Weekly Overview 4/18/11 - 4/24/11

Happy Easter! I was a bit busy this week, so I didn't make as much progress on my goals as I had hoped.

New Progress:

5. Floss daily (21/1001) - Still flossing every day.

15. Start and complete the 365 Project - I started this on Saturday. You can see my pictures here.

33. Finish James Heisig's "Remembering the Kanji Vol. 1" - I have 80 left to restudy and then I can start learning new ones. Aiming for about 10/day.

44. Read 25 books (1/24) - I finished reading Dexter in the Dark last week. I've started reading Fingerprint of the Gods.

46. See 25 films in theaters (3/25) - I went to the Egyptian last night to see the Jurassic Park trilogy, but I only watched the first two films. I have a ticket to see Close Encounters of the Third Kind in May.

54. Visit a haunted place - I'm going to a meet & greet with the paranormal group on Wednesday.

90. Eat at 50 new places (3/50) - I ate at Thai Rama last week.

Newly Completed:

Still none.

#46. See 25 Films in Theaters -- Jurassic Park & The Lost World: Jurassic Park (2&3/25)

Jurassic Park is one of my absolute favorite movies. I've seen it so many times, but I never get tired of watching it. So when I heard that it was going to be shown at The Egyptian with its two sequels, I had to buy a ticket.

I love the Egyptian theater. The seats are comfortable and only true movie lovers go there, so there are no annoying teenagers and small children disrupting the movies.

Watching Jurassic Park here was a lot of fun. People cheered a lot and it seemed as if everyone was having a good time. The print was a bit aged, but the movie has really held up over the years. There is nothing like having theater surround sound when you hear T-Rex footsteps.

The Lost World is ridiculously corny in some parts (let's kick a dinosaur out a window using gymnastics!) so there was a lot of laughing. It was still very enjoyable.

I didn't stay for the third one because I was starving, but considering the ticket for the night was only $9, I have nothing to complain about.

#90. Eat at 50 New Places -- Thai Rama (3/50)

Thai Rama
1100 N Pacific Ave
Glendale, CA 91202

I've worked near Thai Rama for 2 years, and even borrowed their wireless on my iPod, but yesterday was the first time I ate there.

I had never had Thai food before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The restaurant is small, so there was only one staff person in the dining area, but she was very attentive.

They have a lunch special for around $7, so I had that. It included soup, salad, rice, a choice of an entrée, and a wanton.

The soup was a spinach and tofu soup, and the salad was just iceberg lettuce, but it had a delicious sweet dressing on it.


I chose the eggplant entrée, with tofu as my "meat". It was super delicious! It was in some sort of garlicky black bean sauce. A little rich, but good.


I don't really have any other Thai food experience to compare it to, but I will definitely eat here again.

Weekly Overview 4/4/11 - 4/17/11

I've decided to do a post each Sunday about my progress on my goals as a whole. Since I didn't do one of these last Sunday, this will cover everything so far.

In Progress:

5. Floss daily (15/1001) - I've flossed every day so far. I think it has become a habit now.

13. Get rid of all my old magazines - I've cleared out all of the magazines in one of my closets; now I need to get rid of all of the ones in the other closet.



33. Finish James Heisig's "Remembering the Kanji Vol. 1" - Before I started this again I had a huge log of kanji to review, so I'm still at 729 kanji.

37. Complete the C25K running program - I started this, then fell down some stairs a few days later and messed up my left leg pretty badly. I'm going to restart on Monday.

41. Take Bella for a walk an average of 1 time a week (1/143) - I'm a bit behind... but she loved the walk we went on.


46. See 25 films in theaters (1/25) - Saw Hop with some of my relatives. I have a ticket to see the Jurassic Park trilogy on the 23rd, so that will knock off a few more.

47. Get to 751/1001 movies seen from the book "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" (551/1001) - I saw 5.

54. Visit a haunted place - I applied to a paranormal investigation group a few months ago, and they finally responded. Hopefully I'll get to go to a haunted place soon.

56. Go to 10 concerts (0/10) - I am planning on going to a Britney Spears concert with one of my friends.

90. Eat at 50 new places (2/50) - Instead of eating at places I would normally eat at, I've eaten at 2 new places so far.

Newly Completed:

None yet :(

#90. Eat at 50 New Places -- Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill (2/50)

I was at the Burbank Empire Center today, and instead of going to California Roll & Sushi like I usually do, I went to Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill instead.

I wasn't super hungry so I picked the fajita bowl with shrimp -- since the picture next to it made it seem like it was a good sized portion. Instead of a bowl, it ended up being more like a platter with chips and corn tortillas. It was so much food I was only able to finish half of it.


The food was good. In the bowl there was grilled vegetables, shrimp, Mexican rice, black beans, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and probably some other stuff I can't remember. They have a salsa bar so I poured some pico de gallo on top.

The service was a bit strange. After standing in line and ordering, you get a number and sit down at a table. They bring you your food, but you are expected to clear your own table. That can be a bit awkward when you have food leftover on your glass plate and the trashcans are like those in fast food restaurants. It took a bit of effort to keep the flap open while scraping the extra food out of the bowl and into the trash. Other than that, no complaints.

#47. 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die -- Grave of the Fireflies (551/1001)

Grave of the Fireflies is an animated film about two children and their struggle to survive at the end of WWII in Japan. This movie killed me, but I 100% recommend seeing it. Just make sure to have some tissues nearby.

#47. 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die -- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (550/1001)

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is a romantic comedy about a young woman named Simran and a young man named Raj who meet while touring Europe. Simran is engaged to be married to someone she hasn't met. Raj is a bit of a partier and failed out of school. The two fall in love during their European adventure, but Simran must go to India to marry and fulfill her father's promise. Raj follows her there to try to win her father over and take Simran as his bride.

DDLJ is only the second Bollywood movie I have ever seen, the first being Mother India. I know Bollywood films are known for their musical numbers, but I wasn't quite ready for this. Mother India was a very serious film, and the songs matched. The songs in DDLJ were over the top cheesy.

The movie was so cheesy at first I was tempted to shut it off, but I stuck with it since it is my goal to watch every film on the 1001 list. I'm glad I watched the entire 3 hour film, because the second half was much better than the first. It lost some of the cheese and became more enjoyable. I can see why this is one of the biggest Bollywood hits of all time.

The film is available on Netflix instant streaming until April 15th, so watch it if you are a fan of Bollywood.

As a side note, I found Simran's eyebrows very distracting. It isn't often that you see a unibrow on an actress.

#47. 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die -- The Kid Brother (549/1001)

The Kid Brother is about a timid young man named Harold who is the son of the sheriff. Poor Harold always has to stay at home when his father and two older brothers go out to do manly things. One day, he goes out with the sheriff's badge and allows a medicine show to come into town. He also meets a beautiful girl. The medicine show brings trouble, and soon the money that the townspeople had been saving to build a dam goes missing. Harold goes off to find the stolen money. Does he find the missing money and win the affection of his father and the young lady? You will have to watch it and find out.

I think it was a pretty good film. I didn't enjoy it as much as a Chaplin or Keaton comedy, but there were a few scenes that made me laugh. If you aren't a fan of silent films, then you don't need to see it, but if you are, you won't be sorry if you do.

#90. Eat at 50 New Places -- Sakana (1/50)

Sakana Sushi & Grill
2382 Foothill Blvd
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

I went to eat lunch with my mother today at a Japanese restaurant called Sakana. I've driven by it a bunch of times, but never made the time to go there and eat.

It wasn't crowded at all, and the staff was very attentive. The decor was nice. The parking lot is a bit of a pain, so be warned.

Since we had a coupon for a free appetizer, we started with some edamame. My mother ordered the vegetable tempura meal, which came with miso soup, salad, and either a 6 piece California roll or spicy tuna. I ordered a cup of miso soup and the carnival roll.

The carnival roll was delicious. It had avocado, asparagus, and salmon inside, and mango, tuna, and some other type of fish on the outside. It was garnished with some more asparagus, carrots, and a bit of basil sauce.


My mother also enjoyed her meal, but she said that while it was good, the tempura wasn't the best she had ever had.

The food is reasonably priced for this type of restaurant, the food was good, and the staff was friendly, so I recommend Sakana if you are ever in the La Canada area and feel like sushi.

#46. See 25 Films in Theaters -- Hop (1/25)

Yesterday I was supposed to go to Disneyland with my aunt and cousin, but since it was "too cold" we went to see the movie Hop instead.

This movie was definitely not on the list of movies I wanted to see, but I didn't have to pay for it, so I went.

I was actually pretty surprised by the movie. I was expecting it to be unwatchable, but after seeing it I think it is a pretty decent kids film. Don't get me wrong, it is no Toy Story 3, but it had a few good moments.

Hop is about the son of the easter bunny (E.B.) who just wants to be a drummer in a band and an unmotivated 20something (Fred) who cross paths when Fred hits E.B. with his car. Of course, since E.B. talks, lots of silly things occur, including an audition for a David Hasselhoff talent show. There is also an evil plot by one of the workers at the Easter factory (on Easter Island, of course) to take over the job of the Easter Bunny. See it if you have young kids, if not, don't bother.

#37. C25K -- Week 1 Day 2

So this afternoon I fell down some stairs, so my knees were hurting a bit during my C25K session today. Even with my wounds, I managed to do the entire thing. I'm determined to get through the whole 9 weeks, and nothing is going to stop me!

I think I need to learn how to breathe correctly while exercising.

#47. 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die -- The Jazz Singer (548/1001)

For some reason, I was under the impression that The Jazz Singer was about a black man (played by a white man in blackface) trying to make it as a jazz singer. Since it is heralded as the first talkie, I was also under the assumption that the entire thing was a talkie. I was wrong on both accounts.

The Jazz Singer is about a boy who leaves home because his very religious Jewish father wants him to become a cantor. The young boy, Jakie, wants to become a jazz singer instead. Years pass and, after becoming a jazz singer, he comes back home to New York to be on Broadway. Some things happen, and he has to make the difficult decision to choose between his career, or his family and religion.

Only the musical scenes and a few lines in between had synchronized sound. The rest of the movie was silent. I wasn't entirely wrong about there being a man in blackface, but it was just part of Jack's act, and it was only in a couple of scenes. I have no idea why they included it; it seemed very unnecessary. The story and acting were ok, the musical numbers weren't that great, but I recommend this film to anyone who has an interest in film history.

#37. C25K -- Week 1 Day 1

I got off my lazy ass and did the first day of the Couch to 5k program. I've discovered that I'm very out of shape... but at least I finished it!

The most helpful thing for this goal is the C25K ipod application located here. It tells you when you are supposed to start running or start walking. It does a bunch more, but all I really need it for is to keep track of the intervals for me.

I've started this program a few times before, but I never got past week 2. This time I am determined to finish all 9 weeks!

#47. 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die -- Seven Chances (547/1001)

Watched the Buster Keaton film Seven Chances today. This is the 547th film out of the 1001 in the book that I have seen.

The film is about a man who finds out his grandfather has left him 7 million dollars, but only if he is married by 7 pm on his 27th birthday. Seems like a good deal; however, there is a slight problem. Today is his 27th birthday! He rushes to ask the woman he loves to marry him, but due to a misunderstanding, she refuses. Even though he is heartbroken and does not want to, his business partner begs him to marry someone, so thus begins his search for a bride. There are lots of great sight gags, a hilarious chase scene, and of course, a happy ending. This may be my favorite Keaton film, and I highly recommend it.

101 Things in 1001 Days -- The List

I ran across this website today, and I was inspired to start my own list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. This blog will be where I will keep track of my progress.

From the website:

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

So, here is my list:

Start Date: April 4th, 2011
End Date: December 30th, 2013

Get my passport

This has been on my to-do list for years, but I've been too lazy to do it. Plan: 1. Get a certified copy of my birth certificate 2. Get a passport photo taken 3. Apply

Find out my blood type

I've always been curious about what my blood type is.

Donate blood

I HATE needles. But giving blood seems like a good thing to do.

Buy a new car

My current car is old and on the verge of death. Plan: 1. Research 2. Test drive 3. Buy

Floss daily (?/1001) In progress.

Change my hairstyle

I've had boring, straight hair for most of my life. I need a change. Plan: 1. Find pictures of styles I like 2. Get it cut

Get to and maintain a weight of 130 lbs

I got very close a couple years ago, but then I gained a bunch of weight back. Plan: 1. Exercise at least 3x a week 2. Eat ~1200 calories a day until 130 3. Maintain weight lost +- 2 lbs until 1001 days is over

Get to and maintain a healthy BMI

I'm currently in the overweight BMI range, and I need to get down to a healthy weight. Plan: 1. Diet and exercise down to 155 2. Don't go above 155 until 1001 is over

Change my Facebook profile photo at least once every 3 months

I don't take very many pictures of myself, so my Facebook photo stays the same for most of the year. Plan: 1. Every 3 months, take a photo of myself 2. Change my Facebook picture (0/10)

Wear a dress or skirt everyday for one week

I pretty much never wear dresses or skirts in public. This will take me out of my comfort zone and force me to be a little more girly.

Vote in the 2012 presidential election

These only come around once every 4 years, so why not?

Vote in a local election

These are generally less crowded than national elections, and since there are not very many people that vote in these, my vote counts for more.

Get rid of all my old magazines In progress.

I probably have - no joke - over a thousand unread magazines in my closet. I need to get rid of these. Plan: 1. Get rid of the ones in the top closet 2. Get rid of the ones in the big closet 3. Dispose of any new ones that come in within a month of receipt

Get contact lenses

I wear my glasses pretty much all the time, but every once in a while I wish I had contacts. Like on Halloween. Plan: 1. Get my eyes checked 2. Buy contacts

Start and complete the 365 Project

I started one of these in January, but I stopped after a couple of weeks. I'm going to restart again soon. Plan: 1. Start on January 1st, 2012 2. Take a picture every day (0/365)

Buy a new lens for my DSLR (either macro or ultra wide)

Haven't quite decided which I want more. Plan: 1. Research lenses 2. Save money

Learn how to use a film camera / develop film

My mother gave me her old film SLR (a Pentax P3N) and I would like to learn how to take pictures with it.

Learn how to use photo-editing software In progress.

I've pretty much just been using Picasa to crop my pictures, but it would be nice to learn how to fix the colors and other stuff like that. Plan: 1. Read book 2. Practice on 50 photos (0/50)

Go 10 places with a photography group (1/10) In progress.

I joined a couple photography groups this year, and I've been to a few meetups. I would like to overcome my shyness and go to a few more. 1. Union Station

Get my eyebrows done

They are pretty unruly.

Build some credit

I've never purchased anything on credit, and I don't have a credit card. I need to get one to build up some credit. Plan: 1. Apply for credit card 2. Use credit card for everyday purchases for 6 months

Buy an expensive pair of designer heels

I will do this once I get to my goal weight, as a reward. Plan: 1. Get to 130 2. Save money 3. Buy shoes

Go on a date

It has been a while since I've been on one.

Build a website

When I was younger, I loved making crappy websites on Geocities. I would love to learn how to make professional looking websites. Plan: 1. Read a book : in progress 2. Buy a domain 3. Purchase hosting 4. Build

Learn basic HTML/XHTML In progress.

I know some, but not as much as I would like. Plan: 1. Read the HTML/XHTML part of "HTML, XHTML, & CSS for Dummies" 2. Read HTML 5 for Dummies

Learn basic CSS In progress.

I've wanted to learn this, but haven't gotten around to it. Plan: 1. Read the CSS part of "HTML, XHTML, & CSS for Dummies" 2. Read a more recent CSS book

Learn basic C#

I've wanted to learn this, but haven't gotten around to it.

Learn basic PHP

I've wanted to learn this, but haven't gotten around to it.

Learn basic Javascript

I started learning this, but forgot most of what I learned.

Learn how to make an android application

I have an android phone, I know how to program, so why wouldn't I want to learn how to make a program for my phone?

Be able to locate all 50 states on a map

I feel very dumb not knowing where Kentucky is on the map.

Be able to locate major countries on a map

I know where some European and Asian countries are, but most of S. America and Africa are unknown to me.

Finish James Heisig's "Remembering the Kanji Vol. 1" In progress: Started 04/04/2011 with 729 kanji learned. Using the website Reviewing the Kanji to help.

This book helps you memorize all of the basic kanji you need to know. I've been stuck around 700 kanji for months.

Pass the JLPT 3

The JLPT is a test that tests one's ability in the Japanese language. I'm using it as a motivator to keep with my Japanese studies. I passed The lowest level two years ago, skipped last year, and I'm going to attempt to take level 3 this year.

Pass the JLPT 2

I will take this one the year after taking the JLPT 3.

Have a conversation with a stranger in Japanese

I'm incredibly shy, and I usually don't talk to strangers in English. Having a conversation with a stranger in Japanese will take quite an effort from me.

Complete the C25K running program In progress: Started 04/04/2011. See my progress here.

I've started this so many times, but I never get past week 3.I need to finish it!

Run a 5k

Since I don't think I've ever be ready to run a marathon, I think a 5k will do.

Run a 7 minute mile

I think I run a 10 minute mile at the moment.

Do a pull-up

I'm heavy, and my arms are weak. Pull-ups are extremely hard to do.

Take Bella for a walk an average of 1 time a week (1/143) In progress.

Do 50 push-ups

I can only do girly push-ups at the moment, and not very many of them.

Climb a tree

I've always wanted to do this.

Read 25 books (2/25) In progress.

I don't read much, but I just won a Kindle last month, and it has inspired me to read more. 1. Dexter in the Dark 2. Digital Portrait Photography for Dummies

Watch all the Twilight Zone episodes

I bought the complete box set, and I plan on watching the episodes while I exercise.

See 25 films in theaters (5/25) In progress.

I love movies, and I love the theater experience. I don't love going alone, so I'll have to get over that. 1. Hop 2. Jurassic Park 3. The Lost World: Jurassic Park 4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 5. Kung Fu Panda 2

Get to 751/1001 movies seen from the book "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" (574/1001) In progress: Started 04/04/2011 with 546 seen.

I've been working on this since 2008, so I need to see 205 more films to complete this goal. 547. Seven Chances 548. The Jazz Singer 549. The Kid Brother 550. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge 551. Grave of the Fireflies 552. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 553. Rope 554. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly 555. The Celebration 556. Storm Over Asia 557. Red 558. L'Atalante 559. Rain Man 560. La Dolce Vita 561. Jules and Jim 562. Black Orpheus 563. Shoot the Piano Player 564. Delicatessen 565. All That Jazz 566. Pickpocket 567. Cleo from 5 to 7 568. Onibaba 569. Man Bites Dog 570. Closely Watched Trains 571. Walkabout 572. A Clockwork Orange 573. Nashville 574. Suspiria

Go to a music festival

I maybe want to go to Coachella or SXSW one year.

Go to a film festival

I went to Sundance one year, and had a blast. I would love to go to another festival.

Go to a convention

I'm aiming for Comic-Con.

Go to a drive-in theater

I recently discovered that some of these still exist in California.

Go to a Lakers game

I've been watching the Lakers on television for a long time, and I would really like to experience a game live.

Travel somewhere on a train

I like trains. I think it would be fun to travel on one.

Visit a haunted place

Completed!

Visit 5 different states (0/5)

Preferably states I haven't visited before, but I'll be happy just to get out of California for a bit.

Go to 10 concerts (2/10) In progress: Going to see Muse in July.

I enjoy going to live music. 1. System of a Down 2. KROQ Weenie Roast 2011

Go to 5 plays or musicals (0/5)

I've fallen in love with musical theater.

Go to a comedy show

I don't think I've ever been to one.

Visit 5 museums (0/5)

I normally don't go to museums, but when I do, I really enjoy it. I live in the LA area so it isn't like I don't have a bunch to choose from.

Go on a road trip

I want to get in a car and drive somewhere far away with friends.

Travel to a different country

After I get my passport, I need to use it.

Travel to NYC

I've always wanted to go to New York City. If I go, I'm going to try to get tickets to either The Daily Show or The Colbert Report.

Go on a hike

I need to get out of the house and enjoy nature.

See the Cirque du Soleil show "IRIS" In progress: Money for tickets was a birthday gift from my grandma.

I saw a Cirque show in Vegas last year, and it was phenomenal. They are bringing a show to LA, and I really want to see it.

Have a drink in Vegas

I've been to Vegas plenty of times, but I've never had a drink while there. I'm not going to drink and gamble at the same time, though!

Ride my bike somewhere instead of driving

I would be doing this now, but I live in a ridiculously hilly area, and there really aren't good bike paths where I need to go. First, I need to find out what the laws are for riding a bike.

Learn to roller skate backwards

I've wanted to be able to do this since I was a kid.

Learn how to play a song on the harmonica

In case I ever get sent to jail in the old west.

Learn to play 5 songs on the piano

I figure by the time I am able to play 5 songs on the piano, I'll have the basics down.

Learn to play 5 songs on the guitar

Same as with piano.

Learn to use a sewing machine

Sometimes I see clothing I like, but with a few adjustments, it could be something I love. If I learn to sew, I can hopefully make those adjustments.

Make an item of clothing and wear it

Crochet an amigurumi

Preferably a Pokemon one. This will also force me to re-learn how to crochet.

Learn to shoot a gun

An important skill to know for the zombie apocalypse.

Take a dance class

Maybe ballroom, or Hip-hop.

Go to a zoo

I want to take pictures of the animals.

Go to an aquarium

Same as with the zoo.

Go swimming at the beach

I'm not very comfortable with my body, so I normally don't swim.

Be an audience member or extra in a television show / movie

Shouldn't be too hard, considering that I live in LA.

Go on a picnic

I can't remember the last time I went on a picnic. It seems like it would be fun.

Start an herb garden

Fresh herbs are much better than dried ones.

Grow a vegetable from a seed and eat it

I tend to accidentally kill my vegetable plants before they produce something edible. This makes me sad.

Learn to bake a loaf of gluten free bread

As someone who can't eat wheat, buying $5-6 loaves of bread gets expensive. I figure baking it myself will be cheaper.

Learn how to cut vegetables quickly

I love cooking, but it takes so long to prepare food. I have the most trouble with cutting vegetables, so I need to get better at it.

Try 10 new foods (0/10)

I can be pretty picky when it comes to food, so I am aiming to try 10 new ones.

Stay away from fast food for 1 month

My office eats out a lot, so this might be tricky.

Stay away from added sugar for 1 week

This will be difficult.

Bake 10 gluten free desserts (0/10)

My grandmother gave me a gluten free cookbook, and there are a lot of delicious looking recipes in it.

Cook 30 vegan meals (0/30)

I've gone vegan a few times, but it didn't last long because most of the meals I cooked had no flavor at all. I figured I will find a few gems out of 30.

Eat at 50 new places (8/50) In progress.

I tend to eat at the same places. I need to explore a bit more. 1. Sakana 2. Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill 3. Thai Rama 4. Equator 5. Fuddruckers 6. ESPN Zone 7. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 8. Hollywood Grill

Go raw for 1 day

Raw foods are delicious, it just takes a lot of work to prepare.

Go vegan for 1 week

After cooking the 30 vegan meals, I figure I will have enough experience to go vegan for an entire week.

Go vegetarian for 1 month

I'm not much of a fan of meat anyway, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Have a creative Halloween costume

I usually just throw something together at the last minute, and it sucks.

(Re)learn to solve a Rubik's cube

I learned how to do this a couple of years ago, but have since forgotten.

Finish 5 video games (0/5)

I have stacks of games I have purchased, but never finished or even played. I aim to finish 5.

Learn how to change a tire

I have no idea what to do if I get a flat tire. Call AAA maybe?

Decorate a cake

Gluten free, obviously. I want to make a fantastic over the top cake.

Take Bella to a park to play with other dogs

She doesn't get to socialize with dogs very often. I need to find out where a dog park is.

Visit a friend that lives in a different city

I haven't done this for a couple of years.

Make a new 101 in 1001 list to start on when this one is done!