Celebrating My Sister

With a month left before my sister's wedding, her girlfriends and I got together to throw her a bridal shower/bachelorette party.  Our day was spent getting massages at The Lounge Spa and then heading to the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills for fun and games and then tapas for dinner at The Bazaar.  Note: If you are starving, eat some beforehand because the portions are super duper tiny.  Even though I've known of my sister's friends for over a decade now, this was the first time I had ever spent time with them.  Everyone was super sweet and it made me so happy to see that my sister has such a great group of girls around her.  In fact, we all got along so wonderfully that I am already planning on "stealing" some of her friends!

The Lounge Spa catered our event with cupcakes and fruit - oink oink!

Relaxed after our massages

Cute group shot.  Aren't I strong? =P

We played a fun game of "hot potato" with different articles of clothing. 

All dolled up and ready for dinner!

Looking Outside To Look Within

I went to see a lady who uses numerology to tell you more about yourself in hopes of getting some guidance during this time in my life.  Yes, I know that some of you are shaking your heads, but when you feel as desperate as I do for answers, you'd do just about anything.  I talked to some of her clients while I was waiting for my turn and they all told me how on point she was.  So, when my time came, I walked in a little doubtful, but also with an openmind.  After all, I was paying her so I might as well make the most of it.  I had fun, if nothing else.  I like learning about myself.

She asked me for my name and my birth date which I provided.  As she was doing her calculations, she kept saying "wow" until finally, she looked at me and said...

"You are a powerhouse."

Basically she told me how I was put on this Earth to accomplish something great (which surprised me because that has always been something I felt in my heart).  She said that typically, people have maybe 1 connected line or no connected lines (based off of how I fell on the numerology chart), but I had 3 connecting lines (picture a tic tac toe layout with only 6 boxes filled - I'm too lazy to do the math to figure out what the maximum number of lines can be) which were interpreted as follows:

1. Driven - She told me that I am someone who never gives up and has endless determination which is why I was able to accomplish any goal and be so successful at my job at such a young age.  She told me that I didn't get there by luck (though some people may think so), but because I worked my ass off and that I was a business person at heart.

2. Even keeled - She said that by nature, I am someone who is emotionally and spiritually sound which allows me to make the right decisions at the right time (which explains why my gut reactions are always on point)

3. Activity - She told me that I am someone who needs to constantly be on the move whether it be keeping myself busy or travelling around the world.  Otherwise, I'll get bored.

Although I was already aware of all of these things, I was amused that she was able to know all of this without my telling her anything.

She then proceeded to tell me that I often feel like no one understands me and I feel isolated (true) in this world, but that I shouldn't let it get to me because the way I think is more advanced than most because I'm always one step ahead.  And that I was someone who didn't need as much stability in my life because I could live without it because I am so independent.  She also told me that no matter what I did with my career, I was going to be really prosperous, but that she could see that I was nearing the end of my term with my current profession (I didn't tell her anything, but she's right).  She kept emphasizing that I should embrace all my strengths as gifts instead of feeling like these "gifts" were a burden (which is how I had been feeling because everytime I see a palm reader, they always say the same thing - "You are a powerhouse woman!" which always carries a negative connotation to it)

The best/craziest thing she told me was that people were often intimidated by me.  I was shocked because so many people have told me that and I never understood why.  I even walked into her office timidly and when she told me that I asked "Why do I keep hearing that over and over again?  I am so petite and look so harmless!"  She told me that it was the energy and aura that I carried with me; that it was so strong that people could feel something when they first meet me that makes them feel intimidated.

So then the million dollar question.  What type of partner would be the best fit for me if I'm supposedly such a "powerhouse"?

She told me that I need to be with someone just as adventurous and driven as I am.  Someone who'll take my ideas and work with me to push them to fruition, rather than being threatened by my success.  Someone who'll be excited about new possibilities, support me and take risks with me, and be as enthusiastic as I am to live life without hesitation.  We would bring all of this out in each other.  This combination would result in a powerhouse couple.

So much for a "settle-down" life, huh?  But doesn't all that sound like such an exciting life?  I want!

Philly and DC Visit

I'm back from vacation!  I went to Philly and DC to visit two of my wonderful girl friends whom I have missed very much since they live so far away!  The day after Thanksgiving, I woke up at 3:30AM to catch a 6:10AM flight into Philly.  My friend D was there to pick me up when I arrived.  Here are the highlights of our time together!

Will he turn into a Prince Charming?

No hangout is complete without karaoke!

I had a wonderful time visiting Independence Hall, playing Bananagrams, hanging out with good-hearted people, eating delicious food, watching TV shows with people who are just as excited as I am, and getting into the Christmas spirit!  Thank you so much for your hospitality and for being such inspirations in my life!

For the first time, I took the train from Philly to DC.  The stations on the east coast are so beautiful!  Once I got to DC, I met my friend A's baby boy for the first time.  He is truly adorable which is no surprise given that his parents were bound to pass on their good looks to him!  I didn't have enough time to visit all of the national monuments on this trip, but now I have an excuse to visit DC again in the future!

Isn't he as cute as a button?  His Mommy had me hold him right after he ate and he pooped on me, twice!  But it's okay, he peed on her as she was changing his diaper.  Such a good boy!  =)

The sweet family on our walk back from Whole Foods and Starbucks!

I was fortunate enough to catch Marie Digby live in DC!  I've always wanted to see her perform live, but she performs on weekdays in LA and I'm always travelling for work.  Luckily, she was in DC the same time I was so I sat in the front row and even got a chance to take a picture and talk with her after!  She has a super cute personality that makes you want to smile.

Sweet Dreams

For those of you who know me, I quite often have nightmares. Whether it be about ghosts, being chased, letting out internalized anger, or what have you, sweet dreams are hardly ever had by me…that is, until last night. I asked God for a pleasant dream and boy oh boy, nothing scary for once! I was in a dormitory somewhere and there was a guy down the hall who supposedly had a crush on me. He was a musician of some sort, and he’d constantly tell me about his band’s performances after he’d get home late at night. I never saw his face though, because he’d always be talking to me outside of my room. I decided to call my good friend B to tell her about him. She said she knew who he was and that she had just gone on a date with one of his bandmates! I was ecstatic as she informed me that their band was performing on TV. I was excited to see what this guy actually looked like so I surfed to the channel. Right when I was about to see his face, he comes walking in my room because my door was open. I freaked out because I would have been so embarrassed if he heard everything I had been saying about him so I started to scream and yell “OMG!” over and over again. He grabbed me by the shoulders and said “You have to calm down. Calm down.” You’d think at this point I would have looked up to see his face, but I didn’t. I hate when people tell me to calm down, but for some reason, I didn’t mind that time and I found that odd so being me, I was too busy analyzing why I wasn’t bothered instead of seeing what he looked like. Then, my alarm went off and I woke up.

Blech, 6AM and I had a 7:30AM flight. But I wanted to see his face!! So, I closed my eyes and drifted off into la la land hoping that my dream would continue.

And it did…

I’m sitting with my family somewhere in the dormitory and I suddenly get mad at my Dad because he used the N word (note, my Dad doesn’t even know what the N word is so this was completely random) and I was appalled. I was admonishing him and he kept telling me that he was joking, but I was upset that he would even think that a joke like that would be funny. My Mom, on her way out said “Happy Birthday” and I was shocked that I didn’t even realize it was my own birthday that day. Still upset, I went back to my room and got on the top bunk, which was my bed. Suddenly, a band walks into my room and starts serenading me! And of course, my crush was part of the group and I finally got to see his face! And, he got to see my non-made-up pajamas face. Lovely.

Okay, so he was not totally hot, but not totally not.

My brother had apparently hired them to perform for my birthday! Anyway, I got to hang with my band crush and we definitely hit it off. I felt high-schooly and giddy in my dream and I liked it.

Until…he morphed into JON GOSSELIN.

E to the W!

Whatever. Up until that point I loved my dream. I woke up and it was 6:30AM, but I didn’t care. I almost missed my flight, but that’s okay. I was in my happy place.

Book Review: Time Traveller's Wife

Oh. My. Gawd. 

People must have thought I was crazy on my flight into Denver this morning because I was sniffling and wiping tears for about 20 mins straight!  This book moves you to your very core.  For those who have been living under a rock and have no clue what this book/movie is about, it is a love story about a man who time travels and a young girl who later becomes his wife.  There are moments of bliss because their love for one another is so sweet and tender, moments of inspiration because the patience, understanding, and acceptance they unconditionally give to one another is so selfless, moments of anger because you can't believe such tragedy could happen to such wonderful people, and moments of reflection where you're just in awe of how the story unfolds and finally comes to an end.  I highly, highly recommend this book (not so much the movie)!  I do have to say though, my next book will be a chick-lit book; no more bawling my eyeballs out!

Rating: 10/10

My First Snow Storm: I'm In Denver, Colorado!

My client office closed early yesterday at 3PM and we had a hotline to call this morning to find out whether the office would be open today due to a snow storm.  We've gotten about 10" of snow so far and it's supposed to continue the rest of the day.  Luckily, it hasn't been too cold!  The talk of the office today amongst the consultants is whether our flight has been cancelled and if so, whether we are "stuck" here or can catch another flight out.  So far, I think I am okay because my flight is originating from Denver, so the aircraft should already be here.  I can just count on waiting forever for my plane to get de-iced.  Cross your fingers and toes for me that I will be able to go home tonight!  Yesterday, we had to scrape the snow off my car so that I could get back to my hotel!

I've been sitting in the cubicle of a lady who is currently on medical leave.  Her cubicle is decorated with a lot of inspirational and religious quotes.  Maybe this is a sign, that I need to be more optimistic and faithful, but then another coworker gave me a :-( Despair, Inc. catalog and heck, I found myself laughing my arse off.  Call me pessimistic, bitter, jaded, or whatever, but I did have my favorites!

It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.

 Less is more.  Unless you're standing next to the one with more.  Then you just look pathetic.

Time heals all wounds.  But it usually leaves a pretty big scar.

Just because you think you're a star doesn't mean you're going anywhere.

Always remember that you are unique.  Just like everybody else.

Leaving Work Behind...Just for a Day!

I have been travelling so much lately, that I have to think twice about where I am or where I am headed.  Over the past 3 months, I have travelled back and forth to San Francisco, Calgary, and now Colorado.  Most of the time, my trips are Monday-Thurs, but sometimes, it's a day trip where I fly up early in the morning and fly home in the evening.  I am working on multiple projects concurrently, so I often get confused about which client I am at...which is why I decided that a GETAWAY would be PERFECT this weekend!

I've only been to Santa Barbara a handful of times, but never had I had as much fun as this time!  I usually don't have much of a game plan when I head up there, but this time, I did my research.  We started the day with brunch at Blush on State St. where there was live music and great food in decent portions.  Then, we went down to the wharf and watched people fish while huge pelicans would try to steal the fish that were already caught and and then walked along the beach.  After, stopped by a couple wineries and then rented a bike and rode around for an hour to work up an appetite!  The day was capped off by heading back to State St. to have an early dinner at Palace Grill.  The drive home was tough as I am immune to coffee and was dozing off the first half of the drive, but it was all worth it in the end.  It's amazing how different an atmosphere only 90 miles away can be.  Everything felt so chill - it was nice to be away from constant stress from working so much during the week.

These were set up underneath the pier.  Such a creative way to get change!  It's funny because we're always told to not give money to homeless people incase they end up buying booze with it, but notice that the very left set-up that reads "Why Lie?  Need Beer." has the most coins!

How often do you get to stand in the middle of tracks and take pictures?  Here I am trying to get creative.  =)

Book Review - Something Borrowed, Something Blue!

I absolutely LOVED Something Borrowed and Something Blue written by Emily Giffin!  This is a 9/10!  I've reserved 10 for non-chick-lit books that move me.  I first picked out these books because of their pretty pastel-ly colors.  Never would I guessed they would quickly become my favorites!  I read Something Borrowed a while back, but I only got 3 hours of sleep last night because I didn't want to put Something Blue down!  You really grow to love the characters despite their shortcomings.  It's about two best friends, Rachel - plain Jane, and Darcy - NY's PR socialite.  Something Borrowed is from Rachel's perspective and her search for love and falling in love with her best friend's fiance.  Something Blue is from Darcy's perspective after "something" happens in Something Borrowed (I don't want to spoil it).  I literally laughed out loud so many times and then there were moments I'd be tearing.  The characters are so easy to relate to and the struggles and journey they go through will make you reflect on your own life.  Emily Giffin also wrote Love the One You're With and Baby Proof (pastel green and pastel yellow, respectively!) both of which are also wonderful and quick reads!! 

Next book: Time Traveller's Wife

Book Review and a Wedding!

Everyone Worth Knowing - By Lauren Weisberger
I just finished reading another chick-lit book written by the same author as Devil Wears Prada.  I have to say that this story was very similar to DWP in that it's about a young girl who's stuck in a dead-end job, quits and gets into event planning at a major firm hitting all the hottest parties while neglecting her family and friends, and then realizing that the job isn't for her because it's not worth giving up her life for (woops, I just gave you the ending).  She did have a love interest and the ending left me assuming...ASSUMING...I wanted that for sure happy ending and I didn't get it.  This isn't high on my recommendation list, but if you're bored and l-o-v-e-d DWP, pick it up!

Rating: 6/10

Congratulations, Maddie and Derrick!
This past weekend, I attended Maddie’s and Derrick’s wedding at Occidental College in Eagle Rock. The campus church where the ceremony took place was beautiful and the reception banquet room was bright and sunny. I first met Maddie during my journey to kick-off my career. She at the time had already begun work at a top company and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I prepared my list of interview questions and potential answers and reviewed them with her over the phone. I was immediately impressed by her gregariousness, professionalism and eloquence and so began our friendship. Through the years, I have been fortunate enough to continually cross paths with Maddie whether it be over lunches because of the close proximity of our work locations, or at mutual friends’ outings. I am so happy that she has found her other half and wish them all the best!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Woo!

Maddie in her beautiful kay po

Crossing Doves

The artist in me decided to rear its creative head again during a conversation with a close friend of mine. I felt inspired by the gracefulness and perseverence she and her family exemplify while going through some of life's challenges. To represent hope, faith, serenity, and sisterhood, I created a painting for her. And, as timing would have it, I got to give it to her in person (she lives in Philly) as a housewarming gift!

The colors in this acrylic painting are white, raw umber, and deep turqoise. This is a contemporary piece illustrating the Fish (painted in white on both the left and right canvases) integrated with the Cross (painted in deep turqoise). The symbolism in this painting is subtle, portrayed in a modern, abstract design. The center canvas contains two white doves with a Cross in the background. All three canvases are united via each cross on each canvas.

Congratulations on your new home Micheletti's!

61st Emmy Awards - I Was There!

This weekend, I attended the 61st Emmy Awards at the Nokia center! My sister, who works for PWC invited me as her guest to be a seat filler! I have never seen so many celebrities in my entire life! As a seat filler, you are pretty much guaranteed seating in Rows A-L and are amongst the talent. How it works is that anytime there is an empty seat in the front, you sit there until the celebrity returns (sometimes they don't return). I sat as close as 3rd row right behind Drew Barrymore and Justin Long as I was keeping Kyra Sedgwick's seat warm while she and Kevin Bacon were backstage getting ready for their presentation. I actually got on camera a couple times, but the most noticeable was during Jimmy Fallon's presentation for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics! I'm actually sitting on the right of the screen, second seat from the aisle and as the winner walks towards the stage, I get my 3 seconds of fame. Unfortunately, due to the fact that I had been on my feet all day, had not been fed more than a sandwich at 11AM, and was wearing a dress that was pretty tight, I felt naseaous and had an unbearable headache causing me to leave the awards ceremony and give up my awesome seat so that I could rest outside. =( At least on the way out, I ran into Adrian Grenier - yeah! I'd have to say that the best part of my experience was seeing the entire cast of Entourage (more than once) and seeing Drew Barrymore up close and personal. On a more personal note, I was happy to spend an extended amount of time with my sister. It was such a great experience that I am going to try to attend the Oscar's next year (crossing fingers)!

The stage was so beautiful - here's my illegal shot of it!

Disneyland Half Marathon - The Happiest Race On Earth!

I did it! After eight weeks of training, I successfully ran 13.1 miles at the Disneyland Half Marathon! The race was so much fun and the course was relatively easy. What made it entertaining was being cheered on by the cast of Disney from Donald Duck to Mickey and Minnie to Lilo and Stitch! There were also the Ducks cheerleaders, hula dancers, the Disney staff, and police officers applauding and cheering the runners on. What was neat was that spectators could track their runners online at the 5k, 10k and 15k mark and they'd even see an estimated time of completion so that they could be sure to meet their family and friends at the finish line! I am so happy that the race is finally over - I was so nervous that I'd get picked up if I didn't maintain a 16 mins/mile pace! Thank goodness I trained! The first 6 miles was like a walk in a park where I felt like I could run forever. Miles 7-10, my body began to ache, but I was only about 25% tired. Once I hit miles 11-13, I got a side stitch, my feet and legs started to cramp, and I started to get really tired because the sun was now fully blazing. I focused on my breathing and gave myself a pep talk. "Do not stop running! You've got to make the last two months of sacrifice and training worth it!" As I approached the finished line, I kept hearing folks saying "you're almost there!" which gave me an adrenaline rush and allowed me to give myself a little push to finish strong! I swear, I am such an emotional sap. I kept wanting to cry during the last .2 miles because I was in such disbelief that all my training was finally going to pay off, but I held it together knowing that I had to look good for my finish line snapshot, haha - vain I know! Thank you so much for those who wished me good luck on my big day, and a special thank you to E* for supporting me at the finish line!

Apparently, I was smiling throughout the whole race!

Almost at the finish line

Crossing the finish line!

Hurray! I made it!

Meet Chibi

This picture makes me happy and breaks my heart at the same time... Chibi is my brother's girlfriend's dog. He recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his head and this is a picture of him after he got his stitches out. *tear*

Second Chance by Jane Green

This book was recommended to me by a colleague who told me that she "laughed and cried" while reading it. Any book that can trigger those types of emotions is my kind of book! On my book scale, 1 being I couldn't even finish it and 10 being I couldn't put it down, I'd rate this book as 7/10.

The story is about a group of friends who have lost touch over the years, but are reacquainted when one of their friends Tom gets killed in a terrorist act. There's Saffron an actress who is a recovering alcoholic and is secretly dating an A list actor who is strategically married to another actress. There's Holly who is in a loveless marriage and finds herself lusting over Tom's younger brother and struggles to walk away from her controlling husband. Then there's Paul who, with his lovely wife Anna, cannot conceive children. And then Olivia, who is newly divorced and strives to find herself again.

I think that readers can identify with the struggles the characters go through. It's about supporting each other through thick and thin, embracing what life has given to you, and standing up for what makes you happy. If you're in the mood for a chick-lit book that's a no brainer to read, definitely check this one out!

Daughtry

Last night, I went to the Daughtry concert at the Music Box in Hollywood. Remember when I was absentminded and forgot to purchase the tickets at 10AM sharp when it went on sale for the first time and it was sold out in less than half an hour? I convinced myself that I was okay not seeing Daughtry live, especially at such a low price, but secretly, I checked Ticketmaster at least once a week hoping that more tickets would be released as the date got closer. Lucky for me, I checked the night before and they released more tickets! I immediately purchased a pair, even before I knew who I would go with! I am so glad that I did!

By the time we arrived, the line to get in wrapped around two blocks! But, it was a super lucky night for me and company. Excellent free parking spot + being allowed to cut in front of everyone to be one of the first to get in (even though we were late) + security not finding my camera in my purse + standing literally 15 ft away from the stage = Awesome Daughtry Experience!

The Landmark Forum

This weekend, I participated in a self development seminar called The Landmark Forum. Those whom I know have completed the 3 day seminar vow that their lives were forever changed. Broken relationships restored, the impossible became possible, and suddenly their worlds were filled with endless opportunities. I hesitated before taking this course as it not only costs $395 but is also held over three 13 hour days (9AM-10PM) Friday-Sunday. I struggle to describe the insight I gained this past weekend because it was an experience more than anything else. After being released into the "real world" on Monday and Tuesday, I almost feel as though I am floating and am consciously aware of everything that is running through my mind, except that I am realizing these thoughts from a 3rd person perspective. I can now clearly see when my mind which works on auto-pilot tries to make meaning out of everyday life, thus creating worries, unnecessary stress and frustrations, sadness, etc... and stop myself from living in a story which my mind created over the many experiences of my life thus far. Because of this new awareness, I am living in the present instead of the past or the future, leaving me with a newfound freedom from all of my thoughts that used to weigh me down. I realize how much of what I used to think about really doesn't matter, and it only mattered because of the story that I had created for myself. I find myself seeing people differently, with a lot more compassion and fewer judgements. I not only know, but truly believe from the bottom of my heart that life is full of so many possibilities and that I can be whoever I choose to be. So many people in class had their ah-ha moments throughout the three days, but I never did. Even so, somehow, I find that I have transformed even when at times, my overanalytical mind tried to resist what the course was teaching. What I found was that you can resist knowing and understanding, but you cannot resist experiencing something. The course was designed so that everyone in the room would experience transformation, not just learn about it. The life lessons they taught have somehow become a part of me and for the first time ever, NOTHING is going through my mind. My mind is quiet and I am at peace with myself and with everyone and everything else around me. This is all just so wierd because I'm so not used to having a quiet mind, but I hope this'll last for a while...

Hey Batter Batter!

Last night, I was very lucky to be invited to the Dodgers vs. Brewers game at the Dodgers stadium. At first, not being a major baseball fan, I was a bit hesitant to go. However, after hearing that it'd be with my wacky senior management team, I quickly accepted the generous offer! Little did I know that I would be sitting up close and personal and be arms reach away from celebrities! It was a very enjoyable evening snacking on a Super Dodgers Dog, peanuts, and soft serve ice cream in a cute Dodgers cap!

It says row B, but I actually got to sit in row A!

This is my view of the field - without zoom!

Mmm, ice cream!

Hey, it's Larry King!

Alyssa Milano - Too bad every picture I took of her, she's closing her eyes!

Action shot!

The wacky bunch! The back two actually got their faces on the jumbotron!