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Monday, December 29, 2003
Normally I don't update twice in one day, but this just amused me so much I was inspired to write. As I was taking my shower this morning, I saw an ant climbing a bottle of fantanstik I left out. Normally I wouldn't think anything more than "oh look, it's an ant who's about to meet his demise." This time however, I found myself thinking of something else.
Last night, I just killed a good 15 of that ant's family/friends. ( Random note= You can kill ants using fantastik if you run out of Raid, plus you get that nice pine scent. hahaha) If only this lone ant knew what atrocities were committed on the terrain he was now gleefully exploring. I was going to assign him to the same fate as his friends but I guess I'm a sucker for courage or sheer ignorance. I let him continue his expedition.
Impersonal Statement
So I'm working on my personal statement for law school. Unlike some endeavors in which I procrastinate thoroughly before getting my hands dirty, I've actually started writing drafts of my essay well ahead of my self-imposed deadline. Sadly enough though, six different drafts, three hybrid versions, and one brain dead writer later, I still have not been able to churn out a worthy essay.
Personal Statements are supposed to be personal. Sounds silly having to describe it as such, but I'm struggling trying to write two pages that convinces the readers of my desire to pursue law while soundly addressing my individuality and persona. All of my friends have told me to just keep on writing and editing and the essay I will be left with will include the strengths of all my previous drafts. In essence, they claim a shiny gem will appear from the coarse piece of rock my mind is slowly chipping away at.
Writing all these drafts has gotten me to appreciate one thing: I'm glad to acknowledge I don' t have a severe case of writers constipation. But other than that, I still find myself trying to grasp onto unseen phantoms that urge me to acknowledge them in my writing.
I just need to finish this essay so that I can complete the law school application process. I hope the essay I pick will be strong enough to stand on its own.
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Book Fight
Contestant #1: Intent to Harm by Jonnie Jacobs
Contestant #2: Too Beautiful to Die by Glenville Lovell
Winner: Too Beautiful to Die wins by a nosehair. (Wait, isn't that used to describe horse races?) Both books were decent, but I didn't get that "Dayamn, can't wait til I have some free time so I can finish that book" attitude. I actually expected more from Jonnie Jacobs, being that she is a national bestselling author. Anyway, I liked Glenville Lovell's writing style a little better, and he was able to use interesting metaphors and similies. I like phrases that express unique imagery.
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Recommended Albums
1) Diary of Alica Keys by duhhh... Alicia Key- If you haven't bought this album yet, cop it. She brings the heat again on this sophmore cd and explores a slightly different side while still expressing the fusion of classical music and RnB. Well done.
2) Just as I am by Guy Sebastian- This cat was recently seen on World Idol and was the winner of the Australian Idol contest this year. It's been awhile since I've heard a clean Stevie Wonder-ish voice with the smooth rifts that Guy produces. If you like that style, get this cd. Better yet, you better download his tracks because the cd is imported and will cost you 3200 pretty pennies.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Buying electronics for someone? Think woman!
I spoke with my sister yesterday because she called to ask for advice about some car stereo equipment. She wanted to buy her husband a new head unit for Christmas. When I found out what model she was planning on getting and price she would be paying, I told her to reconsider because she could get a system twice as nice online for the same price if not cheaper. Of course, I knew if she wanted to surprise her husband, she might not have the luxury of playing with that option. However, the element of surprise could not be seen anywhere on the periodic table because she had discussed this gift with her husband already. Perfect. He'll understand that my sister wanted to hold off a couple of days so that she could get a better stereo unit instead of rushing to meet the deadline of the 25th, right? Nope.
My sister ends up telling me she needs to give her hubby a gift on Christmas because... well actually I didn't really hear a reason... The joy of surprise was no longer a factor... What could it be? Guess she didn't want to seem like she was empty-handed, which is fine to an extent, but do people really have to give and receive presents on the 25th? Is there an unspoken principle stating if one receives a gift after the 25th of December, that gift should be valued any less than if received before or on Christmas? I don't think so, especially if you are trying to get someone something you think would be ultimately better. And for those who wait for the after Christmas sales, yes, this includes you too. hahah.
In any case, my sister did not see eye to eye with me. In fact, she probably was gazing off in the direction of the 'I dun give a shit' mountains. She stated that her husband didn't really care about the little details concerning stereos that I seemed to fixate on... Um, hello? Anyone there? He IS a guy and guys do care about their electronics... It's like telling a girl to hurry and just pick up any damn pair of shoes. You'd get a heel either up your azz or sticking out of your forehead. To guys, electronics are the same thing. And here I thought this was pretty basic information.
The conversation ended abruptly with me telling my sister she knows my opinion and whatever happens, it still is her money she's spending, not mine. She responded by stressing "Yes, it IS my money." Sometimes my sister's diplomacy simply amazes me. I just hope the store was closed early so that her husband won't be stuck with that awful excuse for a stereo. =I
On a somewhat related note, I actually was at Al & Eds, looking for my own new head unit two weeks ago when I overheard a girl asking a salesman how much she could get for her price range. She was buying a gift for her boyfriend and wanted to surprise him. Lucky guy! In the end, the salesman convinced the girl to let the boyfriend in on the gift so that he would get something he would be satisfied with rather than chancing the expenditure of lots of money on shoddy equipment. Good choice! I'm sure her boyfriend will be glad she did that.
I guess I just wanted to state that when you are going to give somebody a gift that can be expensive, (1) make sure you have the funds to get something decent (2) be flexible with your plan: it might be a good idea to let your friend in on the gift (3) If it concerns electronics for a guy, do some research.
To all my purists out there, I know, I know. It shouldn't matter what is given or received. One should appreciate the mere thought. And completely I agree with this notion. Sadly, in this commercial world, however, thoughts in themselves rarely seem to be sufficient, and people end up buying gifts. If a simple card or thought doesn't cut it and you decide to buy a gift, at least be ready to buy something of decent quality.
Monday, December 15, 2003
Countdown to Christmas
Christmas is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. I have actually been pretty good with my Christmas shopping this year, finishing well before the date I assigned myself. Actually, being that I am rolling in as much dough this year to make the Pillsbury Boy jealous (insert the try to pretend I didn't blast bullshit facial expression here), I didn't get too many people gifts this year. I decided it was better to just spend more money on those closest to me rather than trying to get gifts for everyone and their third cousins. The end result of this strategy? I didn't have to buy any nose hair trimmers this year!
Actually, I've never bought a nose hair trimmer for anyone before. I know, I know. You're probably asking why I haven't because it's the perfect gift that keeps on giving. hahah. I just think it's one of those presents that run the risk of being offensive. What would you think if you got a nose hair trimmer for X-mas? It's like receiving a tongue scraper and trying to not think your buddy was trying to say anything about your chronic case of halitosis. I actually know a few people who could use a tongue scraper by the way.. hehehe.
Okay, back on course... For reals though, if your friend got you a nose hair trimmer, there wouldn't be any other possible interpretation except someone wants you to chop the protuding branches from your nostrils. Helpful? I guess. Embarassing? Yes. Offensive? Possibly. But then again, you could be grateful for getting a nose hair trimmer for Christmas. Friends DO tell you with there is a piece of spinach embedded between your teeth. Friends DO tell you when you have sleep in your eyes. I guess friends also have the right to tell you you need to trim the weeds in your nose. Furthermore, just because I wouldn't choose to buy these handy trimmers as a gift, I know others have and do. Every year I always see nose hair trimmers in almost every gift store, and a good amount of them are already taken. There IS a market for this stuff! That or people are using the trimmers for other orifices. Uhhhh....
Okay, what the hell just happened? This is my first update in a week and I end up expanding upon nose hair trimmers. Let's just flip the script shall we.
Last Monday, Ms. Ayako Jinnai from Tokyo decided to grace Los Angeles with her presence. She stayed until Friday morning and I did my best to show her around town. I'm not sure if I did a great job, but I can confidently say at least her stomach was content. In all honesty, I believe her stomach experienced multiple orgasms last week. Food aside however, luck seemed to be against us last week. The Paul Getty Museum was closed when we went, Martini Ranch down in San Diego wouldn't accept Ayako's identification, and Six Flags was closed on the Thursday we tried to go. (It's freaking winter break already. Why is that park closed?) Even the Huntington Museum was renovating certain parts of their park!!! But Ayako and I did the best we could and we saw a good amount of things for the time frame we had to work with. Ayako, if you are reading this, I hope you had a good time! You should definitely come back on a weekend next time girl.
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After a busy week showing Ayako around, I now find myself back on the same rung I was on two weeks ago - Dealing with law school applications. Fun, fun, fun. I was able to get the transcripts and letters of recommendation out of the way and I'm working on the final drafts of my personal statement. It seems like I'm always working on that stupid essay. After I finish my law school applications, I'm going to start looking for a job and then will start cracking at those Japanese books again. Oh and of course I'm going to work on my music. My studio equipment came in today! I'll be sure to take provocative pictures of my equipment once everything is set up.
I guess it's time to end this cluttered, random entry. But before I unwrap today's eye candy, I would just like to wish Casey a very happy 24th birthday. Hope you had a good time up in the mountains ma. I'll see you on News Years Eve in Daygo. One belated b-day down, one upcoming b-day to go. Christina, stop terrorizing Santa Barbara and Cerritos, and have a good 21st birthday on Wednesday. I want you to shoot Jose at least once for me before you lose your memory okay? =D Finally, I wanna give a shout out to my boy Brent. Thanks for the sashimi hookup man. It was good seeing you and my stomach wasn't complaining either. Next time Ima leave before you spot the tip, Owlman. I'll see you before the New Year for sure.
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Recap of this weekend: On Saturday morning, Z drove up from San Diego to hand deliver the computer he was fixing for me. He swears I have some kind of forcefield that scares computers so much they shit diskettes. I guess I must have been a computer slave driver in my previous life because I always have the worse luck with computers when I put them together.
The PC I've been using up until now took me three months and countless inquisitions to friends to figure out what was wrong with it. After testing different parts, the freaking tower proved to be the weed in the flowerbed. Even though the case was made for my motherboard, the power supply was located a tad too close to the CPU and heatsink, preventing proper airflow. The irony of this all was despite some friends' claims that I bought the tower for its ostentatious looks, I originally bought the tower because it boasted superior air ventilation.
Anyway, after swapping towers, the computer I use now could not have been a better child. I wouldn't even upgrade for another year or two were it not for the fact that I'm starting to build a home music studio. I need a computer that has more juice and power to support the specific programs I'm planning on using.
So, I ordered all my computer parts from Newegg.com and installed the pieces little by little during my study breaks. I finished putting the computer together well before the official LSAT date, but I didn't test it out until recently partly because I was too lazy, and partly because I didn't want to have to troubleshoot if an error came up. In actuality, I was thinking about my last encounter with putting a computer together. In hindsight though, not hooking up and trying my computer immediately after I received the components was shortsighted because if there happened to be any manufacturer defects, the chances of getting a refund or exchange would be slim. Nonetheless, I waited until after the LSATs before powering my computer up for the first time.
So what happened? Well, long story short, I'm not exactly sure, but I had some strange problems, the two major ones involving BIOS and inconsistent hard drive detection. Z also was at a loss of words. Actually, scratch that. He had plenty to say, but nothing constructive, like usual. hahaha. So, he ended up taking the computer home and called me later after he re-formatted, telling me he got it working. We still can't explain why it didn't work the first time, although Z still maintains the only reason must be because I wasn't there when he worked on it. I'm beginning to believe him...
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Saturday night was something different from what I expected. The house warming party my friends and I went to resembled more like a social gathering. But there was plenty of Gin and Crown to keep me warm so I can't complain. I think my friend and host, Joe, wanted to make the party crazy, but the people who attended were more interested in intellectual conversations than animalistic dry humping on the dance floor. But don't worry Joe, it'll be gutter next time!
So Z, Mat, Lan, Julie, and I left the party and ended up at a local Westwood bar called Maloney's. All I can say about that place is WoW. From ska songs to Frank Sinatra's Stranger in the Night, the bar residents were shaking it up... Not dancing it up, shaking it up... like people trying to maintain their balance during the BIG ONE. But they were having a good time, and it was a little contagious... The attitude that is, not the movements.
Besides the interesting crowd, most of the drinks at Maloney's were dirt cheap, except for the Incredible Hulk, a drink made from Hypnotiq and Hennessy. In my opinion though, this drink should be renamed 'the Incredible Ass.' Hypnotiq is supposedly the new rage these days and if you want to try this alcohol, do NOT mix it with Hen. Sorry, but I am not a big fan of Hennessy. But if you Hen, (strange person that you are) you might like the incredible hulk. Anyway, the night was chill and fun and I'm glad Mat, Lan, and Julie came out, even though they have finals next week. Shoot, Lan and Julie have finals tomorrow. Good luck you two, if you are reading this when you should be studying.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Is the sky really blue in the world of Dejavu?
Have you ever experienced dejavu? No, I do not mean the San Diego strip club. To all my San Diego viewers out there, get your mind out of the gutter. I'm talking about the remembrance of a particular scene of your dream being replayed in the planes of reality. Some don't believe in it because it veers close to a sixth sense. Others have experienced it themselves and swear to its existence.
Sometimes being as subtle as the outlines of a shadow on a warm sunny day, dejavu slowly merges with reality and blows a slight breeze of familiarity gently onto one's consciousness. Other times, dejavu can be so blatant it slaps you across a cheek and pulls a tuft of your hair before tempetuously poking you at the temples. I have experienced the latter dejavu not once, but twice this week. Although I normally do experience dreams emerging into reality (or is it reality coalescing with my dreams) pretty frequently, this is the first time I remember having this guest come two days in a row.
The memory that was resuscitated to life by Dejavu the second day was so vivid I couldn't forget about it and thus am now writing about it in my journal. I remember dreaming about this in Japan and it goes a little something like this - I'm cruising in my car, turning at a congested intersection (Foothills Blvd and Rosemead for all yall LA browsers) after coming back from the gym. I remember blasting a cd I couldn't recognize as the sun's radiance crept through my car's half opened sunroof. I knew I was done with the LSATs because the backpack filled with LSAT books was crying in the backseat, pleading me to play with it again. To the best of my knowledge, the dream ends with me texting Lan on my cell....
Nothing real extraordinary here, but I remembered the dream when I woke up the next day. I didn't dream much about the States while I was in Japan so when I did, I usually woke up semi-aware of the scenes my mind recorded while visiting Deep Sleep, REM.
Back to reality. So I was driving my car today after hitting the gym up and turned a right onto Foothills Blvd. I then picked up my phone to text lan when Dejavu suddenly swerved its vehicle right in front on mine, slamming the brakes, giving my sixth sense whiplash. As my mind was trying to make sense of this new sense, I found myself deeply submerged in images I knew I've seen before... If somebody were looking at my face at this exact moment, they probably would have thought I was either high or getting brain. hahah just kiddin.
Then, as suddenly as the images appeared, the details of my dream dimmed away. That brief moment of clarity and recollection left a deep footprint on the shores of my memory, however. Although the remembrance was gone, I know I wouldn't forget the sensation I felt.
I wonder if there are any underlying meanings behind experiencing dejavu. How can it be possible to dream about a future event? I now know who the singer of the song that was blasting in my car was during my dream five months ago, but how could I have dreamt about someone I didn't know existed yet? I guess it's just something that nobody will ever know.
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Last Saturday, I went to IVAR with Mat to celebrate his 25th b-day and the end of the LSATs for me. Z, Josh Liang, and I headed out a little late but were able to meet Mat and his posse of friends. Even though the crowd was a little different from what I expected, I was in good company (one of my testmasters classmates, Reena, came out to party as well) and the music was pretty decent. The only part of the night I question was Mat's sobriety. It was his birthday and he wasn't even that faded. Sure, some claim after one's 21st or 22nd birthday, there is no longer an urge to binge drink to the point of utter intoxication, but let's be honest, peer pressure and celebratory emotions still exist no matter what age. With the numbers of friends present at the gathering, you would expect Mat to be lying like a mat. But, even though he finished every drink bought, Mat defied being reduced to what his first name entitles. GOod man. Mat, happy 25th g.
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Book Fight
Thr3e by Ted Dekker
The Fifth Angel by Tim Green
Last to Die by James Grippando
Winner of the match by TKO- Thr3e. Here are my reasons: 1) Stimulates the mind thoroughly. 2) Gonna make your say "dayamn didn't think of that one." 3) Did I mention stimulation for your contemplation? Honestly, this book was a good read. Browse it for fun. Peruse it on a Mon. Guaranteed to give your mind a run, don't give up til you're done.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
IT'S OVER! The frickin LSATs is no longer something classified as a "to-do" item on my agenda! I am so glad this headache is over. The only thing that can make this migraine come back is if my score ends up being so low absolutely no law school will accept me. But I'm pretty sure I didn't do that poorly.
As for today's performance, for sure I did not do as well as I have on previous occasions. For the whole week before this crazy day, I had been devouring practice tests like a fat guy eating slices of pot roast at a buffet. I was happy to see I scored within the 94th percentile only to discover that I dropped to the 68 percentile on the very next test. Possible interpretation? The LSATs can go screw a calf with mad cow disease because everything is so relative. There is absolutely no guarantee (for us normal people that is) to score consistently high in my opinion. Either it was meant to be or it just wasn't.
After both high and low scores on the tests, as well as suffering repeated blows to my ego, I was pretty stressed because of my inconsistency. But fortunately a revelation slowly turned over and looked at me dead in the face. Squash all those past scores. LSAT are just like stocks where previous performances show no clear indicator of future performances. After that realization, my expectations and my fears of not matching my potential got flushed down with the leftovers of my lunch. So I guess the kids and my anxiety were dropped off at the pool that day. =D My attitude changed, and I told myself to just try my best.
And try my best I did. That is one thing I am sure of. Sure I missed more on the games section than I usually do; sure I wasn't as confident with many of the logical reasoning problems as I usually am; sure I probably didn't even come close to the scores I got before. But I did the best I could within a given circumstance and that is good enough for me. If it isn't good enough for law schools, I guess we have clashing points of views. In any case, I was only going to party afterwards if I gave this test my all, and put 2 and 2 together... whacha get? 22? That's right pahtnah!
So I am going to celebrate the demise of this horrible test, as well as Mat's 25th birthday. Then it's off to IVAR to get more intoxicated than Nicolas Cage before he left Las Vegas. I still have law school applications, a personal statement to brush up on, and several other large projects coming up, but the worse is behind me. Hopefully tonight's dinner won't be behind me as well. Well, guess we'll find out! Uhhhhhhhh.... Hey Jose, let's go beaver trapping!
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Cough cough. No, not from puff puff, but from virus virus. Shoot. I've been sick the past few days and it's been pretty rough, especially since I'm supposed to be studying like a madman. It first started out with the classic sore throat symptom but then escalated into 'the nose that entered the marathon' stage where my nose was seriously running day in day out. Luckily, I didn't develop a full cough, and my nose is only congested now... Good thing I got this a week before the LSATs and not during the weekend of. Speaking of wonderful things such AS the LSATs, I need to go to the library soon to start my long day of three practice tests. Joy to the world.
Before I end this short entry, I just had to give a shout out to my boy, Winston, who turned 24 yesterday. It's the Eve boy and next year it'll be Christmas! Wait, does that apply to guys too? hahaha. Just kidding ladies, really. I know age is a sensitive issue for all yall of the female nation. =I Anyway, Winston and I go waaaaaaaaaay back, and I'm glad our friendship is still going strong. A lot of friendships these days don't stand the test of time or distance - they fade like pictures left out in the sun too long. But Winston... you my boy for life man. Happy b-day! ! !
 Crackhead #1: Winston. Crackhead #2, me
Next is today's eye candy... So what do I know about her? AbsoPHOkingluking nothing. I just thought she knew how to work it on the fence well. Dayamn ma, ShOw me what chu working with! hahah- Kay, enough laughs. Time to hit the books now. SIgh.
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