Lucid Dreams with your host: Stevey Harvey

I wake up and see Kevin walking out of the room.  Still groggy, I do not bother to ask where he is off to.  I sit up in bed and look over to the other bed and see a person sleeping.  I look around my room and everything is where it should be.  It feels like every other weekday except that Chad is in my brother's bed.  My mouth starts to feel gummy and I lick the front of my teeth.  What?!  Braces?!  Again?!  I must be dreaming!  At the point Chad is sitting up in my brother's bed as well.  I look at him and our conversation went something like this:

Alex: Dude... I think I'm dreaming
Chad: Why do you think that?
Alex: I have braces...
Chad: Holy shit.  I think you are dreaming.  You haven't had braces in years!
Alex: I know!  I better wake up soon.

Then the dream ended.  I wake up in my room and look around as I did in my dream.  Like before, it felt like any other weekday.  It was still relatively dark out and my room was just as messy as I remembered leaving it.  Enter: Steve Harvey. 

Alex: Steve Harvey?!  What are you doing here?!
Steve: You're dreaming again!
Alex: Again?!
Steve: Here's what you do if you want to figure out if you're dreaming. Next time look at the fan over there (points to a fan), and if you can watch it... Uhh... Move... Like when it turns (makes hand motion of a fan turning)...
Alex: Oscillating?
Steve: Yeah!  Oscillate.  If you see it oscillate, just stare at it and if you can watch it for more than a minute then you're not dreaming!

Then I really woke up and my mom yelled at me to get ready.  That really happened...

-Thundalips

Without distraction

My online class started on Monday.  So now I am taking Bus 210 "Managing and Developing People" and RA106 "Regulatory Affairs".  The combination of the two is destroying me.  My mind is being blown by all the information thrown at me.  I have probably read more in the last month than I have in the last two years.  This is definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done.  There's so much work that I am taking Monday off from work to catch up.

To help me concentrate on school work, I have eliminated two of the most time-consuming activities: TV and Facebook.  Andy and Kevin came over today and helped me move the TV in my room to my sister's room.  I can't remember the last time my room didn't have a TV... I still remember when I had three TVs in my room.  I could watch TV, listen to sports on another, and play game on the third.  It got so bad to the point where my room looked like this...

This is how my room actually looked in high school.  And it was not intentionally set up this way.  It took weeks of abuse and neglect to get it this messy.  Those were simpler times... 

When I study, I usually have music in the background since I'm sedatephobic (fear of silence).  Since I can't concentrate when listening to music with words, I turn to Pandora for generated playlists.  My studying playlist is a combination of Yiruma, Escala, and Bond.  Almost everything they play is pretty good with that lineup.  That's where I found the song above.  Pretty nice music to listen to.  I've listened to Pandora so much that I've already hit the maximum hours allowed.  I've already played 40 hours of music this month on the site and if I want to continue using it, I'll have to pay.  Did you know there was a friggin' limit?!  I think I'll just wait until October...

Without Facebook, there isn't much left to do on the web.  I check the sports pages and the news every half hour or so, but there's nothing really left after that. 

On the plus side, now that the TV is in my sister's room, I have a new place to work out (if I ever have time).  Her room has windows and gets plenty of air so it'll be perfect. 

I'm also thinking about getting an iPad for my mom.  If she likes it, she can keep it.  But I have a feeling she would be too frustrated with learning how to use it and give up.  In that case, I'd take it.  So it's really a gift for me.  I've been debating about which iPad I want.  I definitely only plan on getting the 16GB (smallest one) but I'm not sure if I want to go with the 3G or just the Wi-Fi.  With the 3G, I have the option of using internet where ever there's a 3G hotspot but it costs a whopping $130 for that feature.  In addition to that, you also have to go through AT&T to get the data plan which is 250MB/month for $15 or 2GB/month for $25.  The good thing about the plan is that you don't have to pay for it unless you use it since it's month to month.  So I think I will buy the 3G iPad but hold off on getting the service until I need it.  It would be a great asset if I ever go on that road trip around the U.S. that I've been working on...

Until next time,

Some interesting facts I learned from my readings:

• 54% of Americans are using prescription medication; 35% use 1-3 and 19% use four or more
• Only 2 of 10 marketed drugs return revenues that match or exceed R&D costs
• Since new medicines were approved in 1995, the AIDS death rate has dropped more than 70%
• The death rate for cardiovascular disease fell 26.4% between 1999 and 2005. This includes a 29.7% decrease in stroke death rates an a 34.3% drop in death rates for coronary heart disease. Nearly half of the decline is attributable to medical treatments, including increased use of prescription medicines such as cholesterol drugs and blood thinners.
• In a study, a $1.00 increase in prescription drug spending saved $2.06 in hospital spending
• Generic medications account for 74% of prescriptions filled - up from 49% in 2000

There's a lot more interesting stats and things but I don't want to number you to death... Interesting though ain't it?

-Alex Thunderlips

Away but not gone

I've been close to obsessed with this band lately.  Listen to it.  You won't be sorry.  It does start a little slow though.  Their sound is just so wonderfully refreshing and different.  The combination of instruments is so unusual but somehow manage to produce major eargasms. 

Back to basics.  I had a dream last night that was definitely brought on by the happenings of hours before I went to bed.  I was back at Roe, where I had been that night, and instead of celebrating Aline's birthday, everyone was celebrating mine.  Standing in front of me at the bar, I see a woman with beautiful curves.  Her blonde hair was soaked for some reason like she had just gotten out of the shower.  The DJ stopped the music and she turned around and it was... wait for it... Beyonce!  With a mic in her hand, she started singing a very beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday.  After the song we left Roe for a late-night bite via limo.  The next thing I remember is finishing eating and heading back home in a helicopter.  I guess I ride in style in my dreams.

As mentioned above, last night's dream was probably due to the things that happened earlier when I actually went to Roe to celebrate Aline's birthday followed by a late-night meal in Chinatown.  I must admit, the beginning of the night was a bit lackluster but by the end of the night, I was glad to be there.

The highlight was definitely sharing a meal (not literally) with seven other people, three of whom were inebriated.  Kevin was slurring and acting a fool.  When the waitress asked what we would like to drink, he said "Oh!  I know what I need right now.  Do you have Gatorade?  I'll have the red kind."  The waitress had no idea what he was talking about and Jimmy was just rolling.  After we ordered drinks Jimmy put his face down on his menu and someone made an inappropriate comment that made him choke and spit all over his menu.  Gary was also trying his best to speak Cantonese which eventually led to an interesting translation of Rude Boy by Rihanna.  Another girl, Diana, was being belligerent and yelling at Kevin for not eating his food.  She was complaining about how he had ordered food but was not eating any of it, but when I looked over at her side, there was no plate in front of her.  I asked her why she was yelling at Kevin for not eating when she didn't even have a plate in front of her and she just smiled innocently.  I can't remember a time when I had that much fun being sober watching drunk people.

I woke up this morning with a moderately sized bruise on my right knee.  It may be the stupidest self-inflicted injury of the year (so far.  I'm sure there will be more).  After watching two hours of Ninja Warrior on G4, I had an itch to Spider Climb my hallway.  What does that mean?  It means this.



I did not anticipate how slippery the walls in my hallway would be and I fell almost immediately when I jumped up.  My knee ran right into the wall.  It was ridiculous.   Damn you Ninja Warrior. 

I've also been working on my playoff beard.  It's a work in progress.  The Sharks have been playing very well but are at the short end of the series.  They stand behind the Avalanche 1-2.  I have a feeling the sharks will wear them down soon and victories are inevitable.  C'mon Sharks!  I'm not growing this beard for nothing!

I guess that'll do for now.  You'll just have to live with what I give you.

Until next time,

OMGWTFBBQ?!

-Alex Thunderlips

Poetic Justice

On Monday my family and I went to a lunch buffet in Daly City called Kome.  My uncle suggested it because it was a new restaurant.  He had already eaten there a few times and said the food was really good.  Since I'm almost always up for new eats, I went with my mom, uncle, and aunt.  If you know where Todai used to be in Daly City, that's where it's at.

When we get there, we see the line is ridiculously long.  The restaurant opens at 11 and we arrive there at 10:45.  The entire lobby is wall to wall of people trying to get a table.  Meanwhile, my uncle arrives and tells us there's no wait.  So we follow him and the four of us walk all the way to the back of the room and sit down at a table.  Apparently my uncle knows the owner.

I have never seen so many Asians in my entire life.  Chinese people have a tendency to try new Chinese restaurants in bunches.  I thought the line to get a table ridiculous.  Little did I know, the line for food was worse.  The restaurant has the exact layout of what used to be Todai.  There is a separate island for sushi and salad, an island (more like a row) for hot foods, a noodle station, and a dessert section.  Since I had sushi on Sunday night, I opted for hot food.  I lined up all the way in the back of the line which moved as fast as molasses.

It took more than 20 minutes for me to reach the plates.  All the while, I was harassed by a toddler standing behind me with an empty plate he grabbed from another section.  This fat Asian boy had no sense of personal space and kept bumping into my behind.   As you may know, my rather large posterior isn't exactly impossible to avoid, but this kid had every intention of ignoring my personal bubble.  He bumped me at least 20 times while I was waiting in line for food and each time he did I turned around to stare him down.  After about ten times, the kid's father finally tells him not to stand so close.  Finally.  Some relief.  That's what I thought at least.  Next thing you know, the kid lifts his plate, digging into the bottom of my ass.  He literally put my ass on his plate.  At that point I'd had enough.  I waited and baited him.  Slowly the line moved and I stood still hoping he'd get closer.  Then,                      (for dramatic effect)             I totally let one rip in his face.  He was at the perfect height to eat every fecal particle I had to offer.  Victory is sweet.

Enough with the story.  Onward of the review.  The food was actually pretty tasty for a buffet.  I would definitely recommend it even though Yelp users gave it low scores.  Considering lunch buffet is 10.95, it is definitely worth a shot.  My uncle tells me that a few of the chefs were actually from Koi Palace so you know at least some of the food is made by professionals.  The Chinese BBQ and dim sum section is definitely the highlight of the buffet.

As we left the restaurant, we all got a peek of the line.  The line at this point (1PM) stretched past the next two or three store fronts.  My uncle told me that the owner of Kome got many complaints from the neighboring restaurants about its patrons blocking the entrances to their shops.  Most of the reviews you'll see on Yelp complain about the wait but if you have the inside track or don't mind going early this is definitely a place to check out at least once.  [End review]

Last night I had a very strange dream.  Chadwick, Andy, Gary, Anjuli, Kevin, a few other friends and I were sitting in a circle somewhere outside.  For some reason in this dream, Chadwick had a baby (his) in his lap and was bouncing him up and down.  Chad turned to me and asked me if I could hold the baby while he grabbed something from a bag.  I take the baby and hold him so he's facing outward.  With one hand under the baby's bottom and the other across his body, I wait for Chadwick to grab whatever he needed.  I look at the baby's face and I know what's coming next.  Doo doo butter.  I yell at Chad and tell him to take the baby before he defecates on me, but everyone just watches as the baby craps all over my hand.  Everyone there starts laughing at me which upsets me.  I look at Chad and he's laughing so hard he's on the floor.  With the crap in my hand I chuck it at him and hit him square in the chest.  Everyone continues laughing and Chad throws it at someone else.  Next thing I know, everyone is throwing doo doo at everyone and I'm carrying the baby under one arm and diving out of the way while throwing doo doo bombs at people.  [End dream]

Poetic justice...

Until next time,

Keep the doo doo to yourself.

-Alex Thunderlips

This is war.

Talented man that Jared Leto.

Wednesday was a great day.  The day started with a bunch of errands.  I went to Costco to return some gifts and buy stuff for the house.  Then I went to Best Buy to return some more gifts before returning home.  Nothing special yet.  I made plans with My to have lunch in Oakland.  Since I was going to the Sharks game with Ya, it was easier if I was already in Oakland.  So I bussed and Barted to Oakland where My was supposed to pick me up.  I waited at the West Oakland station for about 15-20 minutes.  During that time I stood at the bus stop while listening to my Ipod.  After a few minutes of waiting, I hear someone behind me say, "Excuse me."  I turn around and reply, "Yes?."  The black lady then says, "I don't mean to be too forward, but I have to say, you have a really nice ass."  I couldn't hep but smile.  I said thanks and she started talking to me and the conversation went something like this:

Black Lady:  Are you waiting for a ride?
Me:  Yea.  My friend is picking me up.  She should be here soon.
Black Lady:  Is she your girlfriend?
Me:  No, just a really good friend.
Black Lady:  Where you guys going?
Me: Meeting up some other friends.
Black Lady:  All guys?
Me:  No, there's going to be some girls.
Black Lady:  Girlfriend?
Me: No I don't have a girlfriend.
Black Lady:  Really?  Handsome guy like you with a nice figure like that and no girlfriend?
Me:  Yep.
Black Lady: You gotta get on that.  I'm 37 and I've only complimented four men in my entire life about their ass and you definitely have a nice ass.
Me: Thanks.

And then we exchanged goodbyes and My picked me up.  What a great compliment to get from a black person.  Black people know great asses and apparently someone likes mine.  Anyways, continuing with the great day.  My picked me up and wanted to take me to a restaurant called Scend's.  When we got there we found parking right in front and we went in and looked around.  Nobody there.  And by nobody I mean patrons.  The owners and workers were standing around and My asked for a table for two.  They told us that they were actually closed for cleaning and they were replacing some kitchen stuff.  I jokingly said, "But I came all the way from San Francisco!"  The lady there told us that the day before an entire family drove up from San Jose when they were closed and she had to turn them away.  We chatted a bit more before we left and we wished them a happy new year on the way out.  We sat in the car in our parking spot thinking of what we should eat.  As we sat there, the owner came out and knocked on the window.  My rolled down the window and the owner asked us if we wanted to have some fried chicken.  She offered to cook something up for us even though the restaurant was closed.  I'm pretty sure she would've made us pay for the food but it was just a really nice gesture.  She said she felt so guilty she didn't want us to leave empty handed.  I don't care what anyone else says, Oakland folks are nice.  I love colored folks.

Somehow we ended up eating pizza and a spot called Lanesplitters.  I ended up eating three slices which was about half of a 19" pizza.  Yes I am fat and yes it was delicious.

Me and Ya drove down to San Jose and picked up Kevin for the Sharks game.  Kevin brought down some beers for us and we drank after we parked.  The game was intense.  First period was a little boring until the final 5-7 minutes or so.  After that the entire game was pretty high-energy.  The Washington Capitals are one of the top ranked teams and have the most electrifying player today.  Alexander Ovechkin.  The Great Eight.



^HD available and recommended.



Two of my favorite goals by Alexander Ovechkin.  The game was incredible.  In the final minutes, one of my favorite D-men, Douglas Murray, and Alexander Ovechkin really got into it.  Ovechkin put three really good hits on Murray in the same shift.  It was an intense ongoing battle between the two.  I've never seen Murray take so many hits.  Murray held his own and fought back and put a few good checks on Ovechkin.  That was definitely the match up of the night.  And what's even better, our section was selected randomly to receive free Chipotle burritos!  The HP Pavillion crew passed out cards to receive a free burrito for everyone in our section.  It was a take-one-pass-it-down-honor-system type of deal.  We all just took one since we wanted to be fair.  To add to that, the Sharks also scored more than four goals which means FREE PIZZA!  Not really.  It's a free personal one topping with any purchase or $5 off any Large or X-Large pizza.  Probably will claim it tomorrow as I only have a few days left to claim it.  The only thing that could've made it better would have been the Chipotle Hat Trick.  If any player scores three goals, everyone gets a free burrito.  Pavelski was one away from having a hat trick.  Oh well.  Sharks won 5-2 in a highly anticipated match featuring two of NHL's best hockey teams this season.  I wish more people were interested in hockey.  There's no one to talk to about this stuff.

After the game, Kevin gave me a ride back to San Francisco.  It was about 11PM and we were looking for something to do.  We made some calls and it turned out that it was Sterling's birthday and people were drinking at Yancy's.  Kevin decided not to go so he dropped me off there.  It was a good night.  Met a stranger and talked to her for a bit while everyone was outside smoking.  She invited me over to another bar cause her friends were there but I respectfully declined since everyone was having fun at Yancy's.  Had some drinks and hung out with the good folks there.  After the bar closed, Gary and I tried to go look for food, but we ended up just going home. 

That was Wednesday.  Great day right?  Thursday was good too.  I scheduled lunch with a friend at 1.  I completely spaced.  I was up at 10 and completely forgot.  I sat around watching TV and playing Gameboy the entire morning.  By 1 o'clock, I decided to go run.  I put on my running shoes and went up to my room to grab my phone.  Five missed calls and three texts messages.  I totally forgot about lunch with my friend and had to call her back to get some more time to get ready.  We ended up at Sai Jai Thai after she said she didn't want BBQ for lunch.  After lunch we went to Zephyr's and just talked until they closed.

The NYE night started off really late.  I was hooked on my mom's Chinese series and completely lost track of time.  By the time the disc was over, it was 10:15.  I called around and plans got changed.  Andy and Kevin decided to do the Polk street crawl instead of Brenda's house party.  I was ready to call it a night and just stay in to play COD: MW2 but I convinced Brian to go.  He picked me up and we went to meet everyone on Polk.  By the time we got into the first (and only) bar on Polk, it was 11:30.  The countdown was disappointing.  Nothing special and we didn't stay at the bar too long.  We decided to bail and go to a house party.  That's where the night really began for me.  Met some good people, had a few drinks, had some food, and had a blast.  Didn't get to bed until 5AM.

Tonight will be my chance to catch up on some rest.



CALL OF DUTYYYYY!!!

Until next time,

Go Sharks.

-Alex Thunderlips