Jan 29, 2012

It's Sunday, wah, means the weekend is almost over. We wake up pretty late, last night seemed like a long night. I just chill until about 3pm when Dev, Mike and I go golfing at Fort Shafter. The goal was just to beat Devin...and SUCCESS! hehe. It's been pretty fun getting back into golf, we've been able to go almost every weekend. I would say that I'm doing better then what I was doing in High School, just got to work on my short game. After playing 9 holes we head to Uncle Lans' house for Sunday dinner. As usual, it was really good food. It was seemed quieter then usual, all the little kids weren't there, it was only Ayden. He's so funny, he prepared a speech for everyone, it was about a sunken ship, I guess he has a fascination with the Titanic. His speech was good, I think he's going to be a reporter when he gets older. It's also always really nice to see everyone and just talk about random things. Two of Devin's cousin's work downtown, close to where we work, so I told them we should all go to lunch one day. We'll see if that happens. Later that night we just go back home and chill/watch tv. Can't be "cruising" on a work night.

Sorry, this post is really short, just trying to catch up on all of them. :)

Jan 28, 2012

Today, I woke up feeling refreshed because we didn't do too much last night. It's nice to have nights of just chillling. We were are Grandma's house, so she was already up when we got up. We decided to finish watching Moneyball (I fell asleep while watching the night before) and then we get ready for the day. I have to go to Kailua to drop off theHibachi key and pick up some money. Now that I'm working at AECOM I no longer have to work at theHibachi or really Ailana's. I havne't been to Kailua in what seems like ages, but we got to pick up poke from the store. Their poke is always so good.

After, we head back into town to get ready for a BBQ at Dev's house. It's his friend Haylin and Jimmy's birthday, so he was having people over. I decided to make my Mom's famous ribs for the bbq. I haven't made them before (without my Mom's supervision) so, I was a bit nervous. :) I pre-boiled the ribs in a pressure cooker, maybe a bit too long because they ended up falling off the bone when I was done. After you hard boil the ribs you're supposed to baste the sauce on top in the oven. They ended up turning out pretty freaking good, I was proud of myself. Haha. I think Mom and my grandma would be happy too. Everyone came by around 7 and we had a FEAST. There were ribs, salads, steak, shrimp, mochi rice, oysters and more, plus a lot of desserts. All I know is that I was stuffed by the end of the night and I think everyone else was as well. Yeah, to another good night with friends.

Jan 27, 2012

TGIF!! Yay, it's Friday! I get up refreshed and ready to work, even though its a friday. Today is a lot chiller then the previous week, it gave me time to really learn some of the AECOM standards, plus understand the project at hand. Both our clients and AECOM use different interfaces to exchange documents, so I had to learn both. I'm in the process of understanding how to navigate through each interface plus learn all the symbols and acronyms that engineers use. It's like a whole new language that I have to learn and I'm pretty excited about it. Weird I know, but at least that means I'll be enjoying what I'm doing! It also helps that the people that I'm working with are nice so far, I guess I haven't screwed up yet! hehe. Since today was such a "learning" day everyone left pretty early, I got to leave around 4:15 but had to wait to get picked up around 5:15. Auntie Jojo picked me up because Devin was sick at home.

When we got back to the house I passed out for about 30 min... man I feel so old. I go to work and am so tired when I get home. O.o haha. By the time I wake up, around 7 Dev and I grab food from Soons and then head into town. We are meeting up with Sonjha, Cindy and John for some Shave Ice. I wanted them to try Ailana's and meet Aaron. I think John was a little sad that I had a "real" job or else I would've been able to hang out with them, eat shave ice and some poke! haha :) It was nice to hang out at Ailanas, I haven't seen Aaron since I started working and we got to catch up with the Beams. Sonjha was saying she was going to try to "trick" Davone to come out and get shave ice, so hopefully she could. Haha.

After some good shave ice surprisingly, I kind of missed it, guess when I can't eat it everyday you do. :) haha. We then head to Grandma's house, watch Moneyball and call it a night. Yeah to having a chill night in.

Jan 26, 2012

Uggh...yup, today was rough to get up. I guess I can't cruise during the work week. :) Yea, today was pretty hard to get up and work seemed to be pretty long. Luckily, I didn't have to much to do, I went through a lot of training videos, ordered a bunch of supplies and help set up lunch (all the leftovers from the workshop). I tell Devin and Shaun to come over for lunch, feed them soup, salad and sandwiches, plus they got to meet some of the engineers on my side. It was a pretty chill day, at the end of the day I had to go through more training on a new document interface. It was pretty hard to stay up because of the late night the night before.

So, when I got home, I was going to go to yoga, but then decided maybe the driving range and run at home. When Dev and I were going to go to the driving range it was pouring outside. So, it ended up being a lazy night of cleaning up and sleeping early. I totally needed it after the night before. Man, guess that means I'm getting old. :)

Jan 25, 2012

Today is the 2nd day of our two-day workshop. This time we don't have to wake up as early as yesterday but get in at the normal time. When I get into the office I basically head straight to the workshop. I am the "front desk" person and check everyone in. Today's workshop seems to be a lot less people then yesterdays, in fact it's about half as many people. We also end a lot earlier then expected so I have the caterer bring out our lunch about an hour early. We probably could've mentioned to the people that came yesterday that the food today would be better, because then our crowd might have been bigger. Haha. We had green salad, pasta salad, clam chowder, chicken gumbo and build your own sandwiches. It was A LOT better then the day before, which were chicken lettuce wraps. haha. Since there were about 40 people (and we were expecting 80) we had a ton of leftover food so we brought it back to the office. We had enough food to feed us for the rest of the week, which was nice to know so we didn't have to buy lunch! :) For the rest of the day I basically watch a lot of training videos (since I never really got training my first week of working.)

Dev and I leave around 5pm because today is "The Bess Route Fundraiser" @ Tiki Bar and Grill in Waikiki.

Another great thing about tonight is that the Beams are in town, Sonjha runs Davone Bess foundation so I told her that me and some of my co-workers would volunteer. It was good fun, we got to eat some good food, there was a raffle and I got to meet some NFL players. I really didn't know exactly who they were, LOL, but I wanted to meet Davone just because I know Sonjha works with him. It was REALLY nice seeing the John and Cindy though (nice to see faces from home) :) I was really proud of Sonjha though, the turn out was GREAT! I would say over 100 people came out, even random foreigners came in because they saw a lot of people inside. It was kind of funny because it was basically over (no more silent auction, food was getting taken away) and Shauns girlfriend convoked two foreigners to come in and donate to the cause. hehe. It's for the kids!

Davone and Me (felt kind of like a groupie, making him sign t-shirts =/)

The Volunteers (we switched significant others!) LOL

We basically stay until around 9ish, then drop Sonjha off at her hotel and then head to Dev's to cruise. I haven't done that since I started working, so it's going to be a test to see if I could do that during the work week. ahha. It was however good to see the boys and Wendy, feel like I haven't seen them in awhile, but let's see how tomorrow goes! haha

Jan 24, 2012

Today is workshop day and we have to be at work by 7am. We are on the road before the sun goes up and head into work. O.o That's basically how I feel, I catch a ride with Barry, one of the engineers and go to the Blasidell where our workshop is held.

I set up the sign in table and basically am out there for most of the day. I think overall the workshop went well and smoothly. We actually ended a bit early and supposedly tomorrow's workshop may be even shorter. I guess that is good because then everyone else can go back and do other work. I think that will be good so then I can train in being part of AECOM and learn the actually standards of the company. By the time we get back to the office, it's about 4:30, so I don't spend too much time in the office before running some errands to prepare for tomorrow.

Devin has to stay a bit late so we get home around 6. It's a lazy night tonight because we woke up so early, so I eat dinner and then catch up on my blog. Haha. I better call it a early night tonight as well, it's HUMP day tomorrow...woo. haha

Jan 23, 2012

It's monday and it's back to the grind. Again we are preparing pretty hard for the workshop that is tomorrow and wednesday. SO, I'm really busy most of the day, I could only take about a 20min lunch break and end up staying until about 7pm. The nice thing was that Devin also had to work late and he even picked me up sushi for dinner. :D What a nice guy he is. haha

Unfortunately, I think my blog posts are going to be pretty lame during the work week, especially since I have to get used to the working hours and there is a confidentiality on the project I'm working on. Let's just say the day went by somewhat fast, even though I stayed late. I got to get everything ready for the workshop tomorrow, we are meeting at 7am tomorrow. Good thing I have Dev to drive me.

That night we don't do anything except watch "The Walking Dead." We want to finish the season before the new season starts in February, good thing the seasons are short. We got to call it a early night, got to wake up at the crack of dawn.

Jan 22, 2012

Today is Sunday, funday or more like Sunday football! And the 49ers are playing, if they win they are going to the Super Bowl. We pick Sonjha up first and then head over to Bo's house to watch the games. Bo and his family are BIG 49er fans, they went to the game the previous week and had a blast. Apparently so much fun, that some forgot who actually won the game. haha. Today's game was a little different though, it was kind of depressing. We end up losing in OT by a field goal. WAHH...it was pretty sad. We couldn't stay very long after the game because I had a dinner with the Tangs and my Popo's sisters for chinese new years.

I was pretty tired when dinner came around because we were outside most of the day watching the football games. We go to New Empress Restaurant in Chinatown. Before we go to the restaurant though we have to pick up my car from Devin's house and return it back to my dad's cousin. Which means, I"m going to have to find a new car! Dinner was good, it was nice to see everyone, the only bad part was that the dinner took a really long time. Each dish took about 10-15 min to come out and we were just twiddling our fingers in between.

Parrot fish...never seen one of these before

"brain" broccoli, just thought it looked kind of funny. haha

Tuxedo dipped chocolate

When dinner was over, we head back to the house and pass out, the work week starts tomorrow. O.o

Jan 21, 2012

\Saturday, woo and we are playing golf today in Ewa. The tee time is at 11am, so we head out around 9 to meet up with Mike and drive to the course. We go to this golf course because Devin wanted me to take a golf picture, so I could get local discounts on some golf courses. We walk the whole course, yes WALK. haha. I haven't done that since high school, and that was only 9 holes. It was actually pretty fun playing, I was hitting the ball pretty well, the only down side was that I totally got burnt! I guess I got to get my base layer going, especially since I'll be inside most of the day because I'm working now. The day was fun, in fact so fun that I beat Devin! Woo hoo. haha. Lorin and Mike beat both Dev and I, but it's okay at least I beat someone. :)

After burning my skin and playing golf, Dev, Mike and I go to Kuru Kuru sushi because we were starving. THere was no snack bar at this golf course, so we basically skipped lunch. When we got to kuru kuru we didn't talk to each other, we just ate. haha. After a long day in the sun, we go home and take a nap until we have dinner for Bo and Trish's bday dinner at Le Bistro. We kind of sleep in and end up a little late to dinner, but it was fine because everyone just got seated. There was about 20 people there. The food was great and the company was even better. I got sea bass, Devin got the Beef Quarte' which is a sample of 4 of their beef dishes.

Beef Quarte'

Seabass

Sorry the pictures aren't very good, it doesn't do justice to how they tasted. We stayed at the restaurant til' 11 and instead of just going home to chill, we go out to Tsunamis' because one of Dev's friends little brother just turned 21. Sonjha was also in town so, we pick her up to hang out! haha. It was fun, I showed her a little bit of what I've been doing out here...playing darts and going to bars. haha. I think she had fun and it was also nice to see the guys. I haven't really seen or hung out with them since I've been back. The first thing Lorin does is slap my legs, he knew they got sunburned! All I have to say is that it HURT! haha. The night was fun, I got to see Sonjha and had fun times with friends. Tomorrow is the 49er game, lets' hope they do good!

Jan 20, 2012

TGIF! Yup, now I can say that because I am a "working" woman now. haha. This week went by relevantly fast as we were preparing for our workshop next week. So most of the day I was working on the presentations and an even better treat was that I got my work badge! It's like official :)

It's official!

After work we go to grandma's house, we are going to stay there this weekend. It's Bo's birthday, so tonight we are going to The Willows because Kevin, Bo's cousin is playing there. I haven't seen a lot of the people that were there in a really long time, basically since I went home for the holidays. Even Kent came out tonight, I haven't seen him since Christmas! The willows was fun and after we go to Dash, which is a new bar. We chill there for awhile and then call it a night, golf tomorrow!

Komas, Bo and Dev....kind of dark I know..

Jan 19, 2012

I wake up and it's Thursday, onto another day of work. We have to get our presentations together for the workshop next week, so that's what I'm doing most of the day. Both Dev and I have to work late, so we stay until about 6:30 and then head out to Gomaichi for some ramen.

MMMmm...Gomaichi. :) Marci meets us there for dinner too before Marci, Haylin, Dev and I go to the movies to watch Contraband. It was a good movie about smuggling...haha. I was pretty tired after that, I still have to get used to waking up early and working all day! O.o haha. Man...sorry that my posts are getting lame as well. Hopefully there will be more exciting days to come!

Jan 18, 2012

Today, I have an early meeting around 9am for a follow up of our meeting on Monday. We are getting ready for a 2-day seminar next week PLUS, we are having the office blessing, so the day was semi-short. I had to help with the ppt and also prepare for the blessing, we were going to have pupus.

Most of the morning I was preparing for the blessing plus I had to pick up lei's in chinatown. At lunch I picked up some soup from downstairs and then met up with Devin for a short break. I couldn't stay too long because of the blessing at 3:30. Jan-Marie (one of the exec assistance) came over around 2:45 to help set up for the blessing. We had finger food sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, turkey wraps and chips & salsa. The priest came around 3:20 and he did his little ceremony. He blessed the office so we could work in peace and sometimes harmony. :)

My Desk

The AECOM lay-out

We were able to clean up on time and I got to leave on time as well. After we got home, made some beef & tofu and then I went to meet up with Lauren for some Power Yoga. I bought a month pass, so I have to go at least 5 times this month! It always feels good to sweat that much and after I was exhausted. I don't know if it's from working or yoga, but I am tired. Night everyone.

Jan 17, 2012

Day 2 of work! And man, I'm either excited or something, because I actually get up early! We head into town and it's back to work. We get in around 8am and yup, it's time back to the grind. I feel like this is going to be a fast pace type of job and they just threw me in the fire. :) I have to get used to the computer system, engineering lingo, some programs and overall pace of how the company works. It's kind of crazy, but the good thing is that time goes by fast when you have a lot of work to do! :)

I had to do some powerpoint organizing, turn in some paper work and get ready because tomorrow we are having a "Office Blessing." I guess they have a hawaiian priest come in to 'bless' the office so that we will be able to do productive/good work. For lunch, Dev buys us some food and we eat in their break room. As of right now, their break room is a lot bigger and actually has a tv in it. Hhaa...soo I'm guessing I'm going to be eating in there most of the time. :)

We stay a little late and then head back home. We catch a ride with Neil and Kristy, and then go back home. Today, I'm pretty exhausted so I really didn't want to do anything. Haha. Instead we made Okonomiyaki for dinner and watched an episode of the Walking Dead. I gotta get used to waking up early!

Jan 16, 2012

Today was my FIRST day of work at AECOM! Woo, it's like the first day of class and I was nervous/excited. It was the first time that I woke up early...like at 6:45am to get ready for my "real" job! Dev and I carpool and we get to work around 7:30, there was hardly any traffic because today is MLK, I guess we don't get this holiday off. =/ I walk up to the same place that Dev works, but then get re-routed to the other building to meet my team leader, Brian. Dev walks me over and then the day begins!

It's just like the first day of class, I meet some of my co-workers in the office, there are about 7 people, all are engineers. My desk is the first desk in the office, basically where you would see a secretary. When I get in Jim is setting up my computer and Brian takes me around the office and introduces me to everyone. They are all really nice and most are from the mainland, so I guess they put all the mainlanders in one office on the "other side." haha. Pretty much right away they give me small tasks to do, like make a invitation for a "office blessing" that we are having on Wednesday. I even jump right into a meeting, they are having a 2-day event next week, so they have a lot of work to do before then. I guess they really need me then! I think it's going to be a challenging job, but i'm ready to finally feel like I'm using my brain. hehe.

Lunchtime roles around and Devin meets me downstairs :) We get to eat lunch together now! We grab some korean food and then head up to his break room, because ours is really small and there's room for about 2 people in there. haha. I meet a bunch of his co-workers...and I guess mine too. It's probably going to take me awhile to figure out everyones name and face, but hopefully I'll get the hang of it.

I then head over to the "other side" and help with a ppt presentation they are putting together. I guess they wanted some help making it look "nicer" then what they were used it. We'll see if they like what I come with. It takes sometime to get used to going back to a PC, I've been used to using a MAC for the past couple years! Most of the engineers are in meetings for the rest of the day and I finish up the ppt until the end of the day. I print out where I get and then head downstairs and finish my first day of work! It seems to go by pretty quick considering I was doing work most of the day. And then I head downstairs to go home!

Dev's family is taking me out to dinner tonight because I finished my first day of work. :) I was excited, but also made me a little sad because it made me miss my family back at home. :( We go back to the house real quick to change and then head out to CPK. The wait was REALLY long, we had to wait about an 1.25hr so Dev and I go to Ross! haha. We finally get seated, it's Grandma K, Bryce, Uncle David, Auntie Jojo, Dev and I and dinner wasn't too bad. Well, we were starving by the time we got to eat, but I was happy after; happy and tired.

We then came back home and went to the driving range, I guess we wanted to be exhausted by the time we went to bed and I was. Haha. It's time to get BACK to the grind~!

Jan 15, 2011

Today, we woke up, it's the last day before I start WORKING! Kind of "wahh" and kind of excited. So, I decide to be active and go hiking with Lauren. We go to Kuli'ou'ou Ridge in Hawaii Kai. Lauren said that when she went with Glen, it took them 4 hours, so I was preparing myself for a long, strenuous hike. And yup, it was pretty hard, but we were able to hike up and down in about 2.5 hours. The last leg of the hike were these stairs and OMG, I had to stop like every 40 steps especially going through the beginning part of the trail. Luckily it wasn't raining today, so the trail wasn't muddy, the only sad part was that it was really cloudy when we got to the top, it was almost like fog so we didn't really see a good view.

On the way down...it was clearer.

At the top! As you can see, it's just fog :(

Half-way up

After the hike, Lauren and I grabbed something to eat and then went back to their apartment. I rested there for a bit, we watched an episode of glee and then I headed back to Dev's house to shower up. I wanted to rest, but didn't have enough time because we had dinner at Uncle Lances house at 6. Auntie Jojo and I go to the house and Dev meets us there. The food is always delicious and the kids are always fun to be with. We had to leave a little early though because I had to drop off some clothes off at Grandma's house. We see her for a bit, I put some of my clothes away and then we head back to Devs. I don't get my bus pass until later this week, so until then, we are going to carpool with his mom. I have to get a good night of rest, first day of work tomorrow!!

Jan 14, 2012

Today, we woke up and got ready because it was the 49er football game at 11:30! We watch the game at home because I have work at 3pm at Ailana's. It's my last day of working there, so I told Aaron that I would help him out tonight. I was a little mad because I had to leave during the 4th quarter, and that was the BEST part of the game! As I was driving I was listening to the fact that NO was up at 1:37 and then I went into the parking garage and lost reception so I wasn't able to hear the rest of the game. Once I found parking I quickly looked on my iPhone and then saw that we were UP! I had to go the "play" option to see the play by play, to see that Davis made the winning touchdown. MAN how I wish I got to see it, I'm sure it was EPIC being at the game.

I then get to work around 3:15 and overall, the day was slow, Lauren even came in and hung out with me for awhile to keep me company. She got to learn how to shave some ice, but it was nice because we got to catch up. I was there until closing, so I was there until around 9:30pm. I then go to Neil and Kristi's place because Dev, Brett, Jimmy and Paul were there bbqin until after the game. I hung out with the girls, which included Kristi, Brooke, Haylin and Mady. It was a nice and relaxing night, we called it a night after midnight. :)

Jan 13, 2011

Today, I woke up and started to clean up the room a bit, I wanted to make sure that I had some things packed up before I move into Grandma's house. I also wanted to see the tv show "The Walking Dead," so, I watched basically the first season while I was doing paper work for my NEW job starting Monday! :) I'm pretty excited/nervous for the whole thing, but ready to get back to the grind.

We were going to have dinner tonight with Yoomee and Greg, so after Dev got home from work, he rested and then we headed to pick them up from their hotel. Tonight we were going to try Sushi Sasabune, I have heard it's one of the best places to get sushi on the island. If you sit at the sushi bar you don't order anything, the sushi chefs basically serve you whatever is their specialties. They had a sign over the sushi bar that said, "Today's Special, Trust Me!" I would have to say that I did trust the chefs, because it was ALL really good. they will keep giving you food too until you tell them that you are full. Yoomee and I had to tap out early, but the boys went for 2 more dishes. And after that meal, I was STUFFED, I could not eat anymore.

Albacore and Toro

Crab stuffed squid

Toro and Toro

As you can see, there was a lot of food and everything was DELICIOUS! I forgot to take the last 3 dishes, I think it was because I had food coma. The good thing about eating sushi though, is that although we were full, we didn't feel grossly full. After dinner we decide to go to a bar called Dash, to meet up with Paul and play some darts. I think everyone had fun, it wasn't too crazy and just a good time with good people!

Jan 12, 2011

Today, I wake up and head into town, I have work at Ailana's today. We are catering a LeSportsac meeting, so Aaron wanted me to help him with that. I guess his nephew has been helping him so he was running the shop and Aaron and I went to work the meetings. The meetings were pretty easy, it was his first time doing a catering job, so it was a good experience. It was also nice because the meeting wasn't too large so it gave us practice to bigger things later. There were 2 meetings, I had to run the 2nd meeting by myself, but it wasn't bad at all. I stayed until about 5:15 and then went to pick Dev up from work.

We then went back home, ate some curry and headed back to costco before i had a yoga class. We were at costco for awhile, but we got a lot of stuff. Dev ends up buying a new bed and a bunch of other things as well. We spend a good amount of time there until we get back and I have to run out to yoga class. I was meeting up with Lauren at Power Yoga. The class was really nice, there was only 3 of us, so it was like a private session. It did however show me that I am REALLY out of shape. I need to go more often, so that I'm not so stiff! Overall it was a really good workout, I felt really refreshed after, I should sign up for a monthly pass after this.

Jan 11, 2011

I wake up around 8:30 because I am going hiking with Chris at Mariner's Ridge. It's back to some hiking before I have to work everyday! And man... I am OUT OF SHAPE! Chris' other friend Val came with us and he seems like a super hiker. I guess when they did Koko head, he walked up in 15 min. O.o That's insane, it usually takes me about 30min. haha. It was nice to get moving again and not feel like such a lazy butt. :) We finally made it up the mountain in about 30 minutes and the view is worth it.

The view

After the hike, we are hungry so we go to Ono Seafood for some poke bowls! I tell Dev T to come and meet us because he doesn't have work today. Poke is so good after working out, it's not too heavy. I was then ready to take a nap after my hike and eating, so I go back to the house, shower and then nap. It feels so nice to lie down! I basically nap until we have dinner, we are meeting up with Auntie Sandie, Uncle Larry and Grandma to pick up the keys and go over somethings before I move in. I pick up some Soon's, pick up Dev and then head over. They are always so nice to get together with, I think when I move in, it will be a nice living situation. We couldn't stay too long though, we were going to Costco to look at a bed, but I end up forgetting the coupon and it was getting late, so instead we rent a movie from red box and call it a early night.

Jan 10, 2011

I wake up around 7:30 because I have an interview downtown at 9am. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. The position that I'm going for is an admin assistant job for AECOM. It's where Dev works, but we will be in different buildings and working on different projects. haha. Which is good, because it'll give us some space! haha. :)

I meet with Barry and Bryan, they will be my bosses if I get the job. The interview was pretty informal and it went really well. They asked me about some of my background, where I was from and what I used to do. They even asked me why I was in Hawaii. Haha. When they found out I was from Oakland, they joked about how "scary" Oakland can be. A lot of people in Hawaii think Oakland is really "hard" so they are usually shocked when I tell them I'm from there. :) After the interview, that went exceptionally well in my head, I get a tea downstairs with Dev and then head back to the house.

On the way back to the house Dev texts me and says to call Barry, (one of the guys that interviewed me) when I got home. I asked if it's good or bad...haha he said "good". :) I call my family to tell them how the interview went and then go back to the house and call Barry. The call basically went like this:

Barry: "Hi Michelle, well the interview went really well and we'd like to go with you."

Me: "Oh well great!" (I'm smiling to myself and have a huge smile)

Barry: "We'd like you start right away, will Monday work?

Also, you might have to do some paper work before then, so I'll send you that info. I am also writing your Job Offer letter, so you should receive that later this week."

Me: "Sure, I can start Monday, and yes, I'll be happy to finish any paperwork. Just let me know the details and what not. Thank you again for meeting with me today and looking forward to working with you." :D

Barry: "Great, well then I'll talk to you soon and looking forward to it as well. THANKS!"

That basically was how the conversation went, not verbatim but pretty close. I was really happy after that. I called my family, I was going to have a REAL job, with a salary and benefits! WOO! :D It was a great feeling, but I was also kind of nervous too. I was also thinking, what am I going to wear for work? I haven't got "work clothes" out here....guess I'll have to go shopping. hehe.

I meet Devin up for lunch, we go to Hoa Long Pho (Paul's restaurant) to talk about my new employment. hehe. It was like a celebration, sort of, I still have to get the final letter. Thanks to Devin I was able to get the interview in the first place, so I am really grateful to him. I guess after my first paycheck I have to take him to dinner! :) I then drop Devin off back at work and head to Ala Moana Mall to get some work clothes. I think I went a little to shopping happy, because I got a bunch of things. I also had to get some gifts, but it was mostly work clothes. haha. I spent about 3-4 hours though, haha it was crazy.

Traffic from the mall was horrible, it took me about an hour to get back to the house. :( And that's about 9 miles. O.o When I finally got home, dinner was ready. We had steak and shrimp and it was delicious. It was pretty awesome, the Kitashiro family were really excited for me as well. I guess I might be carpooling with them in the morning...hehe. After dinner we clean up the room a bit and then head out to the driving range with Neil, Lorin and Mike. It started to rain, but it was fun to hit some balls. I was just happy to be employed! :)

After the range we go to Dev's house to cruise, but it was just 2 Devs and me..haha. Good times. :)

Jan 9, 2011

Today is Monday and I have to go back to work. It's SHAVE ICE time again! :) Hhaha.. I actually kind of missed working there and seeing Aaron! I guess while I was gone, the shop was doing really, really well. Aaron said that after Christmas they were busy, he was ecstatic about it, but I guess it's been slowing down since after the new year. I think it was probably because of the holiday season, people were probably vacationing during that time.

The day wasn't too bad, but seemed a little slow. But it was nice to see Melissa (the Sandwich Lady) and catch up with Aaron about home and his holiday. We decide to get Marukame Udon for lunch, man how I just love UDON. It was delicious, udon and tempura; Aaron loved it, I guess he's never been there before but would probably go back. I stayed until about 4:30, went to VS for a quick second and then go to Hooters at aloha towers to meet up with Devin and some of his co-workers. They were watching the BCS Championship, Dev had money on Alabama so it was fun to actually root for a team. haha. We stayed at Hooters until a little before the game ended and then went back to the house. We eat a little bit of tofu salad and then go to the movies to watch Sherlock Holmes 2. It was pretty crowded with a bunch of couples, but the movie was pretty good. We then head back to the house, I pick out and outfit for the next day, because I have an interview in the AM at AECOM. I'm pretty nervous, but also excited. :)

Jan 8, 2012

Today we relax most of the day at the house. Dev was recovering and I was trying to organize my clothes/junk. Around mid-day I go with Uncle David to Sam's club to pick up some groceries and he has to get some things as well. Later that night, Dev and I were going to Grandma Tsugai's house to have dinner with Auntie Sandie and Uncle Larry. So, I wanted to get groceries to make tofu salad and sticky lap chung rice. I actually never been in a Sam's club before, so it was a new experience for me. It's basically like Costco, but they have a few different things.

After spending about an hour + there we head back to the house and I start cooking. The sticky rice takes over an hour because you have to soak the mochi rice for an hour before you cook it. It was nice to start cooking again and having Auntie Jojo help me.

Dinner was at 6:30, so after showering, we pack up the car and head over to grandma's house. I'll soon be moving in there, so Auntie Sandie wanted to have dinner and chat before I move in. Auntie Sandie, Uncle Larry, Auntie Caroyln, Grandma, Bo, their niece Tricia and her bf were all there. There was a ton of food...sadly I forgot to take a picture! :( It was a nice night of eating, talking and being surrounded by good people. Yay to another good night in Hawaii.

Auntie Carolyn, Dev, Me and Grandma.

Jan 7, 2012

Today, we woke up and ate a little bit before heading out to Hawaii Kai area for some golf. We had to pick up Bo first and then met up with Neil and Brett. The course was nice, but they were behind because of a Junior golf tournament and there was a lot of people. We decide to play skins, so we play $1 for each hole. It was a fun but also very long day of golf. I didn't play that well, but was able to win 2 holes. Brett won about 3-4 holes and Neil won the rest, so it was kind of a rough day for everyone else. haha.

After the long day of golfing, Brett, Bo, Dev and I go to Genki Sushi. I'm pretty sure our eyes were bigger then our stomachs, because we ordered a bunch of things. We even had to put some dishes back...haha shhh. :) Having stuffed our faces and a entire day of golfing, we were exhausted. I drop Bo off at his house and then Dev and I go back home to take a nap. I end up taking a nap until the next day. Haha. Dev went out around 11pm, but I was too tired to want to go out again so I stayed home. It was probably the best decision I made the whole day. hehe.

The boy shot gun!

Jan 6, 2011

Today I woke up around 10am, I guess I'm used to the time change already....or I never mentally left it. haha. It was actually sort of cold last night, I had to use 2 sheets! haha. I haven't seen Mark since I got here, so I invited him to lunch to catch up on life back at home. I was craving some udon, so it was Jimbo time!

I go and pick Mark up around 12pm and we head out to Jimbo Restaurant. I totally forgot his present though, O.o, oops, guess I'm going to have to see him again! Jimbo's was relevantly not that crowded, we got to sit down right away. It was nice to catch up with Mark, I got to tell him about being back at home and how the holidays went. He told me about the life in Hawaii while I was gone as well. I got udon/musubi/agedashi tofu combo, Mark got curry udon/rice combo. I must've been really hungry because I ended up eating a lot of Mark's leftovers...haha. I guess I just missed some good food! lol.

I then dropped Mark off at work and then headed to Kailua to pick up a lot of my things at the townhouse. I wanted to start moving somethings closer into town because I was planning to move soon. I actually didn't have that much stuff at the apartment, I was able to pack up everything and put it in the Honda accord! I stay in Kailua for awhile, clean up and nap. :) I then head back into town to meet up with Dev and his family. We eat dinner and then go to the driving range because we are planning to golf tomorrow afternoon in Hawaii Kai. The range was fun and I was ready to kick Dev's butt tomorrow. :) After the range we go on a walk, because Dev wasn't ready to go for a run quite yet. haha.

That night we then cruise in the garage. It was just a small group, Dev, Kam, Lorin and later Colin comes over. It's like I never left! haha

Jan 5, 2012

Todays the day of heading back to Hawaii, so Mom, Tyler and I wake up really early. My flights at 9:40 in San Jose, so we go to fourth street bowl for breakfast to meet up with Courtney. The last meal before the trip back.

After breakfast, Mom and Tyler drop me off at the airport and we say our good-byes. :( This time around I'm a bit more sad, I think it's because I had such a great time back at home. But, I am also very excited to go back too, to see the folks back in HI. :)

The plane ride wasn't too bad, I was in the seats with extra leg room and I sat next to two older people that were really friendly. We got breakfast burritos, that weren't that great but edible. The movie that they played was "Dolphin Tale." I wasn't too excited to watch it, but it wasn't too bad. It had a good story line and not going to lie, made me tear up a bit. HAha.

I finally landed in Honolulu around 2pm, the flight got delayed because there was a lot of luggage that had to be checked in after everyone was on the plane. =/ So, poor Dev had to wait for me at the airport for about 20 min. It's okay, he was excited to see me! Muahah. We finally get my luggage and then head to Soon's for some meat jun. We bring it back to the house, eat and rest. We also watch the wedding video because Devin's never seen it. haha. Brought back memories for him that he forgot. haha. It was a very chill first night, I was happy to see the Kitashiro family and got to exchange some Christmas gifts. It felt nice to be back in Hawaii but also sad because I missed my family. It's okay, good thing there are telephones and Skype!! :D

Jan 4, 2012

Today, is my last full day in Cali (wahh) and we wake up early to head to San Francisco. Mom, Tyler and I were going to look at one of the Erin and Uncle Ron's houses that they were preparing to rent out. A elderly woman recently passed away, so after the family went through her things Erin asked if we wanted to look through the house as well.

Mom, Tyler and I get there early, Erin, Uncle Ron and Auntie Mimi were still at the another house, so we decided to look for somewhere to eat. By the time the Kagehiro's meet us, it was time to eat. We find a Vietnamese place and order family style. It was pretty good and good fuel before we go through a house full of stuff. There was A LOT of stuff (some junk, some nice stuff) there, the woman was really organized and had a lot of fabric. I think she was a seamstress, it was also kind of nice because she had a lot of Japanese dishes. I felt like I was on "Storage Wars," but times a house. I wanted to find treasures or a jackpot. I was looking behind picture frames, underneath boxes, looking for secret compartments and more. I wanted to find a wad of cash or something, but wasn't successful. haha. The only cool thing that I probably did find was 4 cases of bullets, but no gun. I also did find a pretty unique momento, it was a Topaz yearbook. Topaz was one of many internment camps that Japanese Americans were held at during WW11. Auntie Mimi knew a couple of people in the book, it was from High School to Junior High, so the people in the book are all a lot older today.

After a long day of going through the house, we head to Japan Town to drop off the Kagehiro woman, but first a snack in the plaza! Erin, Tyler and I get some bread and soup from Anderson's Bakery before dropping off Erin and Auntie Mimi at their office. It felt a really long day, we were in the city from 10am to around 4pm, but before we went home we went to Trader Joe's so I could grab some things to take back to Hawaii.

We finally get back to the house and I watch Glee and nap before we have dinner at 7:30 with the Fujikawa's, my family minus Court and Darren, and Erin and Uncle Ron. My last dinner in Cali and I wanted Great China.

Double Skin

Fried Oysters

We get the the essentials, westlake beef soup, fried oysters, fried calamari, double skin, gua toa tofu, peking duck, crab, and lemon chicken. Everything was BOMB. It was a great "last meal" before the journey back to Hawaii. I'm going to miss my family a lot, but it's time to go back.

Jan 3, 2012

Today, I wake up and start finishing up putting the holiday decorations away....WAHH. I don't like doing that. Mom and Tyler started most of the cleaning last night, so I just had to finish packing some of the ornaments and I really needed to update my blog. So, I was able to pump out a bunch of posts before I had dinner with Remi, Yuji and Darryl.

I drive out to rem's house first before we all drive to Pasta Bene in Berkeley. I wanted to have pasta because there's not too many good pasta places in Hawaii. We were all supposed to go to Mangia Mangia but they were closed until Wednesday because of the holidays. Remi and I shared a pasta and pizza and the boys got pasta. It was really nice hanging out with them and chit-chatting. It was pretty funny because we talked about the old days of Sangha and BMU to our "future" of who we think is going to get married. Haha. It was fun and a good time. After dinner we all go back to Remi and Darryl's and watch some tv. The "New Girl" which we think is perfect because it relates to our lives and we were watching part of "Glee." I've turned into a "Gleek" this past break, so it was kind of fun telling Remi about it. I think I turned her into one too, there's good music and the Asian guy that could dance really well. :)

After, I head back home and organize some things that I'm taking back to Hawaii and finish some paintings that I started. It was a good night to spend with friends, the countdown begins!

Jan 2, 2012

Today I wake up and we have some leftovers from the New Years day of eating. I actually wasn't that hungry, it's probably because I was still stuffed from the day before. Darren and Court go back to San Jose because a contractor is checking out their house, so Mom and I decide to go to the mall to return things. Mom and I are great shoppers, we get what needs to be done. Luckily, the mall wasn't crazy crowded, the only place was like Victoria Secret's because they were having a sale. But we exchanged what we needed (like my toms, a necklace and such) and was in and out of the mall within a great time.

We then go to Auntie Janet's, because she invited us to her house for leftovers, so we get to her place around 2. Fumi's family was there, Bob and his girls and all the kids were there too. It was actually pretty nice to just chill, eat and be around good company. Dru dru got his new Tow Mater truck, so I took him outside to play in it. He's pretty funny, he doesn't really steer it, but only presses the button to make it go. So, he will just crash into the sidewalk unless someone helps him. haha

We hang out there until after dinner, basically eating ALL day again. But at least we almost ate all the leftover from New Years Day. We helped them clean up and then left around 8pm because Jayden had to go to school the next day. I'm pretty sure he wasn't happy or too excited for that. :)

After, Mom, Dad and I go back home. I clean up a little bit and then go over to Remi's house to just hang out. We watch music videos, some tv shows and eat popcorn. It's a very chill night with Remi, Yuj, Ev, Darryl and Brett. I'm going to miss them when I head back to Hawaii!

Jan 1, 2012

HAPPY 2012!!

It's New Years Day, Oshogatsu and everyone feels nice and refreshed, not hungover. Darren is the only one that is feeling under the weather, but I think it's because he is getting sick. :) HAha it's such a good feeling when you wake up feeling okay. Today is going to be filled with A LOT of eating, so I'm excited to gain my 5lbs! haha. Dad is up early because he is frying chicken for a lot of the house we are going to today. He was frying for about 4 hours:

He was obviously enjoying his hard work. :)

After, Dad was done frying it was onto our first stop, Auntie Anah's house. She said it was going to be her last year doing it, I mean it's a lot of work for one person to do. Auntie Shelley and Uncle Scott were on their way out, but at least we got to see them before they left.

There was the traditional food as always, so we got to eat all the yummy food and of course black beans for good luck.

Then it was onto the next house, the Tsukahira house. We thought it was amazing that Auntie Janet made all the food, because she hasn't been feeling well, but I guess Julie learned how to make a lot! I guess she'll be taking over next year...haha. It was nice to go to the Tsuk house because I got to see Cheri and her family. I haven't seen Cheri since I stopped working at Nagy design with her. So, it was nice to catch up with her and see everyone else. Of course there was a ton of food at the Tsukahira house, so time for round 2!

More food!

Lew and Jarred

Mom, Jani and Auntie Janet with the pain meds

Me and Julie

Dru dru was passed out the whole time we were there.

Then it was finally onto our last house, the Kagehiro's. That was our last stop of the night, which meant more and more food. haha Yup, it's the day of eating ALL DAY. Of course there was a ton of good food at their house too and great company. But I have to say my favorite part of the night was eating all those Korean treats! :)

Dec. 31, 2011

Today is New Year's Eve and we hang around Darren's house until around 3pm before we head back to Oakland. Tyler and Lauren are already home, we all get ready for tonights festivities at Erin's house.

Like father, like son

We first have to pick Chow Mein and Chicken wings in Chinatown then head over to Erin's to help her set up and watch the Warriors game. Unfortunately, the Warriors game wasn't very good, Monta couldn't play because he was back at home. Overall, the night was nice and chill. We had Miso soup, chili, chow mein, chicken wings, Court made some brie deliciousness, dips, nachos and more snacks. The night was filled with good food, games of BASEBALL. Which we lost because the other team cheated. haha. :) And of course ice-luging, the only sad thing was that on one of the sides there became holes, so we couldn't use it. Overall the night wasn't too crazy and we were surrounded by our friends and family. It was relaxing and fun and we even got to put on our PJs by the end of the night! Ninja Turtle PJS woo, let's go Michelangelo! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Dec. 30, 2011

Today, I woke up and decided to start painting. I wanted to make something to take back to hawaii, it's an attempt, so we'll see how it turns out. Later that night, Mom and Dad go to the Mizuiri's for Uncle Miz's 60th Birthday, but I go to Fremont to meet up with friends and family for dinner.

I meet up with Court, Darren, Reid, Cindy, Ray, Soli, Teegs, Todd, Mark, Gina, Chad & Evan. It was a lot of people with some BOMB food. We go to Bab Sang a all you can eat Korean BBQ place. It was AMAZING and decently priced. We got raw meats to grill, pre-grilled meat, tofu soup, cream corn and all the sides, SOO GOOD. Plus the service was on point, once we ordered food just started coming out.

I was really happy. has

After dinner it was time for only one thing...4th Street BOWL! And of course, it was a a BLAST. Evan almost got eaten by a big girl, he was tearing it up on the dance floor, there were battles and it was Soli's first time there. I end up staying at Court's house that night, which was fine because I got pho in the morning!