Spice Girls in San Jose -- The Amazin Eurazn

SPICE GIRLS REUNION TOUR -- SPICE IS BACK ON THE RACK!

2007-12-05T23:32:00.000-08:00

SPICE GIRLS REUNION TOUR -- SPICE IS BACK ON THE RACK!

Spice Girls Reunion Tour in San Jose

Last night I saw the Spice Girls Reunion Tour concert at the HP Arena in San Jose. The Spice Girls Reunion Tour was absolutely fantastic! If you're a Spice Girl fan and will be seeing the concert outside of San Jose later, you will not be disappointed! The show is gonna make you "Holler" and make you scream its name.

Nine years froze the Girls' voices in time and Father Time was good to them, not touching their ageless beauty. Proudly strutting the stage with nostalgic memories and pretty faces that showed no cat-fight scratch marks after all these years, the Spice Girls sang somewhere near 20 songs and slipped into several costume changes throughout the night. They sang all their hits, several cover versions, and a couple solo hits. They also pumped modern flair to their performances with kickin' hip hop dancers who looked like they could be their teenage sons.

The concert begins with a sweet storybook opening with the girls eventually fading in on podiums on the stage and opening up with "Spice Up Your Life". There's a cool comic sequence on the screen during "Holler" song (watch for 2 "colorful" words). And the concert closes with a reprise of the first song and flags of the UK and the world whirling across the electronic screens behind and eventually stating "Mission Accomplished".

For those wondering, the Spice Girls sing LIVE in the concert. They do NOT lip sync so don't throw your opinion to the skeptics who are relying on simply watching You Tube videos and not actually being there like myself.

One advice when you see the show: BRING EAR PLUGS. The music may be loud but not as deafening as all the teenage girls screaming in what was definitely one huge girl power party.

Tonight I'm glad to see the Girls are back and my life is feeling a little bit spicier!

Enjoy the concert!

Lee

Busy Week

2006-10-06T00:40:00.000-07:00

Am having a rather busy week, so I've not had much of a chance to update my blog here. I will get to updating it this weekend for all my readers!

Last night had an absolutely fun time with Shawn at "Left at Alberquerque" restaurant (food was so-so) at the Pruneyard, followed by chats at a nearby coffee shop! We chatted til 2am in the morning. Amazing.

Just finished playing Texas Hold Em poker at Bernie's. Held usually once or twice a month, Bernie's poker nights draw his friends from work and outside. Tonight I placed 4th out of 7, as my stack of chips slowly withered away! haha...well, cheap fun, only cost $5. (No, I didn play strip poker, SFW -- darn!).

One week from tonight I will be aboard a 747 plane on my way to Singapore! I can't believe the trip is coming up so quick. Am looking forward to the rest and relaxation from work...

Song of the Day: "In Private" (club remix) -- Pet Shop Boys

Mood: Happy

Happy Friday!

2006-09-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Another Friday is here. Yay! I am a little sick in the throat for some reason (I can feel the phlem) but fortunately still feeling well overall. Got a day of work left this week, with a weight-lifting workout with Bernie at 3pm. I might try go hiking tomorrow with Sbqa at Rancho San Antonio in Palo Alto. Castro Street Fair on Sunday.

Still gotta pick up Janet's newest album this weekend -- "20 y.o." juz cuz she's my gurl and I have to have every one of her albums like em or not. I was hoping she'd do some remixes or megamixes of her old stuff on this latest album since it's supposed to be a culmination of her 20 years.

Shout Outs
===========
1. AT -- Sleep tight!
2. Shawn -- Glad you're feeling 99.99% better!!!
3. Huy -- Stoopid b*otch! haha...I need u to go shopping with me! Details coming.
4. Nick -- When should I visit KL?
5. Deidre -- Welcome to my blog! How do you like it?
6. Bernie -- See you at 3pm. And yes I still remember poker nite next week.
7. Sammi -- Waiting to see your new puppy pix! Give me back my shoes! Haha...

Song of the Day: "Call on Me" -- Janet Jackson

Mood:: Thankful

It's Like That

2006-09-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

20 y.o.? I'm Not Impressed

2006-09-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not impressed so far with my girl Janet Jackson's newest album "20 y.o." I still have to buy it but check it out online preliminarily I'm kinda disappointed.=( However, one of the songs on the album -- "Call on Me" -- rubs me the right way:

Bringing Sexy Back II

2006-09-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Am busy at work today, but managed to hit the pavement for a jog of about 20 minutes this afternoon. Returned to the gym afterward for the first time in a month and a half, doing sit ups and weight lifting. Weighed myself too, now at 155 lbs, down from 162 in early August! Yay! Only 5-10 more pounds to go to meet my goal! I can definitely attribute the weight loss to changing my eating habits, from eating less rice and noodles to making diet drinks my new friend and snacking on low calorie foods like baked crackers and roasted almonds!

Feels good, on the way to bringing sexy back!:D

Thinking of AT as well...

Song of Day: "SexyBack" -- Justin Timberlake

Mood: Charged

Bringing Sexy Back

2006-09-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

My brother came over for dinner tonight. Together as a family we had a treat -- Vietnamese spring rolls. A real treat -- vegetables, pork and shrimp layered within a piece of rice paper and dipped in Vietnamese fish sauce. We usually have it on special occassions such as whenever my brother, who I seldom see, comes over for a visit. Seems like we have it everytime he comes over, haha...

Tonight I finally booked my air ticket for Singapore. Am taking off aboard Cathay Pacific (damn good airline) at 1:20am in the morning on 10/13, and arriving there next day on 10/14. Cost me $1200 but it'll be worth it. I'm excited!

Song of Day: "Electric Blue" (Skipraiders Remix) -- Icehouse

================================================

Yesterday had a meeting with one of my freelance clients to discuss latest updates to his website protytpe as well as some storyboarding. Am looking forward to completing this project before my trip to Singapore.

Am only 2 1/2 weeks away about from my trip to Singapore. I keep missing AT online cuz I've been falling asleep early last couple of nights.=(

Current Listens for Week of 9/25/06:

====================================
1. "Look on the Floor" -- Bananarama
2. "Buttons" -- Pussycat Dolls feat. Snoop Doggy Dog
3. "SexyBack" -- Justin Timberlake
4. "Waiting" -- Taxi Doll
5. "About Us" -- Brooke Hogan feat. Paul Wall
6. "My Love" -- Justin Timberlake
7. "Tell Him" -- Celine Dion feat. Barbara Streisand
8. "Que Sera Sera" -- Patsy Cline

Song of Day: "Look on the Floor" (Hypnotic Tango Angel City Short Mix) -- Bananarama

Meditation, Relaxation and Splash

2006-09-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my mum and I took lunch at one of our local favorite hangouts -- Pho Phi Long. It's at Century Mall, a Vietnamese shopping center in San Jose where i swear it feels like Vietnam everytime I visit. Afterward, we bought some fresh jackfruit from a street vendor, costing us $14 for 4.5 lb. Man, that was expensive. And as it turned out, the jackfruit wasn't as sweet, though it had a nice texture. I love jackfruit and expect to eat plenty of it when i visit Singapore.

After lunch my community group SBQA had our monthly meditation event at my house. Taught by my mom's master Minh Thien, we learned basic meditation while sitting and also while walking. During the sitting meditation we meditated for 20 minutes and i couldn't believe how many directions my mind wanted to go! haha...it was like a puppy playing around...Guess I need more practice. We only spent 5 minutes doing walking meditation and I wish we did more. We took Master Minh Thien out for a salad dinner at Sweet Tomatoe's restaurant afterward to show our gratitude and thanks.

After we dropped off Master Thien back at his temple, Shawn, Jean-Luc, Jerry and I had a fun night dancing at Splash in downtown San Jose. Was my first time dancing there and the music was great -- chart-topping hip-hop music, good crowd, room to dance. I had my first Tokyo Tea -- Long Island tea with midori in it. Was good and nice to try a new drink for once (usually I order just Midori sours). We even saw the straight brother and his girlfriend of one of our friends. We spent time trying to figure out if he just liked the music at gay clubs or if he was bicurious, haha...it looked like he was having too good of a time so hmmm.....Denny's restaurant afterward for overnight drinks and snacks with the gang and Kelvin, who joined us late after dancing.

Song of the Day: "Buttons" -- Pussycat Dolls feat. Ludacris

Catching Up on My Blog

2006-09-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 22, 2006

It's been a semi-long week at work. I flexed my time earlier in the week, so I had a shorter beginning of the week. But I then had to work a 10 hour day on Thursday, followed by a long-@ss 11 hour day on Friday. Why do I do that to myself? Usually after 8 hours of hard work, I'm ready to head home.

At night stayed up talking to AT. Surprised him with my announcement that I would be visiting him in Singapore in 3 weeks instead of 5. Im looking forward to the trip and to seeing him. Jus have to book my flight and hotel now. I surprisingly found a flight out of San Jose to Tokyo then Tokyo to Singapore for only $881. I originally thought I was going to have to leave from SFO. This will be much closer. AT is helping me with finding a hotel in Sg.

Song of the Day: "Look on the Floor" (Hypnotic Tango Angel City Short mix) -- Bananarama

-----------------------------------

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Had tea with my friend Huy on Thursday. He's so fun to talk to, despite our bickerin back and forth sometimes. Let's see how many of your buttons can I push, H...

Catching up and Catching E. coli

2006-09-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a short but long week, and thankfully, finally the weekend is here. I've been working late hours toward week's ends to make up for shorter beginning of the weeks. Hope I can get my schedule back to a more "normal" 8 hour a day shift.

This weekend will be a chance to do some freelance work but also to do some great catching up with frenz. Kevin and Bill's birthday is tomolo, so i'll be checking out their new condo pad in SF. Then I'll spend some time on my laptop working on some stuff at Starbuck's. Followed by that, it's dindin with the "core 5" -- Catherine, Steve, myself, and Darrin for Cat's bday. Then we'll go to Aaron and Howe's for a teleconference with Tod (one of the other core 5 in my group) in Bangkok, Thailand. This will be the first time we've seen him since he left last year for home! Will finish off the night with some dancing in the City perhaps. Sunday should be an easy day at home.

So there's this big spinach scare going on here where millions of cellophaned bags of spinach are being pulled from grocery shelves due to an E. coli tainting. The source of it was contaminated fecal matter that fertilized whatever spinach patches it began in, but the contamination has spread across several states. Though there has been one death and some 60 people getting sick, no official cases of people getting sick in California have yet been reported. You know, I relish the thought that cow dung makes the vegetables I eat grow.=P

iPod Shuffle of the day: "Waiting" by Taxi Doll (club mix)

I'm Gonna Getcha

2006-09-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

(I’m gonna getcha)
I’m gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
(I’m gonna getcha)
I’m gonna getcha if it takes all night
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you’ll never say "no"
(I’m gonna getcha)
I’m gonna getcha, it’s a matter of fact
(I’m gonna getcha)
I’m gonna getcha, don’tcha worry ‘bout that
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you’re gonna be mine
Just like I should - I’ll getcha good

Song of the day: "Gonna Getcha Good" -- Shania Twain

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

2006-02-20T23:11:00.000-08:00

Worked a half-day today cuz it was my mom's 55th birthday! Yuh, it's official: my mom's a senior now. But she doesn't look it at all! She looks like she's in her 40s and all my friends think she's cute. For lunch, pho at Bun Bo Hue in San Jose. Then, for dinner my dad and I took my mom to Black Angus Steak Restaurant. I had the filet mignon with mushrooms and bleu cheese AND a mango margarita (points to picture on left). And to top it off, the waiter (with us only mentioning it was my mom's bday) brought us a fudge brownie with ice cream and "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate sauce for dessert! What a sweet surprise! Happy Birthday Mom!! Love ya!

Music: Takako Minekawa -- "Fantastic Cat (Pulsars Remix)
Mood: Happy!

Easy Sunday

2006-02-19T23:31:00.001-08:00

Didn't do much anything today. Had to work this holiday weekend after lunch with my parents. Tomorrow work instead of the day off on President's Day.

Less than two weeks until my trip to NYC! Yippee! I hope the subfrozen weather there gets warm soon...

Olympic Saturday

2006-02-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

Watched the women's snowboard cross event last night on NBC. Was shocked to see 20 year-old American Lindsey Jacobellis about to win the race but lose it by performing a showboating maneuver on her board just seconds from the finish line. She fell into the snow as a result. She got the Silver medal after getting up off her butt but still, she had gold in her grasp and blew it! A lesson many an Olympic athlete will be talking about for years to come.

Went to work today for a few hours, followed by poker nite at Bernie's. This time I lost only $1.20 (everybody chipped in $5 each to play). I did okay, only won a few hands as usual and watched my money slowly slip from my grasp. AFterward, dinner with G in SF. Had my delicious scallop curry at On The Bridge in Japantown, then took a drive around the City.

Tomorrow have to go to work again to make up some lost hours (an Olympian feat for me these days), followed by a get together at Stephen's place in Alameda. Should be fun.

On a sidenote, the weather has been in the 30s and 40s here, and it snowed on the mountain peaks surrounding Silicon Valley! Something that happens here only once every year or two.

Been getting into JPop recently...will be buying CDs of Japanese pop singers soon!

What's in my Pod

2005-04-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

My Top Listens this Week (Week of 4/11/05):

1. Forever -- Puffy Amiyumi
2. Hollaback Girl -- Gwen Stefani
3. HiHi Puffy (theme from Puffy Amiyumi Show) -- Puffy Amiyumi
4. Teen Titans Theme -- Puffy Amiyumi
5. Love Won't Wait -- Atomic Kitten
6. Raindrops Fall -- Tamrya Gray
7. It's Like That -- Mariah Ho Carey
8. Move ya Body -- Pitbull/Nina Sky
9. Cappucino -- Elva Hsiao
10. Shine through the Rain -- ??

Am absolutely loving my new iPod Shuffle. It's sweeet and a big plus over my past CD walkman! Some songs are in my Pod from above, others are fave listens from the past.

Vacation

2005-04-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

So I've been back home in the Bay Area after a week long trip last week to the American Southwest and my first vacation in four years. A road trip that comprised about 1300 miles, 9000 feet in elevation, and 4 states: California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

Drove from So Cal to to Las Vegas, where we stayed for 4 days and 3 nights at the pyramid-shaped Luxor hotel on the famous Strip. Though one of the older mega-luxury hotels on Las Vegas Boulevard, the Luxor still holds some fascination for me with its Egyptian-themed Sphinx and statues, as well as its 3D-city within the atrium-like hotel. While in the City of Sin we visited different hotels, including the newest Caesar's Forum Shops, which looked like a fancy mall gone out of royal Roman control with its new indoor fountain and 2 3-story statues that served also as buttressing pillars for the shopping center and looked like something from out of Lord of the Rings. We visited the Fremont Street Experience in Old Las Vegas, and also saw some free shows along Las Vegas Boulevard including the balladic dances of Bellagio's water fountains and the mystical call of the Sirens of Treasure Island. Of course, did a lot of gambling playing blackjack. Fortunately, Lady Luck kept us company here and there. The biggest prize was making $125 off of just $40 in 4 hours. The weather was quite cold from what I was used to in Vegas, especially with all the wind.

After Vegas, drove to Utah. Was my first time there and there was almost nothinggg there! (*laughs*) However, visited the impressive Bryce Canyon. The canyon overlooks the vast Colorado plateau with table-top mountains in the distance and Arizona at the horizon. A park of rocky spires that reminded me of something you'd see on a Looney Tunes Road Runner cartoon, these raised "hoodoos" were once thought to be people by Pauite Native Americans who once lived in the canyon. I admired the shapes of these orange, iron-color rocky spires, caused by the lifting of the earth millions of years ago followed by millions of years of weathering. And speaking of the weather, it was unfortunately too darn cold for hiking, with an unforgiving chilly wind that made our skin feel icy and kept us driving from lookout point to lookout point.

After Bryce Canyon, we drove in the late afternoon to Arizona. Crossing the vast desert under a dark, moonless starry sky, at times we were the only car on the road and couldn't see where the often windy road was taking us. We wound up in the city of Flagstaff, where we hung our hats for the night.

The following day, drove to Laughlin, Nevada. It was my first time there to this riverfront casino town along the Colorado River. It reminded me of a Lake Tahoe, only bigger, combined with a little of Vegas, only friendlier. Everyone in the town was quiet friendly, including the blackjack dealers who at times made mistakes and forgave us players when we made mistakes. We even had a blast taking a ride on the Colorado River in a water taxi used to shuttle visitors between hotels. Oh, and ya can't beat the $1 blackjack! (do they still have $1 blackjack tables in Nevada?) I broken even on a $20 bill.

After a couple final hours of trying our luck, we drove along Hwy 95 south to check out Havasu City. Somehow we overshot our mark and wound up in Needles, California. At the point, we returned to the highway labelled 95 and drove for what looked like almost no-where for an hour. We awkwardly eyed a sign pointing to Lake Havasu on the left as we passed it. Why would the sign be pointing to the left if the Colorado River and Lake Havasu were supposed to be on the right all along? Not too long afterward it dawned upon us that we had somehow driven on the California side on US Highway 95, NOT State Hwy 95 in Arizona! What transportation planning moron had thought it was a brilliant idea to put TWO Highway 95s parallel to and across from each other in two different states?! To make matters worse, we were down to our last 2 gallons of gas. As our car fuel tank light turned on a yellow, we nervously began to wonder where in the world would we find gas out in the middle of this rocky, parched tundra of California!? Someone must have been watching over us as we soon reached a junction where one lone gas station with $2.69/gallon gas was waiting to help people who thought they could make their way across the desert-like land on fumes and bravery alone. After we fueled up, to add insult to injury, at the intersection where the gas station was located, a brown sign held up on two metal rail poles said "Lake Havasu City" and "London Bridge", pointing back into Arizona. At that point, we said "forget it" and just headed back to L.A. That must've been the most suspenseful moment of my trip.

I spent one more day in the L.A. area, chilling and also catching "Miss Congeniality 2". That movie was so the laughs -- even better than the first "Miss Congeniality". I returned home by midnight of this past Sunday night after a six hour, slightly tiring drive back to San Jose.

I have to say that my trip this past week was quite an adventure and, in a number of ways, I learned about myself and my travel companionz. In all honesty, I was a little intimidated on the idea of driving lonely desert roads in the dark or not reserving hotels (except for Vegas) ahead of time. But I guess I'm amazed that maybe I can do a little more than I think with some faith in myself and others. And I'm glad that I took a step of courage or two and, as a result, grew a little more on the inside.

American Idol

Tonight it was Nikko, Vonzell, and Scott in the bottom three. And at the end, it was Nikko's turn to leave the competition. Given last night's loud-note musical soundtrack performances by the remaining competitors, I wasn't surprised at the results. I was probably more suprised at the lauding ovations Randy and Paul gave the night before to what I thought weren't over-the-top performances as well as at how unforgiving Simon Cowell was.

Back in Town

2005-04-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

Am back in town after a week long vacation to So Cal, Las Vegas, Utah and Arizona. I'm too tired to write about it right now, so I'll have to write more in my next entry. Stay tuned!

Quote of Day: "The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." ~ Winston Churchill

Past Weekend

2005-03-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I took my parents to Great America amusement park in Santa Clara for my company's annual Family Day. It was the first time in 3 years I finally was able to actually get the first-come, first-serve tickets, since people in my company have been greedy ticket vultures, hoarding them from employees not going and then bringing there whole damn posse. Anyways, my parents were touched that I took them out for a day of fun and the recently rainy weather fortunately gave us a break for that day. We hadn't been to Great America as a family in, gosh, too many years! Though we rode only several rides, I thoroughly enjoyed spendin the day with my folks. We even bumped into some of my coworkers and my cool new boss!
Am I tall enuf to ride the cars?

Mom gets behind the wheel. Look out, Asian driver!

Last smile with my dad before spinning ourselves sick!

Mom makes a new Sponge Bob friend...

Escape from New York!

Me at Boomerang Bay...

On Sunday went to KB Home block party, thrown for current and new KB homeowners (I get my very first home in June!). At night had dinner with Catherine, Steve, Toddy, Darrin at Delfina Restaurant in SF. Good food and stellar service. Thorough enjoyed the flat iron steak with thinly cut, french fries tastily seasoned with pepper, salt, rosemary and sage. Dessert was okay afterward at Tartina.

Song of Day: "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" -- U2

Walked Through

2005-03-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

This morning I had my very first walk through of my upcoming new home which I'll be moving into in June hopefully. I had eagerly anticipated the tour, which today gave me a better idea of my new home, which up to this point I could only imagine based on a floorplan and a virtual tour what it might look like inside. Donning our yellow and white hardhats, we got a tour through the entire home led by our highly knowledgeable chief construction director Joe, who was a former carpenter. Joe answered any and all questions we had to our satisfaction. At this time the entire wood structure is up but not enclosed with stucco or paint (so you can basically see through all the walls). Our home also has all the plumbing, wiring, wall switches, electrical, phone and cable outlets, and windows. Turned out that my bedroom is much smaller than I thought. However, the main living areas (parlor/living room, family room, and dining room) are far larger than I had expected. And the ceiling and stairwell ceilings pleasantly higher than I had thought!

My next tour through will be the pre-carpet tour (the walls are enclosed, all appliances are in, countertops and walls painted, leaving only non-carpeted floors). This is just to make sure everything so far is done properly.

Songs of Day: "Floorfiller"--A*Teens and "What Took You So Long" -- Baby Spice (of former Spice Girls)
Quote of Day: "Remember, if you don't want to be with yourself, why should anyone else?" ~~ Sonya Friedman

The Week Jams On...

2005-03-10T00:04:00.000-08:00

Kinda tired tonight from a busy but drainingly routine work week. Wish I had a day off to chill. Only 2 1/2 more weeks until I take a week off and head to the American SouthWest! Visits to my favorite neonic Las Vegas and the awe inspiring rocky canyons of Utah (my first time there!).

Tomorow (Thursday) I get to walk through my new home for the very first time! Though there's still just under 3 months to go until I can move in, this will be my first chance in person and get a first-eye view of how the interior looks and size up the rooms for how I wanna paint and decorate them! I'm quite enthusiastic about it and am looking forward to an awesome summer in my new home.:O)

Tonight on American Idol the last two guys and two girls were eliminated from the semi-finals, leaving the "Top 12" to battle it out now for the title of "American Idol." I was happy to see rocker Bo Bice make it into the top 12, and also even happier my favorite to win -- the modest, sincere Nadia Turner -- made it into the 12 from the women's side. It was no guesswork that some others would reach the top 12, including Clay-Aiken-like Anthony Federov, the sultry Jessica Sierra, and the debonaire Mario Vasquez. But I was surprised that, from the men's side, Nikko didn't make it. For the women, I wasn't totally happy that Mikalah was in, but well, she's trying to change her image it seems and people seem to like her esoteric personality.

In the 2nd episode of the Amazing Race 7 on Tuesday, my team to win -- mother and son combo Sam and Patrick -- went from a strong 2nd place start to an unfortunate 8th place at the race leg's end. My friend's team -- Debbie and Bianca -- are two places ahead of me at this leg now. Shoot!:)

Got my updated playlist for the week below! Songs are in no particular order. But strangely, I've been on the total Venga Boys throwback this week! So funny!!

Lee's Top 10 Jamz This Week (3/10/05)

1. Something -- Dyablo

2. Toma -- Pitbull F/Lil Jon

3. Signs -- Snoop Dogg

4. Going to Ebiza -- Venga Boys

5. Stay Forever -- Soul Decision

6. Cappucino -- Elva Hsiao

7. And I Know -- Elva Hsiao

8. Anything is Possible -- Debbie Gibson

9. Hollaback Girl -- Gwen Stefani

10. Upside Down -- A*Teens

Quote of the Day: "You gotta be who you are...not everyone's gonna like you" -- Christy McDonald, semi-finalist, Nashville Star

Live It, Love It, Know It

2005-03-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, time to catch up on updating my blog and what's been happening in my life the past week...

This past week has been very busy for me and a juggling act of work and errands. I've had far more exciting and relaxingly fun weekends, but guess you can't always have it your way like Burger King!

Friday after work I went to the dentist and got my teeth cleaned. There I learned that I'd need to have three rear molar teeth eventually removed -- not a new revelation, as my previous dentist had told me this years ago. I had just hoped that with time and perhaps more advanced methods in extracting teeth I could get around it painlessly...my biggest fear is being put to sleep to extract my remaining five wisdom teeth (yes, five) and then writhing in pain for a week looking like a chipmunk!

Outside of that went to work for a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday. I'm behind on my fave show Teen Titans as well *sniff*, so I finally saw another one of the episodes from the newest season today. Also, thanks to the Travel Channel, I've been obsessed all day Sunday with the travel commercials for Hong Kong, as seen at this link: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/video/index.jhtml
Really makes me feel like returning to visit HK maybe next year...

Weather was absolutely gorgeous today! First or second day of sun and warm weather actually after (the BAy Area) being pummelled with rain the past month...the warm, dry air beneath a cloudless sky make me euphorically feel as if Spring or Summer (my fave season) was on its way...

Song of Day: "And I Know" -- Elva Hsiao
Quote of Day: "Be courageous. It's one of the only places left uncrowded." ~ Anita Roddick

What's Going On

2005-02-28T21:24:00.000-08:00

American Idol had its second semifinals episode tonight for the 10 men remaining. Compared to last week's show, there was not a bad performance at all tonight. All of the guys stepped out of their safety zones they had hid in last week and came out singing and swinging. Tonight I think Travis Tucker finally impressed me with his rendition of Lionel Richie's "All Night Long," and Bo , man, he just rocked the house and brought it down like last week!!! I think Bo is now my fave on the men's side. I was disappointed that my original bone-chiller -- Anthony Federov -- didn't impress me for a second week in a row. Strong, but no more chills down my spine like Clay Aiken used to do. And I had higher hopes for Constantine and for Anwar, whose version of "What's Going On" had me asking 'what's going on' from last week. Not sure who'll be eliminated Wednesday given the vocal slugfest! Tomorrow night let's see how the women do (and I hope that obnoxious Taylor-Dane-wanna-be Mikalah gets the boot (as do many of my coworkers)).

Quote: "There isn't anything you can't do if you set your mind to it."
Song: Cappucino -- Elva Hsiao

New Grounds for the Weekend

2005-02-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

Another weekend has come and gone by like the sudden gusts of wind and pummelling downpours of rain that quickly burst through town today.

I chilled at home Friday night. Saturday morning spent skypn with Nick. For shizzle it was nice to get to finally chat with him, for over 2 hours. Late Saturday afternoon went to the Japanese Friendship Garden at Kelly Park in San Jose with my mum. A green, quiet Japanese-style park hidden within the surroundings of a blase-looking public park. A dark wooden gate welcomed visitors to two large ponds with bubbling fountains, coi fish, and quacking ducks, a Japanese arch bridge, and paths that walked us past stone lanterns, a hidden cascading waterfall, and a temple-looking clubhouse. (*points at pics below). It was definitely a peaceful stroll and a free hidden treasure. It's refreshing to know that in this money-driven world where greedy companies trade you moments of thrills or serenity for dollars that there are still some places that are free.


Bubbly fountain	Where's Nemo?	Goofy-fish!

Lantern sentinel	Me n da pond	Me n da pond again!

Mom reports to the bridge	My mum is so kewt!	Rushing waterfall

Saturday night went clubbing in the City with A n T. Had fun, but was hella packed. Half of my fun dissipated within the first ten minutes when I was apprehensively led onto the floor and was bumped around back and forth by people and girls' long hair flying in my face. Not my kinda sandwich action and how's a guy supposed to dance?? Nevertheless stuck it out 'til after 1:30 and I got home near 3:30.

Sunday went to work a couple hours then came home and cooked my parents a Thai basil vegetable dish for dinner and lychee pearl tea! Both turned out alright for my first time trying these two items, though the veggie dish was a little oily and needed real Thai basil (I had to use sweet regular basil cuz I couldn't find the real stuff). My bubble tea also lacked bubbles tonight cuz I wasn't able to find the tapioca balls at the Chinese supermarket. (of all places!) Despite the initial learning experiences, I do intend to practice making more boba teas at home. (It was quite fun to learn how to make it *smilez*.) Afterward watched a bit of the Oscars (Academy Awards) and also a public tv special on 1950s music and watched a lotta quartets from the 50s during my parents' growing up. Some people think I'm weird that I know songs from that era, but I think music from that era was classier than these days where so many damn songs are about freakin a girl. Musics' not anywhere near as meaningful and romantically rivetting as it used to be.

Song of Day: "Everything is Possible" -- Deborah Gibson
Quote of Day: "You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down." ~ Mary Pickford

Dreams

2005-02-24T23:43:00.000-08:00

Had the weirdest dream last night..dreamt that Agent Smith from "The Matrix" was chasing me through the downtown of a small city. Why? I have no idea! Not like I felt like I was "The One" or something..eheh...i remember desperately crossing some big traffic circle in slow motion and hiding out in a side residential area where I suspected Agent Smith would not suspect to find me. I hid upstairs in someone's house and that was the end of the dream. Weird.

Been surfing more web sites today, gathering inspiration and ideas for my next generation of web sites. Feel behind sometimes in terms of my skills but trying to keep my faith that I can and will catch up. I get so many kudos from people at work and outside, i just need time to get confident about my own designs and to improve.

I dream of:

1) Bursting from the bubble of safety within my designs with streams of creativity to be the best web designer i can be
2) Meeting that special person someday who'll appreciate all I got ta offer (and vice versa)
3) Making my family happy
4) Visiting new places like Chicago, NYC, and KL, and returning to past visited places soon like Singapore and Seattle
5) Extending my circle of frenz in the South Bay and Bay Area

Song of Day: "You Should Let me Love You" -- Mario
Quote of the Day: "Let your dreams be your North Star" ~ Anonymous

Idol Jamz

2005-02-24T00:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight the following four American Idol 4 contestants got the boot for getting the lowest number of votes on Monday and Tuesday:

Guys: Judd Harris, Jared Yates
Girls: Melinda Lira, Sarah Mather

I understood both Jared and Sarah being voted off for their unmoving performances, but I was somewhat surprised Judd Harris got booted so early. Even though he had sung a 'swing-style' song "Travelling Band", his voice and stage presence seemed as if they would've begat him another round. On the girl's side, I was glad Melinda got the boot cuz she was awful. I'm sorry...though she's from California, her rendition of Celine Dion's emotional "Power of Love" ballad was just bad, playing with the notes and her voice was not solid enough. She teared and was upset upon learning the news of her getting the lowest number of 40 million votes across America, but she should realize she'll probably get other offers from others.

I am getting a little tired of AI playing with all these kids emotions. Tonight in announcing who was going home, first the guys were on stage and Seacrest slowly announced the loser after going through each guy and sometimes skipping one and coming back. Then the boys were moved offstage, the girls brought in. One female was weeded out after keeping the top row in suspense and then pulling out two women from the bottom row. Repeat again with the males. It's like a bad shampoo. It's bad enough that these kids nerves are on edge on whether or not they'll survive into the next round, but to leave them hanging tight and then playing around with the results is just mean. Come on, AI producers...get some real program on there...

I was hoping Mikalah Gordon, the annoying girl who pandered to both Randy and Simon during the quarter-finals and on Tuesday night, would get the boot. My fingers are crossed for later episodes. But I'm glad Nadia made it through without problem and I was impressed with her modesty when asked if she felt she might lose. Her reply was something like "Well, anything could happen."

Lee's Top 10 Jamz (02/23/05):

1. Toma -- Pitbull F/Lil John
2. Signs -- Snoop Dog (with Justin Timberlake)
3. Gasolina -- Daddy Yankee
4. Pretty Girl -- NB Ridaz
5. Say Yes -- ?? (Japanese from "Bubblegum Crisis 2")
6. A Different Story -- Peter Schilling
7. Move your Body -- Nina Sky
8. It's Like That -- Mariah Carey
9. Sugar (Gimme Some) -- Trick Daddy
10. Tempted to Touch -- Rupee

Special track: Hollaback Girl -- Gwen Stefani

Random Notes

2005-02-22T23:49:00.000-08:00

Must be stressed at work and not drinking enough water cuz I've been breaking out somewhat this week. Hate it!
Working on my first version of DesignforSite.com for my freelance work. Slating a release hopefully in late April.
Noticed that I've got my dial set to 94.9FM a lot these days and lotta good jammin in my ears, especially at work.
Tonight was the 2nd of 3 episodes in a row for American Idol. Last night
the last 12 guys performed in front of a tough trio of Randy, Paula and Simon.
Overall I felt the performances were pretty good and perhaps better than last year.
Tonight the women performed and I definitely heard better talent this year than last.
Tomorrow night two guys and two girls will be eliminated. Hope my picks stay in!

Lee's American Idol Season 4 Semi-Finalist Picks (02/22/05):
(red -- indicates Lee's winner hopefuls)

Da Boyz

1. Anthony Federov (Clay Aiken Jr?)
2. Bo Bice
3. Mario Vasquez
4. Nikko Smith
5. Anwar Robinson

Da Gurlz

1. Aloha Mischeux
2. Carrie Underwood
3. Vonzell Solomon
4. Nadia Turner (she reminds me of a baby Kalise!=))
5. Lindsey Cardinale

For a full listing of the top contestants, see http://www.idolonfox.com/contestants

Quote of the Day: "There are no impossible dreams, just our limited perception of what is possible."
Song: "Signs" -- Snoop Dog

Gung Heyyyyy Weekend

2005-02-21T00:23:00.000-08:00

Friday night held my Chinese New Year party at the clubhouse at my place in South San Jose. It took me a hurried, concentrating 60 minutes in and out of the rain to rapidly set up the room before my guests would show up. Fortunately people didn't start arriving until after 6pm (the party was supposed to start at 5pm). Good luck writings on the walls and doors welcomed everyone,and lions warded off any evil spirits that could come through the door.

All in all, about 13 people showed up and we had a good time with a lot of Chinese and Thai food, and wine, sodas and Chinese drinks (pearl teas, grass jelly teas, and lychee drinks!). Kelly Chen, Faye Wong, and stars from the World Concert 2001 kept the energy up on DVD. A candlelit room adorned with Chinese decorations set the festive mood. Was really great to see everyone (see some pix below).


Room decorated and ready to party	Where are all mah guests?	Jasmine Tea bar ready for service

Guests arrive and dig in	Mmm...cheap Chinese food!

Afterward most of us headed to Sunnyvale for some after-party partying at the DL party. Wuz so off the hook; I saw many people I knew there and some I hadn't seen in years! Got my freak on with my squad and some old friends heard that I teach hip hop and kept bugging me for lessons, hehe. I need to find a place and start up my classes again!

Saturday I worked a little, then dinner with a friend and took him to the airport, then met up with my squad in SF for some after-lunar-new-year partying. Lotta people showed up to the club, some who I had seen the nite before at the DL party. Music was so-so, especially with all the Indie club music. Felt as if me and my crew were clubbing one night in Bombay!

Sunday took my mom out for her birthday for dim sum at Dynasty Restaurant in San Jose. Was my first time there and the dim sum was probably the best I've had in the South Bay! Then dinner with my whole family at Super Bowl in Sunnyvale. I love my mom so much and she never looks a day over 35 to me!

Quote of day: "Falling's part of the game. It's like my dad always says: "No matter how good you are, the ice is still slippery" -- Michelle Kwan

Music: "Smile" -- Tony Bennet

Another Day

2005-02-01T23:43:00.000-08:00

Man, what kind of world is this when you're dying to see U2, you miss buying tix on two sold-out shows within hours of them being available at the box office, and 800 pairs of tix suddenly wind up on E-Bay for 2-3 times the cost? So wrong...:)

Spent over an hour at the gym after work tonight, working biceps and back and legs, of which I totally expect to be sore as heck walking in the next couple days.:P

Wouldn't it be nice if the bridge of dreams weren't like a swaying, tearing rope-knotted bridge you see in Indiana Jones?:P

Mood: Okay
Favorite quote of day: "There are no losers in this world except those who think they are." ~S. Yang

Decent Weekend

2005-02-01T01:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend stayed in on Friday night, juz doing stuff in my room. Saturday ran some errands, then hit the clubs in SF with J. Was pretty fun, though the music kinda became tiringly monotone after about an hour. Afterward, we hit the Krispy Kreme in Union City for some after-midnight donuts. That was fun.


How my new home looked on Jan 9th	Wow, my home got windows and walls! (Jan 28th)

This past weekend I also drove over to my new home to see how building of it was coming along. To my amazement, quite a bit was done since I had last visited it on January 9th (points to pix above). I had been worried that the stormy rains earlier this month might have set back construction quite a bit. But it looks as if things are still coming along and hopefully I'll be able to move into it by June of this year (only FOUR more months!). I have also heard that the value of it has gone up $100,000 since my family and I bought it in November! Unbelievable! I'm happy (big smile)

Have also been listening to some old cassettes of mixes I recorded on Saturdays in 1999 off the now defunct Z95.7FM hit radio station. Man, what a nostalgic, hyfie throwback listening to non-stop mixes of Amber, Enrique Inglesias, Insomnia, Destiny's Child, etc.

Busy Weekend

2005-01-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy weekend, but I'll have to write about it more tomorrow since gotta head to bed to start off yet another work week!

Mood: frustrated

Transport Away

2005-01-26T01:35:00.000-08:00

This morning traffic was horrific. It took me an hour to get to the auto garage in Mountain View before work to put my car in for a 105,000 mile tune up. I was late by 20 minutes, and the shop owner wasn't there for all the effort and stress I had gone through on the freeway. I went to work upset, and at work phoned the shop and found out the owner was running late as well after dropping off his daughter to school. So, flustered, i brought my car back to his shop for the tune up after being offered a courtesy ride back to work.

Instead of taking up that courtesy ride, I chose to try the Valley Transit Authority (VTA) light rail for the first time ever. Reminded me of a bus on rails. No big wow, but very convenient going to work from the garage. I hope I can start taking it from home to work soon. I get a free pass from work, and though it would take me an hour longer to get to work, I could save a lot of stress and angst while expending my energy on more productive things aboard the train (reading, sleeping, doing work, etc). I also took the VTA from work back to the garage this evening to pick up my Accord.

At work in the morning got a call from my dad. My parents Toyota Celica broke down. Water pump and timing belt busted. Initially thought it would put my parents completely out of a car and since we are turning almost all our funds to our upcoming new home, I worried my car would need to become the transportation workhorse indefinitely. Turns out it'll be only $250 to repair and the car will be fixed this Thursday.

My car now is fully tuned and hums and feels almost brand new.

Lord, transport my worries, my fears away...and grant me the strength to help others in need.

What Fockers!

2005-01-23T02:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight watched "Meet the Fockers," the sequel to the hilarious "Meet the Parents" movie. I thot "Meet the Fockers" was absolutely funny and better than I had expected from the banal commercials which had kept me at bay from seeing it. And for once, Barbra Streisand did not annoy me, playing the role of Greg's mother in this flick.

Earlier this evening, went to the 50th anniversary wedding for Kat's grandparents. They were so cute, the grandpa in a traditional Filipino barong and the grandmom in a gold dress. I could totally feel the love in the air, as over 100 family members and friends turned out at the party room at a trailer home park in Union City to wish the couple a happy golden anniversary. There wuz lots of Filipino food, much of which I couldn't eat becuz i juz couldn't stomach tripe, deep fried anchovies, and other exotic dishes. But I did enjoy a little of the creamy salmon with crab and even more of the Chinese salt-and-pepper pork spareribs!

The Top 15 Things About Myself

1. Kind
2. Considerate to a fault
3. Funny
4. Young at heart
5. Loving and romantic
6. Bouncy and energetic
7. Goofy
8. Good-looking
9. I can dance the nite away
10. Ambitious
11. Loyal
12. Faithful
13. Proactive
14. Do'er (versus juz a sayer)
15. Responsible

Clubbin the Nite Away

2005-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was so the Friday! Felt lazy at work and didn get as much done as I had hoped. Hit the gym with Bernie in the evening, doing weight-lifting and situps. Then, working two jobs recently to help afford my new townhome (as well as improve my career), I haven't had much time to go out casually lately aside from some weekend tripz with mah squads. So last night I rang Ant and we went to da club in SJ with Tom, Kyle, Ant's cousin, and some gurlz. Bumped into Trav and Minh there as well. The whole time my mental clock was skrewed cuz I wore a nice Fossil watch which I apparently forgot to reset a long time ago and which was over an hour ahead! (I kept thinking it was late and the club wuz about 2 close. Wound up getting home earlier than my watch, which said 3am!). Haha...

Today am going to work for a couple hours at the offy, then gotta go to a 50TH wedding anniversary for Katrina's grandparentz. How sweet (ahhh)....

Celebration

2005-01-20T23:11:00.000-08:00

Today was the 20th anniversary of my family living in California! We moved here from Columbus, Ohio, on January 20, 1985, crossing the country by car to the San Francisco Bay Area. As my dad was in the Navy, he used to transfer stations every few years, and so we were being transferred for what would be the last time to Treasure Island, an island in the middle of SF Bay which once served as a US naval base.

Tonight, over a Cheesecake Factory dinner with my folks, we celebrated our little 'anniversary.' I thought it amazing that my family and I were still in the Bay Area (and the state for that matter) for more than several years. I honestly can't think of many other places I would live besides the Bay Area. I mean, SF has got most of it all -- temperate weather, cultural diversity, pretty scenery, thriving economy (usually), and a central location to most places nearby like L.A., Reno and Vegas!

Tonight was also a celebration because I just finished up doing a web site for one of my freelance clients -- a silicon wafer fab assocation which connects some of the world's top silicon wafer manufacturers. I also locked in a new contract to do a web site for the manager of my current, resort-style apartment community! I'm happy to be getting more design experience outside my current job, bettering my skills and maybe one day owning my own company. $oo$

Daggers and Downpours

2005-01-11T01:11:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I watched two movies -- "House of Flying Daggers" and "Hero." Both films arrived in the U.S. from China (HK?) not too long ago. I actually enjoyed Flying Daggers more. Though both flix have colorful imagery and both star my favorite Asian actress Zhang Ziyi, I found the plot of Flying Daggers to be easier to understand and touching. Daggers reminds me of a slight Asian take on the Romeo and Juliet forbidden-love story, while Hero was a Crouching-Tiger-Hidden-Dragon reminiscent, figure-out-whose-side-of-the-story was true, about fulfilling promises and morality and honor. Either way, both films were full of the typical fly-around-the-forest, somersault-in-middle-air-while-fighting-mercilessly style that Hong Kong kung fu flix are famous for!

Also did some cleaning up of my apartment garage on Saturday with family in preparation for lightening our pac-rat load of items for the move this summer. As a result, came across a lot of old photos and trinkets from my childhood and high school years, bringing back fond nostalgic memories of an energetic kid without cares. Heh, sometimes I really miss being a kid -- when I was younger, didn't have a care but to go to school, eat junk food, and play with friends while discovering the world around me. I sometimes also miss being 18 and in high school, back when I was preparing myself for college and the world, back when you feel younger and more naive, things much fresher and new. *sigh*

The rain has been coming down this past week, heavy at time, here in San Francisco Bay. But the downpours have been no where near what's hitting my friends in Southern California. I've been getting the weather reports from them and it's major flooding. The storms even generated a deadly mudslide unfortunately in Ventura County. Also heard on the news today that if Southern California did not get one more drop of rain for the rest of the year, they'd still be at normal for the rest of the year. Unbelievable.

I just started using Mozilla Firefox 1.0 instead of Internet Explorer for my browsing, and I have to say it's quite impressive! Easy to use and FAST. Mozilla used to be the engine behind Netscape Navigator. And with all the security flaws and hidden scripts and hackers on the Internet these days, I'm willing to try a new browser that isn't so monopoly-driven such that its inner workings have not been jeopardized. It's free and I definitely recommend trying it!

Starting off the New Year with Ketchup

2005-01-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Been busy the last several days. The first day of 2005, New Year's Day, I just stayed home and chilled. Watched the Bravo channel most of the day! Decided to catchup on sleep too.

Yesterday went to work for several hours. Then picked up my friend Bernie from SFO Airport and dropped him off home after a catch-up snack at the Tied House. And before heading home, stopped by Coffee Lovers in SJ to catch up with one of my old best buddies Cong, who had been in town for the holidays and was leaving the next day. Brings back memories.:)

Happy New Year 2005!!!

2004-12-31T20:36:00.000-08:00

As 2005 approaches in just under 3 hours, I sit here at my computer reflecting back on things that happened to me this year that made an impact on me. (More than I had originally thought!

TOP 10 THINGS I'LL REMEMBER FROM 2004

1. New Years Eve 2003 in Las Vegas

Spending New Year's Eve 2003 on the streets of Las Vegas with Robert, Marty and Timmy. Something I had never done before and felt I just had to try once. Marvelling at fireworks launching from the top of hotels at midnight. Having a good ol time in Sin City that weekend.

2. My Pet Cockatiel Elvis

Elvis, a female pearly yellow cockatiel who was a beloved member of my family for almost 11 years, passed on January 27, 2004. I remember how heartbroken I and my family were, and a month or two later we were able to begin to let her go, to always remember her for the joy she brought me and my family.

3. My Birthday Celebration in August

As I always go over the top when it comes to harahh-ing the anniversary of my natality, I can never forget the two days I spent celebrating my 32nd birthday. The actual day with my family, going out and about, and then culiminating 4 days later with Volare, my huge Italian-themed birthday party!

4. Meeting New Friends

This was indeed the year of the "penpal." It's been almost a decade since I met in person on American shores a friend I had made overseas. Jason F and Alan L -- both were from Singapore, and happened to be embarking through SF en route home. I'm thankful for them taking the time out to visit me. And then meeting a friend of over a year from LA -- Seymour -- for the first time on one of my LA trips, going shopping, fish-egg eating, and dancing the nite away. And meeting new friends like Stephen, Ben and Siu, who are down-to-earth and cool.

5. Mom Getting an Award

My mom received an award from API Pride for being loving and supportive parent of a Asian Pacific Islander. I felt it important for people out there to know how much my parents support their son. More importantly, it was a way for me to say "Thank You" for all the times my mom and dad endured and struggled with their trials of accepting me.

6. Leaving my Community Group After All this Time

Every year I kept saying it, that I would quit my community group. Having been Social Chair for about 7 years and feeling stuck with the position because not only was I good at it but no one else wanted to take the job. I was able to pass on the torch to a successor in June and, for all my years of giving to the API community of the South Bay, finally start to focus on giving back to myself.

7. The Crash Heard Around the World

And then there was the day in September where I put myself in the emergency room from a game of dodgeball. On the first play of the game, rushing to get the ball and slamming my nose into the forehead of a girl on the opposite team. Lesson learned: avoid the 'rhino technique' when playing the game.

8. My Two Trips to LA
I had sooo much fun on my two Fall weekend road trips to L.A. with James ("Chanel"), Stephen ("Shanehneh") and Ben ("Bengkok"). Staying in Hollywood, going clubbing, watching Ethan Mao, pretendin to be stars, and cruising around and about!

9. Buying my First Home

Something I've only dreamed of and never knew when would happen! Afraid of being pushed out of the Valley, over 9 months of patience and optimism paid off in a sudden yipe of happiness one sunny, brisk October morning. I finally bought my first home ever, with my family. A 3-bedroom, 3.5 townhome on a hill in South San Jose!

10. Spending Time with My Best Buddy

Spending time doing things with my best buddy Timmy, who finally returned to So Cal as he had earnestly hoped and strived for the last two years. All the fun things we always do together, places we go, and things we laugh and learn about along the way. Life is an adventure with you, T.

OTHER THINGS I'LL REMEMBER FROM 2004

1. Gay marriages being officiated here in SF for but a brief moment in time in February.

2. The pain of the victims and the families of the tsunamis that killed 150,000 people in South Asia the day after Christmas. Remembering how the world finally came together again as "one big family" to help each other in time of need.

3. The passing of President Reagan in June, and how I'll always remember him as the man who helped open the door to peace with the former Soviet Union and made this world a safer place to live in.

TOP TEN LISTENS OF 2004
(My favorite songs of 2004 which I listened to the most this year...)

As 2005 approaches in just under 3 hours, I sit here at my computer reflecting back on things that happened to me this year that made an impact on me. (More than I had originally thought!

TOP 10 THINGS I'LL REMEMBER FROM 2004

1. New Years Eve 2003 in Las Vegas

Spending New Year's Eve 2003 on the streets of Las Vegas with Robert, Marty and Timmy. Something I had never done before and felt I just had to try once. Marvelling at fireworks launching from the top of hotels at midnight. Having a good ol time in Sin City that weekend.

2. My Pet Cockatiel Elvis

Elvis, a female pearly yellow cockatiel who was a beloved member of my family for almost 11 years, passed on January 27, 2004. I remember how heartbroken I and my family were, and a month or two later we were able to begin to let her go, to always remember her for the joy she brought me and my family.

3. My Birthday Celebration in August

As I always go over the top when it comes to harahh-ing the anniversary of my natality, I can never forget the two days I spent celebrating my 32nd birthday. The actual day with my family, going out and about, and then culiminating 4 days later with Volare, my huge Italian-themed birthday party!

4. Meeting New Friends

This was indeed the year of the "penpal." It's been almost a decade since I met in person on American shores a friend I had made overseas. Jason F and Alan L -- both were from Singapore, and happened to be embarking through SF en route home. I'm thankful for them taking the time out to visit me. And then meeting a friend of over a year from LA -- Seymour -- for the first time on one of my LA trips, going shopping, fish-egg eating, and dancing the nite away. And meeting new friends like Stephen, Ben and Siu, who are down-to-earth and cool.

5. Mom Getting an Award

My mom received an award from API Pride for being loving and supportive parent of a Asian Pacific Islander. I felt it important for people out there to know how much my parents support their son. More importantly, it was a way for me to say "Thank You" for all the times my mom and dad endured and struggled with their trials of accepting me.

6. Leaving my Community Group After All this Time

Every year I kept saying it, that I would quit my community group. Having been Social Chair for about 7 years and feeling stuck with the position because not only was I good at it but no one else wanted to take the job. I was able to pass on the torch to a successor in June and, for all my years of giving to the API community of the South Bay, finally start to focus on giving back to myself.

7. The Crash Heard Around the World

And then there was the day in September where I put myself in the emergency room from a game of dodgeball. On the first play of the game, rushing to get the ball and slamming my nose into the forehead of a girl on the opposite team. Lesson learned: avoid the 'rhino technique' when playing the game.

8. My Two Trips to LA
I had sooo much fun on my two Fall weekend road trips to L.A. with James ("Chanel"), Stephen ("Shanehneh") and Ben ("Bengkok"). Staying in Hollywood, going clubbing, watching Ethan Mao, pretendin to be stars, and cruising around and about!

9. Buying my First Home

Something I've only dreamed of and never knew when would happen! Afraid of being pushed out of the Valley, over 9 months of patience and optimism paid off in a sudden yipe of happiness one sunny, brisk October morning. I finally bought my first home ever, with my family. A 3-bedroom, 3.5 townhome on a hill in South San Jose!

10. Spending Time with My Best Buddy

Spending time doing things with my best buddy Timmy, who finally returned to So Cal as he had earnestly hoped and strived for the last two years. All the fun things we always do together, places we go, and things we laugh and learn about along the way. Life is an adventure with you, T.

OTHER THINGS I'LL REMEMBER FROM 2004

1. Gay marriages being officiated here in SF for but a brief moment in time in February.

2. The pain of the victims and the families of the tsunamis that killed 150,000 people in South Asia the day after Christmas. Remembering how the world finally came together again as "one big family" to help each other in time of need.

3. The passing of President Reagan in June, and how I'll always remember him as the man who helped open the door to peace with the former Soviet Union and made this world a safer place to live in.

TOP TEN LISTENS OF 2004
(My favorite songs of 2004 which I listened to the most this year...)

1. Extraordinary -- Liz Phair
2. The Reason -- Hoobastank
3. One, Two Step -- Ciara (featuring Missy Elliot)
4. Meant to Live -- Switchfoot
5. Reach Out for the Sunrise -- Duran Duran
6. Sunshine -- L`il Flip
7. Yeah! -- Usher
8. Drop It -- Snoop Doggy Dog
9. New Workout Plan -- Kanye West
10. One Hundred Years -- Five for Fighting

FAVORITE PHRASE OF 2004
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow ma'hself to introduce mahself!" ;)

A Wet Monday

2004-12-27T23:57:00.000-08:00

If yesterday was any sign at all, today the rain came down all day...from the moment I went into my office until the moment I came out...tested my company umbrella..works great! Always wanted a parachute on a stick!:P

The death toll from the 9.0 earthquake in SE Asia continues to rise with no stop (now at 23,000+). It staggers my mind (shaking head)...all those poor people lost and their families and friends left behind...Lord please Bless Them all...

Went shopping for Gamecube games at Best Buy today..looks like they didn't have as good of a selection as Fry's. And those games that were popular were apparently sold out over Christmas.:P

Posted pictures from my Christmas Day in my December 25th blog below. Check em out!

Nite!

Day after Christmas

2004-12-26T23:29:00.000-08:00

Will have photos from Christmas posted tomorrow!

The weather went from sunny and cool on a serene Christmas Day to dreary, cloudy, windy and cold today, the day after Christmas. It's a sign that Winter is ready to take over the seasonal timeclock.

Went to lunch with mom for pho today (hot noodle soup is quite good on a cold day). Spent the rest of the day at home chillen, organizing stuff around my room. Decided not to blow my budget by dashing to the malls for those tempting sales the day after Christmas, hehe..Overall pretty quiet and easy for my last day off from work. Sigh, is vacation over already?

My heart pained about hearing of the 9.0 earthquake today in Indonesia, which generated 20-foot tsunami waves which killed over 14,000 people across 7 nations including Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. It's so sad. The waves came virtually with no warning. People who enjoyed Christmas and their lives here one day, gone the next.

As a tribute to 2004, this week I'll be reviewing the highlights of my personal life this past year in each day's blog to include Lee's Top 10 places visited in 2004, top ten songs of the year, goals he achieved and didn't, goals for 2005, etc. So be sure to stop by again and feel free to leave a comment or two!:o)

Merry Christmas!!!

2004-12-25T23:30:00.000-08:00

Me n my hag Kat!

Kat's dad Butch
and Lee do the fob thang..lol..:)

Kat n her mom,
my bro and me...

Merry Christmas, everyone!Last night my family and I went over to the home of my bro's girlfriend's parents in Union City for a Christmas Eve celebration Filipino style. That meant, again, lotsa people, lotta food, lotta aunties trying to stuff me like a Christmas toy, and lotta warmth. We ate, chatted, and did a Secret Santa thang where I got Clay Aiken's new Christmas CD! Woohoo!


Lee gets U2's new CD	Even my pet bird Whistler gets a gift!	Dad gets a cock calendar.	Mom is so cuute...

Woke up around 9am after staying up into the wee hours of the morning finishing up my gift wrapping. (I suppose it's my fault for again waiting til the last minute to finish shopping!) We ate a pancake breakfast around 11am and then opened gifts a little after 12 noon. This year, for the first time in I can't remember how many years, I got no new clothes! Very unbelievable for me such that even friends were astonished! Added to that, this year the kid got loose in me cuz I got Digimon and Teen Titan toys, and board games! Lol...The rest of my family also enjoyed their gifts. My parents especially, who got a new DVD player, a crockpot, and two tickets to see Dr. Phil live on stage in March of 2005. My bro and his gf came over later tonight for Christmas dinner at my place and, from them, I got Clay Aiken's new book and a Nintendo game cube! Afterward, Shane and I went head-to-head in Mortal Kombat Deception on his X-box!

It's been a very pleasant Christmas Day for me this year. Though a little shorter on the gifts and though I've been fighting an aching stomach flu the last 2 days, this year the Day wasn't short on the gift of love of family and friends.

Merry Christmas to all, to all a good and peaceful night...

Love and hugs,
Lee

On a Short Winter Break

2004-12-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

I'm Back!
So here I am, on Christmas vacation. With the exception of a couple hours of dropping into work today, I've been out of the office officially as of Tuesday evening and don't have to return til next Monday. Finally, a chance for me to shut down for more than just a 3-day weekend, something I've not done in 3 years of constant corporate toil. I'm sincerely hoping to take advantage of my extended break to re-examine my current priorities in life when it comes to my job, my career, and my personal pursuits. I'm finding myself wanting to explore my creative inner self more vice a verse all the time I've spent working each day.

Meanwhile, I just started (yes, started) my Christmas shopping on Monday so I think part of my time off will be stolen by an incessant fight at the shopping centers to get my gifts by Christmas Eve. Fortunately I don't have as many people to shop for this year so I should finish on time (but the challenge of picking the right gift for each person still daunts me).

Digivolution Again

A part of my self-exploration has been getting back into "Digimon" the past several days. A cartoon simiilar to Pokemon which I was obsessed with back in 2001. Recently I saw an episode on TV and since then have been reliving the series online through video clips. It's so kewl...

I think I'm also evolving cuz I don't really know where I'm going in my life right now with regard to friends. My best friend this past week moved from SJ back to Southern California. I've felt a little saddened, especially with the Christmas holiday. At the same time, been feeling that life is going to be kinda different without my closest friend. We did so many things together, went to so many places, and my friend knows me well too. Yet I support him because I want him to accomplish what he wants to do -- what a real friend would do for a real friend. So that's more important to me in the long run that I must set aside my own personal feelings. But it's also that I'm still rediscovering who my real friends are..those who take the time to share their lives with me and vice versa...

So, fortunately this holiday season, I'm not feeling as blue as last year but still a little...

Parties, parties, parties

I've been to so many parties lately -- 6 parties within a four-week span. I think that's a record for me! Half of 'em were birthdays, and the other half Christmas parties. Last Friday (12/16), I had a small holiday gathering at my south San Jose apartment for my closest friends. We had a potluck dinner, complete with traditional Christmas faire -- Asian style! We also played some cards and talked around and had a smaller-than-expected 3-gift Secret Santa gift exchange.

On Saturday, 12/17, I went to a going-away partee for my best friend. At his friend's place in SJ, ate pizza and played Twister and Trivial Pursuit DVD. Sunday (12/18) my community group held its annual Christmas holiday party at the clubhouse at my apartment complex. Always attended by 50+ people and festive, especially this year feeling like an elegantly warm party in a country-club style ambience.

Other Miscellaneous News

My boss gave me an umbrella for Christmas on Tuesday, a gift from my company. Guess they're expecting a wet winter! The umbrella is quite long (3.5 ft) and guarantees to hold up to 60 mph winds! Bring on the gale force winds I say and let's test it!
On the way home home from Christmas shopping today, got a Tacoma Washington radio station on the AM dial in the car! Always weird that radio signals can sometimes go so far!
One of my hopes for the new year is for more respect from people. Lately again I've been getting that feelin that I go way out of my way for others in general, that sometimes I'm too nice. Happens at both work and in my personal circles. And people expect me to do stuff and I don't get respect or courtesy in return.

I have to list my top 10 songs of the year here next week, as well as my goals and my top happenings this past year!

Lunch on the Boss

2004-12-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

Today my boss Dennis treated my whole department to lunch at Faz's in Sunnyvale. This is the 2nd year in a row where he's done that for us around the Christmas holiday, I believe as a generous token of appreciation for all our tireless toiling throughout the year. We again combined the lunch with my colleagues from another team so there was like over 20 of us at one table. Food was good as usual. I satisfactorily enjoyed chancing my palate with the fettucine marco polo, a linguine pasta in a light curry cream sauce with big shrimp and fresh tomatoes and spinach. It was pretty good, though it felt like it needed something more. However, the mud pie was jus scrumptious, with delicious chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, ground espresso bits, and a chocolate graham cracker crust. While at lunch I had a chance to talk more personal, non-work stuff for once with my close coworkers like Robin and John, as well as through jokes across the table and take photos for everyone with my digital camera.

I'm so burned out from work...i can't wait until Christmas vacation.:D

Clay Aiken on TV

2004-12-09T01:14:00.000-08:00

Watched the Clay Aiken Christmas special on TV tonight. Was a good holiday show, set in a house-looking studio adorned with wreaths, candles, frosted windows, lights, and a train that kept running around the bottom of a Christmas tree. Clay, clad in a lime green sweater, dark striped shirt beneath, urban jeans and a brown blazer, sang remarkably well as always. No doubt he sang songs from his new Christmas album and I liked many of them, both renditions of traditional Christmas songs as well as some new ones of his one. He was also joined at times by friends Yolanda Adams and Barry Manilow (I'm amazed at how youthful this guy is personality-wise; he's like a big kid!). Anyways, I never get tired of hearing Clay's beatiful pop and sometimes crooning voice.:)

Tonight one of my friends mentioned to me that some people had said some things about me which apparently were negative and not even the truth. Obviously those individuals don't even know me, and it's unfortunate that people say things about other people and they don't even know them. I know myself well enough and love the good person I am, and have a huge number of friends to back me up as solid references, thankfully, at home, in my friend circles, and even at work!:) And I have only things to say about others IF I know them well enough (even then I don't go round badmouthing others = bad karma.:)).

Busy Week Again!

2004-12-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

I really do wish I updated my blog more often, so bare with me as I recap!

Last Thursday I met with one of my clients for my freelance web design. I'm busy working on a new prototype for his association's website at www.waferfab.org. I think my customer is impressed with my work from what I hear, and that makes me feel good (cuz often I can be my own harshest critic).

Afterward, I drove to SF to meet up with my friend Alan, who was in town on his way home to Singapore. He had been visiting Boston for a few days to check out dentistry schools there and, on his way back home, decided to pay me and SF a visit. I've known Alan for at least a year (we met online) and have become good friends since. So it was quite cool to meet him in person for the first time and put his personality and coutenance into an in-my-face context. I took him to some food at the Baghdad Cafe where we got to catch up on some old times and his trip to Boston.

Friday night was Stephen's 25th birthday. We celebrated by taking him out to dinner at Chic's Seafood Restaurant at Fisherman's Wharf in SF. The food was okay, though I expected a little more attention to detail for the $28 full dinner at such a refined restaurant. For example, my silverware was not clean and also the spinach salad was sour and gritty (i.e. the spinach wasn't washed thoroughly enough). After dinner we all went clubbing at The Cafe. I picked up my friend Alan from his hotel and brought him to the club and introduced him to my friends. We all had fun and was it jammed packed that night! I even bumped into my friend Evan there.

Saturday I dropped Alan off at SFO for his return flight to Singapore. Then I headed to work for a few hours. At night I stayed at home and worked some more on my freelance project for waferfab.org.

Sunday my best friend Timothy and I had lunch with my parents and then I showed him my home-to-be in South San Jose. He really liked the floorplan but, as there was no model for it, probably enjoyed touring through the other model homes in the builder community.:) Later T and I did some light shopping at Oakridge Mall. Sunday night returned to SF yet again for a birthday dinner for Todd. He, Steve, Darrin and I ate at Eric's in Noe Valley. Though it sounded like some sort of deli, Eric's served quite a nice variety of tasty dishes, including Eric's Fiery Prawns -- an interesting spicy shrimp dish with a salsa-like sauce. AFterward we ll went to Starbucks for coffee and we had some deep discussion about each of our lives, how happy we were, and where we wanted to go.

Monday was work as usual. Lunch with Evan (whom I had seen on the previous Friday) at BJ's in Cupertino. Good food, stellar service, especially since Evan found a hair in his salad and made no fuss about it. But our kind waittress did and told the manager, who came out and practically begged us to accept their apologies and if we wanted anything (on his knees!). We both said there was no problem. I wish more restaurants were diligent and considerate like that BJ's!

Tonight my Amazing Race 6 team placed ahead of Seymour's team again for a 2nd week. Yay! I want my iPod, Sey!:) But I was worried at first cuz my team started out in first and then made a big dumb error in the first task that dropped them to last place in the pack of 8! Fortunately, they came in 4th this leg of the trip, which also was a non-elimination round.

Busy Week

2004-11-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Amazing Race 6 episode put the team I've been rooting for in first place! Yay! (I won't say who that is at the moment so as not to spoil it for others). But me and S have been betting each week on our own teams to place ahead of the other's, with a point value assigned based on what place they come into the pit stop. At the end of the entire race (12 episodes from now), whoever has the lowest number of points wins and the bet is supposedly an iPod. I have to say one thing. This season is by far the most aggressive. In just the third episode, Jonathan was all over his partner Victoria, yelling and almost hitting her. That guy is such a #$%@! jerk. The other teams weren't much better off, bickering among each other. This group of teams has forgotten the meaning of the race.

Also watched the NBC Rockefeller Christmas special with music stars and the lighting of the gigantic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Square, New York. My fave Clay Aiken sang a song and, as always, did great. I also saw one of my classic favorites Tony Bennett. Even Jessica Simpson actually sang well for once in a classy, sorta cutesy 20's style rendition of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".

Two days into the week and gosh am so busy. Busy at work, and busy working on some freelance web sites outside of my job, with a customer meeting Thursday. Hope it goes o.k.! Also fought off an oncoming throat cold after detecting its ugly presence 24 hours ago. Lunch with Euell yesterday, and have been getting a lot of calls and IMs from all my friends this week. It's nice to keep in touch with them. Am meeting my friend Alan from Singapore later this week, as he flies back to Sg from visiting in Boston. Should be cool meeting this year-long penpal of mine for the first time!

After the Thanksgiving Holidaze

2004-11-27T22:36:00.000-08:00

A lot going on this holiday weekend, so let me recap:

Had a fun time at Katrina's family's Thanksgiving brunch on Thursday. For those who don't know, Thanksgiving is an annual American holiday, celebrated to commemorate the Pilgrims who originally founded the U.S. back in the 1700s, and to remember what they (and we these days) were thankful for in their lives. Anyways, since Katrina (my bro's girlfriend) is Filipino, it was no surprise that the party had hecka people there; I've noticed that family celebrations in the Filipino community tend to be big and this was no exception, with 30-something people stopping at Kat's home to celebrate the holiday. Everyone was so friendly, coming up and introducing themselves to me and shmoozing me to stuff myself like a turkey! And speaking of turkey, this year I pretty much forwent partaking of the fowl and opted for the vegetarian side dishes, as well as some tasty sweet honey-baked ham. After lunch, we all did some Christmas karaoke singing, where I discovered Louis Armstrong has been hiding out in my dad's body upon hearing my father sing!

In the evening, my bro Shane came over to my place, and I drove him up to where my new townhome I'm moving into next year will be. He was very happy for me. My family and I then watched "Elf" on DVD; was a funny and cute movie.

Friday, I didn't do much except go to work during the day instead of jumping on the insane bandwagon known as "Black Friday" and swimming with the ocean of people at the mall Christmas shopping! (Though I was tempted to, I have to say, as I really want to get an iPod!).

Saturday, I went to SF to catch the American play "Our Town" at the SF Playhouse with James, Stephen and Royce. I found it to be a heartwarmingly interesting story of a late 1800 New Hampshire town. It was also strangely melancholy near the end, and makes you stop to remember about how important it is to appreciate the moment in what days are left in each of our lives, for they will go fast. Good for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Tomorrow (Sunday), I have to finish up a project I'm working on for one of my free-lance web clients in San Jose. Also have to go to the homebuilder's to sign off on papers for getting my new home!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2004-11-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends!!! Woke up before 10am this morning, with my annual tradition I turned on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV, and while watching it baked a brandy cherry pie! Am on my way with my family to a Thanksgiving brunch at my bro's girlfriend's family's place in the East Bay (i.e. my bro's 'inlaws')! There'll be lots of food, people, and fun karaoke I believe. Then it's a rest-o-the-day with my whole family!

Last night my car hit its100,000 mile! Happy 100,000th mile, my vehicle babe! After all the taking me back and forth between work, taking me and family around the town, driving ya up to SF and back, and driving around past significant others! Even took you to Reno/Tahoe, Los Angeles, and even Las Vegas! Okay, I'm a sentimental fool, but what can I say? (*smiles*)

Sundae Recovery

2004-11-21T23:13:00.000-08:00

A rather sedate Sunday. I slept in for 8 hours after getting home exhausted near 3am last night from the potluck at Ben's and dancing! Wuz so fun dancin with Stephen, J, Royce and Siu (who got her freak on me and vice versa like a 'naughty girlllll'). Today watched a little of Shrek 2 on DVD, worked for a few hours, daydreamed of far away places, and did some planning with my folks on how to decorate my new house (which walls we should paint, what kind of appliances to buy, etc). Think it's gonna be some fun shoppin over the next 6 months, hehehe!

Oh, and my beloved 2001 Honda Accord will celebrate it's 100,000-mile birthday in just under 200 miles!!! I think that will be sometimes by next weekend! I got my Accord coupe back in Jan 2001, and, yes, I've put more miles on her to most people's bewilderment! Well, a guys' gotta get to work, take friends and family around, drive on road trips, etc.!

Music Playing: "Just Lose It" -- Eminem

LEE HAS A NEW HOME!

2004-11-21T02:39:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the happiest days in my recent memory. I am now the proud owner of my very first home! With the help of my folks, I bought a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, Italian villa-style townhome in South San Jose. After a long, tedious 9-month search, discouraged at times by a continued shortage of housing and the absurdly overpriced homes here in Silicon Valley, I finally achieved what I had been looking for!

My father woke me up around 9am and, tired from a late night before, I pushed myself out of bed at 9:30am. A small urgency got me up and to the housing office just shy of 10am, when the offeringo of 10 new homes was to happen. The 10 homes were to be offered up via a lottery system (where you have to put your name and info into a box). Personally I hate this system and think it is unfair. Anyways, 15-20 something parties of people lay in wait, in the hopes of becoming the owners of new townhomes. I even bumped into my friend Melvon who lived nearby and was in the market for a new home. After signing papers, my family and I anxiously waited outside in the wintry, sunny morning air. Then, at 10:15, the lottery began. My fingers were crossed. My mom meditated, concentrating her energy on the sign in front of the housing office. As the slim, white female sales representative clad in a black business suit reached into the box, in my mind I mustered up all the positive mental forces I could, constantly saying to myself "Lee L, Lee L, Lee L". A second later the female voice called out "Lee L." Immediately a beaming smile burst from my face and a shout of delirious joy from my mouth! I was hilariously excited! We went into the housing office and then picked the home we wanted. One with a mountain-top view of the entire South San Jose valley!

I won't be able to move into the new townhome until next June, but that's okay. I get excited now just thinking about all the things I want to do to my very first home, from painted accent walls to hardwood floors to a makeshift dance studio in the garage. I'll get my own bedroom on the very first floor near the entrance for added privacy. As I hugged my mom I could hear her choke back a tear. And my dad was proudly elated (he believed I would've been better luck. Looks like he was right)! I'm so relieved now that my search has ended and I'll have a house to move into next summer. I won't have to rent anymore, and my first-time homebuyer experience, in spite of several discouraging snafus, has gone for the better. Oh, and of course, housewarming party.....big time.

Tonight went to a potluck party at Ben's in SF. Brought the brandy cherry pie I baked last night. Was pretty good, and I could taste the brandy liquor I had put into it. Also played some 2-high (cho-dai-dee in Chinese), playing for shots. I think I lost only 2 hands and had to down two shots of vodka as my penalty. I've found that I've been winning more since I learned on my last L.A. trip to be more aggressive at the game. I also announced the joyous news of my new home purchase, and the gang was happy for me. After dinner the gang and I headed to N Touch for some late night dancing.

Let the Phoenix Rise Once Again

2004-11-18T23:05:00.000-08:00

"Man is not disturbed by a chain of events, but by the view he takes of them" ~Epictetus

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." ~ Mohandas K. Ghandi

Can't wait to take my dance classes again!!

~ Lee Phoenix L.

Music now playing: "One, Two Step" -- CiaRa

Amazing Race is Back Again!

2004-11-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

The sixth season of the Amazing Race began last night with a highly competitive and dramatically-charged 2-hour episode. The race started in Chicago, and the 11 teams wound up in cold, rugged Iceland for this leg of the race. Gloves were coming off as the competition to win turned into back-stabbing, dissing, and even verbal confrontations. And it's just the first episode of the entire season! I personally am rooting for the father/daughter team of Gus and Hera and any other teams that know how to put aside their differences and work together to make it the finish lines. Personally I would try to be one of those teams if I ever did the Race myself!:)

LA Trippin 2

2004-11-17T01:07:00.000-08:00

Had an absolute fun time this past weekend in L.A. with Stephen and Ben. We drove down south Thursday evening (Veteran's Day), and with surprisingly little holiday traffic, we arrived at West Hollywood Ramada Hotel in a record-setting 5 hours. I had sworn off the hotel during my last LA trip, as it seemed as if they wanted to make money off of you by charging you for things and then subtlely telling you later. Reluctantly, as there weren't any other hotels close enough to walking distance of "WeHo", we wound up staying at the Ramada again.

Show those pearly whites!	Sha Ney Ney at da wheel	Artistic shot at night

Getting ready 4 bed	I'm rail-lee relaxin!
Friday, we all went to dim sum for lunch in the ever-Chinese Monterey Park. We ate at Ocean Restaurant, a large, popular restaurant with, fortunately, no long wait that day. We ate a lot of the typical stuffs like ha gau (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), spareribs, etc. We even spotted some 'gay jello'.Lol..After lunch, we headed down to Long Beach for a stroll. Amazingly it was dead there, perhaps due to the holiday or it just not being as popular as i last saw it in '99. In the evening, Stephen and Ben hit the Promenade, while I had the chance to finally meet Seymour. We went to a local mall where I helped him with shopping for a gift for his friend's birthday, getting shmoozed into buying myself a new black shirt from Men's Xpress, almost convinced to buy a nice orange KC tie from Robinson's Mae, and loading up on sushi and other japanese delicacies at Toodai's. Seymour got me to chow down on some fish egg sushi but was unsuccessful in getting me to eat sashimi (had a bad experience with it in Japan). After dinner, Seymour drove me back to my hotel where we met up with my frenz and went clubbing. To my pleasant suprise, i was able to get Seymour out on the dance floor, teaching him a few basic 1A dance steps. He did really well, and I was happily amazed that he overcame his intimidation. Overall, I had a real fun time with him.

Eat that dim sum!	Look guys! Gay jello!	LA has the best air quality

ChabLee and ShaNeyNey	Ben n Lee at Long Beach
Saturday, Stephen, Ben and I watched the U.S. premiere of Ethan Mao, the newest thought-provoking film by director Quintin Lee. I liked it, and its intensity, drama, and even humor gave you some reflective insight into the extremes of Asian parents finding out about their son's sexuality. Afterward, we got a surprise treat of meeting the actors and director! Later that afternoon we had a late lunch in Westminster, and then at night went clubbing at Red Dragon. Was our first time there and it reminded me much of Club Asia, my old stomping grounds where I first came out. At Red Dragon, the house music was so alive that the energy of the music, the air, the sights and sounds took over me and I burned it on the dance floor! It was sooo soul-reviving. Sunday, we ate breakfast at French Champagne in WeHo. After that I checked out Omar's Exotic Bird shop, where I was thrilled to physically hold affectionate parrots, macaws, cockatoos and cockatiels! (For those of you who don't know, my folks and I are 'bird-brains', having two pet birds of our own). We all then left Hollywood for home around 12:30p and got back to my place in SJ shortly after 5pm! (Wish I could go back and forth between L.A. that fast more often!) Overall, I had not just a relaxing time but also a time to reflect on myself. Through the fun and experiences, I came to truly realize someof what makes me who i am and what i want to be. ~ L.

Cast of Ethan Mao, plus us!	Reflectin...

Bird tailoring the shirt!	Smile for the camera!

Incredible Reflections

2004-11-09T23:17:00.000-08:00

I guess I must have had an incredible weekend for movies, as I caught two awesome flicks: "Shrek 2" (you can read my last blog for info); and "The Incredibles." EXCELLENT movie and 5 out of 5 lee-stars. Brought to life by the same animators as "Finding Nemo", it's the action-packed, funny story of a family of four, each with a super-power (or two). Though some people may think otherwise, I personally didn't feel it to be a wanna-be knock off of the "Fantastic Four" (heck, THAT awesome comic is coming to theaters very soon anyways!). I thoroughly laughed and was engaged by "The Incredibles" because it's not just a group of super-heroes: it's a family dealing with loving one another and with learning to accept themselves for who they are, regardless of what people may say.

This weekend was also "incredible" becuz I met my childhood playmate Pammy from Hawaii, where I did much of my growing up for almost 9 years. Though I had sorta seen her once before, I didn't really have a chance to talk to her since we were 9 years old! So my family and I invited her and her bf over for dinner this past Sunday and needless to say it was a blast from the past. Pam and I talked about how we used to play together, gang up on my brother, get in trouble by *her* big brother, fight off her evil nails (though she flat out denied it), and juz plain fun. Ah, the good old days....

The past couple days a couple of songs from the 70s played on the radio have transported me back in time to my wonder years in Hawaii. Sometimes as I drove steadily on the highway in my car, sometimes as I walked about my room or around the office, I found myself singing songs I grew up with. Hehe...major throwback! (see my Top Hears of the Week.) Sometimes I miss being a kid! Back when life was less stressful and easier.=P

But I've also found myself realizing that each day is a brand new day. And it doesn't matter how many times you've tried to do whatever you wanted, how many times you may have procrastinated, how many times you have failed (or not). Each day is a gift from God that brings you a brand new opportunity! So why let hang ups hang you up? Keep your chin up, go for it and reach for the sky!

And don't let others get you down as you travel. I think for me, my biggest peeve is when people say things but don't walk their talk. But I keep my chin up and make sure that I meet my own expectations cuz that's what's most important.:)

Spinning on my iTunes:"I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" (Dan England)

DVD and Cam!

2004-11-06T01:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight I finally watched the highly-rated "Shrek 2" on DVD! Set in a kingdom far, far away, it's the story of the love of Shrek the Ogre who's unrequitted love for his wife Fiona and the father of Fiona who is shocked to learn of his beloved daughter has married an ogre. Dismayed and despaired and in an illicit contractual bind with Fiona's fairy godmother, he sends a feline of a hitman -- the witty, funny Puss in Boots -- to take him out, only to learn later that the pussycat has joined Shrek in his quest to save Fiona from her fairy godmother and a diabolical plot to separate them. Though the donkey has been my favorite character, Puss in Boots kind of stole the show with him.:)

One thing about Shrek 2 that moved me was that it was the story of an ogre who wanted Fiona to be happy and was willing to sacrificially change himself for her. The story reminds us that when you fall in love with someone, you love them for who they are, not what they aren't. I truly believe this myself. No one is perfect; there will be things you endear about another person and things you wish you could do without. When the initial chemistry subsides, what matters the most is remembering what brought you to another person in the first place and that you can see beyond the physical, the superficial, the petty, and the doubts for this. Many couples lose sight of this, unfortunately.

Being the hi-tech person I am, I finally bought myself a web cam tonight as well! I'm still learning how to use it and the pictures aren't the best resolution but should be good enough for video chatting with friends. I've even posted the very first snapshot I took with it in my profile (see right)!=)

Election Day

2004-11-03T01:39:00.000-08:00

Today was Election Day here in the U.S., and I cast my vote for the next President this morning before going to work. Not only was the line a half-hour long, it was my first time voting as an officially registered "Independent" and perhaps the toughest voting of my political history ever in terms of who to chose for President: George W. Bush vs. John Kerry. Let's hope my vote was the right one. This evening I've been excitingly riveted at how close this race is -- the closest I've ever seen in my life and in 36 years according to political analysts. Over 73% (3/4) of Californians voted and 100 million Americans (out of 380 million Americans). People were definitely concerned about the direction of the country and the vote was divided almost completely down the middle as it was in 2000. As of this writing, the race still has not been decided and it looks as if it is coming down to Ohio. For more of the latest information, check out CNN.com.

Lee and Evan at Evans campaign victory celebration in Campbell in the evening, November 2, 2004. Waiting for results and trying to keep our chins up.

Tonight I went to the victory party/celebration for my 21-year old friend Evan Low, who's running for the first time for Campbell City Council. Had some stuff to drink, met some people and watched votes come in from the 21 precincts of Campbell. At last I talked to him (around midnight), he was only 300 votes shy to win! GO EVANATOR! Hope ya win. When I wake up tomorrow morning, I may be calling him "City Councilman Low.":P

Lastly, I brought in a new potential client for my freelance web design. My coworker's husband runs an association of wafer fabrication, including CEOs/COOs of wafer fabrication companies from around the world! I'm pretty excited about the prospect of making a website viewed by association members and "CEOs/COOs"!

Pre-Halloween in the Castro

2004-10-31T13:07:00.000-08:00

I had a freaky fun time Saturday night for Halloween. Went with James, Stephen, Siu, Ben, Eric and Angel for sushi, partying and the 'unofficial' pre-Halloween Party in the Castro. We were all dressed up in our costumes: James was a nerd; I was a gay reaper in an ominous black robe with no face; Eric was a wanna-be surgeon/doctor; Siu - she was Dorothy (from Wizard of Oz) or something; Angel was a girl scout (she was cute!); Ben was a sailor boy; and Stephen, well, chigga was a preppy pimp cuz his ass was too lazy to put on a costume.:P (But ya looked handsome like always, Sha-ney-ney!).

To start the night of fright, we all dug into some sushi at Nippon Yakuosa on Church Street in SF. And fortunately we weren't the only freaks in the house wearing costumes!:) James did the honors of ordering for our group in the small, vapor-steamy Japanese restaurant where you sat in old hard wooden chairs, often back-to-back with customers from the next table. The sushi was good and a bargain if you weren't snobby about the no-frills ambience. However, I didn't care too much for the alcoholic cider I had with it (think I prefer non-alcoholic fizzy apple juice ;)).

After dinner, we all walked through the Castro to Elizabeth's house. Along the way I had some mischievous fun peering into windows of restaurants and passing cars, forebodingly giving warnings to laughing onlookers. I guess there's some fun to not being able to been seen in your costume and being a 'universally recognized' character (i.e. Death).

At Elizabeth's home, there were a lot of people already there, and I got to meet some new people including a self-proclaimed Miss Chinatown (Sarah), Elizabeth (the owner, dressed in a nice umbrella white dress), a fallen priest, and some others. Even more frightening was the awful "SCAREOKE" singing there that would make William Hung cringe! And Ben and Siu, I'm sorry but you guys made my ears run for cover! ;P
Bernie and his friend Ricardo also managed to join up with us at the party for a bit.

Toward midnight we all headed over to another party at Eric's friend, whose Victorian home of bare wooden floors, unpainted walls, and devoid of any furniture appeared as if it was undergoing renovation. There we drank some more (or the others did at least) and did some dancing. A couple of straight blond girls tried macking on one of our straight-acting friends, clueless that his boyfriend was nearby. They also stamped Siu as a "skanky Dorothy-wanna be", which was the WRONG thing to say cuz Siu juz got all pissed! I mean, those girls brought out the bitch in Dorothy that'd make Toto run for cover. It was funny!!

After the fun and drama at Brian's, we all climaxed the night with some dancing at The Cafe. Lotta people there in the ever-crowded, hot and stuffy club, many dressed in costume. Had fun dancing with the gang and freakin with Angel and getting her girl scout cookie.;p

Tonight I didn't go to the highly publicized, straight-gorilla'd version of Halloween in the Castro (did you know that they televise it now thanks to KRON Channel 4?!). I've been a couple times before, and usually it's sooooooooooo crowded that the fun ends after the first 10 minutes of ogling others' costumes and then trying not to lose your friends in the crushing sea of people.

Anyways, HaPPy HalloWeen everybody!!!

Birthday, Houses, and Votes

2004-10-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's been a hella long time since I last updated my blog, so let me catch up on some stuff that's been happening lately...Here'z my updatez...

The Weekend

Enjoyed an intense weekend of clubbing and partying. Went to TD's on Friday night with my buddy James in honor of his bday. We drank to happy times, some kickin' music, and did a little dancing.

Saturday went to SF to celebrate James' birthday at a dinner with his frenz, as well as with Stephen, Siu and Ben. Had an absolute blast. We started off with drinks at Twin Peaks, then a delicious dinner at Chow's, crashed a friend's housewarming party, and then climaxed it with some energetic clubbing at The Cafe. We got all down and dirty with a timid Chanelle and unfortunately his friend Eric's sweater was thieved. I didn't get home until 3:30am Sunday morning and, during the last 10 minutes of my trip home was seemingly followed by some small car. I thought nothing of it, but soon noticed out of the corner of my eye that the car would change lanes whenever I would. After a few times, I decided to speed up and the pursuing car matched my speed. At that point I was a calmly phreeked and tried hard to think where the nearest police station was. However, after about 5 minutes, the car left the freeway behind me. Needless to say I thought it was more than a coincidence and perhaps some sick spat of boredom by some driver who probably shouldn't have been on the road at that late hour. And when I got home, I juz crashed on my bed, hehe..

Home is Where the Wallet Is

Well, I'm back on the market again searching for a home...to live in, that is. (Though I am still lookin out for that special guy too!) And I have begun to feel at a disadvantage here in Silicon Valley becuz everyone else can afford to buy expensive homes that cost $700,000 or more...my family and I are stretching it juz tryin to buy a $500k home...years ago my salary alone could afford an elegant, brand new home..now we are trying to simply get a townhome. I prefer to stay in the Silicon Valley, as for some internal reason I love living south of downtown SJ. The housing prices here in the South Bay are so damn ridiculous that I'm afraid of getting gentrified outa my area juz cuz it's tuff to afford a nice home! If my folks and I had bought 5 months ago, we could've afforded some more decent places. But the agent(s) we had back then didn't give us a good skinny on what we could (and couldn) afford, so we didn feel we could afford anything. Now we know what we can buy but the supply is so much less...*sigh*...maybe one day I'll be writing here from Sacramento or somethin..:P Oh well, I'm still keepin my chin up that somethin nice will come along soon for me. I almost bought my very first home earlier this week -- a 2100 sq. ft townhome in South San Jose. But another buyer was somehow let into it and the agent representing the owner of the home never let us counteroffer. Our agent feels that the 'selling agent' may have unethically colluded with the first buyer and not let the homeowners know of my wish to buy their home. Anyways, I was disappointed for my first homebuying experience, but not discouraged. I know it's a cut-throat market not just for homebuyers but for real estate agents, as it seems everyone including their grandma is in the real estate biz these days.

Vote or Die

I think this year will be one of the biggest turn outs for an American election ever. The competition between George W. Bush and John Kerry has gotten dirty, with lots of name calling and accusations. And I think memories of a supposedly 'stolen' election in 2000 will draw more Democrats to the polls this time. I used to be a Republican (and I'll knock the crap outa anyone who says they'll take my gay card away cuz of this..I was a Repub *fiscally*). But now I'm an Independent cuz I don't like either candidates and their platforms. Some people have been tellin me I'm throwing away my vote if I dunt vote for Bush or Kerry. That's such bullsh*t. Juz cuz I don't vote for YOUR candidate means I'm throwing away my vote?! HeLLO, voting is a right of every American citizen and what's more important than who you vote for is that you vote period. So get over your biased self-serving selves.

Forgotten and Will Not Be Forgotten

2004-10-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday Recap

On Saturday, took my pet birdies to our family vet in Cupertino for nail trims and check ups. My ever-hyper 2-year old cockatiel Whistler checked in at a healthy 82 grams (it's a wonder he doesn't weight less). He's such a kid, flying around and getting into everything that I have to constantly keep after him when he's outa his cage.:) Lucky, the older 'tiel, weighed in at 92 grams (he lost 20 grams since his last check up) but was healthy; we think it's cuz we put him and his buddy on a better, avian-cake diet! So, overall our avian expert doctor Dr. Savant was very pleased with how well we were taking care of our pet birds. After all, they are FAMILY, and we love them very much so naturally we're gonna go all out to take care of them.

Saturday night I went with Brian to a birthday party for my buddy Anthony (aka "Super Anthony") at Buca di Beppo's at the Pruneyard in Campbell. A lotta Anthony's 20-something-year old frenz took over a section of the restaurant, and there was a LOT of food. Too much food! No wonder Italian families get big!;)

Sunday Recap

Sunday went to see "The Forgotten" with jE. Very good movie, and surprisingly suspenseful. In fact, we jumped outa our chairs several times! I definitely recommend this Julianne Moore flick. Also gorged on chocolate cherry cheesecake ice cream at Cold Stone Ice Creamery. Good stuff!

Oh, this weekend saw the funniest video by Hitman Sammy Sam called "Step Daddy". It's rap but it's cute and has children in it and is FUNNY! Check it out at this link:
http://launch.yahoo.com/artist/default.asp?artistID=1041063

Monday

I was most shocked to learn of Christopher Reeve passing away after a valiant fight against his paralysis and spinal cord injuries. I know some of you guys probably don't identify with him or even know who he is, but I grew up with him and his "Superman" movies. When I was a kid, he was a symbol to me of strength, of how we wish we all could sometimes be a 'Superman'. My favorite Superman movie ever was Superman II.

In his last years of life, the 52-year old Christopher Reeve spoke out and lobbied Congress to get more funding for stem-cell research and spinal cord injury research, and I admired his courage and determination to hopefully walk and feel through his body again. He will definitely be missed.

It's amazing how celebrities I knew growing up are passing away (Christopher Reeve, Rodney Dangerfield, etc).

Weekend is Here!

2004-10-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ahh, the weekend is finally here! Thank goodness I need the break and the sleep! Last night kicked it off with watching the Presidential Debate on TV. Wow, did Kerry go after Bush or what? Bush looked like he came back stronger in this 2nd debate from his last one, but still sounded defensive. Overall, I felt Bush was more heartfelt and sincere in his arguments, while Kerry had all but numbers and statistics with little sincerity (after all, he's a lawyer and I never trust liars, I mean lawyers). ;)

Later Friday night went clubbing with j at TD's. There we met up with James and Royce and bumped into some other of my friends. Was pretty lively last night and the music was hype and dance-able compared to the last time I went (when I could swear it was like 'jungle boogie' night). Stayed out til almost 2am and came back exhausted!

Woke up this morning after 9 and went to play dodgeball at Camden Community Center. Only a handful of people were there -- mostly tall/big white guys from the local area -- and a couple of the guys from SBQA. Judging by the speed and force of their throws, the non-SBQA people had been playing a while. I didn't manage to get anyone out except myself, heh, and I think one of the guys from SBQA was scared shitless such that he left after seeing how it was played. Fortunately, James H stayed and took the challenge with me and we had fun. I think next time I'll hold an extreme dodgeball game elsewhere for 'beginners' (including myself).

Weekends Almost Here

2004-10-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

Yay, only 2 days until the weekend! Can't wait to catch up on some sleep!
Getting tired each day at work, trying to make my work deadlines! I plan to reward myself with a vacation in November!

I've been spending some time at work talking with a employee assistance counselor to help me weed through some personal issues, including friendships and love. It's slowly helping. Life has been kinda lonely for me lately. I have a very loving and close family. I feel as if I have so many friends and acquaintances, yet being the highly sociable person, I'm always the one to reach out to them. I'm tired of doing all the legwork. It's in my nature to help others and reach out, I suppose. And then there's my dating life...:o) Maybe one day I'll find someone who can appreciate all I got to offer. I feel like a winner, yet feel like I'm losing. =P~

Love the new D-Child song "Lose my Breath". I'm so glad they're back. Also been spinning "Fly" from Hillary Duff. I feel the words in that song quite say what I'm feeling in my life right now. ;)

Lee-Can Meet a Celebrity

2004-10-06T23:52:00.000-07:00

Today during lunch I ran across a celebrity! I had stopped in for lunch at Yan Can Restaurant at the Rivermark in Santa Clara where I spied Martin Yan (of "Yan Can Cook"), talking with customers and signing pix and his new book "Quick and Easy". I had to do a double-take to realize it really was him, and he looks pretty good for his middle-age. I wasn't able to talk to him or shake his hand, as he was making the rounds while I was standing in line for my takeout order. Nevertheless, it was cool to see him. When I got back to work, I told my close coworker Linda about it, AND it turns out her husband is a personal friend of Martin Yan (they went to cooking school together)! What a small world!

I've been tired physically and work-wise the last few days. I wake up in the morning, roll over and tell myself "I have to go to work again today?" Hehe..I need a vacation badly. Maybe I'll head down to LA next month to reward myself after working so hard this month!

Looking to get a new mattress...Navy Exchange has got a Sealy for $350! Like that price!

Looks like I'm getting one step closer to being able to buy a home. My family and I met with our loan agent today (right before the Martin Yan thing above) to informally get a loan going! Wish me luck!

No More "Respect"

2004-10-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

So sad that Rodney Dangerfield passed away today! I was shocked, as I thought he had been doing well from recovering in the hospital. I grew up a little with him, especially with his funny famous line "I don't get no respect", which become a household buzz phrase during the 1980s. He will definitely be missed...

Watched the Vice Presidential debate on TV. Gosh, were they at each other's throats or what?

Now driving Lee's CD player: Destiny Child's new song "Lose my Breath". LOVE this song!!!

A Day in SF

2004-10-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

Went to the Castro Street Fair today with Timmy. Same stuff as they have every year -- food booths, arts booths, crafts booths, volunteer org booths. No big whoop to me. Bumped in2 a few other frenz there as well.

Afterward, we scouted out UCSF cuz T wanted to check out the campus. Then we landed in Union Square and went shopping at Macy's, where I got myself a bottle of Gendarme cologne. I love the smell of this new scent -- it's clean and completely different from anything else I've smelled. We also hit up Ross and Old Navy.

Lastly dinner for the first time at House of Nanking. Excellent restaurant. Though heavily patronized by non-Asian clientele, with a line constantly out the door, the food was superb and the service good. One of the owners was extra 'helpful' and changed one of our dish orders slightly when she felt we ordered two too-similar dishes. Seems as if she wanted us to really sample what they had to offer. I think this is the 2nd time in a month where I've had a waitress mother me in a restaurant! (The last one was the Korean waittress in LA!) Lol! Nevertheless, we payed the same as the original order and the I definitely recommend this restaurant to others.

Rolling and Homing

2004-10-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Started off my day with a bike and rollerblade with SBQA through Coyote Hellyer Park in South San Jose. I was the only "blader" of a convoy of six guys and we rolled for 10 miles round trip! My legs were tight and my feet shouted "what the hell were you thinking" at the end.

The route was rather desolate and rolled through dried brush and trees and under freeway overpasses, except for a small lake near the beginning. I can't believe how exhausted I was and that I even managed to keep up with the mikes on bikes! The trail wasn't even difficult. Maybe I simply need some more leg and aerobic strengthening before the next time I rollerblade with them. (Or I need to buy a bike!)

Afterward went househunting with my mom through Evergreen and Blossom Hill. My family's lease ends in 4 months, and so we're hoping to buy a new home soon. One place that tops our list is Shapell's Montage Collection, a collection of old-world Spain, Mediterranean and Monterey style townhomes. The next release of 15 homes is October 16, but unfortunately it's all going to be done by a lottery (in other words, you get a number and a copy of it is put in a bag. If your number is called, you get to choose the home you want to buy). I don't think this practice is really fair as if you had seen these homes first and really wanted one, you had no better chance of buying one than if you just walked off the street today and checked them out for the first time! But we like the houses so much, we gotta play the game. We also checked out homes at Tuscany Hills in Blossom Valley. These hilltop townhomes and flats offer an awesome view of the South San Jose valley and are in the running for the next home we buy.

My First Newborn Blog

2004-10-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

It's my first Blogger blog! Ribbit ribbit!! Ok, after years of manually publishing my daily thoughts and blogs, I've decided to start automating so I can focus more on the design and layout of my site. So hope you enjoy my new home online! I will still keep older versions of my web site at http://www.geocities.com/leeward_98a