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Saturday, June 30, 2001
RESTFUL
So the project is done! The design guidelines and streetscape plan for Sun Valley should be online eventually, and I'll put the link up.
I have a few weeks to get myself ready for cambodia. My big bro is around for the weekend, so I am off.
Something everyone should listen to: This American Life.
posted by michael at 11:47 AM |
Friday, June 29, 2001
DOWNTOWN
Cruising downtown,
sixth and spring,
seeing the sad people,
talking to themselves,
no where to go, nothing to do.
Feeling the hot air,
swirl around the grid of streets,
the mixture of smells,
at one instance titillating,
the next raising the bile,
having both at such close proximity,
making the place that much more grotesque.
Here I am in my suit and tie,
slanty eyed, yellow skin, suburban hands,
I don't fit here,
I don't belong.
Words like hip gritty and urban seem irrelevant,
when I pass their aggressive cups,
not able to look them in the eye.
posted by michael at 10:26 AM |
Thursday, June 28, 2001
MOODY BLUES
There is some good news, I have been given permission to link Victor and Jason's brand spankin' new weblogs. I'm thankful for that.
Other than that I am feeling a bit moody this morning. The promotional exam I took has been completely erased due to our hellish bureaucracy. I have to reapply and see if they offer me the exam again. There is an auto situation going on at home. The hot water was a bit inconsistent this morning as well. Still, there isn't any time for this whining. I have CPC in about an hour and if I don't botch it, the project that I have been working on for the past year and a half will get approved. How's that for motivation?
Maybe I need to go to the sushi bar tonight... or just a bar.
And she says "Don't worry baby"
Don't worry baby
Everything will turn out alright
-Beach Boys (Don't worry baby)
posted by michael at 7:41 AM |
Wednesday, June 27, 2001
SHOPPING
For a guy who likes to talk about fashion and notices what other people wear, I am not really very stylish. I don't buy clothes very often. Whenever I do go shopping, I get rather paralyzed. Victor says I always pick a ton of items to try on, only to come out buying none. Jason says I dress in that casual guy way that says 'I don't care how I look'. Brenda says I am too self conscious about my body and don't give my frame enough credit. Does that make me an indecisive, insecure boy dressed like a guy in a carls jr commercial? Whatever. I say that clothes is too expensive. I'd rather buy sushi, CDs, and mixed drinks.
Still, there are times that I get this urge. I need to take advantage of these times and expand my wardrobe. No, its not the most important thing in life, but I think its fun. What has peaked my interest? Online shopping.
Here are some sales going on (they expire very soon):
Banana Republic: I have a useless code for no shipping if you spend $125.
J Crew: secret sale ends 6/29.
A/X: I have a slightly useful 20% off code.
Email me if you want the codes, or if you have any other sales/codes you are willing to share with me.
I wonder if I will end up buying anything this time...
posted by michael at 8:21 AM |
Tuesday, June 26, 2001
CLUB CULTURE
I haven't had much of a chance to write about the fun we had at Club Sugar last Thursday. For some reason, I have not had the desire to blog about it just yet, but this mornings inspiration has to do with something that happened that night...
For some odd reason, I have been seeing a strange trend. When I go out to a party, club, or bar, I have repeatedly found myself in conversations with three distinct types of people.
1. smokers
2. cute girls from japan who are visiting LA
3. slightly sketchy older european guys with long greasy hair
Anyway, at Club Sugar (which was a blast! I promise to tell more later) I met three guys from Spain. Here is how one part of our conversation went.
euro: Your friends have ... what do they call it .... spunk.
me: Damn right they do.
me: What is the best thing about Los Angeles?
euro: ....The drugs.
me: Um... ok. That's America for you. Can I buy you a drink?
euro: Water is fine.
me: Come on...
euro: You don't understand... its better for the E
Yowza. The cool thing was that the guy DJs for a club on Mondays and gave me his email address in case I wanted to get my 'spunky' friends and I on the list. I dunno...
Why can't I be like Baritt? She met this cool guy at Church who not only DJs his own club but also is friends with Jason Bentley. Cool and Christian. That's what I'm talking about.
posted by michael at 8:26 AM |
Monday, June 25, 2001
LITTLE BRO
It's Monday morning, my throat hurts, my head aches, and my body feels rather fatigued. I'm glad to be home.
Last friday, I missed church because I went to Matt's highschool graduation. The ceremony was short and sweet compared to the recent university graduations I had attended. I am so happy for my lil bro. I forget how accomplished he was. Perhaps he was just on the honors track, maybe all his friends were also smart, but whatever the case, he did great.
Hanging around afterwards, I met some old friends. I didn't feel as awkward as I might have thought. You know, I didn't take advantage of SMHS very well. I hardly knew anyone, or got involved with anything. I guess this is no time for regrets, but all I remember was that it was a hard time for me. I'm glad to see who I have become since.
The full magnitude of Matt's graduation started to hit me soon afterwards. He is gone. After this summer, he will be going up to Cal, and shaping his life. For the next four years, I won't be around to watch him play counter-strike. Its more than that. This summer will most likely be the last time that I live with him. There is an intimacy that comes with living together, I have enjoyed spending time with him. I will miss his soft heart, his amiable nature, his quirky interests. It breaks my heart to think that things will change, but I know that this is how it should be, and that it is a beautiful thing to grow up. Can't stay the same forever right? Who would want to?
posted by michael at 10:30 AM |
Saturday, June 23, 2001
YET AGAIN
It was a good run. Honestly speaking, how long did I think I could pull it off? I was running at a good clip, but seeing some semblance of a benchmark, seeing some sort of point of reference, I stepped it up. With the project almost done, I filled my schedule with work, overtime, clubs, graduations, friends, movie rentals, and phone conversations.
Where do I find myself? I’m on the brink of being sick again. Who am I kidding? I’m gone. Damn.
posted by michael at 10:33 PM |
Thursday, June 21, 2001
WONDERFUL TONIGHT
No, its not Alhambra's senior prom all over again, its CLUB SUGAR with the most eclectic group of friends I could gather! Finished with APC, and am ready to have myself a good time tonight. Unfortunately, not too good cuz I have a presentation with Public Works tomorrow morning.
This weekend's Mission Impossible: Finding friends and securing tickets to go to COLDPLAY this sunday.
posted by michael at 5:20 PM |
CONNECT 4
It is fairly standard to say that we as a society are getting more and more disconnected. I'm not saying that this isn't the trend, but its a joy to make waves against the wind.
Keeping in touch with people through weblogs may not be ideal, but it is a remarkable phenomenoa. The love is spreading. Victor Shen, solid friend of mine since we were 5 years of age, has just stepped into the world of weblogs. (No link since it isn't ready for public consumption. I would suggest sending him encouragement, beg him to let you read it, coerce him into spending countless hours figuring out how to html. His email is vshen@hotmail.com.)
I also found a link to Tedman on a page I frequent. Never knew he had a page. It was thrilling to find out in such an unexpected way. Maybe I'll finally go britpop clubbing with him!
Last, and most selfish, is the simple thrill of finding the hairy years linked on other pages. It validates my existance here in this dark vacuous world.
So yeah, we are disconnected. I don't get to see Victor as much as I would like, I lose touch with people like Ted, and brothers move to the other side of the nation. Its all in the natural progression of life, and we still have to make our way. The medium changes to fit the shifting ways in which we live. No its never meant as a complete replacement, but for this particular busy boy, walking the path presented before him (which ironically is full of people, yet lonely nonetheless), it sure helps.
posted by michael at 10:38 AM |
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
learning to steal code from other pages... many thanks to Richard, and also to Annie (tho she doesn't know it).
posted by michael at 1:15 PM |
MY THOUGHTS
Emotional highs and lows. Its enough to drive a boy insane. Need to relax. Got to keep my head on straight. The world is a place of exuberant victories and bitter defeats, but I doubt it is ever as good or bad as my active imagination makes me feel.
Traffic is bad for the soul, and bad for a budding career. Driving from the Valley office in Van Nuys to Downtown takes forever. Being on time is not a virtue, its a survival skill. Just ask J.R. Rider.
One day, she will be mine. (I don't know who she is either.)
My room is a mess.
"I will learn from today." -caterina.net
posted by michael at 7:47 AM |
Tuesday, June 19, 2001
POLITICS
Oh the joy! I am excited and nervous. Today kicks off the start of some rather severe presentations for me. I'm meeting Councilman Alex Padilla today, North Valley Area Planning Commission Thursday (June 21, agenda item #3), Board of Public Works on Friday, and City Planning Commission next Thursday.
Curse McDonalds for offering 99-cent Big Macs Mondays! Yeah, and Carl's Jr. and their 2.99 combo Sundays too! I will no longer be a victim of your vicious marketing ploys.
posted by michael at 8:28 AM |
Monday, June 18, 2001
Damn that Laker parade! Don't Shaq and Kobe know that I need to take care of some business downtown today?
Band that everyone should know about: Saint Etienne.
posted by michael at 8:13 AM |
Sunday, June 17, 2001
SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE
It had been a long hot day with happy reunions, interesting conversations and mixed emotions. At the end of it, I found myself being driven along Crenshaw, sitting in Sammy's SUV, listening to the new Travis CD. The tracks were full of clean, lovely sounds, all complimented by the sorrowful crooning from a self indulgent whiner. Ah, the soundtrack to my life...
"Why pamper life's complexities, When the leather runs smooth, On the passenger seat?" -The Smiths
posted by michael at 10:05 AM |
Saturday, June 16, 2001
NOT SO DEEP
So this may not be particularly insightful or interesting, but I am so proud of the Lakers. They went through a season of adversity and internal bickering, only to come out on top again. The future looks bright...
Also, thanks to all who comment to me on the page. It really does bring a smile to my face whenever someone emails (michaelcham@hotmail.com) or writes on the guestbook.
posted by michael at 2:00 PM |
Friday, June 15, 2001
QUALITY RADIO
I heard a really interesting topic discussed on the happiness hour ( Dennis Prager). A clinical psychologist talked about how our culture is increasingly narcissistic. Apparently there has been a huge cultural shift away from obligation towards entitlement. This unhealthy occupation with the self not only makes life miserable for those around them, but also keeps them from experiencing true happiness. They may enjoy moments of pleasure, but in general are constantly either disappointed or angry. I wish I could communicate what was talked about better... sigh.
How true is this? I am not sure, but I tend to agree. I not only can see this trend in myself, but also in lots of people I know. It really is rather sad.
Possible solutions that they mentioned are therapy (obviously), religion (yay!), and those close to them/me not getting into codependent relationships (harder than it sounds).
posted by michael at 11:17 AM |
Thursday, June 14, 2001
LITTLE PAINS AND A GOOD OPPORTUNITY
I may spend a lot of time thinking of budgeting my money, but I sure find a lot of ways to waste it. I found out that I have been charged $4.95 by AOL for the past six months. Ugh. I was able to get the nice customer service guy to give me two months of it back, but didn't feel like haggling for more.
I got charged $5.50 by the Bank of America for having played with my direct deposit. It is a consequence of my fiddling with bank accounts, ironically in hopes of finding ways to save cash. Now I have a Credit Union payroll deduction, and a direct deposit into my B-of-A checking account. Still, I am happy with the new arrangement.
I didn't get my car registration for a while, so I have a parking ticket to try and combat. I am fairly sure that I was registered, but just didn't get my sticker yet. Otherwise, it's a hefty $60 dollars.
And last but not least is my traffic ticket. For reasons that remain unknown to me, you cannot go East on Walnut. Even though the street continues east, there is a 'only right turn sign' that I have missed for the last 10 years. Hopefully online traffic school still works for me.
With all these little annoyances, I am reluctant to pay $200 dollars for another year of membership with the American Planning Association. I think I will end up dishing it out. Got to stay current with the profession, I guess.
So far, its all been bad news. What's the good part? Summer nights at MOCA have started! Live outdoor jazz and free admission into the museum of contemporary art every Thursday night is enough to cheer this boy's spirits any day.
posted by michael at 8:56 AM |
Wednesday, June 13, 2001
QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS
Conversation with my big bro on Yahoo Chat! yesterday:
me: i feel like 24 going on 28
me: worried i will be 28 soon and not have a place
me: money in the bank
me: or a career
me: or have travelled
me: i wanna be 28 and happy with what i've done
james: that's funny. no rush.
james: although you should go out and travel.
james: go to boston.
I am a bit amused that my hairy years anxiety has coined itself a name (at least according to Oprah): The Turbulent Twenties. There is even a book called Quarterlife Crisis. Co-author Alexandra Robbins, "The transition to the 'real world' has never been tougher." Amen to that!
Again the word that describes this happy group is 'disconnected'. There was even a reference to how this group may numb the pain with media-encouraged indulgences like sex, alcohol, and consumerism instead of dealing with their internal frustrations with healthy, supportive relationships. Who, me? (Clubbing, dating, buying exercise equipment, parties...) Nah.
Oh its all stuff that we have heard before, but I still think a little pop psychology and self-help can be a good thing.
Props to Dr. Drew (yes from Love-Line) for giving a lil respect to The Big Guy. "Whether it's with clergy, parents, God... allow yourself to have open dialogues, deep conversations, with someone you trust." Yeah!
But I saved the best for last. I think that I should take this next piece of advice to heart. Drew--"Lots of people move back home, and that's OK — it's a way to regroup and reconnect with the family. But it prolongs the inevitable and eventually you are going to have to get out there and deal with reality. And reality kind of sucks sometimes."
The only question I have is: How can moving out be a reality that "sucks"?
posted by michael at 9:04 AM |
Tuesday, June 12, 2001
HOME
When I came home from work yesterday, all the California Chams were already there. My mom was cooking dinner, my Dad was working in the yard, and Matthew was preparing for a final exam. I took my laundry out of the drier and proceeded to fold my clothes in front of the TV. We were all doing our own thing, but in a wonderfully domestic way, there was a sense of unity. We are a family.
posted by michael at 9:58 AM |
Monday, June 11, 2001
MORNING STRETCH
Matt is in a good mood. He just got his driver's license and we have hardly seen him since. Yet when he does eventually come home, I can't help but notice that he is happier. Its good to see him like this.
It was a beautiful Sunday in terms of church meetings. Who would have thought that having a Children's committee meeting and a Koinonia core meeting after Church service (which I missed) and teaching Sunday school equals a productive and inspiring day. So my 'blue' team did not score the most points in Super Book Olympics, the kids on my team are adorable, even the bad ones. Kelley ran a tight committee get together, and I took her cue and facilitated a compact Koinonia Core meeting. I think I am learning that in my current position, feeling out everyone else is often not as important as being the one who immediately sets the tone.
In the drama for the Cambodia team, I play a man who is tempted by various lusts: partying, sex, and money. How appropriate...
posted by michael at 8:00 AM |
Friday, June 08, 2001
MONKEY BUSINESS
The contrast between the mood of my previous entry this morning and my entry right now will confuse most, but whatever... thats me!
I wrote on Richard's microwave that the worst thing about being an Angels fan is being "completely inconsequential to anything important in Major League Baseball."
Well I was wrong because Jayson Stark wrote a column about the Angels on ESPN.com which made the front page! At last! The respect we so richly deserve. Maybe not. The article is about the Angel's coveted Rally Monkey. Is being a joke preferable to being invisible? Well... yes. I'm proud of our Monkey!
posted by michael at 4:35 PM |
...
I feel sick. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the 8 murdered first and second graders.
posted by michael at 8:05 AM |
Thursday, June 07, 2001
FANTASTIC PLASTIC
Despite the Laker loss, I had a blast last night. Rob took me to Cafe Club Fais Do-Do, where we danced the night away and saw Fantastic Plastic Machine perform.
Do-do was pretty cool. There was a bar in the center, and two very small stages, a very small side room with a pool table, and an upper level that looks down on everything.
The crowd was young, hip, alternative (Sam Gurguis would love it here) and very KCRW Metropolis. Since Fantastic is a Japanese DJ, there was heavy asian representation as well (and asian girls are already well represented in this sub-culture). We met a few people, and they were all really cool.
The acts were lots of fun. The first DJ was simple, maybe a guy you would hear on dance-dance revolution. The second DJ was a lot better, and Fantastic was obviously the best. There was also a hilarious amateur fashion show for mook. I even scored a free T-shirt! Another side attraction was this little art exhibit they had on the side. One guy worked on a painting while the rest of us did our thing. It was cool to see it take shape as the night went along.
The best thing about the entire experience was the fact that I felt no pressure. What I mean to say is that we all danced towards the stage. There wasn't a sense that we had to dance with a girl, or find a girl, or ask a girl to dance. We weren't dancing alone as much as with the entire club. In the end that makes it easier to meet people anyway, but at least it felt like we had a choice.
Last note: Didn't see Moulin Rouge yet.. too busy... will see it soon!
posted by michael at 11:19 AM |
Tuesday, June 05, 2001
GRACIAS
Thank you so much for the responses to my missions trip! I am not sure if this internet advertising is too impersonal, but so far I have had some nice responses. If you haven't yet, please do!
I think I am seeing Moulin Rouge tonight! Hot Damn!
posted by michael at 3:45 PM |
Monday, June 04, 2001
NEW LINK!!!
In July I am going on my first overseas missions trip! Click the link for a page that fleshes it out a bit more. Beware, it also masquerades as my "not so sneaky" suppliment support letter.
posted by michael at 6:30 PM |
Sunday, June 03, 2001
THE PAST
I went to a wedding reception this past Saturday and saw some old friends. We talked about where we work, where we are living, and if we were dating. Pretty much all the essentials needed to catch up. I had grown up knowing these guys, and had lost touch so it was nice to see them. Still, I had this slight sense of unease within me. I felt all the insecurities of my teenage (even preteen years) manifest within me. Its a creepy feeling. I hate it.
It reminded me of a conversation I once had. I have a few friends that said a person never really changes. I'm not exactly sure what they mean. The context was just simple banter on how cool someone is or isn't. For the most part they are probably right, but I don't think it HAS to be that way. I think that our perceptions don't really tell us how it is, as much as influence what we (and others) become.
Most of the time we do this to ourselves without anyones help. Change is hard. When others have a set perception, it doesn't make it any easier for the person to break free from unsavory traits or feelings. Screw that I say! Just as with our parents, we eventually need to break free from the old skin and create the new. Its all a part of maturity. I say this should also influence how I treat others as well. Why should I lock (limit) someone I know in some identity that they don't even want for themselves. Its a revolution baby, its called growing up.
"There is another world, there is a better world. Well, there must be." -The Smiths
posted by michael at 10:33 PM |
Friday, June 01, 2001
FRIDAY
I usually love fridays, especially at work. The office is pretty empty, and I get to put on NPR, Jim Rome, or Dennis Prager while I work. The pace of the day is totally different than the previous four workdays. I clean my desk, organize my files, respond to groupwise, return phone calls and empty my in-box. I visit co-workers go get the scoop on what is going on in the office, or department. I treat myself to a breakfast burrito. I read caterina and annie (i read weblogs everyday, but I decided that for cute girls I am not friends with, I had best only allow myself a once a week peek). I catch up on stocks, sports, and politics. I research for my fantasy sports teams, feeling out who will get hot and be cost effective. I research urban planning and think about sushi.
Anyway, I am bummed out because I have a lot of other things to do today and am having a hard time getting in the right mindset. Damnit. Time to stop procrastinating.
posted by michael at 11:21 AM |
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