I am not your sweet baboo!

I love Charlie Brown. I don't know why, it's not that good, but I still love him. And his gang of peanuts. I never knew why they're called peanuts...

Back in LA. I had full intentions of going to the gym tonight. Even got dressed. Keys in my hand. Almost out the door. But I already knew I wasn't feeling well so I landed back on the couch. And now, here I am in my pjs, watching Charlie Brown attempting to read War and Peace on New Year's Eve, while Peppermint Patty waits for him. (So...everyone thought peppermint patty was a boy when you were younger, right?) Still have much to do, but this sudden onset of sickness doesn't bode well for all that stuff I have to do. A gift from Abby perhaps? More likely my body breaking down from the trip. I'm tempted to take a bath and read my book and go to bed early...but the book will most likely get wet in the bath. I don't know how other people do it. Read in the bath I mean.

Brrrrrr. It's freezing. Off I go.

Back! Kinda.

I'm back to Seattle from a short stint to Vancouver, BC. However, there is no new stamp on my passport. Bummer. The passport was looking a bit bare when I leafed through it. No travels since 2007? Man, I gotta work on that. We got stopped on the way back in because my cousin declared that we were bringing in some mooncakes. Apparently eggs coming in the country is an issue. It was a minor issue, but annoying.

Vancouver was nice, we saw some sights, but mostly ate a lot and drove around. My BIL took a cool pic of me and a whale, I'll try to post when I get it. Oh, a fake whale, not a real one.

So far this trip has been nice. It's good to just hang out with my aunt and uncle and cousin, we don't see each other nearly enough. The other cousin we haven't seen as much, since he's busy with a new baby and all.

I forget every year, but inevitably, it happens every year at this time: ENGAGEMENTS. I go offline for a few days and come back to find Reese Witherspooninchili engaged, Natalie Portmaniwishiwascutelikeher pregnant AND engaged, my friend Jen engaged....I'm sure I'll find out about more in the coming weeks. Sigh. Post christmas: it's the most depressing time of the year.

I'm back late Wednesday night to my parents and after that, it's all work. I've got some work goals to work on, personal goals to work on for the new year, my sewing corner to set up, sewing book to read and study, Mockingjay to finish (no renews possible!), netflix movies to watch, insurance stuff to look into before the new year, apartment to clean and rearrange, tutorials to learn....I've got lots to do before going back to work! I can't believe these two weeks are almost over.

Every year, I tell myself I'm going to start christmas early. Give it a "good go at it" finally. Get a tree, get some twinkly lights, send out a photo card (I love photo cards, send me one if you ever make them pleeease), get everyone some good presents, make holiday cookies. But every year it comes and goes before I know it! Next year...next year fer sure.

Presenting....Presents.

Some of you may or may not know...we don't do presents in the family. This isn't meant to be a pity party, it's just not something we do. We did a little bit when we were younger, but somewhere along the way we've stopped. Attempts at getting presents for the parents in subsequent years have always ended in disappointment, as they never seem to like what we get them. Sure, I really like getting presents, especially if it's something I really love or wanted. But maybe the fact that we don't do presents is why I love giving presents just as much. I really do try hard to give good presents. But along the same line, if I can't find something good for someone, I'll forgo it. I'd rather give someone something awesome rather than feeling like it's an obligation and giving them something they don't really want or need. But I'm sure everyone feels that way already.

I always dread going back to work/school after the holidays. Time when everyone shares everything that happened over the break. Including presents. Time when people list off all the cool things they got, and then ask me to share my list of treasures. And inevitably I'll have to say nothing. This answer always evokes some sort of pity sad face from the asker. And then I have to explain, we don't really do Christmas. I can't even say I'm jewish, because even the jews do gifts during Hanukkah! And also...I'm asian. I guess I could be an asian jew, I just haven't met any.

I sometimes do have exchanges between friends and this year I did get a really cool sewing book from bff S. It came with patterns for cute clothes I'd actually wear. I just hope I can execute. That'll be a good goal for next year.

But I'm way curious, what did y'all get for Christmas this year? I want to hear all about the good and the bad. Including any food. The more descriptive the better. That'll be your gift to me. Thanks!

Doctors and Such.

I've discussed this with several people already, so I'm sure some of you are wanting to know, that some doctors out there are BASTARDS.

Ok, that may be a bit harsh. But I really can't imagine making a living off of billing outrageous charges to your clients on things you didn't really do in the hopes that they don't question it and just pay for it.

As I had previously posted, I had this outrageous bill from a doctor I went to. I finally called them to ask about it. First of all, it took me two calls on two different days for someone to even call me back. And when she did, I said I had a question about the bill. She then explained the list on the bill to me without letting me ask my question first. Um...I have the bill in front of me, I don't need you to read it back to me.

And then she said that since the doctor remembers me and that I was referred by a friend, they'll take 50% off the bill. Gee thanks. I said that I never got those things on the bill done (like the xray), all I got was just a check up. She told me she'd have to talk to the doctor and can she call me back on Friday. I said I won't be around Friday. She said, ok so then Monday. And I said, can't you talk to him now? She hesitated then said ok, and then put me on hold to talk to the doctor. When she came back she said that the doctor DID get the xray done but he did it as a preventative measure on his end, "just to be safe." And then said, "so don't worry about it."

All these charges on the bill, and all of a sudden, "don't worry about it?" Uh...first of all, you did MAKE me worry about it. I couldn't sleep that first night I got the bill because that's all I was thinking about. Second of all there were all these questions about the bill I didn't get to ask. Such as, why there were two claims from them, one that was just the checkup bill, which was considered IN network, and the other outrageous bill that was under another name that was mysteriously OUT of network. Also she explained that the doctor did the xray, but I never got the chance to ask her why I was billed twice for the checkup on the two separate claims, at two different rates. And why all the lab tests I never took was on the bill. And why if they already billed me twice for the checkup, did they bill me for another "WELL CARE" which I think has to do with a baby checkup. And why they were billing me from two separate businesses in the first place. All these questions I never got to ask because she said, "don't worry about it." I had to ask her exactly just to be sure. "So I don't have to pay for any part of this bill?" She said yes. I think she realized I was on to them and had all these questions and didn't want to deal with me anymore. And I'm fine with that.

But that was just for one doctor. Another bill came through just today from the second doctor. I still have to look into it a bit more when I get back to my computer at home, but it doesn't seem as ridiculous as this first one. I still have to pay for some parts of the bill for this second doctor though, which is still annoying. But at least it didn't freak me out as much as the first.

So that's my annoying doctor story.

On a more upbeat note, my cousin has a Kinect at his house and I've been beating the whole family at Dance Central. On medium. Without the walk through. Thank you very much. Finally a game I can beat everyone else at and am semi-good at. The last time I was good at a video game was....probably Paperboy. I can't even pass level 4 on angry birds! I suck at games because honestly, I don't care much for them. Dance Central though...that's a different story. :)

Merry Christmas Y'all!

Hello readers,

Hope you're all having a wonderful christmas eve, wherever you are, whenever you read this.

Side note: I'm currently in the mood for pie. But alas, we have no pie in the house. Sad face.

It came so fast, didn't it? One minute it was thanksgiving, the next, christmas eve. Sheesh. Another year over.

Even though I had most of this week off, I still found myself busy to no end. Mostly it was seeing friends. A lot of friend time. That was nice. And then after that, it was traffic. I spent a lot of time in traffic this week. A LOT. That was not nice.

Yesterday I took S and the kiddos to see Disney on Ice. It was the "Celebration" theme. I think they have a few different shows with different themes. But this one was about holidays and birthdays and different ways people "celebrate." It was a good show, very entertaining. No matter how you feel about the Disney Corporation, there's no denying that they know how to put on a good show. It was great to see the girls get so excited, but it also made me want to get back into skating. Watching all these performers do their twirls and backwards skating made me want to get right on the ice with them. The whole time I was watching them I was thinking what life would be like as a touring ice skater, and how fulfilling that must be. Sure it may be hard work. But I would be so fit! And I'd get to wear cool princess outfits at work. I'd be making so many little kids so happy. And since I'm the asian one I'd get to be Mulan all the time, which...is not as cool of a costume, but I'd get my own solos. Now that I think about it, this job would fulfill all my embarrassing adult fantasies of choreographed dancing while skating while wearing a princessy costume. Too bad I'm past my prime. Maybe I'll get back into skating in the new year.

The REASON I stopped was that I didn't feel like I was getting much out of the group lessons I was taking. I just didn't feel like I was improving or learning. There was a lady in my class that had this same issue, so she said she was going to take a private lesson. I never saw her after that so I didn't get to ask her what she thought of it. Private lessons are so expensive though...we'll see.

Also earlier in the week I met up with a friend from work who was meeting his friends for karaoke. I had no idea at the time that this was THE premier spot for karaoke. Thought it was another low key place like the places I usually go to. I got there and realized it's a rather LARGE bar. And you sing to the people in the bar. And people pay attention. You don't just fly by quietly under the radar, oh no. I tried to get another friend to come, and he wasn't interested, for this exact reason. So when I get there of course my friend made me put in a song. And it took forever but finally it was my turn. IT WAS SO NERVE WRACKING! I wasn't drinking really so I didn't have that to help me calm the nerves. I got on stage and I felt my face get all hot, I didn't know what to do with my hands, so I put them in my pockets while one held the mic. And there was a four measure song intro, so I had nothing to do except stupidly watch people watch me. And then, you think you know a song so well, inside out, back and forth like the palm of your hand, but in front of people, when you're nervous, you know NOTHING. But I finished the song, people clapped, as they do with everyone. I got high fives from the group I was with. Also a high five from the "other" asian soul singer, who later I found out, is there every night, and sings heavy soul. It was a fun time, but I ned to figure out how to present myself in front of people better, and not get so nervous and nerdy. I'd like to be cool and nonchalant, instead of scared and idiotic.

Moving on...

I'm leaving for Seattle early in the morning so I don't know how much blogging I"ll get to do in the next five days. I'm going to see my aunt/uncle/cousins, including a new baby! We'll hang out in Seattle and then drive over to Vancouver for two days. Should be a fun time. I'm awful at packing, I always want to bring EVERYTHING. I'm bringing my rain boots, because I saw that it's raining in Seattle AND Vancouver the whole time we're there. And I've learned from this last week of rains that as long as your feet and socks stay dry, being in the rain isn't too bad at all. The only downfall is that my rubber rain boots are large and clunky and take up a lot of space and are kinda hard to walk in. But I did jump in a puddle with them on the other day and didn't have a care in the world!

I spent all of this morning and afternoon cleaning my apartment and doing laundry. Also got sidetracked by Honey on cable. I'm such a sucker for choreograph dance movies that I'll even watch the bad ones. (BTW, step up 3 is now on DVD, I suggest you all watch it.) But I know when I get back, I'll have a nice clean apt to come home to with clean sheets and a clean tub to take a hot bath in (I'll need it after all that rain). Hooray!

I wish you all a merry rest of the week, and I'll meet you back here....sometime in the future.

Goodnite!

Emergence

Sorry for my absence, dear readers. It's been a crazy busy week. There's been long hours at work, holiday parties, goodbye parties, and other stuff. There were some high highs this week and then some very low lows. I'm kinda ready for it to just even out a bit.

I've been having anxiety over insurance and doctors lately. It felt like every other day this week, something new developed. Even today I got a new bill. I really need to just sit down and take care of it but I'm giving myself the weekend to just do nothing about it, because really, I'm not sure what I should do about it. If anyone has extensive experience dealing with doctors bills and insurance please let me know! I need some help.

Also, in trying to help out a dear friend, I've in turn screwed things up even more. Trying to be helpful doesn't always work out I guess. It wasn't even "helping" more than it was me trying to do something nice in turn for having something nice done for me and being so appreciative of it that I remember thinking how lucky I was. And then I go screw it up. Sigh.

And then there were several moments of disappointment with people. You think someone's a friend and then you have an exchange where you are so disappointed with their actions that you wonder whether you still have things in common anymore. This actually happened a few times this week.

But amidst all that I did have some fun. I had a spur of the moment karaoke session that lasted 4 hours with some coworkers. I spent a lot of time with coworkers this week actually, with holiday parties and going away parties and just...parties. I got a $25 gift card from boss man that i'm excited to use. I was in a bad mood yesterday so went shopping after work and got 2 new dresses on sale! I've been eating some good food (too much of it though). I had a great catchup conversation with Von this morning.

So, it wasn't all bad, but it wasn't all great either. I just know that I'm tired. It was nice to sleep in today, but I'm very very tired.

Day 30: A photograph of yourself today + 3 good things that have happened in the last 3 days

So it's late and technically the next day but I had a holiday party to
go to tonight AND a birthday party so
I haven't been around. And yes I couldve just gone to bed but since
this is the last day of the challenge I figure I should do it up right.

So here's my pitcha, I tried to get my fabulous skirt today, you'd see
more of it if I had longer arms.

And three good things:
1. I have to say, as silly as this sounds, getting the skirt i am
wearing today. I love it.
2. Posting on an almost daily basis, which I think was the whole point
of this challenge. Good job challenge, you did your duty and got me
out of my blog funk.
3. I've gotten a lot more crafty than I had been. I've made some fun
things and have more in mind. And I sewed! Conquered my fear and
finally took out the machine! Yay!

Hope you enjoyed this challenge as much as I did not. Ha. Now let's
just get back to regular blogs, yea?

Day 29: A song that makes me cry (or nearly)

I don't really have a song that makes me cry...

Ok, just kidding, that one was for S.

I would say THIS song.

I just watched the above video for the first time, and I don't quite get it, but still a great song anyway. I was obsessed with Katie Melua a while back and took her albums with me on my trip to India. And now whenever I hear these songs I'm reminded of India, and all the different airports I was in. I kinda like that. Anyway this song makes me especially sad.

I was lucky enough to see a free show of hers at Amoeba a few years ago, and she is GORGEOUS in person. Stunning. That along with her beautiful voice, you can't help but like her. I really don't know why she hasn't caught on here in the states. I mean, she's young, she's cute, she's got a great voice. Although, her music doesn't really sound like traditional pop. Maybe that's why. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

If you like the above song, you should also check out THIS one. The video is a bit cheesy, but the song is really good. This is one of my favorites of hers. Some of the lyrics in this song is so relatable. Hills, if you're reading, this is for you.

Day 27/28

Ok ok. I'm totally failing on my 30 day challenge. My day 27 is a day late, I know.

Day 27: My dream house

I don't have a dream house. I've looked at homes and have seen ones that I liked. Even went to several nice model homes with S this afternoon. But I don't have a dream house. I wouldn't know what my dream house would look like. I don't know what my own style is. Probably nothing too modern, because even though I really like looking at modern homes that are designed well, they always seem too cold to me. Warm and cozy is my preferred style I think. What that looks like, I'm not sure.

Day 28: An art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc) that means something to me.

Ugh. Double fail. What kind of 30 day challenge is this? I can't wait til it's over. What if I said that I don't have an art piece that means something to me. Blargh.

Fail fail fail.

Good Night Moon.

I either have a new reader, or spam is getting super smart. I used to never get spam on my blog, and then lately, they just keep coming. It's also really weird spam too. I wish blogger would do something about it. A few months ago I opened up a new email account for all my spam and email lists. One day, I got an odd email on this account. At first I thought it was one of those super smart spam emails. It was a baby announcement, letting me know a new little one just came in the world. As I read and wondered what the spam email wanted from me (deposit money into some foreign account, help some old lady with her accounts, etc), I started to realize maybe it was a real email. And by the time I got down to the bottom, where I saw several pictures of mom and baby and daddy still in the hospital, I finally realized it was NOT spam, and that the email got sent to the wrong address. Yikes! Good thing I'm not a creeper. If I found out I sent my hospital baby pictures to a stranger, I'd be a little weirded out. Wouldn't you? Which is why I really try to double check who I send emails to. Because emails cannot be unsent. The great "reply all debacle of '08" got two of my friends FIRED.

The best thing about Christmas time? Can you guess, can you guess what it is? Nope it's not the tree. Not the presents. Not the yule-tide cheer. It's the PEPPERMINT! Mint chocolate this, peppermint candy that. This is the time when peppermint comes out to play. (I type this as I have a cup of minty hot cocoa.) I love this time of year...so minty.

The worst thing about Christmas time? Engagement and car commercials. First of all, not EVERYONE gets engaged during the holidays, so stop pressuring us to! Holidays are hard enough for those who aren't ready to commit, or for those who aren't even close. For those of you who are? Put a ring on it, and then SHUT UP. Uh oh oh, oh oh oh, uh oh oh, whoa whoa whoa.

Second of all, very few people can get their significant other a new lexus or luxury car, let alone get one without discussing it with their significant other FIRST in order to keep the car a secret and wrapped up in the driveway, and on top of all that, extra large car bows are probably really hard to find. (I for one have never seen one at Target, and Target has EVERYTHING. I'm. Just. Saying. Maybe it comes with the car, from the dealership, yknow, when you want to surprise your significant other with a new luxury car without talking about it first, you'll want something to distract them from asking you stupid questions like, "can we afford this?")

In case you were wondering, I put together a most excellent outfit today. It got many compliments throughout the day. I love when two pieces I got on sale for cheap are able to layer together to make a one of a kind ensemble. Good job outfit. Looks like you'll be coming back.

Day 26: A photo that makes me angry/sad

So I thought and thought and thought.

Maybe when the moment comes up I'll wonder why I didn't think of it now. But I just can't think of anything. So I thought about something else.



This is yesterday's dress. The left side makes me angry. The right side makes me sad.


Mission double complete.

Day 25: A photo that makes me happy

This dress. A blast from the past. I can't find it anymore, it must be gone by now, but this dress makes me really really happy.