Oooh Some Much Needed Updating...

As if anyone (besides Martin and Ari) are keeping track and following my quest to accomplish 101 goals... haha

But alas, it has been a while, and since my boss is out of town for 2 weeks and I have no work, I have no excuse as to the time it takes to write a quick update. So lemme just plow thru this:

#35 Attend a Coldplay Concert

Originally, goal #35 was supposed to be to go see a U2 concert, however, I missed that one, and decided to hop on to another opportunity that won't be coming back around for another 4 or so years: Coldplay. I've always heard such enthusiasm about Coldplay's concert, and I gotta say - I agree. Probably one of the best concerts I have been to thus far. What makes a show a "really good show" is not just the stage choreography, but the ENERGY that the musicians give off when they perform. I've been to several shows, and it's not as great of an experience when the band is just there at that venue to play - as if you're just another city they're rollin thru. Not only were these guys excellent musicians (the drummer impressed me tho most w/ this simultaneous drumming and singing, and then later on, bustin out the acoustic guitar) but they played the entire show as if it were THE show of their lifetime (pretty much). And they definately prove their musicianship with their acoustic sets (which were, by the way, among the audience so that the back row ppl get a closer experience) and improv skills. I paid a good $100 or so per ticket, and it was well worth it!!! If you ever get a chance to go see these guys, go - you won't be disappointed. (I sound like I'm writing a Yelp review hahaha)

#38 Go to a Spa + #101 Go a Day w/ No Cell Phone + #43 Go a Day w/o Apologizing

Yes, believe it or not, I have never been to a spa before. (I knew there was a reason why I got "0%" on that "how girly are you?" Facebook quiz... jk) But thanks to Ari, for my birthday, she took me to the Glen Ivy day spa. It was sooooo nice and relaxing... at first I was a bit antsy, cuz I'm so used to being on the go go go - but after a few dips in the floaty (floating?) pool, and the mud bath cave thingie, I was a lazy daisy haha. It was a great recovery day, because it was the day after July 4th weekend (no need to elaborate on that weekend). Coincidentally, I'd forgotten my cell phone that day - probably where the antsiness at the first half of the day came from, which is how I accomplished goal #101, and was therefore also able to accomplish #43 cuz there was no one calling me to yell at me where I would have to apologize. That's right, I had to unknowingly go into accomplishing that no-cell-phone goal (which helped lead to accomplishing #43 as well) by accident or else it prolly would have never happend. All in all, it was a great day of quietness and relaxation that was much needed - thank you Ari!!

#41 Go on an Actual Date

I don't know what I was thinking when I listed this goal. I think I was PMS-ing and this goal was a result of some hormonal inbalance. I mean, who knows what an "actual date" is? It is definately one of those things where there is a different answer with each person because it's all in the perspective. I'm gonna say I've done this one, because a "date" is an outing or just time spent w/ someone you really want to be with. Whether it be an at home dinner and some tv show watching, or going out to a nice dinner. Either way, this has been accomplished since building my list of goals, so checking this one off.... on to the next!

#54. Get Swept Off My Feet on the Dance Floor

Again, I don't know what I was thinking when I listed this one as well. But funny enough, this has been accomplished - literally was "swept" off the floor on the dance floor. NOt exactly the funnest or "romantic" experience ever - I was drunk, and so was the guy who decided to pull me away from Annie and Jacob on the dance floor (my lovely outing peeps) and grab by the waist and swoop me up, and then bring me down to dip me.... as if I needed to get any more dizzier than I was already feeling. It was a bit much - and he kept wanting to pick me up and lift me up, but Annie managed to come to my rescue and wiggle her way in between tosses hahaha. I owe you one, Annie... or two or like, seven :p Jake's been to my rescue a couple times as well... I can take care of myself, really, I can... Moving on!

#66. Walk Freedom Trail in Boston

o we didn't have time to walk the whole thing... but I have proof that we walked part of it!!! haha

#69 Go to the Beach

While Mike was in town, I actually had the chance to go to the beach a few times this summer. A lot had to do with him having bought a house by the beach - yea that was an incentive. But nonetheless, I miss our beachy days... twas fun while it lasted!!

#77. Visit with Michaela

Michaela and I go a ways back... maybe about 10 years?? She was my buddy in HS when we were in Jazz band class together and were bored outta our minds. And I'm thankful we still stay in touch. We finally got together and caught up, and my lil miss Chaela is gettin married! Very very exciting news!! =)

#86. Quit the Restaurant

Yes folks, it has actually happend. Not entirely outta the biz yet, I still work with many of the vendors, however, if you go, there will be about a 1 in 30 chance I will be working as a waitress. Congratulations to Annie for stepping up and taking over most of my responsibilities. This goal has been long over due for me. I've dedicated 12 years of my young adult life to this place, and I've learned a lot of valueable things about the restaurant industry, as well as the mechanics on how to run a small business. Now, I am able to leave with the peace at mind that dad's in good hands, and I can spend some time pursuing what I've been keeping on hold for so long! I haven't completely severed the ties - I don't think I could do that to daddy, but I figured this was a good time to move on... it's been good Shimura!

Alright, I have a few more to update, but I'm exhausted... so until next update (hopefully it won't be another 4 months... haha) here are a few modifications to my list that I've made:

#13. Adopt a Shiba Inu -> Adopt a Dog... I've realized that as long as I live alone, I won't be able to do this... I am in talks w/ Annie and Jacob in becoming roommates, and it's been mentioned that adopting a dog would be nice... i"ll keep you updated...

#27. Take a snap shot with Jason Mraz --> Take a Snap shot with someone famous.... figured I should broaden my options for obtainability

#42. Sing with Ernie Halter --> Sing with a Live Band... again, broadening my horizons.. this shall be accomplished very soon as my first gig is tomorrow!!!

#58. Go backpacking in Asia--> Go on a hikin trip.... again, obtainability

#61. Be able to do the Splits--> Yeah, I've tried for 4 months, and my legs jus don't wanna stretch that way hahaha. so this is being modified to: Be able to play Rustle of Spring on the piano again - because it ws probably the most difficult piece I played back when I was still training, and I've become rusty again. And I loved that piece... so here's to the challenge! (it's almost like one of those "I want to be a size 2 again!" goals)

I Haven't Been Slackin!

Sooo... it's been a while since I updated this thing... I have been workin on my goals, slowly...haha! So here we go!

In chronological order:

#14 Read the Secret:

Originally, I had heard of this book because there was such a hype about it. But never did I really know what it was about until I had to do one of my final assignments for a business class I took a couple semesters ago. The concept of the Secret is quite simple: the laws of attraction: If you put your mind to it, you can be and do anything you truly desire. And it is that simple. However, it is not simple to achieve. I cannot say that I have experienced this to the fullest, but in some aspects of my life, I understand what this book is talking about. They market it as if it’s really simple, but if you broaden your mind, you’ll undersand. The laws of attraction is an amazing thing. For the longest time in high school, I had low self-esteem. I was the friend the guy would have to get thru or get friendly with (in a non-attractive/non-sexual way) to get to the pretty girl. And I spent a lot of time wishing that I was as pretty as my friend – that I could attract people like my pretty friends did. Then, after the however long being in the one man pity party, I got tired of it, and decided to just BE the type of person I truly wanted to be: grounded, nice, classy, smiley, confident, and love myself for who I am and make the most of who I can be. I’ve done photoshoots, finally released a couple original songs, performed a live show with my own songs – things I thought back in high school I could never achieve. And thru this, I learned that the world is attracted to confidence. Of course, I have plenty of insecurities that haunt me (I’m a vertically challenged Asian that likes to knit and can’t dance if her life depended on it… oh there’s plenty more!), but being truly happy with yourself is what keeps me motivated and happy. No one wants to be around someone who busies him or herself with comparing themselves to other people, or wishing for things other people have, or occupying themselves with wanting things they don’t have. Obtaining the things you want – success, love, money – they don’t come easy. But if you stay motivated and focused, and dedicated, where there is a will, there is a way.

#11. Keep a 3-times-a-week work out regime for at least 3 months

So this is how I pulled this off : tues/thurs work out in my apt comlex rec center, and then my weekly dance class… thought of posting a vid to prove my dancing, but decided I wanna polish that up first before posting a first impression haha! Only ONE person has seen this video, and that person laughed out loud. And kept laughing til the next day hahahaha. I’m getting there! On the other hand, can’t say that I have been keeping up this routine, but I do go the gym once a week and do attend my dance class… so went from 3 to 2. No biggie, right?

#93 Get Medical Insurance

OKAY. I’ve learned that since this “recession” medical insurers have taken advantage of the people out there that have been losing jobs as well as acquiring health problems due to the stress it has caused us. But I got it. Oh, but it was no easy-breezy task. I’ve come to the conclusion that the U.S. medical insurance, or more, any kind of insurance system is EFFED UP. First, it takes an entire MONTH to get approved. And for that month, they say that you are covered, and that you can go to the doc and then get reimbursed, but that is IF YOU GET APPROVED. So the first month is like a gamble. Oh, and before you find out you’re approved, they take your money. Oh, and after they approved me, they upped my premium because I MIGHT need an inhaler because I had record that I used to have asthma. Fanfreakintastic. THEN, I go to the pharmacy (after I got approved, of course) to find out that my prescription is not covered because the insurance company is still UPDATING my file à two months after I’ve been approved. So after 4 calls back and forth from the pharmacy and the insurance company, I gave up. Then the next month, hoping that there would be no problem, I go and fill a prescription. AGAIN, they’re STILL updating my file. Luckily, the person who helped me kept calling the insurance company for me, and straightened things out. Got my reimbursement, I’m happy now. We’ll see how happy I am next month. Oh, and it turned out that whoever entered my info, entered it wrong – shit, I need a job, hire me to type in people’s info correctly! So ya… happy that’s all situated now.

#72 Wear a Skirt Out

If you know me, I don’t like wearing skirts out. But hey, since I’ve been working out, why not show it off a lil? Still won’t see me wearing these too often tho – too breezy haha!

#4 Stay Single for at least 6 months

Don’t like to talk about my personal life, though there really isn’t much to share at the moment. But yeah – status is still “single” and still working on getting my feet back on the ground nice and sturdy. Amazing how much you learn about yourself after being in a long relationship where you thought there was certainty. One of the many things I’ve learned is that there never is certainty – but that that you just need to make sure, whether you’re alone or you have that significant other, that you are sure of who you are and where you want your path in life to take you – you are your own leader. Not to sound cliché, but there’s no other way than to live each day to the fullest!

#50 Perform a Live Show

Finally! I had a great opportunity, thanks to Beatsmith and his crew Uneak and Kris Beach, that I got to perform my first show ever with my own songs. Given it was only two, but this is just the first step to hopefully more to come! I was a bit n

ervous – more from excitement than being scared. But I’ll never forget the feeling I felt being up on a stage with a mic and doing what I’ve always dreamed of. Ain’t no Staples Center, but the fact that I’m a step closer to a bigger dream, there is still a part of me that feels complete. =) I can’t thank enough all the wonderful peeps that came out on a Wednesday night to Long Beach to support me!!!!! I feel so loved!

#79 Go to a Shooting Range with Kurisu

So this is kind of an adjustment. Instead of going with my brother (Kurisu) my friend Tammi took me to the HB firing range

and showed me how load, cradle, and fire a 22. Oh the feeling of empowerment! I don’t think I did too bad on my fir

st try. The guys next to u

s let us fire off a round from their 45 and I hit the bullseye! Good to know my coordination is still in tact somewhat! Haha! Very fun!=)

Ps: The pic where I'm looking that the cam, I was posing - NOT firing! lol

NEW TRACKS UP!! + #52 "Write an upbeat track" Accomplished

Not one, but TWO tracks are now ready for release! I am very very excited about this, because though anyone can dream, it's not easy to accomplish the baby steps that come in between the start line and the actual goal. And though it may not be anything fancy, it is definately one dream come true: one of the not-so-big ones on the way to the big one. And I am thankful for the people that have helped me and supported me in making this happen: from my friends who've always encouraged me, to the producers that made the tracks for me and worked on it with me cuz they have faith in me. I couldn't ask for more, and more than anything, I can't express my gratitude to all of you who have been by side on this journey of mine =) It will never be a lonely one, no matter how tough it may get... So yeah: wish I knew how to post music on this thing, but for now, you can hear it at: Forceworld using the player that's on my page (you should sign up too if u got time ;) ) or on my myspace though it think it takes a lil while for the actual songs to appear on my page... so if you don't see them ("This Time" and "Surrender") then check back in a lil bit...

Thanks all! More to come soon ;)

#91 Post a Video on YouTube

Yes, I figured I'd get this outta the way... It ain't fantastic or anything fancy, but yeah... enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/1MissKeyz

I was in a sentimental mood, so I dedicate this song to...You =)

Ernie Halter used to do this thing where he took requests from ppl and would record covers, but make them kinda into his own style... anywho, I thought maybe it'd be cool to do something like that, but then it's not a very original idea... so... if any of you have any ideas on types of videos to post that would highlight my music (NO, no nudity, porn, or anything scandelous).

One of these days, I will have made a music video for one of my own songs, and it will def be posted here =) But in the meantime: baby steps =)

#88 Hug Dad

Like the "hug mom" goal, "hug dad" was just as a big deal. And when not better than for his birthday? Okay, so his birthday was on April 10th... and my post is almost a month since, but I'm gonna place the blame on the ppl who took pictures, cuz I was waitin on them to post those pix so I could snag them for myself haha. And show you, all three readers of mine, my present to dad. Though, it should be a natural part of my life, to want to hug my parents, but like I explained in the "hug mom" entry, my family didn't grow up the most affectionate family out there...

Though, growing up, I was definately Daddy's Little Girl. And oh did I maniuplate and utilize that as much as one daughter who sees her father once a week can. And dad gave me lots of hugs when he was home, so I can't say that we were never a "huggin it out" family. But since then, puberty and independence happened, so there is a distance that has grown between us, but at the same time, a development of a different kind of mature bond. His worrying went from diaper changes and babysitters, to boys I date/finding me a rich husband and money I (need to, and am currently not able to) make haha. I remember whenever I wanted something though, like a new toy or, *ahem* in my teenage years, MONEY, haha, I would always say what he loved to hear: "Daddy daisuki!!" Which is "I love you, dad!" in Japanese. Sometimes I find myself looking back to those days, reflecting, missing, and cherishing the memory of the simplicity and easiness of bein Daddy's Little Girl... Now I'm Daddy's Little Helper at the restaurant (hahaha) but it's all good. It's all outta love.

So here's to you dad! Otanjyobi Omedetou! (Happy Birthday!)

Also, if you wanna see more pix from Na0-san's birthday at Shimura, check out, and become a fan of Shimura Restaurant on Facebook! **end shameless plug**

#23 Eat a balanced breakfast every day for a month

And so I actually did... And I gotta tell ya... It wasn't easy. Mostly because of the fact that it takes time to prep and then cook, not only that but to keep even the simplest of ingredients stocked takes effort and money. But regardless I'm hoping that I will continue this good habit even the immediate goal has been accomplished.



Most of my breakfasts consisted of bran cereal topped with berries (either strawberries or raspberries) with milk, some kind of fruit, toast with strawberry jam, and egg for protein, and orange juice as a source of calcium for I am lactose intolerant. On busy days I would just eat a boiled egg (usually I had a couple already made for busy days), piece of toast w/ strawberry jam, strawberry yogurt, and gulp down a glass of OJ. On some days when I had more time to cook, I would either make blueberry pancakes, or a chicken with red, yellow, and green bell peppers and onion omelet... or if I was hungry then both (LOL)

Anywho, I feel so blessed coming from awesome parents that know how to cook =)

#87 Hug Mom

Now, normally, this is something people don't have to think about doing, they just do it on an almost regular basis (given that they're in the same vicinity as their mom). But coming from a formal Asian family, there aren't many "I love you"'s being said, if that, any contact with each other whether it be a hand shake or a hug. I think the generation gap is especially a bit wider in my brother and my case from my parents because they are from Japan, and my brother and I grew up here, which makes us first generation American. So we grew up around friends with affectionate families, that shared their affections with us (i.e. hugs, kisses, being tucked in at sleep overs). Mind you, it always felt a lil weird for me, but for the most part, I figured it was what most American families do.

Quick story: I used to be friends with these triplets in which I would go and sleep over almost every weekend, back in grade school. And every time, their mother would come in and tuck us in, and give us a kiss on the forehead and then say "good night, don't let the bed bugs bite." Used to scare the bejeezus outta me, and I'd lay there awake for a while, waiting for a swarm of bugs to come nibble at me. For a while, I never asked anyone what that phrase really meant, cuz I had my pride and always acted like I knew what everything was. "I'm White. I know all White things" kinda attitude. Finally, I asked one of my triplet friends, and she kindly explained to me that it was just a saying, and to not take it literally. From then on, I slept fine at their place.

So all in all, this pic is something I will cherish, and I will be giving my mom more hugs in the future. She usually gets weirded out, and rolls her eyes at me, saying "you're so needy, don't touch me." But look how happy she looks in this pic! (despite I grabbed her and forced her to stand still to take a pic with me lol) Mom, you know you love it ;p Mommy love is like no other! Always give ur momma a hug - you'll never know when it'll be the last...