I Like Pancakes

Conversational Heart

2012-02-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

One of my friends/co-workers made me this Valentine's Day card using one of many unusable (and random) work brochure photos we took yesterday. As you can see, she also used a photo editing program created by Justin Bieber...

How...cute.

Okay, in the spirit of Valentine's Day this year, I'm gonna vent a few of my frustrations with men. Male friends included. This is not just about romantic relationships. Please bear with me. I just need to dump out my annoyances. I think back on this past year and it makes me ragey. Friends' divorces, break ups, fights, online-dating disasters, my own awkward situations with men, and my male friends' bad behavior towards women. All of it.

Infuriating.

By the way, after I complain, I'm going to dress up in black, burn pictures of my ex-boyfriends and drink copious amounts of wine with my girl friends. We will take jabs at men and cry about lost loves. #waiting-to-exhale.

Here goes...

We get it. Men like blow jobs.

Give it a few minutes, will ya? We will get there. If we don't, then just ask politely. No need to push our heads down. It is immature and disrespectful. This does not happen to me as I'm very candid and will tell a man what exactly I'm going to do to him. Female friends, I suggest you try it.

Men, you still shouldn't do it though.

Even if a woman doesn't say anything, don't be pushy.

Men don't listen sometimes.

I know. It takes some of us women a paragraph to say what we want to say. A man? Two sentences. Most of the time, I appreciate that. State the problem. Then, we can figure out a solution. When I say men don't listen, I'm talking about when you tell them something important. Like, very important, not just fluff...and they ask about it again ten minutes later! I should never believe a male friend when he fiddles with his iPhone and says he is listening.

Male friends, I know we aren't fucking and you don't have to call me every day but when I say something, just listen for a minute, especially when you ask and I'm answering your question!

Bugs. the. shit. out. of me.

Men say one thing. Do another.

I know women do this too. But, today, I'm talking about men. This is my biggest dating annoyance. I have no patience for it. I expect follow through from man. From anyone! I hope they expect it from me. Maybe I'm just being a bitch about the whole thing. Oh well, I don't care. If a man tells you he likes you and says he wants to spend more time with you but he barely calls or writes you, he is being insincere. (Ehem, one of my girl friends) Everything he says is just a bunch of words. No meaning.

I don't know what makes me more frustrated....men who do this or women who accept it.

Quick don'ts.

Don't borrow money on the first date.

Don't have your estranged wife drop off your kids on your first date with another woman. <---My friend never called that guy again.

Don't ignore someone. If you are no longer interested, tell them. This is not about BBQ Guy. And, I'm not bitter.

Follow up: Don't be in such a rush and expect a woman to give it up in a week. Again, not bitter.

Don't stand people up.

Don't send penis pictures via texts...the same day you meet someone. <-- T, one of the funniest stories to date.

Men freak out about the "talk" sometimes.

Sure, there are some women who jump the gun. They want to talk about exclusivity after only two dates. A little soon, in my opinion. But, for the rest of us, we just want to know where we stand.

Whether it be a serious relationship or just sex, we want to be on the same page as you. No miscommunication or assumptions. That's all.

So, take it easy.

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Okay, I'm done ranting.

I'm sure we women do a bunch of things that are annoying too.

We're all human.

On the Road

2012-02-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

Dontcha love car trip photos?

I think neck pillows are pretty freakin' sexy.

Also, someone loves the camera.

I'm Back

2012-02-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

You know...just in case I forget my name.

Ooooo heeyyyy, no split ends.

Hell yes.

(Wink)

Reunited.

I have a lot of meetings this coming week. Lots of prep.

Elitist grocery shopping.

Lemonhead...

...or something that will break your jaw??

How would you eat that?!

Very little books, lots of wine.

Drunk bookstore clerk: "Honey, would you like some chardonnay?"

Me: "Oh, no thank you."

It was 11:00am.

Cheers.

=====================================================

I got home last night from San Jose. My sister and I were both so tired. Even though I was gone for just a day and a half, it felt like I was away for a week. I think hospitals do that to you. I can't even imagine what it's like for patients. Hmm...I suppose a whole lot worse. Right now, in comparison, my exhaustion from being at the hospital feels very, very insignificant. #foodforthought.

I hope everyone had a good weekend.

Recap: Team Monks

2012-02-09T13:45:00.001-08:00

My week:

---> There is this married couple I exchange pleasantries with at the gym. I've talked them only a few times but never in depth until a couple of days ago...

Wife: "Kim, we are holding a bible study next Tuesday. Will you come?"

Me (smiling): "Thanks for the invitation but no, I will not..."

Wife: "Just like that!? No? Are you an atheist?"

Her husband: "It's okay. Maybe next time."

Me: "I'm Buddhist."

Wife: "Oh, Buddhism isn't real. Are you sure you aren't an atheist?"

Her husband looked at her.

For a second, I thought the woman might be leading into a conversation about Buddhism being non-theistic. Yes! Who needs bible study when you can discuss beliefs (lack of beliefs) at the gym?! Just as I was about to actively forget her saying Buddhism wasn't real, she launches into a speech about monks being fake and how chanting does nothing. She said just sitting around thinking is completely useless too.

Well, I don't know...I think she would benefit from a little bit of thinking.

(Hmmprrrhh)

I was more than willing to have a discussion about theism, atheism, God, Buddha, etc with this woman but what she said about monks was really disrespectful. I told her so too. If she said that stuff about me, whatever, I can take it. But, don't disrespect monks or temple. No, no, no.

---> In work news, I pimped out flashlights and our services at a fair on Tuesday. It went well. Thanks for not asking. My colleague and I gave away all our promotional items. We ran out of stuff two hours before the fair was over. The only thing left was a plate of cookies and free advice.

Team Awesome. We are on it.

---> Yesterday, I ate a turkey sandwich with bacon from a local sandwich place and it made my stomach hurt. Grumble. Grumble. It didn't hurt as bad as the chorizo egg burrito I ate the afternoon I saw Wicked...but still very unpleasant. I'm not sure if it was the turkey, the bacon or the residual mayo. I asked the sandwich people to leave the mayo off but they didn't. I practically sprinted to the women's bathroom at work. So thankful and happy no one was in there. Man, I have sensitive skin. Now...I have a really sensitive stomach?!

Ack.

---> Random photos I took this week.

Yesss.

Double yes.

So, yes, yes.

Which is it?

I like the moon and dead trees.

May it.

How I unwind...

I don't usually post this early on Friday but right now, I'm waiting for my family to come get me.

It is way way early, friends.

The Huynhs sans one sister (she is flying out tonight) will be traveling by mini van to San Jose to visit the Trans. My uncle is ill and dealing with a lot of complications right now. With everything that is going on, I think he will be pleased to see us, especially my mom.

This is a quick trip but an important one.

The next time I see you will be either from the airport Saturday night or from home on Sunday.

Told you...quick trip.

Have a good one!

Pair of Balls

2012-02-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

Sooooo....answer one question about licking a guy's balls...

Receive random questions/comments about sex*.

Welcome to I Like Pancakes.

===========================================================

I never put a man's balls in my mouth! Gag!

Just breathe through your nose.

(Of course, to each their own...)

i hate when guys want you to do a bunch of things. suck their balls and stick your finger in their butthole and beat them off all at once. would you do all that, kim? i do it but not everytime.

Wow, you are very good at multi-tasking.

In regards to me performing all those sexual acts at the same time, that is between me and my love-ah.

(Wink)

This one guy I have sex with always pulls out and asks me to tug on his balls when he cums on me. Is that kinda weird?

I don't think so...

Does your man friend request this every time you have sex?

Kim, I won't give blow jobs. Yuck. However my boyfriend says I can't expect to get any down there if I don't give any. He doesn't mind doing it to me but why make me do something I don't want to?

Three things:

If performing oral sex makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. Plain and simple.

If your boyfriend does not mind performing oral sex on you and understands there will be no reciprocity, then there should be no issues.

If he performs oral sex on you and expects it in return, then you both need to have a conversation--no one gets it, you receive it and he understands OR you are willing to make an exception for your boyfriend, give it, be okay with it and receive from him.

i wanna put my balls on your face kim.

Please make sure they are clean.

My skin is very sensitive.

(Your balls are going nowhere near my face)

==================================================

I feel like a dirty Dear Abby.

*I'm not really surprised by sex questions/comments.

I Eat Pho at Work

2012-02-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

I have to make this post quick.

I'm working a community fair tomorrow (hip-hop-hooray) and I still need to prepare. Right now, I have a cardboard box with just some business cards, a stack of flyers and a leftover piece of candy from our last fair. Huge bag of candy + student employees = 1 Snickers bar.

Damn!

Actually, I don't care. At least someone ate it. I hope our student workers (and work friends) come by and say hello to me tomorrow. Grab a bag. Compliment my promotional flashlight choice.

On, off, on, off.

Amazing what flashlights can do.

==========================================

Quick bits from my weekend:

---> I sat in my truck while my friend met some guy at Starbucks. It was an online-dating-first-meeting thing. She drove her own car but she wanted me to be around. Just in case the guy was a creep. Whatever. Safety always.

I read a book.

She didn't stay long.

---> Why are there always long lines for the women's bathroom? I stood in line behind a little girl and could not wait another second. So, I went into the men's bathroom. Little girl: "Hey, you can't do that!" I didn't respond. One, if she asked, her parents would explain. Two, I had to go to the bathroom!

--> I channeled my inner Stevie Wonder.

Then, my nephew joined me and beat boxed.

I need Photoshop*.

---> I went to the gym on Sunday morning. This is news because I don't usually go during the weekends. I'm glad I did.

Now...I'm only 1,890,678 steps away from being a fitness model.

(Source: celebrityworkoutplans.com)

Umm, I wish.

The good news is I'm zero steps away from looking like me.

Wow, my ~~discoloration~~ freckles really stand out after I work out.

Oh, and sorry about the sunglasses. Due to the dry weather, my eyes were really red!

---> Yesterday, some big game was on TV. I watched for love of the football. And, Tom Brady. And, the cookies.

---> On Saturday, I purchased a bright red shirt with dogs on it.

Woof, woof.

---> I ate wayyyy too much cake and creme caramel.

Those are not noodles.

The dessert on the right is caramel custard with baked shredded phyllo dough.

Not too sweet and very delicious.

What is my sister...a pastry chef or somethin'?

I ate three "slices".

Happy Birthday, Mom and Marv!

Sister: "Don't eat the larb! It smells weird..."

It was nice to celebrate with my mom this weekend. After my uncle's passing, my aunt's cat scan and another uncle being sick, it has been tough for the Tran side of the family. My mom is holding it together though. She plays the strong older sister role but I know she is sad and heart broken. My mom is going through a lot.

It's nice to see her laugh.

*Here is one of my favorite Photoshop pictures created by my good friend, Mike (nephew's dad). Hopefully, I don't shame my mom by posting this Photoshop beauty.

Best and Worst

2012-02-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

{Best of the Day}

Sunny weather.

Sleeping in.

Eating this.

Apparently, I take small bites.

I also chew slow and use lots of napkins.

(It was messy!)

Shopping with a friend.

My favorite store.

My other favorite store.

Hitting up one of my favorite bakeries.

Eating a whoopie pie.

No lines at the grocery store.

A nice drive home.

Read my favorite blogs on Google reader.

By the way, have you heard of this girl?

Drank some beer.

Wrapped a birthday gift.

Sent a long e-mail to a friend in England.

(Did you know the Duchess of Cambridge and I are old friends from university?)

{Worst of the Day}

Paying $890.00 in car repairs.

Who needs better brakes, a tire rotation and an oil change anyway?

Psssh.

Oh, Snap!

2012-02-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

My week:

---> A couple of days ago, my friend and I had a way-too-lengthy discussion about the phrase, "couldn't care less". She said the phrase is "could care less". I told my friend people say "couldn't care less" to emphasize complete lack of interest. The circumstance has no importance to them. My friend disagreed. She said "could care less" means you really, really don't care at all. I told her that phrase contradicts the feeling. In order for someone to have less interest, they have to have some to start with. "Couldn't care less" means you don't have any at all.

My friend: "Agree to disagree..."

Me (with a smile): "Okay, fine, I couldn't care less..."

My friend rolled her eyes.

---> I had my picture taken by one of those traffic cameras. Eek! It was really early in the morning. I was on my way over to a friend's place to pick her up and I kinda zoned out listening to music. When I approached the intersection to make a right, I stopped a little over the line.

Snap, snap, flash, flash.

Seriously!!?

I stopped before I made the right and no cars were coming! No pedestrians anywhere. Basically, the traffic camera took my picture for being a foot over the line. Dude, I hope my ticket doesn't cost $500 or some crazy amount like that. Oh, and my ticket better not include a picture of me with my mouth open.

That is what really matters.

---> Ego boost: After I told Tattoo Guy I had a flat face, I showed him my profile as proof. See... flat...as a pancake. When I looked back over at him, he grinned. No, it's not. I really like your face...

Umm, go on.

(Hair toss)

Ego bust: One of the secretaries at work told me she liked my hair in a bun. She went on to say I looked better with my hair up. According to her, when I wear my hair down, it makes me look ugly and gaunt in the face. You look very unattractive, Kim.

I smiled and thanked her for complimenting my up-do.

---> While I'm off my pedestal, a couple of my long-time friends asked me the other day the name of the guy I dated briefly my senior year of college. Kim, the guy from KA (Kappa Alpha). I told my friends his name was John and we never actually dated. My friends ~~never listen to me~~ didn't hear me and asked for John's last name. I told them I didn't know it....because we. never. dated.

We just hung out and stuff.

Oh, oh. You guys weren't on a last name basis. One of those...

Yeah, she did that sort of thing.

Their voices trailed off and then they told me they had to go.

Wait, wait. It wasn't like that. I swear I wasn't a whore or anything!

......................................!!!!!

Actually, I hope my nephew says that phrase to me at least once in my life.

Preferably, out of the blue and with his mouth full.

=================================================

You know, my work inbox is going to be the death of me. One day. I just want one day where I don't have to respond to anyone at work.

Delete, delete, delete.

Kym, The Man

2012-02-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

For new readers:

Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I post questions and comments I receive from readers. I usually post only the ridiculous, mean-spirited and/or inappropriate questions and comments. The randomness of it all makes me laugh.

There are a lot of questions I don't post.

Most of them are normal. How tall am I? Who is my favorite boy band? Is it okay lick a guy's balls but not perform oral sex on him...wait, you guys don't get asked questions like that?

Oh.

I thought everyone did.

The answer is yes, it's okay, I'm 5'6'' and my favorite band of all boys is the Beastie Boys.

Confession: I have all the BB's albums and for the longest time, I wanted to marry Ad Rock. Oh my gawd, like, he's so cute! I like MCA too. But...I told myself I would only settle for MCA if he answered all my get-to-know you questions with..."Cuz I am most ill and I'm rhymin' and stealin'..."

(Record scratch)

Anyway, on top of the normal questions, I also receive really offensive ones. Penis pictures and all, baby. If I get a bunch within a week, I feel like I'm some casting director reviewing...head...shots...for an adult film.

Oh no, no.

I catch a glimpse of the attachment and hit delete.

Boys, you know who you are.

Please do not send me photos of your junk.

Thank you.

====================================================

This week's randomness:

kim you got cum on your face.

My friend owes me $50.

I predicted one of you guys would say that about my zit-cream-on-the-face picture.

Robert Pattson has normal skin color. Hes not pasty, Kim.

Thank you for clarifying.

All this time, I thought British actor Robert Pattinson was really a vampire and that's why his skin was so pale.

(Are you serious?)

Black chicks are drunk and dumb. Asian chicks are sluts and dumb. No offense.

~~Some~~ None taken.

Kym! I went to sdsu two years ago! What year did you graduate!

I did not attend San Diego State University.

"Athletically built woman" means youre a man.

I really didn't want to tell my friends this way but yes, that is exactly what it means.

I'm a man.

Wicked Cool

2012-01-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

My weekend:

---> Best conversation:

(On the train waiting to leave the station)

Black Girl: "Naw gurl, I love him. I don't care if he fat. Don't care..."

Black Girl's Sister: "Shut it. He no good for you. Why you gotta call him eight times? You know he finally called you."

Black Girl: "Gurl, you didn't tell me! He called me? Man, he f*cked me and he got me all f*cked up."

(She pulls out her cell phone and calls "him")

"Hello? I'm mad. How you gonna f*ck me and not call me? You f*cked me up. What. Uh huh. Yeah. Kay. Call me later. I love you..."

Well, the heart wants what the heart wants.

The black girl was drunk.

---.> One of my male friends texted me at two o'clock in the morning on Sunday. He asked me if I had a package of hot dogs and bar soap. Uh, random, much? When I woke up at 5am, I saw his text and told him I might have both items. Why? Later in the day, he told me he was hungry before he went to sleep but he needed to shower first. But, no soap. Um okay, why did he ask me?! Why didn't he ask his girlfriend? He told me he didn't want to bother her. Women get cranky, Kim. You're my cool buddy. Oh, I see. #my-male-friends-don't-notice-my-vagina.

---> After sharing some college experiences I had at San Diego State University, one of my co-workers asked if I liked attending that school. Uh, excuse me. I did not go to San Diego State. One, I don't have a death wish (academically speaking). Two, I'm a lady. My co-worker was kind of confused because I knew so much about the school and I had mentioned something about the living conditions at the frat houses. Well, that doesn't mean I went to SDSU. It just means, at some point, I laid on some guy's bed at a frat house.

(Clearing throat)

Just so we are clear, I was strictly a tease until age 20 when I lost my virginity. I have never slept with anyone who went to SDSU...

Team Classy.

I'm on it.

---> On Sunday, I went to see Wicked with some friends and co-workers. Okay, one warning. If you eat brunch before the show, do not eat anything with sour cream, chorizo or eggs. In fact, just avoid eating all together. No brunch means no chance of eating spoiled food. Trust me. You don't want to spend the entire afternoon feeling like you want to throw up. The clock ticks as you anxiously wait for intermission so you can run to the bathroom. Once there, you discover there are no toilet seat covers and you have to pop a squat. Because the universe is a hater, you somehow drop your ring and it lands on the dirty floor drain. At this point, your pants are half way down your legs. So, you can't pick it up.

I'm not saying this happened.

It's just a warning.

That's all.

As for the show itself, it was ah-mazing. If you have an opportunity to see it in the future, please go. You won't be disappointed! My companions and I got to the theatre a little early and decided to kill time by checking out the LA Farmers Market. I didn't take any breakfast pictures because remember...we didn't eat before the show*.

Here are some photos:

Grew up in SD...rode around LA...representin' Brooklyn.

Where does the person sitting in front of you put their legs?

What chu think he sellin'?

Psst, the show was pretty wicked.

*My friends and I did have brunch. It gave me a stomachache and I guzzled a huge cup of Sprite. It provided a little bit of relief but later, I silently cried in the bathroom. FML.

Love Bond

2012-01-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

Love glam.

Love pink.

Love international.

Love The Atlantic.

~~Hate~~ Love early Sunday mornings.

Oh yeah.

Sunday mornings are for getting up really early and being gone allllll day.

Me <----Tired.

I'm currently watching Casino Royale. I think Daniel Craig is the best James Bond. Sean Connery was pretty good. He was more dashing for sure. A true gentleman. Roger Moore was cheesy. Normally, I don't mind cheesy but not on James Bond. Don't even get me started on Pierce Brosnan.

Meh.

Daniel Craig is definitely more brooding.

He is more Batman than Superman, if you will.

Okay fine, Daniel Craig is the hottest.

There I said it.

Happy?

Hope you had a relaxing Sunday, friends.

3 Things

2012-01-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

{I Like French Toast}

I still like pancakes.

Once in awhile, a girl just needs a little variety, ya know?

{Shoes and Skins}

The guy from Twilight texted his emotionally tortured girlfriend and asked her to ask me for his pasty skin back. I'm not sure what is hotter... my wearing flats with running shorts to the store or my very pale legs...

(Actually, I think the big shaving scar on my leg is the sexiest)

Okay, now these shoes look better with running shorts.

I'm not giving the Twilight dude his pale skin back.

It's mine!

{It's Always Sunny in Ca}

It was beautiful this afternoon.

Not a cloud in the sky.

I took full advantage of the nice weather and spent most of the day outdoors. I ran some errands and then caught up with a friend. Weird thing...she kept asking me if there was something going on with me*. I seemed a bit off to her. I was not my sunny self.

Am I a sunny person?

My boss calls me "sunshine" a lot. She says whenever I'm on vacation, the office is quiet. Well, that doesn't mean I'm cheery and bright. It means I'm loud!

Wait a minute...

*I've had a long week. Personally and professionally.

Just Right, Too Much, Not Enough

2012-01-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

My week:

---> In men-don't-care-news, I replaced my favorite sunglasses. My old ones broke and my new ones look like my old ones. I like my new ones.

Still with me?

Pardon my messy hair.

Every morning, my hair gets stuck in the 80s while it air dries.

(Cue your favorite 80s song)

---> Last night, I ran into my friend (the one with the crazy girlfriend) at the grocery store. It was so nice seeing him. We talk and text regularly but we haven't been able to hang out that much lately. I think everyone knows why. Hmm, I think his girlfriend knows why. Anyways, my friend and I were chatting when all of a sudden two guys come from around the corner. It took me a second but I realized one of the guys was BBQ Guy. We made eye contact, he smiled and looked pleasantly surprised to see me.

BBQ Guy: "Hey, what are you doing here?"

(Our Friend: "What do you think she's doing here?")

Me: "Oh, you know...doing stuff."

(Our friend: "Stuff like buying groceries?")

Me: "Uh, no."

First, I want to announce that my friend is leaving his job as a firefighter to pursue a career as a commentator. Second thing, why was my response to grocery shopping all defensive? Like, I can't believe my friend said that! Buy groceries. Only sluts buy groceries.

I don't buy groceries.

Noooo, not me.

---> One day for lunch, I bought a carne asada burrito and after taking a big bite, I realized the burrito had bits of raw onion in it. Oh no! Not just a little but a whole lot of onion. I don't mind the taste of onions but they make me super gassy and my breath stinky. If I was at home, I wouldn't really care. However, I was at work and I didn't want my breath to smell like onions. The burping and farting at my desk wasn't something I was looking forward to either. So, to save my boss from my gas and breath, I tried to picked out every single piece of onion.

It took for-eva...

I didn't get all of it.

Uhhhh.

---> Earlier in the week, a female friend and I had a brief conversation about men. We talked about how they sometimes change their minds. To be clear, we were talking about the early stage of interest here. Maybe even just sex. Definitely not "you have been exclusively dating him for an entire month and he changed his mind..." Oh, no, no. That's something different.

We were referring to men who tell you they are attracted to you but then pull back. They flirt with you one minute and then the next minute they don't even talk to you. It makes a woman wonder. Maybe this or maybe that.

Yada, yada, blah, blah, blah.

I think many of us women over-analyze the behavior and it accomplishes nothing. I believe we already know the answer. Most of us just don't want to say it.

Um, I'll say it.

Plain and simple, the man doesn't want you (me, her) anymore.

He lost interest. He's not as into you as he thought he was. At first, he was attracted to you but soon realized...not enough...not enough to get into your pants...and definitely not enough to be anything more than just friends. He doesn't like you...anymore.

Whoa, I just read what I wrote.

Ouch.

Oh well, wouldn't you rather swallow the truth once than to continue feeding yourself a big plate of lies (assumptions and/or denial)? Or, is that just me?

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Okay, I have to get back to work.

I'll see you later.

Happy Friday!

In January

2012-01-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

{Keeping It Real}

This is for my new young female readers.

There are things we don't like about ourselves. We totally freak out when we look "fat" ("weird" or "ugly") in photos. We want to always look our best because god forbid someone sees us any other way.

We are our own worst critic.

We want men to think of us as the hottest woman in the room. We compare ourselves to models and actresses. We want to look like them. We want perfect skin and a perfect body.

I'll be the first one to say it...

These goals are unattainable.

I have oily shiny skin. I get zits and put zit cream on them (see photo above). I have a little bit of discoloration on my cheeks. I look like I over pluck my eyebrows when really I just have really light eyebrow hair at the ends. I may be the most awkward but I'm definitely not the hottest woman in the room, the world, the universe.

Like you (and models and actresses), I'm just a real woman.

Let's embrace it.

On that note...

{Strong}

I don't know how many times I've seen this ad this month.

As an athletically built woman, I like it when magazines run ads with athletic women. I think young women need to see more models who have muscles.

It's not size zero. It's size strong and healthy.

{Far Away}

I will learn to park a car properly.

Get this---I even pulled forward, backed up and straightened myself out.

Awesome.

{Sunsets}

During the week my uncle passed away, I spent a few weeknights driving back and forth to my parents house. I always noticed the sunsets.

Lovely, lovely.

{Gym Bag}

I don't bring my camera to the gym.

So, why do I bring a camera cable?

{Knitted}

A very sweet and wonderful person knitted me this scarf.

I wear it out and about...and when I'm home...eating, reading and sleeping.

It's very warm.

{Pancake Lady at 99 Ranch}

She makes these delicious mini pancakes and puts a filling between them. You can either have red bean or custard. She's very curt.

Next! How many you order?

I like her.

{Good Friends}

I like it when people make funny faces in pictures.

In this one, my dear friend is showing off the ghetto fabulous bag she got for Christmas.

I think her sister may have purchased it from the back of a van.

{Monks}

They have very soothing voices.

Whenever I speak to one, they listen patiently and never interrupt. They don't do small talk. No filler conversations.

This is not a bad thing.

Private(s)

2012-01-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

asian chicks are whoes with flat ass faces and no tits

Did you mean to call Asian women "whores" or "hoes"?

Asian girls have small vaginas.

Do we? I can't speak for other Asian women...

I hate hate hate hateeeeeeeee it when guys want you to send a pic of yourself masturbating. How I do that exactly?

Oh my goodness, I don't know*. I would imagine you have to hold the camera phone up pretty high. Unless you stand when you pleasure yourself. But see, I have tried to take photos of myself (fully clothed and not for sex reasons) standing up, and I'm only able to get my legs and shoes. You know what, just take a solo vagina photo. I think the guy will be fine with that.

Why do I suddenly have this feeling your question was rhetorical?

Kim, I'm sorry to break it to you but men do not respect women who send them disgusting and vulgar messages. The man will have sex with you and move on to the next woman. Respect yourself.

Look, I'm not the biggest fan of text messaging.

I'd rather say what I have to say (dirty or not) in person or over the phone. But, sometimes, I'm in a situation that doesn't allow me to do either one of those things. The same with the other person. We're at work, school, in a noisy social setting, in a car with someone, with parents, whatever. I think sending sexual text messages to a man you're dating (or just fucking) does not mean you have zero self-respect. Also, a person's respect for you has nothing to do with you verbally expressing your desire to have sex with them. If that was the case, hardly anyone would respect each other!

Saying raunchy things over text messages is about having fun.

That's it.

hey kim, im curious. do you shave your shit?

No, my shit comes out clean and hairless.

You are talking about my vagina, aren't you?

================================================

*As long time readers and friends know, I do not attach pictures of my vagina and/or breasts to text messages. So not my thing. I've witnessed male friends share photos with other male friends. If they catch me catching them in the act, they tell me not to say anything to their significant others about it. Uh, no bueno.

Sex-t It Up

2012-01-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

My weekend:

---> My friend and I were hanging out when she received a text message from a man she just started dating. Since we were not talking about anything serious, I didn't mind. She sends a handful of texts. Then, at one point, she received a text, put her phone down and told me she didn't know how to reply. What do I say, Kim? Oh my goodness. I told her she's a big girl. She knows. No, look, Kim. I looked at her man friend's text. It was pretty naughty. Holla. My friend was genuinely stumped (she's kinda shy). Okay so, I don't condone doing this...but I told her what to write back. Oh my god, I can't write that! I told her she didn't have to, if she didn't want to. She asked me to write it. What, really? Fine. Reluctantly, I spent the next twenty minutes sending raunchy texts to her man friend on her behalf. She saw every text and kept shaking her head the whole time...blushing. Bitch, you want to get laid or what?? I wrapped things up and told her she was meeting up with him in a half an hour. You're welcome.

(I have no clue what my friend is going to do next time. Her man is going to get "Yes, close hugs are nice..." when he's expecting "After you cum on my tits, I'm gonna suck your XXXX...")

---> On Friday afternoon, as I paid for my items at the store, the cashier told me when I walked in, I looked like a woman who knew what she wanted. Well, um, I needed face cream and I've been to this CVS Pharmacy like a hundred times. I knew where to go. He laughed and said he meant he liked my style. I wear confidence well. Then, he asked where I got my chambray shirt and leather boots. I also wear those items well.

Mmmkay... in my personal experience, if a straight guy likes how you look, he says "You look good" or he checks out your chest and/or ass when he thinks you aren't paying attention. The cashier was more specific...

Gay, right?

---> My baby sister posted a link on our other sister's Facebook page and it looked funny. It was a You Tube video about shit Asian dads say. I watched the video and then saw another video about shit Asian girls say. I clicked on that video. Um, why did it take me to a page with random videos of scantily clad Asian girls shoving their asses in the camera's face!?

Where's the other video?

I probably clicked on another link to get...nevermind.

(Only me...only me)

---> Okay so, I wanted to post an entry yesterday but I was busy alllll day. I spent Lunar New Year's Eve with my family. Of course, lots of food and lots of laughs. We spent the majority of the evening eating and talking. We also celebrated my sister's birthday. Good, good times.

Happy New Year.

I hope your year is full of love, good health and happiness.

3 Things

2012-01-21T17:45:00.000-08:00

{Comfort Food}

Today is a hot beef noodle soup kind of day.

This pho.

Not this pho.

No, no, no.

{It's Just Paper}

To prevent paper tears, Paper Source wraps your paper in paper and slaps a sticker on there. Tell me...I'm not the only one who spends $4.00 on a 11x14 sheet of paper to wrap a gift...right?

Okay, fine.

Sometimes, I'm boo-zhee.

{Caught Up}

If you have been reading, you know during the holidays, I really wanted to catch up on a few back issues of The Economist. Work, life...blah, blah, blah...got busy. Didn't get around to reading.

Well, today, I'm happy to announce, I'm all caught up.

It only took a month.

Decent article.

Different topic but this one was better.

I know it doesn't sound like an incredibly exciting afternoon but I'm enjoying my Saturday so far. It finally rained here in So Cal. Thannnk goddd. I'm used to winter days feeling like dry summer days but it doesn't mean I like it.

I want real seasons!

Okay, I better wrap this up. I'm meeting a friend for greasy burgers, fries and gossip tonight. I think we are also watching the second installment of Sherlock Holmes. I heard it wasn't as good as the first one.

We will see...

Until tomorrow!

Pancake Awkward Kim

2012-01-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

This was an awkward week...

---> A word of advice: Don't ever make a joke about hard nipples to women in their late 50s, especially if they are your co-workers. It does not go over well. Insert awkward silence and me trying to explain the joke to them. The joke wasn't even dirty!

---> Okay, so you know how some gyms play music over their sound system? Well, earlier this week, as I was chit-chatting with Tattoo Guy, INXS started playing. ♫All you got is this moment. The 21st Century's yesterday...♫ I told Tattoo Guy the song made me want to do the running man. He smiled and asked, "The running man?" Whoa, whoa, whoa. He doesn't know the running man?!

I performed the move for him.

He laughed.

"Kim, I know what the running man is..."

Oh.

I see.

---> At work, I was in the women's bathroom and someone came in just as I was finishing up. Of course, since I was in a stall, I didn't see who it was. As I washed and dried my hands, the person in the stall let out a barely audible fart. Okay, whatever. No big deal. I mean, it is a bathroom. As I started to walk out, the person let out another fart.

BOOM!

Oh my god, it sounded like she blew out her freakin' ass hole!

Me: "Holy shit!! What the hell was that!?"

Like I don't know.

*Dead silence*

Me: "Okay well...have a good day..."

Tell me, how does one recover from that?

---> A couple days ago, I got home late from being awesome and decided it was a good idea to stay up even later. I started looking through a bunch of photos in my Picasa web albums and couldn't stop.

Quick translation: I couldn't sleep. So, I organized.

Man, I've uploaded a lot of pics! Most of the albums had pictures from Pancake Kim. Here are some of my favorites:

Remember how I took Zumba and all the jostling gave me diarrhea?

It takes four Vietnamese women to figure out a picture.

Visiting my grandmother's grave in Vietnam.

Trying to snap a photo while on a motorbike with my cousin.

Some point in the last two years, I ate pancakes the size of my head.

Ahhhhh....

Pffffttttttt....

Ahhhhhh...

You can't see him but my nephew is in this picture.

Oh look, months later, someone is no longer camera-shy.

Whoa, long hair.

A picture with my beloved.

Cupcake and I have been together for two years.

He's really sweet.

(Admit it...you just smiled)

Hmm, let's see...I didn't stop my friend from using my camera and she didn't stop me from posting a terrible photo. Please excuse my sweaty face.

A family that hikes together stays together.

Not too bad for 5:00 am at the airport.

Peace?

Seriously, don't trust her.

I have no clue.

Happy Friday!

More Than Meets The Eye

2012-01-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

I"m gonna make you pancakes with cum inside.

Wow, that is so sweet of you.

(Do not make me semen-filled pancakes. Please and thank you)

Hey kim, lick a hobbit's balls or get finger banged by gollom?

Both things sound equally unpleasant.

Since I said I would always answer a "would you rather..." question, I can't choose none of the above. Oh goodness, why did I say that? Okay, I think I'll go with licking a hobbit's testicles. Mr. Frodo and his friends are kind of cute.

They are definitely the right height.

I believe their faces are eye level with my breasts.

Who cares if tattoo guy is smart or not. You said he was cute, just fuck the guy!

I don't "just fuck" a guy because he is good-looking.

Even if the guy is just my lover, he has to be able to engage in thoughtful conversation from time to time. I enjoy witty banter. Also, we don't have to discuss personal things but I would like to be able to exchange ideas and opinions with him, even if we speak in general terms.

Note: I joke but Tattoo Guy is not dumb.

The lace top you bought is so pretty! You can wear it with a bra in the same color.

Uhh, I assume you are complimenting this little number...

I did not purchase this.

And, if I wore the lace leotard with the same-colored bra, I have a feeling I would be very, very cold. Without asking or me telling, others would know it too. I see only one purpose for this shirt and it involves a gentleman.

No bra.

Your not as cute as your sisters but dont worry, kim, your not ugly.

Well, at least I'm not ugly.

All Kinds of Huynh

2012-01-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

I attended my uncle's funeral today.

It was intimate and peaceful. During the funeral, my sister's boyfriend video taped the services for our family in Vietnam. My brother did the rest. He took a lot of pictures too. My family and I were happy to see a lot of friends there. They all had very kind words to say about my uncle. Even though they never knew he had a family, they were relieved to know we existed. Actually, they seemed really, really happy. It was like they learned something private about their friend...in a good way.

I hope my uncle is at peace.

After most people left, my mom wanted to take a family photo for our family in Vietnam. Okay, I like family photos. I do. But every time we try to take one, someone is missing and we don't realize it until after a bunch of photos are taken. Then, when we get everyone, someone has their eyes closed, not looking or doing something strange. Even more photos taken.

Check it out:

Mom, what are doing?

Try again.

Wait, where is Dad?

(Insert ~~five~~ two pictures of us. My mom's eyes were closed...)

Mom, try to keep your eyes open!

I'm done.

Please excuse our head wraps. We couldn't take them off until they were ready to close the casket. The blessed head wraps go into the casket with my uncle.

=====================================

Here was the rest of my weekend:

---> Best conversation.

Dad: "Hey daughter, can you get Mun-day off?"

Me: "It's a holiday, Dad. I have it off. No worries."

Dad: "Oh oh, what holiday?"

Me: "Martin Luther King."

Dad: "Oh oh, dat guy. Da black guy."

Mom: "My company not off. A lot of black pe-pole take day off. They like dat guy..."

Hahahahaha.

Oh, Dr. Martin Luther King. You know him, right? He's that one guy...the black dude.

---> On Friday afternoon, as I waited for a family member to get off work, I decided to grab a late lunch. I was in the mood for a Vietnamese sandwich but didn't want to drive from Irvine to Westminster. I hate sitting in traffic on the 405 freeway, especially on a work day. I think Southern Californians get what I'm sayin'. So, I headed over to UC Irvine and ate at Lee's.

Two things:

#1 I should have driven to Viet town.

Banh Mi Che Cali ~~ngon hon~~* puts more meat and pate in their sandwiches.

#2 I will never order the mango smoothie again. It tasted like what scented bar soap smells like.

Eww.

---> On Saturday morning, I was driving to my parents place and I notice this red Honda behind me. It was way to close to me. The driver was tailgating me. Whatever. Even though I shouldn't, I tailgate sometimes. I switched to another lane. A few seconds later, the little red Honda gets behind me again. The driver was. on. my. ass. I decided to change lanes again to get away from him/her. Obviously, the person needed to be somewhere. Get this; as the red Honda drove past me, I looked over at the driver (I'm confrontational like that) and the fool waved. Wait a minute...it took me another second to realize it but the driver was my younger brother! Pssh, what a little booger!

Who taught him how to drive?!

---> In trivial fashion news, I finally received the leopard print flats I ordered.

I wore them this weekend.

My baby sister called my shoes "fierce".

I call them "ghetto couture".

Which is different from "Walmart chic", by the way. I know people mix those two phrases up since Walmart and "ghetto" are synonymous.

Don't. get. it. twisted.

================================================

It has been a long day.

I have a long week ahead.

I'm going to go read for awhile and unwind.

See ya!

*Ngon Hon--"More delicious" in Vietnamese.

A Few Words

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

Casual Sunday (...and awkward smile).

Today, I went in search of a white top and found color.

Hmm.

Cookie break.

Scratch that.

Real cookie break.

Old family photos.

My Uncle Thanh who passed away last Wednesday is off to the right side.

The baby in the picture is my cousin Ehvan. His father is holding him. Ehvan's father and my Uncle Thanh's are brothers. I guess that makes Ehvan's father my uncle too. I think that's how it works...

(Wink)

Oh wait, here's a really old Tran family photo.

My mom is the third person in, on the left side.

Closer look at the right side of photo.

From the left to right: My grandfather, my Uncle Binh (cousin Ehvan's dad), my grandmother and then my Uncle Thanh. I did a double take when I looked at my Uncle Binh (next to my grandfather).

My cousin, Ehvan (with his beautiful girlfriend, Amy)

Whoa.

He looks just like a young Uncle Binh!

Well, Ehvan is my uncle's son.

Yeah sooo...I think that's how it works.

===================================================

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for letting me express my thoughts on Friday. I appreciate all your well wishes. The magnitude of being with my Uncle Thanh in his last hour hit me Thursday and it put me in funk. I wouldn't say I'm grief stricken. I'm just sad about how everything turned out...my dear uncle's life and death. Very heart breaking.

His funeral is tomorrow.

Hence, the reason I was looking for a white shirt today. Like other Asian cultures, family members wear white in Vietnamese Buddhist funerals. I believe you have to at least wear a white top and the white head scarf. Years ago, I wore both things for my grandmother's funeral.

Surprisingly, I don't own any white tops. I'm a color-kind-of-gal. Well, I have a white sweater but it's a bit see-through. Not appropriate. My parents want my brother to video tape the funeral for my family in Vietnam. I know it's trivial but can you imagine? My aunts and uncles in Vietnam seeing my undergarments.

In Vietnamese to each other: "Oh my gawd! You see her nipples. That girl."

In Vietnamese to my parents over phone: "Everyone looked nice. Nothing inappropriate."

Uh huh.

I came across a white top they might like.

Question: Where and when does one wear this top?

Hopefully, not to work or um, anywhere outside the bedroom. I don't even know if I would wear it there. Since I'm awkward and clumsy, I have a hard time taking off regular tops in the heat of the moment. I'm not kidding. I've pulled a top over my head and somehow it got caught on my big head.

Help!

(...or we can do the homemade blind fold thing )

So, lace leotard?

I think not.

A Part of Life

2012-01-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is the last photo I took with my uncle.

Until a couple days ago, I had not seen him since that day.

My uncle passed away on Wednesday night.

That night, my two sisters, me, my mom...none of us spoke to him. When we saw him in ICU, he was wrapped up in blankets and his head was covered by a large towel. We only saw part of his face. There were tubes, cords and wires running everywhere. I noticed his silhouette under the covers. He looked very, very thin. Very fragile.

My dear uncle...I'm not going to go into a lot of detail. I think everyone knows how estrangement works. For some of us, we don't know the reasons why it happened. We just know it did. Slowly, I'm trying to piece together everything about my uncle's life. I want to know why his relationship with my mom and aunts was broken. From what I do know, my uncle detached himself from our family a long time ago. Over the years, I heard several different things. My uncle was into drugs. He was a depressed drunk. There was speculation he got into trouble with the law...a lot.

He only came to visit my mom when he needed money or he was in trouble.

On and on.

You get it.

Sadly, I don't think anyone knows the whole truth and maybe we never will.

And, you know what? It doesn't matter. At least to me. Although he was away from us for so long, at the end of the day (and his life), the man on the hospital bed was my uncle. He was connected to me. My blood. My family.

I wish I knew him.

My uncle lived in this world alone. Yes, by his own choice. But, it does not make it any less heart breaking. I don't really believe in miracles but whatever it was, it did not allow my uncle to be alone in his final hour.

I don't know who or what to praise but I'm appreciative.

Long story short, my uncle suffered a stroke, he was found and rushed to the hospital. The social worker assigned to him looked through his phone, happen to call my parents' friend and the friend contacted my mom. This all happened in less than a day. The doctors told my mom that my uncle had brain damage. At some point, he fell and the injury caused a loss of brain cells. There was severe swelling where his brain connects to his spine. When he came to the hospital, he had a few reflexes. But, as the day went on, nothing. No movement. His heart was beating but only because a machine was keeping him alive.

From the bottom of my heart, I truly, truly hope no one has to ever witness a loved one (or anyone) be unplugged.

If you have experienced it, you understand what I'm talking about. It was an unsettling experience. It felt surreal. Like, I was dreaming. I didn't think hospitals allowed loved ones to be present when they take patients off life support. But, the doctors and nurses let us stay. Thankfully, they were really informative. They did their best to explain to us what the numbers meant on the monitor. I just watched the numbers. During emotionally tough situations, I think in fact. Step A, B, C. This equals this. What happens next? No fluff. Just give me the facts.

I didn't look at my uncle.

I didn't watch his chest.

I knew if I did, I would see it stop moving at some point. Which meant I would be faced with dealing "in emotion". I didn't want to do that. I'm a problem then solution then later reflect kind of person. It's probably not the most healthiest way to do things but you know, we all have our own way of dealing.

When my uncle flat lined, the nurse came back in. Her and another nurse had a conversation about the time of death. From the time they unhooked my uncle, I thought thirty minutes had passed. It had only been ten minutes. What, really? The nurse started saying some things to my sisters. I didn't catch a lot of it but I did hear her say that my uncle did not suffer.

I'm confident he didn't.

The monks came before the nurses took him off life support. The monks meditated. They chanted. Even though it was just for a half an hour, our small corner of the intensive care unit was very peaceful. Calm. I heard nothing but the chants. Respect for a life was given.

My uncle's name was Thanh.

But, I knew him as Cau Ba.

Uncle #3.

In Vietnamese families, we call our uncles on our mother's side "Cau". There is a number assigned to siblings depending on their birth order. Same with my aunts. There is more to this system but it's involved and admittedly, very confusing to me. I will spare you a explanation.

Well, at least my attempt at one.

I feel like I just dumped all my thoughts on a page. I apologize if I said too much or made anyone feel uncomfortable. I think my uncle's family ties (or lack thereof) was a big part of his life. Whether we saw him or not, we were a part of his life. As family, we affect each other. If I could say one last thing to my uncle, I would tell him that no matter his reasons for leaving or what he did, in our hearts, he will always be a part of our family.

Always.

==================================================

Thank you for letting me deal "in emotion" today.

Thank you for listening.

Typecast

2012-01-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

My favorite questions/comments this week:

azian chicks are fug. your okay kim. not beautful but sorry your azian.

I think I'm "okay not beautiful" because I'm Asian...with an "s". We tend to be easier on the eyes than the Asians with a "z".

If I never saw a picture of you, I'd think you were white.

Hold on...let me add you to the list of people who have told me the same thing. At work, I hear this a lot when I meet customers in person. One person thought my last name was Huynh because I married outside my race.

Again, I ask everyone, why does everyone think I'm white?!

Kim, lots of tattoos= prison. Did tattoo guy do time?

You are just as terrible as me. We are a couple of judgmental bitches.

Actually, when I first saw him, I didn't think he served time in prison. He just looked like a cute guy with a ton of tattoos (I suppose he still is...) I haven't asked if he has been to jail but I really don't think so. Like policemen and fireman, I heard paramedics don't commit crimes or victimize people...ever*.

Oh god Kim, how OLD is this guy? Young guys with tattoos hawt. Old guys with tattoos not cute.

Tattoo Guy is 33.

Ummm, you do realize young men age, right? Even ones with tattoos. Eventually, they will be old men with tattoos. Ha!

Hey kim what if your coworkers find your blog and read it? Your topics are not appropriate for work.

I agree.

Some of the stuff I write about is not work appropriate. That is why I don't bring these topics up in meetings and during work conversations with my boss or my director. If one of my colleagues goes to my blog and reads it, that is their choice. I don't advertise. I definitely don't send memos out with my URL.

Hello everyone,

The planning meeting is at 3:00pm this afternoon in the conference room. We will be brainstorming and outlining a plan for next week's conference. If time allows, we will also discuss the pros and cons of anal sex. I've included several attachments for your reference. Additionally, please take a moment to review: www.pancakekim.com.

Thank you.

Uh, no.

*I read a story in the newspaper the other day about an off-duty fireman on the east coast who fired his gun at a man. The fireman yelled something to the man and his young son. When the man came up to the car to talk to him, he saw the gun and walked away. The fireman still tried to shoot him. Yikes! Thank god the man wasn't hurt! Service men (especially law enforcement) are definitely capable of doing unlawful things too. Never think otherwise.

The more you know.

Oh, and yes, Tattoo Guy is a paramedic.

I was shocked.

I assumed he wasn't smart enough to go to any school. You know, because of all his tats. Overall, I'm not dumb but I can sure be ignorant about certain things.

Take Your Shoes Off

2012-01-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

My weekend:

---> It was way too short. I was in Orange County all day on Saturday and then went back to Orange County on Sunday. Not a bad thing, of course. I want to make time for friends. They are important me. I just want one more day added to weekends. A Kim day. Translation: Sit around in sweats and read.

---> Last night before bed, I finally had an opportunity to watch an episode of this season's Mob Wives.

I think the women on the show are cra-cra-crazy.

I have no idea why I watch this show. It gives me a headache. I agree with Renee (because we're besties and all)...take away the tough layers, all the women have a lot of residual pain from dealing with their incarcerated fathers and husbands. Their childhood has left them angry...not tough. Seriously, all they do is scream and throw their hands up...and take their shoes off.

Or...a phone.

Drita knows.

(Picture from philly.com)

---> On Saturday, my friend and I started talking about kids. We confessed to each other that we find most kids annoying, even some of our friends' kids. Terrible, I know. So sorry, friends. We love and care about them very much but they can be irritating.

I'm talking about my friends whose kids scream in restaurants to get attention, pull your hair even after you tell them it hurts and throw temper tantrums because they can't have a fruit roll up...right. now. I asked one of my friends kids once why they were being so irrational. Exact words.

It wasn't like her parents said no.

They just said she could have one after she finished her lunch.

Aunt Kim doesn't understand.

Yeah, the kid stopped crying long enough to hear me ask my question and started up again. My friends tried to calm her down but she wouldn't shut up until she got her damn fruit roll up.

Maybe I'm a stubborn bitch but little girl wouldn't have gotten her fruit roll up, especially after her bratty temper tantrum. But, I'm not a mom, just an aunt. So, I'm probably just talkin' a good game. Like my friends with kids always say...just you wait, Kim. Just you wait.

Whatever.

My child is going to be awesome like my favorite nephew.

Until I have kids, I'm going to keep deluding myself.

---> For those who didn't read my Saturday post, I went to the Bowers Museum to check out an exhibit on Saturday morning.

It was splendid.

When you walk in, they give you an audio guide.

Use it.

You use it like a cell phone.

You punch the corresponding number and the narrators (the curator of the exhibit and another curator from a different museum) will give you back story and information about the piece you are viewing.

The rooms were a bit dark but I was able to snap some photos.

The soldier's face was originally painted green. People are still researching why. The art work was very detailed. My picture doesn't do it justice.

Don't know why but I couldn't bring myself to take a photo of a set of tomb doors.

Weird, huh?

The eulogy of a prince written on jade.

Now...this is a necklace.

Quick fact about yours truly: I'm an accessories whore. Seriously, I love jewelry, purses, scarves, hats, etc wayyyy more than clothes.

The special exhibit was small but I really liked it. There is another exhibit in the museum displaying Chinese costumes, armor and art work. You don't have to pay to view those items. Every first Sunday of the month is free too. So Cal people, you may want to take advantage of that.

All in all, a great weekend!

A Few Words

2012-01-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

Let her eat coffee cake.

Homemade coffee cake from Carolyn's Cafe in Redlands, Ca.

I die.

Impulse buying aisle at Fry's.

I purchased only my ink cartridges.

I win.

The other camera in my life.

What can I say?

I have a thing for cameras.

Crystal Cove, Orange County, Ca.

Above the "cove", there are running and biking trails. The beach is really quiet. There are kids playing in the water, small family picnics, people walking along the beach...but it's not busy at all.

I like to decompress and take long walks by myself.

Love Crystal Cove.

Dystopia.

Hmm...

Dear friends, I will not be leaving my house for about the next month or so.

I have a book to finish and must spend every free moment reading. Don't feel bad or get upset. On top of missing all your special occasions, I will not be attending my sister's birthday celebration, the Lunar New Year, my mom's birthday and my sister's boyfriend's birthday.

See you at the end of February.

I love you all.

Please bring me gummy bears.

========================================================

The book is my choice for my two-person book club (my friend is shaking her head "no" right now). I have a feeling the second follow up book to The Hunger Games will win out...Catching something or another.

Atlas Shrugged is science fiction too!

(My friend doesn't care)

Fine, give me the red book about the girl who won those damn games*.

Reading rules, friends suck.

*I'm going to read both books at the same time. Please make sure it's a 5lb bag of gummy bears.

3 Things

2012-01-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

{Toast + Toast}

Buttered toast for my belly.

Fashion toast for my eyes.

It is not even 7:00 am yet.

I've been up since 5:00 am.

It's Saturday, friends. I would have gone back to sleep but I have to be up in a half an hour anyways. I'm meeting a friend for breakfast in Orange County and then off to the Bowers Museum (more on that later). Man, I was starving when I woke up. I'm not one of those people who can wait four hours to eat breakfast. Even on the mornings I run.

Wake up, work out, shower, eat.

All before 7:30 am.

Wait...why am I complaining about early mornings again?

{Semi-Dark}

I need more lighting in my home office.

(I definitely don't need anymore computers...)

After toast + toast, I worked + worked.

If I'm going to get up early on a Saturday morning, I'm going to do as I do on a weekday.

Work.

Someday I will free myself of my workalism. <----This is not a real word.

{Warriors}

(Picture from Orange Country Registrar)

The Warriors, Tombs and Temples exhibit is here until March 4, 2012. The exhibition showcases treasures and artifacts from three formative dynasties in China's history. I also get to see what kind of stuff some of the rulers "took" with them to the afterlife. The viewing is by reservation only.

I have a reservation.

It was easy to get.

I went online.

No, it is not free*.

==================================================

Hopefully, I'm allowed to take pictures of some of the items in the exhibit. If I can, I'll definitely share. Call me a geek but I'm so excited. I love this kind of stuff. By the way, after Tattoo Guy asked me what I was doing this weekend, I dork-ed it out and went on about how excited I was about this exhibition. Of course, I was engaging and asked if he liked going to museums.

He has never been to a museum.

He hardly reads too.

To my tattoo-loving girl friends, puzzling. Absolutely puzzling why this dude likes me...

Actually, the real question is how is it that I'm running late, and I woke up two and a half hours ago???

Ahhh, gotta go!

*I wonder how elementary schools afford to take kids to the warriors exhibition. It's not incredibly expensive. Normal museum rates. But, it adds up. I'm sure schools have a package deal or whatever. They must! Friends with kids, I'll let you know if it's worth the price.

Recap: Double Entendre

2012-01-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I don't see much of a difference.

Or, maybe I straightened my hair wrong.

Answer #2.

==========================================

Here was my week:

---> I found an old USB drive in the depths of my office desk. I haven't looked through it yet. Scary, right? I'm going to wait until I get home. You never know. There could be embarrassing pictures on there. I don't know a lot about computers. But, with my luck, if I open the drive up at work, some way, some how the pictures will get downloaded onto my computer. Eventually, the IT guys will find it and judge me. I haven't figured out why yet but I can't handle judgment from them. I'm convinced IT guys are a whole different species.

--> About a month ago, I was running and people watching at the same time, and I noticed this guy on a weight machine. I'd never seen him before during my gym hour. The thing that caught my attention about him was his tattoos. Except for his face, he is covered in them; his arms, his legs and his neck. I've seen guys with sleeves but in person, I've never seen anyone covered in tattoos. From then on, every time I saw Tattoo Guy, I tried to figure out what his tattoos were. Uh, I tried too hard. Meaning, I stared too much. A couple of weeks ago, he made this "what?" hand motion at me. Oh shit! I looked away and didn't look at him again. Well, a few days later, he approached me while I was stretching and asked me why I was always looking at him. I told him I was just curious about his tattoos, especially the ones on his neck.I'm not creepy, I swear! He was nice about the whole thing. In fact, since that conversation, we say hello and have friendly chit-chat whenever we see each other.

Nothing flirtatious.

Wellllll, at least I didn't think so until our conversation earlier this week.

Tattoo Guy: "Kim, you're cool for an Asian chick."

Me: "Asians aren't cool?"

Tattoo Guy: "No, sorry, I meant I'm not into Asians. But, you're cute you know. And, funny. You're like a white girl with an Asian girl's body."

Me: "Wait...white girls are funny?"

He smiled but I wasn't joking.

(I was)

Two things:

Number #1

He's nice, surprisingly not a douchebag, smarter than I thought (I'm terrible), very good looking in the face and has a nice body (think soccer player) but man, all his tattoos. I can't get past them*! Superficial, I know. But, sooo not my thing. Also, I already figured I wasn't his type. He seems like he goes for sexy club babes.

(NTS. NTS. NTS. NTS)

I go to book clubs.

(Crickets)

Number #2

Why does everyone think I'm white?!

Argghh.

---> I've been on a search for decent looking leopard print flats. Yeah, I know. I said "decent-looking" and "leopard" in the same sentence. No, but really. With certain outfits, the leopard print isn't tacky. I think it's possible to wear this print without looking like Peg Bundy from Married with Children. Initially, I found a pair I liked at Zara. But, of course, the shoe is sold out. Yesterday, I saw option number two on Blowfish Shoes website. After great debate, I ended up ordering them. I really, really hope this pair doesn't give me awkward toe cleavage. No bueno. When they arrive, I will share.

(Cue male readers: "Who cares.")

---> My colleague and I are preparing for two resource fairs; one next week and one in three weeks. On Wednesday, we spent way too much time looking through catalogs of potential promotional items to give away at the second fair. After brief discussion, we finally decided on silver flashlights. I thought we were done. Nope, apparently, there are different sizes of "small". I told him I didn't want a long and skinny one. But, then again, stubby was not good either. Whatever, I didn't want to spend any more time on this task so I told him we will order the shortest one. Size doesn't matter anyways. How it works is more important.

He started laughing.

What did I say?!

====================================================

So glad it's Friday.

You?

*In the end, if I'm into someone, I will get over it and look past "too many tattoos". I'm just trying to get over the shock of Tattoo Guy actually liking me. I've only seen him as a new friend. A bro. Seriously, I'm a dork who likes books and watches the History Channel for fun. Oh yeah, hot stuff, baby.

Not Quitting My Day Job

2012-01-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Q: Kim, why don't you become a blogger full time?

You know, I get asked this question a lot. With the exception of personal friends asking, I never answer the question in depth*. I give the standard "not my thing". Believe me...I have felt bad for being so vague or just not caring about the question. If you've asked me this question and feel slighted, I'm sorry. Just keepin' it real though. A big theme here on Pancake Kim.

A: Blogging is just my hobby.

Okay, sure, I can't write about every single thing in my life but most parts. Even though I decided to make my life public (I'm not a fan of those "log in" personal websites), some of my friends and family didn't. I want to protect their privacy. Or, at least maintain anonymity when I do write about them.

Other than that, I blog/write about whatever I want.

No audience and/or company directs my content. I'm the creator, the editor, the writer and a reader. Yeah, I said reader. Of course I read my own shit! Okay, mostly to proofread but I admit, I make myself chuckle here and there.

Forget I just said that.

Look, I make fun of my colleagues and my office but I don't really mind my job. I work in an educational setting. My office employs a lot of students...and I adore them! I'm young at heart and I love bantering with them. Their youth and playfulness keeps things fun for me. Also, they don't know they do this but life through their eyes keeps me humble. Open-minded. Patient.

I wouldn't trade this opportunity for anything.

I definitely wouldn't leave it behind to blog full-time.

I like that my life is real. I juggle family, friends and work. Oh, and because I'm really cool, sometimes I juggle suitors and male admirers.

I'm so modest, right?

Well, I know I'm relatable. At least that is what many of you tell me. You guys don't even know how much I appreciate that! I want to be relatable.

I want to stay relatable.

I know there are many bloggers out there who want to blog full-time and build their blog into something big. Something marketable. I think this is great for them. It's just not for me. I like my little corner. My little world. I appreciate everyone who reads my randomness, especially my family and close friends.

Internet friends around the world are the icing.

My loved ones are the cake.

I love how they get a kick out of all my musings about life, sex, marriage, friends, family and work. It makes me happy to provide a little entertainment in their daily lives.

Seriously, if I quit my job, who else is going to tell them about my crazy colleagues; the fierce black queen, the woman who's office reeks of cigs, chatty Cathy, the back-stabber, the man who only speaks to management (and no one else), the lady who gives out office supplies as gifts, the Martha Stewart, the students who come to work without showering...and on and on?

I must deliver!

*I hope I answered the question sufficiently. I feel like I babbled on and on. What else is new? <---If you read the blog on Friday, you will find out...

(Laugh track)

Gawd, I kill myself.

I Am Not

2012-01-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

Married Vs Unmarried

I love everything about you except you arent married. It makes me sad. Sorry Kim, just being honest.

I apologize for failing you in this one area.

Also, please don't be sad.

I'm not.

Kim, I feel bad for those married women who said being unmarried is pathetic. Honestly, it is sad to stay in an unhappy marriage. They are living a life they hate all for appearances.

I understand your point.

You know though, if I ever get married, I'm not 100% sure I would leave an unhappy marriage. Although I wish the young women at Starbucks used different words to describe unmarried people (their conversation wasn't for my ears anyways), I'm empathetic to their fear of being alone. It's not ideal. Most people don't want to be alone.

Having said that, I hope I don't stay because I'm too afraid to leave. I wouldn't want to resign to a life full of unhappiness and resentment. To me, settling is heart breaking.

As for getting married, I believe most people want life-long companionship. But, not everyone wants to make it legal. I think the young women also need to understand that commitment comes in different forms.

Marriage is just one of them.

Clean Asians

hey kim, asians and strippers are okay but dont have sex with filthy hookers.

Okay, noted.

Wait, what about the clean hookers?

(WTF, mang?!)

I hooked up with two asian chicks and they were clean. They had small vaginas and one of them licked my asshole.

Was your ass hole clean?

Nevermind.

Don't answer that.

They're Back...

THEY THINK VIETNAMESE GIRL ARE PROSTITUES BECAUSE YOUR A WHORE. YOU GIVE US A BAD NAME DUMB SLUT.

Oh my goodness, it's been awhile! How the hell are ya? I see you are still using all caps.

White girl, you talk about sex to much and make fun. Why don't you spend time defending us your people?

Huh?

You call me a "white girl" and then you ask me why I don't defend you, "my people". Either you don't really think I'm white or you don't know what ethnicity you are. I think it's the former.

========================================================

My friend's crazy girlfriend sent me a bunch of angry e-mails and told me how much she despises me. I really wanted to share them. But, other than allowing me a platform to be mean, it serves no purpose.

This is going to be a long week.

Okay, break over. Back to work. I have a to-do list a mile long. A couple of my co-workers are nagging me for things as well. Uhh, don't they see I'm busy...helllloo.

See ya later.

An Asian, a Hobbit and a Prince

2012-01-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Some things I learned this weekend:

---> When I go to a busy Asian supermarket on the weekends, I should always expect old Asian people to stand really close to me. Both times I stood in line (once at the hot foods bar and once at the bakery), an old Asian lady stood right next to me! No joke. Same lady. Obviously, in public, it's not a big deal if someone stands near you in line. But, this old lady's body was about a hand's length away. Hmm, perhaps she was in a hurry and eager to pay for her items...

Something tells me not.

Ahhh, too close!

Oh well, at least the fried shrimp I got at the counter was delicious.

My friend, Dan is probably winching right now.

He doesn't like his food to have eyes.

Dan, it's coming for you...

Being mature is one of my strong suits.

---> When you spend New Year's Eve day with your family and eats lots of food, it makes you really tired.

Seriously, lots of food...

As always, I had a good time. But, after a long drive, I crashed and fell asleep by 10pm on New Year's Eve. Uh, total fail! In the morning, I woke up and had a bunch of texts. One of the texts was from my friend's brother telling me about his NYE party at his house. He discovered my friend never invited me. Another text followed. It was from my friend who wanted me to tell him when (and if) I was coming over to his brother's house. His crazy girlfriend was there and my friend didn't want to upset her. He ends his text with "don't trip about this, ok?" I discovered later that my friend also sent similar texts to a few of our other friends. All female. You know, it's a new year. Maybe it's time I get new friends...

Being passive-aggressive sometimes is another one of my strong suits.

---> I watched the first two Lord of the Rings movies.

I'm still a bit confused.

The first time I watched LOTR, I was lost. This time around was no different. Okay, so I get the plot of the trilogy. I understand what is going on. Frodo's burden, there is a war going on, blah, blah, blah. In LOTR, the thing that confuses me is the Middle Earth geography. Who is from where? What country? Gondor, Rohan, Mordor. Bad or good? Also, where is the shire located? Mordor is a bad place...right?

Please say yes.

By the way, I know they are different books but I like Lord of the Rings so much more than Harry Potter. JRR Tolkien was very, um, detailed.

---> I have straight hair but I can make it even straighter. Who knew! My baby sister straightened my hair and curled our other sister's hair with her CHI straightening iron. That thing is pretty nifty.

So much so, I got my own.

Now, I look like this.

(Source)

----> On Friday afternoon, I discovered my adorable nephew can't order any food except "ap-pole". At least for right now. I'm hoping "pho" makes it into his vocabulary soon.

Also, he gets distracted easily...

(He's very inquisitive)

...and he likes to claim his own seat at the table.

Not pictured: The fortress of chairs his parents, his uncle and I built to keep him from running into the street. We spent the entire time catering to his every need.

All hail, Prince Awesomeness.

Your chariot awaits.

===========================================================

Today is the last day of my holiday break.

Although I don't go back to work until tomorrow, I'm going to spend part of my morning catching up on e-mails and reviewing some paperwork. I don't like coming back to total chaos. I like to organize it before I return. What? I like order.

Fine, I'm a workaholic.

There I said it.

Happy New Year!

A Few Words

2012-01-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

Early (for a Sunday) wake up.

Big breakfast.

Winter ~~2011~~ 2012: Sunny and warm.

Some shopping.

Vocational school ad.

(Does anyone else get these in the mail??)

Ewww!

I found this soap at my parent's house yesterday.

I.have.never.seen.such.a.thing.

Again, ewww!

Also, what is the deal with skin whitening? I understand fading age spots or using facing creams to get rid of discoloration or fade acne scars. But, whiten skin? Why would anyone do that!? I can't imagine ever wanting to do it, even when my mom blames me having darker skin as the main reason why most people think I'm Cambodian. I like how she apologizes too.

Oh my gawd. No. My daughter not Cambodian. No. Sorry.

Oh, Mom.

I hope I never see that bar of soap again.

Recap: It's All Talk

2011-12-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

At the risk of sounding immature, if you sit and think about it, phone sex is kind of chuckle-worthy. Of course, you shouldn't laugh while engaging in phone sex but I won't judge you for laughing a little afterwards.

(I know some of you are smiling)

I think phone sex is a good supplement to a healthy sex life.

Fa sho.

However, I feel like if I'm going to be filthy with my words, I want things to be happening in real time. I want to feel the action. Excuse me for being vulgar but if I'm going to tell a man I want him to stick his finger in my other-word-for-vagina and then stick it in my mouth, I want it to happen right then.

Yes?

You feel me?

====================================================

Here was my week:

---> Remember how I told you guys a couple of my friends were MIA this week? I texted them and no answer. Well, they finally got back to me. You will be happy to know my friend Mike is not dead. Yay. He has been sick though. Boo. My other friend finally stopped having crazy amounts of sex and left the confines of her lover's home. She has been staying there since Monday and hasn't contacted any of her friends. Wow, is the sex that mesmerizing you can't take a minute out of your day to send a quick text to a long time friend? Hey Kim, busy. Call you later this week. Lots of T&A. It takes less than a minute, friends. Less than a minute.

---> Soooo, if a man stops by your gym after picking up coffee for him, his sister and sister's boyfriend, and sees your truck, checks the time and then decides to wait for you to come out, is that creepy? Or, is it a sweet gesture? This man tells you he just wanted to say hello. He did not work out himself that morning. Hmm, I don't know, I think it borders on creepy. Possibly leans towards nice gesture. Gym Guy disagrees with me, laughs it off and thinks it is...and I quote..."completely normal to stalk attractive women in gym parking lots." Okay, but it's not normal to stalk women rockin' sweat-stained shirts and residual zit cream.

---> In Point Loma, my baby sister and I were sitting on a bench waiting for our mom and other sisters when an old man came up and sat down next to us. He was really friendly. He asked us what college we went to. I told him I wasn't in college anymore. My sister said she was attending San Diego State. Oh, San Diego State. The old man launched into a story about his college days at UC Santa Barbara and being in the first graduating class. Then, his wife strolled up and he told her my sister was attending UC San Diego. She got excited and said their friend teaches at University of San Diego. Hmm, I'm not sure if all these school stories were supposed to be about one school...or the stories were about different schools and have nothing to do with my sister attending San Diego State. I didn't go to any of those colleges. I'm afraid to tell you which one. Things may get confusing.

---> After re-telling a story about a WASP-y girl's request (and requirements) for a threesome with Tucker Max, a guy friend sent me an excerpt from Max's book--

Girl: "...Most important, the girl must be clean. This means no fat girls or strippers. Or Asians. I assume you don't sleep with other types of ethnic girls anyway."

Hey now...what's wrong with bein' dirty?

I think this young woman has a lot to learn.

By the way, are you guys familiar with Tucker Max?

I've always had a love/hate regard towards him. He wrote those vulgar frat-ire books; I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell and Assholes Finish First. I read the first book. A male friend gave it to me a long time ago. I have not read Max's second book. Some of his stories are funny (and a bit awesome-crazy) but for the most part, he acts like a 36-year-old frat boy douche bag.

Profound dating advice of the week:

Don't date an asshole.

====================================================

I feel like this post was sex-heavy. I didn't intend it to be. Sorry to those who have a "hate regard" for me right now. I promise I'm not an asshole...and I'll wash out my mouth. Okie dokie, so on that note, I must gather up my things and the too-cool-for-school bike/rocking horse.

Yep, I'm meeting my nephew for lunch.

(I hope he told his parents...)

See you tomorrow!

In Between

2011-12-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

I think this in-between week is going waaayyy too fast.

It's already Thursday!

I have to go back to work on Tuesday. More than a few days away but I'm really enjoying all this free time. I've been catching up with friends, having long lunches, spending time with family, some reading, running, writing and lots of eating. I had to include eating. I do a lot of it.

The only thing I haven't done yet is give my nephew his Christmas present.

If you've been following, I was sick a couple days before Christmas, lost my voice (slowly but surely coming back) and pretty much wanted to ice/heat my entire body. So achy. Hopefully, I get to give him his gift some time this week.

I've sent my friend two text messages (don't want to bother him, if he is with family, etc).

No reply.

Hmm.

What is he? Busy with a kid or something? Sheesh!

(Wink)

I'm going to call him tonight or tomorrow morning, if he doesn't get back to me. Send in the troops. Which actually means stalk him. Kidding...not really.

(Quick question: I've texted other friends this week and a couple of them have not responded. I sum it up to them being busy. Too busy for me!? How is this possible? Hmmprrhh)

Some of my week through the lens--

Even though you are allowed to, I was scared to touch it.

We love tide pools and sunsets!

=========================================================

By the way, don't judge me but I've been living in my gray corduroy pants.

Now, some work then holiday vacation continues.

There are these two young women sitting next to me at Starbucks.

I'm trying not to pay attention to their conversation but they are speaking loudly. Surprises me given the topic of conversation. They are talking about how their husbands annoy them and one of them is contemplating divorce. She is fed up and unhappy most of the time. He barely touches her and their relationship has become boring. But, she is afraid of going through with divorce because she doesn't want to be alone. She would rather be bored and married, then divorced and alone.

To her, dating sucks and unmarried people seem pathetic...

Awesome.

Just awesome.

People need to have quieter conversations at Starbucks.

(Sigh)

See you!

Misconceptions

2011-12-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

Does Not Speak English

Is your friend an American, Kim? Vietnamese women marry American men for sponsorship. Did the woman want to marry your friend?

Yes, my friend is American. He also corrected my story. All these years, I was under the impression we met the Vietnamese woman he was talking to. We actually met her cousin that day. She sent a package over to the states with her cousin. The woman was still in Vietnam at the time. She did not want to marry him. At least I don't think so...

No, no, she didn't.

kim my uncle married a camboian and she took all his shit. fuck the greedy bitch. did the girl take your friends money?

No, she never came over to the states. They never actually dated. I don't think she ever had access to his bank account.

Sooo...just wondering...you do know Vietnamese is not the same as Cambodian, right?

Right?!

(Wink)

Hey kim, maybe the fobby viet chick was a prostitute and your friend didn't want to tell you or what.

Even if she was a prostitute (she wasn't), my friend would have told me.

Puh-lease, of all people, I'm probably the best person to tell these things to. I won't lie. I would judge a little. But, I would still go with him. He's my friend and if he needs support. I'm there.

Question: Why do a lot of people think Vietnamese women are all prostitutes?

Sheesh.

Beliefs

Re: Antichrist, Satan and God. All the answers are in the bible. It is the only reference you need.

I respectfully disagree.

There is a plethora of information out there. Each and every person should use their own reason and common sense before they just believe or accept anything. I read that somewhere. Hmm, wonder who said it...

You live a life without God. You are with Satan. You are a sinner, Kim.

As I see it, we are all human beings. We struggle with the same issues and we experience similar life problems (at one point or another). I believe we should have compassion. We should be gracious and caring towards each other. I haven't perfected this behavior but I do my best.

====================================================

To those who wrote me about the Anti-Christ post, please know I've read all your e-mails. There are a lot of angry words and name calling. I don't really know how to respond. Please re-read my words.

I wasn't attacking Christianity. I don't hate God. I don't despise Christians. In fact, there are a few things we agree on. Also, please be respectful of my family and our beliefs. My parents are Buddhists and they have been most of their lives. I'm a young Buddhist. I have a lot to learn. I don't think my beliefs are better than anyone else's. Everyone has their own opinions, thoughts, beliefs...it's your spiritual journey, not mine.

My journey involves questions and being open-minded to other religions. I'm trying to understand things. Also, I'm just a very inquisitive person. I really like knowledge!

That is all.

The Reader

2011-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

This month's Time magazine.

Good read.

Though I still have no idea what all the Occupy stuff is about.

Whenever I ask someone or try researching online, the information I receive is unclear. I've just about given up. Everyone I've spoken to does not have a concrete answer for me. So, someone, anyone out there, will you enlighten me? Please explain this movement to me.

Seriously, I feel dumb.

( You get what I'm sayin'?)

On a brighter note, I have this whole week off work. Yay! Of course I'm being totally sarcastic when I say I'm going to miss my colleagues. I'm sure they will miss me though. I'm the cool kid in the office.

Duh.

I'm really looking forward to this mini-vacation. All this free time will give me an opportunity to hang out with friends and family. Catch up on some reading. I've been very neglectful. There are four old issues of the Economist sitting on my desk at work. I haven't read any of them yet. So, what I'm thinking is one back issue per day until Thursday...because I'm cool like that.

Oh shoot, wait a minute...this means I have to go to my office to pick up the issues...you know, I may be too busy for reading this week.

Yeah.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, friends, sorry I was missing in action over the weekend. I want to believe you missed me terribly. You did, right?

Come on.

No?

Whatever. My weekend was spent eating, laughing, relaxing, baking, egg-roll making, lots of hugs, texting, random singing, calling and talking to loved ones. I enjoyed every minute and did.not.think.of you.either. So there.

(Wink)

Before I share some photos from the weekend, here was my favorite conversation on Christmas Eve.

Dad: "You late. You hang out with your girlfriend?"

Brother: "No, my boyfriend, Dad."

Brother laughs.

Dad to brother: "Ah..." (To the rest of us)..."Told you."

Then he turns and smiles at my brother.

(I think our Dad is joking around with us too!)

=================================================

Favorite used bookstore.

Dusty, dark, shelves are organized chaos.

My white elephant gift wrapping job.

Nice stroll through UC San Diego.

Egg roll makin'.

My mom makes the best egg rolls.

I am totally biased.

Cookies!

My stash.

My snowman is Chinese.

Fam Bam.

Santa left us homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning.

Oh, and he also brought me a extra hot chocolate from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

Santa totally rocks.

Hmm, wonder why my nephew didn't like him...

Awwww....

I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday weekend.

See you tomorrow!

Recap: Assumptions

2011-12-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

And...my nephew's bike/horse is finished.

My friend may or may not have helped me.

Actually, I did most of the work but she helped me fix an annoying problem with the bike. Damn, screw that bike! No, really, screw the loose-as-hell bolt on that bike.

I'm a dork.

She saved Christmas.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here was my week:

---> Best work conversation:

Colleague #1: "Hi, do you know if we get Luther King day off?"

Colleague # 2: "Uhhh, I don't know. You should ask payroll."

Colleague #1 walks away.

Colleague #2 to me in a low voice: "Did he ask me about Martin Luther King because he's black and I'm black?"

Hahahaha.

I'd like to believe so.

---> A couple of days ago, I watched a special on the History Channel about the Anti-Christ. It left me confused. I need clarification about Satan and the Anti-Christ. I've always assumed they were the same person. From what I know and from the information on the special, I deducted Satan and the Anti-Christ have a similar relationship to God and Jesus. Father and son. Satan is anti-God. Anti-Christ is anti-Jesus. Okay, so if Jesus is made in God's image, and the two pairs are similar, then wouldn't the Anti-Christ be made in Satan's image? Or, it does not work that way. Some people believe Jesus walked this earth. Some believe the Anti-Christ walks among us and he has not revealed himself yet. Okay, but couldn't Satan do the same thing? Well, I guess God could too. I'm confused. Side note: If you watch the History Channel, I'm not a fan of the Nostradamus Effect. I wanted to put that out there. We will get into that topic another day. I'm still confused about the Anti-Christ. Please forgive me.

---> Earlier in the week, Gym Guy asked me if he could borrow my one and only Vietnamese music CD. He wanted to download the songs onto his computer. Uh, why? He doesn't speak Vietnamese. He won't understand a word! Although he thinks Vietnamese music sounds like people are crying, his daughter enjoys listening to it. She's half white/half Viet, remember? She really wants to go to those Paris by Night shows but Gym Guy can't handle them. Have you guys ever seen a show? Cheesy. When I told Gym Guy I assumed he liked all things Viet, even Paris By Night, he said, No, I just like Bun Bo Hue (pho gone wild) and you, Kim. That's sweet...and kinda cheesy.

(I dig it)

---> I thought I was done being sick. But, on Wednesday, I felt pretty tired and kind of achy again. All I did was go to work! Okay, and I also went running. I know. I know. Perhaps running was not the best idea. But, I thought I was well enough to exercise! Wrong. By Thursday, I lost my voice and my throat hurt like a bitch. Yikes.

---> I have not set foot in a mall or store to buy Christmas presents. My family is doing something different this year. So, I'm not buying a present for any one family member in particular. All I need is one unisex gift. I think my sister said it had to be practical. Easy peasy and done. Do you exchange gifts with friends for Christmas? I don't. Since we all have pretty busy lives, we just like to spend time together during the holidays. Enjoy each other's company and friendship. Best kind of gift, if you ask me.

Dear personal friends, if you receive a call and you hear someone whispering on the other end. It's me. My voice is shot. When I do talk, my voice is really raspy. I called one of my guy friends and he thought someone else was using my phone.

Kim, you actual sound sexy.

Uh, thanks? I don't feel sexy. And, I just coughed up my lung. Excuse me, I need to go drink a gallon of water.

See ya guys.

Be safe!

Awkward Lives On

2011-12-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've been catching up with friends these past two weeks and all the stories we've been sharing bring back so many memories.

Love it!

Here are some of my favorite stories/memories:

---> In college, I went to a house party at San Diego State University. Should be "enough said", right? It's not. I met some guy there. I think his name was Brian or Brad. Whatever. Started with a "B". He knew one of my friends. We bonded. Then, we hooked up in his dorm room. Since I was still in my "I'm a huge tease" phase, we only messed around and made out. Well, after that night, I thought I would never see "B" again. Right...I saw him a few years later at a coffee place. When I saw "B", I thought he looked familiar but didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later, he came up to me and asked if my name was Kim. Instead of saying "yes", I panicked. I told him no. The friend I was with looked at me. "B" apologized and said I looked like someone he met once. Okay, so good end point to the conversation, right? Wrong. Why did I tell him I had a twin? He asked if my twin's name was Kim. No, it's not. WTF Kim? 'Til this day my girl friend does not let me forget that conversation.

--> I adore my friend, Mike. He is a good father and my nephew is the most awesome kid. Years ago, I knew Mike and I were meant to be life long friends when he asked me to come with him to meet some Vietnamese girl before attending a Tet Festival. Whaaa? Apparently, he had been talking to this girl for awhile and she just came from Vietnam. Right...I had no idea where we were in Orange County. She barely spoke English and she gave him a CD full of Vietnamese music. I stood back a little. Let him have his moment. My friend probably already knows this but for the rest of his life, he owes me egg rolls for that random outing.

--> You know my friend with the crazy girlfriend? Well, his name is Ryan. We met seven years ago at another friend's birthday party. As the night went on, he got shit faced drunk. So drunk he thought getting completely naked and jumping in the pool was a good idea. Of course, he didn't want to do it alone. So, he tried to drag other female friends in the pool with him. The other ladies were smart. They ran into the house. I wasn't fast enough. He picked me up and jumped into the pool with me over his shoulder. He was naked and laughing. I was soaked and angry. I got out of the pool, screamed at him to never speak to me again and slammed the door as I went inside. Yeah, I slammed it so hard, I shattered some of the glass. Well, well, well. Perhaps his girlfriend isn't the only crazy one.

--> Once, one of my friends asked if I would go with her to meet some guy at Denny's. She met him online and he wanted to meet up with her. It was kind of spur of the moment. Luckily, I wasn't busy (wish I was). So, I picked her up, we headed down to Denny's and sat. While we sat and waited, the guy texted her. She texted him back. They continued texting for the next hour. He was supposed to show up an hour before. I asked her if there was an issue. She didn't really have an answer for me. They continued to text, text and text some more. Eventually, she asked him what was going on. He said he was still waiting for his cousin or some shit like that. Excuse me? Earlier, he told her the time and location. I wanted to leave. Deal breaker. Gone. Done. Bye. Uhhh, not my friend though. She was mad at him but she wanted to wait. It infuriated me! But, I couldn't leave her. So, we sat...and sat...and sat. Five hours and plate of cheese fries later, we left. My friend admits now that was a pretty low point in her dating career. Thank you...

...says the woman who lied about her name and having a twin.

Good times.

Where Is The Love?

2011-12-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

Cheaters and Haters

Sorry kim, crazy chick is right. A guy will hook up with his lady friends. It doesnt matter if he has a gf.

It matters to me.

If this is the majority, then my heart breaks. There is huge lack of integrity and respect among friends and partners. I'm not against friends taking their friendship to an intimate level but both people need to be uncommitted.

Call me crazy, I guess.

kim i mess with chicks behind my girl back all the time. what my girl doesn't know what hurt her.

I don't know how you do it.

At the end of each day, I wouldn't be able to look at myself.

I'm not insecure you lame bitch. Women need to keep an eye on their men or sluts like you will steal them away. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, Kim.

I knew I was going to get shit for labeling you insecure last week.

Question for you: Don't you find it exhausting to constantly worry about your boyfriend cheating on you? Wouldn't you like to be with someone you don't have to "keep an eye on"? Someone trustworthy.

I think everyone deserves that...yes?

Raising Kids

You should not pretend to drink out of your nephew's sippy cup. He will think it is okay for grown men and women to drink out of children's cups.

I appreciate your concern. However, I don't think my nephew will ever think this. Since he is just developing in his communication skills, he can't fully communicate his own opinions yet. So, if I may speak for him, I think my nephew saw my drinking out of his cup as sharing. He laughed because it gave him joy...to share...with his awesome aunt.

Sharing is caring.

Kim, I sincerely hope your friend stopped breast feeding after four months. It's disgusting when a mother continues to breast feed past the age they are supposed to stop.

I'm not a mother. So, I don't know the exact timeline for breast feeding. My friend does though and like many mothers, I'm confident she does what is best for her child. She is a great mom and my nephew is a healthy little guy.

Random

Hey kim, I'm gonna cover my junk in chocolate for you.

Ooooo, Happy Holidays.

(Please don't)

my cum will cure your sore throat kim.

I think I'll stick to Robitussin. I hear it works much better.

Kim, were you really going to buy that foil shirt? Ha!

Uh, nooo...

Yes.

Look at it.

So many uses!

Awesome x 1,000.

Say It Ain't So

2011-12-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I watched a Jersey Shore marathon*.

Yeah, yeah.

Leave your judgment outside the smoosh room.

Okay, so I know JS is watched by a lot of teenagers (and adult women who want to watch trashy TV). During the marathon, there was one conversation between Sammy and Ronnie that really bothered me. Well, there were plenty other irritating conversations between the two of them but this one struck me.

After a heated exchange, Sammy danced with another guy at a club out of spite. Ronnie was there. Apparently, the two of them were broken up again. He felt she disrespected him by dancing with another guy in front of him. So, he went home and destroyed all her stuff.

When Sammy confronted him about it, he bitched her out. He called her a "fucking idiot" and screamed in her face. She brought up his cheating and how she didn't react immaturely when she found out. She didn't destroy his personal belongings.

"Yeah Sammy but I had enough respect for you not to do it in front of your face..."

He continued screaming and called her names.

Right.

Young ladies, I want you to know something about Ronnie and Sammy's conversation. This is not how a man speaks to you. He does not call you names (same applies to a lady). He does not scream in your face (also applies to a lady). If a person truly respects you, they do not do this.

Also, when someone cheats on you, they are disregarding your commitment. They are being dishonest. The "I did it in front of your face" does not absolve them of any wrong doing. Another thing to keep in mind--their cheating is not your fault, no matter how much they try to place blame on you.

Do not excuse their behavior.

Okay, this is my PSA for the day.

Take it with you or leave it here.

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Here was the rest of my weekend:

--> I battled a major sore throat and lost my voice over the weekend. I didn't want to sound like a big baby. So, I didn't mentioned it over the weekend in my posts. Seriously, low energy and aches...everywhere. Wahhh.

--> On Saturday morning, I received a call from my friend with the crazy girlfriend. Saga continues. He told me she pushed one of our friends into a china cabinet. The glass broke and our friend cut her arm. Oh, dear. Our friend was chit chatting with my guy friend and his girlfriend got furious. She thought they were flirting because they were laughing. Um, our friend was telling my guy friend about her husband's first attempt at driving a quad in the desert. Right. You know how sometimes things go from just irritating to terrible to really really terrible...it becomes ridiculous? You don't know what to do but laugh. Yeah, that's how I felt after I listened to my friend's recount of the event. In all seriousness, my friend's girlfriend needs to deal with her insecurities and anger. More people are going to get hurt. Surprisingly, I'm not frustrated by the girlfriend. I'm irritated with my guy friend. He can't control her behavior but he can control how he responds to it.

--> On a more positive note, I went to another friend's holiday party on Friday. I felt bad after I left. I was really phoning it in during the party. I was not feeling too great and my back hurt. I did manage to be social and talk to a few people. Most folks were nice, especially my friend's friend Rory. Nice and personable guy. He reminded me of a cute Rivers Cuomo. You know, the lead singer from Weezer. There was one guy who was a bit standoffish. Maybe he doesn't like talking to people he doesn't know. Not really sure. Oh, first impressions. His name is not Jonas.

(I'm such a dork and my favorite Weezer album is the blue one)

One more thing...I finally gave my nephew Miz Broccoli.

He threw it on the ground.

I thought he liked broccoli...!

Later, he gave me a peace offering.

He laughed when I pretended to drink the milk.

A drop landed in mouth.

Yoojin, you stopped serving him breast milk at six months, right?

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This is going to be a slow week at work.

I have to get back to cleaning my inbox now.

Snooze.

I'll see ya.

*I know a lot of people hate Jersey Shore but I find it entertaining. Sometimes I want to zone out and not think about anything. Give me something mind-numbing. Jersey Shore delivers.

A Few Words

2011-12-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

I like garland Santa.

Real-person Santa gives me the creeps.

(Shudder)

I also found my New Year's Eve top.

Before I rock it at da club, I'm going to use it to cover the baked goods I'm bringing to a friend's cookie swap.

(I almost bought the shirt)

Postcards from everywhere.

Seriously, there were at least twenty more of these boxes full of postcards at the antique store. Someone really, really liked postcards...

Not me.

I'm more a whoopie-pie-kind-of-girl.

...and puffy clouds.

I like puffy clouds.

I don't see any familiar shapes in the clouds.

You?

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I'm currently enjoying a cup of tea, some gingerbread and watching the Chargers kick Raven ass.

Yeah, you're surprised too?

I haven't been paying much attention...did they fire the head coach? Is that why the Chargers are winning? Oh, the announcers just used the phrase "nick and dime" defense. I took a time out (get it?) and called a guy friend to ask what that was.

Me: "Hey, what is a nick and dime defense?"

Friend: "Do you want the short or the long?"

Me: "Short."

My friend launches into an explanation. He mentions something about five players and six players. Something about rounding up. Like, in math? Hmm, maybe I heard him wrong. He continues on. Talks about defensive plays, blah, blah, blah, blah...blah.

Did I not say I wanted the short version?

(Narrow eyes at no one)

Go. Chargers.

3 Things

2011-12-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

{Warm and Cozy}

I bought this scarf at a store in New York.

It's thick, cozy, big and really, really warm. Seriously, it's like a blanket for your neck. I debated purchasing it because it doesn't get that cold in Southern California. I mean, 65-70 degrees in December in San Diego...?

Puh-lease.

I get why this scarf would sell in a city like New York. There was not even snow on the ground and the temperature was down in the low 20s. A few years back, I went to Washington DC in early March. It was so cold I could barely feel my toes. This has never happened in So Cal.

To myself at the store in NYC: I'm never going to wear this unless I go to the mountains. It's really cute though. Well, I love the mountains. I go there*. Oh, I like the color. I'll go to the mountains, I'm sure...

I'm wearing the scarf this morning.

I'm not going to the mountains today.

What?

It's cute!

And, I like the color...

{Toy Assembly}

I'm almost done.

To my close friends, if I ever decide to move to the North Pole and become an elf so I can put together toys for Christmas, remind me of my nephew's bike/rocking horse.

Please and thank you.

You see, putting together the toy is not complicated. Hello, anyone can look at drawings of bean shaped toys on instructions. Right? It's just frustrating when a piece of the toy does not cooperate. Then, you spend hours trying to make it work.

I blame diapers. com.

Obviously, it's not me.

Obviously.

{Better Choices}

I wanted to eat this for breakfast...

Chocolate-covered corn flakes.

(The holiday sprinkles tried to woo me)

However, I knew candy for breakfast was not the best choice.

So, I had this instead.

One or two pieces of the chocolate-covered cornflakes may or may not have made it into the cereal bowl.

I had a banana!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I must finish some assignments for work before I meet a friend for brunch. I hope he surprises me and brings his boyfriend. I love spending time with my friend but I love it more when he and his boyfriend hang out with me together.

They bring the LOLs...and TMI...and the FAB.

Okay, I'm done.

Have a good day!

*I head up to the mountains but only in the late spring, summer or early fall. Good hiking seasons.

Recap: Spreading Cheer

2011-12-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

California mornings, New York breakfast.

Since returning from my vacation, I've been eating bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese every morning...while reading the LA Times...

And...watching Good Day LA.

Oh yeah.
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Here was my week:

---> As my personal friends know, I'm not a big phone person. I would much rather meet up and chat for hours face-to-face. Mmmkay, so why did I spend an hour and a half chatting with BBQ Guy on the phone? Don't say anything. I have an answer. It's because I'm awesome...and he likes me or something like that. Do ya blame him? (What, what) Actually, we caught up on life and had a heated discussion about social programs, and Gingrich vs Romney. Oh yes, very sexy topics. If my memory serves me right, at some point, we also talked about Star Wars. Random.

---> If you've been reading, thank you for checking in with me while I was on vacation. If you've been doing other things and not reading my blog, I went to New York City. Uh huh...and what has been so important that you've been neglecting me? Hmm? I'll give you a chance to catch up.

NYC: Hello Old Friend

NYC: Connection

NYC: Making Our Way Around

NYC: Reflection

--> On Wednesday, I had a day off work. I came back from NYC on Tuesday night but I really wanted an extra day off to relax, do some laundry and run a few errands. I definitely did the first two things. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get to my errands until later that night. I changed my Internet/cable provider to AT&T. The cable guy told me the work would take an hour. He started at 10:00am. Right...he didn't finish until close to 5:30pm. Apparently, there was some issue with some wiring. He explained it to me. After he finished, I told him I didn't understand the technical stuff. He would have to show me. He just stood there and looked at me. Then, he went back to doing his work without saying anything. Uh, what did I do?

---> While doing some holiday baking and prepping for parties, I attempted to put together my nephew's Christmas present. First, I went in search of tools*. No success. Then, I contemplated whether or not two forks would work as a "wrench". They can't. So, I admitted defeat and made a note to return to toy assembly on Friday (today). Ahhhhh!

By the way, what's up with the pictures on the instructions?

Yeah, looks simple...cross your fingers I don't have a brain fart. Whatever. Aunt-a Claus will deliver his gift before Christmas. My nephew is not waiting around for it anyways.

He's too busy being gangsta elf...

Puh-eace...on earth and greetings from the North Pole.

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My office is having a holiday party this afternoon.

I should get my ass in gear before one of the secretaries comes by my office and ~~gets all bossy and mean about congregating in the conference room~~ ~~on time~~ spreads holiday cheer.

Okay, okay. Yes, I'm coming to the holiday party. Damn you, bitch!

Fa-la-la-la-la-La-la-la-la.

*I found tools for the toy buried under the packing slip. Doh!

It Appears So

2011-12-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

Crazy Girlfriends

Your friend must have cheated on his girlfriend for her to freak out so much.

Maybe, maybe not. If he has, that issue is between the two of them. No matter their situation, I think "freaking out" means you don't trust someone.

Plain and simple.

Work it out or break it off.

hey kim, i knew it your friend's girl is asian. you viet chicks are fucking wacko.

She's Chinese.

It doesn't matter though. Regardless of her ethnicity, you still think Vietnamese women are crazy.

Bad experience?

Every man cheats and women steal boyfriends. I tottally get why she keeps an eye on his women friends. She is not crazy, Kim. She is smart.

I'm going to get shit for this but whatever...I'm going to say it.

I think you are generalizing. Also, I think my friend's girlfriend is not smart about her approach. I believe she is insecure. And, I've told her this. I don't know you, obviously, but I feel you may be insecure as well. Otherwise, you wouldn't make such a statement and feel women need to keep tabs on their boyfriends.

NYC

Where did you guys stay in New York?

My sisters and I stayed at the Salisbury hotel on 57th between 6th and 7th avenue. We had a one bedroom suite. The hotel is owned by the church next door. Everyone is really nice, the rooms are spacious (like CA hotels) and although the decor is a bit dated, the place is very clean. Good for families. Every room has a fridge and microwave. There are two subway stations on each corner. We were two blocks from Central Park and more importantly, four blocks from the Halal truck.

OMG!! Kim, Locanda verde one of the restaurants I want to try when I visit New York!

Do it.

Before we went to the restaurant, I thought it was going to be a fancy place. My sister and her boyfriend went there a couple years ago with her old Chef and the editor of Food and Wine magazine.

I was pleasantly surprised.

The place was trendy but it was also laid back. Casual. The prices are reasonable too. It came out to about $50 per person (beers, appetizer, entrees, dessert).

One of the best meals I had during my vacation.

What did Robert Deniro look like in person???

He is short and surprisingly, very, very good looking.

I'm not saying he's an ugly man.

It's probably the characters he plays in movies but he looks a bit rough sometimes. Have you seen Meet the Parents? Wait, even better example, Righteous Kill? Rough with a capital "R".

He was pretty sexy in The Godfather though. I think it had to do with him playing a younger powerful Vito. He was still a bit rough but in the "I'm the head of a notorious crime family" way. Not in physical appearance. He was a lot younger too.

Basically, he is a handsome devil.

He's aging well.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to work time for me.

I have a lot of e-mails and requests to sift through.

See you tomorrow!

NYC: Reflection

2011-12-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

The security man at the entrance told everyone in line not to put away our passes. He was the first of many pass checkrs. O' rly?? When I heard the announcement, I believed him but I thought he was exaggerating for effect. You know when people say things like, "Oh, I've seen that movie a million times..." but they've actually seen it only ten or twelve times (that's still a lot, right?).

I thought that's what the security man was doing when he warned us.

He wasn't exaggerating.

There are many, many checkpoints...and you have to go through security. Think airport style. After security, they will check your pass again. One or two more times. They aren't messing around, folks. I totally understand though. It comes with the territory and unfortunately, the sign of our times.

If any of you decide to pay your respects or just visit the memorial, make sure you make reservations online. There is a line blocks deep for individuals with no reservations. For those who have them, either go inside the building to pick up your passes or bring your printed passes to the entrance of the site. We had reservations and it took us 45 minutes to get into the site.

Imagine if we didn't reserve a time slot...

Even though it warmed up a bit yesterday, it was pretty chilly outside. Also, standing near the gigantic tribute fountains made it a little cooler.

No big deal.

Just cold.

My sisters and I didn't spend a lot of time at the memorial site. We split up and went to pay our respects in our own ways. I can't speak for my sisters but after all these years, I'm still pretty emotional about what happened. The site is saturated with sadness and heartbreak. Probably a big reason why I couldn't photograph the entire fountain. Both of them.

I just took a couple of pictures of the construction around the memorial.

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Here was the rest of my day yesterday:

Breakfast.

French toast with raisins, nuts and cinnamon.

One of my favorite areas of town.

About town...

Last meal in the city.

Prawns.

Wild Boar Ragu.

Apple tart with goat cheese ice cream.

Delizioso.

I recommend this restaurant.

Simple. Tribeca. Amazing.

Oh, and Robert De Niro was sitting at a table right behind us. Sorry, no picture. Gotta keep it classy, you know? Hey, don't you see him driving around in a taxi in the city anyways?

Oh wait, that was back in the seventies.

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I'm going going, back back, to Cali Cali...

To my friends who want to hit me up, I'm back in da hood tonight around 5pm.

I know you've missed me.

Please try to contain yourself.

I leave you with this message from a sign I saw in the subway.

NYC: Making Our Way Around

2011-12-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

Last night, I looked up the weather for today and it said it would be warmer. A high of 46 degrees. I've only been here a few days, and compared to 23 degrees with wind chill, the rise in temperature is a big change.

It's like saying it's going to be sunny and a comfortable 70 degrees in Los Angeles.

Uh, yeah.

Having said this, if I had a choice between cold or hot, I will always choose cold. You can peel layers off. When it's hot, you are just miserable (cough, Vietnam). Add humidity and someone give me a kiddie pool. I want to sit in it all day. Replenish with cold water every half hour.

Uh, yeah!

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It's an early morning for me again.

My sisters are stirring and getting ready. Actually, one sister is up and the other is knocked the hell out. She came home late last night from hanging out with a couple of friends. One of her friends is visiting the city himself (from here but moved away) and her other friend lives in Harlem. I believe she meet both of them during her three years in Vietnam. My sister, Trang and I were supposed to meet them but everything got moved around. So, we went and did our own thing. Trang was a little worried about Chi taking the subway home by herself late at night. Or, that she would not find her way back to the hotel.

I reminded Trang that our dear sister lived abroad for three years in a third world country...and travelled to a few other countries...by herself. No travel companions.

(Yep, I think she's got this...)

Now, our day travels on Sunday:

It was pretty intense.

Road closures: I like the city's style.

Done and done.

Really hot apple cider.

A welcomed treat on a cold afternoon.

Crab toast with lemon aoili and chicken liver toast at ABC Kitchen.

Oh, pretty holiday stocking.

But, not for $105.00!

I'd rather hang a colostomy bag.

I don't know why I would hang one and where I would get it but whatever.

My sister and I went to a dish store called Fishs Eddy.

I saw a couple of things I wanted to get my friends for Christmas.

A spoon chandelier for my nephew's mother and father.

Oh, you can't wrap this up? It's a fixture for the store. I see...

Dinner and beers at Momofuku Ssam Bar.

Night cardio.

Lots of stairs.

And...we trek on.

See you tomorrow!

NYC: Connection

2011-12-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's early Sunday morning here in New York.

The sun is barely making its way up. My sisters are still asleep. Since I'm a morning person, I got up, showered and walked a couple blocks to a Starbucks.

I went to the same one yesterday morning.

I like the homeless man who sits outside. He has been there both mornings in a row. I chatted with him a bit before going inside. He told me he likes this Starbucks (56th and 6th Ave). He says there are always nice people coming through the place.

Very kind man.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My sisters and I had a full day yesterday.

We spent a lot of time exploring. Lots of walking and lots of subway riding. I love the subway. Once you get the hang of it, the subway is pretty easy to navigate. When I first came to New York years ago, I had my trusty street map. It had all the subway lines and streets in detail. I got my money's worth using that map. My last few trips to New York, I still used it (or a new version). However, each time, I depended on it less and less.

I did not bring it this time.

(Smile)

I think I've mentioned this before but every time I come to New York, I grow more and more in love with it. The moment my foot hits the streets, I feel like I belong here. Hopefully this makes sense but I feel a sense of connection with the city. Like, we are a perfect fit. I feel comfortable...in my element.

Each time my vacations in New York ended, I would be really sad. Of course, I looked forward to seeing my friends and family. They are important to me. California is my home because they are there.

But, I can't help but feel a little sadness.

A twinge in my heart.

Even as I write about it now, the longing to be here overwhelms me. I feel bad about it. I don't think my family could handle another family member moving far away. My sister's inevitable return to Vietnam is something we don't want to think about but like I said, it makes her happy.

So, we are happy.

Hmm, I guess if I ever worked up the courage to move away from my family and friends, my family would feel the same way about my move as they do my sister's.

We'll see.

(Before I forget, to all my readers who took the time to read what I just wrote, thank you for listening. I don't know all of you but I appreciate that you read my words. I like to keep it real on here. So glad you stick around; good, bad, emotional, funny, awkward, obsessive, neurotic...that's me and my life. So, thanks)

My Saturday:

There was a Santa bar crawl going on yesterday.

I tried to get a picture of some of them.

Better ones.

My sister wanted to see the Statue of Liberty but didn't want to deal with the crowds down at Battery Park.

So, we took a two hour boat tour that only goes by the statue.

Lunch.

A walk ~~through old train tracks~~ in a park.

Going to the market.

Chairman Bao at Baohaus.

(Pork belly)

Dark and blurry (and really, really cold) night.

Dinner at Fatty Crab.

Milk and cookies before bed.

Slept like a baby...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm going to wrap things up and meet my sisters.

We are heading to Chinatown this morning for dim sum and loud Asian people. Yesssss. More exploring is on today's agenda as well.

Have a great Sunday!