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Monday, December 31, 2001
IT is only 10:30 AM and New Years already seems to be a bust. I'm sure it will get better as the day goes along.
During last night's birthday dinner, I consumed more wine than anyone else. I was in such a mood. After the obligatory "nice" speeches, I didn't want to stop. I wanted to say more and more. For the past two weeks, I have been wanting to passionately tell my friends just how much they mean to me.
They know. I know they know.
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Back in July, we had this big party for my Dad. Initially, we seemed to have lost the photos, but much to my Mom's delight, what was once lost is now found.
now playing: liberation ~pet shop boys~
Sunday, December 30, 2001
GLENDALE just doesn't have the same personal appeal to me. I want to say I live in Pasadena. Even though I saw one fairly practical town-home, I was still a bit demoralized.
You know, I can't help but notice how carefully my agent maneuvers his car. I can appreciate his perspective. Even though I don't care, I'm sure it is important to make a good impression with clients. I should do the same, but old habits die hard.
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Matt and I got into our usual banter during our extended family dinner. He is the "Golden Child" and I am the "Black Sheep". We don't take it seriously, but it sure is fun to play around with.
now playing: someday ~strokes~
Saturday, December 29, 2001
IF there is anything Koinonia knows how to do, it is have a good time. Last night we met up at Victor's for a little young-adult-Christian-fellowship holiday party, complete with worship set, food, and white elephant gift exchange. The "box" was stolen at least five times, and Jason won stickers of Britney and N-Sync.
It felt good to finally talk with some of my best friends (even if it was rather short). I found out that in some ways, their understanding of my life is as vague as my blog entries. We are all so busy now. They also said that some of my emails, one in particular, sounded just like a blog. That is sad, but also rather funny.
now playing: hard to explain ~strokes~
Friday, December 28, 2001
DRIVING and getting lost, I was feeling rather on edge last night. Putting all the blame on transportation factors isn't accurate either. There was just something in the air. Thankfully, my companions won me over with persistent patience and charm. Good music and even better monkey stories didn't hurt either.
We went to Noshi Sushi for the best spicy tuna hand roll I've ever had. Afterwards, we drifted aimlessly around Los Angeles, making stops at the Virgin Megastore, Chateau Marmont, and Bigfoot Lodge, where we had a brief chat with a tamale peddler.
now playing: The Hairy Years ~The Trash Can Sinatras~
Thursday, December 27, 2001
MORE from the party: We were sitting around waiting for lunch to start. My cousin, Sheila (who is more like my Aunt), sits next to me after putting some Spanish ballads on the stereo. Sheila: Do you know who this is Michael?
Me: Hmm.... Julio?
Sheila: Julio! No way. He is too commercial.
Me: ...
Sheila: THIS is Luis Miguel!
Me: Ah. I don't think I've ever heard of him.
Sheila: That is ridiculous. He is a real life, modern day Don Juan. He dated Mariah Carey, you know.
Me: Yeah, but who didn't date Mariah Carey. now playing: The Man Who Told Everything ~The Doves~
Wednesday, December 26, 2001
YESTERDAY afternoon, we went down to Del Mar to have lunch with folks from the Dad's side. I love those rowdy Panamanian-Born-Chinese (PABs). They sure know how to cook a meal. Matthew and I had our Christmas dinner blown out of the water. We were served roast beef, lemon-dill potatoes, salad with fresh red pepper dip, and roast pig. It was an entire pig. I'm tempted to tell you more... like what it looked like after we sliced him up (head and spine) but I'll stop myself.
Even though I never got to spend too much time with this side of the family, we always have some strange connection going on. I still remember the day that James and I found out that cousins Jaime and Jorge were also comic-book-loving geeks. It was beautiful. Well, yesterday I met our second cousin, James (very popular name, I know). Anyway, he is a film student who so happens to be a big David Lynch fan! If it weren't so cool, it would be almost creepy.
Tuesday, December 25, 2001
THE Chams (and lovely guest) celebrated this year with Caesar Salad, Zucchini Gratin, and Burgundy Beef, all prepared under the direction of Chef Matthew. Besides that, there was a movie, a burning fireplace, white Christmas lights, long distance phone calls and a little gift exchange.
It was only 11PM when I headed to bed. During the night, I took a moment to look at our tree from the balcony. It was decorated with only a few ornaments and some evenly distributed lights. There wasn't much fanfare to it, much like our evening. It was sweet, simple and just so immaculately perfect in that way.
Merry Christmas.
Monday, December 24, 2001
While talking to the insurance company, I was informed that I could rent a car and not have to pay for it. Matthew suggested I get a Jetta. I thought to myself: That would make it all worth it.
Well I just drove back with my new... Chevy Impala.
Bah, humbug.
Note: Did you know that when renting cars, you are also liable for door dents and rock chips? They offer insurance for $11.99 a day. What a scam.
Sunday, December 23, 2001
FAMILY visits have begun. My uncle Agosto arrived last night. I've always liked him. In general, my Dad's side of the family has always fascinated me. I always thought that my Grandpa's immigration from China to Panama would be a great book. According to my Dad, he was also a kung fu master.
now playing: earlies ~trash can sinatras~
Saturday, December 22, 2001
MY Mom says that I am on stage three of my current ailment. If I rest today, I'll be better for tomorrow.
I can't remember the last time I have been home on a Friday night and following Saturday morning. My parents are already recruiting me to help out with Christmas errands. I just got back helping my Mom get some fruits for the Directors at the Bank. We were talking about all the impending weddings. Then she said: Mom: If I were single, I'd go to Silicon Valley.
Me: Why?
Mom: When you go fishing, you have to go where the fish are! now playing: Such A Beautiful Girl Like You ~Pizzicato Five~
Friday, December 21, 2001
FEELING groggy, I opened the wrong garage door this morning.
Last night was the much anticipated party at the Han's. I felt that the bash was a success. It's a shame that I didn't have more of a chance to talk to everyone. In a party as big and diverse as this, it's pretty much impossible to have meaningful interactions with all your friends. I watched Grace (our hostess) valiantly attempt to do this in futility, so I decided to just enjoy seeing everyone together in the same house.
I did get a chance to talk to Richard and Danette, who are now officially engaged! Hehe. It was beautiful to see them have that flirty glow. Nathan had a glow too (albeit a completely different one). He just got his PT Cruiser.
During the party, I was able to pass out some of my (not so) secret Christmas CDs. Making them was so much more fun than passing them out. It felt really strange and awkward. Gosh, I can't even remember if I missed anyone.
Thursday, December 20, 2001
BOY, I have had so many bad things happening to me lately. Yesterday, I was pretty severely rear ended on my way down the 405 towards Santa Monica. Thankfully, I seem to be fine, but my car is another story. My entire rear bumper fell off, the exhaust pipe is damaged, and my break lights don't really line up with the trunk.
This just adds my 2001 car trauma list. Never have I had a year like this before. I dented the side of my car in the office parking lot. I got a speeding ticket. I was involved in a slight fender bender. Flying big-rig parts have slamed into my car, and to top it off, I have now been rear ended. Oh, there have been two parking tickets too. Considered in isolation, each incident is easily explained, but I can't help but look at the bigger picture and wonder "what the hell is going on?"
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
I'M wasting all those precious overtime hours by coming to work late. Last night, Rob finally got me out of his house at around 2:30am. He said "Goodnight, you obsessed bastard."
While everything was getting printed out, I killed time hanging out with Rob and his roomies. It was odd. I've forgotten how to have friendly-boy-banter. The kind where 90% of what comes out is sarcastic, a mild insult or in a funny voice. It reminded me of college when Rob and I lived together. Yet for last night, I forgot how to respond! I've been on polite-family-mode for so long that I wasn't quick enough to play along.
Maybe I was just tired and on the verge of getting sick.
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
YUCK. I am left unimpressed with my posts for the past few days. My critique would be, "boring but at least they are short."
I went to the Pasadena Municipal Court this morning to get a traffic school extension. While waiting for my 10 seconds before the judge, I was privileged to watch at least an hours worth of small claims court cases. The worst one involved an improperly sold car, payment schedule requests, and a divorced husband and wife. The entire court was "oooo-ing" and "aahhhh-ing" like a Jerry Springer show.
now working on: staff report for conditional approval ~mulholland drive specific plan~
TODAY, we went to Mountain High. I originally avoided snowboarding because it was such a scene. While that may be still be true, I have discovered that it is also empirically a great thing to do. This sweet escape was just what I needed.
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In a way I am glad I don't have cable. I'd be watching shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm way too much...
now playing: ever free ~ayumi hamasaki~
Sunday, December 16, 2001
YESTERDAY, what started out simply as a movie night turned out to be Old Town, The Standard, movie, party at Rob's, and The Brig. A bit more than I bargained for, but lots of fun. The Royal Tenenbaums was really good.
I met a nice guy who works for a tobacco company. He told me that if you smoke and work there, they give you 70 dollars a month for cigarettes. That's two cartons... a month.
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Today, I got some bad news. Any emotional stress that I have been hiding all came rushing to the forefront, vomiting over all those around me. Sorry.
now playing: Useless ~Trash Can Sinatras~
Saturday, December 15, 2001
THINKING about taking a walk today. Is it too cold? It might be nice.
now playing: Let Me Go ~Cake~
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(1:45pm) I just got back from getting some wool socks for Monday's snowboarding trek. While in the parking lot, I saw two mounted policemen. Mounted in the sense they were on horses. It was very Christmas.
Today is so nice. Sunny, cold, relaxed and mellow. This upcoming week will be rather frantic so I had best enjoy it. Besides boarding, Wing is having one of her incredible foodie dinner parties on Tuesday. Wednesday will probably be an all-nighter for Christmas gift prep (the one mentioned on the 12/12 blog), and Thursday will be the much anticipated All-things-British-Bash with the Hans.
now playing: For You ~Coldplay~
Friday, December 14, 2001
EVEN though I am not currently in school, I still get to reap the benefits of other people's hard work. See, I don't have finals, but I still get to celebrate with everyone who did.
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All the Cham brothers had a rough week. Matt is stressing over his first semester at Cal, and James is feverishly trying to hit his deadlines. I think they are done now. Hope it went well! As for me, my problems are well documented and are by far the most trivial of the three. I'm all better, but it still took its toll on me.
Thursday, December 13, 2001
TODAY was our Christmas party. It wasn't very elaborate. Entertainment was provided by an electric-keyboard-lounge-guy. He looked JUST like Ron Harper. Set up in the fifth floor hallway of City Hall, he tried to get the Planners to play Name That Tune. Everything sounded like Marvin Gaye. We ate cold fried chicken and pasta. Supposedly, the potato salad was to die for.
At one point, a friend of mine calls me over. "Mike, how are you doing? You were standing there with this inexplicable frown on your face." Was I?
After work I came home, ate dinner, and fell asleep, all before 8:30pm.
now playing: Tonight You Belong To Me ~Trash Can Sinatras~
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
WOULD you like a small Christmas gift from the Hairy Years? To thank all of you who grace me with your time, I have a little something to give out! Email me at hairyyears@hotmail.com if you would like one. I've had a ton of fun making this humble gift so I hope you take me up on this offer. Your gift to me can be signing the guestbook (if you haven't already).
Tuesday, December 11, 2001
OH shite. I've been outbid.
What's a guy to do? As disappointed as I am, I know there isn't really any real problem here. Having a place is just my little dream. I'm already blessed with so much.
Soon, I'll be back to square one. It is probably just painful because it's my first time.
Monday, December 10, 2001
YESTERDAY, a woman whom I deeply respect pulled me aside and gave me some loving Christian confrontation. It was not mean spirited. In fact, I truly know where she is coming from. I especially appreciated her one/two punch too. She said something to the effect of:
"You have been doing really well as core chair, Michael... but I just had to ask, what's with the spicy language?"
This is hardly the first time something like this has come up. It is bigger than this one issue too. It is tied to a deeply rooted philosophy (or personal issue) I have towards living my life in faith. Anyway, I responded with a long winded apologetic response, explaining myself but also acknowledging that she has good points. I recognize that I very well may be completely and categorically in the wrong here. The whole exchange was very positive but cut short. I'm sure we will talk about it later.
Seems that Jason's profile of me rings true again. He is slowly developing a reputation for unintentionally stirring up controversy.
It IS unintentional... right?
Sunday, December 09, 2001
MISSED a day. I still want to consistently blog, but yesterday was so special that it honestly didn't even cross my mind.
Friday, December 07, 2001
I refuse to be screwed over. I would rather not buy anything and retain my self-respect. This is a huge investment. I will NOT. BE. HAD.
These are the things I need to remember as I go looking with my agent tomorrow. Real estate scares me only because I want it so badly.
The other thing that concerns me is this: How much can I trust my agent? My tendency is to be a bit naive. I may need to bring the big guns in on this one.
Thursday, December 06, 2001
COMMERCIALS matter. To me, they probably matter a bit too much. Here are some comments on ads I saw last night: I like the new Gap campaign. I appreciate its simple understated style.
I absolutely loathe anti-smoking ads. They are just SO bad! I swear, they make me want to light one up just to spite their hysteria-causing, statistic-manipulating, unimaginative mess of a commerical. Note: I am NOT saying cigarettes are good for you.'Big Day / Wedding Day' by Volkswagen has been my favorite for quite a while now. In fact, I am pretty much following the career of Kevin Rahm because of it. Here is a link to a fansite. He also did "Elope" for the Apple iDVD. Go Kevin!!!
Wednesday, December 05, 2001
SEEMS that when James and I were off in our respective college cities, Matthew talked to our Mom a lot. It is only fitting that I pick up the slack now that he is off in Berkeley. Oddly enough, we actually have really enjoyable banter. Mike: Tell me more!
Mom: When you sleep, don't lay on your side because your face will become twisted and ugly when you get old.
Mike: ...
Mom: Stop working on the computer because it will ruin your eyes. You have very nice eyes and need to take care of them.
Mike: Looks don't matter for us guys, right Mom? We just need to make enough money.
Mom: No! Men need money AND looks. ---------------
Tonight, my parents are going out to dinner for their 30 year anniversary (James and Matt, you guys should give home a call). I think they want me to go, but wouldn't it be better if I didn't? Won't i cramp the romance? I'll just feel out what they want.
Tuesday, December 04, 2001
THERE are good reasons for me to consider what they say, but I just don't want to think about it. I like the way things are going. I'm comfortable. It's easy. A change such as this might interfere with my current goals. I don't want to start a new project when I haven't completed my current one. What if the new thing doesn't work out? I want to be follow-through-guy, not never-finishes-crap-guy.
See, I really should be thinking about graduate school while I'm young and marketable. My problems include the following: I like my job
I like getting paid
I don't know what I would study
I am STILL trying to get my damned condo What is my window of opportunity? How much longer can I put it off before it's too late? What does the Big Guy upstairs want? Man, even if I did apply, I might not get accepted.
Monday, December 03, 2001
My cooking range consists of two main staples: sandwiches, and fried rice.
When I was small and bratty, I would often refuse to eat dinner. I didn't appreciate strange looking Chinese food (the way I do now). Anyway, I would always get hungry at around 10pm and demand that my Mom cook me fried rice, thus making it my comfort food.
As for sandwiches, I am just a huge fan. I honestly think that everything just tastes better that way. When I am at expensive restaurants, it isn't unusual to find me placing rack of lamb pieces inbetween two slices of whatever complimentary bread they are offering. Besides, I feel like I'm getting over cuz it's free.
Actually, it comes in handy when living with the folks. I help clean out whatever leftovers we accumulate. Still, I hope that I'll expand on my cooking skills when I get my condo... if I get my condo.
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Has the buzz about this started yet?
Sunday, December 02, 2001
THIS had to be the best nights sleep I've had in weeks. I was so happy. After a long thick velvet coma, my dreams slowly came to the forefront. I let them linger on, the emotional tone of which seemed to be under control. It was such good, satisfying bliss. Of course, I thought it was too good to be true and thinking I was late for work, woke up in a panic. I was relieved to realize that today is Sunday.
Last night, under Matthew's toasty comforter, I fell asleep with sushi in my stomach, and a desperate and childish prayer in my mind. After it's all said and done, I still think everything will work out. I do.
Now playing: Useless ~Trash Can Sinatras~
Saturday, December 01, 2001
THANKFULLY, everything went well. As always, I worry a bit too much.
Walking around in the aftermath, I can't help but think about everything that is going on. So much has changed since the last Gingerbread (graham cracker) House-Making party. Honestly, the weeks seem to go by in a daze. I'm tired.
Happy, but tired.
Enough writing. Time to wrap up the cleaning...
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