End of the Year

This December went by so fast! I gotta take some time to slow down here a little and leave an ending stamp on this year's final blog. What can I say? I'm truly blessed. I'm blessed with my family & friends and everything else in between. I felt I didn't have enough time to spend with my family this year because of work. I had so much going on this month and didn't have enough time to do everything I needed to do. I finally went back to the dentist and used up my one grand coverage up for this year. That's the only thing that pushed me over the edge this month. I've been medicated with Tylenol 3 which makes me so drowsy. But it was good that I could sleep through the pain. I'm still healing from the procedure. =) All is well now.

I cancelled my birthday plans to go on a Carnival cruise. I was confused if Vinh needed to have a passport to travel on the waters. So, I postponed it to maybe next year for when I turn 27, my Golden Bday. haha. Hopefully by then he get his paperwork done and get his passport. It's also wise that he have it just in case for our honeymoon one day or something. In the end, what he really need to do is get his American Citizenship. (He came over america with his parents when he was 3.) Hehe my honey is an immigrant. Anyways, now my plans are to go to IP casino in Biloxi or just stay in town and have a bday dinner at Drago's. And do it big next year with the cruise. Unless I get married >.< HAHA! Then my plans will really change.

I'm ready for next year. There's much to consider this year. I feel major changes will happen this year. Good or bad change? Well, it will be a change for sure, one or the other... it will happen. Is it too soon for me to say that it'll be a Make it or Break it year? Possibly. But things need to get moving along is what deal is. I know it's quite serious or crazy of me to think this way about my life. BUT Seriously... I'm 26. Yes 26 years old. I'm officially not young anymore (in my book anyways). Big 360 career change? or Big commitment to my personal life? or Depressingly go into therapy for my unchanging life. LOL. Well see, I'm quite hopeful of one thing though. And of course it's looking good. Things been going considerably well. My relationship with Vinh is serious, he's definitely it. <3

Did I mention he got me diamond earrings for Christmas?! **Big Cheezy Smile** I never received anything like this before. That's why I think it's serious. It made my hopes and dreams fly way high. You know the feeling? It's excitement and scary at the same time. But yeah, it surely does feel nice to be spoiled with jewelry. It was a first for me. =) I didn't expected it to be this nice to get real diamond jewelry. It's like "Oh My God! It's serious." and he still opens the door for me. <3 <3 <3

One Year

It's been one year. Towards the anniversary of gma's death. Everyone been dreaming about her. It's kinda scary. I was in Boston when I had a dream about her. I woke up in tears. I hurriedly texted Thao-Vi that morning. Since she's the person I knew would appreciate it most and doesn't mind me waking her up early for. I think in life, no matter where I go or what I do, even in Boston, my gma will always be with me. I feel like she's praying and looking over me.
Today, after I my mom got home from work, I drove both my parents out there to drop off the flowers. I think over the weekend everyone's been visiting her since it's the holiday. There's so many flowers. But Monday, 11/29/10 is her one year anniversary. I wanted to go to church today too, but haven't slept much all day since getting off from work. So I fell asleep until now and missed mass. My parents went though. And at least I went to the cemetery to visit her earlier. I told my dad they spelled stuff wrong. He said the heart is messed up too so they are going to do it all over. I also went to change my oil at 5 minute oil change when I was in Chalmette. My mom and dad had to be with me too since I drove them to the cemetery. And we also stopped by Gulf Coast claims to check on the BP claim status we did three weeks ago.

It was quite a busy Monday for me. I went to walmart right after work to get Head and Shoulders, Neutrogena facial cleansing cloths and Clean & Clear blotting paper. I went to Vinh's right after and took a little nap. We talked mostly. I really miss him. Even though we see each other alot, we don't get to be alone often. I was stinky and dirty from work and couldn't stand smelling like the hospital in bed with him. So I left early from his place. I went to pump gas. My tire pressure warning light recently been going on and off this weekend but I was too busy and tired to really pay attention. So I went to see if there was a flat or whatever. I looked at my tires and saw the tread marks are disappearing. I figured since I just fixed my front and rear bumper, I should just do everything my car needs. So I went to change the tires at Sam's. I ate a Sam's hot dog as I waited. Then played on my phone while sitting in the recliner chairs watching Alvin and Chipmunks on the TV. Haha! $550 bucks gone! =( for four 60,000 miles tire. I wanted to go to change my oil too. But really needed to go home and shower. SO I did that. There's one more thing I'm looking for my car. Brake Pads. My dad said he'll switch it out for me when I buy it. I'm looking online.

It's been a very Busy month too. There's so much I want to write.. IDK where to start. That's usually the case since I want to write about everything but don't blog often in between life happenings huh?! It's too much and I'm lazy, and I been repeating Boston trip to everyone when I got back. So let's just do highlights/random comments.

Got packed! I had to narrow down what I really needed to bring to fit into one carry on suitcase. That was a tough one. It was my first time packing for a trip like this. Now I know. =) I'm ready for airport security.
Boston is so Beautiful. Even when it rained alot.
We struck a little luck when we went shopping. =) I'm happy.
Plus the No Tax, yup! NO TAX on Clothes!
It was a pleasure meeting his family.
We eat alot. I love spending time with his family over meals. It's feel very "family"
We all sit in the living room together at night and pray together. wow!
-I can imagine having my children do that when I have my own family.-
We even partied together -minus the elders. Got drunk and really messed up with them.
Not sure if it was wise to do that with my first impression... =/ but I think it's safe with just his cousins -who all happen to be around my age too.
We ate Hot Pot. Had a house party. Anh Minh's house is a party house.
He made his walls sound proof when he built it and played the music really loud.
He also owns a deli shop meat slicer to cut the steak really thin for hot pot. Felt like I was eating kobe beef that I tried at Horinoya. The taste and experience was awesome.
Ate the best banh xeo ever! I was a satisfied guest of honor. Lobster and Steak in one meal? yes it can happen.
And the best Dim Sum I ever tried! Even the chicken feet was good!
His aunt is a mean cooking machine. She has six adult kids, a husband, a grandchild, and son-in-law to feed. Plus me and Vinh that weekend. We ate wonton noodles, Korean inspired dinner one night, Hu tieu one morning, Banh xeo, and com thit nuong thingie, I forgot the special word for it.
I found out Coffee Cake and hot tea is the greatest yet simple combination to have. Wish I knew sooner.
First time for everything: Going on an Airplane. Riding the Subway. Walking through a Chinatown. Visiting Harvard. (I want to watch that Korean Drama again)
I got a Gucci wallet to match my purse.
Went crazy shopping. I bought over $300 worth of clothes at H&M.
I got me a pair of UGGS! I'm so grateful for them when walking around downtown in the cold rain. =)
Went to four different malls and was told there were other malls I didn't even go to yet. I was amazed at the high-end brands. I felt unfashionable there.
Tried some awesome authentic Chinese food. -OMG! I felt like I was judging for Iron Chef. haha! (New Golden Gate)
Penang (Malaysian Cusine) Minado's (Sushi Buffet)
It was too short of a trip. I will go back there one day again if I can bear through the airplane ride. Did I mention I have motion sickness? I had to take medicine to make it home.

My soul to keep

If there's anything that stays true and constant is my faith. No matter how little, it is still hopeful and still rings resonant on it's own through the years from deep down inside. I've lost my ways many times, even came from the most undeserving places And even felt the dreadful abandonment that my lord Jesus has felt. But he never lost hope and prayed. I can never compare to him. But I live my life as I Do. To the best that I can. No matter how small and pitiful, god loves me. I know that is true. 

End of October

So I have some time to kill before I head out to my brother's place and sign some paper work for him since he's offshore. I'm starting to have itchy fingers to help my brother to sell his house. It's over a year now. Hmmm... Nah. I need him to step up and do something. This is his chance to man up and do something around here. But seriously, I think the Realtor is taking advantage of my brother. They probably taking their sweet time and knows my brother doesn't know any better anyway, but who knows... selling a house isn't easy. So if my brother manages to go through with this process. Pat on the back for him*

So, my check came home to fix my car. I just haven't have time to go drop it off at Hoai's place. I saw him this past weekend and told him about it. BTW, I was right and Vinh was wrong about the process. =) I think I'm going to drop it off next week when I leave to Boston. I'm so excited!!! And also Nervous!! About the trip and my Boards. It's next Tuesday. I've been busy studying! I have a whole weekend of work, but I'll be studying in between rounds too. I been going to the Starbucks at the beginning of Veterans. I went there one night when Barnes was packed with people. It's better that way too, so I won't get distracted from my studies. and the view and atmosphere is nice.

I have so much to write about I don't know where to start. It's been a busy month.

Vinh and I went Painting!! It was so fun I went back the very next day to paint again with my little sister. Now, we've been painting at home. I already bought some supplies to paint at my house. I went to Micheal's and Hobby Lobby to buy painting stuff on sale too! Spent about 50 bucks for everything. Shopping with coupons and looking for deals. Nice! We painted a Hello Kitty already and Yoshi is on our agenda next for a house painting party when we have the chance. But I must say, going to a studio to paint is a must do experience.

This past weekend was Dung's birthday and my sister's baby baptism. Honey had to drive us to Biloxi and back to New Orleans and then Lafayette and back again. sleepless but well worth it. They rented a place for the weekend in the woods by the water for fishing and outdoorsy stuff. While driving there, I was thinking of Friday the 13 stuff, like it was so scary I could just imagine Jason running out from the woods... And it is October and near Halloween too. Ekk! When we first got there, the first thing they do is welcome us with a shot. Let me just say, the time Vinh and I was there, 5 bottles were done. From Hennessy Black and X.O.'s. Not to mention the ones they finished the night before and after we left. We ate some of Dung's famous baked spaghetti. Yummy! We BBQ'd and even had a bon-fire and made smores until it the started to rain. At night, we went out to the Hard Rock and danced and drank some more. Vinh and I left early back to New Orleans though.

We napped and woke to go to Lafayette for my nephew Eddison's Baptism. Vinh and I had to go pick up the pig at Hong Kong that morning for my mom before we head off. I also had a Flour Power cake for them. It was a nice raspberry white cake with fresh fruit and everyone loved it. Much lighter than the chocolate strawberry shortcake I ordered for my workplace last time. It looked real pretty but too overwhelming. Can't wait til Mardi Gras time and try their Banana Foster one. I have one more coupon for it. Anyways, Vinh drove my dad's new Tundra to the church with my parents and I as passengers. Kinda weird but cool too. Our car was stuck all the way inside and couldn't get out. Oh yeah, Vinh asked my parents for permission to take me to Boston. =D it was cute. I think my dad really likes him. He didn't mind that Vinh was driving his new car. He even joked about us not even being married when we were taking a picture with Eddison. It's amazing how Vinh is very comfortable with my family. I hope I can be the same way when I visit his family in Boston.

I have to much to write about... but what I need to do is just live my life.

I want to put the Christmas Tree up early this year. At the end of last year, I bought purple ornaments on sale. It was dirt cheap but so pretty!! I can't wait for a new theme this year. Purple and gold... Or Purple and white, or Purple and silver. Well, it'll have to wait til after Boards and Boston trip.

Fall Trip

Honey booked our tickets to Boston in November!!!! So, I've made quite an agenda for myself next month. I'm going to take my last Boards finally. I made that decision about 2 weeks ago and lately I've been going to study for it. It's actually hitting me that I've reapplied to take it again. Last time I failed the Clinical Simulation by 1 point. Yes, it Sucked! I orginally scheduled it to take it November 12. But I might have to change it to before the trip so I'd really have to buckle down and study for it. SO it'll be anyday before I head out to Boston. I asked my parents already but I need to tell them when I'm going now. >_< My parents are usually very restrcitive of me, But hopefully they'll ease off of me and let me go. I'm a grown 25 year old for goodness sake!
The past two days, while the weather is nice, Vinh and I spent the whole day together. Wednesday morning I went straight home after work to Nap. I woke up around 1 and went to Northwestern Mutual to sign for my policies. It's officially done. Then surprised Vinh and his parents by paying them a visit. It's been awhile since I sat and chill with them. This was when Vinh and I made plans to visit his family in Boston. They've been waiting to meet me and misses Vinh alot. He's been meaning to go visit them for the longest, but things just been coming up. But now is a good time, and just like that, our fall trip is booked. =) Anyways, Vinh wanted to take me out to a dinner date to Crazy Johnnie's Thursday but changed the plans to Wednesday instead. It didn't matter... so we went. Dropped my car at Barnes and he drove to Crazy Johnnie's... The prime rib was wonderful!! It tasted like Vietnamese roasted pig/duck with dipping sauce and the beef literally melted in my mouth. I had it cooked medium. Yummy!! Then we headed off to Barnes to study with my little sister. (He's preparing for the Boards too.) Unfortunately, it was full there so we went to Puccinno's instead. I'm blessed to be so happy in love. He opens the door for me still... *sigh* I love it when he drives!! Tien gets off work 11:30pm so he took me back to pick up my car and I went to the gym with Tien. I deem it was a productive day! knocked out til noon the next day. Thursday, we took my car to his friend Body shop to check out the damages and see if he can fix it when the insurance people contact me. They still haven't yet. I'll call them later. Turns out to be a good deal. And Tien told me about him too... Why didn't I just fix it?!
Anyways, Vinh and I was debating about the whole insurance adjustment process and what's the best thing to do right now. It was a steamed long debate. We were in his car in front of Lynn and Co. for a good 20 minutes before we walked in because of our convo. We'll just see how it'll all play out about my car in the next few weeks. ^_~ I know I'm right. Hopefully. Ha! Agenda today was to go Hoai's place, get estimate, swing by to get his hair cut, have dinner, go study, and gym again. As I was waiting for Vinh to get his haircut, I noticed it was slow today so I asked if it was okay for me to dry trim and re-layer my hair. Just to get rid of dead ends. Turned out to be a much more productive day with Vinh than I planned. We enjoyed the COmpany and conversation while getting our haircuts. Thao cut Vinh hair while Van did mines. We were all talking and chilling when I found out that Van lives near me and I know her little sisters. We talked about eyebrow tinting and Van's cars in front of her house. Laughed alot! Quite enjoyable until we were all done and was hungry. We were driving off and saw Lotus. So we just decided to go across the street and try it. It's the new Lotus sushi bar and lounge? Looked like a night scene kinda place. Not bad, but not to die for. His buddy worked there so it was a nice mellow dinner. Plus, we were the only ones there. Haha! It was around 5:30pm when we had dinner. Vinh noticed my gas was going low so he pumped gas for me too. *I LOVE IT WHEN HE DRIVES FOR ME* he notices everything. Then we dropped by his place again so he can shower. He has this thing about the little hairs making him itchy after a haircut. I stayed and chit chatted with him mom. She still pressing on the engagement/wedding stuff. >.<' I'm really speechless of how to answer her or approach it to Vinh (It's up to him really... put a ring on it babe!!)
Then we head off to Puccinno's and studied until Gym time again. He had his half tea/ half lemonade and I, a frozen puccino that I let melt and slowly sip on. and yes we do actually study!! I sit inside with the computer while he sits outside. And when it gets too cold inside I shut off my compter and go outside and read notes. It was lovely sitting outside with him. =) I can really see us, just be like us there years from now, instead of notes we'd read reading books/magazines. And still listening on our iPods and playing words with friends. *lovely sigh* Those are my fantasies these days. Anyways, I had alot done these past two days plus QT time with Vinh.

*edit: I called Insurance for update about my claim. They said it takes 2 weeks up to 2 months, especially New Orleans to send an electronic copy of police report. IDK WHY?!! So I just got back from traffic court and paid 20 bucks for a copy and faxed it to State Farm. and the waiting continues... I'm going to sleep for work at night. *

Very Cherry

Maybeline Color Sensational Lipstick in Very Cherry. Can I just wear it everyday?! Other than to work of course. I been experimenting with red lipstick lately. So far, I like Lacome's Red Stiletto. But it's expensive for a red lipstick I will hardly wear. So I settled with a drug store brand. Works just as well. I bought it at Walgreens. I been buying alot of lip products. The worst buy is a Loreal one I kinda want to throw out. Maybeline Color Sensationals are pretty good. I have Coral Gleam and Sugared Almond in their pearls collection along with the Very Cherry in their reds. I only have one Revlon lipstick. Here's me with Revlon Soft Nude. It's a very popular color that I found out through make-up Guru's/Bloggers. In real life it goes on real nude-like but in photos, my lip looks pink. Maybe it was fading and my real lip color came through. I love the earrings I'm wearing. I got those from Francesca's. I wear mostly earrings and sometimes necklaces. I hate wearing rings and bracelets becuase it keeps me from doing things. I work with my hands alot and hate for jewlery to be in the way. I finally have a nice make-up collection and organized the vanity in a way I have everything in front of me. All my brushes, make-up, frangrances, jewlery, contacts, and hair products each have their own section on my dresser. I love the big mirror! I want to find an pencil eyeliner that won't smudge. But I need to go through all my eyeliners I have right now before I buy more. Since I'm asian, I think eyeliner and mascara are two items I would spend alot of money on. My eyeshadows are palettes from coastal scents. I used to buy maybeline eye shadows quads. But ever since I have the Coastal Scents, I haven't use the Maybeline much except for traveling. For foundation, I started and stuck with Bare Minerals. It works great for me and til this day, I still recieve compliments of how nice my skin is. It's mostly because bare minerals is so light, it's like I'm not wearing make-up. And to maintain good skin, I used to use Acne Free (generic for Proactiv) But Tien reccommended to me Neutrogena Advance Solutions. I noticed it works much better than anything I ever used. It clears my skin and prevent blemishes really well. I alternate with Philosophy Puirty when I'm not breaking out as much.
Recently, a friend told me her secret to her nails. She buys glue on fake nails. So, I also got some press on french tips nails. Since it costs like $50 bucks to have them done and only 5 bucks for fake ones, why not?! I work with patients so I can't have them on for too long, so why waste all that money to have your nails done for only two days. I thought I'd give it a try. I don't know if I like them too much. It's super long... maybe next time I'll get the kid version. I bought short ones but it's still long to me. I love browsing at drugstores for make up and knick knacks like this.
Flash and big smile!! Honey says he can't kiss me with that lipstick on. LOL!! Last month, I bought a jar of Imperalis from Lush, turns out it wasn't good for me. My dry areas were perfectly moisturized, but my oily ares started to have blemishes here and there. So, I went back to my old routine and sure enough it went back to normal. So I returned it and then they told me to try Vanishing Cream. So far, so good. But I want to give it a good month of use before I give it the clear. I also gave away my Pop in a Bath bubble bar to Tien so she can try it. I'm on my last handful of The Comforter. I want to repurchase, but I also want to try new ones.

Blood Test

So, about two weeks ago, I bought life insurance and they had a blood test done as part of my application. Good news, I'm approved with a much less expensive premium for the same coverage that I applied for. I never had a blood test done before until now. I finally open the results today. Everything was normal and I'm HIV negative. But my Cholesterol and Bilirubin are both elevated. So there's two things I really need to change. I'm only 25, good gracious I need to stop eating fatty stuff. I knew my my cholesterol would be high. I know I'm overweight. Good thing I've been trying to hit the gym more often. But the Bilirubin?! I'm not much of a drinker... really, I suck at drinking. And to think, my liver is doing bad already?! I can deal with that! I can stop drinking altogether. I don't drink a lot anyways. But the hard part is my cholesterol. I will be monitoring it more often and for diet: less intake of fried food. Of course, hit the gym more often.I've been trying to get in 3 days a week. I know I can't change all my eating habits... But no fried food, I can do. My biggest weakness is really desserts and cheese. I can do without fried food, but sweets and cheese will be harder.

I was watching Dr. Oz and he's doing this thing called "lose 10lbs, add 10 years to your life." All my life, I've been struggling with weight gain/lost. At one point in my life I was doing good at losing weight. I did it for my sister's wedding and wanted to fit into a dress. I lost 20lbs in three months. It was lovely, then school started again and I got in a relationship. Then gained it all back and then some. That relationship ended and started some uncontrollable weight gain. I was stressed/depressed. Especially when I was at LSU, school was stressful. I always told myself when I get out of school, I'm going back to that routine I did for my sister's wedding. Well, I did for a short while during the last semester of school to fit into a dress for graduation... and I lost 20 lbs. And I did it!! But then right when I fit into that dress, I got into another relationship with Vinh and started working night shifts at the hospital. Blah blah blah. It's just all lame excuses really. I'm now at my heaviest of 180. And No motivation dress. So this time around, this is my approach with my weight issue. I've lost 5lbs since I started again. I mean I would say 10lbs, but it varies day to day. but I can say I've lost about 8. But definitely the five is off. I'm trying to stay under 180 and then slowly stay under 170 and hopefully I get lower and lower in increments of ten. What is my goal weight?! I want to be realistic and hit 140 and then if I'm lucky 135. I've always been a chunky girl. No lying to myself about that. But If I can lose more weight without losing myself and who I am. I'm going to try to get to 120. I know, that's like 60lbs from where I am right now. I don't care how long it takes me. But day by day for now, I'm just trying to reach the next ten and just go from there.

Facetime

8/27/10: This morning when I got out from work, I decided to go to the gym. Worked out for an hour. Since I have the weekend off. I might as well stay up and enjoy my Friday. Stay up all day and just sleep at night. Even though I just worked two 12's the last two night. I wore the new shoes I bought. The Nike Free's. Disappointment when I felt my pinky toe hitting the inside of the shoe a good 20 minutes into my run/walk on the treadmill. =(

8/30/10: Work was slow, So they let me go home early. I knew I wasn't going to fall asleep anytime soon. So I went to the Gym.

9/1/10: So, two weeks ago, Northwestern Mutual called me to check up on me and see if I still wanted to meet with them to go over some things about West Jefferson 403plan. I decided since I don't make anymore car notes and been spending too much money on shopping... it's time to put it into future investments. So I bought Life Insurance. =) I worked last night and didn't get much sleep but I had to meet up with Kieu after that. I went to dinner with Vinh and Kieu. She wanted to chill with us before she she have to head back to Puerto Rico. I was coughing and feeling bad so I went home early and slept.

9/2/10: I'm really Sick. Went to the doctor, got two shots in the hip!! OMG I never got a shot on my butt before. I was very sensitive!! LOL! I twitched and tensed up and everything. And to think I stick needles in people wrists for a living. *cringes* I can do 5-8 ABG's easy breezy in about an hour or so. One after another like boom boom boom. From time to time, there's a hard stick. But most of them I can do. I'm getting really good at sticking people. =)

9/6/10: I went to the mall today. Return some stuff to Sephora and Steve Madden that I bought online but didn't like. Went to Whole foods and got a me pulled pork sandwhich to take my medicine. Then I went to try Pinkberry frozen Yougurt. Found out Bee Sweet Cupcakes was just down the street! But it was closed on Labor Day. I'll come back another time. Went to Chi Hong's House and played in the pool with Nia and help Thao-vi wash her car and Hong's car.

9/7/10: I feeling much better today. So my mom asked me to take her to the mall and buy her working shoes. She only wear SAS shoes in Clearview. Then she asked me to take her to Lakeside to look at earrings. She end up buying rings instead because the earrings she looked at wasn't to her liking. My dad came home from shrimping and bought home a bunch of crabs. Vinh came over because he haven't seen my dad in a while. We end up cracking crab claws for my mom to make panko fried meatball crab claws. Of course we ate while we cracked claws. Both Vinh and I prefer eating the claws instead of the crab's body. I know we're funny.

9/8/10: Vinh went and got himself the new iPod Touch so he can play words with me and also facetime. We did it at work. It was amazing!! I really Like seeing him everyday! =)

9/10/10: I woke up at 1 today and curled my hair and did my makeup. *Dinner date with Vinh.* It's been a while since we both had the weekend off. We wanted to go to Jacques Imo's but there's a wait of over an hour for a table. NO No! So we went back on Carrollton and ate at Lil Tokyo instead. Went back to his place and I talked to his mom and his dad about their marriage ove rthe years. They never argue, his dad never raised his voice at her. I was amazed. That's where Vinh gets his personailty from, his dad. Humorous and Kind.

9/11/10: Today, I went to Lafayette to go see my new nephew! He is so Cute!!! I wanted to go by myself, but I went with my mom. I couldn't say no to her. But I said No to Vinh.... Well, Vinh offered to come along so that he could drive. And, for his peace of mind, know that I'd be safe. But I told him I driven before by myself back and forth to Laffyette all the time during the hurricane, no problem. But his point is that now that I'm dating him, he should drive, to anywhere. He's sweet, lovely, and kind. But I told him last night at dinner that I wanted to go shopping (by Myself). I will feel really bad if he had to tag along because he doesn't like shopping at the mall. I won't shop as freely and comfortably as I want. I would try to rush and hurry up. If I went by myself, I could spend all the time I want without feeling guilty. I told him I'd call him when I started driving, get there, when I'm going home, and when I'm home plus facetime. He said Ok.

9/12/10: Went downtown to the French Market with Chi Hong's family. Then went to spend a day with my little sisters. Went down Magazine St. I wanted to go to Bee Sweet, turns out they're closed on Sundays. Went to Secure instead. Very Pretty and Nice inside. Shared a Sunday and a box of maccaroons. It was pretty pricey and not all that great. Oh well, now I know. Then went home took a nap with Noah. I love that fatboy. He's so Cute! and his parents came picked him up. Then watched VMA's.

9/14/10: Some luck, I got rear ended going home from getting some cupcakes uptown. It was Happy Hour, Buy 2 get 1 Free at Bee Sweet Cupcakes from 5-6pm. It was delicious, but got messed up from the accident. I called insurance people already. But I have to wait for Police Report for further investigation. Sigh** It's time to fix my car front back and side to side and all around now. There goes my little saving bundle. Waiting for Vinh to wake up.

Barefooot

So, I've been walking/jogging/running again around my sister's (quiet) neighborhood and also at the gym with Tien when she gets off work at 11:30 at night. Yep, I go to the gym in the middle of the night; when hardly anyone is out there. I enjoy my workout in quiet. Well, Tien compliments my small feet. Time to time she'll tell me my feet is cute in heels and strangely this time even in tennis shoes! She think it's cute while I was on the treadmill. Haha! I laughed it off and say stuff like, "For a girl big girl like me, isn't it weird I have ridiculously small feet?" But seriously?! How am I balancing myself?! Why is my feet so small?! Anyways, she noticed my shoes and was curious of my choice for running shoes. It doesn't look like good running shoes. But it works really well for me. It doesn't look big enough right? I bought these (at $40) after my feet hurt so bad from my old new balance shoes after working 12 hr shifts. The corner where my pinky toe was always hit the shoe inside. I got it on sale at Shoe Carnival near West Jeff and I felt lucky because it worked so well! I loved these. I can work all night and felt like I wasn't even wearing shoes. Practically barefoot! So this is when I learned what kind of shoes I liked. But a big downfall of these shoes are: not meant for working. It mostly for style, short term, easy walking shoes. A few months of wearing them regularly... I made potholes on the bottom of the forefoot area. And it was uncomfortable. I desperately try to find some shoes to replace it with. When I saw nine west were selling similar shoes made with stronger material (at $80), I had to get them! And so far, so good! But Tien was pretty skeptical of my choice for running shoes. I explained to her that I like shoes that feels like I'm not wearing any shoes. Pretty much like Barefoot! I can control and feel my feet better and run faster and harder. If I wore bulky shoes, my feet are focusing on staying in one place in the shoe. As I am running and sprinting, the shoes slides alot! Sometimes I feel like I might twist my ankle. I have post-traumatic feelings from my sprained ankle back in January 2009 when I first started at the gym.
I didn't throw out the old pink and grey shoes though, I still wear it from time to time for short quick running around the neighborhood. But it is annoying when i feel the potholes. I still wore it because tha'ts how much I like it! I mean I like my new ones too, but it takes time to break into. My old ones were soft and conforms to my feet. Whereas the new ones need more time to soften up since the material is made out of is stronger.
Anyways, Tien and I go shoping randomly from time to time at TJMaxx or Marshalls. Tien picked up these HUE slip-in fabric-like cushion pads for high heels for $3. It was too thick to really put it in high heels. But I picked it up and said I had an idea for it! I told her about the potholes in my shoes, and figured it could save my old pink shoes. She was right about the quality of the shoes, but I still love them! I sat there fixing my favorite shoes. I filled the potholes with some cottonball and placed the cushiony pad on top! I know, have I thought about Dr. Scholl's? I saw them at walmart and many times wanted to buy it but knew I wouldn't like it. The cushion were plastic /gel-like. I imagined when my feet will be hot sweaty against plastic... things may get slippery and stinky. And $10-15 for a pair?! I'd just buy new shoes! Which I did, but besides that; these HUE high heel cushions were cheaper and I can just peel them off and throw it away if it doesn't work.
She saw my new shoes and complimented them also and asked why don't I get air maxx/ shocks like hers. I explained to her again about the barefot thing. She said I'd be buying new shoes every so often. >,< and I know.... she's right.
Online browsing again I go...........
Tah Dah!!!! Vibram FiveFingers!!!

I haven't ordered them yet. I'm also looking at Nike Free shoes too. Cost almost the same. I want to go to the store first and try them on. =)

Splurged

So, I been craving for a spa day. I want a relaxing day and be completely pampered. A nice massage will be good too. One time Tien invited me to spend a day at the spa with her and now I been wanting to go to a spa and enjoy a relaxing day off. I been trying to find one that is highly rated. I saw good reviews on Spa Atlantis located downtown New Orleans. I haven't gone there yet but I want to tag-a-long a friend with me. Tien and I haven't had time yet. She and I both went on vacation this past weekend and the week before that, we both was on our dot. So we settled with all day shopping. Nonetheless, as I was browsing around looking for spas, I landed on home spa ideas. And lo and behold, I found a fabulous site that did reviews on Lush products and was curious. I knew there was a Lush in Macy's. I usually am disgusted with how strong the smell is every time I pass it. But there's got to be a reason why it's so popular and overly priced right?! The girl who helped me was nice and did demonstrations and everything for me. I'd feel bad if I didn't buy anything. So I bought The Comforter Bubble Bath bar; which is a best seller and Pop in a bath because I liked how it smelled. I will try it tomorrow night! I also bought a face cream moisturizer called Imperialis and found out all their products were hand made by natural ingredients. So I went home... and I had to try it and made a home spa for myself. I just light up my Sweet Pea candle I bought from Bath and Body works at one of their sales from way back when... and added a little facial with Purity from philosophy face scrub/cleanser. And The Comforter bubble bath bar from Lush with my iPhone iPod player going to my favorite spa music. =D nice isn't it?! I finished it off with the face moisturizer. It was nice, but a massage from the bf would top it off. Sigh* he's working tonight. I slipped on my pj's which only consist of VS's lacie hiphugger and a wifebeater, haha! and settled in with my humongous Glamour magazine for make-up ideas. I Love being a girl!

Anyways, I just got back home from Destin, again! I really enjoyed myself. I got a nice tan. Went shopping, bowling, and played some pool. There was the beach of course and also a swimming pool. Did some poolside tanning, showed Vinh I know how to float... and next time he'll teach me how to swim. =D I was to chicken. The guys, OMG, the guys did all the cooking. Muddley made the best baked spaghetti ever and Cong made fresh beef Tatakis And of course their usual grilled ribs, chicken, and steaks, etc. Lovely! And the girls, what can I say?! Peer pressure go the best of me this weekend and I think my alcohol tolerance went up a little. We finished so many bottle of Hennessey Blacks last weekend that the liquor store ran out! We had to buy a smaller size bottle! But golly, that shit was strong. I was buzzing all night, I was still buzzing when I showered to get ready for bed! When I downed my first one, the girls giggled because I was coughing after it took it. I swear the burning fumes was coming up my nose!!! Later on that night, I took three shots within 30 minutes with the girls, I couldn't catch up to their 15-20 shots... and called it a night.

Monday morning I had to go to the hospital to get a TB skin test done, the result will be read on Thursday, so I'll be back there tomorrow. And Pay Day!!! Woohoo! I been spending alot. Today is Anna's Birthday, and I got her a Coach wristlet to match with her messenger bag that she got from our last Destin trip. I know, we've been spoiling her! When I was younger, I wasn't that lucky! But I can get the things I want for myself now! When I was younger, I didn't have the luxury to have expensive or name brand purses. But ever since I started working... I spend on the things I always wanted. It's not whatever people made it out to be. I wish there was more to it. I only have one expensive purse I really like, an all black leather Gucci one. I always admired people who had the beige/brown fabric one, but thought real hard about it and bought a nice black one. I thought it was a nice pick because I'm older now and I am a working girl. Why do I feel the need to get a wallet to match it?! I want an Louis Vuitton one too! >.< Why do I want Christian Louboutins shoes?! IDK....It's a girl thing. Maybe a few more paychecks until then. I need to go back to the dentist and finish up my procedures too. Either way, my closet and clothes drawers... Stuffed! It doesn't do it anymore. Even when I donated alot of stuff to Goodwill. >_< I know. and make-up and accessories and shoes and electronics and vacations. Sounds crazy huh?! But I'm doing well, I'm paying off alot of debt too. I got that working hard and playing hard concept down pact. =P As my bf says..... where to next?!

Photobooth

Happy July 4th!

Playa & NiNi's Wedding 7/3/10

I'm stuffed. Went to his aunt's house and ate half a steak, a baked potato, and asparagus. =) He was about to pack me tre to go but I had to turn it down, he said to bring home some for my dad, but I didn't wanna take home another one of their Tupperware. LOL. Been stocking up on their tupperware. Watched fireworks outside the backyard. (His aunt has the nicest garden) and the weather was perfect tonight, warm but breezy! And it didn't smell like smoke from all the fireworks around us. We both have work tomorrow so we called it a night and went home early. We had a blast this weekend. The wedding was something I needed. I danced my butt off!! with my honey, Vinh! =) I usually don't do that alot with him since he doesn't go clubbing. And we didn't booty grind at Hung and Thao's wedding last December. We just slowed dance to all his oldies music. So it was a big deal for me. Also, we took photobooth pictures!! A first for me ever with a boyfriend. I really liked it. We did it twice! I love him.

Summer Time

Dick and Jenny's is canceled for tonight cause my supervisor can't come. BUT, the kids from Lafayette are down. We're cooking Lau as we speak and going to watch Karate Kid later. Boyfriend is driving over right now and getting cupcakes for Katelyn's early B-day celebration. We're just waiting for him and Hong and Nhan and their kids to come over. Preparation is done. I tidied up a little bit, swept and swiffer mop a lil bit. This is what's going on right now. But my intention of this entry is about something more significant. My boyfriend's parents want to 'befriend' my parents. It was brought up in April around Thao-vi's birthday. I talked to Vinh about how nervous I was and what I thought that meant. He laughed at me and knew what i was thinking. Vinh talked with me in a way to not get so worked up about it. It's just his parents wants to get to know my family more and stuff. >_< I'm still nervous. He said that whenever my parents and his parents have time; we'd take them out to eat Dim Sum or something, maybe with the whole family or something. >_< I'm still scared. anyways, his mom brought it up again, I told her my dad been busy with the boat stuff. He's back shrimping and also BP paperwork and meetings. But she's still hopeful. She saw the vacation pictures. She liked the one above best! And she finally sees a picture of my parents. On the other hand, summer has been slow at the hospital. I've been getting canceled or released early. Which is normal to them yearly. No wonder I didn't get a job until August when things picked up. It's been almost a year for me working as a therapist. I still like it. And I'm getting closer and closer to paying off all my debt. =) and will have more money to save for future things. okay, honey is here... gtg. peace

May 2010

WooHoo!! I'm so happy someone should hit me to CALM ME THE FRICK DOWN!!!

I just made my last payment on the carnote!! The loan is officially paid off!!
Packing to go to Destin!! Oil spill spared Destin!! It's still beautiful.
A whole week of vacation with the people I love!!
Family, Boyfriend, and Bestfriend. I'm Blessed!
We made one year this month on the 7th =D
Also, celebrating his 32nd Brithday in Destin!

So I'm trying to pack, and I really don't need to be on here blogging about the plans for the trip this weekend. But I'm tooo excited!!! Even though I should sleep for work tonight. Two more nights of work, then off to Destin Friday!! He's driving Thao-vi, Anna, and I -because I would have work all night before and he will be off. SO, we gonna get settle in first and go out to eat at night, 'less cooking'. And it's just four of us. And then Saturday is when the families come down. Hoa and Anh Hung and their kids and Hong and Anh Nhan and their kids! So exciting!!! They will enjoy the beach so much!!! I can't wait to play with the kids at the beach. There will be so much food!! The guys are going charter fishing while the girls and kids stay at the condo. Shopping is in the agenda for us. and everyone will be back for BBQ! Then the families will leave Monday =( -kids got school and parents have work,- it'll be short but sweet. Vinh and I will enjoy their company and appreciate the food they bringing. Next?! Tien gets off work Monday morning, so she'll rest up and join us Monday evening after the families are gone. Just me and Vinh and Thao-vi, Anna, and Tien for the rest of the week. Their will be much relaxing and drinking and dancing and site seeing and shopping and tanning and swimming and eating to be done. And then the wedding on Saturday. =) Can't wait to get dressed up again with Vinh.

Mwahs*

Vinh and Van
French Quarter Fest

4/11/10

Today, Vinh came over after mass and after Noah's baptism, we ate my mom's pho at my house. He did the sweetest thing that made me tear up inside, to myself, because I felt that he is the one that will be the father of my children. I felt future happiness. He fed Nia a spoonful of noodles while Nia was sitting on Hong's lap. A simple yet so powerful act. It made me think, how sweet, and I can see it already that I really love him. Kayla and Nia always follow him. He is so good with kids! And he wants a girl first. And then a boy. I do too. It was a moment I'll always want to remember.

Can't Hardly Wait

There's so much coming up this Summer! I can't wait. I'm going to Destin with my honey! Along with my little sisters and Tien. =) and I also invited Hoa and her family. I invited Hong too, but she can't go because of her move in to the new house and new baby. I tried inviting other friends too but they're busy or can't go. Tien's friend from out of town might come along too. But we'll see. I've been busy just working and spending time with family every other weekend. Gma's 100 day anniversary just passed. Vinh was there to help. I really feel we are a couple now in our family. Everyone sees him as my Hubby. hehehe... Last weekend me and Vinh went to visit Hoa and her kids in Lafayette. And on our way home, went to Mall of Louisiana in BR and had dinner at Sake Cafe and ate Menchie's! It was the perfect day/night date. Full moon and everything. Then on Sunday we went to the Crawfish Fest and ride the ferris wheel. Full moon back again. It was so romantic and funny!!! It was so cold and windy but there's nothing like kissing behind our hoodies that made is much warmer. Lenten season gives us excuses to go out and eat sushi all the time. Vinh introduced me to creamy wasabi sauce... Yummy! So much better than the actual wasabi paste in soy sauce. Anyways, life's been great. Easter is coming. But I'll be working. =/ It's ok. We always eat good on this shift! BTW, I paid off alot of my credit card debt. =) Vinh is doing good too... I really do love him.

Blissfully Happy

From Tuyet-Van

How much can you tell someone you love them so they'd know how you feel? "Every Goodmornings... and Every Goodnights..."

Wow, can I say how wonderful he is?! My boyfriend treats me the way I should've been treated. I don't know why I made excuses for my past relationships. I think he can't believe how I was mistreated before. It doesn't take alot to please me he says. I'm easily excited over little things. And I guess with the right person, anything can make me happy. He says he likes to spoil me. For my birthday, he got me what I wanted and more... First of all a Bear, A big teddy bear so I can hug to sleep like I do when I'm with him. He tried getting it for Christmas, but he said it wasn't big or cute enough. I told him to pick something that was "Him" and he finally found it when Valentine's bears were being sold. Haha!! But he didn't had a chance to drop it off for me until my birthday. We also got into a lil arguement, but it was nothing really. He made it up when he got me the Yoshi Plushie Doll!! He knew he's my favorite character. It is soo Cute!!! I had to take a picture of it with him. and on top of everything, He got me a camera!! that's the best present of all cause he knew I needed a new one since my old one broke. I mean the zoom doesn't work. so he got me the one that zooms alot more than my old one. LOL!!

Well, I want to write more, but I gotta go to work soon. So I'll be back!

January 2010

From Tuyet-Van

Happy In Love with Him~!

Over the past few months, I cannot begin to write how wonderful it is being with him. Before my gma passed away we visit her often and one time she held our hand one in each of hers and said something very nice. She told us to love each other with all our hearts in Vietnamese. And he's become closer and closer to my family each day. For Thanksgiving, he came to the house with vietnamese ice-cream for my parents and cookies for my niece and nephews. We ate and hung out. At night we all went to visit gma, which happened to be the last time I saw her. Then we prayed for gpa death anniversary. After that, Vinh and I went to Chi Diep house with Vi and Anna and had so much fun playing cards and eating and drinking. He took me home at a decent hour so I can go to sleep for Black Friday sale. I told him that he made my Thanksgiving an unforgettable one. It was pleasant and simple. Just being with the family and stuff, it made me love him even more. And I think my Family really likes him. My dad even said something about Vinh's parents being future-in-laws when the whole family was down for the funeral. He said it out loud in front of him too. >.< When they got to Vinh's parents envelope of monetary money. That takes alot coming from my dad who usually is cold to my other older brother-in-laws. Then the jokes with sexual innuendo's at the dinner table with the cousins when we were shaving veggies for the funeral food. Everyone was missing gma and still could share a laughter with each other. it was a moment that my whole family gathered and I'm glad everyone met Vinh. Then there's Christmas. =D He open gifts at my house and for the first time ate Anh Hung's boiled Crawfish and really like it. He tricked me when I went to open my gift. I come to find that I was opening his gift that I got for him. He then gave me my real present in the wrapper I thought I wrapped for him. He just wanted me to open more boxes. And we both tricked Adrian to thinking I got Vinh the Naruto game he really wanted. Vinh's name was on the box but Vinh told Adrian to open it. And Adrian saw in surprise that it was the game he wanted and was kinda disappointed when he thought I got it for Vinh. Vinh told him that he didn't want it and that Adrian could have it. LOL which made it even cooler. But I really got it for Adrian, so I told him later on what we were trying to do. Adrian and his mom thought it was funny! And I had to work that night to I went took a nap and he watched football with my family.

There's so much more stuff when it's just me and him. Or when we chill with Tien and my sisters. We go out to eat like almost every weekend when we're free. Hooters, Coffee, Sushi, Wal-mart trips, and what nots. I love it when he drives me to places I need to go so that I won't be tired. Adn going to Sunday Mass together after pulling a 12hr shift and gotta go back again that night. And when I'm really tired, I would just go to his house and sleep in with him. When we both work, we'd sleep in til 2 or 3 in the afternoon, and his mom would cook for to eat when we wake up. I feel so spoiled >.< His parents are so nice. They keep trying to feed me!!! Or when Vinh's off and I'm at work, she would pack lunch for me and Vinh would go drop it off for me. =) I got them them a tupperware set for Christmas because I stole all theirs from all the time she made me food. I told them that Vinh could use it too and that she can put away leftovers for me when I come over to eat.

I finally went to Celebration in the Oaks for the first time and he took me to Fulton St. too and Rock-n-Sake afterwards. It was a weekend I finally had off and he had off from work. Even though we were both dead tired, we still had so much fun. He knew how imprtant it means to me to go to Celebration in the Oaks with someone special. I been saving the experience for someone worthwhile and I guess it was meant to be that we had this chance. He made it even more special and took me Fulton St. too and my camera battery died, so we took phone pics. He's the sweetest and knows how to spoil me. For New Years, He took me to Port of NOLA to watch fireworks and have our New Year's Kiss. It was perfect, even though it was very cold, he's naturally very warm and kept me close the whole time under his arms and coat. Which I got for him for Christmas along with a belt. Which he really liked and wears it often. I also wore the coat he got me that night too. He's made so many of my dreams come true when it comes to Love. He's the best boyfriend ever! We went to so many weddings during the holidays and we had so much fun getting dressed up and meeting our friends. He met the Hannan girls and Convent Girls. As for me, I met all his boys and his boy's girlfriends. We all became quick friends. That night when we went to rock-n-sake, we bumped into Fannie people and he met them too.

What more can I say? I'm missing so many small things here and there. Like talking and texting on the phone.. at work or not. When he clips my finger or toe nails cuz it pokes him. Driving around town running errands like post office, bank, Sam's or Walmart. Playing facebook games like poker or farmtown. When he peeled my lobster for me to eat. Hanging out with Tien. Chilling at my house waits for me to get haircut. Do laundry. Go shopping in Gulport or Baton Rouge/Gonzales. We went to Biloxi and ate IP buffet just because. He strolled around his old neighborhood and showed me all the houses he loved in cuz his parents moved around the neighborhood alot!! that was funny. Zacks frozen yorgurt!! =) washing my car, plugging my tires and thao-vi's, watching movies. Oh my god, Helping me Cook!! LOL that will be another post. so many, many things.... and the many I Love You's in between.