Christmas 2008

Favorite time of the year for my son, besides Thanksgiving and his birthday, because he receives the most gifts.  I am not doing much for Christmas this year, besides spend time with my son. We're not going anywhere far or to any destination.  Maybe, we'll watch a movie if the weather permits us to do so.

Back to presents now.  I bought myself a black winter peacoat from H&M and a white sweater from J. Crew.  Both items were made out of wool and dry clean only.  Isaiah received 4 gifts in total this Christmas.  From his preschool holiday party, he received a book about NASCAR racing from his teachers.   

Also, Isaiah was excited to see Santa again and told him what he wanted for Christmas (I assume).

And yes, I had to take a pic with Santa too.

His grandparents (my parents) let Isaiah pick out a toy from Target for his Christmas present. This is what he ended up picking out.

For the next present, from his great grandparents and great aunt, he also had the chance to pick out another toy.  This time he went for the rocketship.

And this is my present to him.  He has been playing with the Leapster 2 ever since he opened up the present.

He is really into the game.

Well, until next Christmas...

Disneyland & Six Flags Magic Mountain

I know this is sort of late, but this is where I went for Thanksgiving weekend. First, my family, my son and I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain. For the 5 or 6 hour drive there, my son was pretty good for sitting in the car for so long and not having to use the bathroom every few minutes or so.  Once, we reached Six Flags, of course we all went to the kiddie coasters for my son.  He went on almost every ride, including the Thomas the Train ride, because he loves trains. Look below, he even got the front seat of a roller coaster and all to himself. How cool is that?

Though, my son was apparently scared of the conductor.

Next, I left my son with my parents, while my brother and I went to ride on X2. X2 is a roller coaster where a person is in a laying down position, going through loops and flames.  Now, this is an upgrade from the first X ride.  I would say that there is not much difference between the two, except for the sound effects and music and flames, to add to extremity of the ride. Though when I put on the seatbelt and it locked, I thought wait a second, I haven't been on a roller coaster in a year. What have I got myself into?  It was already too late and next thing I know, as my brother and I are in the first row of the roller coaster, we are flipping upside down for the first drop. Breathtaking to say the least, meaning I had to catch my breath.  Then, we all headed towards Downtown Disney to eat dinner at Rainforest Cafe.  Great food and atmosphere, where it seems like one is in a rainforest.  Of course, I had to buy my son another Mickey Mouse at Downtown Disney while we were there.

Next day, we all headed to Disneyland Paradise Pier Hotel to eat breakfast and my son, Isaiah, met Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Minney Mouse. Isaiah was very excited to meet them all.

Then, we went on a few roller coasters at Disneyland, including Space Mountain, Go-Go Gadget Coaster, Mountain Bobsleds, and even saw the Fantasmic! show.  This is before we entered the Mountain Bobsleds and Isaiah had no idea what we were getting into.

Also, I purchased a set of legos for Isaiah at Downtown Disney's Legoland, which has some cool figures created out of legos.

Even this guy walking by the store became fascinated.

Of course, couldn't forget about the Mickey Mouse ears and that Wall-E.

For my birthday, which was on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, I got to sit in the car for 7 hours on my way back home from Disneyland. What a vacation! Until next year...

This Is Who We Are

We are the short smart-talking kids of the future
We are the laundry and grocery shop owners
of mom and pop shops
trying to do more than just make ends meet.
We are the ones who excel in school
trying to prove to our parents that we are more than just the ordinary
or rather the average
We are the sons and daughters of immigrants
Immigrants who were railroad workers and lived on Angel Island
to make sure their families could get a free pass to America.

We are quiet, reserved, and submissive
as the stereotypes state us as so.
We are the yellow-skin people you love to hate
because you have to work with us
whether it’s in the bank getting money or getting some food at a restaurant.
We are hard working
yet do we ever get over that glass ceiling?
Statistics show that we’re at the top of our classes
Yet at high-paying companies we’re always a step behind a top tier position.

We are the ones you make fun of on the bus
because we are different and we do not look like you.
We are the ones who have strict parents
Parents who do not understand the “American” life
so instead they instill traditions on us
to keep with us forever and pass it on to our kids.
We are the daughters of parents who idolize and worship their first sons.
The ones who always try hard to impress their parents
only to receive a pat on the back.

Out of all the stereotypes that we are made of
This is what we also are.

We are the ones who will stand up and speak out
No longer will we be quiet and submissive
and let you control our lives because we have worked too hard
to let it all go to waste.
And no we are not the famous athletes or actors
unless in kung-fu movies
We are your next-door neighbor
or the co-worker you say hi to every morning
or the classmate you make fun of or cheat off of on tests and exams
or the passenger on the bus that you can’t stand the look at
or the little girl you want to jump because she has Jordans and an iPod.
To you we all look the same.

This is who and what we are
and we do not care what you think of us
We still strive to do better and prove to the world
that we are here to stay
and that we will one day reach the top.

New Trend: Line Cutting

Every year new trends seem to appear everywhere that most of the time I can't even keep up with all the different up-to-date styles and attitudes.  Recently, I discovered a new trend called line cutting. Though line cutting often happens during long lines for theme park rides, I am referring to line cutting at restaurants and coffee shops.  Those who cut others in line sometimes do it unconsciously while at other times just want to get ahead of you.  I'll give you two scenarios where this happened to me last week.  

Scenario #1

While at Starbucks, I waited in line with my son, while he sat in his tricycle.   I bent down to give my son a kiss.  When I stood back up, I see this lady go right in front of me.  

Me: "Excuse me, I was in line".  

Now, I had a pretty mean looking face and for those of you who know me well, that's very hard for me to make.

Lady #1: "Sorry, I didn't know you were in line".  

Did she not see me because I was bending down?  A friend of mine told me that I needed to grow taller so that people could see me.  Though I am only 5'1, I doubt she cut in front of me because of my height.

Scenario #2

At Subways, for the second time during the week, again someone cut in front of me. I waited for the server to finish making the sandwich for the person in front of me.  The person in front of me was an elderly Asian man.  When the server finished making the sandwich, a lady standing behind me told her what she wanted.  

Me: Excuse me, I have not ordered yet.

Lady #2: Oh, sorry I thought you were with him (referring to the Asian man in front of me).

Me: No, I am not.

Just because the man in front of me is Asian and I'm Asian does not mean we are together.  

I hope this new trend does not last, but fades away.  So far, I have not ran into line cutting lately, but I am always on the lookout for it to happen on my next visits to buy food or drinks.

Charlie Brown x Coca-Cola

Apparently this commercial first appeared during the Super Bowl XLII. I saw this in the movie theaters and thought Coca-Cola made a very creative, unique, and enjoyable commercial. This commercial features Stewie, Underdog, and Charlie Brown.

Music Feature: Realistic Orchestra

Realistic Orchestra is a 16-piece band, with 13-15 horns and a rhythm section.  Also, the band has added DJ Aspect McCarthy and Dublin on vocals with upright and electric bass players. The band often performs on Tuesday nights, with doors opening at 9:30pm, at Bruno's in the Mission District of San Francisco.  For more information on Realistic Orchestra and other bands associated with them, please go to Jazz's Mafia's website.

I had an opportunity of assisting on a live recording Realistic Orchestra at a club/venue, because I used to work with them.  When all the tracks were recorded, I mixed and edited the session. Although I am still finding time to work on this project, here's a preview of what's to come. Please listen and enjoy!

Two Encounters!

That's right, this time I'm writing about two encounters that happened this week.

Encounter #1

While I went to purchase some children's clothing for Isaiah, the lady at the register took a look at my t-shirt:

Lady at Register: Are those the names of your kids?

Me: Uh.....no.

Lady at Register: Oh, I'm sorry.  The weather must be getting to me.

Then she told her co-worker to look at my t-shirt and told her that she thought the names were my children's names.  Keep in mind that both of these women were also staring at my chest.

Encounter #2 

While pushing my son on a saucer swing, two girls on the other swing started giggling.  I overhead one of the girls (Girl #1) tell her friend (Girl #2) that Isaiah is my son.  Her friend didn't believe her, so that girl told her to ask me.

Girl #2: Is that your son?

Me: Yeah.

Girl #1: He's very quiet.

Me: Yeah, he's only 4 years old.

Girl #2: How old were you when you had him?

Me: That's really none of your business.

Girl #2 looked shocked as hell when I said that.  I'm thinking well she asked and that's what she gets.  Both girls seem to be around the age of 10 - 13.  Kids these days....

Stinson Beach

Last weekend, my family and I went to Stinson Beach for a day of fun out in the sun.  We drove through windy curves and turns, moving with the mountains, while my brother tried to teach my mother how to drive this course.  Though I find it weird for a son to teach his mother how to drive, when she's been driving for more years than he has, still they went at it. Through all the twists and turns, we finally reached our destination of Stinson Beach, which is up north from San Francisco.  

When we finally got onto the beach, we went to the shore to the water. Isaiah, my son, saw my brother kick the water, so he started copying him. After that, Isaiah pretty much went crazy with kicking the water.  He kicked the water at everyone and got us all wet.  Then, he ran from the water and fell on his butt. Yes, his shorts and underwear got all wet and dirty.  Take a look.

The other half of his leg is in the water.

After a day of playing in the water and the sand at the beach, I can say that it was fun and relaxing.  I even saw a naked little boy running around.  Here's a look at the beach.

AES 2008!

This year for AES 2008, at San Francisco Moscone Center, Digidesign has announced some new products, which includes:

• Pro Tools 8
• Toolkits
• 003 Rack+ Factory

Pro Tools 8 — the most advanced audio creation and production software, featuring a gorgeous new interface; dozens of new plug-ins; five new virtual instruments; exciting new scoring, MIDI, editing, and mixing capabilities; deeper controller integration; improved ease of installation and use; and enhanced performance.

Toolkits include Music Production Toolkit 2, Complete Production Toolkit and DV Toolkit 2. For more information, please go here.

With the 003 Rack+ Factory you can record an entire band or ensemble in your home/project studio, garage, or even live! Digidesign® 003® Rack+ Factory is ideal for musicians, recording engineers, and producers looking for a professional Pro Tools® music recording and production solution that’s more affordable and portable. With eight premium mic preamps and a wide variety of I/O to connect your instruments and other gear, 003 Rack+ Factory provides the power and capacity to record from multiple mic sources — all at once.

I assisted at the Digidesign VIP Party, before the AES exhibits started, by passing out exclusive Pro Tools 8 t-shirts. Of course, all the VIPs and guests wanted a shirt. Some people were digging through their pockets, pulling out their phones and wallets, just to find a small blue ticket in exchange for a Pro Tools 8 t-shirt. The VIP party featured new products from Digidesign, M-Audio, and Sibelius. Besides the t-shirts being the main attraction, the vintage gear showing the history of Pro Tools was another eyesight of awe. While working, I was able to snap some photos of the of the VIP party, check it out:

The badge for the VIP party.

The exclusive Pro Tools 8 t-shirt that I was passing out.

Pro Tools Time Machine, the vintage gear.

On October 4th, the 2nd day of AES, my bro and I went to the exhibits to check out new audio products and software. The booth that had the most audience, of course, was Digidesign as they did a demo of Pro Tools 8. Here are some photos of the Digidesign booth:

Fresh Oysters, Anyone?

This past weekend, my family and I went to an oyster farm, up north near Point Reyes Station. To get to Tomales Bay Oyster Company, the oyster farm, we drove through many turns before reaching our destination. Once we reached the oyster farm, we come to find a bunch of wooden tables and barbecue pits, with lots of cars parked to feast on this so-called fresh specialty. We copped ourselves a table, bought some oysters, along with a bottle of hot sauce, a lime, and a shucking knife. Of course, we had to open the oysters ourselves, the staff of the oyster farm just sold us the tools and goods.

While my mom and bro were shucking oysters, I walked out with Isaiah to Tomales Bay, almost near the water but not quite. After they were done shucking oysters, we all ate. Well, except for Isaiah because he's still too young. Instead, he ate some saltine crackers. After an hour drive to buy some oysters and clams, I think we all had a good experience.

Though, next time if you ever decide to go there, remember to bring charcoal, drinks, a shucking knife, table cloths, and whatever else you can think of for a barbecue. The oyster farm only has the food. Also, I had a chance to practice on my photography.

I'm not even sure who ate this oyster.

New Toy Pickups!

Yesterday, my bro, my son, and I went to the True Sale sort of late around 6pm.  Not much there but some crap in some large bins.  Instead, I got some toys from KidRobot, one from the Simpsons collection and the other from the new Dunny 5 Series.  Oh yes!

Compliment or Insult?

Every Saturday, I work-out at the Presidio YMCA for about an hour or so. While I work-out, Isaiah stays at Childwatch.  Childwatch is a program where YMCA staff will watch your child while you work out for a low fee.  

Today while I went into YMCA Childwatch to drop off Isaiah, this young lady, probably a teenager, asks me an odd question.

YMCA staff:  Are you his big sister?

Me: No, I'm his mom.

My brother and I looked each other weird, like what the hell.  This is the second time someone has asked me a question like that.

Now I'm not sure whether to take this as a compliment or an insult. What do you think?

Pro Tools Mania!

There’s never been a better time to get that Pro Tools LE® system you’ve been lusting after. On September 13, 2008, participating Digidesign® dealers across the country will open their doors for a special one-day-only event — Pro Tools® Mania.

Come join the party and take advantage of special offers on Pro Tools LE systems. Be one of the first 20 people per store to purchase an Mbox® 2 Pro, Mbox® 2 Pro Factory, 003® Rack, 003® Rack Factory, or 003® Factory and you’ll snag a copy of Transfuser™ — Digidesign’s crazy, tweaky new loop creating virtual instrument — for free! Plus, you’ll have a chance to win an ultra-cool studio prize package worth over $3,000, get free stuff, meet local Digidesign sales reps (at select dealers), learn new things, get help, and more.

For a list of participating dealers or for more information, please visit the Pro Tools Mania page.

Alert: New Incoming MySpace Message!

Don't you just love to see that MySpace message alert once you log onto MySpace? Especially those messages from random people that you don't really know. Some stranger actually took the time to browse through profiles and send messages. What can I say, I may do the same too from time to time.

Sometimes the messages can nice, sweet even. Other messages are just downright disturbing, which I always ignore and never respond to. Well, today I encountered some other sort of MySpace message.

This morning when I logged onto MySpace, I received a message around 4am from this guy apparently named J Rock. Of course at 4am, I was knocked out in bed, but he had the time to actually browse and probably send messages to all the girls he thought was cute.

Here is how the messaging went. I'll put it in the form of a conversation, so this should be easier to follow and read.

---Start of conversation

J Rock: now i know you need some d***... so holla

Me: Oh really now...How can you tell if I need some dick or not? Seems like you need some p**** instead.

J Rock: What up, I bet yours is good cuz your fine. Just tell me something sexy.

Me: Haha...thanks, but i'm cool.

J Rock: mmm ok you do seem kinda cool and im cool also so we have something in common already my sister says we would look good together. So how bad do you need it?

Me: Haha, oh yeah the fact that we're cool, right? I don't need it that bad.

J Rock: Yes your cool but im a little bit cooler. ha ha j/k. I can tell you need it bad because of the way you wear your hair. Your going to be my m.i.l.f.

Me: The way i wear my hair? wow didn't know that could show if someone wanted sex or not. I must be giving all the wrong signs then. But i'm cool, not trying to be your m.i.l.f.

J Rock: No it subconscious stuff you need a trained eye to spot it. Do you know what milf stands for?

Me: A trained eye huh? Well you better look again, because I think you're missing something, you're quite not there yet. I know what milf stands for, unless you have some other definition that you'd like to share.

J Rock: Ok what does it stand for?

Me: Well any one who has watched American Pie knows what it stands for. Of course, people always have other definitions.

J Rock: Mmm your hot. What do you think bout this? Me, you, soome candles, and some sented oils... just a night all to our selfves. ha ha

Me: Haha, thanks...but i'm cool.

J Rock: I understand we should not do it but it would be fun however. it would need to be just our little secret from the world. you would look so beautiful by the candle light. your hair bounceing free and wild. a look of pure joy on your face as i give you what youve been asking me for over and over. harder and harder till we reach the peak of happiness together mmmmmmm. we make eachother so happy... ha ha

Me: Haha, you must have this all planned out..."peak of happiness"? ok, nice word choice. Thing is that I haven't been asking for that...

J Rock: Well thank you. What color do you think of when your happy?

Me: (Now that was a weird question) I haven't really thought of a color when i'm happy. If I do, I probably don't realize it...so I wouldn't know.

J Rock: I know you have a nice girl down deep inside you some place. you need to let her out she wants to cum out and be fun and friendly. You remind me of my little sister thats all.

Me: I'm nice as it is...fun and friendly? I'm too tired most of the time and i'm trying to be friendly as I can be already. I guess I'll take that as a compliment.

J Rock: Ok im going to do the motorboat to you... did you see wedding crashers? I bet you have cute cleveage.

Me: Yeah i've seen wedding crashers...cute cleavage huh, don't know where you got that from.

J Rock: Y u so mean girl, im a man your a women this is natural. Sit on my lap you good lookin creature.

Me: Not mean, just telling the truth. Haha, you called me a creature...now who's being mean.

J Rock: We're all creatures women, you and me just happen to be good looking ones so... we have to get together. So tell me a secret.

Me: Haha, that's silly...hmm...don't have too many secrets, I'm a pretty open person.

J Rock: I want your p**** woman.

Me: Well you're not going to get it, man!

J Rock: No i meant your cat... you know like at home your pet, four legs. i dont know what your talking about. What did you think?

Me: Well i don't have a cat and you wouldn't know unless you asked...So of course you meant something else.

J Rock: Mmmmm no..... you would at least have to take me out to dinner first. ha ha. The least you could do is add me as a friend for a start.

Me: Take you to dinner? I'm not rich, i live off of cooking and buying groceries. Adding you as a friend huh? Do i really want more myspace friends? Hmm...

J Rock: So whats cookin good lookin??

Me: Haha, i don't have anything cooking right now.

J Rock: Something is cooking right now though you know.

Me: Really, i had no idea...

J Rock: Between me and you.

Me: Oh really now? I don't think anything is cooking between me and you. There's no fire.

J Rock: Let's make a small fire.

Me: Like i said i'm cool...not trying to be burned.

J Rock: Yesterday some clown pushed my sister down. I walked right up and cracked him in the face. It was so good.

Me: (Okay, that was random) That's just wrong...well that's good.

J Rock: ok blow me a kiss.

Me: No, I'm okay.

J Rock: Don't be shy.

Me: Not being shy, just don't want to.

J Rock: Ok, so let's add each other then.

Me: Now why would we want to do that?

J Rock: Just being friends can't hurt girl.

---End of Conversation

Then, he sent me a friend request. Now this is J Rock. Should I approve, deny, or report him as spam?

Encounter: Creepy Guy

As I was trying to get my Lifeline MUNI Fast Pass for transportation needs, I noticed a guy about 5'6, slim, Middle Eastern, walking right behind me. I went inside the Department of Human Services building, as I normally do every month, and got my Fast Pass for the month of September. When I was on my way out of the building, that same guy was there just staring at me. I had my head down and shot a quick mug glance at him. This is what he said:

Creepy Guy: Why don't you smile?

I ignored what he said and walked past him. He followed me. *Stalker Alert!*

Creepy Guy: What's your name?

Now he was at my left-hand side.

Creepy Guy: What, you don't want to talk to me?

Me: No, leave me alone.

Creepy Guy: Do you want a ride?

I hurried my ass out of that area as he followed right behind me.

Creepy Guy: (Louder) Do you want a ride?

As I got to the corner of the street, I saw the creepy guy get into his car. I waited for the stoplight to change to green, so I could cross the street. He was in his car staring at me, then he drove off.

I need to find better ways to hide or tell creepy guys like him to F--- OFF! Forget about being nice, anymore.

Kidrobot x The Simpsons

Kidrobot has teamed up with Matt Groening to bring The Simpsons characters to vinyl toys. Characters range from Homer to Bart, Sideshow Bob, Chief Wigum, and many others.

These boxes of toys only come in blind assortment, meaning that when you purchase a box, you are not sure what you'll get. It could be any one of the Simpsons characters. For more information on this collectible art, go the Simpsons Mini Site.


Pics via Kidrobot

Of course I had to get a few, because I've been a Simpsons' fan since I was a little child. I'll purchase more later and update pics when I can, but for now this is what I have so far.

At Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, California

This is what I did on my day off, hung out with one of my coolest friends while walking around downtown SF.  Recently, I've been trying to get more into photography and I was able to take some flicks at Yerba Buena Gardens.  Check it out!