shift things the other way, won't you?

Sure, there have been surprises that came along work-wise, but I had thought that as long as there is that one thing that was reliable, I would be able to at least breathe deeply each day when crunch time comes.

But, just like that, I had to hear something terrible today. Something that will dramaticall y alter both the dynamics of the current team that I'm in and the process with which we work. The relationship was fragile to begin with...I had only two or three 'buffers' which prevented me from destroying my entire day every day. Included among those 'buffers' is the knowledge that I was working with someone who knew what he was doing -- and that is changing too.

Its official. I have arrived and this project is about to begin.

Renee, if you're reading this...find me some anti-aging cream as I think this trip will age me twice as fast as the other projects I've had...

overdue

I cant believe that I've been here for almost a month already.

And yet all I have to show for this past month are a handful of photos and and even less blog entries. I suppose its because I have consciously chosen to not shoot yet. Not while the weather was too cold to be outdoors for very long. However, Spring's here and its time for Buddy to do some NYC sightseeing :)

In the meantime, I've added a few blog updates, just for the sake of updating.

Easter weekend

I woke up Saturday morning to the low sound of a foghorn. While I knew that it was from some vessel cruising the nearby Hudson River, never in the past three weeks have I heard one before. Peeking out, I found a fog-covered river with only hints of Manhattan's skyline beyond.


The weird thing about it though is that the entire Saturday was one of the best weather we've had for quite a while. Spring's in the air, and it picked Easter weekend to make itself well-known.

thank you.

they were waiting for me for over a day already....but I found 'em just in time.

morristown

During the first few weekends when I got here, I was in Morristown with William...tagging along while he searched for a flat, dragging him to grocery stores and shopping stores -- and he would almost always end up buying more than I did -- and basically just making the most of being around a familiar face before he leaves for Manila.

One of the things we did was to take his car to the car wash...being the other half of the infamous TSF duo, I naturally, had to take photos. After all, I was IN the car while they were washing! And it took less than 5 mins too.




while I didnt really that much of Morristown, we did manage to stop at Speedwell park to take some photos....out of a handful, this is the only one worth posting...

sometimes when you're feeling lost, and grappling to find who you really are, it helps to find things like these (never mind that its not necessarily accurate).

You Are a Hunter Soul

You are driven and ambitious - totally self motiviated to succeed Actively working to acheive what you want, you are skillful in many areas. You are a natural predator with strong instincts ... and more than a little demanding. You are creative, energetic, and an extremely powerful force. An outdoors person, you like animals and relate to them better than people. You tend to have an explosive personality, but also a good sense of humor. People sometimes see you as arrogant or a know it all. You tend to be a bit of a loner, though you hate to be alone. Souls you are most compatible with: Seeker Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

what's an "Amuse" ?

That was what I asked Steph and Oliver when we went out for Dessert after having Ramen dinner at Rai Rai situated in NY's East Village. "Amuse", as we think it is, is ChikaLicious' term for Appetizer.

And Chikalicious is the first ever dessert place I've been to that serves a three-course dessert,er, meal. Your dessert experience begins with their "Amuse", followed by your choice of Dessert ending with a Petit Four.

While this is not your typical big-size servings that most of those I know associate the US with, this was my very own peek at NY's nightlife. Nice, tiny places tend to have lines of people outside on the sidewalk, waiting to be seated.

I'm no expert, but I loved the experience. Watching the 'chefs' at work (including part-owner, Chika) and finding out how on earth I can extend the dessert experience given such small portions of yummy food was well worth the quite pricey experience. Hey, its not like I'm heading there every night.

Visit the restaurant's site here.

white

It snowed today.

I was already at work, locked up in one of the Conference Rooms in that monstrous maze on Irving Place and 14th, when my colleague came in and said "It's snowing!".

we went out to the hall in for a window view...and sure enough, there was snow! In April. And its Spring. And I had semi open shoes. Tomorrow morning I'll make it a point to find out what the weather forecast would be.

Good thing it stopped in the afternoon, and didnt snow again. It got a bit chilly walking home...but chilly was fine...as long as there's no snow.

little things

This morning I was out of the apartment slightly earlier compared to the past few weeks. I've been hearing the word 'Spring' a lot these past few days that I thought, okay, if it really is spring, then I can take the path by the river and not shiver in the cold wind (FYI, I did that once on my first week here and I never did it again, at least not in the morning -- waaay too cold). It wasn't chilly...and even without my scarf I was fine.

Little fella

A block away from the train station, I saw something moving a little further to my right. Lo and behold, a little furry thing was on the brick pathway, hopping, traipsing and skipping across my path. Right now I still dont know if it was a squirrel (which is, in my impression, the cute creature) or a possum (which, again, based on my limited impression on furry animals). Based on what I've seen and heard when I was in Melbourne, Possum are seen tightrope-walking on the electricity lines. Squirrels on the other hand, remind me of Disney's Chip and Dale. So, in order to make my morning happy I decided, then and there, that yes, that WAS a squirrel crossing my path.

life goes on

And speaking of path. I take the PATH train to Manhattan everyday (lousy way of introducing a new topic dont you think? I'm losing my creativity :p) . As I was reloading my Metro card, a lady on a wheelchair came up to me -- no, rolled up to me and asked if I could help her get through the gates. See, she didnt have either hand and I'm guessing she was controlling the chair using her feet (she was daintily covered). I walked over with her to the disabled access, fished out her Metcard from her bag, slipped it in, saw her through and said my "Have a great day".

It amazes me how people like her, who, despite her limitations, are out there still living their lives. Taking the subway, heading from place to place and most probably out to do something productive. Whereas I, on the other hand, have to drag myself out of bed every morning while constantly reminding myself that I have work to do...I have work to do...as a mature, responsible, adult, I have to go to work and do what I have to do....
*sigh*