to do list 2009/early new years' resolutions:

-learn to play an instrument

-get into sewing again

-attempt a 12-credit load next semester

-find an internship/thesis topic that i can really get into

-go home (hilo) during the summer

-stop biting nails once and for all

-explore more of arizona with gregorz

-and go by this motto more often:

CHANGE IS HERE!

Barack Obama was elected last night as America's first African-American president! Obama has clearly shown that he is the right man for the job. He has handled this election with grace and has practical solutions for America's maladies. Greg and I celebrated the night in downtown Flagstaff at the Orpheum Theater, which was having an Obama Victory Party (i love that it was called this before his win was broadcasted), and it was so awesome being surrounded by other hopeful, enthusiastic people who are ready for a change in the White House. I have never cried so many tears of joy. It was the first time that I saw so many people be this emotional over an election. To add to it, celebrations were being held all around the globe. Not only are majority of Americans behind Obama, but many citizens from around the world. For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful of the future and proud to be an American. I am so glad McCain didn't get elected because I would've had to high-tail it out of here and I don't even have a passport. Thank you Americans for sparing me the disappointment and for showing the world that we are ready for change!

ELECTION DAY!

I have faith in the people of the U.S. Don't let me down! VOTE OBAMA change is coming!

Indecision '08

I am dreading the October Surprise.

what now suckahz?!

got the jon & kate +8 dvd. 

sextuplets, all day, everyday.

gardening!

I remember growing hydroponic lettuce back at Kaumana Elem. School, back before some perp set the cage we grew it in on fire. I really want to start gardening but I have no private space to start a garden seeing as I am living in an apartment complex. Is there something I can grow inside? I'm thinking more along the lines of herbs for now since I don't have much space. I am going to do some research and see what I can do. I hope my thumb has gotten greener since the last time I tried to grow something.

F.W.A. (Fast Walkers Anonymous)

Hi, I'm Gracie. I am a fast walker. And I'm tired of getting harassed for it.

And so it begins...

Grad school that is. For those of you who care (two people max.), I am in my second week of classes and it still has not gotten to intense yet.  Honestly, every class is like Jaye Cee's global capitalism class on the discussion days. The students read before class, we go to class, we sit (and eat!) and discuss.  Only difference is is the conversation is a little bit more intelligent (sorry!) than I remember Jaye Cee's class being. It's a pretty friendly environment. One thing I feared before arriving at school was if the students would be very competitive but no, it's not. It's more like meeting with Oprah's book club (or what I imagine it to be like anyway). 

Being a teaching assistant is the shit! I don't really have to do that much and I get the option of teaching later in the semester if I want. I grade and do class exercises and get to learn new things that I didn't learn in my undergrad. The students are really cool. They treat me normal, not like a super nerd or anything. One of the professors I TA for is hi-liarious! His favorite word is "shit." I can only assume that from the number of times he uses it. A quote from this week: "You know what might taste good? The ass! Yeah boil and throw some spices and shit on it! You never know!" Taken out of context, this sounds even weirder. If you try to answer one of his questions and you're wrong he'll make a big buzzer noise like Family Feud. What a way to encourage class participation. Life is great. 

Another thing I'm really excited about is to get to work on my thesis but that probably won't be until next semester. I don't have any concrete ideas yet but I'm excited to get started. Alls I know is I don't want to do another study on college students and credit card debt. My brain is still trying to file that shat away. I think the other Pacific sociology students can agree on that one. 

One downside I can't get over is how big the campus is. I got spoiled at Pacific when I could just walk across the street to get some printing done at the library. No such luck this time folks. It's a fifteen minute walk to the library from where I live, that's the same time it would take to walk across Pacific's campus with time to spare. And I walk fast! Imagine if I walked like everyone else, that would be an extra ten minutes.  Good thing I have fast legs. 

That's it for now...more as my graduate career develops.

cra-ZAY!

the next day after i wrote my post about almost getting hit while riding my bike, it happened to a young man across the street of where i almost got hit. only he was not as lucky (or did not have cat-like reflexes) and paramedics had to come. greg and i passed by the scene and we both were glad that it was not me in the ambulance and hoped that the biker was alright. people need to be more conscious of bikers and not drive so crazily. i mean come on! getting somewhere maybe a minute or two sooner or not taking out a biker?!...hmm.. i think we all can agree one answer here!

Boo! :0(

I don't find Flagstaff to be a very bike friendly city. I almost got hit by a van today but good thing I used my cat-like reflexes to get away scrape-free. The people demand more bike lanes!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good:
-Moved to Flagstaff, Arizona!
-I live really close to campus and next to other convenient establishments which include Target (only one block away), Chili's, lots of other little restaurants, a bookstore, and all kinds of good stuff that used to take a 20 minute drive or more to get to.
-Explored NAU campus. It is fricken huge...well compared to tiny Pacific
-Ate sushi at a really great Japanese restaurant
-Our apartment complex rents out movies for freezies! Just like livin in the dorms again.
-Got a free pass to go to the Grand Canyon by this really nice girl I just met and went today! Greg and I were completely amazed by the views and also went for a hike. On the hike we saw a squirrel that was laying flat on its belly on a rock. A fellow hiker, who said he was from Santa Fe, took a picture of it while he yelled to his companion "Look, it lays down just like Violet! Haha." I'm glad someone else thought it was a funny pose for a squirrel, too. Hopefully I'll get a chance to post some pictures even though my computer is crap. Then I made homemade veggie chili when I got home (YUM YUM YUM)! It was an epic day.
-Got my T.A. assignment with two professors. One class I will be a T.A. for is Soc of the Family. Not my bag, but I'll roll with it.

The Bad:
-Our new apartment is smaller than our last one :0( but it's a lot nicer.
-The copier/printer lady in the library loves to scold me. ("NO NO NO You're doing it wrong!!!") Isn't weird how some scoldings make you feel like you're five again?
-I am by far the youngest person in my program, I'm pretty sure everyone is over 30. I am the baby.
-Flagstaff has some kamekazi drivers

The Ugly:
-Puked right after crossing the Hoover Dam and continued to feel sick all through Arizona until our arrival
-I am convinced the neighbors living above our apartment are elephants (who knows, I haven't seen them yet!) I feel a confrontation coming on.
-Got scammed $40 for a P.O.S. dresser, sometimes craigslist is not always the way to go!
-My computer of five years is crapping out on me big time but I am too cheap to buy a new one.

This is all I got as an update for now. Cheehuu.

Now it's time to say goodbye...

This is my last post from Forest Grove, Oregon. As I am typing the last of Greg and my belongings are being packed away in a UHaul trailer. We are sad to say goodbye to our friends that we have made over the past four/five years and will miss them all so much. I am also very excited to start school, meet new people and get settled in the new nest with my lovebird. I wish everyone the best in the future and hope to see you all sooner than later. Pacific and friends thanks for everything!

Mukai OUT!

Home Alone.

Well, not really my other roommate Robin is still around but Greg has gone camping till Sunday and that for the most part means that I am by myself. I get really bored when Greg isn't around because we are like two peas in a pod and I imagine that being a pea in a pod by yourself is very lonely--like I am right now. So I will share a few things that I like to do when Greg's not around to pass the time and maybe you could use them to make time fly, too.

KROQ Morning Show
The radio station on iTunes under the Alternative stations has, I'm convinced, the most hilarious morning show hands down. The hosts have the greatest conversations and I love how they mock celebrities and politicians of all kinds. I know lots of people who can appreciate that kind of humor. A bonus is that they play fun music: Incubus, Coldplay, Katy Perry, etc. Right now House of Pain's Jump Around is playing. "Pack it up, pack it in. Let me begin..." I only know those first two lines.

Domino Magazine Online
Since I am moving in two weeks or so and have been getting rid of furniture I have a new obsession with trying to think of new pieces of furniture to own and how to arrange them in my new apartment that I haven't even seen yet. Let me just say that it's fun to dream.

Postsecret
This is a toss up. I like the funny secrets but most of them are depressing which are not as fun to read. Be warned.

The Office
All of season four episodes online! Get your Schrute or Big Tuna fix whenevahs!

Craigslist
I don't need things but I like to know what I could get for what prices. For instance if I was looking for a patio furniture set, I know that I could get one for $200 or one for $900. And it's crazy to see how many people are selling things that live right around you especially in Forest Grove.

Well that's what I have for now. What websites do you like to peruse to pass the time?

"Two very enthusiastic thumbs up! Fine holiday fun!"*

Last night Greg and I went to the midnight premiere for the new Batman movie, the Dark Knight. It was awesome! I'm not the type to usually be into comic books turned movies (300 not included) but this movie is something to talk about.

Here are the highlights of the night:

-I especially loved Heath Ledger's acting as the Joker on meth/crack/both (he licks his lips a lot and his body is tweaking out constantly). Totally different from Jack Nicholson's Joker version and definitely not someone you would want perving on you.
-Hilarity ensues every time Batman talks. Christian Bale must have had to have throat surgery after this movie because I used to use that same hoarse voice to scare my sister, Jacie, when she was little and after talking like that for awhile my throat used to get really sore and itchy. There's no way I could do it hours on end for a movie.
-Maggie Gyllenhaal. No explanation needed.
-I am paying for it. It was about 2 1/2 hours and so we got home at about 3ish. This is not that great since I get up at 7 in the morning and now have to go to work on 4 hours of sleep. WORTH IT!

Lows of the night:

-Greg bought a large diet soda and towards the end I had to make shi-shi so bad I had to miss two minutes of that movie. I should have got one of those Lisa Nowak space diapers.
-The audience at Theater 5, mostly consisted of high schoolers who could not sit still in their seats prior to the movie starting and were yelling across the theater to their friends in their pubescent voices. Always running around and shit. Some dressed up as Batman movie characters (i.e., Poison Ivy, Riddler, Cat Woman, etc.) They were the most annoying component of the night.
-Guy behind me had rankest B.O. 'Nuff said.

Go see it.

*if you know where this quote comes from you are awesome. if you have to google it to know, you aren't.

Christmas in July!

That's right folks. I got the wrong sized comforter cover last time Greg and I went to Ikea so now we're going back to return them and I can look for more crap that I don't need. YES!!!!!!!!!!

Dream Job

I think I'd be pretty good at doing special feature commentaries for movies on dvd. Maybe not as good as Carrot Top commentary on the Rules of Attraction.

Slow enough for the Slowskys

Today was my first day at McMenamins as a full-fledged (non-trainee) server. Before clocking in I was stoked to finally get tipped. To my dismay, it was a very slow late afternoon. There were two weddings going on on the property so they probably were more likely to eat at the reception that at the Yardhouse. This meant that I got sent home early which translates to less hours which translates to less skrillah. But it was cool because my last table was awesome. One woman sitting at the table created her own salad and to her delight named it after herself. If you ever eat a Distiller's salad with the salmon subbed in for the chicken and the Ruby Raspberry Vinegarette for the Honey Mustard then you are eating "the Rebecca Salad." And they invited me to sit with them after I was off the clock and help them drink their booze. I declined because that would have been a little weird for me. Plus I'm pretty tuckered out. All in all, the day evened itself out.

Tomato, TomaTOE

Working at McMenamins is a lot like playing Diner Dash. Only it hurts my feet more.

I <3 IKEA!

For the first time on Wednesday, I went to IKEA with Tyler W. It was fricken amazing. I feel like IKEA could be every girl's dream world. I mean I just wanted to buy everything, even things I would have no use for like a cup that holds little colored glass pebbles. I wanted those glass pebbles! I kept wondering why my bedroom or kitchen doesn't look like any of the one's in the showroom in IKEA and then I remembered that I don't have a real career or a steady flow of income. It made me wish a little wish that I was not going to do more school and continue to live college-poor (which is totally different from other kinds of poor). Note: it was a VERY itty-bitty wish because I love school. It was heaven. I wish I could work there and I would be that overly-excited employee that just wants to help you find the exact thing that you would need. Sad thing is I looked it up and Flagstaff does not have an IKEA. (boo!) There is one in Arizona but it's two hours away from our school. Actually I don't care, it would be worth it. Visit your local IKEA for an unforgettable experience in home furnishings!

It's a celebrations, bitches 2.0!

Tonight is Greg's actual get-together for his birthday and we're eating at.........Mio Sushi!!! You'd think it was MY birthday because it's my fave but that's what I like about Greg is that he has a love for sushi that is not greater or equal to mine but close enough. After dinner festivities include, but are not limited to, a few drinks at McMenamin's and more drinking after at our hale, probably beer pong at the request of Jason. I've been building my appetite for sushi by helping Professor E.K. pack and move stuff all day. WooT!

It's a celebration, bitches.

Tomorrow is Greg's birthday and we are going to his favorite Indian restaurant, Swagat, for dinner so he is very excited. For his birthday, I got him an iPod shuffle which he can use to work out as opposed to holding his stone-aged DellPod while running. I think he is pretty stoked about it.

>

NOT homeless, NOT jobless

On Saturday, while I was at Powell's in Portland I received a call that McMenamin's wants me as a pub server! It's not official yet because I haven't started but hopefully this goes well and I make large tips. It's been a good week because not everyone can find a place to live and a job in a span of a week.

Not homeless, but still jobless.

Since graduation I've been trying to find a job...unsucessfully. Because I'm leaving to go Flagstaff, AZ in early August, I am not a good prospect for any of the jobs I've applied for. On a lighter note, up until two days ago, Greg and I were also homeless in Arizona because no one was getting back to us from Craigslist. However, University West called me on Wednesday and said they had an opening for a one bedroom apartment. I am so excited because for the first time Greg and I will be living together alone and I am also thankful to not be homeless anymore. It's going to be an interesting one...

Pictures of the new apartment...coming soon...August 2008...

I heart the Gosselins!

It's been awhile since I last posted and that's because I graduated (finally)! I will probably do a post later once I've got pictures and whatnot together. For now, I'll just say that it went great and I got semi-teary-eyed but didn't cry full out! (although it was difficult not to at some points). Getting back on topic....I love Jon and Kate Plus Eight! It is one of the best shows ever! If you haven't seen it, it's about a couple who could not conceive on their own and so they resorted to fertility treatment in which they've gave birth to twins the first time around and sextuplets the second time around (that's SIX babies, you know?!) Jon and Kate are pretty much the most hilarious parents, especially Jon because he's a pretty calm guy and Kate's more of the dominant parent but she has many moments where she cracks me up. The best part are the kids, not only are they hapa kids, but they are sooooooooooooo cute. The highlights of the show, for me, is when the sextuplets talk and they are too cute to understand sometimes so the show subtitles their words. If I lived in Pennsylvania, I would definitely be signing up to babysit them! I hate to play favorites but I love Aaden because he's got glasses and looks like a little professor and Cara (one of the twins) because she is such a sweetheart. I am hoping to get the box set once I am richer (aka approximately 8 years). But that is beside the point, if you have not seen the show, go and see it TLC MONDAYS AT 9PM!!!!!! You will fall in love, I guarantee it!

"Do you feel that?"

"That's the fire burning under your ass." -A. Rafalovich

Yes, I do and it hurts like a beeyotch. It is crunch time; senior thesis presentations are this Wednesday (April 23rd) and the final draft of my thesis is due this Friday. (Not to mention work for other classes is still expected to be completed) How I will get through this week is still a mystery to me, but in the words of Kanye West "that-that-that-that-that don't kill me, can only make me stronger." It will be interesting to see how my presentation turns out seeing as I am the world's worst public speaker of all time ("like you can even know that" -Kip Dynamite). I am also going through this phase where I feel like I am not worth enough to go to grad school and should join the workforce instead. Greg is not thrilled with said phase. Welp, hope you enjoyed this short rant brought to you by Gracieocho, Inc.

Two Faced Baby Causes Girl to Lose Appetite

I'm sorry but this was just too much while I was trying to eat my pasta.

Sound the trumpets!

Greg and I are proud to announce that we will be attending NAU in the Fall to get our Master's. CheeHuu! Don't hate, congratulate!

Don't judge me!

As of last weekend, when I went to Petco, I have a new obsession with ferrets. They are really neat creatures with cute faces! I decided instead of getting a dog, I will be in the pursuit of the perfect ferret. For the past couple of days I have been doing research on them. For instance, did you know that ferrets can die of a heat stroke if in temperatures of 85 degrees or higher? They don't have sweat glands. Imagine that!

: (

I miss Kimo.

(photo by Garrett Mukai)

I bet you do too.

I hate it when people try too hard. It just doesn't settle well with me.

My mood is....

A combination of working on my senior thesis, dealing with grad stuff and family matters has driven me to my current state. Hope all of my hair doesn't fall out. If you see me, please give me a hug.

Fish Tacos!

Tonight was the first time I tried my hand at making fish tacos and it was delicious! The tacos consisted of spiced talapia (there is not an abundance of ahi or mahimahi at the Forest Grove Safeway, plus it's cheaper anyway), Mexican rice, cheese, tomatoes and lime onions (sliced onions soaked in lime juice -- thanks Mom). It was so choice. I highly recommend it if you have the means. I won't have a reason to go to La Sierra, Greg's and my favorite Mexican food restaurant, for awhile seeing as I can whip up pretty good tacos myself. If you're doubting me, Greg gives it two (large) thumbs up and I have a posted a photo as well. Maybe if you put your nose close enough to your computer screen, you'll get a whiff of heaven on earth...or not.

Jessica Alba

I think she is the most stunning woman of all time! My obsession with her can be illustrated in one coversation:

Me: If Jessica Alba walked up to you and asked you to marry her, what would you do?
Greg: Nothing, I'm with you.
Me: What?! I would break up with you if you didn't.

SUSHI!!!

Greg and I went to Mio Sushi tonight for deener. I must say it was dee-lish. The spicy tuna was exquisite. My mouth is watering as I write this. I decided tonight that if any friends don't like sushi, I might have to re-evaluate our friendship. Good thing Greg likes sushi or I don't think I could see him anymore.

Congratulations!

You win the award for the worst customer service...ever.

Nails and Cockfighting

Yesterday, I got my nails done at a place I will call Nail Place. A man I call "the Godfather" does my nails. I call him the Godfather because he is the only male that I've seen work there and it seems like all the other women that work there look up to him and I quote one of the female workers: "You lucky he did your nail, he do nice job." Anyway, we got around to talking about where I was from and when I told him I was from the Big Island, he said "Hilo?" and I was surprised because most people know Kona (the more tourist-y area on the Big Island) rather than Hilo (the rainier, moke-ier side). He proceeded to say that he used to live there and worked at a nail place in Hilo and then we make small talk about Hilo that was uninteresting. Out of nowhere he says "I like the cockfights" which I can only assume that his referring to the cockfights in Hilo (not to be stereotypical but Filipinos like them). I laughed only because I don't think he knows that cockfights are illegal in Hawaii...or probably the US for that matter. Anyhow, I was pleased with the nail job I got from the Godfather.


*Shoutout to foxnews.com for the picture.