J-Pros: Down With The Kings.

We were blessed with the opportunity to rock with Amsterdam, 2Soul and Urban Seeds last night at Neumos! It was J-Pros' first time at the Capitol Hill venue and we performed our longest set to date. Needless to say our set went really smoothly (all those rehearsals paid off) and we definitely had a blast. We truly appreciate those who came to the show and supported local music!

Here's a video for the beginning of our set:

Check out Reggie's (R'Senull) YouTube account for the rest of the set. I'll be uploading photos on my Flickr account later today.

Rebirth Of A Seattleite.

Well, I'm officially a resident of Washington State again. We touched down at my sister's house in Kirkland late Thursday evening and it's taken a weekend to unpack, settle in and start adjusting to the time difference. Here's the route we took:

not nearly as bad as it looks

Happily, Veronica was very pleasant throughout the duration of the road trip. She's always been a great traveler though, and occupied herself with coloring, drawing and singing in between viewings of The Little Mermaid or Tinkerbell. We had lots of fun which really made the time go by faster (but believe me, I felt those hours of driving at the end of each of the two days we were on the road).

Here are the stats for our great adventure:

• 1661 highway miles
• 25 hours of driving
• 6 states
• 9 "Are we there yet?" questions
• 1 delay due to highway accidents
• 7 gas stops
• 1 motel stay
• 7 animated movies watched on the PSP
• 2 people happy that the trip is finally over

For the next steps, I've begun studying for my MRI boards that I'll take next month and sending out resumes for jobs. I only plan on staying with my sister (and her husband and daughter) for a few weeks, until I get back on track with a regular paycheck, and then it's back to apartment living once more. I'm looking forward to some steady work and adjusting to a schedule again. My re-education is complete. Now it's time to get busy.

Decent Exposure.

I admit, it feels nice to be interviewed about our music. Yesterday R'SENULL and I finished up an email interview with Vivian Nguyen, a writer for Northwest Asian Weekly. She was interested in writing an article about J-Pros in the wake of our second album, Pacific Central. It's the second interview I've done this summer so I was ready for more.

nahmean son

The questions themselves were basically the same: our respective backgrounds, the origin of J-Pros and how Asian-Americans fit into the hip-hop landscape. Like Mister Vee, Ms. Nguyen asked about the internal dynamics of the group -- how we worked together under long-distance conditions and about our song-writing process in general. Answering the questions got me excited about performing music and even writing again -- something I haven't focused on in several months. (There's just something about being on stage that keeps drawing me back somehow ...) I have some ideas brewing around in my head that might improve my pen game, but I'll go into those in more detail in a later post.

I'm not sure when the piece will be published in NWAW, but rest assured I'll post updates. Stay up!

No Main Topic 003: On Packing, Autumn, Pho & Clam Chowder.

Been somewhat MIA from the computer the past couple of days; I've been busy trying to sort out what things to pack for the road trip back up to Washington State. Plans are to leave sometime mid-next week so the deadline is looming. I don't see myself coming back to the Midwest until next year so I need to make some wise decisions with regards to packing. Oh yeah: add Veronica, her car seat and big-ass bag to the mix and my options decrease. But jackets and sweaters are definitely coming with me 'cause --

It's officially the first day of Autumn! I can't say I haven't been looking forward to cooler weather; after I got back from Mexico that was it for me. I had fun sweating it out on the beach, but it's time to rock some scarves :) There were a couple of cool, rainy days before I left Kansas City last week, so I took advantage and had some pho at Vietnam Cafe and other weather-appropriate meals. Ahhhh so good. There's not much in the way of Asian cuisine here in Hays, but that'll make going out to eat in Seattle that much more satisfying.

Plus there's Ivar's to anticipate. Clam chowder FTW!

Also need to upload some photos of my last days in Kansas City to my Flickr account; be on the lookout for those.

Catharsis.

It's been raining. And it reminds me of Seattle.

I miss them both. I miss hanging out in my loft in Greenwood, listening to and watching the rain come down. I like the thought of the rain washing the city clean, giving it a fresh start. I know a ton of people hate the rain but I never ever minded. Ever. Rain was a catharsis for me, a chance to renew.

[via]

I feel like I need to give myself a fresh start. There are so many new things in my life, as well as older issues that have become ... baggage. I keep mentioning it, but I'm weighed down: Finishing my re-education and jump-starting my new career after graduation. My relationship problems. My financial situation (or lack thereof). Working hard not to disappoint my family -- and others close to me. I'm stressed.

It's a lot for me. I'm used to being a little more laissez faire with my life. I've always had the "twig in the river" mentality -- almost like fatalism -- where I go where life takes me, I'll just be along for the ride. It worked out like that for a few years, in Seattle. I truly had a blast, lived it up, partied, and generally didn't pay any mind to where I was really going, or what I was going to do next. (Not that I did anything crazy, but I considered myself pretty happy-go-lucky as far as lifestyle went.) Then came Veronica. The twig entered the rapids.

I have to credit a couple of people in my life who have blessed me with advice (you all know who you are). They've provided me with much-needed insight into myself, my feelings, my relationships -- family-related and otherwise -- and into life in general. I can't afford to live like I used to, they say. I have entered a stage where I have to man up and actually be responsible, not just for my own life but for the lives of the people involved in ours. No more half-trying. No more messing around. For this, I have to thank all of you. Your words will not go unheard.

It's funny how half of me found this advice hard to swallow. Half of me wanted to keep floating. But I know I can't.

I need it to keep raining.

Speaking of Seattle, I'm headed up there for about a week for Spring Break. However, regular updates of Perpetual Mixtape will continue. I'm cool like that. I think.

Raw Fish FTW!

In anticipation of all the unagi, maguro and sake I'm going to be devouring during my upcoming trip to Seattle, I've been playing Sushi Cat. From the description:

Sushi Cat is lonely. Lonely and very hungry. Help Sushi Cat out by guiding him to as much sushi as possible. Watch him grow fat as he eats more and more sushi along his way. Fill up his belly to win.

Looks like my kind of game. Basically you're walking (rolling?) along when you spot this fine honey in the shop window:

It's business time.

In an effort to win her heart, you somehow have to go through scenarios where all you do is EAT SUSHI:

om nom nom

Get a full belly on each level, and you bear witness to a crazy sushi fireworks display:

Sushi Frenzy!

Don't do like I did, though, and bounce around gobbling so much sushi that I couldn't fit in between the obstacles and was doomed to kind of roll gelatinously around forever:

DOOMED

See kids? Portion control is your friend. Yeah, that's not good. Whimsical and funny as hell though -- a good 15-minute Plinko-clone time-waster. Aaaand I'm really hungry now. Enjoy.

Retail Therapy 002: Goorin Brothers | Duckbills.

I have an ongoing love affair with hats. I, like millions of other kids, used to rock the prerequisite baseball cap back in high school and thought nothing else of it other than a way to 1) rep a sports team and 2) not do my hair. Then came college and the real world, and my hat collection expanded exponentially to include not only beanies/skullies, but fedoras, newsboy caps and duckbills (which are my most recent obsession). Every few weeks I'd go somewhat out of my way to buy lids with new tasteful patterns and colors -- not to mention being on the receiving end of the occasional wonderful gift. Currently I have a decent-sized collection including items from English Laundry, Triple 5 Soul and other quality brands.

However, hats made by Goorin Brothers remain my all-time favorites. I'd usually pick up a new Goorin hat every time I visited an Urban Outfitter, and they have never disappointed me with the fit and style. Their designs are understated and classy. I was extra amped when I found out that they have an actual shop in the U-District in Seattle! I now have an additional stop to make during my visit to Washington in about a week :)

Browsing their site, these are the duckbills that caught my eye:

"Lost Crown"
The contrast of the design is striking.
I like the juxtaposition of the pinstripes
with the organic, flowing vine-like shapes.


"Peyton"
A dope purple-and-green combo in a
"soft and colorful custom tweed." This looks
sharp, stylish and super-comfortable.


"Bethany"
This one really seems smooth and solid,
with an inviting texture and classy color.
Thumbs up to the castle logo on the side too.

Ah man, these just look so freaking freshhhh. I don't usually get excited about clothes, but hey I just love hats. Hopefully the Seattle store has at least one of these in stock; I'll have to treat myself to a small birthday present!

Throwback Week Part 05: An Untitled Blog Entry.

This entry was written on 17 August 2000, almost a decade ago, soon after I moved to Seattle. This fall I'll basically be reenacting the move -- definitely older and hopefully a little wiser. Thanks for bearing with me during Throwback Week; my tests are over and regular blogging will resume shortly.

A little more than a week ago I moved into my new home, in a suburb south of Seattle. I've spent the last few days finally settling in and taking stock of my surroundings. I think I've chosen a nice place to live for the next couple of years or so -- the weather so far's been great, and as hard as it may be to believe I am anticipating the coming of rain here in the Northwest. I think I'm just looking forward to experiencing autumn, my favorite season, in a new place for the first time in about eleven years.

Throughout college and even a year after, I have lived with roommates, whether they were family members or close friends. During my freshman year I dormed with a guy I knew from high school. After that I lived with my brother and a good friend for three or four years in a condominium. Finally, at 24, I'm living by myself, although it took moving halfway across the continent to do it.

As with most other things in life, there are pros and cons to having an apartment to oneself. The most obvious advantage is that I can do whatever the hell I want when I want to do it without having to worry about disturbing someone else. Many a time before, I have wandered into the living room of my old condo to pop some CDs in the stereo only to discover my brother endlessly immersed in SportsCenter or a roommate throwing darts. The fridge here is completely and unquestionably mine, which is a peculiar pleasure -- I guess the simple idea of having my own refrigerator is new and agreeable to me. None of that "third shelf is mine, second is yours and we'll share the bottom one for beer" stuff (although I never had problems staking or invading fridge territory -- I had the good fortune of living with cool people). The bathroom, as well, is my property. If you've ever lived with roommates you've probably fought for counter space and spots in the medicine cabinet. Here I can spread my stuff all over and no one will care. Joyous! Household chores will never be delegated and ultimately forgotten (I have a thing about watering the houseplants every Sunday). Videos will be viewed at my convenience, and I'll never have to wait in line for the shower or use of the stove. Hey. I can even leave the bathroom door open.

Of course, you can probably figure out the most obvious downside to living alone, and it's that you're alone. There is nothing quite like coming home into a semi-noisy house, where someone's watching syndicated shows on USA or whipping up ghetto ramen noodles. There is nothing like staying up at unholy hours trying to beat a video game with a roommate, or having one of those late night conversations that seem rational at the time; it's only the day after that we look back and remark "What a weird-ass conversation we had last night. Let's go get something to eat." It's something I miss a lot now that I'm by myself, and it will be a long time before that feeling comes back.

I guess this entry is dedicated not only to my former roommates, but to every one who used to drop by the crib, whether at 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning, for no other reason than to simply hang out, argue, laugh, eat, party or say goodbye. I hate to sound melodramatic, but I do miss you guys and sometimes I think it would be nice to have any of you here. With that said, someone better come up to visit me soon. That way we can stay up talking, and the next day laugh and say "Let's get something to eat."

Midterms & Travel Plans.

It's hard to believe the middle of the semester is already here ... Kinda scary/exciting, actually. Got a Pathology midterm this week, plus quite a bit of writing and critiquing for my Composition course. Then I'll be flying up to Seattle near the end of the week for a few days to celebrate my baby girl's third birthday ... so I'll be MIA for a minute.

Stay warm.

Uh Oh.

Throat's a little scratchy and I'm a bit congested and spaced-out, so here's the arsenal for the next couple of days:

• Tamiflu
• Airborne
• Lysine
• Zyrtec
• Vitamin C

I'll be in Seattle next weekend so I can't get sick. I CANNOT GET SICK.

Eight Years Later.

As if you needed any kind of reminder, today marks the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.  Like billions of other people, I can clearly remember what I was doing and where I was when I found out about the tragedy. I've never really written about it before (although I've alluded to the experience in past journal entries) so personally this will be a fresh look at that day.

That particular Tuesday started out routinely, a typical workday morning in Seattle.  I've never made it a habit to turn on the TV while getting ready, so I possessed no knowledge of what had already happened -- Wikipedia marks the beginning of the attacks at 8:46am Eastern, while I was still asleep on the West Coast. My bus stop was only a block away from the apartment, and I took my place in line with fellow commuters waiting for the 941 to swing by. I must've been switching out CDs in my Discman when I heard two women saying something about "a plane hitting the World Trade Center in New York." I don't think they had much information on it, that maybe it was a terrible accident, but was most likely a terrorist attack. The 941 came, and the ride downtown on I-5 was abuzz with passengers talking about the event.

An ugly knot began growing in my stomach. By the time I got to work, I felt like throwing up: My brother Jose and Mike, a mutual friend, were visiting New York for the week, and from previous conversations with them I'd known that the Towers were on their list of Things To Visit In NYC. Yeah you can probably tell where this is going. I became increasingly distressed and focused on nothing but getting to a TV and trying to get more details, but unfortunately there were no televisions in the office. I had to resort to refreshing news websites constantly for the tiniest scrap of new information; I must have pressed the Redial button on my cell a hundred times to try to get through the jammed airwaves. No dice.

I remember leaning against a wall in the hallway outside of my office after another futile attempt at calling, fearing the worst. My boss tried to give me some words of comfort, but of course my imagination ran rampant and crippled my mind. The photos of explosions, smoldering wreckage and terrified faces on the news sites didn't help things at all.

No one in the company worked that day. My concentration was completely shot. I remember one co-worker in particular who was especially shook; she worked the early shift and had just finished talking to a client in New York. Needless to say, she (and half of the office staff) went back home not long after they arrived. Payroll was due on Tuesdays so my boss and I were obligated to get that job done, but it took us three times as long to finish and I got nothing else accomplished that day. I was numb.

I was finally able to get through to my mom that afternoon. To my immense, intense relief, she assured me that Jose and Mike were fine and safe at my uncle's house; that they hadn't even had breakfast yet when the first plane struck.

Was it fate? Divine intervention? Hell, the fact that my brother hates getting up early? I look back and have no idea. But the feeling that I got at that time can only be described as blessed. It was very strange, and left me empty and full at the same time.

And I could breathe again.

As you know, the whole world changed at that point. Even now, eight years later -- when Ground Zero is being rebuilt and repurposed into a place even greater than it once was, when we have long been accustomed to long airport security lines and putting our toothpaste into clear plastic bags, when our military presence in the Middle East has overstayed its welcome -- even now, the personal impact of that day still twists my stomach and clouds my brow. I was blessed. I could have lost someone, and I didn't.

But thousands of other families did. I can only imagine what they went through then, and what they are still going through now, so today my thoughts and prayers go out to them.

In Memoriam: 11 September 2001.