Parents

My mom snaps away with her camera phone, uses phrases like "for reals?", rocks out to contemporary music, and even wears Vans. My dad uses an MP3 player and portable DVD on a daily basis, and has more style than George Clooney. Both of my parents are computer literate and e-mail savvy. Case in point: They are very (very!) Americanized immigrants. Afterall, what choice do you have after living in California for more than 20 years (the southern end at that).

But sometimes, like today, they say things that remind me of the fact that English is their second language.

Mom: I want to help them [the old people] reh-mee-niece.
Me: Reh-mi-niss.
Mom: Reh-mee-niece.
Me: No mom, reh-mi-niss.
Mom: Reh-mee-niece.
Me: You're still saying it wrong. Reh-mi-niss.
Mom: Reh-mi-niss.
Me: Yay, you said it right.
Brother: What are you guys doing?
Mom: Reh-mee-niece.

And then later on in the evening.

Me: Goodnight dad!
Dad: Goodnight anak. Did you watch that DVD I gave you?
Me: No, I had my nose stuck in a book all day.
Dad: You're like me, you love to read.
Me: Yep.
Dad: But there's never enough time. Essence is the time.
Me: You mean, "Time is off the essence."
Dad: (laughter) You're right.

Oh I love them.

I still remember the time my mom came home from work showing off the new things her (much younger and male) coworker taught her. She came home and yelled, "Fifty dollars makes you holla!" I was mortified. Still am.

SKYDIVING

Jump out of a plane? Check! There really are no words. No words. Great friends, no fear, lots of eye candy, and another dream lived. Seriously, one of the best/smartest things I've ever done in my entire life.

Click the pics to enlarge. And if I ever figure out how to get the DVD of my jump onto the mac, I promise to share! My videographer was amazing.


Photo: The gang (less Lucas)


Photo: Ricardo and I during training!


Photo: Lisa and the new guy Mike.


Photo: Seriously, Ricardo takes the best pictures.


Photo: Christian (left) was so adorable. Hot. Spicy. Australian.


Photo: Ready to board the plane!


Photo: This is my "are you taking a picture?" face.


Photo: Bye Lisa!


Photo: Weee! Meee!


Photo: Dug and I free falling!


Photo: Yeah, my face says it all.


Photo: I don't care that I'm fug in this pic, it's my favorite!


Photo: The harness did weird things to Albert.


Photo: Corny high five.


Photo: All of us! Thanks for taking pics Allison!

SYTYCD Spoof

Since its debut in 2005, So You Think You Can Dance has been my summer must-see! The dancers keep getting better and stronger with every new season. Below is a video of my fave Mia Michaels routine to date (to the song Elisa - Dancing). The first video is the original routine performed on the show (that Kameron Bink is one hottie with a body), and the second is a spoof that had me nearly peeing in my pants. You have to watch the first vid to get the second vid. Sooo funny!

Keri Russell

What was once a glowing mom-to-be (and the cutest, most stylish pregnant woman ever) is now a stylin' mommy! Seriously, is she that skinny? So damn cute, this one.


Photo: Ugh. Adorable!


Photo: Baby chic.

Work/Life Update

Home from another Saturday worked. But not before I did the unthinkable.

I called my boss into his office yesterday afternoon and shut the door behind me. I explained that by the year's end, I would no longer be there. That I was ready for a new adventure - somewhere far from here. Somewhere where my skill sets could grow, outside of this department, but still within the company. His response? Completely supportive. He started with, "That makes me sad, but I won't hold you back from a job that will make you happy." I became increasingly overwhelmed and sad at the thought of leaving my team, and explained that "my plans are all tentative" and that I needed his referral in order to support a transfer request. He stated he'd help in any way he could, that I was too valuable to let walk away, and that he'll start networking for open positions this Monday. Great guy, my boss.

I'm almost excited, but don't want to get my hopes up for anything. I browse our job postings every week, and there has yet to be a position in a city I'd be willing to live in. Fingers crossed. Hopefully I'll find a new position by December.

Update: Here I am feeling all sentimental about my coworkers. Here are some pics from June - we all decided to wear red, white, and blue for flag day (Katie's Birthday). Man, these guys are awesome.


Photo: 1/3 or so of my department (Fire Company)


Photo: I switched cubicles in January to sit closer to these two.


Photo: Chinese/Jewish Daniel, my mentee. Look at my plant!


Photo: Damion. Inside joke.

Harry Potter Revisited

I seriously cannot get enough.

In the past month, I've watched Harry Potter's 1 through 4, a whopping 8 times (each of them twice). Sick, I know this - but I'm seriously addicted. Not only is every single story line pure genius in its own right, but the thought behind the fine details of every movie is mind-numbingly out of control.

Probably going to see Harry Potter & OOTP again this weekend. Harry and Ron are just so delicious.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Updated 07/22/2007 7:36pm:
Here I am, eating my words. I took my four (slightly younger) cousins to go see Harry Potter (again) last night. I loved it twice as much as when I first saw it. When I went to see it opening night, I was so hyped up... but I actually had the opportunity to settle down a bit the second time around, and the experience was twice as brilliant. It's definitely my second favorite Harry Potter film (after The Goblet of Fire) - but I'm still sticking to my likes and dislikes below. And by the way, I bought the new book on opening day as well. I can't wait to start it!

Updated 07/18/2007 11:02PM:
In response to Kevin's recent blog entry: I thought that this movie was very good. Just because I didn't think it was the best of the five - does not take away from the fact that this installment was brilliant in its own right. While I concede that the darker tone and undertaking of the film was quite necessary and age appropriate with respect to the characters... I missed the perky magic tricks (Wingardium levi-oh-sa! Not levio-saw!) and fantasy-inspired scenery (Diagon Alley, for example). But I still loved it!

What I loved? 1. The storyline was brilliant. The actress who played Dolores Umbridge suited the part to a tee. From her mannerisms to her articulations, she truly made you hate her character (and the color pink). 2. The special effects have improved dramatically since the first movie. Rewind and watch the quidditch game in the Sorcerer's Stone, and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. 3. I especially loved the concept of the "Order of the Phoenix Headquarters" - especially since the exterior looked exactly like the flat I used to live in! So dope. 4. While I didn't like the vision they had for the location of the Ministry of Magic (the exterior was a bit dull), I've got to admit that their elevator was pretty damn rad. As was the courtroom and crystal ball storage room. 5. Harry Potter makes out with an Asian chick. But I've already mentioned that. Oh they'd have the cutest babies.

What I thought was just 'okay'? I suppose I wanted more time for the storyline to expand. For example, what cave did Luna Lovegood crawl out of? Her character (though charming) drew somewhat of a blank. Will she serve a bigger purpose in the last two books? I'll have to wait and see (I just started the Half Blood Prince). I also wanted more time to learn the purpose served by Bellatrix Lestrange - other than to kill Sirius Black. Which, by the way, they needed to give Harry (and myself) more time to grieve over his death! I think they got a bit carried away with introducing a multitude of characters (like the "gang" from the Order of the Phoenix), and didn't give us/me time to understand wtf was going on. I also would have liked more time to understand what purpose Voldemort had in obtaining Harry's crystal ball prophecy. Maybe I'm missing something? Anyway, if they were to extend the run-time, I seriously would not mind sitting in there for 4-5 hours watching it all over again (with added scenes).

Original Post 07/11/07 7:55PM:
It was good - but it wasn't as good as the first four. I can't exactly pin-point what it was missing - but it definitely did not have that Harry Potter quality about it. There was no "attention to detail" (so to speak) when it came to the fun/magical elements that made its predecessors so enchanting. They tried too hard to mature the plot, scenery, and Harry himself! Harry Potter isn't supposed to make out with girls! But since he did, at least she was Asian. So, final verdict? Good overall (and worth seeing on opening night), but my least favorite of the bunch. Cross your fingers for a mind-blowing 6th installment.

Too Much?

I can't seem to pin-point exactly what it is...

I guess I have a lot going on right now. My responsibilities in life continue to grow and expand, the empty pink boxes of my day planner seem to fill long before I can foresee a specific date, and work continues to be stressful and never-ending. Needless to say, I'm overwhelmed; and if I were to share my list of "shit that needs to get done this summer" - well, you'd probably call me crazy/impractical.

For some peace, I set aside one weekend per month - to detox. To schedule nothing, to respond to no one, to worry about diddly freakin squat. This weekend was my detox weekend, and yet, the knots that Maria (my masseuse) worked out on my back have resurfaced...

Life's a bit hectic/crazy/exciting right now - and I really want to stick my head above the water for a nice clean breath of fresh air.

Inhale. Exhale.

Classy

Photo: The lovely Miss Hathaway

More Reasons Why Britain Rules

So much goodness going down in the British pop culture scene!

An end of an era in Britain it is! Tony Blair (a dashing, dashing man) steps down as Britain's Prime Minister, making way for the newly appointed (and far less dashing) Gordon Brown. David Beckham says 'adios' to Real Madrid, and promises to change the outlook on soccer/football in the states. Meanwhile, wife Victoria Beckham sets to embark on an 11 city reunion tour with the Spice Girls (like, who doesn't have "Wannabe" on their iPod?). Princes William and Harry host a successful charity concert in memory of their late mother, Diana Spencer, former Princess of Wales. Prince William and Kate Middleton keep us guessing: will there be a reconciliation or not? In even bigger news, when the heck did Harry become hotter than Will? Speaking of sexy Harry's, the new Harry Potter film will debut in less than two weeks! It's going to be the highlight of my July! I've readied myself by watching all 4 preceding Potter flicks during the month of June. I don't want to miss one single detail! And wow, that Hermione has sure grown into a little hottie. Click here for a spoiler!

Carrie in Italy

Working at the campus International Services Center was a huge blessing for me in 2005. Not only did I love my job, but I was blessed with an amazing (and very small) network of colleagues. Every now and then, I'll receive periodical e-mails from a former coworker, Carrie, who is 4 years my senior, and quite possibly one of the kindest persons I've ever come to know. She studied abroad in Sienna, Italy during her undergrad studies at UCSB, and after graduating university in 2001, she found herself stuck in slump of substitute teaching and counseling gigs. She knew she wanted to return to Italy through a grad school program; and just a few short months later, she was boarding a plane to Syracuse, NY to begin her MA degree. She went on to school and work in Italy, and after being there for over one year, she sent out her much looked-forward to e-mail update. The way she writes is quite poetic, novelistic almost - and just reading about her adventures makes my eyes tear in longing.

I encourage you to read my favorite parts of her e-mail below. Especially for those of you who need some sort of encouragement. It's rather long... so use your imagination.

One day, I'll be back in Europe. Just you wait and see. *Deep breath*

[...] I feel that I should continue where I left off last time. I had just returned to Florence to begin work as a TA at Syracuse University. I began teaching two sections of an art history class on "Masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance" and sat in on an upper-level course on Michelangelo that I hoped to TA for in the fall. Being a TA was really an incredible experience, because each week I (along with fellow TA Anne) lectured on-site...meaning that we never lectured in a classroom. We met students at different locations around the city in front of the paintings, sculptures, and buildings that they were learning about. This was absolutely amazing. We also took students on a few overnight trips to other Italian cities (Rome, Mantua, Padua, Urbino, San Sepolcro, Monterchi, Arezzo, and Rimini) during which I lectured. It was wonderful getting to know our students and working with them was such a rewarding experience. We connected much more personally, because they were learning and navigating their way through a foreign country. I felt like TA/tour guide/translator/surrogate family to many of them. At the end of the semester when academic and volunteer awards were given at a ceremony, I was there in the audience cheering and waving like a proud parent.

[...]

Before I knew it, spring had sprung. Paola and I thought it was best to flee the mainland and head to Sardegna, an island just to the west of the mainland. It is actually commonly called "Barcelonetta" or "Little Barcelona," indicating the strong Spanish influence on this Italian island. As the photos will corroborate, we enjoyed tapas and sangria, saw Spanish-style buildings, and tried to cope with the unique local dialect. We spent five nights in the city of Alghero and traveled by bus to Sassari and Bosa. From Alghero we took a guided boat tour to Le Grotte di Nettuno (60 million year-old) caves. The hosts of our B&B also took us to a beautiful nature reserve that culminated at the edge of a spectacular cliff. The weather in Sardegna was thankfully warmer than on the mainland, but of course our final day on the island was the nicest. We returned to Florence relaxed and tan, ready to brave the second half of the semester. The semester progressed as normal and then we fled Florence again in early April...only this time to France and for work. The professor that I TA for takes students in his Leonardo da Vinci course to Paris for four days with day trips to Versailles and Chartres. Two TA's come along for the ride - the TA for the Leonardo course (Paola) and another TA (Anne) who organizes the trip and brings another 30 students. I got the best end of the deal by having no responsibilities whatsoever, because I was job shadowing Anne. I will be the organizer of the trip for fall semester. Unbelievably, I will lecture at the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and Chartres Cathedral. Me? At the Louvre? Seriously? We even had some free time to ourselves, especially in the evenings, to explore and get a taste of Parisian life. I had visited Paris nearly seven years ago when I first studied abroad. Thus, I did not climb the Eiffel Tower or visit other main attractions. Instead, I visited less-frequented museums, climbed up to Sacre Coeur at midnight, and wandered quaint streets. I am truly in awe of the opportunities that Syracuse University has afforded me. The work and stress is tremendous, but I love it.

[...]

The semester finished a few weeks later, but before I could pack up and head for California I had one more trip. Every semester my professor invites a few chosen TA's on a three-day trip to Le Marche, a gorgeous region southeast of Tuscany. Anne, Paola, and I went along for the ride. This was really the first time that we had been able to see Italy by car and it was breathtaking. To be honest, I cannot remember the number of or names of the cities we visited. It was a marathon of tiny town stops. What was most refreshing about the trip was the fact that none of the stops were crowded with tourists. We could enjoy the towns for what they were without any major plans or destinations. It was a welcomed change of pace. We stayed at a lovely countryside agritourismo (sort of a country villa where they grow and serve their own food). I was fortunate to spend my birthday while on this trip and delighted in a fabulous birthday dinner at the villa's restaurant.

We returned to Florence on a Tuesday night and I still had to say some goodbyes and pack before my flight home on Thursday morning. Some of my closest friends would not be in Florence when I came back, so there were a few tearful farewells.

[...]

I will be back in California for all of August for anyone and anything I missed. I am only going to Florence for work purposes. I am ecstatic to return to the company that I worked for last summer, this time as the Associate Director. I will spend five weeks and 24-hours a day with American high school students studying abroad in Florence. First, my company is flying me to New York to visit the headquarters. I will then fly with other staff members to Florence. When the program ends, it is back to California for August, then back to Florence for fall semester in early September. I will TA for Masterpieces again, Michelangelo, and coordinate and lecture for the Paris trip.

If you could not tell, I am torn between two continents. Or, rather, I am enjoying the most of two continents and hoping that by spending concentrated time in each that I will make the right decision of where to live once fall semester ends. I wish you all a fantastic summer and hope that you know that I carry you with me on all of my journeys.

With love,
Carrie

You Again

Photo: Kurt Halsey

There's something calm, soothing, and wistful about the memories I have of him. Maybe because the time we had spent together was in a magical place, filled with castles and palaces; anti-urban landscapes that humble even the most fierce of critics. Mmmm, I can re-live the moments I spent in his presence with flawless detail. The way the weather felt against my hair, the smell of surrounding eateries… the butterflies, the sweaty palms, the eye contact.

But that was so long ago. And I feel a bit guilty that I allow his memory to resurface as often as I do. But he is my guilty pleasure. And while I hate to admit that on every full moon, my bones ache for him, the cruel and piercing reality of it all is that I love his memory more than I can ration with words. I didn't spend enough time with him to know him wholly, but who's to say that time constricts the way a love develops. It is a feeling so deep and so painful. That every second I think about him brings a heat upon my chest. It is a feeling. A feeling.

And I hate myself for loving his memory this much.

Brought To Life

Photo: Art student turns graffiti on wall into 3 dimensional art. So sick.

Wild Designs

Photo: Is this not the best bathroom ever? Urinals scare me, and these are no exception - but at least they take the edge off. I came across this pic a couple of months ago, and recently found it in my "temporary" folder. Wanted to share before I deleted it from my hard drive.


Photo: Stockholm's underground. So dope! Click here to read the accompanying article.

In My Wildest Dreams

Photo: LA in... never. Click to experience the greatness.

When Norma first showed me this pic, I was gullible enough to actually believe that some city-planning genius was actually taking this plot into action. Then I realized how absurd that sounded... and had a good laugh. Oh if only...

Milestones

I hit (not one but) two milestones yesterday! At exactly 7 a.m. on May 7th, I was given my very first speeding ticket! The good part? I didn't cry (like I always thought I would). The bad? It happened right in front of my workplace, so everyone had taken their best shot at me by 9am. They even managed to work it into our unit meeting as a 'hot topic'. Crazies. I am no longer referred to as "the kid," but rather "criminal." I'm such a bad ass.

So, although my day didn't start off at its best... it ended with a bang; because at about 7 p.m. (and after a 3-week waiting list), I was handed a set of keys to my dream car! Brand new & fully loaded!

Ironic? Perhaps. But I'd like to think of it as "God's way of keeping me in check." I've concluded that earning my first speeding violation, has and will continue to force me to drive on grandma-mode for (at least) the next 18 months. See, he was preparing me for the new car. Good lookin out big guy, good lookin out.

Anyway, It's true what the Bible says: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

LA Bound?

Doing dinner is great. It's even better when you're surrounded by a heaping of close friends, with whom you have absolutely no reservations.

Our good friend Travis (and Ivy League bloke from Harvard Law), is home for the summer - and Norma, Sandy, and I had a blast re-hashing old stories from London 2004. The best story being the time we were watching TV in our flat, to find that the boys upstairs (Travis and Mikey) had stuck their vacuum hose extension out of their window, and into ours - in the funkiest attempt to try and vacuum our carpet. Several seconds later, the hose detached and fell 4 stories down onto our lovely English garden. Or the time a soapy dish slipped out of Mikey's hand as he was doing dishes... 4 stories down onto our lovely English garden. I tell you, it's not wise to have an open window directly in front of your kitchen sink.

Anyway, our quaint patio dinner at Zip Fusion was followed by drinks at the Cha-Cha lounge. And in the early AM's, when everyone jetted off into the night sky, Norma and I went to the hood for Sopes - a place where drunk Mexican men began to harass and blow kisses at us. I even saw a roach crawl up the wall! But the Sope was delish - and time with Normatron is the best. She even played Justin Timberlake for me the entire ride back to Little Tokyo. What a good friend (and soon-to-be re-roommate).

My Best Friend's Wedding

Updated 05/24/06 10:03PM:
As promised, more photos! Do I not deliver, or what? Actually, I stole these off of Christy's MySpace... lovely lovely lovely!

Original Post 05/24/06 6:20PM:
The kind of guy who runs to your side when your car breaks down; who's never late for a dinner date and movie; who invites you to every event he plans on attending (even though he knows you'll say no); who takes you out for ice cream every time someone breaks your heart; who buys you m&m's every time he sees some; who cooks you dinner, even if he's engaged to be married; who does the dumbest, but most lovable impression of your mom; who runs to pep-boys and purchases parts for your car (without having to ask); who goes out of his way to make sure you're alright; who gets out of his car to pick you up at your door; and is simply, the only man I know who still opens the door for a woman... the one who comes to your rescue... always...

That's the kind of friend Forbey is.

And to see every one of his dreams come true... the day that Christy walked down the isle to be his wife... damn. It took my breath away. The garden ceremony was lovely... with the white fold-out chairs and gazebo on a grassy knoll. The reception was fun... we line danced and YMCA'd the night away. And Russ' best-man's toast made me weep like an infant child! He finally did it... he lived his happily ever after.

My opportunity to take pictures was limited (obviously)... but I promise to post more when the bride shares her professional photographs. Some of her ideas were flat-out original, and oh-so cute! Congrats Josh and Christy!

Happy 24th Birthday Helen

Photo: LA Food Show, Manhattan Beach


Photo: Blow!


Photo: Cat and Helen


Photo: Pubbing with one of my faves. Hey, we have no boobies!


Photo: The guys... and Ethan's the token whitey in the back.

Side note: LA Food Show was delish. Wine was great, crab cakes were pleasing to the pallet (though a wee bit overpriced), and everyone seemed to go gaga over their dishes. A definite stop for those of you who like the posh eateries... and waitresses that are dead ringers for Jessica Alba. Not even kidding. Dead ringer.

To Mommy, With Love

How to show mom you love her... when she has to work on Mother's Day.


Photo: Buffet of plantage.


Photo: Because she's not a roses kinda gal.


Photo: These flowers had the loveliest scent.


Photo: Homemade garlic pasta a'la Rowena.