Yesterday I purchased a new bike to help me stay active and in shape. The last bike I owned was a Kent 5-speed bike and that was 18 years ago. I still have a lot of fond memories of that bike but now it is gone forever. I was the first kid in the neighborhood to own such an awesome bike. Now I have upgraded myself to a hybrid bike and yes I still remember how to ride a bike! ("Look Mom! No training wheels! I'm a big boy now!) LOL!
My first ride on the new bike was 4 miles. That's not very impressive but it was tiring. It will take some time to before I build my stamina and do even longer distances.
I'm so happy that made this purchase. There's no buyer's remorse here. I am saving money later down the road because there's a chance that I'll be biking to work and also I am saving the environment. I am planning on taking bike repairing class later down the road. I guess I still have an interest in gears and machines.
I hope everyone had a great mother's day!! I bought my mom a diamond necklace, I'm so broke but hey I love my mom!!
I am back from my D.C. trip and down below are some pictures from the Sakura Matsuri festival. I expected the festival to be a little bigger but all and all it was still a good size. The place was filled with street vendors, info booth, arts and crafts, and food tents. I ended up buying 3 DVDs, some Japanese tea, and some food. I didn’t really going on a spending spree like I usually do since I am saving to go back to Japan.
I didn’t get a chance to visit some historical sites since my stay was only 1 day long. However, I did enjoy my visit to D.C. since it was like visiting another Boston. By this I mean the buildings, sub way system, historical landmarks, etc was the same. This also explains why I didn’t take that many pictures.
cherry blossom parade
close up for the cherry blossom ballons
Cherry blossom tree (can you spot the cute squirrel?)
Close up of the cherry blossoms
I have decided to create a little project with my camera every time I travel outside of New England. My plan is to take a picture of something from the letters starting to “A” to “Z”. So stay tuned as I try to perfect my camera skills and try to intrigue you with unique pictures from different places I visit outside my home area.
Recently I have purchased a Blackberry Pearl over the Apple Iphone. I couldn’t justify paying $400 for a cell phone (multi-media device). Also, the monthly plan seemed way too expensive even though I can get a 15% discount. The blackberry is perfectly suited for me since it’s geared more towards business. The monthly plan is a bit cheaper and phone is a bit smaller in size. I love my new smart phone ! Calls, emails, and internet…oh my!!
On a different topic, I’ve been debating whether or not if I should cut my hair. I’ve been trying to move away from the spikey-hair look. To be honest, I do like having a full head of hair which I haven’t had in ages. The question remains on what kind of style I would go for with a full head of hair. Suggestions are welcomed!
I guess that's the million dollar question. Unfortunately, I don't really have an answer other than where should I begin? Well perhaps starting from scratch will help get the ball rolling on blogging more frequently. It's been so long since I blogged, everything here just seems a little bit different from the last time I logged on.
To start things off, I finally gave in and bought a digital camera. After 3 long years of hesitation, I finally upgraded to a 10 mega pixel Nikon Coolpix S550. My last camera was a 3.2 mega pixel Nikon Coolpix which gave me 4 years of loyal, quality service . I do apologize for the lack of pictures and for an old profile picture but at least you know the reason behind it. I will be updating my profile picture on every site (Xanga, Downelink, Facebook).
I am heading off for a weekend trip this weekend for the Cherry Blossom festival (Sakura Matsuri) in Washington D.C. I am pretty much excited since I haven't really taken a vacation since my trip to Bangkok. Also this will allow me to practice my Japanese which I have been studying for quite sometime.
I know most people hate reading "long-ass" blogs but unfortunately this is going to be one of them since I have a lot of catching up to do.
Video Games
If you read my last blog, I have made my final video game purchase for the year which is Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii. All I can say is "Sugee!!", it's worth every penny in my opinion. It's kind of a mixture of Mario 64 (N64) and the classic Mario 3 (NES). I have played 2 hours into the game and it hasn't disappointed me yet. Besides being a great game, if you bought this game at Toys R Us from 11/12 to 11/17, you most likely got a $25.00 gift certificate towards your next purchase. What a great deal!!!
Japanese Update
I have finally finished my beginning Japanese lesson book!! I am quite proud of myself since I'm doing an independant study on learning how to speak the language. I spend about 20 minutes every weekday learning the language while eating my lunch at work. Of course, I also seem to get interrupted during my studies due to curious coworkers questioning why I am torturing myself or giving me great compliments. Here are some of the reason why I'm studying.
Studying anything keeps my mind sharp and alert.
To learn a new language and to gain cultural competency.
Watch animes and other Japanese shows.
It's fun and it is something I want to do (self motivation - breeds success in life!!).
Now I am learning on how to write in Hiragana!!
Graduate School
I finally got into graduate school!! The downside is I can't afford to go due to the high cost of tuition and rising prices everywhere I go. It seems like I need to get a second job in order for me to go. I'm not too worried about not going right now since I have peace of mind that the door is already open and it is up to me to decide on when.
The Holidays!!
This probably one of the happiest and most depressing time of year. By this I mean, happy times is when you get to see your long distant friends & family members, spending time with the people you love, holiday dinner, shopping for yourself or for someone else, the snow, holiday bonus check, time off from school or work, etc. Depressing meaning, not having anyone to spend the holidays with, you gotta work, you're too broke to buy anything or your still paying last year's Christmas gifts, shopping with the huge crowds, you hate the snow and cold weather, etc. Whatever your mood might be around this time, just make the most of it!!
Naruto
I really need to catch up on my Naruto episodes. I have left off on episode 230 and I'm about to drop another couple of hundred bucks into NYC economy since that's where I get all my DVD's. I don't want to download the episodes because I made it my hobby on collecting it all. I have expanded my collection from the last picture so just want until you see it now. LOL!!
Here's the newest, cute Naruto ending!! A great song and a must download!!