Giving hard feedback

One of the aspects I love about my job is giving feedback. It's a useful skill to have, especially for future aspirations of becoming a people manager.

I'm enrolled in an Organizational Behavior class in which tonight's topic revolved around communication and performance appraisals.

I had the task of role-playing a really difficult scenario in front of 70 people in my class... including managers and peers.

Situation: I need to tell Nai (the recipient of the Feedback) that he has a body odor issue. Nai doesn't know what he's being called into my office for.

I was SOOOO traumatized because I didn't think on my feet nearly as quick as I should have. I kind of froze and ended up looking like a dork doing pretty much the opposite of everything I was taught in class. It's especially embarrasing because I give feedback for a living! Ugh!

The I.E. Identity

Here is an interesting read on the identity of those in the Inland Empire written by Jonathan Turner at U.C. Riverside: Reject 'Empire' Identity

This is how we roll in Suburbia

So it's Friday night. What can you do in Suburbia? Movies... dinner... shopping... strolling...

KARAOKE!

A mess of co-workers and friends of co-workers headed out to dinner and asian-style karaoke. I didn't join in for dinner (A & J's at Cupertino Village) but I did Karaoke it up at Gamba in Cupertino.

Nai and I got there on time, a rare occurence. But no one else showed up until about 20 minutes later. In the complex where the karaoke place was, there happened to be some martial arts going on too. We were sitting in Nai's car (it was chilly outside) watching young kids do martial arts. I mean... two dudes, staring at kids, on a friday night... kinda creepy, no? Who cares. We were highly amused and loved the fact that the girls were totally kicking the little guys' butts. :P

Now let me tell you... this place is hella ghetto fabulous! I mean, the decor, signage, and technology is so old school that it's fabulous!

I went here back in December of 2006. I remember it being cooler with fancy 'bar scanning' technology. Alas, they downgraded all of their equipment, but that's okay! We made the most of it. (Damn Windows XP crashing a billion times...)

The night was chock full of Disney songs, Boy Band dancing (thanks Arneil!) and all of those guilty pleasures you won't admit loving but sing in the shower anyway.

Alastair was also kind enough to inform me that Yogurtland is open in Cupertino! I'm so excited! Bring on the 1lb full of random flavored yogurt! ;)

Photo Album:

Karaoke Night 2008 - Gamba Cupertino with Googlers

Out to Eat 2008: Fundraiser for Project Outlet

I had the privilege of being invited to a Google sponsored table at this year's 'Out to Eat' event, a fundraiser for Project Outlet. My friend Ty is very involved with the organization and asked 10 Gayglers (Gay Googlers) or those that are Gay-friendly, to come to the event and represent Google at their table.

According to their website, Outlet's mission statement is:

Outlet supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth ages 13 to 20 living on the Peninsula and South Bay. Through our range of support services, leadership training, community education and advocacy, Outlet successfully increases youth confidence, builds personal assets and creates healthier communities.

I would have LOVED to have an organization like this when I grew up in LA. I think the work they're doing for LGBTQQ youth is fantastic.

This year's MC's were Greg and Fernando, famous for their Energy 92.7 Morning Show. The event was held at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA. I haven't been in that building before, but I felt at home because it was a former SGI building (as are most current Google buildings).

The event consisted of a silent auction, dinner, presentations from LGBT youth and members of the organization, a live auction and dessert to end the evening.

The celebrity guest for the evening was Jennifer from this Season's Top Chef: Chicago. She was very generous to offer her time and 3 prize donations of 'Cooking at Home.' She's an Executive chef at San Francisco's COCO500. When I went up to her and asked to take a picture she immediately said 'Have we met before? You look familiar.' I actually get that a lot. So I get this weird dichotomy of 'you look so unqiue... what's your ethnic background?' and 'you look really familiar!' I find that pretty interesting...

I had a great time at the event. I brought along my friend Nai and he also had a good time. I bid and won an item at the silent auction. What is it you might ask? It's actually a 2 hour coaching experience from Jamie Moran 'focusing on increasing your knowledge, insight and skills in flirting and dating and connecting with others.' I thought it sounded interesting and useful. :)

For All Event Photos, visit my Web Album.

New South Bay Gay Night!

As everyone knows, the South Bay is kinda lacking in gay-ness. I mean besides the handful of gay bars in San Jose (Hunter's, Splash, etc.), Ikea in East Palo Alto, Santana Row on the Weekends, and the staff of the Cheesecake Factory in Palo Alto, it's very difficult to guarantee your gaydar being set off in the South Bay.

Don't fret! A new weekly, yes-- not monthly or semi-annual -- gay night is exploding on the scene. It's called Oops! and takes place on Thursdays at Fuel in San Jose. This week has a hip-hop theme. Last week was Madonna Night to celebrate her CD being released. I haven't been yet, but I hear it's fun!

More Info:
Cover: None
Hours: 7pm to Midnight
Specials: Happy Hour 7-8pm, 2-for-1 drinks
Day: Every Thursday at Fuel
Address: 385 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose, CA 95128 (Across from Santana Row) MAP

Come join the party!

Downelink site

Shabuway in Mountain View, CA

After work last night, Nai and I went to go get dinner at Shabuway off Castro St. in Downtown Mountain View.

It was one of the few places with a wait on Friday night, but I've heard good things. We couldn't really figure out what we wanted to eat... but Nai has been before and liked it. I haven't done 'Shabu Shabu' in ages, so it was fun to do again.

There were two massive groups waiting in the front of the restaurant -- one with 7 people and one with 9 people. Considering the place holds maybe 20 people, I was concerned we weren't gonna eat for a while. Alas, we were seated in about 5 minutes at the counter with no problems.

The restaurant is a mix of modern and classic. The menu and food are very streamlined... a la In-N-Out. You have meat and veggies, drinks, and a few other dishes.

Nai and I both got the large meat/veggies plate for $15 and some change. The only real choice you have is whether or not you want lean beef or not. Apparently the lean beef is pretty much no fat. We both opted for the full flavor version.

Shabu Shabu is very much an experience. If you handed me raw meat and veggies and said 'go boil it yourself, bitch!' i'd probably slap you. But it's fun and makes for an enjoyable dinner experience because it gives you time to talk with your dinner company.

When you walk into the place, you can see the 'Kobe-style' beef being sliced by chefs on your right hand side. Shabuway only has beef as an option, so no modern variations like chicken or seafood for your boiling pot of water. Additionally, the water comes only in a normal version... so those who like spicy need not apply.

The food was good, but as soon as I got home, I felt really heavy. I mean, I ate a ton of meat and a smaller amount of veggies. I also had some Oolong tea. But I literally passed out because I felt like a ton of bricks.

Overall, a good experience and probably a really good date place. Not good for big groups.

On Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/shabuway-mountain-view

Donna Summer's 'Crayons'

I just found out Donna Summer has a new album of all original material coming out on May 20th, 2008 called 'Crayons.'

Here is the promo vid:

Help Fight Breast Cancer

On Saturday, May 10th my Dad will be joining the fight against women's cancers by participating in the 15th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk For Women. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation for this worthy cause by visiting his page below:

Revlon Run/Walk for Women

Your donation will help fund important research into the cause and cure of women's cancers, prevention, education and support service programs. Every donation will help bring us one step closer to a cure. Until a cure is found and we know that all women are safe, we must continue the fight.

WHAT: A 5K Run/Walk, Health Expo and Celebration Concert

WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 2008 – Mother’s Day Weekend

WHERE: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Exposition Park

WHO: Over 50,000 men, women and children

WHY: To raise awareness and critical funds for women's cancers research, counseling and outreach programs.

BACKGROUND: Created in 1993 through the committed and collective efforts of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Lilly Tartikoff, Ronald O. Perelman, and The Davis Group, The EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women has grown to become one of the nation’s largest 5K fundraising events. To date, the Run/Walks (LA/NY) have distributed nearly 50 million dollars for cancer research, counseling, and outreach programs. Thanks in part to these funds, new treatments are being developed and lives are being saved.

Running outside

I feel rather accomplished today. For the past month or so, I've been taking some exercises at Google with my friend Nai.

We've tried:
Vinyasa Yoga
Bootcamp
Stepping (was a substitute class for Cardio Kickboxing because the instructor was out)
Cardio Kickboxing

Today's Bootcamp Class was pretty much an endurance run around the Google campus with loads of stretching and warm up/cool down. We ran around the Googleplex area twice (each lap around 1.6 miles) for about 3.2 miles. I've never run that far outside before and I felt pretty accomplished. We were given about a half an hour to run that far, so I felt pretty good. And it was nice to just be with nature for a bit.

Considering I have pretty crap knees, I'm surprised I lasted that long. And you know what else? I could have kept going...

I just wish I knew we were running so I would have brought my iPod!

Road Trip Back Home - Los Angeles April 16th to 20th

I drove down Wednesday afternoon last week to visit my family and friends in LA. I haven't seen much of my family since the holidays and even then, that time was minimal due to holiday craziness.

WEDNESDAY

• Drove down around 3:30pm... arriving around 8:30pm.
• Surprisingly, in the middle of no-where on the 5 freeway had the cheapest gas... around $3.62/gallon for regular unleaded.
• My car was covered in bugs... icky.

THURSDAY

• Had a 7:30am meeting to video-conference (VC) in to. I thought leaving a hour before work, around 6:30am, would be enough for the 15 miles between the Valley and the Santa Monica Office. Geez. Even at 6:30am the 405 is painful. I got there a few minutes late, because I ran into security issues and weird office logistics.
• I had lunch with Cindy at this cafe called Abbot's Habbit on the hip Abbot Kinney St. in Venice, CA. That area is pretty spiffy. Kinda like a modern version of Melrose.
• Left around 5pm to get dinner for my sister's birthday at PF Chang's in Woodland Hills. My sister, mom and dad all sat down and ate together. It was kinda nice to be together. My sister likes chains, I guess. The food and service is usually good.
• Since I was taking off Friday, I decided to party it up like a person who is either unemployed or doesn't have to work in the morning. I decided to meet up with Albert at the scandalously delicious Tigerheat, who I met a few weeks ago at Ty's Birthday in SF. Tigerheat is the one place that continuously makes anyone over 21 feel old. However, I had a blast because the venue moved from the Arena to Avalon. Avalon kinda reminds me of the classier big brother of The Abyss in Sunnyvale. I know... you can't compare Sunnyvale to Hollywood, but there was my attempt. One interesting moment was that I think I was dancing next to Danny Norriega, former Top 12 contestant on this year's American Idol. I also won a 102.7 KIIS FM beanie, when i caught it in mid air. Aww... fun times...

FRIDAY

• I had an early Dentist Appointment with my family dentist, Dr. Pinter. I love her, even though she has a tendency to tell me to 'brush and floss more.' She even complimented my mouth this time. 'You have a beautiful mouth.' Aww.
• I chilled for a significant portion of my afternoon at Panera Bread in Northridge. It's got free wi-fi and yummy food. Plus the staff at this location is usually uber friendly, because it's quite new.
• I took a bit of a nap and then decided to meet up with Ty and company in WeHo. I had dinner at Topz, ordering a turkey burger combo. It's always fun to dine in WeHo, because you can find healthy stuff fairly easily... unlike the Castro in SF. I then had dessert at Pinkberry. Yes, a fro yo run is required in Los Angeles.
• I met up with Ty at Rage (Friday's are Gameboi), after spending a bit of time at the Abbey. Ty's friend John was in town from Washington DC. He also went to school at the University of Michigan and was born in Northridge! So there was a bit of cool things we had in common. Albert who lives in WeHo, so he also came out.
• Ty, shall we say, had a bit too much to drink, but it wasn't his fault. The shot we had was a bit much and twice the normal size... so I took care of him. Everything turned out okay and Ty crashed at Albert's place. I also ran into Chase, who was studying his law school stuff at Java Detour, the posh new Coffee Bar in WeHo but later joined Sherif and I at Rage.
  

SATURDAY

• Saturday was super chill. I shopped and had lunch with my mom at the Westfield Topanga (Topanga Plaza to all of the old school peeps). I came up empty handed, but bought a pair of shoes at Nordstrom and had them delivered to my work. They were out of my size. They are these black Adidas shoes designed by Porsche that look super sleek and clean. They're called Men's Porsche Design S2.
  
• I took a break to run and then meet up with my friend Galen at The Grove (and Farmers Market). We chilled at Pinkberry and just chatted away. We did a bit of shopping too. Fun times. I tried not to judge his shopping at Pac Sun. Lol.
  
• I ended up meeting up with Ty, Albert and his roomie for some Sushi at Niko Niko in West Hollywood. The sushi and service were good. Ty was obsessed with Angelina Jolie in TV and couldn't get his eyes off the TV screen. Lol. Whatever new roll that Albert got was amazingly tasty.
• We mad a pit stop at Walgreens for booze that I didn't drink, and neither did Ty. Lol.
• Ty and I then headed to Here Lounge to meet up with John. I also met up with my friend Kenny and middle school friend Sherif. It was a chill night overall.

SUNDAY

• Woke up uber late and went to Target to get some jams for the road.
• Took the 101 North to the Silicon Valley because the weather was nice outside and I wanted a bit of an ocean view free of Big Rigs.
• Got home around 6:30pm, with bugs attached to my front bumper and all...

Trip Back Home to LA - April '08

Red Mango Invades Yuppieville

I happened to be roaming Downtown Palo Alto for a late lunch at Pluto's, my favorite customizable salad joint when I noticed some new University Ave. signage.

One would have thought Pinkberry (originating in West Hollywood, CA) would have beat the 'original' Red Mango (originating in Korea) fro yo chain to Nor Cal. Alas, Red Mango acquired some prized University Ave. real estate and looks to be opening shop soon. The only other real competitor is Fraiche Yogurt, the yummy organic mom and pop shop over on Emerson. Of course, you know I've been raving about them for ages...

The US Government Needs A Proof Reader

So I got both my federal and state refund checks in the mail today. I won't complain about how paltry they are (bitch... is that all?), anywho...

As I was opening up the envelope from the federal government I couldn't help but notice a HUGE spelling error on the back of the envelope.

Can you find it?

Club Etiquette: Rule 1

If you're going to hit on someone, It's probably a good idea to be 'conservative' when you guess someone's age.

It's not an uncommon question to ask 'How old are you?' when you first meet someone. But if you ask... and take a stab... don't be a dumbass and guess an age that could possibly be offensive.

The One Thing

If there is one thing that's guaranteed in the Castro, it's that older men will remove all of their clothing and let it all hang out at night when the weather is good. This has happened on multiple occasions...

Not Quite Myself

I'm still trying to figure out why I broke down last week. Think Mariah Carey, but the gay male version and chop that in half. I can't quite pinpoint where all the stress came from --- lack of sleep, work stress, life stress, no-vacation stress, etc.

I can honestly say I was depressed for quite some time... maybe two to three months. I don't remember a time where I felt like that since early college.

Good news is that on Friday (4/11!) I felt something magical. And no, don't insert a penis joke there. But, I can honestly say I feel like myself again. Maybe it had to do with the gorgeous Nor Cal weather. Maybe not. But it felt good.

Now what do I mean by 'myself'? It's something pretty trivial. If I'm not feeling like myself, I tend to become very shy, less vocal and not open up. Think the personality of a boring straight man.

Now it's funny. I know people had to have noticed, especially those close to me. It was one comment about a month ago that made me internalize something was a bit off. Bill T., my coworker/friend, said 'You know Will? You're pretty quiet these days.' My response? 'I think I'm just getting older and more calm.' That was complete B.S. But that's because I didn't quite want to accept something was wrong.

All I hope is that I'm myself from here on out... because the world doesn't need another boring straight man.