Queenkv’s Brainpickings

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In the Philippines, they will sample some amazing fresh fish and other dishes that you can’t find here in the States. They will hug nephews and nieces who have outgrown their elementary school uniforms and who are now trying on the shoes of adulthood. They will sing along to sentimental songs in Tagalog. They will laugh over absurd family gossip. And, I’m sorry to say, they’re hearts will break as they say good-bye to the woman who made it all possible.

My Lola passed away last week. May she rest in peace.

Nearly a decade ago, I met my Lola at this nipa hut. My Auntie opened the gate and let us inside her little home. I remember her rubbing my back as I crouched down in front of her wall. There – my brother and I grew-up in yellowing photographs. From the medal stand to the piano, she knew where we came from. She also knew we would eventually find our way back to her.

That night – my Tito’s family cooked fried milkfish, chicken adobo and other tasty dishes you can’t find on this side of the Pacific. My Lola got out of her seat and swayed to the music blaring on the TV. She was sipping a bottle of San Miguel. She wanted to go out and go dancing.

Spirited, loving and celebrating life. I will remember my Lola like this: enjoying her family and looking forward to our next visit home.

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After breakfast – we selecting some crazy furry characters and competed in Rayman Raving Rabbids for WII (“How do you make it move?”). We went old school with Dr. Mario (“I can’t believe you did that!”) and took a break from the electronics with Chinese Checkers (“Thanks. You screwed me there.”).

In between games – some folks did a food/drink run and we took care of the leftovers. For dinner – cheese & onion pierogies with sauteed mushrooms and onions. I also had one of the best Gin Martinis in my life. Viva la Bombay!

And most importantly: Thank God for good friends.

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I’m also dubbing this camera as the Flip-killer.

I still love my cute white camera. ABC News used some of my crazy Kansas weather that was shot with this camera.

Now – I need to upgrade.

I know Flip has its own HD version. However, the Kodak Zi8 is so wonderfully expandable. I love being able to shoot more hours of HD goodness with those SD cards. Plus, this camera has a port for an external mic. Joy! I can finally shoot some kick-ass interviews with this camera. I can shoot some wicked concerts and record some amazing music with this camera.

Who knows, maybe I can launch a really cool project with this camera.

We’ll see.

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Last month, I couldn’t imagine being able to stay-up that late. Last year – My bed time was around sundown. I started reading AP headlines, searching for AP video and listening to police chases on the scanner at around 2 AM inside the newsroom.

Now, I’m falling asleep with my hubby and puppy.

But I’m still waking up before dawn. Today – I woke up around 4 AM with too many thoughts rattling around my head. It didn’t seem right to be lounging about in bed when I could be doing something productive.

I kept paraphrasing a line from Glengarry Glen Ross: “Sleep is for closers.”

What is wrong with me?

I couldn’t answer that question. Instead – I turned on a light in the living room and wrapped myself up in my snuggie. I started reading the fourth chapter of “Wild Sheep Chase.”

I finished up the chapter.
I closed the book.
ABC – Always Be Closing

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As I was catching my breath and grooving to Lily Allen’s “The Fear,” I realized that the future is supposed to look fuzzy from where I am right now. I can always move forward with job applications and family planning even though I can’t see where I supposed to be going.

I could always wing it.

In the meantime, I could use this free time to work on my stupid short stories. I’m noodling around with some stories about life as a figure skater. Some of those memories make me laugh and others bring tears to my eyes. In fact, some of them hurt. I also feel like I need to type them out and see where those memories take me.

I could clean up my office space.
I could do some laundry. (Ok, I’m waiting for some stuff in the dryer.)
I could take Daisy to the dog park.

I could work on some type of business plan to launch a new career as a social media/video guru. I’d like to work in TV News and I’ve e-mailed my resumes to Bay Area stations. However, I wonder if I could take what I learned from “A Really Goode Job” and my station’s Facebook/Twitter efforts and translate that into something special for companies I believe in.

I could also buy a lotto ticket. Sometimes I think hitting the jackpot would answer all my questions and solve all my problems. I’m sure there are challenges associated with being flushed with money, but I would like the chance to face those challenges.

For tonight – I’ll enjoy my time off. I’m getting ready to rock as a pub trivia maven at Sophia’s in Davis. Game on!

On the first night of 2010 – we played a game of Chinese Checkers. We stayed up past 2 AM and I realized I wasn’t going to win this match. That’s when I decided to wing it and screw-up other people’s chances of landing their balls where they need them.

Susan, Tom, Catalina, Scott, Andrei, Mark and Daisy – I am blessed to ring in the New Year with this special group of friends.

Good times.

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