This weekend was pretty chill.

Friday

Esther and I met up with Shane, Jen and Wayne at this place called Habibi's Cafe.   It's that place where you smoke out of this decorative thing and the tobacco is flavored with some fruit substance.   No, Esther and I didn't smoke but we went for social factors.   Jen, Wayne and Shane seemed to enjoy it.   After they were done, we went to Didi Reese for ice cream and cookies and then went home. 

Saturday

Esther and I went to San Pedro to check out the pier.   All I have to say is never again.    I thought the food at Redondo Beach pier was pretty bad but San Pedro's was worse.   After we ate, we left and played cards.   We met up with Jen, Wayne and Dave around 11 at this pub near Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and chilled there for a while.  

Sunday

I didn't do much.   I met up with Mike, Jimmy, and Erwin at Grant park for some balling but that's about it.

Holdem

I've been playing a lot of online poker lately and I've come to conclude that 80% of the people on there have no idea how to play.    That's a whole other story in itself.   Anywho, to the people that play Texas Holdem, I pose a question:  what do you think are the best two pocket cards to start out with (can't be paired)?    A few friends feel that king-queen is the best hand.   I personally agree with the rankings that ace-king is the best.   What do you all think?   Remember, the cards can't be paired. 

Updated:  I talked to Minh and he gave me different points of view which are pretty interesting.

Wow, I actually did something yesterday worth typing out.    It started out by picking up Christy, an old high school friend, and dropping her off at LAX.    She goes to a law school in Chicago.   On the way to the airport, she informed me that her friend is on "The Apprentice" (he's the African American male).    Anyway, after I dropped her off, I went to meet up with Peter and Viv so we could go to the CSUF job fair.   Errr, it wasn't that great but it was cool hanging out with Peter and Viv.    That pretty much sums up my day but it was a refreshing change as opposed to just sitting home all day (yep, still jobless).    Oh yeah, congratulations goes out to Peter on getting a new job.

Friday

Esther and I ordered Papa John's for dinner and watched some television.   After we ate, we met up with Jen and Wayne at Munchicup for another night of Spades and other card games.  We called it an early night.

Saturday

I met up with Jen, Wayne, Shane and Charles at Hollywood Park.   They competed in a Texas Holdem tournament by Click2Asia.com.   I went to pick up Esther around 6 and ate dinner at Burnt Tortilla.   After dinner, we met up with everyone at Shane's.   We played some holdem for fun and watched the korean drama I spoke about last week(the one with Eugene).  

Sunday

Mike stopped by and we went to Los Angeles to pick up some chicken at his church.  Afterward, we ate lunch at Del Amo and went home.   I picked up Mike around 6:30 and we went to Grant Park.   We just shot around for a hour before going home.   Since we finished early, we decided to watch Resident Evil 2.    I thought it was much better than the first one.    

Friday

Esther came by around 7:30.   After playing a few rounds of SFII, we went to pick up Shane and headed over to Peter's.   Dave was already there, along with Viv and her friend.  Once we got there, we grubbed on some eggrolls Esther made, and some chicken and korean barbeque Peter made.    Jen and Wayne came by with KFC later on.    Viv brought out this game that turned out to be pretty fun.   It's kind of hard to explain, and something you'd just have to play.    Esther and I left around 1:30.   Good times.

Saturday

Esther and I met up with Wayne and Jen at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza for dinner.   After we ate, we went to Jen's and played this game.   Charles and Mike came by later on.    Once the game was over, we watched a Korean drama that starred Eugene from SES in it.   

Sunday

Esther and I ate lunch at McDonalds and then I dropped her off.   Around 6ish, I balled with the homies for a few hours.

Monday

I went into work and was informed that  Mr. Sacks (the founder) has to put the company on the backburner.    In case you're wondering, I wasn't laid off or fired.   The company just seemed to dissolve and so did my position.    He apparently has to go back to London for a month in a couple weeks and finds it futile to start up for and then quit.   On top of that, he has this infection on his eyelids that will require surgery on each.  

So with that said, I find myself unemployed for the first time since I was a senior in high school.     I took a gamble on unstable ground and lost.   I guess that's all a part of life but it sure sucks.  It's a dark day for me right now but all I can do it pick myself up and continue going.      

Code Lyoko

A couple months ago, Esther and I were watching Cartoon Network around 5:30, and came across a cartoon called Code Lyoko.  The show itself is whatevers but the theme song is pretty catchy.   It's so catchy that I actually found myself tuning in just to hear the theme.   The show itself is pretty weird and I don't get it.   I do know that this show is based out of France, which is probably why the website offers the option of viewing in English or French.    Anyway, you can download the theme by clicking here or here (this is a zipped file that sounds like it was actually ripped from the show itself.)

First Japanese NBA player

It looks like Yuta Tabusa is getting a second chance to make a NBA team.   Just to give you all a little background on this 23-year-old, he took part in the Denver Nuggets ' pre-season training camp last year but was cut.    He's a native from Japan, and played for BYU-Hawaii.    After his departure from the Nuggets, he played in the ABA with the Long Beach Jam.

If he makes the roster,  he'll be the first Japanese player to make it in the NBA.    On the objective side, I don't know if he'll make the team.   Phoenix loaded up with guards during the off-season.   Hopefully he'll make the team.    It'll be interesting to see how he does against the best players in the U.S. 

My new truck

I'm back from San Diego.   Well, I've been back since yesterday around 2.   I just had some stuff to take care of.  

Friday

Mike and I met up for lunch at the Local place.  Afterward, we went to Gardena Nissan to check out the cars.   Nissan is offering a $2500 cash back on all 2004 Frontiers.   We looked around for a bit and parted ways.   I went to pick up Esther around 6ish.  We went to go eat at Koji's for some korean barbeque.   After dinner, we met up at Shane's.   Jen and Wayne showed up later on and we played the new card game.   Mike showed up later on.

Saturday

Esther came by around 12 and we headed down to San Diego.   We got to the Wild Animal Park around 3ish.   It was pretty hot but we got to everything out.   The train ride around the park was pretty cool.   The heat was just too much, especially since the park was inland (I'd say it was like Riverside weather).  

After leaving the park, we checked into our hotel and relaxed for a bit.   We went to downtown to attempt to eat at the Spaghetti Factory.    It never happened.   In retrospect, we never had a chance: 

So instead,  we ate at this restaurant/pub not too far away from the hotel.   The food was pretty good the service sucked.   It took about 30-40 minutes I think to get our food.    The worst part about it was that the place wasn't even busy.   After dinner, we went to Krispy Kreme's for some donuts and Ralph's for milk.   Since our room had a fridge, we were able to store the leftover milk.   We played cards for a bit before calling it a night.    Before going to bed, I was watching Dave Chapelle's stand up.   This was my first time experiencing it and man was it funny.

Sunday

We woke up around 11:30 and got ready for Sea World.   I haven't been here in almost seven years so it was quite an experience.  The shows were pretty cool but the heat took away the fun factor.   After we caught most of the shows, we went on the attractions.   My favorite was the "Journey to Atlantis" ride.    It's a roller coaster and a water ride all rolled into one.  If you never been on it, I recommend it.   

We left Sea World a little before 8, and took a trolley to downtown.   We were actually able to get a reservation for the Spaghetti Factory.  Yep, only took 75 minutes.   75 minutes feels like an eternity when you're starving at nine at night.    The food was great though and worth the wait.   After we ate, we took the trolley back and went to the hotel. 

Monday

Since it was my birthday, I figured I'd take the day off.   I even worked it out so Esther had the day off .   Am I cool or what?   J/K.   It just so happened that labor day fell on my birthday, or vice versa.   Anyway, we checked out at noon and had lunch at Carls Jr.  We got back to Torrance around 3:30.    Around 4, my dad, mom and I went to the Nissan dealership to check out the Frontier I had my eye on.   Three long hours later, I was able to complete the transaction.   That's right, you're looking at (or reading the xanga of) the new owner of a 2004 Nissan Frontier.  

Back to my day.  Esther and I headed over to Hurry Curry for dinner.  We met up with Jen, Wayne, Charles, Dave, Shane and Mike.    While we were waiting, Mimi came by.    It was good seeing her and I'm sure we'll all get to hang out with her more since she's a SoCal resident again.   After dinner, we all chilled at Cafe Muse for a bit before going home. 

It's been a great weekend, and thanks to everyone for wishing me a happy birthday.   In case you're wondering, I'm the big 2-6 now.  Yep, I'm old.   I'll have pictures up later when I'm more awake.  Until then, hope everyone enjoyed their labor day weekend.    I hope you especially enjoyed your labor day since you didn't have to work because of my birthday.   j/k.

Vegas baby Vegas! 

Friday

Esther and I went to Shane's and we played Spades for a bit.   Then we switched it to Holdem but it was for fun, with no money involved.   I had to take Esther home around 12, but I came back to Shane's.   Jen and Wayne came over while I was gone and we played this new game that they learned.   It's not bad.

Saturday

Esther and I got to Vegas around 5ish.   We checked in at the Rio and relaxed for a bit before going down to eat at the buffet.   After we ate, we went back up to the room for a bit.   We met up with Nancy (Esther's cousin) in downtown Las Vegas around 11 at Main Street.   After we watched her play craps for a bit, we walked around downtown to look for a Pai-Gow table.    We ended up playing at Four Queens, which I ended up losing all the money I intended on playing that night.    We called it a night at 4:30.

Sunday

We woke up and bought lunch at the deli.     We played some slots for a bit before going up at 5 to get ready for Zumanity at New York New York.   The show itself was quite interesting, and I think the best way to explain it is to call it an adult CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.   I think it's definitely worth experiencing once if you're into seeing Vegas shows.   After the show, we went to downtown Las Vegas and ate at the Golden Nugget buffet.   If you ever been there, it's pretty crappy but we didn't have many alternatives at the time.   Once we finished we eating, we went to California for a bit.  We ran into Esther's aunt and uncle, and briefly said hello.   Four Queens treated me a bit better and took only ten dollars from me this time.   We left early (1ish) and relaxed at the Rio for the rest of the night.

Monday

Since we got a late check out (1 p.m), we were able to sleep in before having to leave.   We met up with Esther's aunt, uncle, her aunt's sister, and her cousin at California for lunch.    The food was pretty good.   After we ate,  we went to Four Queens (yes I know...again!).    It's a good thing we went though because I ended up winning.   This made up for the other two nights I lost (well, all but three dollars).   We stopped at Primm to check out the oulets before heading home.    Esther drove from Primm to Barstow, and then I drove from Barstow to San Gabriel.    The reason we stopped there was to eat at J.R's.    After we ate, we went to Esther's so I could pick up my car.  

Man, it seems like I'm going back to my old routine of writing in my xanga once a week.    I wonder if I've lost any readers.   Anyway, on to my weekend wrap up.

Friday

Before anything, I want to note this was my last day at Pacific Sales.   I left as quiet as I entered the company.    Only a few people knew that I was quitting, and the rest were completely oblivious. Jen, Wayne, Shane and Dave headed to Vegas which left Esther and I by ourselves this weekend.   Esther had to go to her uncle's for a dinner so I called up Doug to see if he wanted to see AVP(Alien vs. Predator).    Doug also brought Phillip(his brother) as well so the three us got to the theater around 8:30.   We got there early so we just waited in line.  Mike came a little later on and joined us.    Overall, the movie was pretty good but it's quite similar to Jason vs Freddy.  There's all this hype about a great fight but it takes forever to build up.    After the movie, I dropped off Doug and Phillip and headed over to the Evan's.   They played some holdem and I bought in for a buck.  I left around 2.

Saturday

I picked up Esther and we headed to BJ's in Burbank for dinner.   This was my first time eating their pizza but it was whatever.    After dinner, we went to the AMC 14 and bought tickets for AVP.  I do realize that I saw it the night before but I didn't might seeing it again.     Once the movie was over, we called it a night.

Sunday

Esther picked me up and we headed to the Harrah's in Rincon.   We got there around 2:30.   I would like to just say that Harrah's was far.   It was out in the middle of no where too.   

Anyway, once we got there, we got our tickets for the Price is Right  show they had there.  It was pretty cool but I wasn't all too excited to be there.   Esther was however.   She even got her named called to "come on down" but unfortuntately, she wasn't able to make it to the showcase.    At least she was able to go up there.    After the show we ate dinner and gambled for a bit.   I didn't do so well.    We left around 7ish and went to Pala, where we had a room booked.   Once we checked in, we did some gambling for a few hours.    I did better here and so did Esther.    We went back up around 2 and called it a night.

Monday

We woke up and checked out at noon.    Since it was lunch time, we decided to eat the buffet there.   It wasn't too bad and the price was reasonable.   We gamled a bit after lunch and went back to Torrance.    Around 8:30, we met up with Jen and Wayne for dinner.  Charles came by later on and joined us.    After dinner, we relocated to Denny's for dessert.

It feels like I haven't updated in a long time but it's only been a week.   Hmm, anyway, here's my weekend wrap up. 

Friday

Esther and I met up at Shane's around 9.   The three of us played Spades until Wayne and Jen came.  I  thought we were going to continue to  play Spades but we ended up playing Monopoly.   

Saturday

I got off of work early which proved to be quite beneficial for me.   The night before, I didn't sleep too well so I was pretty tired when I was at work.    Once I got home, I took a nap for about a hour.    When I woke up, I went to pick up Esther and we headed over to Black Angus.   Jen, Wayne and Dave showed up around 7ish and we all sat down to eat.   Once dinner was over, we went over to Shane's for another night of poker.   Mike showed up later on and joined in.    I ended up losing again but at least I wasn't completely cleaned out (I cashed out my last dollar since I was losing so bad).   Around 1, I had to take Esther home.   I left my chips though since I planned to go back.   Once I got back, I only stayed for about 30 minutes.

Sunday

I vegged out most of the day, but went to ball around 6:30.   When I got there, only Jimmy was there but Erwin showed up later on.   Mike Long eventually came and we were able to run a four on four with these other guys.    I ended up playing about three full court games and felt quite winded after it was over.   I left around 8ish and made some rice.   Esther came by around 9ish with some tonkatsu and  shrimp cocktail that she made.   Talk about a great dinner.    We ended up watching two movies:  50 First Dates and 13 Going on 30.

Monday

Esther and I woke went to the Galleria for lunch.     After lunch, we walked around and stopped by the Disney store.    Edmund was working at the time and we stopped to chat with him.    Esther ended up buying a couple stuffed animals since they were on sale for $9.99 each.    Not a bad deal.   Afterward, we stopped at CompUsa and looked around.   Esther and I went half on this game package that included Monopoly, Roller Coast Tycoon, Life and Clue. 

Derek, Esther and I met went to pick up my grandma for dinner around 6.    Derek drove my grandma while Esther and I went in my car.   We ate at this restaurant in Redondo Beach.   It wasn't too bad but it was pretty expensive.   I tried to pay for Esther and myself but of course my grandma wouldn't have it.   I've learned long ago to not even try to argue about paying the bill with my grandma.    Bottom line, you'll never win.  

After a year and some change, I finally put in my LOR.  

It's now time for another weekend wrap up.

Friday

Esther and I met up with Jen and Wayne at Shane's house.   It was second consecutive Friday of holdem.   Ultimately, I ended up losing again but that's all a part of gambling.

Saturday

I picked up Esther and we headed over to the Gardena Obon.    Once we found parking (which is a task in itself), we went to pick up some food.  Fortunately, my grandma had graciously bought two plates of the shiskabob.    After thanking her, Esther and I went to buy a few chashu bao's before sitting down to eat.    Mike, Hilo and Glen met up with us right as we finished.   The five of us walked to the Obon dancing to look for my family.  We caught it right when there was an intermission.    Mike and I joined in once it started up.    Surprised?  Well, considering the last time I did it was like seven years ago, I would say it's surprising.   However, the whole point to Obon dancing is to pay respect to loved ones that has past one since last Obon.    I must give mucho respect to Mike for dancing.   He was really hesitant about doing it but once he realized it was for his grandmother, he did it.  

Once the dancing was over, Esther and I met up with Jen, Wayne and Shane while Hilo, Glen and Mike went on their own.    We played one game of Bingo before heading over to Shane's for a game of Monopoly and more holdem.   Monopoly only lasted a little more than a hour, with Wayne and Shane coming out as the winners.   I didn't do any better in holdem though, and lost again.   Mike showed up later on and he joined in.    We didn't leave until almost four.   That was the longest we played at Shane's for real money ever.  

Sunday

Esther and I went to Del Amo again for lunch.    After we finished eating, I had to swing by my house really quick so I could drop my mom off at Obon.   Once I dropped my mom off, I took Esther home.    I picked up Mike around 6ish for basketball.    My cardio is horrible.   Nevertheless, it was fun and provided me some much needed excercise.   We stopped around 8ish, since everyone was clearly in pain.   Around 9:45, Mike and I went to go see Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle.   I found it quite funny but I don't know if it's for everyone.   It's more on the stupid funny.    Maybe that's why I found it so amusing.  After the movie was over, I found myself craving a white castle burger.  Subliminal messages I tell you.   I ended up eating two PB & J sandwiches.   

I've been presented with a most interesting situation.   Typically, I look for stability in a job.   After all, I won't jump without a safety net; that's just how I live my life.   However, on Monday I was offered a position to work for the guy that originally hired me at AEB (which went sour for those who haven't been keeping up).    Subsequently after hiring me, he pretty much butted heads with the CEO and things went sour really fast.   The next thing I know, he's on a sabattical (as so he called it) and I'm stuck in limbo.  

Anyway, on Monday he called me over and unveiled his plan.   Apparently, he plans to start up his own company doing the same things he did at the other company, minus the flaws that they were doing.    Here's where I come into play; he will teach me the necessary skills to help get the company going, and will implement a PR department when things get going.    He has high hopes that this will be a successful company and I hope so too. 

I took the position because of a few reasons:

1. It's a start up company, and has unlimited potential to grow.   On top of that, anyone that is hired next will be under me.   So by default, I'll have some kind of power over them (not really though, I'm not that kind of person that pushs people around)
2. He's quite knowledgeable and knows his stuff.    To say this man has experience in various areas is an understatement.   I think I can benefit a lot by working with him.
3. I'm still young enough to go for something and make a mistake.   Worst case scenario playing right now is showing me that the company may flop and I walk away with experience I can add to my resume.
4. I really hate working at Pacific Sales.    The word hate is really an understatement though.  

Yesterday, I met up with Will, Vu and Carissa at the 24 hour Starbucks.   Mike showed up a bit later, and Nicole came by around 10ish.    It was pretty cool just chilling with everyone like we used to.   A few years ago, this used to be a weekly thing with a routine that followed as such:

• Meet up at Go-Go juice for a bit
• Relocate to Starbucks
• Pick up some food at Alberta's and eat at either Genki's or Christian's. 

It was good catching up with everyone, and being able to find out what's going on in their lives.   Anyway, after chatting for a bit at Starbucks, we all headed over to In and Out for grub.  Well, I didn't eat but just went to socialize.   We did a lot of reminiscing during our party days, and all the events we witnessed.   Some were really funny, and some I wish I could forget (but of course I can't since my friends are there to remind me ahha).  Some of the events we talked about included:

1. Random parties
2. Peter's infamous parties
3. Palm springs
4. Chris' party
5. Good times.   Good times indeed.  

Although last Tuesday was pure bliss, this Tuesday was pure heck.     I received a call from Frank Sacks (the Marketing manager who I'd be working with), informing me that he and the CEO had butted heads in certain matters pertaining to the direction of the Marketing and PR department.   Subsequently after writing a five page PR proposal, the CEO and Mr. Sacks began their meeting.   Things obviously didn't turn out that well.    In fact, Mr. Sacks is currently not working for the company.   It's a really complicated mess, and I still don't fully understand everything.   All I do know is that I should not expect to start August 9th, or any other day for that matter.    It's not written in stone that the position has been cut but it's no longer a guarantee.

I'm not trying to sound self-deprecating but damn I feel like a loser sometimes.    Normally I'm quite reserved with my emotions but tonight it's all pouring out.   How am I ever going to get my life going?  I mean, I'm 25 with a college degree, yet I'm making less than most college, and some high school, students.   It's not like I'm not trying to get my life jump-started either, but I guess things just aren't going my way.   The one time the job I desire comes along, and it too sours up.   Don't mind me.   I just need to vent.   Thank you to the words of encouragement from the few people I talked to.   I must also give a big thank you to Esther for helping me cope with my long, arduous day.   Spending time with the girlfriend while watching Mr. Bean; what a great way to find solace huh?

With all that off my chest, it's time to pick everything up and start again.   That's all I really can do.   On a more positive note, at least I didn't put in my two weeks.   That would've really looked back on my part.

Here's another weekend wrap up.

Friday

This is normally spades night but Wayne had stuff to do later on Saturday, and Jen had to be home early.   Esther and I ended up renting "Bean", which is a movie based on the television show, Mr. Bean.    Yeah, it's an old movie but I didn't really get into Mr. Bean's comedy until late last year.    Anyways, this movie is definitely a must see for any Bean fan.  

Saturday

I met up with Mike around noon, and went with him to run a few errands.   We decided to eat lunch at the local place.   After we ate, we went to pick up Eric.   Man, I haven't seen this guy in a long time.   Anyway, then we picked up Esther and proceeded to the OC Obon.    The food was pretty good, but it was dead.    We left before the dancing started and headed for the Block.   Shane, Jen and Wayne came by later on.   Most of the night consisted of hanging out at D & B's.    Around 12:30, we all parted ways and I dropped off Eric and Esther. 

Sunday

My family and my grandma went to a Hatsubon service around four.    It was a service commemorating families who lost a loved one since the last obon.   After the service, we went to P.F. Changs for dinner.  It was my first time eating there, and it wasn't too bad.   Once dinner was over, I went to meet up with the guys for some balling.    When I got there, only Mike (Jack's cousin) was there.   Erwin, Jack, and Jimmy (but not all together) came by later on and we were able to run a three on three with this other guy that was there.   We played for a couple hours and called it a night. 

I typically despise Tuesdays.    However, this past Tuesday (July 13, 2004) was actually quite pleasant.   I received the Public Relations job at AEB, and will start August 9th.   This will definitely be interesting because the PR department is brand spanking new.   So new in fact that it doesn't even exist yet.   That's why I'm starting so late.   The Marketing manager (who has tons of PR experience) is going to lay down the framework for this so that way I won't be flying blind when I come in.  

I also learned that the company will move in a couple months.  Currently, AEB is in Culver City but will be relocating to El Segundo in mid September.