Man Up

Scared of storms.

Dog

Outside

This was yesterday. Trying to spend as much time outside as possible before the inevitable heat sets in. Although it is pretty cold today.

Yes, you're seeing that correctly. Mr. Ho put Olivia in Rocky's leash.

Blooming

Friends

Brisk Winter Days

Fresh air will do you good.

Global Warning

Allows beautiful days at the park!

Rocky

Today is Rocky's 5th birthday!!

I feel like such an ass for not showing him much love :(

Dear Rocky,

Even though I find you disgusting and you make my house dirtier than it should be, I do love you. Sorry your momma is such a control neat-freak. Hope you are having a great birthday and having lots of fun with your friends.

Love, Momma

DamnBear

Mr. H got this for Rocky to play with in the backyard. He leaves it in various spots, scaring the crap out of me everytime!

Sneaky

Look who I found resting on my bathmat. Mr. Ho says he feels neglected by me thus choosing my mat over the other 2 in the bathroom.

Great. Now I have to wash the bathmats :/




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

LOVE

OMG I am listening to what sounds like Olivia kicking her crib. I put her down drowsy, but awake and she is definitely, definitely still awake. NAP, CHILD!!!!!

I'm sitting her at my desk in the kitchen trying to be quiet as a church mouse. I'm scared to even get water thinking the sound of the water will wake her up more. Damn, Rocky just barked. EFFF.

So I'm just surfing the web. And decided to Google the Cartier LOVE bracelet. I've been wanting one of these for forever. Here's what wikipedia has to say about it.



The Love bracelet (styled L⊝Ve, with the horizontal line inside the letter "O" alluding to the bracelet's locking mechanism) is a famous piece of jewelry designed in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo for the French jeweler Cartier SA.

The bracelet quickly became popular for its provocative (and intentional resemblance in function to medieval chastity belts.

Cartier (as of 2009) continues to make the bracelets, and has since created other products based on the original bracelet's design, including cufflinks, rings, necklaces and watches, expanding the design into a jewelry line.

In June 2006, Cartier introduced the Love charity bracelet, a version consisting of a silk cord and a golden ring bearing the word LOVE. Cartier donates $150 from the sale of each bracelet to a variety of charities, each backed by a celebrity. The 2009 version of the charity bracelet was promoted by actress Eva Mendes.

Unlike traditional bracelets, which are either wide enough to slip them over the hand onto the wrist or can readily be opened in order to put them on, the Love bracelet is designed to be opened only using a special screwdriver that is supplied with every bracelet. The screwdriver is also available in the form of a necklace, allowing the bracelet to be "locked" onto one person while the "key" is kept around the neck of another as a symbol for their commitment to their relationship.

The screwdriver does not act as a secure key, however. The Love bracelet can actually be opened with any standard slotted screwdriver.

I did not know it was popular because it looked like a chastity belt??! HAHA. O well, I still love it. I like the gold or the rose gold. Here's a picture of my favorite Kardashian doubling up on her LOVE bracelets.

Wednesday Night

Not much to say but thought I'd just add in a quick entry to get in the swing of blogging frequently.

We spent the day at home today. We have been going out to run errands the past few days so Olivia's nap schedule has been completely thrown off, which means her night sleep is not up to par. She is starting to really fuss when Mr. Ho leaves for work. It's really cute to see her get all worked up. If you ask her "Where's Appa?" she'll start to grunt and babble. She likes to say (what we believe to be) "Appa" over and over and over again. If you ask her "Where's Rocky?" she'll look up towards the stairs and babble since our poor dog sleeps the entire day and only comes down the stairs when Mr. Ho comes home from work.

I've also started planning her Dol. I think we are going to do it at this place called Palace Bar + Grill in Annandale. They have a pretty good facility. The only thing I really despise is the exterior of the building - it looks like a barn or something. But, they have all of the dol components in-house so less work, time, and money on my end. If you're reading this, you are invited! Unless you are some stranger who stumbled upon this site, then no, you are not invited.

Just a little over two months and she'll be an entire year old! I NEVER thought this day would come, especially during those sleep-deprived nights in the beginning. It's bittersweet to see her grow up so quickly. But you know what I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to??? TO STOP PUMPING!!!!! I am going to go all Office Space on my pump on that day! I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!

I really love our Christmas tree this year. We've used the in-law's old tree the past few years, but Mr. Ho said, "new family, new tree!" I bought an 8.5 footer on target.com. Did you know you can buy a 20 foot tree on their site as well?? It's $2000 but good to know, right? How long can I keep the tree up without looking lazy? Usually, I take it down around New Years, but maybe I'll go crazy and keep it till my birthday! Ugh. My birthday. Last year of my 20s. It is just sad and I'd like it to pass quietly.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is getting cards in the mail. I love looking at my mantle full of cards. And I love the million packages at the front door since I do most of my shopping online. This year, Mr. Ho and I made lists of what we would want. His list was very simple and practical. Nothing too grand. Mine, on the other hand, was a bit long, excessive, and expensive. LOL! There were some items for less than $100, but I can't help it. You try spending most of your day in the confines of your home and tell me your imagination doesn't run wild. Mine just tends to run to the label-whoring side.

Anyway, I can actually make it to bed before 11 so I should go. Goodnight!

PS. Please excuse all spelling and grammar mistakes in all entries. Time is a luxury and I'd rather spend it doing something else then editing :)

Me, Me, Me

I'm watching some old episode of Super Sweet 16, and this girl is very disappointed because during the "car reveal," a Nissan SUV rolls up instead of the Mercedes SUV she really wants. And then 1 minute later, her Swarovski crystal-covered Mercedes is revealed. *Sigh*

Kids are so incredibly spoiled these days. They have such high expectations. I wonder how if our kids will be spoiled ... If Rocky is any indication of our spoiling abilities, then the answer would be, watch out world, here come those spoiled-ass Ho children.

Love

Rocky loving me.

Brad Pitt + a bulldog = photo of the year.

I don't know what's more unusual. Rocky terrorizing the vacuum or my husband vacuuming :)

I asked for strawberries or a salad. And Mr. Ho makes me this!

The end.

Hump Day Thoughts

I must be out of shape, folks.  Not only do I wake up hungry (such a rarity), but I have been super tired lately.  I did go to the gym last week (once) and it felt great.  I haven't been back since, but perhaps I will go tonight with Mr. Ho.  I dreamt about eating a Big Mac though.  And I really want some.  With some fries.  And a shake.  YUMMMM.  Yeah, it's 10 in the morning.

The wedding weekend went by so quickly!  We had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner on Friday.  I spent the night at Mrs. Smith's house.  They have a 10-month old baby, who got up 3-5 times during the night.  And needless to say, I got up each time with her and realized, "Dear Lord.  Am I ready for that??!"  I guess you have no choice and feel more inclined when the baby has come out of your lady parts, but still...  I love sleep.  I truly LOVE sleep.  Sleep and I are lovers.

We had an early day on Saturday.  We got our hair done at Structures.  It was so great to see an old friend.  She hasn't changed one bit.  We got ready at Chelle's parents' home in Farmbrook.  I don't think I've been in that neighborhood in YEARS.  It was quite touching to see our little Chelle all grown up and in her wedding dress :)  I definitely teared up during the ceremony, but held it together.  The priest totally looked like Philip Seymour Hoffman and I think he had been chugging the holy wine.

After photos, we headed over to the reception.  The food was pretty good.  I'm not drinking anymore so I had sparkling cider, which was absolutely delicious.  I may have to pick up a bottle of that!  It was great seeing all my PTC girls.  Everyone looked beautiful.  We danced, sort of.  SB requested Michael Jackson's PYT and then the DJ followed up with some random awful song so the dance floor cleared out pretty quick.

Post-reception, the girls went out to Brewer's Alley, where there were drinks to be had.  Mr. Ho bought 2 rounds of shots, which didn't go over well the next day, for dear friend, Pyp.  Haha!  We didn't stay too long because I was pretty damn exhausted and Rocky still needed to eat and be taken out.

I forgot to mention, Mr. Ho and I drove through my old neighborhood and I took a look at my house!  I haven't been there in forever.  The house looks so old.  I really just wanted to go run up the driveway and into the front door...  Lots of memories at that house.  That's my house in the picture up on the left...

Sunday, the CRAZIEST thing happened.  My brother literally asked me to hang out with him.  It was so strange and I felt like I was in the twilight zone.  We walked around Tysons and I helped him pick out clothes.  I love doing that.  It would be so fun to be a stylist.  Rachel Zoe meet your match, D.Ho!  Just kidding, she's way more fabulous than me.  My husband also marinated some AH-MAY-ZING galbi in the morning so we bbq'ed that shit up for dinner and had a great feast.  YUM.

I don't know why we have waited so long to do this, but Mr. Ho and I washed Rocky outside Monday night.  It was so perfect and a lot quicker and efficient than washing him in the utility sink.  It was actually a lot of fun and a cute bonding family moment.  Rocky smells so fresh and so clean right now.  I love a clean dog.

I ran a bunch of errands yesterday and even had lunch with a good friend, Daid.  She is such a talented designer.  If anyone needs any kind of design work, you should definitely get in touch with her.  She was the genius behind my print work at the wedding and SIL's wedding, too.

Now, I'm just waiting for my aunt to get here so we can get the day started...  Toodaloo.

And PS.  Apparently Jon Gosselin is not designing a kids line.  Thank the good Lord Almighty.

And PPS.  Hope you had a great birthday, OG DM!

Night Assessments

I can't do it anymore.  There is absolutely no way I can go out two nights in a row.  We went out Friday for Jim's Dirty 30 and again on Saturday for Alain's 29th.  

I definitely had more fun on Friday - SIL, her friend Jenny and I checked out a new place called The Gibson - this unmarked bar with really great drinks and the most amazing cheese + meat platter, but with the strangest crowd.  Afterwards, we went to Shadow Room to meet up with Mr. Ho and friends.   And wow, the dancing was non-stop.  What I noticed:

1.  Desperation looks good on no one.  When a girl walks away from you numerous times, get the hint.  It's not going to work.  

2.  Even if you are a horrible dancer, if you exude energy and good spirits, it's a party to be had. 

3.  Cops can be nice people.  Especially cops named Walter.  

I was absolutely tired on Saturday, but I geared up for the night's festivities.  We went to Policy, a new restaurant/lounge, where one of Mr. Ho's co-workers is an investor.  This is definitely more my scene - great music, delicious food + drinks, and a more mature crowd.  Unfortunately, the boys wanted a change in venue so we went to K Street.  My observations for the evening:

1.  Clear bra straps are an oxymoron.  They are not INVISIBLE, people!  I absolutely abhor these things, and friends, I will let you know you shouldn't be wearing them.  There are these things called strapless bras - invest in them.

2.  Brussels sprouts are so yummy.

3.  Men shouldn't wear white linen pants whilst clubbing.

Today, we had our 4th Book Club meeting.  I really love these gatherings.  Everyone always brings great dishes and we chow down.  We discuss the book for about 30 minutes and then we talk about anything and everything.  A few discussions we had today:

1.  Epidurals/water births/kegel exercises

2.  Bed bugs/allergies/lice

3.  Weddings/photograher drama/albums

Rocky is spending the night at Daid's house to see if him and Wilson get along ok.  That way, he can stay with them rather than stay alone while we are on vacation.  Mr. Ho and I are in major withdrawal right now.  The house is so quiet without his snoring, barking, and whining.  We miss him already, but I know he is in good hands.  

How crazy is this weather?  90 degrees already?  Where did spring go?  I am in denial and refuse to turn on the air conditioning in the car.  I was very sweaty afterwards.

Oh!  Before I go, you should definitely watch Tell No One, a french thriller.  It's really good.  So good they are going to make an American edition of it.  Did you know Beyonce's new movie, Obsessed, was #1 this weekend at the box office?  Who woulda thought?

And what about this swine flu?  So scary.  

Clearly, I have too many things going through my mind.  Necesito dormir.  Buenas noches!  

Routine Follow-Up

Hello Party People!  

I have not been the best blogger these days.  Suppose I just don't have that much to talk about.  Hence, blogs about farts.  I have stooped that low.  Here are just some random thoughts and happenings:

* My mother is in town.  She's going in for a colonoscopy tomorrow.  Everyone send ood vibes and prayers her way.  It's a pretty routine procedure but she doesn't handle anesthesia that well.  Today, I've been helping her take her meds to clear her out and it made me think - when did I become an adult?  I'm taking care of my mom and not the other way around.  She looked at some of my recent pictures and told me I am starting to age.  And that we should go buy some wrinkle cream.  Fabulous.

* Mr. Ho and I have caught up on all of Entourage.  Now I know why Jeremy Piven won all those awards - he's hilarious.  They smoke a lot of weed on this show.  It kinda makes me want to smoke and do chinese fire drills in the middle of the road.  Or get paranoid at every noise I hear and think the cops are at my door.  And eat an entire pizza by myself.  Not that I have experienced these things... 

* We had our third book club meeting for The Shack.  It's been on the bestseller weeks forever and it is a good read, but I didn't LOVE LOVE it.  Right now, I'm reading Empire Falls.  And What to Expect When You're Expecting.  And no, I'm not expecting.  

* When does Twilight come out on DVD?  Still haven't seen that one.  But did catch a matinee of Confessions of  Shopaholic (loved!).  It was nothing like the book but all the bright colors and sparkly things were right down my alley.  Netflix delivered Body of Lies (ok) and Ghostown (such a fan of Ricky Gervais).  

* Speaking of sparkly things, I went to the International Jewelry Show at the Dulles Expo Center this past weekend and it was amazing.  Sparkly things everywhere you look.  I went there with the mindset that I would only look and not buy ANYTHING.  Of course, I bought the most out of everyone I was with.  Seriously, shopping is a problem for me.

* Rocky is doing quite well on the new food - Orijen 6Fish.  Although, now our pantry smells a bit fishy.  And sometimes his butt smells fishy too.  But the good news is that he loves the food - will eat it plain, without yogurt.  AND his poops are nice and firm!  Dumplings, actually.  

* Best news ever - mom and I found the most PERFECT bedside lamps for the bedroom at Homegoods.  They are so beautiful and match so well.  And the price!  Don't even get me started.

Guess I had more to write about than I thought...

For the Love of Rocky

If you, or anyone you know, feed your dog Canidae, please stop immediately and find another food:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/canidae.html

Rocky's poop has been very yellow and soft.  I did find a little trace of blood a few weeks ago, but passed it off as constipation.  He has been vomiting like once a week.  Definitely have noticed paw licking and dry skin.  Fortunately, he hasn't shown any signs of lethargy - boy is still relentless as ever.  

I am up late because I am so agitated and worried.  I am so upset that I did not pay attention to this earlier.  But we are immediately taking him off of Canidae and switching foods.  I went on the bulldog forum (http://bulldogdomain.com/index.php) and saw positive reviews for Orijen 6 Fish.  It is pricier than Canidae, but I would rather feed him nutritious, expensive food than have horrible, expensive vet bills.  

Honestly, Rocky annoys me at times and his shedding pisses me off.  But if anything happened to that fat boy, I would be completely and utterly heartbroken.  Please say a little prayer that the food does not take a toll on him and that this new food is a success! Team Rocky!

How can you not love a dog that sits in a sexy pose?