YOU TUBE rocks and Hana Yori Dango!

YOUTUBE rocks!
Those who know me, I am slow when it comes to technology. I don't have a computer, I don't have an ipod, I have a cd player (portable) and yes yes a dinosaur of a working Sony walkman! (I do have some college audio tapes-yeah baby!).

So I don't know how I found YOUTUBE, I was doing a google search on an actor. I found his commercials on YOUTUBE. Since then I have been loving this website. I can watch music videos (something for Asian songs it is hard for me as I don't have any Asian tv shows that show the video countdowns on AZN anymore (ie videos for songs from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea or Taiwan). From watching Korean dramas episodes I have missed (FULL HOUSE-kdrama not the American tv show with the Olsen Twins of the same name) to commercials of Hyun Bin, Daniel Henney (with Gwyneth Paltrow) to catching "Hana Yori Dango" the live Japanese action version that was out late last fall/winter in Japan 2005. Aka "Boys over Flowers" a fave manga I have been reading that my sister collects and loves.

http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Hana_Yori_Dango
花より男子 (chart info-top of this entry from link above)

Cast
Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi
Matsumoto Jun as Domyoji Tsukasa
Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui
Matsuda Shota as Nishikado Sojiro
Abe Tsuyoshi as Mimasaka Akira
Sato Megumi as Sanjou Sakurako
Nishihara Aki as Matsuoka Yuuki
Seto Saki as Asai Yuriko
Fukada Aki as Ayuhara Erika
Matsuoka Emiko as Yamano Minako
Sada Mayumi as Toudou Shizuka
Kato Takako as Sengoku Sachiyo
Kobayashi Susumu as Makino Haruo
Tomiura Satoshi as Makino Susumu
Ishino Mako as Makino Chieko
Kaga Mariko as Domyoji Kaede
Matsushima Nanako as Domyoji Tsubaki
Oshinari Shugo as Nakatsuka
Sakai Ayana as Kurimaki Ayano
Handa Kento
Matsumoto Jun松本潤Doumyouji Tsukasa道明寺 司 (17)

This live action Japan drama based on a Manga---Boys over flowers (English Name) now will have a season 2 starting to show in Japan ---January 2007. The tv show series people are allowing fans to have some input on what they want to see. Season 1 was a short 9 episodes and alot was consolidated into the drama.

I am months later in discovering the Chinese Backstreet Boys craze. These two Chinese guys lip sync and make funny faces while "singing" and their first songs were Backstreet Boys and since then they have done chinese opera, Jessica Simpson (most recent one), some Chinese songs and they are hilarious!

--The Chinese Backstreet Boys (They sure know how to have fun. Also there is always that person in the back on the computer. It is a guaranteed good laugh!) Now they have spawned alot of imitators.

I love watching the fan made videos to fave tv shows/artists that some people make for "Kim Sam Soon" or tv actors Hyun Bin, Kim Sun Ah, Rain, etc is pretty great. Many talented people with TONS of time on their hands to do this stuff. I just get the lucky chance to watch their creations.

Hana Yori Dango info from (http://www.geocities.com/tsukushi137/story.html)

background info:Hana Yori Dango began as a manga story shown in the monthly magazine Margaret. In around 1994 it began to air as an anime series, but since the story is still running in Margaret they had to create an ending for the anime. The anime is only 51 episodes long. There is also one animated movie, a live action movie and a Taiwan evening live-action drama(Meteor Garden) based on the characters. Currently there are 30+ volumes to the manga series, but as I said it is still a running story.basic character info:Makino Tsukushi is a poor girl who attends the prestigeous Eitoku Academy. She is too poor to be able to afford the tuition, and thus was accepted on an academic scholarship. She dislikes the school and keeps to herself mostly. The only reason she attends is because she knows her family expects her to snag a rich husband from among the wealthy students. The F4 are the four richest and most sought after guys at the school. They basically rule the school, including the faculty, because their parents contribute so much money to the school. Among these four is Hanazawa Rui who plays the violin and has managed to catch Tsukushi's attention because he seems to be different than the others. He is quieter and more calm. Rui does not seem to get the same thrill from being cruel to the other students. But he also does not stand up to his friends to try and stop them. The F4 are known for being extremely cruel to anyone who angers them. They will put red tags in people's lockers to mark them as targets for hazing. This hazing tends to get to the point where it is better for the student involved to just leave the school than to deal with it. During hazing the other students are expected to do anything and everything they possibly can to drive the target to drop out of the school.

Anime storyline:Tsukushi is content with her quiet and invisible existence at the school until one day her friend, Endou Makiko, falls down the stairs and onto the leader of the F4, Domyoji Tsukasa. Tsukasa is not known for being a forgiving person, so everyone knows that Makiko will not be forgiven when she appologizes for falling on him. He immediately insinuates that Makiko will be the next target for hazing, which drives Tsukushi to speak up and voice that it is not fair because she had appologized. Tsukasa laughs at what he terms a "cheap show of friendship." Everyone witnesses Tsukushi's outburst and knows what her punishment will be for standing up to the F4. The next day when Tsukushi goes to school she opens her locker to find a red tag. The day has just begun, and she goes to her class to have an egg thrown at her, her desk was stolen and then after gym class she finds her uniform was stolen. She tries to remain strong and not let the other students see that they are getting to her. The next day she begins the day knowing that she can deal with this because she has to remain at this school. She goes to school and the first thing to happen is an egg comes flying at her head again. This time she is prepared and stops it with what looks like a fly swatter and proceeds to inform the students that they will not be able to get her with that same trick again. Then she hears the F4 walking by and runs out in the hallway after them. Tsukushi jumps at Tsukasa and kicks him in the head and then slaps the red tag on his forehead and says that was her own little declaration of war....And thus the story begins....

This website *YOUTUBE makes me consider getting a computer and internet at home. UHMMMMM NEH!

Washington DC (#2)

FRIDAY SEPT 8--I had gone to bed late the last two nights previously. On Wednesday night, I went to bed almost 3 am trying to finish typing notes to my boss of a conference call. Thursday night, I was caught up again chatting with my Gah Jeh. But Friday, I was meeting back up with MK to go to the East Wing White House Tour. There are TONS of restrictions ---ie only things you can bring are yourself, wallet and cell phone. So since MK and I were going to traipse all around DC. We didn't think it would be a good option to not bring our stuff.

So I made us meet up at Federal Triangle Metro stop at 8AM and latest wait there by 8:15AM and we had to report to the South East Gate by 8:45AM at the latest. My HS friend's lovely fiancee worked at the White House and got us the chance to get on a tour. Nowadays since 911, there are only two options to go on a tour. Write to your government official or go on a tour group. No more chances to sign up and wait on a tour the DAY OF of the desired visit. (My mom told me when we were young they wanted to do the tour but it was too long of a wait. Also I ended up seeing the Panda's "butts" at that time too).

I got there on time at 7:45 actually and got to do some Sudoku. (I admit, I am hooked and I am getting the hang of them. My sister is better but I fare better with Sudoku than with crossword puzzles).

" Fill in the grid so that every row,every column, and every 3x3 boxcontains the digits 1 through 9. "

I waited and waited and MK never showed. Then he calls me but I am being charged astronomical rates for "roaming". So I don't pick up the phone underground. When it is 8:10am I call MK, turns out he was there but didn't thoroughly look at the platform to find me.

Needless to say, we make it to the gate on time (rushing around and very sweaty in our haste). We gave our bags to be held at the nearby tony hotel called the Willard (the site of our future afternoon tea excursion over the weekend). We thought there would be a tour guide, no there was no one. We went through some security checks and id checks but we were fine. We were told to allot an hour and a half (we zoomed through in under half and hour). Some of the people watching over the room's gave us some great information. My fave was the red room. Seeing alot of the US President's portraits was cool and hearing the stories about the paintings, prepping for official state functions etc were great. But alas I cannot remember them all pleasurable as they may seem. Once done, we had breakfast brunch. My friend MK was starving and had not had eaten at all. I had at 6am Kalbi so I was ok but since it was almost 10am I was game. I recalled my college buddy saying there was a nice view of the area if we went to Hotel Washington.

The prices were reasonable $14 breakfast brunch---make your own omelette, bagels, fruit, scones, muffins, cereal, yogurt, waffles, pancakes, sausage, bacon, ham and regular scrambled eggs. Compared to the Willard with no view it would have cost $25 a person and buffet style either.

I had to go check out the White House Visitors Center nearby after brunch. I got some post cards and watched the 13 minute view regarding some basic information on the White House.
Then we got our bags and had to rush to the other side of the White House to meet up with an old college buddy of mine. She and I share the same name. I always joke it is as if I am talking in "stereo" plus our last names have the same number of letters. She just graduated from graduate school in Upper NY and is originally from sunny LA area. SInce we were stuffed from brunch, we just hung out with her as she only had a one hour lunch break. MK and I shared smoothie at Pot Belly. I heard it is a chain of fast food sandwiche restaurants that has not reached Boston yet. My friend LOVES Pot Belly and I did grab a bite of her delicious Italian Sub and the prices were reasonable for the food. There is a small performing area /stage that a guy jammed on his guitar from. Personally I am afraid of heights and with barely any space, I did not know how he did it.

www.potbelly.com

But alas the time flew by, the last time I saw her I was in LA visiting attending another college buddy's wedding while there.

Since the Renwick is across the street from my friend's work place we checked it out. One of the coolest things was a sculpture of a fabric over an instrument. It is deceptive as you walk up to it you think it is nothing out of the ordinary. But on the contrary it is pretty amazing stuff! Plus on the second floor, there is a room full of Native Americans (Indians) portraits and very beautiful natural scenery paintings.

"George Catlin's Indian Gallery" is hung in the Grand Salon on the second floor of the Renwick Gallery in a way that recalls the Indian Gallery as Catlin displayed it during his tours in Europe. This installation features several hundred portraits, landscapes and scenes of American Indian life. Catlin, a lawyer turned painter, visited 50 tribes living west of the Mississippi River from present day North Dakota to Oklahoma from 1830 to 1836 to record the "manners and customs" of Native Americans. These paintings—drawn from the nearly complete surviving set of Catlin's first Indian Gallery painted in the 1830s—are considered an authentic record of early Plains Indian culture and one of the most important collections at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.(http://americanart.si.edu/collections/exhibitions.cfml#current)

Next, MK and I decide to hit the National Galleries (one of my faves and the last time I was there, I noticed there was extensive reconstruction/renovations) as there is always great Impressionist art there. There seemed to be some great Venetian art and at the more modern side a Henri Rousseau -Jungles in Paris exhibit about his fascination with the Jungle (though he never left France). All the paintings from this self taught artist were from studying plants and reading avidly about cultures and exotic people outside of his homeland of France.

The late-blooming career of Henri Rousseau (1844–1910), a self-taught French artist and savvy connoisseur of popular culture in the late 19th century, will be showcased in the first major American retrospective of the artist's work in 20 years. Henri Rousseau: Jungles in Paris celebrates the broad range of his work: landscapes of Paris and environs, allegories, portraits, as well as the largest grouping ever assembled of his iconic jungle paintings. Rousseau's fantasy landscapes depicting a seductive and terrifying faraway world, along with paintings of his homeland France, reflect the fears and desires of a modern era. This painter of exotic locales never left France; his jungles are the fantasies of a city dweller, constructed from visits to the botanical gardens and the zoo, as well as book, magazine, and postcard reproductions of dangerous beasts from distant lands. An extensive display of more than 100 documents, popular ephemera, and other source material will shed light on Rousseau's artistic ambitions, working method, and the world he inhabited.
(http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/rousseauinfo.shtm)

I took my time seeing some of the permanent collection. Wow the plethory of John Singer Sargeant, Mary Cassatt, Whistler, Monets, Van Gogh were amazing.
Now since we did not have lunch and it was fast approaching 5pm we wanted something to eat. We knew dinner would be later so we decided on afternoon tea. Since I did my research, I thought we could check out Teaism -Penn Quarter -400 8th Street NW -Washington, DC 20004 -(202) 638-6010 nearby and have afternoon tea there by the National Archives Metro stop. (Perfect!) Plus the only location to sell it. 888 8TEAISM

Traditional Menu 20.00 (Tea sandwiches, ginger scone, cookies, lime curd tartlets, chocolate truffles & a pot of tea)

Asian Menu 20.00 (Rice balls with pickle & sesame, tea cured salmon and nori, tofu with ginger, green tea ice cream, mochi, chocolate truffle & a pot of tea )

So for $22 a person (with tax) we got one of each the Asian and the regular afternoon tea. As per our other eating experiences we shared. I have to say after having a great "East West Tea" in NYC this one was not up to snuff. After having afternoon tea once here is enough, though the lower level was very peaceful and quiet with a koi fish pool. Very tranquil and peaceful is what I thought anyways in terms of the atmosphere. Ahhhhh.

Then it was off to the newly reopened Portrait Museum (only two blocks away) which closes at 7pm and reopened July 1, 2006. It was 6pm and I had MK go in and walk around without me. I did the good ole trusty sudoku and wrote a few postcards while waiting for my HS friend JH. (I had the pleasure of meeting up with her two weeks ago in Boston when she was in town). Granted as this time, we only had one hour together. We meandered the museum and thought it nice. We did hit the hall of president portraits. The one for President Clinto did NOT look like him at all.

From there, we walked over to METRO CENTER metro stop. En route, I got some souvenirs and more post cards. From there we did not have to switch lines to get to Van Doren metro stop. Gah Jeh was slated to get us at 8:15pm. Unlike Boston, DC has a metro system that has a schedule on-line and in the station that can tell you how long and when the next trains are coming (similar to many a big city I have gone to--ie Tokyo, London) but sadly remiss in Boston.
We were scheduled to have dinner with my friends who got hitched back in July. It was great to see them back from their honeymoon in Turkey and Italy. I was told some interesting tales about traveling. I was told it is not the utmost wisest thing to travel as a woman alone in Turkey. My friend's wife was harrassed even with her husband beside her. A few times she was propositioned and heavily stared at . Turkey is truly one country I do want to visit in the future though.

We end up eating at Hee Been (6231 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, Va.(703) 941-3737) which according to my friend JH, it used to be a hole in a wall a long time ago now transformed to 10,000 square feet of sleekness and chicness. Now it is this sleek renovated Korean BBQ place. Can I say yummy? It costs $27 to have all you can eat Korean BBQ (they even cut and serve the kalbi for you), sushi---maki rolls, negiri, to pumpking rice congee, fresh fruit, raw oysters, chapchae (clear noodles stir fried with meat and veggies), tofo chigae (soup) and other great stuff. But I was told , if you don't finish your plate, they charge by the pound. So we were fastidiuos enough to be careful NOT to waste food! I got my gah jeh addicted to pork belly (I only had it at LA Korea town and it was YUMMY). The proportion to lean meat and fat was excellent!

MK has been eating well and has not complained once about not being fed well. We always seem to have EXCELLENT eating out adventures.

SAT SEPT 9--My high school friend's wedding which I have talked about already.
Afterwards, we did go window shopping with my gah jeh at the local Tyson's Center Mall (1961 Chain Bridge Road/McLean, Virginia 22102). My gah jeh has to buy some furniture. Since her brother moved out, she feels she should look around at what is available.

Because I was coming from the wedding, my friend MK and I were dressed up. Well I was wearing a dress and heels. Every store we went into (furniture) I got service and the clerk came up to me to ask if I needed help. The actual buyer gah jeh, was in jeans and tshirt and not acknowledged. Per her, MK and I fit the profile of a couple wanting to buy furniture. If you overheard us, I was giving opinions and advice to gah jeh on furniture. If you dress up, they will come over and ask if you need help. (Those who know me are aware of my usual "non dressing up" especially to go shopping). Because the mall was so BIG and HUGE I needed to take constant breaks from the heels I was wearing. I don't usually wear them and if I do I don't like to wear them for long. Give me sneakers or some comfortable sandals and I am happy camper.

Later on, we head to Old Town Alexandria to have sushi at Flying Fish-(815 King St., Alexandria, 703-600-3474.) (Yummy by the way and I love the escolar (the name they give the fatty white albacore tuna which is excellent and melted in my mouth).

Washington DC weekend (part 1)

Had fun in DC-part 1
So I mentioned DC briefly but not really. I went with a good friend MK and he was great hanging out with him and having a grand time touring the museums, eating at various places and having afternoon tea plus attending my friend's wedding.

We got in at different times (the week after Labor Day) I got in on Wednesday night. This time on JETBLUE, I got in on time whereas back in July I got in about 2 hours later. This time I got to eat home made kalbi (Korean style grilled short ribs), kimchee (the radish kind) and some beef and American broccoli stir fry. For dessert we noshed on very sweet and juicy watermelon. I was so hungry, I had tons of wonderful kalbi! YUMMY! Thanks to Dai Lo and Dai So (my big bro and his wife) who are like my family in the DC area. Dai Lo's actual Gah Jeh (big sis) is mine as well. Dai Lo and Gah Jeh have adopted me and I am one of their own. I am blessed by their open hearts, home and love. After eating, Gah Jeh had to get home. I wanted to catch "Full House" the Korean drama currently on AZN TV. But alas Gah Jeh doesn't have that station but Dai Lo does. Unfortunately for me, I was unable to watch it. I had withdrawal. Gah Jeh and I did chit chat and caught up until 1am.

THURS SEPT 7--My sister's bday (I already got her some presents) and I made sure to call her as well. Bdays in our family are not a big deal. I remember when I was in my teens turning 16, my parents totally forgot my bday. We might get a cake but presents and other things were not included. Just not something special, nowadays, I might get a gathering to eat out. This year I got a purse. Sometimes (which is most of the time) I get nothing which is fine. Time with loved ones friends and family are important (though they can drive me crazy at times).
I got up early and headed into DC from Franconia/Springfield on the metro. Thanks to the reloadable METRO card I put in $20 (you can use your credit card too). Awesome! MK arrived into Dulles and we met up at Woodley Park Metro stop. I wanted to see the baby panda Tai Shan at the Zoo. (Of course the cub is over 50 pounds and over a year old). The photo below is of Tai Shan at three weeks old.

Unfortunately for MK and I, I always seem to have bad luck when seeing Pandas. I always seem to catch them napping and their bums are sticking up. This time was no exception though there was massive construction around the panda exhibition area. We stayed briefly and then grabbed lunch nearby.

Mk and I were enticed because we both love Japanese but it looked like a cool place. The decorations were great and the rear area was cool. There was a lounge type vibe and very chic atmosphere. We paid a bit much for lunch. We got two appetizers---ceviche (which was small portions in a martini glass for almost $9) and a unagi salad which was $9 as well). Then we got the lunch portions the sashimi special and grilled hamachi kama (yellow tail fish collar grilled) with rice, salad and miso soup. The fish was fresh and the service friendly. Definitely on the pricier end but convenient for us to visit as we were across the street from the Woodley Park Metro.

Phillips Collection
2635 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington DC 20008 T 202-332-2711

Then we decided to go on to the Phillips Collection which was only one train stop away. The last time I was there was with Ev and we saw some highlights of the Smith College Impressionist collection there. I did catch the Ghandi statue there. I have to say, I will always think Ben Kingsley is an amazing actor in that particular and moving epic bio film on him back in the 1980's.

The Phillips Collection1600 21st Street, NWWashington, DC 20009
There was a special KLEE exhibit when we visited that was ending that weekend. I liked the perspective and various opinions and write ups on his pieces. I cannot say I love Klee but he gives an interesting perspective.

From there, we take the metro to the Smithsonians and I am aiming to visit the Freer Sackler Museum. One of my faves, but is is much smaller and great to check out the Asian Art that passes through. This was a cool small exhibit


Freer Gallery of Art til September 17--Pretty Woman-Freer and the Ideal Idea of the Feminine Women

(http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/current/prettyWomen.htm)
I loved the paintings by Whistler and Dewing in particular. I thought them well done and Whistler's Peacock Room is a sight to be behold.

Then from there, my friend MK had to meet up with his brother. I went off to the National Archives.

Later on, I get to see two good friends I haven't seen in a while. One got married in Israel and the other is expecting any moment (she looked radiant!).

The Omeletrry

Omelettry Café-new Tex Mex breakfast nook in Brookline
A place I have been eyeing to try out a few months ago was the Omelettry Café (284 Washington Street, Brookline, 617.739.5500). I took my friend from Texas and college classmate to eat t here before she went off back to Houston.
We both enjoyed the food and thought it reasonably priced, the people were nice (though the waitress was a bit absentminded she was sweet though).
I went again with GL this past Sunday. We both got the big breakfast $7.95 choice of two eggs (any style), ham or bacon, toast (wheat, white and 7 grain), pancakes and homefries. It has a cute vibe and a variety of choices. GL said she had to bring her husband there to take advantage of the biscuits and gravy (if and when it is available).
This is definitely a place worth trying. *(One place I adore is ZAFTIGS (335 Harvard Street (Coolidge Corner), Brookline; 975-0075 ) in Coolidge Corner for their lovely matzo balls and corned beef hash as well as banana stuffed challah french toast rum butter concoction sprinkled with fresh berries--HEAVEN!)
Next time I have to try to the Migas. Here is an article in the Boston Globe about this place:
Migas
August 2, 2006 (Boston Globe)
What are migas? That depends whether you're in Spain or Texas. The Spanish word means ``crumbs," and on the Iberian Peninsula, the dish, based on leftover bread, has morphed from a rustic breakfast to a trendy first course in restaurants. Depending on the region, Spanish migas consist of day-old bread, garlic, smoked paprika , and olive oil (Extremadura) or all that plus chorizo or bacon and fried eggs (Pyrenees).
Tex-Mex cuisine has held fast to the rustic breakfast origins of the dish, which is similar to the Mexican chilaquiles. In Tex-Mex capitals such as Austin and San Antonio, seemingly every breakfast joint scrambles eggs with torn pieces of stale tortillas, along with peppers, onions, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. Arthur Elizalde, who grew up in South Texas, features the dish (along with the Texas version of chorizo and the cactus dish known as nopalitos) at his new Omelettry Cafe in Brookline Village. The cafe, a breakfast and lunch diner with a Southwest flair, is unrelated to an Austin institution of the same name, but Elizalde serves up some of the same style of food.
He makes his migas with tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, and Monterey Jack cheese, and serves them with homefries and refried beans, which get a charred flavor from scalded bacon, onion, and cilantro. Since he's of Spanish descent, Elizalde has had that version when traveling, but his heart is in the Tex-Mex rendition. Ubiquitous in Texas, migas are a rare sight on Boston menus, but Elizalde says the dish had an instant fan base among ex-Southerners. ``You'd be surprised at how many people know what these things are," he says. ``I am, every day." The Omelettry Cafe, 284 Washington St., Brookline Village, 617-739-5500. -- JOE YONAN

DC Wedding of my oldest friend 9-9-06

Growing up I moved around alot, so I am envious of people who can say they have a friend since they were kindergarten or elementary school. For me, my oldest friend came in the form of a four eyed, tall, skinny and curly browned boy who had moved from Indiana when I was in 7th grade. He was extremely gifted in math and science (both not my strongest subjects). Somehow, along the way we formed an academic rivalry in English, history and spanish. I remember complaining to Mrs. Jordan (our history teacher and home room teacher--I did adore her), saying that Mateo was a pain. She then mentioned that I needed to be challenged and that I was getting complacent in doing well. She was right. *sigh. You cannot expect to excel if you are complacent. I vividly recall one day in our Social Studies class, it was Mateo and I vs the whole class on current events topics. The winner gets extra points on an upcoming test. Suffice to say, Mateo and I won. (I recall one classmate being upset saying it was unfair for the two of us to be against the whole class.)

Well I attended Mateo's wedding this past weekend in the DC Area in McLean Virginia near Tyson's Corner. He had attended the prestigious Air Force Academy and was one of the top students in my graduation class at BHS. I enjoyed the traditions that Air Force grads have from the sabres and his groomsmen (classamates) in their uniforms they looked very smart. It was a beautiful wedding, his bride was radiant. I had the privilege to meet her for dinner this past July. The look of happiness and joy every time they looked at each other touched my heart. I have never seen him this truly content and happy.

The church was beautiful and all the words spoken throughout the ceremony and afternoon tea reception were heartfelt! I saw Mateo's father and got a big hug. I always liked his dad (who is also whom he is named after). I told him how I visited Budapest. (He is Hungarian American and he marveled that I beat him to visiting his homeland of his heritage). I chatted with his baby sister who is no longer a baby (last time I saw her she was one) but a willowy, beautiful young woman who is a jr at my former high school. She played the piano during the wedding ceremony. Mateo's baby brother was the best man and I recall him as a cute young boy with bangs and eyes as big as saucers! Now he just graduated from college and is ready to take on the world. His other sister (closer to his age), used her talents to do all the beautiful flower arrangements. The last time I saw her she was attending Georgetown. Now she is married and speaks beautiful Mandarin (after three years of classes). When I did have a chance to chat briefly with Mateo and his bride, I was glad I was able to attend. I had to miss his bride's bridal shower back on the Cape as it was on the day of my return from Italy during Memorial Day weekend.

Now two of my three high school friends are married. I truly was happy and ecstatic for Mateo. When we hugged, it was heartfelt and the flow of friendship, emotions, happiness just flowed between us. He has a beautiful future with a wonderful wife and partner. According to the reverend, Mateo set precedent high of any other groom by having 12 days of presents before their wedding day. They are a truly blessed couple.

The afternoon tea spread was great. We had many petit fours, finger sandwiches, an array of teas and desserts. I tended to gravitate towards the scones, tirimisu, flank steak and brie as well as the egg salad sandwiches. What a great way to spend a lovely and gorgeous Saturday afternoon this past weekend. Thanks to my friend MK for coming with me and attending. I enjoyed signing their framed photo of the couple at afternoon tea. Then there was a lovely plate for people to sign in addition to a recipe book asking for advice for a successful marriage.

Where were you 9-11-2001?

(photos above from www.911digitalarchives.com)

There are those few instances in your life you will always remember where you were. Not in my generation, when JFK was assassinated (my brother was born on that day a numbe of years later) to the Berlin Wall crumbling.

One such day for me started when the Space Shuttle exploded and Sally Ride was on it. I was in middle school and eating lunch when our school principal called for a moment of silence. Everyone (all the students and teachers) were in shock and horrified. Later on at home, we saw the actual incident recorded and repeated on various news outlets.

But the big one of the recent years was 9-11 (to us Americans) in the year 2001, we shall all never forget. I remember getting into work and chatting with my boss Joe. He had spent the prior weekend in NYC and had had a lovely time there. In fact, he was below the World Trade Tower Buildings because his hotel was nearby. He had sat there and enjoyed a coffee (I believe) and reconnected with a friend. I always made a habit to ask how the wekeend was with various colleagues at my old job at Funk.

While in my cubicle executing the regular tasks dealing with the international vendors/resellers, someone said the "A plane hit the World Trade Tower in NY!". I will never forget those words. At first I was numb with shock, my head with disbelief! This couldn't be happening as these thoughts raced through my mind. I immediately went to my friend's cubicle (She has a small black and white tv on). I watched with her as all the news stations were scrambling and broadcasting live about what was happening. Before our very eyes, we saw a second plane crash into the other World Trade Tower". Not long afterwards, we saw them both crumble. I cannot fathom or recall how long time elapsed before that occurred. But the horror and fear and thick ribbons of smoke emanating from the Towers and the site were devastating to watch.
Since Boston is not that far, alot of people I knew had friends who were in New York. Myself included, we tried calling but all the phone lines were busy (cell and land lines). But those with chat access (AOL AIM, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, MSN) were the saving grace and I was able to contact some friends I knew in New York to see they were ok. They were thank goodness. Later on, I would learn that my friend's wife was in the area of the World Trade Towers but she came out safely.

The subway systems were skewed and thousands to hundred thousands of New Yorkers had to commute by walking home (pouring onto the highways and streets) back home to as far away at Queens, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Many people afterwards would not wear uncomfortable shoes because of 911. (Understandbly so, how could anyone walk a few miles not less a few yards in four inch stiletto heels?)

My company still remained open for business on 911. I had chatted with others and they were able to leave early or take the rest of the day off. To be truthful, it was not a very productive day. I got emails from all over. In my prior job experience at Funk, I interacted with many great people for my job (but never met them). They wrote about how their hearts are out for the American people and what they were experiencing right now and in solidarity with us. I felt very happy to read their words of comfort and encouragement. When you think about it, the world is getting smaller and smaller with the incredible advents of technology.

That day also marked the supposed arrival date of my "oh nee's " folks to arrive from Korea, but they got stuck in Canada. Travel was paralyzed for many days after 911. In fact, my "oh nee" was getting married that weeken in Western Massachusetts. Up until the last minute, we were not sure if her parents would arrive in time for the wedding. In the end, we had a fairytale wedding and the parents arrive in the wee hours of the morning of the wedding. They were very tired but we were all happy they were there at the wedding. A spot of happiness to end a somber week that started out with 911.

During this time period, many people reflected how short life is and to live it to the fullest. I was saddened for all those innocent people who were just doing their usual thing getting for work and taking the subway, bus, car and walking to work at the World Trade Towers. I found out one of my friends, they were supposed to fly on one of those fated American Airlines flight to LA that got diverted and rammed into one of the towers. It turned out they woke up late and didn't make their flight.

As the fifth anniversary has passed, my heart still goes out to everyone --those unsung heroes, those families in DC, PA and NYC as well as abroad (there were many international citizens who also perished that day). But since that day, has their been success in fighting terrorism? Has travel really become more safer for all people to be able to travel? Have we really learned from this tragic event to avoid a future another 911?

Reconnecting and saying farewell

I find after living in Boston for a bit of time, it is always hard to say farewell to friends. Especially when you have alot of time to hang out and do things it is still hard.

This year of 2006 saw my friend and "honey" leave for better and brighter things at A & E and Brooklyn. Then you have a community activist and all around sweetie pie Thien leave to return to California with her fiance. Most recently, Etienne went to TOKYO for a few years to live for work. But not as an expat but local employee.

With Etienne, we were not sure when he was departing so there were many outings and farewells. The final one was a group (four of us) dinner of a few of us at Fugakyu in Brookline.
Fugakyu Japanese Cuisine


We did have a nice dinner Minh and I with Etienne to a Moroccan place in Charlestown back earlier in the summer. I have to say, after thinking about it, I have gone to many places to eat with Etienne. I will always remember Deep Sea fishing in Plymouth. Meeting his friend JLIN and Rich who are cool people as well as Joy. Bonding over Korean and Japanese stuff---I saw many a great movie, drama and tried other things thanks to his suggestions. But I will always remember meeting at the Breast Cancer walk right after I was "free as a bird" last year in October on cold, sunny Sunday.

The final day, I hung out with him and I was the sounding board on the omiyage to his colleagues. Unlike us in America, the Japanese were big into giving gifts which is ingrained in the culture but it is also a great and nice gesture. We were concentrating with lack of time and also limited on his carry on luggage (weight too) for about 10 people. We resorted to chocolates and jelly beans. Though we realize the Japanese are big on presentation, he could get away with not having beautiful wrapping being a "gaijin". I assured him the jelly beans since they are more an American thing it should go ok. It was the same small token for men and women. Turns out, the jelly beans were a success. I was relieved since I was constantly reassuring him it was ok.

The Birth of the World's Most Famous Jelly Bean The idea was born in Los Angeles, just next door to Hollywood. Yes, the home of countless famous movie stars is also the birthplace of The Original Gourmet Jelly Bean.®
(from the official Jelly Belly website --blurb)

I envy the fact Etienne is living and working abroad. He will experience many great things with hardships along the way. Once he finds his niche, he will be good. I plan to visit later on in the year. I expect he will be talking circles around me in Japanese. Mine is child like at best in terms of my Japanese ability. *Nihongo totemo tai hen desu ne! Dai tai wasure chatta! Maybe I can get the kick in the butt for inspiration to go and discover the world but not in the "visiting" and "traveling" sense perhaps?

My friend "honey" is my social butterfly friend. I appreciate his wonderful company, cooking and great conversation. Thanks to our mutual friend Aud we have bonded over our tirelessness when we worked and volunteered together. I am blessed he is still nearby so I can hop onto a Chinatown shuttle to visit. He is the globe trotter having been to London twice and Spain this summer. (Envious!)

Thien is younger sis of my great friend Thai (who left a few years ago too). We bonded over food and over the years I have went to many a tasty gathering from "banh xeo", Pho and other great food we have hung out. I loved the Sarah Brightman concert or making the afternoon tea bday gathering for her and her sister Khanh with special thanks to the lovely Hien. What will I do now I want great Vietnamese cooking?

Though there were farewells, there were other friends I got reacquainted with as well. Someone I always wondered about, a friend's ex we got reunited thanks to MSN Messenger. I have not been able to use it for a bit of time due to work. Plus not owning a computer can put a damper on that sort of communication. Thanks to Etienne's great suggestion of (http://www.meebo.com/) a great website using the webbrowser to sign you up on all the "chat" softwares--Yahoo, AOL, MSN , Google and ICQ. Before, I would sign on for only two accounts as it takes up too much space. Now I don't have to worry. I have spread the word thus far to all my friends as a result.
This friend is doing very well. In my opinion, this guy a a stand up fellow. The last time I saw him I was crying alot. I just told him that one. It was more the situation and I was being the usual empathetic self I am. It pained my heart to see him go through what he was going through. Now I see he has moved on and is in a great place! Plus cutting out a vice he has been wanting to do! "We Bruise Easy" "Fighting" "Ganbatte" all phrases for good luck I am told (for the first one) and keep it up! Health is King! You are WORTH it!

Another pal from college, she shares my name is now living in DC. I was so excited to catch up and see her even if it was brief. We hung out and caught up on life and I have to visit her at Tyson's corner.

My only friend from my graduating year from BHS , Mateo is now married to a lovely bride. I went to the nuptials over this past weekend. You usually hear the bride is radiant, with this wedding this was no exception, but my friend was grinning ear to ear and full of joy and happiness. Now I have known him for over 20 some odd years (he is my oldest pal) and I have never seen him THIS happy ever. I am glad he found his lovely bride! It was awesome to see his family. His dad and mom and siblings. Two of his much younger ones are no longer kids anymore one having graduated college and the baby (the last time I saw her) is a beautiful and gracely young lady at 15, a junior at BHS and accomplished pianist who could even moonlight as a model if she wanted to put her mind into it. His sister Lisa (the one closer in age to him), speaks beautiful Mandarin and studied Japanese in college. She is happily married and might be moving abroad soon within the next few years for work.

Whilst in DC, I got to see friend number two out of three HS friends Jen. She is my bro's year but we bonded while working at Angelo's which changed to Purity and now is Shaws. I got the lucky fortune to see her briefly two weeks prior. We made our meeting date at the Portrait museum which just only reopened July 1, 2006 after being closed for quite a bit. It looked great but we really only got to see a small fraction of the actual musuem (I have to visit it again). We need to go on a trip again--we have travelled to New Orleans and Miami together before.

Xiao mei mei Wen Wen is an expectant mom and also beloved lil college sis. I met up with her and her due date is in two weeks for her first baby. She looked radiant and was sweet as ever. I met her her folks ---the first time in many years and it was lovely to see them both. According to her, I was a big reason she went to our alma mater. I made such a deep impression on her folks when I participated on a student /parent panel (I was one student out of two). I had not realized I was so pursuasive. It is true, you never know what type of impact you have on people's lives with every word/action you do and say. So I strive to be cognizant. But as any person, I am human and have my foibles and flaws. I just strive to be me.

I got to reconnect with my "oh nee" (big sis for a girl in Korean) parents who are moving over from Korea. The last time I saw them was when my "oh nee" got married in 2001. I always love seeing them. They are very sweet and since I have been picking up a smattering of Korean it has been good. They were testing my knowledge, I know words and a few phrases but I do not know the grammar "chincha moo lah yo". I did learn I have to end with "yo" to be more respectful to my "oh nee's" parents. I guess after watching over a year's worth of drama's can do it for me. I need to know a bit more before I head to Korea.

Lisa is one classmate I met via Chinese Class---Yu Lao Shi's Chinese 101 (intensive daily class that started at 8am). We knew each other in ASA but bonded over our struggles learning PinYin and tones in Chinese class. I reconnected with her while in LA over March. Her kids are cutie pies and I had a great time hanging out with her. Or my other college pal S.C. Chan who just had a beautiful baby girl! She is always the hostest with the mostest to me kindly opening up her home whenever I visit.

I even had a bonding moment with her sister and we hiked in the Hollywood Hills and I could see the Hollywood sign from afar. It was fun and I got to see some of Sammi Cheng's classic films such as "Needing You" or Chow Yun Fat, Cherie Chung or Leslie Cheung (deceased but still missed) in "To Catch a Thief".

CC recently left earlier this summer with her husband Justin and moved to LA. One more friend to visit! I am glad that we are friends! She is a great friend, loves ice cream and monkeys (MONO is #1), but also her observations are wonderful. We share our crazy road trip to go to Sandusky, Ohio to check out CEDAR POINT (now it has 16 roller coasters---drat it!). The main amusement park for roller coasters (when she lived a good 8 hours away driving in Indiana bordering Chicago, Illinois). Now that is what I call dedication and I loved that we have been able to maintain our friendship despite our time apart.
not enough time to ride this one
new one --looks good though
looks like a new ride

Magnum XL 200- we rode this at night --ultimate scream at 205 feet above ground going at 72 mph, we were scared but thrilled at the same time!
But there are many more great people out t here.....to friendships and great bonds!

Full House now on AZN

So the newest drama on AZN TV here is FULL HOUSE which is Rain's ( Bi's real name is Jung Ji Hoon) second drama. I did catch "Sang Doo go to school" last month. I think his range (based on reading his fan's forums) was better in acting in the latter. His range for FULL HOUSE is not fully explored. He plays an arrogant, bratty film star ( Lee Young Jae)who is always in scandals. But he is secretly in love with his childhood friend (Kang Hae Won played by Han Eun Jung) who a clothing designer in turn loves their other childhood friend Yoo Min Hyuk (played by Kim Sung Soo) who is handsome, successful and intelligent. Instead of a love triangle, there is a square. The other lead is none other than the pretty Son Hye Gyo of "Endless Love (aka Autumn Love)", "All In", and "Hotelier" fame. In this one, she actually is silly, naive and sweet but reclusive writer (Han Ji Eun) who owns a house bequeathed to her from her deceased parents. This home has sentimental value to her as her father built and designed it. Her unscrupulous friends secretly sell off her home to Rain's character. To do so, they send her off with a one way ticket to China promising her they booked a hotel, tour and she would be traveling in style there. (This was not the case.) After Ji Eun's life changes forever once she discovers what her friend's did to her.
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(info below taken from tour2Korea's website).

Full House
One of the most popular TV miniseries released this summer in Korea was Full House, based on a popular comic book series. This fun miniseries shows us the difficulties that occur while living together, as well as the funny side of life. The lead actress in Full House, Song Hye-kyo, is coming off great success with her credits including Gaeul Donghwa (Autumn in My Heart) and All In. The lead actor, Rain (비 ) is one of Korea's hottest singers. From the onset, Full House has been praised for its fresh and saucy take on the love lives of four young people. Within the first three weeks of airing, audiences responded with a 30% increase in viewer ship. Most of the miniseries is set in a beachfront house in Incheon. This area has become a popular tourist spot for fans of the show.
[ Show Information ]

♥ Homepage : http://www.kbs.co.kr/drama/full♥ Screenwriter :Min Hyo Jung♥ Producer : Pyo Min Soo ♥ Actors : Song Hye-kyo (송혜교) / Rain (비) / Han Eun-jung (한은정) / Kim Sung-su (김성수)

• Synopsis
Han Ji-eun lives alone in the house that she inherits from her parents. Her parents named the property 'Full House.' She has two close friends who end up selling the house behind her back to Lee Young-jae. Through a series of incidents, the two make a contract to marry, so that Ji-eun can stay in the house that her parents built. Although not in love with each other when they marry, a love between them develops slowly over time. The feelings of love are constantly interrupted by Gang Hye- won, Young-jae's love interest for quite some time and by Yu Min-hyeok, a man that Han ji -eun likes.

• The Cast
Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-kyo) -Click here for more information on actress, Song Hye- KyoLiving in the house that her parents left her, the tenacious Han Ji-eun is writing a novel for the internet. Through a series of events, she makes a contract to marry Lee Young-jae, eventually falling for him. She is bubbly, cute, and a stubborn, realist who is not daunted by new situations.

Lee Young-jae (Rain) -Click here for more information on Jeong Ji-hoon, stage name: Rain The straight talking actor is Asia's man of the moment. A strong sense of pride combined with a difficulty in expressing his true emotions results in many misunderstandings. In the beginning of the miniseries, he seems to be head over heals for Gang Hye-won; however, he eventually ends up falling for Han Ji-eun.

Yu Min-heok (Kim Sung-su) -Click here for more information on Kim Sung-suWorking in management for a large media firm, Yu Min-heok is the ideal man to date. He is well mannered, a conversationalist, good looking and wealthy. He is kind-hearted, but at times can be cold and calculated. He cannot stand losing and will not give up until he has Ji- eun's love.

Gang Hye-won (Han Eun- jung) -Click here for more information on actress, Han Eun-jung Fashion designer Gang Hye-won has been friendly with Lee Young-jae and Yu Min- heok since childhood. Beautiful, accomplished and from a good family, she is every mans’ dream. She is very greedy when it comes to love. At first, she liked Min-heok, but later, after seeing Young-jae with another girl, she began to develop feelings for him.

[ Comic Book Series ]
The first book in a series of 16 was published in 1993 and quickly rose to the top, ranking number one in Korean comics. The series went on to gain equal popularity in Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.


• Filming Locations
Full House was filmed in the Gwangyeok-si area of Incheon. Located near Incheon International Airport, it's a ten-minute boat ride from Sammok Harbor to this quiet, seashore getaway. Unlike other filming locations in Korea, this is an actual house. Made mostly of wood, this house, made especially for the miniseries, cost approximately one million US dollars to build. The beachfront property looks out onto open waters, with elegant views that could be used on any postcard. Many fans of the miniseries make a pilgrimage to this now famous home. Nearby sightseeing locations include Jogak (sculpture) Park on Modo Island; a bridge connects these two islands.
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Crab Festival at Magnolias....from Aug 1-Sept 2, 2006

Last thursday (aug 31) I met up with friends and my sis to attend the Crab Festival at Magnolias (1193 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 617-576-1971). A known and good cajun southern cuisine restaurant near Inman Square, I was intrigued when I heard about the crab festival.

As with many places, the restaurant would not seat us unless the whole party had arrived. What is up with this trend? I can understand but I also find it frustrating at times. I negotiated with the waiter that my sister and I were ravenous. When the third person arrived, he would seat us (so my friends who arrived later would not deter us from ordering). We were greated with a nice basket of cornbread muffins and one banana walnut muffin. The former were a bit on the tough side but the banana walnut muffin was yummy. My sister who is a crab lover and I decided to share.

Layers of vine-ripe Tomatoes and fresh Mozzarella topped with lump Crabmeat and Basil Vinaigrette ($ 6.95) was a simple salad with crab meat but generous portions of it.

Claws O' Plenty: Maryland steamed Jonah Crab claws with drawn butterCrispy fried Blue Crab fingers with Joes'Stone Crab sauce Crab Salad Maison($ 9.95) we enjoyed this dish and the sprinkling of cajun spices. We found it flavorful enough NOT to use the draw butter. I admit eating crabs are not my fave, I prefer lobster. It is too much work usually to obtain a little chunk of meat for your efforts.

Crab Combo Plate: Crispy-fried Soft Shell Crab, honey-marinated Crab Fingers, Maryland Crab Cakes, steamed Jonah Crab Claws and Crab Imperial ($ 22.95) the crab fingers were good, the Maryland crab cakes was enjoyable as well. I also had a side of cheezy grits which we enjoyed.

Out of our table, my sister and I decided to order and share a piece of Key Lime Pie. The graham cracker crust hit the spot and the key lime flavoring was good with the two dallops of REAL whipped cream!

Definitely an enjoyable experience with great company!

Afternoon tea in tony Boston's Back Bay (Aug 26)

I am a lover of afternoon/high tea since my college days. Since then, I have been a woman on a mission. When I was in the UK last, I went to many places to satisfy my afternoon fix for clotted cream, scones, a great cup of tea and maybe some finger sandwiches or petit fours if I was lucky.

From Bettys in York, England (a great value time) to the reasonably priced Sotheby's afternoon tea on uber chic Bond Street in London, England to the St. Regis (though pricey an excellent value, service and you can get seconds plus a personal consultation with a friendly tea sommelier, Takashimaya (nice inexpensive East meets West tea in the basement of this famous Japanese department store nestled within NYC's Fifth Avenue), Tea and Sympathy (Greenwich Village this hole in the wall has loads of character and the staff is friendly wiht generous portions for the full tea service) and Payard in New York (a great French restaurant and patisserie) or "M" on the Bund in Shanghai, China overlooking the lovely Huang Pu river opposite the famous landscape of the Pudong District.

Of course, I have done the Ritz Carlton (both new and old plus celebrated a bday at one of them), Boston Harbor Hotel, Cha-Fahn (cute tea place on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain), and the Four Seasons as a few places I have sampled afternoon tea within Boston.

Now a new crop of places have sprung up (or more so existing restaurants) have decided to start afternoon tea. One great occasion restaurant is L'Espelier (on 30 Gloucester Street, Boston T. 617-262-3023) nestled in the Back Bay by Newbury Street. The executive chef Frank McClelland is nationally renowned for his stellar work, their almost weekly wine tastings with some food is a great deal for $55 (though I went a few times when it started for a mere $30 a head years ago).

I was a little late on this warm but sunny Saturday afternoon ( I was hoofing it from Park Street "T" stop with only 10 minutes to move it). I made it within 12 minutes! Debbie was waiting for me outside the restaurant.

L'Espelier only serves afternoon tea on Saturdays from 2-3pm (so your window is very small). There is a range of choices for you to choose from but opted for the middle of the ground- Red Riding Hood's Basket ($32 a person). There were the more luxurious choices of The Golden Goose ($50 a person) with champagne and cavier or the more affordable Make Way for Ducklings (Petit Fours, pastries and tea for $23 a person). Add $15 for a glass of the Westport River's "Cuvee L'Espelier" with fresh raspberries or a Malinois Champagne cocktail.

We were greeted efficiently and walked up the stairs to the second floor to be seated in a very cozy dining room with crisp white linens and very attentive and solitious service. Splurging was great getting the champagne and Red Riding Hood's basket. Our tea choice was the Jasmine Pearl which was fragnant and delicate in flavor (the waitstaff kept pouring our tea for us---no need to use a tea kettle/teapot). At first it was weird, but I liked the attentiveness of the staff. Plus this method ensured that I NEVER had bitter tea. The did ask us if we were celebrating an occasion, I was mentioning Debbie's past bday.

We were started out with the tea sandwiches (one per person) each made on homemade bread (in-house)--cucumber and cream cheese next to a smoked salmon, red onion and petits greens , toasted Niman Ranch Ham and Comte and the Canapes were Maine lobster salad and citrus, Herbed goat cheese and pistachio truffles and a sizeable Foie gras Terrine.

The Foie gras terrine was perfect and luxurious. The Maine lobster salad was great with the citrus and not too much on the mayo which I loved. The breads were all wonderful.

Next came the petit fours and pastries: blueberry madeleines, Swans on the Boston Common pastries, Coconut truffles, Chocolate dipped strawberries, a big currant scone (great clotted cream, butter or jams to spread on it) and an excellent Valrhona chocolate fondant cake (just warm from the oven and divinely decadent with excellent chocolate that tastes delightful).

The thoughtful waitstaff put a candle to blow out. Also when I needed to find the wash room, the wait staff person escorted me to the wash room. When I returned to the table, my napkin was not merely folded up (as some places do) or ignored but freshly replaced. I thought it funny as we were done with our afternoon tea. But I found it a nice touch.

When we left after an hour half of great decandence and pampering we reluctantly decided to part ways (I had a graduation party to go to but first head back to my apartment). Once we left at the foyer, we were given a cute send off present of two cocount macaroons with a recipe how to make them too!

Then we walked to Hynes Convention to split off to enjoy the rest of our Saturday.

Summer Boston Restaurant Week (AUG 20-25) #2

The three remaining restaurants to sample left for Boston Summer Restaurant week (August 20 – 25). I missed out on a all girl’s night out on Monday night (as I was flying back from my NAAAP Convention trip). I heard they all had a great time, loved the food and atmosphere!

I met up with my big sis Debbie (she is someone I treasure a lot). I met her at work and our work relationship has transcended into a beautiful friendship. I consider her a mentor and all around wonderful person. She is one difficult person to pin down. Luckily I got to see her at HARVEST (44 Brattle Street, Cambridge MA 617-868-2255). We opted for the half glass wine pairing with the restaurant week menu for a mere $45.06 extra. Corn and Scallop Chowder with basil butter served with Chardonnay Blend Hedges, "CMS", Columbia Valley, Washington, 2004 (Debbie loved this wine!) and Heirloom Tomato Salad with basil oil, Villa Manodori, Chives and Malden Sea Salt served with Sauvignon Blanc, Saint Clair, "Vicar's Choice", Marlborough, New Zealand, 2005. I found the chowder to be ok and the tomato salad to be very simple, bursting with flavor and refreshing (then again it is the month where tomatoes are in full season and bloom!

The entrees were Pan Seared Block Island Swordfish with black eyed peas and shoe peg corn salad, tomatillo relish accompanied with Pinto grigio, Forchir, Estate, Fruili-Venezia, Italy, 2005 and the Roasted Pork Lion atop nesenkeag braising greens and refreshing peach salsa paired with Pinot Noir, Kenwood, Russian River Valley, California, 2004. Debbie loved the interesting combo of black eyed peas and shoe peg corn as an interesting accompaniment to the Swordfish. The pork lion was delightfully moist and I liked the contrast of the sweetness of the peach salsa to the slightly bitter nesenkeag braising greens.

For dessert we both got the same dessert and wine --the delightful Chocolate Apricot Torte with almond dacquoise, fresh fruit and chocolate sauce served with a refreshing and my personal fave Brachetto d'Acqui, Castello banfi, Piedmont, Italy , 2004.

Overall, out of all the places I have checked out, not bad but not the best but not on the bottom either. We thought it a nice meal but not astounded by Harvest.

Then next night (WEDNESDAY) was with my sister. We wanted a repeat our our EXCELLENT experience with Excelsior the previous week. We went to Restaurant "L" in the Louis Boston building (234 Berkeley Street, Boston tel: (617) 266-4680) straddling both Newbury and Boylston Streets in the tony Back Bay. The main dining room was very simple, spartan with simple colors. We noticed some of the Asian accents here and there. Our roll was served in a bamboo steamer (usually filled with dumplings) and we were seated at a window seat facing Berkeley Street.

We both decided to have some drinks---the Aloe Vera Mojito and Passion Fruit Martini. Here there were a few more choices to choose from. The aloe vera added a weird taste to the mojito which was not my fave. There was a lot of kick in my martini where I tasted the vodka and not much passion fruit (I guess the way it should be). We were greeted with a small sampling of spicy tomato water to pique our palates. For our appetizers I got the tuna tartare over the aranci and my sister got the fried oysters, watermelon and pickled cucumber salad. The presentation was impeccable and works of spartan simple lines artwork. I got 4 small mouthfuls of my dish and my sister got three fried oysters nestled with the watermelon, salad in an oyster shell over a colorful bed of sea salt.

Next were our entrees---my sister got the duck "milanese" with red pepper, scallions, pineapple and cashews which was flattened and came in a generous portion. Very nice! I got the pan roasted haddock over fava beans, tomatoes which was nice.

Our dessert was not too memorable and we thought it was a nice place but not up to the standards of the other places we have previously been to--Rialto, Upstairs in the Square, Hammersley Bistro, Le Soir and Meritage to name a few.

My final restaurant outing was with my friend Minh. I ended walking to the restaurant (Great Bay (617) 532-5300 - 500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston not far from Fenway)--took me only 30 minutes on a nippy night. That thursday was cooler than it has been and we both felt that it felt more fall than summer. Imagine only a few weeks ago we were boiling with record heat waves and temperature highs in the 90-100's degrees!

We decided to get the one wine glass $5 extra and prefixe meal. The choices for appetizer--chilled gazpacho with crab, avacado and cilantro or the crisp calamari with sweet 100 tomatoes, french beans and orange. The entree choices were potato-crusted haddock with hand cut "chip", watercress and Great Bay tartar sauce. While the other dish was a sensational and mouthwatering braised boneless beef short ribs with Anson Mills polenta, grilled onions and lime.

We found we were partial to the calamari (we thought it divine) and my friend didn't care for the gazpacho. I love gazpacho but there was nothing to rave home about it. The spectacular braised boneless short ribs a usual winter fare fave shined with flavor and intensity. The fish was good but paled in comparison though.

For dessert we had the butterscotch pudding and the chocolate whoopie as perfect ending for our meal. Again one shined brighter than the other (main theme in this meal) which was the lovely pudding topped with carmelized pecans. The lightness and creaminess of the butterscotch pudding was heavenly with every spoonful. The whoopie pie was a bit too much and dry too. I ended up not finishing it. The portions were middle of the road and not overly generous or stingy. The decor is beautiful, spacious and interesting with high ceilings.

It is housed within the Hotel Commowealth right in the heart of Kenmore Square which is adjacent to Fenway Park. Overall a good meal but uneven at best but definitely ranked higher than Harvest for myself and Minh (he had gone there a few nights earlier).

Kim Sam Soon----on AZN (almost over)

I am watching "Kim Sam Soon" for the third time but on AZNTV. This version has some translations that the other versions did not have which I found to be cool.

I do really liked Hyun Bin (Sam Shik/Jin Hun) and Kim Sun Ah (Kim Sam Soon). Mi Joo was adorable---my heart ached when she cried and she had a bright smile!

I even got my sister into it! We both like the songs that are used and they seem appropo to the certain circumstances. This heroine is not perfect but it is her imperfections that make her awesome. I just caught episode 10 last night, Sam Shik says to Sam Soon----the reason you are attractive is because you don't know how attractive you are.

I made a Daniel Henney fan out of my sister. I think it is funny.

NAAAP Seattle Part 2 of 2

The final day of the convention was Saturday August 19. I hung out with my hostess Felicia and chatted with her til 3am.

I got up and was worried about catching a timely bus on a Saturday morning into the city from West Seattle. I was ok. The bus was EXTREMELY punctual (something I am not used to) I knew the schedule was 8:40am and I got there at 8:39am. I was well on my way taking Bus #22 for $1.25 (as it was non peak time).

This morning, I missed breakfast (but there was more fruit and baked goods). Leewa got me some stuff and we went to the first session of workshops. We chose "Planning for Passion" led by Curt Rosengren. He was enjoyable. He said a lot of stuff I have heard before but the there was a twist. When he mentioned to figure out what you were "passionate" about , then dig deeper and keep asking ,"WHY?"

When he asked, "Who likes cooking?" I raised my hand. Then he asked why to me repeatedly. So it became obvious that the "liking of cooking" opened the floodgates of a multi-layered answers.

The next session I did not participate in, I decided to go to the job fair. I had some buddies to say hi to and then went to the lunch session. I got to sit with the NAAAP Boston president's wife SeJung. She is a lovely woman and we had a nice conversation. Turns out the NAAAP National Board was debating the merits of the two candidates who I think are qualified.

Surprisingly, one of the candidates sought me out to discuss my role in the future of the National Board. I have to say I was a bit flattered to say the least. But I have to mull about what I want to do. I do believe in the mission of NAAAP and I have made many treasured friendships through the organization and met many great people too!

After lunch, I sat in a workshop "Motorola's Asian Business Council: Modeled for Leadership Development and Business Relevance" led by a top Motorola executive David Lum. I heard he led a morning session that was well attended on another topic. I sat in for a little bit.

Then it was time to chit chat with someone from San Diego and other friend JL about NAAAP and a NAAAP Seattle member too. We talked about the difficulties of organizing and starting programs and chapters in this case San Diego.

At 3pm, I met up with a close friend from college JLuo. It was a gorgeous day and we meandered around the city after meeting up. I needed some errands to do and visited Nordstroms (per recommendation from a close friend and Oprah) on some chores I needed to do. Then to Nordstrom Rack, I found two t's for others. I got a cute tee for my sis which is very appropriate----a cute pink cloud with a miffed look with the phrase--"I am in a bad mood, stay away." I HAD to get it for my sister even my brother agreed it was a great fit for her.

I enjoy looking around Pike's Marketplace and seeing this one fish market where the guys throw their fish and seem to have a ton of fun! Then we decide to rest our tired tootsies and have some iced green tea latte (at an original Seattles Best Coffee place).

Back at the hotel and change for the GALA night (big highlights are the NAAAP National Awards, Banana Republic Fashion show and Sex in Seattle (performance). I catch up and find out that John F. of SF won as the new National President. (CONGRATS!). We were chatting as he was writing his speech.

We hang out a little at the reception before the dinner and I took a few pics. (Later I accidentally expose the roll----UGGGH very klutzy move on my part). Rose asks me to sit at her primo reserved table. I have a blast! I do end up doing some photography duty for Em (Chicago). It was fun to help her out. Dinner was nice.

The award ceremonies was hosted by many people (from NAAAP national board) so this tag team approach was very different but cool. NAAAP Atlanta was the big winner of the night nabbing many honors but the top one (two years in a row) Chapter of the Year ===only NAAAP NY has done it before. NAAAP Toronto went home with two awards (not too shabby).

Onwards to the fashion show, it was great music, cute clothes and everyone who participated was not a model. But it seemed like everyone had tons fun! I wish there was more of an actual stage for the 'runway' which was more makeshift. For those who sat in the rear they could not see much of the models unless they went on the stage. Great job Nancy K! (She is event planner /model /events guru and I miss her in Boston).

We do the NAAAP Chapter pics (first time in a few years) which I think it is good to do. After the festivities there are choices of game night (games/poker etc), hanging at the presidential room (I got to hang out with Rose a bit more and party a bit on the outside terrace). I wore the NEW NAAAP Boston t-shirts and got some "thumbs up" for the design and style. I like it alot being a red T with a tasteful design and wording.

I head over back to my friends by 1am and Felicia lets me see a fabulous night view of Seattle from West Seattle (breathetaking indeed).

Thanks for hosting me--Felicia and Nien!

One Day trip to Vancouver (8/20)

I woke up at 8am after having only 4 hours of sleep. I remind myself I luckily don't operate daily on this little sleep.

I call my buds who I am hitching a ride with to Vancouver for the afternoon as I plan to return at night. I confirm with my bro we are meeting up at the Renaissance hotel from 11-12am (as he does not own a cell).

My friends get lost finding me as I forgot to type one crucial "exit" on the directions to them that I typed at 2am earlier in the morning. Luckily for me, they were not mad at me. I felt very sheepish indeed. While they were lost and finding their way back to me, I did research on places to eat dim sum or get good chinese food in Vancouver.

We hit the road out of Seattle at 10:30am and decide to stop somewhere for breakfast and grab food at McDonalds. I got the big breakfast (I was ravenous.). Further down on the trip, I indulge in a very messy but good softserve cone dipped in chocolate as well.

The border crossing is a minimal wait of 20 minutes but the line heading back into the US was atrociously long (1:15pm). Another 30 minutes we drive towards Richmond and exit onto Westminster Highway exhibit, hook a left and drive down towards KIRIN. This Seafood Restaurant serves dim sum and is considered a gem. I have already eaten at Flouta/Imperial/ and Sun Siu Wah (the other three big Cantonese Sea Food and Dim Sum power house restaurants) in the local area. We did pass the restaurant and turned around again to find it.

We have a half hour wait and by the time we are seated it is 2:30pm and end of dim sum time. Our server informs us we have only one chance to order and then we can relax and eat at our leisure. Of course my buds John and Leewa let me order and put all their trust in me. I am told no "funky" stuff per John. I want to get some dim sum morsels not normally found in a typical dim sum menu.

KIRIN Mandarin Restaurant (Richmond Location) www.kirinrestaurant.com


2nd Floor, Three West Centre
7900 Westminster Highway (& No. 3 Road), Richmond, B.C.
Canada V6X 1A5

I got the pork skin in satay sauce, beef flank with radish, fish with shrimp and jicama steamed dumplings, thick noodles in dark soya chili sauce (served with hoisin and peanut dipping sauce), chicken and mushroom steamed buns, siu mai (open faced shrimp and pork steamed dumplings), green tea pudding and fresh mango pudding. Everything was served fresh and hot and each was delicious. All of use were well pleased and happy about the food choices for this meal.

We noticed another table of NAAAP attendees and we chat with them later on. Turns out they work with EY and four of the three are from Boston and one is from North VA (she also happens to be a close friend of my friend Kit in Houston) such a small world. They found the restaurant by accident and asked some people in the parking lot where they should eat dim sum.

We head to drive on the main drag No. 3 road (where all the big Asian malls reside) before turning left towards the airport and catch the road into Vancouver using Granville Street. (My first time using this route into Vancouver but it works).

Then we drive towards Canda Place where Pan Pacific Hotel (our meeting spot) for me to get my ride back to Seattle. My buddies are staying longer in Vancouver. We walk around get some souvenirs and chocolates. I get my fave mint and dark chocolate aeros (not available in the USA). We walk around outside to look at the cruise ships docked at Canada Place. In the process, I lose my camera (which is my backup). I am more upset of losing the photos in the camera than the camera itself. Now I have no camera! Gosh when things happen to me (bad things) I notice it happens in twos. Last weekend did not get my camera back from TSA after examination of my hand luggage and this time through my own fault I lost my camera.

Leewa escorts me all over to try to locate it, I even talk to the duty manager at Pan Pacific but to no avail. In this day and age, no one really wants a film camera. But I LOVE my film camera. You could say it is a sign to get a digital camera but I don't see it as that way.

We meet up with JC and his family meet his wife Sue and two cute boys Cameron (5) and Cared (3). We hang out some more at Canada Place. I recommend we get food and go as we are all not hungry after a LATE dim sum lunch. I suggest FLOATA (in Chinatown touted as the biggest Chinese restaurant in the city). We get there and notice that there is a night market. We walk around the two blocks of it. Go to FLOATA to order take out and head about of the city in hopes of avoiding a LONG border line.

Chinatown

Address:	400-180 Keefer Street, Vancouver, B.C.
Tel: Fax:	(604) 602-0368 (604) 681-7123

John C orders seafood and veggies, crispy chicken, yang chow fan and beef and broccoli. All are very good with the veggies cooked to the correct crispiness and the flavors are excellent! (I am relieved the place is a hit).

We leave at 9pm and hit the border by 9:45 but end up with only 30 minutes wait (a miraculously short wait) which I am psyched about.

I am able to meet up with my brother at 11:15pm!!! Thanks again to John C and family for letting me come back to Seattle with them! I had tons of fun despite losing my camera.

NAAAP Convention-Seattle 2006 (first half) 8/17 and 8/18)

I have been attending these conventions for a bit of time especially for NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals www.naaapconvention.org). It was a close call I was not going to attend. But last minute the stars aligned and I got great support and help from friends (thanks Felicia and Nien!) and my credit card company.

Convention Postcard:


On Thursday (8/17) I was fearful of having the same painful repurcussion of long delayed flights inthe Airtran terminal at Logan. (The prior week I had a painful ordeal and long wait as it is boring and small. (Not much fun at all). I got to the airport two hours early for my flight. I went over to the terminal with United and Jet Blue and sat down at their food court to stretch out and relax until I NEEDED to be at my terminal. I am glad I did. I got something at BK, sat down wrote some cards and post cards. I found it relaxed me and whiled the time away nicely.

I returned to Terminal C for Airtran and went through the security line without a glitch (15 minutes). The bins for banned items this time around was not as bad as last Thursday (the first day of the ban on all liquid, gels and other items of similar thickness. Surprisingly my flight was on time (I was counting my blessings as I needed to make a connection at Atlanta). I sat down on the last row 31D (requesting an aisle seat) and Rhi is seated beside me. Little would I know, I would have the second best conversation with another person on a plane ride up til now. The first person to get this honor is my bud Emo after the NAAAP Houston convention many moons ago.

Rhi is a biochem Ph. D. student in Washington and is originally from Michigan. She was in town attending a conference for school in NH. She is a very vivacious, pretty gal who loves trying new things, traveling (she just got back from living one month in Rome, lived a year in Germany while in High School and toured Granada and Morocco with her boyfriend earlier this year in the spring.

We proceed to chit chat for the next 3.5 hours and during our layover break bread together at the Atlanta Bread House ---I get the half sandwich and half soup combo (chicken specialty sandwich and chicken chili are more. Not bad for airport fare and under $10 (memories of my $9 Wolfgang Puck sandwich with nothing else came back to mind at Logan).

I decide to chit chat with friends and catch up with my lovely friend Hien. Being punctual was too good to be true, we end our streak being one hour delayed from Atlanta to Seattle. The reason was due to a loose screw (really I am not kidding). But better safe than sorry and the rest of the flight almost 5 hours I nap.

Instead of a midnight arrival I get in at 1am PST into SeaTac. Nien and Felicia are kind enough to get me at the airport. I felt bad as they both have to go to work a few hours later as it is still a Friday and work day. I do chatter with Felicia a bit more before sleeping at 4am (I cannot easily sleep so I email and catch up with friends since I have internet access). Now my friend Felicia and her boyfriend live in West Seattle and have a great view of Seattle from their new place. When I visited this past March, they were still residing in Downtown. In fact, they could see the apartment building across from them that was used for Naomi Watt's apartment in the thriller movie "The Ring".

Day One (friday 8/18), I successfully wake up in time to catch the #21 Bus at 7:40am ($1.50) within 20 minutes I am whisked to 1st Street and Marion. I walk up the 6 blocks uphill on Madison to the Renaisance Hotel (515 Madison Street corner of 6th) the site of the NAAAP Convention for 2006.

Seattle City by day from the hotel
(pics above are from Renaissance hotel website:www.marriott.com

The streets going up can get steep, I had to take a break and go to pharmacy to get chapstick and much needed rest.

I wanted to make the Day 1, opening speech and I did manage to get breakfast which was a breakfast buffet. I got fruit, sausage, eggs and orange juice. Our keynote was Deena Ebbert and she was very dynamic and entertaining while being full of energy. I got to say hello to some old friends I have made through the years and people I have seen around but got to konw better this time around.

JC who is a sheriff in SF has been someone I had a great chance of getting to know better this convention. Ted S. of Ohio, he is a very active member of the NAAAP team and formerly lived in NC and knows a good friend Leroy. Rose----I love Rose! She is a wonderful person both full of spunk and energy (I adore going karaoking with her!) Her roomie Emily S also from Chicago is a sweetie. JF the photographer galore and person to beat in terms of the most consecutive conventions attended and JL (has one on me) since I saw him at OCA and NAAAP as well.

The Texans Leewa and John C are there per usual. I am psyched to see New Yorker Frances L (whom I met at the SF convention and bonded with on the last day of the convention while eating dim sum that fateful Sunday). Fonda is a blast and Raytheon has a strong showing per usual. Always impressed with them and their unified presence at the convention. Mike M of CIA is also a great face to see. I heard our former NAAAP National Prez Edward Y of NC got engaged. Congratulations and I am happy for you and your fiancee!

I get to attend the first session and go to the FISH PHILOSOPHY which Deena is the speaker. She is great and the whole workshop is based on the fish market at Pikes Market (known for throwing their fish around). But the workshop is a bit more involved and informative than what I am telling you.I love her shameless ploys to get active audience participation (I did participate to get a fish -I freely admit to it!).

The second workshop I attend (though cut out early) is about entrepreneurs. Sam Kim (NAAAP Boston president) is the moderator. I meet him for the first time. I have heard many good things about him and under his brief leadership thus far many good things have happened.

I decide to head to the Career Fair. The convention cannot happen without the support of our corporate sponsors. I was happy to see that we had a robust career fair. I remembered a time when we did not have much of one. Those days are long gone. I do have to say, one complaint but it is more based on the structure of the hotel, the career fair was on three separate floors and very confusing to find. But I got over it.

Lunch was a good time talking to Mike M and reminiscing about OCA and when we first met and our friends in the Northern Viriginia Area. He has two cute kids and I cannot wait to see the pics he has taken of them!

The afternoon session, I pass on and decide to go with a small group of friends to visit the FUTURE OF FLIGHT --Boeing museum in Everett. John C has a rental and we all hop in to head north to the museum. Turns out there is major traffic and we are a snails pace to get to the museum. Luckily we get there just in the nick of time to participate in the last tour of the day at 3:30. There are strict rules for participation--no cameras, cell phones, electronic devices, purses, bags, cannot have anything in your hands).

the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour (http://www.futureofflight.org/)

Admission Rates General Admission ........... $15.00 Senior Citizen (65+) ......... $14.00 Active Military (with ID) .... $14.00 Children (6-15 years) ....... $8.00 No ticket is required for children under age 6 Gallery Only (no Boeing Tour) ................. $9.00 Gallery Only Children (6-15 years) .......... $4.00 Boeing Employee (with current ID) .......... $7.50 Advance Ticket Convenience Charge * ... $2.50 *Applies only to advance tickets for guaranteed tour times. Tickets purchased at the Future of Flight Aviation Center are not subject to a convenience charge. All rates and times are subject to change without notice. Boeing Tour Information The Boeing Everett factory tours are conducted to showcase The Boeing Company and the Everett product line, the 747, 767, 777 and soon 787. As part of the tour, visitors walk through part of the largest building in the world by volume (472,000,000 cubic feet). On the Boeing flight line, visitors see airplanes in various stages of assembly, manufacture and flight test for airline customers around the world. ==================================================== We wanted to see the Salmon at the locks but we did not get enough time. Since this is Francis' first time we end up visiting Capitol Hill where Bruce Lee is buried. (15th and Prospect) We were there at dusk which was very pretty and it has a beautiful view of the water. A closer view of the grave site: Bruce Lee's grave and Brandon Lee's grave Bruce Lee Nov. 27, 1940 - July 20, 1973 Founder of Jeet Kune Do Your Inspiration Continues To Guide Us Toward Our Personal Liberation Brandon Bruce Lee Feb. 1, 1965 Mar. 31, 1993 "Because we don't know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five time more. Perhaps not even that. How many times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless." For Brandon and Eliza Ever Joined in True Love's Beauty Husband and Father, Son and Brother, You Are Always With Us - Linda and Shannon "The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering." (all Bruce Lee gravesite photos from www.allbrucelee.com) Our group makes it back to the hotel and miss the buses that take us to the ODYSSEYMaritime discovery buidling where dinner and the night's entertainment is held. We get there too late so we find no tables for us to sit down. We are served a buffet dinner salad greens, chicken in a cream sauce, potatoes, julienned green beans and carrots and some cookies, carrot cake and brownies. Location 2205 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, the Bell Street Pier, on Seattle's central waterfront, between the Edgewater Inn and Anthony's Pier 66 restaurant.

The the NAAAP Seattle Scholarship Winners were presented and both were very bright, young students with a wonderful future ahead of them. Then a comedy group performed some skits by the Pork Filled Players.

Head back to the hotel to go to HEAVENS (located at the edge of Pioneer Square for clubbing). We are lucky to have the school buses drive us over (not originally planned) and there is free admittance with Convention badge (thanks to Nancy Ko and former NAAAP Boston member and even planner extraodinaire). I get in and hang out there for an hour. The music is good but all over the place for me and great to check out but I decide to hoof it back to the hotel (only done in 20 minutes). So from there I can head back to Felicia's (by 1:15am).