This is LA

SCI-Arc

Every Wednesday, I visit SCI-Arc.

Downtown LA

Douglas' room

I learned a lot from him. I like his indifferent demeanor.

The shadow of light, downtown LA

April in 2008

Lena in my future place

Anime Convention! Giant Robot rumble!!!!

Don't misunderstand me. I love Voltron. However, it should be Eva 01 who wins. I know the pilot is extremely annoying. But truth is truth. It is Eva 01 that survives at the end of the world. Right?

I've been totally forgotten how much I loved Anime.
I've been totally forgotten why I decided to make films.
It is always Anime that brings me where I am now.

I forgot my passion for a while.
Now, I am back.
Thanks, this is what I truly need.

Balanced?

This afternoon, it was hot in my tiny studio apartment. It's been a while to get out of this room since I hurt my arm from that night. I was furious. Well, more like I was lost. Everything was just lost. I felt betrayed. I felt stupid. I felt hurt. And I had to write something that I really didn't want to write.

No progress for three hours since this morning.

All right, whatever.
I went out with my arm bandaged.
Outside.
I felt better but...I didn't walk to the north. I didn't want to remember that night.
I just needed Caffein. Iced one. Strong one.

So, I went to Starbucks on Wilshire.
A young Hispanic employee smiles at every customer. He looked happy. He looked young.
I used to be like that. Damn it.

When I was about to order my Latte,
the young employee looked at me.

"Well, first thing first. Are you OK?"

He didn't smile any more, serious.
I used to tell people I just fell down. I didn't want to explain. I didn't want to remember that night. However, this early twenty something boy's sincere eyes had something to soothe me.

Yes, I needed to hear "Are you OK?" from someone. Because I was not OK.

I still gazed at him and told him,
"I got mugged."

Loud music filled the store.

"What did you say? Lugged?"

"No, mugged. Someone tried to rob me."

I watched this young man looking down. I couldn't see his face.

"Where was it?"

"Here, I mean this area. Anyway, I wanna have a tall ice latte with non fat milk."

He didn't expect my answer. Well, it was you who asked.

"OK. Anyway, the coffee is on the house.
(still looks down but when he looks at me)
Where was it, exactly? I live here."

"******"

"Who was it?"

"Young Hispanic."

"I'll look around. I promise. I live here for 23 years....and I can't let..."

I walked out with my free coffee.

Unexpected kindness from a stranger made me a little emotional. I didn't know that I was eager to have this warmth from someone. This year has been just too tough for me to stand. However, why didn't I realize I'm still surrounded by marvelous people?

Thanks...
Yana. Jennifer. Victoria. Hryung. Lena. Tiff. Sean from Starbucks.
And all the "hot" firefighters that night, especially the one who escorted me on my way back. I really wanted to ask...
"Thank you. (pause) Do you have a girlfriend?"

Now, it's balanced. Well, maybe plus.