To Me, From Me

Anyone who says Christmas is all about giving to others has clearly never bought themselves something online and had it shipped gift wrapped.

Despite shelling out my own hard-earned cash and already knowing what was inside the package, it was just as exciting to tear off the perfectly tied ribbon, open the large silver box and sift through the tissue to reveal my 4″ patent leather, strappy Italian shoes. And surprisingly, I feel pretty darn grateful… to me. 

For the record, however, I only had it gift wrapped because the store offered it for free and I declined their offer to include a personalized message to myself. I would never actually pay for something so frivolous… and I’m not that crazy.

Slightly selfish, a tad pathetic, perhaps, but not crazy.

Cold Weather… well, kinda

I say “kinda” for two reasons:

1. “Cold” is relative. But in California, if it drops below 60 degrees, you bet your ass I’m wearing gloves, a winter coat, a scarf and maybe even talking about pulling out my earmuffs.

2. I often associate being freezing cold to being poor and miserable.

That said, the upside of cold is finding ways to warm up, whether it be blasting the heater, cuddling up under an extra blanket or just sticking your hands in someone else’s jacket pocket. Aw…

Mercury in Retrograde

“Jeremy Piven suffered ’shocking levels’ of mercury in his system from eating too much sushi and Chinese herbs, forcing him to leave the Broadway play Speed-the-Plow, his doctor tells People magazine.”

Note to self: When consuming massive amounts of sushi, just say no to herbs of the Chinese variety.

I’m sure this is actually a serious health scare, but I can’t help but laugh. Sorry, Ari…

Good Meal + Good Friend + Good Conversation

+ Good Wine and Martinis… Is there anything better??

Old People Rule!

“Elizabeth Taylor, 76, drank tequila shots and apple martinis over dinner at gay landmark The Abbey Food and Bar in West Hollywood. She was sporting cowboy boots, a black fur coat, horse-print leggings, and a cowboy hat.”

I hope to be this awesome when I’m 76. Seriously.

The Insomniac Sleeps

If it weren’t for the flu, I’d have no sleep at all.

 

I’m better now but the sleepy side effects haven’t worn off – thank God! Since the worst part of the flu dissipated, I’ve had peaceful five-hour slumbers followed by a another couple hours of sleeps AND I’ve been able to take naps. All without pills! Unheard of.

 

Energy is still a bit low because of last week but this is probably the most rested and alert I’ve been in six months. Honestly, the world is a little different. Brighter. Better.  

 

Let’s just hope it lasts…

Gloating

USC 28 – UCLA 7

We’re headed to the Rose Bowl!

The Return of the Appetite

Maybe it’s just me but when you’re Asian and sick and miles away from mom’s kitchen, there ain’t nothing like Chinese fast food delivery. In my own “Survivor: Flu Edition,” I’ve been living off of orange juice and wheat thins for almost four days, so I’m stoked that I’m starting to get my appetite back (however small).

For better or for worse, my tummy’s been talking to me for the past couple days, so I figured I should play it safe: no kung pao chicken or spicy shrimp. I just ordered egg drop soup and chicken with broccoli. Not the most flavorful or exciting things on the menu, but I feel comforted just looking at my hardly eaten spread of Chinese goodness.

Besides, the old, Asian delivery man pulls at my heartstrings every time: “I have your food,” he says in broken English. “Will you open the door and let me inside?”

(in retrospect, however, it was a very, very bad idea to eat that egg roll and fried wonton that came free with the lunch special…)

I (Heart) Carbs

Just the other day I gave an appreciation for my rice cooker as I was putting it away. I’ve had that thing since college, so I obviously don’t use it as much as other Asians or Filipinos (my parents replace theirs every year it seems). But I can’t imagine a life of low-carb or no carb. No bread, pasta or rice? Even brown rice? Is that really necessary? Is that even considered living? I would rather run four miles every day than give up the foods I love, so bring it on, I say! Gimme, gimme, gimme my chocolate, beer, and a big bowl of rice and sauce.

I Can’t Live Without…

1. a paper shredder

2. paper towels

3. $1.39 gas station coffee from Mobil On-the-Run (half coffee, half sugary vanilla cappuccino)