As The Saying Goes

It took me awhile to recover, but after meeting up in the place that never sleeps (really, it was 5am and we didn't even think of sleeping...but heading to grab something to eat) with 14 other gals with a common theme, it's time to capture some Best Of moments...

- who can forget "That's the BEST $60 I've spent!!!" as our voices got lost in the screams and telling the boys "no cupping, no touching, no feeling allowed!"

- there's also "the BEST 10 minute ride in a limo anyone can get!" sans alcohol or men for that matter!

- the best poses girls with achy feet can do on a skywalk...dude, the hotel is actually further than it looks...

- subeez's explanation of singing away the pain ...someone please sing! subeez: Yourself silly! Sing yourself! Ooopsies! :)

- doh..stupid tan lines...hmm...how revealing would i have to go that i would need to get rid of this?

- biting gently - i'm sure that's not what was said....

- i love the VIP treatment...the only way to live in vegas.

- soaking footsies in the tub at the end of the night.

- all in all, enjoying unexpected great moments and making these memories last.

That's the good part, so it didn't really phase me when my luggage didn't end up on the non-moving conveyer belt at the ghetto airport with Stuee and Jezziebean. Oh well, they did say that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...

Worth Remembering!

For Lychee...here's the picture :)

The Coca Cola Bear

Okay, how cute is this?

He's real; his name is Knut and he lives in Berlin.

Like A Baby

Sometimes, it looks like being a baby is so easy.

You're hungry. So you cry. Someone picks you up and feeds you.

You cry. Someone picks you up and you stop crying. You only want someone to play with you.

You cry. It's because you created a stinky. Someone will change you and keep you clean.

You cry. Someone picks you up and you keep crying. They try to find out what's wrong. If you're tired, they cuddle you and rock you to sleep.

Sometimes I wish I can just cry and someone can take care of me in that way. Food, love and someone to play with. Just like a baby. Simple isn't it?

A Little Too Tall

I said I wanted tall...but it really relates to someone I can look up to. In terms of physical appearance, there is a limit.

Not ideal: The guy is 7'9" and the girl is 5'6". Damn that's too tall!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070328/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_china_tallest

MBF vs GBF

Me: I think MBF's trying to replace you.

And honestly, at the rate of which things are going...after which an unexpected bump in the road, our friendship has hit a snafu. Even if others do not understand, I'm okay with it and do not need feel the need to justify...justify what? In my beliefs or my understanding for the last so-many-years-I-can't-even count of our friendship? The person who for no apparent reason will whittle away down his phone list just to have a dinner partner; who will listen to me vent out just about anything and wouldn't judge me because I'm just venting. Dude, I'm just having a bad day. Period. Case closed. In a few minutes, I'll laugh. Puh-leeeze, there's not many things left sacred in this world and I thought that may have been one of them. But I can't control the world; it sure showed me who still reigns. Lose trust and what else have one got. But what I can still count on is my ideals on friendships and what I hold most dear. This 'thing' hasn't changed me. It just bit a little. (Okay, a lot, but who's counting.) That's one thing I can control. I'll still open up to others, just may be a teeny bit more cautious, but if I sense you are there for the end...then that's what matters. For now, I'll believe in you until you make me think otherwise.

GBF: He can't replace me.

Even after hauling blocks of concrete and doing whatever it was he did to help renovate his friend's home, he still has time to ooze gayness. That, I must give him credit for, is being comfortable in his own skin.

Not Quite a Hidden Fact

Met up with Suwii and another fellow LV addict downtown to check out some more 'eye candy'. It feels like another day in the life of my reality-tv-like world, except the drama has subsided or the fact that I just ignore just about everything about it. Reality-tv-like is because my life feels like a soap opera more than half the time. But for me to keep some part of my sanity, I do a few little things to keep me polished and in control of part of my life. I try to take care of myself in that superficial way: hair, nails, skin (although skin is taking a beating from the stressful days lately), and well gym, hmm..let's just skip that for now.

LV addict asked what I did before I met them and I told her I was at my monthly nail appointment.

LV Addict: Wow, I didn't realize you were such a princess!

Me: Ums..yeah, I'm totally proud of it!

We all should be treated like princesses...because well, we are princesses! We're all waiting for Prince Charmings at any rate. Teeheehee.

Men in Uniform

Spending some QT time with THE baby and Becky Crocker, we saw a preview for another season of The Bachelor. This time, the bachelor is a Navy lieutenant...yup, the tag line is: An Officer and a Gentleman. Hmmm...Mmmmm...

Becky Crocker: Who doesn't like a guy in uniform? It's like a gift wrapped up for you!

Me: Yeah, I likey!!!

MmmmMMM Good!

Went to Jules Bistro on the seedier part of town for Mowii's Bday. French cuisine. Flashback to France. Stinky did a pre-order for me as I was trying to leave the insane day job. "Split an appy and a steak?" she says. Sounds fab...I was secretly hoping she would also order me a bevy too. Everything was great, even the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. What topped off the evening of great food and great conversations was the Creme Brulee. I was so full, but we told the other end of the table to pass it back, don't let it go to waste. However, after I was done, Jooney left a bite of the brulee and a bite of the melting chocolate cake on the plates. Bad bad girl!

Daylight Did Not Save Time

Ok...this earlier switch in DST has probably caused more havoc than normal. I've read that there's usually more accidents the day after DST. Sleep deprivation? Perhaps, but isn't it similar to the amount of sleep you would have after a late night out?

Then there's the mess it created with Outlook Meetings. What my calendar says is not the same as someone else's and no idea why and who is correct. Results in missed meetings and a waste of time.

But the worst is when the clock on the PVR was not reset and I missed one of my favorite shows! Damn DST!!! Oh Henry, I'll find a way to see you.

New Eye Candy

It's not what you think, but it still makes my heart aflutter...teehee...it shall be in my hands tomorrow! Frivolous...hmm...depends how you view it, but I'll always remember it as my first "paycheck" from the wedding gig. Still doesn't quite beat "real" eye candy or the quest for Henry, but it'll suffice...for now. About time! :)

Diet Trend

I found a new way to diet. It seems that after each night of excessive drinking with Stinky, I lose some weight. Perhaps it's because I end up praying to the porcelain gods in the morning, but at any rate...win-win? Hate the hangover part though...body is really not readjusting as quick as it once did. Boo.

Feet Fetish

Dim Sum...quite the norm for us asians; the norm in that we are somewhat more open to how many ways poultry/pigs/cows can be cooked, let alone what parts were used in the dish. Yeah, let's not go there. When I was young, I ate it because I had no clue but my parents said to eat it. Some items I refused to after learning what it was; others I started to revisit after some reluctance. Not because it didn't taste good, it's just that I just knew what part of the animal was in front of me. Seriously, I would not know what internal organs would look like if not for dim sum. (Okay, maybe...with the help of the internet or a handy Encyclopedia.)

Stinky's brother: I love chicken feet.

Golddigger: Ew...yeah, I can pass.

Suwii: My grandmother loves the stuff, even makes it.

Golddigger: I guess I'll eat it if I knew it I didn't have to eat it off each toe.

Suwii: Ok, next time my grandma makes a batch, we'll make a sandwich of it for you "de-boned".

Stinky's brother: That's the part I like...the action of taking the skin off the bones.

You Can't Tell?

I was recently asked the following question: How does a guy know when you're interested in them?

Ahahaha...with me, you'll never know. Painfully shy and probably gone through too many unfortunate experiences for my own good. Not a risktaker whatsoever...can't help it...definitely not in this realm of my life at least. And what I think I do to show interest may seem like a giant leap, for others, it's a walk in the park.

Take Lychee...I can see that it's difficult also from the male perspective to initiate the conversation and how Stinky refers it as DTR (I've learned so many acronyms from her that everything has now become 3-letter words :) )...at the same time, we're girls...let me rephrase...more so, that we're princesses...yeah, I think I'm having a good giggle.

After a few tries and a few more beers, IT finally divulged his intentions over dinner...or what he wanted in his newfound friendship with Lychee. As Lychee may almost be worse (wait...I'm not sure, I think I am pretty bad at these things) at revealing her emotions...she left him hanging at the restaurant. No answers and no insight and so they left. Awkward car ride home you ask? Hell yeah...and things only changed after she texts him with "I'm cool with your concept of more." You read right...she text messaged him...and they are sitting in the SAME car.

I think a better question will be: How will I know when the guy's interested in ME? (Yes, back to my bubble world I go!)

John Legend

One day while browsing, I happened to land on this link. I was pleasantly surprised. It reminded me of Paris and my trip to France. I miss the architecture but the song made me very happy and let me drift off and dream...

Yeah, You Are!

Stinky's brother came to visit over the weekend. He came after both Stinky and I had the week from hell. His agenda was to eat, party, and look for 'fly honeys' at the asian malls. Yeah...Stinky had to remind him that she's old and lame now...but she promised that she will try her best. Our goal was to get drunk. Pretty simple you would think...

Nite One
Dinner with some girls and then onto a party. The event turned out to be a big "sausage fest" for him. Sorry Smelly! We promise the next night it will be better. How in the world did I end up at a restaurant after the lounge?

Nite Two
I recruited Lychee to join in the festivities. Lining up is not part of my forte. Hate it actually. Feel that I've already spent my youth lining up so waiting is not an option, ever again. But we did...then we decided to blow that popsicle stand since we all thought "We should have brought the flask out...especially with two bottles sitting on the counter". Found a nice spot a short walk away and was dealt with another blow "Sorry kids, we're now all out of Ketel One."

Next stop is for the brother. A place where he can hopefully spot some eye candy. "Last call will happen shortly, but we can still ..er..pass you some alcohol...um...after that time. But the kitchen is closed, all we can serve is edamame." Oh poor Lychee...her hunger will win this round among the many rounds of sake and asahi.

We were surprised to learn from the brother that a proper comeback new york-style is "You Are"...or just "You." Come again? Maybe I'm just too tired, but after a few time saying it...it was pretty amusing.

What started out as a slow evening turned into something just shy of a total gong show. We found Goldfinger holding up Lychee in the bathroom. Lychee passed out. Very attractive. "I saw her yakking," says Goldfinger. We had to leave...our mission was to get a cab. Once the cabbie saw Lychee, they slammed the door and drove away...so fast too. I don't think we smelled even though Stinky hailed the cabs. Hmm...I don't think the fellas will manage to carry her that way all the way back to Stinky's pad. The journey does continue but I will spare Lychee the "good times" because there turned out to be lots. The laughter in the morning proved it.

I did wake up to check on her. She was curled up in the fetal position. Goldfinger was on the floor. The brother was on the couch. I told you I had a mission Lychee...I can't watch out for you when I can no longer watch out for myself. Mind you, I won't throw you in the ring. Either way, it was just...You. But for everyone, I think mission accomplished.

Not Right

Answering a somewhat rhetorical question:

Colleague: What are you doing here so late?

Me: Um..wait, what are you doing here so late?

Might as well answer a question with a question since there's no right way to answer that without sounding bitter and confrontational. :) It's not right, but you still got to do what you have to.

Looking for my Henry

It has been a few seasons since I've been a TV addict but recently been spending some cuddle time with the nephew and so I end up in front of the tube. Thankfully there has been some great must-see TV for my sinful treat besides just lying on the couch.

Grey's Anatomy - the characters, the drama. THE eye-candy. McDreamy, a guy who has faults yet is so darn charming in the end. Realistic or not?

Ugly Betty - not exactly sure how I got hooked on this show. It is kinda quirky but has that chemistry that makes me vying for more. Especially for the main character and her hopefully soon-to-be Superman. Is it because I can somewhat relate to her awkwardness in society (among many other people out there) yet feel grounded enough by my friends that all is well in this world sense-of-being? I also love the fact that she's totally comfortable in her skin, and an equally confident-yet-shy fella is anticipated to be her soulmate. (Yeah, I do believe in them.)

At the moment, I feel like I've found my "Henry". Maybe not meant to be mine, hmm...he just doesn't know it yet. Heehee. He's strangely geeky. I don't have another word to describe geeky but geeky. It's not meant to be negative. I'm totally diggin' it. If he's anything like the tv version (yeah, cuz that is SO realistic), then I'm all in. Strangely captivated because I could possibly be that geeky too...I can accept that.

With Love

Girls Nite Out can become quite memorable...

Me: Which club do you prefer?

Stinky: i think I liked caprice better...not such a good experience on labor day for you though

Me: ahaha...whatcha talking about...it was great...that's what happens

Stinky: yes, can you PLEASE try not to barf next to me while I'm seated? I am more than happy to stand next to you and hold your hair and tell you "you are a rockstar"

It's V-Day After All

I actually have to thank this day for being so commercialized. I enjoyed a breakfast of champions.

25 Love Hearts

+

20 Cinnamon Hearts

+

1 Chocolate Heart

+

1 Heart-shaped lollipop

+

2 Hershey Kisses

+

2 Hot Lips

+

2 Brussels Hedgehogs

+

2 Cadbury-shaped hearts

How's that for bringing on the endorphins?! Sure works well with my morning java!

Bring It!

I heard that life passes you by sometimes, but does it have to be playing dodgeball with you? Seems like nothing's going too well these days...well, the saying lately is..."goddammit, it could be worse." I even caught myself saying "it could be better,"...then took it back a few seconds later thinking that it sure didn't sound pleasant and that I obviously got it backwards. At least the recipient of that comment laughed. Or smirked.

I even went as far as to look up the zodiac predictions for next year to see if luck will be on my side. As far as I'm concerned for the next week...bring it...with all you've got cuz I'm too tired to fight it so might as well fly over me and I'll duck. Only for this week. After that, the wall's back up.

Gagas and Googoos

OK, it never came naturally to me before. The "baby speak". I had no idea how others were able to speak gibberish to infants and hadn't a care in the world. I liked living in my bubble world.

Now throw in the baby factor. My much loved nephew. At first I would be reading books to him at two weeks old. Okay, even I must admit that was young. I did not know how to communicate with him but wanted him to learn everything. Then one day, it started, this noise that came within me that sounded nothing like english. And then....the baby mimicked me! And then the giggles. After you see it once, you can't stop. My first conversation with a baby. Mama Bossy Boots recorded our conversation. It went on for about 20 minutes. Now I wish that I could just talk like that with everyone. Life would be so easy; it's almost like singing. Without words.

He Likes, She Likes

Sometimes you just don't know who you attract, let alone, who attracts you. Your list or preferences states the obvious, and again, you find yourself looking the other way.

GBF: Why in the world do you always get the chicken shits and I get the crazies???

Me: You think I want this? And like you say, the crazies are "more interesting" and not "boring"?!!

There's no middle ground. Take it or leave it.

H-Angry Pangs

The first week, the diet was easy.

After giving in to a 2am craving with Lychee, this second week's not been so easy. Been easily caving to just about everything. Guess it also doesn't help that T.O.M. came. Damn it. All good things...or shall I say, intentions...always ends.

My emails to Lychee have been consistent at least.

"Had a cookie."

"Had a truffle."

Lychee calls back and says. "Once it's toast, it can never go back to being bread."

My much-deprived tummy took a second longer to digest that information. Yes. That statement is so very true.

Invisible Walls

Everyone has a hiding spot; wherever they are. You need your quiet time. Privacy. A time to collect your thoughts or do absolutely nothing. You need to find that solace when the world is prodding and poking and asking you to do things; some you're not even sure you're qualified to do, but you do it anyways, hoping that it's up to standards; your own standards.

Me: Your walls...the once solid walls. It's now glass.

MBF: Yup...

Me: I can't hide out anymore, people will see me.

MBF: Wait, you're not here to visit?

Me: Ums...I just wanted to sit and have quiet time. :)

Who's the Princess?

At a get-together over the weekend with some colleagues and Stinky & Lychee...Jack, who is 6'1, is looking for someone who's taller than him, who can change his tires...(almost like we are competing except we are not)...

Lychee: Excuse me, I think you need to move East or to the Interior, you are living in Vancouver...even the straight guys don't do that kinda stuff! They're too metro!

* * *

Jack turns to me: So are you dating?

Me: nope.

Jack turns to Lychee: And you?

Lychee: Single.

Jack: Wait, are you two lesbian lovers??

Me (almost choking on the vodka): No...can't we be single??

Jack: C'mon, be a tramp. You're cute enough to be one.

Lychee: Yeah, do it.

Me: What is in this vodka martini?? Cute and tramp, and this is from a gay man.

It's All About Me

Seriously, how much does a family need to be challenged?

On a day-to-day level, you think:
That the events that surround your own life were made to stop everyone else in their tracks.
That the world revolves around you.
That drama just follows you.
That you can be selfish.
It's all about me, myself and I.

Then you become face-to-face with a friend who had to deal with:
Losing a brother to sudden sickness. (There is no way I can imagine how she feels, nor do I want to.)
Recuperating a mother through quadruple bypass.
Caring for a father who has pancreatic cancer.

If you think about it, life's not so bad after all that. It makes all the once-so-significant items in your life become pretty insignificant quite quickly. Family and Friends - it's not a discount, it's meant to be cherished and loved.

It's the Thoughts that Should Count...Right?

I knew it was a bad idea before we did it. Why is it that it is those things that we choose not to listen to? And even when you are doing it, you were cognicent to tell yourself that you should not be doing it. Yet, you didn't listen.

Me: Ok, fine, let's cab it.
Lychee: Yay, ok, I'm ready.

It's the next day that you swear to yourself that you will so listen to your head the next time around.

Me: Oooh...I don't feel so well...omg, pull over. (Ok, this pulling over stuff in Jezziebean's car...cannot be a habit!)
Jezziebean: Wow, you're going to have a reputation of the wedding planner who knows how to really party!
Me: Oh...wow, is that my orange juice? It looks so bright!
Jezziebean: Yeah, it looks like my dog's bile.
Me: Hmmm...gross.
Jezziebean: Oh dear, I hope our client does not drive by the same street and see us at this moment.
Me: One day, we can look back at this and laugh.

More than Oral Health

From an ad I saw the other day...

A Mouth

Everyone has one, and they are all

good and bad at different things.

When you open it, you are telling

the world who you are.

When you keep it closed,

you do the very same.

It's the only body part that

can speak for itself.

Bottom line: Brush your teeth or be quiet.

Feelin' Like a SuperSpy!

Stinky introduced me and Lychee to the classic vodka martini. No froufrou frills, just straight, shaken, and oh, an olive or two. (Me thinks the olives helps me digest it easier! hehe). "Just like James Bond...", says Stinky. This was last week, and the aperitif to enjoying one delicious steak. (Me and my steak obsession, it started in Paris...who would have figured I would pick up a steak craving in Paris; croissants, maybe, but steak? MmmmMmmmmm...I'm loving it though...)

A week later, JazzyB's eyes light up when she sees me holding the drink with an olive in it.

JazzyB: You converted?! I'm salivating just watching you! I gotta get my own!

The vodka martini is what I associate with JazzyB. It's strong, goes down smooth but with a kick and then you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Signs of Affection

It all started with some snoring a few winters ago on a Whistler trip. The room was shared by me, Stuee and Chandler. We had no idea what was to hit us. Us being Stuee and me. The snore that would keep us up all night was coming out of Chandler. I left the room a few times to look for other places to catch some winks. I even considered the bathtub. Then I remembered that the bathtub was the designated boys' shower. Hmmm....sleep deprivation or sleeping on that bath tub. Yeah, I looked like death in the morning. I felt even worse.

In preparation for the annual trip this past weekend, we had a few house rules. Me and Stuee were not going to be in the same room as Chandler. Been there, done that. Too bad we had no idea that the bunk beds and the sofabed in the living room were separated by only a sliding door...one foot apart. Nice.

The conversation snippets that came out of providing the temporary solution which also opened doors to other things on our minds that I can recall:

Two beds pushed together "bed's so big I can't even feel you"
Doing the Nasty - "I blushed when she retold me the story."
"What is this, 1983??"
"F*ck Me Tender "cuz I hear that all the time"
"I don't want someone with a small weewee...trust me, you don't want one either."
"I can live with someone with small boobies..."
"Please save some of your charm for you date tonight. Don't waste it on us."
"Thanks for being my friend." - Do I get another self-portrait next year?
"I can't date him if he is skinnier than me. I may break his bones."
"My little hotties..."

Friends...gotta show the love & affection. Keep it going.

Public Speaking 101

Some people have no issues standing up in front of a group of people and being as charming and confident as ever. Others can stare at the crumbled up piece of paper in their hands and still shake with beads of sweat running down their foreheads while standing at the podium. I just turn beet red and my voice starts to crack, even if the audience is a group of 5 and they are people I've known forever. A speech could be a presentation for work or a form of self-expression in front of friends. Being in the wedding biz, I've been able to listen to my fair share of speeches. Thank goodness I'm part of the audience for these occasions.

Case in point.

First rule, get the guests' attention. Stop everyone from chatting to their neighbors so that they can listen to you express your gratitude and love.

The sister of the bride had such an amazing speech tonight that even left me on the brink of tears. They are a client and I have only met them once so there was no real emotional attachment similar to those for friends and family.

The second speech came from the groom. After listening to all these emotional speeches, the groom seemed poised and ready to anchor the team as he mentioned. He took a few gulps from his wine glass and proceeded to thank the numerous family members that now make his life complete. He then went on to thank his new bride for "showing him how to shave behind his balls." Ballsy. The bride ducked below the head table. Yes, he got everyone's attention. He had no qualms speaking in front of everyone. It sure tops the list of speeches for 2007!

Bubble Burst

My friends and I had a discussion that 2006 was a year that was different. A lot of things happened that may not be storybook, but there were many great moments and good times nonetheless. We all had to grow for whatever reasons and I just realized that I really do not want to grow up. I want to do what baby Tristan does, eat and sleep, and in whatever order that was necessary.

The last two weeks seemed to follow that path. Best friends returned from distant cities and we do what we love to do best besides enjoy each other's company: eat...and apparently drink. Aside from my brief stint being as sickly as possible, I caught up real fast to my friends on all good times. Every time AC comes home, I don't think I get into the house earlier than 3am and loving every minute I've been out. Sometimes there's even pictures, more evidence to ward off alzheimers. However, at 3am the other night, my bubble burst. I am hoping that all the bad that was part of 2006 left me as I left my mark on Granville Street and not inside Jezziebean's car. (I'm sure she was happy of that.) I'm also happy to know that I was not the only one who left their mark on Granville Street 30 blocks away that night. Friends share in the moment. No evidence required. Here's to a great year ahead.