So long, '07

Unless I feel compelled to celebrate New Year's Eve with drink in hand and laptop in the other, this will be my last post of 2007. Granted, I only started this blog about a month ago, but a New Year for me usually constitutes a new (and hopefully better) outlook on things, which will probably translate in my posts from now on. But before looking forward, I'm going to look back first.

I finally got a chance to spend some much needed quality time with Sybil today. It's pretty nice to have someone that I've known for so long still be there for me when needed. Anyways, we got into our usual talk about how things were in high school, who we've come across lately, the usual biz. Something that we both agreed on is how it seems like kids seem to be aging faster and faster nowadays. We're basing this on appearance and how one carries him/herself as the criteria; maturity and the like are fodder for an entirely different argument... I mean I get taken aback sometimes at how some sophomores in high school look so much older than me. And I don't just mean ME me, but say class of '05ers collectively. From the clothes to the shoes, plus make-up and hair, it's a little ridiculous to strive to look like you came straight off a magazine ad - especially when it's going to first period English or what have you. Maybe it's because teens are following trends more closely now? Or it's just a normal changing of the times? I don't know. But what I realized when we were looking back at pictures from our days at Mt. Carmel is that I'm glad that I looked like I did back then haha. If I come off superficial I'm not trying to say I was hot shit back then because I obviously wasn't (see 2 posts back for conclusive evidence). What I am trying to say is that I'm glad that I didn't realize my full potential in high school because that leaves room for improvement. I'd rather find myself more and develop in college than look in the mirror and think "Wow I haven't changed since high school". Although I'm focusing a lot of this on outer appearances, a lot of it really has to do with a sense of self, which (I think) correlates with your style and how you carry yourself. I know this came off as a little random, it's just been on my mind for a while. I don't even know if my rambling made any sense, but even if a couple of you get what I'm trying to say, then I've succeeded!

As for more recent times, 2007 has definitely been a year of highs and lows in almost all facets of my life. I'll spare you the details and just say that I've learned tons about myself this year, as well as about people I know and people in general. I just gotta keep on learning and keep a smile going into the next year, and everything will fall into place. My resolutions aren't that specific, but it's really to just take everything that I've learned up to now and to put it to good use and apply it to 2008 - this covers school, family matters, relationships, my strengths & weaknesses, even getting fit! I had to put that in, that's an obligatory resolution for me... I don't mind as much if I make mistakes every now and then as long as I walk away learning something from it. I'd also like to see myself more committed to this blog than my previous ones - it's funny to see what kind of mindset (or mindfcuk) I'm in throughout certain phases of my life.

When it comes to resolutions in general, I hate it when people say they only have one resolution, to "not have any resolutions". Hello, that totally defeats your purpose of being devoid of resolutions. Just say you don't have any then! Hah.

Thank you to my family for another year of love and support. I know I can be stubborn sometimes, but I really take to heart what you guys say, and I appreciate everything you've done for me. And Jay since you're the only one who will actually be reading this, shoutout to you! Thanks for listening anytime, and you know you can tell me anything. Thanks Raf for another year, what can I say except you're the best! You're my BFF forreal :] Thank you SD & Irvine friends & 198 for the good times in 2007, because there was NO SHORTAGE of those whatsoever haha. More to come in 2008, best believe I'm going to take advantage of being 21 until December 23 of this coming year. Because honestly, what's the next big milestone to look forward to? Turning 30? No thanks.

Review time

I've had ample time this winter break to catch up on movies that I have been wanting to see for a while, plus make a couple trips to the theatres as well. With that said, I decided to do a couple reviews on the latest December releases.

SWEENEY TODD: A-

For those of you who don't know the general premise of the movie, do not expect to see the same lovable, charming personality of Jack Sparrow from Johnny Depp in this performance. It's part Ichabod Crane from Sleepy Hollow + Inspector Abberline in From Hell, then add a little more anguish and straight up crazy. Without giving out too much spoilers, Benjamin Barker (Depp) is a barber that seems to have finally settled down in life with his beautiful wife Lucy & new baby girl Johanna when Barker's world is turned upside down due to Judge Turpin's (Alan Rickman) lust for Lucy. After being deported for about 15 years, Barker comes back to London with his new identity as Sweeney Todd, with every intention to seek revenge upon Turpin and to be reunited with his family. With the help of Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), Todd devises a plan to rid of Turpin by luring him into his newly opened barber shop; in the meantime, he practices his craft on unsuspecting customers.

When coming into this movie, you can't forget that this is a musical first and foremost. What Depp, Carter and the main cast lack in singing abilities they make up with the emotions that they bring to the songs; they carry the songs so well that you never really notice that they aren't of the same calibur as their counterparts on Broadway. I've never heard the soundtrack for Sweeney Todd before but I found some of the songs to be quite catchy and funny, despite the dark undertones. One thing that I did find annoying was that they recycled the same song about 3 or 4 times throughout the movie.


The visuals in this movie are on par with Burton's previous works. This version of London is ghoulish and dirty, which helps to set the tone from the beginning. Because of this, the blood and gore is easily highlighted against the drab backgrounds. The violence is very graphic, but done in a comical and over-the-top way to somewhat ease the viewer (I still had to squint through most of the throat slittings though). The sets and costumes are done with great detail as well, and overall the visuals really helped to make this movie.

As dark as the material may be, I really enjoyed this movie. I laughed a lot, felt for the characters, and was thoroughly entertained.

I AM LEGEND: B-

I'm not going to write a full review for this movie but mainly I just wanted to point out a couple things, especially some problems I had with the movie diverging too much from the book. I highly recommend, by the way, reading the original book by Richard Matheson.



I have to give it up for Will Smith for his performance in this movie. To carry about 75% of it either acting by yourself or with CGI "dark-seekers", I think he did pretty well. The tone of the movie was consistent, starting from the opening scene of a desolate New York city. The way a total lack of sound or music was used in the movie was also very effective in delivering this feeling straight to the audience. Now for my rant.

DO NOT READ the italicized paragraphs if you don't want to be SPOILED.

The only real things that the book and the movie had in common were the fact that there was a virus that was taking over the entire human population, and Dr. Robert Neville was indeed the last man on Earth still trying to find a way to eradicate this pandemic. The movie (at least I don't think) does not come straight out and say that those infected turn into vampires; this is a little odd to me since "I Am Legend" is arguably one of the most influential vampire novels, second to "Dracula". A main part of Neville's daily routine in the book is to go around during the day to every building and "kill" the undead. He does this by driving a stake through their hearts, then collects all of the bodies for that day and disposes them in this burning pit. Neville's family had been taken over by the virus, and he is even forced to kill his infected wife because she keeps tempting him to join "their" side. Robert does not start off with a dog companion either; he finds the dog at his doorstep one day and gains his trust after leaving food for him for a couple weeks. Each night, the vampires congregate around Neville's home because they DO know where he lives, and they shout his name and claw at his boarded-up windows until sunrise. The leader of the vampires is Neville's neighbor and former best friend, Ben Cortman. A couple times he is forced to fight his way into his home because he loses track of time or his watch dies.

I could go on but the main problem I had with the movie version was the ending. The whole reason for Neville being the "legend" is entirely different. In the book Neville captures a terrified girl he finds running in the fields who represents a glimmer of hope for him - she is the first human he has seen for a while now. This slowly develops into a friendship and what Neville hopes to be something more. The girl ends up being one of the infected, only she does not exhibit any signs of the disease. Neville finds out that there are others like her, who are infected, but during the daylight they appear to be vampires. To those who are still living, Neville has become a horror to them, being able to wander around in the daylight killing them, the still "living", along with the dead. The girl's initial intent of gaining Neville's trust works, and this leads to Neville's capture as she turns him into those who are still living. As he is being lead to his death in front of all of the vampires, he realizes that he himself has become "legend"; he the last of the human race, with vampires now taking over the world and humans being regarded now as legend, as vampires once were.

/End spoilers

That being said, I still gave the movie a B-. Being someone who has read the book, I tried REALLY hard to LOVE this movie, but it fell a little short of my expectations.

FOR THE MUSIC LOVERS

This concert DVD is pretty cool, I bought it for my dad for Christmas and I ended up watching the whole thing after Christmas breakfast. It has a little bit of everything for everyone: funk, soul, jazz, rock, you name it. I happen to be a big fan of both of these bands, but I'm sure everyone will find something to like, from one of the classic songs to the fun performances. I mean, Earth, Wind & Fire AND Chicago performing together?

Plus Philip Bailey of EW&F is phenomenal.

Life is awesome.

A lot has happened since the last time I posted on this thing. I don't know if I'll be able to talk about most of it, but I'll give it a shot and go through the important things.

Although I was stuck in Irvine for work until the Thursday after finals week, I was lucky enough to have the company of my roommates until Wednesday; and I thought I was going to alone the whole week haha. Wine, bruschette & pasta was delish, Mel's adventures in Italy are definitely rubbing off in the apartment in a good way. There was also a lot of Maki Maki sushi, a good handful of it courtesy of Roger. Thanks again man, you baller. Oh and I finally got to see Dreamgirls, and I've got to say that Beyonce exceeded my expectations. I was totally expecting another horrid performance after her role in "Goldmember" ugh. But Ms. Knowles pulled her weight in Dreamgirls (and you all KNOW how much I love her :] ). Still, Jennifer Hudson blew her out of the water! American Idol voters, what were you thinking with Fantasia?

Wednesday the 19th was Raf's & my 5 year anniversary. Time flew by soooo fast, it's hard to believe it started half a decade ago, wow. We weren't able to do anything that day because of work the next day, so we just celebrated on Friday. Nothing too extravagant, just lunch and a nice day at Balboa Park. It's definitely one of my favorite places to go in San Diego, you don't even really have to spend any money to enjoy yourself with the pretty scenery and aura of the place. I've always wanted to try the food at the Prado too, so this was the perfect time to do it. Highlights of lunch for me was the great service and the KOBE BEEF SUSHI. I am not lying when I say that I've never tasted sushi soooo gooood in my life.

The plan for dinner was to cook, but we got too lazy so we went to Olive Garden instead - never a bad choice. Ended the night with "I Am Legend", I'd give it a decent B-. This is coming from someone who has read the book, so my expectations were a little different. I'll do a review on this in an upcoming post. Back to the anniversary...

I decided to get Raf this Urban Outfitters jacket that he's been eyeing for a while and an authentic Padres Premier thermabase jacket. It felt good to get a nice present this year since it's the first time I've had a job during the holiday season. As for me, I totally did not see this one coming.

When he first gave me the bag it was in my first words were "What is thisss?!" (Romantic, right?). Then I pulled out the little box and unwrapped it; the whole time I was getting even more nervous so I took my time unwrapping. Finally I finished, and he opened the box for me:

Disclaimer: some serious sappy stuff coming up

I didn't even know what to say at first, partly because I started crying haha. I was seriously overwhelmed with so much emotion. This gift honestly means a lot to me and most of it doesn't even have to do with what it actually is. Just thinking about how much effort he put into saving up for it, not being able to go out as much or not being able to do some things he wanted. Trust me I know, I witnessed all of it the past couple of months. That's what got to me the most. And in the end, for it to be all for me, I mean what do I say to that? Then there's the actual ring itself, omg. Truthfully, I would have been more than happy this anniversary with just a kiss and a thank you because everything between Raf and me has just been so awesome. This was just the icing on the cake. I hope everyone I know experiences the kind of love I experience in this relationship sometime in their life because it's just this wonderful, heartwarming, undescribable feeling that I will never be able to put to words. Thanks again Raf for everything you've done for me the past 5 years, I love you, and it'll only get better from here on out :)

Just for fun here's a short timeline from the past 5 years -

Our very first picture together at a youth night at OLMC.

After one of Idelle's rehearsals for her 16th birthday.

Junior Year Homecoming.

My 18th birthday.

MCHS Airbands: Remix 2005.

Senior Prom.

Jamey's birthday at the Hard Rock Cafe, La Jolla.

Krystle's debut.

Fall Quarter, first year at UCI.

Summer before second year.

Raf's 19th birthday: SD Day at Coronado, Downtown & Balboa.

Disneyland & CA Adventures in January 2007.

Universal Studios & Hollywood in Spring 2007.

Birch Aquarium during this past summer.

Last month for 4 Years & 11 Months.

Happy Holidays everyone, I hope yours is full of peace, love, & happiness! (Good food too of course).

I'm feelin' the FCK outta you, winter break.

Kudos to those of you who get the reference.

I'M ON WINTER BREAK!! Finals week is of course inevitably stressful and just blech but I must honestly say that this has been the most satisfying one that I've had in a while. I was fortunate enough to get better in time for finals (I always get sick during finals week, this time during 10th week), and I didn't bomb any of my tests *crosses fingers*. Hell, I only had 2 to begin with. This was also the first quarter for me juggling school and 20+ hours of work each week. Ugh I'm so freaking excited for break, it's sick.

More later, back to sleep. Happy Holidays!!

A quick finals week update.

This post is going to be pretty disorganized, I can't seem to keep a constant train of thought on anything. I spent 5 or so hours before my 4pm final cramming in as much microbiology into my brain, so excuse my lack of focus. I also spent no more than 10 minutes chowing down on my own order of pad thai about an hour ago, even though about halfway through I wasn't even hungry anymore. I don't even know why I was forcing myself to eat, plus the noodles had too much kick in it to be considered "medium spicy". Lies. Now I feel like I have a nuclear reactor sitting in the bottom of my stomach.

I just got up to take a shot because roommate Melody Cruz is back! It's great to finally have another female back in 198. I love the guys and all, but that certain spot that was missing the last couple months has finally been filled. Now we can compensate for the Fathead and newest video game additions with maybe some Anne Geddes posters or fresh flower pots on the patio.

Speaking of video games, Rock Band is probably one of the greatest achievements of man. Second only to trying to study, this game has taken up the most time out of my finals week so far. Not a day goes by when I don't find myself singing (in my head of course) "It's been such a loooong time, I think I should be gooooin', yeah..."

Still, it hasn't quite reached Guitar Hero II status for me in regards to being near and dear to my heart. I don't see myself burning a Rock Band soundtrack CD for my car anytime soon. We'll see.

This finals week has been pretty chill so far, nothing too crazy. Yet. Until I get some new pics at the end of this week, here is a montage commemorating finals week from Spring Quarter 07.

Ice cream, candy, and cookies, Oh My.

I've come to the realization that about half of the calories I consume comes from sweets. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, mono- or oligosaccharides - I don't discriminate. Maybe having a dentist for a mom and at least trying to work out has helped yield the potential consequences but man I feel like it's almost getting to me sometimes. Would you like to know what I'm craving right now?

I've managed to come up with the best combination ever at Yogurtland (the masterpiece on the left). A rich foundation of cheesecake yogurt with a top layering of vanilla, a mixture of kiwi, mango, and strawberry bits, sometimes blackberries if I'm feeling extra gluttonous, and topped with graham crust and my ultra-favorite MOCHI balls. Fcccccck.

This new fad of trendy dessert-centered hangouts is a little overwhelming for someone like me. I easily fall victim to the pretty pastel colors and intriguing flavors on the menu (Chocolate Mint! Taro! Even Kahlua!). First there was boba, plus yogurt shops like Yogurtland, Yogurtworld and Golden Spoon (finally a name that's not so obvious), then shops that wander a little farther off the norm like Mochilato. As I said before, mochi is my drug but you're probably better off buying the packs at the supermarket instead of paying $1.25 per piece of mochi. The upside is that they offer flavors you can't get at the store like cookies 'n cream or hazelnut (heaven in 2.5 bites). Now I hear that 2 Pinkberry shops are opening in this area. I'll let you guys know if it really lives up to the hype.

Now time to find my late snack.

(I already know what it's going to be...)

All I want for christmas...

I'm going to be materialistic for a moment so here's my wishlist for the holiday season. I don't actually expect people to get me these things; it's more of a what-i'm-going-to-get-myself-with-christmas-money kinda deal.

+ Original penguin Aruba sunglasses
+ NARS & Urban Decay Makeup
+ New camera, preferably a Canon Powershot
+ Black winter coat
+ Clothes from H&M, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom
+ Black skinny jeans
+ Black leather bomber jacket (like this)
+ Nike zoom blazers size 7
+ Flat brown leather boots
+ Plain v-neck tshirts in any color
+ Nintendo DS
+ Classic Ipod
+ Bangles, earrings, necklaces, scarves
+ Purple or sunshine American Apparel hoodie
+ Black or white clutch
+ Cute picture frames or cool deco for the room
+ Black or gray leggings/tights
+ Money for a new haircut/dye-job
+ Large purses or messenger bags for school

And that's all I can think of for now.

On another note, is anyone else getting sick of Beyonce these days? I'll admit she's probably one of the hardest working artists right now but C'MON I don't need to see her face every commercial break in that horrendous HD Direct ad. Apparently everyone else at the apartment loves it except for me (I'm also the only one not running on testosterone mind you). Dear god it's called overexposure honey. Call me a hater, I don't care. If you're like me, you'll appreciate this video. All hail Queen Bee.

Getting it together.

I honestly saw this coming. My plans of studying a week before finals aren't going through, with a big chunk due to being sick, and I can only spend so many hours juggling between myspace/facebook/ONTD. Hence a new blog has sprung forth from the boredom abyss and TADA!

First off I'd like to commence this entry with a big FCUK YOU to finals. Actually to school in general for the most part. I somehow managed to go through 10th week without going to a single class. I guess I find it more important to overcome my sickness before the weekend (in which I have a feeling I won't be much more productive either). I make myself feel better by saying I'm only missing review sessions anyways.

Getting stuff done wouldn't be such a problem if I wasn't glued to the tv this week. Especially Wednesdays for my latest guilty pleasure:

The whole Gossip Girl cast is so freaking attractive it's unfair. I'd also love to borrow Blair's wardrobe so I can be FIERCE too. I say this show is my guilty pleasure because nothing is more profound than the now formulaic spoiled-rich-kids-and-their-drama scenario.

Other shows I should be ashamed of watching include but are not limited to: I Love New York, A Shot at Love, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Girls Next Door, etc. etc...Damn television nowadays. Whenever I watch Super Sweet Sixteen or other trashtastic "reality" shows, it makes a part of me not look forward to having kids. Blech.

But besides the looming destruction known as finals, I LOVE DECEMBER. It'll be the 5-year anniversary for Raf and me on the 19th; I would consider that one of the biggest milestones for me so far. Then my 21st birthday on the 24th. I don't think I'll be planning anything though until after winter break. Shame that people still mistake me for a 16-year old sometimes. Then of course there's Christmas, New Year's, presents, family, friends, and just feeling fcking festive! Hah I'm always at my happiest at this time of year.

I don't want to overdo it on the first post, so I'll leave you with a tidbit of probably one of the greatest advice columnists ever, the Thug Misses herself. Got questions? Ask Khia. Just in case you forgot what she looks like...

Q: Khia help me I been with this girl faithfully for 7 months and she havent let meglance at the pussy. I havent felt no titties or nothing what am I doing wrong.Shes not a virgin she got two girls. I don't know how much longer I can wait.The hardest part is she always wearing short shit, and khia she got a biggurilla ass. Please help me!-Mike (Houston, TX)

A: What's really Hood Mike? This sounds like some Jerry Springer shit, 7months without even a glance at the pussy what is that about, you sure she's nota man? I know you said she has two kids but damn are they her's? You knowthere's a lot of punks out here getting ass shots and tittie jobs but for realyou say you ain't feel no ass, titties or nothing. What is she saying about thisbecause something in the milk ain't clean. What is she telling you when you tryand get some, damn I'm lost for words. Well all I can say is if you really careabout her talk to her and find out what's really going on and why she's holdingback. Tell her your needs as a man and let her know how you feel cause shitshe's going to have to drop them panties sooner or later and I hope she ain'thiding a dick under there. Shit maybe she's waiting for marriage this time yousay she has two kids already, maybe she wants to do it right this time and if soyou better start shopping for a ring or move...Next!!!!!