12.27.2009

BARGAIN HUNTING

Well not intentionally. It's hard not to find a bargain when working in a store for 5 days out of the week. On the day after Christmas cashmere sweaters were advertised for $39.99. All I wanted was a red one, but somehow I ended up with 8 ties, no sweater.

Ties

I had something to return, and a gift card to use so I ended up getting them for next to nothing.

Superdry Receipt

A total savings of $316.08 not including my discount! Such a deal indeed.

Today I went looking for a tuxedo jacket, and had the same luck as before. I didn't find quite what I was looking for, but I didn't leave empty handed. I had been eying this exclusive Superdry double black label stormbreaker, also know as a windbreaker, since we got it in 4 months ago. For a retail price of $150, I let it sit on the shelf. Lucky for me I found it on the 50% off rack today, and when I went to scan it, it came up for $45. Use your Macy's card and save an additional 15%, then my employee 20%, sure why not. Another piece of clothing I don't necessarily need added to the closet, but at least I got it for dirt cheap!

Superdry
Ties Receipt

12.25.2009

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME

Today was a great day. I started out spending time with my family at home in the morning, we opened presents and had our traditional cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Laura and myself then headed over to my Nana's place for a few hours. It was good catching up with my aunt Tracy who I don't get to see too often. We didn't get to stay as long as I would have like to because we needed to be in Fremont for dinner. Just as I walked in my cousin David started telling me about some beer he brewed. Of course I had a glass or three. Made me want to brew my own for sure.

Christmas Time

I was surprised to see that Megan and Andy made it back to Cali this Christmas. The last time I saw them was at their wedding over 3 years ago. The big shock was seeing Maddox for the first time. Their 2 1/2 year old son is such a joy to have around.

Maddox

Watching him play with toy trains and trucks for hours brought a smile to my face.

Don't Drink Mine

While enjoying a fine glass of Cabernot Sauvignon I thought about how the meaning of Christmas has changed for me since I was a kid. It is no longer about getting that toy you want, but more about being in the presence of loved ones. I'm thankful to have a such a great family and friends. I love you all and hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

12.24.2009

BOW TIE FRIDAY

Is a tradition I started a few months ago at work. I had mine on today, since tomorrow is Christmas and the last place I want to be is at work. The bow tie is actually something I have started to prefer over your standard neck tie. Today I received my gift from my secret santa for the gift exchange. Ayman knew exactly what to get me. Another bow tie for the collection!

Bowtie

Not only does it have skulls, but skulls with bow ties. Dopeness.

In addition to my bow tie, I got a few bottles of wine. I know nothing about them, other than the fact that the will be consumed shortly.

Wine-o

On my bed when I got home was a package from Japan. It took just a mere 35 days, but my SD card reader was here. I was in no rush for one because the cable from my camera does the job just fine, but for $1 with free shipping from eBay, I jumped on the sweet deal.

1 Buck Succ

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday. Be sure to enjoy the time you spend with family and friends.

12.23.2009

Tomity was kind enough to share pictures of old keirin racing in Japan. JP posted some pictures but left out the one that stuck out the most to me.

Woman's Keirin Race

This picture is from the last professional woman's keirin race in 1964. I'm thankful to be able to look at pictures of such history. Someday soon I plan to be sitting in the stands at the velodrome in Japan watching true keirin racing.

12.16.2009

OHH ALICE

NOT

Quite what I would have imagined. After looking into the Kiehl's window today, I had to do a double take to see if what I thought I saw was really there.

Peace <3 Kiehl's
Creme de Corps

Yup, Kaws teamed up with Kiehl's to do a Limited Edition Creme de Corps body moisturizer. You can purchase the lotion in three sizes: 8.4 oz. $26.50, 16.9 oz. with Pump $44.50, and 1 liter with pump $70.00. I'm tempted to see what this stuff is all about since my current Lab Series stuff is on the pricey side, 3.4 oz. at $37.50. If you are not quite ready to drop some of your hard earned cash on beauty products, think of the Kaws Creme de Corps as a donation since 100% of Kiehl's net profits from the sale will benefit RxART, a non-profit organization, committed to fostering artistic expression and awareness through the challenging yet rewarding task of engaging young patients through contemporary art in pediatric hospitals. It is good to see street artists continuing to use there fame for the good of the people.

12.14.2009

SORRY

For the lack of updates lately. Life has been busy, somewhat hectic. Currently I'm fighting a cold, or the flu (knock on wood). Yesterday I felt like I was on my death bed with a 101.0 degree fever, and the chills. Due to the holiday season, my hours at work have doubled. I had a final last week, also two this morning. It feels good to be on winter break, but my free days are limited. Here is a recap of the weekend's events since I didn't have a free second to blog for the past few days.

On Thursday, JP, Andrew, Ryan, Hanna, Kina, Dan, Peri, and myself headed to Sabor. It was raining so the crowd was smaller than average, but we didn't let a little water stop us from a fun night.







Friday we mixed it up for a change. Still with good company, good drinks, and good food, but this time at the bowling alley. You can tell by the scores how often we bowl, but our skills, or lack there of, kept the laughs coming.









The night was far from over. Being Kina, she had to have her nacho fries, so we stopped at Iguana's before heading to Mark, Anna, Jeff, and Lillian's place. Karaoke was the form of entertainment, my singing is just like my bowling, far from good.






Saturday was the annual Azuki holiday dinner. A few days out of the week you can find me in the shop, usually doing nothing. I really appreciate how they don't mind me just sitting around bullshitting for hours at a time. JP was kind enough to take me as his date. The dinner was at LOFT in Downtown San Jose. In the usual fashion, we pre succcced with a bottle of wine at Mark's, followed by more wine, a bottle of henn, and goose at P.Love's. Over an hour late, we finally headed off to stuff our faces.

Open wine like a baller.


Socks & shoes.





I still feel like crap, but my fever has thankfully dropped. I guess you really can't burn the candle at both ends forever.

12.11.2009

WATCH PEOPLE RIDE BIKES

This Sunday, iMiNUSD will be premiering two films.. “London to Paris” & “The Revival”. They are both free! If you are into fixed gears, cycling, good films, or just hanging out come through at 8:00pm! More info and trailers can be found at iMiNUSD.

12.10.2009

DON'T DRINK WHEN YOU'RE TIRED

Land of the Talk - Sea Foam  by  matthewdivita

This song pretty much sums up how I feel about the weather lately. Not quite the words, but the tone.
Hope you enjoy it.

12.07.2009

I CAN ONLY WISH

It were Spring already. This mix by Darien Victor Birks of Flwrpt makes me long for the beautiful California weather. Until the rain goes away, soothe you cold ears with some warm music.



Download it here.

Stress x Wildlife

"Hood Up"

CELEBRATION OF LIFE



It was my time of the year this past week. That's right, I turned 23. Not such an exciting age, but it was a reason to celebrate none the less. Thursday night was spent at the usual spot, Sabor. It was also Hanna's birthday, who I blame for my high level of intoxication.



This is the only picture I have seen from that night. I don't remember taking it, but I'm sure it was a good time.

Friday we went to the workout party at the cellar, held every first Friday of the month. The crowd and music are different from what I am use to, makes it fun, but on this particular night the vibe just wasn't right. My favorite bartender Sam was working at Voodoo, which was reason enough for JP, Andrew, Ryan and myself to head over there. Everything was right. The people/music/drinks were all on point.


Saturday was my big party. Once again at The Voodoo Lounge. It was great to see old and new faces come out. I know I saw most of you, even if I don't quite remember.

I'm too lazy to describe these pictures from the past weekend, so here is the drop.







Thanks everyone who was there, and made this b-day the best.

12.03.2009

ROLL TOP

After riding for a few months, I realized I really needed a bag to carry tubes, water, a pump, and all the other little things cyclists may need on every ride. I decided to go for the standard messenger bag. It worked well short trips, and small loads, but didn't quite do it for me if I needed to carry a change of clothes, my laptop and textbooks. After about two years of putting up with shoulder pain and an over stuffed bag, I knew it was finally time to find myself a back pack.
Enter the Chrome Pawn.



This is the smallest of the 3 roll top bags currently offered by Chrome, measures out at 18” wide, 17” high, and 6” deep. I instantly fell in love with the Pawn after trying on my friend Joe's. I can carry my tools, water, laptop, books and a jacket, but if you try to stuff it with more, you may find yourself wishing you bought the next size up, the Ivan. It fits on my back lower than I was use to compared to with the messenger bag, but made it rather comfortable while riding. The durability of the this bag is amazing. The weatherproof 1,000 denier Cordura outer material easily holds up to all the elements. There is also no need to worry about your MacBook getting soaked in the rain, because the main pocket is fully waterproof. What if you are out on a ride, and there's no place to grab a cold PBR? No problem. Just add ice and your favorite hipster beer and you have yourself a damn good looking portable cooler. Handmade in the USA and guaranteed for life,there is no reason not to go with a Chrome bag.

Photo by: Annamarie Cabarloc