Sunday Funday (post hangover)

Gloves

Me: why are these two fingers missing tips?

BFFF: to make picking stuff up easier?

Me: for texting?

And then we discover the etching in the gloves, What would you do without me?

Olivia

Gets the best packages.

Thanks BFFF! Can't wait to see her face Christmas morning!

Fail

I tried to go to Bikram today, but didn't make it. Not for a lack of effort. But due to a hysterical baby. Usually, she's very distracted when her grandparents are here, but I think she has caught on that sometimes Umma will leave for awhile when they arrive early in the morning. Oh well. She has a bit of a runny nose (AGAIN!) so maybe she just feels extra clingy.

I had a great time at BFFF's house yesterday. I actually haven't seen her in a long while. And our kiddies got along so well! Olivia really loves Alex Oppa and thought V Unnie was pretty hilarious.

Everyone needs to go to Cox Farms. It was tres fun.

Too distracted by the tv right now to blog. Costco later.

Summarize

Hello Party People. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I sure did. Our last weekend in town before we go off on our West Coast adventure! Here's my weekend update...

Friday: Olivia went to Tysons to return several items that I ordered online. A few stuff for her from Old Navy and Gymboree. I ended up purchasing a few items for myself - a JLO-style hat, red linen romper and denim-ish shirt for Mr. Ho at Urban Outfitters, and a blouse, tank, and dress from H&M. It was a good shopping day. I don't cook on Fridays. We like to call it Sushi Friday because Mr. Ho gets me carryout sushi from Arigato almost every Friday. Yum.

Saturday: It was SUCH a beautiful day! We went grocery shopping in the morning and Mr. Ho decided he wanted to smoke pork in the BBQ. It takes ALLLLLL day but the end result is pure deliciousness. Jen and Jess swung by the house and we decided to go to Spa World! Spa World, for those who don't know, is a Korean Bathhouse. Ladies and Gentlemen have their separate locker rooms and bathing pools. You can get massages or scrubs. And you have to be butt-naked. You can join the opposite sex in the common area where they have these different huts of different temperatures and elements to sweat out your impurities. I really love it. I think we might try to do this on a regular basis.

Today: The weather was not as nice and it was quite the lazy Sunday. We ate brunch at Artie's and that's pretty much it. Mr. Ho is at football right now and I'm waiting for the laundry to dry so I can fold it. Today is also my mother's birthday and Olivia's 14th month!

My BFFF sent me this link the other day. It's someone's blog and it is HILARIOUS! I feel like DHuang sent it to me before but I forgot all about it. You guys should read it and have a big laugh.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html

New Year, Old Me

So far, 2011 has been pretty good! Mr. Ho and I rang in the new year at Rays the Steaks with SIL, BIL, BFFF, SeanJon, Fahd, and Fernanda. Great company and delicious food - it was a wonderful start to the new year.

Do you believe that 2012 will be the end of the world? That would mean that this would be the last year of our lives. I don't believe it. I'm pretty sure the Bible says that God is not going to end the world when everyone expects it. But even if it were true, it makes you want to live every single day passionately. My generic resolution is to savor. Savor every bite, every hug, every laugh, every deep and/or mindless conversation, every kiss, every snuggle. Hm. I guess it's pointless to learn how to swim and I'll just wait till 2013 to do that.

Mr. Ho surprised me with dinner reservations at Volt in Frederick for my birthday! I've been wanting to go ever since Top Chef and the Voltaggio Brothers took over. Table 21 was booked for the entire year but we were able to sit at the Chef's Table, which was just as good as Table 21. We had a 7 course dinner (see picture) and it was probably one of the Top 10 meals of my life! It was absolutely divine. I never knew beets could taste that good. Actually, every single dish was to die for. OMG I'm so hungry all over again. And you know I was looking for Bryan the entire time and definitely asked the waiter to get me a picture with him!

I'm 29 now. Last year of my 20's. I don't know whether I'm supposed to be thrilled to still be in my 20's or to be sad about this slow, painful encroachment towards middle age. Ugh.

Very distracted right now. Trying to pump, watch Desperate Housewives online, blog, and respond to FB messages.

EDIT
Just got done cleaning bottles. Now eating birthday cake. While I was scrubbing away, I thought of a few more things I wanted to jot down.

Here's a weird marriage moment. One night Mr. Ho was fast asleep and I was still awake and googling random things on my iPhone trying to pass time till I felt sleepy. I googled "2012 theories." Scared myself and went to sleep. The next morning, I went to see what was on our DVR and lo and behold, Mr. Ho had DVR'd Nostradamus: 2012 stuff off the History Channel! Weird. Also, apparently, I snore.

I think pregnancy did something strange to my bangs. They used to swoosh better. I think it's the post-partem hair loss that has now resulted on less bang swoopage.

What I got for my birthday (I know you want to know): knotted black circle scarf from Australia and gift card from SIL, lycee (spelling?) from in-laws, spa gift card from BFFF, gorgeous flowers from DHuang, Shark vacuum and steamer from my parents (soon to be purchased), and a gift certificate from my brother. I have to note that my brother, who now lives in Tysons, drove out to Fairfax in rush hour to bring me a card/gift and to wish me a happy birthday. You have no idea - this was a HUGE gesture from my little brother. It really made my day!!!

And yes, Shark vacuum and steamer. My parents asked me what I wanted and they said, "shoes?" And I said, "No. Steamer." I'M THRILLED!! I'm also going to purchase one of those vacuum sealer thingys??

Poor Mr. Ho. He has Christmas, my birthday, Valentine's Day, and Olivia's birthday one right after the other. I forgot to mention that as an early gift, I received the new MacBook Air (LOVEEE). We are working on something with the jeweler. It's nothing too big but very sentimental. I can't wait.

I think that's all for now. Hope my birthday was a great day for all!

Christmas Wrap-Up

I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas. Didn't it go by so fast?? So much anticipation for what felt like such a short day.

Here's what went down with the Ho Fam.

Christmas Eve:
My brother picked up my father from BWI and we met them at the jja-jjang-myun place in Annandale. It's the first place my dad hits everytime he lands in Virginia. Afterwards, MIL, FIL, SIL, and BIL came by the house. Yes, that's right! My lovely SIL and BIL are here!!! Olivia had a TERRIBLE night of sleeping. I had to sleep on the recliner as she rolled all over me.

Christmas:
Like a zombie, I passed Olivia to Mr. Ho early Christmas morning. He wished me a merry Christmas and I told him, "Bah Humbug!" After I regained consciousness, I made some waffles and we unwrapped gifts with warp speed. I received a beautiful gray circle scarf and some Jeffery Campbell boots from Mr. Ho. These boots are very different from what I normally wear - a little butch but I like them. Very comfortable and warm! There is one more item that is "in the works," but I'll believe it when I see it and blog all about it! I bought Mr. Ho white Air Force Ones, Bvlgari cologne and aftershave, and a battery-operated pepper grinder the replace the one he broke earlier this month. Olivia received the most gifts of all! Her absolute favorite was a personalized bowl from BFFF.

Mr. Ho was pretty tired so he stayed home while the rest of us ventured to my grandparent's home in Bethesda. My brother met us there. Grandma made some yummy food but it was seriously like 100 degrees in there. Olivia basically took a sweat bath so we didn't stay long. I had to get her home in time for a nap before the Christmas party at Mil and FIl's house, which was a great time. Lots of family, food, and festivities! It was really nice to see how the family is growing - first Olivia and now baby Azuza (my fond nickname for baby Woo).

Post Christmas Day:
We tried to hit the sale at Sak's but it was slim pickins. My parents ran errands during Olivia's 2nd nap and then we went to Korshi buffet in Centreville. It was ok. My dad had a good time though because Mr. Ho gave him a glass of scotch and was pretty drunk LOL. Mr. Ho went to bed early while my parents and I watched tv. I, actually, went into my facebook and blocked a whole bunch of people from viewing my profile and photos. I still need to go through my friends list and finish doing this.

Today:
My parents left super early. I was hoping the blizzard would hit us full force and they would stay another day. But I guess all we got was major wind action, no snow. Olivia and I met up with the cousins for lunch at Sakura and a quick trip to Target. But other than that, it's been quiet without family here. I really hate the day my parents leave - the house is just so quiet and solemn. It's lonely!

Anyway, this wasn't all that interesting. I'm done pumping now though so till next time!

Good Moods/Bad Moods

Today, I am in such GREAT spirits! Must be the weather. I am MADE to THRIVEEE in this kind of weather. Cali weather, I guess. BFFF and I are still conspiring on the move to the west coast. We both tried to win the MegaMillions but that didn't happen. We'll have to try something else. Too bad there are some raging fires going on right now. Not to mention a piss-poor job market. I am happy to be happy today. And yes, I meant to say happy twice. I've had a really bad couple of days.

So I just finished re-reading the Harry Potter series. Don't laugh at me. It was awesome. I totally forgot what happened in the last book and it was like reading it for the first time! Right now, I'm finally reading Water for Elephants, which I bought for Hong Kong and never got around to. I'm only on chapter 3 but it's really good so far. I was skeptical about reading about a circus, but I like it so far.

Yesterday, I'm laying on my couch watching some television when I hear some rustling outside. I thought it was some of our lawnmower people. But I peep outside and see my mother-in-law pulling weeds in our backyard! I just wanted to die. Our yard is a serious jungle right now. Disgusting, actually. And here she is, pulling all the weeds. Then she swept our garage. OMG. So awful. I'm thankful to have such a kind mother-in-law but, still.... Embarrassing!

I just tore up 2 croissants in a matter of minutes. If I had a 3rd, I'd eat it too...

More Birthday Love

Happy 28th to Pyp!

And had a wonderful time at Baby V's Dol yesterday. You may want to watch the video I made for her birthday, posted on BFFF's facebook page.

Such a lovely birthday weekend <3

A Good Night

Tonight was a spontaneous night for BFFF.  SIL and I took her away for date night and the three of us enjoyed dinner at Coastal Flats.  I also made them watch The Hangover.  This is the second time for me and it's still just as funny.  After I saw it the first time, I told Mr. Ho that I HAD to watch it again with BFFF because I knew she would die.  And boy, she D.I.E.D.  I didn't know if SIL would love the entire movie but I knew she would get a kick out of all the dental references.  It's such a fabulous movie.  Two thumbs up all around.

This is SIL's last week before her big move to Australia and I'm trying to usurp her time as much as I can.  We had a great heart-to-heart last night, thanks to some major champagne.  Today was a great pool day and date night.   Tomorrow, I'm taking her to Leah to get her hair cut and colored for an early birthday present.  Not sure about Thursday, but I'll be sure to be on her.  Friday, definitely doing the last supper at her favorite joint, Honeypig.  And Saturday, I'll be personally escorting her to the airport.  The dreaded day will be here before you know it, but I take comfort in the fact that she will return in 6 months.  And then another 6 month after that!

Good night!

With the Kiddies

I spent the afternoon today with my favorite boy, BFFF's son, Alex.  I can't believe he is already 5 years old and will be starting first grade in the Fall!  Where does time go?  The weather finally cut us some slack (all these damn April showers better equal some major May flowers) so we got to spend some time outside.

We did a belated Easter egg hunt in the backyard.  Mr. Ho and I filled the eggs with Hershey Kisses, Mini Blow-Pops, and trucks.  Alex did a great job finding all the eggs, with the help of a slightly impatient Mr. Ho :)  Afterwards, we played with chalk, farmer, soccer, house, and on the swings.  When we were playing house, he offered me some Chrome Hearts juice - Alex is so avant garde.  I finally convinced him it was time to go inside and we played on the Wii.  Or should I say, I watched Alex play on the Wii.  He is at such a fun age and will say the darndest things.  Out of the blue, he said to me, "Noona, I had so much fun today.  I missed you."  (Or something like that) and my heart just melted on the spot!  

Miss. V is also getting so big!  Her lashes are to die for, just like her big brother.  And she is so much easier to carry because she can hold herself up easier.  I hope she gets over her separation anxiety soon because I just want to hold her all the time.  Well, until my arm starts shaking from the weight.  

Afterwards, Mr. Ho and I drove around aimlessly for about 30 minutes because he couldn't decide what to eat.  We had to go home before buying anything because Rocky had to poo.  And then finally after entering and leaving Lotte empty-handed, he settled on Paisano's for their thin-crust pizza, philly cheesesteak, and wings (for me).  He told me I could blog about this, so I am.  

Goodnight, friends.  Happy Friday!

Mini BFFFs

 

 

About Face

Today, I spent some time with SIL doing more wedding stuff.  There is no way men can ever understand how stressful planning a wedding can be - no matter how involved they are.  Unless they alone are planning it, which would be a sign that the bride probably doesn't want to get married.  Anyway, we did a makeup trial for SIL today and I honestly think it was beautiful.  Hopefully, all the details will pan out nicely and it will work out in our favor.  She was also so sweet to buy me some products - Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, primer, African Violet eyeshadow, and blending brush.  I'm so excited to use it!  THANK YOU, SIL for helping me stay on my no-buy <3>

As I get older, my skin is getting more confusing.  When I was in middle school and reached puberty, I had horrible skin for about a year.  I still remember this one guy Mike-Mike staring at my forehead and saying, "WHOA!"  because of the crop of pimples that supplanted themselves on my forehead overnight.  So gross.  Anyway, my skin finally cleared up beautifully.  Fifteen years later, I have the most sensitive skin on the planet.  I react easily to products and get eczema in the winter.  I've been trying to perfect my skin regiment and decided to experiment since I was running out of my other lotions.  I used to use Shisedo's THE SKINCARE line.  It was good, but not great.  Felt like it left my skin a little itchy here and there and noticed more breakouts.  I decided I wanted to try something new and not as expensive.  So with some new products and lots of returns to Ulta, here is what I've come up with so far:

CLEANSER:  Clean + Clear Foaming Facial Wash for Sensitive Skin - Absolutely LOVE it.  I go on makeupalley.com for product reviews and I found out this product has the same ingredients as Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, but is about $5 cheaper.  I used to use Clean + Clear back in middle school and the cleanser I'm using now brings me back to those days.  It smells AMAZING.

NIGHT CREAM:  Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream - Really LOVE this, too.  It comes in a jar so if you are particular about dipping your finger into your lotion, you won't like it.  It also looks like butter and smells like cake batter.  Personally, I am a fan of this :)  My skin DRINKS this stuff in.  It is really great around the eyes, too but I want to find a separate eye cream eventually.

DAY LOTION:  Dove Deep Moisture Facial Cream, SPF 15 - Testing this out now and so far, so good.  It has a very light fragrance to it, which I enjoy.  The SPF is so important.  Plus, it has a very nice creamy texture to it.  I tried another Eucerin day lotion and Oil of Olay, which I had a bad allergic reaction to.  I think this is a keeper. 

The next steps are to perfect said eye cream, body wash and body lotion.  Will keep you updated.

This post probably bored the crap out of some of you.  So, here is an old school picture of me and my childhood friends.  I am the one in the sailor uniform.  My brother is sitting in the background in the red sweatshirt.  And see the profile shot of the girl with the brown shirt?  Yeah, that's you, BFFF!  You joined us that Christmas and I distinctly remember you told me then that you enjoyed house music and the Smashing Pumpkins.  And please take note of the faux Christmas tree - the houseplant with the Christmas cards on it.  Don't make us be that house with a houseplant with Christmas decorations next year, Mr. Ho.  I need my tree!  

And Many More...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BFFF!

Just wanted to send some birthday love your way.  I have no idea how old you are, but I hope you have a fantastic day!  Let me know if you want to hit the clubs so we can show everyone our sick Michael Jackson moves.  Promise you'll wear the polka-dot dress?

All jokes aside, you deserve a great birthday.  

I love you!