After playing about 100 games of Scrabble, you probably get bored. My friend J and I decided one day to create separate pieces of poetry based on the words we formed after one of our games. It's amazing how circular and cyclical things are. Buddha would be proud that I reached this revelation. (Does Buddha feel pride? hmmm )
Anyway here it goes:
I lost my tread long ago
And I skid,
Slipped into a maze.
Yips and yells I cry,
No man hears me.
Moons rise over the quays
And cast beams onto my sleepy face.
I shake my fists at them,
Realizing how much time has passed
Since you left.
Winders of the clocks
Create the tick. tock.
Banter of passing seconds.
Beet-red blood pumps through me.
Heart against mind:
Long it has been since I felt the trap.
Jaws of Jealousy lock me into place.
Coveting causes suffering.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Loves
1. Podcasts: NPR Sunday puzzle, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. For a laugh at my convenience.
2. Having my own computer.
3. Partying like a rock-star where money falls from the ceiling, esp. in Vegas.
4. Finishing my Xmas shopping by the end of November.
... list to be continued.
2. Having my own computer.
3. Partying like a rock-star where money falls from the ceiling, esp. in Vegas.
4. Finishing my Xmas shopping by the end of November.
... list to be continued.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Mars Gets Close
Mars and Earth are snuggling close this month -- relatively speaking, at least. Tomorrow, we’ll make our closest pass by Mars for several years -- a little less than 55 million miles. As a result, the planet shines bright this month. It looks like a brilliant orange star near the feet of Gemini, the twins.
The distance to Mars right now is much less than average because Earth is passing by the planet in our smaller, closer orbit around the Sun.
But the distance from one close approach to another varies by a good bit. A few years ago, the two planets made their closest approach in many centuries -- about 35 million miles. But the next time we get together -- in the year 2010 -- the distance will be more than 60 million miles.
The main reason for the difference is that Mars’s orbit around the Sun is pretty stretched out -- there’s a pronounced difference between its closest point to the Sun and its farthest point. This year, we’re passing Mars fairly near its farthest from the Sun, and near Earth’s closest point.
Even so, Mars is putting on a great show. It’s the third-brightest object in the night sky right now, after the Moon and the planet Venus, the brilliant “morning star.” It’s quite low in the east as the color of twilight drains away, but it climbs high across the sky during the night, and stands almost directly overhead around midnight -- 55 million miles straight up.
Script by Damond Benningfield, Copyright 2007
(From NPR's Stardate broadcast on Dec. 17, 2007)
What would the astrologer tell me about this astronomical occurrence? Whatever it is I'm glad it's happening. It's about time Mars paid me some attention--even if he needs help from my parents.
The distance to Mars right now is much less than average because Earth is passing by the planet in our smaller, closer orbit around the Sun.
But the distance from one close approach to another varies by a good bit. A few years ago, the two planets made their closest approach in many centuries -- about 35 million miles. But the next time we get together -- in the year 2010 -- the distance will be more than 60 million miles.
The main reason for the difference is that Mars’s orbit around the Sun is pretty stretched out -- there’s a pronounced difference between its closest point to the Sun and its farthest point. This year, we’re passing Mars fairly near its farthest from the Sun, and near Earth’s closest point.
Even so, Mars is putting on a great show. It’s the third-brightest object in the night sky right now, after the Moon and the planet Venus, the brilliant “morning star.” It’s quite low in the east as the color of twilight drains away, but it climbs high across the sky during the night, and stands almost directly overhead around midnight -- 55 million miles straight up.
Script by Damond Benningfield, Copyright 2007
(From NPR's Stardate broadcast on Dec. 17, 2007)
What would the astrologer tell me about this astronomical occurrence? Whatever it is I'm glad it's happening. It's about time Mars paid me some attention--even if he needs help from my parents.
Monday, December 17, 2007
SAF, 28
Holy crap. Today I learned that my parents have been arranging a meeting between me and a guy they never met, but heard something about through Aunties. Ugh. For all I know the only thing we have in common is that we are single and have parents who wish they were [legitimate] grandparents. Luckily I will be driving back from Vegas when the scheduled meeting is supposed to occur.
The thought nauseates me. Though I admit that I have similar concerns for myself, it's weird and downright wacky for my parents to think that by the time I want a family I won't be able to find anyone. I've got what... 5 years? I'm smart, charming, and some may say I'm not bad on the eyes. I'm most afraid that in their desperation for me to not turn out like my 47-year old unmarried aunt, they will choose the most repulsive Vietnamese American men out there for me to meet. That, and that my parents will never have faith that I know what I'm doing with my life. I'm putting myself on the Nursing train, not planning to get off for another 2 years, and they don't understand that I'm not ready for a new relationship. If I need help, I'll ask.
Besides, I haven't even made enough of a dent in my List.
The thought nauseates me. Though I admit that I have similar concerns for myself, it's weird and downright wacky for my parents to think that by the time I want a family I won't be able to find anyone. I've got what... 5 years? I'm smart, charming, and some may say I'm not bad on the eyes. I'm most afraid that in their desperation for me to not turn out like my 47-year old unmarried aunt, they will choose the most repulsive Vietnamese American men out there for me to meet. That, and that my parents will never have faith that I know what I'm doing with my life. I'm putting myself on the Nursing train, not planning to get off for another 2 years, and they don't understand that I'm not ready for a new relationship. If I need help, I'll ask.
Besides, I haven't even made enough of a dent in my List.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
I'm a terrible person!
I needed butter for apple pie so I roller-bladed to 99 ranch. And I didn't take off my wheels upon entering the store!
Making my way toward the store, I had doubts about whether I had the guts to pull it off. I told myself that if there was a sign in the door, I will follow and take off the skates. Gasp! No sign in the door.
Entre-moi. I tried to move as slowly and inconspicuously as possible as I made my way toward the butter. I startled a few patrons, whom were mostly Asian/Chinese. Most of the people who really noticed were little kids whose faces lit up with something of mixture of amazement and jealousy.
As I waited in the long Sunday lines I started thinking about possible consequences of my actions. Did I make any marks on the fancy floor? Did I give a hoodlum an idea for a quick getaway after a five-finger shopping spree? What if I was wearing heelies instead--would I feel as weird? If I saw someone wheeling herself around the store, how would would it affect my shopping experience? What if everyone had these on? It would be a nightmare. My heart was beating faster standing in line than it did while blading up the hill.
I realize this was not the worst thing I could do. At least I have good balance and control on my skates. But I really do feel bad. Let's hope there are people who are not as crazy, brazen, anti-car, pro-fitness, idiotic as I am. There's a tiny part of me that wants to do it again, so I'm thinking I'll write a letter to the store asking them to put up a sign prohibiting skates/boards.
Making my way toward the store, I had doubts about whether I had the guts to pull it off. I told myself that if there was a sign in the door, I will follow and take off the skates. Gasp! No sign in the door.
Entre-moi. I tried to move as slowly and inconspicuously as possible as I made my way toward the butter. I startled a few patrons, whom were mostly Asian/Chinese. Most of the people who really noticed were little kids whose faces lit up with something of mixture of amazement and jealousy.
As I waited in the long Sunday lines I started thinking about possible consequences of my actions. Did I make any marks on the fancy floor? Did I give a hoodlum an idea for a quick getaway after a five-finger shopping spree? What if I was wearing heelies instead--would I feel as weird? If I saw someone wheeling herself around the store, how would would it affect my shopping experience? What if everyone had these on? It would be a nightmare. My heart was beating faster standing in line than it did while blading up the hill.
I realize this was not the worst thing I could do. At least I have good balance and control on my skates. But I really do feel bad. Let's hope there are people who are not as crazy, brazen, anti-car, pro-fitness, idiotic as I am. There's a tiny part of me that wants to do it again, so I'm thinking I'll write a letter to the store asking them to put up a sign prohibiting skates/boards.
Finding things
I found my rollerblades. The adventures continue: I huffed and puffed up the hill near my house to capture a picture of a mini-goal for the season:
(It's not as majestic in the photo as it was when I saw it in the light of dawn.) Goal: I must make it to the mountain this season. Even though this is a picture of/near Mt. Baldy, any mountain will do. I am going to attempt to land several jumps. Hopefully I will not have to go alone in case I break a bone and can't drive home.
Sidebar:
In high school I had this fantasy of riding a motorcycle (a sporty one, not a Harley) and beating the boys when I raced them. They'd think they were racing a really hard-core dude, but after they crossed the finish line dejected and defeated, I'd pull off my helmet, release my long wavy raven locks and then wink at them just to rub it in. Funny, now, that it sounds like a scene or two from the modern Charlie's Angels movies.
I've never voiced it this way before, but I think I am still on this quest to be the most attractive tomboy I know. Here's to bending gender lines!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Thoughts that keep me awake...
Reality TV marathons.
Public TV telethons.
Elementary school jog-a-thons.
I've heard of an awake-a-thon where participants stay awake for as long as possible.
And other Marathon events for the Guinness Book.
This weekend will mark the 5th year since I ran the Honolulu Marathon. The things I remember: the views were spectacular; I was really excited and proud to be there; had some smooth miles and some really tough miles; I did not regret doing it, but at the end I had no desire to go through anything like that again for the rest of my life.
Most marathons I experience end with very similar emotions.
Public TV telethons.
Elementary school jog-a-thons.
I've heard of an awake-a-thon where participants stay awake for as long as possible.
And other Marathon events for the Guinness Book.
This weekend will mark the 5th year since I ran the Honolulu Marathon. The things I remember: the views were spectacular; I was really excited and proud to be there; had some smooth miles and some really tough miles; I did not regret doing it, but at the end I had no desire to go through anything like that again for the rest of my life.
Most marathons I experience end with very similar emotions.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Holiday Cheer
I got a letter from Santa today via USPS. It's on Christmas reindeer letterhead, and boy! did it make my day. I can't scan it right now, so I thought I'd re-type it:
December 2007
From the Desk of Santa Claus
(my address)
Dear Kimberly,
Hello from the North Pole! It's pretty chilly up here these days, so I'm looking forward to visiting your house in Chino Hills this year. But first, I've got a lot of work to do. All of us are pretty busy here at Santa's Workshop. There are toys to make, presents to wrap, and nine hungry reindeer to feed. And of course I've got my list to check.
Which reminds me, Chung made sure your name was near the top of my list of all the world's good boys and girls. I even know about the [Ray-Ban] Sunglasses and MacBook that you want. Mrs. Claus sure likes a surprise, so she won't let me tell you whether you're going to get it or not. You'll just have to wait and see!
Getting gifts is always fun, but I think giving gifts is more fun. To me, there's nothing more enjoyable than giving gifts to all good children of the world. Delivering gifts to kids like you always make me happy, probably as happy as you are when you're Exercising, Reading, and Volunteering.
I hope you make the people around you happy this holiday season. Be good to Mom, Dad, John, Kirby, Roxy, and Pepper and have a safe and fun holiday vacation.
Your friend,
Santa Claus
Chung Ta asked me to send you this letter.
December 2007
From the Desk of Santa Claus
(my address)
Dear Kimberly,
Hello from the North Pole! It's pretty chilly up here these days, so I'm looking forward to visiting your house in Chino Hills this year. But first, I've got a lot of work to do. All of us are pretty busy here at Santa's Workshop. There are toys to make, presents to wrap, and nine hungry reindeer to feed. And of course I've got my list to check.
Which reminds me, Chung made sure your name was near the top of my list of all the world's good boys and girls. I even know about the [Ray-Ban] Sunglasses and MacBook that you want. Mrs. Claus sure likes a surprise, so she won't let me tell you whether you're going to get it or not. You'll just have to wait and see!
Getting gifts is always fun, but I think giving gifts is more fun. To me, there's nothing more enjoyable than giving gifts to all good children of the world. Delivering gifts to kids like you always make me happy, probably as happy as you are when you're Exercising, Reading, and Volunteering.
I hope you make the people around you happy this holiday season. Be good to Mom, Dad, John, Kirby, Roxy, and Pepper and have a safe and fun holiday vacation.
Your friend,
Santa Claus
Chung Ta asked me to send you this letter.
Ready for 2008
I tore another page from the calendar today. The days are getting shorter and the nights are only getting colder. As I reflect on the year that has gone by, I have only one thought:
Fuck 2007. I'm through with you.
Fuck 2007. I'm through with you.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Last one for a while
I can't help it. I'm posting another picture. She looks more human when she's awake. But... Is she cross-eyed?
Sneaking another one in here. I hope I will get to meet her in person one day.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Hey four eyes!
How come no one told me about this sooner? I didn't realize that I may be getting screwed by the eyewear production and sales industry. I'll have to test this out! Tell me if you want me to know how it goes after I visit the optometrist next month for my prescription.
Adventures in $40 eyeglasses
43 folders is my new best friend.
Adventures in $40 eyeglasses
43 folders is my new best friend.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
4 Foods You Should be Eating
NPR is my first source for news. Yahoo! headlines are my second:
Beets
Beets are one of the best sources of folate, a nutrient which lowers your blood levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory amino acid produced by the body.
One cup of beets provides only 60 calories, no fat, about 40 percent of your daily value for folic acid and four grams of fiber. Enjoy beets raw, sliced.... or prepare a delicious beet salad by tossing them with olive oil and a splash of lemon.
The leaves and stems are also packed with nutrition - sauté with garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper and dig in!
Cabbage
Part of the cruciferous vegetable family, one cup of chopped cabbage contains 20 calories, two grams fiber and is loaded with sulforaphane, a cancer fighting chemical that's been shown to decrease cellular damage throughout the body. Add cabbage to your salads, order steamed ‘moo shoo vegetables' at your local Chinese restaurant (request sauce on the side and go easy!), or prepare low-calorie coleslaw.
Guava
Guava is a tropical super fruit. One cup provides 110 calories, 376 milligrams Vitamin C (that's more than 300 percent of the daily value), 699 milligrams potassium and nine grams of fiber!Guava also provides a hearty dose of lycopene - an antioxidant that appears to fight prostate cancer (when it comes to lycopene, most people only think about tomatoes). You'll find this exotic fruit in Latin grocery stores and at high end markets.
Swiss Chard
This vegetable's greatest health benefit comes in the form of lutein and zeaxanthin - a matched pair of antioxidants - found in high concentrations in the tissue of the macula.
Because they absorb 40 to 90 percent of blue light intensity, these nutrients act like sunscreen for your eyes. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can increase the pigment density in the macula-and greater pigment density means better retina protection, and a lower risk of macula degeneration. One cup steamed Swiss chard provides only 35 calories.
For a few more calories, try this delicious recipe: Over high heat, warm two tablespoons olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan. Add two cloves garlic and cook one to two minutes, stirring constantly.
Add two pounds Swiss chard and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook four to five minutes until the Swiss chard is soft and reduces half in volume. Serve immediately.
2007 Joy Bauer Nutrition . All Rights Reserved.
Beets
Beets are one of the best sources of folate, a nutrient which lowers your blood levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory amino acid produced by the body.
One cup of beets provides only 60 calories, no fat, about 40 percent of your daily value for folic acid and four grams of fiber. Enjoy beets raw, sliced.... or prepare a delicious beet salad by tossing them with olive oil and a splash of lemon.
The leaves and stems are also packed with nutrition - sauté with garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper and dig in!
Cabbage
Part of the cruciferous vegetable family, one cup of chopped cabbage contains 20 calories, two grams fiber and is loaded with sulforaphane, a cancer fighting chemical that's been shown to decrease cellular damage throughout the body. Add cabbage to your salads, order steamed ‘moo shoo vegetables' at your local Chinese restaurant (request sauce on the side and go easy!), or prepare low-calorie coleslaw.
Guava
Guava is a tropical super fruit. One cup provides 110 calories, 376 milligrams Vitamin C (that's more than 300 percent of the daily value), 699 milligrams potassium and nine grams of fiber!Guava also provides a hearty dose of lycopene - an antioxidant that appears to fight prostate cancer (when it comes to lycopene, most people only think about tomatoes). You'll find this exotic fruit in Latin grocery stores and at high end markets.
Swiss Chard
This vegetable's greatest health benefit comes in the form of lutein and zeaxanthin - a matched pair of antioxidants - found in high concentrations in the tissue of the macula.
Because they absorb 40 to 90 percent of blue light intensity, these nutrients act like sunscreen for your eyes. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can increase the pigment density in the macula-and greater pigment density means better retina protection, and a lower risk of macula degeneration. One cup steamed Swiss chard provides only 35 calories.
For a few more calories, try this delicious recipe: Over high heat, warm two tablespoons olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan. Add two cloves garlic and cook one to two minutes, stirring constantly.
Add two pounds Swiss chard and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook four to five minutes until the Swiss chard is soft and reduces half in volume. Serve immediately.
2007 Joy Bauer Nutrition . All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
She looks like me!
I still can't believe her name is Brooke. :(
It's official--people will ask whether she's adopted from China.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Beat that McDonald's
I baked my first solo-baked apple pie last night. Delicious! I can't believe I did this without a rolling pin.
Filling recipe
Crust recipe
Friday, November 23, 2007
Cook an entire holiday meal, check.
This was my vegan/vegetarian version of a turkey. Stuffed Kabocha (Japanese pumpkin).
Soy-brined citrus turkey. It turned out a little undercooked, but delicious after 45 more minutes in the oven. Yay. Turkey for days! Turkey porridge, turkey sandwiches, turkey salads.
Apple-chestnut/walnut stuffing. I made it with a mix of whole wheat and challah breads. It was great.
Mashed potatoes and gravy (neither from a powder mix), and buttery Brussel sprouts with pine nuts.
Vegetable ratatouille (not a winner), mushroom couscous.
I did not have the time or energy to get the apple pie out for Thanksgiving Dinner, and I was relieved when my cousin came bearing a pumpkin pie for dessert! Heroism is still appreciated even if it is unintentional.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Distracted
I'm in the middle of prepping to cook my TG feast, but my mind wanders. Black Friday is the day after. Maybe I should not overexert myself while cooking so I can have energy to hit the Midnight Madness sales at the outlets. Or, maybe I should add this to my "If I wasn't saving money" list.
Desert Hills outlets in Cabazon are 1hr away
Carlsbad outlets are 1hr 30min away
They are owned by the same company so ... they should have the same items, right? I think I could use 30mins less time driving. And the 10 fwy will probably be less congested than the 5 fwy. Cabazon it is. I wonder if Morongo will be a temptation. Nah. Shopping, here I come!
Desert Hills outlets in Cabazon are 1hr away
Carlsbad outlets are 1hr 30min away
They are owned by the same company so ... they should have the same items, right? I think I could use 30mins less time driving. And the 10 fwy will probably be less congested than the 5 fwy. Cabazon it is. I wonder if Morongo will be a temptation. Nah. Shopping, here I come!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Revolving Door - This Thursday!
While my parents' house is not quite a prison (reference 1988 presidential campaign), and not quite a modern skyscraper, I would like to invite people through the figurative revolving door. I am making a Thanksgiving feast for my family in Chino Hills. And since I'm making a meat dish and dishes with onions and garlic in them, my parents will need help eating it from more than just my brothers. Even if it's just to make a plate and run or if you need a place to hang out, I'd love to see you. Starting at 4pm, stop on by if you happen to be in the area... before your next party or after your seventh Thanksgiving meal, it doesn't matter.
After Thursday, I get to cross off one more item from my List- to cook an entire holiday meal. I'm usually good in the kitchen so the food should turn out ok.
Tentative Menu
Soy Brined Citrus Turkey
Squash/Pumpkin with veggie stuffing
Vegetable Ratatouille
Brown-Butter Green Beans with Pine Nuts
Sweet Potato French Fries
Mushroom Couscous
Jasmine rice
Homemade Apple pie (yes, folks homemade)
Wines and beer
Soda
I'll make sure to have the board games out, except I think I'm missing my Scrabble set(s).
After Thursday, I get to cross off one more item from my List- to cook an entire holiday meal. I'm usually good in the kitchen so the food should turn out ok.
Tentative Menu
Soy Brined Citrus Turkey
Squash/Pumpkin with veggie stuffing
Vegetable Ratatouille
Brown-Butter Green Beans with Pine Nuts
Sweet Potato French Fries
Mushroom Couscous
Jasmine rice
Homemade Apple pie (yes, folks homemade)
Wines and beer
Soda
I'll make sure to have the board games out, except I think I'm missing my Scrabble set(s).
Friday, November 16, 2007
Aunty Kim (?)
She's a cute little pink thing! My dad says babies all look the same when they're newborn. Chung feels in his heart that this baby girl is his... she kind of looks like a Ta. My cousin says she looks exactly like my Grandma.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
If I wasn't saving money...
It would have been nice to go to the Caetano Veloso concert last night in Pasadena. The Brazilian composer and singer is apparently rockin out with some youngsters on his new album. Could have used the adrenaline boost from live and loud drums and guitars.
My friend, who is teaching English in Japan, wants to provide me shelter, take me to really cool thrift stores (including one in Harajuku), and teach me some Japanese words if I visit her.
It's sunny again and my car could use a tint job.
Yikes! I have only today to use my Spend $50, get $25 off coupon for Express. What a deal...
There are several dozen things on my list that lie within my reach.
ALAS!
I need to plan for an impending drop in income and change in status- back to being a poor student. Hey, the LA fitness job now becomes prefect for me! (See previous post)
My friend, who is teaching English in Japan, wants to provide me shelter, take me to really cool thrift stores (including one in Harajuku), and teach me some Japanese words if I visit her.
It's sunny again and my car could use a tint job.
Yikes! I have only today to use my Spend $50, get $25 off coupon for Express. What a deal...
There are several dozen things on my list that lie within my reach.
ALAS!
I need to plan for an impending drop in income and change in status- back to being a poor student. Hey, the LA fitness job now becomes prefect for me! (See previous post)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sweet Home Alabama?
I really cannot understand how anyone could sing this line. Though steeped in Civil Rights history including the Montgmery Bus Strikes, Montgomery definitely does not have the answer.
Usually when I travel to different cities I look into things to do, sites to see and food to eat. All the excitement builds up and I end up really liking the place (Chicago, New York, Bozeman, San Jose) and can imagine living there if I ended up there. Montgomery definitely does not have that effect on me. Not sure what Lynard Skynard saw in Alabama, but I guess it's as expected as a non-white, non-black person who's used to living a multicultural life in a major metropolitan area.
Usually when I travel to different cities I look into things to do, sites to see and food to eat. All the excitement builds up and I end up really liking the place (Chicago, New York, Bozeman, San Jose) and can imagine living there if I ended up there. Montgomery definitely does not have that effect on me. Not sure what Lynard Skynard saw in Alabama, but I guess it's as expected as a non-white, non-black person who's used to living a multicultural life in a major metropolitan area.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Buying Local
While visiting Montana, I was lucky to be exposed to this organization called Bioneers and its annual conference. Bozeman hosted a satellite beaming site for the main conference held in San Rafael, CA. My friend and her friends were all about it--volunteering, attending talks via satellite and live workshops generally about Environmental Justice and Social Change, and specifically about issues of sustainability.
The Buy Local movement involves consuming food sources that can be obtained from anywhere within 200 or so miles from home. Some reasons why you may want to buy local:
- support local farmers, ranchers, restaurants
- keep food grown in other countries for feeding people who live in that country
- reduce # of rainforests chopped down to make farms feedng industrialized nations (this one might be bit stretching it)
- since food is coming from nearby, it can be more ripe, nutritious and delicious (shipped from afar, most food grown overseas is picked before it's ripe so it may ripen en route to its destination)
- food is subject to USDA and FDA regulations (this could be good and bad)- wait, isn't this down already.
- encouraging the food/farm industry to diversifiy their local production. we don't need more corn here.
- can anyone think of more?
The November issue of Los Angeles Magazine outlines sources of food grown, raised, made, or laid within 200 miles of Los Angeles. Local Meat, dairy, fruit & vegetable sources can be found at most Farmer's Markets. Aparently, LA Mag's favorite farmer's market happens Wednesday in Santa Monica.
My questions is whether buying local is as feasible as I think it is. Climates are changing in many parts of the world. Can everything we need and want to eat be found here? How does LA air and water pollution affect local sources of food? Is it economical to shop only at specialty grocery stores and farmer's markets? Are we all time efficient enough to manage this lifestyle change? Do stores and restaurants know where their food comes from?
This is what I know. I've recently driven around parts of the Pacific Northwest and I'm now in Alabama--if I don't end up exclusively buying local anytime soon, as least I will be staying local for while. I love LA!
The Buy Local movement involves consuming food sources that can be obtained from anywhere within 200 or so miles from home. Some reasons why you may want to buy local:
- support local farmers, ranchers, restaurants
- keep food grown in other countries for feeding people who live in that country
- reduce # of rainforests chopped down to make farms feedng industrialized nations (this one might be bit stretching it)
- since food is coming from nearby, it can be more ripe, nutritious and delicious (shipped from afar, most food grown overseas is picked before it's ripe so it may ripen en route to its destination)
- food is subject to USDA and FDA regulations (this could be good and bad)- wait, isn't this down already.
- encouraging the food/farm industry to diversifiy their local production. we don't need more corn here.
- can anyone think of more?
The November issue of Los Angeles Magazine outlines sources of food grown, raised, made, or laid within 200 miles of Los Angeles. Local Meat, dairy, fruit & vegetable sources can be found at most Farmer's Markets. Aparently, LA Mag's favorite farmer's market happens Wednesday in Santa Monica.
My questions is whether buying local is as feasible as I think it is. Climates are changing in many parts of the world. Can everything we need and want to eat be found here? How does LA air and water pollution affect local sources of food? Is it economical to shop only at specialty grocery stores and farmer's markets? Are we all time efficient enough to manage this lifestyle change? Do stores and restaurants know where their food comes from?
This is what I know. I've recently driven around parts of the Pacific Northwest and I'm now in Alabama--if I don't end up exclusively buying local anytime soon, as least I will be staying local for while. I love LA!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
I'm the talk of the men's locker room!
Wow, and so soon!
I don't think anyone expects to see people dressed for Halloween at 4am, so I probably turned a few stomachs and shocked others while working at the gym today.
I heard:
Stop screwing around
You must be screwed up
Feeling a bit screwed?
Have you got a screw loose?
I think I lost a screw. (To which I replied, "I think I found it.")
I think you should get that checked out.
If you need help, I have a screwdriver you can use.
Stop yawning! (This one came from a man who left the gym in scrubs. I take it as in reference to the body's response to severe head trauma.)
The cycle instructor reported back to me that I was the talk of the men's locker room. Apparently, many of them didn't realize why I had a screw sticking out of my head.
Anyway, tonight I will be all dressed up with no parties to attend.
Some people are just so lucky.
PM Addendum: Yay! I get to cover someone's shift at another gym until Midnight. Now I have something to keep my mind off the fun I'm missing...like having some fun grossing people out. Since the morning, gravity and warmer temperatures have caused the blood to drip down a little more. Dang, I'm always wanted to be / do something gory or scary for Halloween. Awesome!
My dad--sigh--thinks that my prosthetic is not feminine enough. Too violent or gruesome for a girl. To which I say: Excellent! that was the goal.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tripping
Many of these pictures could have turned out better if I actually stopped and took a few minutes to compose and take the shot. But when you're in the car for over 4 hours, a few minutes can mean you can get 5 miles further to your destination-- even if though I was going under the posted 75 MPH speed limit. So, I did not stop for many of the pics. When I did, I had to set the timer-- which feels weird, but hey. It's what you do when you're alone right?
After a week, 3000 miles, many many sights and cities passed, have I gained any insight that would make me feel better? Maybe. Not really. At least I know that my sadness and pain results from the heartbreak and not a sense of lacking in courage, independence or sense of self.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Natural inclinations
Usually when people feel intense pain and suffering, they want to extract, eradicate, exterminate, obliterate it immediately... but in the end, what they really want to do is the healthiest thing possible to get over it.
Like when you have an intense pain in your abdomen. You feel like ripping your insides out, but the rational side tells you to get it checked out, even if you learn that it's appendicitis or a tumor or something else. Then, after the doctor says it's ok then you cut the sucker out! (We won't even explore the avenues people take when they can't afford health care.)
So what do you do if your pain is emotional or mental and trying to address the symptoms or causes is IMPOSSIBLE?
- Try to replace it with other feelings
- Distract yourself from the causes/symptoms by watching crappy tv, attending concerts, making Halloween costumes, reading, studying, working, working out, driving 3000 miles, pretending to have a crush on the sales guy at the big sale, hanging out with friends, sleeping, knitting, making phone calls to everyone in your contact list, shopping, eating, blogging, or . . .
- Talking about it with friends, family or a therapist
- Move to another city
- Move to another country
- Think about tackling multiple things on THE LIST.
So, Buddhism teaches that it's about taking the road toward towards the least suffering. We all want to be content.
Which road was that exactly? I think I've taken a wrong turn.
Like when you have an intense pain in your abdomen. You feel like ripping your insides out, but the rational side tells you to get it checked out, even if you learn that it's appendicitis or a tumor or something else. Then, after the doctor says it's ok then you cut the sucker out! (We won't even explore the avenues people take when they can't afford health care.)
So what do you do if your pain is emotional or mental and trying to address the symptoms or causes is IMPOSSIBLE?
- Try to replace it with other feelings
- Distract yourself from the causes/symptoms by watching crappy tv, attending concerts, making Halloween costumes, reading, studying, working, working out, driving 3000 miles, pretending to have a crush on the sales guy at the big sale, hanging out with friends, sleeping, knitting, making phone calls to everyone in your contact list, shopping, eating, blogging, or . . .
- Talking about it with friends, family or a therapist
- Move to another city
- Move to another country
- Think about tackling multiple things on THE LIST.
So, Buddhism teaches that it's about taking the road toward towards the least suffering. We all want to be content.
Which road was that exactly? I think I've taken a wrong turn.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Just me and My Car
Look up road conditions on I-15, check.
First road trip alone through Nevada, Utah, the corner of Idaho, Wyoming... on the way to Bozeman. I was kinda freaked out, but I'm starting to feel better about things. The mental prep was a great challenge and distraction--been needing plenty of those lately.
Pack up plenty of snacks, knitting, and trashy magazines, check. (including Men's Health--interesting read!)
I can't wait until the Trader Joe's opens in Chino Hills!
Borrow friend's GPS Navigation
The main reason I feel safer.
Search friendly places to stop, check. (Vegas, Provo, West Yellowstone)
I've picked tourist cities and a university town that have high chances or having ever seen an Asian person... and people who may be friendly to a non-in-state resident.
Told about a dozen people that I'd call them from the road.
If you get a call from me, thanks in advance for answering or receiving the text. That way, if something happens to me, at least one person will be able to track the last place I stopped.
Said I love you to the people I love.
Very important.
First road trip alone through Nevada, Utah, the corner of Idaho, Wyoming... on the way to Bozeman. I was kinda freaked out, but I'm starting to feel better about things. The mental prep was a great challenge and distraction--been needing plenty of those lately.
Pack up plenty of snacks, knitting, and trashy magazines, check. (including Men's Health--interesting read!)
I can't wait until the Trader Joe's opens in Chino Hills!
Borrow friend's GPS Navigation
The main reason I feel safer.
Search friendly places to stop, check. (Vegas, Provo, West Yellowstone)
I've picked tourist cities and a university town that have high chances or having ever seen an Asian person... and people who may be friendly to a non-in-state resident.
Told about a dozen people that I'd call them from the road.
If you get a call from me, thanks in advance for answering or receiving the text. That way, if something happens to me, at least one person will be able to track the last place I stopped.
Said I love you to the people I love.
Very important.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Joya with Soya
There's a coffee at Starbucks called Joya del Dia and because I'm lactose intolerant (or at least I'm supposed to be), I get it with room for soy milk.
As of late, coffee has been powering me in the morning. For my [second] job at the major-chain Fitness Club, I have to open the club 3-4 days a week. That means waking up at 3am to get there on time to open the doors for the already waiting half-dozen members tapping their feet with anticipation or anxiety, or whatever. The first week was sooo hard! At least the construction workers, bus drivers, maintenance people, and teachers will have their work out and get to their respective jobs on time. :)
Now sleep has more meaning. I used to think that oversleep was for depressed people who need help. But it's sooo blissful. Last Sunday I took a 4-hour nap, which I haven't really done since maybe high school. I have officially joined the ranks of sleep lovers everywhere.
epilogue:
As soon as my credit card debt is paid off, I'm flying the coop. Hand over the job for who is was meant for... some poor college student to earn some spending cash before heading to class.
As of late, coffee has been powering me in the morning. For my [second] job at the major-chain Fitness Club, I have to open the club 3-4 days a week. That means waking up at 3am to get there on time to open the doors for the already waiting half-dozen members tapping their feet with anticipation or anxiety, or whatever. The first week was sooo hard! At least the construction workers, bus drivers, maintenance people, and teachers will have their work out and get to their respective jobs on time. :)
Now sleep has more meaning. I used to think that oversleep was for depressed people who need help. But it's sooo blissful. Last Sunday I took a 4-hour nap, which I haven't really done since maybe high school. I have officially joined the ranks of sleep lovers everywhere.
epilogue:
As soon as my credit card debt is paid off, I'm flying the coop. Hand over the job for who is was meant for... some poor college student to earn some spending cash before heading to class.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
New Developments
Wow. August was crazy.
I flew to San Jose and New York. Attended a wedding. Bought a car. Got a second job.
And that was just the bare bones. The meat of is what really makes it crazy. I wish I had Labor Day weekend to unwind. Alas, when it rains in this life of mine, it pours.
Soooo... time for a party. How about the beach? AND Double time on the destressing effort: TV, jacuzzi, shopping, arts and crafts. To do: haircut, massage, movies, more air conditioning, getting out of the city and into nature.
Let's decompress.
I flew to San Jose and New York. Attended a wedding. Bought a car. Got a second job.
And that was just the bare bones. The meat of is what really makes it crazy. I wish I had Labor Day weekend to unwind. Alas, when it rains in this life of mine, it pours.
Soooo... time for a party. How about the beach? AND Double time on the destressing effort: TV, jacuzzi, shopping, arts and crafts. To do: haircut, massage, movies, more air conditioning, getting out of the city and into nature.
Let's decompress.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Taking Care of Baby
T's brother and sister in law have a dog named Beemer.
We are taking care of him for the week:
1. He must stay on a room all day until someone turns off the house alarm and lets him into a non-sensored area. Beemer does not have his own outdoor yard.
2. Beemer eats like a Hoover. Sometimes you can't hear him chew the kibble because he eats so fast. His bottomless stomach is also the reason why we can't leave food out for the day, and must feed him at meal times only.
3. The dog craps 2 minutes after he eats so someone has to take him out or else he'll leave a gift in the living room.
4. Attention hog!
5. Constant play during the waking hours is mandatory or else he probably won't able to sleep. And he like sleeping in bed with you.
6. All is forgiven and we don't mind, especially when he gives us the puppy dog eyes.
BTW, Cats are so much easier. Unless, of course, they are cry babies.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Wish List
I love this dress. Claire Danes (as Mirabelle) was wearing it in the movie Shopgirl. Glad I'm not shopping.
So why is it so easy for me to give up beef, but not shopping?
Le sigh.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Last Hoorah
Another potential hash mark on my list of things to do is to follow a budget. This starts tomorrow. Today I went on a shopping spree... spent about $250 on a combination of boots, shirts, pair of socks, and gift. In one day.
My last hoorah I must call it. This cannot continue.
I finally figured out a way to curb my shopping habit. I've been trying to for several years. This one's a three-pronged approach. First, I will be budgeting all of my income and setting aside a modest $50 per month for personal-items shopping, which includes clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, and miscellaneous and not-absolutely-necessary items. Second, I will not carry around my credit card. Third, (and here is where I will need help) I will need 2-3 volunteers to serve as my approval board for these so-called personal items. I should be setting this $50 aside to go toward my laptop, so I will need an approval board (a.k.a. nagging reminder people) to help me remember how much I want this laptop. I'd nominate my mother, but I think that will be so effective it will hurt. I would also like to nominate the BF. But he hates nagging and thus hates to nag. I guess I will have to ask my brothers...
If that does not work, I guess I have to try it the old-fashioned way.
With willpower.
BTW, I passed up multiple offers to help eat people's kalbi today. Though it was tough, it felt good to say no. Let's see how this anti-shopaholism system pans out.
My last hoorah I must call it. This cannot continue.
I finally figured out a way to curb my shopping habit. I've been trying to for several years. This one's a three-pronged approach. First, I will be budgeting all of my income and setting aside a modest $50 per month for personal-items shopping, which includes clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, and miscellaneous and not-absolutely-necessary items. Second, I will not carry around my credit card. Third, (and here is where I will need help) I will need 2-3 volunteers to serve as my approval board for these so-called personal items. I should be setting this $50 aside to go toward my laptop, so I will need an approval board (a.k.a. nagging reminder people) to help me remember how much I want this laptop. I'd nominate my mother, but I think that will be so effective it will hurt. I would also like to nominate the BF. But he hates nagging and thus hates to nag. I guess I will have to ask my brothers...
If that does not work, I guess I have to try it the old-fashioned way.
With willpower.
BTW, I passed up multiple offers to help eat people's kalbi today. Though it was tough, it felt good to say no. Let's see how this anti-shopaholism system pans out.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Goodbye Kalbi
so one of the items on the list is to re-become a vegetarian. i had been a vegetarian for a couple of years for 3 reasons, not really all the same importance and not the always the same priority at any given moment: religion, environment and health. on one day my health could have trumped the environment and on another, being a good Buddhist could have taken priority over my health and countering global warming, and so on, so forth, etc... at least it all resulted in the same outcome-- i didn't eat meat or seafood.
TODAY marks the day i start making active baby-steps toward attacking this goal on the list. no more red meat. i could have squeezed in one more shaken beef or Korean bbq dish, but if i did that i would end up giving myself extensions for years. the time is now... and it is a baby step after all.
wish me luck.
TODAY marks the day i start making active baby-steps toward attacking this goal on the list. no more red meat. i could have squeezed in one more shaken beef or Korean bbq dish, but if i did that i would end up giving myself extensions for years. the time is now... and it is a baby step after all.
wish me luck.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
When is enough enough?
From Associated Press reports
Congress has appropriated $610 billion in war-related money since Sept. 11, 2001. That's roughly the same amount that was spent on the war in Vietnam, taking inflation into account.
Iraq alone has cost $450 billion.
---
Vietnam cost $531 billion over 9 years. (1964-1972)
Iraq War started March 2003 = 4 years already.
Is the administration going to let the costs reach WWII levels (in the trillions) before withdrawing from Iraq?
Of course, this commentary does not include other monetary costs like veterans benefits and medical care AND the human costs, military and civilian casualties, the stress of families waiting at home, etc.
I love NPR, but sometimes it stresses me out.
Congress has appropriated $610 billion in war-related money since Sept. 11, 2001. That's roughly the same amount that was spent on the war in Vietnam, taking inflation into account.
Iraq alone has cost $450 billion.
---
Vietnam cost $531 billion over 9 years. (1964-1972)
Iraq War started March 2003 = 4 years already.
Is the administration going to let the costs reach WWII levels (in the trillions) before withdrawing from Iraq?
Of course, this commentary does not include other monetary costs like veterans benefits and medical care AND the human costs, military and civilian casualties, the stress of families waiting at home, etc.
I love NPR, but sometimes it stresses me out.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
teeth clencher
the last time i went to the dentist
he told me i grind my teeth
i told him i don't think i do it in my sleep
the hygenist guessed that maybe i grit my teeth
while driving--
since i told her i do a lot of that.
after which, the dentist suggested
i chew gum while in the car.
after packing about over 1000 shirts
into about 60 boxes
i just realized that i clench my teeth the most...
at work
he told me i grind my teeth
i told him i don't think i do it in my sleep
the hygenist guessed that maybe i grit my teeth
while driving--
since i told her i do a lot of that.
after which, the dentist suggested
i chew gum while in the car.
after packing about over 1000 shirts
into about 60 boxes
i just realized that i clench my teeth the most...
at work
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Which super-villain are you?
Your results:
You are Mystique
Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test
You are Mystique
| Sometimes motherly, sometimes a beautiful companion, but most of the time a deceiving vixen. |
Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test
Peace of Mind
Dear Kimberly,
Your application for healthcare coverage has been approved, and your coverage will go into effect on Tue Jun 12 03:00:00 EDT 2007.
Your identification cards and a packet with your Evidence of Coverage/Certificate of Insurance and other important information will arrive in the mail shortly.
Thank you for choosing Blue Shield as your healthcare coverage provider.
- - -
I wish everyone could have coverage.
Your application for healthcare coverage has been approved, and your coverage will go into effect on Tue Jun 12 03:00:00 EDT 2007.
Your identification cards and a packet with your Evidence of Coverage/Certificate of Insurance and other important information will arrive in the mail shortly.
Thank you for choosing Blue Shield as your healthcare coverage provider.
- - -
I wish everyone could have coverage.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Pervasive Toxic Particles
I think my car is poisoning me. So I am going to test it out with this nifty invention:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a toxic, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, butane, propane, fuel oil, wood, coal, and other fossil fuels. Dangerous levels of CO can be produced by internal combustion engines or from any poorly vented or improperly adjusted fuel-burning appliance. Exposure to CO may cause sickness, headaches, or even death.
This Carbon Monoxide Detector can save a pilot’s life, especially when flying with the heater on, by warning of the presence of CO in the cockpit—the spot will turn gray/black when CO is in the air. The spot on the detector returns to normal color after it is exposed to fresh air.
You can use this CO-DETECTOR as your personal and portable CO detection device. With the adhesive back, stick it on the panel or dash for a semi-permanent installation, or wear it on an ID badge or on a lanyard. Uses include:
* Airplanes
* Cars
* Fuel Trucks
* Grass Cutting Equipment
* Tugs
* Campers
* And More!
Useful life is 90 days once opened.
I also bought some for my family. Hope it works.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a toxic, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, butane, propane, fuel oil, wood, coal, and other fossil fuels. Dangerous levels of CO can be produced by internal combustion engines or from any poorly vented or improperly adjusted fuel-burning appliance. Exposure to CO may cause sickness, headaches, or even death.
This Carbon Monoxide Detector can save a pilot’s life, especially when flying with the heater on, by warning of the presence of CO in the cockpit—the spot will turn gray/black when CO is in the air. The spot on the detector returns to normal color after it is exposed to fresh air.
You can use this CO-DETECTOR as your personal and portable CO detection device. With the adhesive back, stick it on the panel or dash for a semi-permanent installation, or wear it on an ID badge or on a lanyard. Uses include:
* Airplanes
* Cars
* Fuel Trucks
* Grass Cutting Equipment
* Tugs
* Campers
* And More!
Useful life is 90 days once opened.
I also bought some for my family. Hope it works.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Nothing rhymes with Orange
Instead of buying the shirt, I thought I'd send the message. Imagine it stretched across one's bosom.
T-shirt available at Threadless.com
T-shirt available at Threadless.com
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Want to be alone in the carpool lane?
As of January 2007, ten thousand more HOV Clear Air Vehicle stickers were available through the DMV. It's June now, are there any more left?
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
Back Burner
TOMORROW i will call the Career Center at Scripps and finally get more active about my career decisions and goals. I just hope they can help.
So here are the things that I am considering:
Registered Dietician / Public Health
After having worked with high school youth for almost 5 years and not doing it for a year, I realized that I really miss it and I should explore career bring me closer to youth and education. As an RD/MPH, I see myself working with school districts on nutrition education, maybe even cafeteria menu planning. Getting the right foods to fuel young minds at work and for needy families is important to me. If needed, I could also plant myself as a Dietician in fitness clubs (Sports Club LA) and private practice on the side...getting myself fit as I do it. What would also be neat is if I start community health education via live classes or video: cooking course, grocery shopping trips. Way to incorporate shopping into my career, huh? The MPH track would allow me to travel and work with peoplein underdeveloped countries [during the times school is out of session].
Exploration step: Talk to Hawthorne School District nutrition program director.
Registered Nurse
I've thrown around the idea of being a nurse, mostly because it's a road well-traveled--the idea of which is conforting to me. I'm making it sound practical and dry, because that's what it is to me. It is the "I'm going to have a family one day, and I need to put food on the table and clothes on their back" option. With the Baby Boomer retirement exodus out of the workforce, jobs in nursing, education, law enforcement, ... almost everywhere will need to be filled. And it helps to know that Nurse anesthetists, the majority of whom usually hold Masters or Doctorate degrees, make 6-figure salaries.
Exploration step: Volunteer at a hospital.
Entrepreneur
I want to open up an e-commerce stationery store, making greeting cards, journals on my home printing press. I would have to find a niche in the seemingly saturated market of small presses/custom stationery & cards in order to make high-volume sales, but I think it would be the most creatively rewarding option. It can also be a hobby turned side-job that can be combined with any career option.
Exploration step: Take a letterpress course. Enroll in LTSC's small business course.
So here are the things that I am considering:
Registered Dietician / Public Health
After having worked with high school youth for almost 5 years and not doing it for a year, I realized that I really miss it and I should explore career bring me closer to youth and education. As an RD/MPH, I see myself working with school districts on nutrition education, maybe even cafeteria menu planning. Getting the right foods to fuel young minds at work and for needy families is important to me. If needed, I could also plant myself as a Dietician in fitness clubs (Sports Club LA) and private practice on the side...getting myself fit as I do it. What would also be neat is if I start community health education via live classes or video: cooking course, grocery shopping trips. Way to incorporate shopping into my career, huh? The MPH track would allow me to travel and work with peoplein underdeveloped countries [during the times school is out of session].
Exploration step: Talk to Hawthorne School District nutrition program director.
Registered Nurse
I've thrown around the idea of being a nurse, mostly because it's a road well-traveled--the idea of which is conforting to me. I'm making it sound practical and dry, because that's what it is to me. It is the "I'm going to have a family one day, and I need to put food on the table and clothes on their back" option. With the Baby Boomer retirement exodus out of the workforce, jobs in nursing, education, law enforcement, ... almost everywhere will need to be filled. And it helps to know that Nurse anesthetists, the majority of whom usually hold Masters or Doctorate degrees, make 6-figure salaries.
Exploration step: Volunteer at a hospital.
Entrepreneur
I want to open up an e-commerce stationery store, making greeting cards, journals on my home printing press. I would have to find a niche in the seemingly saturated market of small presses/custom stationery & cards in order to make high-volume sales, but I think it would be the most creatively rewarding option. It can also be a hobby turned side-job that can be combined with any career option.
Exploration step: Take a letterpress course. Enroll in LTSC's small business course.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Things that make you go hmm...
So I bet I'm the last one to realize this, BUT...
1. My dogs are not fixed. We have a boy cocker spaniel and a girl shih tzu.
2. When you combine 2 different types of pure breds, you can change the name of the outcome breed. e.g. Pug and Beagle = puggle, Cocker Spaniel and Poodle = cockapoo.
3. The new breed name of Kirby and Roxy's babies would not be allowed to be spoken on network TV. But they'd be small, cute, probably beige and really furry!
How sad...
1. My dogs are not fixed. We have a boy cocker spaniel and a girl shih tzu.
2. When you combine 2 different types of pure breds, you can change the name of the outcome breed. e.g. Pug and Beagle = puggle, Cocker Spaniel and Poodle = cockapoo.
3. The new breed name of Kirby and Roxy's babies would not be allowed to be spoken on network TV. But they'd be small, cute, probably beige and really furry!
How sad...
The so-called Slobster Pen
Comment 1 (from my cousin): What are you doing with that in your bag? Isn't that what suburban housewives carry around in their bags?
Comment 2 (from a youth): Wow I haven't seen you in a long time. You look like a mom [with that hair].
Comment 3 (to my stylist after she was done with my hair): Oh my God, I look like a soccer mom. I feel like I should hop into my minivan and pick up my kids now. Can I come back at the end of the week to fix it?
I just hope this doesn't mean that I have reached the deadline on my list of things I want to accomplish. BTW, the slobster pen is great for people like me who get frequently food splatter (sauces, BBQ condiments, beverages) all over their clothes. Try it, you'll like it. But, we all know this entry was never about the pen.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Full day's work
7:30am shower
9:00am Drive to Downtown LA
10:00am Shop for fabric
11:30am Drive to Fullerton
12:30pm Eat at Kings Hawaiian
2:00pm Arrive at the Getty
4:30pm Drive to Long Beach
6:00pm Drive to Chino Hills
8:00pm Watch half of 2 movies on TV
10:00pm Bowl 3 games
11:30pm Blog about my full day
Too bad I didn't bring my camera.
9:00am Drive to Downtown LA
10:00am Shop for fabric
11:30am Drive to Fullerton
12:30pm Eat at Kings Hawaiian
2:00pm Arrive at the Getty
4:30pm Drive to Long Beach
6:00pm Drive to Chino Hills
8:00pm Watch half of 2 movies on TV
10:00pm Bowl 3 games
11:30pm Blog about my full day
Too bad I didn't bring my camera.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Heartbreak
So my cousin and the woman he thought he was going to marry split up today. Currently on R&R from a tour in Iraq, he is back in CA to hang out with family and most importantly to him, his gf. He had already asked his parents to talk to the priest about paperwork and pre-marriage counseling (he’s Catholic) and started the ball rolling, but now there will not be any nuptials for a while. I guess they did not debrief their relationship and were not staying together for the right reasons. He is on the road back to OC from San Diego where he was staying with his gf. I just talked to him and he told me matter-of-factly that it was mutual and that, though it sucks, it was bound to happen. Such a composed Marine Corps Officer answer--no weakness there.
At least he didn’t have to wait too long to find out.
At least he didn’t have to wait too long to find out.
Monday, May 21, 2007
[Almost] Hot guys
A few weeks ago, I went to closing night at Visual Communications' annual film festival, where they screened THE REBEL (Dong Mau Anh Hung), directed by Charlie Nguyen. It was in Vietnamese and French, with English subtitles. The male lead/hero is played by the director's very attractive younger brother, known in the credits as Johnny Tri Nguyen. I was one shirtless fight scene away from needing a bib when the film ended. Sigh.
After the credits stopped rolling, the director, producers and lead actors came on stage to talk about their experience putting the film together. And then it happened--the Let Down. Mr. Johnny Tri Nguyen spoke English and I winced. It sounded as though he had inhaled a breath full of helium before he spoke. I was crushed. How could he be my celebrity crush of the summer with that voice? Can you imagine, "Hey Baby, I'm so hot for you" in a voice slightly resembling that of Porky Pig (sans stuttering)? Double sigh.
I left the Aratani theatre and sought comfort in the reception outside. There, I met friends who swear Johnny Tri Nguyen was going to be their baby's daddy. I couldn't help it--I had to break the news. They were also in disbelief. So they did what any smitten woman would do...they wanted to see it for themselves, that the object of their affection/lust really was only eye candy. We scoured the reception, looking for the star with the excuse that we wanted a photo.
We got it.
Later on in the week, I did what I ususally do when I have a celebrity crush: I google-stalked Johnny Tri Nguyen. I could not believe what I found:
1. He is 33 years old. In person he looks 19.
2. He has been married. What?!
3. He also goes by the name Minh Tri when he's performing as a
Vietnamese pop star with Van Son entertainment. The scariest thing I found.
4. We have the best pictures of him. The great thing about photo
stills is that you can look and you don't have to listen.
And if you still wanted to read on...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Tri_Nguyen
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1248798/
He's an interesting cat. Not exactly my type.
After the credits stopped rolling, the director, producers and lead actors came on stage to talk about their experience putting the film together. And then it happened--the Let Down. Mr. Johnny Tri Nguyen spoke English and I winced. It sounded as though he had inhaled a breath full of helium before he spoke. I was crushed. How could he be my celebrity crush of the summer with that voice? Can you imagine, "Hey Baby, I'm so hot for you" in a voice slightly resembling that of Porky Pig (sans stuttering)? Double sigh.
I left the Aratani theatre and sought comfort in the reception outside. There, I met friends who swear Johnny Tri Nguyen was going to be their baby's daddy. I couldn't help it--I had to break the news. They were also in disbelief. So they did what any smitten woman would do...they wanted to see it for themselves, that the object of their affection/lust really was only eye candy. We scoured the reception, looking for the star with the excuse that we wanted a photo.
We got it.
Later on in the week, I did what I ususally do when I have a celebrity crush: I google-stalked Johnny Tri Nguyen. I could not believe what I found:
1. He is 33 years old. In person he looks 19.
2. He has been married. What?!
3. He also goes by the name Minh Tri when he's performing as a
Vietnamese pop star with Van Son entertainment. The scariest thing I found.
4. We have the best pictures of him. The great thing about photo
stills is that you can look and you don't have to listen.
And if you still wanted to read on...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Tri_Nguyen
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1248798/
He's an interesting cat. Not exactly my type.
Friday, May 18, 2007
100 Things I want to do before motherhood
So the right-hand side of the page is where I'm going to keep track of "the list." My friend Jeannie encouraged me to start and keep this list and the blog will help me stick to it. Lots of people have lists of things they want to do before they die--people write books about it. Like this one. And this one.
My list has a twist. It's not that my life is going to end when I have children, but it will definitely be organized differently. It also does not mean that these things must happen before I become a mother. I recognize that when I have kids, my [already existent] insticts will kick in and my life will be thrown into sort of a maternal martyrdom where I'll feel more or less guilty for indulging in selfish pleasures.
If I do not achieve some of the things on this list before Kim, Jr. comes along, it is not the end of the world. There are several things on the list that I definitely do not want to do after I have children, but most can be transferred to the "Things I want to accomplish after I retire" list.
If you haven't already guessed, I like lists.
My list has a twist. It's not that my life is going to end when I have children, but it will definitely be organized differently. It also does not mean that these things must happen before I become a mother. I recognize that when I have kids, my [already existent] insticts will kick in and my life will be thrown into sort of a maternal martyrdom where I'll feel more or less guilty for indulging in selfish pleasures.
If I do not achieve some of the things on this list before Kim, Jr. comes along, it is not the end of the world. There are several things on the list that I definitely do not want to do after I have children, but most can be transferred to the "Things I want to accomplish after I retire" list.
If you haven't already guessed, I like lists.
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