So tomorrow I bid adieu to the Nazi douche bag working in security at the apartment. It's been a fun 11 months of exchanged dirty looks and reprimands. I've attempted to play nice. I've attempted to ignore the obvious tension. In other words, I'm trying to be the better person.
It all started soon after I moved to Hawaii. I originally was not listed as an official occupant. Because of the intense surveillance system that they use, security knew I was living here. They looked the other way for quite some time. I believe there was a written warning slipped between the slats in our front door at one point, but nothing really came of it until I got locked out. Oprah was staying out of town for a week, so I had no choice but to go to the front desk. Phone calls had to be made to be sure I was allowed back in. So naturally, at that point, everyone knew who I was.
Eventually I registered with the building office, so that I was officially an occupant and issued a key. There was a minor (drunken) incident involving a dismembered bicycle one night (which warranted another written warning), but other than that we have been charming and responsible inhabitants of the building.
Having all the security personnel recognize me turned out to be an advantage. I instantly get buzzed in the front door, saving me the hassle of digging for my keys each time. They are pleasant and I am pleasant in return. We make small talk. The younger ones flirt with me. Everyone has a good time.
Except Captain Douche Bag! He remains the only one that refuses to buzz me in. I know he knows who I am. It doesn't matter. I can be lugging around grocery bags, struggling to find my keys in my purse and somehow get them in to the keyhole, and yet he won't buzz me in.
Even those that drop me off at the apartment have noticed his sour personality. Both Davin and Michael have driven up to the roundabout and been scolded for being in the wrong lane. And this is later at night when not a car is in sight! Now Davin will intentionally get in the wrong lane just to piss the Nazi off.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
randomness
Alright, there's no way to avoid this being random, so I may as well embrace it...
The last 5 days of Buca have been utterly exhausting and, in all ways, unbearable. I can't say I didn't make money, but it certainly wasn't worth tolerating the horror that was Christmas Eve followed by the insanity that was the power outage. At least now I have some time off in order to recuperate and manage my life.
Ironically enough, now that I do have some time to take care of these necessities, I've developed a sore throat. And in the world of Megan and her health, this means that I'm getting sick. It's inevitable. Super.
As a result of my crazy workweek, I bought new work shoes. I attribute half of my complaints to the fact that my work shoes sucked. This was no surprise, as I bought them on sale at Payless for five dollars. I thought I just needed something to get me through a week or two, but alas, I am in Hawaii longer than I thought. So I invested in some Crocs. That's right. I'm a convert.
I have to be moved out of this apartment by Wednesday. Although I have no idea as to exactly how this will take place, it must be done. And much cleaning will be involved. It may be a hassle, but I have no hesitation in bidding farewell to the Nazi douche bag that frequently haunts the front desk. More on him later. He's a story, in and of itself.
Seriously, this sore throat is a bitch. My sleeping habits better not be affected. I need to pass out in that beautiful bed of mine as soon as my sheets are done in the dryer. Insomnia has taken it's toll enough on me this week.
I need to call my Mom.
I need to purchase a new camera.
I need a decent internet connection.
I think I lost 5 pounds.
The last 5 days of Buca have been utterly exhausting and, in all ways, unbearable. I can't say I didn't make money, but it certainly wasn't worth tolerating the horror that was Christmas Eve followed by the insanity that was the power outage. At least now I have some time off in order to recuperate and manage my life.
Ironically enough, now that I do have some time to take care of these necessities, I've developed a sore throat. And in the world of Megan and her health, this means that I'm getting sick. It's inevitable. Super.
As a result of my crazy workweek, I bought new work shoes. I attribute half of my complaints to the fact that my work shoes sucked. This was no surprise, as I bought them on sale at Payless for five dollars. I thought I just needed something to get me through a week or two, but alas, I am in Hawaii longer than I thought. So I invested in some Crocs. That's right. I'm a convert.
I have to be moved out of this apartment by Wednesday. Although I have no idea as to exactly how this will take place, it must be done. And much cleaning will be involved. It may be a hassle, but I have no hesitation in bidding farewell to the Nazi douche bag that frequently haunts the front desk. More on him later. He's a story, in and of itself.
Seriously, this sore throat is a bitch. My sleeping habits better not be affected. I need to pass out in that beautiful bed of mine as soon as my sheets are done in the dryer. Insomnia has taken it's toll enough on me this week.
I need to call my Mom.
I need to purchase a new camera.
I need a decent internet connection.
I think I lost 5 pounds.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
frohliche weihnachten
As fun as today was and as much as I appreciate having the opportunity to do something I would normally not have the means to do, it did not feel Christmas-like in any way. Well, maybe briefly. Let me give you a recap.
Rachel picked me up early this morning. After the horror that was my double yesterday, I was debating whether I wanted to suffer through the annoyance of waking up to an alarm this morning (instead of sleeping in and then spending the day alone). Ultimately I decided it was worth dragging myself away from the comforts of my bed. I gathered my beach belongings (sans the necessary sunblock for my fair skin) and we made our way to pick up her cousin from the aeropuerto. From the airport, we took the H-3 to Kaneohe, which is where Rachel's sister lives.
I love Kaneohe and Kailua. The lifestyle is so much more laid back and peaceful, yet you're within reasonable driving distance to Honolulu. The best of both worlds. And their house was so bohemian, colorful, cute (for lack of a better word?), and livable. They had a real Hawaiian Christmas tree, which sort of resembles a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, but is actually much better to hang ornaments from.
Plus, there's no messy pine needle clean up!
The girls and I hung out in the house for about an hour while Rachel's brother-in-law got the sailboat ready. We drank mimosas, ate samosas (not made intentionally to rhyme, just leftover from the previous week's Bollywood party), and watched the kids as they played with their new gifts. Around noon we packed the car and made our way to the Kaneohe Yacht Club, stopping at Subway, which was surprisingly open, on the way. I finally got a hold of my parents on their way back from Canada, wished them a Merry Christmas, and applied some borrowed sunblock from Rachel's sister so that I wouldn't fry to a crisp.
Traveling on the catamaran sailboat were three toddlers and eight adults. The plan was to sail out to the sandbar, or "disappearing island," about a mile off the coast. The weather wasn't perfect. The sun kept peeking out from behind the clouds. An occasional light rain sprinkled us while we were trying to sun ourselves out on the nets in the front of the catamaran, but by the time we made it to the sandbar there was more sun than not.
Now, I grew up on boats. I am familiar with the water, although I am most familiar with lakes. In short, I have not been living under a rock for the majority of my life. However, this sandbar was fascinating to me. Here it is, a mile from shore, rising up from the ocean floor. Look at the startling contrast between the deep dark blue (the depth, I couldn't guess) and the grainy neutral appeal of a sandy bottom. For the water is merely ankle deep on the sandbar...and that's during high tide. When the water recedes a miraculous "disappearing island" of undisturbed sand appears, only to drop off into the abyss without a warning. Nature is so random. Rachel and her cousin and I wandered about the sandbar for quite some time, Rachel and I drinking mimosas along the way. When we finally made our way back to the catamaran the weather started to disappoint. The wind and rain forced us below deck for the majority of the ride back to the harbor.
Once back at the house the four of us ladies took to the kitchen. Initially we started out cooking the two little ones a little dinner, but it turned in to an Italian feast. Pasta with alfredo sauce turned in to a spicy vegetable delight, complete with olives, artichokes, and broccoli. An excessive amount of eggplant was discovered hiding in the recesses of the fridge. That spontaneously turned into a makeshift eggplant parmesan. By evening the kids were bathed and the four of us were enjoying a surprisingly elegant Christmas dinner. It was a fitting end to the day, for sure.
Despite the many alterations in my plans for today, despite the many individuals who sought different arrangements for the holidays than I had hoped, I did manage to keep myself happy and occupied. It was most certainly not a Christmas I could have experienced in Michigan, be that good or bad. And apparently I am going to somehow receive a Christmas present (and birthday present) after all, as my parents are going to mail me money.
After years of insisting that money is an adequate and respectable gift, they finally responded. Huzzah! I am completely open to anyone willing to contribute to my fund.
Rachel picked me up early this morning. After the horror that was my double yesterday, I was debating whether I wanted to suffer through the annoyance of waking up to an alarm this morning (instead of sleeping in and then spending the day alone). Ultimately I decided it was worth dragging myself away from the comforts of my bed. I gathered my beach belongings (sans the necessary sunblock for my fair skin) and we made our way to pick up her cousin from the aeropuerto. From the airport, we took the H-3 to Kaneohe, which is where Rachel's sister lives.
I love Kaneohe and Kailua. The lifestyle is so much more laid back and peaceful, yet you're within reasonable driving distance to Honolulu. The best of both worlds. And their house was so bohemian, colorful, cute (for lack of a better word?), and livable. They had a real Hawaiian Christmas tree, which sort of resembles a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, but is actually much better to hang ornaments from.
Plus, there's no messy pine needle clean up!
The girls and I hung out in the house for about an hour while Rachel's brother-in-law got the sailboat ready. We drank mimosas, ate samosas (not made intentionally to rhyme, just leftover from the previous week's Bollywood party), and watched the kids as they played with their new gifts. Around noon we packed the car and made our way to the Kaneohe Yacht Club, stopping at Subway, which was surprisingly open, on the way. I finally got a hold of my parents on their way back from Canada, wished them a Merry Christmas, and applied some borrowed sunblock from Rachel's sister so that I wouldn't fry to a crisp.
Traveling on the catamaran sailboat were three toddlers and eight adults. The plan was to sail out to the sandbar, or "disappearing island," about a mile off the coast. The weather wasn't perfect. The sun kept peeking out from behind the clouds. An occasional light rain sprinkled us while we were trying to sun ourselves out on the nets in the front of the catamaran, but by the time we made it to the sandbar there was more sun than not.
Now, I grew up on boats. I am familiar with the water, although I am most familiar with lakes. In short, I have not been living under a rock for the majority of my life. However, this sandbar was fascinating to me. Here it is, a mile from shore, rising up from the ocean floor. Look at the startling contrast between the deep dark blue (the depth, I couldn't guess) and the grainy neutral appeal of a sandy bottom. For the water is merely ankle deep on the sandbar...and that's during high tide. When the water recedes a miraculous "disappearing island" of undisturbed sand appears, only to drop off into the abyss without a warning. Nature is so random. Rachel and her cousin and I wandered about the sandbar for quite some time, Rachel and I drinking mimosas along the way. When we finally made our way back to the catamaran the weather started to disappoint. The wind and rain forced us below deck for the majority of the ride back to the harbor.
Once back at the house the four of us ladies took to the kitchen. Initially we started out cooking the two little ones a little dinner, but it turned in to an Italian feast. Pasta with alfredo sauce turned in to a spicy vegetable delight, complete with olives, artichokes, and broccoli. An excessive amount of eggplant was discovered hiding in the recesses of the fridge. That spontaneously turned into a makeshift eggplant parmesan. By evening the kids were bathed and the four of us were enjoying a surprisingly elegant Christmas dinner. It was a fitting end to the day, for sure.
Despite the many alterations in my plans for today, despite the many individuals who sought different arrangements for the holidays than I had hoped, I did manage to keep myself happy and occupied. It was most certainly not a Christmas I could have experienced in Michigan, be that good or bad. And apparently I am going to somehow receive a Christmas present (and birthday present) after all, as my parents are going to mail me money.
After years of insisting that money is an adequate and respectable gift, they finally responded. Huzzah! I am completely open to anyone willing to contribute to my fund.
rest in peace, my dear casio
My lack of camera is aggravating. I'm normally an avid photographer, but even more so here in Hawaii. Everything is more picture worthy. Now that I'm blogging I always keep in mind opportunities to capture photographic evidence of blog worthy material. Yes, I'm a dork. I sorely missed out on Sunday and I know tomorrow will be something I would have loved to capture also, not to mention future shenanigans and New Year's Eve. Oh, I'm sure someone will have a camera on hand tomorrow, but I prefer to have my own. Call me a control freak.
A small fraction of me hopes the coworker that broke my camera will buy me a new one. (An even smaller fraction of me hopes that by beating my camera against the coffee table this will somehow fix my lens and the screen will no longer say "LENS ERROR"...umm, not that I've tried that or anything.) My incessant guilt trips at work can only help me in this endeavor, but I doubt they will. In time I will buy a better one. Until then the camera on my Blackberry will have to suffice. (Alas, I can't get too frustrated over my loss, as the camera was a hand me down from someone in the first place.)
By the way, it is now past midnight, so I suppose I should wish everyone out in the blogosphere (if you will) a Merry Christmas. Hopefully you get what your heart desires.
A small fraction of me hopes the coworker that broke my camera will buy me a new one. (An even smaller fraction of me hopes that by beating my camera against the coffee table this will somehow fix my lens and the screen will no longer say "LENS ERROR"...umm, not that I've tried that or anything.) My incessant guilt trips at work can only help me in this endeavor, but I doubt they will. In time I will buy a better one. Until then the camera on my Blackberry will have to suffice. (Alas, I can't get too frustrated over my loss, as the camera was a hand me down from someone in the first place.)
By the way, it is now past midnight, so I suppose I should wish everyone out in the blogosphere (if you will) a Merry Christmas. Hopefully you get what your heart desires.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
winter wonderland?
So Michigan is going to have a white Christmas for the first time in Lord knows how many years. And apparently it won't stop snowing, or at least that's what Andy says. They had a couple inches last week and then another foot a few days ago. It snowed overnight. Plus whatever has accumulated in between. Nothing's melted cause it's freezing cold. Because of the budget cuts the city of Mount Clemens can't afford to plow every road, which means my parent's street gets excluded since it's merely a court. This doesn't affect my Dad, whose truck can drive through anything, but my Mom was stuck at home for three days. Though I believe that was the case last year too. It took 45 minutes to get my little Focus down my street on the morning after my birthday because it didn't get plowed.
To say I'm grateful not to be dealing with that right now would be an understatement.
To say I'm grateful not to be dealing with that right now would be an understatement.
les mis
Among other literary interests, I discovered this evening that I possibly want to undertake Les Miserables.
Where this came from, I don't know. I have strayed from the classics in the last few years. Perhaps I was scarred from the multiple times I was assigned A Tale of Two Cities. (I believe it was a total of three times, and I don't believe I actually ever finished it.) I also have expanded my interests since I graduated. Nonfiction, memoirs, biographies...nothing is safe from my grasp.
Obviously we've all heard of the musical version, but I just feel as though I need a challenge. Maybe this is it. Or maybe I'll change my mind. My to-read list is long enough as it is.
Where this came from, I don't know. I have strayed from the classics in the last few years. Perhaps I was scarred from the multiple times I was assigned A Tale of Two Cities. (I believe it was a total of three times, and I don't believe I actually ever finished it.) I also have expanded my interests since I graduated. Nonfiction, memoirs, biographies...nothing is safe from my grasp.
Obviously we've all heard of the musical version, but I just feel as though I need a challenge. Maybe this is it. Or maybe I'll change my mind. My to-read list is long enough as it is.
Monday, December 22, 2008
ono kine grindz
I dined with my ramen concubine tonight. I am no longer embarrassed by my frequent trips to Yotteko-ya, a Kyoto-style ramen shop, but I do try to keep my visits to a minimum of once a week. This arrangement works out well for everyone.
Ah, Yotteko-ya, you serve me delicious paitan chashu ramen. (I order an extra side of chashu and have them put it on top.) You have, in my opinion, the best chashu on the island. It falls apart it's so tender. It melts in your mouth. It's heaven in the form of pork.
I splurged tonight and ordered a side of kim chee as well.
Although it's a Korean dish, most restaurants here with any Asian influence will have it on their menus. Mmm spicy pickled cabbage goodness.
Ah, Yotteko-ya, you serve me delicious paitan chashu ramen. (I order an extra side of chashu and have them put it on top.) You have, in my opinion, the best chashu on the island. It falls apart it's so tender. It melts in your mouth. It's heaven in the form of pork.
I splurged tonight and ordered a side of kim chee as well.
Although it's a Korean dish, most restaurants here with any Asian influence will have it on their menus. Mmm spicy pickled cabbage goodness.
Friday, December 19, 2008
my name is nuwanda
Given the economic status of today, figuring out how to find a fulfilling and profitable career is showing to be quite the dilemma for a lot of my educated friends. Many of them resort to a job outside their degree in order to pay bills. They're unhappy. Their intellectual potential is left untapped. I happen to be one of these individuals. Teaching wasn't possible in Michigan. An English major can be useful if you know the right people, but also vague if you don't. Scholastic achievement doesn't factor in as much as it used to when you're dealing with competition that has connections. This is old news.
One of my favorite movies is Dead Poet's Society.
Before I actually saw it, I never gave the title much thought. I don't know why. The title should have naturally appealed to me. When I finally viewed it, I fell in love. It invokes every reason I became an English major. Although it's obviously a movie, and therefore fictional, the passion that is displayed by so many characters is exactly what I have experienced so many times. It can be real.
I have had the privilege of being academically capable of excelling in every area of curriculum throughout my education. Perhaps I'm spoiled. I could have been a physical therapist (although not a doctor, I don't think I was ever equipped with the necessary patience or tenacity) like I started out to be, but the passion was never there. Chemistry isn't inspiring, at least not to me. Words, literature, English, language, music, humor, romance, passion...that is what life is made of.
These are my inclinations. And they always have been. However, these inclinations don't exactly draw the job offers or the moulah. So here lies the dilemma. I could be John Keating. I could be Mr. Brandt. It's not the money that necessarily appeals to me. Surely I have made that clear. I only wish to be able to pay my rent and live within my means while still being able to tolerate what I do for a living. My means are not that complicated. If I knew the opportunities were there, if I knew I could live up to my own expectations, I would do it in a second.
One of my favorite movies is Dead Poet's Society.
Before I actually saw it, I never gave the title much thought. I don't know why. The title should have naturally appealed to me. When I finally viewed it, I fell in love. It invokes every reason I became an English major. Although it's obviously a movie, and therefore fictional, the passion that is displayed by so many characters is exactly what I have experienced so many times. It can be real.
I have had the privilege of being academically capable of excelling in every area of curriculum throughout my education. Perhaps I'm spoiled. I could have been a physical therapist (although not a doctor, I don't think I was ever equipped with the necessary patience or tenacity) like I started out to be, but the passion was never there. Chemistry isn't inspiring, at least not to me. Words, literature, English, language, music, humor, romance, passion...that is what life is made of.
These are my inclinations. And they always have been. However, these inclinations don't exactly draw the job offers or the moulah. So here lies the dilemma. I could be John Keating. I could be Mr. Brandt. It's not the money that necessarily appeals to me. Surely I have made that clear. I only wish to be able to pay my rent and live within my means while still being able to tolerate what I do for a living. My means are not that complicated. If I knew the opportunities were there, if I knew I could live up to my own expectations, I would do it in a second.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
live and learn
Sometimes I feel the perspective on my life is skewed. I think it has something to do with self-preservation. The easiest way to deal with my current situation is to only look at my current situation. To look at how life has been, to look at how it could be right now, to look at how it will be, would be irrelevant and futile. I can do nothing, at least for now. So what would be the point of dwelling on anything else??
That's not to say my alternatives are peachy keen. My life before I moved was not fulfilling. I have good reason to be here and I have no regrets.
But at this time of year, post-birthday and inching nearer toward Christmas every day, I find myself wondering how my heart led me to such a predicament. I am a homebody. As much as I want to envision myself as a independent city girl, I am a homebody at heart. And at this time of year I am incapable of stifling that part of myself. I am a Christmas fanatic. I start breaking out the holiday CD's mid-September. It is my sole duty to assemble, decorate, and perfect each year's Christmas tree. My parents only contribution is DJing and bartending (the "Christmas Drink" recipe was closely guarded for years during my youth and, although it now features rum, was also obviously non-alcoholic at that time). Now I'm left to wonder if the tree is even up yet. My Mom is busy working and driving up to Canada to take care of my Grandma, which is a definite priority. My Dad also works and has an incurable lack of Christmas cheer until the 24th. Last I asked, the tree had not yet made it's grand entrance into the household. Even if it had, I'm sure I would not approve of the haphazard manner in which my Mom adorned it.
I watch holiday movies chock full of the ideal Christmas settings and I am envious of what I see. I play my newly downloaded barrage of Christmas music classics (Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Mannheim Steamroller, Home Alone, among others) and my heart aches because I am without the accompanying comforts they have always assured me. I have no spirit surrounding me. I have no snow falling gently outside my window. I have no family joining in the festivities with me. I have no one to bake with or for. I have no traditions to uphold. I have nothing that I have been yearning for this month. And as much as I enjoy the pleasure these songs bring me, I am left bitter and unsatisfied.
Perhaps I am overreacting. I have no doubt about this. Life will, as they say, go on. There will be other Christmases. There will be other holidays. In fact, I don't have to question that. A year from now I will know not to put myself in a situation like this. I will be able to visit home not long from now. I have learned, which is a blessing to have in life...a privilege even. Others can be doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over.
I know my parents don't know how I feel. Maybe they have never been in a situation to view life like I have. Maybe it's my fault for being inable to express it. Mom knows my affinity for the season, but for some reason she's never properly understood my thought processes...about anything.
P.S. I'm enjoying Muppet Christmas Carol and I have concluded that Beaker and the Swedish Chef are tied for my all time favorite muppet characters.
That's not to say my alternatives are peachy keen. My life before I moved was not fulfilling. I have good reason to be here and I have no regrets.
But at this time of year, post-birthday and inching nearer toward Christmas every day, I find myself wondering how my heart led me to such a predicament. I am a homebody. As much as I want to envision myself as a independent city girl, I am a homebody at heart. And at this time of year I am incapable of stifling that part of myself. I am a Christmas fanatic. I start breaking out the holiday CD's mid-September. It is my sole duty to assemble, decorate, and perfect each year's Christmas tree. My parents only contribution is DJing and bartending (the "Christmas Drink" recipe was closely guarded for years during my youth and, although it now features rum, was also obviously non-alcoholic at that time). Now I'm left to wonder if the tree is even up yet. My Mom is busy working and driving up to Canada to take care of my Grandma, which is a definite priority. My Dad also works and has an incurable lack of Christmas cheer until the 24th. Last I asked, the tree had not yet made it's grand entrance into the household. Even if it had, I'm sure I would not approve of the haphazard manner in which my Mom adorned it.
I watch holiday movies chock full of the ideal Christmas settings and I am envious of what I see. I play my newly downloaded barrage of Christmas music classics (Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Mannheim Steamroller, Home Alone, among others) and my heart aches because I am without the accompanying comforts they have always assured me. I have no spirit surrounding me. I have no snow falling gently outside my window. I have no family joining in the festivities with me. I have no one to bake with or for. I have no traditions to uphold. I have nothing that I have been yearning for this month. And as much as I enjoy the pleasure these songs bring me, I am left bitter and unsatisfied.
Perhaps I am overreacting. I have no doubt about this. Life will, as they say, go on. There will be other Christmases. There will be other holidays. In fact, I don't have to question that. A year from now I will know not to put myself in a situation like this. I will be able to visit home not long from now. I have learned, which is a blessing to have in life...a privilege even. Others can be doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over.
I know my parents don't know how I feel. Maybe they have never been in a situation to view life like I have. Maybe it's my fault for being inable to express it. Mom knows my affinity for the season, but for some reason she's never properly understood my thought processes...about anything.
P.S. I'm enjoying Muppet Christmas Carol and I have concluded that Beaker and the Swedish Chef are tied for my all time favorite muppet characters.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
pass the popcorn, please
Walmart is a dangerous place. They have a $5 DVD bin in the main aisle that beckons to me when the girls and I make our weekly shopping excursion after work on Tuesdays. I am not the only one getting caught in this trap. The three of us (and this week we allowed a male fourth party to join us) surround the 5X5 foot cage of cinematic treasures and dig to find anything actually worth $5. Joe Dirt is a terribly unpopular movie. I've never seen it, but can only guess that there is good reason for this. In fact, most of the movies in the bin are atrocious. Or unheard of. However, there is an occasional rare find. And this is why we can be found relentlessly pawing through the pile for a good 5 minutes.
Last week it was the Coen brothers classic Fargo.
And one of my favorite comedies Airplane!
This week it was The Family Stone, which is a semi-chick flick movie I enjoy for unknown reasons. SJP is not aesthetically pleasing, so don't ask me.
Fiddler on the Roof, which I feel needs no explanation.
And 13 Going On 30, which is just fun to watch and reminds me of Emily a little bit.
In addition to the ingenious $5 bin, there was a new selection of DVD's on sale for $7.50. This is even more dangerous. If you're already purchasing movies for $5 who's stopping you from spending a few bucks more in order to get better movies. No one stopped me, that's for certain.
I added Last of the Mohicans to my cart. I own it on VHS, but sadly had to leave it in Michigan. This is one of my favorite books and movies. The ending makes me cry.
And lastly, Wedding Crashers. It's just plain hilarious. And I used to have it at my disposal whenever I pleased, but then I broke up with whats-his-face. Not that there's any regrets there.
Somebody stop me please! These are all movies I desire to have in my cinematic arsenal, but there needs to be an end to the madness!
Last week it was the Coen brothers classic Fargo.
And one of my favorite comedies Airplane!
This week it was The Family Stone, which is a semi-chick flick movie I enjoy for unknown reasons. SJP is not aesthetically pleasing, so don't ask me.
Fiddler on the Roof, which I feel needs no explanation.
And 13 Going On 30, which is just fun to watch and reminds me of Emily a little bit.
In addition to the ingenious $5 bin, there was a new selection of DVD's on sale for $7.50. This is even more dangerous. If you're already purchasing movies for $5 who's stopping you from spending a few bucks more in order to get better movies. No one stopped me, that's for certain.
I added Last of the Mohicans to my cart. I own it on VHS, but sadly had to leave it in Michigan. This is one of my favorite books and movies. The ending makes me cry.
And lastly, Wedding Crashers. It's just plain hilarious. And I used to have it at my disposal whenever I pleased, but then I broke up with whats-his-face. Not that there's any regrets there.
Somebody stop me please! These are all movies I desire to have in my cinematic arsenal, but there needs to be an end to the madness!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
thanks to everyone that made my day special!
So, all in all, I'd say my 27th birthday was a success. I slept in, much to my mother's disapproval. Life is tough when you're the owner of a Blackberry. I set my phone to vibrate, but it vibrates rather vehemently. So all the texts and phone calls that were meant to extend birthday wishes actually kept repeatedly waking me up all morning. (Not that I'm complaining. Actually I am.) In addition to that, I also receive all email alerts on my phone, including any activity on facebook or myspace. So the damn thing was going off every 15 minutes. At one point I threw it on the floor. What can I say, I'm loved.
In the afternoon I made my way to Ala Moana.
I hoped to find a deal on a cute little something to wear to dinner, but after a few hours of meandering I settled on a new pair of shoes to go with a dress I already owned. Good enough for me. Shoes are one of my vices. I also stopped by the MAC counter in Nordstrom to get my makeup done. I would not normally come up with this idea on my own, but several friends suggested it. They insisted I treat myself. And I decided, why not? So I did.
Dinner was scheduled at Gyu-kaku in the evening.
There were four of us attending for sure (Ash, Quita, Phil, and moi). An intimate little group, I suppose. I haven't eaten there in months. It can be rather pricey if you get carried away. Two others also showed up (Michael and Nick), which was an awesome surprise. Pitchers of Kirin Ichiban were consumed. We started off with poke, assorted kim chee, and tofu salad (the dressing is delicious). My only requirement was harami miso (beef with miso sauce), but we also ordered garlic shrimp, garlic scallops, miso butterfish, sweet onion, mushroom medley, bacon wrapped asparagus, and premium kalbi (which was the happy hour half off special). I got a lychee martini rather than a birthday cake, which was fine by me. And then the staff came around and sang. And their way of celebrating was bringing me a birthday shot which tasted like apple, but apparently had 151 in it.
Instead of having dessert there, we spontaneously decided to head over to Coldstone. But alas, they had just closed. Since we were already in the area, we crashed Buca, even though they too had just closed. This worked out well. Alex bought our dessert. And then apologized for harassing me so much, which was appropriate. Tiara met us there. And then we moved on.
The night continued on to Charthouse for a lychee martini or two. Mmm, my favorite. And then we ended up at Red Lion's in Waikiki. It was much busier than on previous Mondays, which was disappointing. But in the end it was a fun night. Lots of socializing and laughs. The only negative aspect of the evening was my camera getting broken. It's not in the best condition anyways, but the person put in charge of documenting the evening with photos dropped the darn thing. He's looking into getting it fixed for me.
All in all, a much better birthday than 26. The lack of a blizzard guaranteed that one though.
In the afternoon I made my way to Ala Moana.
I hoped to find a deal on a cute little something to wear to dinner, but after a few hours of meandering I settled on a new pair of shoes to go with a dress I already owned. Good enough for me. Shoes are one of my vices. I also stopped by the MAC counter in Nordstrom to get my makeup done. I would not normally come up with this idea on my own, but several friends suggested it. They insisted I treat myself. And I decided, why not? So I did.
Dinner was scheduled at Gyu-kaku in the evening.
There were four of us attending for sure (Ash, Quita, Phil, and moi). An intimate little group, I suppose. I haven't eaten there in months. It can be rather pricey if you get carried away. Two others also showed up (Michael and Nick), which was an awesome surprise. Pitchers of Kirin Ichiban were consumed. We started off with poke, assorted kim chee, and tofu salad (the dressing is delicious). My only requirement was harami miso (beef with miso sauce), but we also ordered garlic shrimp, garlic scallops, miso butterfish, sweet onion, mushroom medley, bacon wrapped asparagus, and premium kalbi (which was the happy hour half off special). I got a lychee martini rather than a birthday cake, which was fine by me. And then the staff came around and sang. And their way of celebrating was bringing me a birthday shot which tasted like apple, but apparently had 151 in it.
Instead of having dessert there, we spontaneously decided to head over to Coldstone. But alas, they had just closed. Since we were already in the area, we crashed Buca, even though they too had just closed. This worked out well. Alex bought our dessert. And then apologized for harassing me so much, which was appropriate. Tiara met us there. And then we moved on.
The night continued on to Charthouse for a lychee martini or two. Mmm, my favorite. And then we ended up at Red Lion's in Waikiki. It was much busier than on previous Mondays, which was disappointing. But in the end it was a fun night. Lots of socializing and laughs. The only negative aspect of the evening was my camera getting broken. It's not in the best condition anyways, but the person put in charge of documenting the evening with photos dropped the darn thing. He's looking into getting it fixed for me.
All in all, a much better birthday than 26. The lack of a blizzard guaranteed that one though.
Monday, December 15, 2008
geburtstagswünsche
It is now ten days before Christmas and I am 27 years old. Huzzah!!! Birthday plans are always a conundrum for me, so we shall see how everything pans out. I wonder if my parents have managed to mail me anything yet. I'm not particular, but I can't help but remember what my plans were a few weeks ago when I thought I'd be in the comfort of my own home. I merely wanted a dinner party with my closest friends. Good food, a bottle of wine, some music to joyfully prance around the living room to...that would have sufficed. I would much prefer that over my options here in Hawaii.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
rain rain go away
Hmm...well apparently a monsoon is a seasonal change in wind direction. (Thank you, Andy, for your meteorological helpfulness.) While the wind is definitely a factor in the weather of late, that is certainly not the term that should be used for what is occurring outside.
I still have yet to see the sun, or any glimpse of blue sky. It's going on three or four days now. The flooding is getting serious.
What's the point of living in Hawaii if the weather sucks???
I still have yet to see the sun, or any glimpse of blue sky. It's going on three or four days now. The flooding is getting serious.
What's the point of living in Hawaii if the weather sucks???
Friday, December 12, 2008
HBP: yes, I realize I'm obsessed
I discovered the newest HBP trailer today. Wow.
If the studio hadn't delayed the release I would have already seen it. Grr.
Obviously each book is increasingly darker than the last. The movie seems to be right on in terms of intensity and overall tone, although it should be well-balanced considering the opportunity for humor throughout the book. Supposedly this installment is the most humorous so far. God bless Ron for that. And that precarious love potion.
It looks as though they did a wicked job with transfiguration. The Astronomy Tower is far more complex than I imagined and, therefore, a much more suitable setting for a showdown. The cave setting is extremely impressive looking. It almost gave me chills. I didn't envision anything as crazy as that, but then again they did me that favor in the Ministry of Magic scenes in OotP too. Some things are beyond the scope of my imagination apparently. The fight scenes should prove impressive as well.
Quidditch is back! And now we get to see Ron and Ginny play. In lieu of Fred and George, I suppose.
The pensieve has changed since GoF. I hate inconsistency. Can't the directors just stick with what was already used instead of incorporating their own interpretations?
Umm, the Tom Riddle kid looks creepy as all hell.
It just makes me sad I have to wait until July.
If the studio hadn't delayed the release I would have already seen it. Grr.
Obviously each book is increasingly darker than the last. The movie seems to be right on in terms of intensity and overall tone, although it should be well-balanced considering the opportunity for humor throughout the book. Supposedly this installment is the most humorous so far. God bless Ron for that. And that precarious love potion.
It looks as though they did a wicked job with transfiguration. The Astronomy Tower is far more complex than I imagined and, therefore, a much more suitable setting for a showdown. The cave setting is extremely impressive looking. It almost gave me chills. I didn't envision anything as crazy as that, but then again they did me that favor in the Ministry of Magic scenes in OotP too. Some things are beyond the scope of my imagination apparently. The fight scenes should prove impressive as well.
Quidditch is back! And now we get to see Ron and Ginny play. In lieu of Fred and George, I suppose.
The pensieve has changed since GoF. I hate inconsistency. Can't the directors just stick with what was already used instead of incorporating their own interpretations?
Umm, the Tom Riddle kid looks creepy as all hell.
It just makes me sad I have to wait until July.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
the deluge of '08
It appears as though Honolulu has been taken over by a monsoon. I am not entirely clear on the exact meteorological definition of the word "monsoon," but this is what I imagine one being like. It began yesterday evening and continues still.
This is what Manoa Valley usually looks like from my lanai.
And this is Manoa Valley completely imperceptible to the human eye thanks to torrential downpour.
This may come as news for those that believe I live each day in a constant state of paradise. While there is a noticeable lack of blizzards, we are blessed with sporadic yet inevitable bouts of rain. Usually it lasts a few minutes and can be escaped by walking two blocks in any direction. Usually it occurs, inexplicably, without a cloud in the sky and only takes the form of a harmless mist. However, I haven't seen blue sky for the last two days.
Last night I was certain that palm trees would be uprooted. There is some sort of wind tunnel-ish vortex present in front of my apartment building between the parking garage and lobby, the center of it being a very large tree. This poor mass of foliage was being whipped back and forth so ferociously I couldn't help but being reminded of someone headbanging, which of course only brings to mind Wayne's mullet headbanging along to "Bohemian Rhapsody" in Wayne's World. Between the rain slamming against my window pane, my blinds being whipped around in a frenzy despite my window being shut (there must have been a tiny crack where the wind got through), and my window rattling from the force of the gales outside I couldn't fall asleep until 4:30am.
Mind you, I've slept through my share of thunderstorms in Michigan. I love them, in fact, and they usually lull me to sleep. I also believe it rains more forcefully and with more quantity (i.e. the droplets are larger and closer together, if that makes sense) there. But damn...
I woke up and I couldn't see anything but white out my window because the fog/mist was so thick. Like pea soup, haha. And this persisted throughout the day.
The strangest part of it all is how much I liked it. It was nice to have variety. It was nice to be a little chilly for once, even if the rain was joined by a distinct mugginess. I felt the need for a hot caffeinated beverage, which is often never the case here unless I'm somewhere heavily air-conditioned. Rain can be soothing. It can be a great excuse to have a lazy, cozy, introspective day. It can also be peaceful and almost ethereal.
This is what Manoa Valley usually looks like from my lanai.
And this is Manoa Valley completely imperceptible to the human eye thanks to torrential downpour.
This may come as news for those that believe I live each day in a constant state of paradise. While there is a noticeable lack of blizzards, we are blessed with sporadic yet inevitable bouts of rain. Usually it lasts a few minutes and can be escaped by walking two blocks in any direction. Usually it occurs, inexplicably, without a cloud in the sky and only takes the form of a harmless mist. However, I haven't seen blue sky for the last two days.
Last night I was certain that palm trees would be uprooted. There is some sort of wind tunnel-ish vortex present in front of my apartment building between the parking garage and lobby, the center of it being a very large tree. This poor mass of foliage was being whipped back and forth so ferociously I couldn't help but being reminded of someone headbanging, which of course only brings to mind Wayne's mullet headbanging along to "Bohemian Rhapsody" in Wayne's World. Between the rain slamming against my window pane, my blinds being whipped around in a frenzy despite my window being shut (there must have been a tiny crack where the wind got through), and my window rattling from the force of the gales outside I couldn't fall asleep until 4:30am.
Mind you, I've slept through my share of thunderstorms in Michigan. I love them, in fact, and they usually lull me to sleep. I also believe it rains more forcefully and with more quantity (i.e. the droplets are larger and closer together, if that makes sense) there. But damn...
I woke up and I couldn't see anything but white out my window because the fog/mist was so thick. Like pea soup, haha. And this persisted throughout the day.
The strangest part of it all is how much I liked it. It was nice to have variety. It was nice to be a little chilly for once, even if the rain was joined by a distinct mugginess. I felt the need for a hot caffeinated beverage, which is often never the case here unless I'm somewhere heavily air-conditioned. Rain can be soothing. It can be a great excuse to have a lazy, cozy, introspective day. It can also be peaceful and almost ethereal.
flashback
Upon my perusal of the internet, and thanks to a former LHN teacher, I found a rather interesting item dating from the late 90's.
That's right, it's an Example meeting. A poetry and cappuccino night to be exact. I'm guessing my junior year of high school, based on the sweater vest I'm wearing. Also note the fashionable choice of white scrunchie in my hair. Ah, I remember this night well. I recall playing bullshit with Courtney, but I don't recall and can't recognize anyone else at my table. Possibly Keri? It's been so long I can't remember who went. Wow, I'm getting old. I have very fond memories of those days and it wasn't that long ago that they were merely the not so distant past.
That's right, it's an Example meeting. A poetry and cappuccino night to be exact. I'm guessing my junior year of high school, based on the sweater vest I'm wearing. Also note the fashionable choice of white scrunchie in my hair. Ah, I remember this night well. I recall playing bullshit with Courtney, but I don't recall and can't recognize anyone else at my table. Possibly Keri? It's been so long I can't remember who went. Wow, I'm getting old. I have very fond memories of those days and it wasn't that long ago that they were merely the not so distant past.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
the curious case of mrs. butterworth
So a few blocks down on Kapiolani there is a house. This house is located on the corner of a fairly major intersection, but maintains it's privacy thanks to a ivy shrouded cement wall. I've ridden my bike past this intersection at least a dozen times and every single time I've past it I'm hit with the overwhelming and undeniable scent of maple syrup. And it really puzzles me.
Now, I'm not talking about a familiar smell you're desperately trying to recognize. This is not one of those, "What is that, it reminds me of my childhood?" moments. I'm saying that this house smells like the entire IHOP corporation has been taken hostage inside. You couldn't possibly ignore it. Not only that, but upon recollection, the times I past this house took place at different times of the day and night over the past year. So my study was done at completely random times.
Who lives there? Is it a family? Why do they like pancakes so much? That is, assuming they're putting the maple syrup on pancakes. How much do they spend each year on maple syrup? Each month? Each week? Have you ever seen the movie Elf? Does he live there? Is it a secret meth lab? Should I call the police?
So many questions...
Now, I'm not talking about a familiar smell you're desperately trying to recognize. This is not one of those, "What is that, it reminds me of my childhood?" moments. I'm saying that this house smells like the entire IHOP corporation has been taken hostage inside. You couldn't possibly ignore it. Not only that, but upon recollection, the times I past this house took place at different times of the day and night over the past year. So my study was done at completely random times.
Who lives there? Is it a family? Why do they like pancakes so much? That is, assuming they're putting the maple syrup on pancakes. How much do they spend each year on maple syrup? Each month? Each week? Have you ever seen the movie Elf? Does he live there? Is it a secret meth lab? Should I call the police?
So many questions...
Saturday, December 6, 2008
making my spirits bright
Within a day or two's time I have been able to download a flawless assortment of Christmas tunes and store them on my iPod nano. This should make for a festive bike ride to and from work. At least I'll start off in a cheerful mood when I get there. If there are any suggestions to add to my collection, please feel free to offer. I'm quite particular, but with such a quantity out there I have probably forgotten many of my favorites.
giving the gift of...birth control?
Really, Planned Parenthood??!? Really?
I originally found out about this while watching The Daily Show this week. Obviously the mere peculiarity of the concept of giving one of these certificates to someone as a Christmas gift is humorous. "Thanks Mom and Dad, now I can find out whether having unprotected sex with those random men has diseased my naughty bits!" I get the humor. I also get the need for health care. There's a whole generation of 20-somethings out there who, quite frankly, graduated at just the wrong time. Unless you're one of the few who were fortunate enough to have picked the right field, landed the ideal job, and subsequently were offered premium benefits, there aren't a lot of options. You're too old to be covered by your parents. You can find a mediocre and (hopefully) tentative job which offers less than stellar benefits, but you'll have to keep a certain amount of hours. This is fine, unless you're trying to make it through a graduate degree in order to get yourself out of the mess you're in. You can pay out of your pocket, which doesn't help your financial situation either. Or, like most I know, you can risk going without and just hope you don't find yourself buried in medical debt years later. Which is just stupid.
If the health care situation is so dire that Planned Parenthood is taking action, shouldn't we be making efforts to make basic health care available to those in need first?
I am, by no means, supporting this. I am mostly just astounded by it. I have no idea who they believe will be putting one of these suckers under their tree this holiday. And I'm hoping they were aware of the backlash they would receive. If not, I mock them for being so clueless.
Friday, December 5, 2008
mele kalikimaka
Did you know that the Hawaiian islands are the most geographically isolated pieces of land on the globe? It's honestly not that shocking, but if you consider how many other land masses are stuck out in the middle of an ocean, it's a tad more impressive. Having said that, being stuck on this volcanic rock an entire 8,000 miles or so from home during this holiday season is monumentally devastating. The fact that I'm here without my arsenal of Christmas CD's only makes it all worse.
Perhaps I'm being dramatic, but I am quite enthusiastic about Christmas. (This is one of the few traits I have not acquired from my Dad, who is Scrooge incarnate until December 24th.) Every year my internal holiday calendar attempts to tell me it's time to deck the halls around mid-July. I usually resist until approximately September, but this year I didn't have to. There was a complete lack of Christmas spirit, or any spirit at all really, until today.
Hawaii celebrates Christmas like the rest of us. The city attached the customary tinsel Christmas trees and candy canes to the light posts before the Thanksgiving turkey had even been carved. Holiday music is piped through the open air mall for all to hear, although an occasional Mele Kalikimaka featuring the ukulele can be heard. Children began waiting in line for Santa a week ago. Despite all this, I was incapable of comprehending what the calendar in front of me was saying. My logic knew the date, but my mind was skeptical.
There is something surreal about spending this holiday surrounded by birds of paradise and hibiscus plants. Starbucks breaks out their supply of cups with white snowflakes on a red background and I'm left wondering why I'm not wearing a scarf. Expressing my unexpected disbelief at my tropical winter wonderland only makes me sound irrational and ignorant to those that are born and raised here. After all, what's so great about snow and it's accompanying wind chill factor? What exactly is it that I am so confounded by?
I hate to say it, and I never thought I would, but I miss the cold. Maybe not the wind chill factor part, but maybe a light snow flurry.
I ventured down into the lobby of my apartment today only to discover the strong smell of pine. My initial reaction was confusion, but then curiosity took hold and I found a twelve foot Christmas tree. It was magnificent. Now, in my house we normally used an artificial tree, unless somehow my Mom finagled my Dad into going real. That was considered a rare treat. So this scent brought back a highlights reel of my favorite Christmases.
I garnered some odd looks when I stopped to smell it like a bouquet of flowers, I'm sure.
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