Laugh Factory, CNY, Haircut, Biggest Loser

I couldn’t think of a more clever title so you’ll just have to deal. It’s a hodgepodge entry.

We just wrapped up the second week of busy season and let’s just say that I’m ecstatic that the weekend is here.  To keep myself from burning out, I’ve been sleeping by 10 p.m., sacrificing what’s left of my almost nonexistent social life. But, I did go out Thursday to support the Riordan Program at our comedy night fundraiser at the Laugh Factory. I didn’t have any expectations since it was my first time at a comedy show, but I was totally blown away at all the performances. They were so funny! And there was a surprise guest: Bob Saget! Don’t let Full House fool you … the man knows plenty of dirty jokes! Other comedians that performed included Al Madrigal, Whitney Cummings, Felipe Esparza, Chris “Kid” Reid, and Lester Barrie. Whitney was definitely my favorite! Huge thanks for all my friends who came out to support the program: Ying, Tan, Kenneth, Bak, and Steve. You guys rock. : )

Spent yesterday catching up on all my weekday tv shows: Top Chef, The Office, and America’s Best Dance Crew. I’m grateful that ABDC is during busy season because it helps with my sanity. Quest all the way! Haha. Today, I got a chance to finally have lunch with my parents at … yep, you guessed it – Pho Pasteur. Even though I’m on my diet, I can’t give up vietnamese food. It’s just not happening.

And to change things up a bit, I got a new haircut! It was my second time getting it down at the Cao Institute and I must say that I really like my new do, especially for $10. It’s cute and simple … fitting of my personality, dontcha think? Haha. I chopped off a good 4 inches. I just can’t manage long hair anymore. Straightening it at 5:30 a.m. before work is pushing it and putting my hair in a bun everyday makes me look even more boring than I already am.

So what do you think?

I know what the guys are thinking … isn’t that what your hair always looks like?

But look at how much shorter my hair is!

See?

Finally, I’m sure everyone is curious about how the Biggest Loser challenge is going. We just wrapped up week 2 and I’ve been able to drop a few pounds since the initial weigh-in. I feel guilty though because I had two eggrolls and pho for lunch today. I’ll just have to keep dinner light. It’s all about portion control! I think I’m gonna look for the sexiest bikini I can find and post that on my door to keep me motivated. Ha!

Anyway, here are some photos that I’ve been meaning to post but just haven’t had the chance:

I’ve been talking a lot about the Riordan Program so here’s a picture of my awesome case study teammates (minus Tefferi and plus Brian). We see each other at least two or three times a month … we’re practically family.

L to R: Grant, Kelli, Eileen, Brian, Rosa, and Me. @ Acapulco in Westwood (ahhh, enemy territory!)

 

I didn’t get to write much about Chinese New Year but I really hope everyone had an opportunity to celebrate! CNY Eve is usually a big one at my house … lots of food and lots of people, as usual!

Look at all the delicious food! Needless to say, I may have steered away from the diet a bit that day.

My mom + grandma are AMAZING cooks. I should learn. x.X.

 

Remaining weekend plans?

I’m about to meet up with Judy to watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and then catch up over some boba after the movie. Judy and I are the only gals left in the ‘bra so we have to hold down the fort ’til everyone comes back.

Tomorrow is restaurant week with Kenneth and Bak! We’re going to Sashi Sushi in Manhattan Beach for lunch. I’m excited … looks awesome! The chef also looks cute. Hey, it’s a bonus!

Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I know I’m going to treasure mine. : )

Short Entry

I don’t get much time to write nowadays so you’ll have to forgive me.

Finally finished Stephen Colbert’s “I Am American (And So Can You!).” It was ridiculously entertaining.

Now, new book: Mark Haddon’s “A Spot of Bother”

Books to get:
-”He’s Just Not That Into You”
-”Rabbit, Run”

God, I love bookstores.

Happy Chinese New Year

I hope it’ll be an auspicious one for all. Thanks to my friends and family for the love and support. : )

Brian the Artist

This entry is to “spotlight” my good friend, Brian Zane.

 

You see, I’ve met a lot of talented friends from work, college, and high school … but Brian is just something else. I’ve always told him to pursue his passion for music and I’m happy to say that he’s finally posted one of his masterpieces on youtube! He and his friend did a cover of Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight.” Make sure to check it out and give the song props!

Interesting …

Just found out some surprising news about someone I spent a lot of time with in college …

 

It just makes me appreciate and love my friends that much more. I really miss my PAK!

 

 

Already counting down the weeks until the end of the Dark Ages.

Inspired by FNL

For my beautiful friends, Elaine and Judy.

 

By the Lake

 

The wood crackles beneath the glowing fire,

Lifting clouds of smoke into the chilly air.

Dodging the flares’ sparks

While moving closer to the heat,

You gently pull me in.

 

Afraid, but thrilled of the possibilities,

We guard this moment by

Allowing few words to pass;

Nothing can interrupt this treasured silence.

 

Looking beyond your naked eyes,

I search for the unanswered -

For the mystery and wonder

That color in my world.

 

Nestling between that narrow space

Between your delicate neck and broad shoulder,

I feel safe.

And when you whisper into my ear -

Cold, damp lips brushing against my burning cheek –

The world sings in harmonious song.

 

You repeat the simple words,

And I can’t help but laugh out loud,

Allowing the wind to carry this sound across the lake

Into the sleepless night.

 

 

What standards?

Elaine Zhong (1:50): I just want my boyfriend

Elaine Zhong (1:50): to be hot

Elaine Zhong (1:50): patient

Linda (1:50): LOL

Elaine Zhong (1:50): loving of his grandmother

Elaine Zhong (1:50): draws

Elaine Zhong (1:50): plays football

Oh, the effects of FNL.

Day 1

Today’s the day.

Starting point: 119.

Shooting for: -15 lbs

Realistically speaking: -10 lbs

My “last meal”? Banh hoi. <3

Goodbye, gu chai guoi.

Farewell, egg rolls.

 

So, my family is actually celebrating my cousin Brian’s one-month birthday today. There are tons of people over, which means it’s really noisy. But I guess I’ll miss this during busy season.

Baby Brian sleeping in my room.

Look who I found! Lily (in the red) is back from Cambodia. My three nieces reunite again.

Party people in the kitchen.

Party people in the family room.

Party people in the living room.

Yep. There’s at least 40 people over right now … I haven’t even showed you the party people in my grandparents’ room.

Anyway, back to FNL. Must finish season 1 by tomorrow!

Friday Night Lights

FNL is ruining my life. I am addicted to this show. Like I tell Judy, “it’s heroin in my veins.” Nine episodes in one day … just calculate that, will you?

I also think that I’ve fallen in love with Matt Saracen. QB1 for life.

With that said, it’s time for bed.

Goodnight!

2009: Acceptance

Yesterday was another depressing day. Terrible news at the firm … again. Another friend without a job. When will it stop? 

All of this made me realize how much in life is just out of our control. No matter how much you prepare or how hard you work in life, sometimes you just end up as the victim. This led me to my theme of 2009: Acceptance.

This year, the theme of acceptance will apply to almost everything in my life. 

1. First and foremost, I have to accept that busy season is going to kick my butt. I have to accept that busy season is going to extend through May (instead of March for most folks). I have to accept that I’m going to be working on some challenging (and far) clients. I’ll just need to suck it up and work through it. Sorry friends – I won’t have a social life for the next five months.

2. I have to accept what is unrequited and unanswered.

3. I hope to be accepted as part of my LGTA 2009 plans!

Speaking of LGTA 2009, I met with my language partner Renee today. It’s my first meeting with her since she returned from Taiwan. She helped me buy two CDs. She’s so awesome! Yes, it’s motivation to start picking up my mandarin again.

Khalil Fong’s Orange Moon {fang da tong: cheng yue, 方大同: 橙月}

Rachel Liang’s “Love Poem” {liang wen ying: ai de shi pian, 梁文音 : 爱的诗篇 }

She also mentioned that I should start watching Corner with Love {zhuan jiao yu dao ai, 转角遇到爱} so I think I’ll start on that this weekend. So many shows to watch! Due to Elaine’s recommendation, I also started watching Friday Night Lights last night and I must say that I’m really into the show. Not to mention that I need to catch up on House too. Well, at least I know what will keep me sane this busy season. ^.^

I’m almost done with a new poem that I started writing last week. Hopefully, I’ll be able to post that this weekend. Stay tuned. : )

 

p.s. I forgot to mention that I now have wireless internet (again) thanks to Bak! Seriously, the simplest things make me so happy.

p.p.s. Renee told me that she bumped into Edison Chen last night in Little Tokyo. CRAZY! She even got a picture with him.