few thoughts 113008

1. So Sunday morning, the calmness broke loose as a crazy ass hail decided to show up in this city along with thunderstorm. My bed is right next to the window so I was rudely awakened by this weather madness. The window was shaking so bad and there's thunderstorm going on outside. It was crazy. 
2. Then I slept after 20 minutes and didn't even hear the alarm going off at 8. 
3. Glorious sunday even after all that mayhem in the morning. I walk down to Piazza Popolo and Via Del Corso for a window shopping and some people watching. I saw this crazy group of people doing a moonwalk with rollerblades on and this dude who's like doing what Bob Ross is doing with cans of spray paint! I went to a giant book store to discover some pretty nice Italian music as well. 'Meg', look it up. Dare I say Katy Perry is so over in my book because of this girl?!
4. Oh! I went to newly opened H&M in Rome. Surprisingly enough, there weren't any H&M stores in central Rome, they were only in suburbs of Rome but they just opened one up in central Rome. It sucked. No guys clothes. 3 damn floors full of women's clothes. [Serrah Russell] What the crap! [Serrah Russell]. Zara always has been better than H&M anyway. 
5. No hot water. Again. WTF. 
6. Although I am done with my final project, I am still thinking about the way to display my work. I want it to be as intimate as possible because one, this is based on my journal of my last 4-5 months so I put lot of things out there and I want people to really feel where I am coming from even though I tried to make it as visually pleasing as possible. I want people to strip all the layers out from my work. Two, I want this to be little different type of installation art piece, it's not something you just stand and 'watch' then bounce off to the next piece, I want it to be more than that. I want people to interact with this piece and even with themselves. I want people to write their own journal after they are done reading mine. I want to people to write about their biggest fear and their most annoying anxiety. I want people to write about what makes them most happy and why. This is not just me trying to bitch and bark about my life. At the end of the day, we all go through it and I want people to think about different way to communicate not only with others but with themselves. That's why I want it to be as intimate as possible. I'll even have chocolates ready so people can take one when they are done reading. 
7. But then, how the hell do I make this spot? It's essentially going to be placed at somewhere away from everyone's exhibition spot so I'm stressing out but I'm so happy that I'm stressing out about this. I gotta be little bit creative with this and that's what I'm getting my degree for; being creative. So I don't worry too much. It's a happy worry, anyway. 
8. Honesty is the best way to show an affection to another person. I believe. 
9. Aiyyo! It's official!!!!!! I'm having a show at Parnassus when I go back! March is that month, yo!

hello

I'm still looking better than you even with that hair. 

few thoughts 112908

1. Kiri Sparks is like the best person I've ever met. Like. EVER. 
2. I AM SO DONE WITH MY FINAL PROJECT! I GOT A WEEK OF FREE TIME!!! HOLLA AT YO' BOY, SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
3. So today, to celebrate my wrap up of final project, I went to EUR (pronounced as an one word, Ay-oor). EUR stands for Esposizione Universale Romana and was erected during the Mussolini's throne to realize his imperial fantasy. All over the Italy, there are signs of Fascist movement through architecture and while fascism itself is some crazy ass idea that I would not like to get into, Italian fascist art and architecture is something you should take a look at. Other than EUR, Milan's main train station and the central postal office at Naples are also two biggest architectural monuments from Mussolini's fascist era. Anyway, because I went there early saturday morning, not a damn soul was around which made the place looking that much gaudier and creepier at the same time. We are talking about very solemn fascist buildings here, they look square and they are big as a motherf'er. It's hard to think that whole area is a failed project because of it's audacity when I walked in there. Now surrounded with all the businesses and banks and such, EUR certainly has lost its fascist taste, however, I could not stop myself from marveling at some of the buildings. EUR is located at outside of Rome and it is, yes, virtually a suburb of Rome. To tell you the truth, the first impression of EUR when I got out of the subway station was it looked like Bellevue. It totally did. But then Bellevue doesn't have an ass kicking looking basilica, they got Bellevue Square. Boo-hoo. So EUR wins, hands down. 
4. I love riding on the subway, wherever I'm at. Subway is the best public transportation. EVER. I took a subway to go to EUR this morning and it was like best feeling ever. I don't like bus that much and taxi sucks hard but the subway always gives me a good feeling. As stale and sometimes even acidic as they would come, subway trains and subway stations always give me some kind of nostalgic vibe. It's probably when I was kid living in Korea, we didn't have a car so my mom and I would get on subway trains and she would buy me a steamed corn or a can of soda or things like that just so that I won't make any noises when I'm on the train but anyway, subway trains are so awesome. Especially in Rome, they are all tagged up and 'decorated' in this beautiful graffiti, cars after cars...I feel like I'm riding on the best roller coaster in the world. Super awesome. 
5. I think I'm going to try Chino tomorrow, it's an Italian soda. It says it's like a bitter cola.It also will make your face cringe a little from what I've heard. Sounds like my drink. Coke and Pepsi sucks arse. 
6. No, I am not sad anymore even when I go back home. That's not going to happen. I am doing great. I don't tell that to myself to just to hypnotize me. It is actually turning alright and I am actually doing great. 
7. A can of beer does not effect me at all anymore. I'm a changed man, I'm a beast, I'm nasty, I'm evil...but then, I still get drunk after a bottle of wine. I don't want to step my game up on that anytime soon. 

few thoughts 112808

1. Final project. Two pages left. It's done, son!!!
2. Last night, I was invited to join architecture students with their Thanksgiving dinner. All of architecture students are here because their final is like this upcoming monday and none of our kids are here because we still have another week until our own final. Anyway, I had some good turkey, stuffings, delicious pumpkin pies and cakes and all. It was awesome. I got to meet some people. I had so much food, I thought I was going to die happy. 
3. After the dinner, some of architecture students and I went on a walking tour. We went to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Step; all of them are my favorite spot. It was little chilly but everything was so perfect, we walked around like 11 ish on Thursday night so not a damn person is out there walking or selling stuff (although there was this dude who trying to sell us some umbrellas but it wasn't even raining, a bad move). Running around middle of street with no hassle at all. It was good. At least, I burnt off some of the food I had in me. 
4. Although, I still wanted Bob's curry katsu!!! damnit!
5. called my house for first time in couple weeks. good and bad, like it always is. I found out I gotta work like a day after I go back home. Damn. Although, that means a month closer for me to buy new Ipod and Canon G10. I guess that's nice. But still damn. 
6. My apartment is so quite, I love every minute of it. We need some cleaning to do, though.  

few thoughts 112708

1. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all. I am eating turkey here. Don't you even worry. 
2. Just about everybody's gone for the Thanksgiving weekend. They are all over the Europe, me, meanwhile staying put in Rome because I'm traveling afterwards and I am happy to say my final project will be wrap by tomorrow and I will have about week and half of free time. I really don't know what I'm going to do with that time. Maybe I'll just scream, 'In your face!!!' to everybody and forget about making friends. 
3. So Ellen's kids, Mason and Cole, are here enjoying our last few weeks in this eternal city with us. Mason is 4th grader and Cole is 9th grader and I gotta say they are the most sweetest kid I've ever met! Seriously, if my mom was here she probably said, 'I wish you were acting like them when you were their age'. I don't think I can't even act like that well now like they are doing now. They are making us look bad! They both play soccer, which is awesome because I'm a big soccer nut. Ellen, Mason, Cole, Serrah and I went out to this famous gelato shop by Trevi Fountain last night. Mason kept on saying, 'OMG, this banana ice cream is sooooooooooooooooo good'. He also told us a hilarious pantheon knock knock jokes, it was like the best joke I've heard since I got here. Yeah, this kid is pretty adorable. 
4. I think I should miss home by now but not really. I'm even more bummed out about the fact that I'm living this place in about month. That's what's more sad about missing home. 
5. Hot water is back!!!!! WHAT! WHAT!!
6. I have less than 4 films now. Gotta buy more, I guess. What, you think I'm going to take digital pictures in Paris? Eugine Atget will rolling out of his grave if I done that. Hell naw and I ain't gonna let Stockholm down either.  
7. So yesterday, I was on like conference marathon. I met Ellen earlier in the morning then right after that I met up with Tim Roda, a former UW art grad student who's in Italy for an artist residency, and later that day I also met Lucy. While Ellen and Lucy took a look at my final project, Tim took a look at my photo slides that I brought from home. I like to get people's opinion with what I'm doing and want to know where I should improve and all that. From Susan to Ellen to Tim to Lucy to anyone who looked at my work said this one thing: 'find your voice'. All of them said exact same thing at the end. I think I start to know what that means. I don't know if I have a voice yet but I know what it means now. I didn't know what the hell they were talking about back then but it's starting to make senses now. I like it. Tim also gave me some really good advice on how to push my work to next level and some awesome line up of people I should meet when I go back. I can't never stop this thing and I don't even want to. 
8. I want to go where sun is bright and water is cool. To the place with waves are crashing. I want to go to that place. 

few thoughts 112608

1. We finally get to turn on the heater. Not that I felt crazy cold here but I guess it's that time.
   
2. and just in time, we don't have hot water. WTF. I guess it gives me another reason to go to the gym until our showers can drop it like it's hot. No, I didn't mean to say that.
   
3. No, seriously. Girls suck, you guys are the most confusing species in this mother earth. Why You Oh Why.
   
4. Yesterday was like super busy from doing my art stuff. Today was like super busy from doing my conference stuff. But I still want to take some nap and I think I can do that.
   
5. Here's the summary of kind of art I've been seeing here. Some plump ladies, sculptures of naked dudes, LOTS of Jesus pieces, some angels on the ceiling, people catching hell...more Jesus, and even more Jesus. Some priest. Yeah, more Jesus.
   
6. I did get to see Duchamp's Fountain for the first time. That was cool.
   
7. Today, I had a crazy good conference with Ellen (as always) and we talked a lot about how my project should go that is beyond the physical project itself. A big part of this project is focused on way to present it. I've been thinking a lot about how to present this thing since it is a sketchbook, I thought I could put it on the shelf but like EVERYBODY is doing shelf and now it's whack so I'm taking a different approach. I ain't telling you what it is. You just to have to see it until it unfolds itself.
   
8. I made a flyer for our final show. I feel really good about that. Thanks Cameron.
   

final show flyer

photo by Mr. McCool

flyer design by yours truly. Dizzle. 

few thoughts 112408

1. Hi, my name is David. I'm 24, single and really bitter...would you like to be my girlfriend? BTW, I dress better than you and I only threw on jeans and hoodies. Beat that.  
2. Internships! Art shows!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!!! I don't need woman, I need art shows! I'll give a lap dance to easels and frames just for that!!! I make rain with my RC papers. 
3. Who said Monday sucks? It's already a good week, damnit!!! And I'll be munching on some turkey end of this week. WHAT! WHAT! 
4. Snap back to the reality, I can't believe I only have about 2 weeks here. My final project is coming along bit by bit. I don't know how it's going to fly or what but at this point, I'm just going to wing it. That's all I gotta do right now. I don't feel much pressure to getting it done but I do feel lot of pressure to impress people but then again, those are all arbitrary and subjective, I can't control it. I just gotta put out my best effort and see what happens. I have no doubts with what I did and what I'm doing. It's little nerve wrecking but I think I'll be fine, we'll see. Ellen poured me with some great ideas and I already have what I am going to do after this show wraps. You just watch.  
5. I WANT TO GO TO THAT JENNY LEWIS CONCERT AT MEANY HALL!!! 
6. It's official, Valentina and I are facebook friends. You don't have her as a friend but I do, I'm already making an impression on cyber-Italia. Don't I get by in this city just great? yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. 
7. I am thinking about my travel plan for next summer already. It's only like 6 months away. 
8. Yes, weekend sucked major but I did my laundry and also made a major progress on my final, so I guess it had its moment. Serious blog confession coming soon. 
9. Thank you, Andrea. You were so honest. 

few thoughts 112308

1. it's all over. almost. not just school. everything, it's all over. almost. i think.
2. I want like two more months, seriously. Then again, I want like two more years of this.
3. last night, I got drunk for the first time. there's always gotta be first time for everything, I guess. I can't believe I drank whole bottle of wine. I did. I don't know what made me to drink the whole bottle. Oh, wait...I know what it is. Anyway, 24 years streak of being sober finally ended yesterday. It was good run when lasted. I didn't blackout and I will never blackout. It doesn't feel good or bad...I was just really dizzy and got kind of cranky without saying lot of words. I guess I'm not the type who calls on random person and scream. Thank god.
4. Final project, getting really complicated by now.
5. Good thing about yesterday, though, I had a steak, a really good mashed potato and finally, green beans! Then watched 'Say Anything'. It was fun and all and yes, that's when I emptied out that bottle of wine. Truth.
6. This weekend, kinda disappointing. Not as promising as I anticipated for. Is it too much to dream about a rainbow, shooting stars, a rollercoaster, a farris wheel, rockets and confetti? I guess so.
7. I need hug. Real talk. But then, I just shake it off like I'm dancing. You know how I be.

few thoughts 112208

1. why do I always fall into a dumb trap?
2. Crazy friday, crazy friday, crrrrrrrraaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzy friday. I don't even know where to begin but inside and out it was just insane. My heart was rocking in weird directions, someone missing bus when we all have to move as group, somebody hearing bad news, me not having roomates in my room, going out to feel better...
3. Our class was with this lady from Temple University for a gallery tour. It was crazy awesome, only the art part that was. I got to see Beecroft and Opie then got some cool looking tote bag and catalogue courtesy of the gallery. It was nice. Second 'gallery' we went to felt like some gaudy coffee shop. High ceileings, all white walls and everything. People comes by with their fancy-shumancy outfits and all. It was kinda alright then again I wonder, 'why is this so hot?'. And a lady from Temple, what is your problem?! You are so bitter, seriously. Life is short, honey, live it up.
4. I talked to Ellen yesterday because I've been stressing out so much about myself in terms of making art and all that. I was surprised to hear what she had to say for me. She told me she also does feel like nothing is working for her and be in the doghouse, literally. Getting rejections aren't too bad because the rejection itself is just a letter and it's just an opinion of one person but what it does to me is it gives me all the insecurities you can possibly imagine. It also does fuel me to become better but it's hard to balance them all. Anyway, Ellen gave me some really good advices on what to do with myself when making art; JUST BE YOURSELF and 'TRY' TO FAIL (the key word here is 'try' not 'fail', if you know what I mean). I hope things become better because I do try.
5. Thank you Serrah, Alyssa and Chris. It was probably the best 40-60 minutes of the day.
6. It's so confusing, I don't know what should I do and what can I do. I don't want to feel so down but sometimes, you just can't help it. I want to be happy and I'm trying so hard but sometimes, I dont' know...I feel like all the windows are closing on me. I hate having doubts. I know sun will shine. It's always shining, anyway. There's always a rainbow waiting after the storm, it's okay. I'm okay.

few thoughts 112108

1. doing a good deed is my forte, I thought you knew
2. Yesterday was yet another movie night at the Rome Center and it was the last film of this quarter. It was the documentary called L'Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio and it dealt with so many issues such as immigrants in Italy, right wing extremest, 'MUSIC'!, and even conserving a part of history. So back in 2001, Rome decided to demolish old 20th century theater near by Termini and Piazza Vittorio named Apollo Theater and turn it into a bingo hall. Lame, right? By this time, Piazza Vittorio is no longer a place for Romans, it has shops after shops by Chinese and many poor immigrants live in this place. So long story short, the director - Mario Tronco - decide to run a project to gather musicians from all over the world who is living in Rome and make an orchestra. It was awesome. I didn't know how bad it was for immigrants to live in Europe and Italy but it's definitely different from what you see in US. They were so unconventional but one thing in common is that good art always connect people no matter the language. 
3. The film was also so inspiring for me because of the fact that entire documentary was about well, music. Before photo, before writing, before graffiti, music was my first passion and it was my entrance to art. I was so sure that I was going to do music when I grow up but now, instead of rocking a microphone and punching on the AKAI, I'm rocking Minolta and rolling Fujis. But really, I still love music so much and hopefully, I get to do music as part of my medium for my art (Laurie Anderson, you really rock my world). The movie touched me so much because music and art in general is about people. We have to have this to get by like food, like water, like MONEY. The film inspired me in so many ways. BTW, beats from India is so hot which is why I so want to go to Mumbai. 
4. Aight...back to reality. So the auto industry is looking for a bailout...ya'll crazy for real. First of all, all of y'all should've learned the lesson way back when Nixon was still the president. If that didn't teach you anything, you deserve what you have right now. Second, I drive a big car but didn't you guys lobbied bunch of different people to how hybrid cars suck major ass in America because all we have is highway then ya'll had balls to not make one soon. Third is for us consumers, alright...so the gas price went down and what goes up? Sales of trucks and SUVs. We are so dumb that you won't even know the change when it happens. I mean, most of y'all got shitfaced when ya'll screamed 'change!' and 'we did it!'. Fourth and last, y'all should've just made a better car like you do it for Asia and Europe. People aren't just driving wheels anymore, this is 2008 and couple months away from 2009 and even my mom knows thing or two about car performances, okay? Sometimes, American carmakers offends me even because of quality of products they are putting out. I don't even care about all of them CEOs flying in a private jet because last time I checked, even rappers fly in private jets so that's cool but all I'm saying is that y'all dudes had one too many chances and y'all really blew them all. Only thing that makes me mad is these dudes be still eating but people who works in the factory is going to get hurt bad. Just look at where are all the car factories are at in US. 
5. I feel really good and you don't even know!!!!!
6. I'm asking so many questions right now, it's crazy. Mostly about myself though. I'm lot calmer than I've ever been. I'm contemplating, not sweating. It's funny how it works because I feel myself being bit more clearer than I've ever been but questions also mounts up as I clear my thoughts. I do feel that it's good to think only about me because I've never done that before. It was always about something else and someone else but never about myself. It's good. 
7. I have a crazy career plan for myself that has nothing to do with anything that I'm doing right now but I am going to challenge myself to do it: modeling. You damn right I will. 

few thoughts 112008

1. Last night. Umm...what happened last night? No I'm just kidding. Here we go. 
2. So last night, I boldly hosted a pot luck and it was NERVE WRECKING. I invited this lovely girl I've been liking since I got here and I was literally sweating my butts off. First, I helped out Bob with making rice and to tell you the truth, I've never made rice with pot, I've always made my rice with a rice cooker but it was solid, THANKS MOM. I made a vegan tomato pesto sauce pasta with mixed vegetables. I guess it turned out alright judging from people's reaction. No one threw up so that's good. I was so nervous to see my 'crush' there and I totally forgot to put basil and roasted pine nuts on my pasta. DAMNIT!!!! But it was good. I think. We talked for pretty long time and talked about most random stuff you could possibly imagine. 
3. There's one point Lauren was asking me, 'David, why are you shaking?'. Oh...only if you know. I wasn't shaking, I was try to hold myself from not to be shattered. No, I wasn't shaking, see?
4. Then, I still can't believe that I asked Serrah and Alex if I looked alright. WTF. 
5. Seriously, do I look alright?
6. On the other note, I don't know if I am in the best shape of my life but physically, I feel the best right now. No, I don't have any abs to show or what not but I could go on treadmill for 60-70 minutes running the whole time and not feel like I'm fainting. I'm even lifting little weights now and by mean little, I mean 'little'. Anyway, I feel really good physically right now. 
7. Today was pretty good day...I had a free coffee at the cafe that I go to like every morning. Barista is from Brazil and there was a big soccer match for Brazil last night as they went head to head against Portugal. Brazil won whopping 6-2 and I guess he didn't know about it until I told him. Dude was ecstatic about it and gave me a free cup of coffee. It was awesome and my country, Korea, won as well. We beat Saudi Arabia in their home for the first time in like 18 years...something like that. I take these type of stuff little bit more personal. Yes, I do. But anyway, I like most of my days in here...especially when I go outside and explore the city feet by feet. I actually really like the city to the point where I really daydream about living here one day. I still think America is the best place to live and I'll probably always prefer living in America than living in somewhere else but Rome has done so much for me even for such a short period of time. I like lot of things in here. I really do. I don't mind adjusting either. All my life, I've been adjusting...and it wasn't just for myself either. I'm pretty good at adjusting, trust me. 
8. Oh, BTW...this is from yesterday's my daily horoscope, 'Your daydreaming might reach epic proportions today -- in both duration and content!' I guess, sometimes they are right. 

Valentina Correani!!!! Aiyyo!!!!!

Something's seriously wrong with you if you don't find this woman attractive.

shower me with your Italian, Valentina, I really could careless.

I really want MTV Italia when I go back home.
Screw MTV America, all the got now is horrifying dating shows anyway.

few thoughts 111908

1. Yesterday, many things happened. Talked to a really nice person, got me some cool looking vintage style soccer scarf, ate Serrah's cake without anything on for the breakfast, went to Ellen's lecture, had a conference with Ellen, still talking to a really nice person or she talking stuff and I'm just nodding, had a coffee with a really nice person in the morning, went to museum to see Bruno Munari, went to the gym. And I ate pineapple. Solid. For the complete recap, [Chris Berman] HERE/WE/GO [Chris Berman]. 
2. Ben, Tony and I went to Museo dell'Ara Pacis, which is located not so far away from our apartment to see Bruno Munari exhibition. Bruno Munari was born in Milan and died in Milan at age 91. He is one of more famous designer/artist in Italy if not the one. He designed so many things from Children's books to Swatch watches to Campari advertisement. He incorporates so many elements with his work from mathematics to industrial designs to graphic designs to even sculpture and architecture. He really pulls out complexity within a simple context or presentation. His works aren't too grand or gaudy, rather, it's simple and sleek. Although he is Italian and he is responsible for the development of industrial design in Italy during his era, his stuff also reminded me of lot of Scandinavian post-modern designs; simple, sleek and highly functional. His ashtray was the coolest even if I don't smoke at all. 
3. So after our museum visit, I decided to go to a vintage soccer shop that I've been eyeing on. Since I'm not going to get any soccer jerseys while I'm here because somehow, US sells them cheaper than in Europe, I decided to visit some vintage soccer shop to get my soccer fever because those stuff, even as cheap as they would come, you cannot get them in US or you have to work really hard to get them. Anyway, they had some cool stuffs like throwback jerseys, metal plate emblems, throwback running jackets, and scarves. While I was really tempting to get AS Roma jersey from 60s (which I'll probably get before I leave), for now I decided to buy a scarf. I was little bummed that my favorite team's, Juventus, scarf wasn't there, Nevertheless, get the Roma stuff when in Rome, right? So I was getting this cool looking scarf, this dude comes in and talking to me about how the 'other' team, Lazio, in Rome is better than AS Roma. It was hilarious. The owner was die hard Roma fan and him and this dude were convincing me their team is better than the other team. I was dying laughing. I was like one word close to bring up last week's game which Roma beat Lazio by 1-0 but the Lazio fan guy was nice (surprisingly and delightfully!!!) and I didn't want to break his heart one more time. I enjoyed their banters because...one, I think Roma is better despite their current standing and they always have been and two, I am actually a Juventus fan and really...I don't care for neither one of them and three, as a die hard Manchester United fan, no team is ever greater than the Reds and in fact, we kicked both of Roma and Lazio's asses in many European competitions. In fact, I personally think Italians play really boring soccer. Nonetheless, it was so funny and they were really nice guys, I enjoyed it. It's like two obnoxious Giants and Jets fan arguing about who owns the New York football while I'm a fan of Seahawks, yeah...you get the picture. 
4. Ellen's lecture was too good and too short. I always liked her work and I especially like her latest works with prosthetic casts and hospitals because my personal reason. I spent most my early childhood on hospital bed and every time those things would pop up, I get little sentimental. Ellen's works were really hitting me in home in terms of bringing back my memories and what I always felt about hospitals. Nevertheless, I guess good things always never come enough. In other Ellen related story, She's helping me with my final so much already to the point where I feel like I'm doing a collaboration with her, I'm flattered and honored by all of her generous suggestions and encouragements. Really, she's one reason I don't regret about coming here. It was best decision that I've made so far this year. Trust me, I made lot of worst decisions one after the other this year. 
5. Entered another contest, we'll see how that goes. Let me be famous!!!!! Sometimes, I don't even know if I entered a certain contest until I get the notification, this will be the same deal.  
6. Infinite doodling challenge!!!!!! whoo-hoo!!!! Why am I got myself into this...my oh my. 
7. I'm a changed man...I now feel nothing about guzzling down a can of beer and I now prefer red wine over white wine. I still can't quit meat...I'll never do that, hell naw.
8. G-Mail is the greatest invention. It's better than a loaf of bread. I only eat half a loaf for a week, anyway. 
9. One thing I don't miss about Seattle is that 2-8 team. WTF. 
10. Pineapple. Finally!!!! Delicious. Sweet. Thank. You. Benjamin. Eric. Johnson. 

few thoughts 111808

1. Can't. Stop. This. Man. Crush. On. Tim. Roda. 
2. My favorite song of this moment right now - Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse...look it up for the title. 
3. Can't. Stop. This. Man. Crush. On. Justin. Timberlake. 
4. Can't. Stop. This. Store. Crush. On. Louis Vuitton. 
5. Madonna's 4 Minutes video is straight money. When she and JT does that little moonwalk on the conveyer belt at the grocery store. BEST. MOVE. EVER. I wanna do that when I go back home while I picking my milk up at the QFC. 
6. I sport new hair-do now and it's sweeping all over the Europe like mad cow disease. I look sexy nonetheless, at all time, always. 
7. I really want Ben's pineapple. No, I won't pour Nutella or yogurt on it. I promise. 
8. This morning I walked all over the city. From Piazza Navona to Piazza Popolo to Spanish Steps to Pantheon...I loved it. I didn't take out my camera out on purpose because I wanted to kinda feel the morning without doing anything and cop a feel for the city before I do my usual crazy antics with my 'girlfriend', Minolta X700, weather was kinda cold and I really loved it. Walking through cold air and all the cool breeze hitting my face feels so good. It was so sunny but the city was still little away from fully awake which was perfect. I could see clear water from fountains at the Spanish Steps and Piazza Popolo, I could see high school kids and business people bussling through subway gates and drinking coffees at bars...for one day, it felt like I live in a city that truly lives for everyday. Not to mention, hitting up some of my favorite spots while no soul is appearing.  I really liked it. I like morning scenes lot more than I like night scenes. Although eating a roasted corn during late night on the bridge is pretty tempting. It was a good morning and I do feel good about it. 
9. H&M is opening near where I'm living. Finally, in before the departure, son!!!!
10. I HATE PEOPLE WITH STUPID QUESTIONS

few thoughts 111708

1. Ellen, you are the best. Thank you so much. 
2. This past weekend was really awesome. Almost no one was around because more than half of our dudes from apartment went out traveling. It was wonderful. It was so quite and so tranquil over this weekend. We cleaned our house and it stayed cleaned more than a day, all of our cups were back on shelves, no dishes left on the FLOOR with all the seasonings and noodles dried up and stuck on the dishes, people going to bed at when they supposed to go to bed, tables were clean and! and! we even made our couch and it stayed that way for our entire weekends!!!!! It was lovely. House not smelling like a mixture of cigarette and pot smokes or some weird music playing in the back ground. No clothes hanging loosely on random chairs. Finally for couple days, I felt like I was living in a house. It's those basic things we lack the most in this environment. 
3. And Cliff brought us cookies and brownies from Munich, he's wonderful. 
4. Then everything was back to trashy by midnight when EVERYBODY came back home.  I had my three days worth of joy, nevertheless. I LOVED IT. 
5. Like I said yesterday's blog, I even went out took some pictures. How can I even complain? Oh, yeah...everybody came back, RIIIIIIIGGGGGGHHHHHHTTT. 
6. I really don't remember talking to Alex about going to flea market with her. When did that happened? Really? I know I gave her a hug. I remember that. Oh! AND I REALLY don't remember talking to Serrah and scolded her about cafe she asked me about. Sorry, Serrah...I didn't mean to do that and once again, yes, that's the right place. For Mrs. Russell, nothing happened...Serrah is a great friend of mine and you raised yourself a fine daughter, ma'am. Apologies to you if I made you and your daughter felt little uncomfortable due to my inane memory block. I won't do it again, Mrs. Russell. I learned to act better than that...my mom did raise me well, you know. 
7. Flea market was fun. Hot middle eastern dance music was blaring all over the market, I couldn't stop myself from dancing. It was like the hottest club I've ever been to. Except, it smelled like a sugar donut and porchetta sandwichs. Truthfully, I really don't know if it was Middle Eastern or just Eastern European music...it could have been Easter European or even Russian. Nevertheless, Look out Katy Perry, Shavatlava Kucinocovic is taking over the world one flea market at a time!!!!! - No, that's not an actual name. 
8. German chocolate > Italian chocolate. Italian women > German women. Italy 1: Germany 0. Yes!
9. Valentina Correani and Victoria Cabello at MTV Italia > Anybody at MTV all over the world. Italy 2: World 0

few thoughts 111508

1. Tony, Ben and I went to little photo tour this morning/afternoon. I shot pictures of protesters, birds, people at the train station, fake gladiators and balloons. We started from our aparment at Campo De Fiori to Termini which is the main and only train station in Rome that connects to just about everywhere in Italy. I personally dislike train station or airport but I like those places when I take photos, weird but that's just me. Anyway, it was a brisk afternoon with some cool breezes hitting my face. I liked it. Of course, I like when there's a time for me to take pictures. There's a sense of relief when I take photo; I become little careless and bit more happy. I don't have to think about what's around me but what I see behind that lense. It's always been my escape. It doesn't matter if I am good or not because photography is always little bit more special to me. It changed my life in a way that I can't even imagine. Anyway, I was wondering around and took bunch of pictures. It was relieving and under a crisp sun light of Rome, I felt like everything was sitting so quitely and peacefully beneath my heart. I liked it.
   
2. On the way home from our little photo tour, Tony and Ben found me a little Korean grocery store (thanks, ya'll!) and while they don't have much of stuff that I was looking for (like a bag of shrimp cracker), it was still good. I got me some potato stick snacks. They had crazy amount of ramen noodles compare to other items they had in stock. 2/3 of the store was like ramen, for real. I ain't complaning, though. It was actually pretty refreshing.
   
3. Sorry Serrah, I really like Katy Perry. Yes, she's annoying, obnoxious and a bimbo. You are probably right in every reason why she's not good. It's kinda intoxicating. If you know what I mean. It's not the first time we disagreed upon something. You know it better. Yes, me and Ben are going to the show. We'll bust our asses to get to that show.
   
4. I rather take a good photo of found objects than a crappy photo of a set up scene at the studio.
5. I figured out why many artists are poor; many of us spend our money on booze and drugs. many of us does not have a concept of 'keeping money' by using such tools as 'GO TO FUCKING BANK AND DEPOSITE YOUR DAMN CHECKS' (or 'WHY DON'T YOU SET UP YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT AND SAVINGS ACCOUNT?) or 'DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY ON DRUGS AND GO STOCK UP YOUR GROCERY'. We also don't have a single clue how time works. Many of us go to sleep at 9 in the morning and start working at 7 in the evening. You wonder why many of us are so broke as hell. Now you know. Oh, one more thing. STOP PARTYING, no one parties on Tuesdays.
   
6. Sometimes, I wonder how the hell I got to this point in a good way and a bad way.
   
7. It was just about a month and half ago that I couldn't even go to bed because I was so emotionally spent. I didn't know what to do next minute let alone next month or with my life. I was having dreams that monsters would come out or I would just wonder around some random place and got lost. I don't know what's going to happen when I go back and I have to go back. All I can say right now is that I'm feeling lot better now. I sleep well, too. I don't have those bad dreams anymore. I did dream one night couple days ago, it was rather lovely. I woke up with a delight surprise. No one knows what the future holds for each person and that goes same with me. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, no one knows. There are times I would helplessly rely on horoscopes but at the same time, it doesn't pan out like that, it never does. Anyway, it's been so crazy since I got here. Although I have no idea what's going to happen, I at least know now what I want to do for my future and also figuring out what I NEED to do as well. I fear all the time. I fear for lot of things but at the same time, I got a BIG ego. BIIIIIIIIIIIG EGO. Yes, I got that and I keep it with myself, I don't blast that out on the open because I don't need to. So many things are coming at me and it's really best of both worlds: good and bad. I don't mind it. I really don't. I do keep journals, anyway.
8. Earlier today after my little photo trip, I headed out to gym to break some sweat (oh, god...did I just say 'break some sweat?', I sound like a douche now). Last couple days were little tough to get myself motivated but I had to go because well, I WANTED TO GO. Other than basketball and boxing, running is probably my favorite physical activity. I could go on and on about how great running is but I manage to run 6 miles today which is like my regular regimen. It feels good when you feel like you have to push yourself to get where you want to be at physically. It really is an adrenaline rush. I also get so many thoughts organize when I am running. I am totally concentrating although it's really weird way to concentrate, I tell ya. It was a good way to wrap up my Saturday. Sweaty and gross, that's the way to be. Although, it could be still off the heezy for sheezy even if you can't find me at one-tweezy...whatever that means.
   
9. Why is Christina Aguilera is so cute all of sudden? Her target commercial > her actual music video. Def.
10. Il Genio, go pick it up. You kids back in US are missing out right now.
    

few thoughts 111408

1. "If you admire somebody, you should go ahead and tell 'em/people never get the flowers while they can still smell 'em" - Kanye West. BEST. LINE. EVER.
2. Kiri, I'll teach you how to throw a really nice punch when I get back but until then, you should slap him. Douches don't deserve love. 
3. Angela, I hate you. You don't do Andy like that!!!!
4. I'm pretty good at gift wrapping and card making. 
5. I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT TO GO SHOP LIKE RIGHT NOW. SCREW SCHOOL. I WANT TO GO SHOPPING. 
6. Last night was a movie night at the Rome Center. I watched this Italian film titled, 'Caterina va in Citta' (or Caterina in the Big City in US title) and I have to say it was one of the best film I've seen for long time. It was cute little comedy flick but really smart. Every now and then, the movie pokes fun at social dynamics of Rome. Whether it was a collide between fascists and communists, rich and poor, or just any other junior high school kids drama. It was pretty smart and funny. Best quote - "Romans thinks they are better than everyone else because they have two top soccer teams in first division". Genius. Last 5 minutes were like the cutest moment. EVER. 
7. I guess I can cook just a little. Good for me. I wrap my own gifts, I make decent cards, I know how to buy flowers and plants, I cook decent, I drive safe, I dress well and colorfully, I am polite, I smile a lot and now, I even know how to pick wines now but all of you bimbos are missing out. Oh, I do listen to rap music and curse a lot, though. 
8. 
   

few thoughts 111308

1. Emotional break down. Not now. Poker face, David. 
2. More and more I do this I feel like I'm writing it longer and longer. Only to realize that not many of you are really reading this entirely. Nevertheless, I am going to write a long post whether you read it or not. Actually, I doubt many of you (or little of you) are even coming to this blog because I can't see any signs of any human nature creeping in. Who cares. I like to post some random stuff in here. 
3. Accidently involved in an art project by some nut job (but very nice guy) who owns a gallery and a bookstore. Sounds like me in 30 years. Yes. Although, I would like to own a clothing store and a records shop rather than a bookstore. 
4. Only thing that makes me happy in here is that my ambitions and dreams are coming more clearer and clearer. Nothing else matters. 
5. I hope things to be brighter but sun is something I cannot control. It doesn't pain me anymore but it's so hard to picture a same thing over and over again. I can only try to be so happy. I can only try. 
6. It was lovely afternoon today. Coffee. Talks. Laughs. Awkward. Coffee. Talk. Lovely. 
7. I'm excited about my final project. I really am. These projects make me become little bit more honest one after another. 
8. I want to go home but I really don't want to go home. 

thank you Clifford

and yes, in case you are wondering...I am still alive, sucks for you. 

few thoughts 111208

1. Final project. Conference. Ehh...you know the drill
2. Cold weather is finally catching on here in Rome. Weather is chilling out a bit, I feel little wind and it's bit more gray than when I got here. I LOVE IT. COLD WEATHER FTW!!!!!!!!!
3. I spoke damn near perfect Japanese today!!!!! It hasn't gone away from me yet!!! Hooray!!! I was at the paper shop to buy me some wrapping papers and some materials then the lady at the shop ask me if I was Japanese, I said no but I know how to speak the language...so the conversation was on and she helped me so much. I got some compliments from lady that I speak pretty good for only studying year and half. I was even surprised that I could speak like that. Anyway, at least for one day without any communication malfunction in this city even if it wasn't Italian. Victory for David, yes! 
4. As usual, make it smaller. Concise!!!! I have too many thoughts in my head, sometimes...
5. I am starting to miss home now probably because today's my brother's birthday. It will be first time that I won't be around for anyone in my family's birthday. I know it's not a big deal but it kind of hit me in the chest little bit that I'm so away that I'm not part of something that I'm deeply attached to; family. My feelings are getting better, however, I don't freak out anymore. I do freak out about something else but not about my family. I'm glad that we as family doing pretty well right now. Sure, money sometimes come up little short and we butt heads and whatever but that's like every family. I miss my dad, I miss my mom, I miss my brother...it doesn't devastate me that I won't be home until Christmas but just for today, I wanted my mom's cooking, I wanted to hear my dad's obnoxious snoring and I probably could've let go of my brother being a punk ass for just a day. Today is just that day. 
6. Seriously though, I'm starting to working on my final project right now. I can't really give you any details on what I'm doing but I've been having pretty good idea on what I wanted to do since day one so there's no doubt on what I'm doing at this point. Conference with Ellen helped me a lot with just to sort out what I should do for my final. As usual, she's open to things that I do as well as what others do for their respective projects. I want my project to become a memento (or even TESTAMENT!) of me that allows people to see how I have come to this point also I hope it allows me to be little bit more honest. There are lot of things that beneath me that are so deeply hidden and I wish to kind of let it out in the open, in a good way. I don't want to be whiny anymore. I'm done with that. I finally realize my purpose of doing this thing and even though I do this for myself, it's lot more than that. There's a certain kind of responsibility that I should have for myself when I make my art. I know I got the keys to the door. I know it for sure. I even have keys for all the cars and these cars I see, they are some pretty nice looking whips...shiny, brand new, fast, powerful and all that. Like Lambo nice, like Rolls Royce nice. That's what I'm about and you get the picture. Honestly, every quarter since I started my photo major has been provided me a learning curve that allowed me to grow up in many different level and this quarter is no exception. I'm making a quantum leap right now in terms of growth in many different aspects of my life, not just in art. In fact, I don't even care if I don't make any artistic growth after this trip, I really don't. I know things like that don't develop over night and I'm pretty damn sure that I've been growing that plant up ever since I got into this thing. My language have not changed at all but it's firmer now. I'm still ME and I always will be ME, difference is that I'm more certain that this is ME. 
7. If you ask me what I want to do with my life, you should reserve yourself at least 2 days because you are going to open up a Pandora's box for real. Don't worry, I'll keep you entertain. 

few thoughts 111108

more Napoli wrap up and some other stuff...here we go

1. Ellen Garvens is the most awesomest and cutest professor in the face of this earth! I had so many 'Ellen' moments during this trip, she made me laugh every time when I was hanging out with her. Here are some highlights...
2. Moment one - as we were on the platform at the station to catch a train to go to Pompei, she suddenly turns around and grabbed my both arms and shrieked in a delight and shook me as she was yelling, 'Aren't you so excited? I'm SOOO excited!'. 
3. Moment two - when we were at Sorrento, we were walking around the city as the sun went down and there was this beautiful bridge that looks over the main road and ocean coast. I think Serrah was trying to take a picture of the scene and so was Ellen, Serrah popped out her G9 to get the picture and she couldn't get the right picture because sun was completely down and her ISO level wasn't high enough to get the right picture then there was Ellen who just bought her G10 right before she came to Rome. She gave us little smirk and went, 'I got G10! and look how I do this!!!!' The look on her face during that time was simply priceless, she was like a little kid during the lunch time trying to show off her roast beef sandwich lunch while everyone on the table had Lunchables. Then, she cranked up her camera up to 3200 ISO (that's right you photo geeks, I know you are ishin' on yourself right now) then took this picture of pretty nice night scene picture. She goes, 'Look at this!!! Look at this!!!! This is one for the postcard! Isn't it? Isn't it?'. Awesome. 
4. Moment three - going back to Pompei...it was crazy stupid hot and sun was blazing insane. Ellen forgot to bring her sunglasses so she didn't know what to do under that hot sun. First, Acacia suggested her to go to lost and found then snatch one...she was totally up for it (Oh! Let's do that!!!! was her words). But then Ben offered her his Oakley for a day which Ellen accepted. She slipped on Ben's sunglasses and goes, 'wow, I look lot younger now' then there was me who tried to joke with her and I went, 'so...you are new freshman right? and your name is...'. She scoffed me then shot me back by saying, 'umm...sorry, I have a boyfriend' (she nailed OC accent down when she said that!!!). How can you not love this woman, seriously?!
5. Oh I spilled juice all over my pants and the floor during the breakfast. My mom wasn't there to watch me. I'm doing well, mom. 
6. What did I do as soon as I came back to Rome? I went straight to the gym...I thought you already knew. I did go for some grocery shopping, too. 
7. I did so much daydreaming over 4 days, it was good and bad all rolled up in one but it was good to find where I was and what I want to do. Days are so confusing if you take it day by day...I do feel like sometimes I am talking to the wall but that's just for 24 hours and another one will roll up on me just fine and as all those hours and days are stacking up, I'm getting bigger picture about my life. It's dreamy and overwhelming but they are MINE, not anyone else. Everyday is confusing but being confused means having that much ideas and not afraid to think forward, at least with me. I like it. 
8. I'm already working on my final project, WTF. 
9. apparently, I saw Louise Bourgeois twice. One in Tokyo and one in Naples. I HAD TO SAY THAT JUST TO MAKE ME FEEL SPECIAL. 

few thoughts 111008

back from Napoli and here's the wrap up

1. Napoli was amazing. Napoli or NAPLES was actually one of my destination for my individual trip but I guess the school and I were on the same note. It was an enjoyable 4 days at the beautiful coastal city.
   
2. What did I like about Napoli? Everything! People were so warm and nice, foods were absolutely great although I ate nothing but Pizza for 4 days because Napoli pizzas are supposed to be THE BEST of all pizzas and it was indeed a very good pizza. Went to museums and to oceans. It was amazing. During our trip we stopped by this little town called Sorrento which had the most gorgeous beach I've seen. I've heard Capri is nice and I'm sad that I will never be marveled by Capri but Sorrento was just as amazing. We also went to Pompei and that was just purely amazing. Napoli was one city that I really wanted to go and I am so glad that I went there. I definitely felt some southern hospitality while I was there. I had an old Italian lady smiled and waved at me while I was visiting in church, which never happens in Rome and also when group of us stopped by a little grocery store, I took a picture of outside of the store. Then, this owner of store came out (and of course, I was thinking, oh...snap...should I run now?) and point a finger to himself as a sign of 'take a picture of me!' then he gave me his name and address so that I can send him a picture. Someone's going to get some nice Christmas gift, I hope. The guy who works at the gelato shop was super nice, too. I felt such genuine and authenticity of human nature there (although it could be little too raw at times), it was incredible. Yes, it's loud, dirty and even ugly but the feelings I got from that city is the most gorgeous feeling I've had for long time. I would really want to go back sometime, if I can.
   
3. I also got to see some beautiful, beautiful collections of art. From Caravaggio to Louise Bourgeois to Anish Kapoor to Jeff Koons to Jeff Walls to Richard Hamilton to Andy F'in Warhol (!!!!!!!) to even Cindy MF'in Sherman. I even saw Damien Hirst also. It was joyous. I've never seen a Cindy Sherman work in person so no matter how ugly it was, it didn't matter to me. I saw my queen at Napoli, how can I not love the city?
   
4. By the way, Damien Hirst is contemporary art's equevelant to Lil' Wayne...and I'm not giving neither one of them any compliments whatsoever. You know what people say, hype kills many...
5. Richard Hamilton the artist>>>>>Richard Hamilton the basketball player
   
6. Back to Napoli, though...there was one little thing that kind of marred my entire experience while I was there; ignorance. I don't want to say the word 'racism' too quickly because lots of things are lost in translation and I really don't like the sound of it. However, I had some moments where I was looked upon as an odd man out. People looking at me like they never seen an Asian guy before then quickly laughing at me. Yes, I've had some idiots come up to me and called me some names and whatever. I heard some whispers when I was walking by myself. Don't worry, it's not like I was being perceived as a monkey at the zoo every time when I went out, it was just those little small incidents that sticks to you. I have to say, though, it was little tough but at the same time, this wasn't the first time I've dealt with things like this. I've had this when I was in America as well. I have to look on a little bright side that no one tried to giving me that slitted eye gesture when I was walking by or become a victim of a hate crime so that's kinda nice, I guess. You have to be a better person about it, I really wish that I could go back and teach people but what can I do...? Ignorance is just hard to deal with sometimes. It did remind me though that you have to be a better person and as well as a stronger person to do absolutely the best I can to make sure that generation after me or people around me right now at this moment can realize that all people are equal and they are just as good as you are if you intend to share your kindness with them no matter the color, orientation, sex or whatever it may be. It was a wake up call for sure. 'I' have to do my best to change rather than sit around and whine about someone not trying hard enough to change something that is entitled to ME.
   
7. But really, I don't want to take anything bad away from Napoli, it was such a good break and I got to write a lot, took ton of pictures that should and hope looks golden when I get back home. It was such a good moment, I had some alone time to think about stuff that I wanted to get cleared out. Had a good personal conversation with some of the people in our programs and everything. It was so good. Foods were incredible, once again. I'm kind of bummed out that I never got to try cinnamon flavored gelato and nutella waffle but I had one of the best pizza I've tasted so far in Italy and also get this...a brownie flavor gelato that actually tastes and even feels like brownie when you put in the mouth. 'Marronita' was the name and yes, Serrah, you should really thank me for it. I know you did, you are welcome.
   
8. And I got some sweet Napoli soccer shorts for my workouts, WHAT! WHAT! No, I ain't complaining. Thank you, Napoli for your best of best and even your worst of worst. It was a great weekend for me.
   

few thoughts 110608

1. I. Can't. Lift. My. Arm. Oh. Weight. Lifting. Oww. Ooooh. Good. No. Can't. Lift. Can't. Brush. My. Teeth. Good. Mor. Nin. G. 
2. post election thoughts. I know some of us dudes are insanely happy that my main man Obama is going to rule the oval office for next 4 years, I have to say some of us dudes are acting waaaaaaaay too happy. I felt bittersweet when people were chanting 'Yes, We did it'. FYI, WE HAVEN'T DONE JACK ISH! We made a history last night and that was the prime example why American democracy reigns supreme. Following an election from outside of US was awakening moment because EVERYBODY was following this election. Minority president in a country where conservatism still runs deep in many parts of country and also went through a nasty racial segregation just about 30 years ago. Police brutality is still runs deep every big city. Amadou Diallo, Rodney King, Mumia Abu-Jamal to name just few...but yesterday showed that democracy, THE AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, still prevails even in the toughest times and people around the world were tuning into this election for a right reason. No other G7 country ever be able to pull this one off. Sure, Germany may already have female prime minister but this was remarkable achievement for our history. HOWEVER, his inauguration hasn't even started yet. Let's not slurp too much because we have so many problems to deal with. School system (just let all y'all know that WA state has one of the worst k-12 system in the country, especially metro Seattle and Tacoma area), economy, health care, outsourcing jobs, foreign relations...last 8 years were mess and this guy is facing a tremendous challenge ahead of him. I really hope that when people chant 'Yes, We Can!', they know what they are talking about because casting your ballot just doesn't cut it. The idea of 'WE' runs deeper than that. We have to become an ideal citizen and hard working civilians that respect not only make up of our country but those who look at us. This election made other countries to simply admire what we can do. UK is already talking when will be THEIR time to have minority as their prime minister. We haven't done anything yet. Stop, if you think we did it. No, this is just a start and actually it's a good start. However, we got long way to go to the promise land. Stop slurping. Remind yourself all the great leaders that we had over the history of our times like JFK, Abraham Lincoln, FDR and even Bill Clinton and think what they told us to become a better citizen. Seriously, stop slurping...we just got started. We haven't done nothing. YET. 
3. Fashionable liberals and fashionable vegans are whack to death, yo. On the other hand,  dedicated liberals and soulful vegans are the best people you will ever meet in your life. 
4. I went to see this guy...no, I went to Bill Viola show yesterday as a class. It was also a farewell day for Rebecca. I am going to miss her so much because without her, I can't even imagine where I would be right now. I probably didn't even take pictures and invest my soul and dream into this. But back to Bill Viola, the name rang kinda familiar but I really never paid big attention to him (just letting all y'all know how well I did in that photo theory class...mmhmm). I've been seeing way too many big timers in Rome already from Caravaggio to Michelangelo to Rafael to Basquiat to Picasso and all so I guess seeing this dude is pretty important. And...
5. WHY ARE YOU MAKING YOUR DAMN VIDEO SO LONG MR. BILL VIOLA?! 130 MINUTES? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? LOOK HERE, MISTER...I GOT THINGS TO DO! I NEED TO MAKE SOME NUTELLA SANDWICH, DO MY PROJECT, GO TO GYM AND ALSO WATCH ITALIAN WHEEL OF FORTUNE (WE'LL TALK ABOUT THIS LATER). I CAN'T SIT IN GALLERY THAT IS DAMN NEAR COMPLETELY DARK AND WATCH YOUR SERIES OF VIDEOS THAT RUNS IN AVERAGE OF LIKE...ETERNITY...AND STOP OVER USE SLOW MO', I'M SERIOUS. AND SMILE NEXT TIME PLEASE. FOR GOD'S SAKE, THANKSGIVING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, YOU SHOULD SMILE LITTLE MORE OFTEN. 
6. THANK GOD YOU DID NOT HAVE SUSAN ROBB FOR YOUR INSTRUCTOR, SHE WOULD HAVE BUST YOUR FACE RAW. 
7. Although, I really liked your plasma TV, Mr. Viola. The picture frame design TV was straight hotness!
8. Drawing crit I had couple days ago was so good. Ellen and Rebecca always give me some good advices but Lucy, Lucy, Lucy...I love Lucy so much because she's such a confident booster for me. If Susan's class during last spring quarter helped me find a voice in me, Lucy is teaching me how to be daring with that voice that I found in me. I love way she 'suggests' me with things that I should try. It's little nerve wrecking to see them every now and then with my works but at the same time, I know I put my earnest effort with it and I love the fact that they try to understand what I want to share with them. Lucy always lets me know that it's okay to be me and try not to hard to be a dude sitting next to me. I love them so much, seriously! Drawing class is really good because I feel like I'm adding different eyes into my system. It's a fun experience all around. 
9. Off to Naples or Napoli for this weekend so I'll see yo' asses in couple days. WORD. 

you damn right!!!

few thoughts 110508

1. A special election blog post, here we go...
2. Home of Michael Jordan, home of Kanye West, home of Bill Murray and yes, home of your newly elected president Barack Obama, Chicago is for the winners. Chi-Town, stand the 'f' up! WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
3. Since I am in Rome right now, it was just all night event for us and it was just insane...since we get CNN in our apartment just about everybody decided to come through to our apartment and lot of dudes were staying up all night to see the voting count. I missed the most of tally part because I had to go to bed but got up just right to watch his acceptance speech. Isn't this guy knows how to talk or what? Every time he steps on behind the podium, he just tops the speech that he gave before. I'm already excited about inauguration speech. 'We are United States of America', that's the best part. Some of kids in our apartment got choked up, I didn't cry but rather, I was so joyfully shocked and I felt the goosebumps running through my body. It was so awesome. Barack is the swagger king. It's not just a speech that makes him the swagger king...
4. 338-159, 338-159, 338-159...just to make sure that we ain't gotta go through all that recount madness, he CRUSHED him. 338????? Are you kidding me?
5. It doesn't matter who you are, we are all Americans. This was my first election and this was only reason that I wanted to be naturalized couple years ago so that I can be part of this country's democratic process. Thought of my vote actually counted to have a new president that I WANTED in the office was a crazy feeling. I can't describe it, really. I'm so proud that I casted my ballot. I may feel like I'm never American enough because of my ethnic background and my race (trust me, you do feel that if you are in my situation) but my vote counted just like yours did and that was so awesome. That I was in part of make up of America. It was a thrilling moment. Megatrons, Decepticons, American League, National League...ish don't matter. We are all Americans and all we wanted and want is for us to get better. I have to admit that lot of this was a bit of circus but at the end, I realized what America is all about, at least for a little bit. I'm proud of myself for exercising my rights like I did today and you should, too if you went out and voted. Doesn't matter who you voted for but fact is you made your voice heard.
   
6. Next 4 years going to be pretty good. we can make it happen. YES, WE CAN.
7. Anderson Cooper looks so damn sexy right now and Wolf Blitzer's beard looks like a madman's festival. If I see Judy Woodruff and Jim Lehrer right now, I don't think I would make it through the day. I'll probably die in an euphoria.
   
8. California, you kinda suck.
   

The Swagger King!!!!!!!!!

Chicago, stand up!
America, stand up!!!


The swagger king is in the office!

few thoughts 110408

1. Finally, David went to the gym. I signed up for a gym membership with a much needed help of our lovely student intern, Valarie, and 2 solid hours well put as soon as I signed up. I felt so good that I didn't have to run on cobblestones, those things hurt so bad. Anyway, did a little boxing exercise, did a little free weights and ran 6 miles. whoo-hoo!
2. Running is the biggest creative reservoir of me. It's one of many reason I love to run. I never was fan of running but now, I can't stop it. I get to concentrate little bit more and think about what I want to do. I have to say, lot of my ideas for my writings and photography are from while I was running. In fact, just today while I was on a treadmill, I exactly figured out what I want to do for my final. 
3. I am making a scrapbook. 
4. Yesterday was my second crit and I made little cards for everybody. We had to come up with a little souvenir and I thought it would be nice to make a hand made cards for everybody in the program, including our lovely professors, and write a little thank you note for each and everybody. I have to say it was little challenging at times because I only got to know some of the people for such a short period of time but I know everybody in this is really good people and I tried to fine every little good things about them. There were some little thank you at the end and little smiles from people and that was all I needed. There are some people in program I felt like I want to connect with but I didn't know how to and there were people in the program that I felt really thankful for just being with me in this joyride. I was little embarrassed and nervous because, you know, I thought it was little corny even though that was exactly what I was going for. All and All, I made some people feel happy and I really liked that because THAT is exactly what I want to do with my art. It was a good day. 
5. I am seriously considering cardmaking, scrapbooking and collage as my medium. No, I'm not going to dismantle photography, are you crazy? 
6. Joe Dumars, you are a genius. How the hell Allen Iverson end up in Detroit for virtually free?! Then again, I'm a Bulls fan, cot damn. 
7. I'm telling you Kobe Bryant will win the whole thing tonight. LeBron James will be the vice president. Word. 

a love letter

I'm doing just fine, thank you 

I really want to see you, too

But I'm doing really good in here

Can I say shakedown?!

why do you think I came all the way to Italy for?!

few thoughts 110308

1. it's official, David will go to Paris and Stockholm
2. second crit coming up, whatever happens happens...
3. yesterday, Tony and I went to this big park by Trastevere. Lucy, one of our professor, took us during one of our drawing field trip day and Tony and I decided to just stroll out once more because it was Sunday, both of us got our assignments done early and we really had nothing to do. Although my legs were pretty tired from running earlier morning, I decided to give it a go because I really liked the park and it was worth it! Autumn breezes are finally catching up in Rome as Tony and I enjoyed a delightful lazy sunday afternoon at the park. it really felt like I was in a normal place for once. No more busy piazzas or squares or churches...nothing like that. people were jogging, families out for picnics, playing soccer and volleyball on the grass. it was lovely. 
4. I am soooooooooo going to hike up there for a sweet run sometimes. 
5. Kiri Sparks, how can I not love you?! You are so awesome. 
6. Hell yeah, I'm single. What. Try get at me, I'm not THAT easy, don't you even dare. I'm the Best Single Man on this planet. EVER. 
7.  Ben asked me such an important question regarding on my life, 'What are you doing when you wake up this early (5:55-6:00 ish). And I looked at him with a blank face and replied, 'I really don't know...' 
8. Election fever-------whooooooooooooo------enough with polls, Wolf Blitzer! I think Kobe Bryant is going to win it all...oh wait, it's different one. I'm sorry. 
9. I'm telling you that new Christina Aguilera track is straight crack!!!!!
10. Finally, new T.I. CD in my Ipod!!!!! and yes, it's better than Lil' Wayne's Carter III. Don't even start with me. 
11. I feel pretty good. 

few thoughts 110208

1. november, still rains here and there in Rome, still (and fortunately) no Guns N' Roses...thank you.
   
2. Ellen is here now!! Can a boy spell word H-A-P-P-Y?
3. First thing first, as soon as Ellen saw me she asked me about my family situation and everything and told me it will be all good...and it's been good actually with my family and I, I think we are all learning what 'responsibility' really means. Anyway, I love her for always having my back, she and Rebecca are the only reason that I wanted to come to Rome and it's been paying off. Just other day, Rebecca just gave me the biggest piece of advice since I came here and now Ellen is here and making sure if everything is alright with my life. Aiyyo, if I complain right now, I'm some ungrateful kid. I have some great people around me, seriously. This experience has been really teaching me how to appreciate things and people around me. Although my family is so away from me, it's more than I miss them. I understand how much they mean to me now because no matter what I always coming back home and I do this because of my parents and my brother, nobody else. Then, there's people like Ellen and Rebecca or even Susan, not only who pushes me for my best but always got my back and makes sure that this boy is doing the best. I am learning what it feels to be loved. I can't be sad...I don't have time for it and I have way too many good people around me for to feel that way.
   
4. yesterday was Ognissanti or All Saint's Day and our art class had little party at the Rome center, with our professors all showing up and dancing and all that. Rebecca danced, Ellen had to dance like 4 hours after she got into Rome, I danced my ass off to Justin Timberlake. Some people got drunk, I just drank a glass of wine and whole lot of juice. Then walked Alex home because Trasvaverie was having an insane ape ish. It was a solid day.
5. Finally, I am running on the cobblestone road without stopping. Not more than a minute. Round-trip, son.
   
6. Adrienne, mi spiache. I'm sending another one, it better get there.
   
7. everything makes sense now...slowly and reasonably...it's not the person I miss but it was those moments and feelings within that I miss the most...I can't have it back and maybe that's why it's been so killing me. But, no, I don't miss the person...I just miss those times because I really miss when I was so happy about making other person feel happy, that hope at least made me feel happy. That's what I miss the most, WHAT I FELT. Nothing more or less than that.
   
8. I'm so going to Stokholm!