As the saying goes, "We all gotta grow up sometime." Everyone has heard this before, most likely from our parents, and as the years have gone by, I have changed my opinion about it multiple times. As of right now, I believe that even though you may get older every year, you never truly have to grow up- age is simply a number.
Last night, my friend Rohit and I had dinner at my cousins Lea and Steve's house with a couple of their friends. They kept calling themselves "old," but that might have been because we were obviously a little younger. Being a college student, the night felt like a taste of what the future will be like (something to definitely look forward to). A typical meal in the Westwood apartments among my friends and I usually consists of take-out of some kind, everyone either sitting at a table or on a couch or a bed, and wildly inappropriate conversation mixed with a number of obnoxious noises; I wouldn't have it any other way. It's always fun and quite entertaining, but last night was such a different, mature experience and was really enjoyable.
Let me first say that Lea and Steve can cook up a storm; the food was awesome- you can't beat a home-cooked meal. Steve made homemade dinner rolls and he smoked ribs, sausages, and chicken wings, and Lea made so many great side dishes: roasted potatoes and fennel, swiss chard (which I've never had before), and butternut squash puree. With dinner, we drank good Japanese beer (Asahi) and their friend brought these amazing cream puffs for dessert.
If you know me well enough, you'll know that I'm a total foodie so this meal made me super happy. To make the night even better, there was a lot of good conversation at the table. It's always nice to have a quality conversation with people you haven't met before. We talked about many different things that don't usually come up at the dinners I've been to, and there was also a lot of laughter- someone laughed so hard, they started to tear up. I gotta say, I'm excited for more experiences like this.
Like I mentioned earlier, getting older and growing up are very different. I understand that most of us become more mature as we get older, and as our priorities change, we find ourselves in different places than years before, developing new views and opinions on life. However, I think it's so important to remember how to be a kid, have fun, and enjoy yourself (be yourself). If you can't, people aren't going to want to come to your dinner parties.
Thanks again, Lea and Steve, for a great night!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
On first impressions
Have you ever met someone who just completely blew you away? It happened to me earlier today; I don't think I've ever been so impressed by a person like this before- so mature, charming, charismatic, and real. Within the first few minutes of meeting her, I was so excited and intrigued to hear what she had to say and we ended up having a very nice, fairly long conversation.
I recently heard that people can make up to eleven first impressions about someone within the first seven seconds of meeting them. First impressions can become lasting impressions- just something to think about.
I recently heard that people can make up to eleven first impressions about someone within the first seven seconds of meeting them. First impressions can become lasting impressions- just something to think about.
Monday, February 21, 2011
On Las Vegas and gambling
I went to Las Vegas for the first time this past weekend and it was so much fun! My friends and I drove up on Friday afternoon and got back late Sunday night. I think I was the only one, out of our group of eleven, who hadn't been there before and I was just blown away by all the ambiance- the lights, hotels, clubs, casinos, and buffets. I've heard about it all before and seen it on TV, but it's really not the same until you actually get to Vegas.
The first night we were there, I decided to gamble a little bit. I played a little roulette and blackjack but unfortunately didn't win. I think it was a combination of poor strategy and a run of bad luck. I did notice something, though, about myself that is probably characteristic among most people who gamble. After I lost a little bit of money in the beginning, I felt this rush of adrenaline and immediately felt the need to try to win back what I had just lost. This feeling was so strong and I guess I was lucky my friend was with me and that I had brought only a limited amount of cash to spend, because I can only imagine how easy it would have been to gamble more and more (and most likely lose more and more). We really have to try to control ourselves when gambling and not bet more money than we're willing to lose.
Even though I didn't win any money at the tables, the weekend was a blast. On Friday night, me and a couple friends went to Cosmopolitan's club Marquee and that was a really fun experience. I don't usually go clubbing (I'm not the best dancer haha), but I danced had a good time. We all stayed in a tower suite with an additional adjoining suite at Treasure Island and the rooms were super nice.
We all went to the Wynn buffet on Saturday and the Bellagio buffet on Sunday. Both were quite good, yet the one at the Bellagio was better. There was so much delicious, quality food and I was really excited that we went to both, even though the lines were fairly long to get in.
On Saturday night, my friend Ish and I walked up and down the strip, while everyone else went to The Venetian's club Tao. We saw the Bellagio water show, which was pretty awesome, and walked around many of the other hotels and casinos- Caesar's Palace, Paris, and Bally's. The rest of the trip consisted of some drinking, a little more gambling (free drinks at the tables!), and simply enjoying Vegas. I had a great time and look forward to going back soon.
The Paris Hotel at night
(more pictures on facebook)
The first night we were there, I decided to gamble a little bit. I played a little roulette and blackjack but unfortunately didn't win. I think it was a combination of poor strategy and a run of bad luck. I did notice something, though, about myself that is probably characteristic among most people who gamble. After I lost a little bit of money in the beginning, I felt this rush of adrenaline and immediately felt the need to try to win back what I had just lost. This feeling was so strong and I guess I was lucky my friend was with me and that I had brought only a limited amount of cash to spend, because I can only imagine how easy it would have been to gamble more and more (and most likely lose more and more). We really have to try to control ourselves when gambling and not bet more money than we're willing to lose.
Even though I didn't win any money at the tables, the weekend was a blast. On Friday night, me and a couple friends went to Cosmopolitan's club Marquee and that was a really fun experience. I don't usually go clubbing (I'm not the best dancer haha), but I danced had a good time. We all stayed in a tower suite with an additional adjoining suite at Treasure Island and the rooms were super nice.
We all went to the Wynn buffet on Saturday and the Bellagio buffet on Sunday. Both were quite good, yet the one at the Bellagio was better. There was so much delicious, quality food and I was really excited that we went to both, even though the lines were fairly long to get in.
On Saturday night, my friend Ish and I walked up and down the strip, while everyone else went to The Venetian's club Tao. We saw the Bellagio water show, which was pretty awesome, and walked around many of the other hotels and casinos- Caesar's Palace, Paris, and Bally's. The rest of the trip consisted of some drinking, a little more gambling (free drinks at the tables!), and simply enjoying Vegas. I had a great time and look forward to going back soon.
The Paris Hotel at night(more pictures on facebook)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
On Valentine's Day
Before you start reading, I'd like to take this chance to say that even though I'm single, I have nothing against Valentine's Day. I actually like the holiday, a little less than last year, but nonetheless, I'm still a fan. These are simply the things I've observed over the years about it.
Not including the completely ignorant and oblivious, most know that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. This can mean one of many things. Those in a relationship, whether they've been together for many years or just starting out, are probably excited for a day filled with love and romance, or any given tradition they've started with their partner. And then there's the single people, a majority of whom hate this awful holiday.
Valentine's Day is stressful for everyone. Everybody seems to either be excited for the day to come, or the day to go. For those not in a relationship, this holiday can appear to be one, which divides people into haves and have-nots, and it sucks to be a have-not. It's rough going out into the world this time of the year, seeing stores decorated with flowers, chocolates, balloons, and stuffed animals. You can see the red and pink almost a mile away. For some, it's an unnecessary reminder that they are alone and they can't wait for this day to be over. It seems like those in a relationship can't stop talking about the holiday and this is a chance for them to flaunt their happiness to everyone else.
However, this day can be fun for single people who either enjoy being single, or may be going on a first date (which might lead to something more long-term) or to any sort of party. I can imagine it being fun getting together with other single friends and just having a good time, not letting Valentine's Day go to waste.
For many of those who are in relationships, Valentine's Day can't come soon enough and they get excited about what they have planned with their significant other. I have to admit that it's fun to get wrapped up in this "Hallmark Holiday"- buying cards, candy, and gifts. It's nice to have a day to remind each other how much you care about them, although I don't think we need a holiday as a reason to show affection- everyday should be special (but then again, I'm just like that).
Unfortunately, amidst all the fun and excitement, Valentine's Day could add a lot of pressure to a relationship. From all of the TV advertisements to the store decorations to talking with other people, the holiday can cause distress among individuals who wish to live up to their partner's expectations. What should I get them? Should I go all out and plan something extravagant? Should we just stay in and keep it simple? And as guys, most of the time it's up to us to make the plans and we would never want to let down our girlfriends. It's almost like we have to complete against all their other friends' boyfriends. I just think it's important for everyone to remember the true meaning of Valentine's Day, which is to acknowledge how you feel about your better half.
When I was younger, probably around middle school, I had a lot of friends that were girls and most were single like me. So, for Valentine's day, I would just give them all a rose and some candy- this day shouldn't be one that can only be enjoyed by those in relationships. I thought the gesture would make them smile and forget about being sad, and it felt nice to do it.
Last year for Valentine's Day, when I was in a relationship, I got my then girlfriend a dozen red roses and what I believed was a personal, thoughtful gift. I guess she loved it because she started crying- she was so happy and that made me happy too. This is where expectations start to make things difficult. I was expecting some sort of gift as well, but she didn't have anything for me, nothing at all. I was okay with that because I was just so excited to be with her on Valentine's Day, but I had this unsettling feeling in the back of my mind. Why didn't she get me anything? The weekend was still a ton of fun and she made me an enormous breakfast the next morning, probably as a response to my gift. Breakfast was amazing, yet I still wasn't fully satisfied. We have to learn to separate our expectations from reality.
This year's Valentine's Day, for me, will be very different than last year's. It will most likely consist of me cooking dinner at home, watching some TV, maybe doing some studying, or hanging out with some friends. Either way, I know it's going to be a good day because, as I have believed for a very long time, we shouldn't need a relationship or a romantic holiday to define our happiness.
On that note, I wish you all, no matter what you end up doing, a wonderful Valentine's Day.
Not including the completely ignorant and oblivious, most know that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. This can mean one of many things. Those in a relationship, whether they've been together for many years or just starting out, are probably excited for a day filled with love and romance, or any given tradition they've started with their partner. And then there's the single people, a majority of whom hate this awful holiday.
Valentine's Day is stressful for everyone. Everybody seems to either be excited for the day to come, or the day to go. For those not in a relationship, this holiday can appear to be one, which divides people into haves and have-nots, and it sucks to be a have-not. It's rough going out into the world this time of the year, seeing stores decorated with flowers, chocolates, balloons, and stuffed animals. You can see the red and pink almost a mile away. For some, it's an unnecessary reminder that they are alone and they can't wait for this day to be over. It seems like those in a relationship can't stop talking about the holiday and this is a chance for them to flaunt their happiness to everyone else.
However, this day can be fun for single people who either enjoy being single, or may be going on a first date (which might lead to something more long-term) or to any sort of party. I can imagine it being fun getting together with other single friends and just having a good time, not letting Valentine's Day go to waste.
For many of those who are in relationships, Valentine's Day can't come soon enough and they get excited about what they have planned with their significant other. I have to admit that it's fun to get wrapped up in this "Hallmark Holiday"- buying cards, candy, and gifts. It's nice to have a day to remind each other how much you care about them, although I don't think we need a holiday as a reason to show affection- everyday should be special (but then again, I'm just like that).
Unfortunately, amidst all the fun and excitement, Valentine's Day could add a lot of pressure to a relationship. From all of the TV advertisements to the store decorations to talking with other people, the holiday can cause distress among individuals who wish to live up to their partner's expectations. What should I get them? Should I go all out and plan something extravagant? Should we just stay in and keep it simple? And as guys, most of the time it's up to us to make the plans and we would never want to let down our girlfriends. It's almost like we have to complete against all their other friends' boyfriends. I just think it's important for everyone to remember the true meaning of Valentine's Day, which is to acknowledge how you feel about your better half.
When I was younger, probably around middle school, I had a lot of friends that were girls and most were single like me. So, for Valentine's day, I would just give them all a rose and some candy- this day shouldn't be one that can only be enjoyed by those in relationships. I thought the gesture would make them smile and forget about being sad, and it felt nice to do it.
Last year for Valentine's Day, when I was in a relationship, I got my then girlfriend a dozen red roses and what I believed was a personal, thoughtful gift. I guess she loved it because she started crying- she was so happy and that made me happy too. This is where expectations start to make things difficult. I was expecting some sort of gift as well, but she didn't have anything for me, nothing at all. I was okay with that because I was just so excited to be with her on Valentine's Day, but I had this unsettling feeling in the back of my mind. Why didn't she get me anything? The weekend was still a ton of fun and she made me an enormous breakfast the next morning, probably as a response to my gift. Breakfast was amazing, yet I still wasn't fully satisfied. We have to learn to separate our expectations from reality.
This year's Valentine's Day, for me, will be very different than last year's. It will most likely consist of me cooking dinner at home, watching some TV, maybe doing some studying, or hanging out with some friends. Either way, I know it's going to be a good day because, as I have believed for a very long time, we shouldn't need a relationship or a romantic holiday to define our happiness.
On that note, I wish you all, no matter what you end up doing, a wonderful Valentine's Day.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
On second string
I went to the UCLA vs Oregon State men's basketball game today with my mom, and the Bruins won 69-61! Sounds like a pretty good game, huh? Well, as much fun as it is to win, the game was pretty sloppy by both sides; there were a lot of turnovers and mental mistakes.
With about a minute and a half left in the game, we were up by about 16, so Coach Ben Howland decided to put in the second string players. It's ironic that the minutes that these players are usually given are known as "garbage time" because that's the best way to describe the way these guys performed today. Oregon State scored six points in about ten seconds as a result of multiple turnovers by our second string. We didn't even get the ball past half court- it was pretty embarrassing. Howland agreed, and about thirty seconds after he sat his starters, he sent them back into the game to finish it out, forcing the second string to take that long walk back to the bench.
I understand that being second string and having to come off the bench cold can be difficult. However, you need to play harder and smarter, or you're just going to embarrass yourselves. A win is a win and it will always be that way, but you have to take advantage of the opportunities you're given.
Major props to Tyler Honeycutt for eight blocked shots.
Go Bruins!
With about a minute and a half left in the game, we were up by about 16, so Coach Ben Howland decided to put in the second string players. It's ironic that the minutes that these players are usually given are known as "garbage time" because that's the best way to describe the way these guys performed today. Oregon State scored six points in about ten seconds as a result of multiple turnovers by our second string. We didn't even get the ball past half court- it was pretty embarrassing. Howland agreed, and about thirty seconds after he sat his starters, he sent them back into the game to finish it out, forcing the second string to take that long walk back to the bench.
I understand that being second string and having to come off the bench cold can be difficult. However, you need to play harder and smarter, or you're just going to embarrass yourselves. A win is a win and it will always be that way, but you have to take advantage of the opportunities you're given.
Major props to Tyler Honeycutt for eight blocked shots.
Go Bruins!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
On passion
"You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries. They only asked one question after a man died: 'Did he have passion?'"- Jeremy Piven as Dean Kansky in Serendipity (2001)
There isn't any point in doing anything unless you're going to put your heart and soul into it. This is how I try to live my life, with passion, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose. It's the only way I know how, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
There isn't any point in doing anything unless you're going to put your heart and soul into it. This is how I try to live my life, with passion, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose. It's the only way I know how, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
On good conversation
There are very few things in life that I enjoy more than good, solid conversation. It's definitely something that can't be planned- it's so spontaneous and that's what makes it awesome. I feel that you can make such a strong connection with a person just by having a nice conversation with them and it's something that's meaningful to all parties.
Last night, a few friends and I went to our other friend's apartment to hang out and drink a little bit. I don't really remember what my expectations were, but I can't stop thinking about how awesome of a night it was. Basically, it was a bunch of us sitting around, drinking wine, and engaging in deep conversation. The greatest part about it was that this was the first time I had met most of the people there and yet, I felt so comfortable around everyone. Nothing felt forced- it all came naturally. I guess it takes effort on everyone's part to open themselves up to the conversation itself, allowing the other people to relax and get involved.
I have a friend from back home that I would hang out with on occasion and we always enjoyed each others company, but it wasn't until after years and years of being friends that we finally hung out alone. We had the most amazing conversation and I felt that we got exponentially closer. Everything clicked really well and I think we're such better friends because of it.
It's pretty amazing what a quality conversation can do for a friendship, or any type of relationship. It's moments like these that make me really happy.
Last night, a few friends and I went to our other friend's apartment to hang out and drink a little bit. I don't really remember what my expectations were, but I can't stop thinking about how awesome of a night it was. Basically, it was a bunch of us sitting around, drinking wine, and engaging in deep conversation. The greatest part about it was that this was the first time I had met most of the people there and yet, I felt so comfortable around everyone. Nothing felt forced- it all came naturally. I guess it takes effort on everyone's part to open themselves up to the conversation itself, allowing the other people to relax and get involved.
I have a friend from back home that I would hang out with on occasion and we always enjoyed each others company, but it wasn't until after years and years of being friends that we finally hung out alone. We had the most amazing conversation and I felt that we got exponentially closer. Everything clicked really well and I think we're such better friends because of it.
It's pretty amazing what a quality conversation can do for a friendship, or any type of relationship. It's moments like these that make me really happy.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
On following through
If there is one thing that bothers me- like really, really makes me angry, it's people who don't follow through. I absolutely hate it when someone says they're going to do something, and they don't. It's really not that difficult. Now I understand that sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that we can't control, but this isn't what I'm talking about.
I pride myself on being a reliable person. If I tell someone that I will meet them at a certain time, I will be there at that time, if not earlier. (I find that people who are always late to be extremely rude. If you're going to be late, use your cell phone and let the other person know. If you're consistently late, leave earlier!) If I tell someone that I can give them a ride, or help them with a given issue, I do it. And if I'm unable to help out, or I'm unsure for some reason, I tell them exactly that. I don't go around making commitments and breaking them. Call me crazy, but I expect the same out of other people.
Unfortunately, I've had to deal with this issue for quite some time. People I've talked to offered me the explanation that my expectations of others are just too high. That's a horrible excuse. Is it so wrong for me to assume people will do something they commit to doing? I don't think so. I'm not going to relax my expectations about this.
Everyone really needs to be careful about the things they commit to, because if they fail to follow through, and it becomes a consistent thing, people are going to realize that they're inconsiderate, unreliable, flaky, and ultimately disrespectful.
I pride myself on being a reliable person. If I tell someone that I will meet them at a certain time, I will be there at that time, if not earlier. (I find that people who are always late to be extremely rude. If you're going to be late, use your cell phone and let the other person know. If you're consistently late, leave earlier!) If I tell someone that I can give them a ride, or help them with a given issue, I do it. And if I'm unable to help out, or I'm unsure for some reason, I tell them exactly that. I don't go around making commitments and breaking them. Call me crazy, but I expect the same out of other people.
Unfortunately, I've had to deal with this issue for quite some time. People I've talked to offered me the explanation that my expectations of others are just too high. That's a horrible excuse. Is it so wrong for me to assume people will do something they commit to doing? I don't think so. I'm not going to relax my expectations about this.
Everyone really needs to be careful about the things they commit to, because if they fail to follow through, and it becomes a consistent thing, people are going to realize that they're inconsiderate, unreliable, flaky, and ultimately disrespectful.
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