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Tuesday, July 31, 2001
FIRST TRY
The wait is over! Go to the missions link to find info on my trip. Right now there is only one link called BASICS. There will be more to come! I promise!
posted by michael at 7:56 PM |
Monday, July 30, 2001
CENTER STAGE
It was my party. I had every right to be the center of attention. That being the case, I still felt rather uncomfortable when my friends decided to follow through on Victor's tradition. He has each person say something nice or share some story about the birthday boy or girl (this being me, of course). Let me tell you, his idea has had quite a ripple affect on our circle of friends. Leave it to the 'King of Sap' to single-handedly take increasingly impersonal church birthday dinners and fill them with depth, love and true celebration.
Well I had to sit there and patiently cower in the corner as people quietly thought about what to say, my only buffer being recently ripped wrapping paper and a series of birthday cards positioned in front of me. The eventual roast, encouragements, and insights that emerged alternately flushed my cheeks, warmed my heart, and genuinely surprised me! The love and grace they expressed meant more to me than any gift I could have received.
Man, there was a lot of history in that room. Those stories really brought me back. I had honestly forgotten what a flirty jackass I used to be! (And those were only the appropriate stories!) Whatever the case, the thing that excites me the most is the thought that through the years, I have in some ways... actually changed for the better. The beauty is that I deserve none of the credit. I am just grateful to have stumbled upon that which can truly bring life to a loser like me.
posted by michael at 7:44 PM |
Sunday, July 29, 2001
SURPRISE
Thank you thank you thank you!!! My family put together a little birthday bash for me, where many of my favorite people were able to come over and celebrate my 25 hairy years. Life is so beautiful when you have good friends.
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Speaking of parties, James posted pictures from Yang Sze and Danny's own costume oriented birthday festivities!
Now playing: Coldplay - Don't Panic
posted by michael at 10:36 PM |
Saturday, July 28, 2001
PACE
A satisfying day if I don't say so myself. Got a haircut, developed my photos from Cambodia, took a nap, and then cruised Little Tokyo with Matt. Wandering around in the cool night air, we stopped to eat at Suehiro Cafe, which will be briefly described as cheap, tasty, authentic Japanese grub without tourist pretense. (I recommend the house special.)
We can't wait to go during the day when Kinokuniya will be open. Nisei week is coming too!
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I have been feeling overwhelmed with all that I want to say about the trip. I will be posting bits and pieces asap.
now playing: Pizzicato Five - Darlin' of Discotheque (EP version)
posted by michael at 11:39 PM |
Friday, July 27, 2001
HOME
I'm sure the two weeks didn't feel very long to you all, but I am so damn glad to be home. Showered, shaved, and feeling quite spectacular, I'm now headed to In and Out for some good ol' American love...
And yeah, more on the trip soon.
posted by michael at 9:34 PM |
Saturday, July 14, 2001
TWO WEEK HIATUS
I won't have access to the web for the next two weeks. Nevertheless, I still will be documenting my random thoughts. They will be posted soon enough when I return from Cambodia.
Thank you for humoring my silly site. Let me say that there are tentative plans to make 'The Hairy Years' more interesting, less boring, and dare I say potentially useful?
I wanted to say to my peeps out there that words do not fully express how much I adore you all. Was it Nikki that said, "Mike would literally let his friends get away with murder." To those I am quickly getting to know, let me say that I can't wait to come back to LA as soon as possible.
While I'm gone, my suggestion for you is to...
a. read archives (I've tried to edit/clean them a bit)
b. sign the guestbook
c. tell and show your mother you love her (I'm serious!)
now playing: 10,000 maniacs ~these are days~
posted by michael at 2:21 AM |
Friday, July 13, 2001
SNOOP
Has it finally hit me that we leave for Cambodia tomorrow? It will only be for two weeks, but it still is a disruption in the flow of my life. I suppose I partially prepared myself by wrapping up some tasks that are unrelated to the trip.
One such task was stalking real estate. No, its not for me to purchase unfortunately. My boy Sammy might get a place in Pasadena and asked me to scope out the night vibe. Cool. I like the idea of being on a lil stakeout. So last night, I cruised down to do my duty. Parked outside with my windows open, I listened to the post game wrap up for the Angel game (which the good guys won 4-1), enjoyed a small indulgence, sat back and and took notes. If only I had donuts and coffee... but since I was only there for 25 minutes, it wouldn't make any sense.
What's to report? It was dark. There was lighting outside the apartment, but not much else as you go down the street. It didn't feel dangerous, but I don't think many young ladies would enjoy walking down it at 10:30pm. A few cars drove by, a young couple walked their dog, and an asian gentleman carried things from his car to his apartment. It was nice night to enjoy a thoughtful moment in the dark.
posted by michael at 9:57 AM |
Thursday, July 12, 2001
MISSIONS UPDATE
I have finally posted some information on my trip! I leave for two weeks this Saturday morning. Some of you will also be receiving mail, although those who live outside the states will get it a little late. There are now links to general information, a prayer list, and a schedule. Please pray for us. If you do, make sure to send me an email so I can tell you how it goes. Thanks!
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Felt out of sorts during my drive to work this morning. I was thinking about a conversation I had, when I realized that I was remembering a dream. It was a nice conversation, too.
now playing: Ivy - While we're in love
posted by michael at 8:08 AM |
Wednesday, July 11, 2001
PHOTOS
When James was in LA, we were able to immortalize the weekend with his cool digital camera. Check out his photos.
One picture is referenced 'For Mike'. I'll supply the background story...
I have this theory that restaurants like to strategically place their most attractive diners in visible places. I remember when James, Aileen, Brenda and I went to this really swanky place in New York City. I must have been only 14 or 15 years old and we were all dressed horribly. We had been walking all over the city and wanted to eat somewhere cool. Whatever. The service was excellent, but I couldn't help but notice that they seated us in the back. They even put up a partition to separate us from the other patrons. We shared two or three entrees and we had a good time.
Anyway, after that experience, I always like to notice who gets seated where. I think the same goes for valet parking. I think they park the cool, classy cars in front where they can be more visible. Well James and I went to Gladstones that weekend and I just so happened to notice the cool cars parked in front. There was a BMW, a Porsche, a Mercedes, and .... a Jetta! Yes, it only serves to validate what we already know. Half the price and twice as cool...the Jetta rocks.
posted by michael at 9:22 AM |
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
HIDDEN HILLS
There are always new parts of LA to discover. Growing up in the San Gabriel valley, I was never properly introduced to my neighbors. Since coming back from scenic San Diego, I have had drinks at Los Feliz, danced in Santa Monica, went to church Downtown, worked in Van Nuys, read magazines in Hacienda Heights, petted horses in Chatsworth and played pool in West Hollywood.
I've now been to another place in the general vicinity of angels. I have officially been to a party in 'Hidden Hills'. Tucked west of the San Fernando Valley, it's an amazingly large gated community. Dr. Laura and Simbad live there. The houses are all beautiful and the lots are generally large enough for a swimming pool, tennis court and detached rec room.
I imagine it is the kind of suburban hell where the kids get whatever car they want and ultimately end up starring in their own version of Less than Zero. (I'm just jealous). Anyway, I sipped my awful tasting bud light and met some very nice folk, including a guy who just got back from France, a young lady who worked as a band manager, and a crazy dog that loved me and left me.
I love this city.
now playing: Uehara Takako - Empty
posted by michael at 2:13 AM |
Monday, July 09, 2001
MOON
I must confide to you that it has been a good weekend, on many levels. Shhh!!! Don't tell anyone. Would you believe that I'm not even sick?
The skies were beautiful. Driving down the 101 in Sam's car, we were confronted with a frighteningly dramatic picture. I swear the moon was completely red. The conversation went something like...
Sam: Oh my. The moon is red.
Mike: Is it the apocalypse?
Sam: Might be. I always think of that whenever the moon goes crazy.
Mike: But we haven't arrived at club bang yet!
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My love for music is manifesting itself again. I'm so thankful for good mixes and burned CD's. Still, I had to dish out and support Coldplay. It was on sale at the Virgin Megastore. In fact, it was like some britpop blowout extravaganza. I can feel the sucking noises coming out of my wallet already!
Which reminds me that I had two celebrity sightings this weekend. First off was Quentin Tarantino at Virgin, only to be followed by David Spade and Ashton Kutcher at Canters the next night. LA is such a strange place to live.
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Helped a bit in the packing of at least sixty suitcases, each with around 70 pounds of medical supplies. We are gearing up for the big ride. At this point, I am feeling pretty excited. Working with the team and bonding in the LA heat was good preparation for when we will be working together in the oppressive Cambodian climate. It still feels like fun and games, but I want to be ready when the challenges start coming.
Another thing, I can feel myself guessing at how I will be changed, or how the trip will affect me. Not good. I need to be open to what God brings, not have set ideas without actually going through the actual experience. That's like.... knowing a lot about a movie and never actually ever watching it. (See march 25 entry.) *sigh* Life is supposed to be lived damnit!
Last note: If you are on the mailing list for my trip, here is an update! They will be in the mail today!! Yay!!! Ok, maybe tomorrow. Whatever, its not too late to get on! Email me.
posted by michael at 8:33 AM |
Sunday, July 08, 2001
JUMP TOMORROW
Saw an adorable movie the other night. Oddly enough, the direction reminded me a bit of voltswagon commercials, but then again, it could be me projecting my deep seated obsession. Whatever the case, Jump Tomorrow scores high in my book. This is not a film that will overwhelm, disturb, or rock your world, but if you just want your senses tickled rather than run over, by all means go see this well thought out, sweet, and refreshingly earnest movie. Bottom Line: See it! Take your parents too (that's a compliment).
Want a second opinion? Fine. Here's what Cindy thought (July 7th journal).
Now Playing: Trashcan Sinatras, ~The Earlies~
posted by michael at 10:40 AM |
Saturday, July 07, 2001
TEARS
I have to run out the door, but I wanted to send heart felt thanks to the surprisingly many who have confided to me that they also cried during the Iron Giant.
Now its my turn to tell you more. ~Whispers~ Tearing up during a movie is actually fairly common for me. Usually I can keep it at a masculine eye watering (reminiscent of Michael Landon's tears from little house on the prairie), but I completely lost my composure in the middle of a shopping warehouse in Van Nuys.
posted by michael at 10:05 AM |
Friday, July 06, 2001
COSTCO
I am a fairly extroverted, but I need my time alone. When I am feeling that way at work, one thing I like to do is go to Costco for lunch. Not only is it cheap (1.62 for a polish sausage and soda) and tasty, but I also get to relax, be by myself, and just walk around.
Usually I find myself by the television sets showing video tapes of different animated movies. Little kids join me for a few minutes until their parents call them back. Most of the time, I watch Tarzan (Its really good! I'm serious!), but on one particular day, they had The Iron Giant.
I stood there with my soda, watching perhaps the last 15 minutes. I think I must have been in one of those moods. Christine Lavin describes it as that feeling of hyper-fatigue when everything seems to hit you in a more poignant way. Well the movie was at the point where the Giant sacrifices himself to save the town, and I started to tear up uncontrollably. I felt silly and had to look away to compose myself. Even with that, I would choke up at every attempt to look back at the screen.
Eventually the moment passed and I finished off the movie. As I walked back to my car, I couldn't help but think about some themes... love, sacrifice... resurrection. I felt like even though films are filled with messed up messages most of the time, a small glimpse of what's real can maybe, just maybe, sneak in.
posted by michael at 8:22 AM |
Thursday, July 05, 2001
WEDNESDAY OFF
The festivities started on Tuesday night when I went to my Cambodia team drama practice after work. You'd be surprised how sweaty a guy can get while doing Christian pantomimes. Afterwards, I headed to Robs place where we played classic videogames and watched highlights of Princess Mononoke while the rest of the crew were on their way.
The four of us went to Club Heat, which was partially put on by Enoch's friend, DJ Al. They both go to a hip Santa Monica church called Metro. I love getting hook ups. At first, things weren't looking too good because even though we were on the list, it seemed that everyone and their mom were also on da list. Mr. LA Bouncer guy made us wait while he let in all the other parties with a 2-1 girl-guy ratio inside. I felt like such a piece meat (a very uncool and poorly dressed piece as well). By the time we got in, I was just happy to be deemed acceptable enough to enter.
The room was too crowded, the scene was a bit hooched out, but in general everything was cool. The music was standard rap and hip hop on the first floor, with some techno on the second. The drinks were happily very stiff, so after my second vodka tonic, I didn't much care about being analytical. The real draw for the night was hanging out and talking with the ol' UCSD alums anyway. It was rather pleasant quality time. We also took the occasional break to hit the dance floor. Yes, a good time was had by all.
Eventually we staggered out and went to Swingers for some late night eats. I ended up on Rob's sofa at around 3am(?) where I promptly passed out.
posted by michael at 8:35 AM |
Wednesday, July 04, 2001
AMERICA
Happy fourth of July everyone! Lets all just take a moment and admit that America is da bomb.
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Let me tell you about something really cool that has become dear to my heart: wooden hangers.
posted by michael at 11:30 AM |
Tuesday, July 03, 2001
DO THE DEW
For some reason, I decided to chug a mountain dew at around midnight. Matthew was downstairs watching Chinatown with his boys. (I am always impressed with their cinema choices). Anyway, my caffeine and sugar fix kept me up til 4am, but at least my room is clean. Besides, listening to the BBC a few times over really is fun for me.
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This past weekend I went shopping at Ikea. I may be full of it, but for some reason I couldn't help but notice all the hip, young, good looking, upwardly mobile asian couples when we were walking around the showroom. That may seem normal, but the strange part is that once we were in the warehouse, they were no where to be found. Where did they go?
Explainations: - Good looking people don't actually buy anything themselves, they just look pretty with the equally pretty displays and send lackeys to make their purchases.
- My eyes adjusted to the good looking southern californians. By the time I got downstairs, they couldn't blind me.
- People look better when standing over cool furniture.
Now Playing: Someone to be my lover - Janet Jackson
posted by michael at 8:10 AM |
Monday, July 02, 2001
RAMBLING
When I am having a good time, I am prone to fits of melodramatic happy rants.
The other day, I was tired, in a good mood and surrounded by danette and my two brothers. I couldn't contain myself.
Me: "The apartment, the jetta, and the ever elusive girlfriend. If I can snag one of these three, I will be satisfied. If I get go two for three, I am pretty damn impressive. If I go get myself all three, I can conquer the world!"
posted by michael at 8:03 AM |
ONE OF THOSE...
naps. The kind that pretend to be twenty minutes long, only to turn out to be 7 hour comas. It's now 2:30am... I've had my midnight bagel w/ cream cheese and I have all the time in the world. Maybe I can write a coherent blog.
James has flown back to boston, and I think I have survived the weekend.
I am kind of glad to have my big brother around for the weekend. Even though he ran me ragged all over los angeles, I loved ever minute of it. Is it selfish of me to thoroughly enjoy having him all to myself? Pleasantly surprising was how our conversation constantly revolved around marriage. (We came home from our first discussion only to find that Richard posted a dish on love, prompting more discussion.) Anyway, James has been married to Yang Sze for two years now and it has been good. It is a thing of beauty to see two people make their way through life as one. There are many difficult transitions, and the only thing that I can come up with so far is this: A good marriage changes a person. Hopefully in ways that everyone else will be able to deal with...
I am looking forward to going to work tomorrow. ha! The pace has slowed tremendously. Maybe I can get my damn prayer letter out before I leave. I did get to take my mom to yesterday's cambodia team meeting. It went better than I could have ever imagined. The older ladies knew that my mom was worried, so they came and gave her hugs and told her how they would take care of me. I could tell that my mom was impressed with our leader, and whats not to be impressed with? Christians, who are excited, eloquent, passionate, and loving don't grow on trees everyday. Also, going over the details of the trip didn't bore my mom as much as help her feel more secure. She even said that she wants to get dad to go with her on a missions trip next year! We'll see about that...
posted by michael at 2:49 AM |
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