Mulan needs more cow bell.

Update

For those of ya'll who aren't on Facebook, I'm terribly sorry for being out of touch.

Anywho, here's an update:

After 2 mths of agressive househunting and 3 failed offers, we are still apartment bound. Which is frankly fine by me (I'm quite happy where we live). We were originally enamoured with the idea of moving to San Leandro, but after countless BART rides from Berkeley (7 stops!!) to meet our agent there, we decided to stay closer to home. So now we're back to looking in the Berkeley/Albany/El Cerrito area. Wish us luck, and if you don't receive any progress reports from me, its only because I'm paranoid and superstitious (an alluring combo I might add) and don't want to jinx us. Whoever said this was a "buyer's market" is on crack.

It was my birthday!! Yep, I am officially "25" (34) years old!! (I will also be officially turning 25 every year henceforth the next 10 years). I had an awesome birthday. This year, my birthday fell on a Thursday so immediatly afterwork Eric and I went to look at ELEVEN HOUSES IN ONE EVENING with our agent. (My idea. FYI -I'm not really into the idea of homeownership as much as I am a snoop. So its probably not a good idea to invite me over as a house guest then leave me unattended in your home. Just a heads up;) We then had sushi afterwards, and called it a day.

BUT WAIT!! Eric had a bigger surprise waiting for me the following weekend! My wonderful, thoughtful husband spent TWO (2) days attempting to bake a birthday cake for me from scratch. Even though it is probably the cutest cake I had ever laid my eyes on, its also the most....um, dense and solid piece of wood I ever ate (I guess this is what happens when you spend two days baking a cake). But take a looky:


But that's not it! The following day, Eric drove us out to Point Reyes where we went on a 3 hour horseback ride through the Point Reyes National Seashore!! Some pickies:

Gettin' ready to head out.

Me catching up with Eric through the fields, my FAVORITE part. Isn't it beautiful?!

Me recouperating afterwards. (Yes, I am "Data" from The Goonies AND I also starred in the Temple of Doom. If you want my autograph, feel free to send me $100 via pay pal and I will happily oblige.)

Afterwards, we drove down to Bolinas and had dinner at the Coast Cafe (it was okay) and took a romantic stroll on the beach just like Eric had promised (he promised to take me to the beach on my birthday).

Oh my god, I am so tired. Needless to say, I have a newfound genuine respect for cowboys and western movie actors now.

Being officially insane however (he went on a 100 mile bike ride the next day), Eric is not tired. Just hungry.

The end.

Back from Switzerland

Mom and I are back from our trip to Switzerland. We had an awesome time and Switzerland is an amazing and gorgeous country. I also brought back 80lbs of chocolate for Eric so he's pretty glad I'm home too.

Anywho, here's our trip review complete with pictures and some tiny travel advice. Hope you enjoy!

The Family You Choose

Disclaimer: this post may be mooshy.

The note below was written to me by my best friend, Jenn. As the note clearly states I wanted to take a picture of us, and Jenn graciously drew one onto the note. The fact that I wanted a PHOTOGRAPH should tell you what kind of a smart ass I've had to put up with for the past 20 yrs.


Without going into detail, a friendship of mine recently ended. The experience left me feeling confused, betrayed and dishonored, not to mention deeply hurt.

The first person I called was my Mom. All of Mom's decisions regarding me (emotional or otherwise) are ruled by a) unconditional maternal love (with a sprinkle of psychosis) and b) traditional wisdom (also with a pinch of psychosis).

The second person I called was Jenn. I called her because a) she's my best friend and b) is insanely honest. When a friendship ends, you do alot of soul-searching. You want to know if you really are that person or if you're truly the person you know (and hope) you are.

Needless to say, after an hour of tear-induced blathering on my part, Jenn reassured me of something far more significant and profound than my ego: what true friendship is, and it doesn't make you cry. It makes you laugh (even when you want to strangle the person).

Von Trappin' It

Sorry I've been away for so long. I've been busy planning our annual Mother-Daughter trip, and this year we're going back to Switzerland! (Btw - I know the Sound of Music takes place in Austria, but nothing symbolizes the Alps more to Americans than the image of a former nun running rabid across a mountain plateau right after bonking her employer and acquiring 6 step children. Its just splendid I tell you!)

At the top of our list is Wat Srinagarin, the largest buddhist temple in Europe (and a Thai Theravada temple to boot) and Lausanne - childhood home of our beloved king, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

I'm also looking forward to seeing the Matterhorn in person, picking up a souvenir in Montreux for Eric (dude loves Jazz), checking off another UNESCO World Heritage City off my list (Bern), and attempting to open up a Swiss bank account with a roll of quarters in Zurich. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu!

Soots or Bootles?

I showed Eric these sick boots and excitedly exclaimed, "They're like BOTH BOOTS AND SANDALS IN ONE!!!"

His response was, "So would that make them Soots or Bootles?"

Windy Afternoon

Just as the title states, Eric and I headed out to Tomales Point this afternoon


and it was windy:

Mom's Lovah

My Mom has been in-love with Matthew McConaughey for quite sometime now. So for her birthday this year, I decided to frame a couple photographs of the two of them together. With Matt's busy filming schedule and Mom's weekly office potlucks (Hey, have you ever had to cook Pad Thai for 30 people?), its amazing they're still able to find time to attend movie premieres or fly off to Paris together.

At a movie premiere in LA. Nice dress Mom!

Leaving their hotel in Paris.

Happy Birthday Mom! Tell Matt we said "Hi!"

Everything in this room is used, recycled or...from a dead guy

I spent the afternoon cleaning our apt. and caught this lovely glimpse of our dining room:


As the title states, everything in this room is used, recycled or from our dearly departed neighbor "Spencer" something. The turkish rugs I found at our local flea market, our dining room chairs are from the Urban Ore, Ikea bookshelf and antique desk are from Eric's bachelor days, and the gorgeous craftsman swivel chair and mid-century round dining table are from Spencer.

Eric was taking a walk around our old neighborhood a few months ago and noticed a huge disposal container in front of our neighbor's house. Apparently, our neighbor had recently passed away. Naturally, Eric jumped right in and offered to take some of his belongings off their hands. I'm really glad he did because we love our table and chair...and a weird as it sounds, I feel like we rescued them from a much sadder fate. If Mr. Spencer can hear us, Eric and I would like to say, "Thank you." Yay for dead people!

And because I know you're curious, here's a view of our late 90s "Norman-inspired" kitchen and cabinetry in its entire glory. I'll never get over not having a gas range - in large part due to the 80billion times the damn "warmers" (or whatever they're called) set off the smoke detector. I do however, appreciate how our landlord obviously removed a wall from where the edge of the island now stands. Note to self: light + space = good.

Spread the Wealth

Behold, my latest invention: SOY SAUCE IN A SPRAY BOTTLE!!

If you're of Asian descent, you'll find this ingenious. If not, you may be less tempted to invite me as your dinner guest. Regardless...its soysauce in a spray bottle!

The first time I brought my "Salty Gun" out in public, hilarity ensued thanks to the good-naturedness (and infinite patience) of my in-laws. Despite its rave debut and per the pleas of my husband, my Salty Gun shall remain in the safe confines of our kitchen at all times.

But I encourage all of you to get out and duplicate this marvelous invention yourselves! $10 says Kikoman follows in our foot steps...

Rainbow Claw

The Rainbow Claw,

the Rainbow Paw,
that was the last thing he ever saw...

If Grampa's reading this, he must be wondering what the hell I've been smoking lately (don't worry Grampa, its just the formaldehyde from my nail polish).

Eric survived Angry Bank day and I dare say, might have even enjoyed himself. Anywho, without further ado...momma got a new pair of sick sandals from Faryl Robin, the Wakiko. Its like a kimono/goth/gladiator hybrid and it is beautiful. See for yourself:

Accessorized with MAC's Dark Angel.

It took me a while and bit of experimenting to decide on a shade, but I'm actually thinking of doing my nails like this from now on:

I also picked a up a linen jacket and cotton "yoga cardigan" (those sheer, jersey, button-less "wrappy" cardigans) from Zara (I love that place), but these two were my favorites.

C'est la vie

Photo by: Zachary Leinberger

In honor of my homegirl Santana, who coincidentally also had to make a deposit in the Angry Bank this afternoon - I share with you a picture of the gorgeous Lady herself and her equally gorgeous daughter Lucinda, doing what they do best: looking fabulous.

Tour of California

I took this photo and don't you ever forget it bitch.

Eric's valentine's day present came a day later when I got up at the crack of Christ this morning (ahem...FOR HIM) in order to make it in time to the Golden Gate Bridge for the Tour of California. It was hellacious and quite rainy, by the time we got home I was soaked to the bone. But that's nothing compared to what the racers were going through. I'm not a sports reporter, but the San Jose Mercury News sums it up pretty well.

All in all us fans - and in some glorious redeeming manner - the racer themselves I'm quite sure, had a fun time.

We need more cow bell.

I'm on a boat bitch!

Just totally hilarious. And genius. GENIUS.

Adam Sandburg is a god.

Not since "Dick in a Box" have I laughed so hard. Justin's in this one too. (Oh and Jenn introduced me to this glorious melodic specimen.)

Happy Resignation

When Eric and I shacked up, I knew my minimalist days were behind me. The primary reason being my husband had already amassed ton of crap before we hooked up, and had a strong sentimental attachment to said crap. But I never gave up the hope that someday, someway, I would be able to hire a dump truck and get rid of that freaking Star Trek commemorative phone once and for all.

Well, in the 3 yrs we've been together, I've actually, quite unexpectantly, developed a sentimental attachment to our trove as well. As a result, I have spent many a night tossing and turning wondering if I'll ever come to terms with this conflict of interest (not really, but I felt like adding a little drama to this post. I could really give a shit. See what lengths I'll go to to enterain thee?)

Anywho, I came across Mark and Sunrise Ruffalo's pad in this month's very last issue of Domino. Yep, its sadly true. Domino is/was one of the most unpretentious and inspiring interior design publications out there, and I'm really going to miss them. Hopefully the editors will resurrect Domino in the near future under a different banner.

Back to the Ruffalo's - their place is awesome - simply because it doesn't play by the rules (love the two different sofas in the living room). In the wake and honor of Domino's demise, we should take their lead in designing our living spaces.

2008 Pictorial Year in Review

Greetings from Ass Row.

Thanks to an adventurous Mom, a very patient husband and the universal excuse of "crappiest job in the world", 2008 was a pretty great travel year.

Playa Del Carmen & Tulum, Mexico - Our 1 year anniversary trip. It took Eric some convincing, but in the end the $450/air and hotel combo was what sealed the deal. Playa del Carmen, eh not so much. We fell in love with Tulum however. No clubs or bars, just beautiful beaches, ma & pa joints and the nicest people you'll ever meet. We can't wait to return

London, Paris, Lucerne, Florence, Rome, Venice and Vienna - My Mom has traveled through the Golden Triangle (and took me along with her at the tender age of four.."Mom, why is that man carrying that really big gun?" Mom's response: "Oh don't worry honey, he's just a fellow traveler like us...now pray to your ancestors..."), meditated on the Ganges, ascended Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka in search of Buddha's footprint and survived plastic surgery in Thailand (twice), yet still believed we were going to get robbed and kidnapped by gypsies in Italy (the fact that I had actually traveled to Italy by myself before didn't seem to comfort her either..."You were lucky.").

As a result, we took a tour. Both of us had never travelled in a tour group before and we will NEVER, EVER travel with one again but the most significant lesson my Mother learned from this experience was that I WAS RIGHT. We didn't actually spend the entire trip on the tour however - we arrived in London a few days early, and ditched the tour in Rome, then headed up to Venice and Vienna on our own. Travelling with my Mom rocks, and is best done without 30 strangers on a bus.

Seattle - represent!-, WA - Eric and I went home for a week, and wished we could've stayed the rest of our lives. We miss our family, our friends, hell, we missed the 45 degree showers.

San Diego, CA - For Eric's birthday, we headed south to San Diego to chill with Grampa, Peggy, Uncle Dave, Aunt Melanie, Matt, JD, Susan, Emily, Eden, Kai and Ezekiel! Oh and Mary! We got fat, we got tan. What more could you ask for?

Vermont - After 50+ years, my Aunt and Uncle were selling their home and moving to North Carolina in order to be near my cousin, Aloonsri. Mom thought it was time for a visit and I couldn't agree more. I hadn't been back to VT since high school, but amazingly not much had changed and was able to give our shuttle driver directions straight to their house. This trip also proved the theory that you could put Mom and I in the middle of nowhere, and we'd still beable to find a place to shop. (Outlet Mall. Manchester.)

Wisconsin - Michelle and James' wedding. Its true, the nicest people in the world live in the midwest.

Eric wouldn't sit next to me on the plane.

Tulum. Now you know: Eric doesn't go anywhere without his socks.

Mom's favorite picture of us during the trip.

An eskimo in London.
I have no idea what's going on here, but Mom looks so cute I had to put this picture up.

Mom does a mean Mona Lisa impression.

In case your arteries aren't clogged enough.

On the way to Vienna and right before she threw my camera out the window.

New England will always remain beautiful.

Adolescent Genius

I came across Sea of Shoes several days ago and I'm still in awe of this young lady's creative vision. There isn't a bio page, but thankfully she posts photographs of what she's wearing frequently. Its pretty humbling to know she's probably half my age (gulp).

Seriously, have hammerpants ever looked this cool?

I spend waaay too much time on the internet.

Then again, I would not have had the good fortune to discover The Five Cats That Look Like Wilford Brimley!


And my favorite:

The Peoples' President (2nd try;)

Last Obama post I swear (then its back to our regularly scheduled program of making fun of Eric).

Some photos Javi sent to me of our President during his years at Occidental. For the original TIME Magazine album and more photos, click here.

Inauguration Week

Some pics.

Huddling for warmth...only 2 hours to go...

Obama for your ears!

The Kindness of Strangers

Long story short, Eric and I would not have been able to attend President Obama's (I love saying that!) Presidential Inauguration had it not been for Joanne.


Oh a minor detail, we never met Joanne. At least not until we arrived on her doorstep at half past midnight on January 19, 2009. Joanne is the cousin of my dear friend Javi (who I also have never met in person but we chat all the time - another story, another day).

One day while chatting with Javi on-line, I whined about wanting to attend President Obama's inauguration, yet not being able to afford the $800 per night hotel bill every hotel in DC was charging for the week. Javi simply replied, "Let me ask my family." Literally 2 minutes later, we had a warm bed in the DC area waiting for us (20 minutes from DC on the Greenline in case you were wondering). Free. I feel compelled to emphasize the free part because when it came to Inauguration Week, we encountered nothing but examples of people capitalizing on change, with the exception of Joanne. Her generosity and compassion will always be remembered by us, and we hope to beable to extend the same gesture someday (get to the Bay Area Joanne!!).

The really cool part? We made a friend in eachother. In fact, she's offered to put us up in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago. Poor Lady, now she'll never be able to get rid of us...

Happy Birthday Dr. King

I love you and wish you were still here with us.

Seattle kicks the Bay Area's Ass

There, I said it. The Bay Area may have the Golden Gate Bridge, SF Giants, Silicon Valley, its own MOMA but Seattle has my family and friends.

Cutest Mom in the World Alert

Le boots

Well, cutest 2nd to our Moms;)

I went home to Seattle this past weekend and took some photos of Jenn's new boots. But before I could shriek, "KEE-YOOOOT BOOOTS", she threw on a fitted grey trench at which point I shrieked "KEE-....well you get the idea. Someday Eric and I hope to become parents and when that day arrives, I hope I look half as cute as Jenn.

Holy Moly

So sorry I've been away - we moved, switched our holiday travel plans not once, not twice, not thrice but FOUR times (is there such a word as "Quaice" or does "quadruple" simply apply here? Come to think of it, I prefer "QUAICE". It sounds almost like "quife", and I miss QFC.)

ANYWHO, Seattle experienced not one, not two, not three, but FOUR (sorry, couldn't help it) blasts of snow in the week(s) leading up to Christmas. Seattle got a white Christmas, and I didn't get to see my Mommy. She was stuck in our house on top of the hill where any cabbie with half a brain would not venture. It was tough: After listening to my Mom scream over the phone in a fit of cabin fever-induced insanity (Or is it? One never knows with Mom...) for the FIFTH DAY IN A ROW I began thanking God/Allah/Jaweh for the storm that had enveloped Seattle (and Mom) in a nice thick imobilizing layer of snow.

Soooooo Eric, Chris, his Lady Love Chelsea, our friend Michael and I spent Christmas together at our new place in Berkeley. We had fresh dungeoness omelettes (2 yrs in a row!), and opened the prezzies (I got Eric a book he already had. He actually thought for a moment that I forgot to get him a present and sneakily grabbed a book off our shelf then wrapped it. Unfortunately, he gave me too much credit: I actually went through the trouble of walking to the bookstore and bought him the same damn book...lesson learned, lesson learned: Next time, shop at home;)

The secret to a happy marriage is not giving a shit.

We got another living Christmas tree this year - its a diadora cedar and "his" name is Cedric. We're replanting Cedric at the first opportunity, so that years from now he'll be sooo tall that someone else will really want to chop him down and make him their Christmas tree. Happy Holidays!

Slowly but surely...

I'm hoping we'll be fully unpacked by Christmas. A visual progress report of our move:

A present from the Tuanns. We already miss them!

Keys, where to put them.

Two things I can't live without at the moment.

The Face Hunter

Some images from The Facehunter. I get most of my fashion inspiration not from magazines or advertised trends, but from ordinary women I encounter everyday on the street. There's a certain je nais se quois about women who swim against the stream, and street fashion journalists like The Facehunter capture that quality beautifully.

Yes we can!!

This beautiful image was taken by the PI in my also beautiful hometown of Seattle. In my entire humble short life, I have never cried tears of joy after an election, and until yesterday, I had never voted for someone I truly believed in with all my heart. This morning, I have never been prouder or happier or more hopeful for our country.

January 20th cannot get here fast enough.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Obama 'is elected US president'

Democratic Senator Barack Obama has been elected the first black president of the United States, according to projected results.

He is projected to have won enough states to guarantee that he has beaten Republican rival John McCain.

He has so far held most of the states that voted Democrat in 2004, as well as seizing at least three from the Republicans.

Several other key swing states are hanging in the balance.

In Indiana and North Carolina, with most of the vote counted, there was less than 0.5% between the two candidates.

However, the popular vote remains close. At 0345 GMT it stood at 50.7% for the Democratic Senator from Illinois, against 48.2% for Arizona Senator McCain.

The main developments include:

• Mr Obama is projected to have seized Ohio, New Mexico and Iowa - all Republican wins in 2004.
• He is also projected to have won: Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Delaware, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, Maryland, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Rhode Island.
• Mr McCain is projected to have won: Kentucky, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, North Dakota, Wyoming, Georgia, Louisiana, West Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, Utah.
• Turnout was reported to be extremely high - in some places "unprecedented".
• The Democrats made early gains in the Senate race, seizing seats from the Republicans in Virginia, North Carolina, New Hampshire and New Mexico.
• Exit polls suggest the economy was the major deciding factor for six out of 10 voters.
• Nine out of 10 said the candidates' race was not important to their vote, the Associated Press reported. Almost as many said age did not matter.

Perfect

I've been brainstorming and scouring the internet like crazy for some inspiration on decorating our new apt. I found it on Apartment Therapy: Rebekah Sigfrid's home as featured on Design*Sponge

Some of my favorite photos from the Design*Sponge feature:

WTF

How would you like this idiot to be one faint heart beat away from the Oval Office?

A message to John McCain

Halloween doesn't have to be scary

It can also be pretty damn cute. My best friend, Jenn just sent me a picture of herself and her family (that's husband Chad, and their bundle of joy Ozzy in the middle) in their halloween costumes:


They should also win top prize for originality and authenticity!

Biker Chick

Found on The Sartorialist...

I've been looking for a wicker basket for my Motobecane for quite some time. I've also been wondering if I could ride my bike with a dress on. This photo obviously answers at least one of my questions. I think I'll just pick up a basket and wire it to the handle bars. It'll be oh-so-French and rustic.

I am Joe Plumber

That's it.

Sarah Palin palling around with terrorists

If Sarah Palin is accusing Barrack Obama of "palling around with terrorists", perhaps she can also explain her participation in the following video supporting the Alaskan secessationist organization, the Alaskan Independence Party:



The AIP claims Gov. Palin was never a member of their organization, yet acknowledges her husband, Todd was a registered member. Hmmm, how convenient. Regardless, the video above documents Gov. Palin's support of the AIP.

Brings a whole new meaning to "Country First" doesn't it?

A Public Service Annoucement