Kel. 28. Lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Graduated from UC Berkeley 2001. Has a small obsession with TV. Enjoys chick lit and teen movies. Major shopaholic. Blogging since January 17, 2002.

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Date/Time: Thurs, Feb 07 @ 11:15pm
Reading: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Listening: Popular, Wicked Soundtrack

 Barry.  Emma.  Kelly.  Kate.  Linda.  Marieke.  Marina.  Reen.  Robyn.

• back from vegas
• starbucks love
• netflix weekend
• meme time
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March 27, 2008

I meant to post this days ago. OOPS.

I got back from Las Vegas on Sunday. And I totally sat at work on Monday doing nothing. Shhh. Don't tell on me. I was TIRED.

I had a good time. And I'm not even that big of a Vegas person. :D Here's a quick rundown of the weekend...

So my friend (and bridesmaid!) Ruby wanted to surprise her boyfriend Jason (also my good friend and colleague -- I used to be his assistant and now he's my sales rep) with a birthday trip to Vegas with friends. Rob and I arrived on Friday night (after a short delay in Oakland, of course) and after a quick change of clothes, we headed off to the Mandalay Bay to meet up with our friends to surprise the birthday boy. We were supposed to meet outside of the Orchid Lounge, which is where Ruby and Jason were having drinks. As we approached, Ruby happened to be looking in our direction and what did I do -- I WAVED. OMG. I'm such a moron. Luckily, Jason was looking down and didn't see me. Phew. Once all of us were gathered, we walked in and practically jumped all over the poor guy. :D After a few hours of talking and drinking (only half an Amaretto Sour for me), we went over to the Rum Jungle for more drinking (not me) and dancing (yay). Here I am with Ruby and Jason...

And here's the group taking shots...

Sadly, the DJ at Rum Jungle was terrible. So there was not much dancing. We finally dispersed at 3am. EEEK. It was rough getting up the next day. I am too old to be staying out that late. :/

Didn't do much on Saturday (poor Jason had a *little* too much to drink so he was out of commission for most of the day) but I did get to check out the Wynn. I haven't been to Vegas since it opened a few years back and wow, the lobby and the shopping esplanade are gorgeous. The casino, though, looks just like every other casino on the strip. While we were there, I dragged Rob to the Manolo Blahnik store (later I even dragged Ruby into the Jimmy Choo store at Caesar's Palace) -- all in the name of "research" for my wedding shoes. A girl can dream, right? :D

We went to Aquanox at the Venetian for dinner. YUM-O. I had the filet mignon at a seafood restaurant. Hee. Afterwards, the guys headed off to the blackjack tables and Ruby and I took advantage of the free drink service (just cokes for me). Aaannnd that was our weekend. We hopped on a flight back to Oakland early on Sunday morning and took a nap as soon as we got home.

Good times. :)

In fandom news, has anyone heard/read the casting news for Prison Break season 4? WHAT THE HELL. TV Guide's Ausiello has an interview with the executive producer if you want to read all about it. I think I might start watching again.

Posted by Kel at 10:03 PM | Comments (3)

March 20, 2008

Aww yeah. My week is OVER! Tomorrow's a holiday at work ("Spring Friday" is our PC term for it, hehe) and I'm heading to Las Vegas for the weekend to celebrate a good friend's birthday. Woot. I just finished packing and of course, I overpacked. Oops. What? I need options! Hee.

So I'm finally a "regular" somewhere! It only took a year but the employees at the Starbucks across the street from work finally know my name and my order. A tall nonfat peppermint mocha. :D When I'm standing in line and one of them sees me, they yell out my name and confirm that I'm having the mocha. Sometimes I like to freak them out and order a tall nonfat latte. Hee. And the best part is that they charge me for a tall and I always get a venti. YAYAYAY. I feel so loved. :D Too bad I *really* need to lay off the Starbucks cause the venti is about quadruple the calories of the tall. I should have given it up for Lent. Maybe next year...

Also, why is printing addresses on wedding invitation envelopes considered bad etiquette?! My handwriting is not pretty enough to write all the addresses. And I don't want to pay a calligrapher (hey, I'm cheap -- I have to cut corners somewhere). ARGH. Oh, wedding etiquette. I shake my fist at you.

I'm so random today.

Posted by Kel at 11:43 PM | Comments (5)

March 17, 2008

I finally have some good work news to share... I got a raise! WOOT. It's not much (6%) but anything is better than nothing, especially with the wedding coming up. I wasn't even expecting it, so YAY.

Watched a few movies this weekend...

Bourne Ultimatum
Love Matt Damon. Love the Bourne series. Good, solid fun. I love the way this movie takes off and doesn't let up until the end... the quick editing and fast-paced shooting style definitely contributes to the thrill of the story. Recommended.

American Gangster
Another solid movie. But it was a tad too long. I got distracted a few times. At the same time, though, I thought that the collaboration between Frank and Richie came too soon. It just seemed like there was so much time spent establishing the players and the setting but when it was time for the resolution, the story became rushed. I'd still recommend the movie, particularly because Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington deliver strong performances.

Two Days in Paris
Ok, I rented this movie because it's set in Paris and I'm obsessed with the city. So sue me. :P I wanted to love this movie but didn't. :/ After a "romantic" trip to Italy, Marion (Julie Delpy) and Jack (Adam Goldberg) stop in Paris for 2 days to visit Marion's parents before returning home to New York. While there, they deal with culture shock and Marion's romantic past. The dialogue is snappy and witty but I just didn't find it very funny. I guess I'd recommend it with reservations.

Haven't done this in awhile... the Fannish Five...
What were your five favorite series finales? This could be a TV series finale, the end of a series of books or a comics run, or the finish of any other serial media.

1. Dawson's Creek. Just a roller coaster of emotions from Jen's death to Pacey and Joey's reunion. And I love every minute of it.
2. Everwood. Ephram and Amy!
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. A beautiful culmination to a very special series.
4. Sex and the City. I'm looking forward to the movie!
5. The OC. I love the sneak peeks we got to each character's future.

Hope everyone has a good week!

Posted by Kel at 12:20 AM | Comments (3)

March 13, 2008

Rob's out of town again this week so I have the TV all to myself. MWAHAHAHA.

There was nothing on last night besides American Idol so I watched it. I realized I haven't watched it regularly in over 2 seasons. I kinda felt out of touch. I actually forgot how painful it can be watching the show live. Eek. Katharine McPhee was there as a guest. She is freaking gorgeous. Ugh. Hate her. (Just kidding, kind of).

I just read about the decision to split up Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows into 2 movies. They should just make 1 movie (even if it's lengthy) and be done with it. Thumbs down.

I'm at work right now and cannot focus on anything so I have decided to do this meme. Stolen from Nicola...

01. What time did you get up this morning?
6:45am... far later than usual. So of course, I was running around like a crazy person trying to leave the apartment on time. When Rob's out of town, I have to take a bus to the train station and that thing does not come all that often.

02. Diamonds or pearls?
Both please. Thanks.

03. What was the last movie you saw?
It's been awhile. I *think* the last movie I saw was Enchanted. I totally want to see The Other Boleyn Girl and also Step Up 2 (shut up :P). But I bet I won't see any movies in the theatre until the summer blockbusters are released.

04. Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
Paris. I have a love affair with the city.

05. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Either cereal (Cheerios) or oatmeal. And also tea -- I particularly love the Strawberry Cream tea from Coffee Bean. Some Fridays I'll treat myself to a nonfat Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks for making it through the work week.

06. What is your middle name?
Lachica. It's my mom's maiden name.

07. What food do you dislike?
I don't like anything slimy. This includes okra and uni (sea urchin).

08. What is your favorite CD?
Probably the Rent soundtrack (original Broadway cast version). With *N Sync's No Strings Attached as a close second. HEE.

09. What kind of car do you drive?
No car for me. :/

10. Favorite sandwich?
I love pastrami sandwiches. Mmmm. I also really like turkey and avocado on a croissant. YUM.

11. What characteristics do you despise?
I've never really thought about it... maybe self-absorption, selfishness.

12. Favorite item of clothing?
Jeans. If I could, I would wear them to work every day.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go?
EVERYWHERE. But really, my travel to do list has Australia at the top. I also want to visit New Zealand, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Greece... and pretty much all the other countries in Europe I haven't seen. :D

14. What color is your bathroom?
Light green and tan.

15. Favorite brand of clothing?
Banana Republic. It's not the most fashion forward but I like that I can get clothes for work and the weekends in one place.

16. Where would you retire?
I have no idea.

17. What was your most memorable birthday?
It's a tie between my 16th and 18th. For my 16th, I had a party at my house -- invited lots of friends, my family prepared tons of food, and I had a DJ in the backyard so we could all dance. I don't remember a lot of the details from that night but I know I was really happy. I celebrated my 18th during my first year in college and I was terribly homesick. My family and my friend Robyn came to visit. I don't think we did anything special but just having them around was so nice.

18. Favorite sport to watch?
I'm such a girl but it's a tie between figure skating and gymnastics. I'm so excited this is an Olympics year!

19. Furthest place you are sending this?
Uhhh...

20. Who do you expect to repost this?
No one...

21. Person you expect to repost first?
...

22. Favorite saying?
That I actually say? I can't think of one right now.

23. When is your birthday?
October 11.

24. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night person, definitely. I am very grumpy in the morning.

25. What is your shoe size?
6 or 6.5

26. Pets?
YES! A little shih-tzu named Diesel.

27. What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a professional ballerina up until high school when I realized there is no money in a dancing career.

28. What are you today?
Media Buyer.

29. What is your favorite candy?
Sour Patch Kids! And chocolate-covered gummi bears. Oh! And Scotchmallows from See's.

30. What is your favorite flower?
Roses (particularly in pink!), ranunculus, and stephanotis. Pretty! All of these will be in my bridal bouquet. :D

31. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
My wedding!

32. What are you listening to right now?
Britney Spears's Blackout album. I'm loving it.

33. What was the last thing you ate?
I had a canned Campbell's chicken and wild rice soup for dinner.

34. Do you wish on stars?
No.

35. Do you believe in Angels?
Mmm... I think I do. Or at least I believe in the idea of Angels.

36. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
PINK!

37. Pet peeves?
Mmm... the one that immediately comes to mind is people talking during a movie. They try to whisper but that makes it worse. Ack, I hate that.

38. Favorite Television show?
Right now it's Gossip Girl.

39. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Rob

40. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
I stole this from Nicola and yes, she's pretty darn awesome. :D

41. Favorite soft drink?
Coke. So refreshing on a hot day.

42. Favorite restaurant?
Huh. I LOVE food but don't think I have a favorite restaurant...

43. Hair Color?
Black

44. Siblings?
None. I'm an only child.

46. What was your favorite toy as a child?
My Barbies and their Dream House. Gawd, I'm such a girl.

47. Summer or Winter?
Summer for the weather but Winter for the clothes. :P

48. Hugs or kisses?
Kisses.

49. Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate.

50. Do you want your friends to repost this?
Of course!

51. When was the last time you cried?
I'm sure I've cried this year but I don't think it was in a serious situation... I probably cried while watching One Tree Hill or something. Hee.

52. What is under your bed?
We use that space for more storage so I have boxes filled with linens, scarves, and bags/purses under there.

53. Who is the friend you've had longest?
In real life, I've known my best friends Carmen and Robyn the longest.

54. What did you do last night for dinner?
I bought some sushi after work and brought it home to eat with Diesel.

55. Favorite smell?
I loooove the smell of coffee.

57. How many keys on your key ring?
Only two -- one for the apartment and the other for the mailbox.

58. How many years at your current job?
1.5

59. Favorite day of the week?
Friday... I know it's a work day but I love the anticipation of the weekend.

60. How many towns have you lived in?
I'm on my third.

61. Do you make friends easily?
No. I'm too much of an introvert.

62. How many folks will read this?
I actually don't think anyone will get this far. :D

63. Are you happy?
Yes, I really am.

Posted by Kel at 11:34 PM | Comments (1)

March 9, 2008

So... the wedding is in 5 months. !!! I'm not freaking out. Yet. :D We've actually been making some good progress in the past month. Let's see, we've...

-- Booked the videographer
-- Reserved a suite at the Fairmont for "getting ready" with my bridesmaids (squee, girly fun!) and for the night of the wedding
-- Booked my hair and makeup artist
-- Ordered bridesmaids dresses from Jenny Yoo. They're a lovely pink color in silk shantung fabric. My Maid of Honor and I narrowed the choices down to 3 styles and each girl chose their own dress. See how pretty (the 3 styles are on the left and the color is on the right)!

 

-- Ordered and mailed out our Save the Date postcards!

-- And lastly, we've ordered our invitations... they're set to arrive in a month. I don't think I can wait. I loooove staring at them... all metallic and shiny. Is it possible to be in love with stationery? Cause I totally am. :D

In non-wedding news, I totally failed at my Lenten sacrifice this weekend because I ate ice cream both days. OOPS. It was totally worth it, though. :/ Just LOOK!

Yesterday, Rob, Diesel and I went to 4th Street in Berkeley. I wanted to go over to my little slice of heaven, aka Paper Source, to get some inspiration for miscellaneous paper projects I have planned for the wedding. Weelll, no trip to 4th Street is complete without a stop at Sketch. The owners, Ruthie and Eric, were former pastry chefs at Aqua. They use produce/fruits that are in season so everything is packed with flavor but never too heavy or too rich. It's just perfect. I had the Strauss plain yogurt with cocoa nib topping (on the left) and Rob had the Cocoa Nib. Mmmm. I'm drooling right now thinking about it. We've also tried Earl Grey (sounds weird but it's incredible), Raspberry sorbet (a bit tart but yummy), and Burnt Caramel (*drool*).

Today's stop on the East Bay ice cream tour was Ici, also in Berkeley. This store was opened by Mary, a former pastry chef from Chez Panisse... I think I like this trend of pastry chefs leaving top restaurants if it means MORE ICE CREAM STORES! Rob and I waited a little over half an hour to get our ice cream but boy, was it WORTH IT. YUM-O. My treat (pictured above) was the Meyer Lemon (so light, so refreshing) and Chocolate Chip with a hand-rolled cone (the cone was so good and it had a chocolate tip!). Rob had the Chocolate Chip and Milk Chocolate Almond, which was also pretty spectacular. I can't wait to go back and try some of the other flavors, like Ginger, Honey Lemon, Coconut Sorbet, etc.

Diet? What diet? Heh. OOPS.

Posted by Kel at 11:55 PM | Comments (5)

March 5, 2008

I was trying to avoid them but those darn Girl Scouts found me today! I bought my usual Thin Mints and Samoas. :D YUM-O.

Rob was out of town last week so I took advantage of the fact that I had the TV all to myself and caught up on some of my girly shows! :) Some brief thoughts...

Ugly Betty
I'm finding Amanda really grating and annoying this season. It might be her storyline bringing out the worst in her. Is it just me? And possibly another unpopular opinion but I think I'm starting to prefer Betty/Gio over Betty/Henry. Last season I adored Henry and was totally rooting for a relationship between him and Betty. But now that they're a couple, they just don't work for me anymore... they're actually, dare I say it, a little boring. :/

One Tree Hill
I know that Peyton has been a completely unreasonable b*tch so far this season but I can't help it... I'm still a Peyton apologist. I just love her and want her to be happy. And I take back what I said originally about Lindsey, I have decided that I am not a fan. Mostly because I don't believe that her character is going to last long in the world of Tree Hill (I mean, come on) so quite honestly, I don't feel the need to get invested. Anyway, I knew it -- I knew Nanny Carrie was up to no good. I'm so pissed at Nathan for not doing anything or SAYING anything about her completely inappropriate behavior. ARGH. Why, Nathan?!? It's totally going to come up again because there is no way that Carrie's storyline is done. BOO.

Lipstick Jungle
I've only seen the pilot and the most recent episode and it's marginally better than Cashmere Mafia. And that's mostly because I like Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, and Lindsay Price (she looks exactly the same as she did on 90210) and find their friendship/personalities to be relatable and believable. (Except why is Lindsay's character named Victory?! Really?) I never would have thought these 3 actresses would work so well together but they do. I'll watch the show if I happen to remember that it's on but I won't go out of my way. It's too bad... I really wanted to "click" with this show. Can you tell I miss Sex and the City?

I just realized that I haven't watched the last 3 episodes of Smallville and I'm too lazy to download them... anyone want to fill me in? :)

YAY -- NBC renewed Friday Night Lights! Woot.

Finally, voting for Diesel is still going on here. :D

Posted by Kel at 10:56 PM | Comments (4)

March 4, 2008

Rob and I submitted Diesel's picture in Bissell's Most Valuable Pet photo contest. So if you guys have a couple of seconds, would you please vote for him? He'll give you lots of puppy kisses. :D

You can vote for him here.

Posted by Kel at 10:51 AM | Comments (3)