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!