day 040: memories

I'm scared of what people are going to write. I could never run for public office and I know that. In fact some of the memories created recently are enough to ruin anyone's career. hahaha

Leave one memory that you and I share, the first thing that pops into your mind will do. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Don't send an e-mail message, but leave a comment here. Next, re-post this in your notes and see who leaves a memory for you..

day 039: I've a feeling we're not in WeHo any more

I've always said that I live in West Hollywood, but technically it's Los Angeles, call it "West Hollywood Adjacent." There is literally a line on the sidewalk up the street that denotes Los Angeles/West Hollywood, but never did I think I lived in Fairfax (Miracle Mile/Park La Brea)??

I like the comment about living in "Melrose" or "Melrose Place" which is right down the street and opens up to a nice Farmer's Market on Sundays. :)

day 038: unfinished projects

"getting around to it" is an expression that many of us know all too well. Now I have time to get around to some of the unfinished projects in my apt. These are frames that are hanging in my living room... on the wall... sans pictures. Ooh, they've been up for... over a year. hahahaha I know what pictures I want to go in them. I have a scanner and a printer. Really, I have no excuse other than I didn't have time before, but, now, all I have is time. I should be happy that the wall is painted.

day 037: thai town

Irene couldn't make it to Karaoke, wait... I mean Irene made it to Karaoke, but couldn't find the room that we were in. I felt so bad when I saw all the messages on my phone the next day.

On Monday, she called and invited me for dinner tonight. We went to Thai Town, and for the life of me, I don't remember the name of the restaurant. It was delicious though, especially after a 3 hour workout today. I, of course, forgot to take a picture while we were there. On the way back I was being a total tourist taking pictures of all the tourist-y places on Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Blvd. In the end, I opted for this picture of Irene. We were at the intersection of Sunset & La Cienega. You can see Los Angeles in the background.

day 036: reality

I feel like I'm on summer vacation. For most of my life, I've been in school and have always had summer vacations that was up until 4 years ago, (wait, I mean almost 5 years ago) when I started working full time. Then it was three weeks vacation plus one week of sick, from 3 months vacation to one month.

Anyway, I found this tip bucket at Wahoo's Fish Tacos and decided to take a picture. It's very telling of these economic times.

day 035: The gift & 34 km

Since I've been laid-off I've been trimming the excess fat off of my bills, and that meant my gym membership. :( It's ironic to think that at a time where I have so much time to go to the gym I can't, because of the sacrifice. Well one of my birthday gifts was two months of my gym membership. This is the best gift. I love it and love my friend, Fish, for doing this for me.

My birthday has been a three day celebration, and I love it. It's also been three days of dehydration, so I've been trying to keep up with replenishing my body. I woke up kinda late this morning. Went to the gym late, but was pleasantly surprised by the hot trainer. He kept me on the treadmill for 40min and at the gym for an hour and a half, and he's not even my trainer. He's just good eye candy. hahaha

The gym was followed by an enjoyable lunch with two phenomenal women where I remembered that back in December I made a goal that I would ride 34km on my birthday. So I rushed home, checked the pressure in my tires, filled my water bottles and went out for a ride along the beach. It was so beautiful, but I haven't been on my bike since I got sick right before Thanksgiving, and this coupled with the gym: my legs feel like jelly. I'm gonna sleep like a baby tonight, but for now, I have to prep for dinner. :)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING MY BIRTHDAY EXTRA SPECIAL THIS YEAR!!!

day 034: and the Oscar goes to...

moi? I won the Oscar Pool with a total of 16 correct picks. I did watch all of the Best Picture nominations and all of the big categories: Actor, Actress (you should definitely watch Frozen River), Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor. All of those free screenings helped. I wonder if I can get into the Vanity Fair party in my 'hood with this award? hahaha

Vanessa and Alex hosted a glamor filled Oscar party with delicious food and great company. I was the emotional one. I'm a cryer, yes I get emotional during the show. The "In Memoriam"... how can you not tear up? Heath Ledger? forget it.

The show:
I liked Hugh Jackman as host, primarily because he's hot. JK He's a very talented man.

I loved how they presented the awards with the five former winner's and I hope they continue this.

I loved the Best Picture montage with former Best Picture winners.

Favorite moments:
"Domo arigoto Mr. Roboto" Kuni Kato blurted this when accepting his Oscar for Best Short Film, Animated.... awesome!!

Ben Stiller's impression of Joaquin Phoenix (I watched that Letterman interview and it was a mess)

Kate Winslet's dad whistling

Kate Winslet talking to Meryl Streep in her acceptance speech

Sean Penn's acceptance speech. I wanted Mickey Rourke to win, because his performance was amazing in The Wrestler. Sean Penn's portrayal of Harvey Milk is wonderful, but he's truthful in his statement, "...I know how hard I make it to appreciate me." He's not a very nice person, but I liked that he brought up gay marriage.

Slumdog Millionaire winning for Best Picture. This is an absolutely beautiful film in a beautiful country.

Fashion:
loved Kate Winslet's everything: hair, dress, make-up...she looked like Grace Kelly

Natalie Portman's pink dress: The bold color was beautiful and her hair was amazing.

Awkward Moment:
Why did they keep showing Brangelina when Jennifer Aniston was presenting?

day 033: Any Man of Mine & Seis Leches

I love Karaoke, and I love celebrating my birthday, because then I can make my friends sing Karaoke. :) Nate and I are so fortunate to have birthdays one day apart. The fact that we have the same friends, it makes for a huge celebration. It was a crazy mixture of hip-hop, rap, 80's, love ballads, and heavy metal. I had a wonderful time, but forgot my camera!!! :O Oh well, everything happens for a reason, and everyone is probably happy that I forgot it. ;) Thank you to everyone, the potluck was delicious and we had more main dishes than sides, which never happens with potlucks, so THANK YOU!!! AMAZINGLY we had two Tres Leches cakes...so it was Seis Leches...mmm delicious. I still have the "Pru" slice in my fridge. I think I'll enjoy it for lunch. :) muah xoxoxo

songs were:
American Boy
Peaceful easy feeling
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Blue Bayou
Summer Lovin
Sweet Child o mine
Any Man of Mine
A Little Less Conversation

Please help me... :)

day 032: roommate

This use to hang on my old roommate's door. I miss Gina. I have one, too, and it says: I can't find a thing to wear, so I'm naked.


Late post again, sorry, I had to get out of my apt last night. Thank you, Adrian & Sandy.

day 031: threadless

I went to the local laundr-o-mat today, which is called the Launderette. I usually wait for the weekend, but then realized that I don't have to. It is much more pleasant during the week, I can spread out, no rush, it was nice.

This is one of my favorite T-shirts: Some Choices are Just Out of Reach. I bought it from Threadless. If you love t-shirts you definitely have to check 'em out. I also love In Case of Zombies, and received a nice complement while wearing it. :)

day 030: stress

Last night the battery on my camera was low, so instead of waiting for it to recharge I opted to sleep. I should probably look for a card reader... as soon as I find a job.

Stress.
It's taken me a few days, but I didn't realize how much stress I was under at work. Thinking about other people's money is stressful. Try to be efficient, watching the clock, and thinking at least three weeks ahead can render one exhausted.

The stress I have now is no where near that... I'll talk about this again if I don't have a job in 1, 2, 3+ months, but right now I'm good. I'm taking time for myself. Although finding a job right now would put me ahead of the game. I picked up my severance and vacation payout... :O There's nothing like some extra cash to push you harder.

The rains have cleared out of Southern California and it was a bright and sunny day. I decided to take a break at the Grove, which very close to my apt. Gawd, I love this city.

snow capped mountains just a hop-skip-and-jump away. :)

day 029: will work for...

Today was my first day of looking for work as my job. It started out ok, but my apartment is an ice box and I didn't realize how much it would affect my productivity. I refuse to turn on the heater during the day, because the electricity bill would go through the roof. 

I was also scheduled to donate blood today, but as it turns out my blood iron level is low: 11.4. The minimum to donate blood is 12. That also explains why I'm so cold. I will have to get back to my schedule of eating cream of wheat/oatmeal in the morning. I also want to start working out in the morning again, even if it's freezing cold. So tomorrow, go for a run in the freezing cold.

I did make it out to the library today, and I applied for 3 jobs. Keep your fingers crossed. 

This is a picture of the Beverly Center, an attempt to warm up during my lunch. It's close to my apt.

day 028: the uninvited guest

Sorry for the delay on the pictures and the blogging. I was trying to figure out what I was gonna do. Some of you may have already read the post from my other blog, and I mentioned that I was going to move this blog, but why should I have to accommodate for someone else. Here's an excerpt in case HE has not seen/read it. Maybe it will stop.

This post is to him. You are not my friend, you have never been my friend, and you will never be my friend. Please stop visiting my blog, delete the subscription, and the RSS feeds, nothing. I don't want you to know anything about my life. The great thing about the internet is that "Big Brother" is watching. Your IP address showed up on my tracker, I can see that you’ve visited and the duration of your visit. Please stop. I don’t want any further communication with you and I’m freaked out. Do you hear that? FREAKED OUT. Please stop, and don’t comment on this post. Just stop, please.

day 027: movies

I woke up late, and it's freezing cold in LA. Spent some time with my friend Carla, but didn't know what to say or what to do. I hope she knows that she's in my thoughts and I'm sending her strength.

It was definitely a movie day. I'm planning on watching Doubt at the $5 Matinee with Henry later. Before Sunset is a brilliant movie and I love this scene.

day 026: <3

Today, should be like any other day.

We went to the Edison. I love the Edison, it's in the basement of a building downtown near the Morphosis Building. I believe the best time to see this building IS at night, so that's an added bonus. (which means I probably should have tried to photograph it)

It actually turned out to be a pleasant evening. This is a picture of my cocktail: The Flame of Love.

day 025: unemployed

I heard on Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me about the carvings of names in the Senate's desks, so I thought I would leave my mark.

My office took me out to lunch this afternoon and I had prepared My Last Will & Testament for them:

My last will and testament (it’s not that morbid, but I hope you enjoy)
I, pb, on this day 2009.02.13 leave to the following K's the following possessions, feelings, memories. It’s been a pleasure working with you.

rjh:
a capitalized “The” and the letter “b” for the corrections to my many erroneous spellings of The Ohio State University and Robb.
fantasy points for teaching me how to play.

bg: all of our lunches and deep conversations involving religion, politics and world news.

rjh, jr, dm, fl, sup: a fresh brewed pot-o-coffee in the morning

tw: all of my painkillers, because between the two of us we could have a pharmacy. (I don't know if this one was read)

rh: the empty pot of hot water, because it's easier to fill than the coffee pot

dr: all the morning stops at the Starbucks in Malibu and celebrity sightings
all the turkey and cranberry sandwiches from Starbucks

bc: all the “fun” of drafting.
all the punny jokes

dm: all my bike maneuvering skills to avoid all the pot holes and street drains on Santa Monica Blvd.

dw: all the scans
all of my “can you do me a favor?” requests

jr, sup, fl: Payment for every cigarette that I did not pay 0.25 cents, as soon as I find a job. :)

sg: all undiscovered and shared music.

rjh, sup, jr, & dm: all of the sports talk

chalon team: a night off. go home to your significant others.

nm: my kindred spirit
all the :) hours
the k.c. brick pattern ;)
Lola’s

staff: all the computer problems from Fatal Errors to blank out screens

ct: a gallon of gas to make it home.

jr: all my side glances from my desk.
channelsurfing.com
all my forwards, and being forwarded to myself via the 6 degrees of Architects

ls: all of our afternoon talks and positive thinking.
my scale, if it is ever found.
Treasure Island ;)

cq1: this could be a while
the bathroom door that barely closes
all of my gum wielding maneuvers
all of our surprised looks of shock when we remember that we work in a male dominated office. :O
all of our healthy snacks
my chalkboard

whoever takes my desk: don’t ruin the atmosphere...this is the best quad in the office, and please try to keep it tidy. :) ( I don't know if this one was read, either)

sup, dm and mk:
Rivalry Week and the future upsets by UCLA. Go Bruins!!
Rose Bowl: January 4th, 2006
UCLA/USC game: December 2nd, 2006 :)
the USC cheerleader who cheers for the opposing team :)

jr, bc, rjh, sg, tw: the absolute joy of the Monday morning after a USC loss, especially, if it’s to Notre Dame, The OSU, UCLA or Cal

coco: all my rolls of drawings in which you may bury your bones. I filed them away so you’re gonna have to search them out, start by looking under cq and jr’s desk.

day 024: texture

I like the texture of the shadows casted on this wall. It reminds me of houndstooth.

day 023: site visits

I know, I know I missed yesterday. It was jammed packed with site visits to two of my projects, and followed by a screening of The International with Henry and Fish. About my projects, I can't disclose any information or even show a detailed picture of the project. We have confidentiality clauses. Between the visits I was able to stop by the beach and clear my mind. Malibu is so beautiful and calming. I consider myself very fortunate to live by the beach. The clouds have moved out, and the sun is shining, but there are grumblings of the dark clouds reappearing, just in time for Valentine's Day.

day 022: purge

I'm seeing that all my work over the past four years fits in a box.
clean, purge, clean, purge, file, file, file.

day 021: archi-nerds

There are these chalkboards around my office...uh, the office that I'm leaving. I believe they were meant for quick sketches or ideas, but we use them for comedic relief. This is an architect's idea of comedic relief. I know, we're nerds.

day 020: review

WARNING SPOILERS…don’t read unless you’ve seen He’s Just Not That Into You

Ok, so last night I didn’t have time to write a proper review of He’s Just Not That Into You, as I was dashing out to retrieve my beloved cell phone. Seriously, what did we do before the cell phone? Well, in addition to rekindling with my lost appendage, I was treated to the culinary delights of Michael and Sanova’s delicious homemade pizza. Mmmm, mmmm good. After devouring the delectable carbs, I exercised my vocal prowess by getting my Rockband on. ‘I’m wanted, waaaannnnnnted dead or aaliiive…”

The Book:
I’m usually on the side of the fence that believes one must read the book before watching the movie, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy this book. I don’t want the ramifications of amazon.com recommending self-help books and playing with my psyche. Hahaha Maybe I’ll check it out from the library.

Movie review:
Though I believe it was suitably cast, I think that every actor was completely believable in their character as Fish and I confined our conversation to the situations/topics rather than the acting. The Ginnifer Goodwin character: I understand that she’s the archetype. While many of us may ‘think’ her actions in our head, I don’t believe girls act on it as she does (please, correct me if I’m wrong) I felt very nervous and embarrassed for her. Jennifer Connelly's character was stellar. The dénouement was poignant in her delivery. Anniston, Affleck & Barrymore played their standard characters, but that’s why we love them in romantic comedies. Scarlett really needs to stop playing a housebreaking hussy (leave that to Angelina Jolie, haha), I mean she’s so good at it, but typecast? Anyone? There is a scene of Scarlett singing, but they don't play her singing, so consider your self lucky! (the Tom Waits cover fiasco) As for the soundtrack, most romantic comedies usually deliver a nice medley of new artists, but this was lackluster. Too bad, I love discovering new music.

Summary:
Watch the movie - laugh, roll your eyes...I would normally say don’t watch it with your significant other/boy toy/man of the moment, but this one is "the exception, not the rule." :) I reserve romantic comedies to a night out with the girls, unless I’m dragged to some inept comedy like Paul Blart: Mall Cop where paybacks are due. :P It’s not gonna solve any problems, but it offers some good fodder for conversation.

Let me know what you think.

day 019: he's just not that into you

Fish and I went to the Grove for some much needed bestie and girl time. We've been so busy lately that an afternoon filled with a chick flick and deep girl conversation was just what the doctor ordered. The movie was good and we could relate to many of the characters. I love ensemble pieces if they don't get too complicated. This was just the right amount of romantic comedy-ness to fulfill any guilty pleasure. You're off the hook, Henry, I will not drag you to this. ;P

The rains have moved out of southern California, but the sky was still a patchwork of grey and blue, so we opted for a warming glass of red wine.

day 018: Let Me Clear My Throat

ok, technically I didn't take this picture, but it is my iTunes from my desktop. :P

Guidelines:
1. Put your iTunes, iPod or Windows Media Player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your next answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how outrageous it sounds!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing the game.
5. (Optional) Refuse the impulse to fix the myriad grammar/syntax problems before sending along - it's part of the fun!

This should be interesting...a mixture of workout songs and favorites...we’lll see:


1. IF SOMEONE ASKS, “IS THIS OKAY?” YOU SAY:
Walk By- Meiko (right now? yes that’s what I would say)

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
One, Two Step- Ciara featuring Missy Elliot (niice!)

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Get Right- J. Lo (this is my favorite running song)

4. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Tiny Dancer- Elton John

5. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Are We Different- Priscilla Ahn (somewhat prolific...niice)

6. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Middle of Nowhere- Hot Hot Heat
again the opening lyrics
Don't get mad if I'm laughing
Blame the caffeine for all the 5 am phone calls
I haven't slept a single night in over a month...

7. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
Lovebug- Jonas Brothers... (yes, I have a Jonas Brothers song in my iPod...hahaha)

8. WHAT IS 2+2?
Baby Got Back- Sir Mix Alot (LMAO definitely)

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Put Your Records On- Corinne Bailey-Rae

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
New Soul- Yael Naim

11. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Starting Now- Ingrid Michaelson

12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Sugar Mama- Bitter:sweet (LMAO, seriously, I kid you not...hahhahahhaa)

13. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
How Lucky We Are- Meiko :)

14. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Kids- MGMT (wow! hahaha)

15. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
-Spaceman- The Killers

16. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Be Be Your Love- Rachael Yamagata

17. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
We’ve been Had- The Walkmen

18. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Proud Mary- Tina Turner

19. WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Fresh Feeling- The Eels

20. HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Breakable- Ingrid Michaelson :(

21. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
All I need- Radiohead

22. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Suite for Violoncello Solo No 1 BWV 1007, In G Major, Prelude.

23. WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Somewhere Only We Know- Keane

24. WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Overboard- Ingrid Michaelson

25. WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Staring at the Sun- TV on the Radio

26. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Moon River- Henry Mancini Audrey Hepburn

27. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Fools Work- Inara George

28. WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Clare de Lune, for Piano, L .75/3

29. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Let me clear my throat - DJ Kool (hahahah)

day 017: twenty-five

Ha! By George, I’ve got it! I knew I did this before!!
Here are 10 random things about me....well, I will try to delve deeper into randomness.

1. I learned to drive when I was 10 years old on a stick shift. It was in my dad’s old white truck with a pillow behind me on dirt road.
2. I love scary movies, but always regret going to them when I’m in the theater. I can make an entire theater scream.
3. I believe in Astrology. Sun: Pisces, Moon: Leo, Ascending: Leo, Chinese: Wood Rabbit
4. I studied Architecture extensively, but now realize that I strongly dislike the profession. I love proportions, materials and experiencing space, but hate waterproofing, nominal sizes of structural members, and codes, etc.
5. I’m getting laid off. My last day of work will be 02.13.2009. If you didn’t know anyone affected by the tanking economy, now you do. It’s another reason for my dislike of architecture. The construction industry is the first hit when there is a recession. I see it as an opportunity to find out what it is that I want to do with my life. I’m thankful for all my friends and family who have been supportive.
6. I’m scared to get on the escalator without holding onto the rail. I know. I discovered this at a Clippers’ game. With food and a drink in my hands, I halted at the bottom as a line of people mounted up behind me. I had to ask the guy behind me to hold my drink. My friend was laughing. I’m scared that I’m gonna loose my balance and fall on my a$$, strange I know.
7. I’ve been to some amazing Hollywood Parties and will maybe document them some day. The best was with Owen Wilson, of what I remember...
8. Through the years I have acquired many “cheesy prom poses” pics. Thank you, Clara.
9. I randomly donate money to people training for philanthropic endurance events, because I know how difficult it is to fundraise. I leave the simple message “pay it forward, please.”
10. I stood up to my boss when I saw injustice, even when I was on the fortunate side, but I don’t know if I would do it again. It was too draining.
11. I’ve planned two weddings and overseen three wedding days. I would like wedding planning if it weren’t for the brides. hahaha
12. I always have to look-up the definitions for conscious and conscience. I can never remember which is which.
13. When I was young my friend and I went to the mall. We quickly changed direction and I tripped over a little kid. The mom immediately said, “You f-ing Navajo. Go back to the reservation.” That memory has stuck with me my entire life. I think about that little kid who grew up with that belief, and wonder if he has the same belief as his mom. It taught me to speak out against discrimination.
14. I love the midnight screenings of movies. It’s the true fans who show up. Some of my favorite memories are Attack of the Clones (when the lights turned off it was a sea of blue lightsabers) and Spider-man 2 & 3 (Tobey Maguire showed up for both of them)
15. I’ve been known to watch a football game with the guys and then watch a chick flick with the girls on the same day.
16. My favorite karaoke songs are “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Love is a Battlefield”...oh and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
17. I ran a marathon, cycled a half century (actually my longest ride is 80 miles) and I hope to ride a full century and participate in an olympic length triathlon soon.
18. I come from a large family, well, not my immediate family. I have one brother and two sisters. My dad had four brothers and five sisters. My mom has four brothers and three sisters. I grew up with many cousins who I call my brothers and sisters.
19. I gave up coffee two years ago and it was the hardest habit to break: the headaches, withdrawals, and irritability. I give thanks to my friends and co-workers for understanding.
20. I had my tonsils taken out when I was 7.
21. My dad passed away when I was 20, too young for both of us.
22. I’m usually laughing and have had friends seek me out after a movie, because they heard me laughing.
23. I studied the history of the gaze and how perspective has changed from antiquity. I love finding devices that affect perception: the camera obscura, dioramas, spectacles, etc.
24. I learned how to find myself in India.
25. I love my relationship with my mom right now. I see her as more than my mom, and I think she sees me as more than her daughter.

day 016: pinkberry

Now that I don't have that much work to do, I take my lunch break everyday. I make a point to leave the office. Today I went to Pinkberry, and I know I should watch my spending, but I thought I would treat myself today. mmmmm

day 015: clean bill of health

I saw my surgeon today, hopefully, for the last time. He took out the remaining stitches and gave me a clean bill of health. yeaaay!!

I took this on a nearby street. It is such a beautiful day out. :)

day 014: stilletos

A day where a pair of black heels and a glass of champagne will take away everything. :)

day 013: inspired

This morning my friend, Vanessa, ran the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, CA. It was a beautiful morning to spend next to the beach. Vanessa was awesome. We saw her at mile 20 and Amery ran the last 6.2 miles with her. Amery looked worse than Vanessa at the end. hahaha Afterward we enjoyed a cold beer and welcomed her into the Marathoners' club. Congratulations Vanessa!!! You've inspired me to do it again!