Day 1: Packing

So the packing company came in today and packed all of our crap in boxes. They just left a few minutes ago. The last guy who left looked at us like, "YOU GUYS ARE A BUNCH OF FREAKS." Why? Because Leo left the leather whip underneath the bed. OKAY OKAY OKAY. BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE WE ARE, LET ME EXPLAIN MYSELF. The leather whip was used for a costume we had during Halloween of 2003. WE DO NOT USE IT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSES. I SWEAR TO YOU! Anyhow, the guy probably freaked out about the other things that lay around the house. For example, the 12 inch daggers above the book shelf, the long spear in our storage closet, the baton/dual-knife set underneath our bed. Whips? knives? spears? Haha. On second thought, that does sound a bit kinky. Sadistically kinky.

Making like trees and getting out of San Diego

So tonight, Leo is unplugging our computers because Google is packing our home to be shipped to our new home in Santa Clara (350 miles away from here). I'm assuming it will be awhile till I blog again - so I'm taking advantage of this opportunity to give you the update on what's been going on around these parts. Here's the exciting agenda (that you probably don't give a crap about) of the week:

Monday - The movers will be packing our stuff in boxes during the AM. Potential renters to walk-through property.
Tuesday - The movers will be loading our crap in the truck. They will also trailer both of our cars.
Wednesday - Maria, our trusty maid, is scheduled to clean the house one last time.(If any San Diegan's out there who are interested in maid service, I can give you an awesome referral for one - she's the best)
Thursday - Steam cleaners are coming in to shampoo the carpets. I fly out to SJ airport. Pick up the rental car. Check in at the hotel. Pick up the keys to our new home.
Friday - Pick up Leo and the dog at the airport. Return car rental.
Saturday - Unpack. Eat. Sleep. (Rinse and repeat)
Sunday - Unpack. Eat. Sleep. (Rinse and repeat)

That pretty much sums up our unusual week.

Last Friday was my last day at my work. And to make me feel bad for leaving, the company bought me a Coach purse as a going-away gift. Now if that doesn't scream out FREAKIN' AWESOME COMPANY EVER, I don't know what does.

The office also took me and my co-worker, David, who is also leaving, out to lunch to celebrate. And the night before, a couple of the co-workers took us out to a bar to have our final "vent fest" about the things that really drive us nuts about our jobs. At the lunch, I gave my farewell speech after David gave his. I was forced to do mine by the boss. I'm such a wuss. I probably cried once on Friday. But it was a very brief sob. Like 30 seconds of watery-eyeness that required only a single Kleenex kind of sob.

Friday night, we said good-bye to a very special friend of mine who lives in the south-eastside part of San Diego. I will miss her dearly.

Yesterday, we ate out with a couple of friends and then visited more friends afterwards. Played some fooz-ball and lost.

This afternoon, my parents threw a going-away party for us at their home. Very thoughtful of them. We ate so much that we spent the whole day defying gravity from falling flat on our ginormous bellies.

Since I'm going through major changes in my life, I am probably going to blog about it A LOT more for the next couple of weeks. I really don't know anybody up there so I have a lot of time to do some thinking. And perhaps a lot of picture taking because for the next two months I am going to be a tourist in my own city.

Friends, sorry my post have been a bit on the bland side. So much to type. So little time.

Last Day

My last day at work is tomorrow. My exit interview is at 11:15. After that, I'm going to make like a tree and get out.

Helloooooo unemployment.

Wizard School Drop-Out

Leo picked up a copy of the latest Harry Potter book last weekend. The NEW and LAST book (Thank god). The movie producers are probably having a hell of a time trying to conceal Hermoines ever growing boobs and Harry's hangover from the night before. I have never read a single Harry Potter book, nor do I intend to in the future. (Gasp). So does that make me un-cool? It's really not my cup of tea. I mean seriously, if I somehow acquire a flying broomstick, why the hell would I ever want to go back to wizard school? Do those kids have any idea how useless frequent flyer mile points would be? I read a lot. Just not Harry Potter. Although, I am quiet fond of the movies.

Anyway, Leo is a total die hard Harry Potter fan that sometimes I think it's just the most hilarious thing ever. Like when I attempt to reveal what happens in the end, he's like "NO!!!" He plugs his ears and chants "LALALALALALALALALALALALAL...I can't hear you...LALALALALALALALALALA." I told him this evening, if he ever fucks with me, I'm going to yell out who dies in the end because I read the spoilers (via the internet). He ran off to his royal throne, the toilet, to be by himself.

Fine. If that's how he wants to spend his evening, so be it. I'm sure it's harder to snuggle with, Harry Potter, the hardcover lover.

Greetings from Santa Clara

This is just a follow up to the last post. I'm in our hotel room right now in Santa Clara and it's six munites past midnight. The house hunting wasn't a complete success. Our housing agent was the sweetest man on earth, but also very disorganized. We were anticipating more of a smoother tour where we would have appointments set up for the whole day. Instead, the majority of the time spent was in the car scrambling through papers of what he printed out from Craigslist of potential homes to look at. It was a mess. Nevertheless, we did get a good look around the city, so that was cool. The houses were decent. The last one we looked at was probably my favorite. Considering how convinient it is to our house from my future job. Oh, by the way, the interview at Stanford University went very very very well. It was the longest interview I've ever had. 4 hours! I interviewed with 7 different people in which I totally feel confident that I've successfully turned into BFFs in the span of 20 minutes with each one. I flipped the charm mode on and even wore my very cool new suit I bought last week. I totally nailed the interview. Needless to say, it boosted my chances when they found out I was overqualified. I'm very satisfied about how it went. The director said I should be expecting a call from her next week - which only could mean one thing, right? I completed the second (and last) interview with them, so I'm hoping it's good news, right? I don't know. I'm tired. I need to sleep. We have another tour day tomorrow.

Buenos noches, Amigos!

Spoke too soon

Going to make this quick because I've got a long day tomorrow.

This morning, I spoke with the lady at Stanford. From my previous post, I had an ill feeling about the phone interview that I thought she would never call me back. But lo and be-fucking-hold, Stanford has invited me for a physical interview. Not one manager, but three managers/directors. I am really stoked about this that typing it out in caps would not even justify the exclamatory sensation I feel within. You guys are the greatest. Thanks for the videos and joke(s).

And it's so ironic how everything is coming together in the most unexpected ways. Tomorrows initial plan was to fly out in the afternoon, get situated so we can wake up to look for houses with our agent. Unexpectedly, Stanford called and wanted to meet. So I told Stanford "hey, I will be in the neighborhood." So it all worked out in the end.

This afternoon, I gave a tour of our home to a couple and they immediately loved our place. We are in the process now of leasing it out to them and having it managed while we are up north.

Wow. I can feel myself breathing easier.

And knowing that The Company is paying for the flight, rental car, housing agent, and hotel, we can both breathe easier.

Be back on Sunday!

Will Work For Food

The job hunting has been disappointingly unsuccessful. Last Friday, I had a phone interview with Stanford University and I have yet to hear from them. They told me they would call me some time this week if they, of course, decide a second interview. And in all honesty, I think I totally bombed the interview. I just feel it. And what sucks the most is that I have a very good track record of never failing an interview - so I had my expectations set too high for me to even cope right now.

This was my first "phone" interview ever. So I was really nervous that I couldn't express myself the way I wanted to. I can't really speak confidently without using my hands like an Italian. And the downside about phone interviews is not knowing how the interviewer reacts to an answer you give them. If they're satisfied or unsatisfied. You never know these things. And it's just easier for me to engage in a conversation if I'm looking directly at the person. I was at a total disadvantage. I'm very keen on reading people's body language too.

The two things I've learned during all the physical interviews I've ever had was to keep saying what they want to hear. And never be yourself. Especially if you have bills to pay, there is no time for honesty and sincerity. So if someone is feeding you a crock of shit to be yourself, ask them what they're smoking.

It's not the end of the week yet. What I really need to do is chill the fuck out and keep my chin up.

Hopefully you guys can amuse me with something funny to say. Please feel free to humor me with jokes, links or YouTube videos of midgets.

A Vegas Recap

A lot of you have asked how the Vegas trip was last weekend, so here's a recap of what I did. Sorry for the delay. I've been so caught up in job and house hunting prepartions up north.

Last weekend, we flew to Vegas for a much needed getaway. We touched down a little before noon and it was already a scorching 114 degrees. The heat was literally drying the moisture out of my eyes. I probably told Leo how hot it was like 5 million times. Like pointing out the obvious was going to rectify the heat from melting the hair off my head. Not exactly San Diego weather, where it's warm outside, but still cool from the coastal breeze. No. This was insanely hot. So hot that you can cook a steak on the sidewalk right next to the nudee magazine racks.

We first went to a distant relatives house for a family reunion. It was located 8 miles away from the Vegas strip. When we arrived, we were greeted by relatives that I have never seen in my life. I found out that one of my thems is a producer in Hollywood. At the ending credits of the original three Star Wars movie, look for Nilo Rodis. Awesome. And then I found out that I had an attorney cousin who lives in the Bay Area with his family. Some comforting news since we will be moving up there shortly. He also writes a column in AsianWeek and is a 49er's fan. Booooo. I even sang a little kareoke and did my Celine Dion number of My Heart Will Go On. After a long day with family, Leo and I headed back to our hotel.

We stayed at the Planet Hollywood (formerly known as the Aladdin). It wasn't our first choice. But it sure was our first choice in buffet. Spice Market Buffet is rated the number one buffet in all of Sin City. With a reputation like that, how could our bellies refuse? All I really remember from that buffet experience was how awesome their crepes are. ALL YOU CAN EAT CREPES. Yes indeed, the reputation lived up to it's critics.

Las Vegas is notorious for their over-the-top hotels. Planet Hollywood was actually really nice and very modern. Unlike Bellagio, Venetian, or Paris, the Planet Hollywood Hotel stood out from the typical fancy Romanesque/Meditarranean/European decor and mythical god statues with fountains shooting out of their ass. It kind of gets old after awhile. I think the only bad part about the hotel, was the pool. Two pools that really suck. Which was understandable because of major renovations from the previous Aladdin hotel. They're currently in the process of building two towers on the existing hotel with a totally new pool. Including residential/timeshare units on the upper levels.

While checking in, an employee of the hotel told us that the man standing next to us was the owner of the hotel. We later learned that he owns a string of hotels in Vegas. I stood there hoping he would notice me. And then maybe adopt me because I'm cute.

On the bottom level, is a shopping mall called the Miracle Mile. Leo bought me the coolest shirt in the world at the Urban Outfitters. I'll take a photo of myself proudly wearing it on a later post.

Our first attempt at a night club was located at the Venetian. A restaurant called Tao, which later in the evening converts into a club, was first on our list. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we were told that Sunday was not a club night. I was disappointed at the fact that my co-worker highly recommended that place and was one of the hot spots that I was really looking forward to. Tao is notorious for celebrity sightings and hot naked girls swimming in bathtubs while people dance around them on the dancefloor. Sure beats the typical go-go dancers. Here's a photo of how it looks like with a camera flash. I can't believe we missed that one.





Luckily, the bouncer was nice enough to give us recommendations before we left. He suggested Tryst at the Wynn Hotel. Elated by the news that we were going to the Wynn, I didn't mind the quarter mile trek in the blistering 10pm heat. I just fucking love the Wynn Hotel. It's seriously the classiest hotel I've ever been to but never stayed at. I feel so unworthy when I step foot on the marble floors with my $50.00 heels. Like the marble laughs at my shoes because they don't meet the minimum requirements of a $500 pair of Minolo Blancs.

Can I tell you how awesome that place is? There is seriously someone in the Women's room who holds your purse and wipes your hand after you wash it. You mean there's a person who's specific duties include holding your hair up while you puke? YES. THERE. IS. And just because my past clubbing experience was never so good, I tipped the lady a dollar just for the sake of her being on standby. On behalf of all the girls that ever hurled on themselves in a night club bathroom without support from their girlfriends.

The club was definately the classiest club I've ever been to. Abundant with waterfalls and beautiful people. Not the kind of crowd you see at the local bar or club in your city. Tryst really put the ASS in CLASS. Check out these photos including a video clip of Tryst.

At the end of the night, both Leo and I agreed that clubbing isn't our scene and never really was to begin with. I think our favorite scene is curled up on the couch watching hours of Godfather. But once in awhile, it's fun to dance and pretend like you just turned 21. Makes me wish that I had my bachlorette party at Tryst, instead of Rumjungle at the Mandalay Bay last year. Bottle service at the Tryst was bitchen.

The next morning, we ate at a Brazillian grille called Pampas. If any of you aren't familiar with the Brazillian BBQ experience, then you should really check it out. The servers come around with skewers of fresh meat off the grill and then cut it into pieces on your plate. And for the boring vegetarians, they also have a salad and side entree bar. It was nice to have a non-typical meal. We haven't had Brazillian food in awhile - so it was a very refreshing experience.

With all good things, they must come to an end. We took an earlier flight to San Diego on Monday because two nights is a long time to be in the City of Sin. We wanted to get the hell out of there as soon as possible. Being away from San Diego, even for a short amount of time, made me realize how fortunate we are to be living in such a great city. And that the worst part of traveling is missing our own bed.

Unemployment

Vegas last weekend was fun, but HOT. Too tired to elaborate on details. No longer in vacation mode. So please excuse the lack of interest to type and grammatical errors. I will save it for the next post. Just wanted to check in to say howdy. And that in about 3 weeks, I will be un-employed. The job hunting is going real swell. I applied to 25 different companies in the last two hours. At this rate, I'm hoping for atleast one company to call/e-mail me back this week. That is the goal I'm aiming for. One company to hear my cry for employment.

This weekend, we're hoping to fly up to the Bay Area to find a house. God, typing that out took major courage. Maybe it's the fatigue talking, but we are now 100% sure to be out of San Diego in the next few weeks. I eagerly watched Leo reply to The Company last night about the un-official offer -- in which they are in the process of sending the original docs via FedEx. "So are you gonna push send? Huh? So you're gonna push it now?" I was on him like a cheap suit.

For the first time in my life, I am so affraid of change. Why? I don't know exactly. I'm getting knots in my stomach. Especially this afternoon while talking to my folks on the phone. They always have a way of making me feel like a crappy daughter without saying nothing at all. All I have to hear on the line is a sigh and miraculously I know what they mean. Although their actions speak otherwise, they really are happy for us. Happy that their kids have sacrificed everything they knew to make a better living for their own family. Because they too have made the same sacrifice for us.

Okay. Let's not get too deep here. I'll save all that soft crap for Oprah to deal with.

In the meantime, wish me luck.

Good night, Friends.

R & R, indeed

All right, Friends. Saturday morning we'll be flying out to Vegas to party like a rockstar. Believe me, it's a much needed little three day weekend getaway. It's been 7 months since we last been to the city of sin! Saturday afternoon, I have a family reunion I have to attend to 5 miles off the strip from where we are staying. After that, we can party our little Filipino heads off.

Have I told you lately that I love you? how stressed we've been about the whole moving to the bay area thing and being un-employed and how I almost shot myself in the leg? Oh man. This weekend, I'm going to leave my worries behind. Right next to my gun.

Happy Birthday, Mightier Than the Pen!

Indeed. It has been one year since I bought this site.

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th!

8 Random Things About Me

Last week, I was tagged by Randy to disclose 8 random facts about myself. I'm such a slacker. And just to spice it up a notch, I'll be listing facts that you probably didn't even know.

Here I go:

1. I got tattooed and body pierced before I had my driver's license.

2. I have a very good memory.

3. A man died in my arms when I was 20.

4. I'm allergic to everything. No seriously, I am. I don't understand it either.

5. Contrary to the contents of this blog, I am Catholic. *gasp*

6. The worst job I ever had was handing a cigarette to a man with lung cancer in his bed till he smoked himself to death. I'm not sure if I'm going to hell for this. But this was indeed a legitimate job.

7. Bought my first property at 21.

8. I play the piano.

Happy 4th!

Monthly Self-Portrait: Cartoonized Version

I've been South Park-ed. Messy brown hair. Yellow dress. No smile. Totally.

Another post where I bitch about stuff

Okay. I have to blog about this because I've been so bothered by it. It's been the hot topic around here lately. If you don't know, it's about the move up to the bay area. I know it's not the biggest leap from a geographical stand-point. We're still in California. However, the difference between NorCal and SoCal is like night and day. It's a whole different breed and the vibe is NOT so San Diego. This fear of mine, it's killing me. And most importantly, the thought of being un-employed has really brought my stomach into knots. Yeah, I feel really sick. I need to get my shit together. Seriously. Just when I start to actually like my job and get the respect that I've always wanted, crap like this happens somehow.

For example, the job promotion that I received at my last company that required me to move to LA right after opening escrow on our house in San Diego. Loved my job, but had to quit after escrow closed - which was like 2 months and 4 oil changes later. I've literally spent 5 and a half hours driving up there every single day.

Speaking of which, our house is another huge concern we have. Which means more gray hair and an increase in Zoloft milligrams. We either need to sell it or rent it out. We are looking at our options right now and none seem to be working in our favor. The real estate market is not doing so hot for sellers - which really pisses the living shit out of me because this a HUGE financial blunder. And not to mention, the most expensive lesson we will ever learn. We literally can't afford to make the same mistakes again. Next time around, we will be a little more vigilant to the market and who we trust for advice. We've made a permanent mental note to ourselves that reads: Don't take advice from people who don't know their shit. Simple as that. For some reason, that simple advice didn't register.