
2006-12-02 15:45:02
I've decided that from now on all of my correspondence at work will be written in the form of haiku.
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Pirates
2006-12-02 15:45:02
I watched the first showing of Pirate s of the Caribbean II last night at Midnight. It was a great movie, but I am most definitely paying the consequences this morning. I am incredibly exhausted! I didn't get to sleep until 4AM; I woke at 6AM. I'm 3 cups of coffee & 4 hours into the day & I'm still not quite awake. I may have to skip my meal during lunch and just sleep. Stevie need sleepy.
More About: Rates , Rate , Irate

Pupusa
2006-12-02 15:45:02
Today I take a break from work to pay tribute to the great pupusa. Your thick, hand-made corn tortilla is stuffed with cheeses, fine meats and refried beans like no one else can be. I thank El Salvador for you daily. I would eat you everyday if I would not become the size of El Salvador.

Thanks for Nothing
2006-06-21 21:56:00
So, when was someone going to tell me about the melted cheese in my gotee?
More About: Nothing , Thanks , Thing , Hank

The Chips--Update
2006-06-21 20:39:00
Burrito Boy is quickly becoming my favorite lunchtime hangout. I love it that I can eat there for $2! This boy who is named after burritos is amazing!If you read last week's post, you would know that I have been getting an embarassingly low number of chips with my burrito. I just wanted to let you all know that today that number was decreased to 2.On a side note, the burrito lady apparently has a crush on me. Everytime I pull up to the restaurant on my bicycle, I hear them inside yelling, "He's here! You're boyfriend is coming!" (No need to worry about this girl, Aisha.)
More About: Update , Chips , Chip

27
2006-06-16 19:42:00
Thus far, it has been a great birthday. There have been the usual calls in the middle of the night & then the very welcome 6AM call from Aisha to wish me a happy birthday.I arrived at work to find balloons & a card from the nice office ladies. Come 8:30, we were already eating the birthday cake--an absolutely delicious carrot cake. Honestly, I have never tasted a carrot cake of that calibur--especially for breakfast. After work, I'll make my way to my mom's house for some lasagna. Then I'll gorge on some 24: Season 2. It should make out to be a nice evening. Oh, and below I have listed gift ideas for those that feel so inclined:-$20,000 so I can go marry Aisha.

The Recycling Bin
2006-06-14 22:37:00
Let me preface this entry by saying I love all of my roommates, past and present. I have noticed some odd things about some of my roommates though. I'll leave the majority of those observations unspoken for now, but there is one thing I'd like to point out. For some reason, my roommates are really into recycling. Actually, recycling is very popular in Oregon and specifically Eugene. Hippies are abundant here. Even if you're not a hippie, you still recycle. It's always weird to me when I travel and can't find a single recycling bin or garbage can in a building. But my roommates are REALLY into recycling. I know this because they seem to try and recycle everything.I've tried to talk to them and explain that there are actually some things that cannot be melted down and made into new products. I don't think the message has ever gotten through to them though. Here are some things that I have found in the recycling bin:-Clothes(this will only work if you are wearing meta...
More About: Cycling , Recycling

Dear Hackers
2006-06-14 06:01:00
For those of you who have been thinking about hacking into my ibook, I just want you to know that I have just finished encrypting my entire hard drive. You'll just have to think of another way to access my secret plans.
More About: Hack , Hacker , Hackers

Dad
2006-06-11 05:07:00
This evening Dad told me he has bone cancer. I'm not sure what to think about all of this. I've lost both of my Grandmas to cancer in the last 5 years, as well as my god-mother. So, it's not anything new to me. It just doesn't seem real to me. Cancer doesn't seem real for some reason. In the past, the only time the effects of cancer became real to me was when my loved ones were in the final stages and I could clearly see their diminished state. I guess I just always assume that they will get better. I didn't cry at all when he told me. I just comforted him as he cried I feel guilty for not crying...but I just can't yet.

The Chips
2006-06-11 01:52:00
Today, on my lunch break, I pedaled my way down to Burrito Boy for a quick meal. The promise of a $2.50 bean & cheese burrito was to alluring to pass up. I patiently waited my turn in line, placed my order and then sat back and coveted the burritos of those sitting beside me. Finally, my burrito was ready. "Bean & Cheese burrito, for here," said the nice burrito lady. "Yeah, that's me. Thankyou.""Anything else?," she asked. "Nope. Thanks." As I sat down I noticed something quite odd about my food. Along with the burrito, I was given the usual side of tortilla chips--if that's what you want to call it. Guess how many chips they gave me? Four. I'm not kidding. They gave me four chips! Man, was I stuffed! And the thing that amazes me is that every customer only got four chips. I thought about saying something, but it's one of those situations where I would feel embarassed for the person receiving the complaint. I decided I'll just be happy that I got a meal for two...
More About: Chips , Chip

Big Buckin' Chicken
2006-06-09 04:05:00
I don't why, but I love this commercial! Not only does the giant chicken make me laugh, but the song actually gets stuck in my head. Enjoy!
More About: Chick , Chicken , Buck , Big B

Proverbs 7
2006-05-28 05:54:00
?I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgement. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent?Satan definitely knows how to use the element of surprise when he attacks us. One of his greatest resources is our own naivety. He wants us to walk into situations unprepared. Only then, with our lack of judgement, is he able to use the element of surprise. ?She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said...?I came out to meet you; I looked for you and I have found you!I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let?s drink deep of love till morning; let?s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey?....With persuasive words she ...
More About: Proverbs , Rove , Rover , Prove