Ippudo -- Japanese Cuisine

Ippudo is known for their authentic ramen. It's located on 4th ave and
E10th st in manhattan.

The food is good, the service is topnotch and their décor is something
else to brag about. Beautiful frosted glass panels separate the
booths, creating a nice intimate and almost private feel. I love the
front bar area where the wall is mirrored, and they lined it with
wooden bricks...gives it a modern but ethnic feel. I really like it!

I was still full from a heavy lunch so I only ordered the spicy wings,
(they were ok...a little hard at the edges), but my friend let me try
some of her ramen and I'm pretty sure I'll be back for some of the
shoyu ramen. The soup was amazing! Oh, and the waitress recommended a
bottle of unfiltered sake, which was delicious...sweet and almost
creamy.

The place looks really cute, and the staff greets you in Japanese when
you're being seated. I think it would be a great place to bring
friends, or a date. Although I would come early, it's a pretty popular
place, and we waited 45mins to be seated. But trust me, it's worth it!

Magnolia Bakery

Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The cake was a little hard at the top, but the frosting was delicious! I heard Billy's and Cupcake Cafe is good too. We shall find out!

Yay for cupcakes!!

Dim Sum Adventures

CIM was a bust, but no worries! Other running adventures are on the horizon :)

running is great. great solo activity... fitness regiment... but when you find some great running friends, it brings things to a next level. I suppose I can get pretty crazy about running, but I do have to blame the company I keep. People to push you to go further, longer, steeper... make you run for your meal.

'12 miles for the best fish taco in sf'
'let's run to the milbrea for dim sum'
'we can end our run at the ferry building for gelato!'

Well, if you see some runners along the BART line saturday morning. just wave and try not to run us over, m'kay?

... Mmmm.. im getting excited and it's only weds! ... i *heard* there's a great lobster roll place somewhere on the pennisula.....

Mango on 7th Ave in Brooklyn

After feeling my blood sugar drop to the soles of my shoes, me and my adventure traveler, Chappeloneous, raced out of Prospect Park. We chased squirrels, gang feuding blue and red birds, dodged the pigeon casualty under the bridge, and clawed our way back to civilization. Artificial LIGHTS!!! A beacon of hope, and a sign that there were restaurants near by. 

After walking pass countless of eatery establishments, we came upon Mango. I thought it was a froyo place, but I am happy to know I was wrong. Mango is a Thai fusion restaurant--I like thai food, and mangos are delicious, what other reason did I need to stop? We gleefully flailed our malnourished bodies into a seat by the wall.  

As blood slowly moved its way back to our brains, and our conscious was regained, I noticed the quaint decor, and the smell of awesome coming out of the kitchen. The waitress kindly and promptly got us water, which I chugged like I just ran a marathon.

We ordered the Orange Chicken Wings and Curry Puffs for appetizers. Chappel took one bite and claimed he was hooked. Both appetizers were amazing!!! The chicken was soft and saucy, code orange saucy. That's almost as saucy as code red, like flavorrists are really about to attack your taste buds and your shirt. Thank goodness it was safe, and tasty. 

For the main dish,  I dished on Spicy Eggplant, flavored to perfection with Thai basil. I wanted to pour all my rice into that sweet and savory sauce. In fact, I would of licked the plate if 2 different families, with children mind you, haven't walked in. Chappeloneous got the Rack of Lamb, which his eyes rolled back as he bit into it. 

"How do you eat art?!" he asked. Why like so, MUNCH MUNCH, OM NOM NOM NOM. (what's with the om nom nom nom phenom? Must be coz it's so fun to say! "omnomnomnomnomnom") Needless to say, it was a good experience, and yes...I did fancy it. The way a british bloke would fancy a good cup'o ale and a newspaper cone of fish and chips. 

Mango....we WILL be back, and we'll bring reinforcements. Starved bears from le manor.

PS. something is wrong with blogger's picture uploader...YOU SUCK! And yes, that was a proclamation. Why do you gotta make it hard on everyone? I got uneven pictures, that I'm too lazy to fix. Staring at code gives me a headache. FIX THIS!!  (please.)

Brown Sugar Kitchen Cafe

Down home cookin finds a place in west Oakland, on Mandela Parkway.
Sufficient to say, it was sinfully satisfying. Great seasonal fruit
assortment; papaya, persimmons, even pomegranate!

Megu and dessert@Planet Thai

FEAST YOUR EYES on Foie Grois, Kobe Beef, "pinkies out" and a whole lot of deliciousness. I had dinner at Megu NYC with my new NY buddy, Mz. Jay. Megu has two locations in New York, and multiple other locations around the world including: London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo...

The food and experience was mind boggling, but it also burned a big fat hole in my wallet.

While other people bar hop around, we decided to restaurant hop--and onward we hopped to Planet Thai, across the street from a gay club, Mr. Black. We ordered this delicious dessert to go with our luscious meal at Megu.

I Hope They Serve Beer in HELL

Um...wow. WOW! 

Did he really turn these short stories into a book?! AND IT'S A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER?!?!?! 

I'm laughing my ass off, reading this "fratire" book--and yea, like the FRAT in the FRATire genre suggested, this book is geared towards guys. Beer guzzling, butt scratching, skirt chasing, asshole dickbags, for lack of better terms, or worse(?).

All I have to say is, LADIES: 

This book is not for you. If you want to end up married some point in your later years, do NOT, I repeat, do NOT read this book. A plethora of romance novels can not repair the damage it'll cause on how you view men. I'm sorry I had to pike the interest and tease your curiosity, but don't even peek into this pandora box of evil. Even if you have a good sense of humor/open mindedness, do NOT read this book. =)

¡Dios mios! Paella!!!!!!!

Today I tried to make Paella for the first time. I had a seafood mix in the freezer and thought, why not? So I chopped up some red peppers, diced some carrots, onions, garlic, tomato, and pulled out frozen corn, peas, and edamame, and went for it!

I didn't really know what I was doing, so I turned to good ol' trusty YouTube which is, besides a fountain of entertainment, a fountain of knowledge. Since I didn't have a paella pan, I did what I saw my uncle and my mama do--cook everything stovetop and then transfer into a baking dish and sticking it into the oven. It turned out pretty good! =)  I also cut a few limes we had lying around for garnish. I wish my lovely MGC'ers could taste it. I miss you guys so much!

All the way at Bear Manor,

FuriousFeng

PS. My delicious paella was missing the key ingredient to that lovely yellow color--saffron. But it was like 36 f'ing dollars at Whole Foods, for a tiny envelope of what could only possibly hold like 5 strands of saffron. So I said, F*** this, I'm OUT! But it's nice and orangey, thanks to the tomato sauce. 

Miss Favela

The first restaurant I ate at after my arrival to Brooklyn (and a 4 hour nap at that!), was at a great Brazilian restaurant--Miss Favela. Miss Favela brought a sense of stereotyped authenticity--Delicious food, music, singing, and dancing. Everyone's having a great time, eating Brazilian, being Brazilian, and speaking Brazilian Portuguese. I on the other hand was looking around hoping for some help. The only decent thing I know how to say in Portuguese is thank you, and "a kiss!" for when you say good bye. 

Like a fish out of water, I felt uncomfortable at first, being the one lonely yellow dot in this vast painting of every other color. Hahah. But the people were nice, our neighbor said "bon apetit!" but you know, in Portuguese. The waitress hooked it up with an extra entree for FREE99. It was pretty nice! Would I go there again? Definitely on a Saturday when they have a band.

**Caution*** You might want to wait half hours before dancing if you're gonna eat. Coz you'll be super sleepy food comatose-y. But my head kept bouncing and my body kept swaying while I was eating. It was a fun experience!

Mos Burger

Mountain, Ocean, Sky

The sweet taste of nature, captured and wrapped into a tasty burger, by the wonderful Japanese creators of Mos Burger. With locations all over Asia and one lonely location in US. (It's in Hawaii...where there are a lot of Japanese Americans in dire need of their MOS satisfaction quota.)

Try their many assorted burgers, from plain to cheese burger to more outlandish and daring culinary eats like the seafood burger. They also serve hotdogs, with interesting toppings like the curry hotdog and ceasar salad hotdog. (It is exactly what it sounds like, curry topped on a hotdog, and ceasar salad topped on a hotdog. It's not gross, just different!)

Fresh Burger

Seafood Burger

Chicken Sandwich

Karaage Burger

Toyose It Up On A Weekday

You see that house right there, it's multi-functional. It looks like a home..it looks like a garage, but it's also an awesome Korean eatery. Toyose and is situated in Outer Sunset on Noriega and between 45th and 46th avenue. You would definitely miss it if you were driving to the beach because it blends so well with all the homes. It kind of reminds me of MinSok in San Diego, but more legendary.

Once you step inside, it is like every other place you would go throw a few back...and by few, I mean A LOT. I went here (last week) with some of my college friends when they were visiting and they introduced me to this little treasure. They have all the things you would expect in a Korean restaurant. The Hite, OB, soju, red plum wine...oh yeah...and of course food. We didn't really go to eat and the only thing we got was the vegetarian pancakes (yes, I didn't eat meat for once). We mostly played Titanic and got pretty buzz for a Tuesday night. I forgot how much soju is a creeper, but it crept up when I got home. So my recommendation: Suit Up and Go!

rum-soaked bums, police, verbal slander & laundry detergent

There's nothing like laundry day/night, the impeding danger of not having any undergarments, the exhilarating scent of fabric softener, rebellious socks, possibility of meeting a nice doctor or maybe a nice religious guy. Either way, it's always an adventure.... usually a boring one with loud dryers and my runner's world or food & wine :)

Alas, i get my scary laundry adventure :\

I rushed out of the flat like a refugee with clothes in a rolley luggage, food & books in tote, basically the works! My workout went a little long and I was on the brink of no more clean clothes-- it's amazing how my clothes cycle is cut short whenever i workout like a fiend :/

Anyways, when i got to the laundry mat, i was met by two-- erm, people of the... erm, streets?! .... ok, fine... no PC-ness needed here-- Two drunken bums that are soooo loud, reeked of alcohol and smoke.

But who am i to judge, they were actual paying patron of the facility. So I let them be (even tho they were *LOUD*-- talking about gibberish) and just stayed to myself with my magazine and pasta ::yum::

As you can tell, things get worse. Cigarettes and booze comes out and someone called the authorities on them. Citations were issued, but they weren't escorted out because they *were* actually doing laundry.

So when the police left (they had no reason to stay there to 'protect' anyone), the beligerent bums started to lash out and throw around their weight: hitting counter, verbal slander, racist comments.

Com'on, who are you trying to kid me. I'm not going to f'ing leave my *beloved* clothes because you hit some counter. If i left, they could have touched my stuff, that would totally defeat the purpose to laundry night ($3 bucks down the drain!) I'm not going to say anything because then they'll just have some more ammo to throw back at me. Passive resistance.... altho i sooooo wanted to say something, but that's why i BLOG!

Things I'm glad I didnt say because there was no reason to argue with them because i was only going to waste my breath:

--You *wish* you were born 'Asian' then maybe you wouldn't be a bum on the street or so ignorant.
--I was born here you du-mass, it's as MY country as it's yours. Correction-- I pay taxes and dont leech off society, so in that case, I'm the f*ckin' land-owner, get out of MY country.
--You better watch out and stop trying to intimidate me by hitting the counters or i'll bruce-lee your ass because i'm 'ASIAN' like that-- we all know kung fu, you know.

i hate stupid (racist, stinky, poor, stinky) people. I guess you wont find me in a soup kitchen any time soon...

*Disclaimer: no socks were harmed in the telling of this story nor that night =D

New Found Love!

I hate to admit, but I have an acne problem. Although my acne has been toning down lately, thanks to Ms. Sandy @ Facial Plus on Irving St., I still have a lot of scars that makes me feel really really self conscious. I've been using Everyday Minerals but, it's so much WORK! Plus, it doesn't conceal that well. I use a creme concealer from MAC Cosmetics but it's only good for heavy acne scars. 

Since I no longer need such heavy coverage, I opted for a new liquid concealer. What I like about it is, it's really gentle on the eye bags. I don't like looking like a panda bear with purses hanging out of my eyeballs in the morning. I got this little hot piece at Walgreens for 8 bucks! Maybe she was born with it, maybe it's Maybelline. (It's Maybelline, believe me!) But with this little guy, I can cover up all the oopsies on my face and not really even need to wear anything (makeup wise, AHEM!). Maybe I'm getting lazy, or maybe I just like the nude look of just plain old skin on my face, I stopped adding all those crazy colors to my face. (Don't get me wrong, it's still fun to look like a psychedelic clown, but one can only look like a psychedelic clown for so many days.) 

Also, there's this billboard for KMEL on my way home, that has a picture of the beautiful Miss Alicia Keys. She just has flawless (probably photoshop airbrushed) skin paired with dark eyebrows. For some reason that look resonated with me. So it's just my concealer and highlighter, with eye liner and dark brows. Sexy times!

Dinner at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant

I love my boys. They sure know how to make a girl feel special, and I mean SPECIAL! It's not everyday that one gets wined and dined, especially if you're a single girl like me! So to be taken out by 3 dapper young men was something else. (They even dressed up! And to return the favor, I dressed up too. I don't wear dresses often, so they got some "leg service" as my cousin would say. Ha!) After some miscommunication about departure dates, Jacky decided that he was going to take me out to dinner, and since I've never been to Roy's, that's where we were going to go. 

(For those of you not familiar with Roy's, it's a 5 star Hawaiian fusion restaurant that specializes in seafood. It started in Hawaii, naturally, but now they're located in multiple locations all around the country.)

When we were seated, the boys made me decide the appetizers and told me I can order whatever I want. That's kinda dangerous, but at the same time I'm not used to it. The angel on my shoulder won this round, because I decided not to abuse the power. These guys are my friends after all. We happily shared the Calamari and the Hamachi Tartare. The calamari came with an exquisite dipping sauce, not the usual marinara or tartar sauce. The menu said it was hoisin dipping sauce, but our Asian taste buds proved otherwise and the 4 of us kept dipping into it trying to figure out what it was. I WIN! I said, "I think it's plum sauce!" and everyone agreed with "oh yeaaa. I think you're right!" (But when am I wrong when it comes to food? Hahah, jk.) 

For the main course, Jacky recommended the Butterfish, so that's what I ordered. He got the short ribs, Andy got the sea bass, and Steve got the salmon. When our food arrived, they portioned a small piece for me to try their dishes too. (I love how they baby me sometimes.) All the food was delicious except Andy felt his sea bass was a little on the dry side. For dessert we split a chocolate souffle and an orange creme brulée, both were good, but a little too sweet for me. I think I'll forever love frozen sweets the most. 

Service, the SERVICE!!! That was an experience on its own. The manager, Earl came by to introduce himself and to wish me good luck on my move and my future. I thought that was nice, I don't think you'd get that at TGI Fridays, hahaha no offense. The waiters were very observant about water levels in our cups so I never had to worry about refills. The best part was when Jacky told us that if your silverware is askew, the waiter would fix it for you. So while we waited for our food, like the bunch of boys we are, we started messing with the silverware and the waiters. 

I guess it's a 5 star restaurant for a reason! It was a wonderful dinner and even tho the portions seemed really small, I was nice and full in the end. And when they dropped me off to my apartment, we finally figured out our miscommunication. "So you mean we could of done this later?" Yes, we could of, but then we wouldn't be able to take advantage of the gift certificate that expires next week! Hey, we're still asian, and we still love a good deal. So the miscommunication did us a favor!

This one is for the Asian American Boys!!

Who said that Asian men are not hot? There's been a trend of girls saying they wouldn't want to date Asian guys, even APIA(Asian Pacific Islander American) girls. Most APIA girls say they prefer white guys because, "they're more charming, taller, handsomer...etc". Why aren't our boys being shown the love?

Let's talk about stereotypes for a bit.

Thanks to Hollywood, most Americans have this odd picture painted of the average Asian American. There's the nerdy, geek loser--then there's the martial arts master. In movies, these guys never get the ladies, they can save the day but they usually lose the girl to someone else or they just don't get the girl at all. In Romeo Must Die, all Jet Li got was a peck on the cheek by Aaliyah. He just saved your ass by killing people with a hose, I repeat, a HOSE!!! It's like punching the guy in the arm and just saying, "Thanks, guy!" In the uneducated public's eyes, these guys are seen as cold sexless machines, but let me tell you and show you otherwise.

ethan ruan

Leehom Wang

If you watch Asian shows, you get a better range of characters. There are Heroes, comedians, villains, losers, etc. I've been watching a lot of Taiwanese dramas lately. And DAMN these boys are FIIIIIIINE! They're all 6ft plus (so take that you girls that want the height!), handsome, talented and exude sexiness. Take Taiwanese Ethan Ruan for example, and my cousin will "I concur doctor!" with me, he is one hot piece of Asian man. New York born Alexander Leehom Wang is the epitome of looks and talent. He plays over 10 different instruments, including piano, drums, guitar, and even the er-wu. He speaks over 5 different languages. And he has perfect pitch. Yes that means he is not tone-deaf, and can sing perfectly without music accompaniment.

South Korean singer that's all the buzz right now, Tae Yang of BigBang

More APIA hotties include Chad Hugo from N.E.R.D. (Hella diggin' his shirt by the way.)

Brothers/Singers, George and Justin Nozuka

Heroes' Mohinder Suresh, actor Sendhil Ramamurthy

Need I say more? Let's hear it for the AIPA boys....(cat purr).

Oh yea, in the AIPA's defense, our boys are not cold hearted machines that show no emotion or have no romantic incline. My friends are amazing boyfriends, and they watch out for all of us girls. Very gentlemanly! They hold out doors, make sure us girls get home safe, and make sure no assholes take advantage of us(kung fu saves the day. Kapow Biatches!). So it's not just to the gfs, but they're gentlemen to EVERYONE. If I weren't asexual 95% of the time, I'd throw myself at them. So who wouldn't want well rounded, educated, young professionals like that?

And in the AIPA ladies' defense, we're not all sexpot dragon ladies or timid geisha lotus blossoms. Yes we're HOT, but we're also fucking smart, sassy, cute, funny, and creative. So all you boys out there with fetishes based on what you see on TV can suck it. 

Cafe Rat, Inc

Look Ma! I'm a professional Cafe Rat!

wifi, check
outlets, check
groove music, check
natural light, check
strong coffee, check
big tables, check
food! double check!!

Ok, it's been over a month since i've started my new at-home job and i havent had a super great experience working at a cafe because i havent found a good work-cafe. There's icafe, kaleco and assorted cafe around the neighborhood, but it just doesnt really hit me as a perfect work cafe because it's lacking something-- that X factor. Where you look arond and there are other pro cafe rats: teachers grading papers, software programmer trouble shooting a bug, aspiring writer re-writing the 1000th draft of his break through book.... etc etc

But that's just something really superficial that i can take or leave, but i noticed there are tons of cafes that just dont have the 2 essentials: wifi + outlet.... wtf man! boo you!

But atlas, I have found at least one HQ for Cafe Rat, Inc. See ya around, say hi, but just dont freak me out. i get scared easily......

http://hotspotr.com/spot/25?ll=37.765796,-122.429538&zoom=15&name=San%20Francisco

Jumping Java

139 Noe St , San Francisco, CA, 94114, USA
directions | spots near here | more in San Francisco

Wireless: free
Food: bakery-type snacks
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-7:30pm; Sat/Sun 7am-8pm

PS! They have a sidewalk garden with a buddah =D

I hate MUNI too

... oh my rice toddler and i bite our thumb at thee, oh dreaded muni! ...


Love it or hate it. If you live in SF, you have to deal with muni one way or another. If you dont, then you're a freak that hasnt conformed to the green trend! ::shakes fist::

the muni is great for those who dont have a car in SF, but doesnt have the time or energy to walk from one end of the 7 mi penninsula to the other. I love it because it can get me to almost anywhere i want to get to in SF (sans target, but that's another blog rant). But as of late, the muni hasnt been extremely reliable and on the verge of being dangerous! There was the story of a lady crossing at 9/irving earlier this year and was hit by the N-Judah and lost her leg (she got $1M settlement earlier this month), the collison between two metro trains.... and not to mention those times when I was late to work because there was some subway malfunction :\

But lately, the biggest challenge was 'police activity' involving bomb threats... ::meep:: Muni is great when it's almost on time and somewhat funtional, but when it's down-- all hell breaks lose! how am i suppose to get to XYZ without this train/bus?!

anywhose, I headed to J-town for groceries and meeting up with masa and yoko to wander the streets of the Filmore Jazz festival. It's a gi-normus event that has grown year after year. At one time, it was bounded by Geary Street, but not anymore. Altho it was mucho ghetto south of Geary, but still an essential part of the festivities. Anywhos, great time to enjoy the sun, look at over priced garlic graters and gawk at adorable puppies... not to mention listen to some foot tapping JAZZ!

However, as a result of this event, 22 [the normal muni line that I use] was rerouted and after my grocery trip, i decided to take another route. 38 + 28 to get back to my lovin' MGC... So off i got, with 2 grocery bags full of japanese goodies and a 15 lbs bag of rice (i was so proud, it was on sale!) and walked down the street and waited for a min for the 38...

Yay! Muni, so quick.... or so i thought....

*Then* when i got to my transfer point, i tote my loot across the street and was greeted by police tape and a bomb squad truck. WTF?! ::meep:: I waited at my transfer stop 10 mins before decided to take another bus line, but the bus stop was blocked by more police tape and i had to walk 2 more blocks with my rice toddler

This is the 2nd time my muni travel has been delayed by some 'police activity' but this is the worse possible time to be delayed, i have all this grocery and a 15 lb bag of rice... i wish i had a zip car (or a fork so i can eat my dinner... it was getting late).

but no worries, my rice toddler, Keebler and I got home safely before I melted from hunger :)

... yes, i named by bag of rice keebler... stupid muni..

Welcome to the Gentlemen's Club

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

I for one am very very EXCITED to see the male version of VH1's Charm School, Mtv's Gs to Gents. I think there's nothing more sexy than a well rounded gentleman. A real man with manners, etiquette, and a killer suit. It's old Hollywood all over again. Bring back the classics like Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, and Steve McQueen. Debonair makes a comeback, and I say "YES PLEASE!"

Of course, I'm waiting for the arguments and altercation explosions. Oh trash tv, you entertain me so! <3

Freaks and Geeks (And I don't mean the show!)

It's awesome that you want to boost your confidence.


But:

A) Don't practice on me...i'm misanthropic when it comes to strangers...so i'll probably crush your confidence by being rude. (I'm practicing being a new yorker...SORRY)

B) There is NO and i repeat, just like in a prison visiting ward: there is "NO TOUCHING". I don't care that you think my hat is cute or that your niece would like it. Personal space is key.

C) Don't approach someone who's already 10 mins late to work and is trying to catch the next bus. They'll be extra rude, because you're making them even more late.

D) Don't say, "I LOVE WOMEN and I don't CARE what AGE", ever so enthusiastically. It just sounds creepy, pervy, and sums up a pedophile. I went to sleep early last night and I'm pretty sure I don't smell like berries. (If you don't know this reference: American Dad, the episode about the secret peanut society).

E) Brush your teeth before you go to bed, or gnomes will come murder your mother.

GOOD LUCK!

Chivalry Still EXISTS?!!?!

When I was going home, the most heartfelt thing happened on the muni today. 

Remember when old grandmas and old movies told us the mythical days of chivalry? You know, where a gentleman would take off his coat and lay it on top of a puddle in the street so that a lady wouldn't mess up her shoes? Well this story is something along those lines. It does involve an article of clothing, and it does involve a sizably good amount of water that might damage a lady's appearance.

So the seat infront of me happened to have a little puddle of mystery liquid on it. And the kind lady sitting in the seat next to it made sure anyone dumb enough not to look would not get their butts soaked in the said mystery liquid. Unfortunately, 3 stops into my journey, the kind lady left her post of puddle protecting. A few passengers came by and seeing the puddle passed on the seat and would look elsewhere. One brave soul, took the not so coveted seat next to it. 

The next stop, some lady tried to sit down, but I tried to stop her by gently pushing her back and telling her it was a wet seat. She smiled and searched for a seat towards the back. Then more passengers got on, and another unsuspecting lady tries to sit down. The lady in the adjacent seat tells her "Don't sit there!" and once again I'm trying to push her up so her bum wouldn't get wet. 

WELL, just as I was thinking, gee I wish I had some paper towels or some rag that I could wipe that puddle away with, the guy in the next row takes a sweater out of his bag and wipes it down and asked the miss if she would like to sit. Everyone in that car was smiling afterwards. 

Ladies, there's still hope!

I Voted!!!!

I voted for the first time in my life! (I know, I know...what a crappy citizen, blah blah blah...) 

Look! This experience was totally nerve-racking! "What if I vote for the wrong thing?" "What if I make a huge mistake?" Those were the types of questions floating in my head as sweat dropped down my forehead and I chewed the crap out of my left hand nails. 

Of course it didn't help that the voting guide was printed on the same type of paper that SATs and AP exams are printed on. It brought me back to highschool memories as I was chewing the crap out of my left hand nails, hoping I fill in the right answer. (Hey old habits die hard. The voting experience was like a flashback, only what I'm filling out doesn't decide which college I go to, nor do I don the braces no more, either!)

But it's done, the envelope was sealed and dropped off at the polling site. (**side note: The polling site was located at a retirement home. Old people are so cute. They were all smiling at me with no teeth, and happy that a young person is voting.) SO I wear my red "I Voted" sticker as a badge of honor!

7 Day Fruit Detox Hell

My 7 day fruit detox was cut into 2 1/2 days. It was a nightmare!!! Details to follow:

Namo: Do the 7 Day Fruit Detox with me.

Me: What is this 7 Day Fruit Detox of which you speak, Nam?

Namo: You eat only fruits for 7 days and you will cleanse your body of all the horrible toxins in your body. You'll feel refreshed and you'll get that glowing skin.

Me: Glowing skin?! I am SO there.

(Day 1)

I am starving

(Day 2)

Still starving

(Night 2)

I think I'm dying

(Day 3)

I QUIT!!!!!

And that's that!

Ruth Chris's Steak House

Yes, yes! The meat eaters of the house had a convention this evening. We decided to hold it at one of the (nose up in the air, British accent) premiere steak house in SF.

The steak wasn't the only delicacy that deserve praising at this location. The bread...oh the bread, smothered in butter. Words cannot do justice for the fresh bread.


While we decided to be "bourgie" and eat at a fancy restaurant, old habits died hard. I definitely needed Orbitz because my mouth was FILTHY. Hopefully the older couples sitting adjacent to us was not able to hear half of the conversation. It was topics that Miss Manners would get out of her grave and slap us across the face for. I guess you no matter how hard you try, you can't get rid of my potty mouth.

Wish Fullfilled-- Misson Accomplished

unlike our faithful leader, i deliver on my promises-- sans big banner. I got my job, so I got a house Wii... *and* a Wii Fit. must keep my housies nice and fit; at least wii-fit ;)

gosh, on one hand i just spent a b*tt load of money on a game system, but on the other hand, we have the WiiFit! I guess this makes up for it all--


Tee Hee... I'm really lucky to get the entire system so quickly. I didnt have to get on a waiting list nor even go to multiple stores (just the mall in serramonte-- v. close to sf). Now I just have to get sick of these games to justify buying more games. wanna join the mgc wii-nation? com'on over with your wii-remote and nunchuck attachment ;)

I used to be 500 lbs in a 5'5 frame

But Keith Capezio and his NRG Aerobics video saved my life. Plus I found a sense of style with Capezio dancewear.

THANKS KEITH CAPEZIO!!!

(**Disclaimer: Results are not typical. Mainly because this is a parody video made by my friends.)

jango and other music news

i wanna blog more too! ::joins in:: r&b. hip hop. rap. country (bleh). rock. folksy. i would like to think i'm a music afficinado too!

i go through phases with music, just wave of interest-- sometimes mellow r&b can soothe my soul, while angry grrl riot can just express the anger that is bubbling just under the surface, or when some sad emo express that complex feeling you just cant voice without tearing up...

i concure with css-- music is my boyfriend...

A great find on the internet is Jango, a free streaming internet radio, similar to imeem, pandora, lastfm. I haven't use the others consistantly because, imho, they didnt offer as much flexibility as jango. it didnt bring the same mix of music as jango. i *love* it! it's my best office-mate. through thick 'n thin...

as of late, i've been getting really really into the house scene. I've always have had an infinity for high bpm music, especially for running, studying and work-- just something to tune out, yet create a great ambiance to get your a** into gear

lyrics are secondary and most of the time meaningless. they could be selling split pea soup for all i care, but as long as the beat made me tap my foot, keep my eyes in the textbook and make speed up my strides... it stays in my ipod.

hence, the discovery of my new love for house and new non-US/indie-underground artists! Check out my 'trancey dancey' playlist-- http://www.jango.com/users/475069/edit?l=0

I found this great artist named 'annie' (Annie Lilia Berge Strand) a dj from norway. Think-- aqua minus the guys but add better beats.... that's annie :) Check out Annie's Chewing Gum. Aint it simply fabulous?



other great high bpm house artist to listen to without listening to the lyrics
-Peaches (pllllease dont listen to her lyrics... ::blushes::)
-Death from Above 1979
-Daft Punk (oldie but goodie... always good)
-CSS
-LCD Soundsystem
-Fisherspooner

Cafe Chic

I recently informed my roomates that I really wished I was a writer.
And I continued my fantasy where I would be sitting at a coffeeshop
all day, wearing my nerdy thick framed glasses, typing witty prose all
day long. I would be a regular at imagined coffeeshop, and passerbys
would coo in awe at my masterpieces, the baristas would laugh at my
smart tongue n cheek satires, and pretty girls would be jealous of me
because they too have a secret desire to be a smart and successful
writer.

A girl can dream...

Sent from my iPhone

if only (aka chemistry)

i have met way too many 'if only' lately.

if only he was...

• straight
• older
• younger
• wasnt a dense hamster
• taller
• smarter
• active
• interesting/-ed

call me picky, but i think im entitled :)

there are too many nice guys out there, that fits 75% of what I'm looking for, but gosh, that 25%... that's the hardest part to find. wtf man!?

a friend asked me a curious question the other day: what elevates someone from just friends to that special someone? obviously-- attraction. but not just animal lust, attraction is a gamut of traits: from phsyical, emotional, mental, even spiritual. things are fostered, but there are things that just exists. just plain chemistry.

*SIGH*... so yes, so far just ideas of people, no one has manifested himself... yet

altho, im meeting lots of nice interesting people, just as long as they just understand i'm foremost just looking friendship... anything else just needs to be under the right circumstances.

i think lily's right, we need to find a power ranger to combine all those great trait/ideas to one guy.... it's *morphin'*time*!

Should of Gone with Kanye's Workout Plan

I saw on CNN over the weekend, while I was at the gym doing my cardio, a segment called "Fit America".

The story was about a woman who used to be over 250lbs and lost over 80 lbs or something. I thought, "good for you!" but I thought wrong. SO wrong. Because they proceeded with praising her over how she got her stomach stapled even tho it was very dangerous for her because she had heart problems.

That's when my inspiration became UNspiration...and finally disgust. Is this what "fit America" is? We gorge our greedy mouths with saturated fat until we're morbidly obese and get surgery to get thinner? When I hear the word fit, I think athleticism, not a scalpel. Shame on you "fit America", for shame!

Sent from my iPhone

Go for the Gold, SANTOGOLD

Who: Santogold (Santi White) is a Brooklyn based artist. She's pretty good. My friend says she's even better Live--she has incredible energy (like a child, but in a good way). 

Sounds like: M.I.A. who's also her friend. She says they work with the same people so they're bound to have the same influences. 

She's opened for Bjork, and she's also performed with M.I.A, the LEGEND, and the COOL KIDS and hella other people. So bronze and silver can suck it, it's all about that GOLD!!!

A few tracks I like: Say Aha, Shove It, Creator, and L.E.S. Artistes

False Advertisement

Dear Mars Incorporated,

I have recently purchased a bag of your rather delightful PEANUT M&Ms. To my dismay, as I bit into one of these peanut-y and chocolatey bite-size morsels, it was, alas, PEANUTLESS!!!! Hoping it was my mistake, I referred back to the packaging. But no, it was YOURS.

Where are them peanuts?!

The Importance of Thanks

To the inconsiderate, spoiled, he-bitch that wasted my bloody time:

I don't think that being thankful should be reserved for Thanksgiving. Hey, if you're gonna spend half an hour bugging me to do you a favor(and an extremely dumb favor, at that), one would THINK that the least you could do is say thanks.

It's rude and shows how selfish you are when you dismiss such matters of manners. Oh and by the way, mumbling "oh yea, thanks (hyuck hyuck)" as an afterthought?(Especially when one has to remind your RUDE ass)--equally as patronizing. Look pal, I did YOU a favor. One shouldn't Me Me Me Me-Monster the day away.

Your parents should be shamed and hidden under a rock because they failed you as parents. They couldn't even teach you something as remedial as giving thanks. They need their parent card taken back and be smacked across the face with it because now you suck at life.

Sincerely,
FuriousFeng

Sent from my iPhone

Karmic Value

No, not COMIC value. KARMIC value!!!

Remember that age old saying, "What goes around, comes around"? Well, here's a lesson of "you reap what you sow"--(So sow some good shit as I'd like to say.) This cute little website (GetGoodKarma.org) can help you with:

*Calculating your karmic standing in this universe (with the Karma Approximator)

*Find volunteering opportunities

*Balancing your Karmic Debt

Enjoy and NAMASTE!

(sidenote: I got 80 pts! I'm doing okay with the universe! ;D)

Only Two Roley Carts

Only Two Roley Carts.

I repeat. There are only TWO roley carts at this laundromat. I guess they were rather skeptical about making business, maybe it's a cruel joke, or MAYBE they really believe only two people in the entire Inner Sunset populace does laundry. Ever. At a single given moment.

(Looks around.) Yea, I'm counting 5 heads up in this hizzo. FIVE different parties hoping to wear some clean drawers. Gee Laundrolady, maybe you might wanna splurge for a few more carts, yea?

FYI: I found a pantyliner in the dryer I was gonna use. I think you're suppose to throw that in the trash before you even start your wash. Like, oh I dunno, when the panties it was stuck on became LAUNDRY?! I hereby stamp this laundry experience: DOWN-GRADE!!!!! ::thumbs down:::

I'm Cooler than THAT guy!

We is! We is! The Cool Kids, a rap duo from the Windy City aka Chi-town, have been making the work day go faster. Cop the EP album, Totally Flossed Out on iTunes. 

Sounds Like: Old School Hip Hop Revival, The black version of The Beastie Boys, Too COOL for school. You'll dig it okay!?

I really like I (Mikey) Rock, Gold and a Pager, What It Iz, and A Little Bit Cooler. The beats, the rhymes, and even their clothes...gives a whole new meaning to the words FRESH and COOL. 

Tax Season!

no.... i'm not going to flex my accounting/excel power and preach about taxes and getting your tax done early

::makes mental note-- do taxes::

but tax season = taxes = tax refund!!! with a refund we must make list (i like lists) of things to buy with our newly earned money. Here my top 5 coveted things to buy with my tax refund (or when i get that hot, rich, asian, business man wrapped around my little finger):

1. Sloan Leaning Desk (crate & barrels)
There are many reasons why my room is just a plain hot mess-- slothfulness, messiness, laziness, lack of storage, no car (there's a logical reason why i added this! o.O) .... laziness....

ok, i'm just plain lazy, but in my little demented mind, i have made a convincing argument that if i get this desk (and a whole lot of ikea/pier1/bedbath&beyond-esque boxes/bins and shelves), my room will become spotless and i will be a more productive person.

and this remarkable wonderous piece of furniture is $129-$199 a piece and i've been eye-in' the desk and bookcase-shelf section which will set me back $400 + tax....

::dreams::
::waves hands as if to move things into the desk::


2. BR wardrobe (Banana Republic)
I love BR, it's quality material in a simple, classy, pretty, formal work clothes *but* i still cant bring myself to buy a $50 dress shirt :/ it took me a while to get use to buying food during lunch time instead of brown-bagging!

i know, im cheap... but i still like quality stuff (starting to see the trend?), so i just covet and save...

::drools::

mMmmm.... dress for the job you want, not the job that you have. good motto to follow, i think i shall gawk at their coat/outer ware collection and plot on getting a nice work jacket.... now if only i can find a way to stay in heels for a whole day.... how much do bionic feet cost?


3. Helena CamelBak (REI-- Camelbak)
OooOo, how i covet thee. i went to the rei member's sale yesterday and omg, things things! so many things i wanted but didnt need.

i love rei, it's yuppie haven. if you want to be outdoorsy and in-one-with nature and have the $$ to do it, it's your kind of place. things are overpriced, but they're so loooovely but i still dont have guts to dump everything i want in a basket (which is probably 1/3 of the store) and run for the register. yet.

altho one thing that i really want is this Helena CamelBak for only $79.99 ... i can use it as a gym bag, running hydration pack, hiking carry all.... now if only i can make it into a razor and a treadmill too....


4. Adidas Supernova Control 10 (adidas- 30% off on mondays after u.r.!)
i love u.r. on mondays! it's a nice little reminder to run and it forces lazy forgetful people like myself to go run more often *and* they give you 30% off your purchase... not too shabby...

i suppose they win at the very end, because of the advertising and just osmosis of propaganda! like the 'get to know the adidas supernova line' speech that one day.... but it really worked, because now i really want a pair of adidas supernovas!

my shoes are way old, they're way pass the 500 mi/6 month mark. time for an upgrade for only a slight set back of 95 smackaroos...

now if only they give you a cookie after the run... then i'll never miss a run... ::bites tongue::


5. King Size Bag of Peanut M&Ms (Mars)
Hey! Don't discriminate. I will seek vengance against those who dislikes peanut M&Ms. Ok... the others are just plain big price ticket items.... but I can find joy in little things too....

MmmMmmm... peanut M&Ms.... There's nothing like peanut M&Ms. I mean, it's not my absolute favorite, but it's one of those candies that i just plain can't resist. and i can never get sick of it's taste! twix are just too sweet (mMMm... sugar), skittles, nerds and spk burn your tongue. snickers are alright, altho i like mini-snickers. peanut M&M just hold a special place in my heart....

mmmmmm.... chocolate-y peanuts...

Compliments

::puts on mr rodger's sweater::

Ok children, the lesson that i want to teach today is to be kind to your neighbor and people around u.

I know. You are! But have you gone out of your way to make someone's day or just take the extra moment to say something nice? If you have, kudos to you n keep on truckin' ...

But if you haven't, take this very min to say something nice and it will absolutely make their day

.
.
.

You have pretty eyes =D

XOXO your neighborhood hobbit

Sent from my iPhone

Bonjour! Au Revoir!

I just bought the BEST game ever! It's My French Coach for Nintendo DS! In an hour, I learned how to count to 15, some basic colors, days of the week, and months! Un, deux, trois! You basically learn French through a quick tutorial and then you play games until those little words are drilled into your brain. BRILLIANT!!! 

Why French? It's the language of Haute Couture! I want to be ready to go to Pah-reeeeee!

Gotta Work--Workin' it!

Amerie's "Gotta Work" single, now available on iTunes for $.99! Makes me want to dance; and at the gym--work out! Her album already dropped in the UK, and it's suppose to release in the States Spring 2008. That's SOON!

Travel Sized for your convenience!

I've been trying to go to the gym in the mornings, and I mean THE MORNING. I figured not that many people can drag their lazy butts out of bed at 5:50am just to work out. It was hard at first, but hell--it sure beats working out in a humid gym with all the other sweaty career people who work out after work hours. Plus, I can use the cardio machines for as long as I want in the morning, instead of the 20min limit they place on you during peak hours. 

Anyways, the problem I have with going to the gym in the morning, besides having to wake up so early, is packing and unpacking my makeup and makeup brushes. So, being the little smartass that I am, I went to Sephora to pick up a nice travel kit. 

I LOVE IT!!! It has your bare essentials: powder/blush brush, eyeshadow, blending, crease, and angled liner brushes. So I just dump my concealer and foundation into a small case I got as a gift at the Clinique counter...and I don't have to worry about crushing my "at home" brushes in it's stupid tube case. LOVELY!

Something else I picked up at Sephora is their Smooth and Matte primer gel. I just wanted to know what the hell it was. I tested some on my hands...and damn--Can you say babies bottom? It was SMOOTH. Just a tiny squirt the size of an M&M is enough for TWO faces. So you layer it before you put on your makeup and it just helps with an even application. But, once my skin clears up and my hideous scars disappear...I think I would still apply this miracle product on my naked skin just because it makes you feel so silky soft.

Trader Joe's Delectable Deserts

Some say diamonds are a girl's bestfriend, some might argue that chocolate is. This post is for chocolate lovers of the world-- (I'm not trying to exclude the fellers out there.)

Trader Joe's Triple Chocolate Bundt Cakes:

For Valentine's Day, I decided to pick up some mini chocolate bundt cakes at Trader Joe's for my lovely housemates. Let me describe this tender, soft, not too sweet, chocolatey-good dessert. It's a mini bundt cake that has a chocolate glaze and is also topped with generous handfuls of chocolate chips. Pop that puppy in the microwave for 20 seconds, and what you'll get is this warm, semi-gooey, close-my-eyes-and-fall-to-the-floor experience. 

It was so good that an anonymous somebody killed the rest of the box, leaving us miserable girls in search for more. Rich, chocolatey, and good. Period.

Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe-Joe's

Something else you might want to pick up at Trader Joe's, while they're still available are the rather delicious, and should be out of season, Candy Cane Joe-Joe's. Two chocolate cookies sandwiching around a layer of sweet minty cream. If you're a fan of the mint and chocolate combo, you should try it! 

firefly + acrobats + 80's cartoon =

KA, the cirque du soleil show at MGM in Las Vegas.

i spent the weekend catching up with an old college friend and just sampled the sins of sin city: gluttony, sloth, greedy and just plain excess.

man.... lv is the picture of excess: money, lights, skin, alcohol, food, greed, *plastic* ... a great place to visit, but a weird place to live. I suppose it'll always be an experience, for better or worse.

anywhos, back to KA-- I've been to vegas many times, but they were family trips, with a large group of friends, so at the end i never got to do everything that i want to do. i suppose it's better, then there will be reason to visit again and again (i still want to ride the roller coaster on the Stratosphere =D.... wine'd and dine'd, then walk around the super expensive stores in my essential 'little black dress' .... or something like that). But you havent experienced vegas unless you've seen a show!

srly... i'm totally hooked, i want to see another one!

the moment you walk in, it's as if you've been tele-ported to a firefly spaceship filled with Dr Who's THE-FUTUREKIND type running the show with cave-man grunts and acrobatic powers. In the words of the doctor:

FANTASTIC!

the cast was great, the story was short simple and sweet. even the set became an entity to gush over! Overall, it felt like a big-budget movie (of the 80's video game genre) set in motion in front of you.

4.5 out of 5 jump-ropes

ps. can you tell i'm a sci-fi geek?

Blissful Brunch and More!

Brunching is one of my favorite past times in New York. There are two restaurants that serve amazing breakfast food: DuMont and Relish. What I love about DuMont is that they serve you free doughnut holes while you wait for your food to come. The waitress declared, everyone needs doughnut holes; and lady-- I concur!







In Relish, one side looks like an old school diner, the otherside is all sexed up with gold walls and dark velvet booths. They serve delicious milkshakes, as well as brunch drinks...alcoholic brunch drinks. They have a list of more exotic flavored mimosas which include, mango, peach, and pink grapefruit! Delicious!



Either of these restaurants are a good bet for a mouthwatering brunch experience.




If love was in the form of food...like a dream come true, and everything you touch turns into culinary gold....you would find it at Sweetwater Bar & Grill. I've never tried borsch before, but my friend ordered it and told me to give it a try. If you don't know what borsch is, it's a soup made of beets. Now if you're like me, you'll think: Beets? Eew gross! Isn't that for old people, like prunes or something? I dunno, if that's what old people eat, then call me grandma because it was incredible! It has this sweet earthy taste, yet super rich and satisfying. The Three Cheeses Gnocchi is delicious! Tiny little potato dumplings baked into this creamy cheese sauce. YUMMAAAAY!

But nothing can defeat the Switzerland Lamb Shanks. Tender morsels of meat that literally fall off the bones. It's so soft, you barely need to chew. Pair that up with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with some refreshing watercress. HEAVEN!!!