The 2008 hate

2008 was a rough year. I went from happy newspaper part-timer/billabong full-timer to newspaper full-timer/billabong part-timer and just when I thought I've found my career niche now I'll be back to newspaper part-timer/billabong full-timer. I've changed my health insurance 3 times (4 of you count the three months I was on COBRA). My boyfriend said he was going to move back to Maui in May to end up only coming back 2 weeks later to finish school then move back to Maui for good in October. I paid $60 bucks at the gas pump to fill up my '99 Camry. And the worst part was losing my dear Grammsy.

I know, I know, my year could've been way worse, and I am grateful for everything in my life that didn't go wrong. It's just that overall, it was a pretty crappy year. The year wasn't a total waste I did get to see Chris Breezy in concert, fell in love with Gossip Girl, went to my first Birthday Bash, voted for Barrack Obama, my Project Runway pick finally won, got a blackberry, saw HSM3 in theaters, and whoa did Lauren and Heidi actually have a civil conversation last week on the Hills?!?

I'm SO ready for 2008 to be over, only about 14 hours left. Time for a new year and a fresh positive start.

JUMP!

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

1. If someone says "Is this okay" you say?
I still haven't found what I'm looking for-U2

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
punk guy-NOFX

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Your pops don't like me-Nick Cannon (SO embarassing having that on my playlist)

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Walk this way-Aerosmith

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Knocking on your backdoor-Deep Purple

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Eleanor Rigby-The Beatles

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Pinky Ring-wu tang

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
It'd had to be you-harry connick jr.

9. WHAT IS 2+2?
I don't trust myself-john mayer

10.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
real love-mary j.

11.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Girlfight-brooke valentine

12.WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Over-sugarcult

13.WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Playin basketball-G.love

14.WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
The bucket-Kings of leon

15.WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Shorty wanna ride -Young Buck

16.WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Wait (The whisper song)-ying yang

17.WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Let's get it on-marvin gaye

18.WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
My guru-Kalyangi Anandji

19.WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Holidae Inn-Chingy

20.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Through The Rain-mariah

21.WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
graceland-paul simon

22.HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Sorry my friend-Save Ferris

23.WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
The 3 o'clock blues-BB King

24.WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
The adventure-AVA

25.WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Let me ride-Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog

26.WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Help!-The Beatles ...wtf.

27.WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
So Gone-monica

28.DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Silly love songs-paul

29.IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
I don't wanna know-nfg

30.WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Since u been gone-kelly c

31.WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Jump-Van halen

"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!?"

"'8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Nothing gets me into the holiday spirit more than curling up with my Linus van Pelt blankie (really! it's an official Linus blankie, look for it at urbanoutfitters.com) and watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I actually watch the special year-round (gives me the warm fuzzies during spring showers and the summertime slump). If you don't own it or haven't watched it yet, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! If you can find it comes in a holiday three pack with "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" and "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving." two other great Peanuts classics.

One of my favorite scenes in "A Charlie Brown Christmas," is when all the kids are dancing. Look for the twins, they're hilarious. Watching it now, I didn't realize how much I didn't understand and catch about the show when I was little. Schulz's subtle sarcasm and jokes, as well as the true meaning of Christmas, I only now fully understand as an adult.

Not just any old scarf

It's here! It's here! FINALLY after what has seemed like FORRREVVVVERRR and a day, American Apparel opened in Waikiki this week! Just in time for you people to buy me birthday and Christmas presents, haha j/k sort of!


I went in looking for a dress, but left with the best investment EVER, American Apparel's Unisex Circle Scarf. SO AWESOME both Anna and I bought one, Anna got a lovely lavender color and I opted for the classic navy blue. It can be worn in SO many ways, I literally spent an hour and half, entertaining myself (as well as my roomies) with the different ways of wearing it. I tried to do most of the examples on the handy card that came with the scarf, let me tell you that turban look isn't for everyone. Right now, as I type my circle scarf is keeping me warm at work, I'm using it as a shawl! I hear they're selling like hot cakes. (I wonder where that saying came from, was there a time in life when hot cakes were THAT much in demand and were selling out at diners everywhere?)

American Apparel Waikiki
2142 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
Tel. (808) 923-4554
Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

It's That Time of Year

You can smell it.... Black Friday is COMING. THE biggest shopping day of the year. I live for this day (sad I know), me and my BFF Wayne plan for it every year, it's pretty much a tradish for us. We usually go to Waikele, leave at around 11 p.m. get there by midnight, shop til like 2 in the morning. I love the thrill of the hunt. This year though I've decided to take it easy, don't get me wrong, I'll be shopping Friday, but I'll be shopping more wisely going to places where I specifically saw things I'd like to buy as gifts.

Actually I'm about half done with my Christmas shopping, yes I'm one of those people who started their holiday shopping in July. I enjoy shopping for other people and finding that perfect gifts for loved ones. My mom says I could be a great personal shopper, give me your list, a budget, a little background on the people you are shopping for, and... I'll definitely find you the best deal in town.

Fashion, Politics, and Japanese Snacks

Our new First Lady got style. Last night she wore a dress from Narciso Rodriguez's spring 2009 collection, which just hit the runway 8 weeks ago! During the campaign trail Michelle Obama's fashion mixed affordable from H&M and J.Crew and designer pieces. It's been awhile since a First Lady had an impact on the fashion world, I can't wait to see what she'll choose to wear to the inaugural ball!!!!



Yesterday I went to Marukai, to stock up super cute Japanese snacks, and to look for Christmas Omiyage. And I found some Disney Pakkuncho (little biscuits filled with cream then stamped with your favorite Disney character)! OMG my sister and I used to LOVE these when we were little, our gramsy and auntie used to take us to Marukai and let us pick out one candy. We usually picked our candy based on the free toy that came with it but once in awhile we bought candy based on the taste, Disney Pakkuncho was one of them!

When I Grow Up

I'm a worried quarterlifer. When I was younger (under 21) I didn't think I'd have to worry about lay offs, buy outs, job security, I didn't think I'd even need to work two jobs. No one told me I'd be worrying about health insurance, 401k, talking to a financial advisor, planning for the fuuuuture future like buying a house and starting a family. As I approach the big 2-5, now life seems like one big worry. I don't know what I'll be doing next year or even in the coming months, will I be laid off? Should I go back to school or the mainland, and if I do what should I go to grad school for? Do I really want to go back to school, or should I move to the mainland and start fresh?

on a happier note... HAPPY HALLOWEEN! See you in Waikiki, be on the look out for 3 colorful mobsters, a cute referee, sext racecar driver, and... gav.

The essentials

I've been catching up on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style on Bravo (addicted to Bravo much, I know), and I die everytime those lucky unfashionable, not pulled together girls get transformed. I've also been reading Rachel Zoe's book Style from A to Zoe. And I've noticed every fashion expert has a list of 10 essential items.

Here's Tim Gunn's
1. Basic black dress.
2. Trench coat.
3. Classic dress pants.
4. White shirt.
5. Jeans.
6. Cashmere sweater.
7. Skirt.
8. Day dress.
9. Blazer.
10. Sweat suit alternative.

FINALLY

After five seasons, my favorite designer wins! YAY Leanne!

work=fatty

Honest to God, I am REAAAAAALLLLLLLY trying to lead a more healthy lifestyle, but the food gods just aren't having it.

MONDAY: My coworker brought in musubi from Mana-Bu, as well as surprised me with Ramune soda! (Does my Nihon-jin-ness shine so obvious? Maybe my Hello Kitty dressed in kimono gives it away).

TUESDAY: Kawehi my "cubicle" neighbor is doing a review on cupcakes, and brings in like 12 different kinds. My camera phone sucks but I tried... Rocky Road, Peanut Butter, Key Lime, and Strawberry.

WEDNESDAY: Our credit union is giving away free waffle hot dogs and ono ono shakes. How can you resist this stuff? Seriously... geeeeeeeez fast next week. Water, bananas, and carrots.

THE Bus

Now that the bf is gone, I take The Bus every morning. With more people opting to ride the bus these days, my bus has become overcrowded, therefore I have become more irritable. Here are my top things that I hate about the bus and its riders:

- People who don't move to the back of bus. Segregation days are long gone people, the back of the bus is not like being sent to the corner or time out. Seriously just move to the back of the bus. It's like their feet are glued, there is obviously more room in the back and they obviously see people coming onto the bus, but NO do they just stay in that spot and refuse to give it up. To those people I simply push my way through (aka hit them with my lunch bag or ginormous tote bag), not my fault that they are stubborn, I'm simply being courteous and doing my part to make room to fit more people.

-People who sit on the aisle seat and refuse to move in. Seriously this is not a luxurious travel venture, you are basically getting from point A to point B, you don't need to be fussy about where you seat. Why make it totally out of the way for someone to have to climb over you to get to the open seat on the inside?

-When young people don't let old people have their seat.

-When people don't hang on to hand bars above and only hang on to the backs of the seats or struggle to hold on to poles that lead from the seat to hand bars above. It's like hello, why struggle? you can just reach right above you for something to hold on to.

-When random strangers try to talk to me on the bus, I don't know you, nor am I here to make new friends.

-When people try to do magic tricks for me on the bus. Really it's happened.

-When people come in with like so much bags that it takes up space in the aisle or another seat. Bus riders... you know those people, coming home from the market in Chinatown, with like 20 plastic bags, each with maybe 3-5 vegetables or fruits (that sometimes stink up the bus). I feel like passing out big reusable totes to those plastic bag users, it would be helpful to the environment AND helpful to fellow bus riders.

-grouchy bus drivers.

-when bus drivers turn the AC on high. brrrrrrrrr.

-People who wave down the bus at the bus stop, making us think they want to or need to get on but really they want to know when the next will becoming along? Then they keep asking questions about which bus to take or they're trying to decide whether or not to take that bus.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Weidersehen, goodbye...

to.... Jerrel. As I blogged before he was in my top three but, sadly his final collection wasn't up to par. The Project Runway gods have once again have cursed me because Kenley (that whiney, no can handle Tim Gunn criticism, all I do is party dresses circa 1950s) is in, I really hope she loses. I checked out Leanne's line Leanimal (how clever) on her website , some very classy, cute, wearable pieces. Of course they're ALL sold out and I bet prices will be doubled once she wins PR5. Yeah, I said it.
OH back to Project Runway, vote for your most memorable moments on BravoTV.com. here's some of my favorites:
Season 1: when Kara Saun tells off Wendy the Witch Pepper.
Season 2: "It's a mother f--king walk off." - Daniel V., The mystery of the missing chiffon, and Tim Gunn impressions of Santino.
Season 3: When Laura thought Jeffery was cheating.
...i really could go on forever.

young and restless

TAXI!!!!!!!!

Sometimes the daily grind just bugs me. It's not that I can't handle what I do, it just gets so tedious and repetitive that I swear it is boring me to death. My coworker Kawehi is planning to go to Europe soon, it makes me wanna pack my bags and go on a big trip too. Yes yes I am going to Vegas for Thanksgiving, but that's manini compared to Europe or Japan or even NYC. I haven't had big trip since New York (almost 2 years ago... good times). I want to go on an adventure, a REAL vacation, explore new things, eat (and shop) my way through a new city.

NYC Crew below... photo credit: Kara.

Photobooth search

Taken at Seattle's Bon Macy's jrs. section, circa spring of 2005.

My sister and I just adore (more like LOVVVVVVVE) photobooths. There aren't many in Hawaii, the newest one I've seen was the Bamboobooth on display at ARTafterDARK. So far the best on the island was at Ice Palace (where I think I spent close to $20).

PR Rundown

No not PR as in Public Relations (my useless college major, sort of not really)... PR as in PROJECT RUNWAY.

So I haven't been really following this season at all, it is until I got sick this past weekend (blessing in disguise? perhaps). Actually after all of my favorite designers from Seasons 1-4 ALL lost, I have been really hesitant to get hooked onto the show since then. My favorites by the way in order of season were Kara Saun, Daniel Vosovic, Michael Knight, and Jillian Lewis.

As for season 5, after watching just 3 episodes, here is what I have gathered... What is up with Suede talking about himself in the third person? It's like listening to Elmo, who does he think he is? And don't even get me started with Kenley... the girl doesn't take criticism from anybody, she ain't going nowhere in the fashion biz if she can't take the heat. My top three are Leanne, Jerrell, and Korto, with Leanne being my favorite. Here's a sampling of their Spring 09 Fashion Week shows:
(it's in order Leanne, Jerrell, and Korto.)

Remembering

This blog is coming a bit late, I didn't get to finish this on the day of so I saved it as a draft. But better late than never right! Well here goes...
It's been seven years since the attacks on 09.11. Time flies but the events are just so vivid in my mind. I was a freshmen in college, still adjusting to living at the dorms. That morning I planned on sleeping in, it was a Tuesday I think and I only had one class at 12 p.m. English 100. Both Anna and I were still sleeping when we received a call from our friend Kay downstairs. Groggy I answer and the first thing I hear is "We're under attack." Huh? I look outside our window, Les Murakami Stadium and Stan Sheriff Center still standing, but oddly no football practice going on. Still not getting it. "Just turn on your TV, wake up Anna." And with that Kay hung up. After that I watched Tower II go down in shock. I went to class, campus was dead, no one knew what to do or say.
Four years later on my trip to NYC (best trip EVER) the site where the Twin Towers was at the top of list of places we needed to visit. It was a very somber moment, with all the people going here or there in New York, around the area it was quiet, no one spoke a word. There was a tattered flag, a old man playing haunting songs on a recorder, pictures and memorials. This is one of a firefighter, you can't really tell but the look had so much emotion.
It was something I'll never forget.

vent sesh

things that get on my nerves, make me roll my eyes and shake my head in dismay... it's my bitch list:

-when people talk loud for no reason. it's a normal conversation about let's say what's for lunch between two people, why do you need everyone in the office or neighborhood to hear. Places that loud conversing should be appropriate: loud places (bars, clubs, concerts, outdoors), when you are really excited (and NO i don't believe someone could be THAT excited about all aspects of life), when it is a speech.

-people who get cheap thrills on commenting anonymously on people's blog. I try to avoid reading reader comments online entirely, ruins my day. Really people? Being the "First!" comment on someone's blog, and by commenting that you were "First!," three words: GET A LIFE.

-soggy french fries. you aren't doing fried potatoes justice by serving a soggy french fry.

-dan and serena's relationship on gossip girl, I've waited all summer to see if they'd get back together. And surprise, surprise THEY did. Now it's just all cheesy and mushy, I'm over it (D&S that is, NOT GG entirely).

-name dropping.

-when my nail polish chips... the day AFTER I paint them. good grief.

... that's all for now, just thinking about this is getting on my nerves.

on a positive note: I've really been trying to be nicer and not so quick to judge. Also being more patient, getting to know people, as well as stepping out of the box.

ALSO: the Sunday after the Justin Nozuka concert, I swear I spotted him at Manoa Marketplace of all places.

Polyvore and twittering

I have discovered the art of polyvore-ing. It's like collage-ing but less messy. loves it. where have you been my whole life???




officially a twiiter bug, can't wait to get my blackberry so I can twitter my little heart out.

The monster in my room

I'd like to run and hide, but I just can't seem to escape the monster in my room... no it's not my boyfriend, it's the clutter and mess, that just seems to constantly pile up. I would post a picture of it, but I don't want to scare everybody. This weekend I'm doing major clean up. Seriously.

flu shot time

last january-febuary I got the flu...BAD. And I not only got it once but twice... well not really twice I probably didn't fully recover from it the first time and it just came back to bite me in the ass even harder. My doctor put me on 2 antibiotics and 2 steroids. I was miserable. Now flu season is just around the corner. My office is offering free flu shots this month and I'm debating whether or not to get it. Nightmares of my most recent flu haunt me that I want to get it. But I've been hearing stories that the shot doesn't really work. Not to mention, they inject you with the flu and you could experience mild flu-like symptoms, and THAT is a scary thought (body aches, miserable head aches, chills, etc.). Also I'm not good with shots (whoa that has so many implications), my gardasil shot, made my arm feel bruised and itchy for like 3 weeks.

-------
well I signed myself up for the shot, decided to suck it up and take one for my immune system.

the boyfriend is sick and I've done a pretty good job of staying away. or so I thought.... my throat is itchy today. oh the horror that lies ahead...

deeper then any root or stone...

great song alert, read below. contemplating whether or not to go see justin nozuka in concert next week.

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

don't you wake up yet 

give me some time

to watch you asleep 

oh angel of mine

and i would be fine, as long as you're near me 

oh angel of mine

but tomorrow if a golden train came to take you away,

would you go or would you stay

here in this cozy room just me and you

cuddling and kissing, making sweet love,

shooting star wishing and watch the sun come up

and then we'll sleep all day

meet in our drams and live life our way 

drop it all off and we'll fly away

dip through the stars and wake up slowly

oh one thing i know for sure 

is my  love for you is deeper then any root or stone,

mama told me so

don't walk the streets alone

- "Golden Train," Justin Nozuka

Goooooolllllld!

I got a bad case of Olympics fever. 8 for Phelps! yay! Shawn Johnson finally got one on beam. I love that girl, she's just so cute.

Speaking of Phelps, Saturday me, Mike, Priya, and her friends Jenna, Taz, and Bronson had a wonderful day at the beach. Inspired by the eight time gold medalist's pre-swim bird flap stretch, I tried to do my own sad version of it, bent over flapping my arms like some weirdo. It then prompted Priya to try it out. I told Mike to buy me a swim cap because I'm going to attempt to be a swimmer. We'll see how long this motivation lasts.

Metromixing

Gannett and Honolulu Advertiser recently launched a new project: Metromix Honolulu. A cool site to check out the happenings around town. Diane and Tracy (my cubicle neighbors) have been working hard on this site, and the site is super rad. You can log in and mark your favorite haunts and even make playlists.
Check mine out: my playlist
...and if you can't head online to find out whats going on, there's always the good ol' TGIF (every Friday and found at Starbucks across the island). :)

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeekend is finallllllllllly herrrrrrrrrrrre.
If I don't make it out to the family festival or to the beach, I might just park it on the couch and watch some Summer Olympics. Tomorrow's highlight: Men's Soccer, US vs. Japan. Only thing sad... Landon Donovan is not on the team. :(

Sanrio

I'm not going to lie, the Asian girly girl fob in me loves Sanrio. You can say this love was fed throughout my childhood. I remember when I was little my sister and I would go to Shirokiya with my grandma and auntie, and my grandma would let us pick something from the Sanrio section (actually, maybe not so little because I recall my grandma kept doing this when I was still 14). This was before Sanrio Surprises or an actual Sanrio store, I swear the only places I could get my Hello Kitty fix was at Liberty House or Shirokiya. I also remember going crazy at Shirokiya's Sanrio Fair, and to this day I refuse to give up things I've made there such as... a hanky I colored, a dinosaur plush pin I "sewed" together, and sand art. Now days, I still frequent Sanrio for cute bento boxes, office supplies, etc. My favorite Hello Kitty items are my Hello Kitty blind box toys, my dad got for me at Urban Outfitters! Can you imagine how much money I'd wasted on Sanrio in Japan?!?

on hiatus

Times are tough, need to tighten the belt and go on hiatus from spending so much money.
So if I don't go out as much, this is why.
Where will you find me? Free and cheap places such as various hiking spots around town, just walking around downtown and Waikiki enjoying the sights, any bar or club with NO cover charge, Barnes & Noble reading books that I probably will not buy, doing wiiFit in my house (you can see me through our window), the gym, eating dinner with mom and dad, at the beach, and eating leftovers.

It's not that I'm broke, I just need a break from spending.

and on a totally opposite note, I wish we'd have a marc by marc jacobs store here.

food

someone recently asked me to name restaurants I just can't live without, so here's my list:

Kua Aina
Masa Sushi
Aiea Manapua
Hank's Haute Dogs
Kalapawai Market & Deli
Shokudo
Hy's Steakhouse
Varsity (formerly Magoo's) or Red Lion's Waikiki
California Pizza Kitchen
Highway Inn

If I don't go to Disneyland for my birthday... I'm using the money I've saved up to buy a new macbook and a blackberry.

Congrats to my friend Jen, she got into the JET program and will be going to Japan to live and teach, I'm SO excited for her!

i miss...

working in and around sports. This is the first time in about 5 years that I'm working in a place where ESPN isn't readily available to me. Sometimes I do sneak a glance over Wayne Harada's shoulders to peak at the TV above the old sports clerk desk I used to sit at (right now mets are playing the phillies).

Despite my rant about how much I miss sports, let me say this, I've actually come to enjoy my job. I'd say entertainment is one of the best things to write about. I like the stability of a 9-5 work schedule and a full time position.

where do you get your news?

daily newspapers? tv? internet?

Living in a time where everything is available on the internet, in 5 years do you think print newspapers will be obsolete?

I personally don't think so, you don't get the same validity from the internet over what you get in the newspaper.

Keeping tabs...

last night's episode of jon and kate plus 8 was about the gosselin's korean heritage, jon made Korean bbq and Hawaiian fried rice for the family. They talked about teaching their kids about their Korean heritage and how important it is.

I'm Japanese-Filipino but, I grew up in a predominant Japanese household, recognizing Japanese customs, holidays, language, etc. I hate Filipino food (everything except lumpia) and I'm not very connected with my Filipino heritage. BUT i do love to keep tabs on famous people who are Filipino!
Where my Filipinos at!:
Vanessa Anne Hudgens
Enrique Inglesias
Rob Schneider
Chris Judd (former mr. jennifer lopez)
Shannyn Sossamon
Chad Hugo
DJ Q-Bert
A couple of members from JabbaWockeeZ
Benny Agbayani
and...it's rumored that Jay-Z is part Filipino, my friend Geoff told me that, if it is true that would be tight as hell.

Here's a link to a longer list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Filipino_Americans&until=Tanghal%2C+Romeo

I wonder how many Japa-ninos out there? me, kelli, gav, anyone else? hit me up.

Things to do, see, eat...

What I heart doing right now:
1. Good Reads: Browsing the books at the Friends of the Library of Hawaii booksale! I got a copy of Jeff Chang's Can't Stop, Won't Stop (a book I've been dying to read) HARDCOVER for only $2. Only two days left for the booksale July 5 & 6!

2. Good Shopping: KCC Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. Mike and I have gone the last two weekends, and stocked up on fresh local produce for the week. Why shopping at Farmer's Markets are better than going to safeway? 1. gives back to our local economy. 2. it's green, uses less fuel (since it is grown locally no need waste the gas that it would take to come from the mainland to here) hence less toxins being released into the air. 3. it's waaaaay more fun. 4. ono kine grinds. My favorite booths are the Kahuku sweet corn and the Pacific Cool Ginger Ale.

3. Good Eats: Hank's Haute Dogs! Mac and Cheese with truffle oil, chicken dogs, lobster dogs... I could go on about this place.

4. Good Nights: Karaoke room at Red Lions Waikiki. $1 songs, I love how you don't need to pay for like an entire and just pay by the song!

Showing my age

Yesterday at Billabong, we were discussing this reggae remake of Backstreet Boys "All I Have to Give" (which completely SUCKS-the remake not the original, BSB fo life), and Kaliko goes "Yeah what album was that... Millenium, that was the first CD I ever owned, I got in elementary." That made me feel old, the first real music (not children's songs or books on tape but, major recording artist) I had was New Kids On The Block "Hangin Tough" ...on tape. The first CD I ever owned was Michael Jackson's HIStory and BoyzIIMen Motownphilly. I was in high school when Millenium came out (best BSB album to date).

On another note, what is up with all the remaking of songs? I say give a song some time before you remake it. Like Ten Feets version of "I'm Yours," Mr. Mraz just released it on his album this year! For crying out loud, let the song by the original artist enjoy it's time in the spotlight before you remake it. Let them become classics!

Blisters, Bodies and Bonding

This weekend I got these cute Roxy flats, that I had been eyeing for almost a month, I finally gave in because they were 50% off and they still had my size. I wore them ALL day on Monday and today, and now I have a big fatty blister on my left heel. damn you roxy.

I saw the Bodies exhibit at Ala Moana this past Monday, with Jay-Ar, Ala, Boyfriend and Jamie. It was fascinating, i liked the circulatory system and fetus sections. We also got to touch a liver (the gallbladder was like a little pod) and hold a kidney. I wonder if when I'm ready to go, they'll let me donate my body to the exhibit. Boyfriend bought me a phlange pen, so siiiick. Post-Bodies party was at Uncle Bo's with pupus and cocktails. FYI don't get the fried ice cream... SUCKS, so bready not crunchy and caramelly like Campadres or Koho's on Maui.

Last night me and Anna went to Ala Moana for some bonding and shopping. That girl went all out, 2 pairs of shoes at Nine West and a top from Miss Sixty. I held back and bought just tanks from Gap and a top from Miss Sixty, I'm saving for this HOTT pink Marc by Marc bag I saw at Nordstrom on Monday. Nothing like a night of shopping with one of your bffs!

OH the new U mag is out (The Advertiser produced mini-fashion mag) find it at Starbucks or little boutiques across the island ( I know for sure they have it at Split Obsession (my absolute favorite blind box toy store on the HK side).

On the weekends they sell Andagi at the Marukai Dollar Store, so ono. They have andadogs too. I can't wait for Aiea Soto Mission Bon Dance Andagi!

Obento

for some reason right now, I'm so obsessed with making kawaii (and oishii too) bento. I bought star, bear and heart shaped musubi makers, cute little bento accessories to go with my already cute sanrio and dollar store bento boxes (i have a big collection ranging from My Melody to some Japanese Power Ranger type lunch box). This weekend I bought a pokemon furoshiki cloth wrap for my bento! I can't wait to use it.

My bento/okazuya favorites:
chiso musubi
yakisoba
chicken karaage
konbu
coroquette
tamagoyaki
tsukemono

For more on cute bento I recommend this book:

Face Food: The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes by Christopher D. Salyers

Let them eat cake

My section loves to celebrate birthdays and for the past month we've had a birthday every other week, talk about getting fat at work. Not saying I'm a party pooper, but really how many birthdays can one girl take. You just can't say no to Zippy's cakes... dobash, dream, guava, haupia... damn you Zippy's.

I also found out my stimulus check will not be mailed out til July. At least I know I'm getting one...

I'm so freakin addicted to ito en green tea, it's baaaaaaaaad ass.

I finally watched Juno, it was pretty good.

BOS-TON, BOS-TON!

Go Celtics! They know how to do it right...


Remember when the Lakers tried to mesh more than 2 superstars together? What a disaster that was.



i ♥ Boston! Seriously... Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox... can't go wrong with that.

On a sad note, Michael Strahan and his big gap teeth are retiring. Despite he and his NY Giants beating MY Tom Brady and the Pats last Superbowl, Michael Strahan will be missed.

new blog

yup screw xanga, i got a new blog.

i was inspired by watermelon for my layout.

today i ate a tuna and artichoke sandwich for lunch, loved it. Ate at Kalapawai Market and Cafe in Kailua last night, as always the food was off the chain.

yesterday my grandma gave me her bulova watch and her mikimoto pearl pendant necklace, both vintage. i also scored some of her clothes. i also learned that my relatives suspect that my great grandma had an affair because my grandpa is the only one in his family that was dark, seriously if you guys seen my gramps when he was alive, does he look full japanese to you? geez that would totally reverse my ethnic make up.

i love the new Go! International line at target from Rogan. I'm bummed I only bought two pieces.

vampire weekend at the end of July! anyone going?