this is grace

With an acute attention to detail, the Virgo is the sign in the zodiac most dedicated to serving. Their deep sense of the humane leads them to caregiving like no other, while their methodical approach to life ensures that nothing is missed. The Virgo is often gentle and delicate, preferring to step back and analyze before moving ahead.

Friends and Family
A Virgo is a helpful friend to have indeed. They are excellent at giving advice, and they really know how to problem solve. You'll find that a Virgo will remind you to take good care of yourself, as health is a focal point for them. And when the meal is done, they'll be the first to jump up and start the dishes. Loving and dedicated to family, the Virgo is also first on the scene when care is needed. When someone reaches old age or is ill, the Virgo will be there doing all that is needed. The Virgo is not known for showing their feelings. They prefer to show through deed than by word.

Career and Money
"I analyze" is the key phrase for the Virgo personality, while "practicality" is the keyword. Industrious, discriminating, and scientific by nature, the Virgo really knows how to get to the heart of the matter. They are exceptionally methodical and do well in jobs that require organization. If there's anything out of order, set a Virgo to the task!When focused on a task, the Virgo will push themselves to perfection, leaving no stone unturned. They are exacting and take great pride in a job done to the absolute best of their ability. When they feel their talent falls short, they'll turn to the books to learn whatever they need to improve. Careers suited to this sign include being a doctor, nurse, psychologist, teacher, writer, and critic.Virgos are excellent with their money. They generally keep a strict grasp on what they spend, and strive to put away as much money as they can. They plan well in advance for expenditures, and when it comes to shopping, they aren't apt to overspend. Every now and then the Virgo can be seen buying themselves something of beauty, though. They love the arts and enjoy decorating their homes with taste.

Love and Sex
It's important for the Virgo lover to feel needed by their mates. Outside of the bedroom is where the majority of foreplay is going to happen for this sign. Tactile, methodical and willing to take as long as is needed, they make excellent lovers. Even though the Virgo won't express many words of love, they will show their affections in the bedroom. Virgos prefer to have a few strong connections rather than many partners. Life partners are chosen based on how important and needed the Virgo feels they are in their lives. They are dedicated spouses that love to live on the wild side once and a while.

VIRGO TIDBITS
Virgo Birthdays- August 22 - September 22

Health- Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Virgo are the intestines, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, lower plexus, and the upper bowel.

Ruling Planet- The ruling planet for Virgo is Mercury. Representing intellectual urge and the avenue of expression, this planet rules reason, rationalization, words, awareness and communication. Its action is quick and it also deals with travel, speaking, writing, trade, and emotional capacity and technique.

Colors- The colors of choice for Virgo are green and dark brown.

Gemstone- Virgo's star stone is the sardonyx - the reddish brown variety.

Lucky Numbers- Virgo's lucky numbers are 2, 5, and 7.

Compatibility- Virgos are most compatible with Capricorn and Taurus.

Opposite Sign- The opposite sign for Virgo is Pisces.

The Perfect Gift- The best gifts for a Virgo are health-related items.

Likes- Animals, beauty, eating healthy, orderliness.

Dislikes- Sloppiness, squalor, being wrong, chaos.
House- Natural sign of the Sixth House. This house focuses on health, habits, unconscious mind, service given, work, pets.

Famous Virgos- Stephen King, Charlie Sheen, Mother Teresa, Sophia Loren, and Mickey Mouse

DO’S AND DON’TS: VIRGO
If I were to mention one Virgoan quality that can get in your way big time, friend Virgo, I would say that it’s your insecurities. Virgo is known for being a shy, reserved, and self-effacing sign, that tends to be more embarrassed than pleased whenever anyone pays them a compliment. Therefore, when it comes to dos and don’ts, you often are so caught up in agonizing over what’s what that you can get confused and flustered – and so much in the dark that you do or say the wrong thing anyway. You, more than natives of other signs, are thus likely to get a lot out of this article. Having an idea ahead of time should give you more confidence – at least in the types of situations given here!You have another advantage in that your eye for detail can enable you to see the pros and cons of every set of circumstances. Yet it is also possible to get too involved in the details. Try to stand back and see the entire picture. Only when you do this will you have a pretty good idea of how to handle each individual difficulty. The most important thing to remember, however, is to believe in yourself. Have confidence in your ability to handle any state of affairs, no matter how bizarre. You’re really pretty smart!

WHEN MEETING NEW PEOPLE:
DO: Look at their eyes. Don’t let your gaze scan up and down their bodies. You’re only sizing up their sense of style, but they might think you horribly rude. Wait until you know them better before scoping them out.
DON’T: Offer your honest opinion. Sometimes honesty is the best policy, but for you, it’s best to make the effort to be more diplomatic. It’s important to remember that even though people ask for the truth, sometimes they don’t really want it!

WHEN DATING:
DO: Try to open up a little. Shyness can be appealing to some degree, but your date could feel uncomfortable if the entire flow of the conversation depends on him or her.
DON’T: Criticize anything! Not the food, not the movie, not the weather, and certainly not your date. Even if your date opened the door, keep your response neutral, such as “It wasn’t so bad,” or “I like rain.” You want your date to think you’re having a good time – no matter what.

IN FASHION:
DO: Follow your heart! Whatever you feel you want to wear, buy it! Don’t worry about what your mother, your friends might think, or even your mate might think. If it makes you feel good, go for it!
DON’T: Get too caught up in the details. If you expect everything to be perfect, you could end up wearing nothing but unadorned gray or black. Be frivolous! Go for the polka dots!

WHEN STARTING A NEW WORKOUT PROGRAM:
DO: Try several different disciplines before deciding on one. You may want to create just the right one by taking from several disciplines.
DON’T: Expect to be able to perform every exercise perfectly from the very first day. It’s not going to happen. Be patient with yourself and make it OK to start slow and work up to the level of skill you hope to reach. Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all!

WHEN CLIMBING THE CAREER LADDER:
DO: Continue to be your conscientious, hardworking, practical self. Continue to be your kind-hearted self who’s willing to give a helping hand to a confused colleague.
DON’T: Be so critical of your mistakes that you undermine your own confidence. You are very good at what you do, so don’t set standards for yourself that you wouldn’t expect anyone else to fulfill.

WHEN DEALING WITH A NASTY NEIGHBOR:
DO: Point out all the flaws in his argument. It’ll leave him totally discombobulated. Believe me, whatever he’s upset about, his viewpoint is definitely defective!
DON’T: Get personal. Don’t tell him he’s an idiot or unreasonable – even if he is. Try to resolve the issue amicably. You still have to live near him, after all.

WHEN SHOPPING:
DO: Be very choosy about what you spend your money on. Buy only what you really want or need, and only pick the best. Otherwise you’d never use, display or wear it – and your hard-earned money is down the drain.
DON’T: Get too hung up in the household department. Do you really need every cooking and cleaning gadget in the store? Move on to the decorations. They’re more fun, anyway.

WHEN DOING HOUSEHOLD CHORES:
DO: Keep your cool. Avoid freaking out at every speck of dust on the windowsill, or every spot on the carpet. Hide the worst of the stains under throw rugs, designer pillows or knickknacks. No one will look under them. Honest!
DON’T: Get so obsessed you see dirt, dust, and stains where, to others, everything appears perfect. Go outside for a short walk, then come back in. You may see things differently then.

WHEN COOKING:
DO: Go through every cookbook you have to find new and different recipes for family or guests. It’s important to you that the people you care for enjoy their meal, and you’re just the person to give it to them.
DON’T: Feel you have to slavishly stick to the recipe in every detail. If you don’t like an ingredient, don’t eschew the recipe. Just switch the offending component for something that you find more appealing.

WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY:
DO: Drive carefully. And remember to watch out for the other guy. You’re probably an excellent driver – but not everyone is.
DON’T: Obsess over the cars around you. Stress can cause accidents as often as reckless driving.

WHEN IN LOVE:
DO:Be your kind, affectionate, and caring self. It’s also important that you be a good listener, because new love partners often have a lot to say. Keep a safe distance between you until you know for certain that this person has a lot of energy on you. It’s always better to read their signals than to jump the gun.
DON’T:Expect perfection from your partner. Keep your high standards by all means, but remember that even lovers are only human. If you can be aware of your beloved’s faults and still feel passionately about them, you know this person is the one. Good luck!

US Open 07

on 8/29

you can probably tell how far up i was from the picture but nevertheless, it was a nice bday pressie. well, in a way, though it was coincidence. there was an extra ticket.

important thing was in the morning, i surfed on to usopen.org and found out that i was going to watch federer play!

the bean 8.17-8.20

this is the cloud gate in chicago's millennium park. its seriously very cute and the reflections change depending on where you are standing. each time, i would try to find myself in its reflection among the hundreds of people.

chicago grew on me as the weekend came by. i spent fri among the buildings. there are so many skyscrappers and to me, it seems like the chicagoans took efforts to build up their downtown. the stroll along the lake michigan on sat was so soothing that i decided that chicago is live-able if i have an apartment by the lake, though it will never replace ny in my heart.

i hung out with morgan and friends. a bunch of phd-to-be students and i did wish that i was working for my post-grad too. probably not ever going to happen but its nice to dream about it.

my faith

faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.
heb 11:1

my faith is a childlike faith.

childlike- like or befitting a child, as in innocence, trustfulness, or candor.

grateful

i gave up my seat to a man whom i thought to be elderly, judging by his grey hair. however, he gave it to his wifey, whom i dint notice. she was nicely dolled up. they were probably going for a performance or a nice dinner. before she got off, she reached out to me (i was standing ard) and said- i want to thank you again young lady for giving up your seat. have a great night.

wooooah that was a really nice gesture because i dint expect that kind of gratitude.

i was reading "Experiencing Jesus with Mother Teresa" on the train ride, standing up, leaning my weight against my arm which was holding onto the overhead bar. i had to stop reading because i found myself tearing and i dint know how to make my tears go back into my eyes. i dint want people to stare at me.

kid me not (no pun intended)

last fri on the 4 train downtown, i was sitting next to a 4 yr old (black) kid. think his family was having an excursion to somewhere- there was a big bunch of them. he pointed to this asian girl that was on an advertisement for learning english and said "is that you?" well, this was his pick-up line. kid you not. we started chatting. yes chatting, he can sure hold a conversation well. let me remind you that he s no older than 4 y/o. blahblahblah.. we talked about colors...blahblah... he started asking me more questions- what s my name? the OMG question was "do i live by myself?" !!!???!!! there was a stranger (black) sitting to my left and she exclaimed "OMG". yeah, i was like "OMG" what is this 4 y/o kid thinking?? his apparent family members had bewildered looks but they all laughed, thinking that the boy was silly. i had to go when i arrived at my stop. he started pulling my top and said "dont go, dont go".

oh man. i can imagine that he picked up such languague from the guys that he lives with or from the tv perhaps? i worry for his future.

paralyzed

the lightnings woke me up at 6am this morning. i had wanted to come in to work early so that i can leave early but the rain seemed pretty heavy and not wanting to get drenched, i left the house after 7 when it stopped. waited for half hr for the train to come, only for it to stop at queensboro for the last stop. ok, so its not going into manhattan. 7 train was, so i took it to grand central wanting to change to 4,5 downtown. atlas, those trains were not running. so i took 7 again to times sq to transfer to the yellow trains down. took the q, got off at prince st becos q was making express stops after canal st. the next q train finally made local stop at city hall.

this was the eventful wed morning. i got in at 923am- >2hrs to get to work. only 3 people were in the office. the sun was shining brightly when i got out of the station. the ground was dry too, no sign of flooding to indicate the heavy downfall only hours ago.

this is the perfect timing to have an attack on this city. the whole subway system was paralyzed due to severe flooding in the stations and of course, on the tracks. you would still think that it was raining heavily outside, judging by the rain that was pouring in. BUT IT WAS NOT!

its so hard to say no

i dont think i want the job. not sure why but i think its just too early and too fast to decide on things. but i was quite a wretched soul over the weekend. argh! it dint help that he s such a charming man. sigh- the gold band on the 4th finger. i wonder how long ago that was for him.

the temp and the noise

recently i started hearing many noises- loud chewing, loud cracking, loud slurping. they were as hideous as the descriptions. the coworker next to me over the divider is someone who doesnt eat. if she does, she will be seen picking at her salad. so for a moment i thought she was binging. and by the rate (every other hour) and sound of things, i was getting worried for her.

the mystery was solved when i realized that it was coming from a temp who was sitting near to us. i dint say anything to anyone cos i knew i was not going to be civil about it. before long, j started jamming me about it. hell broke loose. apparently i was not the only one who couldnt stand the noise anymore.

j got someone else to email her not to eat at her desk. well, indirect comment but the noise has since stopped. i hoped that the email to her was pleasant and politically correct.