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| Mickey & Minnie with the girls |
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Tuesday, August 28, 2007
New Favorite Show
My new favorite tv show- Californication. David Duchovny is hysterical in it. I never followed the X-Files, but I can see how women are so attracted to
him (he's totally not my type). I even got Phil to watch the show (he hardly ever watches any TV, except for baseball
and news). That's huge!
Alrighty- off to the Joisey shore for a couple of days!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Conversations with the girls
On Saturday, while we were out eating dinner, I was sorta but-not-really eavesdropping on a conversation that was in
Chinese (since I can't fully understand the language, I'm not really eavesdropping, right?). I heard the waiter mentioning
about a color and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what color he was talking about. So I asked Phil and Sophia
about the colors:
Me: What color is gee-sik?
Phil & Sophia: Purple.
Me: What color is lahm-sik?
Phil & Sophia: Blue.
Me: How do you say yellow?
Phil & Sophia: Wong-sik.
Me: How do you say green?
Sophia: <immediately> Verde.
Me: Uhh, Sophia, that's not in Chinese. That's Spanish!
***
At Jones Beach, from the parking lot, we walk through a tunnel in order to get to the beach. Olivia loves
to shout aloud in the tunnel (Sophia used to think that we can only say, "Echo" in order to hear it again). Yesterday,
driving to Coney Island, we passed through a tunnel and immediately Olivia started to shout aloud. Phil was puzzled.
Only I was able to figure out why she was shouting like she had Tourette's syndrome- because she thought the echo would bounce
back while sitting in the car! I guess you had to be there to laugh.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Rain, rain, go away
For the seventh or eighth time (or more, lost count) this summer, it's been raining cats and dogs. Everytime it rains, I
keep telling myself I will buy a pair of Wellies. Not sure why I cease to ignore it (as if my wet, raisin-y toes isn't a
reminder). I guess I'm afraid that the minute I buy a pair, we will have a drought for eons and I will never get to wear
them. On top of all that, there really is no space to store my bulky rubber boots (my closet is just full of kids shoes-
argh!). What a dilemma.
When the weather calls for rain, the one song that keeps playing in my head (and reminds me
of the good ol' EEG days with Jeffy, Marky, Leicester, Gabby, Sam...) would be the obvious, "Why Does It Always Rain
On Me...."
9:39 am
Monday, August 20, 2007
Still Stalkin'
Ah yes, my stalkerish like behavior has totally put my blog on the backburner. I've been spending many countless hours
watching videos, movies, interviews on the love of my life, Tony Leung (see ya Phil). What would I have done without YouTube? And Google. And NY Public Library. And listening
to 80s Cantopop on the net. I know, I know, I am sooo behind the times.
Believe it or not, TL frequents his fan site forum and responds to many posts. Two weeks ago, when I
was in LA, I was so lonely and bored, I posted a note asking (or begging) anyone to ask me a question, just for pure entertainment.
Lo and behind, Tony was the first person to reply. He says, "Poor you. How long will you stay there?"
You know my jaw dropped when I read the post (it really is him, I swear!!!!).
In the last couple of weeks, I realized that many Asian actors are much more personable and friendlier with their fans than
American actors. I'm sure there are many reasons why (fan base is much smaller in Asia?), but I find it quite honorable
that they communicate with their fans (and perhaps crazy to do so, remember the Monica Seles incident?).
For instance, I learned on the TL site that he's hosted several birthday gatherings in Hong Kong. You read that
right, he throws his own birthday party and invites ALL OF HIS FANS to come and celebrate (no no, you have to pay your way
to get to Hong Kong, yeesh). How great is that? Unfortunately the year that I caught on with this latest
TL obsession, he doesn't have one because he's too busy shooting his new movie. WAH!
BUT, since he will be promoting his new movie " Lust, Caution" (new Ang Lee movie), there could be a very slim possibility OF ME MEATING, I MEAN MEETING HIM! Oh, just the thought
of making out with him...oops, sorry. My fantasies are literally just bouncing off the keyboards. Siiiigh.
I's in LOVE!
Monday, August 13, 2007
MTA Service..sucks.
An Important Message from the MTA
 MTA New York City Transit
Service Alert
Posted on:8/13/2007
Due to a single droplet of water falling from the sky mistaken for rain that was actually condensation
from an air conditioner in a 17th floor apartment, there are delays on the following subway lines:
 trains are running between 14th Street and 18th Street in both directions.
 and  uptown trains will terminate at 96th Street, as the conductors don't feel like going to Harlem.
 ,  , and  trains will be making two loops around Central Park before getting you to your destination, because they need some fresh
air.
 trains are enjoying a hot dog and beer at Willets Point-Shea Stadium and will resume normal operation
once the game is over.
 ,  ,  and  trains are not running at all, because they really just don’t have time for your crap today.
 trains are running express in Manhattan, enjoying the nice cool breeze they get from going 30 miles an hour.
 and  trains are stuck in some neighborhood in Queens that you’ve never heard of.
 trains are currently experiencing an inferiority complex and will not run until further notice/counseling.
 ,  , and  trains are running normally, of course, since nobody ever uses these trains.
 trains are running between Princeton Junction and Hoboken. We really can’t explain how
they ended up there.
 and  trains are currently running on the Cyclone track at Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.
 and  trains are feeling nostalgic right now, and are currently running over the Brooklyn Bridge.
 service is suspended between Times Square-42nd Street and Grand Central-42nd Street. You
can just walk. You do have legs, don’t you?
We would apologize for the inconvience, but we like to watch you suffer. Thank you for riding
with MTA New York City Transit!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
My Trip Back From Air Hell
A week prior to leaving for LA, I wanted to get on an earlier flight so I could be home in time for dinner to celebrate
Phil's birthday. I emailed my office's travel department and asked if they can change my flight. They said
it in order to make the changes, it would cost them about $100. My friend (who is one of the higher ups in the office)
and he said to write an email and cc him on it. No problems, right?
Of course, no changes were ever made. The travel agent told me that I should contact her when I arrive
LA and she'll handle it then (like what was the big deal, now, later...just fucking do it!). I called on Saturday
morning and spoke to another agent (because the main office is closed, they have an emergency line who has freelance agents
who work from home). She says that I should check in on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
On Sunday morning, the day I'm scheduled to leave LA, I woke up at 5:30a, called the travel agent AND Continental
Airlines, they both told me not to bother goiing to the airport as standby as both 7a and 7:30a flights were full and
overbooked, so I decided to go back to sleep for another few hours. I forgot to call the front desk for a wake
up call, but luckily Phil called me at 8:30a, which startled me.
While I was packing the last few things, I remembered I had yet to call for car service because I
wasn't sure which flight I was gonna be on. I was put on hold for quite some time with the agent only for
her to realize at the end that I needed to contact another person because I was at the "event" in LA. At this point,
I knew I was running very late and I had to start getting dressed.
When I got to the hotel's front desk to check out, I noticed on the bill there were discrepancies
that I had to clear before leaving. That held me up for about another 10 minutes. I waited for the hotel airport
shuttle and got to the airport around 9:30a.
Somehow, the computer wouldn't let me check in. I thought I had punched in the wrong info when someone came to
help me. Turns out, they gave up my seat because I didn't check in 45 minutes prior to my departure.
So I got fucked! They put me on standby for the noon flight and said I was second on the list. But in the
meantime, my luggage was checked in for the 12 noon flight to Newark (my original destination).
And so I waited until noon, saw people waiting in line, getting on the flight until there wasn't anymore people
waiting around. From the corner of my eye, I saw the plane leaving from the gate. I was in total disbelief.
According to the check-in attendant, there were more people added on the standby list prior to this one, so I got
pushed down. She tells me she will look out for me, make sure I'm on the 3p flight as a standby again. Mind you,
I'm not even guaranteed a seat on this flight! I walk away from the counter and broke down in total exhaustion,
frustration and anger.
After a good five minute cry, I gathered myself and said fuck this, my company travel department got me in this
mess, they are going to get me out of this mess. I wasn't about to wait until 3p to see if I can get onto the flight.
I wanted to get out of LA at this point and was willing to get on ANY airline to either LaGuardia OR JFK. To top
everything, I only had one bar left on my phone! My adaptor was in my luggage (lesson learned, always
charge the night before).
Thank goodness the travel agent gets me on the 1p United Airlines flight but telling me the change will cost them
about $600 (like that's my fucking problem???). I realized I have to make a mad dash to the otherside
of the terminal since it was almost 12:30p.
Flight didn't depart until almost 2p, but I landed at JFK around 10p. As you may recall, my luggage is now
in Newark because I couldn't get on the 12 noon flight. I found my car service and got home close to 11p (I
HATE JFK I HATE JFK I HATE JFK, always mofo late). Phil got one of his friends to drive me Newark to help me get
my luggage (phew, it was found). I didn't get home until after midnight!!! And I hadn't eaten any dinner.
Did I enjoy my business trip? For the latter half, I guess I did when
my friend, Kenn flew out on Thursday night. I drove to the airport (that was as far as I went with the car)
to pick him up and switched seats. We had a late dinner in Korean town (had tofu soup- very comforting).
He rented a Porsche on Friday (and for the day) and we drove to Huntington Beach to have dinner at Duke's restaurant
(I had fish tacos- really really good). I tell ya, if you've never sat in a Porsche, it really is a must before
you croak. That car drives like a real beauty and really smooth. We drove back to LA, went to a private party
at the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd (prior to that, we got lost somewhere in Beverly Hills). Dave Navarro, Mark McGrath,
Slash and some other performers had a jam session on stage. It was pretty damn cool.
Finally saw Mann's theater- was very disappointed! I expected it to be much more of a colossal. Infact,
that area was a huge letdown. Was pretty damn sketchy, dirty and shady. Kinda reminded me of what Times Square
used to be back in the 80s. Afterwards, we got stuck in traffic hell on 405 freeway. It was AFTER MIDNIGHT.
Where the fuck was everyone going???? Holy hot damn. It was so annoying. I had to get to In-N-Out Burger
since it was my last night being in LA.
Finally got there after 1a. Guess what, another letdown. The beef...I mean, I couldn't even find the
beef!!! It was this flimsy piece that looked like a beef, was thrown in my burger. UGH! And the fries, flimsy
(I like my fries, steak and crispy cooked). Bad bad bad.
So, a somewhat disappointing trip to LA. Work wise, it was interesting and somewhat fun (after Kenn showed up, we
did some sleuthing and found the staff cafeteria and I snuck him in for free lunch and dinner). Traffic sucked,
freeways sucked, (but not one single driver ever honked or looked irate), Huntington Beach looked beautiful at night, especially
driving in a Porsche, fish tacos were mmm, In-N-Out Burger can kiss my left cheek and Continental Airlines is a piece of shit
and can go to fucking hell (in LAX's terminal, it is an absolute disgrace- fly United! Delicious food boxes for
$5.)
Oh, and no jet lag either. :) So glad to be back home and kissing my girls to pieces.
Friday, August 3, 2007
LA baby
Posting here in LA. Truthfully, I haven't seen much of it because I refuse to jump into the car and drive around. I'm seriously
not that adventurous in a big city, unless of course, only if I'm in the London area. The more I think about it, I think
it has to do with the fact that i would have to drive to get around anywhere. As a NYer, I find that utterly ridiculous.
It's no wonder LA'ers spend so much time in the gym (or doing coke). Or they just don't eat.
The flight over was
actually nice. I sat in prime seating- row 8, which gave me extra leg space. Plus I had the window seat (I originally had
the middle seat, but I switched it before the standby took it, sucka). I noticed that I usually get very sleepy and pass
out whenever we're driving onto the tarmac. The minute we're about to take off, I immediately wake up. Food on the flight
was extremely pathetic- pizza (???) in a plastic bag, side salad (nothing but few snips of iceberg lettuce and strands of
carrots), chips and brownie. WTF? Serve me real food and I'm willing to pay!
First thing I noticed as we were approaching
LAX- lots of mountains. Lots of mountains with semi-covered smog. And lots of swimming pools dotted around.
It's
definitely not hot and humid like it is back East. But I every morning I look out the window, all I ever see are clouds.
Never a blue sky. The minute I drive (actually the company van driver) out of the LA area, I do see a difference in air
quality. And lots of sunshine with blue skies!
Since my dinner with Keith was canceled (bastard!), I was left to my
own devices. I had no one to call and meet me for dinner. I don't know my colleagues well enough to hang with them. So
my lonely ass had room service for dinner (and breakfast...and lunch). My first night in LA and I was feeling very alone
and sad. The next morning, I was up at 5:30a, so I waited until 7a to use the gym. Was surprised it was crowded.
Last
night I picked up my friend Kenn at the airport (that is as far as I will get to driving in LA). We switched seats and had
him drive to Korean town for some good comfort food. It was already late- after midnight (3a EST) and I was exhausted. Settled
in around 1a and was awake this morning by 7:30a.
Well, finished eating my breakfast and now I'm waiting for my colleague
who flew in last night to meet me for today's work. Should be an interesting day.
11:23 am
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Shoop Shoop Shoop
After staying late last night watching part of "Waiting to Exhale", I managed to fall asleep alittle after
1a. I woke up at 5:30a and realized Phil left the house without giving me a kiss goodbye.
I can't believe how many frickin' adaptors I have to schlep with me. Let's see, there's my Mac laptop I borrowed
from work, my GPS, my cell phone, my iPod (which is soooo outdated these days) and my camera. So bulky! Thank
goodness my luggage has a separate pocket I can chuck all that stuff in.
Speaking of luggage- I was debating on whether I should do a carry-on or a check in. I figured it would be easier
to deal with a carry-on, but not really. With the 3oz restrictions, I would have to limit my packing. UGH.
At the end, I realized I might be carrying some good ass swag back from the event this weekend, so it's probably best
that I check in the damn thing.
I decided I am going to rent a car. Oh boy oh boy. Main reason why I'm afraid, I don't like driving
where I'm unfamiliar with the area. It throws me off balanced and I feel sick to my stomach. Plus I heard the
freeway is yaaaaaaaaaaay wide and mega traffic, which scares me to death. But, I will have to do it since my friend
Kenn is going to meet me out there and I will have to pick his arse up at the airport. I'll just have to contend with
driving the car for one day which is just to buy snacks and water. And hence why I'm schlepping my new LG GPS.
Woo hoo!
As for dinner tonight, I'm meeting up with my old colleague and friend, Keith. I haven't seen him since his going
away party two years ago. I'm making him pick me up at my hotel since I insisted I will get lost. I think we're
gonna have Mexican food (which Phil is suprisingly not a fan of). Not sure what I plan on doing about tomorrow night. Might
have to drive for food. Believe it or not, I won't know many people working with me in LA. No one super close
to have fun with. So for the most part, I will be sorta lonely out there.
Luckily there is a bus service from the hotel where I'm staying at to the event where I will be working, so I don't have
to worry about driving. Phew.
When it comes to sleeping, and if Phil or the kids were there with me, I'd have the room pitch dark. But since
I don't like sleeping alone, the bathroom light will have to be turned on. I might even have to find
a radio channel or tv with white noise (I also thought about schlepping my white noise machine, but I don't want to bring
another gadget).
I'm looking forward to my trip to LA. And it will be interesting to be away from the girls and Phil.
Perhaps a much needed break. But I am sooo gonna miss them. Badly.
PS- Happy early birthday Phil!
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