My Husband Is....

I don't meant to talk about Christian Bale or movies all the time, but hear me out.

JT and I went out for a few drinks Saturday night with his younger brother and some friends. And some of us were talking about the movies we'd seen lately, so I said out loud, "Terminator Salvation!!!" Everybody asked me if I liked it, so I told them that although it was not as great as I exected to be, I still enjoyed it.

Now, my husband who was standing next to me had a lot to say about my comment.

JT: "Oh Maki, give me a break. It wasn't a good movie at all. You are just saying it because you're in love with Christain, whatever the guy's name is..."
Me: "Christian Bale..?"
JT: "Yeah, whatever, Christian Bale. He was horrible and he killed that movie. You know it."
Me: "What? Really, do you believe that? I thought the movie wasn't that bad. I'm just being honest..."
JT: "Oh you know.. You always talk about Christian Bale on your blog. Your credibility is totally shut because your review is totally based on your infatuation with him..."
Me: "Are you reading my blog when I am not around? Wait, are you being jealous that I love Christian Bale? Honey, is that why you didn't like the movie????"
JT: ".......... (big pause), Hey, has anyone seen Star Trek yet???"

JT is so cute sometimes... LOL. I believe I always give fair movie reviews - I do not judge movies based on my favorite actors. Just saying...


I had two Heineken that night. And this has been one of my favorite commercial at the moment.
How cool would it be to have a cab driver like the old uncle in this CM? I totally dig this commercial - don't drink and drive, everybody!!!

Tomorrow is my Ju Ju's graduation from pre-school!!!! I can't believe it!

Dance Dance Dance & Salvation Review

Before I begin my main post today, I want all of you to take a look at this clip. I was watching one of my husband's favorite TV show, PTI (Pardon the Interruption) with him on Tuesday evening and we saw this dance off between USF vs. UCONN. Apparently, the game was delayed due to the rain, some of the players from both teams started dancing and it turned out to be a huge dance off. And it is really FUNNY!!!

As they said on PTI, the college baseball teams and its coach members are known to be very strict and they wouldn't let their players to have too much fun prior to the games even during rain delay. However, the coaches from both USF and UCONN let their players enjoy and have their moments. This clip is truly hilarious and gives you some sense of what a good sportsmanship really means. And I thought to myself, if I ever have a baby boy in the future, I would love for him to grow up to be just like those young college kids who know how to dance and how to make people laugh. I hope you get a good laugh watching this clip as much as JT and I did.


Now to the main post today. JT and I went to see {Terminator Salvation} and my honest opinion.... I liked it. I didn't love it, but I thought it was okay. As I've seen all the Terminator Trilogy and I enjoyed every single one of them, I think this Salvation could be the least favorite. I am still on the fense about it; I may have to see it again to really decide whether I dig this film.

Don't get me wrong, I think there are many amazing scenes and special effects and many parts that I liked and enjoyed which made me sit through the whole movie. But I think something was missing and I can't quite figure out what it is that's missing. I think movie had way too much of actions and not a whole lot of storyline. And I like storyline with great action scenes.

I must say, Christian Bale was gorgeous to look at, but his acting in this movie was okay. I think he was better in his other movie {3:10 to Yuma}, but still, he totally had me as John Connor and I am happy that he played the role.

One of the good surprises in this film was the newest type of Terminator, Marcus Wright played by Sam Worthington. I thought Marcus Wright might outplayed John Connor. His presense made the movie so much better and add more story to the film. I really enjoyed seeing this guy. Somehow Terminator films make me cry in the end and this one did make me cry again in the end, too.

Again, this movie was good, just not awesome which was a bit disappointing to say, but I am just being honest. Now, let's review four gorgeous people whom I couldn't stop stare..

Christian Bale & Sam Worthington (I must say my mouth was half open most of the time when they appeared on screen)

Sam Wortington & Christian Bale

Moon Bloodgood plays Blair Williams
She was so pretty and HOT!!



Bryce Dallas Howard plays John Connor's wife, Kate Connor.
Her eyes totally amazes me..



I did love and enjoy to see all these four actors/actresses play their roles - they did great job. And you know, I always love looking at beautiful people, both men and women...
So, my dearies, have you seen Terminator Salvation yet?

P.S. I Love You....

I love movies. I love to watch movies, especially when I am feeling blue because it gives me a brief opportunity to escape from a reality that may eating away at me at times. It's sort of therapeutic.

Anyway, I jsut finished watching "P.S. I Love You" on Demand and this movie totally shook me and touched me to the core. I am sure many of you have seen it already. I somehow didn't bother to see it before because I didn't like the preview. But I was flipping through my Fios' movie listing and decided to see it because JT is still workinga and our daughters are already in bed. And oh boy, I could not stop crying... My eyes are totally puffy and look horrible right now! LOL.

This movie trully has showed me how wonderful and special it is to love and being loved; how fortunate it is to have someone you love is healthy and well; how beautiful and deep one person's love can be; and how important it is to make sure the person you love knows that you love her/him. Yes, it's just a movie, it's fictional, but also this film was so real to me. (Maybe it has a lot to do with JT became ill a while back or his uncle passing away, too and celebrating Memorial Day)

I would never wish upon a thousand stars to lose my husband before his time nor my husband does for me. But I truly hope that me and JT know that we both love each other and will be able to leave something behind for each other to stand strong.

Gosh, this movie totally wrecked me in a great way.... I think I'm just babbling. I am sorry!!!

JT and I are going to see much anticipated {Terminator Salvation} tomorrow!

So, ladies and gentlemen - what is your favorite love romance film???

I hope all of you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend...

10 Things I Am Sick Of.

It's been a while since I did a prompt by Kathy at Mama's Losin' It. But I thought I should let out all of my frustrations that have built up for the past several months. This may get ugly, but I don't care. Are you ready everyone??? Here is the list of 10 things that I currently sick of...

1. This fu*@in' economy!! I am tired of hearing all the bad news - it's everywhere. People losing jobs, houses and health care... I'm sick of it. We have to find a way to get out of this mess, together! ASAP!

2. I am sick of one of my co-workers. I'm tired of hearing the way she talks to people. She does not know how to talk to anyone. She has no respect and she thinks she knows everything. We have this new kid who just started working for the salon and she treats him a like a slave. I feel terrible and the last time I heard her talking to the new guy, I told her to speak to him with respect. I won't have none of that. I.am.sick.of.her...

3. I'm sick of people who use others for their own advances. Yep. There are so many of them, I can't count with my two fingers...

4. I'm sick of the of crap on the grass at our condo because of all those irresoponsible dog owners. My husband talked about it at the home owner's meeting. We have been watching outside carefully. JT found this chic letting her big dog taking crap and tried to walk away, he said, "Hey, are you cleaning up after your dog????" The girl's reply was, "Oh, are we supposed to?" - Ding Dong, stupid woman. We were speechless. JT pointed to the stand that has plastic bags for dogs. "They are not there for no reason, has a purpose for it. Pick it up!!" - she's been cleaning it up since. I know there are more, we have to find every single person and send letters.

5. My bad luck for the past few months. I am getting sick of it. I am hoping it'll get better as soon as June arrives. I hope so. I mean, it has to get better. Otherwise.. I don't know what to do...

6. Paris Hilton. Do I need to explain why?

7. All of the Real Housewives series. I am tired of seeing those women on TV. Actually I have watched only one show a looong time ago and I had to change the channel. They make me gag. They are so shallow. Too shallow. And I'm tired of all the viewers who watch their shows to make them believe they are celebrity. I am so sick of those housewives.

8. "Kate and Jon plus 8" - I'm sick of them. Actually, I am sick of Kate. I used to love that show. I thought they are such a lovely couple. But after years of being in the spotlight, I guess it's fair to say that Kat turn into a bitch. She was here in my town SRQ for her book signing. And she was mean. I know from a fact. She was not nice person at all... Her career is over.


9. I am sick of being away from my parents in Japan and sister and friends in Hawaii. I know there is nothing I can do about it right now, but I'm homesick. I want all of us to live in the same place, like the island on ABC{Lost}.

10. I am sick of being sick about all these stuff. I am a happy person. At least I am trying to be. And it amazes me that I could find 10 things that I am sick of. That's... wow! But I feel kind of better now. I realize I am no saint. But I am full of Love!



So let me close this post by thanking all my friends who read my blog and always leave me kind comments. I am thankful for my husband and my daughters who fill my life with joy. My life may not be perfect, but alomost perfect. I am grateful.

Do you have anything that you're sick of? Do you have it? Then let them all out!!! I am listening!

Our Little Brave Heart

This is our Soapy. She has wanted her ears pierced for the past several weeks.

When I had my two daughters, I had tough time deciding when to have their ears pierced. Many people told me it's best to have them done when they are an infant and if not, wait until they are 8 or 9. When I missed the opportunity to have my girls pierced when they were baby, I honestly thought that they're not going to get their ears pierced until they become teenager.

But oh boy, was I wrong or what?

"Can I get my ears pierced, Mommy?" - that's what Soapy has asked me non-stop, whenever she had chance. I told her it's going to hurt her. But no, she insists she wants it, NOW!

So, my husband and I along with Soapy and her older sister JuJu went to the mall. When we arrived at Claire's, it was 1:20pm. I talked to an employee that my daughter wants her ears pierced. I asked if there is another person who can assist her, so both ears get pierced at the same time. The lady said that another girl supposed to show up at 3:30pm IF she is not late.... She agreed it's better she has another girl to do my daughter's both ears because if she does it alone, we might not be able to get Soapy's both ears pierced. So we decided to walk around and have some late lunch.

We got back to the store a little past 3:30pm. The lady said that the other employee is running late, stuck in traffic. Okay. We talked to Soapy if she wanted to wait or come back for another day. Her answer was of course, she wanted to wait.

4pm - no sign of the employee. The lady told me she's going to call the girl to see how long it would take her to get to the mall. JT was getting antsy and started to say that we should definitely come back because he wouldn't want anyone to mess up Soapy's ears. Now Soapy wouldn't want to leave, no matter what. 4:30pm, as I was trying to convice Soapy to go home because it's getting really late, we saw the girl finally walked in to the store....

Now, the lady asked me to go over the waiver and sign the paperwork. Soapy picked the crystal 14k gold earings. JT and I both asked her it's going to hurt a bit and made sure that's what she wanted to do. She nodded and said, "I want it..."

Two ladies standing in front of Soapy, the boss employee gave her a teddy bear to hold onto and I held her tiny hand... The lady said, "Are you ready? Count three... 3, 2, 1..."

The shock on Soapy's face was something I'll never forget. I think she didn't expect the pain. But she didn't cry. The tears overflow her tiny eyes, but she did everything she could to hold back the tears. Everything was done so quickly. I picked Soapy up from the chair and held her and said, "Soapy, it's okay if you want to cry. It's okay..." Soapy finally started to sob a bit, but never a scream. I could hear her tiny voice and the shoulder going up and down... It lasted probablly a minute or two, but that's it. The lady at the store was so amazed that she didn't cry so hard. After 3 hours at the mall - I think it was wroth the wait.

Now, where was her big sister Ju Ju who is 5??? She was behind her daddy's legs, peeking through what was happening to her little sister. We asked her if she wanted to do it, but she said, "NO! I am scared!" - hey, she is older than Soapy. If she could do it, Ju Ju should be able to do it, right??? But no, she was traumatized by the immunization six months ago when she had to have five shots in one day. She totally remembers the pain, so she aint having none of that. Although she was kind of tempted because those earings do look pretty. I told Ju Ju, she doesn't have to do anything that she feels uncomfortable. No peer pressure. She will know when she wants to do it.

So this was the story about our 3 year old daughter who is so brave; our little brave heart.

By the way, I'm planning to have two cartilage piercing - first time when I did it during my senior year in high school, it got infected, so I had to get rid of it. But this time I am hoping they will turn out fine.

So everyone, how old were you when you had your ears pierced for the first time? Do you have any piercing in a weird place???

Do You Like It Young?

Another Hollywood Couple whose wife is a lot older than husband.

The news at my salon this week is that my co-worker (another receptionist) C's mom got married. It's nice to know that C's mom found a new love at the age of 54. Everybody was so happy for C's mom and excited for C. But there is a little twist to the love story. C's stepdad is 37. Yes, you read me right. C's mom is 54 and her new husband is 37. 37!!! The guy is 17 years younger than C's mom. It's been funny experience for me to see all our client who are often older ladies go Goo Goo Gaa Gaa over C's mom's marriage. I bet they are jealous.

When C told me about her mom getting married, she was honestly happy for her mom. She said as long as the man treats her mom right and makes her happy, it doesn't bother her that her mom is marrying such a younger man. C said that her mom looks younger than her age and mom's new husband looks older than 37, so it evens out... Okay.... She often jokes, "I call him Daddy just to tease him." C is 27, so she could never call him Daddy for real.

I am a firm believer of love coquers everything. As long as you love one another, nothing matters. It's great that C's mom got it going and went for it. A lot of people including myself would hesitate marrying a guy who is 17 younger than her age. Wouldn't you??

Then, I thought about a post I did a while back. It's about these high school kids thought that I was hot. I am 35 and they are like 16 - 17.. Now I know I could never be with anyone who is so young (and oh, I'm already married, so I don't qualify for marrying another man, do I?), but it's interesting that some men do attracted to older lady. If you want to know what happened, read this post.


What about you beautiful? Would you like young boy or older man? If there is any male reader, would you like to date older woman? Also, what is the age limit for the guy you date? Mine would be: I could probably date 9 years senior or 8 years younger... My husband is 8 years older than me and thank God he looks young and acts young.


Hope you're having a great Sunday!!!

Heaven

My boss, his client and I were talking about life and death yesterday. My boss always says that he is not afraid of dying. Actually, he's looking forward to the after life. He believes in it. But his client was honest and said, "Oh I am the quite opposite. I am afraid of dying." Then she asked me, "How about you, Maki?"

My answer to the question was, "I am afraid of it, too..." and I am. Idealy, I would love to say that I am not. But I think I will never be comfortable saying that I am not afraid of dying until I know I've lived my life to fullest. I have two young children who need me. I want to watch them grow up, fall in love and maybe get married and have children. Yes, I would definitely want to be part of that. So, I still get nervous when I think about my own death. But at the same time, I know I shouldn't be....



After coming back from work, I was bathing the girls last night when my oldest Ju Ju asked me out of the blue, "Mommy, how come eveybody wants to go to Heaven?" I had to think for a good minute and still didn't know how to answer to her question...

As you many know that JT's uncle passed away last week. But before his passing, we've also lost several family members and a friend in past two years. She knows because we've always told her about it, saying that they went to Heaven.

When JT's grandma passed away two years ago, Ju Ju was 3 years old and Sophia was only 10 month old. We flew in from Hawaii to Florida when we heard the news that gram had a massive stroke. I still remember we visited her in the hospital while she was still conscious and the look of disbried on her face; she couldn't believe she's seeing our faces... JT and I went into the room first with Soapy who was still a tiny baby. Then we asked JT's mom to come in who was waiting outside of the room with Ju Ju - Mom wanted to make sure Ju Ju wouldn't get scared of seeing sick great-grandma... We had Ju Ju sit on the bed when she said, "Hi Andma... (that's how she called her great-grandma)" I could see a true joy in grandma's face - she couldn't talk, but she was so happy to see Ju Ju's face. Ju Ju was touching her andma's hand and kissing her hand. Then I saw grandma stroking Ju Ju's back of hair. It's glued to my memory and it will never go away - it was such a beautiful moment to witness...

Next afternoon, we moved her to hospice because that was her wish. Two days later, she was surrounded by all the people who loved her and passed away. A lot of people thought Ju Ju and Soapy shouldn't be in the same room, but I told them I want them to be part of it. And they stayed. She was not in pain and it was very peaceful - and I know grandma was not afraid. If I were to die, that's how I want to leave this place, surrounded by the people I love...

What I wanted to say is that I teach my kids "death" is not something to be afraid of or to be scared, but I am afraid of it. You see the contradition? In my culture (Japanese culture) small kids are exposed to family's death quite an early age. Our parents never shyed away from making me and my sis part of it when our grandpa passed away. So, I want to teach my kids the same.

I think I am afraid of unknown or the pain that comes with death. Life is full of surprises, so you never know how you will leave this place. That's what I am afraid of.

"Mommy, answer my question, why?" - Ju Ju asked me again. So, my answer to her question last night was this:

"Okay sweetie, when our hearts get tired, it stops working, (That's what I learned to say from childrent's magazine - if you tell them the person went to sleep, it would make them scared of going to sleep) and the thing inside of you (refering it as her soul) goes up in Heaven. That's where we all are going, so we can meet Andma or Daddy's grandpa or mommy's grandpa and gradma. It's such a beautiful place..."

Then Ju Ju said, "And we can play bowling together and have party? That's why?" I smiled and said, "yes, that's why..." (When our kids hear thunders, we tell them that their great-grandparents and other family memebers are playing bowling...) I think I'm gonna stick to the bowling story for a while...

So, everyone, are you afraid of dying or are you looking forward to the after life???

Optimism

Are you an optimist? I saw Michael J. Fox's special program "Michael J. Fox : Adventure of an Incurable Optimist" on ABC (there is also a book that he wrote) - you should see it.

As you know, Michael J. Fox is suffering from Parkinson's Disease. You can see his symptoms are getting worse, but somehow, he is full of hope. His strength is something I truly admire. He tries to explain what it is to be an optimist. Is that a good thing? Of course. I believe being an optimist can carry you through tough times. But I know it's not always easy.

My mother is an optimist. She tries to find good things in everything that surrounds her life. She tells me to think positive every time I am being negative. She's been on dialysis for the past seven years and there are times she gets sad about it, but she is all about being happy and making her daughters happy...

I believe being happy and optimistic about your life can only do good physically and emotionally. Although I must admit, I find myself being a pessimist, possibly more than being optimistic about things. But in the end, I always find the way to become hopeful...

So, what do you think everybody? Are you an optimist? Or are you a pessimist?

Finding Strength and Moving Forward on This Mother's Day...

I don't know how to start this post since today is such a wonderful day to celebrate for all the moms in the world. I am graterful for today; the great reminder how lucky I am to have my mother. She is my strength when I am weak. She taught me to be graceful and always be kind to others. But most of all, she taught me unconditional love. I remember growing up, all I've wanted was to become a mother and be just like my mother.

Today, the house is quiet and peaceful, listening to our daughters running around, screaming and laughing which have put smiles on my face and JT's face. JT's favorite uncle passed away Friday, leaving his wife, son and young daughter. He would have turned 59 coming Thursday. He didn't get to walk his daughter walk down the aisle or hold his grandchildren. Cancer is something I hate so much that I wish I can kill it myself or wish it would just go away. But the strength of being a mother is tremendous - auntie is trying to be strong for her children. And she says that life goes on and that we hold on to his good memories.


I often think about what life really means. Is it about what you get in this life or what you leave behind? Being a mother has given me new purposes in life. My life became secondary and my kids' become priority. I want them to have best life possible and it's all up to me and my husband. And I gladly take on the challenge to raise two good adults. I know it's not always easy...

Uncle had done an awesome job raising two great kids. His son now has to take over uncle's job of being a man in the house and be the protector to his mom and little sister. I know he can do it. And I hope my husband will help his cousin in any way he can, even from far away.

Heaven welcomes another great soul. I hope uncle is smiling and partying with everybody who's waiting up there...

Happy Mother's Day to all. Be nice to your mother and be thankful that you have her in your life... Because she is truly special!!!!

xoxo
~M

My Current Obsession - CB

I've said it many times before that I love Christian Bale. Yes, he had some trouble with the infamous ranting, but he apologized saying there is no excuse for how he acted. Plain prick, that's how he described himself. Indeed he was, but let's move on, folks.

Anyway, the movie {Terminator Salvation} will be in theatres very soon and I'm very, very excited. I talked about it here. I love all the Terminator films. I've seen them all and I've always hoped to see a movie that John Connor becomes the main charactor. Last year when I learned that Christian Bale is doing the part, I almost died!!! And it seems, the movie is so good to be true - check the trailor.

Christian Bale is looking better each day as he age, I think. I don't know why I'm doing a post about him today, but I think it's because he's my current obsession. If he was the leader, I would totally join his "Resistance" and fight against damn Terminators.

So, are you excited about {Terminator Salvation}or is it just me and my husband?

This photo shows why I like him better with beard.. He looks young.

He is sexy.

Have you seen the movie {3:10 to Yuma}? - he was awesome in it.

Little More About Maki

Well hello! How are you everyone??? I have been really busy with everythings that's been going on with my life and I barely had time to sit in front of my computer until now... There are few things I need to do for my upcoming posts.

First, I was tagged by my lovely Dionne over @ City of Dionne last week. I enjoy playing tagging game because I get to learn more about you girlies and you get to know more about me. So, let's begin! (sorry it took me forever to do this, Dionne!!!)


*What's your current obsession? - Christian Bale (Salvation - I've been waiting for this movie for a year now) and Gym.
Terminator

*What's your weirdest obsession? - Cleaning inside my ears with my Japanese ear cleanig wooden stick.. It may sounds "Eww" to you, but it feels sooooo GOOD! You should try.

*What are you wearing today? - Victoria Secret's grey tank (ton of heart prints) and blue shorts.

*Why is today special? - Pay Day! Yes!

*What would you like to learn to do? - Cooking. I love to cook, but I would like to be better at it. Also learning Italian language and sign language have always been on my mind.

*What's for dinner today? - Cheese ravioli in tomato sauce w/ Italian sausage and my salad (romain, cucumber, red onion, red grape and orange) Yum!!!

*What's the last thing you bought? - Stila's oil free tinted moisturizer.

*What's your favorite weather? - Current weather in FL - not too hot, but hot enough for tank top and flip flop. Nice breeze and bright sun. 85 degree.

*What's your most challenging goal right now? - to have an uneventful day. I just want to have one day of stillness and a quiet day without worrying about what's going on in everyone's life.

*What do you think about the person who tagged you? - Dionne? Gosh, she's beautiful. She's kind and charming. She knows how to cook and draw. She is perfect! She is one of my favorite bloggy friends!!

*If you could have a house totally paid for, full furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? - Hawaii. I will be so happy to move back there to be close to my family and friends.

*What would you like to have in your hands right now? - My mom's hands.

*What would you like to get rid of? - ton of paper/bills/documents that need to be tossed but piling up on the desk instead. They got to go!

*If you go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? - Italy.

*What's your favorite thing about the city you live in? - Very laid back and close to beach. Small city, but big enough for a little action. I could use more entertainment, but it's a nice place to raise my children...

*If you have $150 now, what would you spend it on? - I think I need a new flat iron.

*Do you admire anyone's style? - Cameron Diaz. Her style is effortless - she can be cute or pretty and I really like that about her.

*Describe your style. - I can be sexy or boyish - it depends on my mood that day. I wear sneakers or high heels totally depends on the weather or hair or makeup.

*Who's fashion show would you want tickets to? - well, well, well... Paris Collection with my sister.

*What are three live shows that you have seen? - Phantom of the Opera in Honolulu, Cirque De Soleil's "O" in Las Vegas and Michael Jackson in Honolulu.

Now I am tagging 8 people

Elizabeth
MJ
Maegan
Lipsmacker
Tiffany
Jen
Luca
Jess