New Pre-New Year's resolutions (because new year's resolutions are cliched)
1. Play guitar 30 min everyday. SERIOUSLY...just need to get the muscles used to it. 2. Workout in some way everyday...at least some pushups or something. 3. Stop wasting time doing unproductive things...
4. Focus on ME. Time to do what's best for Thong.
What have I been spending my time doing these past months....
Thong cringed as he listened to the MC introduce the next act. Hardly a lively host, he wondered if he could be any less excited about the event. Even his choice of words were lackluster, straying more towards the negative and blunt as opposed to the complimentary and inspiring words that should be used at such an occassion. 'It could be worse I suppose,' Thong thought to himself. 'Although I've seen more chemistry between complete strangers.'
It's not that Thong is overly critical or thought that he could do better (although that did cross his mind a few times), it was just that he had been waiting for the next act all week, and he wanted it to be flawless. As the MC stalled for the performance, Thong squirmed in his chair, trying to find the perfect position at which to enjoy the music. Eventually he settled in, and waited eagerly as the MC introduced the musical accompaniment.
Finally, the host came around to letting the audience know the diva's name. As she entered from stage left, Thong could feel his heart beat rising and his eyes widen. It was time, and Thong could not be any more excited. As she slowly and gracefully walked up to the microphone, the room slowly simmered down to a quiet murmur. At this point, Thong was on the edge of his seat, far from his previous position of comfort. Her dress was a mixture of light blues, short yet flowing around her slender legs. Not form-fitting, but not baggy, it flattered her shape yet at the same time kept her looking cute and innocent. Her gorgeous black heels helped to show off her legs even more, drawing envious stares from the women in the audience and open-mouthed gapes from the men. To top it all off was her impeccably adorable face and infectious smile. Thong's eyes glazed over at the transformation that had seemingly just haeppend before his eyes. This wasn't the scraggly girl he remembered.
As the guitarist started his acoustic guitar intro, the room got even more silent.
His talent was obvious as he plucked the strings with masterful execution. Finger picking and utilizing the full fret length and fingerboard, Dan created perhaps the most amazing rendition of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" intro the audience had ever heard. Sounding much more complicated yet entirely melodic, it wasn't long before Thong regretted not being better at guitar. He knew he'd be practicing guitar the next week after witnessing the talented performance. But that was not what Thong had come for...
Then it started. It was finally the cue to begin singing. And sing she did. From the moment she opened her mouth to the end of the song, the room was dead silent. Everything about her performance was mesmerizing. From the way she gently bobbed up and down to the way she looked at the audience. Her sultry voice was undeniably charming in an almost seductive way, yet she kept it playful enough to be sincerely heartfelt.
'This must be what angels sound like,' Thong thought to himself. He looked around and saw that everyone else probably was thinking the same thing. Why hadn't anyone noticed her singing and beauty before? How is it possible that someone so talented and likeable has been hiding amongst us for over a year? It didn't matter now...the secret was out. She was sure to have taken the interest of many a bachelor, and some not.
As the set ended, Thong slowly unclenched his fist, allowing the blood to rush back. He was once again in awe. He had heard her sing many times on youtube, and once live, but everytime it gave the same effect. Thong quickly got up as soon as she finished and rushed up the stairs as the audience gave a resounding applause...
So it looks like the fires are starting to quell down a bit. It feels like it happens every year yet I never get used to it...I can't imagine what itd be like.
Anyway, so we celebrated Michael and Minh finishing their fitness challenge earlier and I have to admit I am super impressed. Takes some serious dedication and motivation... I can barely stick to doing my perfect pushups and pullups when I'm at home. Good thing I'm on my feet at my job.
On the way home, after watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall at Vu's, a police officer pulled me over. All I could think was "FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK...not ANOTHER ticket my gawd I've already paid like $700 this month in tickets and fees.....SHIT I hope I wasnt swerving or anything I was drinking earlier...:("
So I slow down, pull over on Garden Grove blvd, and sweat as he walks up. First thing he asks is for my license and immediately following he asks if this was my car. Apparently he pulled me over because I didn't have my front license plate (which I left off for aesthetic reasons).
When I told him that it was in my trunk and it was purely for aesthetics, he just looked at me funny. 'uhh, just for the look i guess'. Then he understood.
After handing him my papers, and fumbling around looking for my insurance, he came back and asked me if I had been drinking.
"FUCK FUCK FUCK" ran through my mind again, since I had been drinking and was probably just very slightly buzzed.
My hands were sweating when I admitted that I was heading home after watching a movie at my friends and had a Guiness.
He looked at me, then asked, 'so you say you're heading home now?' 'Ya' I replied nervously. 'Alright, get that fixed or else you'll keep getting pulled over.'
I sighed the biggest sigh of relief in a long time. Immediately I pulled over, got gas, and reattached my license plate. Fuck aesthetics I'm so over getting tickets.
SO that was my adrenaline pumping encounter for the night. In other news, I'm going to watch Twilight with Cat on Thurs midnight. As I was researching the movie (since I didnt know much about it) I came across a forum thread on the rottentomatoes.com website.
FUNNIEST thread EVER. So full of WIN it's ridiculous. over 170 pages of posts and replies. All HILARIOUS. After reading through 2 dozen random pages or so I have decided that watching and reading Twilight will only amuse me to no end. I have a feeling it will be like watching Eragon, a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed for all the wrong reasons.
Basically, the premise of the entire 4 book series is based on a 'vampire' named Edward who is in love with a human named Bella. Edward's super strong, lightning fast, and ghostly pale. In order to survive, he needs not human blood, but any type of blood, such as that from animals. However, apparently human blood tastes better.
Anyway, the most awesome thing about Edward and his kind is what happens to them when they go into the sunlight. No, they don't melt or feel pain. Instead, they sparkle. Yes. SPARKLE. They become amazingly beautiful like Roman gods and sparkle. How can u not laugh?
I know I'm being a total judgmental douche, but I have a feeling Twilight will be so bad I will love it. In an attempt to lessen my level of douche-ness, I will read the first book of Twilight b4 seeing the film, but moreso to reaffirm my opinion hehe. Oh I hate myself sometimes :)
So this year I made my own costume once again. It took me about 2 days to get it done and probably about $30 in material. I wore it to the Halloween party at Vu's place and again to a party my brother threw in our backyard. That foam material somehow makes me sweat like mad...thank goodness my armit wasn't covered!
These pics are from after the Halloween party in my backyard. I am dressed as the character Shinobi from the Sega PS2 game.
Crouching Ninja... Hidden Kick! Busted out the kitchen knife
Acrobatic Moves are a must for Ninja These action shots took a ton of tries but was worth it! I couldn't tell which was fake... One of my favorite pics of all time...My family in costume! Shionbi costume, maybe raggedy Ann? (Mom), Jack-o-Lantern (brother), Geisha? (sister)
So on a relaxing Sunday evening, I took the time to finally watch the movie Hook. I somewhat remember when this movie released in 1991...I was only 7 years old at the time. Unfortunately I never saw it. I guess my parents (who dictated what movies we would get to watch) never found pirates and lost boys all that interesting. Luckily, my friend recently told me that it's one of her favorite movies, and so I popped in the DVD...
Let me go ahead and get it out of the way and say that Hook is neither one of the best movies I have ever seen nor is it at all a bad experience. It falls somewhere in between as a delightful film for those with imagination, and somewhat of a letdown for those without.
Hook is based on the hypothetical question...what if Peter Pan grew up? Robin Williams plays adult Peter Banning, a workaholic father of two who's forgotten all about his past in Neverland. Dustin Hoffman screws on the hook in what I consider the film's most crucial role as, you guessed it, Capt. James Hook. The story is pretty simple yet managed to get me quite involved as adult Peter struggles to regain his Peter Pan abilities. It definitely will not make you think critically or have you wondering what will come next, but that's not what director Steven Spielberg was going for.
Hook is about one thing: imagination. Spielberg dares you to remember your youth, when everything was a grand adventure and being grown-up was taboo. It worked for me. The film oozes the usual Spielberg influence, with lots of vivid scenes and memorable characters. It reminded me a lot of his earlier work, The Goonies or even Ron Howard's Willow. Although neither of these movies cover the same subject, they all have that common string of being cheesy yet imaginative. Unfortunately Hook doesn't quite do as well as either of those in terms of leaving a lasting impression or giving you that satisfied feeling.
Why is that? Where The Goonies felt incredibly smooth and well-paced, Hook felt somewhat choppy and out-of-place. Some scenes felt like they were forced or that they really didn't add to the movie, just made it longer. For example, Tinkerbell, played by a very cute Julia Roberts, is in love with Peter Pan, but the scene where she makes a wish to become human-sized just to kiss him, just felt awkward. At least it did serve a place in the script, but I think the writers could've put less focus on Tinkerbell <3 Peter Pan and more time just having fun.
Which is where I fell in love with the movie. Hook is a TON of FUN. It's obvious that a great deal of effort and care went into making the film, and it really paid off. The sets are GEORGOUS. I would love to just run around and get lost in the pirate harbor or in the Lost Boys' hangout. The costumes are colorful, superb, and original. This was by far my favorite part of the movie because it created one of the best atmospheres I have ever seen. Every once in awhile I would catch myself sitting there just mesmerized and realize that I probably looked very silly. But thats ok because I was lost in the world of Hook.
How did I feel after watching Hook? Good. Very good :) After having somewhat a lot of bad news in my life, Hook really helped me have a genuinely good time and reminded me that there is more to life than fancy clothes and fancy ca-ars (thanks Rihanna). I really do wish I saw it as a child...I can imagine it blowing me away. However, it doesnt mean that you still can't enjoy it at 24 or older. If anything, you might enjoy it more as you get older...
Popobumm gives Hook an 86% because watching children have fun will always make me smile.
Oct. 19th, 2008 @ 09:10 pm
This past week I've been training at R+D Kitchen in Santa Monica. For five days I've shown up at the small restaurant, and yes for more of those days I commuted from home in Westminster. It usually took aobut 1-1.5 hrs. The ride home sometimes hits 2. The servers there are all super detailed with the service and its very impressive to be honest. When I went to eat with my family at King's Fish House today, which is not a bad restaurant at all, I noticed little things here and there that would not fly at R+D.
In addition to work, I also was able to attend to audition routine sessions for UCI's CADC. I'm not as good as I'd hoped. It was a decent workout though and good practice.
I've had to memorize so much crap this week im tired. But I still have a TON more to memorize and learn at R+D. The tips better be worth it...although I do admit I'm really looking forward to learning about wine.
Economy still stinks, but at least for the most part people seem to agree that another 'Great Depression' has been avoided. I just really want to start on a real career...still haven't decided if I want to stick with my original path or branch off into something totally different like teaching.
I found out some more stuff about what Mike's been up to. He couldn't just leave it at being a douche, but he went ahead and tried to spread false rumors about Vinh and God knows who else to make himself look better. I was disappointed in him before, but now he's makin' it personal.
Even my sister has been mischievous with her boyfriend. Chu Vinh caught her kissing him and lying to us about volleyball practice. I know people like to defend her, but with the situation my family's going through it's unacceptable for her to even dare to be that selfish.
So much bad...the good has to come eventually I hope.
Emotionally, I'm feeling incredibly conflicted recently. Almost like fate is really teasing and testing me. One part of me wants to follow my feelings and instincts... the other knows that we have a brain for a reason. It feels like torture sometimes, but I will not give in. I know who I am and who I want to be, and I will not falter.
Ook now my brother is pissing me off with his dog. Fuckin he wanted it he should have been more responsible and considered what it would take to care for one. There's a reason why we've had 3 dogs in the past and they're all gone.
I know I sound bitter...this is rare. If I keep a good attitude I'm sure fate will reward me... Keepin my eyes on the horizon...
Oct. 18th, 2008 @ 12:11 am
It's been one whole year since I last updated this journal. Let's take a comparison shall we?
Last year at this time...
- I was employed at Enterprise, working my 50-55 hours weeks hoping that I could get a promotion to Asst. Mgr by washing cars, selling upgrades to customers, and working hard.
- Just bought my brand new '08 Altima Coupe
- Just finished another UVSA camp as TCL Director
- Mainly hung out with Vinh on weekends and Trang whenever I had some time and energy to visit her
During the year, I have accomplished the following:
- Quit Enterprise to pursue a Financial Advisor career with Independent Capital Management after a week of my superiors lecturing me everyday for at least an hour trying to get me to stay.
- Quit my job with ICM after 4 months because I couldn't handle the sales culture. Not aggressive enough to make people do something if they were not sure.
- AIG gets bailed out with $80+ billion. They were ICM's broker-dealer. Good thing I quit because no way were people going to give me control of their assets if I was associated with AIG.
- First year as VAHSA and UVSA camp co-chair with Vinh and Mat. Vu basically still did everything as an 'advisor', but we tried to help him out and learn.
- Decide to learn how to surf since there prob wouldn't be many chances where I would have so much time on my hands. Bought first board on craigslist and threw up after first lesson.
- Met a ton of people through UVSA camps and events since I was unemployed and had time on my hands.
- First announce Project uNight at UVSA camp.
- After 4 months of dying financially took up a job as a waiter at R+D Kitchen in Santa Monica with Trang. Still in crazy debt from school.
- Met An Le at Vahsa Camp. She was a family head. I'm sure she will somehow change my life. So far its been for the better...thanks Agent VV
- Vinh's family buys a house in GG.
- Economy sucks huge Bull balls. but today, the stocks made the biggest one-day jump ever with S&P 500 going up over 900 pts.
- Still not sure what to do with my life. Be a teacher? Stay in Business? Get an MBA?
So soo much has happened in a span of a year it boggles the mind. I never would have guessed that I'd end up broke and unemployed at 24 and be so involved with UVSA. An was the one who reminded me to post on this blog since it's been so long. I'll try to keep it more regularly updated since this is a pretty significant year in history with this financial crisis and the election.
Til next time, may i ride the waves to better times..
Oct. 13th, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
Ran my first 5k today. Prob finished around 27min, which isn't great but it's decent for someone who is addicted to the McDonald's Monopoly game and never does any exercise.
I jogged for a whole 2.5 miles with Esther until I had to walk the last .5 miles. I felt really bad for giving up knowing that Sam was running the 13 mile half-marathon...
I can't even begin to describe how proud I am of her. A year ago something like this would have seemed impossible for her. But now she's more ambitious than most people I know and motivates me to continue to improve myself.
Let's hope I stop slacking off after work and start being more productive! Here's to Sam...beautiful, smart, talented, and inspirational...you'll go far in MVUSA, I know you have what it takes :)
Oct. 14th, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
Wow. Never knew 3 classes could be so difficult. maybe difficult is not the word...time consuming...and difficult. And only one job this qtr, yet losing those 12 hrs a week is more troublesome than imagined because they pretty much mean i cant goto office hours or computer lab. Regardless I've been sleeping at like 3am or later every night...and I've only been really trying to keep up with one class (PIC 10B). Partially its cause Im rusty in my C++ so its not as bad as it sounds...
It's gonna be difficult to get those A's...
Jan. 19th, 2007 @ 12:22 am
SO here's my work-in-progress Resolutions list. I'll probably add more as they come to me...
1. Finish my last two qtrs at UCLA strong academically. 2. Keep healthier by eating better. 3. Do at least pushups and situps/crunches everyday. 4. KIT with Cindy and Vinh (my 2 best friends from home) more. 5. Continue boxing training. 6. Get better at guitar. 7. Make my bed every morning. 8. Goto class everyday. 9. Dress better (I need help here ladies..!). 10. Write a list of lifetime goals that I read everyday. 11. Make sure Sam doesn't leave AKPsi forever. :( 12. Be more aggressive with girls (I keep making friends and no girlfriends). 13. Take advantage of the opportunity I have to get to know so many people. 14. Appreciate my life.
I know they're not the biggest or most impressive things, but hopefully I'll come up with more/better ones when I'm not updating at 5am.
If anyone catches me deviating from any of these goals, you have permission to slap, chastise, belittle, and critique me, thanks!
Jan. 3rd, 2007 @ 05:12 am
Time flies. Fall qtr is almost over and once again I've had a qtr to remember. I still miss my buds, Vinh, Cindy, and yes Trang even though I still see you like every week =P
I've got senioritis like the US has got enemies...overwhelming i know.
Other than that I'm once again surprised at how much I've learned, how my perceptions have changed and how I have rediscovered my passion to get to know people. Some folks have really surprised me this qtr and I'm incredibly thankful to have met them.
In other news I picked up guitar again...i loving it all over again :) Its that one thing that you can do when you're stressed or you feeled overwhelmed. I can just pick up my guitar and start playing, try to learn new songs and just relax. Currently in the process of learning "Simple, Starving to be Safe" by Daphne Loves Derby 'cause Sam recommended it and it's actually perfect for me to learn since its not very difficult, sounds nice, and hopefully eventually it'll be the first song I can sing to and play at the same time! Thanks Sam!
Oh and CINDY! I expect a big fat post about your thanksgiving break! I bet a lot happened, and I'm curious as a cat ;)
Nov. 27th, 2006 @ 01:36 am
in other news...been a pretty fun qtr. 2 weeks ago was Vegas with Cindy for memorial day weekend. Last weekend was D&I for AKPsi. Rage and was pretty fun too. Gonna miss all this stuff when i leave =(
Jun. 9th, 2006 @ 02:09 pm
So I get bored writing essays and procrastinate like the rest of you...so don't be judging me! =P Back by popular request (ok, just one person)...MORE internet videos!
So the disclaimer says that its in no way real, just concept design from some guy not even affiliated with Apple. But then the guy who posted, who has normally reputable, says his source confirmed it as being real, and another poster linked a page saying that Apple is about to release a new phone.
I really wanted one...
But then anthony said he's seen it b4 and it isn't real...followed by another poster who pointed out some glaring deficiencies in the design...the saga can be seen here http://techreport.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=40615
Most of the acts were good, like Sickstep and Fareast Movement, with a good host, Dat Phan, but what really made the night were the two 'guest' performers, All-4-One and Wheesung.
So the concert was supposed to be about the 10 finalists for this Asian American Pop Star contest (www.enterxp.com), but those two performances stole the show. First was All-4-One, who were singing live (no lip-syncing all night) such classics as 'I Swear'. The nostalgia alone was worth the price of admission...they were goood. Then the last act was Wheesung, an apparently popular Korean artist. I didn't know what he was saying, but he was damn good at whatever he did. Very talented guy. The big surprise and finale however was when All-4-One and WheeSung surprised everyone by performing together! It was awesomeness to the max. 5 very talented men singing together...it was bliss. But yes yes...here's some pics :)
WheeSung
WheeSung again
All-4-One & WheeSung!
The sensuous seven: Johnny's 2 cousins, his friend, Trang, Johnny, Cindy, and me (I shoulda wore jeans...)
For you, kissing is about all about following your urges If someone's hot, you'll go in for the kiss - end of story You can keep any relationship hot with your steamy kisses A total spark plug - your kisses are bound to get you in trouble
"Castronova estimates that Norrath's per capita GNP is higher than India's or China's." - referring to the avg in-game earnings of the popular online game EVERQUEST (2003).
How insane is that? It has only grown since then! Back then, Lineage was the most popular game with 4million people...I think WoW has about that much nowadays!
I'm really enjoying this Com Std class on Videogames. I'm learning a LOT of interesting stuff...kinda reinvigorating my love for the industry and my eventual participation therein...
May. 4th, 2006 @ 01:56 am
but its been awhile since I've gone on a date or anything that would resemble a date at all since Dieu. I'm nt necessarily feeling lonely, but I am feeling...old? I could graduate in Fall...or I might stay until the end of next year...depending on the situation come Fall qtr.
I don't really know what to update this journal with right now...I just came back from hanging out with my PBs Joann and Margaret and alumni Tony. Apparently I give off a 'gay' vibe...who knew? I mean, I know I don't give off the most manly vibes, but...o well, I guess that's me.
Amazingly, the pledges actually tied with us today in our football game. I was actually quite disappointed and kind of mad/upset. But I was proud of myself because I still had energy to go longer and wasn't feeling too tired at all even though I played almost the entire game! I guess the Capoeira and Jiujitsu classes I've been taking are paying off (even though its only been a week).
Capoeira is lots of fun and I am pleasantly surprised. Those of you who don't know what it is, google it, video.google it, search muay thai vs capoeira for a cool fight.
O and Popobumm has nothing to do with police or asses. ESPECIALLY NOT about regulating ass. If ya want to know what it means, just ask ;) It's quite simple really..
Anyway...leave a msg...I'm kinda interested to see who actually reads this thing =P
Apr. 30th, 2006 @ 01:32 am
All this sitting by myself studying makes me really miss partying...
Can't wait 'til I'm done and can do whatever I want! Yaaa!
In other news..I think i got fatter. Or so my dad thought I looked fatter. But I did just get a haircut, and you know how short hair makes you look fat...I hope...
The next 2 days are gonna be fun =/
Mar. 22nd, 2006 @ 08:59 pm
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