A work post I can't get fired for...

I always caution people to be careful of posting about work on the net. However, I can't help myself today. I have to tell you guyz about my job... at least this one thing.

Tomorrow is our last day of work until January 5th 2009! 10 days off without having our vacation docked. What an awesome gift! The best bonus!

This is our 4th year of this bonus time off and it's become invaluable. It's a HUGE benefit that I always consider when I have a bad day and think I want to leave. It's my huge attitude adjuster.

My friends and family have come to loathe this time of the year where I am concerned and I am the target of many a snide remark AND pleadings of "Dang, you guyz no moah openings ovah de-a?"

Anyway... "Thank you my wonderful job for the extra time off I am sure to enjoy and am so excited for I can hardly stand it"

"Do you come from a land down under?"

Well, whether you do or not, I needed to go down under at least for 2.5+ hours. I saw the movie "Australia." I left feeling very satisfied. Today, I'm not sure. I think I'm still satisfied, but not as much as I thought. I think being completely FRIED after a pretty draining couple weeks gave me a false sense of "dang, that was the best movie I saw all year!" Yes, that is what I actually said. HOWEVER, I can still give you a review.

Scale of 1-10 overall? A solid 7.

Moments of stunning cinematography from an "I've never been to Australia" point of view.

I was truly blown away by one scene with the herd and the "drovers"

Hugh Jackman. A man's man and totally yummy. He's reason enough to hold your pee for 2.5+

Bryan Brown. Plays the same kind of character he usually plays: rugged and manly... and aging.

Nicole Kidman. You know, I like her. But she's funny looking. She can cry on a dime like Demi Moore. She shows a tougher side when she insists that she can absolutely "drove". However, I couldn't help think of Tom Cruise when watching her thinking of his own narcissistic penchant for acting like he can do anything. She really matches "prissy", not Lara Croft.

The young boy, who's name escapes me has the most beautiful face.

As far as story, its an love story/ epic/ period piece, if you like that, but less the history lesson. It kept me interested. It is definitely a chick flick, and if it wasn't so long, I think most guys could fake. But at this length...

I must still be fried or pms'ing because I could actually see it again.

"It's quarter to three... there's no one in the place... except you and me"

Sat. 345am. I have been having the WORST insomnia E-VER. Lifelong problem. But, this is the worst... for 3-4 weeks now. 2-3 hrs sleep a night.

Unconscious anxiety. Well, not really, I know what it is. OR, I should say, I know what 3 things "it" is. Time for a therapy appointment.

A Touch of Thailand

A couple of days ago, I FINALLY had the chance to eat at Bangkok Chef on Nuuanu Ave. Thanks to Steph and Deena for the recommendation... eventhough it did take me 2 years to get there.

For a 1/2 hour, I was kind of transported to Bangkok. Not so much the food-- though it was pretty dang good, but more the decor. A true hole in the wall/ garage. The Pad Thai was not bad, but you really can't beat Me Kong (either location) for Pad Thai. The yellow curry was good. I probably ordered the wrong thing. will plan of trying the Eggplant Chicken next visit. Good sized portions and it's plate lunch style. The staff looked at us like we were idiots for asking for menu recommendations. Apparently, I'm the last to eat there? But hey, when the food is good, you can be sassy. I always say you can be a prick as long as you can put your money where your mouth is.

Can't wait to eat there again.

Why is Everyone So Shocked?

Why is everyone so shocked that President and Mrs. Bush are being so gracious to the Obamas? Of course they are. That's ALWAYS been who they are, no matter what has happened. They've always been classy, they've always been proper. They've always done their best. Everybody, Obama's in. George is out. Cut W a break already. Trust me, if you're looking for perfection in a president, you won't find it in Obama, or any president after him. So far, he's insulted Nancy Reagan, most of the speculative picks for his cabinet are Clinton people-- so much for change-- and if you ask me, he looks a bit skiddish right now. Reminds me of that line in Jerry Maguire when Tom Cruise realizes the impact of his life-changing, career-suicide "memo"... "It was just a mission statement". But, alas, those little faux pauxs only count if your anyone BUT Barack Obama. Now, THAT is shocking!

Flamingo's Restaurant is a Free Bird

The other week Hawaii said goodbye to another food landmark: Flamingo's Kapiolani. And while the other 1 in the chain is not slated for closure, I think we all know it's inevitable. AND once again, it probably did record business as it was flying off into the sunset. Just like Compadres. These soon-to-be former owners and ex employees have got to be thinking, " Sheesh, kinda late to be coming around now, eh, braddah?" Sad, but true. It's human nature to procrastinate that way.

Anyway, I'll do my own send-off here with a couple of memories. I remember having a late night meal with my good friend Debbie. I have no idea what I ate, because I was SO taken aback by what SHE ate: Bacon and LIVER and onions! Whoa! Lol. The truth is, my disgust was short-lived, because we all had a long and great conversation. One of many after that meal.

I think they had GREAT portuguese sausage. Not all portuguese sausage is created equal. I would go there sometimes for breakfast after my triathlete friend Joy would finish her races. We also had great conversations there, as well.

It's sad to see Flamingo's close. But, they had a great 49 years providing Hawaii's people with great comfort food and great service. That is getting harder and harder to find.

UPDATE: 11/11/08-Flamingo's PCity FOR SALE according to the 11/7/08 issue of the Pacific Business News. Bye Bye to my favorite sandwich: The Patty Melt. Flamingo's had the BEST Patty Melt.

How to Cure Your Work Blahs and Blues

Have lunch. Have lunch with people you enjoy. Have lunch with people you enjoy OUTSIDE of the office. That's the Lunch Club, over there to the right. I've been at my job since 2001. I, like many other people, ate at my desk almost everyday. In 2007, Colleen and Ryan rescued me from my boring-but-pretending-I'm-too-important-to leave-the-office lunch hours. I LOVE my lunch buddies. We can take our minds off of work with a plethora of conversation topics. And of course we talk about how friggin' WONDERFUL work is, too. We celebrate birthday's. We invite people in, while reminding them of the Lunch Club Cone of Silence, and leave them out , cause we're cranky or not in the mood. We think of stupid car rituals. We take turns ganging up on each other. Mostly we laugh, which is the best part. I seriously don't know what I'd do with out my Lunch Club. BTW, Colleen will surely be pissed for posting her pic and Ryan will back me up-- the usual gang-up configuration.

Happy Birthday, Ryan Ozawa, you slave to technology, you...

GOBAMA!

It's great to see America hopeful and full of pride again. For that, I truly am grateful for President-elect Obama. I wish him the best as he begins to fill some VERY big shoes to back up some VERY big talk. He really may be The Guy that turns America around.

John McCain... take a break already. You have earned it. You are a class act, man.

An Historic Day... Either Way!

First, my condolences to Barack Obama and family on the loss of his grandmother. When my grandma leaves the planet, I'll go crazy. That is tough and devastating. I figured it this way, either way, her "Barry"--as she called him- and the world will be ok, so she felt good about leaving. She doesn't strike me as someone who would dig out unless everything was G.

Back to business. This is the race of a lifetime! It's exciting! It's a nail-biter! It's the polital process at it's best and as it was meant to be! It's historic! An election of 1st's!

"GOBAMA". My parents raised my sister and I to be supporters of the political process. So, I understand Barack Obama's grass roots movement and give him props for it's success. My family was VERY involved in helping Hawaii's 1st female mayor, Eileen Anderson, get elected in the 1970's. My father produced the slide show (yes, actual slides, not powerpoint) that she used at the many, many coffee hours she attended in people's living rooms when she campaigned. My uncle narrated it. We went door-to-door campaigning every weekend. I was 12. To watch what Obama has created and accomplished is nothing short of a miracle.

Sarah Palin. Go ahead and laugh, but she will still be a historic figure. She's no idiot. And she is not afraid of anyone. I like that in people. Her wardrobe? Well, shit, she better look good. Troopergate? Hey, if someone F'd with my sister, I'd do something. I have. I'm not saying she was right, but I understand how she could go there. It's a family thing. We ALL do shit we shouldn't have done. We all make mistakes. And, how people can say she has no experience flies in the face of sound reasoning.

Confession. By the time anyone reads this, I will have already voted for John McCain. Much to the chagrin and disgust of most of my friends, I can't bring myself to vote for Barack Obama. I don't think he's ready. Is Sarah Palin ready? No. But no more unprepared than Barack and for crying out loud, it's John McCain running for president against Barack. Not Sarah Palin. I HATE that "heartbeat" away argument.

Someone recently asked me why I'm a Republican. No fancy answer except that at the end of everyday, I resonate with the values they try to uphold. Hey, I'm not naive. There are many idiots in the Republican party. There are idiots everywhere.

I live in Hawaii were most of the politicians lack critical thinking skills and a command of the english language. I often wonder what the tourists think when they watch our news. Ugh! How embarassing. Irritating. Trust me, the disease of stupidity is indiscriminate.

Having said all of the above, I also welcome the opportunity of showing Haters how to live with a president you don't want. I won't spend the next 4 -8 years spewing venom and hate and sending him shitty energy. Have you ever been around someone that didn't like you? It doesn't feel so good. And if you really tell yourself the truth about that moment, you'll know that it's very difficult to perform well when someone shows their hate and comtempt for you. I have said many, many times that while W was making some huge mistakes, it can't possibly help to have the hateful, angry energy of millions of people directed at him. Common sense, people.

So, if tomorrow morning Barack Obama is our president, I'll be sending him positive energy that he is the BEST president we've ever had. I hope you will do the same if tomorrow John McCain and the 1st-ever female, Sarah Palin, emerge as the next people to lead our country.

Hmmm....on 2nd thought, if Obama does win, I do reserve the right to occasionally say, "Don't blame me, I voted for McCain"

I hope you all went out to vote and be apart of history.

M'Heart's all a Twitter

So, I'm a Twitter-er, now. That must be long for "twit", which in it's slang definition can mean a foolish, ridiculous, annoying, uncool person... that's how it feels. That's how I feel. We have websites, blogs, youtube, myspace, facebook-- and I know I missing many other means of trying to garner my 15 minutes of fame. And the truth is, I'm probably one of the last people on the planet to join Twitter (which makes me a twit, I suppose) I am behind the times and I may never catch up. But, I can't help but be intrigued and slightly addicted to this whole concept of sharing every waking moment with the whole world. So, I wonder... maybe being a twit is a good thing and oh so cool, after all.

If you really have nothing to do, you can see my twitting in the left margin.

A Tale of 2 Toilets

Seriously, didn't our mamas teach us to turn around and make sure we cleaned up after ourselves after peeing or crapping? Didn't they teach us that it was simply bad form and uncouth to leave remnants of our business for others to see? I mean really it's not anybody's business. Aaahhhh the good old days when you could walk into a public stall and see this:

Today, it's different. People have less class. Less manners. Less practicing of the Golden Rule. Less common sense. Today, most toilet stalls look like this:

Come people! Turn around!

Gluttony Immortalized...

Blogging 2 days straight. It's all the eating. I'm Food Drunk.

Today, I'll let the attached video speak for itself, except to say "mahalo" to Renee Gomes for such a unique and unforgettable dining experience-- my favorite kind. And to my dining companions Colleen and Dee, thank you for being there to feel as sick, or sicker, actually, than me.

Happy Birthday Food/ Restaurant Plugs

Well, it's October and that is birthday month for me. Seriously, it takes me a few days of the month to celebrate with everyone that wants to celebrate me. I am one lucky bastard. I am also a fatter than normal bastard in October.

I can stay the same weight for a REALLY long time. But, October is the month that if I'm going to move to the next pants size up-- well, I'll do it in October. So far, so good, despite a retarded amount of over-eating.

Anyway, plug #1:

Restaurant of the year for me this year is Alan Wongs and Alan Wongs: The Pineapple Room. Tasty friggin' food. Today we'll talk about the Pineapple Room. I spent my actual birthday at the Pineapple Room. For lunch, the standout dishes for me are the Cobb Salad and the Tempura Mahi Sandwich. After that, the Cheeseburger. For dinner, the Maui Onion Soup. Everyone that has the basic French Onion Soup on the menu thinks they do it different. The Pineapple Room really pulls off different. So, different that I know two people that hate the soup. But, I love it. I won't tell you how it's diffferent. Just go try it.

Happy eating. More later.

Blog-Fessional

Father Blog forgive me for I am laaaaaaazy. It's been 2.5 months since my last post.

Amazing, I couldn't even blog 3-4 times a month. Last time I apologized, chastised, promised... this time I say, "that's life." Speaking of life, it's been full. Full of activity, full of joy, full of drama and full of shit. Just the way life should be.

The short version is:

1) My dad is a putz
2) My friend the addict is a putz
3) My living quarters is being renovated for months now
4) Work is GREAT! and I say that because you can't talk about work in a blog. I'd have to fire myself.
5) I got accepted into my masters program to become a therapist so I can deal with the above and more and perhaps make a decent living one day.

More Later ( becoming my famous last words)

Score One for the Good Guys!

Seeeeeeeee, sometimes we can make a difference. Remember the poison pen letter (my sis' catchphrase) I sent to Hawaiian Airlines? Did ANY of you think it would even get read, much less responded to? Heh, yeah, me either.

Well, I got a letter yesterday acknowledging my correspondence. I'm serious! No, I didn't get anything... that wasn't my point in writing. I'm proud of myself. I'm proud that I don't always sit back and take it. I'm proud that my mother's almost tyrannical insistence that we speak proper English has made me an articulate communicator. I'm proud that my love for music helps me express how I really feel about something. I'm proud to be surrounded by the kindest people so that I am always heart-centered and able to express myself from there.

It takes a village to make a Faithie that can write a letter that will get read and move people to respond. Thank you my peeps. Whether you know it or not, it's a win for all of us, as much as it is for me.

You can CLICK on the image to see the letter if you wish.

"Juicy Tourture" Days 4-7: THE DEMISE

And just like that, the juice fast was over. One short day after trying to sing praises for my new "thang". DUNZO.

S_hit happens. Well, family parties happen, is what happened. I had a bad feeling from the beginning of the fast about this party that was happening right in the middle of it. Yep, I was right. I arrive at the party. I sat down. My parents didn't know what I'd been doing. And there it was: a prepared plate of pupus right in front of me. Poke, Tako, Won Ton... I lasted for about 40 mins and it was over. The eating began and boy did I eat. And I loved it.

On Tuesday, I picked up more juice-- what a fake! On Friday, I threw it out. Carrot juice with other stuff in it compared to the coveted Green Onion, Portuguese Sausage and Cheese Omlette... well, there's no comparison. actually.

Do I feel like a failure? Just a little. Mostly, I'm pleased that I'm alot more aware of food. My appetite has gotten smaller and I feel pretty good even after resuming eating.

Will I do it again? I wouldn't mind, but probably only for 2 days max.

What did I learn? That I am addicted to food. I'll be calling my therapist. After I'm done eating.

"Juicy Tourture"- Day 3

'Zeee poh-ette John Milton says, "The mind is it's own place, and in itself, can make heaven of hell, and a hell of heaven."

I am living that quote, man. It's day 3 and I'm flailing between being ready to take a chunk out of my desk and daydreaming about a meatless, no-processed foods life. I feel crazy and peaceful at the same time. Great. This is just what I needed another metaphor for life.

Now, I'd like to say a few positive things about my little project:

1) I really do feel "clean"
2) My complexion looks pretty good
3) I feel lighter, even if I may not be
4) My skin is more pliable and soft
5) I haven't been tired

Tomorrow is the test. I have a party with a BUFFET. Wish me luck!

And finally, I'd like to talk about something unrelated: Please go and see the movie "Young @ Heart" It's the best movie I've seen in long time. And if I continue to take care of myself, I will get to live until I die like the people in this movie.

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/video/download/00003238/

Thank you Arlene, for turning me on to Da Juice and Steph for Turning me on to the movie!

"Juicy Tourture"- Day 2

Woohoo! I did not think I would survive yesterday, but I did. Thanks, Colleen for letting me be so WITCHY... and I mean WIIIIIIIIITCHYYYY! I don't know what monster reared it's fugly head, but WOW! That's all I have to say. I'll let the video say the rest...

"Juicy Tourture"- Day 1

Did you get that little play in words? Juicy Couture- Juicy Torture? Not my best wit, I know. And I can assure you it ain't about feeling sexy. It's about feeling hungry.

So yesterday Colleen and I sign up for this 7-day juicing fast. That's 7 days of twice-a-day juice and lemon water consumption that equals my body weight. Yes, that's right, I am drinking a tsunami's worth of water everyday and no eating.

Anyway, I'm supposed to journal this process so, I'll do it here.

This feels vaguely familiar. I remember when I was in 5th grade and the start of my period coincided with the MEASLES! Can you say miserable? Ok, maybe my juicing regime is not that bad BUT, this 7-day fast has also coincided with my period. My girls at work would like me to consider working from home. Anyway, I'm rambling... probably from hunger.

So it's DAY 1. Honestly, it's only Day 1, so it's not supposed to be that bad. Anyhoo, no green onion, cheese and portuguese sausage omelette for me today. I start the day with only the standard crap, despite the crapping tea I had last night. Then the first of many jugs of water. The first juice @ 10am, more water, lunch consisted of Colleen and I happily (if not vicariously) watching Ryan eat his salad. However, it's now 14:10 and I just heard my stomach growl. I am officially hungry, but still hopeful.

My Latest Rant...

Here's a letter I just sent off to the Hawaiian Airlines prez & ceo. Who the heck knows if it'll even get to him, but man, it felt good to get it off my chest.

May 20, 2008


Mr. Mark B. Dunkerley
President and Chief Executive Officer
Hawaiian Airlines
P.O. Box 30008
Honolulu, HI 96820


Dear Mr. Dunkerley,


I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this letter.

I was a passenger on HA10 on May 13, 2008; HNL to LAX. I was seated in row 46—window seat. When the plane landed I had the opportunity to watch one of your baggage handlers unload the plane for a few minutes. During this time I was very disturbed to see your employee pick up a guitar off of the belt and THROW it into the baggage transport truck. And THEN, he proceeded to THROW 2-3 strollers ON TOP of the guitar case as well.

Was the guitar damaged? I have no idea. But that is irrelevant. The guitar should not have been thrown to begin with.

In the grand scheme of things, you may consider my concerns petty and minor, but they are real to me. I am a part-time musician. It took me 2 years to save up for my $2000.00 Martin guitar. I could not replace it at the drop of a dime if it got damaged. I have a gig on Maui in July. Hypothetically speaking, if my guitar is damaged before I play, what do you suggest I do? The thought of my guitar being subjected to such negligent and primitive behavior is frightening. I am disheartened that you actually employee people that don’t realize that a guitar = fragile. Look, we don’t have a choice. Guitars don’t fit in the overhead. We have to check them in. We have to entrust our revenue- generating instrument to you and your employees. Is there another option available that I am unaware of?

I watched the Makaha Sons video that plays during the flight. I certainly hope that their guitars are not being treated poorly. “Well, that’s the Makaha Sons. Of course, we don’t throw their guitars around!” you say? Should there even be a difference? No one’s guitar or any other musical instrument, or anything that is marked fragile or that looks fragile should be treated with such careless disregard.

I recently read an online article by an ex- baggage handler. It purportedly offered the truth about what really happens to people’s luggage- especially the fragile things. Not the most flattering representation. So, you’re not alone, you’re not the only ones, I get it. I can assure you that I expect my regular luggage to be thrown around like a rag doll. But, not any breakables that are so obviously breakable.

I am not sure whether you outsource your ramp services at LAX, but either way, as an associate of Hawaiian Airlines, anyone handling baggage for you should be held to a high performance standard… anyone representing you period.

I sincerely hope that because you are now the only real choice for interisland air transportation for the people of Hawaii that you remain vigilant about your commitment to exemplary service. Please don’t mess with us now, just because you can. Please don’t be that kind of company.

Again, thank you for your time. I thought my initial shock would blow over, but it hasn’t . That is why I am writing. Please consider regularly reminding your people to exercise some common sense and The Golden Rule: to treat other people’s belongings as they would treat their own.

Warmest Regards,

Faith L. Geronimo
808-780-5473

The Things We Don't Know or Teach Anymore...

You know what, I have a whole list from saying "please" and "thank you" to not knowing the proper way to introduce people... doooo yoooooooouuuuu know how to properly introduce people? If you don't http://en.allexperts.com/q/Social-Etiquette-Good-2570/Introduction.htm should help. Anyway, the list is long.

But today, I'm going to talk about behavior more basic than good manners. You know what's peeved me yesterday, today and almost everyday? That I go to the bathroom at work and everyday there is someone on my floor THAT- DOESN'T- WASH-THEIR- HANDS- AFTER- THEY- ARE- DONE- WITH- THEIR- BUSINESS. U-G-H! EEEEEWWWWW! YUCK!

I sit there and someone comes in takes a piss or a crap and then-- they just walk out. Sheeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiittt! HOW can people exist that don't flush the toilet?!?!?!?!? I mean, I'm almost speechless except for my gag- reflex in full swing now.

And the OTHER group: The DIRTY-MESSY-NO-MY-MAMA-NEVER-DID-TEACH-ME TO TUUUUURRRRN-AROUND- TO CHECK-THE-SEAT-IN-CASE-I-MISSED- PEOPLE. How do you walk out of a stall that you just left your shit all over? How did you not even get it in the bowl? The toilet seat covers that don't go down because your piss has them stuck to the seat. That's your bodily fluid, you touch it, don't leave it for the next guy. Geez!

You know what? I'm traumatized. If you've experienced this, YOU should be traumatized too! But what do I do? Should I say, "Hey, dude, wash your hands, man!" or "Get back her, lady and flush good, for heavenssake!"

I need to stop. I'm going to vomit. I need to wash my hands, maybe even a HAZMAT rinse...

"Life is too short, blah, blah, blah..."

I'm going to be sappy and serious today. My blog. I get to be.

Anyhoo, isn't "life is too short" the biggest cliche? Isn't it the most overused cliche? Yes to both questions. BUT isn't that cliche also the most sobering one when we are faced with it?

Today, I will watch someone I love very much say goodbye to someone she loved very much. They hadn't spoken that much over the years. Doesn't matter. The only thing that matters today is that they ran out of time to love each other. I have a friend I hadn't spoken too in years. Ended horribly. Luckily, I had a chance to re-connect after over 20 years of silence. I'm not running out of time.

Look, I'm not saying seek out all your old friends and 12-step them, have them move into your life again, name your children after them... I'm saying to figure out who is really significant to you then, now and forever and tell them. Tell them enough so that if you never see them again, you're both at peace. You both know where things stand. One of the biggest questions people ask when someone checks out of the planet is: "You think they knew how I felt?" or "You think they knew I loved them?"

I like to call it being in completion. It means leaving no doubt in a persons mind that you loved them. I have people I haven't seen in 10 years that would know I loved them if I croaked tomorrow. I can fight with my sister and if I suddenly wasn't around, she'd know I loved her, even if the last thing we did was fight.

Who do you love? Who is a big part of the person you are today? Who contributed to your success? Who loved you when no one else did? Reach out. Tell them. Love them.

Aloha Pumehana, Eileen Anne Mata (Policar)... your life was seriously too short...at least for your earth-bound friends.

Karaoke Killed the Live Music Star

Got some things on my mind. Gonna do some ranting...

My band, after one year at the same place, has just lost our gig. Severe bummage! Budget cuts. Everyone has recession on the brain. Valid arguments. BUT, I don't think it's that. I think it's Karaoke. For my old friends, you need not read any further. I've been offering up my theory for YEARS to my poor friends. You know how Al Gore was talkin' global warming since college? Since waaaaay before "An Inconvenient Truth"? Yup, that's me and my "Karaoke Killed Live Music" conspiracy theory.

Back in the day, live music was KING. You couldn't walk into a bar without live entertainment. And then, to be a musician... whoa! Can you say Gene Simmons?!?!?! Musicians were KING!

Then came karaoke in the 80's. I have no idea of the history of karaoke. You can look on Wikipedia--it's there, I checked.

Anyhoo, crappy mikes, a sound system with massive reverb (that's echo-- covers up the sh**ty vocal skills) and key adjustment capabilities(that's higher and lower-- when you cannot reach the notes) and plays vocal-less music tracks. When you possess these things you have everything you need to ruin a perfectly good song for anyone listening to you... for ALL time( if you don't happen to be someone who can sing). Sometimes, when a musician/singer listens to a bad karaoke rendition of a favorite song, it can bring on a near bout Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. My special karaoke song that I can NEVER listen to again, BTW is the CLASSIC: "Neither One of Us", by Gladys Knight & the Pips. sniffle.

So, as I was saying: 1) Live music was King 2) Musicians were King 3) Enter Karaoke. Here's 4) More profitable to establishments. $1 per song, plus booze, plus more songs because of more booze, plus more booze because of more songs... it's a cycle and a racket.

As a business major, I get the theory. You're going to make more money catering to 100 Joe Schmoe's that will each drink $100 worth of booze, while they each sing 10-15 songs, while garnering their 15 minutes of fame, than paying a band $300-400 dollars for two hours of solid music--and for alot less effort on your part. See, I am a numbers person. But the bottom line is that over time, the value of and respect for the true musician has dwindled to almost nothing because now many non-musicians think they are musicians. And then, it's all about money now. My bandmate also plays with another band. They play for 4-1/2 hours and her take is $60.00. She is waaaaaay too talented to make only $60 for over 4 hours. That is a deeeeeeeep love for your craft, your passion.

Musicians are certainly not the respected breed we once were and that lack of respect shows up in the paycheck, the ability to find a place to play, and lower concert attendance in some cases.

"Maybe you guys sucked", you say? LOL. Always possible, but I doubt it. And I know... karaoke's not evil, it's fun. I know that. I dabble in it m'self occasionally. I'm just saying that much like the way Starbucks has changed the palette of the coffee drinker to crave "the bite" and not be able to appreciate a smooth, full-bodied cup-o-joe, Karaoke has changed the ability of people to distinguish between singing for fun and singing because if you don't, you'll die.

Here's to AFTER 5. Long live authentic live music...

My Mommy Dearest!

Happy Birthday Ms. Charlotte! I can't even tell you how much I enjoy you! You make me laugh, you make me cry, you make me beg you put clothes on before you go to the store. You make me proud that you're 63 and aren't even close to looking your age. I think secretly every kid is happy when their parents are hot. Dayaaaaaam, mama-san, you-look-good!

Love YOU... your Leleng...

Here's Birthday Movie 1:

Mom's Bday 04_10_2008

Happy New Year!

I am not like other people. I never start ANY new year promising to diet... or maybe quit smoking... although I did-- but not because I verbally declared it. Basically, I ran out of smokes and just didn't buy any. I haven't bought any for 4 months. Anyway, as I was saying, I usually have no new year resolutions, except this year, I had 1... you know what I'm going to say, don't you... yes, to blog more often. Heh. How am I doing so far? Double heh.

Actually, I would have had so much content had I not been so lazy. Life moves entirely too fast. I don't even know where to begin. So, I guess anywhere is good. And forgive me if I catch you up very UNchronologically.

Alright, first up: My 1st trip to New York. Dec 2007. In ONE hyphenated word? Sensory-overload. That is a city with aLOT of stuff going on at once. Man, we call Hawaii the melting pot, I think it's actually New York . They do the melting pot thing different there. In Hawaii, the locals like to re-train non-locals to the local style and ways. And if the non-locals don't learn it, then there can be some trouble. In New York, no one seems to trying to change anyone. Everyone just wants the space to do their own thing, whatever that thing is.

Anyway, here's a link to quite a few photos. I really had a great time.

07NYCCombCamEdit