brendala

My family and I went to an art exhibit of one of my friends paintings yesterday. I thought that was all we were going to do. But after we left the gallery, they drove to a restaurant, walked me into the back room, and threw me a....SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY!!

I've never had one before. It was so cool! A bunch of family members were there. Best of all, since they know my current job situation, they all gave me cash for my birthday (SWEET!!!).


Speaking of the job situation, I'm going to a job fair later today. Wish me luck, guys!!

I had a weird day at the supermarket a little while ago. While walking through Vons (a California grocery chain) I noticed a huge group of Japanese tourists. I could tell they were with a tour group because they all wore name tags written in Japanese and I overheard them mention a "hoteru". There was at least 15 of them in the group and they all moved through the market together (they were quite a sight!). They bought a lot of stuff. I didn't see exactly what; but I assume it was food that's not easy to come by in Japan (like pineapples and steak).

When my mother and I went to the parking lot to get into my car, the HUGE tour bus was parked next to us. The tour group stepped out of the store as we were packing up the trunk; and they all started taking photos of the market and the surrounding area! The way they were going on, you'd think they were in front of the White House or something. It was unbelievable! I know Japanese markets are way smaller than the average American market, but it just amazed me how impressed they seemed to be by something as mundane as a grocery store.

I wonder if this is how those tourists feel when gaijins snap photos at their Shinto shrines...XD

...and stories like this are the reason why! ^_^

I had a job interview at a really nice piano bar earlier today. I think it went well, but I don't want to get my hopes up just yet.
Anyhoo, I'd like to ask you guys to say a little prayer for me (or if you're not religious, just cross your fingers or something). It seems like a nice place to work and I really really REALLY need to get a full-time job ASAP!

Thank you! ^_^

On Saturday, I went with some friends to a brand new comic convention in Long Beach. I was a little worried that there would be nothing to do because this is the convention's first year; but it was great! For a first year con, they were really well organized. There were lots of good panels. And there's a lot of cool stuff in walking distance of the convention center.

( Lots of fun pictures under the cut! )

A friend and I decided to go to the movies and see 9 yesterday morning. Just as the movie was starting, an alarm and a bunch of flashing lights went of and a voice on the speakers said, "EVACUATE THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY" over and over. I got a little scared once I remembered what the date was (the theater is in a big, popular mall that would make a good potential target). But, thankfully, once we got to the lobby, it became clear that it was probably a false alarm. I guess some stupid kid pulled the fire alarm or used the emergency exit by mistake or something.

Unfortunately, the theater was unable to provide us with refunds or even free passes for next time! So both me and my date spent $9 on a movie we didn't even get to see. We were pretty pissed about not being able to get refunds or free passes; but I suppose we should just be grateful that nothing bad happened.

Anyway, I've learned my lesson. No more going out on September 11th unless its for a necessary reason like work. Its just not worth the risk.

I got to see Ponyo this morning. My date and I went to the first show of the day and had the whole theatre to ourselves. So we could talk (and play MST3K) to our hearts content. Sweet!

( Review and spoilers under the cut )