Leap of Faith

Sometime last year, while I was 17…

I decided I wanted to do something crazy, like jumping out of an airplane.

But like the picture says, I had to be 18… biggest let down of my life.

So this summer, one year older, one year stupider… I decided to pursue by childhood (last year’s) dream.

The morning began with an early morning wake up from a late night. Bryan Choi would be my accomplice in day’s stunt. The majority of the morning consisted of a lot of driving, we were heading up to Lake Elsinore, heat, and anticipation.

“I’m gonna be jumping from where?!”

So later that day, after learning proper jumping technique, suiting up, and sitting around… I learned that my Point A would be 12,500 feet in the air, and Point B would be the ground I took off from; hopefully I wouldn’t be slamming into it as fast as my body would reach at terminal velocity, 120 mph. That’s sixty feet per second for all you physics nerds.

After what seemed like forever, everything became a blur. We were being interviewed for our video that you can check out here. I know Kevin Boung. Anyways, we quickly boarded the plane and began our decent to the skies.

This was the view from 12,500 feet in the air.

So before the point of jumping, there were more awkward interviews and much more anticipation. I met a Korean lady who is a pro at Elsinore Sky Dive. She told me to jump by myself and stay away from this “pussy shit.” I told her maybe next time, if there would be one for me… nerve wrecking.

“So on two, your gonna jump and immediately arch your back… ok?”

Kind of like looking at Google Earth, minus the peace and tranquility of sitting in your bedroom.

The experience was definitely one of the craziest things I know I’ll ever do in my life. So more numbers… the free fall lasted a good minute. Contrary to popular belief, time did not slow down at all… the minute was up in a quick rush + the tightest air pressure wedgie a harness could exert on a man’s crotch. I learned that when a parachute is deployed, it’s not always the smoothest transition… whooooshhh….JERK….

The view from below.

Oh, and if you’re anything like me, and have a fat face…

Crash Landing

The landing was not how I imagined. Instead of doing the thing that they do in movies, where you land on your feet and run off your momentum, my instructor said we’d be sliding on our butts. Coming in at sucha high speed, I thought I would be losing my sculpted behind.

My experience was pretty darn awesome. I recommend it to anybody or anybody who has even considered skydiving.

Check it out, it’s pretty crazy

Adrenaline, spontaneous behavior, and the joys of being 18… brought to you in color by KBang Productions.

Resuscitate

Hello World, it’s been a while.

A lot has changed in just one year. New faces, and new places. Nothing too specific here, just a quick run-down of what has come storming into my life.

Learned that I can cook a mean spaghetti dish.

But was quickly stifled after sampling Peter’s mom’s cookin’

Made a new home at UCR, my home for hopefully, one  year.

Omnari was a big success. Found a new appreciation for the city.

Attended my Senior Prom

Partook in end of the year festivities

Marveled at The Class of 2010s’ spirit

Still lovin’ the game

Lost some friends…

But made some new ones

Catching your breath, thinking back, and “here we go,” brought to you in color, by Kbang Productions

Over the River and Through the Woods

So as you guys know, I was “MIA” this weekend. I was sick with the devil and needed a spiritual intervention. Dr. Jesus prescribed a weekend retreat and boy was it a cure. Here are some shots of the scenery.

Clouds: CHECK, Sun: CHECK, Perfect Mt. Getaway: CHECK

Cloudy with a Chance of…

Disclosure: The effects of retreats include: spiritual high, deep realization, and streaming of natural beauty.

Welcome to the Jungle

God, Gifts, and Getaways brought to you in color by Kbang Productions.

Hey, check out the Omnari blog at: omnari.wordpress.com

What’s Up Beaches?

The four of us were at it again. Bryan, Peter, Kevin and I decided to go on another spontaneous trip, planned after yesterday night’s exciting basketball game (thank you Jae!). After a seemingly long Call of Duty match, we set off on our journey to Venice Beach- four individuals with the travel bug, hoping that cheap tricks, sand, sun, and the smell of incense could cure their disease.

World Famous Venice Beach

“Toto, were not in Kansas anymore”

Upon arrival, we were bombarded by a cultural overload. The sights of the beach- buff guys showing off their muscles, surfers, ballers, and babes in bikinis; the smell of that familiar beach smell- piss, with salt, with seaweed, with cigarettes; and the sounds of the beach- the ocean waves crashing against shore, the eager tourists yelling at each other to get that perfect Kodak moment shot, the occasional cussing of a homeless man at the pigeons for flying around; we were here, and it didn’t take long for us to know it.

No entrance fees here, the works are for public view only. Please no flash photography.

Scenery Art

This town seems to like Marilyn and Kobe, apparently gang related violence as well.

Public Defacement is not Art

Need I say more?

Apart from the hip-hop subculture and graffiti, there was still tons to see. Take a look for yourself:

Muscle Beach Outdoor Gym- No rest for the weary

About a third of our time at the beach was watching street performers- the interesting personalities littering the crowded streets, sucking in passersby with their charm, wit, and tip jars.

This native thinks he can walk on glass…

He quickly proved that he can.

The next guy we watched was a hardened former prisoner. He’s supposedly a crazy dancer now and lives for the Lord. Amen. He is to appear on America’s got talent. Check him out, Mr. Animation. Peter got the opportunity to take dancing lessons from him.

Can you say Old School?

Try saying “I got no money sir” to that face.

The Crew:

Jumpin’ Ji-Hoon!

Choi-Boy

Private Parts

Banger [Bryan Choi]

He couldn’t resist but jump into my “candid” shot…

While excavating the land, these girls showed extreme interest in our party… Peter being the “friendly” type just had to jump in.

Loquacia? Lafanduw? Leona? What was her name again?

Pressing onward, we found a legit freakshow. Complete with all the world’s natural freaks!

Ever see a two-headed turtle?

How bout Iron Man?

The sights were only as entertaining as the people could make it… Check this guy out.

Best sign in the whole world..

Unless compared to his one.

More sights to see on the crowded streets of Venice.

The active citizens of Venice, CA

So many of him. Medical marijuana clinics were every other building… Kush Clinic, Doctor Pot, Kush Club, Marijuana Masters…

He was a low key entertainer, quietly beggin’ for attention, not cash. And attention he got.

One of the many works featured on the street. Notorious BIG in all his shining glory.

We stopped at a burger shack to get a quick bite. Paper thin pizza, jiz burgers, and crusty corndogs were the menu. While eating, we couldn’t help but be entertained by the rambunctious individuals playing basketball. Dinner and a show?

Who is starving for a title more than him…

For Jabroni Jay

The day ended with a spectacular sunset. The atmosphere, the personality, the entire day culminated at the end with a marvelous spectacle put on for the world to see. An evening event put on for us everyday, but today, we had front row seats.

Later Gator.

Sights, sounds, and smells… brought to you in color by Kbang Productions.

I’m in Miami Bitch

Actually winter break was spent up in Pismo Beach, it was yet another family montage.

He’s excited.

Instead of heading up to the mountains, my family decides to spend our time on the beaches of Pismo. Becoming veteran tourists of this luscious location, we pretty much know where to go and what to do. Vacations on the beach, brought to you in color  by Kbang Productions.

First picture of winter break, the view from the hotel room.

Another shot of the view.

The drive up took a whopping 4 hours, so we hit the pool, grabbed some grub, and strolled the pier.

This is basically downtown, a strip of tattered restaurants and tourist shops lining a minuscule plot of land.

Family tradition is: first meal shall me BBQ-Brack people style! Mo’s BBQ- best thing to happen since wet naps and TV re-runs

The place is decorated with awards and antique signs. My favorite decor are the license plates greeting the eaters at the entrance.

One of the few shops with items other than cheap T-shirts, Name magnets, and saltwater taffy…
Pismo Surf, expanding the hypebeast culture to regions outside of the Los Angeles vicinity since 2001

Timing couldn’t have been better, the sun was setting and we were looking at one of the coolest scenes in town

Pretty snazzy look of the horizon.

New Years eve was spent watching TV, rooting for the Lakers, and playing poker for countless hours.

The next day we headed out to Montana de Oro State Park to go hiking.

If I titled this blog “Trip to Hawaii,” you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference..

Everybody seems to be fascinated by close ups.

This city does not run out of “OOOHs” and “AHHHs.” Staring about 160 feet down to a very painful fall.

Everything was great! Even the birds seemed to be posing for the camera

Who needs Sea World when you got birds, fishes, and mermaids without any glass from keeping you out.

My picture taking buddy. With a face like that, who wouldn’t be a great photographer.

The newest addition to our family montage, my cousin Pancho Villa

Stunna Shades

This year was an interesting year. Lots of memories made and lessons learned. Before this starts to sound cliche, 2010 here we come!

Sunsets and Sea shores, brought to you in color by Kbang Productions

Macro Photography

Well Look at the time, it’s time for another post.

Not really a fan of macro photography. Personally I think it is a way for anyone to “look” good at taking pictures. But this flower is special. It supposedly only blooms once a year, and it just opened up so I thought I’d share.

This particular flower is a shy one. Only comes out once a year.

Flowers and details, brought to you in color by Kbang Productions

Fall-ing For You

The seasons are changing colors. Must be fall time.

The Fall Line: Lexus 2010

With my cousin visiting from San Diego, I decided to take his rotting body out of the house and bring him along one of  my photo excursions. Next stop, Nora Kuttner Park-it’s that creepy hillside going to Regals with no reception.

The sky went from 0 to sunny in 2.4 seconds… Vroom Vroom

The Gates to Heaven: made local in Fullerton, CA

East Coast? Who says West Coast ain’t got four seasons…

No comment… Actually just cannot think of anything witty to say for this one.

After a pleasant walk with the cousin, and learning that taking pictures is illegal while driving… the day ended.

All You Need Is Love <3

The next day, after unloading a can of whoop as on the UC’s, I get a call from Peter Lee saying he wants to go trek the mountains of Baldy… Mount Baldy

Destination: Mt. Baldy; ETA: 1 Hour

The drive up there was not very bad. However, it was a Sunday and not many people like to sporadically take trips up to the mountains to relieve some stress.

The road less travelled

Upon arrival, we were greeted by this sign…

Great. Steep drop offs, fast waters, and eroded trails… and I got skinny jeans and some Vans.

Nature looking its best for YOU the viewer

Just some  of the luscious scenery here at Mt. Baldy

So there ya have it, the season of fall-introduced to you by me. Stay tuned, winter coming soon.
“Reconnaissance missions,” brought to you in color by Kbang Productions