Christmas & NYE 2016

I never understood what "baking season" was until now. With this winter being especially cold and snowy, the warmth from oven cooking is a welcome feeling. 

For our beer and cheese white elephant exchange, I made a parm and rosemary loaf with a garlic butter. It was a hit! I also think I got THE BEST gift at the exchange because my beer came with brie and salami (my faves). 

Most of us wore festive sweaters, and we had a great friendmas. I like being able to host these kinds of gatherings, even though I miss hosting at our last house. We had SO MUCH space there! 

Matt and I spent Christmas Eve at church with is family and then we all ate dinner at his sister's house. For the dinner, Matt cooked up a bunch of butcher steaks, and we brought sundried tomato basil bread with garlic butter. And Pokemon snickerdoodles! When I was making the royal frosting for the cookies, I was horrified at how much sugar the recipe called for. No more frosting in 2017! 

The dinner was delicious, and I've been having so much fun playing with Matt's niece. Matt's sister gave me a LC loaf pan for Christmas, and I am so excited to use it! Another one for the collection. Between the Keurig that Matt's sister gave him, the Anova sous vide that I gave to Matt, and the hand blender that Matt gave to me, I think this Christmas has successfully maxed out our kitchen space. 

On Christmas Day, Karen, Sam, and Melissa came over to hang out and watch basketball and movies. Melissa made dokkbokki and I made another rosemary loaf. After we finished eating, we watched The Secret Life of Pets. It was a very relaxing day after what felt like an exhausting weekend!

After Christmas, I made a roasted garlic and rosemary Le Poulet Rouge in my dutch oven. The skin was buttery and the chicken was perfectly sized for my 3.5 qt. pot. A few days later, we used the drippings to make fried rice, and I think it was the best fried rice I've ever had. 

For NYE, David, Matt, Charles, and I headed down to Portland to meet up with other Charles who was visiting his cousin. 

When we got to Portland, I caught up on email and saw a message from my mom about my uncle passing away. It was a really shocking moment, and I thought how sad my cousins must be this NYE. I can't imagine what they went through over the weekend, and what they are going through now. Growing up, we spent many holidays at my uncle's house and he was always kind and welcoming. Since moving away from home, I haven't seen my uncles much at all. It makes me sad that I've lost touch, and it also makes me feel guilty for not going home for the holidays. 

For the rest of the Portland trip, I stayed in touch with my mom via email to make sure she was okay. I couldn't do much else about the situation. Ringing in 2017 at the Midnite event was a huge hit. The venue was gorgeous, people were nice, and music was on point. Most importantly, I got to spend NYE with my closest friends and we all had a great time. My uncle's passing reminded me to live in the moment and enjoy all that is around me. It's easy to get caught up in life and forget that tomorrow is never promised. 

For 2017, I want to be more present in my day-to-day life and appreciate every moment. I'm going to be more thoughtful and more connected. 

Contact 2015, New Years, visitors, and SNOW!

The week after Christmas, we went up to Vancouver for our very first CONTACT festival! I really and truly loved the venue, and despite the ultra low temps I had a great time. Even though I said no more festivals after this year, I'd definitely consider attending that one again.

After the drive home, we were so exhausted. But we had to get ready for our visitors - Andy, Alom, and Gary! They stayed with us three nights, and it went by way too quickly. We brought them to Burnett's for BNO, and Matt took them sightseeing the next day in Seattle. For NYE, we got a table at Aston Manor and it was the BEST IDEA EVER. We were the first ones to book the brand new enclosed area right next to the stage, and we had an awesome view of the DJ and crowd. Bottles and bottles later, we were all having a wonderful time, and certainly a happy new year. 

The week after the guys left, I got extremely sick and ended up sleeping for two days straight. YUCK! Hopefully that was my sickness for the year. That flu or whatever it was really hit me like a wall. I'm wondering if it was the cold weather, because we did actually have some snow that week. Forrest got to play in it! 

So far, this year has been great! I took a writing class with Chelsie already, and work is going well as usual. I can't wait to see what else 2016 has in store for me. I really have to shed my winter coat soon though -- boy, I layered up thick this holiday season! HAHA

Resolution for 2015 (yeah, just one)

Like many others, I lose focus on my New Year resolutions by March. Actually, it may happen as soon as February. So this year, I decided to make a more reasonable resolution that will help me in many ways.

For 2015, I plan to go home for lunch at least three times per week.

This means more walks for Forrest, less money spent during the week, and eating healthier (because the food we buy is relatively healthy… or at least healthier than what I buy for lunch at work). Putting that Costco membership to use!

For example:


This also helps me take more breaks from my computer, which on busy days I fail to do. Also, this encourages me to get groceries regularly and will help us eat out less for dinner; this is when we eat the worst, coming home after work to an empty fridge makes for poor takeout food decisions.

Less is more!

Christmas and a Space Needle NYE!

This year for Christmas, I got to spend a 3-day weekend one week prior to the holiday with my fambams and my friends in SF! I flew in on Thursday evening, and hung out with my Al Pals at a new club called Audio. The music was amazing and we had a RIDICULOUS time. I think that night is the most money I've ever spent at a club bar, but it was worth every dollar. And it really felt like back in the college era, except instead of going to Holy Cow we were around the corner from Holy Cow LOL. On Friday, I got to try the ramen wings! I approve. And then at night, I went to my mini middle school reunion and got to catch up with people I literally haven't seen in over ten years. It was really nice to see where people are now, and I'm glad to know that everyone has been successful in their careers and is looking good!

On Saturday, I tried to get a Sushirrito with P and Andy but they ran out of "everything".. whatever that means. We ended up getting dim sum, and then waiting in line at Golden Gate bakery for deeericious egg tarts! And then at night, I went to Huey's surprise birthday! I also got to catch up with Charles, I've really missed him! We still have the same wonderful chemistry, I'm guessing we always will (and I'm hoping he moves to Seattle next). We ended up at Bootie, and then back at Andy and Alex's apt to end the night. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Sunday morning I got to have lunch at Juban with my parents and my brother. We used to go to Juban A LOT because it was so close to home and the food was good. It seems that Juban has gone downhill because both the food and the service were lacking. We had a lot of laughs and catching up at lunch, and it was really nice.. not too much has changed since I've moved, which is the way I like it!

Matt and I spent Christmas day with his family, at his sister's house again. This time it was a smaller celebration (just immediately family + me) and we shared a cozy prime rib dinner. We even exchanged gifts!! I was never really into Christmas but seeing children now during the holidays opening gifts finally makes me understand. Spending holidays with Matt's family is wonderful, I'm so happy to be invited! <3 br="">
For New Years Eve this year, Matt and I decided to take advantage of our central location and watch the fireworks at the Space Needle! I'd never seen them in-person, and neither had a few others that we invited to join us. The fireworks were amazing and watching them on TV really just doesn't do them justice. We walked over to a diner and our first meal for 2014 together! The window said "Lucky 7" on it and we had seven people. 2014 might just be the most amazing year ever for all of us! Or perhaps... the luckiest? :)

New Years 2013

Well another year has come and gone, and it feels like time is flying faster than ever before! I spent the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013 watching The Pianist with Victor. I think this indicates that my year will be full of cozy, entertaining, and sober moments. And actually, that sounds pretty awesome to me. I should probably start by recapping the past few months - there are way too many moments to catch up on here, but I can definitely point out the highlights:

My first JACK-O-LANTERN! Even though my first time carving a pumpkin was in my mid-twenties, I still had JUST as much fun (if not more) than a 10 year old would. And, I was pretty impressed by how well I did! Victor carved a much more complicated freehand Dada pumpkin with bananas and champagne... one day I too will graduate to intricate pumpkin design!

Thanksgiving with my favorite Korean family! Charles invited me to join a potluck dinner with his family, and I made cornbread for the first time. One was a traditional buttermilk cornbread, and the other was a jalapeno/whole kernel cornbread. There was so much good food and laughter, it truly was a Thanksgiving I feel thankful to have been a part of.

The Windows company party at the Sheraton, a.k.a. Wayne Manor! Probably the coolest theme for a company party, ever. So many desserts and really impressive décor. My favorite part of the night was when Victor got recruited from the crowd to play suspect in a murder mystery skit. We were sitting in the room unsuspectingly prior to the show, and guys dressed up like old-time gangsters were making small talk with us .. we actually thought they could have been Microsoft employees getting into the theme but they were scouting for crowd members to drag into the show! And of course Victor was found guilty by the crowd at the end - an excellent show with talented entertainers indeed.

The Expedia company party at the EMP Museum. This venue is probably one of the coolest places to host a company party in Seattle. I mean, the exhibits were open! I got to use the scream booth, the Star Trek green screen, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Rockaroke and the virtual dance videos. The food was only decent, there wasn't much selection at all. The desserts were good though, and there was plenty to go around! I got to know my coworkers better, and I was much more relaxed (I'm super serious and not the friendliest when I'm actually at work).

The Friend Chicken party! We had an epic group of 30+ people over to celebrate pajamas and fried chicken. Most of the chicken was store bought in the beginning, but later in the evening we fired up the fryer and started throwing in the prepped chicken. BJ's chicken was the best, hands down. Kim's mini cupcakes were absolutely amazing. Lots of liquor flowing made for a really loud game of White Elephant. I ended up with 3 cheesy DVDs and movie candies, but I was pretty satisfied with my gift. The party really made me realize how lucky I am to have such a loving, fun, and exciting group of friends in Seattle. Because of them, 2012 was amazing, and I'm sure 2013 will only grow the awesomeness exponentially.

And finally, my resolutions! I used one of my Christmas gifts to seal the list and make it all LEGIT and stuff!!! This year's list includes getting in shape for UMF, dropping down to 115 lbs at some point, getting a reasonably paid job with benefits, blogging at least twice per month, and finally getting around to creating a writing portfolio.

May 2013 be EVER in our favor.

New Years 2012

This new years was last minute, unplanned, and I had low expectations. Out of desparation, after finding out that the Indulgence @EMP tickets were sold out, I even looked up airfare for SF and LA. Wayyyy too expensive -- luckily, the evening wasn't a bust. Victor ended up taking me along to preparty in Bellevue, and then house party in Wallingford.

I felt a bit awkward because when I was told we were going to Wallingford, I assumed that it was bar hopping and I didn't dress up. I was just wearing jeans, boots, and a sweater. When I got to Victor's house and he got dressed, he was in formal attire with tie and all! There wasn't any time for me to go home and change, and so I started the night feeling underdressed and awkward. Once I got over that though, things got better.

The house in Wallingford was pretty awesome, the front was all glass where the kitchen and dining area were, and then toward the back was a huge entertainment room. There was also an impressive balcony along the side of the house that looked out onto the lake. Very nice! The party was interesting, everyone was super friendly and I met new people - I even met a guy from Canada who follows the Maple Leafs, AND the Sharks. So cool. At midnight there was lots of champagne bottle popping and I was very cold and wet. Everyone moved inside and enjoyed the night a bit longer. It truly was excellent company and a lovely new year celebration.

Today I decided to start the New Year off right. I went to the gym to pick up my new membership card, had a healthy salad for dinner, read a nice chunk of Love in the Time of Cholera, and played Dance Central 2! That's a pretty solid day, considering that my resolutions consist of the following:

1) Excercise -- regularly, seriously, and to feel good all of the time
2) Eat less and cook more -- moderation and consideration to the max
3) Education via reading -- old faves, new novels, or newspapers even
4) Eccentuate my features -- make an effort with makeup, hair, and skincare
5) Enjoy -- simple things, like eating/reading alone in public places
I think through these four E's I can continue to live a healthy, happy, and full life. And yes, I know that my resolutions are essentially the same every year (aside from a few variations), but I do see improvement with each year that has past. I hope that 2012 will be as generous and exciting as 2011, and of course the main goal again will be to become the best person possible.



And I'm actually VERY excited about Dance Central 2, it's definitely my favorite Christmas gift from this year. All of my favorite clubbing songs are on it! If nothing else, this week will be very amusing.

New Years Resolutions

I think I started 2011 off right, for once in my life. In the past, I've gone into celebrating new years with high hopes - the search for "the" dress, fancy clubs with expensive covers, and some small part of me secretly hoping to magically meet a super hot guy from which I will elicit the most perfect new years kiss.

In my years of celebration, this has NEVER happened. Far from it actually -- I generally go home the first day of the new year dearly disappointed. And maybe that's why the past few years have been tainted with disappointment, let-downs and broken expectations. From the lies and deceit, being betrayed by the closest person to me this past year, and learning to forgive someone who never deserved my trust to begin with a year before, I've definitely been doing something wrong.

This year will be different though. I think I've evolved as a person and learned not to overly-invest myself -- you know, keep it simple. This New Years Eve was indeed simple and unplanned. I went to lunch with my parents Friday afternoon, then went to a bar on Polk street with my closest friends at night. I wasn't even sure if I was going to go out at night, I was truly content with staying home and relaxing. Although, I am glad that I did go out because I ended up having a good time. The night was short, and I did not have enough to drink -- and even though it doesn't sound like the best New Years celebration, it really was.

Because I started off the New Year with Alex and Andy, the Al Pals who always have my back and I care about soooo much. Because I wasn't plastered and didn't NEED to go home early. Because I didn't care who I met or where I was. Because the dress I wore to the bar I found when I was looking for something else. Because nothing was planned, nothing at all was certain. Because there were no expectations and no false promises culminating in my subconscious. Because even though I wasn't expecting it, I ended up getting a new years kiss.

Because of all of these things, my New Years celebration was ab-so-lutely perfect. I couldn't have had a better time and if this is ANY indication of what the next year will be like I am VERY excited for what is to come. Over the past years, I've learned how to appreciate the most important things in life. And not only have I FINALLY learned to be genuinely happy alone, I've also learned how to gauge who I can trust and who should truly matter.

Consequently, I don't really have any specific New Years resolutions this year. For 2011 I know that I must better myself and expand my horizons on all fronts. I will take life each day at a time and push myself in my career and social life. I've already signed up for community service events in the coming months, so I'm well on my way to helping others. If I continue to try my best at everything I do I know that everything else will fall into place.

And to be thorough, my resolutions from last years post:
1. Read more
2. Drink, and go out, less
3. Take more pictures
4. Eat healthier and stay in shape
5. Be less of a flaker for social events

I can proudly say that I've made significant progress in all 5 areas through 2010. To all of my friends and anyone who is reading this, I wish you all the best for the new year and success in any and many endeavors. Here's to 2011 --

New Years (in LA, trick!)

On Wednesday night I finally watched He's Just Not that Into You, and it's been a while since I've BAWLED - but that movie is definitely a tear-jerker.

Thursday morning, V and I flew to LA. Bryant picked us up and we picked up Chinese breakfast at this place next to BAMBOODLES. HA, LOVE THAT NAME. We ate back at his place then napped. He was nice enough to let us stay in his backhouse, which is UNGODLY cold, but super cool to live in because it's secluded. For dinner, we had Chinese food again and then stopped by a hot pot party before clubbing - met some interesting people. It ended up being 4 of us at Boulevard 3, but it was still fun. There were mesmerizing gogo dancers! The countdown was disappointing, but I expected so. We got carne asada fries after the club, and they lived up to the hype.

Friday, we had Chinese food again, resulting from a string of failed attempts to try other places. I think food businesses should be open on New Years, because really - what else is there to do aside from eating?? Anyhoo, we rented Paranormal Activity and watched half. Then we went to Yard House for drinks, The Hat for a snack, and back home. At drinking, I re-met a girl that had French class with me in high school! SMALL WORLD! We finished Paranormal Activity and I didn't find it all that scary. The huge break that we took, however, probably influenced this. Then again, maybe it's better that way because I wasn't scared!

Saturday, Dom took us to Roscoes (I f'ing love Roscoes) and then shopping in Pasadena. I got a root beer float froyo at 21 Choices, and it was SO GOOD. I wonder if places in SF have that flavor. We walked around and the weather was really nice! Lots of cool dogs and cars to gawk at. When we got back to the house, Dom and Bryant were preparing their fight moves for the night to come. For dinner, we went to a birthday at a Japanese restaurant. Saw some of the same people from then night before, got to know them a bit better. Stopped by karaoke for a bit after, and then headed to Area! The club was nice, music was great, crowd was FULL-ON Asian. Good times. We drove back to SF at 5:00AM, and the car ride + being hung over was PURE HELL. All in all, a good weekend, and no pictures.

Oh and, my New Years resolutions:
1. Read more (i.e. Shadow of the Wind)
2. Drink, and go out, less
3. Take more pictures
4. Eat healthier and stay in shape
5. Be less of a flaker for social events

I hope 2010 is a spectacular chapter for all.