yum dom cha

Cool video done by ABC Jin

Edible Arrangement arrived at work 9.25.07

Today my boss got from a very nice and sweet client living in Florida a shipment from Edible Arrangements:

Chocolate Banana Bouquet™
A delicious arrangement featuring fresh banana slices hand dipped in a combination of white and dark chocolate and overflowing with fresh strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple daisies. Size Shown: Large. Container may vary.
(55/70)

She is a very thoughtful person and she sent it to my boss to celebrate his anniversary in business on his own. Last year we got a case of pears from Florida which were delicious!

Tackling a mountain of Mango Shaved Ice

After reading CC's blog entry on this cool place in San Gabriel for Mango Shaved Ice, I made sure to ask her to take me there recently while in the LA area. After a good meal of Shanghainese food, we walked over to the other mail that had the Mango Shaved Ice (two sizes big is $8 and the small is $5).

CC wanted me to finish the whole thing with her, I could not, there was no possible way to finish it. I was getting brain freeze and feeling not so well that I had to stop. I have to say we did a good job considering. (She is used to finishing with her hubby but then again he dislikes mango. So all those luscious and plentiful mango bits are usually eaten by her but not this time. I got to share the duties.)

I loved this dessert and wished we had it here! (Maybe the smaller one would be more appealing for me). She never came for the snacks and food but for the mango shaved ice. There are some Hong Kong songs in the background and the clientele was all Asian.

I always have a great time with CC and I miss her lots in Boston. I look forward to more adventures with her when I visit Northern California next year! Xie Xie to CC for taking me to PaPa Walk in San Gabriel for the Mango Shaved Ice.

Personal random musings.....

This past year has been a hodge podge of feelings, emotions and events for me.

1) Family----being responsible is not fun, I take it seriously but it does not leave much time for fun.

2) Work--learning alot and making in roads with the local community. Just stepped down from a National Role volunteering with an organization I have been a part of for a bit of time.

3) Personal goals---health and organization. I want to walk more, eat healthier (when I am not eating out) and with my roomie leaving in the future, I realize that some minor things are holding me back from achieving other goals (which creates a domino effect).

4) Reconnecting with others---today just saw a Bridgee BK who had the Amy Winehouse hair going (But not the addictions) and she looked fabulous! I love her long hair! Met AY family and it was lovely to finally meet people who are close to her and that she loves and saw her cousin now at USC in her JR year.

TN and JB got married earlier this year and I am glad to be able to spend time with them before they head off to Vietnam. My mom thinks they are made for each other and very happy for JB.

SC and her daughter Kamryn (now 15 months) killed me with her cuteness! She was talking saying "wawa" for water and was very smart. Ask her for her books, she picked it out quickly. But mom says if she is not wanting to pick up the book she will pick another one she WANTS to have read to her. I cannot believe she has all these mini toys (all from Walmart) and she has mini dish washer, oven, washer amongst other things. I heard that DUCKY is her fave and she has her "baby" too. She loves to share and was fine with giving me all her stuffed animals per her mom's request. I had a grand ole time seeing her and I love her chipmunk cheeks!

CC and I got to reconnect. She is moving to San Jose after one year in Pasadena. Life seems well. Thanks for the awesome xiao lung bao (Now I know where my Chinese language stands with yours), thanks for going to Ranch 99 and where was the dried LONGAN????). The shaved mango ice "mountain" was crazy but delicious! I cannot fathom you and your husband finishing it! At least this time you did not have to consume ALL the mango slices! I cannot wait to see the 5 minute video of the "set" expanding like magic (per the label in the back). Funny how I find this interesting products for you whilst I am traveling---the top from Seattle, the slippers from SF, the set from Bar Harbor... and the key covers from a random museum. I am thankful you are a food friend. I love your blog and I am glad you find mine amusing... I just remember the first time I knew of you were your insightful but great comments on the essays for the scholarship applicants. I just thought to myself, I have to meet this woman. From there started a great friendship that spanned the last few years despite your moving to Indiana, Pasadena back to Boston and now to San Jose next month. I have to learn about Mystery shopping from you my dear friend.

Last night spent some time with TL and KK (lives in Chi town). I met KK through CC and the world is so small. He is in El Segundo and the last time I saw him was when I went to the convention in Chi town back in 2004. He is one friend who travels up a storm a good 2-3 international trips a year. (I wish I could do that!) But I guess I am no slouch in the travel department. We got to reminisce and talk about life, jobs and our future travel plans. It has been a while since I saw TL. He lives in SF now and is trying to figure out what he wants to do for work and life. If I had his schedule, I would be traveling for 6 months to a year. (Awwww that is the life!)

Tonight will be seeing HF and his family for dinner. The last time I saw his folks I still lived with SW . His mom did visit last fall and I saw his sis when she only had one kidonly which was 7 years ago..... time sure flies! Now he is an uncle with two nieces and a nephew (7,3 and 15 months respectively.

Asians and stuffed animals fixation ....

While walking around San Gabriel with CC, we talked about how we know it is usually an Asian person's car if you see a TON of cute stuffed animals on the dashboard and the rear window of a car. Well ironically while we were discussing the pros and cons, a car pulled up to CC's SUV and lo and behold! We could not hold our laughter after witnessing what we saw. (Mind you a guy came out from the driver's seat. I surmised it was the girl friend's car not the guy's as no self respecting guy would decorate their car that way.

I wonder if they like "pigs" because everywhere you looked in there car there were PIGS. Little, cute and big ones and even had seat covers! We were marveling at the dedication and fixation with pigs. I wonder if the owner was born in the year of the pigs as I would totally believe it.

(I had promised CC I would blog about this one item).

Los Angeles here I come.....

So I have been on a tight travel schedule of late. First weekend in September was Bar Harbor, Maine and then the following one in Bermuda. This coming week/weekend is a college buddy's wedding.

Monday, September 10---Got in yesterday from Bermuda without a hitch. So back into work for the day. Catching up with work and my boss has a charity golf tournament in Sutton, MA (outside of Worcester). He wants me to be there, the thing is I am coming back on the red eye. I do not have a car and access to this golf course is non existent. Hmmm got to figure out something. Work is going well and getting stuff done but the left hand side drawer at my desk is STUCK. Not a good sign!

Thanks to Meebo I reconnect with YK in Seoul (now in Kwangju). Turns out my emails never made it to her. Thanks to Meebo I know her due date is October 20th and she is expecting a girl. I am so excited for her and her hubby. She is finishing up her thesis and prepping for her defencse which happens after she has her daughter. Right now her mom is helping her out. WOW!

Tuesday, September 11--Boss is away this day. I have not a full day as I have to grab my 5pm flight out of Boston to LA. At least it is a direct flight (thanks to points from my Visa card). I stayed up til 2am packing and sorting things. I did watch an episode of "THANK YOU" 고맙습니다 (Long awaited return of Jang Hyuck 장혁 / 張赫 from his military service stint) a Korean drama my sis says is not that great. The girl is the lead of Sang Doo go to school (opposite Rain in his first drama role) and the male lead was opposite Jang Nara in The Success of a Bright Girl. More sad than comedy drama as the AZN website calls this drama. Mislabeled is what my sister says.

I catch up on stuff, organize the office (trying to do the same back at home too). It is raining cats and dogs and much cooler too. I get to the airport with time to spare. I see my sis. She gets me food at Cosi with her 10% employee discount. Very nice roasted turkey sandwich with brie and honey mustard, Asani bottled water and a fruit cup. I end up on a big plane (the ones you use to go to Europe) and on the aisle on seat 26H. It is not a full flight so my neighbor goes somewhere else to sit alone.

I have a nice 6 hour flight catching up on magazines, doing some sodoku and taking a brief nap.

I arrive into LA at 8pm and call my mom. I did not think of it being 9/11 and using American Airlines from Boston to LA (actually luckily not the same number flight too). My mom was so worried. She was up waiting for my call. Luckily you can call at touchdown once you land.

Met up with JB and TN and we head to Culver City to Yokohama's for a quick bite to eat. I enjoy the peach sake cocktail and have some different maki. We toast to Monitor! Get the catchup and learn that they are going ahead to living in Vietnam starting January 2008~ I guess I need to plan a trip there definitely! TN ends Nov 2 and is prepping but we mention we are meeting again when she goes to the HQ for training of the new employees.

I am sad and happy for them. Sad I won't be able to see them as often, happy I have another place to visit!!!!!

Leave messages with people as I find out that JB and TN live in between Culver City and Westwood off of PALMS. Little phrases you learn when visiting an area.

I hang out with the sisters and catch up and BN share pics and I congratulate her on her upcoming wedding in December.

More in another entry...

Final--Bermuda

Saturday, September 8, 2007---I am lucky to be in Bermuda. It is hurricane season and the nearest one is off the coast of North Carolina. I learned alot while being here. Alot of celebs like to come ie Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas go to Ariel Sands Resort. It is a bit pricey here on this island but there are some beautiful golf courses, expensive shops in Hamilton and world class delicious dining options all around the island.

I slept in a little and head into Hamilton almost 9am. I wander around a bit and get breakfast at Paradiso Cafe off of Reid Street (the other end) of the Hamilton area. I got a quiche, oj and fruit salad for under $15. (I was told there is auto 15% gratuity at alot of places). Then I wanted to some museums but found out they were closed-Bermuda Historical Society, National Gallery (within the City Hall building) so I ended up going to the local library and using their internet for free for half and hour. (Something I learned whilst traveling local libraries have internet access.)

From there went to City Hall, wandered around some shops and back onto Reid Street towards Hog Penny Pub for lunch. I had watched Rachel Ray's show and talked to the other wedding guests who LOVE this place. (Later I found out I was there at the same time the bride's parents were there for lunch but they were seated in another area). I decided to splurge with a pomegrante mojito, meat loaf ($15), fish chowder (6.50) topped with Gosling Rum and Sherry which added an interesting kick. The meat loaf was tasty over mash and the veggies were not overcooked. I ended the meal with pistachio creme brulee which topped off a nice meal.

Now it is about 1pm and I am close to the bus central terminal. I take the #10 or#11 to St George's which runs every 15 minutes to half hour depending on which bus I caught. In less than an hour I got to St George's. This time I have a bit more time to walk around but alas no ferry today (that is why I took it on Friday). It is the first settlement of inhabitants in Bermuda. I went to the "city hall" and read all the proclamations, saw the stockyards, took pics of some old homes and got some postcards. There I went to a museum more a historical society and included going to Verdmont and the Tucker Home for $10 (each place costs $5 entrance fee). I wanted to go to the Print Museum but it was closed. I got to wander the Historical Society after seeing a short 12 minute film, I wandered upstairs into four rooms. Each had some artifacts, portraits, maps about the inhabitants and history of Bermuda. It was interesting to read that during the Civil War Bermudians were sympathetic to the South. But due to being a British Colony, they tried to remain neutral during the Civil War. They talked about pirates, how the wealthy lived and trade while in Bermuda. After a good 30 minutes, I walked over to the Tucker Home before it closed at 4pm.

The Tucker Home is a great example of the early Bermudians living on the Island. I loved the natural cedar furniture (no more it was used up). Also the furniture, artifacts and letters of the time and owners. One of the owners was the fifth United States' treasurer and he held the post for the longest time up until 1955.

Then I walked around a little before the 3:30pm bus departing St. Georges. I went back to Hamilton and took another bus to see another way to Dockyard. I just did a big loop and did the South Side once again driving past Horse Shoe Bay etc.

Then I rested and repacked stuff, wrote PC and then went to dinner at the Swizzle Inn (new South Side locale). I misjudged on a Saturday night it should be busy. It was and I had to wait. But luckily I was sure to check in with the waiter and found out my party was not announced. I ended up having a very FILLING meal for a reasonable price for Bermuda (thanks to their well known weekend specials). Their rum swizzle was tiny but potent!

Sunday, September 9--Another beautiful day, I am ready to get going. Luckily my hostess/friend/newly married bride called in the morning to inform me the flight information and taxi ride to the airport was one hour earlier. The person at the front desk did not know how to use the phone system to get voicemail. I found it a bit odd.

When I was ready to return the key, I tumbled. (Uneven fake grass terrain by my front door. Luckily I was fine and ok. Why me?) I used my transport pass one last time and made it to Coco Reef a bit earlier and grabbed some internet time. But alas I could not get any food (none at my place nor at Coco Reef (their kitchens closed half and hour before I arrived).

We get to the airport and then wait for almost an hour for Jet Blue to have people at the check in desk. It was frustrating as I was hungry. (We surely were not checked in within 2 hours of departure). I got some grub but it was expensive and all right.

Luckily the flight was smoother than going to Bermuda and I arrived back into a much cooler Boston. I could not believe I was back in Boston!

Bermuda day 2 (9.7.07)-Crystal Caves, Aquarium...

Friday, SEPT 7, 2007--Today is my friend BM wedding and my sis bday. I ignore my alarm (at least today I am just sightseeing before the wedding at 4pm).

I head out about an hour later and catch the #7 into Hamilton. I change to bus #11 at the Bus Depot. I am ravenous and manage to grab a corn muffin and yogurt for $3.35 at the small cafe across from the bus depot. I get on the 9:30am to head towards the Aquarium. I get off at the FLATS area. The fee to the Natural History Museum, Zoo and Aquarium is $10 for everything and the average visit lasts about an hour. The aquarium is small. I did find the mornay very interesting. Supposedly a very shy but can look intimidating. I learned the most dangerous thing around Bermuda is the Portugese Man of War! There are lots of sharks but not very harmful to humans. Though they have strong sense of smell to blood, they might bite humans, unless you have a high fat content, they will not continue to bite you. (Chatting with others later on some mentioned "JAWS" scared them in regards to sharks.)

I liked the colorful fish and spindly lobster. The hogfish looked interesting with its face and "snout". From there I hit the Natural History Museum. Bermuda triangle is all a myth. There used to be lots of animals and natural cedar. Long since gone and farmed out. Now there are more resources brought in than created within Bermuda. Tourism is a big trade and money earner for this 20 mile island.

Then I decided after looking around, I went to the smaller Zoo area. I liked the seals (along the way to the entrance of the Natural History Museum. They were lazing about. I saw flamingos (a ton of them) and some other endangered animals. Very small place and I managed to grab the #11 bus to Crystal Caves relatively quickly.

I get dropped off at the old Swizzlers location. (I heard about it based on Rachel Ray's show and it is known for their Rum Swizzlers drink.) The walk to Crystal Caves is only about 5-10 minutes. I get the dual visit to both Crystal and Fantasy Caves for $23. I manage to catch the tour that just left (every half hour). Walk down 88 steps and into the pools and crystals. It is beautiful. The crystals take 100 years to grow an inch. Looking at 1.5 million years of history and if our hands touch them, it stunts their growth. The colors come from minerals and if they are white there is none (I think). The grey color comes from magnesium and the pinkish color comes from iron. (More Pink at the Fantasy Cave anyways.) It did get a bit humid and the pools were as deep as 55 feet deep. Very blue and clean and turquoise. As with anything, photos do not due this place justice. Seeing is believing as photos are only two dimensional.

The next tour started within 10 minutes and I had to exchange for another ticket. This time Fantasy Caves are a bit steeper with no ramp and I made sure to go down holding both railings. (The steps were steeper and wetter.) It is beautiful in a different way and people were able to name various formations thing---faces , the thinker, the chess pieces etc. Very imaginative and fun! Both are caves are privately owned. Both were only opened within the 20th century.

My cell phone died and now I want something. I decide to get a small rum raisin ice cream kiddie cone for only $2.35. (Beats the $3.50 one scoop cone plus I do not want to be inhaling alot of cream.) I wait for the bus (this one is a LONG TIME) as I have seen at least three buses in the opposite direction pass by.

I bump into the couple from Alabama who are waiting for the same bus and a local from Nigara (in Bermuda for a few months) as we all head to St. George's. Time is tight and now I have no time to explore St. Georges. The bus driver is kind to drop me off really within 2 minutes walking distance to the ferry. I sit there and meet Terry from Atlanta. She is here to treat herself to a nice vacation. We chitchat. The Ferry arrives and we make the 1:30pm. The ride on the water is very BUMPY that I felt I was on a rollercoaster ride! The water was very beautiful! So blue and pristine just gorgeous not something you see in Boston or Cape Cod!

I took a nap and at around 2:20 we land at the Dockyards. Here there is not much save the Rum Cake Factory, small mall in the Clock Tower, and the Maritime Museum and of course the dockyard. Since there is not much time I got to the rum cake factory and try all the flavors---coconut, banana, chocolate, original, swizzle I opt for the Chocolate cake. The small one is $12.95. Not too bad. Then I hit the Clocktower Mall for some souvenirs. I get my requisite stuff. I catch the 2:45 whichs lands me back to the Sandpiper by 3:15pm. (I did get to see Somerset, go over the smallest bridge, see Horseshow Beach (Heard it was lovely) while heading back from the Dockyards.

I prep and get ready for the wedding. Noticed my room was made up and wait for the bus at 3:49pm. The wedding is at 4pm. I get there about 4:09 and it has already started. BM and RC are already standing up. It is by the pool overlooking the water and beach. (It was sunny then cloudy and sunny). At least the weather held up for them! I was happy! BM looked radiant in her halter top style v necked wedding dress which was gorgeous! She was stunning and she later told me it only took her an hour to get her dress, tiara and shoes all in the same shop! (It did not hurt she did her internet research before going to the bridal shops with her mom.)

Her niece was the flower girl and she looked very pretty. Her maid of honor looked lovely in peach and later told me she got her dress at Filene's Basement for a steal! (Her shoes cost more than her dress! The only thing she had to do was fix the zipper! Isn't that cool?).

We had some cheese/cracker platter and a fruit platter laid out for the interim before the dinner. We had only two long tables and the seashell wedding cake was gorgeous. This is the smallest wedding I attended by very elegant and lovely. I got the seared yellow fin tun with a tomato feta as a side. It was very good. Everyone spent time and then later we were done by 8pm.

I decided to take the 9:15PM from Hamilton Bus and used the Coco Reef's internet for a bit of catch up. Once I got back, caught up on errands and I had an "America's Next Top Model" marathon in the backdrop.

Bermuda rehearsal dinner and night into Hamilton (9.6.07)

At the airport looking out from my window

Welcome to Bermuda (we even had a band greet us with delightful music!)

Moon entrance ways (supposed to mean good luck when you pass under)

The guest apartments where I stayed while in Bermuda

The little huts to wait for the bus or the pink/blue poles as well

(Pink ---towards Hamilton and Blue meant away from Hamilton)

Thursday, September 6, 2007----After my flight (Bermuda is one hour ahead than EST) and only less than a two hour flight, I arrived. I did notice the pink buildings, limestone roofs and humidity! (The ride was a bit bumpy while on the plane.) Upon landing before heading to immigration customs, you had to fill out two forms. We were welcomed to the sweet sounds of reggae under "Welcome to Bermuda".

Immigration was really quick. I headed to the tourist information booth. (I had promptly left all the wedding information and tourist information at home that morning when figuring out flights etc.) I asked about the "MUST DOs" whilst in Bermuda. I was told the Crystal Cave, Aquarium, Dockland, St. George and Hamilton as suggestions.

Since I did some research, I knew that the public bus system is very handy. But you have to have passes/tokens and coins (no bills) to take the buses. I opted for the four day tourist pass for $35. (Includes all ferries and buses) Then I noticed the LONG line to customs. I had to wait a bit. Luckily I still had some sudoku to do and information to read.

I finally make to the end of the line and I am glad I packed light. I get out of the airport and walk over to the little hut. (Turns out pink poles means to Hamilton and blue poles mean away from Hamilton). I take the next bus but am told to get off at GROTTO BAY and switch to the #1 then head to the hospital and switch to the #7 to get to the SANDPIPER guest apartments. (Bermuda is only 20 miles and everyone is very friendly. They drive on the other side of the street whereas we here in the USA do not).

I got onto the empty bus (it is about 2:30ish). Met some tourists who just visted the Crystal Caves and recommended it saying you need about an hour and it is steep but a must do. I notice the lush green grass, gorgeous aqua blue water and stone cliffs as we go around alot of windy roads. The bus drivers are very polite and friendly and will announce stops. I recommend telling them your destination as the majority of the time they will NOT announce stops. So it is best to inform the driver of your destination.

As I got off the #1 to go onto the #7, a kind local told me to cross the street if I wanted to go to South Shore Drive. (Very helpful indeed!). This time at the transfer I was hitting a PACKED bus. It was a bit awkward having to stand. My bus driver told me my exit which helped alot. It was by the gas station and seriously only 2 minute walk away. I found it and walked to the front to register.

Wanda had me fill out the information and we chitchatted about the excellent health care from Beth Israel Hospital. (She had gone there to have her child.) The I proceeded to get some restaurant suggestion----Pickled Onion, Hog and Pig were top choices for her to tell me. Then I got to my room #5. (By the pool and the road South Shore Road). It is only down the road about 10 minutes driving from Coco Reef. (Also there is a 5-9 minute walk in to get to the resort). I settle in and realize I have no time before the 5:30 reception as it is almost 4pm. I just watch MTV in the background. Some girl wanting to be "MADE" into a rapper. (Much to her feminist grandmother's horror.).

I map out some things I want to do----times opening, marked on a map, marked up the bus schedules and possible routes for Friday morning/early afternoon. I head to the bus stop at 5pm. I get to Coco Reef which is adjacent to Bermuda College. I head to the free internet room. Then head to the Cafe Coco to the welcome reception. Turns out to be a very small wedding for my friend BM and her fiance RC. I am so glad they found each other. I met him at her bridal shower on the Cape last month. I have know BM since high school.

She worked at the customer service desk and I was the front end. She and I always got along. Her parents are sweet hearts. I used to chat with her and she would kindly give me a lift here and there. I always loved her kind and open heart. Very thoughtful and she loved to write as much as I did. So her parents, siblings, maid of honor, RC best man, myself, and her niece and another couple rounded up the attendees.

We had a nice welcome reception with snack food that had a delicious fruit plate---very sweet pineapples, red grapes, honey dew melons. There were Asian inspired lobster rolls (rice paper, vermicelli) with a soy dip, tons of mini quiches, simple salad with onions, greens and tomatoes plus shrimp and chicken skewers. It was a lovely spread. I tried two drinks that are local the RUM SWIZZLE (Traditional cocktail from Bermuda; recipe from Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub and home of the Rum Swizzle. Goslings Black Seal Rum• Barbados Rum (or any amber rum)•triple sec• juice of 2 lemons• pineapple juice• orange juice• Bermuda Falernum or simple sugar syrup• 4 dashes of Angostura bitters) and the YELLOW BIRD (light rum, galliano, creme de banana, pineapple juice, orange juice.). Both were potent and sweet.

After the mini reception, a few of us went into Hamilton in cabs. We decide to head to Flanagans (kid friendly). Sat in the outdoor patio overlooking Front Street. I got a Smirnoff Twisted Watermelon. I remember when this drink first came out only in one flavor too. Wow now they have a bunch of flavors. Did see the Norwegian Cruise Line docked by Hamilton around Front Street. We hung out had some cool conversations. Learned about BM liking mudslides now strawberry daiquiris.

We grabbed cabs back and I am back in my place by 10:45pm. I watch the FINALE of season two of Project Runaway which Chloe Dao won. By midnight (EST eleven) I am pooped and set my alarm for 7am. (Somehow I think I am going to ignore it!).