March's topic: "Are you lucky?"
Luck? As in winning the lottery and such? I'm not. My dad was the lucky one. It seemed that every year, during their Naval ship Christmas party, he and my mom would come home with prized that they won, such as tickets for a helicopter tour of the Big Island or Kauai, or a two-night stay at a hotel in Waikiki.
Come to think of it, I was lucky when it came to playing Bingo during rainy day recess when I was in the second and third grade. I remember winning several times, but I was just too darned shy to yell out, "Bingo!" And even though someone else would eventually win, I was never envious of him or her because I was that shy. I guess in my mind, keeping to myself was better than yelling out in front of a roomful of kids.
Anyway, I think the only time I won was when I was a newbie at my current job. The department had just upgraded the program we primarily use, and to motivate us to practice, each mock account we created was an entry for a drawing for prizes. I must've had 20 or so entries, and I won a $20 Target gift card! And that was the last time I won anything. :P
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
79|365: After 20 Years
79|365: After 20 Years, originally uploaded by Rho.
Tonight, I met up with an old family friend. It had been about 20 years since we last saw each other when both our families were living in Hawaii. Our home was always open to friends and family, and we spent many weekends filled with good food, good times (karaoke!), and good eats. Of course, we kids spent the afternoon playing and eating and playing some more. My friend was in early elementary school, while I was in junior high then. When we reconnected a couple of years ago, I didn't doubt her when she said that she was planning to come up to the Bay Area to visit. I'm grateful and happy that she did. We picked up where we left off, and caught up on each others lives. Our time together was short, but I look forward to seeing her and family again.
78|365: New Chucks
78|365: New Chucks, originally uploaded by Rho.
I finally got around to replacing my old pair of Chucks. The old beat-up ones are not out of commission, but rather, they're sitting in the garage, laced up with Giants orange laces (from last season). I figured that I'd use them when we go to the Giants games. Plus, I'm a little superstitious. I wore those Chucks throughout the season, and the Giants became the World Series Champs. I can't let go of those shoes just yet. :P
77|365: Sopapillas
77|365: Sopapillas, originally uploaded by Rho.
Every since I first tried sopapillas in New Mexico, I've been on a search for some good ones in the Bay Area. Not many restaurants offer this here, so when we saw this on Chevy's dessert menu, we had to try it. I didn't have high expectations for it, but they were good. It wasn't like the real deal, but it was yummy nonetheless.
76|365: Let the Season Begin
76|365: Let the Season Begin, originally uploaded by Rho.
Can't wait. Can't wait. Can't wait.
75|365: Smile Journal
75|365: Smile Journal, originally uploaded by Rho.
t's been almost a year since I started a Smile Journal. Every night, I list down at least five things that make me smile throughout the day.
Saturday Night Dinner and Dessert
Spent the evening in Japantown in SF for some window shopping and good eats.
Tempura soba at Mifune:
Banana and chocolate decadence cupcakes from Cāko:
Tempura soba at Mifune:
Banana and chocolate decadence cupcakes from Cāko:
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
74|365: Burger Treat
74|365: Burger Treat, originally uploaded by Rho.
was having a bad day, so J thought I might want to have a burger to make things better.
73|365: Annual Eye Appointment
73|365: Annual Eye Appointment, originally uploaded by Rho.
For the first time in 25 years, my vision did not change. Every year, I had to "upgrade" my contacts/eyeglasses. That's how bad my eyesight is.
72|365: California Poppies
72|365: California Poppies, originally uploaded by Rho.
Growing wild around our little community.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
...
I slept for 12 hours last night, and it's something I rarely do these days. I think the last couple of stressful weeks have finally taken its toll on me. I'd rather not get into much detail about what has been going on, but between the devastating earthquake and tsunamis in Japan and watching it all unfold live, and the passing of one of our godfathers in our wedding, I finally broke down yesterday. And it happened while I was driving home from work. A lot of things go through my mind when I make that drive, and I don't know how the hell I got home safely. I sound crazy, right?
It still blows my mind at how powerful social media can be. When the earthquake happened, J and I were glued to our MacBooks, keeping up with our friends in Hawaii and around the Pacific who provided us with play-by-plays of the latest news. The news on the television became white noise as it became redundant. The Hawaii tweeps used Twitter to spread information about where the shortest lines for gas were, which store ran out of bottled water, etc. On Plurk, we stayed up with our friends to make sure they and their loved ones were okay. It's amazing how we can keep up to date with our family and friends around the world at the touch of our fingertips.
At some point in the evening, I texted my parents to see if they were okay, even though they were too far to be affected by the tsunamis. Later on, my parents "FaceTimed" me, and we talked a bit. That's when I found out that our ninong passed away a few days earlier. It didn't hit me until I got off the phone with them, and I must've scared J when I walked in the room crying.
Ninang F, Ninong P's wife, passed away almost two years ago, and I didn't think I'd miss them as much as I do. They were very close family friends of ours from when we were still residing in Hawaii. In fact, we were neighbors. They didn't have kids, and so Ninang F would make desserts, among other things, for my brother and me, and for the other neighborhood kids that we were close to. They introduced us to malasadas, and we'd make after-dinner runs to Kapahulu for the piping hot goodness. They kept us company while my dad was on deployment. We had a lot of great memories. It had been almost 20 years since we last saw them, until we saw Ninang F and Ninong P at our wedding a couple of years ago. I'm forever grateful for that. They will be missed.
It still blows my mind at how powerful social media can be. When the earthquake happened, J and I were glued to our MacBooks, keeping up with our friends in Hawaii and around the Pacific who provided us with play-by-plays of the latest news. The news on the television became white noise as it became redundant. The Hawaii tweeps used Twitter to spread information about where the shortest lines for gas were, which store ran out of bottled water, etc. On Plurk, we stayed up with our friends to make sure they and their loved ones were okay. It's amazing how we can keep up to date with our family and friends around the world at the touch of our fingertips.
At some point in the evening, I texted my parents to see if they were okay, even though they were too far to be affected by the tsunamis. Later on, my parents "FaceTimed" me, and we talked a bit. That's when I found out that our ninong passed away a few days earlier. It didn't hit me until I got off the phone with them, and I must've scared J when I walked in the room crying.
Ninang F, Ninong P's wife, passed away almost two years ago, and I didn't think I'd miss them as much as I do. They were very close family friends of ours from when we were still residing in Hawaii. In fact, we were neighbors. They didn't have kids, and so Ninang F would make desserts, among other things, for my brother and me, and for the other neighborhood kids that we were close to. They introduced us to malasadas, and we'd make after-dinner runs to Kapahulu for the piping hot goodness. They kept us company while my dad was on deployment. We had a lot of great memories. It had been almost 20 years since we last saw them, until we saw Ninang F and Ninong P at our wedding a couple of years ago. I'm forever grateful for that. They will be missed.
67|365: Strawberries and Creme Fraiche
67|365: Strawberries and Creme Fraiche, originally uploaded by Rho.
When I cook stroganoff, I replace the sour cream with creme fraiche, and I happened to have some left over. It's perfect for a refreshing treat after a hearty meal.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
65|365: Ready For Monday
65|365: Ready For Monday, originally uploaded by Rho.
…my work outfit, that is. I'm never ready for Monday.
Friday, March 04, 2011
63|365: New Earrings
63|365: New Earrings, originally uploaded by Rho.
There's a boutique near my work that I like to frequent. They have a fun collection unique gifts, urban wear, knick knacks, jewelry, shoes, and much more. I've been coveting a piece of jewelry from Beijo Brasil. I don't know why I waited this long since they're pretty inexpensive.
62|365: Long Cat
62|365: Long Cat, originally uploaded by Rho.
When I came home from work, I found Sera loafing on the carpet. When she saw me, she stretched and rolled around the floor, letting me know that she wanted to play.
61|365: Tumbling Down
61|365: Tumbling Down, originally uploaded by Rho.
As I was driving home from work this afternoon, the driver in front of me stepped on the brakes that brought me to a screeching halt. J was with me, looked at the seat behind me and said, "Uh...I'll let you handle your bag. It's upside down on the floor." LOL.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
60|365: Invaded Space
60|365: Invaded Space, originally uploaded by Rho.
Early around 3am, I woke up to a stinging feeling on the top of my right hand. I searched in the darkness until my eyes settled on a dark figure of an angry looking cat. By the looks of my scratched-up hand, I'd say I inadvertently invaded her little space.
59|365: Thirsty For Water
59|365: Thirsty For Water, originally uploaded by Rho.
Yes, we repurposed a few Pom Tea glasses as our everyday drinking glasses.
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