MY EVIL TWIN ✝

  It is very unusual for me to wake up so early on a weekend.  I actually had 4 hours of sleep.  Four short freaking hours!  I tried and tried to go back to sleep but just couldn't.  For almost an hour, I was tossing and turning, turning and tossing, until I finally gave up.  

Sleeping has been an issue with me.  I am medically insomniac and I have sleep apnea.  Nothing could be worse than that.  I've been taking sleeping medications (not everynight) for over 7 years now.  I was first diagnosed with Sleeping Disorder in 2002 when I was stationed in Denver, Colorado.  I was initially prescribed a sleeping pill (I forgot the brand name) which didn't do shit but kept me wide awake no matter how sleepy I got because of its side effect.  The pill made my skin overly sensitive.  I could not lie down because when my body/skin touched the sheets, I would go ballistic.   So, for one straight week, I was a very wide awake-sleepy and exhausted zombie.  I went back to my therapist and she changed the prescription to Lunesta.  It worked but I had to psyche myself up to sleep.  Then, when I transferred to Greece, the Hospital Corpsman Chief changed my prescription to Ambien CR.  Now, THAT really worked. I used it on nights when my insomnia attacked me the worst!  The only "not good" thing about it is that I have to make sure that I would have at least 8 hours of sleep every night otherwise, I could have some scary side effects such as getting up, driving, going to work while I was still medically asleep.  I've read articles about people who either died or injured themselves while under medication with Ambien.  There were even lawsuits filed against the pharmaceutical company.  So, to avoid that, I would take it half an hour before 10 p.m. in order to have enough sleeping time before my 5:30 a.m. wake up call.   The sleep apnea diagnosis didn't surface until November 2007.  I was given a machine to wear to help me breathe while asleep, but the machine is so cumbersome, to say the least.  The maintenance is even more taxing.  So, I stopped wearing it.   

I accomplished so little this Saturday.  I spent majority of the day on the computer and watching tv.  I did vacuum a little and tidied up the place, but am living most of the major housework for Sunday.  I finally got the boost to work out, so I went to the gym around 5 pm and worked out until 8 p.m.  I  got home around 8:45 p.m. and had some pasta with capers and green olives for dinner.  

With a decent work out, awesome long warm shower and relatively so-so dinner, I am expecting to be able to sleep longer tonight so I can have the energy to do the household chores tomorrow, and do some school work. 

WORTHLESS RAMBLING OF THE DAY:  I never knew maintaining a blog could be a little whelming.  Although I have so much to say, constructing and prioritizing what I want to say is another thing. Remember the voices in my head (wink, wink)?.  They, too, have things to say and it gets confusing sometimes when I think and they all talk at the same time.   :)

Seriously though, I may have to temporarily do a weekly blog instead of a daily journal until my Greek school is over, but you never know when my chatty evil twin comes out of hiding.  He gets and does this regular intellectual and opinion hibernations.  But once his thinking engines are oiled and warmed up, there's no stopping him.  He can talk and write for hours on end.  He can write mini novels in one sitting, and expound a single topic into a multi-layered, three dimensional points of discussions and multi-faceted objectivity, with little doses of subjectivity here and there.   

What makes him evil? well, he gets obnoxious and annoying sometimes, brutally frank even,  outright honest and straightforward to a point of near rudeness.   Aside from that, I say, just wait and see until you actually hear from him, then make your own assessments and judgments.  

ME, MYSELF & I

Ahhhhh! Friday. The day of the week when I gather myself, get to recharge and refresh my energies, and get ready for the weekend. It's a stress-free day and no need to worry about schedules and routines. It's the day of the week when I just pretty much sit and relax, or cook and eat. It's a day for subdued sanity.

Sanity is when you are able to sit down and convince all your multiple personalities, imaginary friends and different voices in your head to work as one, or at least, be a team-player. On Fridays, that's what we do. :) Me, myself and I take turns in leading the rowdy bunch.

O.K, no need to get alarmed, guys. Am not going psycho. I am just trying to make a simple metaphoric point here. I do get my moods. Yesterday, I was my usual self until I went to the gym and got pissed off by few people at the gym, but after dinner, I was relaxed, calm and collected. It's not like am the only one who goes through mood swings. I think old age does that too you, the menopausal phase. It is amazing how we have the ability to switch moods as easily as pushing buttons. I remember the day when I was working as a Customer Service Clerk that no matter how fucked up my day was going, I would always have the ready smile and pleasant disposition to greet and help customers. I would be so in tuned with the business at hand but subconsciously, I was cursing somebody and wishing he/she was dead.

I've gotten so good with switching moods and characters that sometimes I thought I should've been an actor. I would never get famous, but it's just a thought, so please humor me. When the going gets a little tougher and the tough gets going, I get on YouTube and watch funny clips. And I want to share one particular clip with you guys. So, the next time you get in the same predicament of boredom, pissdom, angrydom and all those negative -doms or just when your day is not just going your way or would want and plan it to be, I suggest you check this clip:

Now, tell me, was it funny? Not that I am capitalizing on other people's misfortunes, but i'd rather laugh with their awkward moments and realize that some people could have it worse and that their misfortunes were not bad at all because they made somebody else's time, day or even few minutes worth its while with a quick burst of laughter, and how that quick burst of laughter can make a difference to a man's disposition and demeanor. And, life goes on!

WORHTLESS RAMBLING OF THE DAY: I was watching all the international satellite news on tv today and all their headlines included footages of the Turkish Prime Minister storming off the stage during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switizerland. On the panel were the Turkish PM, Israel's President, the UN Secretary General (a Korean) and the Arab League's Secretary General. Am not a very political person because I do not know, well, I don't really understand the mechanics of world politics, let alone local politics. Anyway, what prompted the Turkish PM to stand and walk out of the debate was because he was offended that the audience "applauded" the Israel's President's comment on Gaza issues and that the moderator, an American of Jewish descent, did not give him the floor to respond and rebut President Peres' statements. What started as a very polite, proper and civil discussion ended up in a heated, finger-pointing and face-saving circus. Now, if they only showed on the overhead screen the YouTube clip that I watch whenever I get pissy, or if they had the Korean guy from the YouTube clip on the same panel, things could've have been different, and this  world would be a better place for all.

ONE DAY, A NICE SPRING DAY, IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER.

 

Today's weather was unusually nice considering we are in the middle of winter. The last severals days, in fact for almost over a week now, had been nothing but heavy rains, strong winds and occasional hale.  The strong winds affected my internet connections intermittently and the satellite tv was freezing midframes.  The heavy pour soaked my laundered clothes from Tuesday hanging in the clothesline and as we speak, are still a bit damp.  Yesterday, when I went to school, I walked through the heavy rains, with my shoes and socks soaked, my pants and feet wet.   It wasn't the rainy weather I used to love back in Seattle, WA.   Seattle rain is gentler, like misty drizzles.  It feels good when it hits your face.  It gets you wet eventually but you wouldn't mind.  In fact, you look forward to it and welcome it.  Seattlelites hardly use umbrellas or raincoats.  They go about their usual business mindless of the rain, and sometimes in shorts and regular shirts.  I used to do the same thing just in my flipflops to get my hot cocoa from Vivace, a local coffee shop, or hit the local farmers' markets for fresh organic produce.    

Seattle is my adopted home city.  I've lived and worked the longest in Washington State, almost 10 years.   It's one place I would always love to go back to.  If I wasn't in Greece, I would be nowhere but in Washington State, specifically on Whidbey Island♥.  In fact, if my application for permanent residency in Greece fails, I will be Washington State-bound, no questions asked.  I am a huge fan of the Pacific Northwest, which stretches along Interstate 5 (which becomes Hway 99 in British Columbia), from Portland OR to Seattle WA to Vancouver BC.  One common denominator among these cities is their culture. They have a way of life distinctly their own, the local ambience, their character, their personality.  The people are very diverse and very liberal, friendly and courteous, relaxed and laidback.   Portland is like a smaller Seattle, and Vancouver is the Seattle across the border.  

California, on the other hand...well, let's just say it is everything that is not the Pacific Northwest, and I am not and never was a big fan of either San Diego, or Los Angeles, or the whole State of California in general.  I lived and worked there for two years and all I can say is that I am glad it was never longer than that!

Anyway, back to my unusual spring-like day here in Rhodes, Greece.  The weather was so nice that I was able to convince myself to go for a short drive to Afantou Beach before going to school and the gym.  Afantou Beach is one of the better known beaches in Greece and in Europe, having awarded the Blue Flag every year.    (The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean).    I apologize if the movie clip/slideshow is a little blurry.  The pictures turned out sharp and crisp but when I created the clip and uploaded it, the program automatically resized the pictures thus affecting the normal pixels of the photos.  

Oh, the Greek school went well, and I worked out for 3 hours, including a 30 minute 5KM run on the treadmill.    It was a very productive work out.  

WORTHLESS RAMBLING OF THE DAY:  It ticks me off to the bones when locals come to the gym and not work out like they're supposed to do.   They, male, female and in between, show up fully made up, dressed up like going to a sport fashion photo shoot , only to either sit and stare, stand and gossip, or hoard an equipment for hours. Bad enough they spent, literally, too long hours on cafe bars chatting, gossiping, chain-smoking and drinking a single glass of sugary Nescafe frappe. They might as well just camp out in the cafe bars, order another frappe and continue their socializing and leave the gym to very few people who actually go to the gym to work out. Malakes!

WHY "RETARD"?

I know that by me using the word "retard" would raise some eyebrows. I may be called insensitive by some, mean by others and politically incorrect by most. But hear me out, people. I didn't and don't mean to demean, degrade, impugn, mock, discriminate or disrespect anybody in any way, shape or form. The term "retard" here has a somewhat military connotation. Like more of a term of endearment. Military folks and families would grasp the meaning when it is used to address military retirees. It's a jargon and colloquial term derived from the word "retired" as in "a retiree". The word "retired" when pronounced faster than usual, or with accent could sometimes sound like "retard". As some of you may not know, I just retired and finished some many odd years in the military service (United States Navy). Friends and family would sometimes greet me with "How's the retard?" or "How's the retard life?" or "How's the retard life treating you"?

A little trivia: The picture on this post was almost 2 years ago. It was taken outside PSD/CSD Dahlgren Building one afternoon after our PT (physical training), and it's the only picture I saved on a disk that is military-related. Notice the uniforms hanging by the door knob? I don't even remember having a picture with me in my military uniforms (well, except my boot camp pictures, of course). Dahlgren is a very small city in Northern Virginia which lies on the border of Maryland. I worked and was stationed there for almost 2 years as the Chief Petty Officer in Charge of the Personnel Support Detachment/Customer Service Desk. We primarily offered administrative, personnel, financial, travel and transportation services to military and retired personnel and their families, both US and visiting foreign military personnel.

WORTHLESS RAMBLINGS OF THE DAY: I was craving cucumbers yesterday. For some strange reasons, my taste buds were screaming for cucumbers with vinegar. My mouth was salivating with just the mere thought of the vinegary concoction. So, when I went to shop early this evening, I bought a kilo (that's over 2 pounds) of English cucumbers. I've been home for over 5 hours now and the cucumbers are still in the fridge, untouched. And my cravings? It's gone. Just like that! Now, what would I do with 2 kilos of cucumbers?

I noticed after I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) four years ago that I would get occasional food cravings, like a conceiving pregnant woman. I would oftentimes crave anything with chocolates, ice cream, pasta, potato chips, steamed vegetables and...cucumbers. I wonder if the symptoms are finally catching up on me since I was diagnosed with the adult onset diabetes with no known symptoms. Or, could it be that old age is slowly creeping in on me? or could I be pregnant?

I am and have always been a foodie. I love to eat, I would eat anything. Eating is the only vice I have. For me, eating is a hobby, it's a passion, it's an addiction. So, maybe I may not be pregnant after all. I am just simply...addicted.

DO I REALLY LOOK CHINESE?

Tuesday is a school day so the alarm went off at 8, but I didn't get up till 9. As usual, I was dreaming and it was cut midway. My routine on school days is rather simple: Get up, turn the water heater on, prepare my cocoa drink and leave it in the microwave while am making my bed up. This morning, however, felt like a "breakfast morning" so I whipped up an 'egg and bacon" sandwich. That would actually last until later this afternoon. I figured I needed some extra energy to burn since I was heading straight to the gym right after class.

"Turn the water heater on", you asked? Well, in Greece, they don't leave their water heaters continuously turned on because they said you could get electrocuted if you jumped in the shower while it's turned on. They said someone had actually got electrocuted and died. Why would I take the risk? and why would I bother arguing that it isn't so? So long as I have my hot water for my morning showers, am a happy camper!

I took the bus from Afantou to Rhodes City, which is roughly a 20 minute long ride. Then walked for a good 20 minutes from the bus stop to the school. There are buses around the city but I had an hour extra before the class started and I needed the walk. On my way to the school, I happened to pass by a group of Albanian immigrant workers digging some holes. We exchanged the usual "nods", meaning hi and hello here, and smiled, then one of the guys said, with his fist closed raised straight up: VIVA KINA, VIVA MAO! What the fuck?? Do i really look like a Chinaman? I actually grinned as I passed them by and then I realized "that motherfucker just called me a Communist!" If I was back in the US, I would've made a sudden U-turn and chastised the motherfucking heckler, but for some strange reason, I just continued walking trying to rationalize the whole thing. Besides, the guy was holding a shovel, and I didn't want to be shoveled and mugged by a group of Albanian immigrant workers.

The class went well, and my work out was very good.

WORTHLESS RAMBLING FOR THE DAY: I went out for dinner with friends and I told them that I was earlier called a Chinese communist. One of my friends say that Greeks are racist. Really? Well, he is Greek so he should know what he was talking about but I wasn't sure if he was really speaking for all the Greeks. Then I told him that it was an Albanian immigrant worker who said it. Then he opined that Albanians are just stupids. Well again, he is Greek and in Greece, the Albanians are not very well-liked by the locals. The Albanians are like the Mexican illegal immigrant workers in the US. They also stand and wait on corners looking for jobs. They are blamed for anything and everything. Strangely, most Greeks feel that crimes happen in Greece because of them, and that Greeks don't commit crimes. Yeah, right!
On his remarks that Greeks are racist was somewhat worth discussing. I personally think that it's not a matter of racism but Greeks are just not used to seeing other races roaming about and around their country. Now, who is stupid? Greece is still a predominantly homogeneous society, and I think most Balkan countries are, while the more industrial European countries like U.K, France, Germany and Italy have their decent share of immigrants that their societies have become somewhat like the U.S. So, in Greece, the category they fit you under is limited. It's either you're African if you're Black, European if you're white, and you're Chinese if you're neither black nor white.
I, personally, and a lot of people too, can easily distinguished and identify people's races because of my exposure to different races in the U.S. I can tell a Japanese from Chinese, from Korean, and Filipinos from Thai, from Indonesian, from Vietnamese. A Mexican from Salvadorean, from Peruvian and Puerto Rican, so on and so forth.
So, for now, I'm just going to enjoy the category the current society I am in put me under: a KINEZOS (that's the Greek for Chinese), because I get special discounts when I go to the local farmers' market, and the locals still think I know Martial Arts so they don't mess with me.

LET'S GET THE BLOGGING STARTED

I woke up today a bit early than usual. "Usual" is past noon on non-school days and around 10-ish on school days. I think it was all because of the bad Chinese food I ate last night from a newly opened China Garden Village in Rhodes City, a Chinese restaurant owned by Vietnamese immigrants. I thought I would pre-celebrate the Chinese New Year with a Chinese buffet. For their "all you can eat" smorgasbord, they charged €13, roughly US$20. Expensive for a categorically limited choices and generally shitty food. I could've devoured a thousand much better Chinese buffet for US$8 back in the U.S., or I could've done a much much better job myself. But who am I to complain? I am in a Greek island, hundreds of miles away from the mainland. I don't and never crave Chinese food, but one thing for sure, I am so "chinesed"-out that I'm not going back to any of these mediocre, poor cheap copy-cats Vietnamese-owned and operated Chinese restaurants in Rhodes. Knowing now the quality of food that they come up with, I'd rather stay home and cook my own Chinese food.

I did nothing extraordinary today considering my day started early. I planned on going back to the city to exchange a shirt then go to the gym, then do some "practice driving". The only thing I accomplished was practice-driving for half an hour. Don't get me wrong, I know how to drive. I've been driving for decades but not on a manual transmission or stick shift cars. I received a quick theoretical lesson on Friday, 16 January 2009, then some actual accompanied road driving (by the beach road where there were neither human nor vehicular traffics whatsoever). I think I am making some commendable progress. I drove myself to the city without any major problems. Just the occasional idling and sudden stops in the middle of the roads. Again, I know how to drive. I know the rules of road and the mechanics of the engine. After almost a week, I am getting the hang of it. My problem is solely on synchronizing the clutch and gas pedals. Today, the driving was smoother and only had to stop twice after shifting gears from neutral to first. Give me few more "on the road" driving times and I will be fine (i think...i hope).

Tomorrow is a school day. Yes, I am back to school. I decided to take Greek Language lessons to improve my Greek language skills. It's an 1 1/2 hour session, 3 times a day. Not only going back to school educational (duh!), but it pre-occupies me and cures my boredom.

Year of the Ox officially started today. On that note, I'd like to let you know that I was born in the Year of the Tiger. Which brings us to the:...

WORTHLESS RATTLING OF THE DAY: I am a Tiger. 寅 Tiger people are difficult to resist, for they are magnetic characters and their natural air of authority confers a certain prestige on them. They are tempestuous yet calm, warm-hearted yet fearsome, courageous in the face of danger yet yielding, soft and mysterious. They enjoy a life full of challenges and unexpected events, like visiting unusual places and meeting interesting or outstanding people. Other people in their area are easily attracted by the tiger's enthusiasm and way of life. Tigers find pleasure in the unpredictable, and while other people would rather make a backward step, they are not afraid to explore the new and unusual. But it is not that simple to interest the Tiger. What they really need is first-hand experience. Usually open and frank, these people are likely to withdraw and can be aggressive when trapped. As soon as the Tiger has regained their sense of security their confidence also returns, enabling them to set out once more. These people usually tend to trust their instincts, though there is another side of their personality, which assesses situations thoughtfully before they launch any actions. Their friends usually secretly admire their determination and optimism, though sometimes may find it complicated to share the Tiger's enthusiasm and can be pushed away and left behind. Although Tigers can be courageous and generous friends, if they are not able to achieve what they want, they can be inflexible and self-centered. So if your friend was born in the year of the Tiger, there will be highs and lows in your friendship, but the friendship itself will remain firm. Ideal jobs for tigers include entrepreneur, military officer, politician, musician, writer, poet, artist, theater director, biological and environmental engineer, stockbroker, athlete, film star, trade union leader, company director, stunt person, explorer and lawyer. GRRRRRROOOWWWWLL!

FOREWORD

Today, 26 January 2006, is the beginning of the Chinese New Year. I did some quick readings and the Chinese philosophers associate the Year of the Ox with domestic troubles, never ending problems that are encountered on the home front with seemingly no solutions. The year ahead of us, according to philosophers, will be one in which success will escape without a sustained, mindful effort. That is quite scary to start a year with something somewhat negative like that. I would've preferred a positive forecast, then slowly and painlessly exposed me to what is uncertain and troubling. I think that is one of the reasons why I don't go to fortune tellers, nor do I believe in them. The Ox year brings success only through discipline and through hard work. The grounded, rational, earth influence of the Ox may bring good fortune to troubled economic times but only with a sustained, well planned effort. The Ox year needs discipline and it is not the time for unruly behaviour or taking short cuts. In this year, success is achieved solely through hard work. So what will 2009 hold for us? well, prosperity is possible only if we are resolute, enduring, motivated by patience, focused and genuine. But then again, those values and characters are what we need regardless of what Chinese Year we are in.

With those aforementioned values as my walking orders, I resolve to start this blog today. New year, new start, new blog. I just hope I can have the fortitude and resolute to religiously journalize "what my day was like and how my day has been", to write down my thoughts, even the most inner ones, on a daily basis no matter how short, incoherent and senseless they may be. I know I have the motivation, but am not certain if I would have the rigorous daily drive to actually do it. Ahhh,I really need to be genuinely focused!

Right now, my initial intent is to blog an hour before I hit the sack. I hope the sack won't hit me before my intention kicks in.

PRELUDE

SAGITTARIUS

Inquisitive and energetic, the Sagittarius is the traveler of the Zodiac. Their philosophical, broad-minded approach to life motivates them to wander far and wide in the search for the meaning of life. Extroverted, optimistic, and enthusiastic, it can be almost impossible to keep the Sagittarius down. They love change. In fact, change is essential for this sign to feel their best.

Friends and Family

Whether it's stimulating conversation or a hike through the mountains, you can expect this sign to be surrounded by friends. Sagittarians are a ton of fun and downright wacky at times. They love to laugh and to get everyone around them going. Sagittarians make friends from around the globe, enjoying the various takes on life and culture. They're generous and are not ones to hold a grudge. Anyone who can sit a spell and talk about the deeper things in life will suit a Sagittarius just fine. They make friends easily and remain steadfast through the years. When it comes to family, the Sagittarius is dedicated and willing to do just about anything. Freedom and independence are extremely important for this outgoing sign. Providing these traits aren't infringed upon, all relationships go well.

Career and Money

Visualization is the keyword for the Sagittarius. When this sign sees something as possible in their minds, they will go to great lengths to rally enough people to make it happen. Straightforward, they don't usually mince words about what they want, and they seem to know exactly what needs to be said in a given situation. They make excellent salespeople, and it's even better when this involves travel. When the Sagittarius gets a sense of the big picture, they'll work night and day to reach a goal.

A variety of tasks and a dynamic atmosphere favor Sagittarians. Careers such as travel agent, photographer, explorer, artist, realtors, ambassador, and import/export trader all suit this free-spirited personality.

Fun loving Sagittarians enjoy making - and spending - money. Considered the luckiest sign of the Zodiac, they don't worry too much about where the next buck is coming from. Sagittarians are risk-takers and highly optimistic, trusting in the universe to provide what is needed. Money-management tasks will bore the Sagittarius to tears, so getting a bookkeeper or accountant is the best plan in order to stay on top of what's coming and going.

Love and Sex

Sagittarians are playful and love to have fun with their lovers. Passionate, expressive, and willing to try just about anything, partners who are equally outgoing are best suited to the Sagittarius. There's a fine line between sex and love for this sign. Their love of change and variety can bring a lot of different faces to the bedroom. But when it comes to love, that's an entirely different thing. Once taken, the Sagittarian is loyal, true-blue, and devoted. Mates for this sign need to be intellectual, sensitive, and expressive for the best results. As the key phrase for this sign isI understand, having a good sense of how their partner thinks is quite important.


SAGITTARIUS TIDBITS
Health
Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body that is most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Sagittarius are the hips, thighs, and upper legs.

Ruling Planet
The ruling planet for Sagittarius is Jupiter. Considered the luckiest of planets, it rules wealth, leisure time, big business, the higher mind, optimism, growth, morality, prosperity, indulgence, long-distance travel, aspirations, sports, and fondness for animals.

Color
The color of choice for Sagittarius is rich purple.

Gemstone
Sagittarius's star stone is the topaz.

Lucky Numbers
Sagittarius' lucky numbers are 3, 5, and 8.

Compatibility
Sagittarians are most compatible with Leo and Aries.

Opposite Sign
The opposite sign for Sagittarius is Gemini.

The Perfect Gift
The best gifts for a Sagittarius are pet-related items or something for the outdoors.

Likes
Travel, being outdoors, freedom, philosophy

Dislikes
Details, being constrained, off-the-wall theories, clingy people

House
Natural sign of the Ninth House. This house focuses on religion, philosophy, super-conscious mind, long trips, laws, and in-laws.

Famous Sagittarians
Steven Spielberg, Mark Twain, Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix

Best Travel Destinations
South Africa, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Toronto, Naples

Strengths
Great sense of humor, idealistic, generous

Weaknesses
Will say anything no matter how undiplomatic, promises more than can deliver, can be impatient to the point of rudeness

Charismatic marks
Open and interested. Generally strong legs. Clothes for comfort, not style.

Best environment
Outside, on the move