UCLA and Dodger Stadium

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/560 sec, ISO25
 “Dodger Stadium” Los Angeles, 2021

Today was “Los Angeles Day” for us, starting with a trip up the 405 to check out UCLA. Just like UCI was a nostalgic for me since that is where I spent four years, UCLA brought back many memories since I worked there for a couple of years. It didn’t have quite the magical feeling of my UCI visit though. I guess it’s because my UCLA days were when I was a working adult, whereas my UCI days were from a much different time of my life.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/3000 sec, ISO2000
 “Bruin” Los Angeles, 2021

We walked around for a while, and Koa liked the campus (the weather in California is so nice as compared to Texas!). It’s so fun to go to each campus and imagine the different versions of the future for him.

And being a graphic designer, I had to admire and photograph a poster that I really liked:

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/350 sec, ISO32
 “Social Distance” Los Angeles, 2021

In the early evening, we headed east to Dodger Stadium to watch the Dodgers host the Cubs. It was the first time for Koa to see a game at Dodger Stadium (Bay has been a couple of times before). We sat in the right field pavilion, where we could see Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. It was not a good day for the Dodgers as they were no-hit by the Cubs, but it was a beautiful evening at an awesome stadium, rooting for our team along with a capacity crowd. Super fun!!!

I haven’t sat in the bleachers since 1988, but it was awesome – definitely a different vibe from sitting closer to the plate. Although farther from the action, the energy is higher (most waves start out here) and you feel more connected to your fellow fans. I recommend it!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/1100 sec, ISO2000
 “Mookie” Los Angeles, 2021
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/45 sec, ISO2000
 “Dodger Dog” Los Angeles, 2021

I hope you had a great day!

Shopping and Relaxing

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/400 sec, ISO25
 “Lock & Keys” Lomita, 2021

Let’s see… a trip to Costco, Nijiya Market, the Locksmith, Mitsuwa, and Barnes & Noble. Those count as errands, right? But they were fun because we’re on vacation and with my Mom. 😀

After a bit of lunch, my brother and his daughter came up for the afternoon to help with doing a bit of yardwork for our parents, and then we went to the park to throw the baseball. It’s so nostalgic to spend time in the same park where we played so much growing up. A good feeling!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/3600 sec, ISO32
 “Hickory Park” Torrance, 2021

That evening, we watched The Rock to relive our visit to Alcatraz. I am happy to say that the movie still holds up!

Another fun day, with a beautiful evening moon as a bonus.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/300 sec, ISO2000
 “Moon Photo” Torrance, 2021

UC Irvine, Shotime, and Donuts

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/6.4, 1/1250 sec, ISO2000
 “Shotime” Anaheim, 2021

Today we spent time down in Orange County with my brother and his family. First on the agenda was a stop at Moulin for a nice, fancy breakfast. The bakery/café was busy, and rightfully so because the food was scrumptious! We enjoyed a Niçoise salad, eggs with crepes, toast, French onion soup, and pastries. Yum!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/500 sec, ISO32
 “Fancy Breakfast” Costa Mesa, 2021

Next, we went to UC Irvine, where my nephew will be a freshman later this year, and where I graduated from in 1990. A lot has changed on campus, but the old buildings still remain. I was filled with nostalgia as I peeked in the painting and drawing studios where I spent most of my time at university. So fun!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/9, 1/3000 sec, ISO2000
 “UC Irvine” Irvine, 2021

Along with the new buildings and fancy dorms, they also have these cute little delivery robots. How cool is that?!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/13, 1/3500 sec, ISO2000
 “Delivery Bot” Irvine, 2021

After a stop at the student store (where I bought a hat), we went to my brother’s house to relax a bit before going to the “Big A” to watch the Angels, led by Shohei Ohtani, take on the San Francisco Giants. We were hoping to see Shotime hit a home run or two and defeat the Giants, but alas, he struck out three times and the Giants won. 😥

Still, it was fun to be back at a baseball stadium with my family.

On the way home, we passed by a donut shop and Mariko saw the words “mochi donuts” in the window, so we had to stop and get a few to take back to Torrance. The donuts were just okay…

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/60 sec, ISO160
 “Donut Stop” Orange, 2021

Another long, fun day in California! 🌞

Bowling and Burritos

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/60 sec, ISO80
 “Bowling” Torrance, 2021

My oldest brother had the day off today so we spent it with him and my mom with the first stop being the bowling alley. It was great to have some laughs there, while staying socially distant from the other bowlers. I think they kept a couple lanes between the parties which was nice, and we noticed them wiping down the bowling balls and chairs when people left. Although it feels sometimes like we’re back to normal, the truth is that COVID-19 is still ever-present, with new variants making the rounds. 😐

We worked up a big appetite so we went to Pancho’s in Manhattan Beach for some excellent Mexican food. My chile verde burrito was huge and luckily I have two teenager who helped me finish it. 🌯

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/200 sec, ISO25
 “Panchos” Manhattan Beach, 2021
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/17 sec, ISO2000
 “Chile Verde Burrito” Manhattan Beach, 2021

After our late lunch, we went back to my parents’ house to relax a bit before eating dinner (so much food!) and then settled in for a nice long mahjong session. Lots of fun!

Father’s Day

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/90 sec, ISO2000
 “Big Papa” Torrance, 2021

Today we drove from San Francisco to Torrance, where we’ll be staying with my parents for the next week. It was nice to arrive there before dinner so that we could enjoy a Father’s Day meal with the rest of the family who live in Southern California. ♥

We ordered a ton of yummy Hawaiian food from Ono Hawaiian BBQ, opened up some presents, and got to spend some real quality time catching up. Mariko and the kids haven’t seen everyone since 2019 so it was a special day.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/60 sec, ISO400
 “Family Dinner” Torrance, 2021

I hope you had a nice Father’s Day!