coding

I haven't done any programming for a very long time. And unlike some of my friends, I don't miss it-at all.

Today, I had to help the technical team come up with an html page. The clincher is that, even when I was a programmer, I was doing coding on the good old reliable mainframe. Forget about college, I was able to pass all my computer classes through shear luck.

Needless to say, I spent six hours on something that a fresh graduate can do in two.

It is funny how I was thinking of my coding strategy on my way home, that is just the way a programmer's (or ex-programmer's) mind works.

mekaniko?

I was sewing again today, when suddenly my machine started to malfunction. The jagged surface that pushes the cloth fell under the supposed level causing the machine to "choke" on cloth and thread. This was damaging the cloth and potentially, the machine's needle.

After a few more tries, I grew frustrated and started to cry.

I don't usually cry over trivial things, can't quite figure out why I was such a baby.

A few sobs later, I investigated on the issue at hand. I realized later that it was a mechanical issue because I could hear and feel physical movement when I switch between settings of the dislocated component.

I took out some tools and operated on my machine. With pliers and a screw driver, I opened the machine to check how things worked inside.

I later discovered that the knob pushing the lever to raise (or lower) the "cloth pusher" had a loose screw, resulting the lowered position. I did some tightening and some cleaning too. I also made a mental note to google on how frequently I need to oil the machine.

After putting the machine back together, I gave it another go, and nearly clapped my hands when it started to work perfectly again! After all the sweat and tears (literally), I was able to fix my little toy.

little by little everyday

I find that lately, my idea of shopping is changing.

Somehow, going through piles of cloth ready for the sewing gets my heart pounding faster and harder than a shoe sale.

I think this is the closest I have ever been to becoming domesticated.

Welcome to Raisins!

I have yet to decide what my favorite episode is, but for sure this makes it to the top 10.

heads up

Last year, I posted a love song on Valentine's Day. This year, I thought I'd write some "reality check-ish" entry.

I really haven't written, I mean, written for a while. I guess I was too caught up with the holiday activities, then too caught up with the Manila trip, then too caught up with the getting-over-the-manila-trip, all the while equally caught up with playing with my favorite toy, my sewing machine.

I'd like very much to start writing more.

Chinese new year celebration is almost done, just one more week left and coincidently, I have time to think about where I am.

For a while I was having the hardest time deciding if I should take my MBA or wait some more for a career opportunity given my skill set, and it was really stressing me out. I'd have sleepless nights spent mulling over my course of action. I'm still not clear about what I'm going to do but somehow, I don't feel so lost anymore.

I've started incorporating more physical activities into my weekends (and some weekdays) as I think old age is on its way to get me, my ass is fast expanding and every woman will tell you that such is not a good thing.

I have started using firming eye cream too. Luckily, this year won't be the year that I start dyeing my hair to cover the gray. Based on my intelligent guess, I have ten more years before then.

By inspection, I found that I have too many shoes, too many white tops, too many knickers but not enough pants. This needs to be mitigated soon.

I have taken up yoga a few months back, but I find that although my flexibility has significantly improved, I still can't touch my toes without bending my knees. I will get there, I WILL GET THERE, I hope before 2009 I would have conquered that feat.

I'm looking to talking a proper sewing course, but in the meantime I have decided to self study. I'd rather join a class when I am an expert on the basic skills. Pattern making is tough, but I find that I am little by little improving. My goal is to make clothes with tucks before my birthday.

I miss HIM. We haven't made plans as to when we would be seeing each other again, I'm hoping it is sooner rather than later--like now. It's only been three weeks since we were last together but I feel like we have been apart for so much longer than that. As far as relationships go, though the distance makes it more challenging, but I must say that I am blessed.

Over all, I am happy and think that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I will continue to take steps to better myself and the quality of my life in preparation for what lies ahead. I am aiming to always be positive and see the good in everything.

What is my long term goal? It is to stay happy.

tram ride to the OCVT kick-off

New Year, New Dress

Here is the first dress (for a human--I used to make clothes for my Barbie dolls) that I had sewn. My good friend Kristine was kind enough to model for me as the current state of my physique is not exactly most ideal for showing off clothes. Even after gorging on tacos, my model's slim frame was still perfect for the dress.

I don't feel too great posting a picture on the same page as Keira Knightley's green dress. Oh well.

Kristine insisted that her services are free. I promised to make her a top. I am hoping that she agrees to model the top for me again, which ultimately means that I would again make her a new piece, you get the idea.