Things around here haven't been too happy lately. My family's feeling down from losing the house, everyone's a bit on edge, and the only thing in all our minds is the date when we finally have to move out.

In an effort to chase away all the bad thoughts, I've been trying to keep myself busy. Yesterday, I called one of my friends so we could get lunch. We ended up driving all the way back to our college (about an hour away) so we could eat at an old favorite place. We reminisced a lot about the "good old days." ^^; We hung out at the bookstore, and we also ended up watching a movie... so in total, our lunch turned out to be 6 hours long. It was fun though. It was nice to get away from the sadness of home.

Today, I came upon this really cool site where you can upload a picture of a person and have it shown in a short movie.

http://www.tackfilm.se/en/

I messed around with a few pictures, and I used a picture of one of my friends (the one who went to the navy). I used the silliest one I could find, and I sent the movie to him through email. I actually got a call a few hours later telling me how he saw the video and how he laughed till he died. He told me he had a long day, and seeing the movie really cheered him up. Hearing that made me feel a bit better too. He was shouting at me.. "Geez, how many incriminating photos of me do you have in your hard drive?!"

So just for fun, here's the movie with my friend and his ridiculously giant smile and surprised look.

We Need A Hero!

There are a lot of times I get frustrated with friends because it feels like I don't really belong... However, there are still a lot of times when I can share a laugh with them, and that's always a really cool feeling.

I also saw "Christmas at Rockefeller" on TV where they had a bunch of celebrity appearances and when they light the Christmas tree in NYC. It all felt like I was just there, and I could even imagine every detail in my head. Here's a pic of when they were just setting up the Christmas tree.



I thought it just seemed weird how everyone was so happy on the show. It's such a big difference from what's happening in my family right now. Too much sadness. I guess in a slight effort, I want to try to be a bit happier and a lot less heavy-hearted. It is Christmas after all, right? I can at least manage a smile once in awhile.

Felt really sick today. I woke up late last night feeling really dizzy for some odd reason... and my heart was racing really fast. It was a little scary.
"Is this... what it feels like to be in love?!" Haha, just kidding. I still feel a little sick right now actually... but I don't know what's causing it. I think it might be something like the stomach flu... as I have this strange pain in my stomach that's making me queasy.

I haven't finishing uploading my NYC pictures. I have to admit, I've been feeling a bit lazy to post them up.

Again, another night full of thoughts... but I probably shouldn't write them down. Hopefully I'll have something better to say tomorrow night.

Now this website is pretty cool.

http://greenlightwiki.com/lenore-exegesis/How_to_Experience_Different_Function-Attitudes

It describes to us how we can experience different personality types/functions, like introverted intuition or extraverted thinking. It's all theoretical, but I think it's pretty good at showing how people can experience the world differently from each other. And also, even though someone is introverted intuitive, doesn't mean they experience the world like that all the time either.

This also sort of requires you to know your MBTI first though.

I used to be primarily INFP (introverted feeling), but now I'm a bit more INFJ (introverted intuition). I also do notice how the way I deal with my world has changed from before.

It was only just a matter of time, I suppose.
It doesn't really surprise me, but at the same.. it does.
I don't think I can say anything else that's already been said.
The guy does seem genuinely happy.

It reminds me of this one friend of mine... "I don't care about real girls. All I care about are 2D girls."

Welcome to the modern world.

Kinda cool how the finale to Avenue Q is almost the same conclusion I came up with for myself over the past few years.



Just keep going, take things one step at a time, and make a few compromises... for now. Only for now.

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

It feels like my life at the moment...
Is all just a leap of faith.
The best I can do is trust myself..
And jump into that unknown darkness..
But I feel that even if I fall..
I'll able to grab a hold of something.
Maybe I'll even be able to spread my wings..
And fly away..

It's 3 in the morning again.
I'm going to try to get back to sleep, but first...

Sorry, it's a bit more picture intensive than before.

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( NYC Trip Part 5 )



Okay, back to sleep for me.

I was curious to see what the most viewed video was in youtube of all time in all categories.
So currently.. at 135,349,704 views... this is what I found...

CHARLIE BIT ME! OW CHARLIE!



Most of the "most viewed" videos are music videos, which I expected. However, I'm trying to figure out why "Charlie bit my finger" is the number one most viewed video of all time. Perhaps cute kids and babies are all the rage nowadays. Further statistics show that this video is most popular with...

Gender	Age
Female	13-17
Male	35-44
Female	18-24

o_O

In my dreams...
I sometimes stand alone, amidst the falling snow in the darkness and the cold.
There, I am... waiting for someone...
I feel that if I keep waiting, that person will eventually come.
Because if I gave up and went home... that person would have no one to greet them when they arrived.
Wouldn't that be a little sad?

I don't mind standing there and waiting.
Because it'll be worth it to tell that person that their journey is over...
And also to be able to see the smile on their face and feel the warmth of their hug...
In the end, a million nights will be worth it for that single moment.

Because if I were on a journey, I'd want someone waiting there for me too.
But I sometimes wonder who it is that I'm waiting for.
And I also wonder who would be waiting there for me.

It's still feels strange to be back home. At New York, I was constantly doing something. At home... I have a lot of free time. It makes me wonder what I used to do before I left for my vacation.

Right now in my life, I'm just waiting to hear about that job from New York City. Basically, I'll be taking the position of "Medical Resident Coordinator" at a hospital. It's very ambiguous as to what the job entails... but it seems I'll be the "go-to guy" for the medical residents at a hospital. Since residents tend to be really busy, I have to make sure they're on top of their schedules. I'll be working with doctors all day too *dies*. Doctors, I've learned, tend to be really meticulous. I can't afford to be sloppy at all.

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

( NYC Trip Pictures Part 4 )

I just realized I have a lot more NYC pictures I'd like to share, but it would be too much to post it all in one sitting. Instead, I'll break it down into a couple of entries over the next couple of days.
( NYC Trip Pictures Part 3 )

Ok, that's it for now.

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

And so begins the last few months living in this precious house of mine. I could hear my parents talking outside in the living room. We're going to start moving our things from this house to the new house that we'll be living in. The new house is a lot smaller than the house we're living in now, so we're going to have to make a lot of sacrifices. We'll have to get rid of a lot of our things since they won't be able to fit anymore. The piano, the organ, the dining room table... all these things that have been around since before I was born. It's just sad and scary to think it'll all be gone. Again, maybe this is a sign telling me that I can't live my life the way it is forever.

I'm still getting used to being back at home. I tend to wake up at 3 AM in the morning... and I have a hard time getting back to sleep. I'm still getting used to the 3 hour time difference. It's also just been a few days and my parents are already trying to tell me how to run my life. I've been thinking a lot about stuff these last few days, and I think I'm coming to the point where I can make my decision about things...

I'm only starting to understand why everything is happening in my life the way that it is. I'm starting to accept the fact that change happens, whether I like it or not. It's up to me to either resist it, or go with the flow. Of course I hate the facts that my family's house is being foreclosed, that my grandfather passed away, or that my friends are leaving. Those things aren't easy to accept at all, and my future feels really dark and empty at times because of those events. But they happened or will happen. I can't change those facts.

Coming back home after my trip to NYC makes me realize that I can't live here anymore. Not like the way I used to. And now, more than anything, I have a feeling I know where my future lies. I'm going to back to New York to get that job... and I'm going to start my life fresh and new. The thing is... I'm scared as hell about it. I have my doubts about leaving everything that's so familiar to me.

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

Two Different Types of Friends...
On Monday this week, I met up with a few college friends for dinner. It's been a month since I've seen or talked to them, so it was nice to get together. However, talking with them seemed really confining. I hate to say it, but it felt like I was talking to young boys. It scared me because I could predict exactly what they were going to say next. "Dude, when he f***ing took out the sword and killed the monster, it was awesome." The thing is... I can't really relate to them on stuff like that. I don't really care about "getting stronger," or "things that are awesome." I can't blame my friends about that though. (I swear though, if I hear anything else about World of Warcraft....) ^^;; But it leaves me with an incredibly lonely feeling inside... something that I can't explain in words. I like my friends, but I feel so different from them.

My high school friends are different because they're completely the opposite of my college friends. They're into "mature things" like going to parties, socializing, and making money so they can spend it on stuff. To them, I seem like an enigma because I don't like those things. Again, being with them leaves me with a lonely feeling because they can never understand who I really am.

I guess that explains why I tend to feel detached and aloof at times. Whenever I'm with either group, there's always a part of me that's hidden and not expressed. Sometimes I wonder if a friendship is possible where I could truly be myself. *shakes head* No use worrying about this stuff, but I thought I should get my thoughts down somehow.

I've sort of stopped thinking about things like personality, identity, and examining who I am. Instead, I've just been accepting things as a part of myself rather than trying to figure things out. This makes things easier for me, I suppose... but sometimes I wonder if this is the right thing to do.

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

And just because resindoll FORCED me to do it... (hehe xD)
• Anyone who looks at this entry has to post this meme and their current wallpaper on their LiveJournal.
• Explain in five sentences why you're using that wallpaper!
• Don't change your wallpaper before doing this! The point is to see what you had on!



I like this wallpaper because it's not too overwhelmingly distracting. It keeps everything nice and organized. ^^ I think the girl's pose is cool, and it reminds me of taking a journey somewhere far away... to untouched distant lands. Just looking at it makes me want to go on my own journey to a similar place.

I'll post up the last few pictures I have from NYC next time when I get the chance. I need to remind myself that. I still haven't unpacked up till now, so my camera is still in my suitcase. I'm too tired (or maybe lazy is the better word...) to reorganize everything back into my room.

It's interesting to be back home after being gone for a month. My room feels bigger. My computer monitor seems huge compared to when I was using my aunt's laptop in NY. And... it feels somewhat different. Again, I'm reminded of all the problems of this place, and it depresses me already. It's going to be my last Christmas here in this home that I grew up in. I hate thinking like that. I hate thinking that all this will be gone.

Also, my facebook account was hacked just as I got back to Los Angeles, so my account was sending out spam messages to the people on my list. How annoying. I had multiple friends calling me up asking me.. "What the heck?!" I changed my password, so hopefully that will stop whatever is happening.

I'm really tired out from the plane ride, and I still have to unpack. Unfortunately, I have a busy day tomorrow, so no time for rest. >_< I have bills to pay on my desk too. I guess it's back to reality, at least for a while until I get that job in NYC.

Ah, finally back home...
...but why do I feel so uneasy?
Welcome back, right?

Amazing. After some time of speculation, there's finally been a major discovery of water on the moon. This is both exciting and scary. What kinds of things could this mean for the future?

Perhaps the most daunting question..
.....will we soon see "Moon Water" for sale in our local grocery stores?


Well, I'm just waiting for my aunt to finish getting ready. I guess this truly is my final day in NYC. It may not be the last time I'll be here though. Sounds like that job opportunity for me will happen.. and I'll be back here sooner then I know it.

This past week...
Sunday - Rested legs. Stayed home for most of the day.
Monday - Chinatown, World Trade Center, historical St. Paul's Chapel
Tuesday - Had to rest my ankles. I couldn't walk. Ate spaghetti for lunch.
Wednesday - Good Morning America with Jack Hannah, Oleanna at 2 PM, Korean BBQ for dinner.
Thursday - New York University, Washington Square, Tiffany's, Trump Towers, giant Apple logo, FAO Schwarz, ate at another Korean restaurant.

Upcoming Plans
Friday - ???
Saturday - Radio City Christmas Special @ 10 AM, Avenue Q @ 2 PM
Sunday - Flight back home @ 4 PM (NYC time), arrive at Los Angeles @ 7 PM (LA time).

I didn't bring my camera on Wednesday or Thursday unfortunately. Bad timing to leave my camera at the house.
Today's my last free day to walk around NYC. After today, I'll be on a somewhat set schedule.

Oh, and I possibly found a job here in NYC. It's a scary "life-choice" to make, since it's a big decision to move so far away from home. I guess I'll talk about that more once I have time.

See ya back in Los Angeles. *waves*

I don't have too much time on the comp, so I'll just make a note of what's been going on. I'll post pictures later.

Monday Nov 2
-Central Park Zoo!
Tuesday Nov 3
-Ate at Ruby Foo's, explored the west side of Manhattan, and watched "The Perfect Crime."
Wednesday Nov 4
-Watched Phantom of the Opera and continued to wander around Manhattan.
Thursday Nov 5
-Spent the day in the botanical garden of New York.
Friday Nov 6
-Went to the Yankee's celebration, wandered around downtown, and in the afternoon I went to visit Coney Island.
Saturday Nov 7
-My aunt and I met up with her friend and Time's Square and bought tickets to an off-broadway show called "The Marvelous Wonderettes."


Also, after 3 weeks of continuous walking and sore feet, my ankles and legs finally gave away yesterday. It hurts like crazy whenever I walk a small distance. I have to wear an ankle support just so I can walk anywhere. It shows how much I've been walking around. So today on Sunday, I'm going to stay home and rest. Hopefully on Monday I can move around again.

Also, I have to make changes to my original goals from last week due to time...

1) I want to pay my respects to the World Trade Center.
2) Spend one day dedicated to just wandering around without a specific goal. (I've been doing this already)
3) Take a harbor lights cruise at night. 
4) Visit the Natural History Museum and check out the planetarium.
5) Eat at some cool restaurants.
6) Go the Bronx Zoo.

And I've added a few..
7) Watch Avenue Q
8) Buy gifts for friends
9) Visit the NY Aquarium.

And one last one..
10) Look for a job in NYC.

My last week here. Let's see what happens.

"Go Yankees!"
Popular catch phrase yesterday. I first heard it when I went to get something to eat for lunch. After ordering, the cashier asked me.. "Go Yankees?" I was thinking.. "Wah... yankees? Is he asking me if I want some kind of sauce on my food?" It took me a moment to realize that he was just showing his support to the Yankees, and he wanted me to do the same, so I played along. "Woo hoo! Go Yankees!"

Sure enough, the Yankees won last night. What is this.. like the 27th time they've won the World Series?  I'm not that big of a baseball fan, but I do admire the Yankees as a team. New Yorkers are really proud of them too. I'm pretty sure when I get to the city today, I'll never hear the end of it. Speaking of which, they're going to have a celebration for the Yankees tomorrow. I think I'll go check it out.

For the past few days, I've watched two Broadway shows. There goes my money, I know. The good thing is that they discount the prices of the tickets by 50% on the day of the showing.  I paid 60 dollars instead of the normal 120, and I still managed to get orchestra seats. Awesome if you ask me. Anyway, I watched the shows The Perfect Crime, and the Phantom of the Opera.

The Perfect Crime was only 30 dollars, and it's a great show for the price. I really had to follow the conversations closely so that everything made sense in the end. It's a really intricate story told using just 4 characters.

The Phantom of the Opera was great, as expected. I think most of the impact was taken away since I already knew the songs, the story, and I watched the movie. The movie does a good job following the play, but I think Phantom was really meant to be seen in a theater. 

After those two, I STILL want to watch several plays. Avenue Q, 39 Steps, and Oleanna.
I thought I was trying to save money too.

So now I don't really have any plans today.  I usually think up a plan the night before, but as soon as I got back to my aunt's house last night, I fell asleep. There's a 30% chance of rain today, so maybe I should plan on doing something inside, like go to a museum. Or watch another Broadway play.. >_>

My trip to NYC is now half-way done. I have 9 weekdays left to enjoy. I've done most of the things that's recommended to do if you visit New York.  There are still a few things I want to do though. I wanted to go to Coney Island, but most of the attractions are closed off until March... *so sad*

So I've made a small list of what I'm planning to do now..
1) I want to pay my respects to the World Trade Center.
2) Spend one day dedicated to just wandering around without a specific goal.
3) Take a harbor lights cruise at night. 
4) Visit the Natural History Museum and check out the planetarium.
5) Eat at some cool restaurants.

I'm also debating on whether I should buy the CityPass, which offers 6 New York attractions at a lower price. I could choose not to get it and save money by not going to these places... Hm. I already DID get into the Museum of Art for free... (ehehe.. *sweatdrop*), and the Museum of Modern Art is free on Fridays. I already saw the view from the top of the Rockefeller center, and the view from the Empire State building is arguably almost the same at night. I'm also not too interested in visiting the Guggenheim. That knocks out 4 of the 6 attractions offered in the pass. I also see the Statue of Liberty every time I go to Manhattan on the Staten Island Ferry. That's 5 out of the 6.

I guess my main problem with this is that if I buy the pass, I would be limiting myself to these 6 places for a while. I really like having the freedom to choose where to go and to set my own schedule. Then again 80 dollars for these places isn't a bad deal at all. Hmm.. >_<

And other things planned with my aunt on the weekends.
1) Watch a Broadway show.. (not sure which one yet).
2) Watch the Christmas show at Radio City.
3) Go to the Bronx Zoo.

Oh right, I did manage to find the zoo in Central Park yesterday. It was smaller than I thought it would be, but it was still an interesting time. I spent about 4 hours there looking a polar bears and red pandas before I headed back home. After that, my aunt and I went to a special All Soul's Day remembrance mass in New Jersey. I took a candle to the altar during the mass to symbolize the soul of my grandfather who had passed away recently.

Today, I'm planning to eat at Ruby Foo's, which is an Asian-fusion restaurant. It's a little intimidating eating alone at a restaurant though, especially if it's a little pricey like that. ^^; But heck, I'm hungry.  The food sounds good. Alright. I should get off the computer. Time to get ready. Only 9 weekdays left!

I wish I had more time to write about my thoughts. A lot of things I've thought about lately.. but for now I'll focus on what I've been doing and what's going on.

( Photos and stuff )


Okay, today I'm DEFINITELY going to find the zoo. I checked the website and got directions, so this time I'm prepared.

A few fun things happened yesterday. Went to Rockefeller Plaza yesterday morning and I was able to catch the filming of the Today show. I was actually on the camera for a bit of time, waving frantically along with the other people. Along with that, there was a promotion that was giving away free gloves, so I took a pair for myself.

I ate breakfast, went to the NBC store and Nintendo store to buy gifts for my friends, took a tour of the Rockefeller center, and wandered around the area. I also made friends with a local girl, and she told me about all the best places to go to really get a feel of the city. Of course, by friends, I mean for the short time I knew her.. since I doubt I'll see her again.  I guess that's the good and bad thing about traveling. The people you meet are only there for a short amount of time in your life. 

It was also the first time I got a chance to wander around the city by myself, as I usually went with my aunt or one of her friends before.

Taking the subway felt a bit weird at first, but I got the hang of it. There are a lot of transfers to be made, and it's bit confusing at times. I would be looking at the map for a while, planning out where to go.. "So... I should take the F to A to 1 to E.  Got it... I think?" Just as long as I don't end up stranded across the city in the middle of the night... I'll be okay.

Right.. okay, my plans today.... Right now, it's about 10 AM... so I'll head to the city and grab lunch.  I'll then check out the zoo and central park. At around 5 PM, some of the museums are said to open up for free to the public, so I'll check that out as well.

Geez, I've been spending a lot of money doing stuff. I wish I could cut back. When I go back to Los Angeles, I don't want to be broke!

And geez... my feet are sore.