Sunday, October 4, 2009
(Originally posted on Facebook)
It’s been a while since my last entry. I apologize to anyone who has been anxiously waiting for this entry, though I assume most of you have just forgotten about it. It’s not that I stopped caring or coming up with ideas, I just simply don’t have easy Internet access. Right now I’m being more of a cliche college student than when I was actually in college: I’m using the WiFi at my local Starbucks. And I’m wearing a soccer jersey from my study abroad trip. And I’m listening to a local, indie band. *Sigh* At least I’m not drinking coffee!
OK, so on with the blog. Because a lot of time has passed and a lot of things have happened, I wasn’t able to wrap up everything I want to talk about in a convenient, overarching theme. Instead, I’m gonna throw out a random collection of life snippets and ideas.
NEW RESIDENCY: I finally moved into a new place! 745 Ekela Ave, #A1, Honolulu, HI 96816 for those of you who wanna Google Map it. Check out how close I am to the main tourist drag of Waikiki! That’s like a 10 minute bike ride. Plus, Kapahulu is a popular street with many small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants from all over the world and little random shops of all kinds. It reminds me of Telegraph in a way. Anyways, the house I’m living in has just been renovated. $450/month includes utilities, cable, Internet (but not yet), a full kitchen, a big living room, and a washer and dryer! The catch is that I’m sharing a room with two other guys. The landlord set up this place dorm-style: 10 guys sharing 4 rooms (one of which is a converted garage. . . that’s mine). I don’t mind sharing for now. The location more than makes up for it.
TWO-WHEEL CRUISING: My cousin was generous enough to give me one of his bikes. It is my life. There are many like it, but this one is mine. Without me, it is nothing. Without it, I am nothing. It ride it to and from work five days a week (a 30 minute commute, and uphill. . . both ways!). I explore my surroundings. I immerse myself in the city. The car was great for learning street names, but the bike frees you from the bubble. I’ve adorned it with a headlight (law required it) and a new seat (crotch required it). I love my bike, but still hate bikers when I’m not one.
WORKING MAN: As you know, I am a chef for Kikka Sushi in the Whole Foods Market at Kahala Mall. 7 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to noon Friday, weekends free. From 7 AM to noon, there’s always something to do. Some bowl to make or something to clean. But when I get back from break, it’s just making sure there’s enough of all the food items. It’s a long and aimless and trying part of the work shift. It gets even longer when the few English-speaking coworkers of mine have the day off. I feel linguistically isolated on those days. Last Thursday, I hit a brick wall and thought about quitting. The next Friday I realized the job isn’t that bad, and I haven’t even received my first paycheck yet. I’ve learned to re-appreciate it, especially in this economy. That doesn’t mean, however, that I won’t keep an eye out for another opportunity.
ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY: While it’s not going to replace my current job, I was fortunate enough to get a volunteer job with the Hawai’i International Film Festival (thank you, Jill!). I’m not sure what I’ll be doing, but I’ll be working with films and that’s good enough for me! I’ll let you know in a future blog how it goes. I start tomorrow.
HUI O KULAPEA: This translates to “Club of the Golden Bear” and is the nickname of the Cal Alumni Club of Hawai’i. For the past two (frustrating) Saturdays, I’ve joined up with New and Old Blues to watch California Football! Though not a huge group, it’s still a comfort to be surrounded by alumni while watching the games. Some of them are old (I think Val graduated in the ’40s) and some of them are young (one guy graduated when I did), but most are middle-aged Bears who’ve toughed it out through the pre-Tedford years (and are now toughing it out through the now predictable Tedford seasons). Unfortunately, it’s mostly guys, but I did meet two New Blue females yesterday. There names are Candy and Angel. Is it a coincidence that the only girl alums I’ve meet in Hawai’i have stripper names? Must investigate. . .
FRIENDS: I love hanging out with my family, but I can’t hang out with only them all the time. Fortunately, my cousin Avery introduced me to some of her friends before she left for college in Seattle. Since her departure, I’ve been invited to two birthday parties. Though they’re not my “BFFs” or anything, I feel I’ve at least promoted myself above “Avery’s Replacement.” On top of that, the housemates/roommates who’ve already moved in with me are all pretty cool guys.
GIRLS: Unfortunately, not much to report yet, but I can at least say I’ve been able to take off my Berkeley goggles. I love you, Hawai’i!
Alright, that’s all I can think of writing about for now. I know it was mostly descriptive, but I promise you more introspective and humorous blogs to come. Next entry, actually, will be myPhoto Edition!
Until next time. . .
Young Man Went East 