real life update

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I know I’m a week late but R.I.P. Heath Ledger. There’s nothing to say except his death was a horrible, horrible tragedy and he will be sorely missed. I didn’t realize that he and I were the same age until this week… it’s a little eerie seeing 1979-2008. 🙁

So… I’m doing so badly at blogging this year. My days seem to be flying by so quickly nowadays (it gets worse and worse every year)… but a real life update is long overdue!

I had a tooth extraction this afternoon… and now that the anesthesia has worn off, I’m in so much pain. *whimper* I’m such a baby.

The hard drive on my laptop is continuing to make really annoying loud huffing noises. Anyone have any experience with this? My prediction is that this is not going to end well. So I’ve been frantically backing up all my data on my external hard drive. As much as I would love to get a shiny new laptop, I so don’t have it in my budget right now. Please don’t die on me. Please don’t die on me.

Wedding planning is… going. 😀 We now officially have a DJ for the reception and a classical guitarist for the ceremony (mmm, live music, yay!). And we’ve finally started our registry. But it is FAR from being completed. It’s actually a lot more work that I thought. It’s not just walking through the store and scanning this and that! (Though that’s totally fun too, lol). Rob and I have a mish-mash of cheap-o kitchen tools and accessories so we’re in need of some quality items. But it’s been tough because we have to research the products and factor in functionality, style, cost, etc. So. Much. Work. But so far, the biggest wedding nightmare has been the GUEST LIST. Compiling those names and addresses and making sure everything is correct is kind of a pain. I just ordered our “Save the Date” postcards so I’m hoping to finish the guest list this week. *crosses fingers*

Speaking of weddings, our old roomie, Jimmy, got married this past weekend. Awww. 🙂 Here’s a picture of Jimmy and me and one of Rob and Eleen (the bride, obviously)…



 

Please excuse my shiny, round face.

And I have to share a picture of the yummy cupcake bar that they had instead of a traditional wedding cake.



All the cupcakes were made by one of Eleen’s bridesmaids and let me tell you, they were SCRUMPTIOUS. Mmmm. Such a cute idea.

Hmmm. Seeing that picture of me above is making me re-consider the whole “no bangs” look. (I don’t think I ever mentioned it here but back in July, I decided to grow my bangs out because they require so much maintenance). I look ROUND. That’s not quite the look I was going for. ARGH.

Anyway, I’m so, so excited for this week because I only have 2 days of work! Rob and I heading down to LA on Wednesday for a tasting with our wedding caterer. YUM. Can’t wait.

Hope everyone has a good week!

oth s5 + cashmere mafia

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I’ve been sick. Like I couldn’t even sit-or-stand-up-straight-without-feeling-light-headed-and-wanting-to-faint kind of sick. I took Thursday and Friday off from work so basically for the past 4 days I’ve been in a constant state of… sleep. Today’s the first day I’ve felt well enough to go online. Ugh. And I think I still won’t feel 100% when I go back to work on Tuesday. I so did not think this would be how I would spend this 3-day weekend. Boo.

My hard drive is making really loud noises. Should I be worried?

I just realized that I’m about 5 episodes behind on Grey’s and 6 behind with Ugly Betty. That’s what happens when you watch 5 shows on Thursday nights. Oops. So with the lack of new TV lately, you’d think I’d be catching up, right? Nope. Because ABC has decided not to offer all the episodes for viewing on their website like they did last season. Only the most recent 5 or so episodes are available. I have to wait for them to actually rerun. And I’m way too lazy too download the shows the “other” way. But I guess that’s ok since it leaves me time to watch some of the mid-season replacements…

One Tree Hill
Only 3 episodes in and it’s been SO. GOOD. Seriously. I was a little wary of the 4-year jump but I’m over it. I LOVE that Skills is getting more screen time. He’s the BEST. But why does Mouth get his own storyline (which I HATE, by the way)?! There was a time when I liked him… up until everything that came out of his mouth (heh) sounded like it came straight from an after-school special. Grr. As far as the main characters, Brooke and Peyton are totally rocking this season (I am so happy about their return to best-friendship — AND they’re living together!), Lucas is still Mr. Goody Two-Shoes (and I actually don’t mind “his” Lindsey), and I continue to adore Nathan/Haley despite their completely unrealistic storyline (Nathan as a first round draft pick with a shoe deal? COME ON). But honestly, the best part of season 5 so far is Jamie! He’s so cute and a pretty darn good actor to boot! Awww. So yeah, so far, so good. The ONE thing I’m a bit worried about is the nanny… it just feels like they’re setting her and Nathan up for some sort of “affair,” which I would HATE. Anyway, good times.

Speaking of OTH, the cast was doing some sort of mall tour yesterday and guess who was here in San Francisco?! JAMES LAFFERTY. He was at Macy’s in Union Square. If I wasn’t sick, I probably would have thought about going. Maybe. 😀

Cashmere Mafia
I have to admit I watched this show for 2 reasons — 1) I love Lucy Liu, and 2) I miss Sex and the City. So I tuned in to the pilot. And let me tell you, this is no SatC. I was so disappointed. But I did learn that I just do not like Bonnie Sommerville. Totally irrational, I know. Now I’m waiting for Lipstick Jungle. Based on the promos, it looks like the superior show anyhow.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles also premiered, which Rob actually recorded, but when we tried to watch it, I just couldn’t pay attention. Oh well, I don’t really need another show to watch anyway.

Now I’m off to go medicate some more… :/

paris, je t’aime

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I watched Paris, Je T’aime a few weeks back and absolutely adored it. It’s a compilation of 20 5-minute films set in each of the 20 neighborhoods (arrondissements) of Paris. Each film is directed by a different filmmaker and tells a tale of love and life in the city of lights. My personal favorite is Quais de Seine, which is directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham). It’s about a young man hanging out with his 2 friends who try to (unsuccessfully) pick up on women as they walk by. When a Muslim girl trips and others laugh at her expense, he goes to help her and they strike up a conversation. I love it because their connection is so organic and natural.

I also love the mini-films Le Marais, Bastille, Parc Monceau, Père-Lachaise, Faubourg Saint-Denis… a good summary article about the project can be found here on Wikipedia. Highly recommended. 🙂

Mmmm. I adore Paris. I think my trip with Rob last year kick-started the obsession. I jokingly (or maybe not so) told him that I would LOVE to celebrate my 30th birthday there. That would be awesome.

Hey, a girl can dream.

real life in review meme

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I know we’re a week into 2008 but I have to do another one of these 2007 year in review memes. Real life, this time. 😀 Stolen from Christie…

Where did you begin 2007?
Rob and I were at my friend Jason’s place. We had pizza (Zachary’s! YUM!) for dinner and we almost fell asleep waiting for midnight. 😛
What was your status by Valentine’s Day?
Was still single but attached. (Is that even what this question is asking?)
Were you in school (anytime this year)?
No, just working. ARGH. Haven’t been in school since 2001.
Did you have to go to the hospital?
Nope.
Did you have any encounters with the police?
Nope. I’m a good girl.
Where did you go on vacation?
Rob and I took a weekend trip this year to Monterey/Carmel in May for our anniversary. And that’s where we got engaged! 😀 I also went to Palm Springs with my best friends for our 2nd annual Girls Weekend. Good times.
What did you purchase that was over $500?
My wedding dress. And various other wedding “stuff” like our venue and the deposits for our vendors.
Did you know anybody who got married?
Yup, Rob’s friend Daniel got hitched in April.
Did you know anybody who passed away?
No.
Did you move anywhere?
No.
What sporting events did you attend?
None. I’m not really a sports person. I like to watch games from the comfort of my couch.
What concerts/shows did you go to?
Justin Timberlake in January!!!
Where do you live now?
Northern CA
Describe your birthday:
Very low-key. Went to work, left early and then went to dinner with Rob. Then my cousin arrived that night for a weekend visit and we had a great time hanging out.
What’s the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2007?
Get a dog. Well, it’s not that I thought I would NEVER get one… I just didn’t think Rob and I would get one so soon.
What has been your favorite moment(s)?
Getting engaged. Definitely. I seriously felt like I was floating; I was ridiculously happy.
What’s something you learned about yourself?
I realized that I have a tendency to sit back and let things happen to me… and if I want things to end up a certain way, I need to be the one to initiate the resolution/change.
Any new additions to your family?
Just our little furry monster Diesel.
What was your best month?
May. Rob and I got engaged on the 12th and we brought Diesel home on the 26th. It was a good month.
What music will you remember 2007 by?
I really only listen to pop music so I’ll probably remember Rihanna’s Umbrella and Fergie’s Big Girls Don’t Cry. Also anything from Timbaland’s Shock Value album.
Favorite Night out?
The night I stood in line to get the last Harry Potter book. SQUEE. What can I say? I’m a total geek at heart.
Any regrets?
I’m sure I have some but none come to mind right now.
What do you want to change in 2008?
I want to be happy instead of wishing I could be happy. I want to get in shape and lose a little weight. And I want to start preparing for the future (ie. save money for a home, etc).
How would you rate this year?
One of the best.
What would you change about 2007?
Honestly? Nothing.
What did you like most about 2007?
Wedding planning. It’s actually so much more fun that I ever would have thought.
Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Work. BOO.
Change your hairstyle?
My hair’s still pretty short (it hits a few inches above my shoulders) but I started to grow out my bangs. I got sick of them. I’m still a little self-conscious about my forehead, though. Cause it’s huge.
Have any car accidents?
No. I barely drove in 2007.
Buy a new car?
Heh.
Get a new job?
No.
How old did you turn this year?
28
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
I kinda touched on this in a previous question, but here they are officially:
1. Be happy.
2. Get into shape and lose weight.
3. Save money
These are my resolutions every year. :/ This time, I mean it! (Though I do have to say that I am much, much better at #3 due to the wedding planning).
Do anything embarrassing?
I’m sure I did. But I erased it from my memory.
Buy anything new from eBay?
Yup! I like to buy stamp pads from eBay. They’re far cheaper than buying them at Michaels or the scrapbook stores.
What was your favorite purchase?
Wedding dress! 😛 I’m such a girl.
Get married or divorced?
No.
Get arrested?
No.
Be honest – did you watch American Idol?
I watched the auditions but I didn’t finish the season — I wasn’t engaged by any of the contestants. I’ll probably watch it this year since most of my shows are done for the year.
Did you get sick this year?
Maybe 2 or 3 times… nothing major. I did call-in sick one day that I wasn’t sick. Hee.
Start a new hobby?
Scrapbooking!
Been snowboarding?
No.
Are you happy to see 2007 go?
Only in the sense that I like the idea of a new year, fresh start…
Drank Starbucks in 2007?
OF COURSE. I have a mocha or a latte at least once a week. EEK. It’s scary to think of how much I’ve spent there.
Been naughty or nice?
Nice! See my halo?
What are you wishing for in 2008?
Happiness.
😀

fandom in review meme

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I love these end of the year memes. 😀 This one’s stolen from just about everyone…

Fandom Year in Review

What fandoms did you acquire in 2007?
Chuck
Reaper
Gossip Girl
Private Practice
Dirty Sexy Money
What fandoms did you let go of in 2007?
Prison Break. You know why we broke up.
America’s Next Top Model. The contestants started to bother me.
What fandoms did you mean to get into but didn’t in 2007? Why?
I’ve always wanted to get into some of the comedies everyone raves about, like The Office, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, etc. But I can barely keep up with my current shows, so… However, with the writer’s strike, maybe I can rent the first few seasons and do a marathon session over the summer.
What fandoms do you intend on checking out in 2008?
I actually have no idea what new shows are coming out this year, except for the Joss Whedon/Eliza Dushku project (what’s the name of it again?). I’m sure I’ll check that out. Maybe the Sarah Connor Chronicles too.
What fandoms do you think you might let go of in 2008 unless things significantly improve?
Pushing Daisies. I’m getting bored. :/
What fandoms do you think you’ll never let go of no matter how crappy they get? Why?
My teen shows, like One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl. Because I can’t help it. I’m addicted to trashy teen dramas. 😀 Oh, and also Friday Night Lights, which, I guess, is technically classified as a “teen” show but it’s actually good.
What show impressed you most in 2007?
Mmmm… Lost. It totally bounced back from the slump of the first part of the season.
What show impressed you least in 2007?
Heroes. With the exception of the introduction of Elle, I was incredibly disappointed by the second season. I’m kinda glad it’s over, actually.

holiday recap

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I started this a few days ago and just got around to finishing it. Oops. 😛

_____
I’m back at work this morning and I SO do not want to be here. Particularly since the pants I’m wearing right now do not fit properly due to all the holiday feasting I did during my vacation. Argh. So instead, I’m going to do some blogging. Hehe.

Here’s a few highlights from the past few weeks:
1. Spending LOTS of time with friends and family. Being in Southern CA for so long made me realize how much I miss it.

2. Doing lots of wedding “stuff.” Most notably cake tasting! YUM. Rob and I went to 3 different bakeries and had all kinds of cake (white, chocolate, carrot, marble, banana) along with all different kinds of fillings/icings (buttercream, cappuccino, mint chocolate, fresh strawberries…). Seriously, the best part of wedding planning so far. Just kidding. Sort of. Anyway, we decided on the design of our cake and selected our baker. YAY. Some pics of the yumminess…


The samples at Heidelberg Bakery. This is where we’re going to order our cake!


Rob sampling the banana nut cake (I think) at Torrance Bakery.

Mmmm.

3. Diesel playing with the other doggies in our family. He met my cousin’s dogs, Poker (also a shih tzu) and Roxy (a maltipoo), and he stayed at Rob’s parent’s house where he got to play with their dog, Oski (a pug). See the fun he had!


Diesel, Poker and Roxy (from left to right) on Christmas Eve opening up their presents. I take it back. Diesel probably didn’t enjoy playing with these two. Poker barked at him the whole night. Nicely, of course, but Diesel was still taken aback by him. And Roxy growled and lunged at him when we first got to my cousin’s house. She then proceeded to ignore him the rest of the night. I think that’s why Diesel is sitting so far away from them in this picture. Poor little guy.

Diesel and Oski. The Deez LOVES Oski. They play fight and have little tug of war games. I think he misses him. Aww.

4. Opening Presents! My friends and family were incredibly generous with the presents, as always. Some of the particularly noteworthy gifts I received:
— CTU t-shirt. HEE.
— Jack Bauer figurine. He currently resides on my desk at work ready to shoot anyone who approaches. 😀
— Brookstone ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. YAY. Now I can clean my engagement ring at home. I can’t wait to get it all sparkly.
— Cuttlebug. An awesome embossing and die-cut machine for scrapbooking!
— Casio Exilim EX-S770. This was a total surprise because I got it from a vendor at work. CRAZY! It’s only my second Christmas at my agency but I have quickly learned that the holidays are ridiculous. Really. We give so much business to various companies throughout the year that they practically throw presents our way at Christmas. We received an insane number of gift baskets, gift cards, boxes of chocolate, popcorn tins, etc. But the camera was the best of them all. Good stuff.
— canvas Marc Jacobs tote that I’ve been coveting
— DVDs (Veronica Mars s3, Brothers & Sisters s1)
— And tons of other good things — honestly, I feel so spoiled. The people in my life know me very, very well.

5. Eating my way through Cerritos. There’s just some things I can’t get here… like Filipino food (I *must* learn how to cook the dishes I love) and Chick-Fil-A (the BEST fast food EVER). The only thing I didn’t have was Pinkberry. I had a day planned out to go and everything but Rob and I got lazy. Next time for sure.

… And I guess that’s it. I already miss the holidays. :/ Since it looks like it’s going to be stormy all weekend, I better take down all the Christmas decorations and put away the luggage that’s still strewed all over the apartment…

happy new year

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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Rob and I were watching the Veronica Mars season 3 DVDs last night (I got them for Christmas — thanks Robyn!) that we almost missed the countdown to the New Year! Heh. We’re geeks, I know.

Anyway, yup, I’m back in the Bay. I got back on Sunday night and have been lounging in front of the TV ever since. It was a great vacation and I can’t believe it’s over. 🙁

I’ll blog about the past few weeks when I can dig myself out of my current bout of laziness. 😀

food

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I think I’ve eaten more food in the past few days than I have all year.

Hope everyone who celebrates had a very Merry Christmas! 😀

holidays 07

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Just wanted to sneak on here to say I’ve been MIA lately because I’m in Southern CA for Christmas. My dad has the worst internet access at his house (DIAL-UP… can you IMAGINE?!) so I try not to be online for very long because I know I’ll be tempted to throw something at the computer for running so slowly. It’s painful. I mean, the Google homepage takes about 5 minutes to load. Seriously.

Before I take off, I want to apologize to Alie and Kelly because I completely spaced and forgot to go to the post office to mail your holiday cards. 🙁 They’re going to end up as Happy New Year cards. :/

Anyway, I’ll be back in the Bay Area by the end of the week and I’ll post more then.

😀