Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii - NOT

The last time i had a gaming system...was my PS1, modded for japanese and CD-R games..i haven't really missed it. I've played some games on the computer (battlefield, sometimes WOW) but again, find that I'm not really much of a "gamer". Sports games or competition stuff are more my style.

Well, the past few times I've had dinner with my cousins (O'Dells and Brenda), we've ended up playing Nintendo Gamecube. First it was Mario Double Dash and Mario Tennis while we were in vegas. It was as much a family sharing event as our game nights where (board games). When we got back, it was Mario Party 8. That game was a lot of fun.

So...i thought about it. Figured, A Wii would be the way to go. Not only would it play newer Wii games, but also was backward compatible for Gamecube. Finding one would be the next issue, but fortunately i was able to try one out at Brenda's. For the most part it was fun. Bowling was great, Tennis seemed a little weird (since you don't "run" to the ball, and Boxing was definitely cardio inducing. I think i want one......but maybe not now. $250 is still pricey (not as much as the $600 PS3), but figured there aren't enough games for wii yet that would warrant me getting one. Ugg..the thought of buying games again would definitely dent the home improvement budget. Then it hit me.

Since wii is out, people must be unloading their gamecubes. That plus even the backward compatible games on the Wii will require gamecube controllers. Well...i jumped back into a wonderful (addicting) world of Ebay and fortunately found something to my liking. For about $100, i picked up a platinum gamecube, wired and a wireless controller, mario double dash, and some Resident Evil games. Not bad i figure. Then i found Mario Party 8 and mic for $46 shipped. I'm going to start checking out GameStop now for some used games, but now Nintendo has joined the PS2 for classic 344 game time =).

As if it was still New Year...actually...(since my last update)

Happy Lunar New Year and Valentines day as well!

Lack of updates because i've actually been pretty busy and just living life. Its only been a month and a half into the new year...but lots going on.

a) Karen is back at school at Smith College. There were some issues with her return (housing and roommates), but now things are going well. Thanks to webcams and the past year plus together, the distance is not as hard as it was year one.

b) My spare room situation is in limbo. The friend that was supposed to come in Dec has not been able to finalize his situation..leaving the room still open. Some other options are coming up, but pretty soon going to hit up craigslist.

c) Spent a week in Houston for work before Karen left. Was hoping she would have been able to come with me, but actually glad she didn't. The weather was horrible and i was stuck indoors the whole time. While it still would have been nice to have her with me, the fact that my family/cousins were going out to dinner with karen, spending time with her, or karen visiting the aunties made me happy to know how much a part of the family she is.

d) Watched Pirate show with the guys and chilled out at bikini tea. Also had a PMX bbq that weekend. Note to self: Singing pirates are totally gay (i believe some of them were) ...and no bbqs in the cold of january. Garland and I did get to break in our heelys.

e) Sushi dinner with Mark. Karen has now fallen in love with Nozawa and his tuna sashimi.

f) Cousin and his wife just gave birth to a son named Kiwi (Keith William Sam 2/7/07).

g) Passing of and aunt-in-law in vegas (2/6/07).

h) Aunt in San Dimas having medical issues. Doing ok now.

i) Parents home in Cerritos just about done with renovation.

j) Got haircut. Normally wouldn't need to announce that..but followed Rico's advice and went with a "5" all around. It was ehh. A lot shorter than i usually care for. It was ok..but not really my style. As it grows out..may try for a faux hawk.



k) Started watching Heroes at Rozelle's place. Its ok...Just haven't caught up in all the hype.

l) Been working out with Garland in the evenings. Thank goodness for 24hour fitness. Usually 30min treadmill, 30min elliptical, then something different each day. Going to start weights soon..but the activity is definitely good.

m) Welcomed the newest member to our family. For Valentine's day, adopted a Pygmy Elephant via a donation to World Wildlife Federation.


The new baby elephant plush is on its way too =)


Upcoming things

a) Garland's bday 2/16.
b) Ghost Rider and Dave and Busters this sat.
c) Karen's bday on Tues 2/20.
d) Clipper game with Clint on Tues as well
e) Bachelor party in Vegas Feb 24

Happy New Years! Welcome 2007!

Ahh..good news, good news. Got moved into my new office and its pretty darn sweet. Once i get everything settled, I'll post pics of it. The full white board is keeping me better organized and on track with things. Looking forward to a great year!

Things were really intense with hosting the family Christmas party this year and then a few days later the NYE event...but overall things went well.

Christmas - Things turned out great. The food was delicious (Prime rib, pork chops, tamales, mash potatoes, trifle) too much to remember since i went into food coma. Unlike some of our Christmas of the past, we were able to eat all together in one room, and i tried to keep the TV viewing to a min (until we had to play A. Bing's new DVD). Everyone was in conversations and overall just enjoying each others company.

NYE - I really worried about this party..maybe not enough. Its was stressful, thinking i had to relive/top the halloween party of 2005. The idea was cool (may use it again sometime), but the timing was just off. Right after xmas and travelling and such, doesn't seem to be a good time for a house party. Regardless, it was a fun evening.


garland's decoration of the game room

Jello Shots 20s Style. Check out the cool threads and the Newsie

Gambling Family Style

The Asian Bonnie and Clyde

New Years Pacardy Style. That game is intense!


oh..almost forgot. Anny..u asked for sparklers..couldn't find it. But did find some of these =)


ooohhh..check out my spats thanks to the strobe light flasher. Man..that was the best part of my night was that costume.

From: Karen and Ray

To our Dearest Friends,

Ray and I would like to send you our warm holiday greetings and wish for you and your family a successful New Year. In this past year we celebrated our two year anniversary of dating and report that we intend on celebrating a third.

The house is coming together in terms of design and decoration, as we started on a few home improvement projects such as the bathroom remodeling, re-piping and putting in window treatments, yet we realize there is still more to be done to modernize the 50-year old home we have. The 344 house changed its occupants as Annette left, and Rando followed after her taking over the spare bedroom. Garland continues to live with us and we continue to enjoy our home-cooked meals and late-night food runs together. Garland has also rekindled our love for PS2, playing Spiderman, Katamari, and Karaoke Revolution.

Ray is still working in I.T.S. network managing with CRA International. The company has expanded its office and fortunately has hired more ITS staff to support Asia-Pacific. Things have been busy but well, as there were even talks of maybe a managerial position in the future. But even more importantly, he's moving out of his 4 year-old cubicle for an office later this week.

I'm returning to the East Coast to finish my degree this coming January, thus ending my sabbatical away from Smith College. Ray and I are both excited and concerned for my move. I am changing my concentration from a double major in Engineering and Psychology to perhaps a double major in Geophysics and Astronomy, yet keeping with my goals of studying Urban Planning & Development.

Much of the year was spent at the wonderful world of Disneyland with our now expired annual passes that we purchased last Christmas. Ray is unhappy with the bump we call his belly, and has decided to add to his 2007 resolution more activity at the gym. I see it as more to love. We didn't leave the state much. We found day trips to Camarillo, San Jose, Fresno, the OC, and San Diego to visit friends and family were much more enjoyable. On other days, Ray appreciates my piano practicing, playing tennis together, spending time with our family and friends, and general pimpin'.

Ray wants me with to end with a quote from Aladdin, "Beeee yourself," however, I've learned you can't listen to Ray all the time. =p In the great words of the lyric genius and writer, P.G. Wodehouse, "As we grow older and realize more clearly the limitations of human happiness, we come to see that the only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people." Happy Holidays.



With Love,
Karen Ngo & Raymond Warriner

-Peek a boo-

Can't say i was really inspired to write, but wanted to let people know that I'm still alive. Guess best to start with a recap.

a) Sam's bday - It was fun...with more highlights than just the beef =p. Unfortunately at "big" events I feel we tend to worry more on making sure things go ok, rather than just sitting back and enjoying it. Got to see a number of family members and friends which was nice. My original hope of having samantha do a "crowd surf" during Karen and my song actually became more of a messy mosh-ish pit that really didn't come out well at all. All in all, happy to be there and glad Sam had a good time.

b) PMX - The convention went well. As much as i expected, things were fun but definitely stressful. I've been broadcasted to japan wearing Jerry's shirt (thanks Jerry =p) for the OLIVIA Nana costume panel and didn't see the green fairy. Spending time with Ohana was great, but realized more how my position tends to pull me away from the fun with the family. Great times at Curry House and Beard papas. Great possibilities for Random Ninjas but unfortunately ended my weekend with a traffic ticket ugg.

c) Alfred's bday - Oh man...what more to say than "I LOVE YOU MAN." Great time with family again and lucky to have such a great cousin.

d) Medieval Times - Go Red Knight. Catching up with Justin and Mel was a lot of fun. Feeling like your car dies everytime you stop (Mel's new Civic Hybrid) and wrapping up the weekend with Versailles Chicken (yum yum). Happy Birthday Mel and Justin is STILL way cooler than you. =p

e) Disneyland - Kristine's last time this year and got to see snow. Went back next day for pics at the castle and other places. Saw Aladdin with a different Jafar (ick)..but as always the genie saves the show.

f) David's going away - Hung out with the Ventura crew in Orange county for David's farewell. Not very far since he'll be in fullerton. Originally planned on dinner with Anny, but she wasn't feeling too well (get better soon). Dinner was fun, Borat (again), and chilling out at Tea station.

Gone till November
-Wyclef Jean


PMX is about 24 days away and things are quickly ramping up. We've announced our last GoHs and final preparations are in place. I'm looking forward to it...sorta. It has definitely been..well..yeah. I'm happy to be working with such a great set of people. Actual execution of things as opposed to talking about is gonna take a lot more work, but the experience has been fun.

I'd have to say my glory days of convention working were team SDF back in AX2001?. Since jumping into the "leadership" roles..its just more stressful and time consuming (sometimes welcomed, othertimes not). All my years with the VAC/Ohana family at AX were great (except 2004 when it wasn't with the full family). When i came back for 2006, it was ok. Fun cuz it was 344..but just being there wasn't the same. Lot of nice people still in AX...and some skeletons there too. I went to the staff dinner and felt pretty much...sad. This event had always been about the family...and they weren't there anymore.

Anyways, convention life has taken quite a lot out of me. July 4th BBQs and many weekends (the repeat of the kick ass Halloween party =/ ). My joy is in hanging out with friends, so for all those that have wondered where i have gone, please bear with me. I plan on making up for lost time after Halloween.

Maybe i just need to write it all down again...

Yo. Been crazy busy the last month and unfortunately getting overwhelmed to the point of wanting to just.....blahhh. I'm not one to give up so easy..so i'm just gonna kick back for a bit and just unload here in the blog.

The exchange class was cool. It was nice to actually sit up, interact, and learn something again. The hour long traffic drives were no picnic..but it actually wasnt' that bad. The pace of the class was good..from basic stuff to unique things. I'm still more of a self study type..but i think i just need that motivation to learn again. Unfortunately, now i'm getting some flack about what i "should have" learned from my boss. =/

PMX stuff was getting frustrating for me..since i was in a weird place. Last year as music, I was in charge of everything since there really wasn't much to my staff. Coordinating, contacting, tech...I at least knew what was going on. In programming, i've got sorta figurehead feeling, since i had a pre-exisiting staff and they were pretty good at what they were doing. Left me with not much to do. That and general frustration at all the talk without the action, and too many hoops.

A lot of that (PMX stuff) has settled away and i find myself better utilized in scheduling stuff. Getting some cool titles for the video rooms, so feeling better about things. Reg is finally up, though i worry it may be too late. Either way, i'll be glad when the event finally comes and passes. I'm looking forward to having fun...but i'll keep thinking about losing my Halloween house party (Martin stole it =p, but i'm looking to take it back next year). Feel distraught about missing out on hanging out with friends events (bdays, housewarmings, etc), so hoping to make up time after PMX/Halloween.

My parent's house is being torn apart. The renovation that would never happen...is finally happening. Unfortunately, most of us still don't know what exactly its going to look like. Been helping out to move things, and even spent the afternoon in the attic without a roof, but nice, quality time with family (albeit holding a 20ft ladder, planted on the back of a truck that is parked on an incline, is not that best way to spend time with your dad =p). Plus, cube looks pretty GQ in his new old navy polo.


Made it to the school carnival this past weekend. It was nice to see the changes and how the festival has grown. Had a burger and spent some time with my other mom (carol) and the new principal. It was a nice breath, taking me away from my everyday stresses. I had to go back and work on their network, but that afternoon was just nice, strolling in the sun.

Anyways..i ramble. I need to cut down my internet time and work more. Maybe i'll update this post (or add another) when i get some time.

Other things on my mind (for future blog)

a) Copper Repiping the house (man..i wish i could plant a money tree..cuz the house is a money pit)
b) still looking for roommate
c) Rando back in Cali..Kings game and Roscoe's afterwards was fun.
d) Once the repiping gets done, i can work on the lawn.
e) need to find fixtures.

Also
Happy Bday Ed, Kim, Al, princess kelly - miss ya, Maureen, Bonnie, Carlo, Bern and soon miko.
Was supposed to make it to vegas eventually, but guess that won't happen till Nov.

Sit up straight...
-mom

Who knew posture could make such a difference? Sitting on my a$$ all day tends to leave me in a slouched, "relaxed" position with definitely lets it all hang loose. Trying to keep the posture (and thereby appearance) straight as well as a couple other things, like not eating past 8 (except ice cream or cereal). Spending the time at 5r (with family) and 24hour fitness (with Alfred) has been pretty good. In fact, the link below was care of swim time with Alfred.

Need to slow down a bit. Been too busy that i had to cancel on my idea of going to Vegas with Alf and Brenda this weekend. Probably gonna head out end of Sept instead for Miko's bday. Either way, feeling a bit stretched out. Going to put in for vacation time with the office just to take a time out.

I am really proud though that I'm almost done with the St. Bernards website. Its my first web creation. (i'll link you after its done). In fact, they've been so great about everything. Karen is selling raffle tickets if you are interested. Cash Prizes =). Looking forward to going to it.

Well..this crazy week is almost over. Even with only 4 workdays, its been dragging. This weekend i'll be doing a housecall, possibly FPAC, pmx meeting? and maybe even Bday clubbing. Next week I'll be in training. Ugg..early mornings and trekking to El Segundo/LAX. I'm really gonna hate that traffic.

So..till next time.

Team Tiger AWESOME - 28 day slater (this was too funny). I think episode 2 is the best mama.

My Body is a Temple...
..unfortunately..the careperson is slacking off.

I think i've stabilized my weight..sitting ugly at about 190. According to Fitday puts me in the moderately overweight category. Been doing the 5r thing (skipping out the past few days due to injury), but not sure how much that is working. I'm not going to be drastic like my cousin and cut out rice (maybe cut down actually), but definately need to focus more.

I think my goal will also be about 20lbs. Puts me in the healthy weight category. Starting on Garland's Ab-lounge as well.

The bedroom has been reorganized. Thanks to Karen's idea, looks like a lot more room. Going to start focusing on doing more renovations and such. Garland cleared a good portion of the living room last nite, so may start looking for living room furniture soon. After that, may do some gatherings again...more relaxing themed like a wine/cheese nite.

September is here and PMX has made some major announcements for the Con. Music looks like fun and I'm glad Dig Jelly and especially Random Ninjas will be back. I'm pretty excited about it. Its been a long overdue, but seems like all the pieces are starting to fall into place now.

Been meaning to get out more and socialize, but finding it just more relaxing being at home with Karen and the babies (as seen in the radio flyer pic). Sad to think that Karen will be heading back to Massachusettes in January. Definately need to visit Disneyland more before it expires.

As far as socializing goes, been sucked into the World of Warcraft =p. Playing primarily with Ohana peeps and definately fun. Lot to learn about it, but i will definately take it in moderation as i've got enough on my plate.

Anyways..off to the gym. Have a good labor day weekend.

If i wasn't a celebrity...
-NSYNC

eh..had some time to post so figured i would. Minor updates.
a) weigh yourself in the morning. Its more accurate (samantha says) and since its usually less..u'll feel better. =)
b) thanks to the inspiration of my lil bear roland, I think i've conquered my fear of building websites. now just need to complete it.
c) switched to stop drinking sodas and such. Right now, mostly tea, gatoraid or water
d) although its almost a year...i have not really held thru to my "no drinking for a year" pledge. I realize its more a matter of self control than anything else, and we're all allowed to cut loose every once and a while. I'll admit there have not been any events like 30bday or halloween 2005. I'll need to plan for something, since it looks like Halloween2006 may not be at my place. Take home lesson - all in moderation.
e) need to get out more and find some adventures. Our 344 ventures still revolve around food runs (last nite-7/11), but nothing outrageous as of late.
f) tackled a big box of junk in my server room and about to make it over IKEA style.
g) Karen came up with some great ideas for the living room and bedroom, so hopefully i'll get to do some remodling and furniture buying soon.
h) once the rooms are presentable again, then i'll probably throw a dinner party or something.
g) picked this up online. Although i've don't really admit it..and somewhat irritated by, here it is: the Ross Geller connection.





here are the two i had to look up
Karolina Kurkova - supermodel (VS, Prada)
William Moseley - actor (chronicals of narnia)

the "matches" were pretty much based on the angle of your face in the pic, so i wouldn't hold much to it. I do have to say the David Schwimmer one has come up often enough. Course even in FRIENDS, i'd have to say i probably related to him the most. (*sigh* on the lobster/prom episode)

No posts...mainly because been keeping busy.

Trying to keep up with my personal resolutions..but for the most part things are going well.

I'd really have to do an update post to do it all justice, but here's a working list for you (or just for myself).

a) Rico's bday, but havent' gotten to see him yet. Hopefully this weekend.
b) My princess Kelly is in the boonies..but not before Garland and I made a run with her thru the garlic festival of Gilroy.
c) Happy Bday to Rozelle, Will and soon Dad.
d) More bdays for Jack, Aaron, Bren and Issac.
e) PMX music doing well, programming (me) on the lacking side.
f) Pushing the limits on my clothes, really need to lose weight for health and wardrobe sake.
g) Joined 5R, the Korean exercise machine. Working for my cousin, so now it has become a family event. Nothing hotter than Karen shaking her ass. (or the smile when she hula hoops)
h) Andy leaving next week for Ohio.
i) Cousin in Philly and now expecting his first child.
j) Karen and I are doing well...really well =).
k) Getting a bike and walking with the radio flyer
l) Seeing the Random Ninjas in Little Tokyo and feeling the love
m) Hanging out with Mark Barrios again. NOZAWA =)
n) Ventura County fair with Ohana. Waiting for Zoot Suit Riot, to only get told my sis that Big Bad Voodoo Daddies didnt' sing it. BBVD was great though..as well as the gravitron and the weird finish on the slides.
-negative - no deep fried twinkie/oreo.
o) Robinson-May closing - Got me some nice shoes and a deep fryer. (sad i remember when it was just May company and Robinsons)
p) Front room getting cleared, so hopefully some new furniture soon
q) Found way to get rid of bulky items
r) Checked out Bren and Ed's place in Ventura
s) Verizon nightmare at the school. But now its up at 3MB DSL
t) Bacalli with Law and Order
u) Karen's cooking
v) Cube has flies =( Need to improve his situation. Better after vet though.
w) Zencu sushi and learning the Gelacio's new language
x) Chester's Chinese with Jerry
y) Trying to check email only 3 times each day and getting more done in the office
z) need to write down new goals and get to it.


yeah..about halfway thru thought..hey..maybe i can make it up to Z to finish the alphabet of updating. Anyways..back to work. Stay tuned for more updates.

stagnating

Yeah..feeling it again. Odd to say when i'm always busy doing something...but as of late feeling like i'm being left behind. I need to catch up. Skills need improvement and updating. New thoughts, new ideas. Set goals and follow-thru.

rambling of sorts, but this is what gets my motor running.

As far as updates (sorry for lack of them),

Anime Expo was July 4th weekend. The event itself for Live Programming went pretty good. Not sure of my take on how it is now or where it is heading. Either way, going to keep my options open. I think my highlight of the weekend was the Robot rumble panel and all nite arcade.

Interfacing more with the school project, since i've basically been handed control of it. Doing some significant improvements and finding them money in different places (if you are a wamu customer and don't have a school for wamoola, please choose St. Bernards in Bellflower, Ca to help out)

PMX stuff is in gear..and looking forward to October. Been spending a lot of time with PMX peeps and catching up on movies (Pirates, Superman).

anyways, 'nuff talking. time to do things.

WORLD CHAMPIONS

Good Nite Michelle. (this one is for Brenda)



The illest Mofo in a cardigan sweater. hahah..too great. Just as good as Chappelle's Wayne Brady




Its summer...its hot...and YEAH!!! go Miami Heat!

Happy Father's day

yeah..i know its early...but this isn't really for my father either. (i'll have to think of something for when he comes back from hawaii)

This past weekend, i decided to be a "handy man" and do some more house related work. I've only done minor work, but this would be a more complicated task. The garbage disposal always "sounded" like it was working, but never seemed to work right. So saturday i ended up taking it out and apart to figure out what was wrong. Smelly was an understatement, as Karen surrounded me with various scented candles in the kitchen to combat the stench.
I didn't want this to get too complicated, and was hoping to just fix the current disposal, as i wasn't looking into spending more money i didn't have. well, after taking it apart, came to the realization the current one was not going to get fixed (plate harness was rusted out). The next day, i went to lowes and picked up a replacement unit. The part i worried about the most was connecting the electrical stuff. I actually handled that pretty well, but what i didn't expect was to have to go through and repipe the whole thing and as well as the difficulty in taking out the years old rusted parts. Thanks to alfred and my aunt's angle grinder, we were able to get it done.

before



After




I have to say, i would usually "run" to my dad to get help with house related tasks, but this experience proved to me that i was ready to handle these things on my own as well. Course, working around the house with Dad is always fun too.

In other news,
here is HG's father's day wishes. If you dont' know who Haado Gei is, you're in for a treat (maybe).


Also found this musician and had to order her album. Looking forward to listening to the instramental version of Linkin Park. Never thought classical music could be so hot =p (check the video)

Myleene Klass

Nite out on the town with Brenda and Alfred as well as some my drift car pic can be found on karen's xanga.


wow..lots of updates. Glad to look as if many things are going on in my life. Plus summer is here and the Miami Heat have evened the series!!! Yippeee

Recap Post
lots going on...so just gonna list whats been going on since the last update post on May 24.

Lasik - Jerry gets lasik and Karen takes care of him after the operation. Great dinner afterwards with Jerry in his Star Wars sunglasses.

AX Picnic - Ended up going to picnic alone and it was bittersweet. Thought it would be nice to come back and enjoy just hanging out with people, but came to realize there was no one there that i really wanted to hang with. People still had ego problems and everyone stayed in their lil cliques. Well, least the experience reminded me of why i do this stuff...mainly hanging out with friends. Sad to see you AX friends are no longer there.

FanimeCon - Right after the picnic i went to pick up Karen and Jerry for the drive to San Jose. My bro and sister are the chairs this year and i really wanted to go up and support them. Unfortunately, Jerry wasn't feeling up to the drive anymore as he wanted to just rest and recover...but our 6+ hour drive started. It may have been the last ride for my 91 civic, but she still drove like a dream. Even though there was a detour, we made it in time for MusicFEST. I was really impressed just seeing all the people as we searched for parking. The music was cool and it was nice to just relax and see donny again. The next day we walked through the con and ended up watching "Il Mare". I only got to catch samantha for a few minutes, but overall the weekend was good. We decided to avoid traffic and head back early, making it in timc for Mila's congratulation lunch.

Yard work - the past few weeks i've spent days cleaning up the yard. Much of it looking like a fire hazard, i've finally cleared out the front and middle lawns. Still debating on artificial lawn or replanting, but eventually gonna get it done.

Kelly going away - Unfortunately my princess is leaving california to head to grad school in Memphis. Before she goes away, 344 has joined her in a number of "you can't get this in Memphis" events. Morning Dim Sum and late nites at Pinks, i'm definately gonna miss her =(. Guess we'll have to look into trips to Graceland. Is there anything worthwhile to see in Tennessee?

Fast and Furious premiere - 344 were the press team for "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" press junket at Universal studios this past sunday. Albeit an 9am start, Garland got to interview Justin Lin the director and both he and I got to ride in a drift car for the demonstration (dodge Viper). Free food and universal tickets were also part of the package, so we were able to also premiere the new Tokyo Drift portion of the tram ride (as well as return visit to Wisteria lane and the psycho house). The red carpet was fun as we saw a number of start Perry Shen, Roger Fan, Hammer, Bow Wow, John Cho, and many others. I even got to catch up again with Kaila Yu and finally got Aiko Tanaka to approve my myspace request =p. Painfully hot but hey, we're syndicated =p. J-Ent Podcast. We'll get to watch it this wednesday before it opens.

Radio Flyer - The timeless reminder of childhood and innocence, I bought a radio flyer wagon for Karen and I. Hard to believe we've been together for almost 2 years now. Its had its ups and downs, but we've made it through. I love you hunny.


The babies

Changes

I've been looking for ways to optimize my internet experience and wanted to get some opinions (not that i've gotten many comments in the past..but here goes).

As much as i realize i check my email frequently, I can't say i've been too happy with MSN/Hotmail (page is starting to lag). The new microsoft live hotmail is just like outlook so i'm really familiar with it and love the preview option. Also looking into RSS feeds. So here are my options and opinions.

Debating home page/email

MSN/Hotmail
+ been with hotmail forever. personal and "business" emails are there
+ comfortable with MSN front page for new and interesting content (usually)
- MSN Page is really lagging lately
- Layout gets boring when you check it frequently
/ haven't emailed much out of email accounts, so a change is possible.
- no search feature in hotmail

Yahoo/YahooMail
+ Number 1 website. Definite relability (as well as target)
+ Yahoo Mail is 2gb+ with (++)folder options.
+ already use yahoo groups options, TV, music videos.
+ fresh new layout
+ myYahoo has Rss feed integration.
- no preview option in email
- Never felt @yahoo would be really considered "professional". guess @hotmail seemed a lil bit better.
/ had used geocities off yahoo as well. But not active on it.
+ swwweet yahoo mail notifier

Google/Gmail
+ innovative and constantly creating new technology and services. Reliability again as well as target.
+ largest and most used search engine
+ gmail storage is constantly increasing
+ shared calendar and gtalk with IM service is interesting.
- don't really like the gmail interface or threading of emails.

Reviewing, i am sorta leaning towards yahoo. I think that google would be a good step forward as they are constantly improving their stuff, but yahoo seems to meet most of my needs. Anways, if you have any thoughts on it..let me know. Otherwise you may get an email soon saying its changed =p.

yeah..i'm alive.

Things have been ok. I kinda hate saying that cus although its true, makes my life seem to be more or less boring. Thats hardly the case, but i will admit it seems to be lacking a bit more excitement. So working to change things, but for right now, here's a minor update.

Vegas was great! - More of a family like event. Nothing crazy and mostly catching shows. Was able to see KA, V, X, and Fantasy. Kinda mix bag of family and "adult" oriented shows. The adult shows really wasn't really all that. If i wanted TnA, i would have hit a strip club. Overall though it was a great weekend with the ohanna group. (unfortunately missed seeing my princess kelly)

My bday/Mother's day - Yeah..it happens every so often, but again this year my bday was trumped by mother's day. I'm thankful for the people that remembered and tried to plan something. Basically just wanted to enjoy a day at the beach and eat fresh crab (at Redondo Beach), so rather than doing it on sat, we decided to combine it with mother's day festivities. Fortunately my mom made it back from SJ in time, and my cousins and I treated my mom and aunts to a day at the beach. Not much of a bday waiting in line and traffic for food...but thankful for family.

Tony's going away - One nite we all just came together to chill with Tony before he headed out to Vegas. It was casino nite, of craps and texas hold'em. Good preparation before he goes for his test in Vegas. Gonna miss him at cousin dinners.

Return of the Kuya - well..my biggest surprise this month was the call from my own Kuya..kuya zandy. He's one of my "pair" cousins, being older than me by exactly 1 month. Well he gave me a call to wish me a belated bday. Rather random since he hardly/never does that, but great thing since i learned that he has immigrated back to the US. His wife is a nurse and recently transferred to Philly. Now he's back and looking to visit soon california. He asked me to come out to Philly, but we'll have to see if i can pull that one off.

Anyways..much in the works..as well as general house stuff.
Spent a whole day actually cleaning up my yard and getting in "tune" wth my garden. Now have to decide how to landscape it.

Also need to increase the physical activity level. Even so starting to look into diet plans.

3 days till vegas...

and i'm actually getting really excited about it now. Bought myself a ticket to KA and looking forward to just hanging out with everyone. Updated my wishlist if anyone is actually thinking of getting me something, but for the most part..things are just looking good overall. Just need to pack tonite and get things together.

VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS.

actually more like..


YEAH WEEKEND FUN! (i'd prob have fun with the same people anywhere we'd go)

wishlist

Welcome May...

its been a busy month, but things are starting to look really good.

The trip to boston was great and OMG..i still can't stop thinking about the food (the lobster). My bosses were pretty happy with me and they are even thinking of me for the DC office. Not sure if i want to make that move.=/ I'm pretty satisfied with where i am now, just need to motivate myself to do better and improve my skills.

On that note, i also just need to just finish things. I had been spinning my wheels trying to learn dreamweaver, photoshop and all other programs to "update" my website while Karen went out found a myspace skin and set up my whole myspace account in a day. It looks great =). All my unfinished projects (the website, the house, the lawn, my room) some legitiamately waiting for things, while others just a thorn in my side.
(note: I started this post on april 29.ugg)

As far as the no drinking thing, even with the opportunity/excuse to go "wild" with coworkers in boston (originally indicated as one of my drinking exceptions) i found i didn't have a sit. I think getting older is making me turn in my crazed nites of shots and hard liquor to more relaxing evenings of sipping martinis. Even with my bday coming up, not planning anything crazy (or anything at all really). Course the borg sphere at Vegas this weekend will likely make up for it all.

As far as actually completing stuff, just recovering today from a major stomach ache this weekend. It may have been the kalbi hot dog (that i think was out too long) or the 8 snickers poppers that i had on the ride home, but needless to say all day Sunday was spent in a psuedo hang over. So today i cleaned up the kitchen and bathroom as well as making plans for various house renovations. On that note, also completed the refinancing of the house, to hopefully make the house more affordable especially with rising interest rates.

Other great news, Karen is walking without the crutches again (since her sprain a few weeks ago) and i love my family. Just spending time with my cousin who just came to the US from the Philippines, my aunt's bday, and just the overall family. Mila has gotten a nursing job and Kristine just passed her drivers test. =) I'm also happy that the ohana family is also coming together again, as we had a great bbq and poker nite this weekend.