A Birthday I'll never forget!

Started with getting off from work early that morning and slept til noon. I went to run errands buying things to Tet Vinh's parents at Hong Kong Market. I got his dad coffee and his mom asian pears and a box of chocolates. On the way home got stuck in traffic by the CCC. Thao-Vi called me to go to Play Birthday Slot Machine at Harrah's. Might as well since I'm stuck in traffic and can't go home to watch Secret Garden (Kdrama I'm addicted to). My cousin Linda and Thao-vi joined me on the spin. And Guess What?! I won something other than the free buffet.

$100 to Besh Steakhouse

We were hungry and used it right away. It was delicious. This is just the dessert. I'm glad Thao-vi and Linda talked me into it. Made the start of my Birthday memorable. Other photos is on facebook.

Vinh was working on my bday. So, he told me he'd take me out for Sushi for my Birthday on Friday instead. But little did I know, he and Thao-vi planned a surprise Birthday party for me at Little Tokyo. Pretty Brilliant! Because I love sushi and singing! But the surprised got spoiled by my older sister Hong a few days early. She told me she's going to Little Tokyo friday. I was like... "With me and Vinh?" and then it hit me. I told Hong, "I know now. Hahaha!" On Friday I went to get my hair done by Tiffani's and got highlights! =) I really like it!! She used my hair in her profile on her website. She just moved into her new Salon which is in the same building as Hong's nail store. I been hanging out there alot with Hong. Night time came around and Vinh came to Chuc Tet my parents before heading out to Lil tokyo. But when he came over, he knocked on the door and I opened it. He surprised me with Roses! I love it! It's my favorite!

I had an awesome night and was surprised again when my friend Nga came to join us. Dieu and Jaime came too. Tien was busy working that night. We didn't leave lil tokyo til they closed. Haha! Since it was a surprise, I didn't have my camera to take any pics. But Nga took this picture on her phone. Big Smile! They got me a Hi-Do Fluer de Lis King Cake! How awesome?! My niece helped me blow out my 26 candles... And we had so much to drink that night. I love it! Spending my birthday with Friends and Family. =)Saturday Night I planned and invited a bunch of my girlfriends to celebrate my Birthday. We had dinner at Drago's. Hue Surprised me with a Cake!

This is a picture of us before, starting with our first shot, Sex on the Beach. A pre-cursor to our Destination on Bourbon, The Beach! =) I felt really special having all these fine ladies with me that night. =)

We went to the Beach down on Bourbon and I rode the whale. It was fun but also scary.. anyways, I really sucked and was tipsy! Oh yeah, I love the song No Hands that they were playing!

Sunday we ended it with a big celebration at Hong's house. Because it was also Anh Nhan's (1/23) and Noah's (1/28) Birthday!! They also celebrated their house warming that day becuase their brother finally came home from Brazil.
I'm all tired out. What a weekend. There's alot I didn't mentioned and just skimmed through it with photos... But it'll suffice. Everything else is embedded in my memories. I'm so blessed.

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.