Sunday, February 28, 2010

Day 7 - February 28 2010

Hello World

Today my family and I ate at Piatti's in Danville and I basically ate my heart out.

My parents got there first and as soon I sat down, we had a variety of pastries for appetizers!!!!

so, I dipped everything in lemon custard.

I love uncovering new, delicious, and decently-priced restaurants, especially when they are less then 15 min away from home!!!

Surprisingly, we had leftovers- though I forgot to snag some from my parents. I'm definitely returning!!!!

And now, I am unwinding with my other half...

sipping on hot water, blogging, and psychologically preparing myself to work later on- as my other half and his brother play an extremely intense game of Starcraft.


Goodnight Moon.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Day 6 - February 27 2010

"Don't look at me- you disgust me." I heard a man say this to his wife/GF/idk- while waiting in line for a cashier. I felt like saying "Excuse me, mister- YOU disgust me."

Anyway, hello world!

this blog is a day late but oh well :)


Yesterday my family and I visited with other family and a new addition: Peter (no pics though, sorry). Since I can't post any pics of him, I will just say that he is like a mini benjamin button- timelessly handsome, perfectly parted hair, and pouty lips.

In addition, we also celebrated the leaving of his grandparents for the Philippines. In the next week or so, his grandparents will be permanently leaving the US and relocating back home, in the Philippines. The immigrated to the US in search for a better future for their growing family. In doing so, they also helped other family members relocate children in the US- including my mother (Peter's grandfather's niece). In their time here, in the US, they have married off one daughter, been the strongest support system for their only son during rough moments, and developed a very unique and rare relationship with their youngest daughter that many people never get to have/experience.

They are the definition of "family first". Peter's grandfather is the never ending glue keeping the family together, loyal to our roots, and mindful of the opportunities have just by living in the US. Peter's grandmother is classic, simple, and elegant; at the same time, she has the "spunk", youth, and vigor of a 20-something year old.

They welcomed my mother, a young mother herself, with open arms; and helped raise me (God bless them for that! haha!) My mom grew up with two "additional sisters" *her cousins) and was still able to enjoy her youth despite having a daughter to care for precisely because of her two cousins. These two cousins have become permanent figures in not only my life but that of my siblings. They have become our role models and mentors. I know they will miss their parents terribly and may find it a challenge to redefine "life in the US" without their parents being just a few minutes away; but I have no doubt that this move will allow the family to grow closer and become a stronger, more unified unit of love.

Peter's grandparents have come full circle....they moved to the US, started a new life, made a "warm home" of it and left imprints in the hearts of many, and nearly 30 years later, they begin their return and start a new chapter in the country that is truly their "home".

That said, lets all try to be a little more appreciative of those who have not only made an impact on OUR lives but especially on the lives of our parents.

I ended the night with a trip of Max's in Burlingame, CA where diets are actually welcomed!




I say this only because, although they have a very tempting selection of desserts- they also offer a wide variety of (not-so-cardboard-tasting) sugar free sweets!



Thanks for reading...signing off now to start my blog for Day 7.

Day 5 - February 26 2010

Hello World


2am- and it is so tempting to curl up in bed; but I was actually looking forward to blogging, even for just a bit.

I went to a billiards bar earlier (South First Billiards Club and Lounge) earlier and saw a peiced of mixed media artwork that caught my eye:

I liked how simple the media was; but also how detailed it was at the same time. It was only when I was getting reading to post it that I realized that the wires (is that what it is?) are actually formed into faces!! See it?

Ok, gotta end it here. I can't wait to sleep in....

Goodnight Moon

PS - one more thing that I absolutely must share. I am not too crazy about Anne Hathaway's dress:



Designer: Vivienne Westwood
Source:http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2010/02/26/alice-in-wonderland-royal-world-premiere-anne-hathaway-in-vivienne-westwood/

She wore it to the London premiere of Alice In Wonderland.

I am not sure what is going on with the neck line there...sweetheart meets tube meets half-halter? Perhaps its the fit- or maybe its supposed to look like that?

I don't know- maybe im used to the classic timeless Anne....oh well- we all have mishaps.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Day 4 - February 25 2010

Day 4 - February 25 2010


Hello World,

Here are few of my favorite sites to visit:

1. http://savorysweetlife.com/

I came across this blog accidentally. My cousin made some absolutely delicious chocolate chip cookies, and when she showed me the website she got her recipe from, I surfed the site and realized it was a blog!

The blogger's name is Alice and frequently shares recipes via her blog. I have made a few recipes and I must say- ALL of them turned out fabulous! A few recipes I've borrowed from her blog are:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Poppyseed + Strawberry salad dressing
Scones
Chimichurri Sauce
Spinach Bacon Penne Pasta

2. http://joyofbaking.com/
I have been visiting this site for almost 4 years now! I have made countless recipes and (as long as you religiously abide by the given measurements) most recipes turn out great! My favorite recipe from this site would have to be Banana Bread and Bread Pudding :)


3. http://www.tmz.com/ & http://www.thesuperficial.com/
...because I too, am a tabloid junky :)

4. http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/
Despite her past/ rumors, etc- I will proudly say that I am definitely a KK fan! Love her hair, her bod, and style!


5. http://news.google.com/
Convenient way to figure out whats going on where.

Anyway....onwards-

Today I worked from home, so I was able to use my SLR for photos. Normally I use a point-and-shoot since it is less of a hassle to carry around when I am walking. Anyway- that said, even after a hard day at work (be it from the office or home)- I absolutely love that I have a little someone waiting for me to walk through that door....





and of course since I worked from home...I also...pigged out




Lastly...here are a few random thoughts I had throughout the day:

* Barbara Walters reminds me of a very hold fancy well-groomed poodle. Was surprised to know she has had 3 miscarriages and ended up adopting!

* Nadia Sulleman has 14 kids. There's no turning back now. Debating about whether she should have had them in the first place does not turn back the hands of time, nor does it change the future- so let's stop wasting out breath and just move on already.

* Kristie Alley has not-so-pretty bottom row teeth.



PS: don't get me wrong- I have many flaws myself, so please don't interpret the above post as a "soap box monologue".

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Day 3 - February 24 2010

Hello World,

Wasn't much a fan of today's weather. If i keep writing about the weather- I should have just made this a Project Weather365 blog.

Anyway during hump days like these, working at an accounting firm, and tax busy season glaring at you in the face- it is easy to to run from point A to point B; to keep your eyes on the prize; and never look back, left, or right...



Like looking straight through a kaleidoscope, ignoring the pretty peripheral shapes and colors, and staring right at the Devil itself: Corporate America.



I was a part of this hypnosis as well, but luckily my walk to/from BART provides me with the most breathtaking views...



and unforgettable sights.



Thank you, San Francisco.

PS: one more thing....



it kills.

Goodnight, Moon.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Day 2 - February 23 2010

Hello World



Today was gloomy, rainy- very much like London weather. Nonetheless I found the rain refreshing and the grayness of the sky calming.

On my way home, strangers stopped to talk...


and families were reunited.




Today was not a bad day- not a bad day at all

Monday, February 22, 2010

Day 1 - February 22 2010

Hello, world!

Today marks the first day that I will keep a photo diary. I don't really know why I'm starting this but I think it would be interesting and will truly test my committment to the project.





I took this photo of my feet as I was waiting for my train today. I actually wanted to snap a photo of a sailor playing the accordion on the platform, but I was second in line for my train and wanted to be able to grab a seat on the way home.







Three minutes later my train came.

Five hours later, here I am- at a new beginning, yet again.

Goodnight, Moon.