I was attacked by a crazy lady while crossing Market on Davis today.

So DJ and I were walking back to the office from a trip to the grocery store (yes, in the middle of the work day -- don't judge me) and I was telling him about thoughts of what I would do if I moved back down to LA.

"So if I moved back down and pursued the job that I actually want, I know that I'd have to start all over -- maybe as an intern or assistant. That pretty much means I won't be paid, so I would really have to consider moving into my parents' house. But just thinking about it makes my head want to explode!"

While I am talking, I notice a crazy looking (whatever that may look like, you can only imagine), rather large Asian lady crossing the street going in the opposite direction as us. Just as she passes by me, I am just completing my sentence: "...it makes my head want to explode!" She KICKS my leg and then proceeds to spat out, "Bitch!"

At first, I am just slightly stunned. What did I say to offend this woman? What did I do? Then I turn to DJ, "That woman just attacked me!" DJ responds, "What?? What just happened?" I can't believe he missed it! But then we just start laughing hysterically. I mean, it didn't really hurt, I was more surprised than anything else.

Of course, we are trying to logically reason this out. What did this woman have against me? DJ: "Well, if she was rather large, maybe she thought you were saying that SHE was going to explode. Or maybe she was just jealous because you're skinny." Hmm... or maybe she was just crazy! Whatever the case is, it certainly was an interesting... uhm... diversion? As long as this doesn't leave a bruise, I will continue to find it a rather amusing incident.

Oh, San Francisco. You are full of surprises.

I went to see a palm reader yesterday. I was walking back to the office from Coffee Bean and saw a sign for a palm reading. For whatever reason, I felt the need to go in and check it out. Unfortunately, I was already running late to a meeting as it was, so I decided I would go back in the afternoon. I probably should have discarded the thought of going back; it's one of those things that I should've done on impulse as opposed to planning a visit.

What she told me:

I will live a long life.
Ugh. I hope not. After seeing my grandparents deteriorate in such a way at an old age, I just don't think I could handle it. Aging is such a horrible disease. How about we find a cure for that?!

I am a happy person and show my smile a lot. Although I do not reflect this on the inside.
Great. Apparently, I "fake smile" a lot. Just like that one day a couple of weeks ago when it suddenly started to rain like crazy while I was taking a walk. As I said then, "Thanks, God. Why not let it rain? It'll match how I feel on the inside!"

I am a kind and giving person, a good person... BUT I won't get many favors in return in my life.
Wait. What? You mean I'll just keep giving and giving and GIVING, but I won't get anything back in return?! Crap! And here I thought that my kind and generous nature would eventually take me some place! So much for that plan.

In the last four months, I have been searching for a happiness that didn't turn out as I wanted.
The only thing she said that I thought, "Wow! That's spot on!"

I haven't met my soulmate.
No joke. If I had, wouldn't I be with him right now? Actually, I suppose this is better news. It would be worse if I had already met my soulmate and am still completely oblivious to who it is.

My heart is in mourning and grieving.
Well duh. You just said that I hadn't found the happiness I was searching for.

My career, in terms of financials and success, will remain fairly static for about a year. After a year, I will have new opportunities and be in control of my career.
Damn. Does that mean I don't have control right now? Eh. I suppose I can at least be grateful that I'll be financially stable for the next year.

There is a dark cloud over my aura.
What the hell does that mean? Like a rain cloud? Is it raining on my aura? Can I perform dark magic with this dark cloud?

There are two people in my life that are jealous of me and preventing me from finding my happiness.
Uhm... really? Jealous? Of me? Hah! That's pretty funny.

I can help you remove the dark cloud over your aura. I can also provide you with the names of the two people that are jealous of you. I have these special candles. There are nine of them and they burn for ninety days. By providing your full name and birthday and my special abilities, I will be able to do this for you. I do not charge for my services for this, but I do charge for the candles. They cost $280.
$280?! You've got to be joking! What kind of candles are these?! Now if they were those cool Babylon candles from Stardust that will transport you anywhere you want to be with just a thought... well then, hey, I'm on board! But now I'm curious as to whose names will be revealed by these candles. Will it be John and Steve? Or Mike and Christine? *Rolling my eyes* Or, I suppose, she could just Google me -- after all, it does take ninety days for those candles to burn.

Some words of wisdom from two wise friends --

In reference to stalking a MySpace page as opposed to calling someone:
"[It's] better [to be] creepy than heartbroken and desperate with awkward interaction." -ST

"Don't let stupid boys break your heart."-HN

So I am setting some short term goals and deadlines for myself:

03.17.08 - 04.17.08
Vegetarian month
I haven't done it yet this year and I figured it was a good month because I'm already eating very little based on my mood. It feels good, though.

05.17.08
Move decision
I needed to give myself two months to make this decision. I just want to make sure that I want to move for the right reasons -- for me.

08.01.08
Size 0-2, 115 lbs.
I want to look damn good for my sister's wedding. Those photos are going to be displayed for a LONG time, so I better look good. Plus, the wedding is in LA, so I really can't slack with all the beautiful people everywhere!

03.17.08 - 09.17.08
Abstain from dating
This is going to be the toughest one. I haven't stayed single for longer than two months since high school. I just need to take time for myself and I figured six months is a good way to start. Tammy has officially taken herself off the market. We'll see how long this will last. I'll certainly try to maintain this. So, Mr. Right, should you come along before this six month period is over, I hope you will wait for me.

I feel so much better after setting these goals and deadlines. It just feels like I'm really working toward making myself a better person, understanding myself better, and finding real happiness.

I always thought I just wanted to be comfortable or content; there was no need to be REALLY happy because that would be selfish and asking for too much. I was okay with just being moderately happy. Then I started to notice all around me, people that were pursuing their dreams, looking for something more. I thought then that maybe there was something more than just being comfortable. Maybe there really was something better out there, something I could really touch. When I decided that I was fine with just being content, I had given up on trying to achieve that real happiness. I was tired of it all, tired of failing, tired of being let down and was willing to settle on mediocre.
I met somebody. He is so focused. He knows where he wants to be and what he needs to do. I admired that. I admired his determination and his very real desire to reach his dream, in turn, his happiness. I looked at him and his life and realized how mine was lacking. Even though I know that there are enormous difficulties along his path, I am jealous. He says that he is so consumed by this one thing that it hinders everything else and that he is nothing without this one thing. I might not really know or understand him, but I do disagree with this. In the short time that I have known him, he has shown kindness, generosity, sympathy, thoughtfulness and a depth of caring that goes beyond most people. This simply amazes me.
It's been a long time since I have felt this way; felt something so deeply that it touches my heart and literally makes my heart ache. At the same time, I am glad to feel this, to know that I haven't forgotten how to love.
I love all the little things. I love that when he grabs my hand, his is always warm. I love the way he calls me 'baby' with affection in his voice. I love that he notices when I'm feeling down or stressed and does everything he can to make me smile. I love that being with him makes me feel like everything will work out in the end. I love the way he touches and holds my face when he kisses me. I love how he hugs me like he doesn't want to let go. I love the way he touches my skin like it is the softest he has ever beheld. I love how he always smells my hair when we embrace. I love how he always kisses me hello. I love that he always opens the car door for me. I love that he wants to be with me, even if we're both doing our own thing. I love waking up next to him; even better, I love waking up in his arms. I love seeing his name on my cell phone when it rings. I love that he tips everywhere he goes. I love the fact that he is a hopeless romantic. I love how he is comfortable being a dork with me. I love his passion. I love that he is interested in learning more about the things I enjoy. I love how he compliments me. I love the way he color coordinates his outfits, all the way down to the shoes. I love that he notices and appreciates the things I do for him. I love that he is sentimental. I love how he always checks to see if I'm doing okay. I love that he cares about me enough to never make me false promises or tell me false sentiments. I love that he notices what I'm wearing. I love that he'll light candles and play music for me. I love how we steal kisses in the elevator. I love that he pitches me ideas and asks for my opinion. I love it when he takes my hand when we cross the street. I love that he waits for me to watch television shows that are considered "ours." I love the way he leaves me messages on my voicemail like he is actually talking to me. I love hearing his voice before I go to sleep. I love the way he looks at me. I love that he is silly. I love how he asks me about my day. I love how he observes everything going on around him. I love how he is able to give me advice not as someone I'm dating, but as an observer. I love how he thinks I'm beautiful and will tell me so. I love seeing him for the first time each day. I love that he wants to be there for me. I love that he doesn't shy away from my sappiness. I love his honesty. Most of all, I love feeling the way I do for him and to truly mean it when I tell him that I am his.

I wonder what it'll be like being single again. I guess Hsia girls never stay single for long.

I have been obsessed with anime lately. It's like I went on a total anime binge, but it's lasting longer than is normal; it's extending into a third series.
I'm currently watching NANA. I think this might be the best one yet. THIS is how drama is done. The manga creator, Ai Yazawa, is pure genius. It's a story about two girls who happen to meet on a train to Tokyo. Although they share the same name (Nana), they are as different as night and day. Nana Osaki is the lead vocalist in a punk band on her way to earn her fame in Tokyo. Nana Komatsu is the girly-girl from next door who is looking for love and happiness. Circumstances cause the two to start renting an apartment together. The series chronicles their lives, development of friendship, love, and individualism.
While the other series I have been watching have been all about cute, innocent, first loves of kids in high school, this one is more about the characters blossoming into adulthood and maturity. There is a scene where Hachi (as Nana Komatsu is nicknamed) realizes that loving someone is not about looking out for oneself and only concerning yourself of your own feelings: it is, in fact, about compromise and looking out for the other person's, as well as the couple's, best interest. I think this is a huge step for anyone to take. I admit that I did spend a lot of time in several different relationships concentrating on how happy or how sad so-and-so made me. I was always missing the point -- "how happy was I making him?" It was always about me.

I admit it. I spent the entire day watching anime. I called in sick (but I am really sick!) and watched Bokura ga Ita all day. Yeah yeah. I'm a dork. Don't I know it?
Everything went as I suspected, although I am quite satisfied with the ending (of the anime). It was very open ended and really left me with a light of hope. I was bawling by the end. I am moved to tears so easily. It's been quite awhile since I last felt this sort of connection to anything, especially an anime. I truly believe that the portrayal of first love, innocence, and goodbyes are exemplified in this series. I could sympathize with their emotions because I was once there. I could once again go back to those days and remember what it felt like. After every episode, I was able to reflect back to a moment or a phrase that reminded me of my own past. It was really touching. They say that innocence lost can never be regained, but through this anime, I was really able to go back and relive those moments. That was the beauty of it all.

It's been quite a long time. I was watching some anime series and I suddenly had the urge to post.
First off, I've been watching a series called Lovely Complex. This series is about a couple of teenagers in high school. The heroine (Koizumi Risa) is unusually tall while the hero (Otani Atsushi) is unusually short. After a series of events where the two find themselves to have a lot in common, Koizumi falls head over heels for Otani. Otani does not feel the same way about Koizumi (or maybe he's just confused) because he has only ever seen her as a friend. The episodes continue with comedic, laugh-out-loud scenes, but in the end, gives a the viewer a heart-wrenching look into a lovesick school girl that cannot reach the object of her desires. The teenage heartache and angst is superbly written and portrayed; I find myself sympathetic and often in tears. Mind you, I am quite easily driven to tears.
Secondly, I've also been watching another series entitled Bokura ga Ita (We Were There). It's another high school series about teenagers making their way through life, romance, and self-evaluation. Again, this centers around a relationship between the two main characters. What intrigues me about this series is the progression of the relationship. It starts off as a one-sided interest and slowly builds the relationship from there. I haven't gone far into the series yet (into about episode 5) so the couple are still in the beginnings of their relationship. I have found this to be sweetly innocent and a beautiful understanding of what it is like to be in those first days of teenage love. From what I understand, the series will continue to chronicle the relationship, fights, drama, and all. I have high hopes that it will continue on a realistic depiction of "first love;" I do feel, though, that if it does continue this way, that I will need to steel myself to a "not so happy ending" for the couple. As much as I am a hopeless romantic and would like to see them have their happily ever after, I do not believe that it will fit in with the message of the show.
I find myself drawn to these shows. I feel myself wanting to experience it all again: the innocence of first love, of feeling your heart skip a beat, and all those silly antics of gaining the attention and affection of the one you're pining for.
There is this scene in Bokura ga Ita where the couple go on their first date to the movies. The boy asks the girl if he can rest his arm on the armrest separating the two. She agrees. Then he tells her that she can also rest her arm if she likes. She seems confused and agrees, although in her mind, she's thinking, "Where would I do that?" Partially through the movie, the boy starts to flex his fingers on the armrest. She notices and he replies, "Oh.. just some finger exercises." She then notices that he has left half the armrest for her to put her arm down. She does and they hold hands for the rest of the movie. It's all just so innocently sweet that I can't help but to smile.
There is another scene in Lovely Complex where the girl visits the boy at his home because he missed school due to an illness. The girl has already told the boy that she likes him, but he does not return that feeling. He tries to explain this to her and uses the current situation at hand to be an example; he tells her that they are alone in his room and that he doesn't feel anything regarding the situation. If he truly was attracted to her, he would certainly feel something, wouldn't he? Nervous? Excited? Anything? She leans in quite close to him and tells him that she is trying her best and wonders if that will ever be good enough. She asks him if it will ever be good enough. It's such a vulnerable moment that I feel this wrenching, heart-stopping pause as I wait with her for some sort of answer. Meanwhile, I've got tears streaming down my face as I empathize with her situation.
Maybe I'm a softie. Maybe I'm a sucker for pain. Who knows? It just reminds me so much of high school drama, first love, and painful goodbyes. Even though these situations are not necessarily the same as I have experienced, the same emotions are there. I am glad I am still able to empathize. I would be more worried if the tears didn't come because it would mean that I didn't understand anymore, that I could no longer feel those emotions.

It's been awhile, hasn't it?
Brian and I just returned from our trip to Yosemite. It was, surprisingly, fun! We got a cabin in Wawona and stayed for 2 nights. We hiked up to Chilnualna Falls and it was *BEAUTIFUL*! Pictures to be added soon...

Hello! I just woke up from a nap! My name is Marshall. =D

At home, finally! =D

Introducing our new Alaskan Klee Kai puppy! (Still no name... any suggestions?)

I'm too cute for words.

Messing with my food.

virago \vuh-RAH-go; vuh-RAY-go\, noun:
1. A woman of extraordinary stature, strength, and courage.
2. A woman regarded as loud, scolding, ill-tempered, quarrelsome, or overbearing.
Interesting how this word can mean two completely different things. One negative meaning, one positive (and such complete opposites)! Haha. I guess it just isn't that easy to compliment a woman. =D

Newark, NJ (08.02.2005 - 08.05.2005)
Brian went on a business trip in Newark (Parsippany, to be exact), so I tagged along since our two year anniversary was that weekend. I hung out in the hotel while he was at work during the day. It was... not so entertaining. I spent most of the time watching movies on my laptop or sleeping =P We also discovered that nearly every restaurant in New Jersey sells mozzarella sticks (even McDonald's -- 4 for $1 on the dollar menu!). Even cooler, McDonald's had a 5-piece mcnugget choice on the dollar menu! Anyhow, that's about all we gathered about New Jersey. We went to White Castle, too. It was my first time there; I thought the mini burgers were SO cute! As we were on our way back to the New Jersey airport to return the rental car, we got a flat in the middle of Newark. Seriously a ghetto that compares to South Central. Brian was still in hiw work wear, so he had to change in the backseat before he could mess with the tire as he didn't want to look like he was a sucker waiting to get mugged. Finally, we were able to return the car and be on our way.

New York, NY (08.05.2005 - 08.07.2005)
After the car fiasco in Newark, we were ready to go to bed once we reached my sister's apartment in Manhattan. But I was hungry, so we walked around and ate at a cute Japanese place. I had a mushroom salad and some soba; Brian had some cold-style ramen. Then we headed back and had a nice, deserved rest. Saturday was supposed to be our pseudo-anniversary since we'd both be flying the next day, which was our official anniversary. We walked around 5th Avenue and Union Square. Brian bought a Reggie Miller photo at the NBA store, which I will reluctantly allow him to put up in our room (as long as I can get a Kobe picture). Then we had lunch with my sister and her boyfriend, Jon. We hung out for a bit, played some Star Wars Legos (or something like that) on Xbox. Brian and I had to wait until 11:15pm to eat dinner because that was the only time they had left at Babbo's. Dinner turned out to be decent, but nothing special. Then we walked around Washington Square Park. It was still satisfying. The next morning, we did a rushed tour of The Metropolitan Museum (saw the Matisse collection and some really cool arms and armors). As we were making our way to the museum, Brian decided that he didn't want to carry around a book he had just bought, so he hid it behind a bush in Central Park and said we'd pick it up on our way back. I was skeptical, but it was still there in the end and it all worked out. Then we headed back to the Newark airport where we parted ways -- me towards San Francisco, CA and Brian towards Richmond, VA.

San Francisco, CA (08.08.2005 - Present)
So I've been working full-time for a little over a week now. It sucks! I mean, the work is fine, but 8 hour days are so exhausting! I wake up at 6:30am so that I can be in by 9:00am (living so far away from work is not too fun). Then I get back some time between 6:30pm-7:00pm. This gives me enough time to figure out what I want to eat, eat, and then watch TV for about half an hour. Then I have to go to sleep and repeat the cycle. Geez. I feel so old going to sleep so early. I don't know how you keep a social life on this schedule! Besides for that, I think things are going well. I've met a whole bunch of new people (that seem nice) and I'm getting to know the company a little better (and I like it even more!). For those of you that don't know, I am working as a Technology Analyst at BGI (Barclays Global Investors). They are an investment managing firm (and pretty damn good at it, too) headquartered in San Francisco, with offices all over the world. As the training continues, I learn more about the company and realize how much more I need to learn and how much more I'd like to know. So far, so good. We'll see how I feel once I actually start working in my team and getting some hands-on experience.

Tari likes to think that she "buries" her belongings into random places in the house. The other day, she tried to bury her Greenie (dog treat) under my comforter. Today, she tried to bury her bone under the sofa cushion. Lookie!

Tari's bone

Somewhat hidden...