Santa Barbara, hiking, aphrodisiacs, back to Miami and more festivities

So it's been over a month since I blogged. Time sure flies when you're busy. And everytime I think of updating, it just seems like too much to fit in one post. Unfortunately, the less frequent I'm updating, the more things keep happening and then I get too busy to even update. Anyhow, so I'm going to attempt to condense what has happened the past few weeks. 

Last I left off, I was in Los Angeles on vacation and on the evening of May 21st, I met up with a few friends from undergrad for dinner at a restaurant called Don Cuco in Glendale. Surprisingly, that was my first time there even though I've grew up in LA. I got there late because I managed to get lost. Just goes to show how much of Southern California I remember after two years in Miami. Streets and cities aren't the only things I'm forgetting. I get to Don Cuco at 8:30 even though meeting time was an hour before. At least I wasn't the last to arrive. It was good catching up with friends I hadn't seen in over a year. The following day I at some lunch with family, and in the afternoon just relaxed. 

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On that Tuesday, I went out to eat dinner with a few other friends at a Vietnamese restaurant. On Wednesday, met up with another friend for some Vietnamese sandwiches and played some chess for the first time in ages. I won, to my surprise; guess I still got it. That evening, went out for In-N-Out (which has become so unbelievably crowded that they need to open more stores, like way more than McDonald's) and then played some Magic. We stayed up quite late but I still got home before 2 AM. The following morning, went to Santa Barbara for the first time ever with a friend from high school. We ate lunch at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, which was quite good. Quite a bit of shellfish that day, or rather, aphrodisiacs. More on aphrodisiacs later, but we walk a bit around the wharf and downtown SB. I also experienced The Habit Burger Grill restaurant the first time, which is like their version of In-N-Out. At about 3 pm, we start heading back but of course hit traffic. On the way back, we discuss watching a movie that evening, possibly Hangover 2. However, that kinda fell through so we go watch Insidious instead, which turned out to be pretty good, even though scary moves aren't really scary to me anymore. I recommend it though, if you're into horror films.

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On the 28th, I went hiking at Griffith Park with the same friend from the Santa Barbara trip. We met up with one of his friends from work and trekked up part of the park, encountering some nice views along the way. Of course, I slipped and nearly got killed due to my clumsiness. Then again, I really need to get some hiking shoes. After, we stopped by Griffth Observatory, which I haven't visited since high school. Lot has changed there. Next time I'll have to bring a date there. For lunch, we went to Chin-Ma-Ya for Ramen. 

The following day, ate dinner with some friends from grade school and junior high on at Tasty Garden inside Atlantic Times Square. Once again, had some shellfish in form of clams. On the 30th, hung out with friends and had oyster pancakes so again, ate some more shellfish. See the pattern haha? Man, sure got quite a bit of shellfish in that week. 

Next day, played some tennis and met up with a couple friends from high school who were on the tennis team for lunch at Savoy. In the evening I met up with a few ladies from the ACS Relay for Life committee for dinner at Phoenix Inn. Afterwards, I got home and started packing for flight in the morning. 

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I flew back to Miami on the 1st of June. What a horrible flight experience that was, from beginning to end. First off, before I even get on the place, security had to open and examine my bag. That's the second time in 4 trips I've had my bag opened. Does it say terrorist on my forehead or something? At least I wasn't frisked. Guess I was a little worried because my driver's license was expired and my new one's in LA. So after that, I go to the terminal for boarding. However, my flight ends up being delayed for nearly an hour because the connecting plane arrives 30 minutes late to the terminal, and for some reason the staff go on board to check something. When we finally do start boarding, they start calling all the groups practically seconds apart, which was ridiculous. You can imagine how jumbled the line got. Took us another 30 minutes to board, and while boarding, some guy was holding too many carry-ons so the staff was trying to run him down and make sure he would check the bag in. Later on, when we finally boarded, it we got delayed another 20 to 30 minutes before finally taking off. The only bright spot of the flight was meeting this cute photographer sitting next to me, or rather, two seats from me because there was no one sitting between us. We chatted for most of the flight. Not that I would have done anything since she has a boyfriend (which has been my luck these days) but she was really cool. So I landed really late past midnight. Fortunately, my friend was willing to pick me up. 

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The following morning, on the 2nd, I could already feel the jetlag. I finally get my car back in the afternoon, after waiting a month, though those bastards took all my spare change in the car. Granted it was less than a dollar but still. Those vultures. I also witnessed a car accident right in front of the auto shop, head on collision. That's Miami for ya. That evening I went to Miami Heat game versus the Mavs, game 2 of the NBA Finals. Forked out an arm and a leg but it was good game and I got access to the Dewar's Clubhouse level, which would have cost hundreds to enter. Saw Flo Rida (who got arrested for DUI later that week haha) at courtside. 

On the night of the 3rd, I find out that a friend of mine from undergrad committed suicide recently. That makes 2 suicides in 5 years. Even though I didn't know this one as well it still brought back memories from 5 years ago, including the wake and funeral. Just that horrible feeling that I could've done something about it. The following evening, I went to watch Hangover 2 to get my mind off of it. Not as good as the first, but still pretty funny even though it's crude humor. Warning: many scenes NSFW. 

The following day I went to Dolphin mall again, but this time to watch game 3 of the NBA finals between the Mavs and Heat. Buffalo Wild Wings was completely packed to the point where we couldn't get a table. Good thing the Miami Heat won that game or I would've feared for my life with so many angry fans.

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On the 8th, my new cell phone finally arrived in the mail after I changed over to AT&T. Took me hours to try and activate the phone, without success. Finally activated it the next day, which took another couple hours. 

On the 11th, went to watch X-Men: First Class, which was quite good. That's 3 movies in less than 3 weeks haha. In the evening, went to celebrate a friend's surprise birthday dinner. Actually, his wife had contacted a bunch of people a week before about it. I got there a little late due to the movie but that was supposed to be a diversion. In end, was all good because he had no idea. 

The 12th was graduation for the 3rd year residents at Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The hotel is amazing, though some say it's haunted. Afterwards, I had planned an after party at Dave & Buster's but none of the residents showed up. Fortunately, a couple students I invited did. Nonetheless, still pretty lame that more students than residents showed up. In the evening, I met up with a few residents at Gordon Biersch for game 6 of the NBA Finals (think I've watched nearly every game of the finals either live or at some bar/restaurant). The game was really good, like nearly every one of the series, though down the stretch Dallas basically took control. You could hear the moans and groans from the customers. Some guy was swearing left and right. We left a little before the final minute of the game just in case that guy got went really berzerk. 

Saturday the 17th was the last call of my residency, hopefully, since third years just have home call. The following day, I met up with a friend from medical school, who was in town for a wedding. Met up with her and her husband for brunch at Talavera Mexican Restaurant in Coral Gables, near the Hyatt where they were staying at. Afterwards, I took them to the airport in Fort Lauderdale.

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That's enough for now. I'll have to cut it short. Whatever happened this past week will have to go in my next posting haha. 

Chief resident, Dwayne Wade, free money, free movie...

In May I started my first rotation out of house, with a FP osteopath near Brickell who does integrated medicine. For the entire first week and half I had to use a car lent to me by a friend/colleague at the residency since mine was being repaired (see prior post regarding my car accident). So when I first entered his medical office, I see this video playing in the waiting area, with a video of him lecturing being played on the screen. Also in the lecture was Alonzo Mourning! Just shadowing him during the first day made me realize it was going to be an interesting month. His practice is outside the realm of traditional medicine. Firstly, this doctor does something called EIS scanning and ESTECK instead of traditional testing. He also does “muscle testing” where he asks your system whether something is required or not or whether a treatment is appropriate. Many of the traditional medications he does not prescribe. For instance, instead of synthroid it’s westhroid. He prescribes homeopathic remedies. This guy also has an aquarium that looks like a scene from Finding Nemo.

Just two days in, I find out Dwayne Wade was going to show up for a consultation! And sure enough, on the third day, May 4^th, I got to meet Dwayne Wade. Yes, that’s the same D-Wade of the Miami Heat. The doctor didn’t feel it was professional for me to stay during most of the consultation but I say hi and shake his hand. Guy dresses up in all pimped out basketball attire, as if he’s ready to ball anytime, anywhere. So that was the highlight of my week. Plus, I got a belated birthday present. 

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That weekend of the 7^th was the Prerelease for the next Magic: The Gathering set New Phyrexia. I almost didn’t make it, if not for the borrowed car. Though I didn’t win anything, it’s a good thing I did because I got over $60 worth of cards in return, more than double the entrance fee. It was also Free Comic Book Day on the 7^th so I went to get some free comic books at a nearby comic book shop just before heading home. The following day, I watched my Lakers get swept by the Dallas Mavericks. It was a sad day in Lakerland. So much for hoping they would make the finals again and potentially face the Miami Heat, where I could possibly cheer for the Lakers at American Airlines Arena and get booed at by the other Heat fans. Oh well, maybe next year.

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Speaking of money, on Thursday I find $50 on the ground, next to the road in a residential area, while jogging back from the auto repair shop. It was the most money I have ever discovered. I mean, I’ve come across dollar bills and even $20 before but 50 dollars? That’s a quite a bit to lose. I felt bad picking it up but was I supposed to do? Leave it there? I doubt the rightful owner is coming back to claim it. It was probably there for a days.

Speaking of auto shop, my car is still not finished. Nope. It’s been over three weeks now. Turns out the airbags were incorrectly order, or according to the shop, Toyota sent the wrong airbags. Guess it’s going to just sit there until I return to Miami on the 1^st. Didn’t realize how expensive airbags are. Two airbags total almost $1600! 

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Perhaps the biggest news of the month came last week on the May 11^th. That day, I found out I was appointed chief resident for the upcoming year. Since then, I’ve already had issues to deal with and tasks to finish. As they say, be careful what I wish for haha. It’s probably for the best though, because someone else would’ve made the residency a dictatorship. And as I’ve been told, I deserved it. Guess it’s time to change my cell phone plan…

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The following day on the 12^th, I meet a former pro tennis player at the doctor's office. I went to watch a free prescreening of the movie Priest in 3D. Movie was good, but not Avatar or Dark Knight level, though worth a watch. It’s at least as good as the Resident Evil series, if not better. Maggie Q herself probably makes the movie worth watching once. For those who don't know who Maggie Q is, just look up the show Nikita on CW. 

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I started packing Friday morning in preparation to fly out later that evening. At 10 in the morning, I took a few minutes to purchase tickets for another music festival, then continued on with packing. My phone was still on the fritz (all the power would just drain overnight even while it’s plugged in) so I left that for last. I finish most of the leftover food in my fridge and head to the airport. While going through the security line, I was hoping the security officer wouldn’t notice my expired driver’s license, and they weren’t going to search my bag this time. Lo and behold, I end up going through fine. While waiting, I typed up most of this (well, whatever is before this paragraph) and got food at the airport. The server at Café Versailles started making conversation, asking me where I’m from, to which I replied, “I’m from LA originally but here temporarily for work.” She then asked, “Oh, what do you do?” “I’m a doctor, here for training,” I stated. “You must be really smart then,” she said. I end with a smile and “I guess” as I said thanks and walked away.

My flight was uneventful, except I pretty much slept through most of it since it was a late flight, though I did manage to stay awake for some of the in-flight movie Country Strong starring Gwyneth Paltrow, which was ok. At least Leighton Meester is in it. That girl actually sings quite well. So after landing, my brother picks me up and we get stuck on the 710 for over 30 minutes because they were doing construction and closed off all the lanes except one going northbound. How lame was that? I don’t get home until after 1 in the morning, which is more like 4 AM in Miami. And yesterday I didn’t sleep until almost 2 AM in the morning as well, after meeting up with some friends from UCR for dinner at a restaurant in Glendale called Don Cuco. It was catching up after a couple years. Earlier in the day I hung out with another friend, got a free autograph of actor Felix Ryan, who starred in Power Rangers and a few other shows.

I have a cameo at 1:05 and 1:44. Pretty cool I believe. 

Mutts n Models from Hector Gil on Vimeo.

What a month...Kevin Rudolf concert, b-day, car accident, Heat game...

April was just a roller coaster of a month. Not sure why that is but around my birthday it seems like bunch of things occur, and it’s not always pleasant. First, the good stuff. On April 7th I went to watch Sucker Punch with a friend. It was alright, not as bad as most people were saying because there's definitely a deep message to the movie. Besides, attractive girls kicking ass is always good entertainment (think Resident Evil). Also, Jamie Chung went to my alma mater. Too bad I never met her in person.

The following day, Kevin Rudolf had a free concert in Downtown, Miami. Our chief resident tagged along, though I think it was out of pity since I was planning to go alone if no one joined. Afrobeta(who was at Ultra) opened for him and there was a long delay before he started. He only sang 6 or 7 songs but it was worth it at the end since I got a photo with him. I only spent $5 that evening, and that was on parking.

My birthday was the following Monday and I invited some of the residents and students to go to Dave & Buster's, without letting anyone know it was my birthday. Most of the found out as the day went on however. We had a good time, played some games, even found out a game machine that was dysfunctional, spewing out tickets like crazy. It was the first time a few years at D&B, and only my 4th time ever.

Later that week, I went to happy hour that Friday the 15^th at Tobacco Road, then checked out Fado in Brickell, a new Irish pub. I ended up getting a little buzzed but left early enough to get some rest. The next day, a friend and I went to the Miami Heat’s first playoff game for this season. We thought it was going to be a blowout by 4^th quarter but turned out to be a close game down the stretch. The Heat won, and I got a free taco out of it, courtesy of Jrue Holiday missing a free throw haha.

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This past week has been particularly difficult. I’ve had to deal with the burden of knowing that another fellow resident, whom I thought was a friend, lied to my face weeks ago, not once but twice. He told me I would be chief next year because he’s not running for it, which he actually told me on March 11^th and March 25^th. Talk about integrity and backstabbing. Can’t believe some people will do anything just to get ahead. Some of you reading probably know who I'm talking about. If not, well, you’ll find out soon enough. All I'm going to say is, don't get mad, get even. Don't underestimate the power of the internet.

Last weekend I find out my grandpa has colon cancer. A couple weeks ago he had rectal bleed so a colonoscopy was performed, where doctors found a colon mass. Surgery was performed on the 21^st of April. He’s discharged from hospital and recovering; fortunately it’s stage II according to the doctors (which means no metastasis) so hope that’s really the case. Speaking of cancer, I lost a patient this past Wednesday to lung cancer. Granted she was terminal but still, first time someone under my care expired. Later that morning, someone steals my evaluations for my rotations.

And then, that afternoon, I get in a car accident at approximately 14:20. It happened right before I was going to turn into the hospital parking area, which was a shame. The last thing I remember is getting off the freeway, seeing the light green, turning onto Coral Way(street parallel to hospital) and then seeing a car turn left at the next intersection. I ended up t-boning the guy in the driver side rear because I didn’t stop in time. My front left is completely smashed in so I can’t exactly drive it. Hopefully insurance will cover it. One thing’s for sure, my premium is going up. Guess that’s what happens when you’re averaging only 5 hours of sleep a day for the past couple weeks. I end up going to the ER after just to get checked. Now I know how it feels to get a CT scan after getting one of my head yesterday. What's with that weird smell inside that machine though, unless I was still smelling the airbag powder?! Days after my accident, glad it wasn't much worse. I could've been seriously injured or dead by now. Ugh, what a mess though. Now another headache to deal with. In such times, you know who your real friends are. So now that's two accidents in one month, and that's my 4th car accident in a decade(if you count driving into a parking gate but that's another story). Guess I’m a little accident prone, or stuff like this always happens to me around this time of year.

On Friday it was pouring rain and hail. Thought I was going to get hit by lighting or killed by hail. I was supposed to go to a charity event at Kitchen 305 hosted by Maxim model Tami Donaldson but I didn’t have a car, which was a problem. I convinced a friend to tag along, since I promised he wouldn’t have to pay anything that evening. I brought along some tennis balls for donation and we head out a little after 6 pm; fortunately it wasn’t raining. It started raining along the way but stopped when we got to Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort in Sunny Isles where Kitchen 305 is at. The place is quite nice. Tami doesn’t show up until a little later but I got a photo with her, along with a couple other lovely ladies, which was really awesome. A few models were fashionably late and my ride had to leave earlier so we didn’t get to meet everyone but I left happy. Ended week on a positive note at least.

Here’s the banner, for those of you who missed out: http://muttsnmodels.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/KITCHEN-305-WEB-BANNER.jpg

My grandpa actually had surgery on Judgment Day(reference to a movie of course). Interesting. Gosh, where did the month go? Even with all these things happening, feels like April just flew by. Let's hope nothing bad happens to me in May.

Ultra Music Festival 13; results of trial.

So Ultra Music Festival weekend sure was crazy, so insanely off the hook that I managed to injure myself haha, but more on that later. Ultra weekend was the last weekend of March. That Friday I managed to get off work relatively early at 3 pm from my cardiology rotation. I got ready to head out at 4 pm even though gates opened at that time. There was traffic pretty much the entire way there, and by 5 pm I was still stuck in freeway traffic, regretting the fact that I didn't just leave at 3 pm. When I finally get off the freeway, it's almost 6 pm. After turning onto Biscayne, I realized there was a Miami Heat game going on later that night as well! No wonder it seemed like everyone in Miami was in downtown. By the time I park and get to the festival entrance, it was past 6:30. When I get to lines, seeing the hoardes of people, I think to myself, "If it's like this every day of this weekend, it's going to be a long weekend." There were literally hundreds of people pushing and shoving towards the entrace; there was nothing resembling a line whatsoever. I didn't recall it being so disorganized last year. At least I didn't really get searched/patted down. Now if I didn't get patted down, imagine what snuck through? So after half an hour of waiting in line, I finally get in! I walked around for a bit and listened to Erasure at the Main Stage while waiting for a friend to show up. We convened about half an hour later, despite the spotty reception at festival grounds. A while later, some of his friends from near DC area showed up as well. 

 

So while we walked around, I somehow got involved a shoving match with some random people and I ended up on the ground, suffering multiple abrasions. Just kidding haha...that's what I tell people because it sounds cooler. Actually, I didn't see where I was walking and it was quite dark when I misstepped down an inclined dirt hill several feet high. Now why did the city go and make a hill like that? Stupid me though. That was quite embarrassing. And I managed to sustain a calf strain as well since I stepped on air and hyperextended my calf. The lame part is I wasn't inebriated or anything of that sort. For real. Oh well, let's see if Aflac will give me any compensation for it. I was bloodied for rest of the evening and in pain. When Pendulum, Duran Duran, and Tiesto performed though, I didn't notice anything. Guess it was the adrenaline. I can't explain how awesome it was in words so here are pics and vids:

 

Man, what a first day/evening of Ultra, and that was only a few hours. I went off to bed at 3 AM after getting back to my place at 2 AM. Yea, getting through downtown traffic was a pain. 

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Some six hours later, I get up, eat some food and got ready for a second day of Ultra. I packed my camelbak with ice and some water and start to head out when my friend Eduin (who joined for the first day) calls me up telling me he managed to get in a car accident hours early. He's alright, but I basically had to pick him up. So I take a detour to swing by his place and we head out to Bicentennial Park. We get there around 1 in the afternoon, and to our surprise there was no line at the entrance and traffic wasn't bad at all. I guess most people were still asleep, wiped out from the day before. So we go through the entrance and at the security checkpoint, the guy doesn't really pat me down but pushes on my cargo pockets. Then he asks what's in my camelbak, which I responded was mostly ice. He wants me to open the cover, and of course much of the ice has melted by now so he wants me to pour out the water. I do reluctantly but after a few ounces I come upon ice and he ends up telling me to just go ahead after all that. This actually happens again the next day. What I don't understand is how they make a big deal out of water but yet allow drugs and other contraband to sneak through. 

Anyhow, so we walk about, checking out all the tents and stages. First stop was Steve Aoki, who was awesome, and then Afrojack, who was awesome as well. Then we hung out at The Eco Village for some trance music. Halfway through I go checkout Simian Mobile Disco for a bit. When I return back to the Eco Village tent, my friend Eduin apparently starts talking to this girl there who was by herself. She ends up joining us as we went to watch Kaskade. My friend goes off to watch Skream!+Benga on his own and I told him we'd look for him later as we stayed for rest of Kaskade. Afterwards we weren't able to find the guy at Tower of Ultra haha. A while later, she and I went to catch Cut Copy at the Live Stage. Afterwards we still couldn't find Eduin so just we hung out at the Carl Cox & Friends stage while waiting for Deadmau5 to start. My 2nd go-around of Deadmau5 was alright compared to last year. At the end of the night, we went our separate ways but not before exchanging facebook profiles. Minutes after she already left, I realized I should have just gotten her number! So dumb of me. I ended up being angry at myself for the next few days, until I finally found her on facebook.

The last photo is my little "scratch" haha. Oh by the way, apparently some crazy incident happened in front the stage during the Kaskade performance. Here's the article: http://boston.barstoolsports.com/random-thoughts/reader-email-is-naked-asian-guy-getting-knocked-out-at-ultra-music-festival-the-funniest-pictures-in-the-history-of-the-stool/. Warning: NSFW! 

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I actually wasn't too tired for Sunday morning but by evening I sure was. Sunday was pretty awesome as well; caught Cosmic Gate, Armin Van Buuren, Crystal Castles, David Guetta, Carl Cox, Miss Nine, just to name a few. I ran into a guy I know who was absolutely whacked out on something haha. The sad thing is he's still in high school. All I'm gonna say is just look at these photos:  https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2321025&id=6301014&l=deb9d3cbdb

Should be able to view them without logging on facebook. Overall, I only spent $8 the entire weekend and despite my little accident and all the secondhand smoke and weed (I actually got asked quite a few times if I was selling anything or if I wanted to buy anything. Two dudes actually wanted to buy sips of water from me haha) it was quite an experience. Took me nearly all week to recover though haha. Can't wait til next year. Hopefully I get more people to join next year. 

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To update on my trial really quick. The verdict came in during the week of April 2nd and turns out it was a hung jury because one juror didn't believe the guy kidnapped me to rob me? Whiskey tango foxtrot did he go and kidnap me for? To hang out with me? Really friggin' stupid. So now I have to testify again at a later date. How lame. My dad thinks it must have been the black juror haha. 

Week testifying in trial, or at least it felt like it.

Last week was definitely one crazy week. As some of you are probably aware, I was back in LA this last week, partly for personal business, which included the trial for my kidnapping ordeal. For those who don’t know, I was kidnapped at gunpoint, in my own vehicle, nearly two years ago on March 31^st, 2009. And almost two years later, we finally have a trial.

So on Tuesday I was transported to the Burbank courthouse by a detective for anticipation of my testimony. Somehow, jury selection took longer than expected and I didn’t even get to testify that afternoon. The deputy district attorney told me I needed to return the following morning and I would “likely” start first thing in the morning since jury selection was complete. Afterwards, I met up with a friend for a meal at Portos.

I return on Wednesday in preparation for my testimony, only to discover that that there was a problem with one of the jury members. That delayed the start and I waited and waited until noon without any answers. I’ve come to realize that when attorneys say “likely,” it actually means “low probability” of happening. So finally get to testify at 2:30 in afternoon. It was actually quite excruciating on the witness stand. Good thing no one I knew was present because it was not pretty. Felt like I was reliving the entire event all over again. I couldn't even look the defendant in the eye. 

Unfortunately, my testimony runs through the closing time for court that afternoon, so I have to return the following morning. They cancel my flight again and rebook for the following morning. On St. Patrick’s Day morning, I’m transported back to the courthouse. Thought I would start right away but there was another delay, which I never found out why. I ended up getting rushed to finish up my portion on the witness stand. Time was of the essence, as I finished just in time for my personal ride to the airport. I make a quick stop home on the way to the airport, and then barely made it on time to board my flight. So I at least got a free flight out of all that.

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On my flight back I met a 1^st year law student from UM, whose family actually owns a castle in Spain. Sounds like their family is quite wealthy haha. The guy actually invited me to party with him that evening for St. Patrick’s Day. Too bad I had to work the next morning, and boy did I work. On Friday, I worked almost 12 hours, then on Saturday returned for more rounds. Was on call Sunday night, though still round with the cardiologist on Monday post-call, which is unheard of.

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Was good catching up with some friends this past week, even though it was a hectic vacation, if you can even call it that. Those I didn’t get to meet up with, catch you next time perhaps.

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For those of you who think Miami gas prices are expensive, think again. This is in LA. 

Ultra Music Festival in less than 2 days. I'm so excited and I just can't hide it. And I know I know I know...

 

Another interesting trip back to LA, trial, DMV, passports, other shenanigans

So guess my trial is really about to happen tomorrow, or rather, later on today. Wonder if I'll be able to look my perpetrator directly in the eye in court. For anyone interested, I'll be at the Burbank Courthouse, part of the LA Superior Court. Address is 300 East Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91502. Really can't wait for this whole thing to be over with. Hope it doesn't drag on into Wednesday for my testimony. More updates to come later. For those who don't know, March 31st will be the two year anniversary of my kidnapping/robbery/carjacking. 

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I flew back to Miami this last Wednesday from Fort Lauderdale(FLL) Airport, and I never knew real birds were allowed inside the terminal. After that sight, somehow I knew it was going to be another interesting flight. While going through airport security, I'm stopped for a bag check and I thought to myself, "What now?" Turns out they thought my Magic gaming cards were suspicious. Out of like 10 times so far, that was a first. Amazing. So I departed via Virgin America (which is awesome by the way) without any other hiccups, but even VA couldn't do much about the abdominal pain I was having shortly after takeoff. Maybe it was hunger, or maybe it was ulcers, but either way, pain lastly entire flight, which was horrible. Or perhaps I was already dreading my pending trial subconsciously. 

After landing and gate arrival, while getting ready to exit the plane, I recalled this girl had to have her luggage placed in an overhead compartment a little further back of the plane. It crossed my mind to let some people pass and then get the luggage for her since she was waiting diligently several rows in front of the plane for everyone else to leave. Then I thought better of it because I was in a hurry, and in quite a bit of pain. Plus, I didn't want her to think I was actually trying to steal her roller bag or something, especially since it looked like mine. So I walked by her and showed some sympathy that she's waiting for everyone to leave. In hindsight, I should have just gotten it for her. So what if I'll be holding up traffic for everyone else trying to exit the plane? Still feel guilty. Anyhow, shortly after, this little old lady who spoke only Spanish was asking for a wheelchair so ended up translating for a second. Elderly people over age of 70 should not be traveling alone within the US, especially if you don't speak any English. A few minutes later, while I was waiting for my brother to drive by the arrival gate, this Chinese couple next to a pay phone flag me down and asked me if I spoke Chinese. I reluctantly said yes, only because I was wary what they wanted. Turns out they couldn't read English (the guy was holding a business card upside down) and didn't know how the pay phone worked. So ended up busting out some Spanish and Chinese that night to help not one, but three people. Guess I could've helped a 4th person. 

The following day, I had an appointment with the DMV to renew my driver's license, celebrated my brother's birthday. Day after that, had to touch base with the Deputy District Attorney and take care of some drama back in Miami, even while I'm in LA (sometimes I feel like the chief resident). Went out with some friends later that evening. Saturday, I had to take care of my passport, run to the bank, set up an IRA, then meet up with friends in evening. On Sunday, did some laundry, got a haircut, called up some more friends, watched the movie Rango(which wasn't bad), ate out with friends. So yea, I've been quite busy, to say the least. Some vacation I'm having. Well, at least Ultra Music Festival is in 10 days. Can't wait for that. And I finally ate In-N-Out for first time in a year. 

Wizard World Comic Con, FOMA convention, Kidney Walk

Wow, so where did the month of February go? Days are just going by so quickly. NBA All-Star weekend was the 18^th through the 20^th, and I ended up on working entire Sunday (back-to-back shifts), thanks to a certain intern who quit a couple weeks prior, leaving me with the responsibility. Anyway, the dunk contest was awesome, the best in years. Congrats to Blake Griffin and Kobe Bryant, on the dunk contest title and All-Star game MVP, respectively.

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Ultra Music Festival is about two weeks away, and I need to go back to LA to pick up my ticket, since it arrived today! On President’s Day, I bought a Camelbak in preparation for UMF. It should be good investment for me, since I’ll be saving so much money on water there. Can't believe the 3-day GA tickets are going for over $700. Should have known that was coming, and purchased multiple tickets.

FOMA convention was from February 24^th through the weekend in Weston, though I only went for Thursday and Friday, since I had plans that weekend already for the Wizard World Comic Con. Did a little networking, met some people, and got some free stuff at FOMA convention. During the convention, I started coughing, with an irritated throat. Wasn’t really sore, but couldn’t stop coughing. By Saturday after, I started having rhinorrhea, congestion, sneezing. That really sucked because it was during Comic Con, although I didn’t really attend the convention portion on Saturday because I was on the gaming room side, playing Magic, trying to win a couple grand in cash prize. Unfortunately for me, I got a dose of reality after getting royally pwned by elite players. Next time, I need to drop while I’m already down and out, or basically eliminated from winning any prize money haha. Me and my stubborn self trying to improve my DCI rating.

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On Sunday, I volunteered for the Wizard World Comic Con, which was quite awesome, despite being sick. Got to meet several celebrities, including Ray Park, Cerina Vincent, Adam West, Burt Ward, Ernie Hudson, Gina Lee Nolan, and WWE divas Angela Fong, Torrie Wilson. I also met a few new friends. At the end of the day, made out with some free swag, including free autographed prints from Ray Park, Torrie Wilson, and Gina Lee Nolan.

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Kidney Walk was this past Sunday, and it was pretty cool, though I expected it to be a longer event, especially after being at a couple prior Relay For Life events in the past. It only lasted a couple hours, and I not only walked the entire 3 laps (3 miles/5k), but walked 4 laps. The funny thing was some people barely finished one lap. After that, I realized most people are not in shape, and I can probably walk faster than 99.9% of the population haha. Wish there was a speed-walking contest haha.

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So flying out to LA tomorrow, and I got many tasks to finish. I'll leave you with these two articles.

I'm never using a shopping cart again: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/03/07/study-fecal-bacteria-found-on-most-supermarket-shopping-carts/

Your cell phone has 18 times more bacteria than toilet handle: http://www.businessinsider.com/your-cell-phone-has-18x-more-bacteria-than-the-flush-handle-of-a-urinal-2010-10