Last Post of the Year

Wanted to wish my fellow bloggers and followers a safe New Years Eve celebration!
Kiss 2008 good-bye, but hold on to the memories forever. Here's to a new year and a fresh new start!

See you in 2009!

2008 Wrap Up

This is a must-do, as 2008 comes to a close I start to look back at life during the year and begin to summarize it.

Things I was proud of:

• Having the initiative to quit my part time job to take more credits at school. (Three classes and a full time job is tough to handle, ok)
• Giving up majority of my so-called "summer break" to take both sessions of summer school. I racked up 21 credits this year!
• Kept my 2008 New Years resolution to travel. (Visited Las Vegas twice, Maui, San Fran and San Diego)
• Paid off a credit card.
• I learned the basic concepts of the game of football, lol! It took almost three seasons of Warrior football to learn just what the hell is going on.

Things I was happy about:

• Had a some what successful relationship in which made five months of my year pretty spiffy--until it ended (obviously).
• Developed a love for California (I wouldn't mind moving to) especially San Francisco.
• Best friend moved in! She's the best roommate a person could ask for!
• Moved out of my Mom's house.
• Salary INCREASE!
• Completed back piece by Sado.

Things I wasn't so happy about:

• My office/job moving 30 miles from home in Kapolei. (Not just the commute, but the whole damn process of moving 100 employees from downtown Honolulu to Kapolei -- oh the agony!)
• My breakup...BOTH OF THEM. %#&*! (But I'll get over it...or have I....?)
• Taking 2+ hours to finish an 8-mile marathon. Shin splints are the worst!
• Moving out of my Mom's house. --I know I wrote this in the "Things I was happy about" section, but you have to understand the reason why I moved out in the first place. (Mother's husband makes it very difficult to live there) I'm not so happy because I miss my Mom. :(
• Missed out on NYE Las Vegas trip due to bad decisions. (I'm still whacking myself in the face for that one)

2008 was definitely a roller coaster of events. How would you sum up your 2008?

He's Just Not That Into You

I finally finished my book He's Just Not That Into You and had some thoughts and opinions. Let me just first start off by saying, I bought the book because I came out of a relationship and needed a pick-me-up, oh please God help me advice. My friend recommended the book (also because the movie is coming out in February 2009) so I picked up my copy and eagerly began reading thinking that it would make me feel better about being dumped and single again...

WRONG! What it made me realize is that 99% of the guys I've dated weren't that into me. What a nice thing to hear after a breakup, right? So basically Greg (the male author of this book) names each and every type of guy that there is out there. Lets just say that my previous boyfriend had about 10 characteristics that Greg mentioned. I know, I should be thankful that I'm not with him, but wow, what an eye opener (and a shot in the head) to read that he wasn't that into me. Sad to say though, I'm sure all that he wrote in there is true (I even asked a guy friend for his thoughts) however I have seen the exception to the rule. Oh! Greg also goes on to say that you should ignore all those "rare case scenarios" (guys break up with girl, guy misses girl, guy calls girl, guy asks girl back out, guy proposes, girl says yes, guy and girl live happily ever after). So we females shouldn't hold on to any beacon of hope. Thankfully, Liz (the FEMALE co-author) saves the book-in my eyes- by explaining why it's hard to girls to swallow all this raw information. I don't know, I probably won't read this book again, I have learned a thing or two, but like it says, we need to live our lives, no matter what annoying line (or fifty) we hear in our heads from the book, and take chances.

I have another Greg Behrendt book to start It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken. Probably the same quirky comments from Greg (as I noticed when I thumbed through it in the bookstore) but I bought the damn thing and won't let it go to waste. Again, it'll probably be another eye opener and stab in the chest but it's probably something good to hear.

After this, no more self-help books. I think I've gotten all the self-help that I could get this year. Although I must say, I'm doing ten times better than I was nearly two months ago. :)

Happy Holidays...

It's been a busy couple of weeks but I've accomplished much during. I completed the Christmas shopping, managed to pass both my classes with a B and a C, made some new friends and spent lots of time with friends. Anyway, just wanted to wish everyone a...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Be safe everyone and God Bless!!

Brief Update

I've been rather busy the past few days, then this weekend, I couldn't log in for some reason. I'm finally able to get in today but since I'm at work I have to make this short.

• I finished school (hooray!) on Thursday night. I was debating whether to try and pass this one online class, or take the failing grade and redo it next semester. I'll find out my grade on Thursday but I'm feeling pretty confident. (I hope I didn't just jinx myself)
• Sheraton Hawaii Bowl is on Wednesday!!
• I started on my book "He's Just Not That Into You" and it's pissing me off as I read on. I'll write about it when I finish the book with my complete thoughts. Ugh!
• Finished Christmas shopping! (And wrapping, might I add) Now I can go back to shopping exclusively for myself.
• Work is busy...I've got three projects all due within the first five days of the New Year. (Not good when I plan on taking off on Christmas Eve, and we have Christmas and New Years day off) I've only got six days. Looks like late evenings at work will commence. :(
• Got to the gym twice this weekend! *Pats self on the back* The first day was killer; I'm so out of shape, but the second day was a breeze. Thank you Red Bull!

Ok it's back to work I go...

I've Been Tagged

I was tagged a few days ago...or was it just the other day? Well anyway I've yet to jot down sixteen random facts about me. Here it goes: (in reverse, just to make this interesting, because really, I'm not)

16) I'm addicted to watching The Hills. (I have a dvd on pause right now as I blog)
15) I'm going to school for accounting, but what I really wish I was doing was fashion/marketing.
14) I've been to Europe, (Italy, Monaco, Switzerland and France) Canada, Mexico and numerous states (California, Washington, Nevada, Washington D.C.).

13) I change my hand writing depending on what I'm writing or who I'm writing to.
12) I've never bought a designer handbag. (They were all gifts)
11) I have a hard time eating Oreo cookies unless I take it apart.
10) I have ten pillows on my bed right now.
9) While I'm counting things...I own ten pairs of jeans.
8) I had Italian food for dinner the past five nights. (Buca Di Beppo has the biggest orders ever, my left over spaghetti lasted me for 3 meals!)
7) I've got $65 cash on me, right now.
6) I name my cars. (The 2000 Jetta, who I named Matthew, Bailey, the blue bimmer sedan and now Mondavi my BMW coupe.)
5) I guess I have a thing with naming objects, because I named my camera Barron.
4) I have a weakness for breakfast from McDonalds and Burger King.
3) Never had a New Years kiss. (Just thought about that since I have no idea what I'm doing this NYE)
2) I own five pairs of boots. That's a lot considering I live in Hawaii.
1) I'm addicted to tattoos. I spent $800 (fairly low) and about seven hours on my back. (pic) **And that little doll on my lower right was my first (stupid) tattoo I did when I was sixteen years old, my Dad took me. :) I wish someone stopped me, lol.

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I took my exam tonight, I don't think I did so well. It must be bad when you don't finish, right? I have maybe 5-7 more to go. Exams are so pressured that I lose my mind! At least I finished my projects today though, stayed home all day to finish them. Back to work tomorrow and I bet I have piles to do there also. I got to get back in to my gym routine too, I've been slacking since I fell down and bruised my foot. It's finally better so I can't use that excuse anymore. I'll have to force myself to go tomorrow morning. *sulks*

Blackberry Bold...I Got It!

What did I say about me buying my own Christmas presents? :) I actually bought this last week Tuesday. Put a nice hole in my wallet, but oh well. I paid $400+ for the phone, but I have yet to mail in my rebate form for $100 back and I'm patiently waiting (hope it takes longer than normal) for my bill from my old provider for the $200 cancellation fee.

So, here is it...the Blackberry Bold. I absolutely love it! I was so tired of holding my old phone (the sidekick lx) like it was a video game controller, not to mention the swivel screen (it was cool when I first saw it) was just getting annoying to spin open to dial and type, and spin it shut to talk. Everyone asks me why I switched to AT&T but didn't get the iPhone. I have an iPod Touch already and had the hardest time typing in letters using the touch keyboard. I NEED THE QWERTY! But the Bold is great, the pictures come out so clear, and the sound. I was amazed when I listened to some of the ringtones that were pre-loaded on here, it sounds like a stereo system. I'm in love, last thing left is to purchase that Sony camera and I'm satisfied. (I bought my book as you could see in my previous entry.)

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I was tagged the other day...I have to think about my sixteen (what an odd number?) random facts before I begin. I'm at work and somehow all the weirdest thoughts pop in to my head while I'm at work, so I'll just jot them down as the day goes on then blog it later. My top priority should be studying though. Last day of school was last week and tomorrow I have a final exam with a project due and another project due online on Thursday. Someone pray with me, please?

Because I Have Nothing to Blog About

I live a boring life these days...right now it's about 8pm and I'm home alone with nothing to do. I'm trying my best not to turn on the tv because then I'll be up forever flipping channels all night. Anyway...in place of writing I'll do what I love to do, surveys about ME. :o)

Can you cook?:
I "can" but I can't cook good. I do easy stuff like pasta and...pasta, yeah that's about it.

What was your dream growing up?
I don't know about back then, but now it's my dream to be happy and successful.

What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I could sing.

If I bought you a drink what would it be?
If someone else is buying, something pricey. (Kidding! Ok not really but I wouldn't settle for a beer) Something with vodka (preferably grey goose) in it.

Favorite vegetable?
This is like an oxy moron in my book. Not a fan of veggies, but I can do salads so lettuce is good.

What was the last book you read?
I began reading "The Game..." but never did finish it. Then this summer I began reading "The Manual" but didn't finish reading it. I haven't gotten through one whole book since high school.

What zodiac sign are you ?
Virgo, the virgin. ():o)

Any Tattoos?
A few. ...Got more ideas running through my head to expand my back piece.

Worst Habit?
Shopping when I don't have money? :) That's a good one.

What is your favorite sport?
I'm shocked that I can actually sit through an entire game of football and know about 80% of what's going on. (I'm still learning) It was a shock that I'm paying $40 to watch the Hawaii Bowl, I must actually like watching football. Go figure!

Negative or Optimistic attitude?
A little bit of both. I try to stay very positive and optimistic, but then I somehow always get disappointed so I rebel by thinking negatively about things, but that's really not the way to live a happy life.

Worst thing to ever happen to you?
Getting dumped. (Which time you ask? -ALL of them) Oh well, at least I wasn't naked (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, haha)

Tell me one weird fact about you?
I quote lines from "The Hills" lol.

Do you have any pets?
No, but I want a mini-dachshund.

Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
Clowns are definitely not cute. Not so much scary, they're just...funny looking.

If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be???
I have a small non-smile, smile. Only after some patron shots does my smile expand. That can't be good.

Ever been arrested?
No.

Bottle or Draft?
It doesn't matter to me, actually, I'd probably go with what's cheaper.

If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
Go directly to Express and shop shop shop!

What's your favorite place to hang at?
Ryans was the place. Haven't been in a while..now I'm all about Oceans808 and I have a new found appreciation for hanging out in my room, alone.

Do you believe in ghosts?
I prefer the term spirits, and yes.

Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Apparently its going on the computer...or watching tv, shopping, gym, and sleep.

Do you swear a lot?
Nope. Not much for profanity. You'll know I'm really pissed off when I swear.

Biggest pet peeve?
When my toes get wet from walking on the wet ground. I don't care if my face, hair or arms get wet, but when it's my feet its so annoying, especially when I'm walking at the speed of evolution (not fast at all) and it still gets wet. AH!

In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Dorky.

Do you appreciate romance?
Yes, it's just sad how romance usually dies. I miss it.

Do you believe in God?
Sure do.

Ok, I'm done. Sleepy time now. OMG how lame, it's not even 9:00 p.m. Malls aren't even closed yet.

I Love Cal

So it's official...my flight is booked and my boss signed off on my pink slips...

I'M GOING TO L.A.!

I'm so excited! There's so much that I want to do and see. So I decided on L.A. over San Francisco (even though I'm in LOVE with that city!) only because I have a place to stay, and know some people in the area. Perhaps I'll save San Francisco for spring break, or summer time. Darn, I told myself that 2008 was my traveling year and 2009 I'd stay home and save...broke that rule, maybe I'll do that in 2010. I'll be leaving in January, so I have some time to save and plan.

Other than that, nothing else really exciting. Decided to go to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl to watch the Warriors take on Notre Dame. Okay, well I decided, but tickets are still pending based on whether or not there's seats available. Stressed out at work today, as usual. I came home and took my online quiz and thought I did really good considering I had the book and notes in my lap, but nope, 18 out of 30. I don't get how that happened. Now I'm just killing time before I go work out.

This Weekend

This weekend has been a whirlwind, as usual.


FRIDAY: After work I thought I'd avoid traffic by having a drink with the co-workers at Chilis. BAD IDEA! The traffic in Kapolei only gets worse the long you wait. So whatever, I faced it. Started shopping and bought my book from my previous post and picked up another from the same author. If you know me, I had just had a breakup about a month ago, so I can totally relate to these books.

Afterwards, I went home and got ready. We all met up at The LR for drinks, food, dancing and an intense game of Chippendale Photo Hunt. LOL. It's pretty funny when you get the guys pointing at half-fully naked men. Yum.

SATURDAY: Woke up and hit the gym, a much needed trip. Went home and got ready for the football game, UH vs. Cincinnati. Yeah, we lost. So horrible since it was the last game of the regular season. After that game, I seriously started thinking about going to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. When I came home from the game, Tina and I headed up to town and hit up Oceans for a few drinks.


SUNDAY: Today was Mom & Daughter day. We've been spending every Sunday together, it's really nice. So my Mom picked me up and we drove up to town and did some (well, a LOT) shopping at Express. I LOVE THAT STORE! I was a little shocked to see that I spent over $300 in less than an hour. For some that might not be a lot, but for me, that's a lot to spend in one place, and of course, the worst part is that 90% of the items, weren't gifts, they were for me. I'm bad, I know. We then had lunch at Japanese food at Hifumi's at the Chinese Cultural Plaza in Chinatown. So good and inexpensive. After that I did more shopping at Ross. This time however I bought gifts for three people. Ross is the best place for Christmas gifts! It's so cheap and they have cute gift ideas. I only spent around $60 there. I came home and cleaned my room (I can actually see carpet now! YAY!) and now I'm just relaxing. I doubt I'll drag my butt to the gym tonight, probably force myself to study. I have an online quiz due tomorrow, and even though I'm retaking this online class next semester because I'm not doing so good, I still don't want to get an F and lower my already low GPA.

Tomorrow's Monday, man how I hate Mondays. Got lots to do at work. I missed a deadline on Friday because I swear I had three projects going on and one of them had to wait, so I got to get going on it as soon as I get in to the office. I have a few more assignments too.

**FUN JEN FACT** I find that I work much harder at work when I dress professionally. It's really odd. When I'm lazy and wear jeans, and a sweater with I'm not as productive as if I was to wear more business attire. I better dress good tomorrow.

Looking forward to after work, I told Tina that I'd pick up Tanioka's on my way home for dinner. Best local food! Alright, study time! Good night friends and followers! :)

Dear Santa...Here's My List

I swear I do this every single year before Christmas. I write down a bunch of things that I want, because let's face it, during the holidays it always seems that all the cute and hot stuff comes out and I want to buy it all, but I should really be buying for others. So anyway, I usually write them down and say no sense get them because I'll probably buy it for myself (as if anyone is going to buy them for me) because I either, A) Can't wait until Christmas because I have to have it NOWWW. Or B) It's too expensive for others to get for me - for example, the Sony touchscreen digital camera that I showed my Mom. Her exact words "oh yeah that's too expensive, I thought you wanted the $99 Nikon Cool Pix" :( Um, no.

1.) A new phone: Like the Blackberry Bold. :) But let's see, that's about $300 for the phone and then I'd be paying another $200 to cancel my contract with my current provider, so I'll give that one some thought.2.) Digital Camera: Sony Cyber- shot DSC T77...oh, in pink.

3.) Book: "He's Just Not That In To You" - Greg Behrendt.. My friends are all in to it and so excited for the movie. (Feb 2009) So I figure I'd read it and see what the hype is about. Besides, I actually secretly love these kind of books. I own "The Game Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists" - Neil Strauss and "The Manual" - Steve santagati.

4.) Bedroom "Stuff": I'm not really picky with this kind of stuff. But I want to get pretty candles, and some artwork for my walls, spotlight lamps, (especially to shine in my closet because it's so dark I can't tell which black clothing I'm looking at.) sheets, a white/ivory 3'x5" shag rug, and so much more!

Boy, I thought I had more things, but I guess...I have...them..all. But you see, either expensive, or I'm going to buy soon (like the book and some room accessories).

My ultimate Christmas gift to myself if a trip in January to L.A., California!!! Date is still TBA, but I'm soooo looking forward to going there. I'm such a dork, I want to visit all the places (maybe not all, probably 2%) that they show on The Hills. :D *cheesy smile*

Rainy Days

It rained on my parade today, ok not parade...but on my plans. I had a big breakfast so I thought on my lunch break at work I'd go for a jog around the neighborhood. ...Then the rain came down, HARD. So it looks like I'm staying in. I can't even go to my car because it's parked so far away and being the idiot that I am, left the umbrella inside the car.

Being that I have some time now and I have so many random things running through my brain, I'll jot them down here. And I can refer back to it later....

1. Debating...should I apply for another job? I seen two bartending positions on Craigslist that are available. I'm always so intimidated to apply at jobs.
2. Debating also, to apply for another job, or make plans to travel in January.
3. Third debate...if I do travel in January, where to go...I'm torn between San Francisco (the city that I absolutely 100% LOVEEEEEE!) or L.A. (somewhere that I've never experienced)
4. I need to find a program that's easy to use that can edit photos and pictures but comes out with great quality. I can't do photoshop for shit, tried it a couple years back when it was only like 6.0 or something and gave up. Any ideas? Suggestions?
5. What the heck do I wear ankle boots with? So I thought that they'd look good with pencil skirts, errr! Wrong. They don't, well not on me. I was reading on the internet what would be good and it suggested long leggings? Perhaps I should have re-thought making that purchase.
6. It's been exactly 4 weeks since I've been single and I can't remember the number of times that I went out (not to mention all those nights I just didn't remember anything, period)
7. I think Charlie Brown said it best when he said, "I work best under pressure, and if I wait until tomorrow there will be lots of pressure." I love that kid...is he still considered a kid? He must be in his what, 40s?
8. I'm FINALLY getting to try Azteca tonight for dinner.

Hm...I think the rain stopped. Perhaps I should actually make the effort to put on my shoes and get out there for a run.

Oh yeah, hey friends leave me comments...at least then I'll know someones out there. I'll add that "What do you think" option ...you don't have to leave a comment you can just tell me if it was lame or not.

Xanga

I was so bored last night. I came home from the gym, showered and planned go to go bed, but always after the gym I feel so rejuvenated and awake. I was instant messaging Bobby on the sidekick and we were talking about blogging when he mentioned Xanga. So I thought "Hrm, I wonder if my old profile/blog still exists." Sure enough! LOL.

www.xanga.com/chicstylin

Ok, so I changed my main profile picture and added an entry that plugs this blog (as if anyone reads xanga, well, my xanga anyway) but I left my brief info up. haha! I was so lame back in 2005, (not that I'm much cooler now) I put that my interests are "bad boys" c'mon, really. Ahh, anyway...so I thought it was funny because I clicked on all my subscription blogs and only one really updates still. The rest of them are filled with entries stating how long they haven't been on. It's interesting. Bobby described it best when he said, "It's like opening a time capsule."

Let's see....how many "communities" have I joined since my online era began:

• AsianAvenue.com
• Apartment107.com
• Xanga.com
• Myspace.com
• Facebook.com
• Blogger.com
• Wordpress.com

Hrm...is that all? I thought there were more for some reason, and the last four are all pretty recent. Anyway, I'm just killing some time before I head out to the gym. Ta-ta!