Happy Halloween

It's that time of year again. Right after this Thanksgiving and Christmas is going to hit. Oh boy time moves so quickly.

I think I may stay home this year and pass out the candy. (Although nobody usually stops in my neighborhood.) I think 23 may be a little too old to still be trick-o-treating. (That's what I did last year. I had no shame.)

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN, and remember to be safe. :D

Apple Pie

Frances told me there was a little town called Julian in San Diego near her house (an hour or so away) that had the most amazing apple pie, and we decided to make a day trip out of it.

I'm willing to travel far and wide for apple pie. Pie is my true love. I prefer it to cake, brownies, etc. I think I shall serve pie at my wedding.

When we got to Julian, I was pleasantly surprised that it was a tiny little town. The little town located on a mountain, so the air was nice and crisp. It actually hurt to breathe because the air was so fresh. My lungs are more accustomed to polluted air.

We walked into most of their stores (which were mostly antique stores), and end up buying some snacks. How am I suppose to resist caramel puffs? The town is so mellow and peaceful. I could never imagine living in such a town. Where everyone knew each other? A place that didn't even have a movie theater near by? I've been spoiled by the city, and being conveniently located next to everything. When I get bored I can go to the mall, the park, the beach, the movies, etc.

I fantasize about living in a small town though. It's just so mellow. I don't see anyone hurrying to get to places, and they acknowledge each other when they are walking down the street. Being in a town where everyone knows your name doesn't sound so bad. (Maybe I've watched too many Gilmore Girls episodes...)

We ended up having a nice lunch (She had pot pie, and I had a vegetarian croissant.), and eating apple pie with ice cream for lunch. The pie was AMAZING. The crust had the right amount of flakiness, and the apples had the right amount of sweetness and tartness. I was in heaven. It was delicious.

I must state that Julian's apple pie is one of the best pie I've ever had. I wouldn't mind making it a habit to get their pies once in awhile. I'll probably end up dreaming about them...

Luckily for me, I brought home a whole pie. I think I'm going to have a bite of it right now. :)

Eating Habits

I like to eat my food in a certain way. I'm not sure if it's strange or normal. 

I like to eat the crust of my sandwich first. That usually means that you'll see me eating my sandwich in a circle. I believe that the center of the sandwich is the best part. I have a tendency to save the last bite for last.

Whenever I eat curry and rice with eggs, I like to eat all of the curry before I eat my egg. Once again I am saving the best bite for last.

I tend to do that with my side dishes too. I'm a huge fan of side dishes. I love corn, mash potatoes, mac and cheese, steamed veggies, and rice pilaf. (Mmmmmmmm...) I usually like my side dishes more than the main course. My last bite of food is usually some sort of side dish.

That's why I think dessert should ALWAYS come after the meal... :)

The Big Bang Theory

...is one of the greatest shows of all time. The show has the ability to make me laugh until my tummy hurts.

I didn't really know anyone that was available or even wanted to go to the show with me. Up until the last moment, I was deciding whether I wanted to go alone or not.

Being the huge fan that I am, I couldn't pass up such a wonderful opportunity. Getting to see the whole gang of The Big Bang Theory live? That's like a dream come true.

The taping was in evening and took about 3 hours. Some parts of the episode was already taped the day before, but most of the scenes were shot right in front of an audience. They would do many takes of each scene to try out different lines. I was amazed at how well the actors improv their lines. Every time a scene was re-shot, the actors would say a completely new line that would crack everyone up.

Because the show ran during dinner time, they gave everyone in the audience pizza. I love pizza, and I love that they fed me. A full Hang is a happy Hang.

After the show, most of the actors left the stage. I was a bit disappointed because I wanted their autographs. (Next time I'm bringing my DVDs in hopes that some of the actors will sign it.) The only person that really stayed to chat, and give me an autograph was Kaley Cuoco. She was really sweet.

I'm not going to go in detail about how much I adore the show, and how I want to declare love to Jim Parsons and Simon Helberg because I know a lot of you don't watch the show.

I had such a great time that I wanted to share my experience. I'm definitely going to try to make it a habit to go to a taping once in awhile. Anyone with me? :)

Signs of Aging

I know I'm getting old because:

1. I'm losing my hair. I find my hair everywhere. On the floor. On the bathroom sink. On my pillow case. I spend about an hour or more a day picking up strands of my hair, and making sure it's not all over the place. I have to sweep my house often because I can't stand the sight of my hair all over the floor. At this rate, I'll be bald by 28. 
2. I get sleepy earlier. I used to be able to stay up late at night, and wake up early in the morning. If I ever try that now, I end up walking around like a zombie, and falling asleep while I'm eating.
3. I'm starting to say, "When I was your age..." Children these days are raised so differently from when I was a child. 
4. I'm worried about my future. If I will have a job that will allow me live comfortably. When I was a younger, all I cared about was what I would be eating for my next meal. Now I have to worry about how I am going to take care of myself?!
5. I can't eat junk anymore without having to pay for it afterwards. I used to be able to eat hot cheetos with nacho cheese, and now the thought of it gives me a tummy ache. I have to worry about things like bowel movement now. (That was too much information, but I was trying to prove a point.)

There is a lot of perks with being an adult though. You get to travel. You get to stay out late. You get to do whatever strikes your fancy. You become wiser, more intelligent. There are lots of opportunities when you are an adult.

But the truth is, I would give it all up to be a kid again. To be able to not have to worry about bills, and have the biggest concern be about how late you could play outside. To be able to get tucked in at night, and know that someone is taking care of you. To be free, and not burden with complicated problems.

Ok, maybe I wouldn't want to be a child again, but I wish I enjoyed my childhood more.

I finally understand now why adults used to tell me to enjoy life as a child. You do miss it as an adult. 

New Sleeping Pattern

I'm trying to have a normal sleeping pattern. I usually stay up to 3 or 4am on the computer, watching TV, or reading a book. 

Actually, I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my brother is usually up at night, and it tends to encourage me to stay up late. If my brother is doing it then it's acceptable? It drives my mom nuts.

I've been trying to sleep at midnight every night, and waking up at 8. It's amazing how early you wake up when you sleep early. I was amazed when I actually had energy in the morning. Don't get me wrong, it's still painful for me to get out of bed, but I'm not so groggy.

I realize that most people sleep before midnight, but the fact that I even started to sleep at midnight for the late few days is miracle.

I think I'm going to try to be an early sleeper now (as best as I can). The world opens up for you when you are up early. 

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise. I'm going to test that...

No Fashion Sense

I realize that I don't care about my appearance enough.

My hair usually looks like a bird nest. I don't wear any makeup. I breakout on a regular basis. My clothing consists of mostly t-shirts and jeans. I don't really even know what is fashionable at the moment.

I feel like I should care more, but I just can't get myself to wake up earlier to straighten my hair. I don't have the patience to learn how to correctly apply makeup. I also cannot stand shopping for more than 15 minutes.

I'm not a girly girl at all, and I think that is starting to bother me. Why aren't I like the other girls? Am I just strange? Or is it actually a blessing that I don't really care about appearance?

So please excuse me if you ever see me looking like a bag lady. I can't help it, and I probably don't really even care.

Rocked my Rock Midterm

I got an A. 

Even though I missed one questions, I am not going to let it bother me.

I'm just going to be happy with my unperfect A.

Yay.

Over Stressed

I'm the perfect example of someone who is always stressed.

There's going to be a test in two weeks? The thought of it makes me stressed. Don't really have a job. The thought of that makes me stressed.  The fact that my days seem to go by too fast, and I don't feel productive stresses me out.

When am I not stressed out?

I want to be one of those people who take life as it comes. Who can go with the flow. Who doesn't sweat over the little stuff. Who do can handle a misfortunate incident with grace. 

Instead I breakdown, become extremely overwhelmed or get sad.

I need a better method of all of my madness. I need to just get over things.

Maybe I'll go on a mini vacation...

Future Goal: Motorcycle License

Every since I was a little girl, I was convinced that someday I would be one of those cool biker chicks. I wouldn't have tons of tattoos, cuss like a ganster or wear leather, but I would still be bad ass.

Yes, you heard me correctly. I'm going to be a bad ass. (Hey... I can hear your snickering. I can too be a bad ass if I want to!)

Don't get me wrong though. I'm not going to try to get a motorcycle license just to be cool. I've always wanted to be able to weave through traffic. I've also always wanted to drive something that required very little gas. 

It's actually not that expensive to learn, and I'm just waiting until I have the time and money to start this goal.

Don't you worry. When I start driving a motorcycle, I'll be offering rides. You all trust my driving, right? :)

Being Reasonable

(I've decided that because Frances hasn't posted in awhile, it would be safe to assume you know who I am without having to put my name in the title. Hopefully she'll write something soon though. *hint hint*)

What would you be if you could be anything you wanted to be?

I often think about what I want to be.

If I didn't have to be rational. If I didn't have to be reasonable. If I didn't have to be practical. If I didn't have to be logical. If I didn't have to be realistic.

I would be a traveling photographer for National Geographic.

But I don't think that's very probable because: I lack the skills, the connections, and I'm not exactly very social. 

But if I was... I'd be a fantastic photographer. I'd be documenting the struggles of the Middle East, the poverty of Africa, and the children who has to work for pennies in Asia. 

The way people deal with hardship is fascinating. They have amazing stories, and are wise beyond their years. I cry a little every time I see a heartbreaking picture. From the slums of India to the breath taking view of Iceland.

A picture has a way of transporting you to a completely different place. It has the ability to make you laugh until you have to pee or weep from sadness. I just wish I had the ability to take pictures that made a difference. 

Even though I have a great appreciation for photography, I also have a deep love for Geology. I even enjoy law. I probably will never be a photographer, but I'll still be able to do something I enjoy. :)

What is Hang Lacking?

I went to Trader Joe's the other day, and I realized that I lack social skills PLUS a social life. Wait, I realized this when I was volunteering the other day too. Well, I think I've always known that I am a bit anti-social, but it never bothered me until now.

When I was paying for my purchases at Trader Joe's, the cashier asked me what I was planning on doing over the weekend. I said I was studying for a Geology test. (I didn't want to admit that I really never do anything exciting over the weekend or the fact that I don't really have that many friends.) The cashier then proceeded to tell me that the weekend had just started, and that I should go out. I answered by saying I wanted to get an A, and I am willing to spend all weekend studying. She gave me a confused look. I hope she wasn't judging me.

Honestly, what do people usually even do during the weekend? I don't really go to parties because I'm not that cool, I can hardly drink, and I don't really get invited. I sometime watch movies at the theater, but that certainly does not take up the whole weekend.

How am I suppose to meet more people anyway? Sometimes I have these painfully shy moments where I don't know what to say to people. If I really like someone, I'm afraid to say anything because then they might not like me. The friends that I do have are so awesome that I don't generally care to make new ones.

Do I go to a bar to try to strike up a conversation? Do I try speed dating to work on my communication skills? Do I walk up to strangers, and start telling them my life story? 

I want to be more social, but I don't know how to be more social. I don't know how to talk more without getting on people's nerve or risk sounding silly or dumb.

Why is it so hard? Why am I so awkward? 

I think I'm going to try to make more friends. I'm going to be more bold. I'm going to try to get out there. 

Oh dear, I hope people don't reject me because they find me creepy... (hahaha.)

Hang is Currently...

1. Studying (or at least trying to) for her rock midterm. You can all imagine how I am right now...
2. In love with Trader Joe's. I know that many of you have been telling me to go there for my vegetarian needs,  but I just never made the trip until today. It's amazing. They carry vegetarian corn dogs. You don't know how much I love corn dogs, and how I crave for them all the time. 
3. Very full. I just had curry, and it's AAAAAAAAAAAAAH-MAZING. I am very fond of Japanese curry, and can eat it all the time. 

What Hang Would do if She Won $200 Million

The Jackpot for the mega millions is now at $200 million dollars, and I was imagining all the things I would do with that kind of money.

I could own a pet elephant. I could buy an island. I could even hired my very own cook that would make me delicious meals all day long. Or maybe have my own personal plane, so I could avoid traffic. 

Oh the possibilities are endless, and I would to think that I would never have to worry about money again. I'd probably wouldn't use that much of it. I'm not really a greedy person, but I have this addiction... 

The addiction is for traveling. I long to travel. I dream of traveling. I eat and breathe for the next time I can go on a trip.

So I think if I won a lot of money, I'd be on the first plane to a new adventure. :)

Hang Plays with Sand and Water

Anyone want to learn about energy? 

There's a river/stream in the middle of the Discovery Science Center, and I got to play with it all day. I was teaching kids how water is a source of energy, and how dams effect the water.

I basically played with what looked like beach sand and water. I had pruney fingers by the end of my shift, and I was left with sand all over my clothes. I was quite amused with building meandering rivers or really tall dams all day.

I've noticed that a lot of families are bi-racial now. They have beautiful families. I'm so glad to see that people are more open to interracial marriages, and that racism is not as prominent as it used to be. It makes me happy to think that maybe someday... race won't be such a big deal anymore. I hope I get to live long enough to see racism die out. :) 

P.S. I had a very good day today because someone wonderful (Thanks M!) bought me an awesome pair of elephant earrings. If only I had a working camera to show you all. (That's on my agenda to get in the next few months. I need to do more research, and save up for it.)

Hang is Always Eating Something New

I just watched something on the news regarding how people don't generally reach for comfort food when they are sad. They usually want to try something new. Eating at a new place is a doing something out of the ordinary. It's a way to break a routine, and it brings a lot of people joy.

I consider myself an adventurous eater. There are some things I do hate, and maybe a few things that I don't really care to try, but I love food of all sorts.

I love trying new dishes, and am especially fond of ethnic foods. Korean food? Indian food? Greek food? Yes, yes, yes! I'll take them all please.

Eating at new places is an adventure for me, and I think it does keep me from becoming depressed or bored with my daily routines. I don't go out, and party like a rock star. I don't do anything worth mentioning most of the time, but I do get around when it comes to food. 

There are some food that I love to eat, and claim I could eat everyday. A lot of food brings me comfort when I am sad, but I am most happiest when I am trying something new. 

Food is one of my passions in life, and I couldn't imagine not being able to enjoy it. 

Hang Went on a Dino Quest

I started my first official day at the Discovery Science Center today. 

It was interesting as I got to check out and play with their new exhibit. They are currently having Spooky Science: Skeletons will highlight “Dia de los Muertos” art and activities. I learned a bunch of random facts about the human body, and was amused for quite some time.

I spend the remaining part of the day at Dino Quest. It's basically a scavenger hunt where you go on little missions looking for fossils, tracks, or food. Anyone who adores dinosaur (I do!) would enjoy this. (It also may have to do with how easily amused I am.)

It was a pretty busy day, and I spend the a lot of time thinking how adorable the children are. They are so tiny, and show excitement over the littlest things. I have a feeling I'm going to eventually meet a kid that I will want to take them home. 

I've scheduled myself to volunteer three days next week, so I'll be back to have new adventures. Hopefully, I'll get to do something fun. :)

Happy Birthday to Hang's Mama

My Mom turns 59 (she had me at 36) today. She's still beautiful, and doesn't look a day older than 40 to me. 

I thought I'd write a post about how much she means to me. Although she'll probably never see this, I thought it would be nice to express my love for her.

She's been through more than I could imagine. She's a survivor. She survived the Vietnam war, moving to strange countries, and rising my brother and I.

I never tell her enough how much she means to me or how much I appreciate all the things she does for me. I know she has given up a lot for my happiness. She is truly selfless, and I love her so much. 

I could never imagine my life without her. I could not even imagine having a better mother. I may be a bit biased, but she is the most amazing mother in my eyes.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Hang's Plans for 2010

I'm already extremely excited about the upcoming year. I have so many things planned already, and I know it's going to be my year. I'm always get giddy when I know I'm going to go on a trip. 

I have a Geology camping trip that is coming up next month that I am pretty stoked about, and the holidays are just around the corner. The holidays always give me warm fuzzy feelings, and make me happy. Being able to drink warm apple cider will just be a bonus. :)

For 2010, I am going to be doing:

1. My first trip to Sundance in January. I will hopefully be very cool and sociable (haha) by then. There's going to be snow, skiing, coffee, and a lot of movies involved. I'm already counting down the days.
2. I get to be a bridesmaid in a wedding (at a very fancy hotel) in March. Have I ever told you how much I adore weddings? The flowers, the food, the photography. My heard just sings when I think about it. I just need to learn how to be graceful in heels. 
3. I'm going on a road trip to Ohio in June. We're going to hit some National Parks, and I'll be able to cross a lot of states off my list. Yay! 
4. Hopefully in August, I'll be going to Germany to visit my family. I'm starting to wonder if I should practice drinking beer again because I know the Germans (and my family) are big on beers. I'll FINALLY be able to finally get a stamp on my semi-new passport. 

Hopefully sometime this year or the next year, I'll also be getting a job. I won't let that distress me though; I have so much to look forward to! :)

The Current Happenings of Hang

I won $4 on a scratcher yesterday. I thought that was pretty exciting as I usually NEVER win on scratchers. $4?! That could buy me a very large ice cream cone or lunch. Wow, that's a lot of money. (You'll all have to excuse my excitement because I don't have a job, and apparently $4 is a big deal.)

I was reading a spin-off of Jane Austen's book- Persuasion when my Geology professor asked me what I was reading. (Looking back I'm not sure she was talking to me or the girl that was sitting across from me. I am now embarrassed because I don't think she was talking to me.) When I told her what is was, she got excited and told me Jane Austen was her favorite author. My heart stopped. I didn't think that I could love could possibly love my professor even more, but I was proved wrong. My heart sang when she told me her favorite book was Pride and Prejudice. Could you imagine my utter amazement? She's the person I wish I could be, and there she was telling me how much she loved the things I loved. Besides the fact that she's a sport addict, I think she's everything I want to be.

I am sure you all are tired of me declaring love to my professor, but it's exciting for me when I find out something new about her. 

What I am not excited about is having to memorize a bunch of rocks for my midterm. There must be like 150 of them, and I'm starting to go blurry eyed from looking at them so much, but I enjoy it. It's just that I don't know how well I'll do. I am paranoid that I won't do well, and that gives me nightmares. I'm so nervous.

Hang's Old Age

I had my orientation at the Discovery Science Center. I was excited, and knew that I would love working there. The center concentrates a lot on Earth Science, and that's exactly what I'm passionate about.

What I didn't realize that a lot of people working there would be so young. A lot of people are still in high school, and are at least 6 years younger than me.

When did I become so old? I feel like I am always constantly reminded of how I am only getting older, and have yet to accomplish the things that is on my life list.

So much work to do. I better get a move on it...

What Hang Learned Over the Past Weeks

1. Never get your wisdom teeth pulled out. It's not very fun, and it seems quite painful.
2. Never assume that San Diego has no traffic. Just because San Diego is not LA doesn't mean that it doesn't get traffic. Don't learn this lesson while sitting in stop and go traffic.
3. Never go out to lunch with a pervert. They will hit on you.
4. Never assume that every restaurant has something vegetarian. You may end up having to eat french fries for dinner.
5. Never go around saying you don't like Star Wars because it is too dramatic, and do not say it reminds you of a soap opera. It offends many. (The old Star Trek episodes are much more amusing.)

What Hang has Noticed

I think I am generally a much happier person these days.

I've noticed that I get excited about things. I get excited about the things I'm going to do, and my future. I don't sleep in as late, and am excited to start my day.

I laugh more, I talk about my feelings more, and I'm content with the way things are going. I know what my goals are, and I'm making a plan to achieve everything on my list. (Lists are a wonderful thing.)

I realized that I'm responsible for my own happiness. I make things happen, and shouldn't wait for it to just come to me. It doesn't really work that way.

If I'm bored, I should do something about it. I realize that everyone understands that concept, but for some reason, I didn't know how. I had to learn to force myself to get out of my comfort zone.

I'm glad that I'm me again. I'm glad I can laugh again. I'm glad that I'm no longer cynical and bitter. Being bitter made me a real meanie... but I'm over that. :)

Hang Still Thinks It's September

I can't believe it's October already. It's Halloween season, Thanksgiving is around the corner, and Christmas is coming in warp speed.

I'm still in shock that summer has already came to an end.

I don't believe I will be blogging as much because quite frankly, I am running out of material to blog about.

I am going to San Diego this weekend, and when I return, I will have an orientation at the Discovery Science Center. Hip, hip, horray! :)