Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Imax, Inception & Brief Inspiration

Today I saw Inception, and it was actually my first experience with Imax - I was absolutely impressed. I think the volume was a bit loud, but other than that I was wowed by the gigantic, perforated screen with mega surround sound and all that jazz.

The movie was great, probably one of the top 3 action movies I've ever seen. I couldn't get over how intricate the screenplay was, and as I was watching I was also hoping that I too, one day, could compose something as flawless as this. As we exited the theatre, Chris and I discussed our takes on the events and the ending. I couldn't stop commenting on how much I enjoyed the movie and I was just really excited about it. This doesn't usually happen, actually ever. Normally I don't have too much to say about movies, but today I was spewing. Inception was cinematic genius.

AND THEN when I got home, someone else wanted to discuss the movie, and consequently the ending. The discussion turned into what I felt was an unwelcome debate, and at first I tried to entertain his notions but eventually they began to undermine my own. Now I don't know if I even understand the movie. Even though I still feel strongly about my interpretation, I'm not excited about the movie at all - I'm simply frustrated.

Maybe it's because I don't like feeling unsure of things, maybe it's because I just wanted to enjoy the movie for what it was. Now the joy has been sucked away by analysis and imposing theories. I feel like whatever inspiration that such a great movie had brought has been slammed, and I won't feel that way again for a long time. Obviously, I appreciate movies in a different way than others - at face value. Tearing things to pieces brings me no joy.

Monday, July 26, 2010

The Office, Going to the Office, Office Attire



Guess who got their glaaaaaassessssssss :) Picture immediately per Chad's request! I picked them up after tonss of shopping. I drove to San Mateo this morning at 8:30 to see how the commute will be, and I got "to work" right around 9:10. I guess it's going to take 45 minutes door to door, which really isn't so bad. I didn't expect much less, this will just take some getting used to.

I went to Bridgepointe, Hillsdale, Serramonte, and then back to Hillsdale! I bought work clothes and work shoes, and a few extra things in between. Actually, quite a few extra things. Oh well, it's probably going to be a while before I get to shop again! And this is my last Monday off... ever.. until the next holiday. LOL.

SO when I was at Target, I noticed that they have these new carts made up ENTIRELY of plastic. And they're COMPLETLEY SILENT! I think this is pretty dangerous, because every aisle is a blind corner and you really can't tell when another person is approaching. It reminded me of The Office, when Andy pushes Dwight into the bush after sneaking up silenty in his Prius.

I've been watching The Office the past few days, and I sincerely hope that my new job is like that. I hope there's a Dwight, and a Kevin, and also a Jim. Not a Michael though, don't think I can handle that. Maybe I'm expecting too much... but a girl can hope, can't she?

Friday, July 23, 2010

The Power of Expectation


Donnie Darko is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's creepy, it's crawly, and it's twisted beyond recognition. That bunny suit scares the crap out of me, but it also deeply intrigues me.

So tonight I got really excited when I saw S. Darko on Netflix! Users only gave it a 2-star rating, so that lowered the bar a bit - but maybe not enough. I was still expecting the awesome flavors that Donnie Darko left lingering oh so long ago.

The outcome? I spent the first half of the movie thinking "God, this is so lame" over and over. There were moments taken from first movie and cheaply imitated in the second for the sake of tying the two together. As though the producers were grasping for reoccuring themes to make the sequel seem legit.

I kept watching, because I liked the cast. The two girls were each a less-crazy adaption off Megan Fox's role in Jennifer's Body (or actually any of her roles, for that matter) and it was VERY entertaining. After I deemed this a horrible sequel, I let all of my expectations go and was finally able to enjoy the movie.

The ending tied everything together, and once I started following the movie as an independent work and not a "sequel", I thoroughly appreciated it. This revelation was reminiscent of what a really close friend said to me recently. When I was frustrated and upset, my trust betrayed by someone close, he told me: "People never fail to disappoint, that's why I keep my expectations so low".

At first this statement seems intensely negative, and perhaps unhealthy. But in all honesty, if I could keep my expectations low I would never be disappointed. And when you invest too much into a person, an idea, a movie even - you will likely get left high and dry! BUT IF you can refrain from harboring expectation, you just might be able to find satisfaction in everything at face value. Like S. Darko. Like the flawed people we encounter in our lives.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Feeding & Movie Frenzy

This weekend was pretty eventful. Thursday night I went to HH with Charles to celebrate my new job and catch up, and then went to Holy Cow with the guys. Needless to say, Friday night I was home recovering. I finished Weeds season 5, and it definitely did not disappoint. I also watched Invictus, and I was momentarily inspired by the power of rugby to unite a nation. Yeah, go rugby! Saturday night, I went to dinner with Julian at Santana Row and we got to check out the newly remodeled Straits! His parents joined us at Sino and we lost track of time, so I didn't make it to Pearl for Lily's birthday =(.

Sunday, I was back at the driving range - I did pretty well, but I think it's sad that I have still yet to play a game. As soon as my schedule settles down, lessons it is! I went to watch Despicable Me with Julian, and we ran into two of our guy friends who just came out of Twilight together. HOW CUTE!!! Afterwards, we ate at Red Crawfish (nom nom nom) and then watched Bounty Hunter at his place while he packed the rest of his stuff.

Monday I purposely did absolutely nothing. Yup, I've got to enjoy what remains of my mondays off. They will be gone soon! I watched Paul Blart Mall Cop, and then I realized that the movie I REALLY wanted to watch was Observe & Report. Damnit, I didn't realize there were two mall cop movies!

For lunch at work today, we ordered pastrami sandos from Deli Board. O, M, F, G. SO GOOD. And then after work, I went to the optometrist and got glasses for driving. I'm excited to pick them up next week =) I can be a four-eyes too! After the optomo, I went to Alex's house and played with his SUPER CUTE dog. He also gave me Sharks goodies HOW COOL IS HE!! I'm so excited for next season. We got a 10pak! WOOT! And we watched Inglorious Basterds, and his mom cooked dinner. OMG her food is always so good, I feel like a stuffed pig. NO, I AM a stuffed pig. Sigh.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Grand Opening, Grand Closing



I interviewed for a tech writing position on Monday, and was surprised at how relaxed I was. I think I've finally fully grown into my personality. Someone once told me that you don't really know who you are until after college, when you're 20 something. Now I understand. But anyway, if I was nervous at all it was only because I've never interviewed for something and not gotten the job. My winning streak was on the line!

Tuesday morning I got word, in the form of a job offer. I accepted earlier today, and informed BMW. On one hand, I was really excited! And I knew they would be happy for me! On the other hand, I'm really sad to go. So many fond memories and great relationships have stemmed from BMW, and I really and truly enjoyed my time there. An experience I will never forget.

But here I am, embarking on a new journey. Growing up and jumpstarting a career. I've started building my "work wardrobe" and will continue to do so for the next weeks. No more jeans and t-shirts! But hey, August will be an amazing month. New job, Seattle trip! SO MANY ACTIVITIES!!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Blast From The Past

This week was one huge treat! On Monday I went to dinner with the first guy I ever had a crush on. We had the same class in elementary school, and he barely knew I existed. TOTALLY, biggest, crush, ever. How times have changed, friends almost two decades later. Such a small world..

In other news, I went to Dave & Busters on Wednesday night for Marco's birthday. We took a Kragen picture with a bunch of the old crew, I haven't seen those guys in YEARS! =) Definitely a happy hour, methinks. I had tons of fun playing the driving games and the gunning game. Andy ordered me a Jack & Ginger, and I'm thinking that Jack is starting to grow on me now? Yeah, weird.

Thursday, a bunch of us went to see Disney's World of Color highlights show at Legion of Honor after getting froyo. The show was actually a GREAT marketing ploy because I'm totally going to California Adventure when I visit LA in September. I HAVE GOT TO see the real thing, I'm so excited! And I'm definitely going to Pinkberry down there too. <3 Hot weather & froyo.

Tonight I stayed home and built the desk/chair/lamp combo I bought from Walmart weeks ago. The instructions were garbage, mostly diagrams which sadly were incomplete. YES, THERE WERE PARTS THAT WEREN'T INCLUDED IN THE DIRECTIONS! Good thing I'm handy. At least I had fun building it - definitely a challenge LOL. I also finished Season 3 of Weeds and I'm soooo hooked. What am I going to do when I finish this season? I'm running out!!!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Independence Day Redefined

So today I celebrated independence - not the independence of our wonderful nation, but of myself! By definition, independence is being free of control or influence from others. And you know what I did? Instead of going to a bbq and stuffing my face with garbage, I stayed home and had some me-time.

I finished season 1 of Weeds, and it was great. I think I teared up almost every other episode which is remarkable because I've never felt so bad for a protagonist, ever. Aside from eliciting sympathy, along with a little bit of empathy, there were also really funny awkward moments in all of the episodes. This reminds me of Modern Family, but darker and more twisted. Not twisted like Dexter, but something a little bit different. I'm looking forward to the next 5 seasons!

On Thursday I went to Holy Cow, and noticed for the millionth time how this HH in particular brings out the worst in people. It's definitely a lot of fun and mostly a good time, but just way too easy for people to cross the point of no return when drinks are that cheap and the music is THAT awesome.

Friday night I hung out with co-workers - sushi, tequila and DJ Hero! Saturday night I stayed in. Overall, it's been a chill weekend. Tonight I'll stop by Gary's birthday and it'll be nice to see people. Although, the plan is to turn in early.. but not before catching up with Chad!

Cheers, to me, and doing what I want to do when I want to do it - independence weekend at its finest. Happy 4th, everyone!