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  • moon cake day

    i love moon cake day.

    moon cake. family. good food. laughs.  it's probably my favorite chinese festivity.
    i remember when we were little, my mother would let us get our choice of paper lantern and we'd light them and she'd actually walk with us through the neighborhood and let us dance in the moonlight.  my most memorable one was this cellophane pink elephant.  it was so joyful and happy.  pretty in pink.
    rare memories like these make me miss childhood. remind me that not everything in life is struggle.

    i even recall how even as a child,
    i would know that the day was significant
    or maybe not even a day, but a moment
    when everything was very rarely just right
    it seemed that troubles were a million miles away
    and i remember telling myself to remember.
    make a point to remember this moment of life
    when happiness and fun dropped by to say hello
    for however brief the moment...it would be beautiful
    like a perfect photograph, clear and true.
    i hold on to these treasures now.
    every small moment...warms my heart
    reminds me that there are things to look foward to.
    they're just not so readily present and available.
    you have to take care in recognizing the grace in the world
    and to savor the moment.

    sweet moon cake day.
     i will always look forward to celebrating you.


     

  • Volunteering at the Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run today.


    If you're running, say hello!!

    30TH ANNUAL

    The Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run 2006

    Sunday, October 1st

    To benefit
    Special Olympics Northern California


    RUNNERS:
    Bib and Chip Pick Up, Late Registration Info & Other Important Details can be found by CLICKING HERE!

    Just named "Race of the Month" by Runner's World Magazine!

    12K Race – 9:20 AM Start

    7K Race and Walk – 9 AM Start
    Ferry Building, San Francisco

    for more info:

  • ShampooH's site has been shut down for violation of Xanga's eligibility requirements...

    » Return to Previous Page
    » Return to Xanga Frontpage

    Hmm...I'm failing to see which Xanga eligibility requirement she failed.  Age?  She's a dog.

    GRRR.

  • The Importance of Reciprocity

    from one of miry

    's favorite movies:

    As
    Ray Porter watches Mirabelle walk away he feels a loss. How is it
    possible, he thinks, to miss a woman whom he kept at a distance so that
    when she was gone he would not miss her. Only then does he realize that
    wanting part of her and not all of her had hurt them both and how he
    cannot justify his actions except that... well... it was life.

    * * * * *


    Don't be yourself - be someone a little nicer.  ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

    If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.  ~Dalai Lama


    There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life - reciprocity.  ~Confucius

                                                  The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.  ~Henry Boye


    Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.  ~Author Unknown

    ----

  • 20 Ways to Ruin an Interview

    1. Arrive late.

      If you can't show up on time for an interview, why would an employer
      trust you to show up on time every day if you're hired?

    2. Arrive unprepared.

      If you really want a certain job at a company, you need to know as
      much as possible about the position and the company BEFORE you get to
      the interview.

    3. Show up with a friend.

      Unless you're a teenager who just got her first work permit, you need
      to come to every job interview alone. If a friend or relative gives
      you a ride, arrange to meet him off the premises later in the day.

    4. Don't show up at all.

      An interviewer may not remember every name from a stack of resumes,
      but she might remember the name of the person who never showed up for
      an interview. In a nation of job hoppers and small world stories, you
      never know where you might run into her again.

    5. Dress improperly.

      Inappropriate attire shows you didn't plan for the interview or make
      an effort to learn what the company dress code is.

    6. Stink up the joint.

      If you smoke, don't do it before an interview. Ditch cologne or
      perfume altogether. Don't consume any questionable food beforehand,
      such as garlic or onions. In an enclosed office, nothing smells better
      than, well, nothing.

    7. Greet your interviewer with a lame handshake.

      You don't have to crush his hand, but you must develop a firm,
      professional handshake. Don't discriminate between the sexes either.
      Giving your female interviewer a lame half-handshake will never help
      you get hired.

    8. Talk too much.

      Every interviewer wants a candidate to speak and ask questions.
      However, listening is just as important. So make sure your ears are
      open more often than your mouth.

    9. Don't talk enough.

      The fear of talking too much should not prevent you from talking
      enough. Even if you're not naturally chatty, you should answer all
      questions thoughtfully and thoroughly and attempt to engage your
      interviewer in a congenial, professional manner.

    10. Use curse words or slang.

      Cursing has become more commonplace in pop culture, but it has no
      place in a job interview unless you're applying for work as a
      stand-up comedian.

    11. Act too familiar with the interviewer.

      An interview is a meeting and everyone wants to attend meetings that
      are focused and follow an agenda. Don't mistake being friendly for
      being familiar by revealing personal information that is off topic.

    12. Act like an "-ist."

      Nothing says you don't want a job more than displaying qualities or
      making statements that could be deemed racist or sexist. If you have
      a personal problem with this, go get some diversity and sensitivity
      training.

    13. Answer your mobile phone.

      There is almost no situation in which you cannot turn off your mobile
      phone for a 30-minute period. If there is, schedule your interview
      for another time or day.

    14. Avoid eye contact.

      Making eye contact indicates connection and honesty. Even if you're
      shy, you must make and maintain eye contact during an interview or
      risk a hiring manager viewing you as evasive or insecure.

    15. Act arrogant and overconfident.

      Companies today want to hire team players, not self-centered blowhards
      who cannot accept criticism or work well with others.

    16. Act desperate.

      No matter how badly you need a job, never let 'em see you grovel.
      Focus on being enthusiastic about the company and confident in your
      ability to do a good job.

    17. Lie.

      Lying to an interviewer about a skill, experience or a degree could
      possibly get you hired. It will also get you fired before you start
      thanks to the now ubiquitous background check.

    18. Bad-mouth your former employer.

      Even if you worked for Dr. Hannibal Lecter, it's best to avoid talking
      trash about a former employer. Instead, focus on your own
      responsibilities and accomplishments at each job you held.

    19. Criticize the company or any of its employees.

      No matter what performance issues or scandals have been revealed in
      the media, do not bring up a company's dirty laundry or
      less-than-dazzling performance. If asked to comment on either, be
      diplomatic and offer solution-oriented answers rather than judgments.

    20. Ask questions that focus solely on perks and fun.

      Don't spend all your time asking about vacation, sick days, a
      company's bonus structure and any possible perks. In fact, on a
      first interview, try not to focus too much on these topics at all.

  • After a full day of business, school and a poker fundraiser with APO, i JUST got back from the 24 hour vet.  Pooh has been acting up the last few days.  Agitated, crazed, frantic.  Itchy and trying to get at the base of her tail.  I decided to bathe her tonight and there on her back were these black spots that seemingly stuck close to the root of her fur.  They would even seem to be bleeding.  After hours at the vet, it's confirmed...Pooh has been nibbled at by a flea or two. 

    I tell you, I was never more distraught and concerned in my life.  I was so afraid to help Pooh out of fear of the black dots being bugs.  GEES.  I finally swallowed my peer and mustered up the courage to at least give her a flea bath upon returning home on my own.

    = (  I hope Pooh feels better soon and that the fleas vacate the premises ASAP.

  • I've messed up my Xanga this morning trying to plug in a post from Reuters about a Man biting a Panda that bit it.

    Careful with Reuters everyone! 
    The entire frontpage didn't load, I had to sit and stop the loading of the page and make 5 posts in order to get it working right again.
    Crazy.

    Sorry if you're suscribed and you got 6 posts on your e-mail or something! 

  • How to Tip a Bartender

    How to Tip a Bartender Properly

    Tipping
    not only well, but appropriately is a good thing to know how to do, and
    can be difficult. Many people (dates, co-workers, etc.) view how a
    person tips as a judge of character. Knowing when and how to do it will
    ensure good service and allow others to know you're "socially groomed."


    Steps

    1. Assess the crowd. When in a busy bar and waiting for the first round, being patient is key.
    2. Be ready to pay. Once the bartender has asked you for your
      order, have your money out and ready to pay. Don't wait until all of
      the drinks have been made, and the bartender gives you the total of the
      round to begin to take your wallet out. It not only annoys the
      bartender, it annoys others waiting for drinks too.
    3. Recognize that standard practice is to tip $1/Drink, however
      this should change depending on how much work the bartender has put
      into making your drinks. If you are drinking all wine or beer, it's an
      easy round for him/her to make. If you have martinis and especially
      frozen drinks, giving the bartender a $5 tip is a great way to start
      off.
    4. Handle free drinks carefully. Most bartenders expect tips on
      free rounds. When you're at an open bar, it is customary to tip. (If
      you tip a lot at the beginning of the night, you're likely to get
      faster service).
    5. If a bartender is bad or rude, don't tip him/her. However,
      keep in mind he/she may be very busy, so if he is getting you your
      drinks, and doing it quickly regardless of his/her personality you
      should tip. Conversely, if the bartender is rude due to being rushed by
      other customers, this means that they are collecting tips from that
      many more customers. If they choose to provide service to a large
      quantity of people rather than providing quality service to you, you
      may tip accordingly.


    Tips

    • When a bartender remembers your drink without asking, it's worth a better tip!
    • If you get another drink without having to ask, tip him or her!
    • Always ask the bartender their name on the first round,
      explain to them you don't want to use "Barkeep, Bartender, Barmaid YO!,
      HEY YOU!."
    • Nothing goes farther than manners, if you are polite and patient, a person who is rude yet tips will be served after you.
    • When ordering bar specials be sure to remember it takes the
      same amount of work no matter the cost to you. So tip appropriately at
      the full price of the drink.
    • Consider the tip part of the cost of the drink. Servers and bartenders depend on tips to make up most of their salary.
    • Tipping higher at the 1st round will ensure the bartender
      comes back to you quicker the next time you come back, especially at a
      busy bar. Be careful though, if you then come back with a $1 or no tip
      at all the second round, your tip from the 1st round has been
      forgotten.



    Warnings

    • Don't fight with a bartender, the chances of you winning are
      slim to none. The best thing to do is to ask to speak to a manager.
      Losing your cool will get you thrown out or get the police called on
      you. Remember, the cops will always believe a sober bartender over a patron with alcohol in their system.
    • Don't complain about the prices. Chances are, the
      bartender is not the owner and doesn't set the prices. Not to mention
      it makes you look extremely cheap.
    • Bartenders in the US are taxed by the government as if they
      received 12% of the drink's price. If you give them $1 on a $10 dollar
      drink (10%), the government still assumes you gave them $1.20. Tip
      accordingly.

  • How to Practice Sushi Etiquette

    Do you love to eat sushi? Here are some ways to practice proper sushi etiquette the next time you enjoy this Japanese treat.


    Steps

    1. Proper chopstick placement
      Enlarge

      Proper chopstick placement

      Place chopsticks properly.
      If at a sushi bar, place the chopsticks in front of you, parallel to
      the edge of the bar, with the narrow ends on the hashi oki (chopstick
      rest). While it is not as polite to place them on the plate, if you do,
      place your chopsticks across your plate, not leaning on your plate.

    2. Use the broad end of your chopsticks to pick up sushi from a communal platter.
    3. Maki sushi
      Enlarge

      Maki sushi

      Don't pass food from one set of chopsticks to another. As part of a
      Japanese funeral ritual, family members pass bones of the deceased to
      each other by chopsticks. Passing food from one set of chopsticks to
      another mimics this ritual, and is therefore considered extremely
      impolite and offensive. If you must pass something to another person,
      pick it up, and place it on their dish. They can then pick it up with
      their own chopsticks.

    4. Know the difference between "nigiri," (pieces of fish,
      shellfish, or fish roe over rice balls), "makizushi (rolled in
      seaweed)," "temaki (hand rolls)" and "sashimi" (sliced/chilled raw fish
      without rice).
    5. Nigiri sushi
      Enlarge

      Nigiri sushi

      Always place your "nigiri-sushi" upside-down in the soy sauce and eat
      it "rice-side up." Don't pinch it too hard, and place it so the fish
      touches your tongue. (The soy sauce will cause the rice to fall apart.)

    6. Sushi should be eaten in one bite if possible, but two bites is generally acceptable. However, don't put the sushi back on the plate if you bit it in half already. Once you pick it up, eat all of it.
    7. Feel free to use your fingers as utensils. Wipe your hands on
      a damp towel, if they provide you with one. But generally, use your
      fingers for sushi, and use chopsticks for sashimi.
    8. Clean off your plate. It is impolite to leave a grain of rice on your plate.
    9. Ask the chef what's good, and let him pick for you, especially
      if it's your first time eating sushi. This shows your respect for what
      he does, and maybe you'll get a good snack. If you're in Japan, buy the
      chef a drink, like sake or beer, as a compliment.
    10. Learn a few polite Japanese words and phrases, like:
      • Say thank you, or even better, Arigato gozaimasu (ah-ree-gah-toh go-zah-ee*-mahss) which means thank you very much.
      • Before
        eating, say "Itadakimasu!" (ee-tah-dah-kee-mahss) and when you're done,
        say 'Gochisousama deshita!" (Goch-sou-sah-mah-desh-tah). This is what
        Japanese say before and after they eat.
      • When asking for a waiter/waitress say "Sumimasen" (su-mee-mah-sen). This is the equivalent of saying "excuse me"
      • (Note on pronunciation: in Japanese, all syllables receive equal stress)
    11. If you order a "teishoku" or set item which includes soup, ask to have the soup served with the sushi as an accompaniment, rather than before the sushi as an appetizer.


    Tips

    • If there is tea available, drink it with one hand holding it,
      and the other hand supporting it from underneath, using two hands to
      hold the cup. (Men don't have to do this.)
    • If there is sake for drinking, it boorish to pour sake for
      yourself. Pour some into cups for others, and let your companions pour
      sake for you.
    • The purpose of the soy sauce is to flavor the fish, not the rice.
    • The Japanese words and phrases are optional; not every employee in a sushi shop will speak or understand Japanese.


    Warnings

    • Avoid playing with your chopsticks.
      Don't play with chopsticks
      Enlarge

      Don't play with chopsticks

    • Use a scant amount of soy sauce, it's impolite to fill up your dish with excess soy sauce.
    • It's just fine to put a a small amount of wasabi on your
      sushi; likewise, it's fine to tell the chef (itamae-san) that you don't
      want any wasabi--it will never be taken as an insult. Just use the
      phrase "wasabi nuki de." Some folks just don't like wasabi, and the
      customer is king--or "god" as they say in Japanese "okyaku-sama wa
      kami-sama desu."
    • Don't expect the chef to handle the money. Have another employee assist you. People who handle the food never touch the money.
    • Don't ask for knives, as sushi is not that tough to eat!
    • Never stick your chopsticks in food, standing upright. This is rude, and resembles the incense at a funeral.

  • How to Brush a Dog's Teeth

      

    The method and necessity of caring for your dog's teeth. What are
    the results of good canine mouth care? Plus, there is at least one
    other reason that involves the welfare of the dog's human family.


    Steps

    1. Get your puppy to become accustomed to hands in his mouth.
    2. Try some beef flavored dog toothpaste on a finger. If those
      hands have something that tastes and smells good, it is a lot easier.
    3. Rub the dog's gums on both sides and in the front.
    4. Let him lick some off your finger. Even older dogs can learn this way.
    5. Put him up on something such as the kitchen counter, washing
      machine or chair, if he strongly objects. He will be more reluctant to
      move. A towel on the counter or washing machine will make him more
      secure.
    6. Get the correct size brush for your dog.
    7. Gently brush the gum line around all the teeth. Encourage and
      speak gently to him. Do a little at a time. He will continue to enjoy
      the taste of the flavored toothpaste.
    8. Do this at least once per week throughout the dog's life.


    Tips

    • If you experience challenges with the dog resisting and
      wiggling out your hands, you can also try standing or sitting over him
      (depending on the size) with the dog between your legs. You'll be
      working sort of upside down and backwards, but it actually gets the
      brush into places you can't get to when working face to face.
    • In addition, after the teeth are brushed, spray
      chlorohexidine mouth spray on both sides in the back and on the front
      teeth. Bacteria gather and this keeps that in check.
    • Also, there are tartar control products that can be added to
      the dog's drinking water. This stops excessive buildup on the teeth
      that can cause decay and gum disease.
    • Remember that small dogs retain food particles between their
      teeth much more than big dogs. Proper dental care is all the more
      important for them.
    • During grooming checks is a good time to brush the teeth as
      well. Feeding hard "cookies" or "treats" will also help to keep your
      dogs teeth and gums healthy.
    • Cleaning a dogs teeth does not have to be such a huge ordeal if started early and done on a frequent basis.



    Warnings

    • If a dog's teeth are not taken care of, a number of
      ramifications occur as a result of the infections spreading in various
      ways throughout the dog's body. One is heart disease resulting in heart
      failure. Think about it...if a dog is constantly swallowing bacteria
      from infections in its mouth, or the bacteria is spreading via the
      blood, it can be nothing but detrimental to the dog's overall health.
      Good mouth care means a longer, happier life for your best friend.
    • Also, if the dog likes to lick his humans, that passes those bacteria on to us.
    • Finally, imagine the pain the dog feels if he has gum disease,
      infections, loose teeth, etc. Even the bone can become involved just
      like in humans. Simply eating can become an unpleasant experience.
    • If you see that your dog needs further measures to help with
      his teeth, consult your vet. One good teeth cleaning by the vet can get
      you back on track in taking care of your dogs teeth. It really is more
      important than it seems.