LOOK INSIDE

Short Update

2005-08-01T17:57:00.000-10:00

OK ... I know it's been a while since I blogged. I've been really busy moving and settling into my new job. I'm back in Hawaii to pack up my apartment and to drop Todd off at the port. I hope I don't have nightmares about him again. When I moved from SoCal 3.5 years ago, I kept having dreams that he had holes in him from the boat ride over. (For those who don't know, Todd is my car.) Anyway, I'll blog more when I get settled into my new apartment and upload pictures from the SLO/BJP reunion this past weekend.

Better Late Than Never

2005-07-15T18:45:00.000-10:00

So last week was Ray's 30th Birthday and I didn't get around to blogging until today. So ... Belated Happy Birthday, Dag!

You are my ambassador of kwan! MULUB!

phew

2005-06-30T11:22:00.000-10:00

My interview is over ... it went pretty well. I'm sure it could've gone better, since I forgot to say a few things, but overall I felt good when it was over. Now, I get to relax and play! I'm helping Ely move in to his new apartment tomorrow, then going to Taste of Chicago on Saturday to see Santana. I love it here! I don't want to leave!

I'm Here!

2005-06-29T02:31:00.000-10:00

It's 730am CST and I finally made it to the hotel. I had to wait a frickin' hour for the damn shuttle bus, 'coz the front desk "couldn't reach the driver on the radio". Whatever. All I know is ... I'm here! And I don't want to leave! My interview is tomorrow at 1pm, so say a little prayer for me! =D

Takin' It Back

2005-06-22T14:16:00.000-10:00

I was walking through the wine aisle at Safeway today, when something pink caught my attention. Low and behold, it was a bottle of Boone's (Strawberry Hill of course!) For a second I thought of how ghetto I'd be if I got it. But then I thought 'fuck it'. While holding the bottle, I couldn't help but giggle to myself and remember how we used to down a bottle before walking into a club. *sigh* I miss my early 20's.

God Listens

2005-06-20T13:13:00.000-10:00

Thank you for all of your prayers! I have an interview in Chicago next week! Which means I get to go to the opening of 'Taste of Chicago' this weekend and see LL Cool J perform! *squeal* Please keep the prayers coming ... I still need to get through the interview and actually be offered the job. Now I just have to find an interview suit. Guess I need to head out to the mall. =P

Anxiety

2005-06-17T09:37:00.000-10:00

According to this article in the Honolulu Advertiser, Miguel will be coming back from Afghanistan this weekend! (If he's not already back.) Mecaila is on her way here (literally in the plane as I'm typing this) and I'll be playing tour-guide to her and her friend, while she anxiously awaits her fiance's return. (Her fiance happens to be in the same battalion as Miguel.) Anywho ...aside from the anxiety of Miguel coming back, I've been waiting for an interview date to be set for a position I put in for in Chicago. A human resources rep has contacted me twice, so everyone remember me in your prayers! hehe

Back on the Rock

2005-06-03T12:59:00.000-10:00

Got back on Monday. Ray & Matt left yesterday. I must've slept 14 hours. Not really in the mood to blog, but I did manage to upload all the pictures I took ... so that should suffice for now.

Ready For Take Off

2005-05-20T17:44:00.000-10:00

It's 7pm and I'm on my way to the airport. But before I left, I just wanted to wish Dessa a Happy 32nd Birthday!

What can I say Dessa? From goofy questions, to being a smart-ass, to being a proud mother ... and for ALWAYS being a friend ... I'm so thankful that I have you in my life. I love you man! See you in Vegas!

Work Now ... Play Later

2005-05-12T20:07:00.000-10:00

My work schedule has changed twice since I last posted, so my body's still trying to adjust. Plus, I flew back to the Bay this past weekend for Mother's day, so getting an average of 4.5 hours of sleep a night is slowly starting to take it's toll on my body. I've been pretty good at forcing myself to go to the gym. I finally lost my first ten pounds! Twenty more to go. =/ Anyhoo ... I don't have a day off until I leave for Vegas ($.25 roulette!!) next week, so I'm guessing I'll be too tired to blog.

Table for 1

2005-05-01T16:14:00.000-10:00

Though it may not be a big deal for some, and it may be a "been there, done that" thing for others, for me it was taking another step in my single adulthood. I walked into a restaurant and asked for a table for one. Granted, it wasn't a formal restaurant ... but it wasn't a fast-food joint either. I didn't get any weird stares, nor did I walk in/out of the restaurant feeling scared or hesitant. In fact, while I was walking towards the restaurant, all I could think of was the big bowl of pho I was about to order. And when I left, I was quite satisfied and proud of myself for accomplishing something on my to do list.

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

2005-04-23T07:08:00.000-10:00

So I just took this quiz and even when I changed my last answer to "west", Chicago still came up as my #1 city. Go figure.

>

American Cities That Best Fit You:

80% Chicago

75% New York City

65% Los Angeles

65% Philadelphia

55% San Francisco

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

Experimenting

2005-04-22T15:51:00.000-10:00

I was craving pasta today, so I thought I'd cook some spaghetti. But alas, I didn't have any ground beef ... and I was too lazy to go to the grocery store to buy some. So to compensate, I looked at what I had in my cupboard and found two options. Spam or corned beef. I really wasn't in the mood for spam, so I opted for the corned beef. I figured ground beef, corned beef ... whatever. The end product wasn't so bad. I added a little crushed pepper (coz I like my food spicy) and some shredded mozzarella ... et voila. Corned beef pasta a'la Joi. (my name in french - pronounced zhwah)

Fashion Faux Pas

2005-04-11T23:27:00.000-10:00

I'm no fashion guru, nor do I consider myself trendy. But today I saw someone wearing a pink top, white pants, black socks and brown clog-like sandals. Hmmm.

Decisions

2005-04-09T01:32:00.000-10:00

To put in, or not put in ... that is the question. The job opening in Chicago, that I've beten waiting to be posted, was posted this past Tuesday. So ... I have until this coming Tuesday to apply for it. Granted, I still have to go thru the interview process & actually be offered the job, but it's one of the biggest decisions I've had to make so far. I'm so torn with certain circumstances, that I find myslef questioning what I feel should be obvious by now.

Being Girly

2005-03-31T00:53:00.000-10:00

My cousins were in town last week, so I got to play tour guide. It's really the only way I can appreciate Hawaii. Before I moved here, when I was a tourist, I loved it here. But that's not what this post is about.

My cousins are extremely girly. And during my high school/early college years, I used to be girly. The eldest one remembers me that way. So one night, while we were getting ready to go to a club (that'll be another post hehe), she flat out asked "what happened?" My answer ... working in a casual atmosphere, with the same people everyday, and being in a comfortable relationship, where I gained like 30lbs, just slowly made me not care.

But after being with them for a week, and most certainly after today, I care once again. Today. *shakehead* Today I ran into an old co-worker, who is now a woman. (Yes, she used to be a man.) After my initial shock and after seeing how much more girly she was than me, I decided to get back in touch with my girly side. I actually wore jewelry and put makeup on tonight, and we only went to Chiko's. Which, if you aren't familiar with Chiko's, is a gay bar.

I'm not aiming high, though. (At least not now.) I don't plan on getting all dolled up for work, coz it's simply not worth it. Not to mention I'm a snoozaholic in the morning, so I never give myself enough time to fuss with doing hair and makeup. But definitely outside of work, I will be in the practice of being girly.

feeling better

2005-03-17T00:20:00.000-10:00

ok ... i know i haven't posted in a while. but i'm feeling better since the last time i've posted. a lot of old (and new) friends have called and emailed about their concerns ... and i'm truly grateful for the support group that i have. and i thank each and every one of you for being there for me. quite honestly, i still don't feel like 'myself' but it's nice to know that some of you out there know me well enough to let me get through this, without trying to 'solve' the situation. am i being dramatic? maybe. but hey. a little drama now and then makes life that much more interesting, don't you think?

Venting

2005-02-26T03:51:00.000-10:00

Recently, I've found myself in unknown territory. I've become a hateful, angry, frustrated, sad, unhappy & negative person. And that's not me. I hate that I have road-rage EVERYDAY ... and that at any given moment, I can cry like a fuckin' teething baby. I'm sure this deployment has a lot to do with how I feel, since I've never known anyone (let alone cared for anyone) who's been deployed. And I can hear some of you now, saying "get over it", or "move on", or "it's not a big deal" ... but you know what? It's not that easy to get over it or move on, coz it IS a big deal to me. I've always believed that everything happens for a reason, but right now ... I just feel like God's testing my patience (in EVERY fuckin' way!) and I feel like I'm about to break. I feel lost, confused & helpless. I want to pack my things up and leave. Yet, I'm still rational enough to know that's not an option. =/

Thank you, Miko & Blaine, for an alcohol & jack-n-the-box filled night. Even if it was temporary, it's exactly what I needed. Oh! And belated Happy Birthday to Miko, 4 days ago!

Taxes

2005-02-19T10:13:00.000-10:00

My tax refund just posted in my checking account. I'm going to the mall today. =)

Happy ...

2005-02-14T00:20:00.000-10:00

Valentine's Day, everyone!

Birthday, Abe!

10th Anniversary, to me!

Yes, today marks my 10th year at United Airlines. And, although we're still in Chapter 11, I have faith that we'll exit successfully. You know when you ask a married person how they knew their spouse was "the one", and they say they just knew? That's exactly how I felt about my career with United. I just knew, from day one, that I wanted to retire with the company. Plus, I wouldn't have met half the people I know today, or have traveled to 90% of the places I've been to, had it not been for my job. For those two reasons alone, I will always be grateful.

Birthdays Cont. II

2005-02-11T09:51:00.000-10:00

Happy Birthday, Meems!

And Happy Chinese New Year! (two days ago) I forget who's older. You or Alvin? (Thanks for sending me the pictures, Alvin.)

Birthdays Cont.

2005-02-05T11:00:00.000-10:00

Happy 3? nd/rd/th Birthday, Alvin!

How old are you again? And why is this the most recent picture I have of you? If you're going to the Abbey tonight, have a caramel apple martini for me! *sniff* I miss the Abbey.

Birthdays

2005-02-03T10:03:00.001-10:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Daylen!

Ain't my godson a cutie? He's a hyper little guy ... Dessa & JD really have their hands full with him.

Happy Birthday to Iz, too! Speaking of Iz, I was just watching a thing on Foodnetwork about Pike's Place flying fish.

And Happy U.S. Birthday to Matt! =)

sigh

2005-01-30T22:01:00.000-10:00

My weekend of spring cleaning continued at work today. To break from the monotony of my job, I volunteered to empty out drawers and wipe down positions. I was in a cleaning zone, until I came across Friday's edition of the Honolulu Advertiser. The front page had pictures of 15 (out of the 27) fallen Marines stationed at Kaneohe Bay, involved in the helicopter crash. My instructions were to throw everything out, but looking at the pictures ... I just couldn't. So of course I started reading the article and the stories of these Marines, and not even half-way through, I had to put it away. If there's one thing that living in Hawaii has opened my eyes to, it's appreciating our military service members.

Mission Organization

2005-01-28T15:03:00.000-10:00

After watching uncountable hours of HGTV, I'm inspired to get a head start on my spring cleaning this weekend. I figure I'd start with my closet, since I have hella clothes that I haven't worn in forever. Then I'll move on to my file cabinet, which has become home to junk mail and somewhat important documents. I'm still debating on what to do with my old desktop. I was originally going to give it to my goddaughter, but found out she already has one. I thought about trying to sell it on eBay, but who wants a computer that's only P II 400MHz 96MB SDRAM?

Gyming

2005-01-25T10:30:00.000-10:00

Last month, Ray had blogged about a Stenchy Sweats-a-Lot Guy at his gym. And last night, although I'm usually oblivious to who and what's going on around me when I'm at the gym, this one Don't-Know-if-He-Was-Stenchy but Definititely-Sweats-a-Lot Guy caught my attention. He was running on the treadmill at my one o'clock, and OMG his sweat was flying all over the place. It was all over his treadmill, almost like he had spit or puked on it. I couldn't figure it out. Anyway, I managed to make friends with Tim, the front desk guy from Hayward. Talking to him made me nostalgic for Cali, but even more antsy about getting the hell outta here.

10 Things I Hate About Here

2005-01-23T10:44:00.000-10:00

10. It's hot all year round.
9. People don't know how to drive.
8. Pidgin sounds unintelligent.
7. People don't know how to drive.
6. The radio stations suck.
5. People don't know how to drive.
4. There aren't enough choices of authentic non-asian restaurants.
3. People don't know how to drive.
2. The local men lack any sense of chivalry.
1. People don't know how to ef'in drive!

I'd go into detail, but I have to go to work now.

What's up doc?

2005-01-14T18:01:00.000-10:00

I finally went to the doctor today, to get my not-so-annual pap. I've forgotten how uncomfortable it was to have metal stuck up my ... yeah. At least this chick didn't stick her finger up my ass like the last one did. I felt so violated! (No offense to those who like ass-play. =P ) Maybe that's why I haven't gone in so many years. Anyway, since I was there, I requested for an HIV test coz I've never had one before. It was kinda gross watching my blood fill up the little test tube, but cool at the same time. I don't know too many peers who've taken an HIV test. Only 2 to be exact. Kinda made me wonder if it was ever a genuine concern w/in my many circle of friends. Ah well ... time to hit the gym.

Lean Cuisine

2005-01-13T22:41:00.000-10:00

I went a little nuts this past week, buying lean cuisines. Safeway had a buy one get one free sale, so in the course of 3 days, I managed to buy 44. Hey! When I get home from the gym, I don't have the energy to cook. Plus, they're convenient, I don't have to wash anything but my fork, and some actually taste really good. I highly recommend the lemongrass chicken. That's my favorite so far.

Star-struck

2005-01-08T18:01:00.000-10:00

Just got back from watching a private screening of "Only The Brave". AND, not only did I get to see Mark Dacascos and Jason Scott Lee ... but they sat RIGHT in front of us! At first, Jason Scott Lee sat down and asked if the seats were taken. Next thing you know, he's motioning Mark Dacascos and his wife to sit with him. I was gonna die! I've never been so star struck before. I've always thought Mark Dacascos was hot, since "Only The Strong". And there he was! *squeal* I didn't ask for an autograph or anything, but I should have. Oh well. It was a nice 97+ minutes, looking at the back of his head. =D

"Temporary" pay reduction

2005-01-07T11:37:00.000-10:00

Temporary my ass! We all know that once a company takes something from it's employees, they're never gonna give it back. I know the airline industry hasn't been doing so hot since 9/11, but another 11.5% paycut is ridiculous ... especially when the last paycut we took in 2003 was negotiated to last til 2008! My grammar and mathematical skills may be off at times, but don't we have 3 more years to go? *sigh*

On a lighter note ... I had a blast New Year's Eve. Miko and I almost missed the countdown, coz stubborn me just wanted to go straight to Waikiki. Luckily, Chiko's was only a couple of blocks away, so we made it with 2 minutes to spare. If it's true that NYE sets the tone for the whole year, I look forward to a more spontaneous 2005!

Happy New Year!

2004-12-31T00:00:00.000-10:00

Yeah, I know it's been a while since my last post. I've been on the graveyard shift since I got back from the Bay, so I haven't had the energy to sit here and type. On average, I've only had about 3 hours of sleep/night, but I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! =) Stay warm, dry & safe!

Back in The Bay

2004-12-18T13:19:00.000-10:00

I arrived at SFO (about 9:45pm) last night, and I must say ... my breath was taken away at the sight of the city lights. The sky was amazingly clear - I could see both the San Mateo Bridge and the Bay Bridge on our descent, as well as the view of downtown San Francisco. And, although my heart is no longer in San Francisco, I can appreciate a beautiful city when I see one. I think my top 3 pretty cities would be:

1. San Francisco
2. Sydney
3. Paris

(I'm sure Ray's gonna have a fit that Sydney didn't make #1, but this is my list, so get over it! hehe)

Anyway, I get home and my mom has added bidets to her collection of home toys. For those of you who've never practiced the filipino art of using a tabo after taking a dump, the thought of actually washing your ass with soap and water may seem gross. But, I ask you this ... if you get dog shit on your hand, are you satisfied with just wiping the shit off with a napkin? Isn't your first instinct to wash your hand off with soap and water? So why not do the same for your ass? ANYWAY ... so I thought I'd give the bidet a try, and now I wanna get one! *giggle*

Fireworks

2004-12-12T22:54:00.000-10:00

The Honolulu marathon was today. Little did I know they were gonna set off fireworks at 5am. 5AM!!! What were they thinking? I mean ... had I just been coming home from a club and actually saw the fireworks, maybe I would've appreciated it. But I was in bed ... ASLEEP! Once I realized I wasn't dreaming and I really was hearing loud booming noises from outside, I jumped out of bed and stood on my balcony for a good five minutes. The number and volume of booms were increasing, as was the number of bright flashes of light. But all I could see was a blurred reflection on one of the buildings in downtown. The first thing I thought of was "Oh my God! Has something happened to Miguel? How is it possible that I could hear bombs going off in Afghanistan? No, it can't be possible to see bombs that far. So why the hell are bombs going off in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Is this another Pearl Harbor? Maybe I shouldn't be standing out here." So I run in my room and think "Should I turn on the news? Should I start calling my family and friends? Man! The view of downtown Honolulu can't be the last thing I ever see!" My heart was pounding like crazy! Then I saw bright flashes of green and red lights. And that's when I realized it was fireworks.

Congratulations to Nancy and Arthur for completeing the 26.something mile marathon!

Great friends

2004-12-11T23:05:00.000-10:00

Last night was my company Christmas party. And if you know me, you know I got shit-faced drunk. So drunk that I was late for work today, coz my car was still in Waikiki. But, a big thanks to Kelli and Hugh for stealing my car key. (Even though I was going nuts sitting in my car trying to find it!) And a really big thanks to Miko, for getting out of bed at 5am, driving all the way to Waikiki to pick my drunk ass up, and taking me home. You're the best!

UFO

2004-12-09T02:43:00.000-10:00

I was sitting here trying to figure out how to change the template (which I FINALLY have!) and I see a bright light in the sky. Actually, it looked like two objects, side by side. At first I thought they were shooting stars, but they were really bright ... and green. Then I thought, "Shit! Were those missiles?" So I waited for a loud BOOM, but nothing. (Thank God!) I'm sure if it was some kind of celestial phenomenon, it'll be on the news. And if it was some kind of secret military activity gone wrong, it won't be. Whatever. It's late and I'm sleepy.

LOOK INSIDE

Short Update

Better Late Than Never

*phew*

I'm Here!

Takin' It Back

God Listens

Anxiety

Back on the Rock

Ready For Take Off

Work Now ... Play Later

Table for 1

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

American Cities That Best Fit You:

Experimenting

Fashion Faux Pas

Decisions

Being Girly

feeling better

Venting

Taxes

Happy ...

Birthdays Cont. II

Birthdays Cont.

Birthdays

*sigh*

Mission Organization

Gyming

10 Things I Hate About Here

What's up doc?

Lean Cuisine

Star-struck

"Temporary" pay reduction

Happy New Year!

Back in The Bay

Fireworks

Great friends

UFO

phew

sigh