New Year’s Eve!

My last post before we ring in the new year … YES! 

Today was productive. : )

Woke up early to get fingerprinted for my CPA license. I hope this is the last step in the process before I get those three initials behind my name. I had to wait 1.5 hours because the LiveScan machine wasn’t working; I was so peeved (like how I am now because my “q” key keeps popping out) but had to keep my cool. Didn’t want to get stressed out at the start of the day.

Proceeded to visit my doctor to get a physical for my LGTA application. I got my first EKG! Crazy. Then had to get a chest x-ray and blood tests done. Add another 2-3 more hours of waiting to my morning.

Next, picked up Caroline and fed her at Souplantation. Chicken noodle soup at Souplanation >>>> Campbell’s. Corn bread = Heavenly. Not good for my diet though. Then, back to business. Caroline helped me design the tickets for the Riordan Gala event in April. Unfortunately, there will be quite a bit of revision done so we’ll have to work on that again on Friday. Eh. I thought we did a good job but the Man says otherwise.

But, the BEST thing is that 2009 is right around the corner! WHOO.

Let’s be honest. Everyone knows how much I want this year to be over with. That’s why I can’t wait to ring in the new year with all my best friends from home. We’re celebrating at Ying’s tonight … in style! 2009 will be my year. I can feel it.

And in a week, 24th bday celebration in SF. Oh, life is wonderful at the moment.

$62.

Whoa! What a scare. Went to the ATM and withdrew some money only to find out that I only had $62 left in my account!

Went home and checked my activity. Realized that I accidentally withdrew from my savings instead of checking. *.*

Ha! Whew. Safe for now.

I knew it.

Already, readership has increased just because I posted a picture of a desk. Tsk tsk. I see how it is.

Fine.

I’ll give it to you the way you want it.

I’m back from Vegas with the family, which was a success considering there were no major arguments along the way. It’s still hard for me to hold my tongue, but at least it’s not as bad as it used to be. Unfortunately, I did not unravel LGTA 2009 to the family yet; only David really knows that I’m serious about this. I just feel that I need more preparation before I drop this bomb on them.

Anyway, back to Vegas.

I lost $80. I suck at gambling. Gambling sucks.

On a more positive note, here are some nice photos I took during the trip.

On the way to Vegas. Mom made me take picture of the rainbow.

The family at the Venetian. I lost my black scarf! : (

The men in my life. L to R: Older brother, Dad, David.

Dinner at the Palm. Check out my 14 oz Filet Mignon. Yeah! I’ve eaten enough steak and lobster to last me another year. New diet: one meal a day + unlimited green tea.

I realized that there’s a lot of crap for me to do in the next two weeks. The most important (and the one that’s bothering me the most) is my lack of a functional printer! Damnit, I can’t even voice my frustration at HP printers. First of all, my printer decided to eat paper. That’s right. Everytime I try to print, paper just gets stuck. And I still have about 10 ink catridges left for this stupid machine! Secondly, the other HP printer in the house is out of ink. And guess what? It has about 7 different catridges! What the heck. I swear, machines just don’t like me.

So that’s my big task this upcoming break. Buy a new printer PRONTO. Others include: work on applications/resume/essays, read RF articles, design ticket for RF gala, visit kinkos, get fingerprinted for CPA license, set up account for RF photos.

Also, 12 days til the big 24! Whoo. I realized that there are a few things I’d like to get myself. What do you think I should buy?

: ) I think I deserve to spoil myself this year.

Readership

Why does my readership increase when I include pictures?

Let’s see what happens when I add something random like this.

Btw, I do need a new desk.

Christmas 2008!

Merry Christmas everyone! 

It’s been a fabulous day from start to finish! “Work” was awesome. Can you say one-way lunch?! I’m treasuring little moments like this before busy season.

By noon, I was home playing with the kids and making brownies. I ate five pieces today, which is really … five too many. Gerick and I made a bet a week ago to lose 2 lbs. Let’s just say that instead of -2 , it’s more like +2. (So sad.) We are, however, holding a “Biggest Loser” challenge during busy season as a way to motivate each other to get our sad bodies in shape for the summer. It’ll be a $20 buy-in and winner takes all! Anyway, after letting the grease and 500 calories sink into my gut, I drove my grandma, cousin, and nieces to visit my aunt’s newborn, Brian. He, like most babies is so adorable. Sigh. One day …

Anyway, Steve stopped by today and it was so good to just catch up! I’ve missed my good pal from work. We kept each other sane; now, I’ll have to find other means to keep me in check. No more acai bowl runs. I’m glad he is doing well. Looks like he’s smitten with a girl, which I find so cute. I’m just happy for him and hope things work out. Anyway, Steve got me Stephen Colbert’s “I am America (And So Can You!)” and the book is ABSOLUTELY GENIUS. I love it! I’m barely through the first 10 pages and I can’t stop laughing. I’d really like to write more freely like Colbert’s writers. Why can’t I be funny in writing?! I am in person. Yeah, I see you shaking your head. Two words: WHAT-EVA. From now on, I won’t hold back regardless of all the relatives and stalkers who may stumble across this humble blog. No more hesitation or restraint. This is my outlet, not yours!

With that being said, it has been a long time since I’ve been on a date. Not that I need your pity. It’s just a simple fact. I need a bit of sugar and spice in my life and as much as I love these Taiwanese shows, they  just aren’t doing it for me. The guys in the shows really need to cut their hair. I’m not a fan of the french-braiding. It’s only cool if you happen to be a NBA basketball player. Anyway, losing track here. Um, so it’s been a lonely year and half and I know it’ll only get more desolate in coming months. Which is okay. All I’m going to do is complain more about it to my friends, namely Gerick (sorry in advance). No, I haven’t resorted to match.com or eharmony yet. Not to downplay their success, but I’m just not at that level yet. Frankly, I just get bored. I lead a boring life at 23. Still chilling with the parentals, watching Taiwanese shows, attending extracurricular classes, and hanging out at Tea Station on a Saturday night. At least I can drive wherever I want now, right? (Not sure how big of an accomplishment that is since most of yall lucky boogers start driving at 16). Like I said, I need some sugar and spice in my life. Sometimes I pick myself apart (ie, what’s wrong with you?! why can’t you land a date! you know … stuff your mom says to you) but to point out every flaw would take years so I typically just concede to fate. There has to be a master matchmaker in this universe, right? I believed in fate at 16, but falling for your best friend was probably pushing it a bit. Yep, what a good lesson to learn. Also, all this non-appreciative crap needs to stop. There is a Chinese phrase that comes to mind that is constantly repeatedly in these Taiwanese shows: 珍惜. Value. So until then, patiently I wait.

Wow. That felt great to get off my chest. Don’t worry, I’m sure there will be more rants to come around, say, the second week of February. 

Now, I’m going to take a moment to say how great it is to take the next 2.5 weeks off.

One word: HOLLA!

I’m heading out to Vegas with my parents and brothers tomorrow. We’ll be spending Christmas and the two days after ballin’ it up at the Palazzo with P.Diddy. Okay, the P.Diddy part was a lie (just a small one), but the Palazzo should be legit. I’m excited to just get away for a few days and catch up with the family. I’m a bit nervous though, because tomorrow is the big day where I reveal to my parents the LGTA 2009 gameplan! I know I’ll face resistance, namely from the maternal side, but I really need them to understand that though I’ll always be their baby girl at heart, I need to do this for myself. I hope they see what LGTA 2009 means to me and I pray that they will support my pursuit of such goals. When I come back, hanging out with Kyle and maybe the girls before our big party at Ying’s for New Year’s.

Anyway, I need to thank a few people for their great gifts this Christmas. I’m very thankful for such loving and funny friends and family:

Ken and Allen (Kobe bear), Mom and Dad (Movado watch), Paula (H&M dress), Neil (Jay Chou CD + 10 key), Yvonne (Nine West flats), Steve (Colbert book), David (computer mouse), Grandma (Estee Lauder lipgloss).

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

‘Bra friends!

Only three days until Christmas but, more importantly, 3 days until my 2.5 week vacation!! Holla like no otha. Needless to say, I’m stoked!

Spent the weekend hanging out with all the ‘bra boys and gals back home for break. Here’s my weekend breakdown. 

Friday: Dinner with Ying at Ducks. Then, one of my favorite activities in the world: BOOK BROWSING at Borders in Pasadena. I’m such an easy person to please. Buy me books and I’ll find you wonderful. I’m currently reading Junot Diaz’s The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao. Fabulous so far. : )

Saturday: Lunch with David and Dad at Pho Pasteur (as usual), laundry, tons of 恶魔在身边, the “Real” (ha!) Housewives of Orange County, and Tea Station with Tony/Ken/Kevin/Lawrence. 

Sunday: Walmart shopping, Portos with Ken/Allen/Kevin, more Borders, chilling with Paula.

Highlight of my weekend:

Look what Ken and Allen bought me!!

They made sure to get me a black bear so they can name it Kobe.  Haha! To top it off, they got him a wheelchair. I’ll be sure to have him sit in it whenever the real player is injured (knock on wood that it won’t need to happen). I’m just really happy to finally have a new stuffed animal. I’ve been wanting one for such a long time! Yes. There’s nothing wrong with being 24 and still sleeping with stuffed animals …

He even has kicks! I’m gonna have to bling him out with some jewels. I say, pimp chain and diamond stud.

Thanks besties! Love you guys.

Best Friends/Slumdog Millionaire/Riordan Program Update

A happy post. FINALLY. : ) I’ll work backwards from today’s eventful agenda:

I just came back from watching Slumdog Millionaire at the Laemelle theatre in Old Pasadena with Allen, Ken, and Lawrence. What an awesome movie at a nice, small theatre! It was just great seeing all three boys again, especially Allen who has been MIA since September. I feel genuinely happy when all of them are around so it was great being able to laugh like old times again. I missed you guys! But, I will say that I’m upset at Ken for taking Allen, instead of me, to tomorrow’s Laker game. He has EY box seats! And Allen, I’m glad you’re back on the Eggs over Easy team again. So, back to the movie:

“D. It’s written.” 

I think it’s true. Writing, destiny, chasing after love, after dreams … All seems like a common theme in my life, no? : )

Before the movie, we all ate at Roscoe’s where I had some chicken n waffles! As Ken puts it, “it’s breakfast, lunch and dinner all for one meal.” What a great deal, right?! Anyway, syrup + butter + breakfast food = heaven. I’m talking to Gerick right now and we’re both recalling that the last time we went, it was back in sophomore of college. (Was that really four years ago?) The night we decided to go, it was raining cats and dogs and the streets were flooded! I  just remember having to jump across the street since water was at least six inches deep. I also ordered grits for the first time and discovered that it’s nothing like chinese porridge. It’s more like gruel. A sad revelation. My jeans were soaked in water for gruel.

Today’s actual main event was my third Riordan session at UCLA. To be honest, I have to hold myself accountable and admit that I haven’t been putting 100% into the program. We meet one Saturday a month (in business casual) as a class and usually a few other times in our teams to go over case studies. It’s refreshing to be back in the school environment. However, I just haven’t been taking advantage of RF’s resources and network as I should. I know it’s because I’ve been stressed and bummed out about life and work lately. But going into today’s session, I made sure to come much more prepared (and awake!), taking good notes and staying attentive to presentations and ideas. It’s a pity that I took three months to realize how great an organization this is, but after witnessing how much time and effort everyone puts into all of our fundraising, social, and professional events, I just want to step up my contribution and leave a mark in my class. I’m not even great at networking, but it was cool introducing myself to new fellows today. It felt good. 

I’m actually part of our fundraising team that will be hosting a Wine Tasting/Silent Auction Gala in April 2009. You’ll hear me pitching more about it but here’s our fundraising site for now. I hope you can make it!

UCLA Riordan Wine Tasting/Silent Auction Gala

Anyway, it was a great day. I wasn’t expecting to have this much fun, but I’m very happy with the nice surprise. I don’t have my language partner session tomorrow so I think I will spend the day finishing up 命中注定我爱你, finishing my xmas shopping (perhaps with the bestie boys), and writing emails to the following people (I am so behind):

Harry

Ray

Riordan Programs

Ms. Yamashita

Brendan

David

three things.

one.
people need to stop getting laid off. this is making really sad.

two.
the client needs to stop sending my corrupted files. ^^&!@$#%$^^%^%^

three.
i have a conference call at 9 pm. %^%^&%&^%&^

Weekend results

I was pessimistic about this past weekend, but it’s ending on a great note! I love my friends from work! We  had a potluck at Bernice’s for an early Christmas get2gether. We revealed our secret santas today and it was cute. I accidentally goofed up by entering into secret santa twice which meant that I had two people to buy for and two people bought presents for me. I had Neil and Ross, both great draws since they’re two of my closest friends! I got Ross an Armani scraf and Neil some boxers (since he likes to wear them so much around me) and some golf balls.

Yvonne got me these Nine West flats:

Neil got me the newest Jay Chou CD and a 10 key. I’m so stoked about the CD! I’m listening to it right now. My favorite song so far has to be 稻香：

Ray got all the girls cute kidrobot keychains. I traded with Ali so I could get the strawberry donut keychain. : )

Other weekend updates:

I finally bought a new Christmas tree (faux, of course) for the family on Friday night. Grandma and I stayed up decorating the tree. It’s so well lit … it looks nice. It’s crazy to look at the tree and still find ornaments that I made when I was in kindergarden … that was only, what, 18 years ago? I’m glad my parents kept such keepsakes from our childhood. Saturday, I talked with David in the morning and then headed out to Century City to watch the USC vs. UCLA game with Hamilton (Fight on, Trojans!) and do some serious shopping. I ended up returning my J.Crew boots and using that money to buy a ton of presents. Only a few more people left on my list: parents, grandparents, Allen, David, and cousin. I don’t want to look at my credit card bill in January. Oh, and I’m only one more episode away from finishing 命中注定我爱你！I ended up staying up til 430 am watching last night. What am I going to do when I finish? Probably homework and catch up on all my magazines and books (currently: Good to Great, White Teeth, Life of Pi) …

Finally, I had a really good talk with Steve today at Bernice’s. I’m glad my friends can confide in me! It makes me happy. Hopefully this sets the mood for the rest of the week. : )

Green flowers

They were wrapped in green tissue paper. They sat on the floor in the middle of the hallway, underneath my green umbrella. 

***

We talked all night. I was heading back to the US the next day, but there were so many more questions that I still wanted to ask. He was the smartest and most thoughtful person I knew and I wanted to absorb all the advice he could give. Career. Relationships. Family. Personal Ambitions. I wanted his thoughts on everything. I was terrified of returning home and slumping back into the same old person. I always followed the rules and went by what was taught in the books, but China changed everything. He understood what this meant for me. How could someone so different, someone who – only a few months was a complete stranger – understand me better than my best friends and family? It was amazing.

A few days before I left, I wrote goodbye letters to all my friends that I met at WLE. I knew how difficult it would be to stay in touch, especially since most lived in the east coast. But with this friend, we wouldn’t even be in the same country anymore. When I wrote his letter, I’m sure I stained it with tears because I couldn’t stop crying. Crying at how much I would miss his friendship. Crying at how much I didn’t know about life. I didn’t want to stop learning.

The morning of my flight home, it rained. I woke up rather late; I was surprised that I even slept with everything that was running through my mind. As much as I didn’t want to go home, I knew I had to take charge of my life. I didn’t expect any visitors that morning so I was surprised when I heard a knock on my door. When I opened the door, no one stood there. Instead, all I found was my green umbrella that I lent to him. It was fully opened, just sitting on the floor. I picked the umbrella up only to find that it was hiding a bouquet of green flowers on the ground.

***

Throughout my two months in Beijing, I often bought flowers for the hotel staff. Prior to China, I never understood the point of flowers. They just die. How romantic can that be? What’s the point of spending money on things that die on you two days later? But after weeks of walking past flower shops full of fresh lilies and roses, I couldn’t help but buy some for the people who were looking after me. He saw how much I enjoyed flowers and wondered why I never bought them for myself. That’s not the point, I told him. It’s all about the random acts of kindness you do for other people.

***

I was still holding the bouquet when we were at the airport. I wanted to hold them for as long as possible, even though I knew the airport officials wouldn’t let me take plants on the plane. But they were the most beautiful flowers anyone has ever given me. I don’t remember what kind of flowers they were, but they were green and that in itself makes me smile. How rare are green flowers! I remember our hug goodbye. He didn’t want me to leave just yet. Can you just stay a little longer, he said. And I did. We sat in awkward silence for another ten or so minutes before I really had to say my final goodbye. I had to let go of the flowers and it was so hard for me to do. Even though I only got to hold them for a few hours, I’ll appreciate them for a lifetime.

***

We talked again this morning. I spent $25 on skype for a 1.5 hour conversation so I hope he enjoyed the call! We caught up on the usual (work, life, friends, family) even though there’s nothing usual about his life. He’s constantly traveling from the Middle East to Asia, spreading his wings, flying up in the corporate world as I knew he would do. Last week, I was supposed to help him think of a present to buy for someone special to him. Of course, with how busy work/life has been for me, I didn’t really have a chance to go shopping. But in today’s update, he told me that he already bought a gift. He had someone design a pendant in which he spelled the recipient’s name in Arabic. A one-of-a-kind present for a one-of-a-kind person. So typical of him to be so thoughtful. 

That led me to think about the green flowers all day. He probably doesn’t remember about them, but in case he does, I just wanted to thank him again. The green flowers still make me happy. All the memories do.