Wednesday, July 26, 2006
June's big news
June is an important month because I have two real big news for the year... 1) Pei passed her orals for her official entrance to the PhD program and 2) I am out of Tucson and moved into Los Angeles because of work. For Pei, it was an important milestone because it means she is firmly seated in her program and can concentrate on her research and other steps to reach her graduation. For my own news, it's sad because I have grown to enjoy being in Tucson and I have to leave Pei behind, who has at least 2 more years to go. Fortunately, we agreed to continue as a long distance relationship. The good part is that I'll be working the office (I was working remotely from home in Tucson). I thought remote work would be great, but it isn't, especially when an office isn't setup for such a type of work. So much of my work involve looking at the items that it was difficult to work from so far away. Another good thing about LA is that it's got unbeatable weather (although the smog and the traffic kinda negates it).
Alvera Street
Anyway, I really hate moving because I had to go through everything and decide whether to keep, toss, or give away. It's amazing how much stuff I have, even though I don't consider myself as someone who buys a lot. I guess years of accumulation really adds up. All my stuff fitted in a 14' U-Haul with only my table and office chair as my only big furniture (no bed, sofa, tv, etc)... very scary. I owe Pei so much for helping me sort through and pack my things. I think it would have taken me three times as long if I didn't have her help.
Pei at Jungle Falls in Huntington Garden
Green House at Huntington Garden
Bridge of Japanese Garden at Huntington
As for the move itself, Pei and I drove out over night on June 22 so we can avoid the desert day-time heat. The drive went well, but I was dead-tired upon arrival. I was and am currently staying at my god-sister's in La Habra (Orange County) until I can afford to get my own place closer to work. Actually, I timed my arrival with her and her husband's 2 week vacation in Germany so I can house-sit for her. It worked out really well.
Compare palm size with John Woo
Settling in didn't take too long because I left most items in storage, so we took the opportunity to explore the Northwest side of LA. On Saturday we visited: Huntington Library and Gardens, Pasadena, China Town, LA Grand Central Station, Alvera Street, and Hollywood (Mann-Chinese area) via the metro Gold and Red lines. On Sunday we dropped my godsister and her husband off at the airport in the morning and then visited Venice Beach and grand canals.
Pei flexing her muscles at Muscle Beach City Gym - Venice Beach
Venice Beach Grand Canal 1
Venice Beach Grand Canal 2
Anyway, I really hate moving because I had to go through everything and decide whether to keep, toss, or give away. It's amazing how much stuff I have, even though I don't consider myself as someone who buys a lot. I guess years of accumulation really adds up. All my stuff fitted in a 14' U-Haul with only my table and office chair as my only big furniture (no bed, sofa, tv, etc)... very scary. I owe Pei so much for helping me sort through and pack my things. I think it would have taken me three times as long if I didn't have her help.
As for the move itself, Pei and I drove out over night on June 22 so we can avoid the desert day-time heat. The drive went well, but I was dead-tired upon arrival. I was and am currently staying at my god-sister's in La Habra (Orange County) until I can afford to get my own place closer to work. Actually, I timed my arrival with her and her husband's 2 week vacation in Germany so I can house-sit for her. It worked out really well.
Settling in didn't take too long because I left most items in storage, so we took the opportunity to explore the Northwest side of LA. On Saturday we visited: Huntington Library and Gardens, Pasadena, China Town, LA Grand Central Station, Alvera Street, and Hollywood (Mann-Chinese area) via the metro Gold and Red lines. On Sunday we dropped my godsister and her husband off at the airport in the morning and then visited Venice Beach and grand canals.
