Take a peak at my cousin's new business venture... his first piece of business for a local Shanghai club... the video played on loop... It's pretty cool.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
I Heart Burbank Airport
I am very aware this makes me sound crazy, but after being held captive on flights to nowhere but the runway, trapped in airports due to absurd delays, and having read more James Patterson-esque books to last a lifetime... I must declare I heart Bob Hope Burbank Airport.
SFO--> Burbank:
Trip to airport: Only a 7 minute wait for the BART and even got to sit the whole way. Elevators not running.
Departure: I almost didn't make the flight, but that was because I went to the wrong gate and because the flight actually boarded on time. :)
Arrival: We arrived on time, and got of the plane in a timely fashion because we didn't have to wait for the the gate thing to arrive.
Drive home: No traffic; familiar route, and yummy Steak to eat for dinner (ok, maybe, just maybe that was a little bias due to the perfect steak and greek salad. Drool.)
Burbank--> SFO:
Drive to airport: It took 20 minutes. And I got through security in 5 minutes. A line of two people so plenty of time to slowly take off shoes, take off versus rip-off outerwear, take out laptop etc. Security line, friendly.
Departure: On time. I thought I'd have to check luggage cause it was a teeny plane.
Arrival: EARLY! And I didn't have to go to baggage claim for my bag.
Drive home: Didn't have to even wait in line for cab, good driver, I was at home by 6:45pm. Whole trip, 3 hours 15 minutes.
THAT was a great trip and how I wish it could be everytime.
SFO--> Burbank:
Trip to airport: Only a 7 minute wait for the BART and even got to sit the whole way. Elevators not running.
Departure: I almost didn't make the flight, but that was because I went to the wrong gate and because the flight actually boarded on time. :)
Arrival: We arrived on time, and got of the plane in a timely fashion because we didn't have to wait for the the gate thing to arrive.
Drive home: No traffic; familiar route, and yummy Steak to eat for dinner (ok, maybe, just maybe that was a little bias due to the perfect steak and greek salad. Drool.)
Burbank--> SFO:
Drive to airport: It took 20 minutes. And I got through security in 5 minutes. A line of two people so plenty of time to slowly take off shoes, take off versus rip-off outerwear, take out laptop etc. Security line, friendly.
Departure: On time. I thought I'd have to check luggage cause it was a teeny plane.
Arrival: EARLY! And I didn't have to go to baggage claim for my bag.
Drive home: Didn't have to even wait in line for cab, good driver, I was at home by 6:45pm. Whole trip, 3 hours 15 minutes.
THAT was a great trip and how I wish it could be everytime.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Dancing Queen
The title to this post, of course, refers to my dear friend Liz. Her bridesmaids threw her a bridal shower which was on Saturday and was a musical extravaganza. Naturally, I got stuck in traffic on the way there and by the time I arrived the other three talented bridesmaids had all but finished decorating and really transforming a beautiful home into a lovely party space... complete with red carpet.
The fact that we coordinated everything via the entire state of California is a testament to organization. It was purple and silver and definitely note-worthy (bad pun). The food was really yummy (b/c the bride-to-be said so) and the games were fun... a ice-breaker Bingo that had everyone screeching and shrieking and running all over the place and a Mad Libs musical that we had to audition for, a la American Idol, that had us rolling around on the floor laughing. Personally, I will never again be able to watch Sound of Music without thinking of Meat Pies. (Try figuring that A-Z connection out!) We had an autograph book, took tons a photos, opened presents, and there were gift bags for all including Mamma Mia face-wipes and really delicious The Color Purple Punch. (Beat that!) We really EMBRACED the theme.
Afterwards, I went to the Block in the O.C. with L. We ate at a place called Alcatraz. The irony here is that they seated us right in front of a twinkly lit Golden Gate bridge model. So I traveled all the way to LA just to eat in San Francisco. Sigh. :)
It was nice day. Exhausting, but more than nice. It was a legend (wait-for-it)-ary moment to look at someone and think back to all the private jokes and memories. That this is person who you grew up with, that you are still friends with despite time and distance. She has never let me down, has always been an inspiration (BR discount, hello?), and always stood by me and always held my hand when she saw that I was in (literal and figurative) pain. She is the kind of person I embrace and say Thank You.
Thank you Liz for making me laugh... over and over until I can't breath sometimes
Thank you Liz for standing in my blind spot when I was recovering from surgery
Thank you Liz for feeding and withholding the cotton candy like a prison warden
Thank you Liz for exploring the "seemingly" employee-only paths at Disneyland
Thank you Liz for taking me to the "cute" dentist and driving me home afterwards
Thank you Liz for helping me not get my @ss kicked by a Korean gang (or wannabe)
Thank you Liz for helping me see straight when I got wonky
Thank you Liz for encouraging me in the constant quest for the perfect pair of boots
Thank you Liz for hauling me off the lane lines and preventing my hair from turning green
Thank you Liz for the hundreds of memories that I share with you that have made up 18 years
(I hold each one near and dear)
Thank you Liz for honoring me and allowing me to be part of your special day
The fact that we coordinated everything via the entire state of California is a testament to organization. It was purple and silver and definitely note-worthy (bad pun). The food was really yummy (b/c the bride-to-be said so) and the games were fun... a ice-breaker Bingo that had everyone screeching and shrieking and running all over the place and a Mad Libs musical that we had to audition for, a la American Idol, that had us rolling around on the floor laughing. Personally, I will never again be able to watch Sound of Music without thinking of Meat Pies. (Try figuring that A-Z connection out!) We had an autograph book, took tons a photos, opened presents, and there were gift bags for all including Mamma Mia face-wipes and really delicious The Color Purple Punch. (Beat that!) We really EMBRACED the theme.
Afterwards, I went to the Block in the O.C. with L. We ate at a place called Alcatraz. The irony here is that they seated us right in front of a twinkly lit Golden Gate bridge model. So I traveled all the way to LA just to eat in San Francisco. Sigh. :)
It was nice day. Exhausting, but more than nice. It was a legend (wait-for-it)-ary moment to look at someone and think back to all the private jokes and memories. That this is person who you grew up with, that you are still friends with despite time and distance. She has never let me down, has always been an inspiration (BR discount, hello?), and always stood by me and always held my hand when she saw that I was in (literal and figurative) pain. She is the kind of person I embrace and say Thank You.
Thank you Liz for making me laugh... over and over until I can't breath sometimes
Thank you Liz for standing in my blind spot when I was recovering from surgery
Thank you Liz for feeding and withholding the cotton candy like a prison warden
Thank you Liz for exploring the "seemingly" employee-only paths at Disneyland
Thank you Liz for taking me to the "cute" dentist and driving me home afterwards
Thank you Liz for helping me not get my @ss kicked by a Korean gang (or wannabe)
Thank you Liz for helping me see straight when I got wonky
Thank you Liz for encouraging me in the constant quest for the perfect pair of boots
Thank you Liz for hauling me off the lane lines and preventing my hair from turning green
Thank you Liz for the hundreds of memories that I share with you that have made up 18 years
(I hold each one near and dear)
Thank you Liz for honoring me and allowing me to be part of your special day
I am beyond fortunate to count you as a friend...
...and beyond lucky to have you count me as one of yours.
...and beyond lucky to have you count me as one of yours.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Taking a Deep Breath...
I went into recovery mode last week and slept for hours on end. Finally felt more human on Sunday afternoon. On Saturday, I met up with Kate G. and walked around Chestnut in the Marina. We went to Plutos for lunch; I love that place.
We went to Paper Source for all things bridal... cards, wrapping paper, etc. It I had been more awake I could have spent all day there. It was a nice reminder of all the Home Ec-type classes I used to have the luxury to take and enjoyed my little dust gathering projects. Who needs Swiffer when I can make dried flower wreaths and pressed flower-whatevers? It also reminded me of the rows of baby's breath I used to hang from my spiral staircase to dry. I'll only admit it now, but it was like walking into a curtain of tiny stars.
It was nice to catch up with Kate G. and hopefully we'll be doing that "friend exchange" party soon. It was nice to catch up and clear out my DVR, and just hang out. Next weekend will be will be another fight to get to LA. Sigh.
We went to Paper Source for all things bridal... cards, wrapping paper, etc. It I had been more awake I could have spent all day there. It was a nice reminder of all the Home Ec-type classes I used to have the luxury to take and enjoyed my little dust gathering projects. Who needs Swiffer when I can make dried flower wreaths and pressed flower-whatevers? It also reminded me of the rows of baby's breath I used to hang from my spiral staircase to dry. I'll only admit it now, but it was like walking into a curtain of tiny stars.
It was nice to catch up with Kate G. and hopefully we'll be doing that "friend exchange" party soon. It was nice to catch up and clear out my DVR, and just hang out. Next weekend will be will be another fight to get to LA. Sigh.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Marvel Bedamned!
This is what Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, heck, I'll say it, even X-Men (forgive me) only wish about being and in reality should have been. Batman: The Dark Knight lives up to every single good review and ecstatic fan-boy AND fan-girl's dream. It is by far the best movie I've seen in a long time, at least a year (including Juno).
I worship at the feet of Frank Miller and Christopher Nolan. Without a doubt Heath Ledger should get a nom if not the posthumous trophy itself. Not one inch of print that has been devoted to Heath Ledger's Joker is unjustified. I was on the Jack Nicholson bandwagon and still am, but Heath's version brings to life the fear in all of us--a maniac without reason or possiblity of redemption and embraces the heart of darkness. Every character, every bit of the plot was perfect. Michael Caine's Alfred takes the role in a new direction. Morgan Freeman, typecast as the "savior" is fitting in his role as Lucius Fox. It's like coming home, if home were Gotham city.
Nevermind if Gotham is Chicago or New York City. Gotham was alive, the sinking cesspool that it is. Aarron Eckhart portrayal of Two Face is heart-breaking and inspiring--his character personifies the saying the higher they climb, the further they fall. Maggie G. wipes out the distasteful memory of KH and really makes the role her own; you believe that someone as complicated at Harvey Dent or Bruce Wayne could fall for a woman like that--not the one-dimensional simpering wimp from the first prequel. Christian Bale gave us a glimpse in American Psycho and Batman Begins, but I think you can go back to Little Women to see why he really captures the heart of the movie--it's not just Batman's strength but his vulnerabilities that make him a hero... a Dark Knight. And even behind that mask, the commitment to the role is unmistakable.
I cannot say enough good things about this movie. It's been a long time since I've held my breath during a movie, waiting to see what would happen. And everytime that one note held, you knew, KNEW, something was going to happen. Perhaps it was the oxygen depravation but I had a fantastic time at the movies. And it has been a really long time since I've been able to say that. I great up going to opening night and watching 2 or 3 movies a weekend. For awhile I thought I had finally outgrown my imagination (goodbye Neverland), now I know it wasn't me. To quote Norma Desmond, "It's the pictures that got small!" And even if the movie could have been edited down a bit, I'm glad it ran long... god knows, I'm definitely going to see it again and again, and can't even begin to explain how excited I am about the possibility of the next one... Pretty, please... with Batman on top.
Oh, and did I mention the Watchmen trailer. Yee! :) It was like Christmas and Birthday and whatever other holiday floats your boat, all in on.
p.s.: Having just read through what I wrote, I apologize for ALL the grammatical mistakes, but I really wanted to type as the thoughts came.
I worship at the feet of Frank Miller and Christopher Nolan. Without a doubt Heath Ledger should get a nom if not the posthumous trophy itself. Not one inch of print that has been devoted to Heath Ledger's Joker is unjustified. I was on the Jack Nicholson bandwagon and still am, but Heath's version brings to life the fear in all of us--a maniac without reason or possiblity of redemption and embraces the heart of darkness. Every character, every bit of the plot was perfect. Michael Caine's Alfred takes the role in a new direction. Morgan Freeman, typecast as the "savior" is fitting in his role as Lucius Fox. It's like coming home, if home were Gotham city.
Nevermind if Gotham is Chicago or New York City. Gotham was alive, the sinking cesspool that it is. Aarron Eckhart portrayal of Two Face is heart-breaking and inspiring--his character personifies the saying the higher they climb, the further they fall. Maggie G. wipes out the distasteful memory of KH and really makes the role her own; you believe that someone as complicated at Harvey Dent or Bruce Wayne could fall for a woman like that--not the one-dimensional simpering wimp from the first prequel. Christian Bale gave us a glimpse in American Psycho and Batman Begins, but I think you can go back to Little Women to see why he really captures the heart of the movie--it's not just Batman's strength but his vulnerabilities that make him a hero... a Dark Knight. And even behind that mask, the commitment to the role is unmistakable.
I cannot say enough good things about this movie. It's been a long time since I've held my breath during a movie, waiting to see what would happen. And everytime that one note held, you knew, KNEW, something was going to happen. Perhaps it was the oxygen depravation but I had a fantastic time at the movies. And it has been a really long time since I've been able to say that. I great up going to opening night and watching 2 or 3 movies a weekend. For awhile I thought I had finally outgrown my imagination (goodbye Neverland), now I know it wasn't me. To quote Norma Desmond, "It's the pictures that got small!" And even if the movie could have been edited down a bit, I'm glad it ran long... god knows, I'm definitely going to see it again and again, and can't even begin to explain how excited I am about the possibility of the next one... Pretty, please... with Batman on top.
Oh, and did I mention the Watchmen trailer. Yee! :) It was like Christmas and Birthday and whatever other holiday floats your boat, all in on.
p.s.: Having just read through what I wrote, I apologize for ALL the grammatical mistakes, but I really wanted to type as the thoughts came.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Love (Hate) Affair
Even though I admit that I am without rhythm, I am currently in a tango--a love/hate, relationship with LAX. I have never left LAX on-time, or departed for LAX on-time (I still blame LAX in those cases).
Wednesday night was no different.
Original flight: 9:30pm
Flight delayed
Flight delayed again
Flight canceled
Re-booked for 10:30pm flight
Flight delayed
Flight delayed again
Took off @ 12am
Landed, finally
@ home 2:00am
Wednesday night was no different.
Original flight: 9:30pm
Flight delayed
Flight delayed again
Flight canceled
Re-booked for 10:30pm flight
Flight delayed
Flight delayed again
Took off @ 12am
Landed, finally
@ home 2:00am
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Flame On!
Tuesday Night...
Before the event, I got to meet up with Erin for an early-bird diner at Sushi Dan. With Sushi Dan open until 2AM, us showing up before 7PM meant the whole place was empty. The place had an impressive list of rolls, but more isn't always better, so taste-wise it wasn't a home run (though Erin's selection was YUM!). I was definitely full, which is something to be said for bite-size Japanese food faire.
Got dressed for the party--which I had brought a LBD, I opted for the Tahari "Italy" dress that I purchased after much consultation with ThiaCyn and HP. So rather than Europe, I wore it a little closer to home. :) In retrospect, not only am I not SF but I'm not LA either. Oh well, I was happy in the dress, guess that is what counts. The party started at 9PM @ GOA and time flew by. I even adhered to the "talk to 5 people personal rule." Los of interesting celebs stopped by and I guess we even made the LA Times. Most of the people in the picture are co-workers.
I think I am just around the corner to the left at the point which this picture was taken, thank goodness. After-party was at hotel till we all summarily got kicked out of the designated party room by security. Oops.
Before the event, I got to meet up with Erin for an early-bird diner at Sushi Dan. With Sushi Dan open until 2AM, us showing up before 7PM meant the whole place was empty. The place had an impressive list of rolls, but more isn't always better, so taste-wise it wasn't a home run (though Erin's selection was YUM!). I was definitely full, which is something to be said for bite-size Japanese food faire.
Got dressed for the party--which I had brought a LBD, I opted for the Tahari "Italy" dress that I purchased after much consultation with ThiaCyn and HP. So rather than Europe, I wore it a little closer to home. :) In retrospect, not only am I not SF but I'm not LA either. Oh well, I was happy in the dress, guess that is what counts. The party started at 9PM @ GOA and time flew by. I even adhered to the "talk to 5 people personal rule." Los of interesting celebs stopped by and I guess we even made the LA Times. Most of the people in the picture are co-workers.
I think I am just around the corner to the left at the point which this picture was taken, thank goodness. After-party was at hotel till we all summarily got kicked out of the designated party room by security. Oops.
London Calling
So on MOnday, checked into hotel for work. While I grew in in "L.A.," I left soon after I turned 18, so I'm less than familiar with the Hollywood area. We stayed at an old-school, but newly-renovated hotel: London West Hollywood. The rooms were amazing. I know you're supposed to just sleep (if that) in your room, but I've never wanted to spend more time in my room than last week.
My fave highlights:
But perhaps my favorite fave was the spa bathroom:
My fave highlights:
- huge room
- lots of electrical plus
- plasma tv
- private balcony
- in-room bar area
- cool grey colors
- lots of pillows
- huge closers
- rooftop pool lounge with firepit @ night
But perhaps my favorite fave was the spa bathroom:
- with in-room sink tub
- dual shower heads
- more sq. footage than my last 6 bedrooms
- gorgeous tile work
- clean and cool
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hard Labor
This weekend I was in LA.
Saturday...
It was my first flights into Burbank airport and my first on-time departure since I've moved to SF. I dropped my stuff off at home and headed straight to my friend Liz's future in-laws home from an invitation-compilation party. Which in summary consisted of: lunch and assembly line of folding, glueing, separating 'supermagnets,' drying, stamping, stuffing and separating. In away it reminded be of doing inventory at my parent's company many summers and winter's ago. Reasoning? --it was work but it was fun and it was nice to meet new people.
The best things:
1. Really pretty and clever design
2. Almost everyone there had worked in events, which meant efficiency and good organization
Sunday...
No A/C, lots of dust + a slighty crazed dog. Went to an early showing of Hancock. Don't know what it says of me, but i fall in the enjoyed myself and liked it of the polarized two camps. Thought it might have been because my expectations had been low. I mean, Mr. squeaky-clean playing a mean, alcoholic, foul-mouthed superhero? But with suspension-of-disbelief he can carry it off. Jason Bateman was his usual self, still can't decide if I like him or not. Maybe I'll have to give Arrested Development another try. Did not like the baddy (not scary) and did not like the kid (kinda ineffectual). Final analysis: Wanted to see WANTED way more but had a much better time at HANCOCK overall.
Saturday...
It was my first flights into Burbank airport and my first on-time departure since I've moved to SF. I dropped my stuff off at home and headed straight to my friend Liz's future in-laws home from an invitation-compilation party. Which in summary consisted of: lunch and assembly line of folding, glueing, separating 'supermagnets,' drying, stamping, stuffing and separating. In away it reminded be of doing inventory at my parent's company many summers and winter's ago. Reasoning? --it was work but it was fun and it was nice to meet new people.
The best things:
1. Really pretty and clever design
2. Almost everyone there had worked in events, which meant efficiency and good organization
Sunday...
No A/C, lots of dust + a slighty crazed dog. Went to an early showing of Hancock. Don't know what it says of me, but i fall in the enjoyed myself and liked it of the polarized two camps. Thought it might have been because my expectations had been low. I mean, Mr. squeaky-clean playing a mean, alcoholic, foul-mouthed superhero? But with suspension-of-disbelief he can carry it off. Jason Bateman was his usual self, still can't decide if I like him or not. Maybe I'll have to give Arrested Development another try. Did not like the baddy (not scary) and did not like the kid (kinda ineffectual). Final analysis: Wanted to see WANTED way more but had a much better time at HANCOCK overall.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Top Chef Evaluation
Tried to make up for my poor weekend behavior by meeting up with a grad school classmate and friend, Shaun on Wednesday. We walked along Chestnut and walked to Fort Mason before heading to Circa for dinner.
Circa’s chef was one of the contestant’s on this past season’s Top Chef. Apparently, he only made it a few rounds in before his elimination. However, we both thought the food was pretty good. The ambience was fun, but a little empty when compared to Perfect Catch and A16 as well as other Marina restaurants. Nevertheless, Shaun enjoyed a little Southern charm and got the Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes and grilled Corn on the cob. I went for the menu items on the lighter fare, Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Bites and the Yelp! recommended Mac and Cheese with Lobster.
Tried to walk off a bit of the calories and strolled back to my apt and chatted about friends, family, work for a bit before Shaun headed back to her hotel. It was really nice catching up with a friend. It also helped me reconfirm why I did leave the East Coast and that family still comes first for me.
Wilde & Izzard
I think work has kicked into high gear. I finally feel like I know enough about the basics to “jog” at a steady pace instead of running a few steps and coming to a screeching halt.
Had dinner with Chris Tuesday at Straits. The Chow Kway Teow was really good. The music was also a nice mix of old school with current hip hop tunes. Nice conversation, good company. Though the conversation did turn to NYC quite a bit since Chris is an East Coast transplant as well.
It’s been easier since the last trip, but I still miss NYC. It comes in bursts now, especially when I do some activity that I used to do in NYC. It’s kinda like a painful waxing. You know it’s coming, but it’s still a eyebrow-raising surprise no matter what. (bad analogy, but true) But hopefully work and other people’s wedding plans will keep me busy. I think I’ll be busy enough between now and mid-August. Thinking about going to some theatre or ballet, apparently an Ideal Husband is playing somewhere and contemplating figuring out how to get tickets to Eddie Izzard’s show anyway. We’ll see. One year first, then re-evaluation.
Would Our Forefather's Be Proud?
Fourth of July weekend was about the nation’s birthday and my recovery from my second cold/flu, whatever. I teetered on the brink of yet another Upper Respiratory thingy within the first week of work much to my frustration. My aunt explained a starting a new job, like starting kindergarten. All new germs. And in her estimation I was going to get sick twice before settling in to the new atmosphere. So hopefully now that the second is over, I am sufficiently armed.
My parents and Du came in for the Holiday weekend.
We hung around for my new couch (which is now no longer available--so I either have horrible or really good taste) on Saturday which was bigger than I remember, but lovely and comfortable and goes with the direction of my apartment, can’t wait for someone to visit and sit on it too! Here's a picture, but mine is a deep red, not wine red, and not bright red.
We went to Pluto’s for yummy salads (one of my favorite things about SF v. East Coast and Midwest) and for a dessert at
Squat and Gobble (mom and I shared a Nutella, Strawberry and Chocolate crepe) and Dad found a new brownie that he loves.
And big accomplishment for me, more important than even my energy bill… I got my library card. Nerd, I know.
But it was meant to be as I got my card and immediately found a new Queen Elizabeth book I haven’t read before and a new copy of Persopolis, which I’ve been dying to read. And now I can finally save some money. Like other people buy coffee, my addiction is airport bookstores/shelves, especially with all the travel I’ve been doing lately.
My mom’s close friend, who just started a new social networking site, Woo Me Over, came on Saturday for a visit. We all went shopping for a new Japanese futon (for all you visitors) for me after I woke up on Saturday and was sleeping on the ground, having gone through my 3rd air mattress in a year. While we were driving around we attempted to go to BiRite Creamery (no parking for 20 minutes, so no success).
Sunday, I was quite a bit run down. Had to cancel lunch with IMC classmate, Shaun (we’re rescheduled for the week though). And I had really wanted to make my way to the Fillmore Jazz Festival, a street fair with live Jazz, but instead took advantage of having my parents around and spent the day in recovery.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Under the Weather
No news posts this week, been fighting a cold/flu something. It appears, I'm on the mend though and no longer sound like a squeaky wheel, like I have for days. Hopefully will be able to reschedule all the fun things I had planned this week--this is usually the time I go off the radar. Happy 4th!
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