Friday, July 31, 2009

A Colorful Cloudy Day

Took the subway up to San Francisco.
Lombart Street never looked so cheerful before.
(a.k.a. "The Crookedest Street in the World")


Even the light of happiness shines in the darkest gloom.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

First Follower

A hummingbird perched on a nearby branch today as I played my guitar.

I played three songs to her.


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

One Step at a Time

Jenny helped teach me how to play the guitar. :D
I can play 2 songs now;
Not bad for a beginner's day... (;



I didn't have a guitar pick so I used my expired light rail excursion pass and folded it. It's now FUBAR at the end of the day.


Fingers hurt. D:

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Preparations

Derek met Anna today. (:

@ Flickinger Park
Anna whining about her return back in the United States; Derek's eyes stuck on a dame.

Okay, I lied. Anna's getting her camera set up for a group picture and Derek's getting into position.


Now that I think about it, I really wish to bring my bicycle over to Japan. My friends would be completely shocked at how different I look when I'm dressed to ride.

Just another day spent tuning up our bicycles for Friday's San Francisco trip and "lawling" over stories from the summer.

Night time is no limit either. Added italicized and parenthesized captions for understanding.

[11:24:40 PM] Anna: I think I was trying to say "Tell"
[11:24:51 PM] Anna: but I didn't know what it was
[11:24:54 PM] Anna: so I was talking to nanami (a friend)
[11:24:56 PM] Anna: and I was like: I want to .... Takeru. (her crush)
[11:25:07 PM] Anna: want to something? (she didn't know the verb conjugation)
[11:25:11 PM] Jimmy: LOL WOW.
[11:25:13 PM] Jimmy: .....
[11:25:13 PM] Anna: LAWL and she knew I liked him too
[11:25:16 PM] Jimmy: LOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLL
[11:25:17 PM] Anna: so it was okay. :D
[11:25:18 PM] Jimmy: OOOOMMMGGG
[11:25:27 PM] Anna: XD SHE UNDERSTOOD ME.
[11:25:42 PM] Anna: But you can add in so many other verbs..
[11:25:56 PM] Jimmy: LOOOLLLLLL WOW YOU DIRTY GIRL

(Thanks Anna for this wonderful picture! :D You see, taking pictures with my camcorder is not as great.)

Monday, July 27, 2009

Rated G For Everyone

Met with Connie, Patrick, Kathy, Vivian and was introduced to Ankush. It was good seeing everyone again after so many days of isolation during the summer.

Had loads of fun today. (:


We sat on newspapers in the grass
J: "Pick a page."
P: "The orbituaries. I mean, who reads those anyways?
J: "HAHA, but you're sitting on dead people!"

---"Pluck one out of the water."
DUCKS OMG. I wanted to sooooo badly but they swam away. Wanted to hug one. ):


I find this somewhat symbolic.


More geese -- Second picture is from Patrick. Yes they are genuine, they're just drawn on.

Now back up to when Connie, Vivian and Ankush came. I took this badass shot of them.


Perhaps I can make it more cinematic with photoshop.

Kevin Reyes wanted an explosion. So here's to him.

I realized I had lost my sunglasses when we were leaving. (I seriously still believe one of them accidentally took it, though.) So I called Derek up and asked if he wanted to go to McCarthy Ranch so I could buy a new one. Bought a sexier one, and we stopped by Fantasia's cafe along the way.

Now the bonding part. Two young adults sitting at a cafe, relaxing--with a Chinese song playing overhead in which children are singing "Sha la la~" for at least 2 minutes. I laughed so hard when Derek inadvertently was slurping to the beat. Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" came up next, and we sang to the mountains and the heavens. Of course, people were staring, but where's the fun when them?

We are very mature, thank you. Just a bit drunk.
From milk tea.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Did'ya Know?

I had a family dinner at a buffet down in south San Jose today.


"Watch Out!!!
the Hot Water is Real Hot
Thank You," reads a sign at the restaurant.


I think I know that by now from my 17 years of experience in life. I also know that air is invisible, that the wheel goes round and round, and that the blue sky is blue. Care to tell me something I don't know about hot water?

What cracks me up besides the improper capitalization is the sudden "thank you" at the end of the sign. Thanks for what?
"Hey, your fly is open, thank you." /leaves

Gosh, I am so mean.


Purple post-sunset sky again today at McKee

Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Final Summer

One month left of a carefree summer. Still taking AP classes, but no summer homework. I feel lucky.

Earlier today, I lay down at Noble Park reading my book. A man who fed the geese commented on the way I was lying down saying I "looked pretty comfortable there."

Yup, sure was. Wonderful view of the pond and the birds pleased my eyes as well.


Then went up north to try Fantasia's pearl drinks suggested by a friend of mine. Think found my permanent cafe now that's not Starbucks.

Today was pretty much laid-back; use more of these days. I'm surprised at how easy it is to just run away from the hectic and stressful life in the city for a while.

I'm using my dad's digital camera from now on. Borrowing sucks.

His Mask

My cousin sounds like a gangster. Here's a license plate near at the Milpitas In-N-Out which I would expect from him, but too bad it's already taken. The truth is once you see him, he's just like any other normal guy. Except he's really lazy.

"Oh jeebus, hot as a bietch, Can’t believe Jim Jim and I watched Untold Stories of the ER for 6 hours straight… I blame Cathy’s dad. I finished 6th book of Harry Potter. (= THen after that Jimmy and I went to go to Rivermark cause it was too hot in the house. Got some starbucks, hella delicous. Then Jimmy biked home. And I walked home. So I just layed there and koed on the sofa. :p Woke up to the tv. Click was on, and I watched the sad part. )= In Click, the wife is so hawt and in Mission Impossible, the asian Lady is fuckin Gorgeous."
--More from his blog.

It makes me put my palm on my forehand and sigh "Oh, Bryan."
Don't call me Jim-Jim again since I'm not a frolicking girl in the flower fields or I'll smack you.
Go with the names already provided, please. |:

...Hope to hang out soon again for some coffee.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Matt Nathanson!



Yesterday, I got a chance to see Matt uphand in downtown San Jose for Music in the Park at Cesar Chavez Park for free. Good thing he came on a bit late, because I arrived at 5 minutes late of the expected time.

So from 7:30-9:15 PM, Matt played some of his less popular songs, and saved the best one "Come On, Get Higher" last. Shame on the weather though, it turned a bone chilling 53 degrees.

Enjoy.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Trap of Racism

The teenager gently nudged people saying "excuse me" as he moved to a more secluded area on the train, moving his bicycle along. At last, an empty seat. He placed his bike next to it, and sat down with his fast food and began eating.

He had forgotten his keys and battery for his camcorder for a free concert in downtown and decided to dash home and back. Disappointment in himself worried him, because time was running out. Slowly, he finished his food that was hastily stuffed in a brown paper bag at the restaurant where he realized he had forgotten these two items at home.

Within a few moments after eating, a large Hispanic man with a partially shaven face entered the train. His face resembled an urban vagabond who had been drinking nothing but alcohol; his dull expression was particularly shown through his eyes.

The man approached the teenager, and barked, "Get 'cho Japanese, Asian ass off the seat. You motherfu--in' piece of..."

"What?"

The teen, surprised, gave a stunned look at the plump man. Nothing but profanity and dirty words came out of the man again.

Immediately the teen, now provoked, wanted to retaliate. He isn't going to tolerate any of it. He felt the anger running through his veins like a vicious snake, never like this before. He wanted to punch the man in the face--perhaps break a few bones--, he wanted to knock him out cold and teach him a lesson in life right then and there. The young boy felt his arm rise, but his mind stopped him short.

Not wanting to be responsible for a mess should he had thrown a punch, the teen got up, moved his bicycle along to another seat, maliciously glaring at the fat man who took no attention. The teen sat down, and asked a lady nearby,

"He's crazy, isn't he?" She nodded. "Uh huh."

All of this stole the attention of other passengers on board, but no one dared to intervene. It was only up to the teen throughout the whole incident to defend his status as a human being. The boy was shocked, for he had just been publicly harassed in front of everyone. He fought back by giving clear, forceful warnings to the large man, ready to leap. He would not wait for anyone else's aid once he gets hurt.

And so, the man left the train at the next stop. He had hitched a ride without a ticket. The teenager was left with rash thoughts. Both ugly and dark. Horrible and demoralizing. Racism in the world is bad enough, there was no need for more of it. Poof goes those rash thoughts once he was aware of himself being a hypocrite.

Godspeed in life, the teen wished to his attacker. The vagabond probably had a life worse than anyone else on the train. It was just this particular man with his particular problem. Others probably didn't like him anyways, including the lady who nodded.

And so the teen without guilt of his actions, pushed the incident away and continued on his life.


-----------------
Personal comment: Hilarious. This was after the incident on the very same day. Seemed like the heavens tried to get the message across to Earth with a small sign. I probably wouldn't be seeing this if I had smacked that man.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The First Day

And that's how God created the moon and the heavens. Or it could just be nature's very own "hangover."


(Picture by Bruno Gerber)

Have A Little Fun

I was able to get my hands on a DSLR camera and fiddled with it the whole day after cycling to my cousin's house in Santa Clara, CA on 7/18. We watched Harry Potter 6 at 10:50 PM and finished around 1:30 AM with me even carrying the camera inside the theaters. The picture results were fantastic, too, by the way. (;

Albert didn't even notice this. (Waiting in line to enter)

The whole gang ♥ Look at our sleep-deprived eyes. (After the movie)

Johnny's everywhere. (At Bryan's house--the girls wanted pictures of themselves)

Night of the Day


There was a huge solar eclipse in Asia yesterday, the longest of the century--lasting 6 minutes in some parts. I emailed my host mom who's in Japan and she told me since my host siblings didn't understand what was going on, it was a waste in her opinion.

I wonder what was going on their little heads. (:

"Mommy, did Ultraman eat the sun?"

I shall ask the next time I return.
In the meantime, I'm jealous of you, Anna. You got to see a once-in-a-lifetime event near the end of your homestay.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Don't Touch Silver Nitrate

That's what my AP Chemistry teacher Ms. Bailey told all of us as a precaution before a lab. Getting this stuff (AgNO3) on your skin will turn it darker and ugly. Okay. I took the advice.

And so, I ended with it up my nose today. It stung like hell. Well duh, it's corrosive.

Now you're probably wondering how in the world that happened. After a year of nosebleeds, I was able to get my hands on an otolaryngologist--or in common terms, a nose doctor--and schedule an appointment. He took a look up my nose, and found some broken vessels which was why I kept on getting nosebleeds on my left nostril. So what he's going to do is seal it up using my body's healing ability to his advantage. To do that, he was going to have to burn or scar some of this tissue to initiate the process. He did so, but of course, sprayed a nasty anesthetic that went down my throat before because this would hurt. Nasty stuff, that was.

So now I can't sneeze through my nose, or do any extraneous activity causing high blood pressure or else it won't heal. Which means I can't ride by bicycle to my full potential at top speed. :( I'm not even allowed to blow my nose for a week and was told to leave it alone. So for the next few days, you'll be hearing me sneeze "Haa AH!" as I open my mouth to redirect the air from my nasal airway.

Now for something aside I'd like to share. These spectacular post-sunset photos of the sky were taken today, which surprised me because a clear, sunny day here usually means no nice sunset. For a clear day, it can't possibly get any better than this.


Such a wondrous sight.

Monday, July 20, 2009

His Uplifting Placebo

I've been told by my parents and all my teachers since elementary school not to speak with strangers. I do so anyways. Or at least, they come to me first.

Today, I pushed my limits to 32 miles in one day. 20 miles was my last record, and astonishingly enough, the much more previous was 4 miles. Went up to the Fremont BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station and back home. On the way there, I was baffled at how slowly I was advancing, even stopping my bicycle to check whether the wheels were not rubbing on the brakes. They weren't and I continued on my way. I shrugged it off.


Then I'm into Fremont. The roads start to deteriorate, get narrower, and within several minutes, my bicycle shakes harder than the 5.0ish earthquake that happened 2 years ago. I've thought some roads in San Jose were bad, but after my experience here, I don't think I will be complaining for a while. They should reword the Fremont city limit sign above to "Fremont: We rock the hell out of you. Literally!"

Then my front wheel goes out of true ( = goes wobbly) because of that and starts rubbing the brakes. I really then had to pull over to retrue it, wasting minutes on a lawn of a company with my bike upside-down. I fix it, then still notice I'm going slow.

What the hell, did I get fatter or something?

I arrive at the BART station, buy a sports drink at a Vallero gas station and head back.
Turns out on the way back, the whole trip was going UPHILL at a slope small enough that I couldn't detect. The way home was a PIECE of cake. I hardly pedaled.

But that doesn't mean it's always downhill. I approach the city of Milpitas (THANK GOD THE STREETS ARE BETTER HERE) and it starts to flatten out. I have to head back up near the Eastern foothills, which means I'll go uphill again. By this point, I'm tired. Almost approaching my 30 mile mark, and surpassing my previous limit, I wanted to just take it easy from that point on. Whoosh. Another cyclist passes me. Then another stranger cycles up from behind and is side by side.

Now here comes the main point of this blog post.

"Just a bit more!" he smiles and pushes me on. I thank him; he's in the same struggle with me.

That's all I needed. From there on, those words he effortlessly stuck in my head had me pedaling harder uphill. Whizzing past evening joggers and other cyclists, I see the San Jose city limits sign, and can't help but smile at how wonderful my city is compared to the dusty, industrial city of Fremont. I'm home. (Well not really, but my American home.)

Now my present for accomplishing 32 miles? The sky's soft glow. (:

That ends the day.

The power of the mind is amazing.
Hm, what else could I do with it? I wonder if there's a manual that I can read...

Kissy, Kissy!


The way the little boy GRABS the girl is as if he was saying, "HEY! UNDIVIDED ATTENTION, PLEASE." Then he plants one right there.

Now hide it for 10-15 years. After, let the two watch it.
Their reactions will be priceless.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Yes, It's Truly A Small World!

Studying abroad can allow one to see that the world isn't so big after all.
Once you set off across the world and come back, your mind's perspective on the world's size drastically changes.

Allow me to present a video analogy.

So basically, you think the world is small. So this means there's a relatively large amount of people. I think these clips from my experience on "It's a Small World" at Disneyland fits the bill.



See, I told you! ;) (LOL)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Earthly Possesions

Camera's broken. Some $500 when I bought it, but that's okay. And I'm not filthy rich, either. This was more than half of a decade ago and I think it's time I need a new camera, anyways. (Cheaper, too!)

So over the years, what happened were:
- Protective lens covering was lost at San Francisco Int'l Airport
- Sliding door to turn off/on the camera won't lock in place
- (Today) Lens started making rattling noises and jammed. The final death blow. Hm, talk about the death rattle.

I was extremely frustrated when this happened. Opening my camera up to see what was causing the jam, but the manufacturer used glue as well as screws to keep the camera intact. I really could do nothing. As I was putting back the screws, 2 of them wouldn't budge in completely. So for the rest of the afternoon in the 90 degree heat while I sweat my ass off, a screw was screwing me and my day up as opposed to me screwing in the screw (= the bolt).

I NEED A NEW ONE ANYWAYS. Damn. But after a time where I finally put the camera back intact, I realized there was no reason to be angry. When I die, I die. The (stupid) camera won't follow me into the afterlife, or at least I hope. (lol)

So what will follow me? And what would I carry along with me?

Love, of course.


I should feel silly to be worrying about my camera.
Now let's hope dad understands.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Brushes with Death


"Owie!" a voice stole my attention from stirring the whipped cream Frappucino.

I look up, with the straw frozen in my hand, to see an innocent face melted by fear. It was a young boy was holding his index finger up, as if he was pointing at the ceiling. His mother quickly went over to pull him and his chair away from the wall, where another man diligently working on his laptop had stood up to access the situation.

"Don't touch the metal on the wall" his mother said. The man on his laptop realized that the child had touched a loose prong from his adapter connected to the outlet. Worried, he asked whether the child was okay, and his mother reassured him that everything was under control.

The child was sucking his finger the rest of his time in the cafe.

----

I, myself, have been shocked two times in my life that I can recall of--the latest being the worst. As a baby, I remember (doing a VERY STUPID THING and) sticking a penny just to see whether it would fit in the outlet on the wall. I was during my crawling stages.

Damn, the penny won't fit. The solution? Simply jam it in harder and move it around.

And sure enough, the outlet on the wall coughs up a white/bluish spark and buzzes at me. I was startled by it, immediately dropped the penny and crawled as fast as possible away behind a corner. After a few seconds, I crawled back to look at it again, and headed for my parent's bedroom. My parents had announced there was a blackout. Oops.

This memory is foggy but I certainly know the details were true.

The second time, I wanted to rewind a VCR tape (REMEMBER THE 1990s??) so I had to plug the tape rewinder in. I don't know how I was shocked this time but sure enough as soon as I had inserted the prong it, my body jolted for a second or so until I was aware that I was being shocked. I promptly dropped the plug, backing up and took the time to make sure I was okay.

My heart was racing. I was sweating. I had to make sure no serious damage had taken place, and so after that, I never touched that horrible device again. I would kick it now if I had the chance to.

I've been in other accidents as well, and MANY near-death experiences with traffic by careless drivers. (Aside: I hate old and most of irresponsible, young teenage drivers the most, so sorry if you're in this category!) And almost by lightning too, which struck some 2000 feet away from me.

All these experiences have had me thinking why am I still alive today? I clearly don't know, but I'm ever so grateful that someone has been watching me ever since. Thank you, God? My Angel? My ancestors? Whoever you are, I owe my life for you.

All of this certainly plays a role in my optimism.


I.M.O., Everything happens for a purpose or a reason.

Your Fault

Really. Where are the racks?
So it's not my problem. I had no choice.

@ Starbucks Cafe, Murphy Ave (District 4)

The City's Response

I received an email reply back from the city in regards to my complaint. Sorry to keep you all waiting.

Mr. [L.],

I am responding to your e-mail to Amy Olay on July 14th.

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding detection of bicyclists at traffic signals.

You will be happy to know that a recent State law (AB 1581) requires that enhanced bicycle detection be incorporated into signal designs for new signal installations and signal modifications. The State is currently developing the standards for bicycle detection, but San Jose has already begun to include bicycle specific detection devices as well as the associated pavement markings in some projects.

We hope to expand the installations to retrofit all intersections, but due to the budget constraints you noted, this will likely be a long-term effort.

Regarding your suggestion to add detection location markings to existing loops, the City has found that most existing loops do not detect bicycles well, and indicating that they will be detected when they may not be is problematic.

I hope this addresses your concerns. Feel free to contact me if you should have any questions.

Best regards,

John Raaymakers, P.E.

Associate Civil Engineer

Department of Transportation

Guess we all have to wait, they've been working on this.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Step by Step


There's so much more for me to see out there. I've only just poked a hole on the surface.

"Not all those who wander are lost."




♪ Aerosmith "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Yes, I "Got" It

You're going to love this. You're sitting inside from the hot weather drinking your pearl drink and you see this outside. (taken near the Montague light rail station)



And yesterday, a friend told me he hates drivers because he was honked at for 5 seconds on an overpass. Bay Area drivers, jerks, aren't they? He's still new cycling with traffic on the road so whenever he sees me do something outrageous (to him), he backs off and goes on the sidewalk.

: lol derek and I call that "pulling a jimmy"
me: "pulling a jimmy" lol wtf
me: how about "pulling a tip from Derek's online manual"

Breakfast Time


Okay, I eat breakfast in the afternoon, I admit it. Snoozing in during the summer is what I do.

So today, I seriously thought I was eating Cocoa Puffs for breakfast all along--turns out it was chocolate Rice Krispies after I thought about its small size.

I'm losing my familiarity with American brands. Oh no!

(Picture not by me)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Please Turn Green


I was waiting at a left turn signal today. Green light didn't trip so I nearly had an accident getting over to the sidewalk from the center of the road.

So off goes my complaint to the city. I'll keep you all updated.
"Hello Ms. Olay,

As an avid cyclist, I would like to request that new traffic signals or current traffic signals on San Jose's roads that have bicycle lanes to have easy markings of actuators on the ground for easy identification. Cyclists should easily spot these actuators on the ground such that they can place their bicycles directly over them to request green, especially on left turn lanes.

I have noticed that there are some roads which do in fact have these markings (with tar), but some others--notably older ones, and repaved roads--make it hard for one to find the "spot" on the road in order to request a green light from the signal, thus forcing one to run a red light (safely) because the light never turns green.

By simply marking these with white paint, or cheaper with tar since the city is facing a tight budget, we all could make San Jose a green and unique city promoting its citizens to find cleaner alternative methods of travel, as well as protecting those who have already chosen this greener alternative.

Thank you for your consideration, and your time!
Jimmy L."

I was actually at Piedmont & Sierra today, not way over at 33rd St.

Painting the Dullness

Music makes me happy.

Never has it failed to add color in my life. (:

Undefined Reality


I don't think I'll want to dream for a while again.

They've been either bad ones or nightmares. One night, I was running through a haunted campus and the next thing you know, I escape only to find myself trapped again. Mindtricks? No, I'm still dreaming. Damn.

I guess what goes comes around. Life has been particularly good but apparently, not so much in my dreams.

Monday, July 13, 2009

No Way Left


"When things look ugly, I look a little closer.
When things look unlikely, I keep looking.
When things look near impossible, I try anyway.
And when there isn't a way possible?

I MAKE ONE."

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Flute


You're at the center of attention. Everyone's watching.
Nervously, you begin to play, fearful of the disapproval and criticism as you hold the flute with your very hands.

A glace up, and you see all eyes have had contact with you the whole time. A sweat breaks out.
You notice the sharps and flats that aren't supposed to flow in the melodic atmosphere, but you continue playing anyways, staying wary.

Suddenly, you realize those penetrating glares out there aren't what you think. They're wide open, slightly twinkling from the tears. You squint, and look down. Slowly, but surely, the letter "u" widens and a smile takes shape.

Deep inside the audience was something you failed to see. Admiration and awe was always there since the moment the crowd gathered. "But how?" you ask, it never happened before. You think. Maybe it's just this group of people today. They smile, they stand and offer their presence because--oh, that's it!

Others have stood in front of you before, not necessarily always grinning. You don't know if they like the squeaking or soft tone from your flute. However, you're sure that the very same admiration here now was there last time. Proof? Their stationary presence indicates their interest.

Just because things don't appear a way doesn't mean it's like that.

With a burst of confidence, you stand up higher--flute still in hand--and play louder.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Y'all Git Off Ma' Property

That's right, don't even think of it.
(Photo courtesy of Derek Szeto)

...And no, we San Jose residents don't talk like Southerners.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Full Speed Ahead!


People may try to hurt you, scar you, and intimidate you.
Don't take any of it.

Instead, you decide to push it aside and reach out for what you've been chasing all along. You're not going to stop for these obstacles; you're who you want to be, you're in control.

Live to the fullest, love without any shame, and shine for those who seek your light.


Just keep hanging on, because that's what nature does, too.

Delirious Franticness


I've lost a piece of paper with some contact information on it and I can't find it.

What's driving me absolutely NUTS is that I'm looking in the same place where I found it not to be. Time's a-runnin' out. So many things to do, so little time.

I despise you, time. So much.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Californian Adventures

I saw Transformers today. Not really a fan of it but have to agree it was pretty satisfying to the eye. The reason why I watched it in the first place was because a friend from Annandale, Virginia who I met while on my Japan homestay was visiting California, and I agreed to meet up with her.

The girl is Elizabeth, and she took her brother, Eric, along with her. Unfortunately, she drank some Nuoc Mia (sugarcane juice) at a Vietnamese restaurant and had food poisoning so her stomach was giving her a bad time. She told us to go on ahead and watch a movie while she stayed home to rest, and would catch us up later.



These are scenes from the movie. Eric and I sat in the movie theater from 2:40 to 5:20. It was a LOONG one. I liked it, though.

We took the light rail to downtown after, and it was such a joy to see it full of life. (In fact, it was even hard walking!) I never knew music could liven the city this much on a single day.

I wonder what all the people here must've look like from the office buildings high above. A scrambled TV channel? Ants? In-sync bobble heads? Whatever. There's a lot, that's all that matters.


And so I gave him a tour of my city, took pictures, and waited for Elizabeth to come. But in doing so, two marine recruiters suddenly approached us--as if they were going to mug us--, started boasting about the U.S. Marines and how we should join.

Sorry, no. I have a future somewhere else, and I'm too skinny. Bummer for you.

So I politely hushed them away, dragging Eric with me because he couldn't get out of their grapple of him by eye contact.


I met Elizabeth at St. Joseph's Church and we took the train to Japantown from downtown. Shopped at Nijiya's Market, did some more touring, dined in at a Ramen restaurant. Yup. I had Egg Rolls (from outside the store). Spoke Japanese along the way, too; but received some stares from non-Asian pedestrians so I just went plain English.


The restaurant, it looks like a bar, no?



Ahh, what a day. :)