27.8.08

Selling my soul

I've been putting off this public relations project for a long time. Months. My first deadline was April. Then, my second deadline was before I leave for Korea.

After returning from Korea, I had hoped that this project would magically and wonderfully disappear, but of course, it did not. The real reason why I didn't want to work on this project was because it's a public relations fluff piece for a program that I don't agree with. JJ has warned me about this: "You know Liu, you're going to have to do things you don't like and don't agree with at this office... It's just the way it goes. I have to do it all the time, and it just makes me work harder on our other programs." JJ does get caught up in it way more than me simply because he does more politicking. I guess it's not that bad... I've been here for over a couple of years and this is the first time where I've felt forced to do something I don't agree with. I think JJ's been protecting me.

Anyway, back to this project. So, Steve finally gave me a REAL deadline of the end of August. I procrastinated and now today, I hate myself. I hate having to only write about the positive aspects of a program when I can only see the negative facets.

I'm working for the man.
Today's one of those days when I really question how long I can last in this place and I find myself thinking about South Africa a lot.

26.8.08

Ugh.

It's not me,
it's you.

Don't worry.
I would never say that to anyone.

25.8.08

Hmmm, what have I been up to?

It's been a love-filled couple of weeks. I feel quite blessed and happy.
Although, it has been quite sad without Kristine. BUT, the goodbye gave us an excuse to be extra gushy and hold hands for longer. This, I enjoyed.

***
I dog-sat for Roxanne, a friend/co-worker for three weeks. Her place was awesome because it has high ceilings and her art is displayed everywhere. My mom said it reminded her of "Rear Window" because all the studio apartments had big windows and you could see into all the homes. Mama Liu said she thought the people who lived there felt a sense of community because you could see other people although you didn't interact with them. I thought it was a valid point.

The best part about staying at Roxanne's place was Stella. It was love at first sight. Roxanne saved her from a shelter a while ago. She thinks Stella was abused when she was younger because she's terrified of people, especially men. Although, she strangely seemed to like Drew. The stranger part was Dr. Drewlittle kept insisting we call her Choco because she's the color of chocolate. Stella eventually liked Johny too, but I think it was because he serenaded her. She never warmed up to Mark even when he was trying to do his 'Dog Whisperer' stuff. Either way, I think Stella has become a lot more social and less scared. Whenever we would go on our walks and she would act super scared of someone walking, I would say, "Stop acting weird Stella!" and she would actually stop. I'm sure if someone actually saw that little interaction they would think I'm very weird. Oh well.
***
Paul Oh happened to be in San Diego yesterday. He wanted to see the public art along the harbor. I think he's the only other person in this world who loves seeing those sculptures as much as me. It's fun when friends can admire art together.

13.8.08

Quote of the Day

Nick (to Kristin when she interrupted him talking to me): This is a conversation between a rake and a shovel. No hose allowed.
Kristin: You're calling me a ho?

12.8.08

I heart The Submarines.

(thanks Drew)

Say what you will

Love finds you even when,
You've given it up

Everybody deserves to be adored
Why would you settle for less
When the world gives you more?

8.8.08

Lunch with the AmeriCorps* Crew

Mama Liu came to the office and had lunch with the AmeriCorps crew. She was pretty excited about meeting the DA and Assistant DA. But, she was mainly happy about seeing JJ because she adores him. If it was up to her, I would work at the DA's Office under JJ for the rest of my life.

It was fun watching her interact with JJ. I realized that my mommy is pretty funny. She has wit and is very opinionated. She definitely expresses those opinions. My favorite part was when she was all up in JJ's business and told him that he should read the Bible.

Then, JJ shared an interesting thing he learned the other day:
JJ: You know, the other day, I saw on T.V. that when people who keep in touch with family and garden or do some sort of little exercise, they live longer. I think it's just a better life that way.
Mama Liu: So, people talking to family and friends and gardening, and you must add reading good books.
JJ (embarrassingly shocked because he's not much of a reader): Oh, I'll have to remember that one.
Mama Liu: It's better if you read the Bible. (This is the third time she's mentioned to him within a 10-minute conversation.)

7.8.08

Weeks o' Fun


Last week's highlights:
  • playing every night,
  • seeing Kristine and/or Sharon every night,
  • meeting Jimmy of The Album Leaf,
  • the grilled cheese sandwich at the Starlite Lounge,
  • slumber party at Mark's,
  • hanging out at the beach.
Last week's lowlights:
  • staying out every night past my bedtime and going to work the next day,
  • Sharon moving back to Orange County.
This week's highlights:
  • Mama staying with me for her birthday week,
  • going to the farmer's market with Mama,
  • hanging out with Stella (the cutest dog ever.).
This week's lowlights:
  • Mama not liking Stella,
  • Mama not going to my yoga class with me,
  • Mama fell and hurt her ribcage.
Tonight, we're going to MOCA. Tomorrow, the Del Mar Horse Races! And The Bravery! I can't wait to see my mom at the concert.