Tires are expensive

Tires are expensive! One of my tires got flattened this week, so this morning I drove to Costco to buy a brand new set. They were of course busy and the line was very long. I didn't want to spend half a day there, so I left. I drove my deflated car slowly to my mechanic. I was planning on replacing them, thinking they would be faster and cheaper. Then the owner showed me their price: $186 per tire! I was like, "Please just repair it for now!"

I saw a couple of movies today. Push was not as good or fun as I hoped. The action scenes were OK. My main issue with it was that there were scenes just didn't seem to add anything to the plot. And it's not even a complicated movie! It totally could use some tightening up. He's Just Not That Into You was a better movie. The dialog was mostly insightful and funny. It was lighthearted and did what it was supposed to do, to show how men and women see relationships and how they differ from each other from thinking to responding to behaving, etc. It was a simple, entertaining movie.

Quick and brutal

The crowning of Top Chef's winner last night was, well, underwhelming at best. Stephan wasn't a popular candidate, but he was mostly deserving of the title. Sigh. Hopefully next year's contestants will be more consistent and more even in their skills than this year's.

I had a phone interview today with an e-commerce company. It was very quick and brutal. She asked me a bunch of questions and I answered them one by one. When it was done, I got "If our hiring manager was interested he will call you. Bye." Oh well, it was at least something.

The rest of the day was not much eventful. I did set up the printer myself and I felt very proud when it worked :)

Slow mood

So the drama yesterday finally resolved itself. The last file I sent was still unusable, and I asked the vendor to just fix the error on their end. It was a minor, textual mistake, I knew they could do it. They agreed. Yay!

I hung out with Tim in the afternoon. He was having a bad day, worrying about his job and having too much free time. Slow economy these days is really affecting everyone. Later PK came over and we watched Lost together. I liked it, there was crucial, new information revealed tonight again! This season rocks!

Stressed

This was absolutely one of the most stressful and frustrating non-working days ever! It all started because of me! Yesterday I made a minor mistake on one artwork file. Since I couldn't go to work today, I tried to resolve it from home. I don't have all the necessary software to make that happen quickly, but I thought I could work around that problem and fix it via just Photoshop. Little did I know, by using only Photoshop the original PDF suddenly got a lot bigger after the correction, like 40 times bigger. Now I had a delivery issue, there's no way I could email her a file this large. Then I figured out a way to do it, via Megaupload. I also thought instead of a huge PDF, I would upload a JPG, which was a slightly smaller file.

The next thing I knew, the link to the file was blocked, or "blank" as she called it, so I needed to find another delivery method. I found Yousendit and decided to use their service instead. The JPG was uploaded, and she was able to download it without any problems. Then she wrote again to say JPG format was not good, she preferred PDF. ARRGH! So there I was, trying again, playing with different conversion settings to create the smallest PDF I could. I finally got one version that was 63 MB, yea it was that big! Of course, I already used up closed to half of 1 GB limit when I sent her the JPG on Yousendit, now I must find another way to deliver her the PDF. I did a little research and found that Firefox had a free FTP extension, so I downloaded and installed that. It worked! I was able to upload the 63 MB PDF onto our server, and I fired her another email right after that. Thinking I better check the file myself, I downloaded it myself, and it was blank! I was SO frustrated and miserable, I called Jose. I sent him all the files and links, but he didn't have the right font to correct the mistake in the artwork! ARRGH! This was just impossible!

I went through all my old discs and found one that had Copperplate Bold. Of course, I then discovered that my PC cannot read my old MAC disc! All the fonts on that disc came up 0 KB. Just my luck!!! Finally the vendor's email came, nope they couldn't use the gigantic PDF at all. She needed me to send her the files like the ones yesterday. Right, but she didn't know that I only worked 3 hours yesterday and none today, and will work none tomorrow. Part time here, hello?! No I can't tell her that! Still I was trying to figure out a way to send a working file. After all, it was I that made an error which set off the chain reaction. Still, I can't believe that I was doing this back and forth the entire day, and I'm still at it! So now the last thing I did was, opened the JPG not in Photoshop, but in Microsoft Office Picture Manager, exported it as a PNG, closed the file, and in the folder where it was saved I right-clicked the file name, and there was an option to convert it into PDF. I did that, and this PDF turned out to be just 3 MB. So that looked about right, or so I hoped! I uploaded the file and also sent it to her as an attachment. Phew! When will this end?

South Coast

I went to Costa Mesa today and hung out with Judy. It had been a while since I stepped foot in the famous South Coast Mall. There were a lot of high end shops, and good looking shoppers. Yea, the salespeople looked pretty good too. They wouldn't get hired otherwise. Judy bought several pieces, I just gave her my support. A person without a job should not be spending money on clothes. Some stores were kind of empty, some stores had a nice long line going. Basically if the store was having a 30% and more sale, there would be customers buying. It was a day full of walking, laughing, and not buying (for me).

Movie nights

Saw a couple of good movies this weekend. Watched What The Bleep Do We Know? with PK and his friends last night. It was good, but I found it very difficult to understand, especially the first half. I was confused and almost falling asleep. I just didn't think I was getting it. When we started watching the second half it finally became easier for me to digest. We sat and talked about its ideas throughout. It was kind of a deep and confusing movie. Today I watched Slumdog Millionaire with Dave and Jose. It looked good, sounded good, and had a great story. I hope it wins the Best Picture tomorrow night.

Good time with friends

After watching Lost together last night PK stayed a little longer to hear my story idea, and chat about life since we graduated. It felt good to laugh and relate. Today I had work, a full day of it too. I went to Dave's afterwards and spent the evening with him and Jose. Dave made Chinese food tonight, and we got to enjoy a piece of cake from Ikea and a slice of pie from Marie Callendar's. It was a very full and very good day.

Cakes

I worked 2 hours today! Wow! I will have a half a day of work tomorrow. Nice!!!

The present I got for dad finally got delivered today. I was worried it might take another day. Needless to say I was very happy to see it when I got home. I gladly took it back to the post office and mail it out on time. Hopefully he will receive it by this Saturday.

Who doesn't like cakes? I had 2 pieces of real good cakes today. At work I had a slice of chocolate raspberry cake (Happy Birthday Carol), it was deep, rich, and delicious. Tonight I finished the last slice of Dave's carrot cake, which was sweet, tender and also delicious. I love cakes.

It's a holiday

I didn't know today was a holiday. Well, holiday for some people who have a job. I was expecting a package this morning, and I noticed the outgoing mails didn't get picked up. Also I saw most of the tenants' cars are still in their spots. I then realized, "Oh it's holiday. President's Day?"

Dad's present will have to be late. I was called to go to work for a few hours tomorrow. So that's good.

My Top 5 Gym Pet-Peeves:

5. Couples or groups talking, laughing, enjoying a conversation. SHUT UP! I don't care about your kids. I don't care about your crush. Get it going or get out!

4. Women thoroughly, diligently cleaning equipment before exercising. Let's be honest ladies. If you put this much effort into your exercise, you wouldn't need to be here tonight. And, you almost never clean after yourselves! WTF?

3. Staff cleaning, maintaining, or repairing machines while the gym's at its fullest. C'mon, do it when there's no one waiting in line. Yes I know the machines aren't available anyway, but seeing you taking your time "working" on them is very annoying, not to mention distracting! Ugh.

2. People warming up for a long period of time before doing any actual exercise. Enough already! Get on with it! I don't want to see you on that machine stretching or posturing or reading instructions or pressing buttons for more than 30 seconds. If you are, you're a moron! Get the F out!

1. Men wearing long-sleeve sweatshirts with matching pants, or head-to-toe garbage bag inspired ensemble while exercising. I could bet on it that you would almost definitely stink. You're inconsiderate. You're gross. You need to invest in t-shirts and some good deodorant. You. Are. Wet. Walking. Pungent. Socks. That's right! You know what you smell like! Why are you torturing everyone around you? Get the F out!

Day with Mike and Eric

I hung out with Mike and Eric this afternoon. I had not seen them in a while and it was great to spend some time with old friends. Mike was in town to get himself a guzheng, a Chinese music instrument. The one he purchased looked very nice. We then went to Yunnan Garden for lunch, which was spicy and good. Eric wanted to buy some monkey head mushrooms, which supposedly were impossible to find in San Diego. We went to T S Emporium, thinking they would have it, we were wrong. Oh well, sometimes a product just disappeared for no good reason. Maybe they were recalled? We went to a boba place and sat down for more chatting. They left around 3 and I came back thinking about our day together. I finished my story tonight. It's a very long and silly story. I think I am going to do some re-write for sure. Hey, at least I've got something done ;)

Writing a story

I got this music video idea for a while. Today I just let my thoughts fly. I had the characters, stories, background stories, action scenes, blah blah blah enough for a movie. I know! I AM SUPER BORED!!!

PK suggested that I just put my thoughts into words. He said not to worry about how to shoot it or censor it in anyway. The story could always be edited later. I agreed, and I started to write down the story. I now have about 1/3 of it, we'll see how far I get.

I had dinner at Dave's tonight. He made yummy creamy mushroom soup, spaghetti and country fried chicken. AND he also made carrot cake. He's like, phenomenal. He and Jose got me an electric blanket too. They knew how cold my bedroom could get. I was so moved and thankful. That was so sweet and considerate of them :)

Vacation

There are days when I start to feel a little guilty. Today's one of those. I feel like I am on a vacation when I am supposed to be productive or making money. I spend the day casually and usually worry or stress free. Well, a little pressure here and there, like job search. Generally, I am happy. It's optimism. I believe the future's going to be good again. In the meantime I am keeping my spirit up and doing exactly what I need to do. That includes enjoying my down time, a.k.a. vacation. Before I lost my job I wanted a break so badly, I kept hoping for one but couldn't make myself ask for it. Now I finally get it I'm going to appreciate it, love it, and savor it everyday.

Lost is good

That was another good episode of Lost tonight. I wonder why aren't more shows like this on TV, then again, if there were more shows like Lost then the show itself wouldn't be special. There were more resolutions and a few more questions, very good ratio of moving the story forward and providing enough insight to the past. Very very good!

Judy gave me a good job tip today: Check out the Chinese newspapers' classified section. I used to read it and find a positions I could apply before I took my trip. After I came back I just forgot all about it. Now Judy reminded me this found-again job source happily I went to their site and found a few good postings this afternoon. So, maybe that will give me some advantage. I sure hope so.

Cooking at home

I started cooking at home yesterday. I prepared chicken leg meat the night before, then after I came back from the gym I just made myself some chicken and greens for lunch. I thought since I had this much free time now I might as well eat better and save more money. The only problem is the lingering food smell afterwards. The weather's colder now so I usually don't leave my windows wide open as much as I would before. Tonight I went to Dave's for dinner. He made amazing Mexican corn soup and vegetarian jackfruit taco tonight. It was so yummy, I ate a ton. I just got back a few minutes ago and my place still smells like my lunch! Oh well!

I talk about shows I don't like or watch too much

It was a good day today. I did what I intended to do and that is always good. I even did some research for mom on the frozen yogurt suppliers and business. FroYo unfortunately has reached oversaturation in LA, but I suppose elsewhere there is still room to grow. Megan came over tonight and we hung out in my apartment. We found and watched Heroes together. What happened to that show? It used to be good. Now it's just a mess. Sylar should just be a bad guy, but give him some allies. Make him like Magneto. Give one or two of the good guys the front and center seat and develop the rest of the characters patiently. Wow I sound like I know the show. I don't anymore, I just feel it was a much better, tighter show in the 1st season.

Also, what was up with True Beauty? ABC aired the premiere episode tonight, as in repeating it exactly and completely. Why? Are they going to rerun every episode up to last week's now? Who would want to sit and watch another cycle of the first 5 or 6 episodes? What was the point? I didn't get it. Shouldn't they edit the already aired episodes into one big recap, so the viewers or potential new viewers could catch up? That would be a better use of the time-slot, no? Gee I sure talk about the shows I don't like or watch much. It's too evident that I have too much free time!

Time with Dave and Jose

I stayed home most of the day today. I did some grocery shopping in the afternoon, came home and prepared some food, and went out for dinner with Dave and Jose. We went to Ding's after finding out Mandarin Deli was closed for Chinese New Year. The food was spicy and salty, totally, unapologetic, no holds barred Szechuan cuisine. I was sweating so much that I probably used at least a box of napkins. It definitely satisfied our spicy fix.

Dave and Jose later came to my apartment and we enjoyed some carrot cake Dave got from a supermarket. It was alright, could have more carrots and pecan bits. Jose gave me his IKEA floor lamp, which he bought a few months ago but decided he didn't want it anymore. I will probably use it in my bedroom. Dave bought a second hand National water boiler from Out of Closet for $5.00 and now it's mine. We tested it and it worked perfectly. How nice your friends just give you useful presents when it's not even a special occasion? I don't have work tomorrow, that means I will spend another day at home, alone. Oh well, I see job hunting, gym going, and food making. FUN!

Free food is awesome

I saw one person today! Megan and I hung out and had a nice dinner at Kanpai in Rowland Heights. The food was alright. I liked their nice chairs and soft lighting. The service was good too. Too bad every dish had something off. For example, the si-qua with salty egg, it had broken egg shell bits in every other bite. Our fried red spice pork itself was missing salt but its sauce was too strong and needed a better balance. Megan's usual favorite, midnight intestine, was on the other hand too salty.

Then again, the whole meal was free (Megan had coupons), so I really should not complain. We ordered so much food, each of us brought home plenty of left-overs for lunch tomorrow. Yea when you can eat for free, and have more to bring home, shut the hell up. Sorry! I love Kanpai!

I don't like the Progressive ads

It's another day spent alone. I hope I don't turn into some kind of a recluse. Ha - too bad I already am. I almost went out to grab some dinner tonight. Then I thought about the rain. So I stayed in and watched even more TV. Nothing great was on, oh well, another night another TV dinner.

Does anyone find the Progressive girl annoying? Sure, I like how she looks. She has a funky, retro, pin-up style and an odd, perky attitude that make her memorable. I just can't stand her lines. They are supposed to be cute, and amusing instead they just sound dumb, and feel forced.



See what I mean? There are a bunch of them currently running on TV. I wish they would give her clever lines. Or just tell her to say, Buy Progressive! Or something. Ugh. I really don't like them stoopid commercials.

Only work day this week

I was 15 minutes early this morning when I got to work. I couldn't sleep well last night and woke up before 6 o'clock this morning. Not knowing what to do, I decided to apply for some jobs before getting ready to leave. I was a productive little bee, at home and in the office. Even though I only slept for a couple of hours I didn't feel tire. It's days like this that remind me work is good, focus is good, and making an effort is good.

LA is raining today. It relaxes me. I hope to sleep through the night, no stress, no interruptions.

Lost Night... Jin Lives!

It was another excellent Lost episode. I knew Jin didn't die in the blast, but I didn't expect that he was sent back to... Umm, I will have to read the recap. Those die-hard fans and critics know the Lost histories and characters much better than I do. Reading the recaps and follow-up comments are just as fun as watching the show. I like reading the crazy theories that fans write in, sometimes they are actually right on, sometimes they are so off and outrageous, it makes waiting for the next episode(s) that much more exciting.

I changed the blog template tonight. I came across a blog by someone I used to know, and suddenly I felt strongly that I needed to update mine. It was like I saw someone from the past and wanted to be more... like I wanted to look newer. Does this even make sense?

I have work tomorrow. Yay! Hopefully it's going to be a productive day.

No School But More TV

I didn't register. After paying this month's rent, cell phone and cable (internet + TV) bills, it just didn't feel right to spend another couple of hundreds on schooling. I know, difficult choices, but we all make them. I haven't worked since last week, and to exhaust my wallet at this time, or anytime, is just not a wise move. I reason with myself diligently. Exercising self-control and choosing some type of sacrifice have become a daily routine. Hey, at least I can still pay for food and keep my cable! Hahaha.

I watched an episode of Chopped tonight. Sigh. Ted Allen used to be nerdy and charming. On this show, he's just stiff as rock, or robot, or a piece of wood stuck in a pool of mud. I could not bear his flat delivery. It's just awful. Not to mention the show is a direct rip-off of Top Chef's Quickfire Challenge. I mean, if you want to copy something so close to the original, do it well, and do it better. Or don't bother. The show's OK, just get Ted Allen a hosting coach, or take him off the show. Wow... I feel a lot of passion suddenly. Nah, I'm just cranky.

I am watching I Love Money 2 on VH1 too. It's so trashy I love it. Yes it's another knock-off of a show, an even dirtier and sluttier version of MTV's Road Rules / Real World Challenge. The cast is so fame and money hungry it's ridiculously entertaining. There are some serious train wreck in progress. There are some typical egomaniacs holding onto their 15 min of fame. Then there are some truly determined and hardcore bodies but unfortunately with no talent whatsoever eye-candies hanging on for their dear lives (and for my viewing pleasure). It's so bad, and so awful it's good.

Yea I watch a lot of TV. Hello! That's why I need my cable!

School visit

I spent some time at a local college this afternoon. It was an odd experience. I felt like I was back to being a student, I was both green and knowing. The school was not as established as my old school, but I could feel the same kind of energy walking with the students. I might just choose this one, or take a look at the other one in Pasadena. I am so indecisive. I really don't like that about myself.

PK came over tonight and we watched half of Repo! The Genetic Opera on DVD. I liked the vivid colors, dramatic lighting and gorgeous sets. The acting was a little uneven, the cast's singing was spotty too. The lyrics and songs could definitely use some more polishing. I wasn't hating it, but it was not the best representative of its genre. We stopped watching it half way through, PK was just not that into it.

Who knows what I'm going to do tomorrow...

Home all weekend

The weekend was mostly spent alone. I didn't go out really, except for gym. Friday night Dave and Jose came over to have dinner and that was about it. It was a home-sitting weekend, all the way. I am going to go to one of the local colleges again tomorrow. I might just go for it. Something that made me think all weekend deserves another look. There are times to be safe, and there are time I need to take a chance. We'll see how it goes.