Free Night

So last night was fun. I came home from a long day's work and also sore from tennis the day before. But I did not have homework to do :D

Ate Ainee, Kuya Alvin, and I played some board games and each won - we are all reigning champs of different games.

K Alvin is the Friends Trivia know it all. Ate Ainee is the Scrabble queen. And I am the Boggle leader!

MWAH HA HA HA HA

Distracted

Maybe it's "senioritis."

I have four weeks of school left and, wait, did you really grasp that? I have FOUR WEEKS of school left!!!!!

I really am the busiest I've ever been with projects, papers, and exams coming at me. There's too many to mention. Seriously. And after spending one week in bed with a mean cough, I am more than behind. I am better now, and instead of jumping into work - I choose to blog. :0

I will start my research eventually, I think it's just difficult for me to dive right in after taking such a long break (not by choice, I was sick). So I am easing into it...

But even before this blog, I had other distractions: I had a mini photo shoot with Java. After that, I caught up with all the TV shows I've missed. After that, I finished a knitting project I've been working on for months! Oh and after that I started and finished a crochet project! Did my laundry. Cleaned my room (sort of).

At this point I've run out of distractions. I think I've done everything. Hmmm. Fine. I will put it all away now, and start on my school work. :/

Here's to the last stretch!

Sleepless In Anaheim

A funny thing happened to me yesterday (note that it was only funny because it all worked out). I just got home from work, exhausted, and was getting ready for the Jazz concert. Since I had furnished the tickets, Jackie elected to drive and she was supposed to pick me up at 5PM.

I have not been sleeping much at all the past week and was simply exhausted. Taking a shower did not help wake me up as I thought it would. I figured, the hell with my hair, I will take a quick 15 minute nap and just stick it in a bun and I will feel fresh and ready to go. Well, it was no nap. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out faster than five shots of tequila that one time in...nevermind.

Indeed I woke up fresh and rested. But quickly replaced that feeling with panic, embarrasement, and utter remorse. It was a quarter to 6PM and Jackie has been waiting patiently in my driveway! She called, but I did not hear it. I don't know why she did not get out of her car sooner; I would've banged on the front door!

After a quick change and several apolologies, we made it to UCLA in time. It actually may have worked to our benefit since the traffic was not so bad. I assume it had time to clear out and dissipate while I was sleeping - yes, I am resolved to keep telling myself this.

Jazz Concert

I was so excited to find out that Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra was going to be in town. I looked up tickets and they were a bit pricey for my taste (unless I sat in the nose-bleed section). Since it is a big deal for me to see Wynton, I was going to buy them anyway; but the problem was finding someone else that would shell out money to see them - you won't believe this, but there's just not enough people that like jazz! Get your act together people! You're certainly missing out! ;)

As luck would have it, I did not have to pay for tickets anyway. Last week, I happened to finish my exam 30 min early and got to my car earlier than usual. I turn my radio on and hear "10th caller gets to see Wynton Marsalis at Royce Hall in UCLA."

I've won a total of two times on the radio. Once for correctly identifying a movie from a quote (the movie was Princess Bride), and second from finishing my exam at the right moment, to get me to hear announcement at the right time, and become the 10th caller! YAY!

I did manage to find another Jazz enthusiast in my friend Jackie, and we had a great night at UCLA last night. It was a 2-hr concert that felt like 30 min; full of blaring sounds and great rhythm. It was extremely fun and exciting, I worked so hard to keep myself from swingin' away and stay in my seat!

It was such a delight, we were left unfocused on the way home and ended up on Rodeo Drive (the opposite direction). Not a terrible detour. But we found our way back eventually, still enamored by the great jazz that was.

Group Work

What usually comes to mind when you hear "group work"?

In my history, group work usually means I get to do all the work. So it's no surprise that I was less than ecstatic, to hear that my final semester will be spent mostly on group projects.

Still, I had some hope it would be better this semester since my classes are all upper division and my classmates SHOULD be more responsible this time around. Yeah...I assumed wrong.

My Management 449 group have met twice now and both times, I was the only one with their assigned work done. What a great start! C'mon people! You're not going to learn anything when you slack off and have other people do things for you. Have some dignity for cryin' out loud!

On a much different note, there's my Tax group that blew my mind away. May I just say that I LOVE this group! This is what group work is supposed to be! We test each other's brains, we check each other's thoughts, we constructively argue, and it's wonderful! I have been so sleepless the past week due to tax code research; but the great thing is, I am not alone. I send out ideas and info via email at 3 o'clock in the morning, and I get a reply back! HA! We are all up working our asses off together. Sucks to be up that late/early, but I will get through it much easier knowing I am not the only one working.

All I can say is that I am greatful for finally being in a productive group. As far as my Management group, however, they better get their act together or I will leave their names out of the group paper due next week.

Rude Airport Man

Let me take this opportunity to say that I love coffee - good coffee. And if I have an excellent brew in my hands, like Peet's coffee, I will cherish every single drop.

I am well aware liquids greater than 3 oz are not allowed passed the airport check point. So I did my best to get my 12 oz cup down to 3, with plans to savor the rest while at the gate.

My plan did not play out, security made me finish my drink in the spot and make snide remarks about holding up the people behind me. Uh, first of all, the woman in front of me took a hell of a lot longer unstrapping her sandals, untying her belt, and emptying her pockets, than me attempting to savor my final 3 oz! Second, there was ONE person behind me! Even he was taken back by the rude comment and was nice enough to reaasure me that he was in no hurry. What a Jerk! I realize it's for securuty purposes and that's fine. What gets to me is that he really could've approached the situation in a more polite manner, instead he chose to embarrass me. Learn some manners you arrogant jerk! Maybe I should've given him the rest of my coffee, then at least he would've been more pleasurable later in his shift.

Pet Peeve

We all have our pet peeves. But one haunts me every single month when a particular bill comes at work and I have just had it! Here it is, one of my biggest pet peeves is when I see this phrase alone on an entire sheet of paper: This Page Intentionally Left Blank.

Then why print it then? Save the paper and ink and don't bother printing an empty page!!!! GRRRRRR!!!!

FIGS!!!

It's fig season!!! YAY! I LOVE figs! They are like mini guavas :D So refreshing. I look forward every year for fig season, and it's here!!!

Coordinated Mess

I admit, I have a messy room. But it's one of those kinds of messy where I know where everything is; it only looks messy to the outsider.

But then, it recently passed the coordinated mess point. After spending time in and out of the house almost everyday (having summer fun :D), I spent a few minutes feeling like an outsider to my own room. I stood there, racking my brain, trying to remember where I put my wallet and ipod. I searched under a pile of clean laundry I have yet to put away, under my bed, inside 3 purses, one backpack, my tennis bag, and then finally my gym bag - found it. After a little bit of panic, I realized my coordinated mess, was no longer coordinated; it was out of control.

There is one solution. Although I despise it, it must be done. Time to clean my room.

Hello Summer

It is officially, my summer vacation! I had planned to go for round 2 in the summer; but with the budgets cuts, the class I needed to take is no longer offered. So here I am with 6 weeks of freedom! YAHOO!

I am filling my weeks with culture, sun, and fun; things I rarely have time to do when school is in session. Funny how I had no time to do anything before, now I have ran out of time to fit all the things I want to do! Not complaining of course, although I wish there were more free things to do. I need to work more to pay for my summer activities - vicious circle.

Adventures of the Copper - Colored Hat . Chapter 2

Chapter 2, Santa Barbara French Festival, July 12 2009

I’ve been stuffed in this bag for hours! I know she has to be taking us to someplace exciting. Her uncle with the straw fedora hat is with her, along with someone I’ve never met: Diane.

Finally, we are stopped. She gives me a few shakes and I am back in shape! Wow. Where are we? I see trees, booths, flags, dogs, and people, LOTS of people. Chairs are laid out in front of a stage; and I see a smaller stage further back. There is a tower up ahead, and we take photos against it, as well as next to a cardboard cut out of a short soldier man that Cris got excited over; although I don’t know who he his and what the big deal is, I go where my anchor takes me.

We cross a wooden bridge and find a much larger stage. A breeze brings a hint of lavender, but it is overcome by the aroma of crepes, berries, and caramel from a few booths down. She makes sure to visit each vendor booth, lingering longer when something catches her eye. Another breeze blows by, this time with a stronger scent of lavender. There are more people on this side of the bridge. Loud drums, people cheering and clapping, what a fun place this is! We go around the stage and VOILA! A booth selling lavender! So calming and refreshing.

We park ourselves on a bench after eating lunch and watch the different shows as they come on stage. It is mid-afternoon now and our new friend Diane seems to be particularly eager for the next show: Traditional Dances of France. Apparently, she is from France, Brittany to be exact. Next thing we know she has dragged us on stage to join in on the dances. Cris remembers to tighten me up and I am secured as she spins, taps, bounces, twirls, and sways.

The afternoon was filled with shows and demonstrations, I can tell they are all getting tired. So why are we still here? Diane accompanies us to the nearest place to get coffee – a hospital cafeteria. That’s right, we were completely embedded in a residential area that there are absolutely no shops within walking distance. You would think that at least one of the booths would carry coffee, but you would be sadly mistaken.

The sun is beginning to set and soon, Cris won’t need my shade anymore. I wonder what it is they are waiting for. We are back in the larger stage and it is the most crowded it has been all day. People cheer as introductions are made. The stage is set, and out comes…a woman, no a man. Wait. It’s a man dressed as a woman! Everyone else finds this just as amusing as I do! They are singing and dancing, How exciting!

The show and festivities come to an end just as the sun fades out. Cris stuffs me back in her bag as they take their final photos and begin their drive back home.

Adventures of the Copper-Colored Hat, Chapter 1

What a blistering day! Even so, Black is a popular color. Blue just went. Green too. I guess us hats perform well in whatever color. There were 3 pink hats; now there’s only one. Two yellows, three whites, several others with patterns of colors, and me – a lone copper-colored hat.

A peculiar girl walks by; she carries a bright-colored bag, less of a rusty shade than me, but a fine pairing nonetheless. She tries on several hats...Lingering...Browsing...

PICK ME! How I'd love to travel and rest on something else than this crowded head-cover stand. How it would be like, to be hoisted away and see new and exciting things. In return, I provide shade and style to my sun-sensitive bearer. Oh what a mutual relationship it would be!

She is fond of the black hats, trying on a 3rd style. Wandering closer, she bravely tries on my yellow sister, and puts it back after evidently seeing it does not suit her. Pink, green, white. She tries them all on, but remains unimpressed. She follows her party away from the booth, fleeing from the scorching sun. More people come and go. Someone buys another black hat; some surprise there. I did mention they were popular. Minutes slowly pass... That girl is back! I have a good feeling about her. Yet, she tries the black one on again! Wait, I think she notices me. She does! She picks me up and tries me on! "Oh! What a fun and young color” she says. "And it matches my bag!"

Her companions surround her, agreeing with praise. They have new hats as well: the man sports a fedora straw hat, the woman with a wide-brimmed green hat. I think this is it! I am resting on my new mobile anchor! She instantly feels cooler with me, and walks away. And I think: if I want to be introduced to new things, I have to protect this delicate and fragile being. Thus our adventures begin, the copper-colored hat and the peculiar girl, named Cris. I watch my old stand get further and smaller - it is a sight I longed for, and welcome

Crash and Burn

All the reviews I've heard for Transformers have been the same: a bit long, but I like it.

I think they were being nice. All I got was a headache and lost sleep. After giving the first installment rave reviews, I was very disappointed at what followed. I remember when a friend admitted that she was not a fan of the first Transformers; it was too loud, too cheesy, and too much special effects - that's EXACTLY what I thought of the second one.

What a waste of 3 hours.

Summer School

I just finished my second of three exams for my summer class. Not Bad. I ended up writing a 5 page essay (by hand!) on Japan, which half way through, I realized the other essay topic would've been much easier to write about.

We were given two essay topics and we choose one to answer. I chose the history of Japan, and the other was regarding the French Revolution. I know the French Revolution. I've written many papers on different aspects of the revolution. And I know I could've easily pulled off an A if I just chose that as my topic. Oh, who am I kidding! I'm sure I will still get an A on the Japan essay, but I would've been out of that exam room sooner if I just went with the French Revolution.

So why did I go for a topic I was less comfortable with and knew would take longer? Boredom? Maybe I wanted a challenge? Who knows. This is probably something I would ponder about for a few more hours or so if this were the Fall or Spring semester. Heck! It's summer! And I don't really care to analyze my choices right now.

Who's up for tennis?!

Freshmen

I have been hounded by mean thoughts towards some of my classmates the past couple of weeks. There are such things as STUPID questions!!!

I try to give them the benefit of my doubt and assume they are freshmen students, new to the college process. Even so, after comments and questions regarding lecture we spent days on, I cannot help but loudly sigh, slump my shoulders, and roll my eyes.

Our professor was explaining the exam process tonight and one girl asked, "would you have extra credit?" "NO" he answered, and continued to talk about the essay portion. He was to provide us with two topics and we choose ONE to write about.

"If we write both essays, can you give us extra credit for that?"

Just then, my eyes widened. I tilted my head to the ceiling, shut my eyes, and started to shake my head side to side. Apparently, our professor was getting just as annoyed and while I still had my eyes shut, he exclaimed:

"Last I heard, this was a University."

I looked around the room and no one knew how to respond. Finally, to break the ice, someone from the back row shouted "OUCH!" and the entire class proceeded to laugh.

Glad to find out I am not the only one annoyed. There's a little over two weeks of class left, and if I burst of impatientness before then, here are parting words for those "freshmen":

- This is absolutely, NOT the hardest class you have/will ever take. In fact, it's one of the easiest.
- Attending lecture and reading the assigned textbook material, is the MINIMUM work you do to pass the class!
- Reading ONE chapter per day is expected. In a compressed summmer semester, it really should be 2-3 chapters per day. Stop whining! Instead, start READING!
- You want to pass? Simple. Do the work.
- Stop complaining about how hard the exam material was while admitting you did not read the textbook. You really set yourself up here. Foolish Idiot!
- Log in the hours first and do the work. After all that work and you still did not get a good grade, only THEN can you bitch about it.

My Curious Java

I was taking Java out for a walk earlier when he rushed towards a truck and started to frantically sniff about it. "What's up Poo?" I ask as I approach the vehicle. Then I hear it.

Yes. Ugh. YES.

I tried to pull my 108 lb dog away from the truck; but, my curious dog did not want to let up. I could not yell Java's name, for fear the couple would realize they had an audience. Then, Java tried to jump at the window and I saw the opportunity to yank his leash. Sorry to take you off balance Java, but mommy was not about to stay there one second longer.

Awkward. Gross. Funny. Moving on.

And The Dust Settles

It has been a long time. So long that I have forgotten how to rant and blog. So many topics I’ve wanted to share; but, school work did not permit any time. Even tennis has taken a backseat to school. It’s a relief to say that sacrificing my outlets did contribute to my relatively good grades this past Spring semester. I am back in summer school now, but since my textbook has not arrived in the mail yet, I am unable to do homework, which has brought me back to you, my audience ;)
Let’s start with something easy. I saw two movies this weekend, Drag Me To Hell and UP. Drag Me To Hell was very entertaining. Jumpy and funny if you can believe that in a horror classified movie. I must’ve jumped at least 20 times; but, they were quickly followed by a laugh and so the scary movie, wasn’t so scary after all. It was great because you can get the thrill of a horror flick, but none of the can’t sleep alone in my bed, keep the light on, must lock all doors and windows paranoia that normally come afterward. Drag Me To Hell was refreshing; entertaining; absurdity at it’s best.
UP was THE BEST movie I have seen in a long time (at least that I can remember)! Emotional, laugh-out-loud funny, creative, and has a good backstory. I cannot do this movie justice by simply writing about it. You MUST see it for yourself. That’s it. I won’t try to review it because I can’t. Just watch it!
The blogger is back, for now. Did you miss my updates? My never-ending rants and complaints? My bossy tone? Seriously, go watch UP!
Until my next post…

UP! (in 3D)

This is such a GOOD movie!!! I laughed, I cried, I had a blast! Granted plane-flying dogs were too far fetched but I am willing to overlook it :)

My sister saw this movie also but sang less praise compared to me. I told her maybe it was because I saw it with a friend of mine and we just laughed together. Sometimes the company makes a difference, I was not afraid of laughing too loud...or sobbing too much. I was simply there to have fun, and I did :D

Anyway, she still liked it. I LOVED IT!

Go watch it!!!


SQUIRREL!!!

Dodging Bullets

Oh Boy! I have been lucky this week.

Read about my car accident? Well, it was my first "not at fault" accident and did not get all the information I needed to file a claim. We were both running late for class and with all the people honking behind us, we agreed to discuss insurance later and just exchanged phone numbers.

Boy did I get yelled at from my family! I am too trusting they said. "There is no way she's going to call and give her insurance now!" Haunted by how I would come up with the money to fix my car, I waited anxiously for her to call me back. Luckily, she did. I received a call from her insurance today accepting liability.

Also today, I received an email from my sister who was told by a friend to look into the new Stimulus Package. We have been really pressed to find me good, affordable health insurance by April, when coverage ends, along with my mom's employment. Individual insurance is painstakingly expensive. And to continue our current insurance by COBRA would cost us $830/month!

Then I looked into the new Stimulus Package and read about the Subsidized Cobra Package. To get right to the happy ending, my mom qualified for the Subsidy and the government will pay for 65% of our COBRA, leaving us to pay only 35% - a very good deal when it means I can keep the same doctors, and have the confidence in knowing I have the same coverage. 35% turns out to be cheaper than individual insurance as well.

Phew. I am greatful to the power that's pulling me aside, enabling me to dodge these bullets.

Thank you Father.

Some People Are Jerks

To think this could’ve all been avoided if I just woke up on time…

Instead, there I was in the school parking lot, exchanging phone numbers with the girl who backed into my car

But this post is not about her. She turned out to be an honest person (greatly added to my luck and benefit), who was running late and admittedly neglected to look behind her when she tried to back up to grab a parking spot. No, this post is about the person behind me. The first person to witness two people trying to get through a minor, yet, still a traumatic experience. He pulls to our side, inching forward. He manages to get my attention and the first words that came out of his mouth were: Can you guys close your doors [so I can get by]?

“I’m sorry. The first thing that should’ve popped in to my head after being jerked forward from a frontal impact should’ve been to search for a tool to pry her car off mine, and then push it aside, just so you can get by – my unbelievably inconsiderate schoolmate. Jackass.”

Yeah, that’s what I should’ve said. Instead, I gave him a dirty look and walked slowly to shut my door.

Sadly, he was not the only one. Impatient drivers with cars too wide to squeeze through became infatuated with their honking mechanisms, and made it nearly impossible for us to think and discuss.

What happened to courtesy?