Mid-week rants...and raves

Let me begin by saying that I had a very crazy day. My morning was pretty quiet and steady which I always think as good. Then when I was all set to do my budget plan for 2007, something caught my attention. I suppose it was something that I was not supposed to see in the first place. Sa di sinasadyang pagkakataon, I gave a quick glance on the monitor I passed by as I walked by my analysts' workstations. Worse, I think I stared for a few seconds. What the?!?...What I saw was not your usual picture of people claiming to be "just friends". It was nothing scandalous but it was something worth pondering on, most especially if you manage them at work. I am now in a dilemma whether I should ask them or not because I was not supposed to see what I saw in the first place. I would not want to appear trivial but I would want to reiterate to them that it is subject to ethical standards, should there be more than just friendship going on between them. Does that sound professional enough? Hah! Oh well, work has not been affected just yet. I will just come up with contingency measures if and when that time comes. What can I say but I have been really careful in choosing people to comprise my team? I hope I am just overreacting...

On a lighter note, I got to talk to Kristian, my ultimate crush from our Belgium office. I got a call from him yesterday since we are about to work on a project for our European clients. My goodness! His voice was so sexy and I love his accent which I did not notice at all while we were in the States. It was essentially business with a few friendly banter. He asked if I were missing the States. I almost said, "Nope, but I am missing you...terribly." Hahahaha! Enough of this. I just needed release to ease the stress caused by what I found out just this afternoon. To think it's just mid-week...

Cam-whoring Series: Part 1

My "pang-konsehala" pic, The Devil Wears Prada pic, the Curly Geek pic, The Kinky pic, and my "pinilit unatin ang buhok" pic not necessarily in that order...I hope I got the descriptions right though...So take your pick...no pun intended:)

Rekindling Ties with the Sheets

I woke up really early this morning in anticipation of the rains that typhoon “Glenda” would bring. I was bent on going to the office early so that I would beat the traffic and all the other commuters who still have to go to work.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), I was not meant to be at the office this day. I was putting on my sweatshirt and about to finish prepping up for work when I received a message from my sister telling me that the street I always walk on to get a ride to get to work is…tanan!!!…FLOODED!!! I told myself that I should still go and see for myself if it is indeed flooded. The moment I stepped out of our place, I realized I should have taken my sister’s word for it. Even if I took the trike to get to the corner where I usually get my ride, it would not help at all since I would still get wet. And the nook where I usually stand is also submerged in water according to bystanders who probably saw how helpless I looked.

That left me no choice but to go back home and change into something dry. I short messaged my team letting them know that I might miss the talk scheduled for today where visitors from our Rockville HQ will be speaking with the entire office as their audience. I was optimistic that I would make it to the office in the afternoon, at least to manage my workload. Alas! That was not how things would turn out as the day progressed. After I changed into something more comfortable I picked up the papers that were two days old and some magazines as well. That was when everything started to feel right. When was the last time I held on to the newspaper to actually read ? I do keep myself updated with the goings-on in the world through the Internet, but nothing could quite compare with the feel and smell of the newsprint right at my fingertips. Melodramatic huh? But it’s true. Browsing through the papers reminded me of my younger days when I religiously read the pages from cover-to-cover, if only to keep me updated for my social science class and yes, I do not feel complete without having read the newspaper in a day. Geeky, I know! But yes, I feel more learned when I find out something new from the newspaper. Hehehe. Besides, I need it since a lot more trivial matters stuck with me like post-its like who is considered as the Bruce Lee of the Philippines? Or who is Jojo Alejar? Worst, I know the Triplets’ jingle for the Colgate ad ages ago!!! Reading the newspaper is my antidote to my ethereal love affair with trivial matters.

Today...
-I learned that Ramzan Kadyrov is Chechen’s current Prime Minister and he used to be a warlord. Though his loyalty is in question, he appears to be the stop-gap solution until Russia finds someone better.
-I got reacquainted with Upton Sinclair’s principle, which according to Paul Krugman reflects the difficulty to get a man to understand something when his salary is dependent on his not understanding it. In 2004, the U.S. Economy grew by 4.2 percent. This is supposed to be a very impressive figure but statistics showed that the typical American family’s purchasing power actually fell. Weird but true. This only means that the economic benefits of that 4.2 percent growth is not equally distributed and is felt by the few elite Americans.
-I realized that Nikko Asset Management is the third largest fund manager in Japan (who happens to be one of our major clients).
-I found out that there is such a place called Batman, Turkey, where there is such a thing as Honor Killing which is slowly evolving to Honor Suicide. Double-standards still apply to certain poor areas of Turkey.

I could list down a lot more of what I have discovered for today but for now, I will hit the Horoscope section although it’s already two days old. Hahaha!

Nosebleed

Literal na dumugo ang ilong ko sa trabaho...itanong nyo pa kay Sheila, Ben at Maggie...

Take the time to smell the flowers...

I would love to do that...but then unfortunately eversince I got back, all I did was work. There was a point that I even worked on Sundays (sad but true!).

I have been really busy that I seldom get to appreciate the flowers I see right outside our doorstep. Nor do I get to talk and see my friends. I don't like living this kind of life but I set my mind that all these are temporary, just for the time being. And it turns out I am right...
This week has been relatively lighter...and I am NOT complaining. I am just thinking that this is the calm before the storm. But at least I have something to look forward to, that is the end of June. Besides, there are lots of things that I have to be thankful for for me to even contemplate on compalining on just about anything. I have been meeting up with friends in the last couple of days which is always a good thing, and I even managed to squeeze time for gym class. I suppose it's just a matter of managing one's time really well. But I just wish I had more time to write, to take pictures, and spend time with those people I love. Hopefully it will come soon...

Crushed

Yes, my dear friends. My crush lived up to his title by crushing my heart (unknowingly, of course). I found out this lunch that he has a girlfriend. I should have known. A man such as he is, I mean it is to be expected. *Sigh* This is why I do not like being in a small group with my crush. For some reason, I always find out things that I really do not want to know about. It kinda ruins the fantasy and the mystery. Hahaha. Heck! Now I am on the prowl again. I was kinda hoping that hunting season will end and mating season would begin...(Background song: Bliss...)

RV Week 7: Overheard

Scene 1: Veranda, during the company-sponsored lunch, where the sun was out and the weather was really nice...

People were talking about their favorite food, cultural differences, and all the mundane things you can talk about under the sun. Then the conversation turned to Chipotle, a Mexican place here in Rockville, being owned by McDonald's. *I professes his love for Chipotle and how he was a big fan of the burrito bowl when all of a sudden *P comes up with one of his subtle but killer spiels...

*P: (Poker-faced with his deadpan look) Kaya pala lasang Burger McDo...
*S: (Gullible and clueless as usual, looks at *P) Di naman ah!?!

Then I break out into peals of laughter and *P follows, and then *S gets it. (hehehe)

Scene 2: Breakfast table at the hotel.

*S: Nakalimutan ko yung baon ko. Pwede ko ba kunin?
Me: Sure.
*P: Sige *S. Dala ka nung Hi-Ace ha (referring to Hi-C, the juice we all grew up with), favorite ko yun eh.
*S: (looking at *P then at me then giggles) Hihihi...Ano ulit yun?
*P: (realizing his booboo) Hi...? Ano ba yun? Hi-C?

Scene 3: Social hour at the hotel.

We unwind after work with drinks and with whatever food served during the social hour. One time, hotdogs and hot buns were served. We rush to the bar to get our share and we take our seats. We discuss all sorts of things. One time, *B and *P were strategizing on how to maximize the hotdogs and buns. The social hour wore on then suddenly...

*B: *P, meron ako nito!!! (flashing his hotdog stuck on his fork in one hand, and another hotdog in a bun with his other hand...very child-like I must say.) Hahaha!
*P: Para kayong bata...yung sa mga children's party.
*B: Kayo ka jan eh kasama ka dun.
*P: Anong kayo? Sabi ko ka...
*B: Kayo sabi mo eh...
*S and I were just listening since we were busy eating as well.
*P: Sorry po, tao lang...
*B: (In his oh-so perfect timing reeking with sarcasm...) Kelan pa?

Now you see my team's dynamics. Be that as it may, they are all I have and I love them. ( I can hear *B saying Yuck!!! Hahaha!)

NY Chronicles

NYC was tiring...yet refreshing. It was just what the doctor ordered...
The proof? See our claim to fame. Hahaha! Our picture will be flashed for an entire week on the giant screen at Times Square...

RV Week 6: Sucker for Happy Endings

Just saw Sister Act II Back in the Habit and I was dozing off to sleep...I've seen this movie about four or five times already and I know how it turns out in the end but still, I am always hooked whenever I hear Lauryn Hill and those bunch of other kids sing Joyful Joyful. Heehehe...Made me realize that I am a sucker for happy endings after all...It's funny that I have been feeling that way towards someone lately. I know how things will turn out but still, my curiosity gets the better of me and I still think of the day we will meet again. The only difference is that for sure, this one won't have a happy ending...

RV Week 6:

A part of me almost died...my right middle finger and ring finger (with the nails attached to them), I mean.

RV Week 5: Chronicle 4

People have been telling me I look tired. Well I am. But I am absolutely, positively sure that it's also people's polite way of saying that I look shitty...Hahaha

RV Week 5: Chronicle 3

I had the most tiring day as of yet in the almost five weeks I have been here in Rockville. List of things to do seem to never end and I really am pushed out of my comfort zone now. But what the heck. I have learned to grab life by the tail and more interestingly, someone's actually inspiring me to actually do it. Hehe.

This morning in the pantry, as I went about my daily ritual of getting water, I did not notice that K* was there. (read: stalker mode was below par this morning) I stared blankly while I waited for my mug to fill up. And there his hand was, oh so close to my face, waving at me and he was actually trying to get my attention. I probably looked floaty but I could not care less. I was sorting out things inside my head. Good thing I managed a smile and a "Hey..." And then I mimiced his actions (since he was still doing the wave). I knew the moment I did it that I'd have to fight the urge to actually hold his hand and caress it to my face. Hahahaha!!! I know, I know...freaky!!! Good thing, just in time, I did manage to control my urges. Usually, he'd leave afterwards without saying anything or if he ever does manage a conversation, he'd be bullying me or something. But then this morning was different. He lingered at my back. So I shot him a glance and he asked "So how are you on this very beautiful morning?" And he flashed that oh-so gorgeous smile. Just with that I was in heaven!!! And I said "I am good. How's it going with you and your hair?" while my head was angled. And he stroked his hair and he smiled. He said "It's fine. You're picking on my hair again." Hahaha....it's because I cannot come up with anything when you are near you moron you!!! And I said "Looks good to me. Now I realize, it's Alfalfa-like." And we both laugh. He touched his hair some more and even managed to argue with me. "Alfalfa's hair is more towards the back." I shot back, "Still it's stiff and brushed up. How much gel did you put in there?" He said "Oh just a little. This is my natural hair." And then he smiles at me and then opens the door for the both of us. By golly I think I am infatuated already. Hahaha...I know nothing will come out of it but just let me savor the moment...

(nb: Technically, we kissed already --he kissed me!!!--- since he sipped on the same straw which I initially used. Teehehehe...)

RV Week 5: From Waffles...to Raffles...to Guapo's

K* always gets into my nerves since he always makes sure I am annoyed whenever I see him, which unfortunately makes me like him all the more. Aaarrrgghhh!!! Haha! I know that deep down that cool, cute, smart alecky facade is a very caring man. He approached us on a Monday afternoon to ask us how the rest of the happy hour of last Friday went. He still won't let me live it down that I misheard Guapo's as Waffles (and at some point it became Raffles). Haha! I know I know, my hearing impairment is at work again! It was cool though, I tried to play it cool, but horror of horrors!!! I wasn't able to hold back, while we were doing small talk...

Ana: You got a haircut?
*K: Yes. It's summer. You know, summer?!?
Ana: Yeah whatever...
*K: (Smiling) Whatever?!? I'd take that as a complement.

Oh if he only knew...

RV Week 5: Tidbits

Workload's been spiking up and our schedule has become cazy busy. I just hope I don't get sick, well not sick enough for me to not go to work. I don't hink I can afford that luxury right now. See?!? Getting sick is a luxury for me now. How much worse can it get?

On a lighter note, I just spoke with my boss in Manila through chat. He had a really funny status attached to his handle. It said: Question: "San floor ka sa Philam?" ...Answer:"April rehistro ng kotse ko dahil 4 yun." I was like, what the...?!? And he said someone he met at the elevator asked him that which he answered in the same manner as he had in his status. Funny guy!!! Hahaha! He is too young to be hearing-impaired. But wait...I am younger than he is and my ears are more defective than his. Why so? Take this...

Phone rings.
Ana: Hello?
Ben: (On speaker phone) Hi Ana...(then the line gets choppy...)...bukas?
Ana: (Assuming that the question was "Anong plans bukas?") Oh hi Ben. We'd probably have dinner...Blah blah blah blah
Ben:(Breaks into laughter after afew minutes or so and finally picks up the handset for a clearer reception...) Hahaha! Ana, ang tanong ko kung magj jeans ka bukas?

But am sure it wasn't my defective hearing...trust me it was the speaker phone.

RV Week 5: St. Patrick's Day Pre-Celebration Parade

I used to just hear about St. Patrick's Day being sang in a song. Last Sunday was different though for I, along with my "li'l ones" headed to downtown DC to experience the real thing. Green was the dominant color, shamrock can be seen everywhere, and the mood was really festive. Had a great time walking along The National Mall, all the way down to the 7th Street, that led us to Constitution Avenue. Philip and Ben were child-like with their antics. They both shouted "Beads!!! More beads!!!" as if there would be no tomorrow. They even hustled with the kids when parade participants threw candies at bystanders. Hehe. Well that was good for She and myself. A lot of goofy pictures were taken. All in all, it was a good day to experience something so new and so fun. It felt good to forget my worries as an adult as I embarked on that journey as a child that day. After that, we walked further down the 7th Street to see The Verizon Center (formerly MCI Center). Then we just had late lunch at Drinx. Then it was The Spy Museum for us. After two hours, we called it a day and headed back home. It was tiring but this did not diminish the fact that I had pure clean fun.

RV Week 4: Chronicle 5

I just wanted to say before I retire to bed that mission accomplished...

RV Week 4: Chronicle 4

"Cheek to Cheek"
music and words by Irving Berlin

Heaven...
I'm in heaven,
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak.
And I seem to find the happiness I seek,
When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.

Heaven... I'm in heaven,
And the cares that hung around me through the week,
Seem to vanish like a gambler's lucky streak,
When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.

Oh, I love to climb a mountain,
And to reach the highest peak.
But it doesn't thrill me half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek.

Oh, I love to go out fishing
In a river or a creek.
But I don't enjoy it half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek.

Dance with me!
I want my arms about you.
The charms about youWill carry me through to...

Heaven...
I'm in heaven,
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak.
And I seem to find the happiness I seek,
When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.

I am reminded of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, a classic screen tandem, whenever I hear this. This song would have been a perfect end to my day but the waitress at the JJ Muldoon's ruined it...and I am now down with a slight fever but got to prep up for work...Such is life I know...

RV Week 4: Chronicle 3

Scene 2: Pantry

Ana was surprisingly cool and nonchalant knowing Kristian was there. She had to get some water since she's been feeling dehydrated the past few days. She didn't even attempt to look at him. Then he makes conversation...(he always does that whenever she does not want him to)

*K: Need to get some coffee?
*A: Well yeah, just water actually.

Then she dismisses him. But he kept making faces. (So playing hard-to-get works!!!) Then she does something out-of-the-blue...

*A: There is something...(points at *K's leg)
*K: What is it?
*A: Your hem got caught in your left shoe. (Then dismisses him again...)
*K: Oh thanks...

Then Ana realizes it was another blooper she didn't intentionally commit. It was her obsessive-compulsive disorder on the loose...

RV Week 4: Chronicle 2

Scene 1: Copier Room

Ana, back from lunch, was still floating and decided to print four more copies of the receipt she's holding and get something from Bloomberg at the same time. She didn't notice that Hariette and Kristian were there, contemplating on the copier that broke down. Absent-minded as she was, Ana proceeded to the copier oblivious to the people who were actually there. She didn't even notice the weird looks she got because apparently the printer cover was up! Hah! Instead of reproducing the receipts, all she managed to do was soil her hands with the toner. Then Kristian makes conversation...

Kristian: Were you at the meeting this morning?
Ana: Of course we were.
Kristian: But I didn't see you.
Ana: Well, we were on the other side. (You idiot, we were right beside you when you went into the room. But then you decided to go to the other side...)
Kristian: So you liked what you heard from Tatiana, about the Manila people being intelligent and fun people? (smiling sardonically)
Ana: Of course! Loved every minute of it.
Kristian: Am sure you did...
Ana: Well, isn't it obvious? (trying to be sarcastic and smug)
Kristian: I know...I know...(Smiles)
Ana: (Breaks into a smile as she is now in front of the Bloomberg Terminal trying to sort what she wanted to do) I was just kidding...

Ana was now lost more than ever...
Ana: (Talking to herself) Now where was I?...
Kristian: You're in Rockville... (and he fades away)

RV Week 4

Scene: Office pantry

*K: I heard you guys have been drinking...
Me: Well yeah, booze was everywhere at M*s place. It was fun though...
*K: At least you had fun, but I heard you were the worst...(then makes a mocking gesture of drinking booze or whatever with a sly smile on his face)
Me: That is soooo not true! Who'd you get that from?
*K: I won't reveal my sources (and ziplocks his lips)

Then we both go out of the pantry. Now what the f@#!k was that?!? So much for making an impression...

I usually have my dose of fun in the pantry whenever I see *K in there, getting water or coffee. Our conversations were usually pleasant, even our bickerings could be considered ermmm...cute?!? Haha! (Well, to me they were...) Until this morning... when my wit and sarcasm deserted me at the time I needed it most.

Holy sheesh!!! I'd better stop now...

RV Week 3: Chronicle 1 (CK...Crushing on Kris)

My week was not complete since I was not able to see *K at the office the whole day of Friday. I don't know. There is something about him that I cannot quite comprehend but nonetheless draws me to him. It's not just his looks, which I say for the nth time is HOT HOT HOT!!! I just like talking to him since he's just so down-to-earth yet his really really smart. Oh my here I go again...Earlier, at the office, we were casually talking in the pantry over smoked salmon, bagels, and cream cheese. Our small talk ranged from staying at The Woodfin, remembering names, cooking, and invitations. I don't know how it slipped out, but I managed to invite him to a non-existent "cook-in" we were supposed to be having. Hahaha. Man! I must be truly insane. Then I noticed that crumbs started to gather on his upper lip. And you know what my tendency was? I grabbed a couple of napkins but I managed to hold back. I forcefully fought off the urge to wipe his mouth clean. Holy crap!!! I even though of kissing him. Hahahah! I must be sick. Geeze!!! Anyway, I still have a couple of weeks more to enjoy my "time" with him. Yeah...enjoy I will. Teehehehe...

RV Week 2: Chronicle 2

The perks of being single come at the most opportune time...when you are surrounded by crushable dudes who you only see on the catwalk modelling for Hugo Boss or some other fancy designer out there in a place where nobody knows you that much (so that the aura of mystery is there). I am enjoying that right now. Flirting is soooo much fun. It's just so funny since it brings out the guy in me. Hehehe. I make all the moves and what-have-yous. This guy from our Brussels office, K*, is just sooooo hot that he raises my testosterones to unsurpassed levels. Hahaha. Oh no?!? Does that make me gay? A glance or a wave from him is enough to make my blood rush up to my head. And when either one of us strikes up a conversation, I always feel like I am hyperventilating and I end up with a goofy smile on my face.

Just this afternoon, during social hours here at the hotel, I met Julio (or William, it must be the rhum), a Filipino who has settled here in Maryland just very recently. It was my first time to avail of the free drinks and the first time I got motivated to do so because of someone hovering at the bar. Hahaha. My companions actually thought I never came down again after I went up to go and get my passport for ID. But they found out. Hahaha. It just feels nice to be able to speak with someone whom you have something in common with in a strange land. It was just a bonus that he was actually cute...boyish and really articulate....*sigh*

This is it for now. I'll let you know of my other boy-watching activities or if anything interesting at all comes up.

RV Week 2: Chronicle 1

R*, a Filipino based here in RV, and works as a full-time analyst for the same company as we do, approached us early this morning to ask how the snow tubing went. I had nothing to share of course, since I did not make it either. He then broached the idea of ice skating to us which at first, sounded really tempting. But I figured, it was not a good idea since I have never even tried roller-skating. I just have this vivid image in my mind which shows me falling from skating, with me landing on my face. Hehehe. Not good...But the conversation that transpired after brought some good laughter to all four of us.

S*: (To P*) Gusto mo ba mag ice skating?
P*: Di ako marunong eh. Lagi lang ako matutumba.
S*: Eh kung nag rollerblades and rollerskates ka naman dati, I'm sure you'll get by.
P*: Never tried it.
S*: Kahit skateboard?
P*: Di talaga.
S*: Ano ka ba?!? Para ka namang di lalaki!
P*:(Turning to B*...) Ikaw ba B* marunong ka mag rollerblades or even rollerskates?
to which B* sardonically replies...
B*: Bakit lalaki ba ko?!?
Then guffaws followed...

Hahaha. That was really good. Which leads me to appreciate my team even more...I love these guys and I am so happy that I chose them...I know I know, mushy but true.

Snow Tubing...NOT!!!

Dinner at Joe's Crab Shack last Friday was fun and sumptuous. The greens on the salad was fresh, dressing was perfect, and the shrimp pasta was nice. It was so nice that I did not mind eating a couple of shrimps which were coated in batter and deep-fried to perfection. It was not until I got home that I started to feel funny. I felt itchy all over, spreading through my thighs and back. I knew it was not good. But I did not think my allergies would be so bad that I would not make it to snow tubing the next day. I took my medication for allergies and even dress-rehearsed for the upcoming snow tubing gig (because I was anticipating *K, the hot guy from the office will make it). I felt really bad since I was looking forward to it even if it meant spending some time over the weekend, with the counterpart-from-hell. I know I missed all the fun but am also glad that the guys enjoyed. Hopefully I will do better tomorrow as we go to DC to explore. Been thinking of things we could do to amuse ourselves since it is a long weekend. Wish us luck!

RV Week 1:

It has been a week since I got here in Rockville and everything seems to fly by so fast. Friday night I flew in through LAX with my team. And then waited until almost midnight to board a flight to Chicago. When we got off the plane when we landed there, it was freezing! The tube felt like a large freezer while we were walking on it towards the arrival area. We then had to rush since we had to find the gate in O’Hare Airport where we would be boarding for our flight to Washington. It took us a whole day to get here so thank God it is over. However, we got a special gift when we arrived since it snowed. We meant to make snow angels but we were just not used to the cold so we had a very brief playtime while it snowed.

This trip has been a revelation for me in terms of the people I work closely with at the office. If there is one thing I really love about this trip, it is the chance for me to get a glimpse of how B*, P*, and S* really are. I have taken note of some conversations we have had while traveling. I have taken note of these for my own amusement so here it goes:

P*: (to S*) Ano lilipad na ba? Lilipad na ba?
S*: Pumpwesto pa yung plane for take-off.
After a few minutes…
P*: (to S*) Lilipad na ba tayo? Ano na?
S*: Gusto mo dito? Window seat para kita mo? Barf bag?
P*: Hinde, okay lang ako. (But continues to fidget on his seat…)

Here are bits and pieces of what transpired when the meal was about to be served:

P*: Pwede bang dalawang servings?
Me: I doubt it. Pero kung may di kumain, malamang pwede naman. The flight attendants seem to be nice.
The flight attendant, a certain Joaquin Garchitorena seemed to overhear us. He was really nice enough to offer P* another serving.
P*: No it’s ok. Thanks. (Turning bashful…)
Me: Ayun naman pala eh. Magpakatotoo ka na P*. Ok naman pala eh. He offered naman na.
P*: No thanks. Pwede na lang yung full can ng Pepsi? (to which the attendant willingly obliged)

While we were preparing for touch down at the LAX…

P*: Ano the OC na ba? OC na ba? (in his unusually loud voice)
I find myself laughing with S* as we continue to be amazed by P*’s reactions to things. We cannot blame him for it was his first airplane ride.

One thing I noticed about P* is that he smells just about anything he lays his hands on. For instance, he smelled his allowance when he encashed his cheque at Citibank. I am not exaggerating but I think it is an unconscious habit on his part. He was just so amusing…I have a lot more to write but I need to crash now or I will not be useful at the office later.

The Man from Nokia

<-----This is how I'd usually look when someone tries to start small talk with me. But then, it was different this morning when all of a sudden an older, dignified man started conversation on our way up to the 19th floor. It was probably his way of expressing gratitude as I waited on him at the elevator. It turns out that this man works in Nokia. He was very Pinoy yet very articulate. He thought I was with Kumon! Hah! Now that's another interesting piece to write about, ie, what made him think I was with Kumon. Hehehe. He asked where I worked if I wasn't with Kumon and really showed interest about what I do. Anyhow, it was a pleasant experience talking with this man. Conversation with him was meaty albeit very brief. If only for that, I really wouldn't mind coming in early and having another chance encounter with the man from Nokia. As we got off the elevator, said our goodbyes, and went our different ways, he sure left me looking like this......