June 2010 Entry

Got a little inspiration this morning (06.29.10) to start typing this out so it wouldn’t be late. I will say that you should stick around for the end (or skip to the end…) for an announcement of the future of “Just Like Coffee That Has Cooled.” That’s the name of the blog in case you didn’t know for some reason.

=====Work=====

I’ve used this phrase with a few friends before, but I think it is ringing out more true than ever for me. “Sit and get paid.” With how slow it has been at work lately, I’ve started to run out of things to do. I am typing this blog when I should be working. The thing is, I have no problem with that. It really seems like no one cares anymore around here. We’re all doing stuff we’re not supposed to to pass the time (and can still stupidly get in trouble for it) because there simply is nothing else to do.

Almost everyone is back to a full schedule, but that’s because they have work to catch up on. There are 4 of us that aren’t and I am one of them. I have been given the choice to work full time or not and I have chosen at this moment to not. A few reasons. One being that I have other things to take care of on the days I take off. Two being I have nothing to do at work that is of high priority or nothing to do at work at all. Three being that even though I can “sit and get paid” an extra day, I’d rather not be in the office bored out of my mind.

I’ll just wait until this boat sinks. In the meantime, sit and get paid.

=====Video Games=====

Yeah…nothing new. Just haven’t made time to actually play games this month or just didn’t want to or have anything I wanted to play. Watching E3 conferences was probably the big game thing I did. I did add a few more games to my current list of wants, but it wasn’t that many. Although when an official list of 3DS games comes out, my list of wants will definitely grow. 3DS, that is a must buy for me.

=====Video Projects=====

I actually had a bit of real work this time. I did one for a friend’s cousin, which was a photo montage of pageant stuff (she’s relinquishing her crown after her year reign). That actually took a lot of time and a lot of communication through email/texts to get done. Nonetheless, it was an experience and a possible lead to do pageant work for Royal Flush Media. I think having the 2009 National American Miss Texas attached to our name is unique.

I also did a video to promote an upcoming workshop at SoundBox Studios. Their in-house editor was tired/burnt-out/lazy so I was approached to put the video together. It was actually a simple process that took 2 days to do, but about 5 hours total. Having someone sit in to ask if you can do it this way or that way was not bad although I only think that was because this was a friend rather than a real client whom I’ve never interacted with. I am actually pretty happy with the end product. Another finished project that RFM can use to advertise (our logo is actually on it).

I did do a video for the 1 Year of HD entry I had last posted last month. I actually made a longer entry elsewhere and posted the video, but I won’t burden readers with that. That video along with the other two mentioned earlier will be at the end of this post like usual.

I have been working more on polishing up the XMAS Bash game show from last year. I think after this round of adding stuff there should be one or two things left I’d like to add. One will definitely involve photos so I’ll ask for some assistance on finding and cropping photos from a few people in the near future. If I get all that taken care of…I would estimate that I’d actually have the whole thing done within the autumn season.

=====Formal 2010/2010 Formal/Summer Reunion=====

Yeah…the name changed. We’ve changed a few things also to hopefully generate more interest for guests to come. While more have been added to the guest lists, I don’t think it’s because of our changes. So I feel like we compromised a few things for nothing. But whatever. As long as people want to come and have fun, great.

The CF series for the event have been up and running. I really don’t know if those had an impact on influencing possible guests, but it couldn’t have hurt us. My mentality is that if people see how much effort we’re putting into this then they’d be intrigued to see what all the fuss is about. Of course, that’s not the case for everyone. Planning events…ugh.

But the event is nigh and it’s happening. So if you’re coming, I’ll see you there and have fun with you.

=====SNSD=====

http://soshified.com/forums/

I’ve been more active on Soshified lately. My dead time at work usually has me going to read posts, make comments, and check out photos there. Recently found out that there are a nice chunk of SNSD fans in Texas and that one of the top mods is actually from Houston. Apparently they do meet ups so that might be something to look forward to in the near future.

I have also been participating in the multiple 3^rd Anniversary projects they’re doing for the group (their 3^rd year together). One is a message book where anyone can submit a 100 word-or-less message to be included in a large book that will be sent to SNSD. Along with that is a large gift project where donations will go to sending them tons of gifts. I donated to that. Another donation project is a Charity Water Well. Check out the site for details on it. I donated to that as well. Even if SNSD wasn’t attached to the charity, it does sound like a worthy cause. Unfortunately, there have been some complications with this project and there is a small possibility that it might not happen. Here’s to hoping that it actually goes through.

http://www.charitywater.org

Then there’s the 3^rd Anniversary Around The World SONE Video. They asked fans to submit photos or videos of different landmarks/locales from where fans are from and have a specific logo or other identification of SNSD be part of it. The end result will be a music video to show the girls where their fans are from. I participated in this along with a friend who is also on Soshified. We did something with the Water Wall here in Houston (wind…unpredictable factor). He did a photo and I did a video (of course). Both of our entries were approved, but that doesn’t guarantee our entries will actually make the final cut. So we’ll have to wait until they finish the music video (July-August) to know if we are in it or not.

=====Final Thoughts=====

Deleted the spam inducing entry. No additional spam has come through.

150+ episodes into “You Are My Destiny.”

There is a possibility of getting an intermediate Salsa class started. I hope it actually happens because while doing the beginner class is still fun, I’d like to learn more.

I bought an underwater housing unit for my video camera. I did a simple test. It works, but I need a better environment to actually test it out in rather than the confines of a bathtub.

I need to develop a better form of bowling. My current (and usually effective) way hurts my leg a lot.

“The Karate Kid” with Jackie Chan and Jayden Smith is pretty good. If you’re going to compare it to the original and harp on that it’s Kung-Fu rather than Karate (which they pointed out in the movie itself) then you’re not giving it a chance. It’s a nice coming-of-age movie with perhaps the most emotional scene I’ve ever seen from Jackie Chan.

Blueberry picking was fun. I had always wanted to do some type of fruit picking thing before. I’m not the biggest blueberry fan, but I was in it for the experience. It was a small taste of what happens on Invincible Youth. I do hope to do some other type of fruit picking in the future. Apple picking would be spectacular. I do like apples.

Ever spend 20-25 minutes waiting for your food at a drive-thru? It’s not fun.

My parents went with other family members to Hawaii. So they were gone for a little over a week and just returned on the 28^th. Seeing their photos were nice. They’re telling me I need to go to Hawaii. Oh, I plan to sometime. That is definitely a place on my need-to-visit/vacation list.

1 Year of HD (Joyful Smile) – 06.12.09-06.12.10

SoundBox Studios Presents: GRV/Boxcuttuhz Summer Intensive II!

National American Miss Texas 2009

Formal/Summer Reunion CFs
CF-1 - click
CF-2 - click
CF-3 - click
CF-4 - click

And I didn’t forget about the announcement. It’s not the biggest announcement in the world, but a heads up won’t hurt. I’m heavily thinking to move this blog, my game review blog, and (if possible) my Xanga over to Squarespace. I haven’t officially decided to do this yet, but I’m really considering it. I’ll do a little more research on it before deciding for sure. If I do make the move, then the first entry will go up in September. The July 2010 entry will have more information on whether it will happen or not.

Okay, that’s it. That’s over 1600 words you’ve read.

Take care. Mmbyeeeee.

May 2010 Entry

Late for no reason this time. I have just been occupying myself lately and typing up this entry was usually a small afterthought. A lot did happen so I guess it didn’t really hit me that I’d be summarizing things soon.

Enough of that jargon. Onto the entry.

=====Work=====
Nothing big to report on the work front. We’re still taking time off to pay off a loan. Some workers are temporarily working full time again though just because there is work to be done.

I am actually back to full time temporarily also. This is recent and is actually June news, but I’ll just mention it now. Shipping is taking some time off so I have to cover like always. Over the span of 3 weeks, only 1 is a full week and the rest are a few days here and there. As of typing this, I’m actually in shipping right now (break period of no orders). Shipping always comes with the luxury of making the day go by fast. Can’t argue with that especially when you have stuff to do outside of work that you’re looking forward to.

=====Video Games=====
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Review) – click

Honestly, I don’t think my review of Galaxy 2 did the game justice. This isn’t the first time I’ve reviewed a game that I really liked that I felt I gave a lackluster review for. At least for Galaxy 2, I felt it is something to experience rather than to read about. Those with a Wii need to add this game (and the first one) to their library.

I did finish the second Phoenix Wright on WiiWare. The third sits untouched for when I have downtime. Also got Episode 5 for the first title. I did download “Wild Guns” for the Virtual Console. That was a nice quick (and challenging) romp of 16-bit goodness. It definitely was harder than I thought it would be. It would be nice to try it with a second player sometime.

=====Video Projects=====
Only 2 real videos were done in May (end of entry like always). There are a couple more related to the Formal, but I’ll talk more about that later.

I do have a big project planned that I would like to do for my birthday. Without giving away too many details, it’s a talk/variety show. It’s a chance for us to learn more about our friends through stories and fun activities. I have the talk segments and activity segments planned out (even the questions to be asked) and I’m thinking of how to set up everything (camera angles, audience/guest positioning, possible decorations, etc.). I’m only worried about getting guests and if people will actually be interested in the idea at all whether they’re a guest or part of the audience. I’m hoping for 5 guests at the least. If there are more, I’ll implement a rotating guest function because I do plan for this to be long. Each segment involves a talk and activity portion and I plan/hope for each segment (3 total) to last an hour long. Breaks will be scheduled of course. It’s a plan in the works and I will soon start generating some buzz to see who is interested.

=====1 Year of HD (06.12.09-06.12.10)=====
Kind of hard to believe that it’s been a year since I bought my HD camera. So much has been happening since then and it makes me glad I was there to capture most of those memories on film for myself and for others to view. I’ve enjoyed all the videos I’ve made and it seems that more people are up for doing bigger and crazier things.

I wanted to make a video highlighting one year of HD. I still have time to do something if I really force myself to. In a way, I don’t think it’s necessary, but it definitely wouldn’t be bad to do something. As of writing this out, I have a week to decide and execute anything if I do. I have 3 ideas and I’ll just have to see which might seem the easiest for me to do within that week (barring other things happening during the week).

Over time, I’ve come to have a certain style. It’s nothing big, but I like to make clips work to the music I set them to. One of my favorite videos is still the Photo Trip in 2009 and that wasn’t in HD (I should do one for the one we had this year…). Other than that, editing the XMAS Bash from last year shows how variety shows I’ve watched over the years effects how I edit. That is pretty much done, but I do want to add more to it.

I don’t do graphics, but occasionally I’ll ask for photos from someone to use. I may start asking for more collaboration on these just to make the videos sparkle a little more.

I am still very protective about my cameras. The one that is already damaged, I don’t mind others using it. The original one…even though I’ve damaged it (recently dropped it…) I still don’t like others to touch it unless I ask them to. All the other equipment I’ve bought (tripods, lights, etc) I don’t mind others touching. The camera, that’s the most important (and expensive) thing I worry about the most. I have thought recently to get a 3rd camera. I have borrowed a coworker's before, but at least with a 3rd, I won't have to worry about ruining his or someone else damaging it in some way. We'll see what happens with that idea.

I’m also thinking more like a director. It does suck that I can’t control everyone during these events (getting in the way of the camera, saying inappropriate things, etc.), but I can’t anyways. This isn’t work. This is our friends coming together to have fun. They’re not getting paid to be directed around and that’s understandable. There are just moments during editing where I think “I wish you didn’t stand there” or “You really shouldn’t say that especially since it’s now captured on camera.” It would just help if others were more camera aware.

I have yet to figure out how to purely and effectively be in front of the camera and still get what I want filmed. I do at least tell whoever I wish to have behind the camera what to do to a small degree. Still doesn’t mean they’ll shoot it the way I want it, but most of my friends deal with photos rather than video. I can’t help, but want to be part of the fun activities we do so I want to do them. Some of the smaller ones, I don’t mind just being behind the camera and catching everyone else having fun. But for bigger activities where I can set up cameras, I’ll at least try to get certain people behind the camera for me (usually those not participating). Maybe over time they will be more comfortable with shooting for me. What I plan to do for my birthday will be a great example of me needing cooperation and having people other than me behind the camera. There’s no way around it since I’ll be on stage the whole time.

Somewhere down the line, I’d like to have a studio. This can also help with Royal Flush Media (advertise to your friends). Doing stuff outdoors is usually/always unpredictable. Someone’s house can be a controlled environment, but that’s someone’s house. It’s not built to be a studio. Sure, you can adjust things to make it work like a studio, but it’s still a house. So having a studio ready to set up and manipulate freely would really help in some of our bigger things we plan as well as add some professionalism to Royal Flush Media. Maybe that can be something I can think to invest in.

Anyways, look forward to more videos from me. I hope for more people to want to be in front of the camera and be more cooperative as time progresses.

=====2010 Formal/Formal 2010=====
Ah, the Formal. Well, in order to generate more interest in the event, we have started filming a series of commercials/CFs. The first one has been aired (end of entry) and we will be releasing new ones once a week until the final week before the Formal.

I really hope more people show interest. We’re in a crunch with the low number of guests at the moment. Schedules should be easier to plan out this close to the event for those still on the fence. Any other reason, well...I don’t know. Some just aren’t interested at all. Those that already marked that they aren’t going, I’m not going to try to change their mind about it. All the unsure ones, I hope they at least choose whether they’re going or not before the final week of June. Then the committee will finalize everything then.

Planning this hasn’t been the easiest thing in the world. And I’ll end it there not to whine about it too much.

=====Final Thoughts=====
I mentioned in my last entry about getting spam more lately in my email and blog posts. I can’t really put a stop on the emails, but the ones that keep getting sent to my blog I can fix. I’m going to delete that entry soon (keep forgetting). I’ve thought to move it to my review blog, but I figure that the same thing will happen. So sooner or later my review of “Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games” will disappear from the internet.

120+ episodes into “You Are My Destiny.” Only about 50 more to go I think.

Ah, Salsa…how I do enjoy going there every Wednesday. I mentioned briefly last entry that Cinco de Mayo helped a funk I was in. Well, it just happened to be a day of Salsa class. It just lifted my spirits. Thanks, Lucia, for being so awesome and so hot, ha!

Another random karaoke outing. Well, it was something we did to celebrate a few friends graduating college. It was fun, just like last time. We sang more Korean songs (those that knew any) this time around and I had a blast. I’m pretty sure at one point I sang 5-9 songs in a row due to me picking a few and others picking songs that I wanted to sing also. 4 of those were SNSD songs in a row. There were 5 total and we did them all (Oh!, Kissing You, ITNW, Genie, and Gee). Other than those and a few other ones I really liked singing, I think my favorite song I did that night was BoA’s “Bump! Bump!” I really like that song. Can’t wait to go there again and to see what new Asian songs they added since then.

I lost a lot of sleep this month. A good week or so, I didn't feel fully awake due to forcing myself to go to certain events with little sleep in between. Trust me, I wanted to sleep. It just didn't happen at times. I'm fine now. No worries.

Crabbing/Fishing was fun. Memorial Day was fun.

Congratulations to all that graduated this year.

And...I lost my train of thought from when I started this at work to when I continued this at home. It never fails. Might as well end it instead of delaying this entry longer. So here's to June and what it may bring.

Fishing-Crabbing - WTF (What The Fish) - 05.22.10


Christiana's Graduation SPLASH - 05.16.10


Memorial Day In Kemah - Hammer Time - 05.31.10


Formal 2010 - CF-1


Take care. Mmbyeeeee.