Apple to apples

Reading a recent post about the Apple iPad, which is a ridiculously over glorified computer with a touch screen (or, alternatively, a ridiculously over glorified iPhone on steroids), it struck me that I've been very unfair to Apple in the past. Oftentimes I've thought to myself what an evil corporation they are, and how they overcharge for the most basic of things. Sure, there's a market out there, and they are exploiting it (and I use the word exploiting in the least derogatory manner as possible- if I was running a company I'd exploit every opportunity available). However, for folks like me who are technically savvy and don't need to do much media editing, a PC is the better choice. In any case, I'd like to rescind my disdain for Apple, based on the iPad, the least innovative piece of junk to come out of Steve Jobs' head in years.

"But why?", you ask.

Well, we've had touch screen computers for years, which is initially why I hated the iPad. "This isn't new or exciting!", I screamed. "Stop throwing your money at that man! This is 10 year old technology!". However, as we've seen with the iPod and iPhone, Apple doesn't just make a copy of whatever is out there and add a few features. No, they take what is out there and blow it out of the water in terms of usability. Is it overpriced when they do it? Hell yes it is. But more importantly, it pushes the competitors to make cheaper versions of it, thereby advancing tech-society as a whole. To that end I say, kudos to you Apple. I still won't buy your stuff, but I'm glad you're making it.

Now then, the second half of the title of this post refers to the delectable red fruit we've known since we first handed our kindergarten teacher one. More specifically, I'm going to be starting a little experiment on Sunday. Inspired by my hippie friends who are vegetarians, I'm going to try it out for a couple of weeks as something interesting to do (and, OK, I won't lie, it's also a little bit for the health reasons). What I'm most worried about is the dreaded "return to meat" sickness. I don't think it will have a huge impact over only two weeks, but I'm not looking forward to it nonetheless (the meat sickness, not the vegetarianism itself). I figure at the very least, I'll learn some new cooking techniques, which really isn't a bad thing at all.  Here goes nothing.

Hard work pays off (Day 4 in LA)

Today was a long day 4 in LA, but it all ended well :) We successfully made the server transfer and finished around 8pm (another 11 hour day!) but I had L&L (Hawaian) for lunch and authentic Japanese for dinner (Horon). I went out with a couple of japanese guys from work and just had a great time! It felt good to get some strong work done and then get rewarded for it too.

Most importantly, I have the weekend off!!!! Can you say LA vacay!? I'm gonna try to get a lot done this weekend in terms of sightseeing. Hard work does pay off :)

Day 3 in LA

Day 3 in LA, and it was a long one! I woke up at 6:20 on my own (not sure how I didn't get jet lag), worked out, ate breakfast, and ... went to work. That's all I did today. It was an 11 hour day at work :( The good news is we got SO much done today that (if things go well tomorrow) I might have the whole weekend off, which would be amazing!

I got multiple compliments today on my good work, so there's at least a bit of silver lining to this lengthy day. Additionally, I had El Pollo Loco for lunch (muy delicioso!) and Burger Habit for dinner (also great!).

Still on the to-do list: beaches!!!!!!!!!! Hollywood sign, walk of fame. Tomorrow I hope I can do at least one.

Here's to a wonderful friday everyone!

Los Angeles

Today is day 2 of 9 in LA (on work) and I'm having a blast! There's so much I want to do! Venice Beach, Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Beach just to name a few. Then there's all the food I want to eat! Cozymel's, Habit, and the Steakhouse just around the corner are all on the list. I'm currently eat Stuft Pizza (there are SO many toppings on this thing!) from downtown El Segundo, after having Versailles (Cuban) for lunch.

My hotel room is like an apartment! It's got a full kitchen with microwave, refrigerator, and even a stove! What can I say, I'm having a great time :)

Never forsake the day

I got up this morning and started going through my usual routine: workout, eat breakfast, shower, check email, iron clothes, get ready for work. Somewhere along the way I wondered to myself what day it was. "Tuesday? Wednesday? No, it's Tuesday. Damn, it can't only be Tuesday. Blast." But then I stopped myself, and thought about it.

I should be happy it's only Tuesday.

As we get older we tend to only look forward or backwards. Forwards to five o' clock, or to the weekend, or our vacation that's coming up. Or backwards to the errors we've made in our day, in our year, in our life. And then, forwards comes. And we look back and go: wasn't I just there? How did I get here so fast? I know I don't feel 26, it seems like this just happened overnight. So often we forget to enjoy what's happening RIGHT NOW. Enjoy life for the moment you're in it, and for every moment, because every moment is precious.

So, I'm glad it's only Tuesday. I haven't let the week pass me by, there's still time for life, and enjoying the small things in it. Take time today to appreciate your own Tuesday :)