I want to blog about so many things I just feel like I have so many other things to do. There's never enough time to do everything one enjoys. Oh vey. Just to remind myself in the near future of what to blog about:
- My loss of respect for myself as a female
- My fascination with eating healthy, starting a food journal, and Baelyn's tumblr
- The UN meeting I attended today
- Hiking at Eaton Canyon
- Long Beach and churches
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Just to name a few... if I keep going, I don't think the list will ever end!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Venice Beach
Today was an awesome and fun filled day. I've been wanting to take my mother to this restaurant in Venice Beach called 26 Beach because they have a wide variety of french toast among other foods as well but mainly the french toast because my mother LOVES it. Once we got into the restaurant we were ushered into the garden area which was really cute and vintage-like. There were a lot of knickknacks you'd find at a tea garden party with tea cups, figurines, flowery benches, and so on. I was a bit overwhelmed with the menu because there was so much to choose from I wasn't quite sure what to get. I decided to try their french toast since that's what they're known for and decided on ordering a Tiramisu french toast which consisted of vanilla ice cream, powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, and obviously the french toast. It was heaven!
My mother ordered a 'french toast' inspired plate that used croissants lathered in syrup, peaches, strawberries, and vanilla ice cream. At first my mother was a bit overwhelmed but once she took the first bite she fell in love. She finished 98% of it seeing as it was a lot of bread and a lot of sugar. We were glad we ordered water as our drinks instead of some sugary drink or I doubt we would have been able to eat majority of our french toasts. We were so stuffed afterward.
After our amazing breakfast we headed down to the Venice boardwalk which was filled with all sorts of people. Despite the foggy weather it was still hot and throughout the day it only continued to get hotter. We walked down the boardwalk looking at all the trinkets, art, and shenanigans the street venders were up to. I was tempted in buying a teeshirt but decided against it considering I already have a Venice beach sweater so I was content with that.
Eventually we began watching people skateboard which I have never done (not even seen my own friends!) but it was so much fun! I honestly didn't think I'd be that entertained for so long. I could have stayed there the whole day but I didn't want my mom to get bored. We did stay there for a lengthy period; I'd say maybe two to three hours. There was this dude in particular that was so attractive and I realized why people fancy skaters so much. This man was gorgeous (in my eyes at least!). Not a lot of my friends are fond of men I find attractive. I.E.: Punks, tatted up dudes, greasers, etc. This guy totally tatted up: his chest to his neck to behind his ears to his arms. I know it sounds overdone but this guy definitely pulled it off; it was his style. He had some piercings too which only added to his good looks. ;D I didn't want to be much of a creeper but I recorded a bit of them skateboarding, I especially tried to get some video of him since he was really good. He was the only doing major tricks and landing them. The dude was a beast!
On the other side of the skatepark, people were filming a Spongebob Squarepants promo for Nickelodeon. I'm not really sure what Spongebob has to do with skateboarding but hey, whatever works for their advertisements. The kids that were skateboarding were cute, probably about 10 years young. For being such a major thing being recorded, it was actually pretty boring to watch. I recorded a bit of it just for kicks but it's nothing special. While sitting and watching them record this random dude started talking to me which was awesome! I always love conversing with people and this guy just started a conversation out of nowhere from the recording which eventually lead to schooling, UCs, USC, Texas, the weather, Economics, California being a melting pot, internships, and so on. I forgot the guys name, but now that I think of it I don't think I even asked him for his name. Anyway, he is originally from Texas but applied to USC and got in so he was at Venice just hanging out. It was really fun chatting with him.
Afterward we headed toward the Venice canals which is probably the closest thing to Venice, Italy I'll ever get to in this decade. Seeing the canals and the architecture of houses surrounding it further affirmed my desire to one day get an apartment in Venice Beach. I absolutely love it there so much! My mother and I snapped a couple of photos and then headed back to the boardwalk where we enjoyed two hot dogs and then headed back home to Whittier.
Overall it was a great day that I'm glad I was able to treat my mom to since payed for everything. I know a day isn't much but for not having a job I'm glad I was able to at least treat her to something. I wanted to post about something else too but it's getting late and I have another big day tomorrow.
My mother ordered a 'french toast' inspired plate that used croissants lathered in syrup, peaches, strawberries, and vanilla ice cream. At first my mother was a bit overwhelmed but once she took the first bite she fell in love. She finished 98% of it seeing as it was a lot of bread and a lot of sugar. We were glad we ordered water as our drinks instead of some sugary drink or I doubt we would have been able to eat majority of our french toasts. We were so stuffed afterward.
After our amazing breakfast we headed down to the Venice boardwalk which was filled with all sorts of people. Despite the foggy weather it was still hot and throughout the day it only continued to get hotter. We walked down the boardwalk looking at all the trinkets, art, and shenanigans the street venders were up to. I was tempted in buying a teeshirt but decided against it considering I already have a Venice beach sweater so I was content with that.
Eventually we began watching people skateboard which I have never done (not even seen my own friends!) but it was so much fun! I honestly didn't think I'd be that entertained for so long. I could have stayed there the whole day but I didn't want my mom to get bored. We did stay there for a lengthy period; I'd say maybe two to three hours. There was this dude in particular that was so attractive and I realized why people fancy skaters so much. This man was gorgeous (in my eyes at least!). Not a lot of my friends are fond of men I find attractive. I.E.: Punks, tatted up dudes, greasers, etc. This guy totally tatted up: his chest to his neck to behind his ears to his arms. I know it sounds overdone but this guy definitely pulled it off; it was his style. He had some piercings too which only added to his good looks. ;D I didn't want to be much of a creeper but I recorded a bit of them skateboarding, I especially tried to get some video of him since he was really good. He was the only doing major tricks and landing them. The dude was a beast!
On the other side of the skatepark, people were filming a Spongebob Squarepants promo for Nickelodeon. I'm not really sure what Spongebob has to do with skateboarding but hey, whatever works for their advertisements. The kids that were skateboarding were cute, probably about 10 years young. For being such a major thing being recorded, it was actually pretty boring to watch. I recorded a bit of it just for kicks but it's nothing special. While sitting and watching them record this random dude started talking to me which was awesome! I always love conversing with people and this guy just started a conversation out of nowhere from the recording which eventually lead to schooling, UCs, USC, Texas, the weather, Economics, California being a melting pot, internships, and so on. I forgot the guys name, but now that I think of it I don't think I even asked him for his name. Anyway, he is originally from Texas but applied to USC and got in so he was at Venice just hanging out. It was really fun chatting with him.
Afterward we headed toward the Venice canals which is probably the closest thing to Venice, Italy I'll ever get to in this decade. Seeing the canals and the architecture of houses surrounding it further affirmed my desire to one day get an apartment in Venice Beach. I absolutely love it there so much! My mother and I snapped a couple of photos and then headed back to the boardwalk where we enjoyed two hot dogs and then headed back home to Whittier.
Overall it was a great day that I'm glad I was able to treat my mom to since payed for everything. I know a day isn't much but for not having a job I'm glad I was able to at least treat her to something. I wanted to post about something else too but it's getting late and I have another big day tomorrow.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Driving Test Pt. 2
I did it! I passed my behind the wheel test with only three errors. :) I'm so proud of myself. I was so nervous last night and this morning. My grandma made me a breakfast burrito but I feeling nauseous and deicded it was best that I shouldn't eat anything. While pulling up to where I wait for my instructor to come in the peak of my nervousness hit. Driving up to the place, my foot hit too fast on the gas pedal without my other foot letting go of the clutch and so my car bunny hopped. :/
I was hoping that my instructor would be a man and thank God it was. I don't really like when women are the ones grading... they seem to be stingy and rude whereas men are more objective. Anyway, the dude was awesome. He sparked up a conversation about stick shift cars and how he totally understood how it feels like to first drive one. We shared our scary moments of when our cars were braked on a hill and how we were terrified how far back the car would roll or if it would hit the car behind us. This made me feel so much better knowing he understood.
Throughout the drive I kept telling myself, "Check your mirrors. Check your mirrors. Check your mirrors. Don't go to fast--what's the speed limit?" And holy crap at one point the car was about to turn off on me but luckily I was quick enough to realize this and react by stepping on the clutch. SAVED MY LIFE! OMG. Scariest moment of my test. There was this one part where I accidently turned into a bike lane and it was later he hinted that it wasn't the right lane and I immediately switched lanes and apologized. It was then that he started directing me back to the DMV and I thought, 'That's it. I'm done. I didn't pass.' Inside I was dying of disappointment in myself but I tried to end it with grace and didn't show my disappointment.
Once I parked and he reviewed one of my errors (I got three in total) he told me, "Congratulations! You passed. Good job." I coudln't even think at that point I just wanted to run out of the car and tell my mom but I had to think: lock the car, gather my papers, and head back to the office.
It feels good finally earning that 'seal' of approval saying I can drive. :)
Now I end with some awesome DJing skills from badass Yulia.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Driving Test
The big day is tomorrow! Ahhh! I'm incredibly nervous it's ridiculous. I've been practicing since school let out in June and I've done pretty well so far. The fact that my car is stick shift made it difficult for me. I love saying that I can drive stick shift and honestly, it really is a lot of fun. I've also driven an automatic and it isn't the same; it's rather boring. Despite the fact that it's taken me a bit longer to gain confidence on the road, I love driving stick shift!
Today I drove around the area where I'd be driving tomorrow morning and we practiced for about two hours; I hope it'll help ease my nerves. Aye. I really, really hope I pass tomorrow morning. My mother said it was fine if I didn't and I do understand her reasoning why but it would just be better if I do pass on the first try. I just need to remember to stay calm and over dramatize everything. I'm off to review for a bit and then I'll probably watch some reruns of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
I'll post an update sometime later tomorrow or in the week to write whether I passed or not. Good luck to me! :)
Today I drove around the area where I'd be driving tomorrow morning and we practiced for about two hours; I hope it'll help ease my nerves. Aye. I really, really hope I pass tomorrow morning. My mother said it was fine if I didn't and I do understand her reasoning why but it would just be better if I do pass on the first try. I just need to remember to stay calm and over dramatize everything. I'm off to review for a bit and then I'll probably watch some reruns of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
I'll post an update sometime later tomorrow or in the week to write whether I passed or not. Good luck to me! :)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Another one of those music entries...
You know the feeling of when you discover some really awesome band that you automatically connect with immediately claim how much you love them? Yeah, that's me too. There's phases I go through when I really get into a new band or artist. It's usually listening to them non-stop, trying to learn everything and anything possible of the band, and seeing if they're worth seeing live. It's a couple weeks later or months that I step back and come across another band or retreat to my usual playlist I listen to. However, I always do become surprised when I realize three years forward and I'm still listening to them with the same amount of admiration I had for them the first time I came across them. It's that feeling that always gets to me. I'm always intrigued at how much music has shaped my life and how it's always been in my life.
Have you ever had such an urge to write that once you put that pen to paper your thoughts immediately become jumbled? Or for my case once I set my fingers on the keys, my thoughts scan through my head so quick and it's difficult to try and type it out in a way that's understandable.
I usually write here because it's much quicker to get my thoughts down than when I write in my notebook but it's always fun commemorating memories the old fashion way.
Have you ever had such an urge to write that once you put that pen to paper your thoughts immediately become jumbled? Or for my case once I set my fingers on the keys, my thoughts scan through my head so quick and it's difficult to try and type it out in a way that's understandable.
I usually write here because it's much quicker to get my thoughts down than when I write in my notebook but it's always fun commemorating memories the old fashion way.
Incubus at Jimmy Kimmel Live
This past Wednesday I was fortunate enough to get tickets to see Incubus play live for Jimmy Kimmel's late night show. I invited my two good friends Danielle and Michael. The latter is a die hard Incubus fan and we always said that we would see Incubus together since our early high school years.
Knowing it would be for Jimmy Kimmel I knew it would be a short gig, I was thinking maybe 2 to 3 songs but I was hoping they would play an hour long set like they did for David Letterman. Anyways I didn't want to think about that for too long and rather I just enjoyed the thought of finally having the opportunity to see Incubus live and in the flesh.
By the time we arrived the line wasn't too bad. I had no idea there would be two lines-- general and VIP. Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough in getting my tickets to get VIP but I was content that I got any in the first place. As we got in line we could hear Incubus during soundcheck practicing Adolescents and Promises, Promises. I must confess that I wasn't a big fan of their new album when I first heard it but it has definitely grown on me and I'm lovin' majority of tracks. Hearing Promises, Promises was absolutely beautiful; Brandon's voice does wonders to ballads.
By the time we got let in to the Jimmy Kimmel stage my friends and I were way in the back. I knew this would happen considering VIP ticker holders got let in first but I tried to stay positive. I had never been to a Kimmel performance so it was definitely an experience. Eventually a security guard instructed some instructions on how they would be recording us walking to the barrier so there was to be no pushing and if he saw anyone push, they would immediately be kicked out. I was relieved knowing there was still room to head forward and that my friends and I wouldn't be stuck in the back the whole night. I had done this before at concerts so I knew we had a chance of being closer. Once the crowd starting shuffling forward I slipped through spaces and was about 3 feet away from the barrier. Success and happiness washed over my friends and I. Thankfully my friends quickly followed suit or we would have been separated. My mother was there with us so she knew to quickly follow along and not get stuck behind other people.
While waiting we were able to watch the actual recording of the Jimmy Kimmel show on plasmas that were surrounding the stage. I don't always watch Jimmey Kimmel, usually only for band performances but I did enjoy this episode. :)
Finally someone instructed us on how the recording would be. The crowd would first have to cheer and clap for thirty seconds which would be used between commercial breaks before Incubus would hit the stage. Once instructed, the crowd went wild and cheered and chanted Incubus. It was awesome! Then finally came the moment where Jimmy would be introducing Incubus and the band would play Promises, Promises first and then Adolescents but the latter would be aired first. It was a bit confusing but the point is that we were soon going to experience Incubus live. Holy crap. Excitement!
DJ Killmore walked on stage and crowd went nuts. DJ was followed by Mike, Ben, and lastly Brandon. Oh my god, there they were in the flesh. Wow. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing them after so many years! Promises, Promises was beautiful to see. I only knew a bit of the lyrics to this number so I couldn't sing along (not many people did--bummer!) but sometimes it's nice just focusing on the band. Adolescents was next and people including me seemed to know this song better and quite a few people around me started singing along with Brandon. One thing I noticed was that live I could definitely hear Ben's backup vocals than on their CD it isn't as obvious. I loved hearing Ben and Brandon's harmonies-- such an amazing duo.
It was after those two songs that the real excitement began. I listened intently and the band started up their intro for Megalomaniac and I seriously lost it. I swear I was the only one who knew what was coming up. I looked over at my friend Michael and started jumping up and down squeezing his wrist and smiling of utter joy. My friend only laughed and responded with a huge grin and quite honestly I don't think he even knew what was happening but then Mike's guitar kicked in and the crowd went WILD. As the energy built up, Jose pounded his drum kit and kicked off the crowd into singing along and head bopping. Everyone was singing this track and I must say we sounded amazing. The chorus of this song felt so liberating to sing:
Hey megalomaniac
You're not Jesus
Yeah, you're no fucking Elvis
Special, as you know yourself, maniac
Step down
Step down
It took me a while to realize what song was next until I realized it was Consequence once Brandon sang the first line. I heard this girl behind me ask what song they were playing but I was too engrossed with watching the band to answer her. I absolutely love watching Brandon perform because he does odd movements throughout songs, lol. His vocals were spot on though, absolutely perfect! I don't listen to the Make Yourself album much (it's too much rock for me) so I didn't know all the lyrics to this track but it was still great hearing this rare little number live.
Unfortunately, it was after that track that Brandon told the crowd that they had one more for us. Some booed, some cheered, I was somewhere in between. I was disappointed the set was so short but was so thankful they performed five great songs for free.
I forgot to mention that early on that day when my friend Michael came over to my house he was telling me how Pardon Me came on the radio right before he left and he knew it was a sign-- a good one. It was then that the band started into Pardon Me and everyone sang along again. My friend turned to look at me and have me a smile, a knowing smile and we both knew what we were thinking about-- it definitely was a sign. I sang my heart out to this song knowing this would be the last song they would perform and the last time I would see them until hopefully next year.
The band said their goodbyes and left the stage as we all cheered them on. I was in ecstasy and still couldn't believe I finally saw them live in person. Holy crap. A huge appeared on my face as I looked to see my friends and mother. I was basking in happiness and sweat. My mom was surprised I was sweating during such a short set and hell, even I was surprised since there wasn't a pit. I must say the crowd was very calm. There was hardly anyone jumping or fist pumping; definitely my first experience with such a calm crowd.
As we were heading back I also was lucky enough to run into their manager, Steve Rennie who I took a picture with. I swear, he is thee best manager a band could have and such a cool dude. I thanked him for all he does for the fans and how he gets us involved with the band.
Two days later I'm still in utter bliss that I finally got to see Incubus live, the band that has inspired my writing, my persona, and my view in life. I'm hoping they come back next year and tour in North America so I can fully experience their concerts live.
The Setlist
1. Promises, Promises
2. Adolescents
3. Megalomaniac
4. Consequence
5. Pardon Me
Knowing it would be for Jimmy Kimmel I knew it would be a short gig, I was thinking maybe 2 to 3 songs but I was hoping they would play an hour long set like they did for David Letterman. Anyways I didn't want to think about that for too long and rather I just enjoyed the thought of finally having the opportunity to see Incubus live and in the flesh.
By the time we arrived the line wasn't too bad. I had no idea there would be two lines-- general and VIP. Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough in getting my tickets to get VIP but I was content that I got any in the first place. As we got in line we could hear Incubus during soundcheck practicing Adolescents and Promises, Promises. I must confess that I wasn't a big fan of their new album when I first heard it but it has definitely grown on me and I'm lovin' majority of tracks. Hearing Promises, Promises was absolutely beautiful; Brandon's voice does wonders to ballads.
By the time we got let in to the Jimmy Kimmel stage my friends and I were way in the back. I knew this would happen considering VIP ticker holders got let in first but I tried to stay positive. I had never been to a Kimmel performance so it was definitely an experience. Eventually a security guard instructed some instructions on how they would be recording us walking to the barrier so there was to be no pushing and if he saw anyone push, they would immediately be kicked out. I was relieved knowing there was still room to head forward and that my friends and I wouldn't be stuck in the back the whole night. I had done this before at concerts so I knew we had a chance of being closer. Once the crowd starting shuffling forward I slipped through spaces and was about 3 feet away from the barrier. Success and happiness washed over my friends and I. Thankfully my friends quickly followed suit or we would have been separated. My mother was there with us so she knew to quickly follow along and not get stuck behind other people.
While waiting we were able to watch the actual recording of the Jimmy Kimmel show on plasmas that were surrounding the stage. I don't always watch Jimmey Kimmel, usually only for band performances but I did enjoy this episode. :)
Finally someone instructed us on how the recording would be. The crowd would first have to cheer and clap for thirty seconds which would be used between commercial breaks before Incubus would hit the stage. Once instructed, the crowd went wild and cheered and chanted Incubus. It was awesome! Then finally came the moment where Jimmy would be introducing Incubus and the band would play Promises, Promises first and then Adolescents but the latter would be aired first. It was a bit confusing but the point is that we were soon going to experience Incubus live. Holy crap. Excitement!
DJ Killmore walked on stage and crowd went nuts. DJ was followed by Mike, Ben, and lastly Brandon. Oh my god, there they were in the flesh. Wow. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing them after so many years! Promises, Promises was beautiful to see. I only knew a bit of the lyrics to this number so I couldn't sing along (not many people did--bummer!) but sometimes it's nice just focusing on the band. Adolescents was next and people including me seemed to know this song better and quite a few people around me started singing along with Brandon. One thing I noticed was that live I could definitely hear Ben's backup vocals than on their CD it isn't as obvious. I loved hearing Ben and Brandon's harmonies-- such an amazing duo.
It was after those two songs that the real excitement began. I listened intently and the band started up their intro for Megalomaniac and I seriously lost it. I swear I was the only one who knew what was coming up. I looked over at my friend Michael and started jumping up and down squeezing his wrist and smiling of utter joy. My friend only laughed and responded with a huge grin and quite honestly I don't think he even knew what was happening but then Mike's guitar kicked in and the crowd went WILD. As the energy built up, Jose pounded his drum kit and kicked off the crowd into singing along and head bopping. Everyone was singing this track and I must say we sounded amazing. The chorus of this song felt so liberating to sing:
Hey megalomaniac
You're not Jesus
Yeah, you're no fucking Elvis
Special, as you know yourself, maniac
Step down
Step down
It took me a while to realize what song was next until I realized it was Consequence once Brandon sang the first line. I heard this girl behind me ask what song they were playing but I was too engrossed with watching the band to answer her. I absolutely love watching Brandon perform because he does odd movements throughout songs, lol. His vocals were spot on though, absolutely perfect! I don't listen to the Make Yourself album much (it's too much rock for me) so I didn't know all the lyrics to this track but it was still great hearing this rare little number live.
Unfortunately, it was after that track that Brandon told the crowd that they had one more for us. Some booed, some cheered, I was somewhere in between. I was disappointed the set was so short but was so thankful they performed five great songs for free.
I forgot to mention that early on that day when my friend Michael came over to my house he was telling me how Pardon Me came on the radio right before he left and he knew it was a sign-- a good one. It was then that the band started into Pardon Me and everyone sang along again. My friend turned to look at me and have me a smile, a knowing smile and we both knew what we were thinking about-- it definitely was a sign. I sang my heart out to this song knowing this would be the last song they would perform and the last time I would see them until hopefully next year.
The band said their goodbyes and left the stage as we all cheered them on. I was in ecstasy and still couldn't believe I finally saw them live in person. Holy crap. A huge appeared on my face as I looked to see my friends and mother. I was basking in happiness and sweat. My mom was surprised I was sweating during such a short set and hell, even I was surprised since there wasn't a pit. I must say the crowd was very calm. There was hardly anyone jumping or fist pumping; definitely my first experience with such a calm crowd.
As we were heading back I also was lucky enough to run into their manager, Steve Rennie who I took a picture with. I swear, he is thee best manager a band could have and such a cool dude. I thanked him for all he does for the fans and how he gets us involved with the band.
Two days later I'm still in utter bliss that I finally got to see Incubus live, the band that has inspired my writing, my persona, and my view in life. I'm hoping they come back next year and tour in North America so I can fully experience their concerts live.
The Setlist
1. Promises, Promises
2. Adolescents
3. Megalomaniac
4. Consequence
5. Pardon Me
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