C Note(s)

My favorite Christmas Tradition isn't the tree selection, decorating it, or the music, the gift giving and/or receiving. My fav is to watch Die Hard and Die Hard 2: Die Harder , actually! 2017 will mark silver anniversary of this tradition. That's right! The 25th consecutive year of watching Die Hard and Die Hard 2: Die Harder at some point in month of December. You'd think (if you knew me) it would be something lively activity neighborhood Christmas caroling with my friends. Nope! My Favorite Christmas Tradition It didn't start out that way, though. My high school best friend, Chris, had bought me one of the greatest Christmas gifts ever! It was the two VHS cassette tape of each movie, and it was packaged like the Nakatomi Building , too. I loved it instantly as I am a ginormous fan of Bruce Willis, and those movies.  Once I've completed my favorite Christmas tradition, I might move on to other Christmas movies. But I'm not referencing the classics lik...

Merry Christmas: My Fondest Memory of Mom! December 2017 will be the 20th year that my Mom passed away of gastric cancer. I decided to that the best way to say Merry Christmas was with my fondest memory of Mom. That ended up being more difficult than I thought. Even after chatting up my little sister about her favorite / fondest / funniest memory about Mom, she asked, which one, Los? We have tons. I settled on the category of emergency situations and response plus Mom. Merry Christmas: My Fondest Memory of Mom If there ever was a crisis, she is the last person you wanted to be on scene or supporting you. I'm confident that her easily rattled psyche, and her queasiness at the sight of blood are the main reasons that she wasn't a nurse even though 80% of Filipinas end up as nurses. Ahem! I digress . Merry Christmas: My Fondest Memory of Mom - was an innocuous afternoon during school break. She asked me to find the week's newspaper for the coupons. I had already bundl...

When I ask what's that smell: call a mechanic - I usually don't. One aspect of car ownership is repairs and fixes - no one really likes them because they tend to be expensive, and you couldn't do the work yourself if you wanted to. Most people, at least Americans, don't want to do much more than gas and go with the occasional oil change thrown in.  Especially when I was young and brash with my brand new car, a 1997 Honda Civic. The following is the funniest car service call I've had about any vehicle I've owned and/or operated. What's That Smell: Call A Mechanic I prided myself on my ability to do my oil changes, and other regular maintenance tasks. There was one however, that I simply couldn't figure out. One summer day, I got a whiff of fuel, and thought, What's that smell: call a mechanic - before it's too late. I loved and cared for my car because this was the first one that was brand new, no one owned it and I'm making payments tow...

This holiday season reminded me of the story when I was thrown completely  under the bus by my "uncle" Steve at an Outback Steakhouse in Spokane. Wait! What happened is probably what you're asking me, or yourself? I'll tell ya in the following passage. Wait! What Happened You need some background information in order to truly appreciate this story. Charlene and I had been dating a few years when this occurred. Her "family" in Spokane invited us over to enjoy the holidays - pretty sure it was Christmas. We always drove over to them, and in return they would host us while we were there. The collection of us is a epicenter of funny inside jokes, sarcasm, and physical comedy. Every visit had a " Wait! What happened " moment, too. This visit was no exception! Aunt Nancy usually cooked for us, but this particular night she didn't want to cook, and neither did anyone else. The suggestion and what we landed on was the Outback Steakhouse off of ...

I remember November 30th, 2008 like it was yesterday. It was just another Manic Monday for most Americans, but not for me. Honestly, I didn't think I would remember it so vividly after 9 years. But I do, and I'm gonna tell ya about starting over with a blank slate ... My sister and myself were in different parts of the Seattle Metroplex but we're in the same situation: Needing to move out. I was experiencing a divorce, and Charrina's lease expired, and she wasn't renewing it. So we moved in together into an apartment sight unseen - that's right! The first I saw it was when I was moving my personal items into it. Blank Slate: Tabula Rasa Day Speaking of moving items, Charrina and I muscled into the Great Room (10 feet by 17 feet) that overlooked the Issaquah Valley. We plopped down on the cushions with a huff. Not only was it heavy, but bulky to boot. I digress . I grumbled, "For the amount of stress, and what I've been through, I deserve a me...

Happy Thanksgiving 2017! Over the years, I noticed that my Thanksgiving celebrations are inconsistent. However, most folks have traditions that are entrenched into their family history. It's inconsistent because I usually just adapt to what's going on in my life that particular year. But I noticed it's the type of holiday that is usually passed over like a middle child of a large family: largely forgotten . I feel bad, too, for those that love Thanksgiving and eagerly anticipate it each year. And yes, I understand the origin is another unsavory aspect of early American history - I get it. Even still, it can be a happy Thanksgiving 2017 for all of us - if you think about it. Scrolling through my social medias feeds (yes, multiple - #Twitter #Facebook and #Instagram) on November 1st, I noticed there's a void between those that love Christmas and those that follow tradition. There are some that love the magic of Christmas so much that they start playing music, an...

November seems to be the month that American tend to be more thankful / grateful than usual, so it's been a few posts since I've written a funny story, and thankful I lived through it. I combed through my mental archives, and landed on a business trip to Mexico. Cancun Craziness In my many years with a travel company, I was given the opportunity to visit and rate several destinations. One of them was Cancun and it's craziness. I spent five days there and it was more than enough to experience it. The last night was the epitome of Mexican craziness - it was all my fault, too. Based on my observations of the tourists, this was the Las Vegas of Mexico. And I love Las Vegas. So my plan started earlier in the trip. I built a quick rapport with our driver, Juan, which I dubbed him as El Capitan. Then I started asking him about the night scene, and his connections there. I told him I would love a site inspection / behind-the-scenes tour of the most popular night club. He qu...

Happy Halloween! Well, it's a day late because I was enjoying Halloween. However, that makes me wonder - what's your Favorite Halloween Tradition ? Is it traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood to trick-or-treat? Is it decorating your home with decorations such as spider webs? Is it pumpkin carving after your family and you picked one out from the patch? Favorite Halloween Tradition - What's Yours? As you can imagine, mine has changed over the course of my life. My current favorite Halloween tradition is creating my costume versus buying a pre-set one. This year was a last-minute, 11th hour decision to be Woody from Toy Story . Even though it wasn't a perfect duplicate, I think it received more compliments (props, LOL) because it was original, and my own creativity instead of someone's manufactured idea. Several friends and coworkers asked how I did it, which I thought was odd. With a Google Search History that'll read rather funny, I downloaded an im...

Cosplay or costume + play has been around since people have been around. There's a je ne sais quoi about dressing up into a costume, or character, that people find alluring. However, just like a museum display - cosplay: do not touch .  Most Americans are exposed to cosplay for the first time around Halloween. They are taught that if you dress up in a costume or character, walk around the neighborhood, and exclaim Trick or Treat at each door that candy will be given for their efforts. That's easy to understand. Then sometimes we encounter a street performer in a metropolitan city dressed in all gold, or silver, or sometimes an elaborate costume like a pirate. While we encouraged to interact with them by giving money first then taking photos we still respect the cosplay: do not touch - the unwritten rule, but understood by rules of respect. Then there's masquerade parties, movies, video games, comic books, fashion models, and conventions to name a few events that warr...

I'd love to say I've so busy that I haven't had the opportunity to write about it, but the funny thing is ... nothing but the same old, standard digging at the warehouse has happened. Aside from the occasional verbal barb from my register to another one in earshot, nothing to write down about. #TBH it's been a daily shitshow that has a projection end date of Groundhog's Day (that means never, y'all) Being one of the more visible, accessible, and approachable supervisors of the crew, I've noticed an uptick in my involvement on the more mundane to complex issues. One day in particular, I heard a call over the radio for a supervisor to the entrance door. Upon arrival, the employees beckoned for me to the garbage cans. I peer into to find this: My immediate reaction, "We certainly don't sell that here!" with a laugh. Then I bemoaned the moment with, "Why me? Why does this craziness happen when I'm on shift?" The employee...

Adventures In Corn Mazes - My first one was last year, and might repeat it this year. When I'm asked about my first experience, I usually describe it was the Blair Witch Project meets Legend of Zelda .  Growing up in the city of Mountlake Terrace didn't afford me many opportunities to have corn grow. Let alone grow enough to provide a maze of it. So when I was old enough to drive myself to the outlying towns of Snohomish, and Arlington, I wasn't interested in adventures in corn mazes, #letsbehonest Ever since I moved from the city of Bothell to the "city" of Lake Stevens out where I've described it as the "sticks" or "Canada" because of my distance from a majority of my friends, it's been easier to find country life activities such as corn mazes, hay rides, outdoor paintball, and firing apple cannons. Adventures In Corn Mazes My first year working at the Woodinville Costco was a time of learning and observing. Along Washington ...

So my sister shared with me a story that happened last night in front of her after the Tom Petty concert at CenturyLink Field. Basically a drunk man mistakenly thought his Uber car arrived when it was a husband picking up his family. He was yelled at to get out of the car because his Uber was behind him. However his intoxicated state had him confused. It reminded me of a story I haven't documented but definitely have shared with friends already. I remember it was late September 2012. I was still reeling from being dumped. A business trip opportunity to Hawaii arose so in order to heal my broken heart, I accepted. On the first night, and after dinner, our trip leader released us until 8am the next day. So all I heard was I don't have to be anywhere until much later. Apparently, word around the playground was that yours truly is a helluva party animal after hours. I would neither confirm or deny those allegations, but I did admit to having a good time wherever I roam. I...

Imagine, like I did, that you are married and it's supposed to be 'til death do you part. Then one day, it's not so happily ever-after with divorce papers in your hand. After Divorce (AD) - What Do You Do Next? Everyone's answer will be different, so I'll offer mine up. I was the partner that was blindsided by this termination of the relationship but later would be oh-so-grateful it was. Not for the sympathy vote, per se. More like it was a toxic relationship that shouldn't have existed in the first place so it's demise was a blessing. It truly was. After Divorce (AD) - What Do You Do Next? As a guy's guy in American society, the plan of action was to hook up with a girl immediately. Why? Because that was the reason for divorce: another guy. A friend, as a matter of fact. Of course I didn't realize then, but I reeked of desperation so any woman with self-respect wouldn't let me near her. That didn't stop me. In the wake of the divorce,...

Autumn is here! Parents of both college age young men and women, and children are attempting to avoid falling back into bad eating habits from the dog days of summer. This means college is already in session, the school children have returned to classrooms, and the scramble to eat healthy is on. I know I'm tempted by the area "food of shame" (Urban Dictionary / street words to describe fast food) The transition from summer to fall in the #UpperLeft traditionally marked with lower temperatures, and our famous rain - as in it always rains in Seattle. Even Blake Shelton wrote a song that incorporates "when it's sunny in Seattle". I digress! Falling Back Into Bad Eating Habits I know I'm guilty of these. H***, I'm still continuing from summer. I'm actually pretty terrible about meal preparation. I live with my roommate which is also my tenant / sister / and all around good girl. Over the summer, I re-built the pantry to incorporate "zone...

In the aftermath of all the wildfires in Washington, Oregon, California, and Montana, and Hurricane Harvey and Irma there's a mess - time for the All American Clean Up . The first organization to offer it's assistance is the American Red Cross . 95% of the organization are volunteers. I know, because I'm one of those volunteers that received extensive disaster training prior to being deployed to the field. I understand the basic nature of those that wanna help, I get it, I do. But after having the training, I also have the understanding why the training must be completed before you volunteer because you'll be more of a detriment than a help for the All American Clean Up with the American Red Cross. That's right. And depending on the type of disaster response being deployed and the role you play, you might even need additional training beyond the basics. Such as myself. I am part of the Western Washington's Red Cross Disaster Services Technology Team - i...

Bye Bye Summer With August 2017 in the books, and September just starting, it's time to say goodbye to summer. How are you going do it? Here's a few ideas on How to Enjoy The End of Summer, as far as I'm concerned. Once again the 3-months afforded to us, Washingtonians, has evaporated. But we have one last chance before summer is officially over, and the kids have returned to school... that is known as Labor Day Weekend. One glorious 3-day holiday weekend for last hurrah. I know it's difficult to wrap your head around summer being done like dinner. How to enjoy the end of summer can be done. I read various articles on ways to rock the ending of summer. I quoted a few, added some myself, and here we go: How to Enjoy The End of Summer Geocache ! That's right, y'all. It's the worldwide sensation; either continue or start it. The GPS-based, scavenger hunt game is awesome way to celebrate. I realize I've written about this before but it's pe...

The summer of 2017 in Seattle has been a scorcher! If memory serves me, we had 100 days of no measurable rain. So we had to find ways to #beattheheat ! There are obvious ways, and then of course, creative ways to cool off. We'll quickly go over the more obvious ways, then on to the fun ones! Captain Obvious Ideas : Drink Water - Good old fashion water consumption is the best way to beat the heat. Your body uses that water to cool off like the water in your vehicle's radiator. And you should drink plenty of it! Air Conditioning - In your vehicle usually has air conditioning as a standard feature. And some homes, in the Pacific Northwest have it installed. I had a heat pump installed in my newly purchased home which will provide cold and hot air. Based on my experience at Costco, the portable air conditioning units (window installed too) and fans were the first to be sold out. Be In The Water - Wanna beat the heat? Hit the beach! Go to the lake, river, pond, or any body...

I love playing the drinking game, Never Have I Ever , while sitting around a campfire or in a conversation circle at parties. Especially, the parties I'm hosting! It's best played with a mix of long time friends and newly established friends. Never Have I Ever: Summer Fling If you're not familiar with the game, here a quick review of it, which also can be found in the Wikipedia entry. "The verbal game[1] is started with the players getting into a circle. Then, the first player says a simple statement starting with "Never have I ever". Anyone who at some point in their lives has done the action that the first player says, must drink.[2] Play then continues around the circle, and the next person makes a statement.[3][4] An additional rule – uncommon, but beneficial to the game – is that if there is no one taking a drink, then the one who said the particular "Never have I ever…" must take a drink. This rule often forces the players to strateg...

Paris, "The City of Light". Despite that light, I still had a lost American in Paris that I needed to find. It was in 2004, I was in my 2nd year at Costco Travel. In those 2 years I had accomplished so much in such little time, I had the biggest task assigned to me. To travel with and escort as a Costco Travel representation for the Kirkland Signature European Cruise Tour. I wasn't the tour guide, per se, but more like an assistant to the tour guide assigned by Princess Cruises while holding the best interest for the Costco Members and Costco Travel. And somehow I had on the first real day together ... Lost American in Paris Before I left the office, I had several meetings to prepare me for the 12-night Cruise Tour. The overall message that I detected was my primary responsibility was all Costco Members were to be protected. Thankfully, I would be meeting up with the Princess assigned tour guide to speak the various languages, be knowledgable about the countries, and...