The Past Month In Pictures

The past month has been crazy - with parties, work, and misc. social events. And although I'd love to share hundreds of photos and stories with you, a few favorite pictures will have to suffice.



October 20 - One of my best friends threw an obnoxiously early Halloween party. After convincing two of my closest guy friends to dress up (above), they decided to show up wearing very ambiguous costumes. To clarify: no, they are not gay; yes, Justin's prongs are clapping in this picture.



October 31 - Katie and I made a huge effort to rush from the wildfire evacuation center (where we had been stationed for a short time) to the office in time for the Halloween festivities. Work shut down at 3:30pm to welcome [what seemed like] hundreds of children to tick-or-treat through all of the cubicles. Katie and I were determined not to be the only costume-less employees! 1 trip to Target, $7 of craft supplies, and 30 minutes later, we turned ourselves into awesome bags of jelly beans. Sooo dope!



Late October - As mentioned, Katie and I took lead at one of the wildfire evacuation centers for a couple of weeks. We got to see a lot of the homes that burned down in the mountain areas, and got to meet a lot of our customers affected by the devastation. Above is a photo of my work BFF, Katie, giving one of our customers a "good neigh-bear".



Mid-November - We didn't place in the annual chili cook-off this year. But on the bright side, the corn bread I made from scratch (pictured on the right) was a big hit! Not bad for my first try at homemade corn bread.

Lakers v Suns

Are you serious? Did that just happen? Dominated. Owned. Bulldozed. Spanked. Pick a word baby, because the Lakers were nothing short of stunning. Respect. Big ups to the Laker bench (67 point contribution). Any indefinite bad blood was made legit and incontestable tonight. Not only did the Lakers steamroll over Phoenix, but they did so on their home court. The Suns, their fans, and Laker haters collectively, certainly weren't expecting such a huge massacre - and yet, there they were: the Phoenix Suns, smeared in purple and gold. If I heard correctly, this was the worst home opener for the Phoenix Suns in franchise history. I almost want to get up and do a little jig.

Final Score: 119 to 98, Los Angeles Lakers.

California Firestorms

I'm in the midst of my second Catastrophe 'tour-of-duty' this year. Katie and I have been hard at work at the evacuation center nearest to our operations center. The two of us took lead last week, and have since been trying to hold down the fort. At times it can be a bit crazy - and coextensively tiresome. With a varying schedule of 10-14 hour work days, we've been worked - mind and body. Absent of the massive overtime we will continue to accrue, helping others during this time of need brings about a powerful and profound sense of community. A hodgepodge of government, religious, community service, and corporate entities have made a strong presence - and it's quite enriching to experience the coming together of different organizations to make this work.

I've never been more proud to work for my company - and for the first time in a very long while, I love my job again. We've truly proven to be good neighbors. Once I gather more free time to write, I'll be sure to share all of my amazing stories and photos. In the interim, please pray for all of those who have been affected by all of this madness.

All Good

I'm okay. I'm okay.

Everything isn't quite back to normal, but I've been back to work almost a full three days and counting. The recovery has been nothing short of inconvenient/painful/gross, but at least I was able to enjoy my downtime by milking lots of tender love and care, catching up on The Office (I heart Michael), and starting all of the activities Eva [so kindly] prepared for me (new old movies to watch, new old books to reads). All in all, I won't make a habit of having surgery every five years.

Lots of changes coming. Not yet, but soon.

P.S. New Leona! Delicious.

Elton John - Daniel

Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes

They say Spain is pretty though I've never been
Well Daniel says it's the best place that he's ever seen
Oh and he should know, he's been there enough
Lord I miss Daniel, oh I miss him so much

Daniel my brother you are older than me
Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won't heal
Your eyes have died but you see more than I
Daniel you're a star in the face of the sky

Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes
Oh God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes

Across the Universe

I finally went to see Across the Universe (about a week ago). It was a bit wacky, but definitely my kind of movie. Visual complexities were intertwined with quite possibly the best Beatles cover songs to date. And Jim Sturgess is out-of-control yummy. It's not often that a British accent comes through during song, but his accent is so bloody thick that it makes the music so melodically enchanting. Very Noel Gallagher-ish. I've already bought the deluxe edition soundtrack on iTunes, and have officially played out tracks 3, 4, and 7 on disc 1. Jim Sturgess, you have tugged at my heartstrings, and are officially... my new obsession.


Photo: Jim Sturgess


Photo: Jim Sturgess


Photo: Promotional poster.

Darjeeling Countdown

Updated 09/19/2007 9:11pm:
Hotel Chevalier (starring Natalie Portman), the 12 minute short-film/prequel to The Darjeeling Limited, is now available via iTunes. She's amazing. (Thanks for the heads-up Kathy!)

Original Post 09/18/2007 6:47pm:
Darjeeling Limited, the much anticipated new flick by Wes Anderson, is almost out in theaters. Get excited! Below is a promo pic of Hotel Chevalier, and another of Natty P. with her new model/yummy boyfriend, Nate.

Sierra Madre

My good friends Eva and Lisa (both avid hikers) were so kind as to invite me to join them on a good/fun/easy hike. Seven ungodly miles later, I was convinced they were on a mission to kill me. I was sweating out of pores my body never knew it had. Two days later, my muscles still pinch in thanks of all the boulders I climbed, the tree stumps I crawled across. If you don't want an ounce of fat on your body, take a hike, seriously. I can't believe I've agreed to make this a monthly ritual. I must have been dehydrated when they asked me.

There are pictures... but I look so to' up, you'll never see them.

Will Finish Task

Work continues to overwhelm, and I'm definitely overdue for a new undertaking. I can't even begin to describe the whirlwind of emotions I've experienced within the past several weeks (months). I'm burned out and exhausted - mind, body, and spirit.

A lot has been going on in my life away from work; only to be overshadowed by the weakness I've embodied as a result of being overworked. And while I've promised myself that I will finish all of the tasks that have been set before me, I cannot promise that I won't exhaust all of my composure by the time I reach that point.

It is said that 57% of Americans would take a pay cut to have a less stressful job. Ugh, money.

Music Brings

I attach a person to every good song I hear.
I always wonder why it didn't work out.

August Highlights - Continued

1. I finally finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Best book of the series, by far. I jumped right into this book and couldn't put it down. Rowling's imagination is mind numbingly out of control - and for a so called "children's book" - it did one heck of a job keeping my eyes glued to its pages. The first 3/4 of the book has you on a wild goose chase, slowly exposing the... (continue reading my review at goodreads).

2. So You Think You Can Dance names its winner.

My reality TV show of choice wrapped up its 3rd season, naming Sabra as it's first female winner! And while I was secretly hoping that Lacey Schwimmer would win (solely for the fact that she's from the I.E.), Sabra totally deserved it! Here is clip of my all-time favorite routine performed on the show. Neil Haskell is a total babe.

August Highlights - My 24th Birthday

I'm not quite sure why people dread the steadfast approach of aging. I suppose I've learned to appreciate life in all its stages (either that, or the peace of mind that comes with knowing that my parents look 15 years younger than they actually are). It seems as though every birthday celebration gets better with every passing year; and if that's an omen to how the next year will turn out, then I sure have a lot of good things to look forward to. There are always new friends to invite into my life, and new beginnings to undertake. I've always taken my birthday as the point of year in which to reflect, re-evaluate, and re-charge. After all, it is "my" new year. With that said, I've already mentally listed my resolutions and goals for this new year of life.

My actual birth 'day' (August 24th) was a blast. After all, I only turn 24 on the 24th once in this lifetime. Ayana and I took the day off from work - which was a gift all in itself. She treated me to a very entertaining morning/afternoon at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. The amenities were "okay" - but we agreed that the entire experience is highly overrated. But we still had a blast.

Then came an interesting dinner with my closest friends. See, I lead a very compartmentalized life. Each segment containing a handful of friends - all of whom I never intermingle on a consistent basis. See, I like my segmented life... and the only time the worlds intertwine is on my birthday. It's interesting to see how everyone interacts with one another. What topics they choose to chat about, or what stories they highlight in order to introduce themselves. They're an amazing, and very good bunch of people. I am so lucky to have such endearing friends.

Thanks to everyone who called/texted/e-mailed me on my birthday. A special thank you to my family and friends who actually celebrated the day with me. I love you guys! And now, a picture overload!


Photo: Glen Ivy Hot Springs


Photo: With Ayana @ Glen Ivy


Photo: On our way out.


Photo: Post-nap & Pre-dinner


Photo: My faves! Ayana, Christy, Helen!


Photo: She got me baroons!


Photo: She wore her hair curly for me. She never wears it curly!


Photo: My bff and his wife (she's also a close friend).


Photo: Justin, my "play" boyfriend.


Photo: My coworker/friends Vineet and Dan.


Photo: The birthday people and Justin.


Photo: Smooth talkin Helen got the waiter to give me a badge.


Photo: Group


Photo: Yardhouse


Photo: Birthday girl and boy.


Photo: They made fun of the ribbon I made him wear. Sigh.


Photo: My men.


Photos: My bests.


Photo: Cheesin.


Photo: Right before Justin got schooled by security.

Parents

My mom snaps away with her camera phone, uses phrases like "for reals?", rocks out to contemporary music, and even wears Vans. My dad uses an MP3 player and portable DVD on a daily basis, and has more style than George Clooney. Both of my parents are computer literate and e-mail savvy. Case in point: They are very (very!) Americanized immigrants. Afterall, what choice do you have after living in California for more than 20 years (the southern end at that).

But sometimes, like today, they say things that remind me of the fact that English is their second language.

Mom: I want to help them [the old people] reh-mee-niece.
Me: Reh-mi-niss.
Mom: Reh-mee-niece.
Me: No mom, reh-mi-niss.
Mom: Reh-mee-niece.
Me: You're still saying it wrong. Reh-mi-niss.
Mom: Reh-mi-niss.
Me: Yay, you said it right.
Brother: What are you guys doing?
Mom: Reh-mee-niece.

And then later on in the evening.

Me: Goodnight dad!
Dad: Goodnight anak. Did you watch that DVD I gave you?
Me: No, I had my nose stuck in a book all day.
Dad: You're like me, you love to read.
Me: Yep.
Dad: But there's never enough time. Essence is the time.
Me: You mean, "Time is off the essence."
Dad: (laughter) You're right.

Oh I love them.

I still remember the time my mom came home from work showing off the new things her (much younger and male) coworker taught her. She came home and yelled, "Fifty dollars makes you holla!" I was mortified. Still am.

SKYDIVING

Jump out of a plane? Check! There really are no words. No words. Great friends, no fear, lots of eye candy, and another dream lived. Seriously, one of the best/smartest things I've ever done in my entire life.

Click the pics to enlarge. And if I ever figure out how to get the DVD of my jump onto the mac, I promise to share! My videographer was amazing.


Photo: The gang (less Lucas)


Photo: Ricardo and I during training!


Photo: Lisa and the new guy Mike.


Photo: Seriously, Ricardo takes the best pictures.


Photo: Christian (left) was so adorable. Hot. Spicy. Australian.


Photo: Ready to board the plane!


Photo: This is my "are you taking a picture?" face.


Photo: Bye Lisa!


Photo: Weee! Meee!


Photo: Dug and I free falling!


Photo: Yeah, my face says it all.


Photo: I don't care that I'm fug in this pic, it's my favorite!


Photo: The harness did weird things to Albert.


Photo: Corny high five.


Photo: All of us! Thanks for taking pics Allison!

SYTYCD Spoof

Since its debut in 2005, So You Think You Can Dance has been my summer must-see! The dancers keep getting better and stronger with every new season. Below is a video of my fave Mia Michaels routine to date (to the song Elisa - Dancing). The first video is the original routine performed on the show (that Kameron Bink is one hottie with a body), and the second is a spoof that had me nearly peeing in my pants. You have to watch the first vid to get the second vid. Sooo funny!

Keri Russell

What was once a glowing mom-to-be (and the cutest, most stylish pregnant woman ever) is now a stylin' mommy! Seriously, is she that skinny? So damn cute, this one.


Photo: Ugh. Adorable!


Photo: Baby chic.

Work/Life Update

Home from another Saturday worked. But not before I did the unthinkable.

I called my boss into his office yesterday afternoon and shut the door behind me. I explained that by the year's end, I would no longer be there. That I was ready for a new adventure - somewhere far from here. Somewhere where my skill sets could grow, outside of this department, but still within the company. His response? Completely supportive. He started with, "That makes me sad, but I won't hold you back from a job that will make you happy." I became increasingly overwhelmed and sad at the thought of leaving my team, and explained that "my plans are all tentative" and that I needed his referral in order to support a transfer request. He stated he'd help in any way he could, that I was too valuable to let walk away, and that he'll start networking for open positions this Monday. Great guy, my boss.

I'm almost excited, but don't want to get my hopes up for anything. I browse our job postings every week, and there has yet to be a position in a city I'd be willing to live in. Fingers crossed. Hopefully I'll find a new position by December.

Update: Here I am feeling all sentimental about my coworkers. Here are some pics from June - we all decided to wear red, white, and blue for flag day (Katie's Birthday). Man, these guys are awesome.


Photo: 1/3 or so of my department (Fire Company)


Photo: I switched cubicles in January to sit closer to these two.


Photo: Chinese/Jewish Daniel, my mentee. Look at my plant!


Photo: Damion. Inside joke.

Harry Potter Revisited

I seriously cannot get enough.

In the past month, I've watched Harry Potter's 1 through 4, a whopping 8 times (each of them twice). Sick, I know this - but I'm seriously addicted. Not only is every single story line pure genius in its own right, but the thought behind the fine details of every movie is mind-numbingly out of control.

Probably going to see Harry Potter & OOTP again this weekend. Harry and Ron are just so delicious.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Updated 07/22/2007 7:36pm:
Here I am, eating my words. I took my four (slightly younger) cousins to go see Harry Potter (again) last night. I loved it twice as much as when I first saw it. When I went to see it opening night, I was so hyped up... but I actually had the opportunity to settle down a bit the second time around, and the experience was twice as brilliant. It's definitely my second favorite Harry Potter film (after The Goblet of Fire) - but I'm still sticking to my likes and dislikes below. And by the way, I bought the new book on opening day as well. I can't wait to start it!

Updated 07/18/2007 11:02PM:
In response to Kevin's recent blog entry: I thought that this movie was very good. Just because I didn't think it was the best of the five - does not take away from the fact that this installment was brilliant in its own right. While I concede that the darker tone and undertaking of the film was quite necessary and age appropriate with respect to the characters... I missed the perky magic tricks (Wingardium levi-oh-sa! Not levio-saw!) and fantasy-inspired scenery (Diagon Alley, for example). But I still loved it!

What I loved? 1. The storyline was brilliant. The actress who played Dolores Umbridge suited the part to a tee. From her mannerisms to her articulations, she truly made you hate her character (and the color pink). 2. The special effects have improved dramatically since the first movie. Rewind and watch the quidditch game in the Sorcerer's Stone, and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. 3. I especially loved the concept of the "Order of the Phoenix Headquarters" - especially since the exterior looked exactly like the flat I used to live in! So dope. 4. While I didn't like the vision they had for the location of the Ministry of Magic (the exterior was a bit dull), I've got to admit that their elevator was pretty damn rad. As was the courtroom and crystal ball storage room. 5. Harry Potter makes out with an Asian chick. But I've already mentioned that. Oh they'd have the cutest babies.

What I thought was just 'okay'? I suppose I wanted more time for the storyline to expand. For example, what cave did Luna Lovegood crawl out of? Her character (though charming) drew somewhat of a blank. Will she serve a bigger purpose in the last two books? I'll have to wait and see (I just started the Half Blood Prince). I also wanted more time to learn the purpose served by Bellatrix Lestrange - other than to kill Sirius Black. Which, by the way, they needed to give Harry (and myself) more time to grieve over his death! I think they got a bit carried away with introducing a multitude of characters (like the "gang" from the Order of the Phoenix), and didn't give us/me time to understand wtf was going on. I also would have liked more time to understand what purpose Voldemort had in obtaining Harry's crystal ball prophecy. Maybe I'm missing something? Anyway, if they were to extend the run-time, I seriously would not mind sitting in there for 4-5 hours watching it all over again (with added scenes).

Original Post 07/11/07 7:55PM:
It was good - but it wasn't as good as the first four. I can't exactly pin-point what it was missing - but it definitely did not have that Harry Potter quality about it. There was no "attention to detail" (so to speak) when it came to the fun/magical elements that made its predecessors so enchanting. They tried too hard to mature the plot, scenery, and Harry himself! Harry Potter isn't supposed to make out with girls! But since he did, at least she was Asian. So, final verdict? Good overall (and worth seeing on opening night), but my least favorite of the bunch. Cross your fingers for a mind-blowing 6th installment.

Too Much?

I can't seem to pin-point exactly what it is...

I guess I have a lot going on right now. My responsibilities in life continue to grow and expand, the empty pink boxes of my day planner seem to fill long before I can foresee a specific date, and work continues to be stressful and never-ending. Needless to say, I'm overwhelmed; and if I were to share my list of "shit that needs to get done this summer" - well, you'd probably call me crazy/impractical.

For some peace, I set aside one weekend per month - to detox. To schedule nothing, to respond to no one, to worry about diddly freakin squat. This weekend was my detox weekend, and yet, the knots that Maria (my masseuse) worked out on my back have resurfaced...

Life's a bit hectic/crazy/exciting right now - and I really want to stick my head above the water for a nice clean breath of fresh air.

Inhale. Exhale.