Girls' Night Out!

I don’t think I had the typical high school life…or at least not one that the majority of my peers experienced. Perhaps last night made up for it.

[Pincinqo minus camera-shy Jessica]

My four friends and I (we call ourselves Pincinqo…don’t ask) painted the town red and enjoyed a night out in Hollywood. We ate at a restaurant called Ketchup, where we barely made the reservation. If you’re ever in Hollywood, avoid Sunset Blvd. at all costs. Cleverly enough, Ketchup’s décor was all white interior with red accents. I enjoyed a lobster bisque and good ol’ mac n’ cheese with Dungeness crab. YUM.

We hopped back in the car and drove to Jess’ apartment near UCLA to get her keys. To our disappointment, Sammy found a white envelope tucked under her windshield wiper. What was it? A PARKING TICKET...only in LA. According to the ticket, we “walked off the property.” LAME. Long story short, I’m writing an appeal. I guess the police are cracking down on every little thing they can, considering our state is in the toilet right now.

Then, we took pictures at CUE!!! It’s safe to say that I feel extremely Caucasian when I’m in an overwhelmingly Asian place like Cue. I love the whole idea of spontaneous, old-school photo booths …except the ones at this store speak in Japanese…and none of us speak the language. I guess it makes it all the more fun!

We ended the night with KARAOKING! What an unforgettable experience!!! Not only because I’ve never actually heard my friends sing, but I didn’t expect us to make our private room into our own little club! We sang some Britney, N*Sync, Kelly, and other songs to jumpstart our middle school memories when we weren’t even friends yet. I even attempted to flow like Flo’ Rida. I think the girls got a kick out of that little shenannigan.

All in all, it was a wonderful night. Who would’ve thought that I’d only get closer to my high school friends once we went our separate ways? Funny how things don’t work out the way you expect them to…then again, that’s LIFE.

Life is GOOD in purple and gold.

He who MUST be named...TIME.

[at Walk of Fame with HARRY POTTER footprints,
one week before the premiere]

Taking this picture got me thinking. How must Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint feel right now at this point in their lives? The Harry Potter movies have dictated the entirety of their youths, and no matter how hard they try to live a normal life, they’re never going to. Apparently Emma Watson will start studying at Brown University in the fall. I give her major props to her for wanting to pursue an education in the States. On the other hand, how will she make any true friends? Anyone who is in my generation, especially still in college, will definitely know who she is. If you don’t, I feel sorry for you. Let’s see how that pans out.

Some may people may wish to be that world famous, but I wouldn’t want to wish the famous life on anyone.

Oh, and I finally watched the movie tonight!!! I couldn’t go to the midnight showing like a true fan because of CBS…not like the movie needed my help! 22 million dollars for one night…WOAH. Also, I don’t know why the new Harry Potter film disappointed so many fans. You can’t expect the movie to include every great moment in Rowling’s book. It’s just not possible. Instead, enjoy the movie for what it’s worth. Relish in the fact that we’re growing up with these characters and actors.

Not to depress anyone, but the last installment of the movies series is expected to come out July 2011. That’s the summer right after I graduate. Talk about the end of our youth…oh well. Time, why must you fly by?

I’m proud to say that I’m a half Muggle, half witch. Besides, anyone in their right mind would take Harry Potter over Twilight or Hannah Montana any day. No bias, of course. =) It's just my youth we're talking about here.

Life is good in purple and gold.

Alive or LIVING?

I watched My Sister's Keeper with my cousin yesterday. I’ll leave it up to you to look up the movie’s plot. I really wasn’t in a crying mood, but then again, who ever is? I wanted to spend time with Lianna though, so I decided suck it up.

So, the question is: Why do we need sappy movies or major events to remind us of how precious life is?

Sometimes, I wish that I could hold the motto that death just happens, and it happens to everyone. I guess that’s just not me. I'd say I have a more hopeful outlook.

I do my best everyday to remind myself that you should be thankful for every moment. “Carpe diem.” “Live every moment as if it were your last.” The clichés and quotes could go on and on…but they help. So I’m just going to continue what I’m doing.

Follow my passions, learn everyday, and love wholeheartedly.

You’re not alive if you’re not LIVING. Find your own personal ways to remind yourself.

Life is good in purple and gold.

Single Ladies (Or Not)

I’ve decided Girls’ Night Outs are necessary to life. My mom and I went to the Beyonce concert last night in Anaheim!!!!! Can that woman put on a performance or what?!?

With an all-female band and amazing dancers, I officially name Beyonce’s concert the best concert I have ever been to. Now, I’ve never been her #1 fan. I’ll attest to that. Her singles? Good. Her acting? Mmm…not so much. However, her ability to perform every number at 110% percent and still look and sound amazing puts her at the top of my favorite performers’ list.

I’ve always respected people for being amazing at what they’re good at. It’s another thing when you are the complete package. Major props to Beyonce…she gave one hell of a show. It makes one think how nice it must be to be born with overwhelming talent, a talent so special that the world knows you for it.

Beyonce dedicated her last song, “Halo,” to MJ, of course. What a great night out. Thanks, Momma Mayers!

Life is good in purple and gold, especially if you can shake it!

The Airport

It’s always a bittersweet event when you go to the airport. You’re either the passenger embarking on a new adventure, or a loved one sending off one of your favorite people. I know I see Tom in only five weeks, but it’s always hard to end a “vacation” when you know what a great time you had.

As my dad and I drove off, I saw this little girl crying as she said goodbye to her mother.

Airports affirm life. When you’re at an airport, take a look around.

Life is good in purple and gold.

Roll Out the Red Carpet

I think I did a pretty good job of showing Tom the best Los Angeles has to offer. On Wednesday, we explored Hollywood the legitimate tourist way. We ate at Hollywood & Highland, walked up and down Hollywood Boulevard, and took pictures with our favorite stars’ stars.

Then, we headed to the Griffith Observatory, where I haven’t been to since a middle school field trip. We watched one of the observatory’s main shows that gave an overview of our universe and our place in it. I actually knew most of the information; thank you, Villanova core classes.

Then, we met up with my mom, my godmother, my best friend from PRE-SCHOOL and her mom for dinner in West Hollywood. Talk about “old meeting new.” As always, it was a great time just catching up.

We ended the night at the Improv Comedy Club. Tom and I had a fabulous time and laughed our heads off. The diversity of the comedians impressed me and showed me how much more open-minded I’ve become since becoming a college student. I realized I really need to get out more. Off to Laguna for the rest of the week!

Life is good in purple and gold.

"NO LINE?!?" "Wanna go again?!"

I’ve never been a huge fan of Six Flags. I’d much rather enjoy Space Mountain four times…it’s worth the wait. Perhaps this attests to my unwillingness when it comes to “danger.”

Oh, the sacrifices I make.

Only kidding. Six Flags with Tom was a BLAST. It surprises me how quickly I make friends with total strangers. I just talked to the people who lined up for the rides to pass the time. In return, Tom and I got the low-down on the best rides from our peers. The classic Colossus easily wins as my favorite roller coaster. Screamer? Not so much. I’d rather call it QUEASER.

Fun fact: I DROVE ALL THE WAY TO VALENCIA!!!!! I can hear your gasp right about now.
I love the summer. I get to enjoy these summer dates that I never really had. Tom, you’re great.

Life is good in purple and gold.

Happy Independence Day

I’m guilty like most Americans. As with many of America’s holidays, we get caught up in the commercialism of them. For July 4, we look forward to the fireworks and the good food. However, I also look forward to paying tribute to those who gave us our freedoms. Call us cocky, spoiled, unlucky because of our horrible economy…but you can’t deny that Americans receive many opportunities that other people in the world only dream of.

I started the day off with singing at San Marino’s JP Blecksmith 5K Run, in memoriam of a San Marino resident and soldier who was killed in Iraq in 2004. It’s always an honor when Mitch asks me to kick off the race with my rendition of our nation’s anthem…not because I get to sing, but I get to remind myself and others to be thankful for our freedoms.

On a happier note, TOM IS HERE!!! It’s his first time to California since he was BORN here. After the Lacy Park fireworks show, Tom and I hung out with the girls. We enjoyed our own fireworks…I lit my first one!!! See, I told you I’m guilty of American consumerism.

(taken with my camera in fireworks setting!!)

I don’t think it’s really hit me that my two worlds are quickly colliding. College life, meet my hometown. Mr. Kelly, I hope you enjoy your stay at the Hotel California.

Life is good in purple and gold (fireworks).