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Friday, November 30, 2001
THE story never ends. This past week, L gave me a call. I was glad but also a bit surprised. I'd love to be her friend but didn't want to remind her (and her boyfriend) of the "set up". (Confused? See blogs from Sept 20, 26, 27, and Oct 29)
We met up at a cool, retro Bob's Big Boy, where she filled me in on current events. Apparently, there is tension between the grandmas because of the way their big experiment was handled. Such needless drama! The ironic thing is that L and I were the ONLY ones who were ever up front with each other. We knew nothing would happen and just wanted to be friends.
Hopefully we will be able to smooth things over. I guess the silver lining in all this is that I now know that her man doesn't associate me with family drama. In fact, he would also like to hang out sometime.
Perhaps the moral of this story is that I should have never played along. Sure it was good for five blogs, but even if I have a clear (and amused) head about it, the other players may not.
Thursday, November 29, 2001
WE saw Harry Potter on opening night. I never read the books but thought the movie was fine. It really reminded me of what it's like to be a kid. You know? Always feeling misunderstood by parents, being treated unfairly by bullies, it's all there. At the core, there is the secret wish to show that everyone is wrong, that in fact, YOU are the special one. The movie really touches upon that fantasy, and does it well. Too bad it never happened for me. Instead of finding out that I was destined to be a powerful wizard, I realized that while I may have been a victim, I played the jerk too. I found out that while I may be special in the Big Guy's eyes, everyone else is JUST as unique and loved as well. That's a good thing.
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We saw the movie at the Puente Hills mall. Walking in, I had this really strange vibe. I couldn't quite put my finger on it til later. There was this small town feel. What I mean to say is that it felt as though everyone dressed the same, looked the same, had the same interests, and thought the same. What made it more apparent was that they were all Asian American, middle class, and suburban. Just. Like. Me. Don't get me wrong, because I love my people, but.... it honestly felt a bit oppressive. I can't explain it just right, but I hope some of you know what I mean.
Wednesday, November 28, 2001
LISTENING to some new CDs turned my morning commute into quite a nostalgic trip. Some of the songs (especially on Smash the System) were first introduced to me in multiple mixes made by old friends. I didn't realize I knew so many Saint Etienne songs. Gosh, it was all so long ago. I should really give one friend a call and see how her honeymoon went.
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Speaking of highschool, Debbie used to mockingly(?) call me Zack from Saved by the Bell. Of course, those of you who know me see how this is both funny and ridiculous. Well, the running joke continued when Jason (her fiancé) mentioned the supposed likeness in a profile of me. All this to say that... oddly enough, my coworker flippantly said that I remind him of that new guy on NYPD Blue, who so happens to be Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack). Simply amazing.
As with everything, I tried to break it down. Was it Debbie's perception of me in highschool (seemingly shallow)? Am I the youngish looking rookie in the planning department? Oh. It doesn't matter. We all know that Jason is Slater.
Tuesday, November 27, 2001
WOKE up disoriented and annoyed. Sounds of some sort of animal being tortured to death gnawed at me, its electric screams disrupting my deep black beautiful sleep. I sat in my bed for a minute trying to figure out what it was and just how I was going to end its misery. When I finally became somewhat coherent, I realized that I had simply forgotten what my own alarm clock sounded like.
Lately, mornings have been cold. My routine is to immediately jump into a hot shower. The point isn't cleanliness as much as defrosting my freezing body. I stand there and slowly turn the hot water higher and higher, waking myself up for the coming workday.
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Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself linked to Brandon from Ohio. Thanks! The web world continues to amaze me.
Last thing. In my August 2 blog, I wrote that I got the lyrics to Coldplay's "We Never Change" wrong. I just found out my original interpretation was right all along. "Oh and i don't have a soul to save, yes and i sin every single day" How appropriate. I know it isn't true, but that's (once again) exactly how I have been feeling.
Monday, November 26, 2001
I'M glad things will be a bit more mundane today. I have to finish my laundry, clean the room, pay da bills, visit Staples, and help Bear move her furniture. My laundry is done. Time to take the whites out and use that snuggle fabric softener I love so much. I actually find folding clothes very theraputic.
Sunday, November 25, 2001
JESSE and I couldn't help but notice how clear the San Gabriel mountains were today. One day, when it's as clear and beautiful as today, I will take the trail to the top of Mount Wilson.
Saturday, November 24, 2001
RAINSTORMS kept me from my early morning tennis appointment with my family. What a Godsend. I was hardly in any condition to participate in physical activity.
Last night, a birthday dinner for Cindy took an unexpected turn when we received a call from Chih! He is in LA for the weekend and succumbed to my constant pleading to hang out before Grace comes home. Yay! Surprisingly enough, he was in Old Town Pasadena, drinking it up with his Westridge-girl entourage. He tried to convince us that he "isn't always like this."
Anyway, I was happy to see all of them, including a group of Montebello alumni who also so happened to be there. It was such a good time. Eventually, we met Karen in Silverlake and finished at a diner on Sunset.
Yeah. Quite a night to remember…
Friday, November 23, 2001
MY parents sure know how to throw a party. I actually enjoy these family functions. Everyone brings a dish. The "kids" watch Friends and Smallville, while the parents make a ruckus in the seldom used living room. Hip, good looking, intelligent, and charming cousins from both sides of the family show up. We play some cards, preview the Bebop movie (more on that later), and talk about commercials and superheros. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Matthew is home and our house is now Cowboy Bebop central. He brought the not-yet-released-in-the-US movie, I got my Box set in the mail, and he opened up the CDs he ordered from ebay (which were unfortunately bootlegs). Damn bastards. Oh well.
I'm also happily sore this morning. Very sore. EVERYwhere. I was wrong too. My game was fine (for me), but my stamina was the problem.
Thursday, November 22, 2001
HAPPY Thanksgiving. You know, it wasn't too long ago that I had everything going for me. Good things were just happening. I took what I could. I was an unstoppable force. Then, I decided to set my sights on the next step. This applied to every part of my life, whether it be spiritual, professional, romantic, physical, mental, cool factor, real estate, possessions, whatever. I didn't want to be stagnant.
The problem is that almost none of it is happening the way I want. I either have to wait or just accept that it won't happen. Yet, I think that I'm ok with that. I am doing my best. Sometimes we have to wait, and sometimes we just don't get what we want. That's life. I am blessed with SO much. Besides, I have He whose grace is sufficient for me. The rest is just gravy.
Mad props to Pastor Clive, whose recent sermons on thankfulness have struck a chord with me.
Wednesday, November 21, 2001
WHEN was the last time I played basketball? I have been itching to get on a court for a while now. It's a good thing that tomorrow is our annual Thanksgiving morning basketball fest. I don't think I'll be TOO winded since I have been jogging (a bit), but my game has probably atrophied from lack of practice. I want to bring my 'A' game but will probably just embarrass myself. Damn. I wish I found time to do some pre-fest prep.
Incidentally, Mr. Physical Therapist Victor says that if you don't stretch for at least thirty seconds, you haven't done anything. Gosh, I've been doing it wrong all these years.
Tuesday, November 20, 2001
CAMPUS life is so much better than the office environment. Yesterday, I got a relaxing tour of Art Center in an otherwise hectic day.
This past weekend, I went out to lunch with my parents.
Dad: "Do you know what I really like watching now? Spanish family court!" (He is fluent in Spanish.) Sometimes, I catch him watching Telemundo and Spanish soap operas.
Mom: She talked about this college student from Shanghai that she has kind of adopted. It's really sweet. I wonder if the girl reminds my Mom of her own immigrant experience. She also never had a daughter (we blame Matthew for that).
Me: I talked endlessly about all the things I want to buy (Christmas is coming, you know). "Gosh, I think I'm going to buy myself a full size bed. Oh, it would be nice to have a sofa chair to read in. I would sure like to have my own condo." Not that my parents fall for any of that anymore. My Mom usually starts to come around, but then my Dad just laughs, "Don't you have a job? Maybe we should charge rent!"
I promptly change the subject to work, church, and girls (their three favorites).
Monday, November 19, 2001
I'M a huge fan of cheese. I'm also a huge fan of deep fried foods. I never knew why til now. Sarah wrote: I have an exam on Addiction medicine this monday and I was reading up on what causes addiction and dependence...The reason I'm telling you all this is because other things also cause euphoria-like effects and can, I suppose be likewise "addictive." One such studied substance are called fonzies, (well studied by the italians I think) found in none other than deep fried cheese products. The wonders people learn in medical school. Is it the same for In and Out burgers, sushi, and beer?
Sunday, November 18, 2001
JUST watched the Leonid Meteor Shower. Got home after dropping Jason and Debbie off and decided to give it a go. I looked for the darkest part of Pasadena no more than three blocks from my house. Ended up on Lombardy Road.
Equipped with music and some indulgences, I waited in anticipation. The streaks of light were brief and beautiful. One might say that it was romantic in that lonely sort of way.
Saturday, November 17, 2001
THE news is simply that the next Cambodia missions trip has been scheduled for August 9 - 24. I was worried that it would conflict with being in the Bugeaters wedding party (July 27). So far so good. Everything seems to be lining up nicely. I'm so excited!
My Mom was annoyed that I'll go to Cambodia but am never enthusiastic about little family trips. I guess I should help organize one. Hear that James? Matthew? She wants Taiwan, but I'm thinking something less ambitious.
Friday, November 16, 2001
JUST got home about half an hour ago. What a long long meeting. Lots of mean people too. Good thing they are just fighting each other. Damn.
I guess I should be careful what I say about my job. Hm. Anyway, I think this is safe. There is this character in the movie Mulholland Drive whom I affectionately call the Cowboy. I mean, he's just a creepy cowboy who walks around in his cowboy hat and boots. It's typical Lynch.
Anyway, today at the DRB meeting, there was this COWBOY couple!! She is black, beautiful and totally a cowgirl. All in tight black, cowboy boots and hat to match. SO cool. Her hubby was old white cowboy with long thin hair (dyed orange?) and collar-less white shirt, tan vest and black leather pants. Yeah, they were articulate and nice (to me). What's with Mulholland Drive and cowboys? Better yet, when will I stop making comparisons between the movie and my job.
Now that I have rambled for this long, I feel like I should save the good news til tomorrow. It's actually no big deal, but it makes me happy.
Thursday, November 15, 2001
HELLISH work day. If I survive, I have good news to report later.
Wednesday, November 14, 2001
THE concert was incredible. No Doubt opened. U2 rocked my world. It was fun but also personally meaningful to me. This particular show proclaimed in that unique U2 way I love so much.
Some highlights: Bono walking blind on stage, only to reach out into the crowd and pick up an American flag. Larry Mullen looking stoic and dreamy as ever. Edge and Bono playing Jesus and Judas on stage (we think) during Until the End of the World. A seamless transition from All I Want Is You to Where the Streets Have No Name to I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. The names of 9/11 victims scrolling all over Staples Center during One(?). Singing Halleluiah over and over again after Walk on.
Oh, we saw Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz as well.
Tuesday, November 13, 2001
WHAT time is it? What time did I fall asleep?
Huge stadium show tonight. U2 here we come.
Now playing: Comptine d'un autre ete ~Amelie soundtrack~
Monday, November 12, 2001
NO work on Monday. Another obscure union holiday. I should properly pay my respects and know what I am getting a day off for. Instead, I'm in the mood to fill you all in on a lovely day.
Morning. No one is home. I have this huge house to myself. I woke up with a sore jaw. Am I becoming a grinder? I've never done that before in my life.
Church. New pastor Clive. Is this what we have been waiting for? My only interaction with the man has been two sermons on thankfulness, one night of Koinonia, and one core meeting. He sure seems like the real deal. I feel like I can hardly contain all the things I am learning at Sunday Service.
Core meeting. Ambitious agenda, but surprisingly successful. I still take everything way too personal. Instead of having my little note on my wall, I should carry it in my wallet. Don't take everything so damn personal. The truth is that the meeting was good. So there.
The One. Ugh. Nathan, I'm glad to spend time with you... but that was a disgusting movie. How hard is to to direct something half decent? It was awful. The Matrix, Terminator, and Face Off blended into a mess. The only redeeming quality was that Jet Li had a very loving and healthy relationship with a cute white girl.
Home. Was going to write a weblog. Didn't happen. Went to the Bigfoot Lodge again. Oh how I have grown to love that place. Didn't meet Heather Graham, but did listen to live Yiddish music. We talked about what we talk about when we talk about love. Driving on empty freeways feels just a movie. Guinness is goodness.
Yeah. It was that kind of day.
Now playing: I have seen ~Zero 7~
Sunday, November 11, 2001
HI there. Rob and I are going out. We both want you to look at Happy Poppies. Sign the guestbook. Rob says that will make her really happy.
Saturday, November 10, 2001
STRANGENESS continues. I find it hilarious that my Bug Eater boy has posted a profile on me. Hm. I need to get him a new picture though.
Vic and Karena gave an honest talk in Koinonia last night. Afterwards, I rushed off to Red but they stayed on my mind as the music went thump thump thump. I'm going back to bed.
Now playing: Last Night Nite ~The Stokes Strokes~ (really REALLY loud, no one will be home all weekend long. I'm a giddy teenager.)
Friday, November 09, 2001
WORKING on the Mulholland plan, I get to process Design Review approvals for celebrity homes. (David Lynch owns three homes on the same street. Jennifer Lopez's new place is under construction.) At first I thought it was pretty interesting, but later changed my mind. I mean, it's doubtful that I will ever see or meet with any said celeb.
Anyway, the applicant for Keyshawn Johnson's house should be coming in either today or Tuesday. Also, the media has been calling around asking about "Suge" Knight's place. I didn't know who he was at first, but I guess the guy is associated with Death Row records, Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur. I found it amusing that the item made the paper a few days ago.
Thursday, November 08, 2001
NATHAN has been gracious enough to write a comments program for The Hairy Years. Thank you so much. Yay! Hopefully we won't have anymore lost comments.
My html is so messy he said, "It's amazing that your code actually works!"
On an unrelated topic, my friend was telling me about the romantic drama going on in her life. She has these two guys. One is "fun guy" and the other is "too nice guy". She feels that tng is potential boyfriend material, but she admits to being more attracted to fg, who not only is harder to get, but honestly isn't interested in anything but "fun".
I didn't have any good advice. I was trying to figure out if I was fg or tng. I'm guessing that I have been both. Only when I really want it to work do I turn into a tng idiot. Outside of that, I don't think I ever suffer from the major symptoms.
Games. Eventually I got dizzy thinking about them. As if they really matter. Just as everything has worked out for Jason and Debbie, Victor and Karena, Richard and Danette, Jorge and Suelika, John and Brenda, and countless others I know, I'm sure everything will be fine for both of us.
Wednesday, November 07, 2001
TOMORROW we get word on the hiring freeze. Feeling in a bad way tonight, but not even thinking about that.
I downloaded Mulholland Drive today. It's dark now.
Tuesday, November 06, 2001
WHAT am I thinking? Buying laundry detergent, socks and shampoo is one thing, but to purchase actual clothes there is another. I'm not sure how comfortable I am with being that hardcore. Yesterday, I came home from Target with a new pair of work slacks. They were fifteen dollars. FIFTEEN dollars! I had to give it a try. This experience will set the precedent for future clothing purchases. Oh, they better not spontaneously combust during staff meeting...
Monday, November 05, 2001
"PARKING ticket guy is the scum of society."
"Yes, and French girls are so beautiful they make me cry."
It won't be Amelie, but the next movie I might see is Pulse at the AFI fest.
Sunday, November 04, 2001
I love my church, but the truth is that I am rather embarrassed by it. The feeling is similar to the way young kids feel about their parents. You know? Well, lets just say that I haven't taken friends "home" very often. I usually encourage them to go to some other house to play.
But now my dysfunctional church has a new pastor. He gave his first sermon today and I cannot begin to describe how glad I am.
Saturday, November 03, 2001
EVERYONE should see Amelie. It's (post grace check) that good. I'm so glad I didn't even read anything about it beforehand. In fact, I would recommend you do the same.
Friday, November 02, 2001
NOT that I necessarily feel horrible, but my thoughts have turned dark with the weather. I didn't realize this but the past week hasn't been very nice. Quite annoying, actually. So to all that, and all those, who helped make this week suck, screw you.
Some of the nicer things this week included a field trip down Mulholland Drive, two pints of Bass, helpful and honest friends, and good tunes. One more thing, I joined the 'twin peaks' community on livejournal. Now I can get access to things like Jay Leno's interview with David Lynch. For some reason, the beatles are in my head now. "Its getting better all the time, better, better, bEEEEHHHHter."
Isn't it though?
Thursday, November 01, 2001
MATT and I affectionately call our older brother and his wife bobos. We are constantly in awe of their lifestyle. After looking at the precise definition, maybe it isn't a perfect fit, but how else can we describe these people? They work way too hard, are so successful, look like they live in an ikea catalog, throw sushi parties, have friends who dress up as anime characters, and attend a healthy charismatic church.
I, on the other hand, go to work and crank out quick weblogs.
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