Saturday, December 5, 2009

Odometer 21329 Mi Temp 35 F 6:46 PM "Touch of Gray"

Recently a fellow co-worker pointed out "You have a gray hair." What I really wanted to say something really sarcastic, like gees u think?! But I couldn't do it. Instead I thanked her and say it the stress. And because I know deep down, let's face it we're all getting older. I'm damn old. My class just had a 10 yr reunion, more than half are married with kids. I qualified for SSN. I no longer can hold on to my childhood. It's time to grow up. Commit to commitment if you will. Strangely though, while I have fears of many things, having one (several...more like 20+) gray hair doesn't brother me. Maybe because I've seen one too many of Touch of Gray commerical. Having gray hair is sexy. Especially when your interviewing in front of a hottie. Haha! I love society.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Odometer 20211 Mi Temp 59 F 10:44 PM "Rapide"

Aston Martin Rapide: Best looking 4 door ever!


It should only take me about until retirement, not eating, not spending any money to buy one but it'll be so worth it!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Odometer 19860 Mi Temp 33 F 8:41 PM "First Snow"


Today was the first snowfall of the season in New England. Pretty early for this part of the area. Lucky for me I had the day off so I thankfully avoided the traffic standstill that is I-84 because even though most of us know how to drive in the snow, most of us don't know how to drive in the snow. But I leave that as separate story.

My first experience with snow wasn't here in the U.S. Rather it was near based of Mt. Fuji. Of course I have no recognition of this wonderful experience other than the family picture posted on the wall. But still I'm sure it was pretty cool. My next snow experience would be several years later in the middle of the Anchorage Alaska airport, eastbound to NYC...

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Odometer 18854 Mi Temp 72 F 10:49 PM "Noodle Craving"

My recent noodle craving had me inspired to open a noodle shop. Not the fake, instant noodle that come in a soup, or cheap take out noodle. But true authentic thin wonton, egg noodle shop. So delicious!

But first I need a noodle master...


Monday, September 7, 2009

Odometer 18072 Mi Temp 59 F 1:59 PM "Carded"

Haha! Well, it's great to know even with my recent turn of age that I was still stopped by the bouncer at the Sands.

Kudos to you Mr. Security Guy for thinking I'm still some 18 yrs old punk ass kid!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Odometer 17332 Mi Temp 80 F 9:24 PM "Has it been 10 yrs?"

Received an invitation on FB for my high school reunion.

I thought to myself: Has it really been 10 yrs since I walked out of doors at BEHS?! I think about all these classmates and what they're doing now. But more importantly, I think about me. What have I accomplished this past 10 yrs?

School? Ok. Done.

Career? Sightly but mostly stalled.

Love? I'm still looking for her, but she isnt' looking back.

Family of my own? No, see above but someday.


So when I into those reunions doors, what am I going to say?


Me: Hi! good to see you!

CM: What have you been up to?

Me: Not much. Just working and living.

CM: Oh good. I'm glad. Good to see you.

Me: You too.

End

Well, at least it'll be quick exit. See you at 2o years!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Odometer 17332 Mi Temp 80 F 8:39 PM "Feedback"

So I'm great at giving feedback, to friends, to folks at work, or to people in general.

Not to brag about myself (which in self is a rare feat) but I think I make a pretty good manager. I delegate well and take personal involvement and pride to make sure folks that I managed get to their careers goals.

But I'm lousy at receiving feedback.

So what does that say about me when not one but several folks tells me, in not so many words, on various occasions that as person, that I'm stiff and uptight, and that I'm way too intense? I don't response well to it because truth is they're absolutely right. I am uptight, and I put 200% into my work, even when it's unnecessary. I can't/don't know how to stop. and even when I let my guard down on rare incident, I immediately regret it or get into trouble. So I stop. I keep my guard up and hope things will naturally evolve.

I know I'm being unreasonable to myself. My friends tell me to just let go and do something random, meet people outside of work, and I even convinced myself I should. I just can't muster the strength to do it.

I guess acknowledging it is a good step to self realization...baby steps...

Friday, July 24, 2009

Odometer 16544 Mi Temp 65 F 11:26 PM "DragonBoat"

It's that time again! Join me and my companies' team (ING Warriors) as we try to win it all at 9th Annual Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival on Aug 15, 2009.

Time: Approximately 9 AM to 3 PM.


If you want to be a paddler or volunteer, let me know.

Still, not convince check out what you could be missing (ours will be just as fast!)


Saturday, July 11, 2009

Odometer 16215 Mi Temp 76 F 3:02 PM "Petit Road Race"

Want to get some exercise while giving to a great cause?

Or if you simply would like to see yours truly running my legs off trying outrun the 6 yrs old club scout, then come on down next Sunday for the "The GE 5k Road Race Benefiting the Petit Family Foundation."

You can read more about it or register for the event here:

http://www.petitroadrace.com/index.shtml

All benefits goes to the Petit Family Foundation.

See you there!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Odometer 15449 Mi Temp 67 F 11:38 PM "Twitter"

So against my better judgement, I signed up a Twitter account to see what the fuzz is all about. And 10 minutes later, I'm still not really sure. Perhaps I'm not interesting enough, perhaps I'm not part of the in-crowd, or perhaps I don't really see how "Hey I'm at P.F Chang's eating the lunch special!" is relevant to my friends or why would they even care.

Or maybe I'm really just getting old and this is way over my head. Nevertheless, I'm going give it a try. So you can follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/hkpc275

If my last update is any indication, don't be expecting any earth shattering news, but who knows, maybe I'll get some followers.

As my cousin pointed out, I need something to do, ah...yes that's my next Twitter update:

Need a new gig, get my MBA, find a girl, and get a house.

See I'm already getting a hang of it!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Odometer 14864 Mi Temp 57 F 10:00 PM "Uncle Eddie"

In celebration for my Uncle's upcoming surprise birthday party, I'm reminded how lucky I'm to have such a good family support, immediate and extended, and everything that's been going on in my life seems to just dissolve away...at least for the hour.

And as I'm writing about my Uncle and thinking about summer (which I do look forward to), there's one thing that comes to my mine. My summer isn't complete or start without watching the NL series' as the Griswold family tackle on their quest for fun to Wally World (and leaving poor Edna top of the station wagon!)or to the "family destination" that is Las Vegas. Of course no vacation is ever complete without the strange/crazy/white loafers lovin' Cousin (Uncle from my perspective) Eddie.

Now I never had a crazy Uncle Eddie in my family, but sometimes I wonder wouldn't that be kinda neat, if not only for the entertain value at the family BBQ? Or in this case at the buffet table...




Do you know of any "Cousin/Uncle Eddie" in your life?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Odometer 14310 Mi Temp 49 F 12:30 PM "5K"

I ran my 1st ever 5K this weekend and it was one best accomplishment in my life.

The experience is wonderful, I can't describe it. And I can honestly say it's one of the harder things I've ever had done. Having 2 weeks and absolutely no outdoor training didn't help but in the end I managed to beat my own indoor treadmill time. While I'm rang up towards the end of the line I didn't care. I'm just glad I was able to do it. And thanks to all those encouragement I received on the way, including this lady who we traded position several times on the course. In the end, I found myself with burst of energy towards the finished line and was able to best her time. I feel a bit guilty about that since she was so nice but I managed to find her and thank her for her kind words.

And being out there and meeting different group of people is definitely what I need right now, I've so tired of keeping my thoughts and me to myself. I hope this experience will open new opportunities for me.

On to the half marathon!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Odometer 8866 Mi* Temp 89 F 3:43 PM "Love my town!"

Reason why I don't visit the park in Bristol more often:



While mining my own business I overheard the following actual conversation:

Man 1: "Yo white boy!" (yelling from a beat up Chevy Malibu w/two shady chicks)

Man 2: "Yo man waz up"

Man 2: "You out?"

Man 1: "Just got out Monday."

Man 2: "S*** man"

Man 2: "Whatabout that chick?"

Man 2: "Can't remember her name."

Man 1: "Marlie?"

Man 2: "Yea"

Man 1: "Her too"

Man 2: "No S***"

Man 2 walks away.

End conversation.



*in the Camry

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Odometer 12413 Mi Temp 39 F 10:24 PM "5K"


Training is hard!

My hopes of running as part of the relay team is still in sight; and I still need a LOT more work.

Boy, am I tired after running 5k on the treadmill. But I feel 100 times better coming out of the gym and makes me forget the workday!

Could the triathlon be far behind? Nah!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Odometer 11903 Mi Temp 45 F 2:02 PM "Brocation"

As I was reading the news online this morning (yes, I read.) I stumble upon this article of the travel section.

This is exactly what I need: A brocation.

No thinking about my static job; away from this girl I can't stop thinking about; and general overall lost of direction I've feeling lately.

Now, I can take it up with the dudes North Shore Mountain Biking, but I think I'll stick with a more realistic Baja CA Whale Cruise.

I'm feeling better already!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Odometer 11512 Mi Temp 31 F 7:31 PM "Join the Family"

I have an addiction.

It's been one that been on going for two weeks. What started out as an innocent game application have turned into a constant need to play Mafia Wars on Facebook. While I'd like to think Meghan aka "Don MK" is the blame for roping me into this but really it's my fault for entering the syndicate "crime world." I get mad when people make off with my cash. I love it when I get bonus points for mastering jobs. And like any good family, the occasional visit to the Godfather.

I can't stop.

I always had a fasincation with the Godfather. I suppose most guys are (if they tell you otherwise they're lying). What's not to love? Mobsters, buying the cops, owning your chain of Italian restaurants, ratting out then whacking off the rival family and be on time back in time for dinner. "It's not personal, it's business!" Simple yet so effective.

Here's one classic scene....




And I get to live all of this in my online world (I have yet venture into second life and having my own avatar nor I do plan to, not unless I don't plan on EVER meeting anyone in real life!)

I invite you to join my family. And remember "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Odometer 11395 Mi Temp 47 F 2:00 PM "Takeout"


What I learn from lunch today:


Fortune cookie slip:

Front

"shu" "cai" meaning vegetable in Chinese.

Back

"If the cake is bad, what good is the frosting?"

Translation:

My best guess: "If person's bad on the inside, what good are his looks on the outside"


Somehow I doubt the folks at Wonton Foods INC. spend that much time thinking of it's meaning. Maybe they just love frosting....ummm...frosting...I think I'm gonna get eat that cupcake now.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Odometer 10944 Mi Temp 44 F 11:56 PM "Hungry?"

If you're ever in NYC and near Chinatown, I recommend stopping by Big Wong Restuarant.


Here's what you can expect:


Hot fresh food deliver under 5 minutes.

Non-existing customer service.

Best fried crullers EVER!

Long but a reasonable wait line.

Loud and obnoxious locals.

Quiet but curious visitors.

Try the wonton noodle soup, then venture you way up to traditional salt pork and thousand year old egg congee (porridge).

And dirt cheap prices.



BEST FOOD EVER! And one reason I'll ever consider moving to the Big Apple.







Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Odometer 10700 Mi Temp 24 F 8:45 AM "Power Slide"

Due to our recent snow storm, and the fine work of contractors that seem to pile on snow at the most inconvenient of places; I find myself wishing to park my car between the wide ample spaces that is the snowbank and the Altimas.


Now if you are going to parallel park, you have to do it right....








If I only had I have better insurance and didn't suffer from Chionophobia.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Odometer 10070 Mi Temp 25 F 7:05 PM "The Hammer"

My car is old. It has over 10k on it. I originally plan a celebration for it...flashing light, sounding the horn, etc. But I missed it somewhere over I-84.

When I did finally noticed this over the potholes of Bristol, it was too late. However, to make up for it, I danced (in my get down, funky Egyptian-John Travolta style) to this tune. Appropriate really.





Yes I'm a dork.

Yes, it was captured by the CCTV at the McD's Drive-Thru.

Yes, the car will need to be traded in.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Odometer 9824 Mi Temp 32 F 6:45 AM "Serenity Now!"

Alright, I'm not a big Seinfeld fan but this scene is fitting from what I've been feeling recently...



My car is just about the only place I can be alone with my thoughts so it was such a sign of relief when I only found a bit of serenity as driving home, alone, between Rt 4 and 6 in Farmington at 6:45 Sunday morning, especially given one of the best and worst week I can remember. It'a the best time to drive really. I'm the only car on the road, streets are completely quiet, green lights straight through, and smooth jazz playing gently in the background. The sun slowly rising over skyline and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. All it was missing was a cup of coffee. I wish I can have these type of morning more often. Hopefully the eternal optimistic in me says there will be.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Odometer 9267 Mi Temp 19 F 10:20 PM "One Fat Cat and 3 Micro Cars"

This is what I call a hybrid: 2009 Fisker Karma


The car is priced at $87,900.

"The Karma has Fisker's "Q-Drive" powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a lithium-ion battery pack. It's a setup that gives the car a range of 50 miles on electricity alone and then calls on a gasoline engine with a generator that charges the lithium-ion battery. Fisker says "most" Karma drivers who plan to charge the vehicle overnight and drive less than 50 miles per day will get a whopping 100 mpg in fuel economy, averaged over a year. Top speed is 125 mph."

I'm not a big fan of hybrids, and I wouldn't be caught dead in a Prius in its current form (the 2010 model I'll reserve judgement) since it drives like a microwave w/training wheels instead of real tires. The Karma I would make an exception. Anything that tops out a buck and quarter while sits 4 in style get the thumbs up from me. Talk about your fat cat.


However, if you are like me and most folks, the Karma is a bit out of our price range. Also, if it's fuel economy and style (better or worse) you crave, here's 3 micro cars to consider at considerably less coin...


Fiat 500:


Baring striking resemblance to the original 500 in the 50s, it's already becoming a charmer in Europe. Though not yet on sale in the U.S. But w/Fiat's partnership agreement with Chrysler LLC, you might see it on our shores soon.




Toyota IQ:



If you want to get an idea of how big the IQ is, think its next of kin, the 3 door Yaris. Now, take the image of the Yaris, shorten it by at least a foot, you'll be close. Just bigger than its Smart competitor, the IQ measures just 117.5 inches in length, 66.1 inches in width and 59 inches in height. Toyota claims it's the smallest 4 passenger micro car in the world. And at 56-MPG, it's slated to be on U.S shores in 2010, badged as a Scion.



Nissan Cube:



Straight out of Japan, it's 20 inches shorter then it's nearest Scion Xb competition. It's asymmetrical swing gate is a signature styling cue. Though bigger than the two cars previously mentioned and doesn't do as well in terms of fuel economy vs. the above; this one is still a charmer, in your anime sorta way.



Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Odometer 8971 Mi Temp 25 F 7:53 PM "Snuggie"

By now, if you know me, you already know my position on this hideous thing called a "snuggie." If you don't, well, let's just say I'm not a fan massive fleece w/sleeves on backward and selling for only $19.95 (plus s+h) Millions sold!

I recall a similar article of clothing invented years ago...oh yeah, its call a robe!


Anyway, thanks to my cousin Andy for sending this! I can't resist.

Note: it's mildly offensive, but it's waaaayyyy too funny!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Odometer 8950 Mi Temp 17 F 11:39 PM "All about me"

With my recent days off, I've reading all types of blogs lately. I never notice there's SO much out there. There's practically every blog you can imagine out there: political, automotive, photography, food, travel, pets, the long lost love that you can't image without. You name it, there's a blog for it.

I thought I would be last person to start a blog, since I always under the assumption there's nothing about me that's special or any ideas I that I have people would be interested. Well, I guess that's the point. It's a place where you can post and vent anything you want (and boy do I want to vent about some things) and be surprise by people who share those feelings or the same ideals.

Now all of this should've been in my first blog entry but since I can't go back and edit it (well I probably can but I don't know how so I'm saying no until someone tells me otherwise), I thought it be good to list some things about this author, sans anything specific.

So here goes in no particular order:


-I was born in the country dubbed "freest economy in the world."
-I am a registered independent.
-I am a capitalist, I believe in free enterprise.
-I don't have a pet, though I would like a dog (golden retriever)
-I love driving and open road. (the more turns the better!)
-I can name just about every make, model, and approximate year for any car over last 20 yrs.
-I have a boxes of die cast vehicles (Matchbox, Hotwheels, Tomica) that is now in storage over the years I've collected. (Not so much anymore, I don't have the time or the money)
-I love anything automotive.
-I live somewhere along the Northeast, which I love.
-Just some places in world I've been: Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan, Stockholm, London, St. Petersburg, Beijing, and Berlin.
-Places in world I've yet to go and will go: Paris, Rome, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Amalia Glacier, Panama Canal, Anchorage, Cairo, Dubai, Moscow and Athens.
-I once held up an entire 747 back to the States because I had an urge for McD's.
-I got lost at Disney World.
-The sax was deemed too big for me, so I was stuck w/the clarinet for band.
-My artistic/intellectial talent at its greatest during the 8th grade.
-I was a peer mediator but never had to mediate anyone in school.
-I was offered for NHS, but I declined out of protest.
-I mistaken my BMX bike as a BMW when I was little. (it was either)
-I'm afraid of heights.
-I'm a bit OCD. All books, magazines, DVDs must be in a neat stack.
-English isn't my native language but it's my primary language.
-I see the glass as half empty most of time, but that doesn't mean I don't look ahead.
-I usually spill/trip/fall something at least once a week.





So now you know everything about me and nothing about me. Hopefully this will give you some insights for my future blogs.

Enjoy!



Saturday, January 24, 2009

Odometer 8852 Mi Temp 36 F 12:08 AM "Continue Ed"

The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.
-Tom Bodett


Coming out of my CE course this afternoon, I can't help but think why there's so many tests out there. Just sitting at the testing center, for example, there's this man there for an IT exam. Then there's this woman asking questions about another test and look worried (my guess is some type of college entrance exam). The lady that worked there apologized for the long wait to yet another another man who's there, as she explained that they had to clear a group of 15 testers, whose test apparently had an oral section,
therefore they had to wait for everyone to finish first. The man just smiled and nodded.

Counting mine, that was 4 different tests.

Other test that comes to mine: In school, you have your P.E, CAPT, SAT, and Admissions tests. If you play sports or cheerleader, there's probably tryouts-a test. As a teenager, most oblivious test that comes to mine is Driver Ed/License test. After you graduate, then you probably had a pre-interview test even before you meet the hiring manager. Then after you get the job, you may need a drug test to make sure you comply with the company. You may even need a professional designation test complete to ensure your employment.

But what about not so oblivious test at first glance? New leaders we elected; this is a test of trust we place on them that they would change the status quo. CEOs are tested against ethical standards, doing the right thing vs. making a profit anyway they can. Love is a test of true feelings. Relationship is a test of trust with one another. Marriage is a test of commitment. Divorce is a test of strength to oneself. Children is a test of responsibility. Religion is a test of faith. Dying is a test of character, do I die gracefully or bitterly? Even death is a test of a man's worth. Did he contribute to society?

So who decides to be the administrator and who decides to be the tester? Is it us? Is it our government? Or it is someone from a higher power?

When did life become one giant never-ending CE course with no options to go back but only forward. Then all of a sudden...you have complete your course, check out the score, print a copy and proceed to Heaven or Hell.

I don't attempt to try to explain or to answer these questions. It's just been stuck in my head all day and so I thought I bring it up. I welcome your comments.






Saturday, January 17, 2009

Odometer 8532 Mi Temp 14 F 1:02 PM "Change"

There's a been a lot of changes recently.

At work, where I'm sad to say folks I have known through the years are no longer there. Friends I know that is worry about their own jobs security. A new President taking over on Tuesday during one of the toughest time in our history. The weather, when this blog started we had cool mornings, warm days, and cold nights. Now it's just plain cold.

There's some good changes too though.

I'm happy to say I feel better after starting working out this year and I'm determined to make this routine. I'm happy I'm making progress in making a name for myself in the company. And my commuter friend has received a much earned, much deserved promotion. I've reference a number of times my fellow carpool and commuter friend on this blog, and after initial hesitation to start a carpool in the first place, I'm sad and happy to see this carpool come to the end. Sad as I'll miss the conversations that has change a lot of my views, happy to see a good friend edging closer to his career goals.

As such, this blog's title has to change with it. Not so much in content but in references. So as I tackle Life beyond the HOV Lane, hopefully my thoughts and comments would be more in depth or more stupider, depending on my commute. "Accident, 4 Mile Delay" Bring it On!

Welcome to The Flying Commuter, Life Next to HOV Lane.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Odometer 8356 Mi Temp 31 F 11:15 PM "Resume Builder"

With everything going on in the economy and inspired by recent events at work, I decided to brush off my resume. I always tell folks that you are always interviewing for you next job, I just didn't realized that I'm was talking about myself potentially. Funny thing, though I won't say I'm not worry, let just say I'm not losing any sleep over it. Perhaps this is contributed to the long workdays (by choice because coming in after 9 makes me feel lazy) and adding exercise to the list, resulting in 12 hrs + days. Things like this used to worry me and keep me awake at nights. No more. Because I realize life is a crap shoot, you just need to roll the dice and hope it lands on a payout.

But just in case, I think I'll get some practice w/interviews. I'm taking my cue from Monty Python.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Odometer 8286 Mi Temp 23F 7:50 PM "Got Lipitor?"

I'd figure it's never too early to plan my next road trip. And since I've been fairly good at going to the gym recently, the Heart Attack Grill in Chandler, AZ would be a good start.

Besides the, AHEM, "waitresses", they offer the 8000 cal plus quadruple bypass burger. Just what the doctor ordered.


Watch CBS Videos Online



And should you survive after eating this...well, then you should head down to Amarillo, Texas to the Big Texan Steak Ranch for its 72 oz steak, cook just the way you like it!

Somewhere the folks at Pfizer must be smiling.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Odometer 8023 Mi Temp 33F 11:02 PM "Made in China"

The conversation was a bit fuzzy to me now...but somehow it was decided that the Chinese finger traps would be a good items to give away for the annual membership drive for my work employee network in celebration of Chinese New Year (Year of the Ox BTW). That and fortune cookies.

Now, I don't mind giving out trinkets and I LOVE fortune cookies (yummm....vanilla and yellow #5 coloring!) , but either of which turns out to have anything much to do with Asian culture.

It was especially concerning when I saw this...



I'm not too sure Trekkies (No offense if you are one!) boosts enough credibility to increase membership.

Now...Wu Tang



and Wang Chung on the other hand...TOTAL STREET CRED!


Sunday, January 4, 2009

Odometer 7833 Mi Temp 32F 6:52 PM "Pocket Full of Square"

Finally here is one nagging question that I wasn't able to resolved last year, but now has found the answer: How to fold a pocket square.



Can it be that easy?! I will try this next time I wear my suit.

Next up: the full Windsor knot.

Another 09 resolution resolved!