Sunday

Esther and I weren't sure what to do but we ended up going to Knotts Berry Farm.   It was only $21.50 after 4 p.m.   We both haven't gone inside the park in a long time so we checked it out.   There's not much to say though since we only were able to get on two rides (calico mine ride and kingdom of the dinosaurs), but we were able to check out the Snoopy on Ice thing.    It wasn't too bad.   Afterwards, we ate at the chicken place (that's always a must) and got in right before it closed.   Once dinner was over, we went to watch a firework spectacular that went off in the back end of the park.   After it was over, we left and called it a night. 

Monday

Esther wanted to go to a casino, so we ended up going to Pechanga.   On the way there, we stopped at the Lake Elsinore shopping outlet.  I didn't know it existed.   It wasn't too bad.   From there, it was on to Pechanga. Man, was it packed!   Most of the machines were taken, and the only ones that were available were either:

• really crappy
• really expensive
• broken

Anyways, we walked around for a bit and then ate at the buffet.   After dinner, we played a few slots.   Right before we left, Esther won $85.   That may not sound like a lot but she won it on this 25 cent keno machine.   The funniest thing was that she selected the quick pick.   

We left around 7:30, and made it back around nine.   Once we got back, we picked up my Monopoly and went to Jen's place.   When we got there, Wayne and Dave were already there.   Shane came by later, and we started our Monopoly game.    Towards the middle of the game, Wayne, Dave, and Shane teamed up against Jen, Esther and I.   Ultimately, we lost (thanks to one Boardwalk land with a hotel, and that stupid card that makes you pay x amount for houses and x amount for hotels).   It was cool though.

Tuesday

I had an interview with AEB for it's PR executive position.   The manager of that department is really laid back and was easy to talk to.     He asked if I could stick around for a while, and talk to another manager of a different (and totally unrelated) department.   I said sure, and he too was very laid back and gregarious.    So right now, I'm feeling decent about getting the position when I'm informed that the CEO wants to speak with me for a bit.   Initially, I didn't know what to think but once he started drilling out all these questions, I sort of tensed up.   I guess the whole thought of him being the CEO kind of intimidated me.   It was my fault for not being prepared for this situation but never in my years of being interviewed have I ran the gauntlet with three different people in the same day.    I've been interviewed by three people at the same time but not separately, and I've never been asked to see the CEO.   

Anyway, after that was over, Esther and I ate at the Howard Hughes promenade.   We walked around for a bit and went home to watch television.   Around seven, we went to Lucille's for dinner.    I took Esther home around 11, and now here I am. 

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It looks like there was yet another Thunder Mountain accident at Disneyland.   Two accidents in the span of 10 months?  I'm never going on that ride again.   Here's the story:

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Disneyland shut down its Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride on Thursday evening after two trains bumped into each other, a spokesman for the theme park said.

NBC affiliate Channel 4 reported that an 11-year-old boy was treated at the scene for a neck injury. A 35-year-old man also may have received a neck injury, a spokeswoman for the Anaheim Fire Department said.

Disneyland spokesman Bob Tucker said only that the ride had been closed and state safety regulators notified. 

"At approximately 5:05 this afternoon, two trains made contact with each other at Big Thunder Mountain," Tucker said in a statement. 

"In an abundance of caution, the attraction is now closed. ... We are investigating the situation and will report back once we have more facts." 

The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride was the site of a fatal accident in September when one car crashed into another that had derailed, killing a 22-year-old passenger. 

California state inspectors allowed the ride to reopen in March after requiring safety improvements. 

Anaheim, California-based Disneyland is the oldest of the flagship resorts owned by the Walt Disney Co .

Happy Fourth of July everyone.  

Yesterday, Esther and I went to Universal Studios.  I picked her up around 12, and we ate at a nearby Panda Express.    We got into the park around 1:30, and caught a showing of Waterworld since it was seating.    After that, we went straight to the "Revenge of the Mummy" ride, since that was that whole point of going in the first place.

One cool and unique line feature that this ride implemented was that you now have an option of either riding alone or with your party.  If you choose to ride alone, and get thrown into the first available seat, it cuts down a lot of time.   I'd say it would save you almost 40 minutes.   As you can tell, we opted to choose the shorter line.   Otherwise, it would've been a hour wait.    Anyways, the ride was pretty good but it was way short.  

After that, we went to most of the main attractions.   The only ones we skipped was Jurassic Park (because the line was crazy) and the animal kingdom show.    We left around 8:30, and made it back to Torrance around nine or so.   Since we hadn't eaten since dinner, and were kind of in a hurry to get back, we stopped at Curry House for cheap curry again.   While we were waiting, I got a call from Wayne stating that everyone (himself, Dave, Jen and Shane) are going to Vegas on the fly.   

After thinking about it, we decided not to go.   I had various reasons but my biggest concern was how long they planned on staying.   See, I have an interview on Tuesday, and I wasn't sure if they planned on coming back Sunday or Monday.   If they did come back on Monday, I wondered what time.    Perhaps it was me just being paranoid, but it was enough to make me uncertain if I should go or not.   That in itself would've ruined my time there, and that's why I'm here now instead of on my way to Vegas.  

Yesterday was pretty chill.   Esther and I went to Curry House for some $3.95 katsu curry.   The line was pretty long and we ended up waiting about 20 something minutes.   Mike showed up a little after we were seated, but we ordered in advance for him.   As we were leaving, we ran into Jobert.   I guess he was there for the curry as well.   Esther and I met up with Jen and Wayne at Munchicup around nine, and proceeded to play our usual Friday night round of spades.  Heidi showed up later on with Shin, but he left shortly after in an abrupt manner.   Heidi left around midnight, and the rest of us just chatted for a bit before going home.  

Fourth of July weekend is finally upon us.  So what does everyone have planned this three day weekend?   

Esther and I are thinking about going to Universal Studios on Saturday to check out "the Revenge of the Mummy" ride.   It looks interesting and if it incorporates a lot of the Mummy movies' elements, it should turn out to be pretty sweet.   

Originally, Esther wanted to go to San Francisco but unfortunately, that didn't go through.   We'll go one day though.  Then we thought about San Diego, but the room prices are crazy.   

Anyways, on Sunday, we plan to go to Disneyland.     Anyone else who wants to go is more than welcome to join us.   

Esther suggested we might go check out a local casino on Monday but I'm not sure yet.    The closest place I can think of is Pechanga, and it's not even that close.   We'll see how it goes. 

On a totally random note, I was driving today and I heard 4 P.M's rendition of "Sukiyaki".   Anyone remember this song?   I remember when it came out in 1994, I had no idea who sang it or what the name was called.   All I knew was that this was a good song.   When I finally found the single, I played it over and over (not nearly as much as "Tha Crossroads" but a lot).   Nostalgia I tell you.   This song brings back a lot of memories.  Some good, some bad, and some indifferent.

Yesterday was a good and bad day at the same time.    I woke up, and went to look for the place I have an interview at.    According to Yahoo, I was supposed to go south on this one street, and ended up on my way back home.    It turns out that I was supposed to go north.  I'll get into that later.

I met up with the guys around 3:30 at Grant park.   This was my first time balling in a month.    During a five on five game, some serious ish went down.   Rather than explain everything (especially since I wasn't directly involved), I'll let you read it on Chris' Xanga.    I left around 7:30, and ate some fried rice my dad made.

Since I didn't find the job site in the afternoon, I decided to go check it out again, and try going north on the street rather than south.    On the way there, I called Esther and wanted to see if she wanted to go with me.   I picked her up and we decided to eat at the Westwood BJ's first.    She ordered clam chowder, and I ordered pizooki.

As we were walking back to the car, we stopped at a Blockbuster.  They had this two for $20 sale, and this included any dvd on the table.   Esther bought me "the Last Samurai" and "Stuck on You".  Sweet huh?   Anyways, we drove around and found the job site.   It turns out I did go the wrong way in afternoon.  Darn Yahoo and it's map service.  I'm just kidding.   Aside from yesterday, Yahoo has been a good guide and I will continue to use it.

So as I said earlier, yesterday was a good and bad day.  It was good because I got to ball with the homies, and I got to see Esther for our 14 month.   It was bad because Chris and Joe got into a fight.

Friday

Esther and I met up at Shane's for a barbeque.    Shane (duh), Dennis, Dave, Wayne, Jen and some people (who's names escape me at the moment) were there.   We played a little holdem, and paigow.   Esther and I left around 12 and played some Gran Turismo 3.   

Saturday

It all started with Esther and I going to the Galleria.   I went to EB to sell some dvd's I don't watch anymore and a few video games.   I received close to nothing for what I paid but it was either that or let the items sit and collect dust.   Afterward, we went to Pick up Stix for dinner.    Once we were done, we met up with Jen and Heidi at Munichicup, and played a few hands of UNO.  Wayne came by later on.    Around 10, we all met up at Shane's.    I brought over my Monopoly and my poker chips.   We played Monopoly for two and a half hours, and then switched to poker. 

Sunday

Happy Father's Day!  So what did everyone do for Father's Day?    As for me, I went with my family (parents, aunt, uncle, grandparents, brother and cousins) to this korean barebeque place in Gardena.   It was pretty good.    I still like that other place by Mitsuwa better.  

Sunday

I went to my aunt's place to join in the celebration of my cousin's graduation from high school.   It was a nice family gathering, that normally happens twice a year (New Years and Thanksgiving).    One of my cousins brought his five month old son.   This is an old adage but time truly does fly.   It's crazy to think that yet another generation of our family has begun.   

After dinner, I was able to partake in my first family poker game.   In the past, I was always too young to play and had to be a spectator.   Although this game wasn't nearly up to par with the past, it felt good to be a part of it.   Of course I got cleaned out, but it's okay because it's familiy. 

Going back to the subject of time flying, three of my cousins are getting married soon.   Can you believe that?  Three of them.   Two are a couple years older than I, and one is about 30 something.    I envision a few weddings coming up soon.  

The last wedding I attended was probably a little after high school.   One of my teachers, who was cool with a lot of his students, invited some of us to go.    I  have this vivid memory burned in my mind.   I really don't know how it happened but I ended up dancing with one of my friend's mom.   Maybe it was because I was young, or maybe it was because it was my friend's mom, but I felt mad weird doing it.  

Monday

Monday went from mundane to spontaneous.  I received an e-mail from Mary, telling me that her and Salee would be in the area.   However, I didnt' realize she meant today.   She gave me a number to contact them.  I called and left a message.   I got a call back a few hours later and met up with them.    We hung out and talked.   It was funny because one of Salee's friends was debating whether or not to come visit.  The thing is that he lives in San Diego, and he had summer school the next morning at nine.   Ultimately, he didn't come.

Later on, I gave them a brief guided tour of Torrance.   Mary drove and I was the navigator.    I showed them Torrance's two malls, South Bay Galleria and Del Amo.    Too bad the malls were closed because I would've been able to show them the obvious contrasts between the two.   Although Del Amo looks like it's a better mall since it's bigger, we all know Galleria has the better content store wise.   After that,  we just chilled a little more and I went home.

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New NBA Champs

*sigh*   I think in a way, we all knew the Lakers were overmatched.    After that narrow victory in overtime, you could just tell the Lakers were being outplayed.   Personally, it just seemed that the Lakers lacked the vigor the Pistons seemed to have endless amounts of.     Check out what Kobe had to say before game five.    

Friday

It's only been two weeks since we last played Spades but it seems a lot longer.   It's back to Friday as usual.    Shane came by a bit later.

Saturday 

Esther and I met up at Wayne's, and played a couple old school video games.    We all headed over to that chinese cafe at the crossroads.    After dinner, we went to Shane's to play some poker, and I was finally able to break in my new chips.   I had to take Esther home at 12:30, and Jen, Wayne and Shane went to Hawaiian Gardens.     

As I drove home, I called Peter to see if they were still hanging out, and ended up meeting up with them at this one pizza place.   We chilled for a bit and then went home. 

Reason #1452546 Why It's Not Good to Get Drunk

As we were chilling at the pizza place, we saw this one guy grab this lady by her legs and hoisted her high in the air.   Then all of a sudden he puts her down, and realizes that's it not the right person.    Say no to getting drunk. 

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Kevin and Bean

Anyone listen to Kevin and Bean in the morning?  Anyone know about the Rock me Amadeus segment?   I don't really want to explain it but it's really funny for those who know what I'm talking about.    If you didn't know, yesterday was the last Rock Me Amadeus bit.   I already forgot it because I was half awake.   Even though I've only been listening to it for a few months, I really enjoyed hearing it every morning.    Some of them were really lame but some were pretty clever.  

So a bad situation turned out to be better than I thought.   A few nights ago, my Ionic Breeze machine wasn't working.   This brought mucho concern to me since I barely got it for Christmas in 2002. 

I called Sharper Image to see what I could do.   They informed to bring in the unit and they could replace (thank you five year warranty).     My pop and I walked in to the store with the breeze machine and took it to the front counter.  I told the sales person what I was told over the phone and he took the machine to the back.   He came out with a brand spanking new unit.   It was that simple.   He offered me a 10 year warranty for $45 and I decided to purchase it.   The great part is if my machine ever breaks down and my unit is discontinued, I'll get an upgraded model instead.    Plus 10 years is a long time and you never know when something might go wrong.   

If any of you plan to buy an Ionic Breeze machine, then I definitely would recommend you buy it at Sharper Image.

In other news, I received a phone call to possibly set up an interview.  I missed the initial call, and returned the call when I had the chance.   I didn't get through to the person that called but was able to briefly talk to one of the main guys.   He said that Irene (the lady that called) would call me back in a little to set up an interview.   After a hour passed, I decided to take the initiative and call her.   She picked up this time, and told me she would check to see when she would be available.    Normally, I get put on hold but she opted to call me back.   

Two and a half hours later, I called back since it was almost six and I assumed the company would be closing.   The guy that answered the first time picked up and informed me that Irene was gone for the day.  I was like WTF (well, in my head at least) and asked if she had set up an interview to meet with me.   He couldn't find any notes, and told me to call back the next day.    Yeah, it sucks.  

Last night was pretty fun.    Esther and I met up with Wayne, Jen, Shane, Charles and Dennis at this resturant in Orange.   It wasn't just any dinner though, it also had a magic act.   It was trippy because our server called the men "lords", and the women "wenchs".     The magic was pretty good.   A lot of acts I've seen in the past but, this was my first time seeing it live.    "Merlin" kept calling on our table for volunteers (as you will see in some of my pictures).    Shane was even crowned king.   The best part was when Merlin told Jen to serve Shane a drink.   It's only funny because of an inside joke.   

After dinner, we all headed over to the Block (more specifically, D & B's).   We chilled there for a few hours and went home.   Good times.

Friday

Esther and I met up with everyone at Hurry Curry.   After dinner, we all went to karaoke and sang for a couple hours.   Once that was over, we all just chilled for a bit and did some of the most cracked out things.   It was funny though.  Hopefully, Charles will upload them on his xanga.   Good times.

Saturday

What a day.   It all started out with Esther and I going to the Galleria to see "the Day After Tomorrow".    I could go on and on about theater etiquette but I'll dive into that another day.   Anyways, the movie was pretty good in my opinion, even if it doesn't really have a plot.    After the movie, Esther and I ate some dinner and then headed back to my place.   I got dressed for Tiesto and Esther and I parted ways.    I arrived at Tony's a little after eight, and we waited there for a bit for his friend.   Once she showed up, she rode with Tony's sister, and her boyfriend.   Tony rode with me, since I planned on leaving early.    We got to Alevon around nine and proceeded to wait in line.   Paul, Diane and their friend showed up around 10ish.   Around 11, they finally started letting people in.    The set up was pretty nice.   Tiesto came on a little after one.    He spun some awesome trance.  It's been a while since I heard trance of that caliber.   I left around 2:30 because I was feeling tired.  Man, my ears are still ringing like crazy.  

Monday turned out to be pretty fun.  Initially, I thought I was going to ball with my friends but that didn't go through.   Instead, I ended up going to a kickback at Andy's.   I haven't seen Andy in almost two years.    A lot of things have changed since I've seen him too.   For starters, he lives on his own (well, with his girlfriend).   Another thing is  (and this is a big thing) that he has a two-year-old son.   Pretty crazy huh?   

Anyways, the kick back was like a mini-reunion for me.   I not only saw Andy, but I also saw Yuta and Randall.   It's been a long time since I seen these guys too.    So we spent most of the day conversing, and catching up on what's been going on the past two years.    It was pretty cool.

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban comes out today.    I found out something interesting, but it pertains to the fourth book.   Rather than divulge this information, I'll gladly share it to you if you ask.    This way, I won't spoil it for people who don't want to know.

Here's a partial weekend wrapup.

Friday

I met up with Mike V (who's been back in California for a couple weeks now), Mike H, Charles, Chris, Jen and Wayne at Islands for some happy hour grub.   Afterward, I came home, and saw that my poker chips arrived.   Shortly after, Esther came over and we at the Local place on Western.   Once we ate, we headed over to the Evangelista's, and watched everyone play poker.  Mike V, Esther and I played a little bit of NHL hockey on the Playstation 2.    Chris joined later on and kicked our butt.   It was fun though.   Esther and I left in around 10, and had a chance to break in my chips.   We played a little texas holdem for fun.   

Saturday

My day started off on the right track since I got off work early.  I met up with Mike H and Mike V at Teri Hawaii and chilled with them for a bit.   Afterward, I went to Best Buy to purchase a scanner, since I had a 10% coupon.   It's not the best scanner in the world but it's more sufficient for my simple needs. 

Esther's co-worker dropped Esther off at a hospital in Harbor City. I guess her co-worker had to come down this way, and Esther came along so it would save me the drive to L.A. We were planning on eating at Lucilles but ended up at Pat & Oscars. 

After dinner, we went to Huntington Beach for a bonfire.  I ran into a few friends I have not seen in the longest time, I think about a year.

Once the beach closed, Esther and I relocated to BJ's for pizooki. Man, it was great. It's been so long since I had it.  From there, we met up with everyone at this karaoke place in Fountain Valley.

The reason we went that far south is because Mimi was down from San Jose and she was staying in Irvine for the weekend. It's all good though, because that place has tons of songs. Good ones too. We sang for about two hours and called it a night. There were a good amount of people so it made for a great karaoke session.

As far as today, I woke up and went to the cemetary for a memorial service.    Then my dad, mom, grandma and I went to vist my grandpa and uncle.  

For those who don't know, I never met my uncle because he died at a early age.   He contracted a serious virus during the war.   If he did survive, I believe he would've been blind.    My grandpa, for those who have been keeping up with my xanga entries, died earlier this year.  

Afterwards, we went to eat and this place called Mills.   I was always curious about that place because I always drove by it.    Errr, it wasn't that great.   Once we finished eating, I came home and knocked out.   

Friday 

Esther, Wayne, Jen and I had our usual session of spades at Munchicup.    Charles came by later on and we played a couple hands of poker.  

Saturday

Esther and I went to go see Shrek 2.    While we were walking to wait in line, I ran into Jake.   We didn't talk much;  actually just said wassup and kept walking.  I haven't seen that guy in a long time.   For a while, he was going to L.A Fitness but then he disappeared. 

Anyways, Shrek 2 was funny.   I personally thought it was better than the first but I guess you'll all have to go and see for yourself.    Afterward, I called Jen and Wayne to see what was going on but it turned out that they were both tired.    So after the movie, Esther and I stopped at Starbucks for a drink and went home.

So it looks like I'll be going with Tony to see DJ Tiesto on June 5th.    I haven't seen him spin since 2002, and I haven't been to a 21+ club since last November.   

Friday  

Esther and I met up with Wayne and Jen at the korean buffet place.   It was good.   Afterwards, we headed to Munchicup for our weekly round of spades.   It was a nice chill night.   

Saturday

It all started with Esther and I meeting up with Jen, Wayne and Dave at Knotts for dinner.   The line wasn't too bad, considering how long the line normally is.    I ate way past the fun part.   In case you're wondering, that's eating  to the point where your gut hangs out and you can't really move.   

After dinner, we walked around a bit and headed over to this nickel arcade near Disneyland.   While I was driving there, I tuned the radio to 570 to hopefully hear the Laker game.   There was nothing but commercials.   Since it was about 10:30, I wasn't sure if the game was over.   Right when we got there, the radio station came back from break and I think there was about 30 seconds left on the Laker/Spurs game.  (I'll talk more about that later).   

I turned the car off after hearing L.A was up by 10.    As we all walked to go into nickel city, we learned they were closing at 11.    However, since there was only 30 minutes left and the registers were checked out, we were able to get in for free.    After that, we headed over to Wayne's and played some holdem.

Sunday

My day started out by going to the gym. Then I headed over to Best Buy to make a few purchases.   I bought the Wrestlemania XX collecters dvd, Gran Turismo 3, and a cheap set of headphones.   Around six, I met up with my family, my grandparents (my grandma on my mom's side, and my grandpa and grandma on my dad's side), and my aunt and uncle.    We ate at this place called Happa's.    After dinner, I went home and filled up an empty Sunny Delight bottle with pennies.