Wednesday, December 31, 2003

So.. Monday night was a lot of fun! I met up with a bounch of people from my highschool. It was supposed to be a small get-together at first, but each of us called up a few people and the crowd got bigger. Lots of boozing and talking - and then singing (karaoke). Most of us had not seen each other since we graduated (which is like 6 years ago!), so I suppose the anticipation was high. The crowd was pretty diverse - some were still students, some had a steady job, some were still trying to make it (like myself). As I listened to those who were still trying to reach their dreams, I got inspired. I need to make more efforts. I gotta get off my lazy ass and do something. Thanks, especially to Yoshio and Satoshi. I hope I'll be doing something more interesting next year! I want to love what I do, I want to be proud of what I do... Anyway, it was really a nice reunion. I had tons of fun!! Let's keep in touch, everyone.

Monday, December 22, 2003

Wear G-Strings, please.

I don't mean to make fun of Japan/Japanese people everyday, but I have to say this. Ok, so as you know, Japanese girls are really into Fashion. They spend tons of time getting ready everyday. It amazes me because, not only they dress nice, but their hair and make-up are really done. There is no way I can look like that everyday. I mean, I love getting dressed up, but not when I go to work - I don't give a shit. But what I don't get is that so many Japanese girls wear tight jeans, pants, and skirts with freaking panty lines!!! I think panty lines are the ugliest thing in the world... I cannot help but notice it when I'm riding a train or just walking around in town. Please girls, if you spend that much time getting ready, why not take another minute and check out your ass in a mirror before you go out?

Sunday, December 21, 2003

Engrish.com Contribution #2

I noticed today that there are so many cars in Japan that display this sign: "Baby In Car" or "Dog In Car." I know there is no equivalent of "the" in Japanese, but please. Japanese people love to use the English phrases that they can't properly use. What amazes me is that there are companies who produce those things. Doesn't anyone check the grammar before they print something? Aside from the grammatical issue, what the fuck is the point of advertising to the whole world that there is a baby or a dog in your car?? No one cares!

Friday, December 19, 2003

Ok, so I found something that I can contribute to Engrish.com (it's a collection of fucked-up English signs mainly from Asia). After I got my teeth fixed, I was walking to a train station, and saw a huge sign that reads: "Public Bar CLUB RUDE." First, what the hell is a public bar?? I assume they meant that it is open to everybody. But I wonder what they had in their mind when they named the place "Club Rude." I have no idea. We're only serving rude people? Come in, if you want to be treated like shit? Out of curiosity and pure boredom, I looked up the dictionary to see what the word "rude" means (other than inconsiderate, lack of delicacy, or offensive). According to the dictionary "rude" also means unfinished, primitive, raw, elemental etc. I didn't know. But it doesn't matter, because when you hear the word "rude," don't you think of an inconsiderate asshole? At least, it's not a very inviting name! Oh ya, and later on, I also saw a sign that said "Pet Shop Fobby."

Thursday, December 18, 2003

I turned 24 today! Since Bill is in Boston, one of my good friends in Japan celebrated with me. I loved the restaurant we went to! I wish I could post a picture here.. We also went to our highschool and talked with some of the teachers. It was cool. Everyone thought I haven't changed much - I wonder if that's good or bad.

Sunday, December 14, 2003

I finally got my cell phone reactivated today. Japan is a cell phone paradise. My bro's phone is so cool - it works as a video cam recorder and the resolution of photos are amazing. But don't be surprised yet - the newest model right now is equipped with a MP3 walkman and a freaking TV!!! Phones with a digital camera have become a standard here.. I don't think it's possible to buy a phone with no camera right now. Damn!!! I want a phone with a TV!

Thursday, December 11, 2003

This is my first post from Japan. It was such a long journey. Well, not quite, but still. I had to transit in Narita (Tokyo) this time, so it was longer than my usual non-stop LAX to Kansai (Osaka) flight. I sat next to a married old couple. The wife was a loud-mouthed bitch who nagged the husband the whole time. If I was the husband, I would have killed her long time ago. Anyway, after about a few hours, it was unbearable. I couldn't take it anymore (not so much the volume of the voice, but the shit they were, well, she was saying). So I asked them to keep it down. The funny thing was, the husband looked happy that I intervened the bitch fest. 11 hours later, we landed in Narita. I forgot about it, but Narita sucks! There were much more people there than I normally see in Kansai, so the lines for immigration and customs were longer. Plus, Kansai airport is newer, so it's cleaner and the architecture is more modern. In fact, I think Kaisai is one of my favorite airports. The least favorite-- LAX. Anyway... it's cold as fuck in Japan, but it'll be fun. I can't wait to get my cool cell phone activated!

Tuesday, December 09, 2003

I'm gonna be in Japan in a little less than 30 hours from now. I'm so excited to go home!! Going home is always lots of fun, but the process of it is such a pain in the ass. First, let's start with packing. I hate packing and so I always put it off for as long as I can. I am such a perfectionist that my suitcase has to be really neat. It doesn't matter how late I start packing, it always has to be perfect. So I usually end up staying up till like 5am. If only I can start packing like a day in advance.. I don't have to stay up all night - but it's just not gonna happen. Then I have to go through the whole chaotic LAX scene every time I fly. Just the thought of that ridiculously long line for security check makes me not wanna go there tomorrow. And after all these shit, I get to sit in the plane for 11 hours. How fantastic!

Things I'm gonna miss:
1. Bikram Yoga class
2. Tom Leykis Show
3. Warm weather
4. Del Taco
5. Boba

Thursday, December 04, 2003

Hotmail has changed its appearances. I like it a lot.

Tuesday, December 02, 2003

Finally got DSL hooked up at my new apartment!! It was a slow, painful wait. I missed having the luxury of checking my email or looking up something while I talk on the phone. To tell the truth, I am easily distracted when I'm on the phone. It's probably not a good idea to tell me a long story over the phone, because most likely, my mind is not really there. I don't know why... I've always had relatively short attention span, but I think the internet has definitely made it worse. I used to love long phone chats. My mom used to always get pissed at me because my phone bill was really expensive. But now, I prefer face-to-face interactions to phone conversations.

Monday, December 01, 2003

Damn, it's December already! That means I'm turning 24 soon.. very soon.

Thanksgiving was nice. I went to eat Thanksgiving dinner at The Warehouse Restaurant in Marina del Rey with Bill, Takeshi, and Tomo chan. The food was great. The weather was even greater. We sat on the outside patio and joked, this must be one of the few places where you can eat the Thanksgiving dinner outside, under the sun. In fact, I wished I had brought my sunglasses because it was so sunny out. Viva LA! After the dinner, we all went back to my house where Bill and Takeshi had the Tekken Showdown. Despite Takeshi's confidence, Bill is still the champion.

I don't really remember how I spent Friday and Saturday... didn't really do much... just sat around and watched TV. It's amazing how one can be so lazy. I finally got off my ass on Sunday and went to practice golf and then to the yoga studio. My god, the room was HOT!

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

My ex-bosses at Interscope took me to a cool restaurant yesterday. Koi on La Cienega (730 N. La Cienega - between Melrose and Santa Monica). Their food was excellent! I loved Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice and Baked Crab Roll. I really like California influenced Japanese food. I like the creativity of it, and it's usually very tasty. Plus, it's like, I can eat really good authentic Japanese food when I go home, so why not eat something different while I'm in LA?

I spent an unusually busy day at work yesterday, but it looks like today is going to be slow as hell again... I can feel it..

Thursday, November 13, 2003

Whole Foods on 3rd & Fairfax: I'm in Love. I went there yesterday and loved everything about it. I'm gonna do all my grocery shopping there from now on. It reminds me of a grocery store that I used to always go to in Japan.

Wednesday Night: It was a lot of fun. Josh was in town to visit Peter, so we went to eat Yakiniku at Manpuku. Zoltan joined us there too, so it was like ASCA reunion, bitching about things that happened when we were involved in that organization. You know, I will never forget that party planner and the ridiculous amount of food we had. It's impossible to erase that from my memory, guys. And Josh, you have to come back sometime soon!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

I hate myself for being such a perfectionist. I get so stressed out because of my obession with the details. I worry about things way way too much. I get really pissed off when people, such as my new apartment manager, doesn't live up to my expectations. I wish I could be more easy going and not care as much!!! But I don't know how... Well, I guess it's good and bad. Everywhere I have worked, my bosses were very satisfied with my work. I don't really get screwed because I pay attention to things.

One of my good friends, Ken, is leaving LA and going back to Japan at the end of this month.. :( The news was rather surprising cuz nobody was expecting it. We all knew he would be going back eventually because he works for a Japanese company. Man, I hate to see a friend leaving... It's so sad!!! He's such a fun-loving, cool guy!!! I will definitely miss you, Ken!

But on a brighter side, My other good friend Takako has just moved here with her husband. And I just heard from her now and they are expecting a little one! Wow. Congratulations Takako!! Although I really cannot see you being a mom... hahaha. But I think I'll get used to that idea soon!

Monday, November 10, 2003

It's been a while since I posted anything here... Yes, the moving is done (though there are so many boxes to be unpacked). I am so fucking exhausted. I just want to feel normal again. For the last two weeks or so, I haven't felt normal because I was so sick, and then had to deal with the moving bullshit for the last several days while trying to recover from cold. I don't want to move for a loooong time. So I hope I will like the new apartment. It was such a pain in the ass to move. Bill was so pissed because I had so much shit to pack and we had to stay up all night on Friday to get the packing done.

Work is not too bad today, I guess. I haven't had an access to a computer all weekend, so it was cool to come in here and check my email and post something on my blog. I wanna go to yoga so bad, I just need to get rid of this cold completely!

Tuesday, November 04, 2003

Uncovered: The Whole Truth about the Iraq War

This is a new documentary film coming out. It goes into details about how Bush lied to Americans to go to war in Iraq. There is no way we should keep this moron in the office for four more fucking years!
Wish it was Sunday~~ or better yet, Saturday.

But I'm not particularly looking forward to this weekend, because I have to move. Yes, I am finally getting out of the world's most boring downtown, LA downtown that is, and moving to Miracle Mile. So I'm excited about that part, but I'm definitely not excited about packing and unpacking. Have I ever mentioned that I have ridiculous amount of shit in my house? I have no idea how it has all accumulated.

Anyway.. what's up with the weather??? Isn't it too cold for Los Angeles?? I had to dig into my winter clothes which I haven't touched since like January this morning. I wore my normal clothes yesterday and was freezing my ass off. Whatever happened to the warm paradise everyone wants to live in!

Recently, I went to 2 interviews, both for a job in Entertainment PR. I really hope I get those positions. But I have realized again that I suck at interviews. And I think it's because, I persoanally hate overachievers who wouldn't shut up about how great they are, so I tend not to tell too much. But I guess I'm supposed to rave about myself during job interviews. I need to be more aggressive about things.

Sunday, November 02, 2003

I had yet another very lame Halloween night - I was sick sleeping at home. But now that I think about it, I've never had a real "blast" on Halloween night. I think I went out every year except for one, but every year it was "ok." But this year, I was kinda glad that I wasn't planning on anything, because it rained after all, and I HATE going out in rain. I usually refuse to leave the house when it's raining out.

Kill Bill - finally saw it, but it didn't live up to my expectation. It was funny and original, and the music was great, but I didn't find Lucy Liu and Uma Thurman talking in very awkward Japanese entertaining. I guess I was expecting something more from the film. But I do want to see the second.

I'm sooooo bored! I'm so sick that I can't really do anything! I haven't done yoga in more than a week.... Well, actually I do have tons of shit I need to do, but it's just that I don't want to do any of them.

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Still sick... so I called in today. Goddamn, this cold doesn't go away! It's just getting worse. I almost forgot how much it sucks to be sick, cuz I haven't been sick for the longest time. But I hope I will fell better tomorrow, I have an interview!!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Today was my day off. I woke up really early this morning, against my will, because my throat was bothering me so much. I can't even remember when the last time I was sick was, but I can tell this is going to be pretty bad. I was gonna go to a Yoga class today, but I gave up. I don't think I can handle that hot room for 90 mins when my throat is in pain.

So.. instead, I met up with Chisa to get lunch. She is leaving for Japan tomorrow... :( We had really good Korean food in K-town, and then went to Starbucks in Little Tokyo. As we were having coffee and talking, a few serious looking guys came in and sat near us. We were kinda wondering what they did for living - because they were wearing suits and looked all tough and serious. We knew they weren't regular office people. And then I saw handcuffs and guns on their belts, as they took off their jackets. They were Detectives. We heard some interesting conversations like "I'm going to the county jail later..." etc. An hour or so later, they were leaving, and I found a wallet on a couch they were sitting on. So I told them that someone forgot his wallet. They were very thankful that I called them back. A few minutes later, one of the guys came back to Starbucks, and said they were going to a bar down the street after work, and would like to buy us a drink as a "thank-you." We politely said no (Chisa had to run some errands before she leaves for Japan tomorrow, and I'm freaking sick), but he started talking to us. We were talking for like 10 mins - he told us about a recent murder case that a Japanese guy was involved in. So it was interesting, and different. He gave us his business card at the end of the conversation and said to call him if we ever need help. The business card reads: "Los Angeles Police Department - Robbery Homicide Devision, Homicide Special Section, Detective ..." I hope I don't have to call this guy for help!

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

I just read Alex's "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." I must say, it was so entertaining!! It made me wanna go on a road trip. Thanks Peter, for bringing this up in his blog.

Earlier today, I heard the dumbest thing. The lady who sits behind me at work was on the phone talking to her friend, as usual, and said "Things have been really weird lately, you know... From supermarket and MTA strikes to this Wildfire, the world is coming to the end, just like it's said in the Bible." I was like, OH PLEASE!!! I had to laugh (quietly). And I felt the immediate need to share this with someone (but no one from this office), so I emailed Bill. And got the following reply: "jeez..that must be the ichiban baka (=stupidest) thing i have ever heard. I mean, come on, people in Boston are not affected by this crap at all..its just LA, moron!" I wholeheartedly agree. This argument was so stupid that it was almost entertaining. I mean, this is as dumb as you can get. You see what religion does to people.. it drills ridiculous ideas into your brain.

But I do hope the wildfire will stop soon.

Monday, October 27, 2003

Well, shit. A lot has happened since my last post. I decided to stick around for a few more weeks. I talked with the HR lady and my supervisor on Friday after posting I-will-quit-my-job message here. I found out that I will probably never get a permanent position here (I am freelancing now). So I told them that I need time to look for a job and go to interviews, and therefore I cannot do full-time anymore. I can stick around for part-time position and I need flexibility (pretty much said I will prioritalize any interviews I have over this job). They said that's fine, so I decided to stay. If I only have to be here 3 days a week, that shouldn't be too bad. Plus I need the $$$.

It seems like the weekend flew by again. Friday, I went to a driving range with Takeshi and Tomoe, and went to eat Ramen after that. I was so tired when I came home that I just passed out. My dad visited me on Saturday, so I was happy. He brought me lots of food and magazines from Japan. We got lunch at a Korean restaurant and went shopping for a little bit. Then we went to eat dinner at Matsuhisa (the best Japanese restaurant in town!) with Bill. Their Sashimi Salad and Beef Filet with Anticucho sauce is the bomb!! Thanks Dad!!!

I woke up kinda late on Sunday. It felt later than it actually was because of the time change. Now the dark half of the year is starting. I hate the end of the summer, because all I can look forward to is the next summer... Anyway, Bill and I went to the Grove to see Kill Bill, but the Grove was insanely crowded. It turned out that there was a premier of Elf. Unfortunatelly, Kill Bill was sold out. :( I hate it when I go to the theater and my movie is sold out!! I also wanted to see Runaway Jury, but that was very crowded too, so we just gave up watching a movie. We saw some B-list celebrities while we were there. Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) was much better looking in real life! I was surprised.

And now, it's Monday again... Sucks!!!

Friday, October 24, 2003

It's FRIDAY!!! Yeah!!

I think I heard my inner voice this morning. I'm done with this job. I'm leaving. Am I scared? Yes - but I don't want to waste anymore time, I have to get out there and pursue what I really want to do. I can come back and work in this extremely boring office when I'm 40. After all, I'm too young and energetic for this place.

Last night, Chisa and I went to a yoga class together. Juan was teaching, so it was a hardcore Bikram class!! But I love his class, he's a great teacher. After the class, we went to Norms to eat. After working my ass of for 90 minutes and buring some serious calories, I decided to eat Grilled Cheese Sandwich... Why? Don't ask!

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Last night was great. Chisa is visiting from Japan, so I met up with her and went to eat at Natalee. They have excellent Thai food. After a couple of hours of eating and catching up on 4 months worth of stuff, we went to Avalon for drinks. It was my first time there, but I absolutely loved it! Good atemosphere, great drinks. Their German Apple Martini was amazing!! I have to go back to have some more of that.

I think you can consider someone a really good friend of yours when you have not seen the person for a long time but doesn't feel like that at all when you meet up. Chisa and I are like that. She's such a cool friend. She got me hooked on Bikram Yoga and I got her REALLY hooked on Tom Leykis Show. She even had her friend tape the show and ship it to Japan! Now, that's called addiction.

Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I went to my regular yoga class last night. I didn't really like the teacher we had, but I still felt great after the class. Yoga is the best.

Kobe Bryant Trial: What kind of bullshit is this?? Why would anyone buy her story?! I really don't think Kobe Bryant would rape some bimbo who works at a small hotel. Let's face it, there are so many women who are ready to have sex with him at any time. He can buy any prostitute he wants. Why the hell would he risk his fame, money, and marriage?? Is Kate Favor (alleged victim aka Gold diggin' bitch) that hot?? I doubt it. And it seems like there are many evidences against this girl. Her accusation lacks consistency. But a woman cries, and wow! she's a victim!! Bullshit!!! She's an Attention Whore, who thought Kobe liked her, but later realized he just wanted a quick sex. When Kobe is proven innocent, he should sue Kate Favor. Not to get money, but to damage her reputation just like she did to him. I'd love to see this bitch on the cover of tabloids.

Just like Tom Leykis said last week, this country's court system is made so that women are not accoutable for anything, but men are to blame. How did men in power (i.e. law makers) become so pussified?

I highly recommend Tom Leykis Show to anyone who wants to hear something funny while being stuck in traffic. He is on 97.1 FM from 3PM to 8PM. I personally look forward to his show everyday!

Monday, October 20, 2003

I had absolutely the longest day today. I came into work at 9am and did only one thing. ONE. I am bored to death. I need a new job, desperately.
I hate Mondays... don't you?? How come the week passes by so slowly but the weekend flies by so fast? It should be the opposite. I know the week has just started, but I'm looking forward to Friday.

The supermarket strike needs to end. Come on!! Getting paid $17.80/hour to check out groceries sounds damn good to me! What more do you want?

But what pisses me off more is that the Congress gave Bush $87 billion to waste on Iraq. I can't believe how they lie to us and still get away with it!