I don't know

This was a very laid back week. I didn't really work. Normally I would enjoy my time off and away from office. I didn't though. Not being able to decide on whether I should take classes made me feel anxious. Obviously, not being able to work regularly affected that decision-making process. I know I should conserve and continue to look for jobs. I just don't know if going back to school is in conflict with what I should be doing. Is it something I should do? I think I should. But, is it a responsible move when I don't even have a steady income? Sigh. I don't know. I have a few more days to weigh the pros and cons before the registration deadline. Hmm. What is the right decision?

Probably not gonna happen

I finally heard from my work today. I was told that they needed an hour from me at home to test the software. Wow. ONE freakin' hour... I thought I would be doing 2 - 3 days of work each week, therefore I could possibly take some classes during my "downtime." I am not so confident with choosing or walking on that path now. I should keep sending out job applications and stay home. Man... reality bites.

School?

Another day spent doing my own stuff. *Translation: Not very much! I applied for a job last night, today I didn't see anything good. I took some time to look at a few local colleges and their schedule of classes online. It was something I had thought about on and off, but never considered it seriously. Now with my job situation, and mom's pressing, going back to school seems like sound option. To supplement what I have learned all this time with new knowledge. To inspire myself, my work, and my vision through learning and improving. And to spend my time more productively. All good reasons to go back to school. Then again, that would mean time away from potential work, and some unplanned expenses, so I am not 100% sure. I need another day to think it over.

Coffee

I tried coffee before gym this morning. For a long time I didn't drink coffee because it would give me the runs. I supposed I was feeling experimental today. I had some instant coffee at home. So I just heated a cupful of water, added the powder, stirred and I was done. Surprisingly I didn't really get any discomfort :) An hour later I was at the gym. I felt more energetic then usual. "So this is why people drink it every morning!"

Wet!

My kitchen sink pipe went bad today. Some time in the afternoon my kitchen floor got wet and I was clueless about how it happened. At first I thought it was my dish-washing, then I thought perhaps it was my Brita filter, then I opened the cabinet under the sink, and found out it was the "u-trap" pipe. It was leaking, dripping, and causing a watery mess. I had cleaning supplies in there, and some other junk, so it was rather unpleasant to reach in and attempt to clear it all out. Also the whole area was smelling like a wet sock. Yuck! I removed all my stuff, turned off the valve, and put some dry towel and papers to soak up the water. Off to landlord's apartment I went.

My landlord came in and inspected the faucets. She figured out it was the pipes that needed to be replaced. She turned the valve back off and said she would call her plumber to come fix the problem this week. I was glad I caught it on time. Just imagine this happened when I was away or asleep, my kitchen and who-knows-what-else would've been a disaster to recover. Since it's going to be Chinese New Year tomorrow, I'm glad my place is getting some kind of a mini "upgrade" - I did some cleaning today too. New year, new outlook, new opportunities, new results.

Pub food

For John's birthday dinner we went to Ye Olde in Santa Monica. It was not too crowded, and the vibe there was warm and inviting. The food however, was not my cup of tea. The boiled egg inside thick breading was very salty, and not much flavor. The fish and chip was, salty, greasy, and again, very lacking in flavor. I wished I had ordered one of the Indian dishes on the menu. I mean, I know most British people love and enjoy eating this kind of... food, it's just not for me.

This morning I slept in, the rain made it so easy. I woke up before noon. Had lunch with PK and Yu, went to the gym for a bit, came back home to watch Lost with PK. It was a good episode, somewhat challenging but not impossible. I spent some time online after PK left, chatted with Sophya, then out to dinner with Dave and Jose. I came home after 9 PM, called Dad, Mom and Grand Uncle to wish them Happy Chinese New Year. Everyone's doing well, let's hope the new year brings everyone better health, less stress, and more wealth.

More party

Last night we had Jose's birthday party. Dave made an awesome dinner and we went to Verdugo Bar afterwards. The bar was much nicer, roomier, and cleaner than it appeared from the outside. We had a very chilled, relaxed time, then we went back to Dave's to eat the carrot birthday cake. Birthday extravaganza continues with John tomorrow. I'll be done for this month then!

I just read this. Who knew all these big brand stores would be in such financial troubles right after we celebrated the new year? It is true that people just don't spend as much as before these days, and that's good news, I think. We should save... however, what would happen if no one was spending money? I guess, to be smart about money is the best. Only spend when there's a real need, and always save for those rainy days.

New Challenge

I went to work today. Today marked the first time I got to ride with my boss. Of all the years I worked there, this had never happened. I was nervous, but at the same time, felt pretty confident that I wasn't going to make a fool out of myself. We talked about China, the slow economy, and about 10 minutes later we were at our vendor's storefront. I had a chance to meet with the vendor and his designer. I also spent some time on the phone with a heavy accented software representative. It all seemed like this website would be a great lesson and challenge for me. Yay!

The rest of the day went well as well. I finished some stuff and left some loos- ends for tomorrow. Gym was good, I was careful with my back. For some reason it got tight and tender this weekend. I know, I just turned one year older and I am already feeling it!

Happy Birthday to ME!

It was a great evening with friends. 16 friends ended coming to my dinner thing and we all ate too much and had a fun time. Dave as usual took charge and acted as our supreme waiter extraordinaire. We got 5 pizzas, pastas, and other entrees for everyone. It was like a big family style gathering. I felt so blessed to be in the same company with these guys. The chocolate cake Dave got was awesome, very moist and just enough sweetness. I was so happy. And there were gifts. Oh yes, lots of them and I loved them all. It's once in a year where I let myself feel like it's all about ME! Hahaha. I think John and PK liked their presents too. It's love all around!

Dad called in the afternoon, and mom during the dinner. Wow, how much attention can one get? Hahaha. By the way, tomorrow I have work! I know, it's a holiday for most, but I have work to do. It's good news. I had last week off, so it's time to get busy.

It's all about the perspectives

It turned out this week was my vacation week. I'll be back to work 2-3 days a week next week. Am I delusional to think this schedule is working out OK? I mean, of course it's best that I have a full-time job. Since I don't, I need to make the best out of the current situation. It's all about the perspectives. Right, once my bank account is completely empty let's see what "perspectives" I will have then!

Cruising

I couldn't believe they eliminated Ariane! She was not the worst in the group, Leah was. Ugh!

My birthday is coming up and there will be about 17 friends at my dinner. This year's bigger than last. I am excited to see all of them on Sunday. It's been a crazy year. I am clearly still riding on it. Although I have to admit, now it feels more like cruising. This "break" is not going to happen that often, I might as well enjoy it while it lasts. Yay to optimism!

Is it over?

I slept OK last night. I actually woke up around 4 AM because it was getting a little too warm. These past few days LA was hitting mid to high 80s during the day. Evenings were mild enough that I didn't have to run the heater. Does this mean the winter is over?

Monday

I didn't have work today. I did some cleaning around the apartment. Of course I searched and applied for jobs too. It was a good day. PK came by around dinner time and we watched The Big Bang Theory, it's a very funny show that strangely not that many people talk about. He left shortly after 9 and I watched more TV. I'm going to work on Tim's pictures and pages tomorrow, so that's something to look forward to.

Guilt

I went shopping today. I not only bought things for myself, but also ordered a few presents online for friends. I felt kinda guilty about the shopping spree. Actually, today was a guilt-filled day. For dinner, I had this chicken nacho from El Pollo Loco, and it was like the true rock-bottom, unhealthiest food item you could order there. It had the most fat, most sodium, most calories and carbs, basically most of everything choice on the menu! I should have never looked at that diet "nutritional" chart they posted. I felt, yep, guilty to even order it and bring it home. No, I'm not going to think about it anymore.

Spider and lizard

I woke up before 5 AM this morning. I had a bad dream. I saw a big, giant spider in my bedroom, crawling from the ceiling coming down the wall. Then I saw a big, black, and slimy lizard like creature, moving towards me, and forcing its way out of the bedroom after I hurried and shut it closed. The door was almost pushed open, I saw its head and tongue peeking under, then I woke up. I remember looking around my bed and realized it was just a dream. I couldn't go back to sleep after that. So I got up. I went back to bed around 6:40 and slept for another 4 hours.

Checking on dream dictionary on the words lizard and spider, I found they had a common thread: creativity. Does this mean I am going to explore or express more of my creative skills? Or does it mean that I already have been. Whatever. I know it's kind of nonsense to read too much into this, but I need some kind of an explanation to my weird and strangely vivid dream. I mean, I didn't remember what I dreamed after I took that second nap. I slept again after lunch too, and nothing came to mind. So why not find out what other people say about it. Yes I know. I slept a lot today.

Shopping with Dave

I spent the most of the day with Dave. I brought him the iPod car hookup module and it worked perfectly. He could control the music from his factory radio. He was happy.

We then went to Van Nuys and did some shopping there. We also had lunch at Pita Kitchen. It was a very popular restaurant. The food came quickly and was delicious. We were in Sherman Oaks 'til 4, finally came back to his place and got some rest. After Jose arrived we started thinking about dinner. We ended up at Capri in Eagle Rock. The food was good, but Dave's pizza was definitely better. By the time we came back I was exhausted. Judy called and suggested that I should change the dinner party date to Sunday, after all, that is the actual birthday. I agreed with her, so did Dave and Jose. It's good to have friends who are helpful and agreeable! I came home around 9 and ran to the gym for a fast one. This was a successful and productive day.

Feeling blessed

I learned there would be more work ahead at my company. I think that was a good news. It seemed like I might get to do something new. That's always a little intimidating and exciting.

I finally decided on the restaurant and the time for dinner next week. I don't know how many will come, but it's more about having a fun time with good friends.

Tonight on the way back to my apartment I saw thick fog gathering around the building. Suddenly I felt truly lucky to be alive. To live a fairly stress-free life, have friends who care about me, see the world around me and appreciate the time I get to pause and think. It really is a blessing.

Good show

Top Chef tonight was really good. I liked the little twists here and there and having the contestants watching other contestants critiquing their work was a touch of genius. Loved the new judge too, he's harsh, funny, and he sure liked to reference American movies! I really enjoyed this episode. This year is off to a good start!

I finally set my foot into a store today and began shopping for presents for my other born-in-January friends. 2 down, 1 to go. I will probably finish the last one tomorrow.

Day off tomorrow

No work tomorrow! I sent off the big project today and it is now done. Probably on Thursday I will need to go in for a "proof and approve," but other than that, all gone.

I still can't find a good place for next week. I was on yelp for a couple of hours, browsing and reading different local restaurants. This place needs to be cheap, has decent vegetarian selections or is easy to work with, and not too far for people coming from North or West LA. I used to enjoy doing this, not so much this time. I do have a couple of restaurants in mind, they aren't perfect, but will work out just fine. Tomorrow I will choose one and that'll be it. Enough indecisiveness!

Many Jan babies

Work went smoothly today. I finished two projects. I'm so good! As far as I could tell, both the oversea vendor and our printer were happy with the files. One of the bigger projects is getting ready to be done and sent off, who knows, I probably won't have much to do after next week.

Speaking of next week, I still don't have a restaurant for the b-day. I just am not in the mood these days, but I know I will feel dumb if I don't use this opportunity to see everyone. After mine there are 3 more coming this month. No I haven't gotten anything for anyone yet. Time to get on with it I suppose.

Vacuumming Day

I vacuumed today. Yes I did! I am usually so lazy, but after I had lunch I got up and took out my vacuum. I changed the bag inside, then it was ON. I used that thing everywhere, I even vacuumed my bedroom's lampshade. I know, I don't think I ever vacuumed that thing. It was dusty and gross. I also should buy a new one. It got kind of torn after I was done with cleaning it. Wow I blogged about vacuuming, this is a new high!

I of course did some job search also. I sent out 3 applications. There will probably more new postings starting this week. I can see all the job seekers getting ready to race each other. "Hire us please!" I have work tomorrow, so that's good. The project there is almost finished. If they get more business more work will be waiting. Let's hope so.

Paint smell

I went to bed around 10 last night. I was very tired. I had gym after work, then when I came home I had to move all my plants inside because the apartment painters were coming in the morning to finish the job. Well actually I didn't move ALL of them inside, I had to let some of them go. Oh well, new year new start right? Some of them were so heavy, it felt like I had another work out. No wonder I was way exhausted.

Even though I knew I would wake up after a few hours, I went ahead anyway. I got up around 2:40 AM and stayed up 'til 6:00. I played with my Chumby and listened to my favorite stations on Pandora. When I woke up again it was almost 9:00. The painters were already working on my porch and the floor. There were noises coming from all directions. Finally I got up for good and had breakfast. My apartment was beginning to smell like paint and I had a little headache, still I didn't venture out 'til 2 in the afternoon.

The rest of the day consisted of gym, groceries, soup, and Dave's. Dave made chicken pot pie tonight. It was so yum. Then we had chocolate chip cookies that he just baked too. They were just as amazing. I made a Mii and play Big Brain Academy and Raven Rabbids. They were both very fun and challenging games. I got home not long ago. I'm going to sleep well tonight.

Happy New Year

Last night's New Year's Eve party was pretty groovy. Jen's friend hosted the party with her friend at this retro, 60's, lounge-like house. I felt like I stepped into the set for Ice Storm. Even though I didn't want to go at first, I was glad I did. I was very happy to be in good friends' company on a special night like this.

Today I went to Judy's Housewarming party. She has a gorgeous and huge house. I sat with her and her ex-coworkers. We had a lot of laughs and different food to eat. The chocolate fountain was a big hit. Everyone was fascinated by how quickly the gooey chocolate turned hard once it covered the fruits. Judy had to explain a couple of times that the fruits had to be frozen first to achieve that. Smart girl! I got back around 10:30 and was very tired. I have work tomorrow, so that's good news.

2009 is here. I don't have big plans or wishes. I would like to find me a good, secure, rewarding job. A career even. During this economic crisis, who knows when it will happen. A boy can hope. And think positively.