Yummy Pho

I did something I never thought I would ever do... I made pho. (I can hear all of you gasping from shock.)

My friend came over yesterday to help me learn how to be a better cook. I've never actually tried to make anything fancy, and it was time I started to at least attempt to make something edible.

I don't think I ever been inspired to make anything because I don't really have anyone to cook for. It's usually just my brother and me at home, but he's way to picky to ever eat anything I make.

It turns out that pho really isn't that hard to make. It only took a little while to make. While we were waiting for the soup to brew, my friend decided to paint my nails. She gave me these really cute black french tips that I ended up really liking. I now wonder why I never thought to paint my nails. 

I had so much learning how to cook, and getting pampered that I think it's going to become a weekly ritual. Every girl should know how to cook while having fabulous nails, right? ;D

Zion Adventure

I don't think Zion will ever get old for me. Every time I go, I love it a little bit more. It's the trees, the river, the rocks, the trails, the animals, the house, the company that makes me love it oh so much. 

Zion has a certain magic in the winter. The snow makes the scenery extra beautiful, and the trails aren't crowded by a lot of people. Ah, I just love a place that has actual seasons. Southern California only gets hot or cold, and I was starting to forget what snow looks like.

You all will be impressed to hear that I only slipped and fell on the ice twice. It could of been much worse. It's a hidden talent. I fall on ice, rivers, showers, and probably any smooth surface.

Sadly, I spent my vacation being sick, and coughing on everyone and everything. My body even had the nerve to get better on the day we went home. 

The best part of the trip was the laughter. From laughing about courtesy flushing, unknown pregnancies, and pajama hiking. There was even laughter while we were watching The Ugly Truth and The Big Bang Theory. I smile from just thinking about it.

I had my share of ditzy moments. We won't talk about the brownies or my terrible driving...

I had such an enjoyable trip, and Zion will always take a big chunk of my heart. Oh Zion, how you make my heart sing. :)

Merry Christmas

Have a happy holidays everyone! I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday filled with laughter, love, and lots of food. Food is always important.

I'm going to leave for Zion in the wee hours tomorrow. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm trying to sleep soon, so that I am well rested enough to drive tomorrow. 

I won't be back until Tuesday. I'm going to be admiring the view from a certain rocking chair far far away. :D

Changes

I think I am changing quite a bit in the last few months. I have now decided to be more assertive about what I want. I used to be intimidated by people, and was always worried about what they thought about me. I did things to make them happy when I should of been doing things to make me happy.

I am still really shy, but I'm trying really hard not to be. I realize the problem, but it's always really difficult to get out of your comfort zone.

But I am doing what I want to do now, and I am not so worried about what people think about me. I don't have to do anything I don't want to do, and that's the way I like it.

Yay for being more assertive.

Hair Cut

I tried to get a hair cut yesterday, and I had originally told my hair stylist that I wanted to chop it all off. I wanted to have short hair because having long hair is a lot of work. (Not that my hair was even all that long) It's a struggle to keep my hair from tangling throughout the day. 

She barely cut a inch off my hair, and told me I'd look terrible if she was to cut it anymore than that. When I told her I just wanted to have short hair, she refused and told me that I needed to grow it out. She claimed I would look so ugly with short hair because I wasn't thin enough.

I was so amused that I even laughed. I no longer take offense to these kind of remarks. Vietnamese people have a tendency to give you their opinion even when it's unwanted.

I let the shop with hair that looked almost the same as when I came in, and I think she may be right. I might have to grow my hair out.

A Birthday Wish

Dear Frances,

Happy Birthday! You've finally caught up with me. Isn't it great to be officially 21(plus 2)?! 

Someday we're going to travel the world. We're going to share more laughter. We're going to have so many more memories together. Adventure awaits us! 

I'm so glad you're in my life. You're my girl, and I'll love you forever. Here's to another 23 years. 

Love,

Hang

Cake Time

I went to a wedding on Saturday, and I had a good time. It was a traditional Vietnamese wedding, and even though I would never want that kind of wedding, I could still appreciate the delicious food that was serve there.

There was plates and plates of food, and I thought I would never stop eating. I was in heaven. Food is one of my greatest weakness, and I was ecstatic.

Later today I am going to an engagement party where there will be more food and cake. I feel like I've been eating a lot of cake lately, but that's ok. Cake is good. :)

I just need to go to bed now, so tomorrow will come sooner. :D

Biking!

A friend helped me find a really cheap used bike on craigslist. It's purple and it's not exactly new, but I don't care! It's the most awesome bike in my eyes.

I can't wait to bike on a regular basis, and maybe I'll start using my car less. I can run errands on it, and save gas. I may be a bit ambitious, but I'm super excited!

I even removed the old seat, and installed a newer more comfortable seat. I felt like such a handywoman. Yeah, you should be impressed that I can use a wrench. (or not)

I still need a lot of things for it though. I need a lock, and I would like a bike rack for my car. I think those things can wait though. (Well, maybe not the lock part.)

Off I go riding into the sunset. I just hope I don't get mugged when I do attempt to ride my bike down the river beds...

Freeeeedom

I'm finally on winter break, and I'm not sure what to do with myself. I spent most of my time studying, and now I'll have a lot of free time.

Maybe I'll read some books. Maybe I'll finally get that bike that I have been meaning to get. Maybe I'll take a lot of lazy naps. I hope I'll be productive, and get something done though. Maybe I'll have many wild adventures, and good times.

I am definitely planning on having a terrific winter break. I have Zion to look forward to. I have the Sundance Film Festival next month. I plan on going to a bunch of museums, eating at new places, and maybe learn how to finally cook.

I really want to start crafting again, so I think I'm going to use my break to make some stuff. I have a lot of ideas, but I hope they come out the way I am imagining it. Things have way of never coming out they way I imagine it to...

New Friends

I have problems making new friends. I've always had to work on being more social. I'm awkward in a lot of situations, and when it comes to making new friends... it barely happens.

I'm not very good at small talk or even relating to people. I don't do what a lot of girls do. Instead of going out to a club, I stay home and read. When I see Frances, we stay home and chat for hours. Hiking is one of my favorite adventures. I think rocks are the coolest things ever.

So when I actually made a new friend this semester, I was pleasantly surprised. Who knew someone so adorable was sitting right next to me? She likes so many of the same things I do, and we have gone through some of the same experiences. How did that happen? All I had to do was talk to her? I realize that the concept may seem obvious to you, but I am extremely shy sometimes. Just bare with me, I've already admited that I was awkward.

I am trying to break out of my shell more, and not be so much of a push over. I should do the things I want to do, and not worry about what others think. (Easier said then done) I think I've made a lot of progress!

That calls for a cupcake. Good thing I just made a batch, and now I have an excuse to eat one. :)

One Final Down

Yay, I did really well in my Geology lecture class, and I'm extremely happy with my grade! I just now have to make it through my evil lab. I'm so tired of studying, but I must go on... One more, and I'll be in vacation bliss! :D

Broken Into

My brother discovered that his window was broken into last night. Someone had apparently took the screen off, and placed it neatly on the ground, and pried open his window.

They knocked over a bunch of things that was on my brother's desk, but it didn't seem like they took anything. Nothing was missing, and if they were hoping for money, they weren't going to find it. We don't really have any money.

I am pretty spooked. It seems like it was really easy for them to come in, but I don't get why. They didn't steal anything (That I know of). They didn't really move anything around (Except to knock some things over). I am really confused. What was the point?

Maybe it was to scare us. If that is the case, it definitely worked. Now I'm afraid someone is outside my window waiting for me to sleep so they can kill me. I'm already super paranoid. This is not going to make me any less paranoid.

Walmart

I never go to Walmart. I hate that place. It's an evil corporation, and I usually never walk into that store.

But on this particular day, I was looking for something that every other store didn't seem to carry, and I was getting desperate. Boy did I regret my decision.

While I was walking by the milk section, a man approached me, and asked me what kind of milk he should drink. I could see that he already had milk in cart, so I was slightly confused on why he was asking me. I then asked him what kind of milk does he generally drink.

That was when he lift up his shirt to show me his muscles. I became really uncomfortable. Why was this 50 year old man showing me his muscles, and asking me what he should drink?

He then proceeded to tell me he was too skinny. He wanted me to be impressed by his muscles and how fit he was.

I told him to drink 1% since he was trying to gain weight. I guess that gave him the confidence to pet my back, and tell me what a fun girl I was. At this point I was ready to bolt. He then began rambling about how the government was trying to take away fun, and how we should have fun sometimes. I told him I had to go to school, and I left quickly.

What a weirdo. I don't get what he was trying to do, but I am definitely too weirded out to ever go back to Walmart.

Finals Week

I don't want to study anymore. I've been doing it for so long now that I think I want to curl into a ball, and fall into a deep sleep.

I realize that I don't really have that much to study, but it's so overwhelming. I have a notebook full of notes to go over, and I really want an A. I've grown to become a perfectionist, and so it's important to me.

The cold isn't helping at all. I spend my days going to the bookstore to escape the cold. I like to do that during the winter. Go anywhere that is warm to keep myself from freezing to death.

I should go back to studying. My notebook is calling me. Maybe I'll snuggle into bed and study... that may be a bad idea. I'll end up asleep.

Random Facts

I went to the auto show last weekend. When I tell people that I like cars, people are shocked. Why is it so hard to believe that I like it? My brother is a car fanatic, so it rubbed off a bit onto me. I wouldn't say I am a car fanatic, but I know what I like, and don't like. 

I think ice cream is best eaten during the winter. I cannot look at melted ice cream (so gross!), and it doesn't melt so quickly in the winter. I admit that it isn't refreshing to eat ice cream during the cold, but the fact that it doesn't melt as quickly makes it much more enjoyable for me. I really cannot stand the sight of melted ice cream, so you can usually see me eating ice cream really quickly during the summer. I try to eat it in three bites. It's not very attractive to watch me eat ice cream in the summer.

I also really like mashed potatoes, but I think you all already know that. :)

The Big Bang Theory AGAIN

I don't think I will ever get tired of this show. It's quite delightful, and never gets old.

How I love Sheldon. It's freaky to watch him because he acts the same exact way even when the camera isn't running. The cast is perfect together, and I could never imagine anyone being able to replace them.

I usually go really early, so I can be like the third person in line waiting for the show (There's usually someone comes super early, and is one step ahead of me), but I had forgotten my ticket, and didn't realize it until 30 minutes into my drive. I got there an hour after the time I had planned on being there, and ended up being the 21st person there.

When I finally got seated inside the studio, I was places in the farthest right corner possible, and knew that I didn't really have a chance at getting autographs at the end of the night. I was too far back to ever make it to the front. I was heartbroken, and tried to tell myself that I didn't care. (Didn't really work)

The episode was hilarious, and I had such a good time. I was giggling through the night, and was happy to see the actors in action. They were amazing, and I can't believe how fast they talk. How do they memorize so many lines every week? I can't even memorize things for my Geology class.

At the end of the show, I was ready to leave because I believed that I wouldn't be able to get autographs. I had brought my dvds, so I thought it might be worth a shot to squeeze myself in.

By the end of the night, I got Johnny Galecki (Lenard), Simon Helberg (Howard), Chuck Lorre (creator), and Bill Prady (creator) to sign my dvds. I totally swooned when Simon Helberg came up to me. I even professed my love, and he smiled. (I found out his birthday is today, and I can't believe I didn't say Happy birthday. I didn't even know until 5 minutes ago. SIGH.)

Overall it was a terrific day! I want to do it again, and again, and again! And I shall!

I Wonder About Myself Sometimes

I was late this morning. I had places to go, people to meet, and new places to explore. (Ok, maybe not that dramatic.) 

The reason I was running late? I couldn't find my keys. I think I spend about 1/8 of my life looking for my keys. I mean it. Maybe those little key trackers would help me spend less time looking for them. I think that shall go on my Christmas list. 

This morning I spent 20 minutes looking for my them everywhere. I even checked in the washer and dryer (I have washed and dried them before) to make sure I hadn't put them in there. I was so desperate, I even looked under my bed.

I later realized they were in my pockets the whole time. I felt really silly, and I still felt silly hours later. What's wrong with me? How did I not feel them in my pockets?

I should be more organized, and always keep my keys in the same place. That would be smart, but apparently I never learn my lesson.

Guilty Pleasure

When someone ask me what I usually like to read, I have a bit of a nervous breakdown. I never know if the person is going to judge me.

I really enjoy reading romance novels. I enjoy them just as much (or maybe a little bit more) as the classics or something on the best seller's list. I just love reading in general, and will read anything that interest me.

People have in the past made me feel bad for reading what they described as fluff books. They imagine that I read books that contains graphic love scenes, and the characters' only goal is how they are going to get laid.

That is NOT what I am reading, people.

Moving on... I have an author that I have been reading since I was a teenager, and I've always adored her. He books have brought tears, laughter, and a lot of sighing on my part. I enjoy her so much that every holiday, a bunch on girls (We're on an online board) and I would make her presents.

AS A SURPRISE, SHE DEDICATED A BOOK TO US. My name is written on the dedication page of her new book. 

Can you imagine my delight? How I felt when I picked up that book, and realized she was talking about me? How someone so busy would take the time out of her life to write us such a sweet message? 

I was definitely surprised. I was beyond happy. It was one of the very best surprises I could ever want. I'm still giddy with excitement. :)

Bad Dreams

I've been having the strangest dreams lately, and they are freaking me out.

A few nights ago, I had a dream where someone shot me in the back. I was walking down the street, and some gangsters shot me in a drive by. I remember I was in a lot of pain. When I told my brother to take me to the hospital, he took over an hour to get ready. I never made it to the hospital.

Last week, I had a dream that I had an enemy that went out of their way to torture me. I would be locked in dark rooms, bitten by bugs, and beaten by a gang of people. I remember waking up, and being scared.

Last night, I had a dream about ghosts. (I'm actually really scared of them, and hope I never see one.) I shiver when I even think about. I don't think I want to watch any more scary movies or even movies with death in it. It's sad to admit, but I had a dream about them because I had watched Gone With the Wind the other night. All those solders dying made me think about what happens to them after death. Naturally, I assumed some of them would become ghosts.

I don't want any more scary dreams. I hope it's not being triggered by stress. Maybe I'll just think about fluffy clouds and unicorns from now on.

Registering For Classes

...is extremely stressful. I'm trying to make it all fit into my schedule, but I think I'm being a little bit ambitious. I don't know if I can handle 18 units. 

I'm trying to make it all fit into my schedule, and at the same time try to be reasonable about how much work I can handle. 

I know I have to take a math class, and I'm cringing. I hate math, and it's always so painful for me. I think I have a break down whenever I have to solve a complicated math problem. I've always admired mathematicians. 

I'm taking other evil classes, but I'm excited about my historical geology class. :) We going to get to go on some more interesting field trips, and maybe even camp. I loved my last camping trip. I'm looking forward to going to more.

Ugh. I need decide what I'm going to take, save money for text books, and look for a job. 

Gone With the Wind

I don't know how I feel about this movie. I have mixed feelings, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I saw it last night.

I sometimes wanted to slap Scarlett O'Hara. I sometimes screamed at Rhett Butler to leave Scarlett. But then I start to cry when I think they aren't going to end up together. 

One minute I want them together, the next minute I think they are impossible together. 

It's hard not to hate Scarlett, but then I still wanted a happily ever after ending for her. How does that make any sense? I sometimes extremely disliked her, but I wanted her to end up with someone I didn't think she deserve? Crazy!

My emotions are mixed. I feel like since I invested 4 hours into this movie, it should end on a happy note, and all should be well. But at the same time, I am fascinated by the flaws of the characters, and how human they are.

I think I enjoyed it for the most part, and it's definitely different from the things I normally watch.

Easily Amused

I am extremely easily amused. I can be amused by just listening to people tell me their life stories or even when I am people watching on a park bench. I can entertain myself for hours.

It really doesn't take much to catch my attention (I like to look at shiny things), or even take that much effort to keep myself preoccupied. I laugh at the silliest jokes, and love people who gives me fits of giggles.

I especially love to sit outdoors (especially at a National Park), and soak up the nature around me. I just love in the fall when the leave are crunchy, and stepping on them are extremely fun. Dipping my feet in the river is a wonderful treat, and even star gazing at night is a wonderful pastime.

I enjoy taking walks or laying on the couch watching movies. I love going to the bookstore and reading books I would never buy or taking naps on a cold afternoon. Hugs make me feel loved, and long conversations are my favorite things to do.

It doesn't take something fancy to make me happy. I love the simple things in life. I love when I have time to reflect on things or take things slowly.

That may explain why I don't lead an exciting life. I don't really go to parties or out to fancy dinners. I am happy doing the most simplest things. :)

Seasons

It's December already?! Where has all the time gone? I know I say that frequently, but seriously I can't believe how fast time is moving. It's a bit scary. I'm not ready to get older. I'm not ready for 2010.

I have to say I hate the cold, and it's making me sad that it's already chilly. I don't want to sound whiney, but I miss summer. I miss the lazy days on the beach, escaping the heat by going to the movies, or when ice cream was such a refreshing treat. 

There's only one thing wonderful about winter, and it's SNOW. I wouldn't to live in snow, but it's so wonderful to be able to drive two hours away and see snow. I'm going to Sundance next year, and hopefully I'll finally try skiing. Yay!

We're expecting El Nino this winter which means a lot of rain. I don't mind rain so much except that fact that it's evil to drive when it's rainy in California. People tend to drive in a snail pace, and brake every two second. It's terrible. We already have bad traffic, and it becomes even worse in rain. 

I'm counting the days until it's summer. Give me sunshine anyday. Maybe I'll move to Australia for awhile. :)