Maki MIA & Back For Good...

Heeeyyyyyy!!! How are you, everyone?????

I am alive (just in case if you're wondering...) - I think I was away from you for more than five days???? Wow. Well, I have many things to talk about and this post is going to be looooong! Are you ready?

So, my BFF K's birthday party was a huge success, but the aftermath brought me a horrific headache for several days. I thought I was going to die!! But I really, really had a blast with all my friends. I am going to be honest, we didn't take many photos because we're way too busy drinking (sigh) and drinking and more drinking! Ha!


First two photos were taken before going out at my BFF K's house. Then the third photo was taken in the bathroom at the bar we went. Truthfully, I don't remember taking this photo.. LOL.
Also, we danced to some great music - my husband and B-I-L also were dancing, so it must have been a great night.. One of the songs that we danced to was "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga. The DJ did an awesome job spinning and the beat was awesome in the club and made the song so much better hearing it than on radio!!! Listen it here


On Saturday, as I suffered from a severe headache (which lasted two long days by the way), I laid on the couch and watched HBO Original movie, "Taking Chance"...You all HAVE to see this movie!!!! The film is based on a true story about an officer escorting the remain of a Marine to his hometown.This movie truly touched my heart to the core. It will move you if you see it....
As of today, 4884 U.S. service men and women have dedicated their lives for Operation Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom. click herefor more info.

4884...

When their remains are brought back to the U.S., they are carefully prepared by military morticians. Then military memebers get detail instructions to escort their remains to their hometown. In this movie, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (played by Kevin Bacon) volunteers to escort 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps'.

During this trip, Strobl witnesses and encounters many compassionate and kind citizens who want to show their gratitude and respect towards the fallen Marine. Nothing dramatic happens in this movie, but the whole story delivers the most important message without even trying; how horrible war is and how sad that we've lost thousands and thousands of young solders and marines during this long war....

Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps' story represents over four thousands men and women's lives and their families sorrow. The coffins covered by American flags - many and many of them fly back to the U.S. everyday. And it is truly heartbreaking...

But I am glad that I got to see this movie and I strongly believe every single citizen in this country should and must see it.
Trailer.



On Sunday, I enjoyed watching "Oscars 09" --- Did you watch it? Did you enjoy it?
I always enjoy looking at the gowns and tuxes that all the actresses and actors wear for the fun occation.
I thought this year they did a wonderful job summoning the past award winners to announce the supporting and leading role nominees and presenting the awards. My favorite part was the Best Actor segment because my favorite De Niro talked about my another favorite actor Sean Penn. The movie they did together in the past, "We're No Angles" is so good!!! I love it.

Anyway, I am happy Sean Penn won the Best Actor. I love his wife Robin Wright - she is beautiful. Remember when she said, 'Run Forrest, Ruuuuunnnn!!"? They've been through a lot, even getting a divorce only to get reconcile... Their bond is so strong...

And there is Brangelina.. One of my favorite couples in Hollywood. They are so gorgeous together. Many of you already know how much I love them as couple. Read my old post if you're interested and you'll know why...

I do think though, Brad was looking old that night - was it because of his beard or his new role that he's playing?? But still, he is beautiful.. (big sigh..)



But today, I want to say how much I love seeing Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer together as couple. John Mayer is one of my favorite singers (Do you realize I have way too many favorites? LOL). I have all his CD's. I don't care what other people say, but I love his music. He is funny and I secretly follow two of his blogs... And I must admit, I really thought Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer were really cute together at the Oscars.

Yes, Brandgelina is gorgeous, but I really thought Jen and John were charming together, too! John Mayer is pretty funny guy and I think he's good for Jen. She needs someone who can make her laugh and happy... Well, filling Brad's shoes is kind of big, but I hope he can do it!





Really cute photo!!!

I hope they'll last!!!

Hope all is well with you!!

xoxo
Maki

It's Party Time!!!

Today is my BFF K's 29th birthday (actually it was on the 17th, but we're celebrating tonight).


She wants to go out for a quick bite and a drink first just with me. I am her date tonight.

Then after that, my husband and some of our friends will join us... It's going to be a fun night and I can't wait!! Sometimes, Mama gotta have some fun too, you know?

I will take some photos and hopefully to post them this weekend.
Have a fabulous Friday and weekend, my lovelies!!!

xoxo
Maki

This Is Your First and Last Chance...

To see me without makeup or any kind of primping... I'm doing this because I love Mama Kat so much.. It's all her fault. She always brings the best out of me....

Today I picked the prompt #2:

"Take a picture of yourself right this minute without primping and explain to us why it is you have not washed your hair today."

Seriously, it is time for me to bare it all to you guys, right - this is the real Maki! So ZEXY isn't she?? That's why this is your first and the last time to see me without the makeup... I can totally see my true age and it's not pretty. You see the dark spots? Wrinkles? Ewww.

I took this photo 15 minutes before midnight - ahem...what's my daughter doing up this late??? Well, she took a nap very, very late and she's wide awake!!

Anyway..

I so did not wash my hair because it was my day off and I didn't feel the need to get pretty. All I want was to relax and washing my hair or putting makeup was the least thing I needed to worry. I am going to clean myself up tomorrow morning before going to work...

Also, this is my first - I picked second prompt. This is your lucky day! Wooo Hooo!

For my second prompt, I picked #1.

"If you were starring on American Idol TONIGHT and HAD to sing, what song would you choose and why."

I talked about my love for singing. I love to sing. I don't care if I am good or horrible. I just love to sing. If I were starring on American Idol tonight and had to sing, I would definitely pick the song, "It's My Life", "Underneath It All" or "Don't Speak" by No Doubt.


No Doubt is definitely one my favorite bands - it has to do a lot with the generation I was in when I listened to their music. I was in my twenties living in Hawaii. No Doubt career peaked in 90's ~ early 2000's and I had the time of my life during those years.

How cool is it to be the only girl in the band, surrounded by the cool boys? It's awesome to be Gwen Stefani!

I haven't gone to Karaoke since I moved to Florida, but I used to sing No Doubt everytime I went to the Karaoke bars with my hubs and friends in Hawaii. So enjoy the songs I used to torture my friends and strangers with.



The real video clip for Underneath It All

When A Man Loses His Mind

It is no secret that my husband and I love watching DL - "The Late Show with David Letterman" together. There is nothing funner (really?) and relaxing than sitting in front of the tv, eating ice cream while watching and laughing to Top 10 list or DL's conversation with his guests.

BUT.

Last week was different. DL had Joaquin Phoenix as his guest, and..... It was so awkward. I was totally shocked! I knew Joaquin has retired from acting and growing his hair and beard to rap. Okay, I take that back. He's not growing his hair to rap - He just decided to become a musician. Which is totally fine by me. Feel free and have a blast!

The thing is, he was soo bizarre, I didn't even know if I should laugh or angry or feel sorry. He has changed and I am kind of sad about this because I really like Joarquin. I have seen many of his films before and I truly adore him. It's something about him that always drew me to see his films. He always looks kind of sad. It seems he could never get over his brother River's death.

If you've seen him in previous DL's show or on Oprah which I digged some up from Youtube, you can totally see how different he's become.

This is him On Oprah.

Or arm wrestling with Kelly Ripa. He's so sweet..:(


And this is Joaquin two years ago on DL


Then Joaquin last week...


I can't bring myself to watch the last DL clip because it is so painful to see him like that. People, do you think Tom Cruise went nuts a few years ago??? He is nothing compare to Joaquin. I truly believe Joaquin is a very talented actor and I just hope that this is some mid-life crisis (pretty bad one) and he bring himself back to the normalcy. He may just wake up one morning and says, "Gosh, what was I thinking???" I hope that happens soon...

- Awesome movie!





And I truly would have loved to see his brother River acting still today...

A Little More About Maki...

Many of you already know that I've been in a bit of blogging funk. But enough is enough. I need to snap out of it. It's time for me to get back to the fun although I still need to prioritize things first, like blogging comes after taking care of my family affair.

Anyway...

I was paying my daily visit to my lovely LBluca77 and found she was playing this ABC game a few weeks back. So, I decided to participate and I'm doing it finally!!!

The Rule:

"If you also want to play the game, leave a comment on this post and I will assign you a letter. You then write about 10 things you love that begin with the letter and post them on your blog. When people comment on your posted list, you give them a letter and the chain continues on and on. "

LBluca gave me "S", so here goes....

1. Sushi/Seafood

I don't know about you, but I love raw fish. Yep, Sushi or Sashimi. I am from Japan, so I grew up eating them since I was little. I can't get enough!!! Name a few interesting things I love to eat: Squid, Octopus, Eel and Sea Orchin. I know, I know. I can hear you say, "Ewwww!" LOl. But hey, I love all the other stuff, too, like Fatty Tuna, Snapper and fresh Salmon.

Also, I love Seafood. When I go out to eat, I usually order seafood on the menu. I love Shrimp, Lobster, Crab and all sorts of fish. I am so happy that I am Japanese where our culture is about eating fish/seafood. I feel so fortunate!!! What about you guys? Do you like it?

2. Sun

I love being in the sun. I am fully aware it is not good for you. Definitely it can kill your skin. But I don't care. I put sunblock and off I go!!! When I see the sunlight shine through the window, I feel so happy. You know the song by Sherryl Crow. {Soak up the sun}? That's exactly how I feel when I am in the sun. Oh, the video is filmed on the North Shore of Oahu, HI.

3. Silly People {that includes me}

I believe in silliness. I love people who know how to smile and laugh and I can say that I am a goof and silly gal. I find happiness in making jokes and making other people laugh. I love silly people and smile is a good medicine!!!

4. Sorbet

I love sorbet, especially during summer. I feel so refreshed!! I love rasberry and peach sorbet. They are simply yummy and pretty to look at...

5. Singing

Ahem... don't we all love to sing? I mean, don't you sing in the shower? I do!!! I am no American Idol, but I find joy in singing. Just give me a microphone and you will find me singing out loud in the Karaoke bar and torturing the people. LOL. But it is definitely a great way to relieve my stress!!!

6. Surf

I have spent good amount of youth in Hawaii. And if you live in Hawaii, you learn how to spend time with the ocean. I am not talking about laying on the beach, but really learn how to enjoy the ocean by surfing. I used to do boogie board and long board. I love the feeling of waves surrounding myself and splashing water all over my face and body. It is just great feeling!!

My oldest daughter Ju Ju has already gone to bodysurf with her daddy past summer. She had the floaties around her arms and caught tiny, tiny waves. I would love for both of my girls to be able to surf and be the ROXY girls. LOL.

7. Surfer on Acid

Sounds like I'm talking about Rave and tripping on something funny. But I am talking about my favorite drink or shoud I say shot? When I go out, I usually just do shots (90% of time) because I can't hold a drink for longer than 10 minutes. My hand gets tired and my patience runs out eventually, so I much rather do shots and get it over with. And it's the best and fastest way to get wasted! (just kidding!)

8. Shoes

Who doesn't love shoes? I mean, don't we all love shoes? I think I can never have enough shoes. My wish list goes on and on forever and endless. I want every single colors and designs of heels, flats and flip flops.

9. Shopping

Guity as charged!! I burned my credit cards before. I swear, I will never do it again. But, I still love going to nice stores and buy some things for myself or my girls or my husband....

10. Sleep

I could care less when I was in twenties. I had no problem going to work after getting only 3 - 4 hours sleep after a fun night. But now? Oh, I will be so grouchy and tired if I don't get enough sleep. I need at least 6 hours which I haven't had it for a while. No wonder why I'm in a funk. I am hoping to get back to my routine and get my brian a good rest!

So that is it - I hope you enjoyed learning about me a little more than yesterday...

Oh, before I forget, I need to thank all of you who have given me the awards!! That's right. I have recieved another wonderful awards from my lovely bloggy friends. And it's not only one, but four of them!!! Thanks Girlies, I am so honored and I feel so much love from you -- Every single one of them means so much to me because it's the symbol that you thought of me. I will heart them:)


***BakerGirl gave me an award a few weeks ago. Thanks honey!! You're one of my oldest blogging friend - I love you!!!

The Guidelines:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who granted it to you, along with his/her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you feel are worthy of this recognition. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen as recipients.
Now, 15 people is kind of a lot --- so why don't I give this award to anyone who wants it? Take it, my girlies and enjoy it!!!

***my newest lovely-blogging friends - lovely freeTEYme and gorgeous Elizabeth Marie gave me this fabulous award!! Both of their blogs are fabulous with full of candies! Woo Hoo! Thanks so much, sweeties! You both rock!!!

I'll pass this award to the two of my new blogging friends... MICHELL and Dionne They are both lovely ladies and I love their style!!!


***{Diamond}gave me this award - Mom of the Year!!! Aww this award makes me cry! Thank you so much honey!!! I love you!!!

The rules for this award are, as follows:
1) Admit that ONE thing you feel awful about involving being a mom. Get it off your shoulders. Once you've written it down, you are NO LONGER allowed to feel bad. It's over with, it's in the past. Remember, you're a good mom!

I feel awful when I lose my cool with my daughters. I try to be calm and firm, but some times, I find myself raising my voice to my little ones. I hate myself for it. And I am trying my hardest to be level headed.

2)To remind yourself that you ARE a good mom, list SEVEN things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you. These are the things to remind yourself of EVERY DAY that you rock!

I love...1. their smile. 2. dancing with them. 3. cooking with them. 4. praying and laying bed next to them. 5. hearing them say, "I love you, mommy!" out of the blue. 6. smelling their hair. 7. both of them to death.

3)Send this to FIVE other Moms of the Year that deserve forgiveness and a reminder that they, too, are the best moms they can be!!! Remember to send them a note to let them know you've selected them, and add a link to the person who nominated you!"

Well, instead of five, I am giving it to eight moms!!!
1. merc3069
2. Carrin
3. NeedSleepy
4. kathy
5. Jenn
6. V
7. Sara
8. Penz

NeedSleepy gave me two awards!!! Actually she gave me the triple award a while back, and... I forgot to accept it. Sorry, girl! But now I'm accepting both and putting them up all together!!! She is such a sweetheart - I love you, woman!


I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day - have a fabulous Monday!!!!
XOXO

Sincere Gratitude...

As you know, I'd been kind of lazy for posting my daily blog. It has to do a lot with me working (well, it's only a part time, but everyday), raising kids (yep, every moms do it) and trying to begin my new career all at the same time. Oh! And don't forget about JT not having a job!!! Sometimes, it totally overwhelms me. And I have been really scared to tell you the truth. As we all are in this bad economy (I don't think using the words "bad economy" do any justice. It's far more worth!), I just am not sure what could happen tomorrow...

But, I just wanted to tell you something: JT got a new job yesterday!!!! He received a phone call yesterday afternoon right before I went to work that he got the job and he's starting today!!!

I first jumped on him, then hugged him and started to cry. It has been the longest two months of my life... We never know what's going to happen again, but right now I'm grateful that in this bad economy and after my husband's going to so many job interviews with unseccessful results, he was able to work again. It's a blessing!!! I am a little more hopeful than yesterday. Although I know it's not going to be easy and quick, but I hope things will get better...

So, I want to thank all of you who have been cheering me from the day one when JT lost the job and telling me that things will be okay. Thank you so, very much for being there for me. And thank you so much for being a good friend.

Love you guys and I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day with the people you love!!!!

xoxo

I Am Sorry...

I am a slacker... I am supposed to post some stuff on my blog for the past few weeks: I've been tagged by Taraand I've wanted to play this game that LBluca was doing and she even has given me the instruction. I also have been given two awards by BakerGirl and freeTEYme and yet to post them. I'm doing it, but it's been a very slow process. I know, I know, I'm a loser... But, I am tired! I am exhausted.... I am sooooo a zombie right now.

My dear friends - Please help me? What would you do to break from a blogging funk and non-stop exhaustion?

The Original "He's Just Not That Into You"

So, my dear girlies, are you excited about the movie, "He's just not that into you"?

I must admit, I haven't read the book. I somehow never wanted to read the self-help book which was going to tell me all the men that I'd dated were just not that into me. Or I didn't like to categorize all the guys into one book. There might be some truth to it, but I've always believed that every relationships is different, therefore the outcome would be different in the end.

But I just want to talk about the guy who started it all: Jack Berger (Ron Livingston) on Sex and the City.

I've worshiped "Sex and the City" since day one, when the first seriese came out. When Carrie met Berger (Season 5) and started dating him (Season 6), they went out to meet her friends for the first time. Miranda was seeing this guy and she wasn't sure if the guy liked her or not (the guy canceled the first date on her), so she asked Berger man's opinion. Berger told her, "I am sorry, he is just not that into you..., " and he went on to explain why he thinks the guy was not into her. Miranda listened to Berger's advise and later told the guy, "It's okay, I understand, you are just not into me..." with a huge smile. Well, it turned out the guy was really sick, that's why he couldn't make it to the date. Yep, he was into her! See what happens when you listen to guys? They have no clue and they are so not good with advise! LOL. Do you remember that episode, my friends??? I really liked him except the part when he said goodbye to Carrie via Post-It note while she was asleep. Sad:(

Anyway, the book, "He's Just Not That Into You" was written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo (the writer for Sex and the City ) which became a huge hit.... I am sure it has helped a lot of women who just didn't know what to do with their relationships/men, but confused them at the same time... My motto: Follow your heart even when you might cry in the end....

Although I will never read the book, I am thinking about going to see the movie with my girlfriends next week. I love chick-flick, especially a cute story like this one. And, one of my favorite actress Jeniffer Connelly is in it. She is so beautiful!!!