Day 79 - Apple Tree

Oh yes, you better believe it, I have an apple tree. What do I do with the apples? Well....nothing really. The husband and I tried a few apples from this tree and they were terrible. (Probably due to lack of fertilizer and care). Nowadays, I will feed some apple slices to my dogs.

Day 78 - Gym Anyone?

I imagine migraines to me is what is kryptonite to Superman. Maybe not that bad for me but it sure feels like it sometimes. Defeated with a migraine last night - I went to bed hoping that it would be gone by this morning. Lady luck was not on my side so I drove my sorry butt with the throbbing pain in my head to Walgreens to pick up my medicine at 9:38 a.m. Walgreens did not open until 10 a.m.!!!

So I waited and waited. Then I figured while I waited - I would take a random picture. A random picture of the gym. The gym I have not visited for about two weeks. The gym that I pay a monthly fee. The same gym that I drive by almost everyday and I still manage to avoid. Yup...that's the gym.

Day 77 - Bar Hayama

Bar Hayama

1803 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310-235-2000

This restaurant is a sushi bar and can easily be overlooked if you are not specifically looking for it as it blends in with the surrounding homes on Sawtelle in Los Angeles. Upon entering the restaurant - you will immediately see an outdoor seating with a bonfire at its center. There are a number of seatings outside as well as inside. The place is quaint, charming and, in my opinion, could come off as a bit pretentious.

On such a warm evening as today - we had a reserved table outside (thank goodness too!) to celebrate a belated birthday. The day was HOT, HOT, HOT!!! And yes, I am a wimp when it comes to heat so anything more than 82 degrees is unbearable for me.

Upon being seated - a friendly and rather cute waiter arrived at our table to take our drink orders. While waiting for the rest of our party to arrive - we soaked in the surroundings of the restaurant. We were rather early as it was about 6 p.m. and hardly anyone was at the restaurant. I recommend coming around 7:30 p.m. if you are looking for a livelier crowd.

The cute waiter came back to take our order after the rest of our party arrived. Quite courteous and friendly, he was able to make several recommendations and a few of his favorites. What I found a bit interesting is that the waiter had a bit of a giggle at the end of his conversation! I am not sure if that is a cute thing or not but I guess I can overlook the giggle for today.

We started off with garlic edamame - sauteed edamame with garlic soy sauce. I rather liked this dish with the hint of garlic and soy sauce to add flavor to the, sometimes, rather flavorless edamame.

I ordered the deep fried calamari salad - (diced tomatoes, possibly blanched or steamed asparagus, fried calamari tossed in a hayama dressing). Hayama dressing is slightly tangy and sweet. Presented beautifully in its plate, the calamari is perfect if eaten immediately. If you wait too long - the batter will soak up the hayama dressing creating a very soggy calamari that leaves little to desire on the tastebuds.
This plate was from their specials of the day and I do not remember the name. It is made up of pork chops and figs. A tasty dish - unfortunately the soggy calamari combined with the beginnings of a migraine, left me with a handicap to my tastebuds and all were slightly uneventful by the end of the night.
The husband ordered the lobster dymamite - shitake, french mushrooms, oyster mushrooms with mayonnaise sauce topped with lobster and scattered with crispy onions. I did managed to try a piece but to be honest - it was a bit uneventful for me.
The husband also ordered this dish. Unfortunately - I have no idea what it was called and what was in it. I did get to try it and again - it was a bit uneventful.
A friend ordered the poke and she thought it was a bit salty. I did not try so I cannot comment.
She also ordered this plate, which I think is the rainbow roll plate.
There were several other dishes that were ordered throughout the course of the night at our table. Unfortunately I did not capture those pictures.

The restaurant is a great place to try out different types of Asian fusion sushi and appetizer plates. Also great for a date and special get togethers. Price-wise - it was definitely on the pricey side. Prices range at about $ 8 to $ 15 a plate for appetizers with each person ordering about two plates. Everything was beautifully presented but how can you go wrong with food presented on white plates? It just screams, "Try Me." Waiter was definitely attentive, friendly and accomodating. Too bad I don't remember his name.

However, if you are looking for something to fill you up, this may not be the restaurant for you. Try the ramen restaurant a few blocks down. ;P

Day 76 - Vietnamese Dessert (Che)

Thach Che Hien Khanh

9784 Westminster Ave

Garden Grove, CA 92844

714-537-5105

After dinner, the husband and I headed over to Che Hien Khanh for some Vietnamese dessert. Far left to right - Che ba mau (rainbow) drink/dessert (a combination of mung beans, azuki beans, white beans, green jelly, sugar and coconut), Flan, banana with tapioca dessert and another flan.

Day 75 - Spam Musubi

Look what the husband made for dinner tonight! Shock factor! Other than washing the dishes and getting food from the frig, the husband rarely stays in the kitchen for too long but today - he managed to whip up spam musubi all by himself! Meaning - he purchased the nori (seaweed) and sauce, cooked the rice, fried the spam and wrapped everything up. Not bad huh?

Review - pretty tasty. Could use a bit more sauce but for a first-timer - I am impressed. The thing is - I ate 1.75 musubi. This stuff fills you up real quick! We have leftovers for tomorrow.

Day 74 - Happy Meal Toy?

Damn! I missed day 74 by 16 minutes!! Argh!! Anyhoo - I think I got this from a Happy Meal toy. I honestly don't remember.

Day 73 - Look What I Got!

Look what came in the mail today!! I am on the waiting list for the Martha Stewart Cupcake Club. :( I thought it would be nice to join some cooking or baking group but I haven't been able to get onto a group. Maybe they know I am not much of a baker or cooker but, but, but..I can try.

Day 72 - Tomorrow's Lunch

I made dinner! Well...I kind of made dinner. I stir-fried the on-choy and made the rice. My mom made the meat. There was enough leftover for tomorrow's lunch. :)

Day 71 - Kim Anderson

At some point in my life - I collected Kim Anderson and Precious Moments. Until I found out that there was a nickname for these figurines, "dust collectors." Boy - were they true to their nicknames. I got lazy of cleaning and stopped collecting. I still have a few display around the house now and then to remind me of my younger days. ;P

Day 70 - Blizzcon 2009

The husband suckered me into going to Blizzcon 2009. Lucky for me - I had work yesterday so I was able to get out of it. :P Unlucky for me - I had to go with him today. It wasn't so bad but the event just wasn't my thing. Luckily I was able to take pictures and brought a book to read. :)

The day started out with finding a parking space. I am just amazed at how many people attend this event. Blizzcon is a two day event where the company introduces new games. It is a great opportunity for the game enthusiast to try new games, attend panels, etc. It has been awhile since I have been back to the Anaheim Convention Center and I must say - they've done a wonderful job of renovating the place. The architecture is modern and sleek with the many glass panels letting the attendee know that he or she is in the 21st century.
Some people were all decked out in costume. Look at this chick in front of me!Welcome to Blizzcon! May the gamer be with you! :-P

There were rows and rows and rows of monitors for the user to try new games. Look at how every single monitor was taken!! Such game fanatics!!

While the husband was listening to a panel, I ventured off to different areas. This looked fun. I would recommend maybe going on an empty stomach.

And what better way to make your mark then on the wall of Blizzcon!

Graffiti at its finest! These girls are real people!! No they are not cut-outs!

Amazingly. Hello Kitty manages to steal a small place at Blizzcon.

Last but not least - the highlight of the convention. Ozzy Osbourne!!

Conclusion - If you are WOW fan - this convention is perfect for you. For the non-gamer like myself - it was a bit of a bore but overall - interesting AT TIMES. Would I go again? Probably not. Unless the husband goes in costume! :P

Day 69 - Girl Night

While the husband attended Blizzcon and had dinner with his geek, oops I meant his WOW buddies, I got a chance to call it a girl's night. PM's mom and I went out for Vietnamese Bun Bo Que. And what comes after dinner? Dessert! We headed over to Tous Les Jours where I ordered an iced mocha at 8:30 p.m. and a tiramisu cake.

At $ 4 a slice - that was one expensive piece of cake for so-so taste. I've had better tiramisu. Luckily the company made up for the so-so cake. ;P

Day 68 - Blizzcon 2009

The husband is going to Blizzcon tomorrow. It is a two day event with activities for the game fanatic. Along with the tickets he picked up today are a few toys to hold him over until tomorrow.

Day 67 - Passion for yogurt?

The husband's text at 4:51 p.m., "Work out tonight or be lazy?"

Me, "What do you want to do?"

The husband, "Hang out with you."

Me, "But gym or no?"

The husband, "U pick."

Me, "No u pick."

Then the line goes dead. I get no response. Go figures.

We ended up trying a new Vietnamese restaurant that is also a chain. I still like the original. Then we went to dessert! Yum! Yum! It's been awhile since we have had tarty yogurt. I tend to not deviate too much from my normal yogurt flavor and toppings. Today was no exception, although I did add a bit of taro flavor. It's o.k. The husband likes it more than me. My topping choices: almost always mochi and strawberries, mango for the husband, occasionally logan or chocolate chips.

A nice way to end an evening.

Day 66 - Whole Milk

Before I met the husband, I did not know anyone who drank whole milk. Milk is not my friend. Milk is an acquaintance that sometimes I feel like I can do without but yet I still have to maintain the ties because there are beneficial reasons down the road that are not immediately seen.

The minimal milk I did drink while growing up was good old lowfat 2% milk. When we wanted to eat cereal, that was the milk my parents would buy for us. Hmm...so I guess I can blame my parents for my lack of height. Anyhow...boy was I surprised one day when I saw whole milk at the in-laws eons ago.

I asked the husband, boyfriend at the time, "You guys drink this milk??!"

He was like, "Yeah, why?"

Me, "Because it's whole milk! It's a lot of fat content!"

Then I proceeded to try it. Hm....nope, didn't like it. Not my thing. Too rich for my tastebuds that grew up on 2% lowfat milk.

That brings me to this weekend. When I do buy milk, it's 2% lowfat milk but most of the baking recipes request for whole milk. And then there is Costco. Get two one gallons for $ 4! That is practically the price for one one gallon at the normal grocery store. I look at the husband and asked him if we should get and I mentioned the price. Costco - you got us. We are suckers. Yes we are. Now we have one and a half gallons of milk to down by August 29, 2009.
Milk with chocolate brownie. Not bad. Wished it was 2% lowfat milk.

Day 65 - Jackfruit

Do you ever wonder how certain fruits got its name? For example - the jackfruit! Did a person by the name of Jack discover this fruit so that's why we call it jackfruit? With Google as my new best friend, I was able to find out that I am not the only person who wonders this.

Wouldn't you know it....I guess I am just not that creative or unique...which leads me onto another topic when a person tells me that he/she thinks he/she is the only person who had to have this/that happen to or his/her child is the smartest, quickest, tallest, yadee, yadee, yadee.

I want to say, "Yes, you are unique just like everyone else" or "Yes, your child is unique just like everyone else's child." How I see it, if you can Google it and you find your answer....more than likely....you are not the only person with the special powers. Now for the children comparison...it must be a parent thing that you only understand once you are a parent. :P

Ahh...back to the jackfruit....our presence was requested at my in-laws today. The in-laws love jackfruit. I, on the other hand, can do without this fruit. Although I must say, the color of the jackfruit is beautiful. Oh, in case you are interested to learn a bit about the jackfruit. Here and here.

Day 64 - Blueberry Cupcake Muffins

With all the food blogs out there...you'd think that I would be able to find a blueberry cupcake recipe that I like but alas..it is unfortunate I report back that I did not find one that tempted my curiosity. However, lucky for me I had a recipe that I used from the past. The recipe can be found here.

According to the recipe - it serves eight but I used a cupcake pan and yielded ten. It's classic , simple and tasty.

Day 63 - Ego Busted or Not

We entered the store and approached an Asian man behind the counter who was helping an older gentleman. Most of the customers were males looking for specific items for their hobby. The Asian man curiously looked over at us and then proceeded to ask us if we had a question. I asked him if they carried the 50D. He raised his eyebrows and asked me the type of photo I was planning to take. I was taken a back by the response but I explained to him that I was interested in taking portraits and occasional landscape or action. The Asian fellow asked me if I have seen the T1i while also mentioning that the older gentleman next to me has the 50D (which was placed on the counter) and that he had to special order it. I wanted to reach out to the 50D. It was within my grasp but it was not the store's camera. I did not want to impose on the older gentleman.

The Asian fellow went on to tell me about the T1i. This is where I became timid and felt I should have done my homework before walking into such a store where too much testosterone could do harm to a female's ego. He takes out the T1i to show me. I immediately recognize that it is the younger and more technically savvy brother of the XTI. I did not mention to the gentleman that my XTI was tugged in my bag. I did not feel like I needed to but at the same time...I also felt that he thought I was either 1) One of those people who wanted to buy an expensive camera and did not know how to use it or 2) I was a small woman and the smaller Canon would fit me better. He continues to go on about why the 50D if I don't have the good lens to go with it. I mention to him that I have the 24-70 and the 50 1.4. At the mention of the 24-70, I see that he is slightly impressed and realizes that I must know a little bit about cameras but he is still not convinced. He continues to tell me the good things about the T1i while in my mind...all I wanted to do was feel the 50D and if it was compatible with me. Too bad.

Anyhoo...I thanked the gentleman who managed to stomp on my ego as an amateur photographer and quietly exited the store with the husband by my side. Luckily my ego is not easily crushed or else I wouldn't be where I am today. We went back to his parents where I managed to snap a few shots of their dog, Boba.
Don't let her size fool you. She's lovable and sweet as can be! I love how the sun was setting in this picture but as usual...pets are antsy and can never stay still for you. Oh well.

Day 62 - The Hourglass

"Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives." Bet you don't know where that came from. ;P

Don't let the moments slip by without making them count. :)

Day 61 - ECA's Passion

Similar his sister, ECA has a lot of hobbies but usually ECA likes expensive hobbies. One day ECA decided he wanted to turn one of his expensive hobbies to a career. Some thought ECA was crazy because he was willing to forego a decent 9 to 5 to partake on such an endeavor. For two years, ECA was a corporate slave during the day and pursuited his passion in the evening until one day ECA could not take being a corporate slave anymore and thought to himself, "The hell with it." Now ECA is a slave to his passion. :P
This puffer fish is kind of cool even if he's poisonous. Or is he?

A figurine displayed with the idea to bring prosperity and fortune to one's business. Oh, ECA is in the background probably picking on his hand again.

Day 60 - Tonight's Dinner

I am pathetic. I said I boycotted McDonald's back here and I lasted for about one month. I just never blogged about the other times I had McDonald's until now. I know I belong on the wall of shame but but but I don't cook that often and MickeyD is sooo convenient! I know, I know, I am making excuses. Oh well. We'll just have to move on and look past my imperfection. I can't be perfect all the time. :P

Tonight's dinner: One hamburger, small fries and a small Coke! I found out that the price for these three items are the same as the Happy Meal! I used to get the Happy Meal but I never had a use for the toy. Oh wait...except when I met Kermie. The difference is that for this order I get an actual small sized Coke whereas the Happy Meal gives me a child sized Coke.

Dinner....so simple.
Note to self: I should try to do a better job at taking indoor night pictures.

Day 59 - Unlikely Souvenir

Do you know anyone who collects hotel keys from his or her travel? No? Well now you do. Me. Oh wait...I'm kidding!

On our recent trip to Costa Rica, we found ourselves with an unlikely souvenir from that country when the husband forgot to return our room key and the front desk never asked for it. I wondered if they realize they are missing the key to room 204. Let's hope they have a spare.

Day 58 - The 19th Wife

How do I pick out my reading materials? I read the synopsis and if the story catches my interest, I'll read the book. The current book I am trying to finish is a book I picked up at Costco months ago.

The story is fascinating as it deals with the Mormons and "celestial marriage" also known as polygamy. It is interesting to read about how people can be brainwashed into believing something such as celestial marriage. Thank goodness established practices and beliefs from the past are questioned in modern times, otherwise, we, as women, would be in trouble!

Day 57 - Hello Kitty!

The year was 1996. I was young and looking for income to support the lifestyle of a teenager. Like most teenagers at the time I hit all the destinations that would lead me to part-time work. The MALL! I hit up all my favorite stores asking and filling out employment applications.

Sanrio was my last destination before I headed home. I walked in the store and handed my application to an associate with a Sanrio tag that had the name Joanne written on it. I assumed that was her name. Joanne took my application and said to me, "Hold on, my manager is here and let me see if she'll look at your application right now." I was young and had no idea what she was talking about but I smiled and said, "OK."

A door in the corner of the store opened and in came a small plump red-haired woman with a nice demeanor. She must be the manager, I thought to myself. She approached me, stucked out her right hand and introduced herself as Lauri. I shooked her hand, smiled and introduced myself. We stepped out of the store and took a seat at one of the benches close by. Let the interview begin. She asked questions and I answered. After what felt like an eternity, the interview concluded and she said she would give me a call in the next few days to let me know if I was hired or not. I thanked her and left.

A few hours later - my phone rang. I picked up the phone.

Me, "Hello."

The caller, "Hi, this is Lauri with Sanrio, may I speak to -----."

Immediately hearing the name Lauri and Sanrio, my hands got clampy and my heart beated quickly but I kept my cool. Me, "This is she."

Lauri, "Hi ----- - if you are still interested in the job, I would like to offer you a sales associate position at Sanrio."

I was stoaked and flaggergasted, thinking to myself, what little girl would not jump at the chance to work for THE HELLO KITTY STORE. It was the cool store where all the Asian girls worked at and where all the Asian boys went to flirt with the girls or buy cute little toys for their girlfriends. Hey...I was a teenager and I had the mentality of a teenage girl. Me, "Yes, I would love to work at Sanrio."

Lauri, "Can you stop by Monday to fill out some paperwork and bring your student permit from school? We can talk about your schedule at that time as well."

Me, "Yes, of course."

The conversation went on for another 10 minutes where we exchanged more information. I thanked her, hung up the phone and wanted to shout to the world that I landed my first part-time job! I felt like I won the lottery!

I worked at Sanrio for a number of years through high school and most of my college days. Eventually, I moved on to what I would like to think bigger things in life but I'll always have my precious Sanrio memories. I'd like to think that working at Sanrio helped to develop my career aspirations as well as enlightened me with the dynamics of human behavior. I am a firm believer that success is part luck and part hard work. I'll always remember Joanne and Lauri. Joanne for her thoughtfulness in getting me an interview on the spot and Lauri for hiring me.

Day 56 - A New Bakery in Town

Tous Les Jours

9628 Garden Grove Blvd

Garden Grove, CA 92844

My mind already wandered off to the bakery even before I sat down for dinner tonight. The husband thought I was nuts as I mentioned to our friends about the bakery and how I wanted to check it out after dinner.

It didn't matter that we'd just finished dinner and how we would be completely full. It was simple in my mind. The place was new and conveniently close by. We NEEDED to check it out and I felt like I owed it to the place since I spotted it.

The concept is very similar to 85C in Irvine. Is it a copycat of 85C? I would have to say no. In reviewing their websites - TLJ has been around since 1997 whereas 85C opened its first store in 2004. One wonders if it's the other way around where 85C is a copycat of TLJ. Is the battle of the bakery/cafe about to start? Is this the new explosion similar to "PinkBerry" and "Yogurtland? Only time will tell....

I love how their logos are printed even on their tables. Talk about branding! Oh and I know I should post something about the baked goods but please forgive me because I was really full. I ordered a drink but I did buy some baked goods. I'll have to see if I can post that another day...or not.

Day 55 - Vietnamese Sticky Rice

The husband loves this sweet dessert. I believe it is called "Xoi Gac." It is basically glutinous rice also known as sticky rice. I don't know how to make this dessert. It looks easy enough but I could possibly screw up easy dishes....

Day 54 - Summer's Fruit

What do you think of when someone asks you what is a summer fruit? The immediate thought is the watermelon with its thirst-quenching filling perfect for a hot summer day.

But......for a summer fruit - the yellow nectarine has a special place in my heart right next to the watermelon. With the crunchy sound echoing in my ears and the tangy juices tingling and shocking my tastebuds, nothing beats taking a bite of this chilled fruit on a warm summer evening. The yellow nectarine has a brother - the yellow fuzzy peach but I'll choose the nectarine over the peach anyday with its uncomplicated skin ready to be devoured by the human mouth. Oh yes...the yellow nectarine also has a sister and another brother - the white nectarine and the white peach. I have never liked the latter siblings even though they are sweeter than this one. The yellow nectarine remains my favorite.

Day 53 - Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines

I have been binded to these two binders for the past two to three weeks. I live and dream about work. Not by choice. I have deadlines upon deadlines upon deadlines. For the most part - I enjoy deadlines as it is a means to an end. It is the finish line or the light at the end of the tunnel. How I see it, without some form of measurement - I would probably go through life still trying to figure myself out. Oh wait...I forgot...there are days I ponder to myself what is the meaning of life but that is another topic....

We are constantly evolving. For the better I hope. Anyhoo....back to work for me.

Day 52 - KFC - Finger Licking Good!

I have been sooooo busy at work!! What does that mean? Well...I don't cook that much even when I am not busy so when I am BUSY - I don't cook AT ALL.

Today - I picked up KFC for dinner. Let's just say that we have enough chicken for the next two or three days. I got suckered and bought the $ $ 22.99 meal deal and then....you get another bucket for $ 5! Ooooooo....I am in the chicken NOW! I think I will try to make some Asian chicken salad tomorrow. Oh...since I have not tried the "NEW" KFC grilled chicken, I got a bucket full of the grilled and crispy.
Let's do a litte comparison. Look at the size of the grilled drumstick compared to the crispy drumstick. :-(

KFC - you are still not a match for El Pollo Loco and I'm not even much of an El Pollo Loco fan but your grilled chicken is sad in comparison to El Pollo Loco's chicken. Boo!

Day 51 - Orange Tree

My mom dropped by yesterday bearing gifts of food and an orange tree! :) How wonderful is she?! There are flower buds on the tree but I am not sure if they will full bloom to an actual orange. It's o.k. though...we have all the time and are looking forward to freshly squeezed orange juice next Spring or Summer! :)

Oh and the little guy you see in the picture is Snickers. I think he was looking for some tree bark.

Day 50 - Scrabble

Do you like Scrabble? I love Scrabble and I'll play with you! :D The only thing is that certain people....ahem....like the husband...need to develop his or their Scrabble vocabulary.