anniversary with Taylor Swift

2011 Thanksgiving concluded with a great dinner with excellent company. My family joined the Tangs in peace for a thanksigiving feast. Most of the items on the table were devourable except for my corn bread which miserably failed.


Just a few days ago, Scott and I celebrated our 2nd year anniversary with a trip to the east coast - Washington D.C. and Manhattan, New York. I think we really did our best to make this trip
action-packed.


Day 1: arrived DC at 7AM. JC picked us up at the airport and we went to wash up at his apartment with his roommate sleeping on a Saturday morning. We got ready and went to have breakfast near the National Mall and had some french toast with cider syrup, cheddar cheese grits and crab cakes. It was my second time to the national mall but this time I never realized what I had missed from my first trip. Our first stop was the Lincoln Memorial which I have seen so many times on TV. Seeing the real thing was magnificent, as if Mr. President Lincoln is there observing every move these politicans make. Somehow, this statute reminds me of a deity who was built there for people to worship, pray to and honor. We stroll along the national mall and went to the Smithsonian to see the First Lady exhibit which contains the dresses worn by the First Ladies, including the one stunning dress worn by Michelle Obama at their inaugural ball. We walked all the way to the US Capitol and took a cab back to JC's car because no one could walk anymore.

My cousin joined us for dinner at Bistrot du Coin - best french food outside of france. I wish I could go again. it was so good. After that, Scott took an 1 hr power nap before we went out to explore the night life of DC which ends at 3AM. With 3.5 hrs of sleep before, I couldnt believe how I had the energy to stay awake for that long and even danced.

The next morning we walked across our hotel (hotel paloma) and had breakfast at a cute little cafe. By the time we were done with breakfast and got into the car, we then realize how short on time we were. When there was no time for breakfast and made the wrong turns, that was exactly what happened. When we got to the Union station, we dashed into this foreign monument and found the ticket scanner and ran to the gate as if I have been there many times. We got in to the train just a minute before it left.

Day 2: Leaving DC to NY. We arrived at the Penn Station in NY and walked around 10 blocks with our luggage to Linnea's apartment. Yes, we rented a room for 2 nights in a stranger's apartment. Interesting, uncomfortable for Scott but I slept so well in those 2 nights on her tempurpedic mattress. That night we walked around Times Square, went to the Empire State Building and took the subway to the famous Peter Lugar for their succulent and best NEW YORK steak.

Our 3rd destination with the LOVE sign.

Day 3: The Today Show at 7AM. Rockettes at 11AM. Nap at 2PM. 9/11 Memorial at 4PM. Taylor Swift at 7PM. Ippudo with Anne Hathaway at 11:30PM. When someone says there is not enough time during a day, all they need to do is just wake up earlier!

Day 4: breakfast near Hell's Kitchen and it was time to take the subway to JFK.


When it was time to get back into the work mode, it was Thanksgiving holiday and we happily welcomed another 4 day weekend.

3rd Qtr Report

When summer is over, it seems like the year is coming soon to an end. We had so much fun this summer, I enjoyed every week of it. If I have to just tell people what we did, it will include words like running, swimming, tennis, hikes, mountains, Mt. Wilson, San Diego, birthdays, Yosemite, Phoenix, BBQs, food events, cooking, planting, plumerias, late night movies, and lots of gatherings, concerts and sleepy. I think I won't have any regrets next year as I will be a little more reserve next year for big plans and changes ahead. Unfortunately, i didnt make it to the Half Dome this year, but one day, I will make it up there.

There are still so many things I need to do before this year ends. Hopefully find another house and get things wrapped up and cases to settle. There are more important things to look forward to. Business is up on the train track, as a chinese saying will put it. It's going well and we are so close to my goal this year, which we will definitely exceed by year end. I am so excited. Need to plan on how to celebrate.

Scott and I at the LA County Fair, watching One Republic

Ciao!

random thoughts.

Today I received an email from Volunteer for Peace, an organization that sends volunteers all over the world. I signed up once upon a time going to Thailand and decided not to go very last minute because the area was at the border of Malaysia and South of Thailand which is comparable to today's borders of Mexico. Maybe I was too paranoid but it was probably not a good idea not to go. Drug trafficking, random killings, and kidnappings - I think the right decision is to stay put.

Upon receiving that email, it always gets me to start thinking about going out to volunteer again. There are opportunities in Japan and Switzerland. So of course, I asked my husband if I could go and the predictable answer from him was - NO, why would you do such thing. I told him, thank god I was able to do it once before I married you. Going to Thailand and living there for 2 months was the best experience of my life. I didnt go to a single party while I was there alone but I stayed with the most loving families and met the most extraordinary people when I was there, which continues to inspire me to this day.

Some people spend their lives volunteering, traveling and meeting people around the world. I always knew I wanted to do just that, and I knew I would be great at it. But then I see what I have in front of me, responsibilities, greater responsibilities, and people who depend on me. And then I realize, or eventually convince myself that living the reality is the grand mission in life afterall.

A4

I recently returned my beloved TSX and entered into a new lease for the mighty A4. I am never a great german car fan, but we all are aware that their perfermance of the automobiles is supreme.

I have been driving the A4 for 2 months now and it is fast. I spent so much time in my car that I have written an equation for it:

Running Late + A4 = On Time.

Getting into the Summer mode and in shape

this week, we ran, we played tennis and last night we played frisbee. We had a week of doing something active every single day. Sleepy loved playing the frisbee and will not stop chasing after it, even though he was beyond exhausted. He would lay down and rest for a few minutes to refuel his energy and he will be back on the grass chasing back and forth, forth and back. Watching him makes me feel tired..for him.

foodies at Vegas

Went to Vegas last weekend for the Glee concert - yes GLEE, and we ate so much good foods. I promise anyone, you go with us, and you will enjoy only the best foods. Guaranteed.

My sister and I have been raving about all the foods in vegas and we finally made a trip together with the ultimate goal of eating all of them. Mission accomplished! Yes, we are crazy about food - it is comforting to know that there are so many foodies now outthere, which doesnt make us too awkwardly weird. We can talk and think about food all day long.

Day 1 - Island - Hawiaiian Food Poke. It was out of this world, finally had the malsadas, the pokes were SO good. Dessert: Nielson's frozen custard - failed because some kind of commercial was filming there. Lotus of Siam - WOW again. The curry shrimp, the special soup, and sea bass noodle - nothing can be beat! Raku - top class japanese izakaya/yakitori. Go again on a special occasion.

Day 2 - Ramen at Monta for breakfast. Superb. Dinner at Hugo's Cellar - underrated restaurant. You will leave the place like you stepped out of the time machine which took you back to 1920s.

Day 3 - Breakfast at the Palance Station at their Oyster Bar. The Pan Roast....it was heavenly.

Dads

I have three Dads in my life - Real Dad, StepDad and Dad-in-Law.

I have the greatest Dads. I had the best time growing up, because of my parents and siblings, friends and relatives. I think about my childhood and only wish that I could turn back time. But there is one thing I can look forward to now, is to give my kids the same childhood I once had. I can't wait to build a memorable and fun childhood for ours kids. It's going to be fantastic.

My dad made everything fun, because he had a way to make you feel that everything he did or we did was the best thing to do. We went to restaurants and it was like we were eating the best food in the world. And we were. We went on boats and mountains during weekends to see the sunsets and get dirt all over our feet. We went everywhere and those were always the best holidays of my life. My dad has an impeccable memory - I am not as good as he is, but I do remember my McDonald Birthday parties. My dad was the greatest friend, greatest singer and he seemed to be everything. So til this day, he has a lasting influence on the way I am. It was probably of what we did when I was a kid, I love climbing mountains, hiking, just run around and keep busy.

My Stepdad, he is born to be a scholar, a teacher, a lecturer and perfectionist. I am always inspired and amazed by him. He knows everything and like my dad, he can easily win on Jeopardy. Once you get him started on a topic he read about, he can begin a 3-hour lecture. Like in a classroom, we soon begin to zone out and begin our own conversations, passing notes. and, like in a classroom, the professor will keep going until time is up...or when there is no one listening. My Stepdad, or as we call him 'uncle', has a very kind heart and loves to help people - which makes him a good doctor, because that's what doctors do best - help/save people no matter what.

My dad-in-law is a quiet man, but he also gets pretty outspoken when he needs. He runs the errands for the family and is really good with kids. His grandkids - our nephews are so attached to him. I havent had much contact or conversation with him, but he is a good man.

Now with Scott, I wonder what kind of Dad he will be. Probably none of the above, because he is neither quiet nor helpful nor too exciting. But I know he will love his kids as he loves Sleepy - and remember to feed them when its time to eat and go when it's time to go.

Pasdaena Marathon

Submit. I was eager to do another 5K this year. The last one I ran was the Revlon Run/Walk which was nearly 3 years ago. Running is my kind of sport. BORING and challenging. I registered early this year and only remembered when we drove on Colorado Blvd the Friday of that weekend and I realize that - Hey I gotta run!


So Saturday we went to the Health Expo to pick up my bid and running kit. Love those things! We picked up a dozen of the energy drinks and coconut juice for my breakfast and post-run meal. The most exciting part of this event was the shirt! I got two because Scott is a KP employee and this event was largely sponsored by them. I got 2 of those dri-fit shirts and they are awesome! An excellent addition to my active wardrobe. love love them.


The morning of the race was a gloomy one. When I got to PCC to park, it started sprinkling, when the race began, it started pouring. When it was over, I was soaked.


Runner Result:

no regrets.

During your lifetime, you hear about people telling you to chase after your dreams, and don't give up. For some people, their dreams came true and lived happiliy ever after. For others, they sleep and dream another dream to chase.

Now that my little sister is graduating, I remember when graduation was approaching for me in 1999, when everyone had jobs lining up and I had one school accepted me. I also applied for a volunteering program in Thailand to do something I truely wanted - going to thailand =P. Going to law school, or let me rephrase it, being a lawyer was not one of my lifelong dream profession. I had a dream, though, that I could do anything. I wanted to be everything. My mom knew me and convinced me to go to law school, and I listened and applied. Just one regret - retake my lsats to get a better score, studied harder for better grades. But you know what, you make the best out of what you have and keep pursuing - finish law school and pass the bar. And I did. Once you reached your goal, nothing else in the past mattered - all your failures lead to your ultimate accomplishment but then you realize that it doesnt stop there. There is neverending pursuits and you know the ultimate mission is the pursuit of happiness.

Use your past failures as learning experiences to continuously improve . My biggest strength is my ability to get knocked down and come back stronger every time. One of the things that I have to thank is all those who looked past me and doubted me because of them, I am who i am today - just a little stronger.

March Showtime

For the last three years, I have been going to Shanghai for the R + T and this year was no exception. I made a stop in Busan, Korea to meet with my dad first to visit a factory and potential vendor and flew over to Shanghai for the show. Dad had to fly back to Hong Kong from Korea to spend time with my stepmom before his absence from home for the week. I stayed in Busan for one more night as suggested by my dad. Busan is more of a suburb in Korea, less-metorpolitan, more industrial. They compare Seoul to Shanghai and Busan to Guangzhou. It a little like Hong Kong, they said. We stayed at a hotel call Hotel Illua by the beach. It was very nice, cozy, and just enough to make you feel comfortable. A

lthough we were there when they were doing renovation at the lobby, and no breakfast. But like I said, good enough. When my dad left, I walked down the hill and wondered around the stores nearby and found a lot of clothing stores with US brands and golf clothing. I stumbled into an "E-Store" which was a 24hr department shop with a supermarket, home goods and cosmetics. Just what I wanted. Sometimes, there is just too much to see to actually make a purchase of anything. So I spent almost an hour walking around and left the building with nothing. Before I went back to the hotel, I went into a noodle shop and randomly picked an item on the korean menu. But the most memorable thing I experienced in Korea was eating LIVE seafood - not fresh of the water, but the creature is still alive on the plate. We had these octopus tenticles delivered on a plate, moving and struggling. It was sad but exciting to eat them! The next morning, it was pouring rain and the taxi driver cruised to the airport with no traffic. Thank God - traffic in Busan was horrific.

Shanghai came next and this time I got to explore the city a lot more than my last 3 visits. Had the chance to catch up with 2 of my friends and went to some chic place for a drink. Hong Kong was the last stop and I walked along the Shanghai road to find the Egg Waffle maker! It was heavy and going to be well worth it! O the trip was seemed so long and felt like I was away from home for ages. It was like a grand union to see Scott and Sleepy.

February madness

How I wish I have a pair of rainboots to walk in the rain. We, californians, are just not acquainted with this wet weather. People drive slower and more reckless, causing more traffic and wasting more time on the commute. Yet, as much as I sound like I dislike the rain, there's almost nothing as soothing as listening to the rhythm of the falling of rain..

February has been very busy. When you know it, Chinese New Year was around the corner. Preparing the red envelops, getting our house cleaned, carpet cleaned and sleepy groomed before the big day. After the new year, there was the mammoth trip. It's funny how I was so determined not to snowboard, and ended going up to the mountain and carving down. yay!

Here's sleepy on the snow! It's so hiliarious to see him walking on the snow and trying to stay close to us. He walked so cautiously on the snow, like he felt like he was going to slip or tumble down. He cracks me up.

I drove to San Diego and went to see a few customers. Before I drove back, I had dinner with my brother and ate at a typical "hole in the wall" dumpling house. It was fantastic. The wait for long and this restaurant is like a very old-fashion chinese-american restaurant and it brings so much food comfort to a chinese living in america. I also walked into a william sonoma and found:

that's right - the gai dan jai maker! I couldnt help to NOT buy it. This is like the rainbow brite, little pony of cartoons! This is what we ate and what we still eat when we go back to Hong Kong. I can't believe William Sonoma carries it, it's amazing. This version is made out of cast iron and it's cooked over a stove top - which is not as practical as it were the electric ones. So it is returned and back to the shelf for the next Cantonese -enthusiast to try. As for me, we are going to buy the real one and open a shop! just watch!!!

February is also craving for dumpling month. I had the urge of wrapping dumplings. Turnout: not so good, but good enough. I just mixed minced pork, napa cabbage, shrimp and mushroom with sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar with an egg. Found the recipe somewhere on the internet. It was alright - i remembered I made them better, just relying on my recipe.

This month, I also took my returned trip back to London and exited into NY on the layover and met with a few good customers. NY to Chicago and drove 2 hours to Indiana and back. As my 3rd visit to Chicago, it's such a shame that I didnt get to enjoy Chicago as much as I always wish I could. This time I stayed at a very classic hotel - Seneca Hotel in the heart of chicago. The hotel felt like there's so much history to it, I loved it. Unfortunately, I was there for only 6 hours and I had to check out to drive to Indiana. Didnt get to go to Mitsuwa, but I did go check out Chinatown which has quite the feel of a genuine chinatown in the US. It's dirty and you see old and expired chinese trends that are waiting for someone homesick to buy and look.

Chinese New Year 2011

Chinese New Year is becoming more and more of a holiday here, as people are actually taking the day off and non-chinese people are recognizing it and even sending greetings for this holiday. Every Chinese Year, we always receive an abundant of "GO"s. The turnip cake, water-chestnut cake, taro-cake, and the standard rice flour cake which can be added with coconut milk. My mom pan fries these mixed with egg which makes them 10 times better.

New Year this year landed on a Thursday - and this particular thursday was such a long day. Work started in the morning, then home in the afternoon (2PM) for lunch at Sin Ba La with my sister, then go to Costa Mesa for a business sale meeting, then back home at 9PM for a meeting with the escrow signing agent, then 10PM for dinner back home. By the time I got home, I didnt want to do anything but to crash into my bed.

This year of the rabbit should be an interesting one. i already sense that there is a number of things I need to plan for. Since I came back from Europe, I have been sleeping earlier and waking up earlier....which means, i m about to knock out now......