Our first full day of No Cal we headed down to Monterey & Carmel By The Sea, CA which is home of 17 mile drive, a beautiful scenic route along the Pacific Ocean that is adjacent to Pebble Beach Golf Course. We took a picture on the 1st hole and walked through the lounge to view the ocean and the 18th green. Really beautiful!
Wednesday, my parents checked out Sylvana's place and walked around Santa Clara U. There wasn't much else that day, we just relaxed and reduced Jet Lag.
Thurs we had Thanksgiving day buffet lunch at Stanford which was really really delicious. My sister registered us; it was mainly for international students. It was open seating (not reserved) which was nice because students would sit next to people they didn't know at times and be able to meet people. We sat at a table w/an MBA student from Egypt and a Music student from Belgium. I told him I knew what "Hey Lekker Stuk" meant (That's danish, look it up), and he was very pleased with that to say the least. They served all you can eat delicious turkey, green salad which was fresh, very good mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and there were bottles of snapple iced tea and water. For dessert they served pumpkin or apple pie (you were only allowed 1 slice of either). Apple pie was standard and good, the pumpkin pie (I took some of my mom's) was standard, so not great (I'm not a big fan).
At night we drove over to MacArthur park to have a thanksgiving night buffet dinner. Turkey was decent; they had really good pork. The roast beef was not great. They had very good mac n cheese, green beans, cranberry sauce, shrimp, smoked salmon, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and other things i forget. It was a really really good meal and i really stuffed myself. I even had 2 sips of that mamosa or something, Orange juice mixed w/champagne (not really a fan).
Later that night Syl and I went to Yi's place and hung w/a load of Taiwanese people. Nothing really was going on so we eventually bounced (we took home some of peggy's tiramisu, but then i found out it was purchased, not created).
Black Friday was a chill day; we planned on shopping all day, but didn't get around to it. We went to Great Mall (an outlet) really late around 9PM after playing a lot of mah jong. I was only able to get my sister some cheap stanford clothing from the nike outlet. I got my mom a small polo, but it ended up being too small for her (uncomfortably) so I had to return it.
Saturday we walked around Stanford to shop and went to the bookstore and got my parents gifts for xmas. We got my dad this Cardinal windbreaker (Nike StormFit which is sick material). We got my mom a white Columbia reversible bubble vest. Both were stanford attire, so they SHOULD be pumped. I'm not sure if my dad will like the windbreaker, but he doesnt' really have one so it should be useful in spring.
That night we planned to go to the Stanford/ND game, but when I looked for tickets the night before, they were only selling single seats, so I didn't bother to set it up for me, Syl and My sis. My sis could've gotten an ID for me, but prob not sylvana. Annoyingly, that game was sick and Toby Gerhart scored like 16 TDs to win and get Charlie Weis fired. We also were attempting to check out the Warriors/Lakers game, but didn't feel like going eventually. I really don't like watching NBA games unless they are really close up. I've been to a Wizards/Cavs playoff games sitting in the rafters and it just wasn't engaging for me at all.
Instead, Syl and I got massages. I passed out during mine, and when I woke up, she said it wasn't very impressive. All in it cost about 24 total. It was funny because the guy gave me $5 bills at the end, and I told him to give me 1s. I wasn't tryin to tip more than 20%... you crazy?!?!?! What do we think about >20% tip for massages?
Sunday We planned to go to niners game but then sylvana had to finish a job app so i just stayed in and watched. My team is up 28 w/MNF to go. For me to lose, Shockey and colston must outscore Moss by 28.... I ended up winning!!!
11.30.2009
Going Back to Cali Cali
So Sunday night I returned home to sleep; I was to leave w/my fam from Princeton to go to EWR together with my Aunt driving us there.
We breezed through check in and security as I am elite on Continental. I ate half a wrap at 7:30AM which tasted decent (good salsa). The flight took a long 5.5 hrs. It was an old plane where passengers shared a small TV screen from above (wack). Continental was not impressive this time, althought the food served (omlet in a wrap casing) was pretty good and unexpected as they told us there was only going to be a snack provided. I did my usual Airline magazine Sudoku and passed out for a half hour. Then I did some more sudoku and watched "4 Christmases" with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon which was suprisingly funny. I like Reese Witherspoon; I am surprised she did something like this.
When we touched down, we immediately got all of our luggage and we waited about an hour for my sister to show up. We immedaitely headed to In N Out to get lunch and relaxed at her place at Stanford for a while.
Sylvana came through and my dad decided to stay behind, shower and rest while we went to Napa to check out the sites. Unfortunately we got there around 5 and everything was closed and we didn't know where to go (nor did my mom or me drink). We turned around and went back home; perfect timing as we met rush hour traffic.
It was a tough day and when we got back home I think we may have hit up Scott's Seafood in Palo Alto. It was freaking delicious. When we got back to Sylvana's place in Santa Clara I went to sleep immediately; I was exhausted. My back was done from sitting in the back seat of the car for 3 hours after the 5.5 hr flight.
We breezed through check in and security as I am elite on Continental. I ate half a wrap at 7:30AM which tasted decent (good salsa). The flight took a long 5.5 hrs. It was an old plane where passengers shared a small TV screen from above (wack). Continental was not impressive this time, althought the food served (omlet in a wrap casing) was pretty good and unexpected as they told us there was only going to be a snack provided. I did my usual Airline magazine Sudoku and passed out for a half hour. Then I did some more sudoku and watched "4 Christmases" with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon which was suprisingly funny. I like Reese Witherspoon; I am surprised she did something like this.
When we touched down, we immediately got all of our luggage and we waited about an hour for my sister to show up. We immedaitely headed to In N Out to get lunch and relaxed at her place at Stanford for a while.
Sylvana came through and my dad decided to stay behind, shower and rest while we went to Napa to check out the sites. Unfortunately we got there around 5 and everything was closed and we didn't know where to go (nor did my mom or me drink). We turned around and went back home; perfect timing as we met rush hour traffic.
It was a tough day and when we got back home I think we may have hit up Scott's Seafood in Palo Alto. It was freaking delicious. When we got back to Sylvana's place in Santa Clara I went to sleep immediately; I was exhausted. My back was done from sitting in the back seat of the car for 3 hours after the 5.5 hr flight.
11.22.2009
On fire for the early weekend
I completed a trade early in the week w/daigo to get calvin Johnson and give away shonn greene and an 8th round pick; I felt it was a pretty equal trade as I am selling out for this year while he can stockpile keepers and picks for next year. I'm pleased because Calvin ended up helping me win big over Mitch last week.
Thursday night we went to LA and talked to coco. Went to NB after; finally stepped up and talked to a girl named olga randomly at Knight Club. My friend thought she was feelin him dance wise, but I could tell she was bored so I decided to just say what's up and engage her. I messed up when her friend came over; i tried to find a way to engage both, but I couldn't get her attention. Eventually Olga bounced cuz her friends moved. Oh well.
Friday went to hang w/Rishi who got acl surgery; we just chilled around and I later went to Hobo. 340 grille was EMPTY so we went over to another place near it with a lot of people. We walked in and the ladies were aplenty. We did a lap and hung out on the side. I walked through with Kunal and noticed the blonde lookin at me, so I gave her the Kodak. She gave it back and looked away; I Felt she didn't want to be bothered so I was about to leave, but a group of 3 girls asked for a pic to be taken; I obliged, then turned aroudn to see the blonde staring AGAIN. I decided to talk and found her name was Marissa; she seemed a bit shy and I kept tryin to pry her open w/some questions, but alas it wasn't gonna happen; she shut down because she was kind of drunk I guess (and not interested). Later I had an ADAMS discussion with Kunal; we just discussed how it came about and why it was so great; obviously he loved it.
Saturday morning I went into NYC and had a delicious brunch at Bourbosa. There was great convo; I actually found out we both actually ask wait staff for pointers on what to eat which is amazing hahaha. Andy freaking hates when I do that.
Afterwards I played ball with Anand. We drove to Secaucus Rec Center only to find rec ball all day on the schedule. We passed a court outdoors with a couple younger kids playing so we stopped and joined them. There were a couple good kids and it was fun. I had a real sick drop step but missed the layup that had everyone saying OOOOO, but yeah no points. I'm happy I completed the move really well though.
Later that night we set up poker w/rat and Mit. I got aces; Anand bet into me, I pushed all in post flop with only mit to really worry about. Mit folds, so I am comfortable; Anand says "you act well" and I decide to flip my cards over for some reason. We all wondered what I was doing as Anand didn't even call yet. Wow.
Later, I picked up jacks, smooth called, waited for a raise and went all in for about 12. Got Amit and Mit both to call and my js held against 2 KQs for a $40 pot!!!
After a bit I went to NYC to meet up w/Neha @ Solas. There were a lot of people around. I met Bhrina's friend Priya who was slammin and saw Melinda, Krishna, Jeff and others.
Sunday did nasty in Fantasy. Big win over Mitch to put me over .500!!! I'm really just worried about Eric now as we are tied (I have the tie breaker) for the final playoff spot. If I win out I can possibly get a bye if Mitch loses out, but that's doubtful. We'll see.
Thursday night we went to LA and talked to coco. Went to NB after; finally stepped up and talked to a girl named olga randomly at Knight Club. My friend thought she was feelin him dance wise, but I could tell she was bored so I decided to just say what's up and engage her. I messed up when her friend came over; i tried to find a way to engage both, but I couldn't get her attention. Eventually Olga bounced cuz her friends moved. Oh well.
Friday went to hang w/Rishi who got acl surgery; we just chilled around and I later went to Hobo. 340 grille was EMPTY so we went over to another place near it with a lot of people. We walked in and the ladies were aplenty. We did a lap and hung out on the side. I walked through with Kunal and noticed the blonde lookin at me, so I gave her the Kodak. She gave it back and looked away; I Felt she didn't want to be bothered so I was about to leave, but a group of 3 girls asked for a pic to be taken; I obliged, then turned aroudn to see the blonde staring AGAIN. I decided to talk and found her name was Marissa; she seemed a bit shy and I kept tryin to pry her open w/some questions, but alas it wasn't gonna happen; she shut down because she was kind of drunk I guess (and not interested). Later I had an ADAMS discussion with Kunal; we just discussed how it came about and why it was so great; obviously he loved it.
Saturday morning I went into NYC and had a delicious brunch at Bourbosa. There was great convo; I actually found out we both actually ask wait staff for pointers on what to eat which is amazing hahaha. Andy freaking hates when I do that.
Afterwards I played ball with Anand. We drove to Secaucus Rec Center only to find rec ball all day on the schedule. We passed a court outdoors with a couple younger kids playing so we stopped and joined them. There were a couple good kids and it was fun. I had a real sick drop step but missed the layup that had everyone saying OOOOO, but yeah no points. I'm happy I completed the move really well though.
Later that night we set up poker w/rat and Mit. I got aces; Anand bet into me, I pushed all in post flop with only mit to really worry about. Mit folds, so I am comfortable; Anand says "you act well" and I decide to flip my cards over for some reason. We all wondered what I was doing as Anand didn't even call yet. Wow.
Later, I picked up jacks, smooth called, waited for a raise and went all in for about 12. Got Amit and Mit both to call and my js held against 2 KQs for a $40 pot!!!
After a bit I went to NYC to meet up w/Neha @ Solas. There were a lot of people around. I met Bhrina's friend Priya who was slammin and saw Melinda, Krishna, Jeff and others.
Sunday did nasty in Fantasy. Big win over Mitch to put me over .500!!! I'm really just worried about Eric now as we are tied (I have the tie breaker) for the final playoff spot. If I win out I can possibly get a bye if Mitch loses out, but that's doubtful. We'll see.
11.18.2009
James Ndiileh Kamara
So I was working and checked what Martin was doing for later; he didn't respond for a while, but I received a text; he said, "sorry for not getting back to you, but Laura just gave birth to my son."
WOW!!!!!!!!! I immediately asked if I could go see and drove over to Robert Wood Johnson. I got there and had to wait a bit for Laura to clean up and went w/Martin down to the 2nd floor to check out the baby. Unfortunately I couldln't go into the room since I wasn't a parent. I could see through the glass. Little James's torso looked like a juicy juice can of juice w/appendages. He looked really weak and very red. Martin picked him up and he looked annoyed. What a cute creature!!!! It was just really really cool. I couldn't believe my eyes.
We went back and Laura was chillin. I was frightened to be around her because I thought she'd be weak, but she was really just chillin drinkin a coke. I thought she'd be weak, f'd up or something, but she was fine! We just talked; her mom was there. I was the first non family person there!!! Actually aside from Martin and Laura, her mom was the only other person who was there!!!
We just spoke for a while and then moved Laura to her 2nd floor room. I had to leave w/in the next 15 min to get to Mountain lakes for a tennis match, so I was hoping they allowed the baby to come hang w/Laura... I'd be able to see it face to face and possibly hold it (although I must say I was extremely frightened... he looked extremely weak!!!!)
We went over to check w/the nurse, but she said he just took a bath, so it'd be another 30 min. We went back and I decided to leave. Literally 2 min after I left, Martin texts me and says "they just brought him in dude" HAHAHAHA YEAH RIGHT!!!!
Anyway, I just really wanted to share that because it was so special. It was the youngest person I've literally ever seen. It was a top 5 moment in my life I think. I can't imagine what it would feel like when/if I have a kid.
Martin said he was holding Laura's leg up and even cut the umbilical cord. I think I'd pass out before I could actually help.
WOW!!!!!!!!! I immediately asked if I could go see and drove over to Robert Wood Johnson. I got there and had to wait a bit for Laura to clean up and went w/Martin down to the 2nd floor to check out the baby. Unfortunately I couldln't go into the room since I wasn't a parent. I could see through the glass. Little James's torso looked like a juicy juice can of juice w/appendages. He looked really weak and very red. Martin picked him up and he looked annoyed. What a cute creature!!!! It was just really really cool. I couldn't believe my eyes.
We went back and Laura was chillin. I was frightened to be around her because I thought she'd be weak, but she was really just chillin drinkin a coke. I thought she'd be weak, f'd up or something, but she was fine! We just talked; her mom was there. I was the first non family person there!!! Actually aside from Martin and Laura, her mom was the only other person who was there!!!
We just spoke for a while and then moved Laura to her 2nd floor room. I had to leave w/in the next 15 min to get to Mountain lakes for a tennis match, so I was hoping they allowed the baby to come hang w/Laura... I'd be able to see it face to face and possibly hold it (although I must say I was extremely frightened... he looked extremely weak!!!!)
We went over to check w/the nurse, but she said he just took a bath, so it'd be another 30 min. We went back and I decided to leave. Literally 2 min after I left, Martin texts me and says "they just brought him in dude" HAHAHAHA YEAH RIGHT!!!!
Anyway, I just really wanted to share that because it was so special. It was the youngest person I've literally ever seen. It was a top 5 moment in my life I think. I can't imagine what it would feel like when/if I have a kid.
Martin said he was holding Laura's leg up and even cut the umbilical cord. I think I'd pass out before I could actually help.
11.15.2009
2 weeks in the making
So it's been 2 weeks since the last posting subject. I've been working very hard and it's been unfortuante fantasy/health wise.
In fantasy, I came up with one of the biggest tease losses possible. I went into the final game Monday night w/a 2 point disadvantage. I had Road Rash and Denver D facing Big Ben. I needed to beat him by 3 because I didn't have the bench tiebreaker. I was following the game on espn gamecast since I was at my parents' house w/o ESPN. During the game I was ahead but not very comfortably; Aakash's team was always w/in 6 points meaning a Big Ben TD would swing the lead in Aakash's favor as he'd get 6 points and I'd lose at least 3 on defense most likely. I went into the 4th quarter with a sweat, and w/about 6 min left in the game, the Broncos punted; the Steelers went 2 downs w/o gaining significant yardage. They faced a 3rd and long. I'm feeling really good w/a 3 and out here as they'd punt the ball and maybe Denver eats up a lot of clock, then Pitt gets it back and runs the ball no matter what (they're up 2 scores right now, or 10 points).
Road Rash decides to rip up the middle for 34 yd and promptly leave the game for a set of downs. Moore gains them another 1st down so now I'm comfortably ahead (I'm thinking they'll continue running which they do). Again we get to a 3rd and long; same situation only this time I'm more comfortable w/a bigger 9ish point lead. Road Rash rips another 18 yd gain to the 3 yd line. Now I'm thinking I'm up 11, the best he can do with a TD is 6 points and a max 4 point swing for defense, so I think 99% I've won, but still interested in what happens (I'd love a RR TD right here to seal it and run up the score). Rash gets stuffed on first and second down. On 3rd and 4 I'm really comfortable. Pitt needs to run the clock out, so they'll rush on 3rd down then kick a FG or just run it again. The worst that happens is they miss and Denver gets the ball down 2 at their own 1 yd line.
I see TD flash on the gamecast screen and notice no Rushing TD for mendenhall; I look over and there is a passing TD to Hines Ward. Not very pleased, but still pretty excited that I should be up 1 and heading into a last min where Denver will keep the ball, and if Pitt gets it back, they will knee for victory.
I alt tab over to the espn fantasy scores and see that somehow I'm TIED WITH AAKASH?!?!?!?! I checked the scoring and somehow I lose 5 points for the jump from 27 points to 28 points given up by defense which means 6 + 5 = 11 and now I'm tied. There is basically no way I can win anymore as Pitt offfense will not run any more plays. I couldn't believe it. I went back to recalculate 3-4 times just in case there'd be an adjustment the following day... nope.
On tilt, I decided to call Justin. During this call, he explained that yes they threw it on 3rd down up 2 (HOW CAN YOU DO THIS), and the Jaworski even said he'd kneel w/Ben on 2nd down just so the clock would run out. He also informed me that Road Rash actaully looked like he fumbled on 2nd down, but the refs ruled him down. The replay showed he may have, but there was no clear evidence; Denver even challenged and the play was upheld. It was explained to me that basically if the call on the field was a fumble, it woudl've stayed a fumble for insufficient evidence!!!! So if that happened? I would've freaking won the game because i'd get -3 from RR and +3 from Denver D. Wow, unbelievable.
Health wise I started becoming really tired and having trouble sleeping. My right eye has been pulsating later in the 2nd week because of too much screen watching. I've been watching a lot of football after work and lots of computer screens during work. I've been tryin to get more sleep over the weekends, but it just is too enticing to go out and see friends I haven't seen in a while!
Last Friday I went to Morristown w/Dano... We rolled up in Sona 13 and I noticed lots of people staring at us, some even pointing. I was wondering if there was something on my face or if people were making fun of me; Dano seemed pumped thinking chicks knew him from somewhere, so I thought maybe that's it. Then I passed on table and a dude was smiling; I gave him the head nod and he started chanting, "MVP, MVP, MVP, MVP!!!!" That's when I realized people thought I was (or looked like) hideki matsui, the most recent World Series MVP.
We continued to do laps and another guy came up to me and chanted; then said, "Sorry man I had to." I definitely for the record, DO NOT MIND if people do this. It's all in good fun I think ,and who cares if people don't know what type of asian I am... I'm chinese, Matsui is Japanese, but it's no big deal.
Actually, Nisha's friend Kristina was around w/her friends and coworkers. Tanya was there who was at Nisha's wedding; only after I was reintroduced did I feel her face was familiar. We all chilled for a while. I had been walking around and getting some looks from random people, but basically wasn't very aggressive. I learned though that night that eye contact is VERY VERY IMportant. You should always hold eye contact and smile big at the ladies.
Saturday I went to Alex's surprise party that Ashley set up. I kinda f'd it up by parking outside his house (him and Jimmy notice any cars... so he said yeah i didn't know why that black accord was there). Then I went to NYC to celebrate Rajul's bday. Hung w/a lot of girls that I know which was real cool; big time dance party at M1-5 in Soho area. It was a hueg place; only problem was that the music wasn't very loud. It was fun, and I left at 330AM ish and drove home.
Sunday just watched football at my place and sweated a big time fantasy loss.
This week just been chillin. Been cooking more; just noodles/marinara and either chicken or shrimp. Been very good; also cooked my first scrambled eggs!
This weekend went to play poker; made a really tight fold of AK; won money w/qs and repopped a Straight and flush draw w/a pair on turn and took a small pot down. Played really tight. The most significant news was when someone who had just shown down Kings and bet 3 streets and got called then reraised to $60 preflop and then went all in when my friend checked to him in position. Before my friend made the call, the guy pretipped the dealer 5 bucks with some chips (he covered my friend by about $150. My friend ended up making a semi loose call w/js over pair and OSD; the guy flipped over Kings, ran it 3 times, and all 3 times it held. Oddly, when you run it three times, I learned you don't reshuffle after the turn/river come out. I feel this is defintiely better for someone who has less hcance ot win, as more than likely the 1st two times do not have his outs, the 3rd time will have subtracted 4 non-outs from the total cards remaining which improves his odds of winning. Very weird.
Me and Pat hung out @ harvest moon later in NB and met up w/caroline and her friends. We just chilled and caught up before leaving around 2AM.
Saturday I went to lunch Hibachi w/Justin/Andrea. We went to Arirang but it was closed; we left and went to Benihana in Short Hills; it was very good and they hooked it up for me which is definitely appreciated. Later went home, played poker and went out to meet w/Anna's friend Dave.
We met up at Stanton Social in Lower East Side for a late dinner (I had a slice of pizza beforehand as I thought it would be just chillin). We got all different types of stuff, seafood tacos, other weird delicious appetizers (one was empanadas). We walked to La Caverna about 4 blocks away, my go to place, w/him and his 3 coworkers. It was madd fun as usual; great music and great people. Danced all night and eventually dropped him off aroudn 330 and got home at 4. Great time.
I miss my buddy neha!!!
In fantasy, I came up with one of the biggest tease losses possible. I went into the final game Monday night w/a 2 point disadvantage. I had Road Rash and Denver D facing Big Ben. I needed to beat him by 3 because I didn't have the bench tiebreaker. I was following the game on espn gamecast since I was at my parents' house w/o ESPN. During the game I was ahead but not very comfortably; Aakash's team was always w/in 6 points meaning a Big Ben TD would swing the lead in Aakash's favor as he'd get 6 points and I'd lose at least 3 on defense most likely. I went into the 4th quarter with a sweat, and w/about 6 min left in the game, the Broncos punted; the Steelers went 2 downs w/o gaining significant yardage. They faced a 3rd and long. I'm feeling really good w/a 3 and out here as they'd punt the ball and maybe Denver eats up a lot of clock, then Pitt gets it back and runs the ball no matter what (they're up 2 scores right now, or 10 points).
Road Rash decides to rip up the middle for 34 yd and promptly leave the game for a set of downs. Moore gains them another 1st down so now I'm comfortably ahead (I'm thinking they'll continue running which they do). Again we get to a 3rd and long; same situation only this time I'm more comfortable w/a bigger 9ish point lead. Road Rash rips another 18 yd gain to the 3 yd line. Now I'm thinking I'm up 11, the best he can do with a TD is 6 points and a max 4 point swing for defense, so I think 99% I've won, but still interested in what happens (I'd love a RR TD right here to seal it and run up the score). Rash gets stuffed on first and second down. On 3rd and 4 I'm really comfortable. Pitt needs to run the clock out, so they'll rush on 3rd down then kick a FG or just run it again. The worst that happens is they miss and Denver gets the ball down 2 at their own 1 yd line.
I see TD flash on the gamecast screen and notice no Rushing TD for mendenhall; I look over and there is a passing TD to Hines Ward. Not very pleased, but still pretty excited that I should be up 1 and heading into a last min where Denver will keep the ball, and if Pitt gets it back, they will knee for victory.
I alt tab over to the espn fantasy scores and see that somehow I'm TIED WITH AAKASH?!?!?!?! I checked the scoring and somehow I lose 5 points for the jump from 27 points to 28 points given up by defense which means 6 + 5 = 11 and now I'm tied. There is basically no way I can win anymore as Pitt offfense will not run any more plays. I couldn't believe it. I went back to recalculate 3-4 times just in case there'd be an adjustment the following day... nope.
On tilt, I decided to call Justin. During this call, he explained that yes they threw it on 3rd down up 2 (HOW CAN YOU DO THIS), and the Jaworski even said he'd kneel w/Ben on 2nd down just so the clock would run out. He also informed me that Road Rash actaully looked like he fumbled on 2nd down, but the refs ruled him down. The replay showed he may have, but there was no clear evidence; Denver even challenged and the play was upheld. It was explained to me that basically if the call on the field was a fumble, it woudl've stayed a fumble for insufficient evidence!!!! So if that happened? I would've freaking won the game because i'd get -3 from RR and +3 from Denver D. Wow, unbelievable.
Health wise I started becoming really tired and having trouble sleeping. My right eye has been pulsating later in the 2nd week because of too much screen watching. I've been watching a lot of football after work and lots of computer screens during work. I've been tryin to get more sleep over the weekends, but it just is too enticing to go out and see friends I haven't seen in a while!
Last Friday I went to Morristown w/Dano... We rolled up in Sona 13 and I noticed lots of people staring at us, some even pointing. I was wondering if there was something on my face or if people were making fun of me; Dano seemed pumped thinking chicks knew him from somewhere, so I thought maybe that's it. Then I passed on table and a dude was smiling; I gave him the head nod and he started chanting, "MVP, MVP, MVP, MVP!!!!" That's when I realized people thought I was (or looked like) hideki matsui, the most recent World Series MVP.
We continued to do laps and another guy came up to me and chanted; then said, "Sorry man I had to." I definitely for the record, DO NOT MIND if people do this. It's all in good fun I think ,and who cares if people don't know what type of asian I am... I'm chinese, Matsui is Japanese, but it's no big deal.
Actually, Nisha's friend Kristina was around w/her friends and coworkers. Tanya was there who was at Nisha's wedding; only after I was reintroduced did I feel her face was familiar. We all chilled for a while. I had been walking around and getting some looks from random people, but basically wasn't very aggressive. I learned though that night that eye contact is VERY VERY IMportant. You should always hold eye contact and smile big at the ladies.
Saturday I went to Alex's surprise party that Ashley set up. I kinda f'd it up by parking outside his house (him and Jimmy notice any cars... so he said yeah i didn't know why that black accord was there). Then I went to NYC to celebrate Rajul's bday. Hung w/a lot of girls that I know which was real cool; big time dance party at M1-5 in Soho area. It was a hueg place; only problem was that the music wasn't very loud. It was fun, and I left at 330AM ish and drove home.
Sunday just watched football at my place and sweated a big time fantasy loss.
This week just been chillin. Been cooking more; just noodles/marinara and either chicken or shrimp. Been very good; also cooked my first scrambled eggs!
This weekend went to play poker; made a really tight fold of AK; won money w/qs and repopped a Straight and flush draw w/a pair on turn and took a small pot down. Played really tight. The most significant news was when someone who had just shown down Kings and bet 3 streets and got called then reraised to $60 preflop and then went all in when my friend checked to him in position. Before my friend made the call, the guy pretipped the dealer 5 bucks with some chips (he covered my friend by about $150. My friend ended up making a semi loose call w/js over pair and OSD; the guy flipped over Kings, ran it 3 times, and all 3 times it held. Oddly, when you run it three times, I learned you don't reshuffle after the turn/river come out. I feel this is defintiely better for someone who has less hcance ot win, as more than likely the 1st two times do not have his outs, the 3rd time will have subtracted 4 non-outs from the total cards remaining which improves his odds of winning. Very weird.
Me and Pat hung out @ harvest moon later in NB and met up w/caroline and her friends. We just chilled and caught up before leaving around 2AM.
Saturday I went to lunch Hibachi w/Justin/Andrea. We went to Arirang but it was closed; we left and went to Benihana in Short Hills; it was very good and they hooked it up for me which is definitely appreciated. Later went home, played poker and went out to meet w/Anna's friend Dave.
We met up at Stanton Social in Lower East Side for a late dinner (I had a slice of pizza beforehand as I thought it would be just chillin). We got all different types of stuff, seafood tacos, other weird delicious appetizers (one was empanadas). We walked to La Caverna about 4 blocks away, my go to place, w/him and his 3 coworkers. It was madd fun as usual; great music and great people. Danced all night and eventually dropped him off aroudn 330 and got home at 4. Great time.
I miss my buddy neha!!!
11.04.2009
Leaving SC
Tuesday morning we set out and got to SFO w/in 30 min. It was a bit sad to leave such a beautiful coast and Syl, but I got on the flight and 6 hr later I was in NJ.
I was unhappy that there was directv was in service. Why would I be unhappy about DirecTV? You get no free movies and had to pay for the service ($6) so obviously i didn't pay. The way to Cal there were plenty of movies to choose from and a selection of TV shows all on demand. That made it worse. I decided just to do some sudoku and listen to music.
The food was ok, there was this weird bbq turkey sandwich... I actually ate the leftovers of my aisle mate which some would say is disgusting (I call that economical hahahaa).
I talked w/a dude who went to raiders game w/his son (a jets fan) and he said there were no problems; they had a lot of fun and they made it out alive (his son wore a freaking jets jersey).
So when we touched down again, my computer bag came out literally first, then the 2nd checked bag came like 25 min later. How does that happen both times on my trip... pretty annoying. My dad was pickin me up, so it was a bit more annoying since we couldn't just leave immediately; he had to wait around for me which sucked for him.
I was unhappy that there was directv was in service. Why would I be unhappy about DirecTV? You get no free movies and had to pay for the service ($6) so obviously i didn't pay. The way to Cal there were plenty of movies to choose from and a selection of TV shows all on demand. That made it worse. I decided just to do some sudoku and listen to music.
The food was ok, there was this weird bbq turkey sandwich... I actually ate the leftovers of my aisle mate which some would say is disgusting (I call that economical hahahaa).
I talked w/a dude who went to raiders game w/his son (a jets fan) and he said there were no problems; they had a lot of fun and they made it out alive (his son wore a freaking jets jersey).
So when we touched down again, my computer bag came out literally first, then the 2nd checked bag came like 25 min later. How does that happen both times on my trip... pretty annoying. My dad was pickin me up, so it was a bit more annoying since we couldn't just leave immediately; he had to wait around for me which sucked for him.
Football in PT
(Pictures will come soon)
For football this week on the west side, I woke up at the unfortunate time of 9:30AM. Games started at 10AM and we unfortunately saw Carolina play someone (a terrible game). We decided not to go to the Raiders/Jets game because Joyce said peopel get stabbed there every year... more on that later.
During the 1PM games, we decided to leave and find food. The only place open on Sunday at 3 was "Thaibodia" a thai restaurant (we decided not to eat at Yi's bbq cuz they only prepared steak) the place was bangin. Delicious green curry and pad see ew.
After that we went w/the crew to get yogurt that was really good (kind of buffet style; lots of different flavors (maybe 12); you also have the choice to add items like candy, marshmallows, fruit, and other stuff (A LOT OF STUFF). We then went to Yi's place to watch baseball/football, but got teased into mah jong but no one played since they all have class.
We bounced then went to Dave and busters to play bball and video games. Syl is actaully pretty nasty freak at bball games... actaul shooting involved. I only got a 12 on the long shooting which is pitiful. It's far as hell!!! Actually the bouncer at the front hooked us up; Sylvana didn't bring her ID so he just let us in cuz i told him we just came to do basketball. Promised no drinking; he said if he sees us drinking we're out immediately. I profusely thanked him.
Monday was quick round of work then went to the outlet mall where I got new true religions!! Kinda simple back, just a stitched plain U; not real happy w/it, but they are comfortable and other people liked them. What you think???
For football this week on the west side, I woke up at the unfortunate time of 9:30AM. Games started at 10AM and we unfortunately saw Carolina play someone (a terrible game). We decided not to go to the Raiders/Jets game because Joyce said peopel get stabbed there every year... more on that later.
During the 1PM games, we decided to leave and find food. The only place open on Sunday at 3 was "Thaibodia" a thai restaurant (we decided not to eat at Yi's bbq cuz they only prepared steak) the place was bangin. Delicious green curry and pad see ew.
After that we went w/the crew to get yogurt that was really good (kind of buffet style; lots of different flavors (maybe 12); you also have the choice to add items like candy, marshmallows, fruit, and other stuff (A LOT OF STUFF). We then went to Yi's place to watch baseball/football, but got teased into mah jong but no one played since they all have class.
We bounced then went to Dave and busters to play bball and video games. Syl is actaully pretty nasty freak at bball games... actaul shooting involved. I only got a 12 on the long shooting which is pitiful. It's far as hell!!! Actually the bouncer at the front hooked us up; Sylvana didn't bring her ID so he just let us in cuz i told him we just came to do basketball. Promised no drinking; he said if he sees us drinking we're out immediately. I profusely thanked him.
Monday was quick round of work then went to the outlet mall where I got new true religions!! Kinda simple back, just a stitched plain U; not real happy w/it, but they are comfortable and other people liked them. What you think???
The San Francisco Treat
Saturday morning we woke up and went to SCU to play some tennis. It was Syl's 1st time, so I taught her some basics and she kept some balls in play which was nice. The courts were actually full when we got there, but the nike camp instructor hooked us up w/a court by taking some kids off after they played some competitive points w/each other. There were some decent kids there but I hope I'd wreck them all; who knows.After that we picked up Peggy and went over to eat at this chinese restaurant that was AMAZING... just close to authentic food; we had big sesame steamed bread, this chow fun that was made of beans with chicken and cucumbers w/peanut sauce (bangin albeit cold), some beef wrapped in a steamed bun (decent but not great, very dry), and the last thing I remember was the dumplings w/peanut sauce and hot sauce (very good). The tea was even good. We went to Valley Fair, a BIG ASS Mall, so Peggy could do some shopping at Sephora while we just really tooled around and got some Jamba Juice.
Here's a question for you; if you're w/someone you're dating and a friend tags along, is the guy expected to pay for everyone? It's not that I really care much, but for some reason I paid for everyone and no one even asked to pay something... no one gave me the opportunity to shoot them down which I found odd. Not at Jamba Juice nor at the Chinese restaurant. I dunno; something to think about.
Later we found out Valley fair (around the corner from Santana Row, a downtown area w/shops and restaurants) literally was a 5 min drive from Peggy's house which was 5 min from Syl's house.
We kind of relaxed then set off for a night in San Fran. We headed to Tadich Grille; door to door we made it in like 50 minutes which was awesome; straight shot north up 101. This place was freaking PACKED. We asked for a seat and the restaurant said 45 min, but the host (is this called maiter D?) told us we could wait behind the stools at the bar for people to get up which WOULD be faster.
We quickly scurried through the mobb of people in the very thin walkway on the right side of the restaurant (the first seafood restaurant in SF). There were 2 1 seaters open and I just told sylvana to sit in one of them closest to the front door to wait for someone to get up as the lady looked like she was finishing; she immediately told us she was leaving w/in 10 min and we were PUMPED!WE chatted w/her and she notified us that this restaurant was in fact BANGIN. Whe nshe left we ordered this raw platter that was decent; the real important fact was that it opened my mind up to Dungeness crab; that crab was straight bangin.
The waitor was very nice and he took all my talking and questions and we ended up w/the seabass special and a seafood curry; let me tell you, seabass continues to be my favorite food. If prepared well (and i've not run into too many that aren't) it is likea stick of butter; you can cut through it and the taste although a bit faint is just sooo sooo fresh and delicious... i really dont' know how to describe it.
The seafood curry was awesome too; Syl didnt' like it much so we pulled the ol' switcheroo and I demolished the rest of the curry while she did her thing w/the bass. The bread they gave out wasn't so great... it was cold sourdough, but it was really good w/the curry.
Later we walked around SF and checked out Fluid (I was there 4-5 yr ago in my PwC training and lost my burberry blazer there) which seemed poppin, but wasn't open yet at 945, so we walked to some other place whose name was cool, but I forgot it (it's pictured). That was supposed to be a hip hop club, but it was $20 cover so we passed and walked back to fluid. Unfortunately the line stretched around the building at this point and we waited about 8-10 min to get to the front. We were notified there was a cover, but we walked through to the foyer and were greeted by a dude w/a curtain behind him where you enter the club; I saw some people inside, and asked if i could check if there were a lot of people. Dude said no which surprised me. Why would you say no? If there ARE people you just open it up, let someone see and they'll proceed, the only thing that saying no got him was a nice view of our backsides as I immediately was tilted and left... he knew better than to let me look cuz eh would've only made about 40+another 25 on drinks probably.
We walked around and I called Bhrina to see if she's around (neha's old roommate who moved to SF). She was tryin to do something small and was chillin at her apt, so on the way to our car, I tried her again to get the address to punch into the GPS; she was MIA, so I just started leaving. I somehow drove right by andy's place on the way back out of the city and wouldn't you know it, I got the text back from Bhrina as we were on the bridge out of SF. We didn't turn back around.
We drove all the way back and went to bed... I was anxious to get in a full day of football starting at 10AM (PT)!!!!!!!
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