PAULOTICS

On I Guess My Life had to Fall Apart at Some Point

2011-04-16T17:34:00.000-04:00

It has been one of those weeks. I can't really explain it. I've always wondered how other people have been able to keep it together, I know that its been hard for me to even attempt it. Sometimes I wonder how I was able to make it this far. I guess things finally reach their natural end eventually.

On if She Could Do it... then I could try

2011-04-13T17:19:00.000-04:00

On How Much Are Democrats Paying Their Consultants

2011-04-09T14:52:00.000-04:00

So I was at a birthday happy hour(s) last night with mostly Hill staffers and people were on their phones and blackberries checking out the latest news about the possible federal government shutdown. Yes it is DC. We learned that the House and Senate reached a deal to fund the rest of the government and everyone cheered. Yes, again it is DC.

Despite the Democrats conceding most everything, other than controversial policy riders (well almost). Most people believe that the Republicans were the ones that saved the day. I find this very disturbing. I'm not new to politics at all and I know the dynamics that go on but this continues to baffle me. The things that Democrats continue to do that benefit everyone never gets reported. I kind of feel like its a Jan and Marsha Brady thing. I guess Democrats are Jan and will always be relegated to strange storylines.

So the government won't shutdown for another week. Apparently the rest of 2011 is funded... let's see what happens!

In other news... White House Garden tour tomorrow!

Confidential to Cara: Happy Birthday!

On Waking Up One Day and Being Cynical

2011-04-07T23:05:00.000-04:00

Today I was a guest speaker in a former colleague's undergraduate class. The topic was "advocacy." As I was doing my presentation, I couldn't help but feel that I was being self-deprecating and sarcastic about how doing advocacy is helpful for our communities in advancing common agenda items. I think this is a sign that DC is getting to me.

Being in an undergrad college setting brought back memories of how I got started in this work. I envisioned myself being one of those students in this class listening to this very dispirited lecture. I remember being inspired, motivated and engaged by speakers. I don't think this happened for this class. Hopefully I did not create a more apathetic generation!

Oh well. I guess its best they learn early or this could be surprising when I see one of these students on the Hill or working at an advocacy organization.

In other news UMD is a beautiful campus.

In other other news, I did buy the Britney album. :-|

On Maybe I Should Not Buy This

2011-03-28T16:59:00.003-04:00

I seem to always talk about Britney Spears, whose new album is coming out tomorrow. Will I buy it? Probably. Will I regret the decision? Yeah after I play the songs over and over. Apparently Rolling Stone gave the album good reviews.

I've always associated Britney Spears with my coming out experience. She has provided the soundtrack to what has been that journey and process of discovery. Too bad that many times her songs are associated with club music and the shiny, glittery aspects of identity. I think that's why I like her music-- its shallow enough for me not to not take it too seriously while I concentrate on my own life.

Here's a recent video of a "live performance" she did.

On Happy Birthday to Something That is Not a Person

2011-03-23T22:26:00.007-04:00

Today marked the one year aniversary of the signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). I visited the Hill with some colleagues and gave cupcakes to Senators and Representatives who have been champions of expanding access, controlling health care costs and ensuring quality. Too bad it was recess. Let me know what you think:

On Why 2010 Was So Silent

2011-03-23T22:14:00.003-04:00

Well hello there. Seems like we have not been in contact for a while.

Blogs are just like catching up with an old friend that you have not seen in years. In this case it was for all of 2010. Hopefully paulotics and I can reacquaint ourselves with each other, but we'll see... sometimes things remain too fragile. Should we just take it one day at a time? I think so.

Well Mr. Blog several things have happened to me. I think listing them in bullet form is better:

I started grad school. It's ok. I'll let you know what happens.
I changed jobs. I don't work on the Hill anymore. It's ok too.
I have come to love MSNBC (Rachel Maddow, Morning Joe, etc.)

So that's it for now. Let's see how this goes.

09/02/2009: Emails to Myself

2009-09-03T10:15:00.000-04:00

On the metro. I enjoy rapid mass transit. I don't think there is no simpler pleasure in life than looking out th window, while someone else is doing the driving. I think this has been something I've enjoyed since I was too young to remember.

I'm looking at advertising for McDonald's on the metro. I like McDonald's, but I can't eat it (in large or regular quantities). I'm happy that I am now in a place in my life where I can eat it occasionally.

The advertisement is of the new angus third pounder and fries. Maybe I should stop thinking about food. As people take the metro home from work, how many respond positively to the ad? Maybe food ads work very well for me.

That is all for now. I will attempt to read this newspaper I found next to me.

08/28/2009: Emails to Myself

2009-08-28T09:06:00.002-04:00

What exactly is happiness? I am sitting at the back of the bus wondering this question. I usually sit in the front, but perhaps a change in scenery will allow me to view the journey differently. I notice that there are numerous answers to the question. I guess trying to define it allowed philosophers to maintain their jobs.

I've always heard about this period called return of saturn. Its apparently the time when the planet of saturn is at the same place its orbit when one was born. In astrology, this time in a person's life resulted in dramatic change, transition and tumultuousness. I guess this is a nice poetic way of putting order in ones life. Do I feel like I'm experiencing some sort of return of saturn-- perhaps.

August recess has made me more contemplative and inwardly focused on trying to understand what drives me and what makes me feel. I guess I'm my favorite subjective for the moment.

I wonder what I will eat tonight.

On Losing a Great Senator

2009-08-26T11:01:00.002-04:00

Today Capitol Hill is feeling even more quiet because Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) passed away this morning. Although I have never had a chance to personally meet the Senator, his tireless work on legislation has affected me in positive ways. He championed civil rights issues, quality health care for all and other legislation to improve life for those in "society's shadows."

Full Coverage on CNN here

08/26/2009: Emails to myself

2009-08-26T10:48:00.001-04:00

I'm going to try doing this exercise where I use my mobile device to send thoughts I have while commuting. I spend a good amount of my day traveling to and from work, appointments and what not, I figure I might as well use the time to update my blog.

Currently I'm on the bus ride home and I really appreciate that they are air conditioned. The DC area is known for being extremely hot in August. Its also humid. The time is currently 740 pm and the bus is full. I try to imagine what people are thinking as they commute home. Do they think about what their kids did that day? The remaining projects at work to accomplish? The direction of their personal and professional goals? Television? Dinner? Etc..

I wonder if some of them are thinking of healthcare reform. I'm sure that there must be at least one person in this bus is uninsured. The debate right now has been skewed beyond what the plan will try to accomplish.

Right now a baby is crying. I don't think I will have kids, but I'm slowly learning not too over generalize or make these judgments prematurely. Life apparently is an adventure... Although I'm not adventurous.

Dusk is such a comforting time for me personally (and stephanie meyer fans). This was the time I associated with homeward journeys- waiting in my grandparents driveway for my parents to come home. Memories from my childhood.

Rehoboth beach is a nice place. I highly suggest you take a weekend vacation there. My first time seeing the atlantic revealed to me that I'm literally and figuratively between two oceans. The pacific I grew up with is warm, calm and clear while the atlantic I saw this weekend was the opposite- cold, rough and gray.

No more metaphors. I hope this email finds you well.

On Recess Time

2009-08-11T14:38:00.002-04:00

It is recess here in Capitol Hill or should I say, "District Work Period." There is too much time to think, given the hectic past several months. I can't believe I'm still standing. While I do feel that my life has gotten more busy, I can't imagine what else I would be doing.

I go on vacation next week and I hope it will give me a chance to relax and not think too much about the future-- which is causing me stress these days. Maybe I'll be inspired to write something substantial.

If you have not yet, I recommend you watch Julie and Julia...

Video of the Day

2009-07-26T18:18:00.003-04:00

This is from the musical Spring Awakening, which I watched last Sunday. I think it's a good song, although the lyrics are overly poetic. I think it's refreshing that it talks about heartbreak before the actual relationship. I look at things that way. Do you like it?

On I should be updating this more

2009-07-19T19:56:00.003-04:00

I don't want my life to be about regrets, yet I already regret not updating my blog consistently. I've been feeling a lot of different emotions yet I can't express any one of them. I think that the more I feel like I'm moving forward, I forget how I should really be feeling. I could write poetry, but there are too many complicated things to try and rhyme. Someone called me a robot the other day, I thought that things would be easy if I were a robot. At least I would be programmed to not feel this way.

This post probably only makes sense to me, so if you're reading it, you wasted 10 seconds of your day.

Health care reform is hard. That is all I can say for now.

On This Article Makes it Sense of it All

2009-07-14T19:03:00.002-04:00

This article describes that "DC mystique" that brings some young professionals to work at the expense of a social life:

Source:

Sonia Sotomayor: the consequences of success

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's life tell a more complicated story than the standard civil-rights script, writes columnist David Brooks. It's the upward mobility story — about a person who worked hard and contributes profoundly to society, but who also sacrificed things along the way.

By David Brooks

Syndicated columnist

The senators at the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings on Monday told the story that public officials are expected to tell on these occasions. It is the civil-rights story — about a young minority woman from humble circumstances who overcomes obstacles, fights discrimination and achieves the American dream. It's a true and inspiring story that people like telling and hearing.

And yet the profiles of Sotomayor's life tell a different and more complicated story. It's the upward mobility story — about a person who worked hard and contributes profoundly to society, but who also sacrificed things along the way.

As you read the profiles, you can almost draw a map of her relationships during each stage in her life. In some areas, her relationships are thick and fulfilling, but in others, there are blank spaces.

Her father died when she was 9, leaving one such gap. (It is amazing how many people who suffer parental loss between the ages of 9 and 13 go on to become astounding high achievers.)

But as a child, Sotomayor clearly benefited from an extended family that drove her to succeed. After her father's death, her paternal aunts and grandmother convened an emergency meeting with her mother. They had noticed that Sotomayor was devoted to Archie, Casper and Richie Rich comic books, and they were afraid these comics were distracting her from her studies.

When she arrived at Princeton, Sotomayor once said, she felt like a "visitor landing in an alien country." As a young woman, she earned a reputation as a fanatically driven worker, who lived on caffeine and cigarettes.

Yet she also had an amazing ability to attract and impress mentors. Her ascent wasn't a maverick charge against the establishment. Instead, at each phase her talents were noticed by a well-placed member of that establishment — a famous law professor, a revered DA, a partner at an elite firm. She was elevated and guided. "She seemed to fit in with everybody," a law-school classmate remembered to the Yale Daily News.

The profiles describe her as an adult as upbeat and social, leading walks to Brooklyn, hosting poker parties, serving as godmother to many children. Yet over the years, she has been remarkably honest about the costs of her workaholism.

Her marriage broke up after two years. She was quoted as saying, "I cannot attribute that divorce to work, but certainly the fact that I was leaving my home at 7 and getting back at 10 o'clock was not of assistance in recognizing the problems developing in my marriage."

Later, during a swearing-in ceremony in 1998, she referred to her then-fiance, "The professional success I had achieved before Peter did nothing to bring me genuine personal happiness." She addressed him, saying that he had filled "voids of emptiness that existed before you. ... You have altered my life so profoundly that many of my closest friends forget just how emotionally withdrawn I was before I met you."

That relationship ended after eight years, and her biographers paint a picture of a life now that is frantically busy, fulfilling and often aloof. "You make play dates with her months and months in advance because of her schedule," a friend told The New York Times.

This isn't the old story of a career woman trying to balance work and family. This is the story of pressures that affect men as well as women (men are just more likely to make fools of themselves in response, as the news of the last few years indicates). It's the story of people in a meritocracy that gets more purified and competitive by the year, with the time demands growing more and more insistent.

These profiles give an authentic glimpse of a style of life that hasn't yet been captured by a novel or a movie — the subtle blend of high-achiever successes, trade-offs and deep commitments to others. In the profiles, you see the intoxicating lure of work, which provides an organizing purpose and identity. You see the web of mentor-mentee relationships — the courtship between the young and the middle-aged, and then the tensions as the mentees break off on their own. You see the strains of a multicultural establishment, in which people try to preserve their ethnic heritage as they ascend into the ranks of the elite. You see the way people not only choose a profession, it chooses them. It changes them in a way they probably didn't anticipate at first.

My impression is that judges feel the strain between their social roles and their social lives more acutely than anybody. They are often outgoing people who, because of their jobs, cannot freely socialize with lawyers and others who share their deepest interests. But Sotomayor's life also overlaps with a broader class of high achievers. You don't succeed at that level without developing a single-minded focus, and struggling against its consequences.

David Brooks is a regular columnist for The New York Times.

On Reaching 60 in the Senate

2009-06-30T14:50:00.002-04:00

I have always been following developments in the Senate side, because they have so many unique rules regarding debate, votes, etc. Below is an article that makes real change a reality for the 111th Congress:

June 30, 2009

BREAKING: Minnesota's highest court rules for Al Franken

Posted: 02:25 PM ET

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of Al Franken Tuesday.

(CNN) — Minnesota's Supreme Court has dismissed former Sen. Norm Coleman's challenge to the state's November election results and declared Democratic challenger Al Franken the winner.

click here for full article

Picture of the Day

2009-06-27T12:37:00.001-04:00

My sister graduated*
I was in Seattle two weeks ago to attend my younger sister's graduation from the University of Washington. She now has a degree in business that she says she will not use.
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My whole family was there and we are all very proud of her.
*pending summer quarter classes.

On the Nomination for Associate Justice

2009-05-27T09:33:00.002-04:00

By now, you've probably heard that President Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor for the position of Associate Justice for the Supreme Court. Just like everything in Washington, D.C. she already is being vetted harshly by those on the right. I've scanned articles on the issue and the words "activist," "reverse racist," and "takes her employees to the premeire of the new Harry Potter movie."

What do you think of her?

If you don't know who she is, you should visit: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/26/sotomayor.bio/index.html

On Delayed Gratification

2009-05-22T12:03:00.002-04:00

Growing up, I was not very good at rationing ice cream bars and according to this article in the New Yorker, I am probably obese and socially inept. Perhaps this explains everything about me. I have to admit that I would not have taken the marshmallows like the kids, because I'm not a huge fan.

Picture of the Day

2009-05-22T11:53:00.002-04:00

On the Right, Right below the Teacher
My nephew made the local newspaper, where he along with his classmates in the Gifted and Talented Education Program, had their artwork displayed.
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Great job and the link to the announcement is here. (image from the PDN)

On Fridays

2009-05-15T08:53:00.002-04:00

My mood improves on Fridays. It's ironic that I feel most productive on the day before the weekend. Shouldn't I feel productive on Mondays so I can make the most of the week?

Picture of the Day

2009-04-28T16:05:00.003-04:00

My mom doesn't dress like that everyday
This picture was taken the night I arrived on Guam for work. As you can see I look like I just got out of an 8 hour flight.
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We had dinner at Kings and my mom just got back from an event she had. She did not dress up to welcome me back on island. Did you think my mom wore formal dresses everyday?

On All We Talk About is Politics

2009-04-28T15:42:00.000-04:00

You have probably heard by now that a certain Senator from Pennsylvania switched parties and became a Democrat. Now the confirmed number in the U.S. Senate is 59. If Minnesota sends another Democrat to the Washington, D.C. then there will be 60—the magic number.

Most people don’t understand the concept of 60 in the Senate. Simple majorities may hold true in the House of Representatives, but in the Senate you need 60 votes to move any controversial legislation (which in Washington D.C. is everything). Many would argue that you can truly never get all Democrats to vote en block, but knowing that there are 60 Senators of the same party is comforting as the 111th moves on.

Having a majority in the Senate determines key leadership positions. There is a bad side to all of this however. I am sure that the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee is making buckets of money now.

Believe it or not, this is all that most people on the Hill have been talking about as evidenced by their twitter posts, g-chat profile and facebook alerts.

On That Growing Up Feeling

2009-04-10T17:25:00.002-04:00

Last night, I took my parents out for dinner and paid for it. I think that psychologically this represents a point where a person feels like they are growing up. We talked about politics and I explained to them that I have no more hobbies or outside activities. They thought that this was "not good."

Since we ran out of things to talk about, we just proceeded to talk about my sisters behind their backs. How is that for growing up?

On Being Back on Guam

2009-04-10T04:49:00.002-04:00

I am back home for a week (for work) and have just spent some of my non working time with my mom at the mall. What would have been a trip to buy some shaving cream and a good razor, turned into a long shopping event with my mom. I don't know why she listens to my fashion tips. It's always nice to go shopping with your mom even if you don't buy anything.

I think this counts as that bonding moment-- although it is not cooking together, going fishing or arts and crafts.

On Liking to Think About Eating

2009-02-28T13:58:00.002-05:00

What are you eating?! I like all you can eat buffets.

Video of the Day

2009-02-21T08:20:00.001-05:00

If you need a quick guide to how the economy got into this mess, watch the video below.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

On Losing My Creativity

2009-02-17T20:59:00.002-05:00

It has finally happened. I am not an artistic person anymore. I didn't lose my creativity overnight, it was a slow process and today I have come to terms with it. Case in point-- I have lost my sketching skills, my painting, photo shop working and design capabilities. Evidence of this manifests itself on not having created anything of substance (art) in the past year.

I don't blame anyone or anything, I just think it is just part of growing older. When you enter your late twenties there are millions of distractions or should I say trillions in light of the economy. How do you find your way back to that person that won art contests, drew comics and did yearbook layouts? How do you become the go-to guy for designing posters or flyers? I think that as each day goes by, I move farther and farther from that guy.

My mom always said that art is an expression of your soul and that I was the baby who had a crayon and paper in the crib. I guess on a macro level, the economic stimulus really cut down on the National Endowment for the Humanities, so I can't be too sad because everyone is losing their inner artist. That's all I have to say, there are enough sad things to read about in the news.

On Glasses

2009-02-13T11:19:00.002-05:00

I have new glasses. I need to wear them for a day to get used to them. Walking in these new glasses makes me look like I have no balance. The escalator and stairs are challenging.

On How I listen to same things over and over again

2009-02-12T17:22:00.003-05:00

If you are not familiar with the movie, Muriel's Wedding then this post may not mean anything to you. But, just like her, I listen to the music of ABBA when I know that I will be having a bad day to uplift my spirits. As I approach work, I listen to Dancing Queen on my ipod (have you heard about this thing called H.R. 1 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?-- it consumes my life). Thanks to itunes, I am able to track how many times I listen to the song. To date, it's been about 117.

That's a lot of bad days.

Picture of the Day

2009-01-20T15:54:00.002-05:00

Inauguration Day
Live from Washington D.C., this is my best attempt at looking discrete while taking a picture of myself.
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It was a great day.

On Getting Closer to the Inauguration

2009-01-17T14:37:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that Mr. Obama will be sworn in as President on Tuesday. Usually for these historical moments, I'm no where near them. This year however, I am literally steps away from where history will be made. At the moment however, I am here at work where I am not really making history, aside from being here on a Saturday.

Picture of the Day

2009-01-01T13:40:00.003-05:00

The Lincoln Memorial is in the Back
Look at the crowds, this is considered a light day.
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Sightseeing with my sister is tiring.

On Simple Goals for 2009

2009-01-01T13:27:00.002-05:00

My only goal for 2009 is to be able to fit into nice pants again. That's all for now. Nothing complicated or multi-tiered. Just waistline.

I also think I will write in this more often, even if it's more pointless and boring.

Picture of the Day

2008-12-24T11:30:00.002-05:00

No I have not Forgotten about Art
I found this artist while going through some art books at a local bookstore. I enjoy the aesthetic, kind of like Norman Rockwell, but more fashionable.
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His name is J.C. Leyendecker. What do you think?

On December is almost Over

2008-12-24T10:56:00.001-05:00

My sister is in town and I wanted to at least put up an entry for December. I will do one liners on what has happened since she has been here. Museums, Cemeteries, Metro and Reading—tomorrow is Christmas and I hope to not do anything complicated.

I promise to write more and find a good balance of being able to update. Do you think I should join a writers workshop?

On-ward and Upward

2008-11-05T12:51:00.005-05:00

If you have not seen last night's results of the elections, you will probably not care about this post. If you have seen it, there are no words that I can use to explain how I feel. Back in 2004, I listened to the first national speech President elect Obama gave and wanted him to be President. Now in 2008, he has achieved that with the help of Americans who were wanting change, myself included.

Particularly, I enjoy his oratory and how his story could only happen in the United States of America. You can feel the change in Washington, D.C.-- one resident put it best saying that "a load has been lifted off my chest."
Take a look at the races to watch below. Remember getting more seats in the Senate? That looks like it's happenned. Moving forward is always the best way to go.

Picture of the Day

2008-10-30T09:37:00.002-04:00

Mandatory Picture
This was taken back on Guam in August after having dinner with people I went to middle school with.
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Note: The kid is not someone I went to middle school with.

On Having History Happen In Front of You

2008-10-29T17:30:00.003-04:00

Next Tuesday, I hope that you all will join me in supporting Barack Obama. Just watch the news. We are in an economic crisis, fighting two wars and wondering whether the environment will be around for our children. I think that after cashing in on the past eight years, we would like some Change.

Being here at the vantage point in politics, I have a great view of history unfolding. I hope next Tuesday we will all be celebrating.

I've donated to the campaign. I think you should do so too. I'm also going to do what I can to get him elected-- going back to my campaign roots and knocking on doors and making phonecalls, reminding voters how we can move to solutions.

Video of the Day

2008-10-29T17:26:00.002-04:00

If you have not decided on Obama yet, I think you should consider watching the following video. This Presidential race has been the basis of my focus as an undergraduate-- race and politics. While extremism can go both ways, I feel personally insulted by the following video.

Video of the Day

2008-10-12T10:26:00.002-04:00

I know I will get in trouble for this post, but what can I say? You must always give props to your special diva, despite their troubles. The following video is Britney's comeback. It's pretty good. Actually, very well done.

On One Year in Washington, D.C.

2008-10-03T16:43:00.000-04:00

Did you miss me? Were you wondering where I have been and how September only has one entry? Would you prefer full sentences or just bullets? I’m going with bullet form. What have I learned here in DC? Based on this list, I have:

learned that I have a terrible sense of direction, yet can take directions very well
been able to eat at Subway everyday for $5, but use the subway for more than that
not been going out every weekend, although finding new outings to occupy my weekend
been able to watch CNN and enjoy it
seen the Congressional process and now understand why it takes forever to make law
understood that D.C. is fun if you like politics only
been able to handle long days because you are working for your constituents
seen that public service is an overwhelming task
written the length of a paper everyday
come to understand that this is my profession

Also I am a 27 year old.

Video of the Day

2008-10-01T15:48:00.001-04:00

I couldn't help it but I had to post another video. It's a haunting and beautiful montage of Guam. I hope you like it.

Video of the Day

2008-09-30T22:44:00.002-04:00

I heard the following song while I was on Guam and then heard it in passing on the Metro (through someone's loud ipod). I really like the lyrics and the beat, something about it reminds me of carefree days of youth.

Picture of the Day

2008-09-30T17:48:00.003-04:00

It was my sister's and my birthday this month
I am recovering from the flu while dealing with feelings of idleness. I have not gone out because I have not had the desire to. Now it feels like it's getting cold.

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The cat to the left doesn't belong to me, it belongs to the world wide web.

On Being Back in Washington, D.C.

2008-09-10T18:37:00.000-04:00

I will write more later.

On An Extended Day Trip

2008-08-31T22:53:00.001-04:00

I will be at a waterpark with my nephew, niece and sister.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-31T22:51:00.003-04:00

There are 3 kids in this picture
I'm playing with my nephews remote control speedboat in my older sisters pool.
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I have nothing funny to say about this.

On Having a British Woman in the Guest Room

2008-08-30T21:24:00.006-04:00

No it wasn't Mary Poppins. There were no "spoonfulls of sugar," magic visits to the land of "superkalafrajalisticexpealidocious," or "chim chiminey chim chim cheroo."

But like Mary, she stayed for a week.

My mom had an out of town guest this past week and she stayed in the other guest room. This meant that I had to share a room with my younger sister, who also is visiting. My mother, took this out of town guest all over the island to go swimming. She wanted to be among the coral reefs. We gave her a dose of Guam culture, which meant eating a lot.

It's good to see my mom being an ambassador to British women. I asked this woman, what she thought about British cuisine. She said it doesn't taste very good. I told her I would like to visit London one day and she said that it was expensive. I asked her if she drinks tea, but instead finished a whole bottle of white wine. I think more than the Atlantic separates America from the United Kingdom. Dry Humor, perhaps?

Good job to my mom for her hospitality!

Picture of the Day

2008-08-30T21:18:00.003-04:00

Ignore the pig in the background
I am here crowning the winner of our Top Model competition with the series creator (my niece). It was down to the final two, but in the end we chose the blonde. Colonialism?
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She had what it took to be the winner. Do I play with dolls? Only if it mirrors reality television.

On Investing Locally

2008-08-28T01:38:00.001-04:00

I am not allowed to go out per my parents. They do not like me going out at nights. While I understand where they are coming from, I can’t come up with any good arguments to their reasons. Whether it’s the guilt trip of not being on island more, facing many drunk drivers on the road and not being able to stay awake the following day, I can’t justify going out to them.

Until now.

“I would like to go out so that I can help support the local economy, with some federal money through my salary.”

What do you think of that? Now I need more of that money.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-28T01:33:00.004-04:00

Angel (Not my older sister)
My mom doesn't like it when I post up these pictures of her decorations. She thinks people will tease her. I tell her that I don't have many readers.
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I ask her to comment on this piece, which she says is "just nice."

On Symbolic Feelings of Happiness

2008-08-28T01:22:00.003-04:00

Senator Obama is officially the Democratic nominee for President. Four years ago, after hearing him speak at the Democratic convention 2004; I wanted him to be President. Reading his book caused me to identify with his story—that regardless of where you grew up, in our cases, islands in the Pacific you can achieve the American Dream if you work hard.

But, politics and what I’ve learned from it caused me to be realistic. We could never elect a person of color to serve in the nation’s highest office. Having studied Ethnic Studies, I saw the systematic challenges given a country that had residual remains of racism. This is why I backed John Edwards, the former Vice Presidential Nominee, the one with a realistic chance of moving on beyond divisive primaries and caucuses. Today I was proven wrong.

Michelle Obama gave a wonderful speech on Monday. Hillary Clinton delivered a message of unity, which got everyone excited on Tuesday. Wednesday, President Bill Clinton spoke about the long road to the White House. They all reaffirmed the reason I got into this business in the first place, that “politics is about the art of the possible.” This is best shown in the following segment of Michelle Obama’s speech:

“And as I tuck that little girl and her little sister into bed at night, I think about how one day, they’ll have families of their own. And one day, they—and your sons and daughters—will tell their own children about what we did together in this election. They’ll tell them how this time we listened to our hopes, instead of our fears. How this time, we decided to stop doubting and to start dreaming.”

Next time I start doubting, I will remember the reason I got into this career. Obama-Biden 2008.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-27T00:51:00.003-04:00

My Mom prefers fake cats
It is made of glass, it is looking at something and it guards the picture frames
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This piece of glass is older than some members of my family. Obviously much longer than the lifespan of the average cat.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-25T21:43:00.002-04:00

Roosters in the Picture
These are wooden roosters perched on a shelf that contains family photos.
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Notice that a rooster is looking at my sister's sparkly top.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-24T20:26:00.003-04:00

There is a baby on my arms
It's my niece! I am so afraid to hold her because I might break her. No one wants me to hold their pets, so why did my sister want me to hold a live human being!
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Her name is Reena Justine. Her Christening Party is this Saturday. You are invited.

On Hypochondriac Households, that Include Mine

2008-08-24T20:25:00.001-04:00

Last week, my mother said I have hypertension and high blood pressure. The week before, she claims that I am borderline diabetic. Even before that, I had an obesity problem. Do you sense a pattern?

Also do you think it’s odd that I am the person in charge of healthcare issues for my job? Perhaps, I am just trying to be a reflection of the community. Obviously, I don’t think I have a problem. There must be a little feeling of denial in all of this because; maybe just maybe it is true.

In response to all of this concern, my mom brought me to get reflexology. I have to admit, that the sensation of having parts of your foot massaged was relaxing albeit very odd. I was told that I have poor circulation because my feet sweat. I think, I was just nervous. My younger sister also got one and an old man there was trying to convince her that she needed to marry his nephew, who is in the Philippines. I had sweaty feet and she got a proposed arranged marriage. It was $30 regardless.

Personally, I have imposed a “no rice” diet. It worked for two days, when I relapsed and ate my younger sisters fried rice from Kings. I also ate my nephews grilled cheese sandwich(es). I also eat niece’s food. I will try harder to follow my rules. Maybe my parents were fortune tellers when they nicknamed me “Cookie” after Cookie Monster from Sesame Street, as I go into these food rampages. But I am not a puppet.

Speaking of telling the future, I think my mom will say that I have intestinal problems or digestive failure as I am not allowed to use the guest bathroom anymore. Extrapolate all you will on that.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-24T20:08:00.003-04:00

There is an Elephant in the Bathroom
Ongoing Series of decor at my mom's house, features this porcelain elephant in flower print atop the toiletbowl.

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Believe it or not, there is a donkey hook just a foot above this elephant. My mother is bi-partisan in her approach.

On Wondering if Anyone I know will Sign up

2008-08-24T20:02:00.002-04:00

Note to all the Nuns from Catholic School that have taught me or served as administrators: I think you should join this

Do you have what it takes?! I know that if there is a talent portion or fundraising aspect, the Sisters of Mercy from Guam have it on lockdown.

Note to Readers: I will come up with a substantial entry soon.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-18T01:06:00.003-04:00

Upper Right, Second from Right
That is me. Here is a family picture taken professionally complete with airbrushing.
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Look at that girl in purple, does she think she's going to a nightclub or something?

On Those “Instead” Moments

2008-08-18T00:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I decided to wake up early and visit significant places of my childhood. After that I went to Wendy’s (it’s not fast food, but better) and got a frostee with mix ins. Upon my return my younger sister said didn’t like the frostee or the spiritual moment. Instead she ate the chicken nuggets that were intended for my mom’s dog.

With that out of the way, I can say that I can talk about the less serious parts of this blog entry. Yesterday in an attempt to get out of the house, my younger sister suggested that we watch movies. We got to the movie theatre and I suggested that we watch a good spiritual movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. She didn’t want to. Instead we left the movie theatre and had Korean food at the food court next door.

While at this place, I asked the server if I could get two kinds of salad. I didn’t feel like a big meal and just wanted a healthy radish salad and spicy cabbage salad with macaroni. He said no that was impossible. So instead I had fish with tartar sauce and red rice.

Afterwards we went to the bookstore to look around. Looking for reading material, my sister and I wanted to get the new David Sedaris book. They didn’t have it so instead, I purchased a comic book.

I could keep writing, but instead I’ll choose to stop.

Picture of the Day

2008-08-18T00:41:00.003-04:00

This Chicken Doesn't Lay Eggs

It lays coins, at least that is what is inside this chicken.
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Located atop my mother's china cabinet is this chicken shaped container. It's very realistic.

On Having all our Powers Combine

2008-08-13T20:36:00.002-04:00

To the left is a posed picture of my mom and stepfather in the dining room. Look at all the china in the picture! Oh yeah, there are also dishes in the background.

So my family is now complete, with my younger sister's arrival yesterday. As my mom is rushing me to also complete this post, I will only say that we ate at Capriciousa and then watched Mama Mia (a second time for me and my mom).

Also, according to my parents I MUST be diabetic.

More on that later.

We are now going to the mall for some shopping shopping (not for me though).

Picture of the Day

2008-08-13T20:34:00.002-04:00

Work of Art
These are dishes that I have washed and arranged in a neat pile.
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Believe it or not I enjoy washing dishes-- it's very therapeutic.

On Liveblogging with my Mom

2008-08-13T00:27:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not, but my mom is sitting right next to me as I'm typing this. The reason is because there is no internet access at home due to a faulty router that blew up during a temporary power outage. This is an only on Guam situation. Despite the repeated assertions of my step father that the internet is in fact working, it is not. So I am here at my parents business, using a laptop for evil.

2:24 PM: Currently my mother is talking about chocolate macadamia nuts while cropping printed pictures. It is nice to know that she believes in proper framing. Speaking of framing, what is up with the Olympics? Everything is coming in at odd times. Time zones are so freaky!

2:29 PM: Now we are drinking diet coke and my mom is leaning on me, saying that blogging is evil, or she is asking if blogging is in fact evil. I think only if it is www.redstate.org

2:33 PM: At this moment, we are trying to figure out airline rewards and how to interpret the funny numbers. I say, that I don't like to fly. My mom asks when my younger sister is going to graduate. I tell her, perhaps you need more miles.

2:35 PM: My mom has a mirror on her desk that faces whomever is using the computer. I am looking at myself.

2:37 PM: My mom says "Wow" upon opening the power bill and says "that is only for July, how much more for August."

2:40 PM: I'm tired of this already. My mom says that "this bill is wrong!" when she looks at the telephone bill. I remark, there are a lot of wrong bills in DC.

Good night everyone!

Picture of the Day

2008-08-13T00:24:00.002-04:00

Decorations by my Mom
This is the first, in what I hope will be an ongoing series, of the style that my mother possesses.
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Her design aesthetic includes a two-headed duck basket atop a skyflakes container.

On Watching Mama Mia, with your Mom(ma Mia)

2008-08-04T00:56:00.003-04:00

Wasn’t that line corny? Hey, but what can I say anything that involved ABBA is always corny. Believe it or not, this blog entry is serious and talks about mother/daughter relationships, destiny and happy moments. This is not Lifetime Television though.

Most parents and their children are connected in legacy by bonds like cooking secret family recipes, passing on jewelry or taking over a family business. Although these things may happen in my family, I can honestly say that my mother’s legacy to me is the music of ABBA. Muriel, the heroine from the Australian movie Muriel’s Wedding, has said that “her life is like an ABBA song,” and after trying to run away from this for a long time, I’ve accepted that perhaps, my own life is an ABBA song. Of course, it’s the extended dance remix, as I’m a modern type of guy.

But I digress.

Going to see Mama Mia, with my mother was that “reunion moment,” that can be found in mother-daughter (or son) moments in films like the Joy Luck Club, Flower Drum Song and countless Filipino dramas. The only thing missing, is that the soundtrack is all ABBA songs, even the ones not in the movie. Getting to the movie was the hard part. We were supposed to watch the show after lunch, but little did I know that after lunch for my mom, means 6:10 PM showings of the movie.

I bought the tickets and treated my mom to popcorn. I don’t like popcorn, so I drank Diet Coke instead. The movie began and my mom says that she likes how all the songs are ABBA. I told her that the musical is all ABBA songs. She also liked the “location, Meryl Streep and wedding fashions,” her exact words. My mom kept talking to me during the movie and she was crying.

She said that when she was working in Germany before she had her children, she was exposed to the music of ABBA. All by herself in a foreign country, ABBA provided a way to connect with European culture, albeit it being EuroPop. Decades later, my mother is re-connecting with ABBA in a movie theater with her son. She exposed me and my sisters to ABBA even before we were born. Apparently, she would sing ABBA songs when she was pregnant with us. Perhaps it’s no surprise that my sisters and I like disco, dancing dancing, sparkle and poignant simple melodies with shallow lyrics.

Some of my earliest memories of childhood revolved around listening to a cassette tape in my grandparents home, that belonged to my mother. It was ABBA and I tried to record my voice over it. Obviously it didn’t work. Maybe it’s symbolic how ABBA can’t be erased.

I entered school with ABBA music galvanized in my head. Going into college, people wondered why I knew this stuff. I always thought everyone knew about ABBA. My mom really got all of us to be so cultured!

After the movie, my older sister was visiting with her newborn baby. My mom said to bring the CD player into the room, where I played the Mama Mia soundtrack. As I sat in the corner, observing the scene, it was obvious that the new “family legacy” was being passed on. Coincidentally, the track Thank You for the Music was playing. We listened to the song, where three generations were present. The only thing missing was the tambourine. At that moment, I knew that “my life was truly an ABBA song, if not better.”

Picture of the Day

2008-07-31T21:24:00.003-04:00

I'm not Number One
My mom prefers www.myspace.com creator Tom as her number one, whereas I'm number four out of the four "friends" my mom has.
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The question to ask is not, why does my mom have a myspace page, but why she ranks Tom over her children!

On Old Reunions and New Restaurants

2008-07-31T21:23:00.000-04:00

Last night, I attended the going away party of a former classmate. It was at this place in Agana Shopping Center called Pacific Trading Club Bar and Grill. For some reason, there has been an explosion of live bands on Guam. But besides that, I met up with several guys that I graduated with from Father Duenas in 2000. Eight years later it is obvious that we all have that “spirit” from our alma mater. We’re serving the island in some capacity.

Last night, I also attended a community meeting at the Dededo Senior Citizens Community Center, a building that is across my former grade school. Santa Barbara Catholic School has changed a whole lot since I left. I had an opportunity to peek inside the place, it’s become very modern.

Tonight, I’m having dinner with some classmates from junior high school. Were going to Piatro’s, an Italian restaurant at Acanta Mall in Tumon, where I hope to get a salad. I am getting fat, you know!

On my Mom's Dog and Rockband

2008-07-31T02:28:00.003-04:00

My mom cooks for the dog. While she was in Taiwan, I had to try feeding the dog but she will not eat regular food. I drove to McDonalds and bought her two double cheeseburgers. I learned that she prefers them without pickles. It's no big deal however, as the ants eat the pickles.

Today my mother made the dog ichiban noodles with vienna sausage. She also put Mama Sita Flavor mix. According to my step-dad, the flavor mixes are for the exclusive use of the dog. There will be no flavor mix for Paulo.

I played Rockband with my nephew last night. For those of you who are not familiar, Rockband is a multiplayer game for the Wii. He played drums and I was lead guitar. We were cycling through singers, but my brother-in-law made the cut. It's addictive and my nephew really is very good with the drums.

I look at these moments and think to myself that it is good to be home.

Picture of the Day

2008-07-30T20:41:00.003-04:00

I'm the only Unelected in the picture
The Governor and the Congresswoman are both in this picture.
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I'm holding a can of bud light. Hopefully one day I will be an elected official.

On Retracing the Footsteps of my Grandfather

2008-07-29T22:10:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had one of those moments, you see in the movies, where the plot shifts and the main character discovers the integral item, fact, realization that moves the story forward. Usually this phenomenon is embedded in the characters being and existence. Many times in literature, the moment is analyzed, dissected and presented as the “climax.” Today, I can honestly say that I have had one of those moments.

I was reading in GU magazine about the emergence of Filipino Guamanian history. There were things that I wasn’t even aware of. It gave me insight into how my grandfather ended up on Guam, way before I was born. All of this newfound interest, by those in the second and third generation (like myself), are now the ones out front telling the stories of our parents, grandparents and relatives who came before.

There is a website and history project out there that I have discovered:

http://www.camproxas.com/index.html

I would love to get more involved. I wonder if there is anything I can donate from my grandfather’s time as a contract worker. I think that his legacy like many in his situation are being moved forward. It is a great resource to learn the history of a group of Filipinos who came to Guam more than 60 years ago. Did you want to donate?

Picture of the Day

2008-07-25T07:40:00.002-04:00

Skills in DC

This is me schmoozing in DC, notice the glass of wine in my hand and nametag on my coat.

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The posing to the side thing is my add on.

On Guam...

2008-07-25T07:16:00.003-04:00

After two and half years, I find myself back on Guam, the hometown (island) of my youth. It's always bittersweet returning-- the feeling that it's good to be with family mixed with the inevitable homesickness one feels when going to the mainland. This time however, I think that it won't be so bad, because I will have a Guam connection professionally.

At this moment, I'm housesitting while being sick. Talk about being homesick.

My sister gave birth last night and in true Paulo fashion, I was one of the last to know. Surprises all around, I'm happy that my older sister is in good spirits. I am quarantining myself from the newborn, because I don't want to give a virus as a present. I am constantly amazed at the integrity that my older sister possesses. Giving birth is the most painful event in a woman's life and she has done it. I spoke with her on the phone (roaming of course), and she said that it was ok. I am glad everything went well.

Life has a funny way of revealing its secrets to you. Belive it or not, I have a lot of time to think given that my parents don't have cable, as they are simplifying their lives. It's these moments that I realize what matters most is whether we made a difference in a child's life. As we grow older, worldly items fade, but the great memories bestowed on a child is the legacy one can leave to last an eternity.

I hope that I am giving my nephew and neices something to remember as did my grandparents, parents and elders gave me.

On Being Uninspired- No I'm not Depressed

2008-06-19T16:14:00.001-04:00

Apologies in advance to everyone who regularly reads this blog. I haven't really written anything for June. I promise there will be a post soon!

Obama is our Democratic Nominee in case you haven't heard. Hooray!

Picture of the Day

2008-06-19T16:10:00.001-04:00

My First Movie Star Photo-Op in DC
I am pictured here with Kelly Hu, who starred in X-Men 2 (as Lady Deathstrike) and in the Scorpion King.
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This was taken at the Asian American Action Fund Gala at the Democratic National Committee.

Picture of the Day

2008-05-29T14:30:00.002-04:00

Mandatory Open Smile Pose

This is a picture of my sister and I at Seattle Folklife (not my scene), after she ate roasted corn and I drank lemonade
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The black strap is not a sash, but a man purse from Rome (it's Versace) and my sister is carrying a bag from China (it's LeSportSac). The only thing real in this picture is my sister's expression.

On Finding out the Root Cause of my Fear of Flying

2008-05-29T14:29:00.000-04:00

It’s a well known fact that I hate to fly. I hate being in airplanes. I litter my everyday conversation with this statement that over time many people have come to know me by it. I don’t think that repeating it over and over, ever gets it out of my system. I’m not some chicken little saying that the sky is falling now. On my most recent trip however, I have come to the realization that it isn’t the act of flying (and dying) on an airplane that terrifies me—it’s the idea of what travel and airports have come to represent in my lifetime.

Looking back, airports have come to represent places that were not very happy for me. Whether it was to say goodbye to a relative or family member or friend, the airport on Guam was that entry or exit point to something else, in essence leaving me behind. No one can equate the sadness felt as you see a person off to the security checkpoint and head back to the parking lot. I’ve always believed that the saddest place is the distance between two people saying goodbye.

It’s this feeling, that I have come to associate with air travel more so than any other form. There always seems to be a lingering sadness in my exchanges at airports. I feel that if I’m not on leaving, I’m staying and vice versa-- much like embracing the idea that the mode of travel isn’t necessarily exempt from the emotional value.

I’m not very good at goodbyes. I understand no one is in general, but I particularly feel their pain more so. Could there be a deeper underlying reason to this?

As a metaphor for change, flying and all it represents is lost on me. I’ve come to understand the value of packing light. Believe it or not I don’t want to go through travel with a lot of baggage.

FYI- the Seattle trip was great. My mom (via Sype) thinks my sister and I are fat.

Video of the Day

2008-05-16T14:43:00.002-04:00

So it's all over for Hillary Clinton, my pick John Edwards endorsed Obama, who is my choice now. The stars have alligned and now this Presidential cycle has come full circle! What do you think is going to happen now?

Picture of the Day

2008-05-16T14:36:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Little Sister!
My sister over the weekend got into the UW Business School undergraduate program, which is competitive and then got into the even more competitive Certificate of International Studies and Business concentration. I'm so proud of her!
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She is in the background in this picture-- but now she will have her foreground moments.

On the Little Perks of Working on the Hill

2008-05-16T14:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I attended the American Beermakers Reception in celebration of Craft Beer Week. Basically it’s when microbreweries around the country come and give you a sampling of their products. I got to try about six kinds of beer and best of all it was totally free (for employees of the hill)!

The other day, I went to the National Egg Suppliers Make Your Own Omelet reception. I got to cook my own omelet and even got a dozen eggs for free (for employees of the hill), that I gave to the Chief of Staff, as I don’t have a frying pan and will probably waste them.

Earlier this month, I attended a reception on the Senate side sponsored by a group of Asian and Pacific Islander groups in celebration for Asian Pacific American month, where I got to have a nice buffet lunch of Asian cuisine for free (for employees of the hill) and got to see cultural exhibitions.

I guess because the pay is terrible, there needs to be these events to give you a sense of wanting a career on the hill, other than having a keen interest in democracy. I like how these events are geared toward networking—if you think about it, this is the most important skill in DC (and in life in general).

Speaking of networking, I was talking with someone the other day about how I feel like I’ve lost my ability to make friends, because the last time I really needed to do it was in fourth grade. You then remain friends forever and don’t need anymore. Apparently this is not the case here in DC!

I’m re-learning how to make friends and like a baby learning how to walk, I need to practice this until I have a good set of friends. How do you do it? How do you start a friendship from scratch? Can you pick your friends? I wonder if people even like me…

Video of the Day

2008-05-09T17:20:00.001-04:00

I don't know what's wrong with me, but this song by Miley Cyrus aka Hannah Montana is pretty catchy. Do you think I will ever listen to music in my age range? Sugary pop is always better because I don't have to think about it too much.

Picture of the Day

2008-05-09T17:14:00.002-04:00

Do you think I need Braces?
I decided to post a picture of me in case you all forgot how I looked. I'm obviously posing with my eyes closed.
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Do you think I should change my pose? Are the angles all correct?

On All About My Mother

2008-05-09T16:55:00.000-04:00

I promised an entry to my mom and how very timely that it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday. There is nothing that can express the deep gratitude that I have for her but I will try. My mom is so up to date-- she is my myspace friend.

Although my sisters and I have taken different career paths, she has been supportive and understands that we are following our dreams based on her example. We have that wonderful privelage of "choice" that most immigrant families don't. She does not like politics, yet she allowed me to go with it. I think she and my sisters have one thing in common-- we know how to use Microsoft Office (except Access).

She taught me the most important lesson in life—the value that hard work has on one’s life. Rather than complain and dwell in moments of misery, she gave me an example that working and being productive are better choices. I have applied that into all things I go after. Most people, given their hardships, remain defeated. I’ve internalized her mantra that “when one door closes, another one opens.”

I think my high respect for women figures are a result of my mother. Given that she has embodied roles both traditional and untraditional. She enjoys fashion and accounting, gardening and power tools, melodrama and regular drama. I only like some of these.

Some of my most cherished memories include watching Lifetime Made for TV movies on Sunday afternoons after laundry was done. I shouldn’t tell my mom that there is a channel dedicated to this now!

She claims to have cultivated my creative side by giving me crayons and paper while a baby. I did not eat them or did I? I am very colorful at times. She also enjoys ABBA, the Carpenters and to some extent high energy dance remixes (for workout purposes). I can tell that before she had me she probably went dancing dancing a lot.

My mom like inspirational books aka Chicken Soup for the Soul and Books they have near the cash register with cute animal watercolors (cats, puppies, birds only). She also likes People magazine and National Enquirer. I guess that’s why my humor is a delicate balance between corny wholesome and tabloid sensational.

The picture on the left is of her and my niece (the smaller one). Many times she has been mistaken for my sister, girlfriend, wife etc. I’m guessing it’s because I look older—but many times it’s because she has retained her youth through the years.

My mother has always supported me in all my endeavors—she likes my design, writing and lifestyle. She does not like my less than neat, no cooking skills and stay out all night attitude. But then again she always said that “she trusts in my choices.” How cool is that!

In conclusion my mother has passed on pop music appreciation, hard work ethic, aesthetic beauty and made for TV melodrama.

I love you Mom (my only fan on this blog) and Happy Mother’s Day! Do you celebrate it?

Picture of the Day

2008-05-07T15:52:00.001-04:00

No New Pictures :-(
I promise that there will be new pictures soon. But in my absence, here is a free graphic courtesy of the House Graphics Department
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Make sure you remember to vote! In most states, you need to fill in the bubble and not an "x"

On Having Obama win Guam

2008-05-07T15:02:00.000-04:00

Although Obama has only won Guam by a mere 7 votes, I believe it was appropriate that there isn’t a recount. I’ve gotten a lot of comments about how the island’s 4,500 Democrats got this close in number. Believe it or not, these caucuses are very competitive as someone who has run for elected office (at the school level). It’s a “who you know” approach to elections. I don’t think I even know 4,500 people.

The other winner in this process was Guam, as it had its issues known at the national level. Being about 8,000 miles away from Washington DC, the island was thrust into the spotlight (albeit Saturday news reporting).

In other news, it’s back to long days on the Hill as Republicans have been using procedural votes. There is important Housing Legislation that needs to happen! Bye for now...

Video of the Day

2008-05-06T18:33:00.000-04:00

A colleague of mine is running for Congressional Hispanic Staff Association President. Here is a video that I helped her work on and I hope you vote for Melody for President!

On Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

2008-05-01T17:46:00.000-04:00

May marks the time that the United States celebrates the contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to the vibrant culture that is America. As cheesy as that sounds, it must be said because like most of the American public no one knows that this exists. When you think of the celebration?

I’ve come to the realization that the only way to really celebrate is by winning elections and building political power. It worked for many other immigrant communities. Case in point, look at how Italian and Irish American history.

One way to do this is by engaging with this group called APIA Vote. Click here to find out more about the organization. Apparently Asian Pacific Americans (APA) make about 4% of the total population. The states with the largest concentrations are Hawaii, California, New York. Also APA’s make up the nation’s fastest growing ethnic group. How do you like that? In thirty years, APAs may make up 10% of the country’s population! Wow!

Learn all about Asian Pacific Americans here.

If you would prefer cultural things, the Smithsonian Institution has a lot of events going on during the month of May. Click here for a full schedule.

And if you have any doubts about me, remember I am an APA and not Latino/ Hispanic.

Picture of the Day

2008-04-29T14:55:00.000-04:00

Animals in the Capitol
I went to a briefing where I met Lucky and Flo who are trained to sniff out pirated movies. We were treated to a demonstration and it felt like the paparazzi was in town-- so many photographers
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They only do this for a tennis ball that they like. I make more than them (barely).

On the American Dream vs. American Reality

2008-04-29T13:03:00.000-04:00

This entry is the stuff of dissertations and probably be expanded to be over 100 pages long. Fortunately for you dear reader it is merely an introduction piece—maybe even a small paragraph that will try to sell my future book on a website. For now however, it will be a working document.

President Bush gave a speech this morning calling on Congress to make the American Dream available to everyone again. With gas prices rising, consumer confidence down, the mortgage mess and unemployment, it seems that the American Dream has become a prolonged nightmare (hooray for clichés). As many social scientists teach in college, America is founded on this concept.

A very simple explanation of the concept is: immigrant comes to US and works hardà transcends class and makes it better for childrenà Purchases home and makes more money than “mother country”à Wealth gets left to children, who gets a better legacy to pass on.

Not many things are always so simple. In reality, according to Wikipedia:

According to a study of The Pew Charitable Trusts, the intergenerational mobility in United States is quite low, comparatively to some other countries : mobility is 1.2 times higher in France, 1.5 in Germany, 2.5 in Canada and 3.2 in Denmark.[11] In the same way, the Center for American Progress reports that "Intergenerational mobility in the United States is lower than in France, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Finland, Norway and Denmark. Among high-income countries for which comparable estimates are available, only the United Kingdom had a lower rate of mobility than the United States".[

In the same article it mentions the demobilizing effects of race, class, educational attainment, human capital and historical origins. I think this relates to the criticisms of the current Democratic debate especially surrounding Rev. Wright. He mentions a “hidden aspect” of the black church that was brought to light—that of understanding complex social stratification and cultural responses to dominant culture.

If everyone had the same conceptual understanding of majority/minority relations Americans could easily get passed the roadblocks of racism. To understand that the American Dream is built on a certain type of immigrant is to open the possibility that there is a linkage of the socioeconomic phenomenon of marginalization.

I’m sure that I still subscribe to this notion of the American Dream—it’s a powerful equalizer. Its allure is a siren song to immigrants who come to the United States; however you wake up from it into an American Reality. Once we incorporate the ideas of the American Dream to real life, I’m sure that working hard, not complaining and keeping your head up will yield success.

Video of the Day

2008-04-28T16:26:00.001-04:00

I didn't hear this video but it was the first thing that came up when I searched for "Guam Obama." Please review the video and remember to attend a caucus-- You don't have to be Caucus-ian to do it! ^_^~* lol.

Picture of the Day

2008-04-28T16:22:00.001-04:00

Pixelated Image
Remember to caucus for Obama this Saturday, Guam. Look above for your site (if you live on the island)
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Reminder to residents-- this may be the only chance Guam votes for President.

On Dry Cleaning Costs becoming Part of a Budget

2008-04-28T15:51:00.000-04:00

As usual, I picked up my drycleaning today and paid the $7.75 for five shirts. These past couple of months have been spent with a visit to the House Dry Cleaning service located two floors below me. I think the woman attendant already knows me (or is just being nice) because I don't really need to tell her my last name or phone number anymore. In a month, I think I spend about $28 on dry cleaning.

Why don't I just iron then? Well I don't have one and I would probably ruin my shirts.

Not doing campaign work has resulted in having a very predicitable pattern on my part. I eat breakfast from the cafeteria, I make turkey sandwiches and I eat at Subway for dinner. I drink a bottle and half of Diet Coke in lieu of coffee. I workout everyday at the House gym. I do laundry once a week and I read for fun before bed.

I think I like my schedule. I wake up early and go to bed after a shower. I have to admit that if I were to choose being a campaign manager or what I'm doing now it would be a hard choice. I enjoy both, but the work I do now allows me to work on myself.

As you can tell, it's a light day thanks to this post. I've thought a lot about the law school thing and have made a decision to go to school and to work full time. Unless I get an unlikely amazing offer somewhere great, I really would like to continue making money.

I wonder how many shirts, I will drop off next week at the dry cleaners?

Picture of the Day

2008-04-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

Wasting Time Party Pics
This is what happens when you have too much time and a camera phone at a party. I'm posing in Brian S.' room. He loves campaigns so we talk a lot about it.

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I read his McGreevey's book "The Confession" which is good stuff.

On It Takes Two (or Three) to Have a Fight

2008-04-25T16:34:00.000-04:00

Days after the Pennsylvania win of Hillary Clinton, the insiders are at it again saying that she must drop out now. Barack Obama, apparently is the only one who can unify the Democratic Party. While I believe that this may be true, it’s surprising how the assumption is that the party is broken because of the work of one person. I’ve had a lot of conversations with people who are telling me about why they support one or the other, and they feel that a lot of this isn't true.

I think that there are a lot of insiders talking about how the party is going to be destroyed if Clinton gets the nomination or if she continues with the campaign. I’ll play devils advocate here and say that it won’t. After close to eight years of a Republican administration, Democrats are energized and ready to change the direction-- waiting in the sidelines as the country changed put people in line to be President. You knew that there would be many people wanting to represent this change, be the face of progressive Democratic principles. At the end of close to 16 months, we have Obama and Clinton. Who by their merits are a testament to how far a woman and a person of color have gone within the Democratic Party.

It was bound to happen that one of them be the winner and one the loser. With any fight people place their bets, putting their heart and soul into a candidate in this race. When liberals challenge each other it gets uglier than a general election against a conservative. I know though that at the end of this primary season, the Democrats will unite and move forward to get the White House. This will usher in more Democrats in the House, Senate and local governments. Were talking about a contest to determine who the best one is to do it, not who is the most popular-- if that was the case we should have primaries in High School Student Council elections. Regardless of the nominee (in this case I hope it’s Obama), Democrats will stick the principles of inclusivity, fairness and a commitment to all Americans.

Now for those on Guam, remember May 3 and caucus for Obama. Find your precinct here. http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/gucaucus?source=SEM-gotc-gu

So Mom click here and then take Uncle Chris with you to vote!

Video of the Day

2008-04-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

I don't have anything to say about the following video, other than it's pretty funny. Don't get me wrong-- I will not end up with a million cats for the sake of making videos!

Picture of the Day

2008-04-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

Mandatory Picture Time
Here I am posing with my friend Brian S., during his birthday/Passover celebration.
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Did you know that unleavened bread tastes like Skyflakes?

On Re-Connecting with the People that Get You where You Are

2008-04-24T15:00:00.000-04:00

Last night I had dinner with State Senator Ed Murray, whom I consider a mentor. I worked with him on campaigns back in Seattle and think that he is one of the brightest minds in politics and policy. He has given me solid advice about the world of the “insider” and “elected official,” both are roles I would like to occupy one of these days. He is town for a conference of the National Association of State Legislators, so I felt very special when he made time to catch up with me.

I think it’s great to have mentors out there. When I started college, there was a section in our orientation binder under Academics that gave some insight to having a professor be a “mentor.” At that time in my life, I really didn’t think anything of it—I was going to be a student in a school where I was one of 37,000.

Years later, through the help of my mentors, I’m here in Washington DC working in Congress. Don’t get me wrong though, a lot of the work was on my part. These individuals just gave me advice.

A lot of the time, people assume that a mentor is someone who gives them that job or letter of recommendation. Mentors definitely are more than that; they serve as guideposts leading you to a path that you feel you need to follow. Not merely telling you what to do, mentors offer insight at the options you have narrowed down.

The work that comes with developing an ongoing relationship with those you consider mentors are one that takes constant updating. Hopefully someone will ask me for advice, but for now I am content with receiving advice from the best in the field.

Speaking of mentors S. 1315, which includes a provision on Veterans benefits for the Filipinos who fought for America during WWII, passed the Senate!

Video of the Day

2008-04-22T13:15:00.001-04:00

In celebration of Earth Day and how I like the cats and dogs of Earth (some restrictions apply), below is a video from Ultra Kawaii. The word "kawaii" is Japanese in origin and roughly translates to "saviour green star animal-hairy" in English. I think of it as simpler way to say "dog and cats unite to reduce greenhouse gasses." Enjoy ^_^~

Picture of the Day

2008-04-22T12:53:00.000-04:00

Lame Duck Session
In celebration of Earth Day, I am posting a picture of this duck lounging in the sun during a sunny day last week. Amidst the development of the world, it's great that some animals are able to adapt.
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Ducks in cities are wonderful surprises. This is not a poem.