Magic in Charity: Every $10 made at Siamese Pixie Store, #2, #3, #4, and
geek stuff PLUS whatever I made with Adsense is sent to Thai Red Cross, my mom's favorite charity. As of June 1, we are at $2.56 toward the next $10 and so far have donated $30.
I’ve been pushing through work and juggling my social life through February. It seems I’m making new friends and reconnecting with old ones all the time. Weekends and evenings were no longer just the quiet moments but full of activities.
There have also been changes at my work. We have created a new department which roped my marketing team of 2 in with 2 other departments to pursue new directions. The new Boss Man is first a friend. Much like my relationship with my boss Nhien, because we are friends first, communications are open in both directions. It makes for very successful partnership I think, but yet also frustrating. You see, the new department is like new found toy. There are constantly “Oooh! I want to do THIS!” and “Yeah, let’s do THAT!” which tend to throw a wrench at both us and another department.
The perfect analogy for my current work situation, which my colleagues agreed on, is that the New Department is like a box of marbles spilled across the floor. Your day-to-day responsibility is like the door you’re trying to reach. You want to get to the door but you keep tripping on the marbles and falling down. You pick up the marble and put it back in the box and keep going toward the door but there will be another marble to trip you up. You eventually get to the door but you’re now all banged up. AND you’re late. Eventually, we will all learn to navigate the marbles and manage to pick them all up AND get to the door gracefully. In the meantime, put on your helmet, kids–it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
Now, the Big Event just wrapped up without much of hitch on Wednesday. So a huge weight has been lifted but yet more are on the way. In all of this, I’m trying to squeeze in an hour here and there to study Italian. I’ve been neglecting homework because I thought I can totally do this without much help, but every week I fall further and further behind. I’m realizing the reason why I struggle so much with it is because I’m learning a third language on my second language.
To use Hugh Laurie’s analogy of going to the set of House being the only one who has to add an accent, it’s like going to a battle with a fish when everyone else has a sword. Almost everyone in class is a native English speaker. Most also speak Spanish even a little bit. I’m there with Thai being my native tongue and here I am learning a new language on my second language. My head is translating it front and back and left and right before I come to some conclusions. However, the benefit of my Thai tongue is that I can roll the R’s and sound the hard T’s better than anyone.
So here I am, trying to be a better student and put in some homework time. On top of that, I still have to find time to cook–which, sadly, I’ve been able to do strictly on the weekends, to keep the blogs up to date, and to wrap up my tax paperwork. Hey, at least the office is in order now. I just have to comb through the pre-sorted bill and reconcile everything.
Oh, and today I had Italian class in the morning, was supposed to be at a salsa workshop at noon, bake a cake, then off to a baby shower at 4 and a birthday dinner at 7. Thankfully the last 2 parties are at the same place.
At this level, I thought for sure I would go down with a cold after the Big Event. I ended up with massive allergies starting at the event. My stomach has been warring with me pretty much for 2 weeks. And then my back decided to throw a coup as I was having a nice relaxing dinner with Brandon.
It’s like my brain knows of the maddening schedule I have ahead of me today. So last night on behalf of the entire body, my back muscles decided to throw a tantrum and seized up.
So, no salsa today. And up until now, I’ve been laying flat on the couch, nursing the stout left in the bottle from making my chocolate Guinness cake with some Ibuprofen.
I don’t know if having been a better eater helps stemmed the physical meltdown I usually have after a stressful period of time. You know, my usual 24 hour of low fever and energy zap? Not happening this time. So the body just went for the most recent injury, my back, and uses THAT to punish me.
Well, I’m soldiering on anyway. At least tomorrow all I have to do is type up notes for Thrill the World and go to the meeting at 7 p.m.
But then there’s the farmers market I want to get to, dinner I want to make, and the paperwork…FUCKIN’ PAPERWORK!!!
We’ve seen how I did last year. Let’s see how many I can accomplish this year.
1. Lacto-vegetarian Tuesdays
Vegetarian or vegan diet is nothing new to this Buddhist. However, the most I’ve ever done was 2 days a week of loosely vegan diet during Catholic lent of back in high school. That was tough too since there was no soy milk or tofu available in nearby grocery stores like there are today. In college, I started back on vegetarian on Tuesdays, the day of my birth. You know, one day a week of not taking any lives. My mom encouraged me to do that as herself had altogether given up eating beef (aka killing of large animals) many years before. But then, I found myself eating mostly fries, mac and cheese, cheese pizza, and cheese sandwiches–grilled or otherwise, on those days. Eventually, I gave up.
I still don’t have the will power to give up beef like my mom did, and now my oldest brother does (I think…?). But lacto vegetarian (vegetarian with dairy product but no eggs) on Tuesdays (and even vegan if I’m mindful enough) can totally come back now that I have more resources to get healthy vegetarian foods and motivation/discipline to do it. Mommy, this one’s for you.
2. One hour of piano/guitar/singing, twice a month
Once a week of music shouldn’t be too hard. I mean, I tried last year. But realistically, with all of my obligations and TV habit, twice a month is a good point to start. Heh.
3. Keep up with Italian
I started it. I’d better keep it up!
4. Work out at least once a week
I have come to realize that my fitness goal wasn’t aligned with my life’s goal. I was pushing working out on myself to “get in shape”. What’s the point of getting in shape if my eating habit still involves Del Taco? However, working out so that my metabolism is high so that I am able to consume more calories, now THAT aligns with my culinary exploration. I came to this little epiphany as I discussed my fitness habit with a colleague, walking up the hill from a big lunch at Bottega Louie.
Exercise so I can eat more. Now that’s a goal I can get behind.
5. Read at least one book a month
Last year I got to 10 out of 12. This year, 12 and up is to aim for!
6. Finish reading the magazines as they arrive
The only magazine I finish in a timely manner is Entertainment Weekly, being a pop culture fiend that I am. SELF gets relocated to the bathroom the day it arrives and it does get well read. Food & Wine and WIRED tend to get backlogged. I mean, I still have at least 5 of 2008-2009 F&W in the cabinet I have to sift through! This is why I recently canceled my subscriptions to Rachael Ray and Real Simple.
7. Do my household paperwork on early day from the office
I have put it on the calendar every month that I come home early from those board meeting days. Last year, after 3 months, I haven’t followed through with that at all. Oh god, that reminds me…ARRRRGH PAPER WORK AVALANCHE!!!!
8. Eat breakfast everyday
Another realization about how my body works came very clearly to me during my week in Bangkok over Thanksgiving. I had proper breakfast everyday. As in Thai style breakfast of, well, rice and whatever was left from dinner the night before. I felt great all day and even with all the food I stuffed myself with during the trip, I actually might have lost a couple of pounds. I guess my spoiled little self has been programmed to have proper breakfast since, well, birth. I mean, when you grew up with a nanny and then a maid, neither one would let you out the door without at least an egg or a scoop of rice in you.
Here in the US, I don’t always eat breakfast. First of all, I’m never hungry the moment I wake up. So if I don’t eat before I leave the house, I usually try to find something to eat at the office…which turned out to be either a cup of coffee or tea and some Goldfish crackers, and not much else. Not any more. I’m going to do better with packing breakfast as well as lunch from now on. Well, I’ll try at least.
9. Take a crack at NaNoWriMo
November is usually the crazy month for me. But I would like to participate in the National Novel Writing Month this year anyway! I mean, I think maybe I could cheat and started the ground works in August. Or something.
10. Keep up with What’s Working
I’m doing brilliantly with saving on little things I started last year. A weekly Starbucks latte and non-brownbag lunch work out very well. Then again, most of my lunch-out would make for 2 lunches anyway.
Drinking Buddy of the Year: Brandon, actually. Surprise! The mister doesn’t usually party down, but he has taken up a beer here and there this past year, a stressful one for his work. So we had gone out for a beer together more than the year before. Cheers to you, honey bunny!
Bar of the Year: Hennessey’s Tavern and Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach. These two places never fail to deliver cold pints and some great eats. They’re our go-to places when we want to run away from the daily life for a little while.
Sorry to disappoint y’all with the lack of Downtown LA’s bar feature this time around. I haven’t partied in town much at all. Climate change around the office will affect your happy hour weather, I tell ya.
Newcomer Award: Twitter Gang. I have grown to love folks I met at Tweet Ups especially @dananner, @anaperiodista, @fstop23, @davidmoyle, @sendchocolate, @joncruz, @vbesack, and the disappearing @phraktyl. We went shooting pictures. We played Rock Band. We got drunk. We had overall great times on and off line. Great year to make new friends!
High Point of the Year: Watch Thrill the World Los Angeles became the awesome success. From mere 100 last year grown into the thousands. It still blows my mind.
Low Point of the Year: The Christmas Flu and USC Football Rebuilding Year. Yep. Suckage.
Best Holiday: Halloween…again. I mean, prancing through Pine Street as Zombie Princess Leia, rocked that stage with my awesome crew of zombies? Best. Halloween. EVER!
Song of 2009: Glee soundtracks. I mean, I can barely pin it down to just ONE song! Almost everything from Glee I totally dig. I’m especially partial to Somebody to Love, Don’t Rain on My Parade, Defying Gravity (the duet), No Air, Sweet Caroline (Can I get a hell-yeah from Team Puck?), and this one I can’t stop singing. Lea Michele. What a revelation!
Movie of 2009: Avatar. I’m sorry, Star Trek and District 9! You came sooo close!
Surprise Movie of 2009: Bangkok Traffic (Love) Story – Rod Faifa Ma Ha Na Tuh – รถไฟฟ้า..มาหานะเธอ. I’m soooo in love.
Restaurant of the Year: Bottega Louie. Great food and ambiance. Totally a favorite place to run away from work to for a long lunch. Okay it’s a little loud, but what an awesome place to be! Affordable awesomeness.
Book of the Year: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Seriously. Go read that.
TV Show of the Year: Glee. Duh.
*
2009 Goals Tally: 6 out of 10…kind of.
1. FAIL – Explore Kung-fu. HAH! I did not.
2. FAIL – Drink more water. Did okay for a couple of months before waking up to pee in the middle of the night got old.
3. FAIL -More guitar/piano/singing – at least twice a week. I did try for once a month, but that didn’t happen since my office got so messy I can’t even get to the piano.
4. PARTIAL SUCCESS -Read more books – One book a month at least. Actually did 10 out of 12. Not too bad!
Water for Elephants, Sarah Gruen – Love it.
Eats, Shoots, and Leaves, Lynne Truss – Learned all sorts of new things.
Watchmen, Alan Moore – The movie ending makes a hell of a lot more sense than the book I tell ya.
Turn Coat: The Dresden Files Book 11, Jim Butcher – Always love Jim. This is no exception.
Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert – Definitely love the Eat/Pray part. I could do without the Bali experience.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith – Best. Book. EVER!
Bad Things, Michael Marshall – I’m still scratching my head at that one. Whuh…?
The Foodie Handbook, Pim Techamuanvivit – Totally enjoyable and awesome. She takes gorgeous pictures.
Heat Wave, “Richard Castle” – Totally a fun read for us Castle fans.
5. FAIL – Add yoga to the routine – at least once a week. Not so much. However, I ended up losing 6 lbs. from September through November with the Thriller work out and stress diet. Haven’t gotten any of it back…yet.
6. SUCCESS – Take a language class. Buongiorno!
7. PARTIAL SUCCESS – Cook one new recipe a month. I went with a few new ones in a month and then go without cooking for weeks. But we did try new recipes.
8. SUCCESS – Fix them teeth. 5 more months!!!
9. SUCCESS – Fix them eyes. Well, I *did* decide on not getting LASIK done after extensive reserach and serious discussion with my optometrist. There’s a 50/50 chance I would come out normal or my dry eyes are going to get more severe to a level that’ll become problematic. I’ll stick with the glasses with that kind of odds, thanks.
10. SUCCESS – Keep up with whatever is working well. Still a latte a week here.
It took Brandon and I 7 years of marriage to figure out that we both like camping. Away from the cars kind of camping.
We have been investing in our camping gear. When we were shopping for a backpack, the staff mentioned that REI does have overnight backpacking classes and that we should check that out.
So we did.
This past Saturday and Sunday, we were in Mount San Jacinto State Park backpacking for the first time with 2 REI instructors, Greg and Michael, and 5 other newbies. One is gearing up for a trip to Bhutan. Two are day hikers, taking things further. One is a budding outdoorsman. And one wants to learn to go camping in one pack instead of a carload.
Of all of these guys, we were the least in shape. Brandon has activity-induced asthma. And I, like how I was telling everyone else, have a case of activity-induced wussy.
It was no surprise that I came in dead last everywhere we went. However, it was definitely a surprise that I came in anywhere at all.
With 22 lbs. (10 kg) of pack on my back.
And just for perspective, that’s 1/5 of my body weight.
On Saturday morning, we all met early in Rancho Cucamonga REI for gear check at 7 a.m. Bright eyed and bushy tailed, we quickly bonded over the fact that none of us, less one, had done this before. We all had a chance to run amok the stores to be fitted with a pack or finding a tent to rent. I traded in my rain jacket for a kid’s sized lined one and a pair of convertible pants/shorts cargo–both kids size. We had some more talks and split up the foods, and then we were on the road to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
The tramway shot us straight up to 5,900 feet (about 1.8 km) from where we were. Thank GOD for the Bonine I took earlier for the van ride from REI, I would’ve barfed on someone during the tramway ride. Hahah!
We found ourselves a spot on the observation deck to battle with fearless squirrels have lunch. Thankfully, I had the mind to put 2 containers of sun-dried tomato and roasted red pepper bruschettas into one of our gallon zip lock bag as they leaked all over the place. After lunch, we repacked everything and double bagged said containers. We came to find out later that one of lid had cracked on transit.
Then we hiked down what we have come to call the Switchback From Hell to the Ranger’s station to learn how to use our compass and maps and GPS units and to further acclimate ourselves with the altitude.
Everything reminded me of Brandon’s parents’ house in New Mexico with both the scenery and the thin air. And I thought, oh yeah, if I could totally handle Red River, this altitude thing shouldn’t be too bad, I thought as I popped a few Aspirins to cope with the altitude. (The Aspirin trick is a remedy Brandon’s folks always have us do before we started the drive up from Albuquerque. It definitely helped stemmed the altitude headaches.)
The altitude kicked my ass like USC kicked San Jose State’s. (Knew I was going to tie that in somewhere, didn’t ya?)
2 miles (3.2 km) to Round Valley with about 600 elevation gain. It doesn’t sound like a lot but with the terrain and the altitude and the 22 lbs. on my back, that was the longest 2 miles of my life. Brandon and I brought up the rear with Instructor Michael behind us. And then we had to go from Round Valley up another hill, I’m guessing half a mile, to our campsite.
This was where I hit that proverbial “wall”. Marathoners, according to this guy here, hit that when their bodies literally used up everything its got. In many cases it’s in our heads too, like in “Run Fatboy Run”. And now I knew what that was like.
I wasn’t out of breath like I was earlier on the hike. My legs just said no. Brain stopped thinking about the fact that the campsite was only just another 2 minutes away: it just didn’t want to me to go any more. I told Brandon and Michael that I had hit the Wall and that I needed some time to get my brain in the right place again. Seriously, I could see the top of the hill from where I stopped but I wasn’t going to go anywhere any more.
Without a word, Michael came over, took my sleeping pad off my pack, and continued his slow-and-steady pace up the hill. That was all I needed to get me back on my feet and got the campsite.
The spot came highly recommended by the rangers and now we knew why. The view at the site was beautiful, totally worth extra work.
We set up our tents and started in on dinner of pasta with pesto or bruschetta with chicken (chunks in pouches). At this point the oil from the leaky tub was everywhere and onto everything. Pretty much anything we touched food-wise at some point was oily and/or smelled like the bruschetta.
I took the liberty and named our little group the Bruschetta Brigade.
And they in turn named me Captain Crunch for unknowingly contaminated the pot of pasta when I used my sand-crusted gloves to break up the noodles. Whoops. Poor Stephanie and Pam got to eat that crunchy batch.
That night, the Brigade split up into two groups: the Summiteers who would actually summit San Jacinto Peak, and Team Tamarack who would do a mild day hike to Tamarack Valley and then clean up the camp for the Summiteers.
The following morning, Instructor Greg and 3 guys left a bit late on their schedule to summit San Jacinto. Team Tamarack was all girls except for Brandon and Instructor Michael. We cleaned up the “kitchen” and pretty much packed ourselves up except for a day pack for our little hike. I was excited to be walking with just the camera. Photo ops, here I come!
Tamarack Valley was gorgeous. We even spotted some deer while we were out! Michael packed us a lovely little lunch of hard cheese, tomatoes, and salami. The Summiteers checked in on the radio and they were running about 2 hours behind, having left late this morning. So we headed back to the site to finish up. I was still a little winded going back to the site so that deflated me a bit.
So we packed up everything we can, and just as Michael was saying the boys weren’t going to make it back on time, I spotted the Summiteers coming up the hill. I started cheering and the rest of Team Tamarack followed. The Summiteers did so well!!
We helped everyone packed up the camp and got some group shots. And down the hill we went.
I was feeling pretty good. My toes weren’t hurting all that much and I managed to not get too winded most of the time. I really struggled with the weight going downhill. Every step down was a little scary like I was going to tip over.
Everyone eventulaly went past me and Brandon, who was helping me down every steep step, except for Francis who injured his toes summiting, Kevin who wanted to actually look at some scenery on the way out, and, of course, the ever patient and encouraging Michael.
This little group did get to witness the marvel that is my agility when I slipped heading downhill. Trying to gain my footing while balancing the weight on my back, I somehow ended up with two trekking poles firmly on the ground in front of me, facing up hill. Zero biff.
I may not have the physical strength or stamina, but I am definitely plus 10 on biff avoidance. That little maneuvering proved to be entertaining for all.
We re-grouped at the Ranger’s station where we first set off. And off we went to attack the Switchback from Hell.
I was out of breath mid-way up the first ramp with Brandon in front of me. Michael was once again right behind me. He said gently to focus on the shadow of the rails cast on the path in front of me and to take VERY small steps. I started my steps and I heard his trekking poles made the rhythmic clacks behind me. Automatically, I tuned into the clacks and got in a pace. I stopped for breaths at every bend.
Michael never once rushed me. Just as he never did on the way in. He waited patiently for me to get a hold of myself, physically and emotionally, and then get moving.
3 turns away. I hit another wall. This one was emotional.
My feet were still going. I wasn’t in pain or anything but my heart was fluttering and my eyes were tearing up. I felt like I either have to start crying or throw up, one of the two. I did neither and I finally got to the station where everyone was waiting for me.
I tossed my pack and sat down to catch my breath. I couldn’t catch one and started coughing. A blessing in disguise really. I was actually crying by that point but I claimed that the heavy coughing got me teared up.
In total, at least what I think I did, the distance I covered doesn’t sound very impressive: round trip (to/from camp and to/from Tamarack Valley) of about 8 miles (13 km). But there’s the 700 feet (213 m) in elevation gain in all of this and with only 2 hours to adjust to the altitude when we started out plus the weight of the pack on your back, that there was a true butt kicker especially for those like me who are pathetically out of shape.
All in all, I did it. All 22 lbs. of it. All 8 miles and 700 feet of it.
On my own two feet.
This is probably the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life so far.
But I insist on getting on the thing so I can spend time with Brandon. Not to mention that it’s fun.
Y’all remember my little blue Townie?
After the stunts I pulled yesterday, I now have a name for the bike.
Wallbait.
You’ll see why here in a bit.
Feeling ambitious on Sunday, I proposed that we rode from our place to the Alamitos Bay Farmers’ Market in Long Beach so I can pick up some fresh veggies. After all, Brandon hooked up my cargo department so my little bucket won’t come flying off like it had before. This would be the perfect time to go play!
And so we did.
On our way there, we rode down Los Alamitos/Seal Beach Boulevard over the 405 freeway and down Westminster/2nd Street. I did pretty well all things considered with a few stops to rest my tired legs. We got to the market in one piece.
Oh, the market. The. Market! I *LOVE* farmers’ market. So much good stuff.
Thank GOD we had a limit of buying only what I could carry in the bucket. Well, Brandon did help carry a few other things. Like a satchel of lavendar. And our $10 a pound ground bison. Yes, bison. Tatanka. Bison.
We then rode to Seal Beach for some Z Pizza. And then it was time to head back.
With my haul, Brandon suggested that we rode back on the San Gabriel river bike path for easier terrain.
However, we underestimated the extra weight on the back of my bike going through all of those underpasses.
Coming down one of them, my cruiser hit a patch and it wobbled. Hard.
I was *this* close to losing control and spill.
Not that a beach cruiser is know for its agility to begin with, the extra weight also contributed to a few more near-disasters I had all the way home because I couldn’t stop fast enough.
A sudden stop coming back from the trail onto Katella resulted in the peddles hitting me (and left a bruise) on my calf.
A sharper turn back down our street, I was caught between “going to fast in a turn and I would totally crash” and “not slow enough, oh my god I’m going to launch off the sidewalk!” With enough time to strategize how I was going to crash, I slammed the bike into the metal sign post: wheel to the left, handle to the right, and my right hand wayyyy out of the crash zone.
With all these odd maneuvering, y’all, I am sore in places I didn’t know existed.
I had my first ever facial today. And it was good.I’m now nice and blotchy and glowing and relaxed. Aside from the astringent/toner spray at the end there that stung like a mofo–however, my aesthetician fanned my face vigorously to some relief–everything was wonderful.
While she left me for a minute while my face get steamed, it hit me.
I used to follow my mom to her facial appointments.
There was this one salon down the way on Soi Langsuan wayyyy back in the day that she used to go to. Our driver would take us there. We’d get our hair washed. And while mom got her facial, I would either sit in the salon chair and read or draw, or, often, stick my head in the steamer helmet thingy, pretending to be an astronaut.
I remembered coming into the treatment room to see my mom’s face got steamed and then the aesthetician would turn the steam on my face a little bit. I remembered the extraction tool and that I was told they couldn’t try that on me just yet. I remembered my mom’s face in a facial mask.
That memory of the salon also brought back another memory of my mom’s beauty routine of the moment: the Swedish massage she’d get at home.
After both of my brothers left to study abroad, I came to sleep in my parents’ room to save on electricity spent on A/C. I would still get to play/study/do homework in my room with the A/C on for a few hours after school through dinner time and maybe a few hours on the weekend. When my mom found a masseuse that does house call, my bedroom turned into a massage therapy room for a few hours every weekend.
The scents of massage oil and whatever cellulite cream that was used still linger in my room until this day.And now the scent of whatever my aesthetician used for my treatment reminds me both of my bedroom and the time at the salon with my mom.
Funny how all the little things bring back a lot of memories.
And a little bitter sweet that now I am where she was and am doing things she used to do.
It seems like yesterday when I was just here, happily typing away, telling you guys about our hike at Holy Jim trail.
Here we are, a week after. Went by me in a blink.
Inauguration Day was also our 7th wedding anniversary. It was a new beginning for the country I live in and quite a momentous moment in my marriage.
Last year, people said that America would rather elect a woman than a black man as president. Here stands Barrack Obama in front of millions, the day after MLK Day, swearing on Lincoln’s bible to serve this country.
Last years, some people we knew said that Brandon and I might just be better off without each other. Here we are, sharing our special anniversary dinner and having come to enjoy our married life more than before.
The president and we were out that night, celebrating our success. And in a way, savoring this moment when we throw it back at the non-believers.
The morning after, life is back to normal for everyone. Mine was the early morning meeting day, under new management by the Executive Assistant. The impending 3-4 days of rain triggered major allergies for me and I spent the entire day, through the morning meeting AND lunch time staff meeting sneezing my head off. An afternoon nap when I got home helped hold me together enough to go to my first yoga class.
And the yoga class was just what I needed. It was a beginner’s Hatha yoga class, all poses and breathing. Quite meditative to begin with and the instructor ended the session with deep relaxation. Lights dimmed and everyone was cozy under a blanket–or my case, my towel and sweatshirt. Breath and relax, the instructor said softly.
After a while, my nose decided to start running. As I raised my hand to touch my nose, I suddenly realized that I cannot feel my body. I mean, the entire body was so still and so relaxed that I panicked a little and jerked my legs just to make sure they’re still there. So much for deep relaxation because after that point my heart raced so I couldn’t quite get back into it.
Thursday at the office came and went so fast I didn’t even remember what I did all day. The evening, however, was on interesting experience: my first Flamenco lesson.
Problem #1, I showed up with sneakers and soft jazz shoes when I should’ve brought heels. I couldn’t hear myself and the feet movement without heels definitely wasn’t working out in my favor and therefore Problem #2 of me messing up the footwork the entire hour. But then, that’s not counting #3 issue of my previous ballet training kept my arms not quite in the Flamenco formation. It was instintive reaction as I concentrated so hard on getting the footwork right. #4 is the beat which apparently started at 12 instead of at 1 and I can’t quite pick it out of the music just yet. (I tried to employ the Strictly Ballroom strategy of listening with my “heart” and not my ears, but closing my eyes mean I can’t see the instructor and therefore have absolutely no clue what I was doing.)
And finally, Problem #5, Flemenco is fucking hard. LOL. It’s not just the feet, it’s the arm movements AND the hands too. Not to mention the exagerrated posture, chest and chin high, shoulders back.
Suffice to say, the next morning, I really couldn’t quite slouch. My muscles just wouldn’t allow me to.
Friday work day also flew by. The surprise of the evening was that my carpool/bus buddies decided to go for a quick drink before dropping us all off. I had a few glasses of wine and pieces of sushi with the gang and quickly dashed off afterward to see “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” with Brandon.
Saturday was half spent sleeping in and a little bit of errands before I settled in to cook for the potluck with my bus buddies. The rest of the evening was laced with wine, lots of food, and fantastic company. The potluck was much better than the party right after we got off the bus!
And now it’s Sunday again.
Tomorrow we start all over at the office.
WTF. Seriously.
Where is my first month of the new year running off to?
Back in my Taekwondo days, our master had us turn in our 10 goals for the year and recap what you’ve accomplished the year before. Guess I’ll start that tradition here on the blog this year.
1. Explore Kung-fu. I did like Taekwondo but as strange as this may sound I’m looking to do something more flow-y. Dance-like. Capoiera would be cool to explore too.
2. Drink more water: one glass in the morning and one before bed. Ah, the yearly goal. I tend to give up after trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night or the inconvenient urge on my bus ride home. But I’ll continue to try! I’m pretty sure I’m a walking mummy, completely dehydrated.
3. More guitar/piano/singing – at least twice a week. I went months without touching the piano. Not good for me.
4. Read more books – One book a month at least. Last year was a major disappointment for me when I look back at my reading list. Pathetic! Then again, that is what happened when I’ve found new TV shows and we got us a laptop.
5. Add yoga to the routine – at least once a week. Brandon loves what yoga does for his back. So we’re looking into a community class. I have a few DVDs here at home. We just have to get ourselves onto the mats.
6. Take a language class. One needs some Spanish to live in California. It’s about time I get with the program.
7. Cook one new recipe a month. I haven’t been cooking much lately. If I do, it’s usually the old favorites. Time to get my cooking skills improvement back on track!
8. Fix them teeth. Nobody told me I have to wear my retainer for the rest of my life. My bottom teeth are already back to what my dad called a family trait of crookedness. The top is starting to morph. And that’s not cool.
9. Fix them eyes. It’s been years since I’ve stopped wearing contact lenses. I’ve grown to really love wearing my glasses. Again, another family trait. I’ve been waiting for the technology to be able to correct astigmatism too. Now that it can, maybe I don’t have to be so blind after all.
10. Keep up with whatever is working well. A few things I started last year have turned out to be the best things that happened: my dance classes, treating myself to a Starbucks latte once a week (no limit on the iced tea though…), having finally figured out that I like doing laundry and Brandon would rather do dishes.
Well, at this point, Dave is not new any more. Since Celeste has left the company, Dave has stepped up to be the man to call on for a little happy hour action. As a matter of fact, Dave led the pack to the fun night in West Hollywood a few months back with Nik, Erin and I in tow. That was quite a night.
Bar of the Year: Suede Bar, Downtown LA
Oh, how have we survived the hard day of work before Suede? Suede opens up in the Bonaventure across from our office. Pretty much the closest bar in our vicinity and therefore leaving any other bar in the dust. The vibe suits us just fine. The comfy seating suits us even better. And their special $4 drinks and appetizers from 4 p.m – 7 p.m. also suits us extremely well.
Newcomer Award: Thrill the World LA Gang
I’ve got to work with really cool people at Thrill the World LA this year. Mahdroo and Amanda, the two spearheads. Ines, the creator of the whole movement. And Babette, the producing goddess. I am very proud of my decision that one day to get out to the beach on my own for their practice. We are going to rock in 2009, I am sure of it!
High Point of the Year: Being with my dad on Father’s Day
Originally, I was going to leave Bangkok on December 4, the day before Thailand’s Father’s Day. Because of the airport closure, I actually got to be with my dad. I have not been home for Father’s Day before.
My brothers were nowhere in sight that day because we had agreed to do a Father’s Day dinner at my oldest brother’s condo on Sunday. My dad was disappointed at that. However, I was home. We went together to get our haircut and we went shopping. I was going to cook dinner but it was so late that we decided to eat out instead. And after that, leaving Brandon at home, dad and I took to the streets of Bangkok to look at the lights lining the streets in the King’s honor. We didn’t quite go far but it was quality time spent.
Low Point of the Year: The Aliens in My Nose/Eye
Good god, starting with the one in Hawaii and a few more occurrences during the year of the skin infection in my nostrils. AND one in my tear duct. I practically lived 2008 on antibiotics. It wasn’t pretty. Not at all.
Best Holiday: Halloween
Halloween this year was spent with friends and their kids. Jim and Karen’s clan struck again with the entire family of Batman characters. Adorable! The best yet is Dresden as Yoda. Paul and Lupe opened their home to us and I believe started a new Halloween tradition.
Song of 2007: Everything, Michael Buble
Okay it’s not a 2007 song technically, but I get it stuck in my head and I love everything about it.
Movie of 2008: Iron Man
Not even a question. Iron Man wins my summer super hero fight. I agree that Dark Knight was a better movie, but I don’t crave to see it more than once. Iron Man, I watched twice in theater and the DVD will get played many more times to come.
Surprise Movie of 2008: Run, Fat Boy, Run
I just finished watching that. Totally a surprise. The film has heart and humor. And even gross humor. The blend of everything turns out perfect. Michael Ian Black, Simon Pegg, and David Schwimmer created a fantastic movie. Who knew!
Halloween Costume of 2008: Princess Leia – zombie and regular.
Restaurant of the Year: East Third Steakhouse
I ate at East Third many times this year at first because we had to test it out as a potential spot for my office’s holiday party. But the food is so fabulous that I am actually hooked. Oh god, the thought of Imperial (short) Ribs makes me hungry. The vibe is great there too. But my god, THE FOOD!
Book of the Year: Kitchen Confidential, Anthony Bourdain
Reading Kitchen Confidential felt like watching Bourdain doing one of his shows. It’s just happened to be his life instead of the countries and restaurants he visits. Very funny indeed, and it does give me a good look at the restaurant business. Writing this entry, I have come to realize that I really didn’t read much this year. Damn television!
The few I read are Bill Buford’s “Heat”, Khaled Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns” (prepare your hankies!), Paul Yeager’s “Literally, the Best Language Book Ever” (which is intriguing at first but, ironically, the worst book I’ve ever read. Please remind me to pick up Eat Shoots and Leaves and burn this one), Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” (Make sure you have something sunshiney and happy to read afterward), and finally, I’m half way through Daniel Wallace’s “Ray in Reverse” and am quickly losing interests.
TV Show of the Year: Life / Avatar: The Last Airbender
NBC’s Life caught my attention one day. I started with the first episode of the second season and was hooked. I rented the first season and got Brandon hooked at well. The chemistry between Damien Lewis and Sarah Shahi as LAPD partners Charlie Crews and Dani Reese is magic. Actually, everyone’s chemistry is magic.
As for Avatar: The Last Airbender, now that’s a discovery and a half. Brandon’s nieces were watching it on Nickelodeon while he was out in New Mexico. He got hooked. We started renting them and I got hooked. I am not the proud owner of all 3 box sets. They just don’t make light hearted cartoon like this any more. I mean, it has action and humor that adults and kids will understand with moral lesson and enough drama to keep you hooked. It teaches good lesson about life in not a froo-froo way. You are responsible for your actions, that not everyone has a perfect life, that love and kindness is powerful. It’s awesome.
Biggest Change of the Year: Taking dance lessons at Moondance Studio
My friend Debi opens Moondance, a small dance studio in Long Beach, this year. Very intimate spot and it is as casual and friendly as it gets. I have been doing a class a week for a few months before I took a 2-month break for the gala and for our Thailand trip. It was good to dance again for both health and for my being happy.
Plans for 2009
We are sure about a few things. First, we are heading to Miami in May for Irena and Danny’s wedding. Then we are going to visit Brandon’s parents either in July or September. And if everything goes as planned, February 2010, we’ll be in Thailand again for a visit to Koh Samui.
Personal goals are flexible. I hope to find a kung-fu/wu-shu lesson and give that a shot. You know, dance one day a week and kick-ass another day a week, that would be interesting. I also hope that the Fresh & Easy store will really materialized in Cypress so I can actualy bike there without killing myself in traffic and/or going up two huge bridges. Brandon and I plan to start hiking, having bought new shoes for ourselves recently. We also want to take a trip up to Hearst Castle sometime this year.
What’ve you done this year? And what is your plan for the next? Spill!
Two things I love most about October: Halloween and beer.
So far it hasn’t been a cold “fall”. Heck, it was like 78 when I got to work at 7:30 a.m. this morning! I think I will survive in my Princess Leia gitup after all. Then again, I still have the Jedi cloak from last year to keep me warm and still in theme.
October is building up to be a busy one already. The Bus Party tomorrow is cancelled in lieu of the debate, so that free up a bit of time. Hopefully my newsletter will go to print on Friday.
Thriller practice this Saturday and of course, the Trojans are on and pissed off. Watch out Oregon!
DMV Downtown on Monday…that ought to be interesting. Haven’t been to that DMV since college! The girls’ monthly dinner on Thursday and it’s our anniversary. Another Thriller practice on Saturday on the beach followed by the K9 benefit show back in Fullerton. Too bad I will have to miss the Long Beach Tweet Up! Thrill the World LA barbecue on Sunday and, thank god, Columbus Day off.
Wednesday early board meeting. Saturday USC at Washington and “Octoberfest” at a friend’s house who is a brewmaster. Probably more Thriller practice in there somewhere through out. A few Tuesdays at the Irvine practice probably.
Thrill the World on October 25 in the morning at USC at Arizona at night.
And finally, Halloween.
And after that, the Big Gala.
And after that, Thailand.
And after that, company’s holiday party I have to throw.
