Punzi's Corner Blog: October 2008

Friday, October 31, 2008
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Halloween 2008

Still made my consultancy and office rounds this morning, although the workday ended at around noon. And of course, my kids will be outside collecting their candies tonight.

But for a change, I have posted my own pics for this year's Halloween post. Any comments on these pictures are most welcome, as I am still practicing my photography skills.

A safe and meaningful week to all. I'll post some pics of my kids' candy-hunting later...

Thursday, October 30, 2008
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Drafting

Mixed messages from a client yesterday pressured me to produce a draft agreement in such short notice. But I'm a professional, meaning, I delivered (even a few hours ahead of time). I'm just waiting for the feedback sometime today at the earliest.

I really hope that deal pushes through. That would secure our firm overhead for a few years, making everything else we make gravy.

We could probably hire a couple of new associates. And since they will probably be assigned to the project I am currently cooking up, I will have my say on who to hire this time. And for a change, I'm the one giving the MacBook this time.

I'm probably looking for someone who can work quickly as I can. And since all of our associates are female, we'll probably get a dude this time. And I probably won't mind if he (or she, you'll never know) is still waiting for the bar results.

I'll keep you posted when we'll start to hire.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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Three-day Catch-up Post

Except for my previous rant, I have not updated you all on what happened since Sunday. So here are some updates:

1. I went to the Church of St. Michael, the Archangel in Malacanang compound last Sunday to godfather to a relative's confirmation last Sunday morning. That was my first godchild in a confirmation. And it only goes to show I'm getting old because this is one step before being a godfather to a wedding.

2. Since Bea had no semestral break (which the school took back today, as they will have one from October 30 to November 4), I figured we had only Sunday to watch the much anticipated (according to her) High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Nico insists we say the complete title). So I had them in tow that morning so we can go to a nearby mall to watch (that nearby mall would be SM Manila). Technically, it was the first time we went out, just the three of us. And yes, Nico is old enough that I can handle without outside assistance.

3. Surprisingly, I enjoyed that movie. But that's all I can say about that for now.

4. About to close a very big deal (by closing, I mean to the point of getting paid). Again, that's all I can say about that for now. But I still have to draft the agreements we need today.

5. This means I have to work tonight, despite early signs of another bout with influenza. Just have to rely on Bioflu again...

Anyway, I have to rest now. My plan is to rest a bit and just wake up early morning to finish the job.

Single-Parent Blues

Nobody said it was going to be easy being a single parent.

But there are times when I just want to throw my hands up and throw in the towel.

But of course, that's easier said than done. As a matter of fact, giving up is not an option.

Anyway, Bea's school is turning out to be unfriendly to single parents. For the first time, the parents decided to schedule a "camp out" family day from Friday afternoon to the evening.

Of course, I cannot attend that one, leaving Bea without a family. Of course, she will not be attending that since she will just feel left out.

It's not as if that schedule will run into my "night out," TGIF time. I don't do that and I'm not that kind of person. I really have to work at that time.

I better stop this ranting now. I'm beginning to get an ache at the back of my neck.

Sunday, October 26, 2008
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Oh no! Another survey!

Why am I a sucker for these things? And so is Carlo, from whom I got this from...

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

Credit Card Bills!

2. Where's the best place to eat a romantic dinner/meal?

Next question, please.

3. Last time you puked from drinking?

Almost five years ago when I was still drinking heavily. Did not even make it to the toilet.

4. Have you ever gotten drunk and danced on a bar?

I don't dance.

5. Name of your first grade teacher?

Don't remember the name (A Mrs. Gonzalez rings a bell...) but I'm not really sure.

6. What are you doing right now?

Watching Mythbusters.

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a pilot when I was in kindergarten. Then I wanted to be a structural engineer when I graduated from grade school.

8. How many colleges did you attend?

Only one (college and law school). I'll give you one guess.

9. Where did you get the shirt that you have on right now?

Someone gave it to me from his/her travels. "Pasalubong" in short.

10. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would you go?

Punta Fuego, with my kids.

11. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?

I have to attend someone's confirmation today...

12. Last thought before going to sleep last night?

How will this day turn out?

*************************************************************************************************************

1. What is your opinion on sex without emotional commitment?

It should not be a big deal between consenting adults.

2. Do you bite your nails?

No.

3. Are you a jealous person?

Not at all.

4. Are you allergic to anything?

Last time I checked, none.

5. What books, if any, have made you cry?

None.

6. Does it get annoying when somebody says they'll call you, but doesn't?

No.

7. What is your favorite simple ice-cream flavor?

Mocha, if they still have that flavor. I think they call that some "coffee" variation already.

8. Whose car were you in last...?

My mom's. But I get to use it whenever I want, along with her other car.

9. What would you rather be doing right now?

Unbloggable.

10. What song lyrics, if any, are stuck in your head at the moment?

No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I’m with my Boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you.
(Our household help's ringtone...)

11. What will you dress up as for Halloween?

Probably as Jester. Bea had me buy a floppy hat.

12. What is your favorite TV show?

Toss-up between American Chopper and Mythbusters.

13. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?

I get along with either sex. But sometimes, I get along with neither.

14. Can others make you cry easily?

I think I have done enough.

15. Who was the last person to piss you off?

Taking the fifth on this one.

16. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?

Yes. In my profession, it's a given. But we are all human, I know.

17. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?

No.

18. If you could be any type of fruit, what would you be?

A pineapple. Prickly on the outside. Sweet and sour on the inside.

19. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?

Minimum of 4 hours.

20. When was the last time you slept on the floor?

A long time ago (1991), in Japan.

21. Have you ever been attracted to someone, but not physically?

No.

22. What are some things that are needed in a relationship?

Not qualified to give an opinion on this one.

23. Do you like traveling?

Who doesn't?

24. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos?

I don't date. Period.

25. Do you believe the guy should pay on the first date?

The guy has to pay on all dates. Especially if he asked for the date.

26. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos?

No.

27. Which do you make: dreams or plans?

Both.

28. Can you speak any languages other than English?

Filipino with a little Japanese and Spanish.

29. What is your favorite salad dressing?

I don't eat anything with "salad" in its name.

30. What movies do you know every line to?

That would be "The Matrix."

31. Has anyone told you a secret this week?

Yes, because of my profession.

32. Have you told someone else that secret?

No, again, because of my profession.

33. Would you rather take the picture or be in it?

I love to take pictures, especially now with my new toy. But many people know I don't like being photographed at all.

34. Do you wear flip-flops?

Yes. They are called "tsinelas" here.

35. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Grilled pork chops.

36. What's the sweetest thing someone has done for you?

All the cards and letters my kids do for me are all sweet.

Saturday, October 25, 2008
This day in history from:

Magic Map

I like NBC's magic map better than CNN's:

Friday, October 24, 2008
This day in history from:

Expectancy

I had a unscheduled meeting late this afternoon to explore a prospect.

No, that will not bear fruit in the immediate future (in a week or so). But hopefully it will bear fruit. Lots of it.

Then off to a meeting with a long-time client/friend at a swanky restaurant by Manila Bay. I have not been to the place for a long time and it looks fantastic. The food there looks very good. Too bad, I could not partake of it because I had to work.

Of course, I did not go away hungry. But it could have been more.

I have to make this entry short because I have to rest. I'll be a bus driver tomorrow. Yes, I know it is a Saturday but Bea and her cousins still have their last day of periodical exams tomorrow. And because my sister has a prior commitment, I'll be fetching them from school as well.

That errand will also make me miss choir at the EDSA Shrine for tomorrow as well...

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Thursday, October 23, 2008
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Stumped

I'm generally known to my children as a know-it-all.

Because I basically am.

I could compete with and win over my bosses in my old law firm as we try to answer the noontime "Jeopardy" during my Makati days.

Back in the day, people have egged me to join "Who Wants to me a Millionaire." They say, I may even breeze through it without lifelines.

I have enormous stack knowledge, which probably helped me pass the bar.

At present, my children ask me anything and I usually come up with the right answer, be it for their homework or just to satisfy their curiosity. I basically never miss.

But then this evening, over the telephone, Bea asked me a question that stumped me. It's not that I don't know the correct answer. It was basically because of who asked the question.

The question seemed simple enough. But it took the prompting of a client for me to give an answer Bea could understand.

And when I told Bea the answer, she also seemed to understand why I had difficulty answering it.

For the first time, I was temporarily at a loss for words. I was stumped.

She asked, "Dad, what it adultery?"

To those who understand why that question stumped me, I can only say, "Exactly!"

That's it for now. Got to rest.

Good morning.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
This day in history from:

Intermission

We interrupt my work for tonight for this video on how camera lenses are made. No wonder they are expensive!

Sunday, October 19, 2008
This day in history from:

Nothing, really.

Nothing really to report...

Started with a grocery run with Nico. Then to lunch. Then a nap with a weird dream about me going back to my old law firm in Makati. It was so surreal.

Then off to a small family gathering over at my sister's house.

Then it's movie night. Started with the "Dark Knight" but ended up with "Notting Hill" instead.

Then, there's just time to say, "Here's to a good week ahead of us."

Saturday, October 18, 2008
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Cancellations

Started this morning with the cancellation of my chamber session. And I was so looking forward to it.

Then I had an appointment in the afternoon here at the house. There was no cancellation But the meeting was heavy.

A few hours after, there was choir. That also pushed through without cancellations but it was uneventful (which is actually not bad).

Then on to our monthly choir practice that was canceled last week because out regular organist had something to do that day. Again, it was pretty routine, but still ok.

Anyway, it will be errands day tomorrow and I can't cancel my rest period because we will have a very busy week ahead of us.

That's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Friday, October 17, 2008
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Politically Incorrect

I made a small innocent remark in Twitterland... and so I thought.

But I got my foot stuck in my mouth. So I took it back, withdrew the statement, for being politically incorrect.

Anyway, that's that. May blog about my thoughts about that later. But I have to choose my words carefully.

Did some documents that were due today. Took me all morning until the middle of the afternoon.

Then it's off to the office for our weekly lawyers meeting, with the new lawyer we just hired.

My thoughts about that... never. I'll keep that one to myself.

I then took the second LCD monitor I use the office home because I'm doing something over the weekend that needed two monitors.

I may even like it so much that I'll get a second monitor for the house. If the price is right. So I'd better check the internet for prices.

Oh, at least I have my chamber session tomorrow, making me miss my choir practice at the EDSA Shrine. I'll rejoin them the week after, as we will have no chamber session for more than a month. Our maestro is due for a month-long stay in Hong Kong.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to my weekend. And I hope you are too.

Have a nice weekend, everyone!

Thursday, October 16, 2008
This day in history from:

Meme-Mania

A knock-off from Carlo:

TEN WHATs

1. What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up?

Get Bea to school.

2. What did you do last night?

Spent time on the internets before going to sleep.

3. What is the most important part of your life?

Smart-aleck answer: My brain

Real answer: My family

4. What would you rather be doing right now?

Unbloggable...

5. What did you last cry?

Bea's first period... seriously.

6. What always makes you feel better when you’re upset?

Eating.

7. What was your last dream?

Don’t remember

8. What’s the most important thing you look for in a significant other?

Next question, please.

9. What are you worried?

How the law firm is doing.

10. What are you looking forward to most in this week?

The weekend chamber session.

NINE HAVE-YOU-EVERs

1. Have you ever liked someone with a girlfriend/boyfriend?

Yes. The good ones are always taken.

2. Have you ever had your heart broken?

Crushed. And like Scarlett's hard disk, unsalvageable.

3. Have you ever been engaged?

Of course.

4. Have you ever been out of the country?

Yes. I've had my fair share.

5. Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?

Yes. Get married.

6. Have you ever been backstabbed by a friend?

Yes. Remind me to get back at them later.

7. Have you ever had the cops call on you?

No, so far.

8. Have you ever dated someone younger than you?

Of course.

9. Have you ever read an entire book in one day?

Lots of times. By necessity.

EIGHT WHOs

1. Who was the last person you saw?

Nico and Bea.

2. Who was the last person you kissed?

Bea and Nico.

3. Who was the last person you called?

A client.

4. Who was the last person to call you?

My law partner.

5. Who was your first crush?

Just a brief description. Someone from my childhood neighborhood.

6. Who is the last person to text you?

I actually don't know who. Not in my phonebook.

7. Who is the last person you texted?

Another client.

8. Who did you last yell at?

Don't remember.

SEVEN WHENs

1. When was your last shower?

This morning.

2. When did you last see your mom?

Just now.

3. When was your last kiss?

Just now. My kids, of course.

4. When did you last dress up?

Can’t remember.

5. When was the last time you cried?

Can't remember.

6. When did you last go to the movies

A month ago. But I get free movies now.

SIX WHEREs

1. Where is your favorite restaurant?

Aristocrat, at The Block.

2. Where did you last go?

The office.

3. Where did you last hang out?

Some Persian food place next to our office.

4. Where did you go to school?

Only two: LSM (Grade School) and ADMU (high school to law school).

5. Where is your favorite place to be?

Home.

6. Where did you sleep last night?

My room.

FIVE DOs/DOESs

1. Do you like someone right now?

No.

2. Do they like you too?

I don't care.

3. Do you ever wish you were someone else?

No.

4. Do you know the muffin man?

The one who lives in Drury Lane?

5. Does the future scare you?

Not anymore.

FOUR WHYs

1. Why are you best friends with your best friend?

If I can answer that, he/she is not my best friend.

2. Why do you have a Friendster/Facebook/Multiply/MySpace account?

To reconnect with my friends and relatives.

3. Why did your parents give you the name you have?

Because of the day of my birth plus "Oliver" was the hit movie at the time.

4. Why are you doing this survey?

To fill up my blog with content.

THREE IFs

1. If you could have one superpower,what would it be?

Ability to manipulate matter and time.

2. If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?

Nothing. No regrets.

3. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could bring one thing what would it be?

Food. Lots of them and the kind I can eat.

TWO WOULD-YOU-EVERs

1. Would you ever love the person you hated most?

Can I reverse the question: Would you ever hate the person you loved most?

2. Would you ever shave your head to save the person you love?

Easily. My hair is short anyway.

ONE LAST QUESTION

1. Are you happy with your life right now?

Of course.

I'm tagging.... anyone who wants to answer this...

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
This day in history from:

One meal

Would you believe I survived this day on just one meal?

And it was not a particularly large meal, mind you. As a matter of fact, it was quite healthy.

For some reason, I went through my consultancy and some office work to about 6:00 p.m., on only a light breakfast.

Then a colleague accompanied me for lunch/dinner at the Persian food place nearby for some grilled chicken and taka with pita bread.

I have to admit, I was feeling pretty weak before that meal. But I survived.

As a matter of fact, I'm not eating dinner anymore. Let's see how this will go.

I just hope I don't binge tomorrow to more than make up my food deficit today.

That's it for now. My mom informed me that there will be a schedule power outage here starting 11:00 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. the next morning.

Good night to everyone in the same time zone. Sweet dreams.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
This day in history from:

Observing Intently

I have been following this global financial crisis intently for about three weeks now, ever since the trouble with Lehman Brothers and AIG. Specifically I was following the developments regarding AIG, primarily because I have a cousin there.

Since then, I am glued to CNN, BBC and Bloomberg to watch the developments.

I was glad when AIG was granted a loan by the US Government. But when I heard how they spent some of proceeds, I thought, "Let them drown!"

As I have previously said, I'm really having trouble reconciling the use of public money to bail out a few people for their overwhelming greed. In the old days, these greedy people have been stoned to death. But now, they still get away with their golden parachutes. That's like rewarding people for their incompetence and the damage they have done to the rest of the world.

These people should not be left off the hook this easily. They should rot in jail, at the very least. But even if they don't get to see the insides of a filthy jail cell, I take comfort in the fact they are not taking their wealth where they are ultimately going.

I also believe in earning something for doing or producing something. Quid pro quo. Hence, I believe in the stock of those that follow this principle, hence the manufacturing and service industry only. I may never buy stock of banks and financial institutions.

I don't believe in how the world financial markets were run. They were making money out of nothing. And now, they should reap the whirlwind from all the shenanigans that have sowed on the world.

The world governments must even demand personal guarantees from these responsible financial "geniuses." Hey, every bit counts.

Just my two cents on the matter. That's the only contribution I can give.

Monday, October 13, 2008
This day in history from:

Backlog

Aside from dealing with my paperwork backlog today, let me deal with some backlog information and random thoughts:

1. Rifled off four pleadings (or documents) this morning, with a fifth this afternoon. It's been a long time since I did that.

2. Spent a long time in my consultancy because I had to make that fifth pleading over there. I did not even report to my office because I finished in the early evening.

3. Survived the day without ingesting any carbonated drinks. That means I can go without them, as I have done before.

4. My thoughts on that famous beneficiary of executive clemency? Part of me says he has to suffer some more. But how much more is enough? Aren't we past lex tallionis? Isn't having him suffer some more un-Christian? Just thinking aloud...

5. My thoughts on the new impeachment complaint? While it may be a political move, it is a necessary move for those who are opposed to the current administration. If they did not file a complaint, they would be accused as quitters. But as to its chances of success, their best bet to impeach the current president has come and gone. Their best bet was the Garci affair.

6. My thoughts on the world financial crisis? While we are not that affected, because if you're at the bottom, there's no place to go but up, I could not understand why common people will pay with their taxes for the greed of a few.

Just some things I have in my mind for today...

Sunday, October 12, 2008
This day in history from:

Change of Plans

I was supposed to just rest up today and deal with some paperwork backlog.

But there was a change of plans.

Bea, Nico, my mother and I went to Greenhills.

There, I got a new keyboard cover for Scarlett that allowed the keyboard to vent heat out, unlike my old cover that is not only broken but also traps heat by blocking the exhaust out of the keyboard area. The only problem I have with it is I'm quite bothered by the heat I feel as I type this blog entry.

Bea asked to get these "shutter shades" that does not have any function except look like some rap star. Fortunately, it was cheap.

I also got a monopod for the camera. I better practice my monopod skills if I want to do a better job at Bea's field demonstration next year.

I almost got tempted to get that battery grip for my new camera and an extra battery. Fortunately, that camera place did not accept my remaining fresh credit card.

Oh, since Bea went with my mother, I got the chance to spend some alone time with Nico, as we did not bring his nanny with us. He was relatively well-behaved. And he's turning out to be a fine, curious and intelligent person. And for that, I'm truly grateful.

Then I did some fiddling around with Scarlett that only ended now. Yes, it took that long because of some installation problems that I only solved just a little while back.

So to deal with my work backlog, I decided to sleep as soon as I finish this entry and then just wake up early tomorrow morning. I just hope I'm not as irritated by the extra heat when I later.

So that means I'm turning in for the night.

Good night everyone and here's to a good week ahead.

Saturday, October 11, 2008
This day in history from:

Whirlybird

With my chamber session postponed to next week, I decided to practice with my other choir that has a bi-monthly service over the EDSA Shrine. But I had to wake up relatively early to do this.

It was both a good and bad thing I did. It's good because I got to spend some time with some old (and some new) friends to practice. It's bad because I really don't know if I can attend the actual service on November. The time of the service runs smack into the middle of our weekly lawyers meeting. I could sneak this in when we move to Atlanta, because it will be nearby. But I really can't do that from our current office in Quezon City.

I might even make it to all the practice sessions because they are holding it again at the EDSA Shrine. But I think it does not look right when I can attend all practice sessions but can't make it to the actual service itself.

Anyway, I'll just cross the bridge when I get there for this service.

After that practice session, I wandered around Galeria for some time. Has not changed much since I last went there so I did not stay for long.

I then took Bea to her own practice session in her classmate's house near her school.

Had a meeting in Trinoma with a very bright prospect while waiting for her to finish.

Fetched her and got home just in time for choir practice.

Choir went relatively well, considering we had our alternate organist tonight because our regular one had another appointment.

Now, I'm just relaxing before I go to bed, because I have a lot of paperwork backlog tomorrow.

Good night to everyone. And an enjoyable weekend (and a productive week ahead) to all.

Friday, October 10, 2008
This day in history from:

Find ways

It was only in the morning that I remembered my maternal Grandmother's death anniversary yesterday. My mother and my sister were set to go to the cemetery that morning to meet up with my aunts and uncle.

I could not join them because I had something to do that morning. So I just said a prayer for her and went on with my day.

It was a typical day. I reported to my consultancy after I fetched Nico from school and stayed there a while. I briefly stayed next at the office since I had something to do somewhere.

By some stroke of fate, that appointment took my near the cemetery. With some time to spare, I stopped by with my relatives long gone.

This was not the first time I got led there. A few years ago, the same thing happened. I could to go to the cemetery because of work. But as I went home, there was a huge rally in EDSA, forcing me to make a divert that would take me to the cemetery.

I'm not surprised at all because she was the one who took care of my sister and I as my mom worked during the day.

So there I was, alone, at dusk standing at my Grandmother's resting place. After saying my prayers and paying my respects, all I can say was "Wow, Nanay (that's what we call her)! You really find ways to have me come here..."

Anyway, that was my day yesterday. For today, more paperwork and the weekly lawyer's meeting in the late afternoon...

Here's to a great weekend for all of us.

Oh, and check out this blog entry by my nephew, as he experiences the ordeal of law school final exams for the first time... Perhaps you'll get a feel of what we went through to get our degrees.

Thursday, October 09, 2008
This day in history from:

Call me cheesy but...

this is one of my favorites.

Check out Andrea Corr (meow!) playing her tin whistle in this performance:

My Heart Will Go On
(Love theme from "Titanic")

Every night in my dreams
I see you. I feel you.
That is how I know you go on.

Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on.

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never go till we're one

Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we'll always go on

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

There is some love that will not
go away

You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

True Victory

This commercial so moved me. This should be our attitude these days and the opposite of this is the root of all the world's problems today.

Chew on this for a while.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008
This day in history from:

From scrap...

So I had this "scrap" 120 Gb Hitachi hard drive that was Scarlett's former storage, right?

I wanted to play around with it to see if it can still be salvaged.

While reviving Scarlett, I put the drive into one of my enclosures and hooked it up to one of the PCs downstairs. Got it reformatted but upon a surface scan, it was replete with a lot of errors.

So I hooked it up to Scarlett again to reformat it for OS X. It was successful but I know those bad sectors will haunt me in the future.

So after the reformat, Time Machine kicked in and asked if I want to convert this disk to my Time Machine back up disk. Since I had nothing to lose anyway, I went for it.

Took some time for the initial back up to complete since I already used up about 34 Gb in Scarlett's new hard drive.

But the drive is still alive, mind you. And I'm still observing it closely. Anyway, it's just the back up drive and as I said before, I really don't have anything lose at this point.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008
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Birthday and Rebirth

I dedicated most of the weekend and yesterday to two things.

The first is obvious. Yesterday was Nico's birthday so we concentrated on his birthday stuff and his two parties yesterday. Did not work yesterday so I can concentrate on Nico's birthday yesterday.

He had the first party at school. For a party with his classmates, it was pretty manageable, mainly because he only had five classmates. His teacher had all of them line up to become Nico's candles, that he blew out one by one. I then fed them with take-out from a famous fast food joint. Then on to the candle blowing and that was that. Only took around thirty minutes because that party had to happen only on recess.

We then had the second a few hours later with Nico's cousins and some of his neighborhood friends. Nothing much, except for the eating. Traditional pork barbeque and spaghetti. Then on to the opening of his gift, which is the highlight of his day.

And during the time, I was also engaged in Scarlett's rebirth. You see, Scarlett suffered a massive and catastrophic hard disk failure Sunday morning. I should have been wary of the symptoms. But I thought that was just Scarlett showing her age.

Also, that 120 Gb Hitachi hard disk was just a little less than two years old. I never though that would suffer such a catastrophic failure this early.

Since Scarlett is my main work computer, I had to scramble to find a replacement hard drive. I found a relatively cheap one at 250 Gb after some phone calls, but I had to rush to an out-of-the-way mall to get it. I say relatively because it is the same price as the old one, for the same price.

And I replaced it myself.

Then came the restoration process, that only ended now. Had so much stuff to install. Leopard alone took half a day, but I made a partition error so I had to install the OS twice. Then the rest of the installs took me all night, particularly, the restoration of my iTunes library. Fortunately, I kept that one in my external 500 Gb hard drive. But it took such a long time out of sheer volume that I actually slept through that one.

That ordeal is now practically over. I still have some stuff to reinstall but I'll do that when the need for that particular software arises. I just kept the installs to the essentials, those that are essential for me to work.

At least for now, Scarlett has a new lease on life and I can work on her again. And the good thing about this is her storage capacity has more than doubled. And actually, I was already eyeing a bigger hard drive for her anyway.

And now, I have a new paperweight, though I'm still playing around with the old hard drive to see if it can still be salvaged.

Now, it's back to work...

Monday, October 06, 2008
This day in history from:

Nico's 5th Birthday Letter

Dear Nico,

Once again, another year has passed and you are another year older.

I can still remember those late nights (or early mornings) we spent together when you were merely a few months old. Those were tough times for me especially, because I was already taking care of our family alone. And I was already taking care of you personally alone that time.

Anyway, I can only wish for you only the best. The best of health. The best of friends. And the best of all that life can offer you.

You are now growing up to be a smart and healthy young boy. I can only hope I can guide you well and teach you the right values.

May you continue to grow up and mature into a fine and upstanding person.

Always know that I am always here for you. And Bea and I love you very much.

Happy Birthday, my baby boy!

We love you.

Love,
Daddy

Sunday, October 05, 2008
This day in history from:

Apologies

We may be bitter rivals when it comes to sports. And we like to go at each other silly.

But this was totally uncalled for. This has no point. Or if there is one, it is totally stupid. And even if this was a private Ateneo event, the person who did this should have been more circumspect and assumed pictures of this will go around the internets.

So I personally like to apologize to my clients and friends from La Salle for this one, now known as the "Ateneo Bonfire Scandal":

In the words of Fr. Nebres, S.J.:

Despite our rivalries in sports, we are both committed to Christian values and what was done is certainly a violation of values we share.

Once again, my sincere apologies.

PCL Reunion

We started early yesterday over at Trinoma to buy Nico his birthday stuff.

Took quite a long time over there, coming back home at around 4:00 p.m. Just enough time for a little rest before choir at around 6:00 p.m.

Choir was okay. Nothing significant, though.

But the highlight of the day for me (although seeing the gleam in Nico's eye as the realization that his birthday is near as we are going to celebrate it properly this time also ranks high), is a reunion with my childhood friends at my childhood neighborhood in Pasig City.

I was not planning to attend that because the venue quite a drive from my house and I was already tired that night. But one of my closest childhood friends (who happens to be live nearby) showed up at the house at around 8:00 p.m. so we can go there together. So that sealed the decision to attend.

And I did not regret this decision.

PCL stands for Psycrolift. It was a pseudo mobile group/business we put up to organize and spin (DJ) at parties and other special occasions. I have to admit, we jumped at the music mixing/spinning bandwagon back in the 80's. I took it from a French language book from two words loosely meaning "saw spin." We started from the French word for "spin" which the book stated as "un 'lift." The french word for saw ("scie") we added just because it sounded well for us. We then added the "P" for effect.

That never amounted to much, as we all went on to our respective professions. We have two doctors, two dentists and one lawyer. The rest finished college and are settled employees, two of which are in BPO going concerns.

But that is still the name our group is called to this day. I had the benefit of good and loyal friends and I'm very grateful for the good influence we had on each other during our adolescent years.

I have not seen most of these guys in years. We moved out of that old neighborhood in the middle of my freshman year in college. Some of them I have not seen as much as ten or even fifteen years.

And it was as if were transported in time when we got back together. And time flew by so quickly.

And come to think of it, that old neighborhood is not that far away so I'll probably show up in future reunions.

I took pictures of the event and perhaps I'll upload them in my accounts.

Oh, we got back home at around 3:00 a.m. I was so tired from work on the weekday and yesterday from our errands, but it was a very good day.

I hope we can get to do this again.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I will spend the rest of my weekend... resting. Nico and I have a big day ahead tomorrow.

Friday, October 03, 2008
This day in history from:

Resolution

A few tidbits from this very long day. The following things got resolved:

1. Went to the office early for a hearing. And we hooked up with old contacts in the process.

2. The firm (particularly our main partner) finally closed a very big deal. But it also entails very big responsibility and a ton of work in a span of a month.

3. Breathed a sigh of relief for Nico's 5th birthday on Monday.

4. The lawyer's meeting pushed through despite the workload for all of us. Food courtesy of our associate for her birthday last Wednesday.

5. We are hiring at least two more lawyers for us to cope with the firm's mounting workload.

6. The view offered by our new office just takes my breath away.

7. Almost bought a new camera lens. Good this I held out. Maybe in a month or so I could buy it.

8. We discovered a new qualification for acceptance in our office as partner... the power of the "M."

That's basically it. I have to rest as I have to prepare for Nico's birthday over the weekend and I'm so tired. As I have said, this was a very long day and I'm eager to end it as soon as I can.

Enjoy your weekend.

Thursday, October 02, 2008
This day in history from:

Tested to the limit

Got tested to the limit yesterday when we went on ocular inspection of a client's building.

I actually went to the rooftop of that building, via a rickety ladder that I was not sure it could support me. But I had to go up to get some photograph there.

My new camera got tested to the limit yesterday as well. I brought it along and it was raining when I used it. I even lugged it up that roof.

Today, Scarlett got tested to the limit. Because my new camera does 12.2 MP, it churns out jpeg files as large as 6 Mb each. Imagine putting those pictures (I took around 200) into Word documents. Some document files were even 200 Mb apiece.

As you all know, Word documents go crazy over a certain size. Hence, the documents I produced were unreliable and Scarlett kept crashing like crazy.

But then, it was just a matter of managing the file sizes. I just chopped the documents into bite-sized, five-page chunks. It was downhill from there.

Anyway, while Scarlett survived this test, this may be an omen for me to get a new laptop. A MacBook Pro, perhaps?

That's it for now. Time to sleep. I have a big hearing tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008
This day in history from:

Some of us have to work

It may be a holiday in the Philippines today but we have work to do.

For today, we're supposed to inspect a building. I better wear better-gripping shoes than my Crocs for today.

I did not blog yesterday because I was busy watching the Ateneo bonfire from the comfort of my own room through the wonders of the internets.They had the presence of mind to stream the activities live.

It was, all in all, an exciting experience, without the fuss of getting all muddy and drunk.

But the downside is I did not meet long lost friends. Going there would have been a gamble, though, because I'm not really sure if I could actually meet them in the first place. I did not confirm with anyone else.

Anyway, to our Muslim brothers, I wish you all peace this occasion.

Punzi's Corner Blog

Friday, October 31, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Friday, October 31, 2008"));

Halloween 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Thursday, October 30, 2008"));

Drafting

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Tuesday, October 28, 2008"));

Three-day Catch-up Post

Single-Parent Blues

Sunday, October 26, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Sunday, October 26, 2008"));

Oh no! Another survey!

Saturday, October 25, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Saturday, October 25, 2008"));

Magic Map

Friday, October 24, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Friday, October 24, 2008"));

Expectancy

Thursday, October 23, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Thursday, October 23, 2008"));

Stumped

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Tuesday, October 21, 2008"));

Intermission

Sunday, October 19, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Sunday, October 19, 2008"));

Nothing, really.

Saturday, October 18, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Saturday, October 18, 2008"));

Cancellations

Friday, October 17, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Friday, October 17, 2008"));

Politically Incorrect

Thursday, October 16, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Thursday, October 16, 2008"));

Meme-Mania

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Wednesday, October 15, 2008"));

One meal

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Tuesday, October 14, 2008"));

Observing Intently

Monday, October 13, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Monday, October 13, 2008"));

Backlog

Sunday, October 12, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Sunday, October 12, 2008"));

Change of Plans

Saturday, October 11, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Saturday, October 11, 2008"));

Whirlybird

Friday, October 10, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Friday, October 10, 2008"));

Find ways

Thursday, October 09, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Thursday, October 09, 2008"));

Call me cheesy but...

True Victory

Wednesday, October 08, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Wednesday, October 08, 2008"));

From scrap...

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Tuesday, October 07, 2008"));

Birthday and Rebirth

Monday, October 06, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Monday, October 06, 2008"));

Nico's 5th Birthday Letter

Sunday, October 05, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Sunday, October 05, 2008"));

Apologies

PCL Reunion

Friday, October 03, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Friday, October 03, 2008"));

Resolution

Thursday, October 02, 2008 This day in history from: document.write(WikiOnThisDay("Thursday, October 02, 2008"));