December 14, 2011

December 14th, 2011

(I couldn't think of a more clever title to this post because honestly, I have no idea what I am going to blab about now)

Guess what... I'm 27 years young now!  I have never been happier in my life, and I just wanted to let you know that this year will be an amazing year... watch!

My Husband and I finally moved into our new home a few months ago.  We were on one heck of a roller coaster ride (a long one at that) on the house hunting/shopping.  We found a house that we both love and are now busy making a house a home. 

We're expecting our first child, a BOY this upcoming April.  (He may be here as early as March, but we are still shooting for an April baby)  Most Moms would know that this pregnancy is taking a toll on me and is zapping up all of my time and energy.  Free time is spent snuggled up in bed, exactly where I want to be to embrace the little wiggles and kicks of my baby boy.  Words cannot explain how much I love this little man already... I just can't wait to meet him!  Less than four months to go, sweetie!

Work has been great... I couldn't have asked for better relationships with colleagues.  I feel like we're a big ol' family, and that is so important to me when it comes to people that I will spend most of my time with.  I earned an award in the company a couple of weeks ago... my first real plaque from a job.  As you can see, I'm pretty proud of that.  Hard work really does and should/will pay off... I'm a true believer of that.

I am reminded of how blessed I am everyday.  Especially, on my birthday, of course!  My family and friends are the best that anyone could ever ask for.  I mean... who really gets 5 cakes in one day?  (My coworker brought one to the office in the morning, had another cake at lunch when the company took me out to celebrate, and was surprised by my favorite cake from my Husband at my birthday dinner where two of my girlfriends also brought separate cakes for me)  Needless to say, I will be caked out for awhile.  I know that I sound like I am bragging.  I mean, maybe I am... I am very proud to say that I am loved by wonderful people. 

I'm flying back home for the holidays in 9 days.  I can't wait to wake up and hang out with my parents, dim sum brunch with the family, sushi (cooked ones for me) dinners with my siblings, speed shopping sprees with my sisters, playtime and baking with and for my neices and nephews, and of course, slumber parties with my girlfriends just like we did 10+ years ago.  I'll be there for 8 days (10 if you include the traveling days), but that already doesn't seem like enough.  I'm definitely going to make the best out of it. 

While I'm there, my close (Washington) girlfriends are throwing me a baby shower!  I know that its so early in the game, but they insist.  Honestly, I'd take any excuse to hang out with my loved ones, so I am all game.  I just feel really guilty that they are doing so much for me... but as they say, its the things that I would do the same for them.  Its times like these when you learn who will be there for you and be genuinely happy and supportive of you during such an important time in your life.  Luckily for me, I have a couple of handfuls (both in Washington and California) that I know are the best of friends that a girl can have. 

Okay... enough bragging about how happy and grateful I am.  I seriously could probably go on forever, but I'll spare you the time.

Goodnight! :)

November 17, 2011

It's a...

BOY!!!

Its a BOY... and we are so excited to meet him in April!  We love you, Baby!!

November 3, 2011

BOY or GIRL?

Place your bets, folks!  We're finding out in a few hours!! :)

September 13, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENT!

I finally just made the announcement today...

I'm PREGNANT!!

I couldn't be happier and feel so blessed!  We're so excited to be parents and meet our little ray of sunshine!!

I've been blogging privately in a different blog but since the cat is out of the bag, I should be able to share that soon.  :)

August 8, 2011

Thankful

Lately, I have been more and more thankful for everything that I have in life.  I have a family who cares about and loves me tremendously. I have a Husband who adores me and would move the world for me. I have friends who I love and care about where the feelings are mutual. I have a roof over my head every day and night. I have a job that helps pay the bills and allows me to live comfortably. 

I can't imagine why I wouldn't love my life at the moment. 

Life, I love you.  Thank you.

August 7, 2011

The Help

I finished this book before the movie comes out (August 10th).  I seriously couldn't put it down.  I laughed and cried with the characters and it was definitely an eye opener.  I feel a bit ignorant admitting that I didn't know that things were to this extreme in Jackson, Mississippi back in the 1960's.

 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read.  I am so surprised that this is the author (Kathryn Stockett)'s first novel.  It was beautifully and well written, I thought she had at least 10 novels under her belt!

Anyway, go pick it up and read it. It will make you appreciate the days that we live in now and our living situations.  

Now, I can't wait to see the movie.  Of course, I know it will not be as good as the book (it never is), but it will be good to see.


Want to see a trailer too?  Okay fine!


July 1, 2011

Lights Out!

(I wrote this earlier and I guess I just SAVED it rather than PUBLISHED it.  Ooopsies!)

Today, I showed up at work 15 minutes earlier than I had to be.  This is my usual though, so it wasn’t really a big deal.  I had a feeling that it was going to be a busy day because there were so many cars in front of our building.  Given that there is a bank downstairs, but still, why would it be so busy at  7:45am?  The bank doesn’t open until another few hours.  Oh well… the day continues, I guess.

Got inside and learned that the powers are out.  The dark building should have been obvious, but I guess I was too distracted getting out of the car to notice at the time.  I had to take the stairs… ugh.  I haven’t walked the stairs at work since 2005… for fun!  Anyway, our floor was scary dark.  Luckily there was some light in the hallway, thanks to the little generated electricity provided.  Got to our office and two of my coworkers were already there… in the dark!  We called the boss and let him know.  He was on his way anyway.  We decided to go get some coffee at a nearby Starbucks.  Came back and the power still wasn’t back on.  Boss man sent us home and now, we are working from home.  There is not much that I can do without our server at work besides check my email and respond to any questions that our clients and contractors may have.  And with the holiday weekend, most of them are already out of the office on this Friday!  So, I shall wait.

I guess this will be a good time for me to reflect on my life and what’s been going on around me and sharing it, huh?  This would be the perfect time to do that… as I put my first load of laundry in the wash.  But first, lets see what’s on TV! 

I will be back!  HAPPY FRIDAY to you, too!!  J


June 20, 2011

Extreme Couponing!

I am seriously inspired!  I've been wanting to catch this show for weeks and finally, I was able to see a few episodes this past weekend.  People getting thousands of dollars worth of groceries for only a couple of bucks.  Some people actually MADE money with their coupons!  Its so amazing!  It really just goes to show how much a little patience and dedication can do.  


What really inspired me were the people who got tons and tons of products that they would never need all of and donated them to charities, food banks, and many others that are in need.  It was very touching.  Sure, they can seem a little bit obsessed but can you really blame them?  I can't... I commend them!  Right now, they are my heroes!  :D


I started yesterday... with the Sunday newspaper.  There were some nifty coupons in there, but definitely not enough that could save me hundreds of dollars.  If you've got any ideas, tips, or suggestions, please send them my way!


This is going to be so much fun!!  

June 17, 2011

When my horoscope is RIGHT on the DOT!


“You are doing a lot of deep thinking now, but you might decide not to go public with your thoughts. Nevertheless, you may come across as if your emotions aren't very important when you talk about them in a detached manner. Ironically, you may believe that changes are occurring, even if nothing happens. Be courageous and find your voice. Take a risk and express what's really in your heart.”


HOW FITTING AND RIGHT ON THE DOT!?!


The other day, I was talking to Sandy and she suggested that I continue to blog some more… like I used to before. My answer? Well, just read my horoscope above! That is exactly what is going on with me and in my mind.
 Its true… I AM a Sagittarius!


June 14, 2011

Last Friday Night

I love Katy Perry! She seems like a fun loving girl… and I truly believe that we can be friends one day! HAHA… and I am obsessed with her beauty! Even when she TRIES to be ugly, she is still gorgeous!



Last Friday Night – Katy Perry

June 13, 2011

Weekend, I LOVE YOU!

I love my weekends and lately, these two days are more precious than ever. Unfortunately, the time just speeds on by and it is wayyyyyy too short for me. I really think that weekends should be three days long. How are you supposed to work hard and play even harder when play time is less than half the time as work time? Hmph!



This past weekend was my ideal kind of weekend with the exception that it was far too short and I still need another day to catch up with the things that I need to in my personal life.


Saturday was spent with my Husband. I woke up pretty early and hit the gym by myself as I left my Husband alone to sleep in (he loves that). I came home in time to have lunch with him. After lunch, we went and treated ourselves to hour long full body massages. We both really needed it. I even fell asleep on the massage chair and caught myself snoring a few times! It was amazing. It hurt, but it hurt in a good way and I can’t wait to do it all over again! Then, we went grocery shopping (I love grocery shopping). We came home and relaxed for a bit before he cooked me a yummy crab dinner. The sauce that he made was SOOOOOO good. I really think that we should put a patent on it because it was THAT tasty! Men that can cook are so sexy… and I am pretty lucky! We rented a movie but after ONE margarita after dinner, I knocked out 10 minutes into the movie. We’re going to have to see it another time. LOL!


Sunday, I woke up to my girlfriend’s text and hit the gym… AGAIN! I’m on a roll, right? Let’s see how long I can keep this up! After an hour there, I came home and got ready for my day after I made a wonton and egg noodle soup for Hubby. Then, it was fun day with the girls! Brought one of them to the eyebrow threading salon I went to the other week and watched her struggle in the chair. LOL… poor girl, but it was a sight to see and the results are gorgeous! We headed up to LA for the Thread Show that I was invited to attend with a guest, but I brought TWO guests! Oops! It’s okay… the more the merrier! It was my first time at one of these shows and it was interesting and quite the experience. Since we were in LA, we decided to do some shopping (of course) instead of hiking… oops! Hey… shopping is definitely a work out… especially when you’re carrying a few bags! Drained, we decided to stop by this ramen place in LA. Daikokuya - With over 2,500 good reviews on Yelp, we couldn’t pass it up. I admit though… I’m not a big fan of ramen so I didn’t really know how to rate it. For a small place though, it was getting a lot of traffic and the people who like ramen think it’s great so it must be, right? A great day with the girls, but the day was too short. We didn’t even get to go to Sephora or Nordstrom like we had planned because it closed early. There’s always next weekend, right? Have a few trips planned as well, so I’m excited! I love girls’ time… especially with the kind of girlfriends that you can talk to about ANYTHING! I love seeing my friends happy… it makes me happy.


Came home to see that the Mavs beat the Heat in the finals. I don’t really care for basketball, but I just know that I don’t like LeBron James and his attitude. He just seems SO rude in all of the games I’ve ever seen him play in. Ugh… glad the Mavs won the championship! I actually got teary eyed! HAHA!


I wish the weekend included Monday so that I can spend all day today cleaning and relaxing on my couch, cuddling a book. Until I can have my three day weekends, I think I am going to have to squeeze that in on my weekdays. Eeeps!


So… anyone want to share their weekends with me?


June 9, 2011

June Gloom

You would think that after living in Southern California for about 22 months now, “gloom” would be out of my vocabulary. Well, its back… in SoCal, my vocabulary, and in my life.



The other day, I was told that I worry and stress way too much. I was told that I have a lot on anxiety and I try to conceal it all. She said that I have not been myself lately. I know that this is true because as she was telling me, I couldn’t fight or deny it. Instead, my eyes started to water because she’s right… she’s absolutely right.


Although I try my best to be my usual bubbly and upbeat self, I guess I cannot hide it as well as I thought I could. Moreover, I cannot believe that someone saw through it and was telling this to my face.


There is more that I wish I can say, but I will hold back on it for now. My poor Husband and friends hear too much about it every day that it’s sort of pointless to remind myself of it here.


What am I going to do about it?


I am going to truly relax… with wine over a massage, followed by a bubble bath.


Weekend, what is taking you so long? I’ve missed you! Days feel like years.


June 6, 2011

Babies! Babies! Babies!


 
“When are you going to have a baby?”



Ahhh… the question of the year! I think I am asked this question every single day for the past year! Don’t get me wrong… I don’t dislike being asked this. In fact, it makes me feel all warm and giddy inside!



Truth is that we would love to have a baby right now… everyone who knows me know that I am pretty much obsessed with babies and I would love to be a younger mom. In fact, my plan was to have my first child when I am 25, but now I am about two years behind on that plan… yikes!



What is holding us back? Well… we’re just not ready. I know, I know… you can never be ready enough for a baby. Along with the question, I get that response every day too! I understand that, but I mean it in a different way. There are just a few things that I would like to have done and ready before we bring a little baby into our family. You know… like sealing a deal on a house… that is the major thing that is holding us back. I just don’t want to deal with purchasing a home while being pregnant or with a baby. Both times are stressful and I don’t want to combine both. Once we have a house of our own, ask me again and the answer may be different!


On another note, our good friends Mikal and Paline had their baby shower for Baby Lauren this past weekend. I was honored to be part of it… especially in the decorations/games department because that is right up my alley. I am a sucker for little details and I enjoyed putting them together. It was my first time ever making a diaper cake and with the help of Sandy and Lily, I must say that it was a huge success! Thanks to my friend Michelle for making a customized piñata… this was a big hit… literally! The games were interesting, but I think the people who participated had a lot of fun. One lesson learned is that I should probably have some prizes for the kids because they will surprise you and come up as winners over the adults! LOL! Here are some pictures that Daddy to Be, Mikal took… can you guess what the theme was? ;)














Mikal had set up a photobooth and had the guests take pictures, printed them right away and design a page for Lauren's scrapbook.  I thought this was such a great idea and the outcome was awesome!  I made a special request for this also when it comes to my turn!  Wuahahhah!




June 1, 2011

RESTART!

I will be the first to admit that I have been really bad at keeping my new years’ resolutions. In fact, I never even started it to begin with! 5 months through the year now and starting off the 6th, and I am still nowhere near beginning my new years’ resolutions. Horrible, horrible, horrible! Maybe I should just go with a mid-years’ resolution instead so that I can get a fresh start on it today? Okay… I will do just that! Let’s hope that I keep this mid-year’s resolution… cross your fingers, people!

Speaking of, I can’t believe its June already! This year definitely flew on by and as usual, I wish it would stop or slow down a little for me to catch up with everything. I guess it usually doesn’t work like that, does it? Oh well… I should feel blessed. I do feel blessed, actually.


I think I have much more to say, but this is just an introduction to my return.

Hello.

May 13, 2011

Peace Outtie!

My company is going on a quick trip this weekend... to Las Vegas!  I have no idea what the two hour training is tomorrow, but I am totally excited for our corporate dinner at Alize tonight, two hour training tomorrow afternoon (not sure on what, to be honest), buffet at the Wynn tomorrow night, Le Reve show.  Eeeps!  My first show in Vegas!  Most of all, I'm excited to stay at the beautiful Cosmopolitan... finally!  :D

I really can't focus on work at the moment and am killing time (as you can see).  We're flying out in about an hour and I have a feeling that I will forget something.  Don't you just HATE that feeling when you're going somewhere or doing something?  Ugh!

This will be an interesting trip... I'm sure.  Feel free to stalk if you'd like... just don't forget to say hello and have a pina colada with me!

Alrighty... let me make sure all of my liquids are either in my check in or the toilet.  Toodles!

April 27, 2011

How long does liposuction take?

No seriously... I really want to know:
  • How long does liposuction take?
  • How much does liposuction cost?
  • How long will it take to recover?
Liposuction seems to be my only resort.  I can't seem to stop gaining weight!  And no, I am not pregnant.  I sometimes wish that I was... one of the many many reasons is that I can blame the weight gain on pregnancy.  Of course, it would be stupid to try to get pregnant for that reason alone!  I have many other reasons to want to get pregnant, but that is another post of its own.

This is real talk here... I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT!  Not purely for vanity reasons, but also because I want to be a healthier person in general.  Okay fine, I partly want to lose weight in vain because I do want to look and feel better in my clothes and I want my confidence level to be back to where it was once upon a time.  Ugh... there... I said it!

I've always dreamt that there is a magic pill out there that will make you lose weight without having to diet and excercise.  Stupid, I know.  Lazy, indeed.  I've spent money on all sorts of pills and let me just tell you... nothing really works!  In fact, the past month or two, I have been taking these pills that swore to make you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and make you burn more calories by doing nothing.  I've read great reviews and wanted to try (do you blame me?).  The funny thing is that the pill made me more hungry!  I used to not be hungry until 11am (skipping breakfast doesn't help, I know) but on that "magic pill", I was hungry by 7am!  Crazy, right?  I gave it a go for a few weeks and I kid you not... I gained about 10 pounds in two weeks!  I gained even more weight after that, but I was afraid of the scale.  I can feel it in my body and my clothes that I got bigger even after that.

WTF!  Shoot me now!

So from this day forward, I vow to work on my health and my fitness.  No shortcuts (if there is such thing).  No attempts at shortcuts.  (So yeah... disregard the original questions in this post)  I will work hard to get to where I want to be!

Lets do this!!




April 13, 2011

Happy New Year!

So today is the official day of the new year for my fellow Khmer, Thai, and Laos folks. This is another one of those times when I miss being at home and being with my family. My Parents are big Temple goers and its tradition for them to attend the many New Year events and festivities that are going on around this time back in my home town. Growing up, I would have a couple back to back performances each day for a couple of weeks straight. (Cambodian Classical and Folk Dancing) I miss those good ol' days.

I dream of having a daughter so that she would take part in the Cambodian ballet like I did when I was young. The experience opened my eyes to my people and the richness of my culture. I learned to appreciate the art that my ancestors worked hard in creating and my people fought to keep alive. Yes, it took time and dedication to learn all of these dances, but it was worth every sweat and sometimes, tear. The knowledge and confidence gained is priceless.

I know that there are a lot of events going on in the Long Beach area, also known as Cambodia Town. For some reason though, it just doesn't feel the same to me, being so far away from home and my Family. I must learn to embrace and enjoy.

Happy New Years! May this year and many years to come bring you nothing less than the best in health and happiness.

April 12, 2011

Just a peep!

I suck at keeping my word about blogging lately.  I mean... I really really suck.

SO much has happened... ugh!

First thing's first - We did not get the house that we had wanted... it was the seller's fault.  I don't want to get into it again because it will only make me more angry than I have already been the past few weeks.  Can you imagine?  We put in our notice at our apartment, packed up most of our stuff and moved it to my in law's for storage, ready to move on out.  We were just about to be on our way to wire the funds over and get our keys within the following two days but our lender and our agent told us to hold off because there were some issues with the sellers side.  Lets just say that fraudulent paperwork is a big NO NO and we could really take legal actions if we wanted to, but I did some research on my own and found that these "investors" already have a lot coming their way... its going to bite them in the ass.  So basically, we are back at square one with our house hunting.  They are so lucky that we were able to keep our apartment (even after putting in notice), or else it would NOT be pretty.  I really don't want to deal with such people or shall I say, "professionals" anymore.  I'll take it as a blessing in disguise though.  We'll see where it goes from here.

I love my new job and have been here for over two months now.  I'm still a newbie and still learning but I am feeling challenged and I love that!  The location couldn't work out more perfectly for me.  :D

On another note, Happy Khmer New Year!!

I'll be back later with more.  Keeping my word this time!  Toodle loo!

March 22, 2011

Wow/

Its been THAT long since I've last posted something?  Okay... that can only mean one thing.  I've been busy.  I mean... really really busy.  There's not enough time in the world right now for me to post long gibberish posts.  Or maybe there is and I've just been too drained to actually remember to post during my down time?  I don't know, but whatever it is... it needs to stop. 

I will try to post more frequently, I promise.

What's new?  The job, the house, the many makeup gigs I've already committed to.  Still trying to make time to see loved ones along the way.  Of course, my main loves are too far to see on a regular at the moment, but I am coordinating some trips back home.  I can't wait to see my Parents... I've missed them more than ever.  :(

Details to come soon!  TTYL!

February 22, 2011

Sweet Reunions

This past weekend, my friend Thuy (who I have known since 6th grade) came to visit.  My old friend Jamie (who I have known since 1st grade) recently moved down to Los Angeles... a few blocks away from a makeup showroom that I am affiliated with. We had a little reunion and it was so amazing to finally catch up on 13 years.  We would usually see each other briefly at times (once every few years), but this was the one time that we actually got to sit down and really talk.  They were sweet enough to come to my wedding, but of course, there was no way that I could have held a two minute conversation with them then. 

It was interesting to see how much we have all grown up and to see what lives we are living today.  Though its been so long since we have had a slumber party like this, it was nice to have one though it was over a decade late.  Reunions are always so sweet and this is just that... sweet.

I think that from now on, we are going to do a better job at keeping in touch and being a part of each other's lives.  Now that Jamie is a lot closer, I think that I will be seeing more of her and Thuy has two more reasons to visit often.  :)

Oh... and I HAVE to mention this.  I still bring up the story from first grade where I insisted that Jamie choose "pink" to be her favorite color (our teacher split us in groups according to our favorite colors), but instead, she chose "purple"!  I was really really upset at her for not doing what I told her to do (choose pink) and I think I said that I didn't want to be her friend anymore or something.  I don't know why this story still sticks with Jamie and I, but it does and I will always remember it.  Now that I am older and I am really thinking of it, WHY was I such a bossy brat and WHO am I to tell her what her favorite color is?  I really really hope that I am not still this bossy.  If I am, slap me! 

February 14, 2011

Back Into The Swing of Things...

I love having a schedule and coming to work.  I know that this might change in a few months, but so far, so good. 

Do not be surprised if I develop an accent after working here.  LOL... I'm practicing!  Accents are soooooo cool!  You know like that one commercial for the Adam Sandler movie, "Just Go With It"?  I have to hear that same "HELLEW!" about every half hour.  Love it!

Our appraisal and home inspection went great this past weekend... couldn't be happier with the results.  Sam couldn't sleep for days worrying about it but I knew that there isn't much to worry about when it comes to a brand new home.  Now... on with the rest of this process.  It is and will be a long ride, but I just know that it will be worth it.

I'm really excited for furniture and appliance shopping.  Its going to be expensive but I'm trying not to stress it too much.

Alright... back to work I go. 

Happy Valentines' Day, everyone!  Its going to be packed everywhere, so my lovely Husband will be cooking me dinner tonight.  Excited because he is a great cook.  I am lucky.  :)

February 9, 2011

I GOT IT!

Its been a long time coming, but

I got the job!!

I've been waiting quite awhile to say that.  Such a great feeling.  Its been so long that I feel like I am learning how to walk again.  I may stumble every now and then, but I pick back up and keep on walking... better every step.  :)

I can't express how happy I am about the job and my close friends know that it can't be any more perfect than this.  (Of course more money would be great, but that makes everything better, so it doesn't count. LOL)

What's crazy is that immediately after I got hired, I started getting responses from other companies.

 WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THIS LAST YEAR? 

*shakes head* 

You know how they say that things happen for a reason?  Well, I am a true believer.

On Monday, we submitted our paperwork for OUR house.  *crosses fingers still*  Tuesday, I get a job.  I seriously felt like this had been MY week.  Its better than my birthday week, actually (and that was pretty hard to beat).  I did buy Mega Millions and SuperLotto lottery tickets, but I didn't win a dime.  Oh well, I'm already a winner!!

Last night, I kept waking up every hour paranoid that I would be late for work.  Eeeps... good thing I wasn't! 

Alright... night night time for me.  Sweet dreams... and please still keep your fingers crossed for us and OUR house.  More details about it later AFTER we close escrow (I hope).  And after the house... who knows what comes next?  ;)

February 7, 2011

Fingers Still Crossed!

This house hunting and purchasing process has been a pretty stressful one.  Shopping has never been so difficult.  I thought I would be good when it comes to any type of shopping, but this one is SO different.  The biggest purchase of our life and it will stay with us for a VERY long time.  Ahhhh!!  Its okay though.  I know that in the end, it will all work out and all of this stress and headache will be worth it. 

Please, keep your fingers crossed for us still.  Thanks!  :)

January 31, 2011

I love me some SCALLOPS!

Sam and I loooooove scallops.  We had some of the best scallops at this Chinese restaurant awhile back and I wanted to try making it one day.  Well, we bought scallops the other day and I decided to give it a go.  I didn't follow any recipe and just winged it from what I remember eating.  Not to toot my own horn, but it was soooooo good!  I've decided to share my recipe... just because I am THAT cool!  :)

And yeah, I know that this being fried and drenched in butter isn't the healthiest thing to eat, but it surely will melt in your mouth!  If you don't want to eat it, just make it and I will eat it for you.  You are welcome.


Thyda's House Special Scallop Recipe (LOL)
  • Large Scallops (about 15 pieces)
  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1.5 cup of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 cloves of garlic (chopped)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Green Onions (2 tablespoons chopped)
  • OPTIONAL - 1 Jalapeno (sliced)
  1. In a small (deep) saucepan, heat up about 1.5 cup of vegetable oil
  2. Rinse and dry scallops
  3. Lightly coat scallops with flour (all over)
  4. Once oil is hot, slightly lower temperature to medium high
  5. Drop (gently) each scallop into hot oil and let cook for about 5 minutes (remove and drain on paper towel once done)
  6. In a separate pan, heat up about 2 tablespoons of butter
  7. Saute' chopped garlic until slightly golden
  8. Add sliced jalapenos into pan and continue to saute'
  9. Add scallops into pan with butter, garlic, and jalapeno
  10. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and continue to sautee
  11. Add chopped green onions (not for too long, don't overcook)
  12. Remove from heat and serve

The Waiting Game

We put an offer in for a house last night.  We shall see what happens.

When people say that purchasing a home is one of the most stressful times of your life, they are absolutely right.  I am enjoying the house hunting part, but its the little things that are going to make such a difference in our lives that is stressful.  The responsibilities that comes with it is another stress maker.  Oh man...

Even so, I know that this will be very rewarding in the end.

Keeping our fingers crossed and waiting for THE phone call.  Eeeps!!

January 26, 2011

The Good Ol' Days...

I had a dream that I was in gymnastics again!  What surprises me is that I still remember the floor routine from elementary school.  When I woke up, I laid there trying to play the routine in my head and saw it clearly and perfectly.  Nowadays, I can barely do a forward roll let alone a round-off backhand spring.  Ahhh... I miss those days!

I am going to contact my old gymnastics instructor to see if he has any videos (on VHS, of course) of any of the old practices or meets.  I would LOVE to see them.

I had THE best childhood ever.  Sure, there was hardcore child labor in there (if you only knew), but it was what made me into the person that I am today.  That story could take forever, so I will save it for another day.  But even with the labor and the occasional abuse, I still had the best and most balanced childhood I can imagine.

Sometimes, I wish that my children could live my childhood.  I know that with the technology and difference in lifestyles now, it wouldn't be possible.  But, if only they could, I would document every little thing because it would be a great story to tell.

*sigh*

January 21, 2011

Here we go... AGAIN!

The house hunting continues... or begins!

Last year, Sam and I were on a hunt for a house.  We didn't find anything in our budget and things came up and we decided to take a little break from the stress of it all and just enjoy ourselves for awhile.  But now, it looks like we are back on the market!

Personally, its been really difficult for me to come to a realization that homes here in Southern California are way more expensive than homes in Washington.  For $300K in Washington, you can find a great, brand new 4 bedrooms and 2 baths in a nice neighborhood.  Here?  Eh... don't even get me started.  It makes me sad and I just want to move back to Washington already just for the better deal. But I know that I can't because of Sam's work. 

Ahhh... I'm going to have to learn how to settle.

One day, I shall own a house in California AND another in Washington.  Today, I have neither.  Wahhhh!!

But hey... at least I still have my health, family, friends, a roof over my head and food on the table.  Just counting a few of my many blessings.

Oh hello, mood swings!  :)

January 20, 2011

Too Much Junk...

... not just in the trunk but everywhere else!

Gaining about 20 pounds in four months without being pregnant is not normal.  What the hell have I done to myself? 

Time to get a grip and get back on the right track.

Exercising already started, but will bump that up a bit. 
Dieting starts NOW.

I am really upset with myself at the moment and trying hard to refrain from punching myself in the face.  I am sure many of you are thinking that I should just shut up and do it already (punch myself in the face)... haha!  Nah... I already messed up my body, I don't want to mess up my face too.  Its practically the only thing that is still decent!  LOL

Any good diet and fitness tips and advices out there?  Seriously... I will take and try to use anything that I can get.  I need to lose weight... now... fast!  HELP ME!

I Miss You...

My Husband woke me up the other morning because I was crying in my sleep.  Though I wasn't fully asleep anymore, I still felt the sadness from my dream because it wasn't only just a dream to me.

I dreamt of my Grandmother.  I miss her and think about her often, but its been awhile since she last visited me in my dreams.  There she was laying on the couch in my old house, covered in a blanket and watching TV.  She only had one blanket over her and I wanted to make sure that she was warm and cozy enough.  I told her that she should be warmer and she tried to reach for the other blanket at the end of her feet.  She was barely able to move, but she moved a lot more than I last remember her.  I walked over and pulled the blanket to cover her more.  Looking at her, I knew that my time left with her wasn't much.  I took her in my arms and hugged her tight and kept whispering to her telling her that I love her.  I felt the warmth from her at first, but slowly she started to drift further from me and I started to cry.  I didn't want to let her go and I just wanted to make sure that she knows that I love her and will miss her when she's gone.  I couldn't stop the tears in my dreams. 

I woke up. 

Though I could stop the tears when I was awake, I allowed myself to cry some more.  My heart still ached because she was no longer in my life.  It was somewhat of a release of the emotions I've felt from missing her so much for so long.

In my dreams, she acknowledged the fact that I loved her.  She nodded to tell me that she knows that I love her.  I feel like she came to visit me in my dreams to let me know that she knows that I miss her.  Why?  I don't know... but I am glad to know that she knows.  And I was glad to see her again, even if it was only in my dreams.

I miss you, Grandma. I love you.

January 19, 2011

Quickie!

Check, check, and CHECK!

Yesterday was just a day full of errands.

First things first, I am officially a Californian!!  For the past year, I refused to get a California ID because I didn't want to stop being a Washingtonian.  However, I have to legally change my address after I move.  Sure, I changed my address everywhere else except for on my driver's license.  I refused!  Anyway, I had to come down to it and finally get it.  I'm looking forward to getting the ID and having Californian privileges (discounts to amusement parks... haha!), but I am never going to rid my Washington ID.  NEVER!!

Sam got a ticket a few weeks ago (boo boo, I know).  We had to go get it signed off at one place and then had to bring it to another place only to find out that it isn't even in the system yet.  Sort of frustrating because he took the day off for that purpose.  Oh well, at least we're almost done dealing with that.  Blah.

Also finally got some stuff done to the car.  Whoot whoot... I feel better about driving it now although I haaaaaaate driving with a passion.  I'm one of those people who are meant to have a chauffeur. *wink wink* 

After getting tons of errands done, we went on a house hunt.  Yes, the house hunting is back on and its been fun.  I can't wait until we finally have a house of our own.  Lots of responsibilities, but I know it will be worth it.

Then, here comes baby!  And no... I'm not pregnant.  LOL.  I want to be after we have a house though. Just sayin'!

Alright... thats all for now.  I will have to come back and vent about a conversation I had with my cousin (not so little 23 year old cousin) this morning.  Ugh... don't even get me started!

Okay... toodles!

January 17, 2011

Random Note To Self...

I suck at bowling!

On Friday, we went out to dinner with some friends to celebrate our buddy's birthday.  Yummy Korean BBQ... true lardness, I know.  Not good for my diet.  Oh well... who cares, right?

We went bowling afterward and for once, I sat out on it.  The last time I went bowling, I sucked so bad that I might as well not bowl.  A waste of a player space and time that someone else can use.  My biggest fear about bowling is is slipping and falling or accidentally throwing the ball back and hitting people.  Good thing I didn't bowl because someone did end up falling and thank goodness it wasn't me.  If I was to bowl, I am sure as hell that it would have been me.  Good call, Thyda!

I also found myself drained and tired by 9pm.  What's wrong with me?  And no... I am not pregnant.  This used to be the time that I wake up!  Our friends joked that Sam and I have switched roles... he is now the night owl and party goer (or try to be... haha) while I just want to stay home and watch my FRIENDS DVDs (I think I am obsessed with those things).  Anyway... I need to stop being all tired so early.  I am still young. 

WAKE UP, Thyda!!

Okay... that is all.

January 15, 2011

Some Things Just Never Change... Other Things Do.

I recently had a talk with an old old friend that I have not seen in many years.  After an hour or two, she told me that I am still the same person - bubbly, funny, and caring.  This made me smile because I like being the person that I was and I am glad to know that I am the same person.

Not too long after that conversation, I thought to myself, I HAVE changed!

My friend reassured me that though my priorities and lifestyle is very different from what it used to be, I am still that same person that I've always been.  Elaborate?

Before:  Splurging on $700 jackets and spending up to $300 at a makeup counter at a time
After:  Thinking twice about my purchases.  Searching for coupons online and in the mail before making a purchase... even if its only ten dollars.


Before:  Partying from Tuesday - Sunday... with Monday being a rest day.  Running on 3 hours of sleep each day.
After:  Lounging in pajamas in my living room 26 nights of the month... leaving 4 or 5 nights for hanging out with friends.


Before:  Wondering what I will be doing the next night.

After:  Wondering what I will be doing in 5 years.


Okay maybe I've grown up just a little bit, but its an ongoing process and I kind of like it.   BUT... I am still the same ol' Thyda.  Thank goodness because I kind of like myself and the way I am!  However, I am not in love with myself nor do I think my poo smells like roses. There's a difference!  :)

January 14, 2011

What did I just do? Episode 1

Yesterday, I surprised my Husband with fresh spring rolls.  He and I both love spring rolls but I never make them because I simply suck at it.

The ones that I rolled yesterday sucked more than I've ever made them in my life.  They were loose and limpy (getting visuals yet?) and just a mess to eat.  Ugh... but we still ate them and although they were ugly, they sure were yummy!

I love the spring rolls from Brodard's where they have some egg roll shells inside the spring roll to make it crunchy.  I attempted to make them the same way.

Somehow,


I deep fried a fork!!


LOL... I nearly fell to the ground laughing by myself.  I wish there was a hidden camera somewhere in my kitchen because I would have loved to see my face and reaction.

I saved the fork before it got crispy, by the way!  ;)  Super Hero duty of the day... CHECK!

January 12, 2011

I LIKE it when its my Birthday!!

Last night, I found myself thinking about what I am going to do for my 27th birthday this year.  I know that my birthday just past, but I just really like it when its my birthday!  :)


For my 26th (exactly a month and three days ago), I wasn't planning to do anything at all.  BUT... it ended up being quite a celebration!

Jenny's birthday is exactly a day before mine, so we decided to celebrate together this year since she is moving and wouldn't be here next year.  









Practice Birthday run with Serina, Jenny, and Jackie happened the week before.  I haven't partied in quite awhile and I wanted to make sure I still got it!  ;) 

We stopped by a gas station for a cup of ice (lol... don't ask why) and pretty much invaded the place trying to find our favorite snacks.  The man working there was laughing at us and I just said to him, "Please don't mind my friends, they just came here from Cambodia so this is kind of exciting".  LOL... then he took a picture of us... see!!









It was quite a night in Hollywood and we had to make our usual stop in Thai Town afterwards.  Soooooo yum!  What a blast we had that night!

Then the night before my birthday, we went to Mai Tai Bar.  We counted down until midnight when it was my actual birthday and everything.  Oh boy... that was also a hysterical night.  I had quite a bit too much to drink and for the first time in awhile, I yacked.  Yeah... happy freakin' birthday to me!  WTF Wednesday is what we called it.





The following night, Sam and I attended a Yelp Elite pajama party.  Yayyy... the day of my actual birthday.  I had such a great day... relaxing with my Husband (he took the day off) and recovering from the night prior.  The Pajama party was sort of crazy... so many people and food and free drinks.  I still can't believe the bartenders suggest we each get two drinks so we don't have to go back to the bar often.  SCORE!!  I didn't want to drink though... not too much anyway.  Surprisingly on my birthday, right?  HAHA... it was a lot of fun any way.  We didn't really take pictures of ourselves (I was still a mess... lol), but here is a picture from upstairs looking down at half of the party.


The following night, I held my birthday dinner.  Close friends (the ones in California) and yummy food?  What more can I ask for?


The night after that was a blast as well (of course).  The girls and I had a little potluck prefunk and getting ready session.  So much food, cake, pinata, drinks, hairspray, and lipgloss.  PERFECT combination for my kind of night.  I love girl time sessions!


Then, we went off to party in Huntington Beach with more friends.  VIP, please!  The night went by way too fast for me and I had such a blast dancing my butt off.  I wished the night lasted longer because time sure flies when you're having fun!!

Finally a picture with my MAIN SQUEEZE!!  Hehe... he was busy taking pictures for my friends and I the entire night.  He definitely made my birthday special.  Gotta love the guy!  ;)

So many more pictures, but just wayyyyyy too many to post up here.  Oops!

You see... I didn't really PLAN anything for my birthday and I was just going to wing it.  Everything was pretty last minute, but its so nice to have people there ready to celebrate with me.

26 was such a memorable celebration... I can't wait to see what celebrating 27 is like.  27 is my favorite number, by the way... so it should be GOOD!

January 11, 2011

"35 or BUST!!"

So as you may already know, I did my first ever 5K run this past weekend.  :D

With only a few days to train and being so out of shape, I was on the verge of backing out.  I couldn't sleep the night before because I was THAT nervous.  I tried to load up on some carbs the night before (as I was told) and had a light, carb filled breakfast (croissant).  I tried not to drink too much water because I noticed that I tend to get cramps or side aches whenever I drink water right before running.  I figured, there will be water stations (as I have read about online).

We got to the registration area and everyone looked so ready and pumped in their gear.  Most people wore shirts saying that they've completed a half or full marathon before.  Holy shit!  I had to pee!  I tried to eavesdrop on people and heard that they've all been training or have ran before.  Some were walking their dogs for the walk, but how embarrassing would it be to run at the pace of someone who was simply walking their dog?  Ahhh... I wanted to bail so badly, but Sam wouldn't let me.  Just because he wasn't running.  Hmph!

I talked to a few friends who are experienced runners and they told me to just have fun and enjoy the run.  My best friends gave me a goal... 35 minutes or bust!  What the hell?  They do realize that I am the type of person to hop in the car and drive to go get the mail, don't they?  How the hell was I going to get an 11 minute something pace?  Yikes!

The race started... and here I go ! I tried to keep pace with the expert runners and it was going okay at first.  Then, after about a mile into it, I lost it!  I wasn't tired, but my throat was killing me!  It BURNED!  Where was the water station that I was expecting?  Thats right... THERE WAS NONE!!  Ahhhh!  I had to stop and walk because if I didn't I think my throat would have ripped out.  I knew I should have carried a tiny bottle of water with me... why didn't I listen to my gut?  Ugh!  I would start to jog again with "35 minutes or BUST" running through my head.  It wasn't long until I had to stop and walk and let me throat cool down again.  And with the cold air that morning, I thought my throat was just going to bleed... seriously.

I tried to keep pace with a few runners, and I did!  I didn't know them, but I secretly used them as a guide.  If they can do it, so can I. 

Finally, I saw the finish line.  I picked up my pace despite the burn in my throat... thinking of ways of fixing it when I'm done.  I thought to myself that even if it ripped out, the water at the finish line MIGHT help a little.  So... I ran for it!  I passed the runner that I was trying to keep up with and made it to the finish line!

33:17 --- 10:42 pace.  :)

I definitely beat my goal time, but I just KNEW then that I could have done better.  Nevertheless, it was a proud moment.  I survived and I didn't even bust!

I'm addicted.  Next time, my goal is 30 minutes or bust!

Until then, its training time! 

January 7, 2011

Good Ol' Days!

Yesterday, one of the old Cambodian Classical & Folk Dancers of Tacoma organizers uploaded some ooooooold pictures onto Facebook.  I was so surprised and happy to see these pictures... brings back the good ol' days!  These pictures were from when I was anywhere from 10-14 years old.  (I started dancing since I was 6 or 7)

Oh... the memories!!

With most of the group during a performance some time during New Year.

WHY was I wearing that hair pin? LOL... ready for the coconut dance!


WHY did I look so stiff? I was probably the youngest here performing the Krab dance.

A close up... sorta!
I looked so angry!  Hehe... rehearsing the wishing dance. So stiff... no likey!
Those were some good times!  She said that she will put more pictures on a CD for me the next time I am back in town.  I can't wait to get them and see them all! 

I think I still look the same... just 5 times wider.  :)


January 3, 2011

What did I get myself into?

On Saturday, I will be running my first 5K.  I know that 3. something miles is not really a big deal (I've been able to run this before... so it doesn't sound like too much).  BUT... I haven't ran in SOOOOOOO long!  In 2010, I've gained a lot of weight.  Let me tell you... a whole lot of weight!  Being on the set of photo shoots and films does no good for the waist line (or lack thereof).  All I did was eat the food that was being catered... at every hour!  When there is down time, there is eating time.  A huge NO NO... but I couldn't help myself!  Eeeps!  I should be punished. 

I am being punished because now, I am paying for it.  My clothes don't fit right and I refuse to shop until I feel like I look good in the clothes.  Pressure, right?  Oh well... I must.  Its really really bad... trust me!

Anyway, the race is actually a fundraiser event for Sam's work.  He won't be running with me, unfortunately, so I am not going to have a running buddy.  Boo hoo!  He registered me last week and now I am running in 4 days.  WTF?!  I hope I don't get hurt without the proper training.  I think the last time I ran anything more than 3 miles at a time was over a year ago.  Holy sh*t.  Now the more that I think about it, the scarier it is.  And with the weather being poor lately, I can't really go out there and practice or shall I say... train.  What is a girl to do?  I know I should be toughing out the rain because it might even rain that day... but man... I don't want to. Running on a treadmill is a lot different, I know... so that would only help a little.  I know I shouldn't be sitting here making up excuses, but I am.  I am lazy.  BUT... there is no backing out now. 

Excuse me while I go have a panic attack.

Happy New Year!!


Happy New Year, everyone! 

I know that its been a very long time since I even checked up on my own blog.  Sometimes, I get so caught up in what is really going on in life that I either can't find the time to blog or when I do, I just feel drained and don't do it altogether.  Most of the time though, I neglect it for so long that I don't know where to start when I actually want to.

This blog is intimidating to me at times.  I know that blogging should be a leisure rather than a task.  Its not really a task or anything on my TO DO list, but I just feel overwhelmed whenever I turn to it at times.  Usually, I have so much that I want to write about that it just takes over me and I don't start at all.  I know that this sounds silly, but those who have been doing this for awhile might understand me.

Also, when life gets too busy, there is very little time left to sit down and reflect.  I'm beating myself up for this now because I like documenting little things and then being able to go back and reminisce after time.

I am not very big on New Years' Resolutions, but this year, I can come up with a few.  I will start with one now.  In 2011, one of my resolutions is to be more consistent with my blogging.  Even if the entries are private (which some are), I will take my time to blog anyway.  I know that this resolution doesn't really affect anyone else but myself, but there it is in writing.  One of my declarations of 2011.

With that said, I hope everyone had a great time ringing in the New Year with loved ones.  May 2011 bring each and every one of you only the best in everything that you do and everything that you wish for.  Most importantly, wishing you all the best of health and happiness.  

*hugs*