Dance Monkey, Dance

Job Part Two

2009-12-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

I did get asked back for the next season of my network producing gig! Yay! I'm so happy and excited. I want to really take a hold of my life and career next year. I want to stop second-guessing myself and be able to be who I want to be. I know I can do it. I just need a little help from my friends...

Music for My Soul

2009-08-28T17:59:00.001-07:00

I love music. I love all kinds of music, and when it's good...I get carried away. I get inspired. I get lost in the melodies and the lyrics. Last night, Ant and I attended a concert at the Music Box in Hollywood. Pete Yorn headlined and Zee Avi opened for him. In case you've never heard of Zee, here's her first single (and video)...

It's called Bitter Heart, and she has such an old-fashioned voice. I love it.

Pete Yorn and his band rocks (for lack of a better word). Pete is hot, of course, and so the audience, last night, comprised hugely of women. The small percentage of men in the audience seemed to be on dates with the women. His guitarist kicks ass, and I had never seen a tambourine man with sooo much energy.

Good music also helps me forget what I want to forget.

New Job

2009-08-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

Why do we get nervous when we start new ventures? I am starting a new job in about a week and a half. I'm really excited about this gig. I'm going to be working on a major network reality show! It's what I've wanted for a long time, and I hope I do a good job so I will be asked back for next season. I'm just nervous. I'm also trying to get all of my ducks in a row before I start. OK this isn't a very good post. I think I'm just thinking about it too much. And I haven't really posted very much here since I started up www.recessionmama.wordpress.com.

2009-04-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

When I was little, Easter was my favorite holiday/day. Today, we'd decorate eggs and get our easter baskets filled with grass. Tomorrow, we hunt.

"Be vewy, vewy quiet...we're hunting for a wabbit."

I loved when my parents, I mean the Easter Bunny, would hide them in unusual places in the yard.

2009-04-10T17:28:00.001-07:00

Is it raining where you live? I started this blog with the theory that it always seems to rain on Good Friday, and it always seems to be sunny on Easter. Today, it's 63 and sprinkling in downtown L.A. Hopefully, it's sunny on Sunday. I'm excited about going to church. I am about to join a new church in Pasadena called All Saints. It's really nice there. Lots of great ideas. The rector, Ed Bacon, has been on Oprah. But that wasn't the reason we joined this church. Ant and I have been "window shopping" for a church for awhile. We wanted some place that felt like home to us.

We both grew up, believing in the same thing...higher power and all that...but with very different organized religions. I stopped believing in organized religion around the time I was 16. My grandfather had passed away, and even though the church preacher mentioned it in the sermon that day...no one said anything to me afterwards! I felt like everyone went to church to parade their outfits and their children's accomplishments and not to listen to the message from God.

Recently, two of my best friends in L.A. were talking about just wanting to feel more spiritual, and I completely got it. We all have a mind. We all have a body. We also all have a spirit, and just like we take care of our mind (reading, doing crossword puzzles, stress relief) and our body (eating well, exercising, relieving stress as much as possible)...we seldom think about how to take care of our spirit. And I think we need that. Well, at least I do. Also...someday in the future...far, far away (in my mind)...we may want to have children. I'd like them to have a moral foundation. Of course, I think it's my responsibility, as a parent, to teach and give them that moral foundation. But we live in a very secular world that doesn't teach about the spirit. And so for one day out of the week...it would be nice for them to hear something that feeds that spirit. It truly does take a village, after all, to rear a child.

Jon Stewart Gives Jim Cramer a Journalism 101 Lesson Pt.3

2009-03-17T00:49:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Jon Stewart creams Jim Cramer Pt. 2

2009-03-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 2

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Jon Stewart vs. Jim Cramer Pt. 1

2009-03-17T00:46:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

25 Random Facts on Facebook

2009-02-10T00:39:00.001-08:00

Everyone I know is writing random facts about themselves on Facebook. I'm getting tagged by some and not allowed to see some others. Not that I mind. I'm not sure I really want to know all of these random facts about my friends and not-so-close acquaintances. I definitely don't want to know how someone lost her virginity, especially since I barely even knew this girl in high school. But there are some people's random facts which are fun to read, especially when they are truly random facts. Like my friend, Karen. She wrote about how when she had a super long commute to work, she used to pass the time by nibbling crackers into the shape of states! Now that's random, bizarre and funny!

Recently, when I mention stuff that Anthony doesn't already know about me, he's been pointing out that I should write that in my 25 random facts about myself. Like the other day, I mentioned that I was in a band with my friends Jill and Heather. We called ourselves The Furies. And I was going to play keyboard. Jill was going to play guitar, and Heather was going to play the drums. But no one wanted to sing. So the band died there.

Piper is a Tiny Terror!

2008-12-23T00:06:00.000-08:00

Piper is now about 2 months old, and she's quite the Tiny Terror, as Anthony likes to call her. She's scratching up my expensive leather H.D. Buttercup couch! And she bites us all of the time...sometimes affectionately, sometimes to get her way! We've tried practically everything! Spraying her with water, putting down aluminum foil, everything that other people's cats don't like, and everything that "Kittens for Dummies" told us about! Nothing is working, unfortunately. And some days, I am at my wits end. Of course, she's still very cute. But if you tell her "NO," that is exactly like giving her catnip and encouraging her to do something, over and over, again. Anyone have any solutions to the terrible 2-month old kittens??

I LOVE the Miss Dior Cherie commercial!

2008-12-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

Here's apparently the director cut of the new commercial for Christian Dior's Miss Dior Chérie fragrance. Directed by Sofia Coppola with model Maryna Linchuk and song "Moi Je Joue" by Brigitte Bardot.

It smells like a smokehouse BBQ...

2008-11-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

My friend Carla, who lives in Texas, always calls when we have a fire, earthquake, or any other newsworthy event in Los Angeles. And most of the time, I tell her that it's far away, didn't really cause that much damage, or how I'm just not affected that much. But since last week, the latest fire has spread across the southland and burned down a lot of people's homes. It's also caused damage to a lot of other homes and structures. And of course, tens of thousands of people have evacuated their homes. Anthony's sisters and family members who live in Chino Hills (one of the major fire areas), have left their home and is living with relatives in Fontana (far east). There are fires to the North of me (in the valley), South of me (Brea, Anaheim, Orange County), East (Chino Hills, Diamond Bar)...and the skies are a heavy, foggy gray. It's hard to breathe when you're outside!

(But it hasn't stopped us from going to a Kings game last night...Lynn had box seats and VIP parking! And today, we went to the grand opening of Urth Caffe's new downtown location and HQ! Will Ferrell was there too...sat right next to us...so of course, I've been saying I had breakfast with Will Ferrell!) Free food and drinks...I love it!

History Made!

2008-11-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

I cried during Barack Obama's speech tonight. (Transcript at Jack and Jill politics) The 44th president of the United States. Record turnouts at the polls. I stood in line for an hour to an hour and a half at my voting place this morning...alongside homeless men...trying not to breathe in the smell of urine permeating the SRO Housing building I voted in. The man in front of me in line, small, black, blue-eyed, cracking jokes about how there was a time, before me, when you couldn't get your drink on until after the polls closed. And now, anything goes. He said he had never seen such a turnout in his entire life! And I believe him.

Tonight, Anthony and I wandered the streets of L.A. We stopped at an old bank building on 4th and Main where an election night party spilled onto the street. Everyone was drinking and eating pizzas, cheering and clapping. We joined the merriment, just as John McCain made his concession speech. Gracious. Sarah Palin looked like she was about to cry. And afterwards, on we went, to another location. Pitfire Pizza. One of the many restaurants offering a deal on this historic election night. We ordered pastas, salads, and chocolate cake for $12.99 and the cold beer was free! We sat down and after finishing our salads, President-Elect Barack Obama and his beautiful family took the stage. I felt chills, happiness, peace, and pride. I helped elect this man. I contributed to his campaign. I spread the word. My mother spread the word! He was the first person she wanted to campaign for, vote for, and excited for. My mother, who had been apolitical all her life, put up an Obama sign in the front window of her house. Through forkfuls of linguine, I cried. I felt the emotions well up inside me...all the moments when you had doubts that one person can change the world...here was proof that anything was possible. Tonight. Love. Peace. Happiness. A new world order full of hope and change. Yes, we can. Yes, we did.

YES THEY CAN CARVE!

2008-10-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

My friend, Autumn, found this site and shared it with me...

http://yeswecarve.com/

In honor of Halloween and the Election, people are carving Obama pumpkins! (I think they should carve McCain/Palin or Bush...cuz they're scarier.)

We're less than a month away!!

2008-10-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

Piper is perfect!

2008-10-15T23:38:00.001-07:00

Piper is the perfect name for our new baby. She's definitely got a set of pipes on her. I think her name shall be...Piper Pavarotti Pinga. lol. But we're going to keep her. She's just too darn cute, and we're acting like two lovesick parents who are getting very little sleep but enjoying every minute.

Piper has blue eyes, and they're even prettier now than when we first got her. I've been wanting to videotape her, but haven't gotten around to charging the batteries on the camera.

As for the wedding, I found a dress! I bought it on Saturday, and I kinda flipped out on Sunday...worrying about whether I paid too much, whether it will be too big/fancy for a beach wedding, etc. My mom helped me get a very good deal on it...40% off! It's a designer dress, but it's a sample so it helped to get the price down.

Now, we just need to find a venue. Found a couple of places we LOVE, but they're all quite expensive. Everything is getting closer to $50,000!!! I would buy the loft next door and use that for a down payment before I'd drop that on a wedding!!! And since we're paying for this wedding on our own, it really doesn't make sense. There's got to be a place that's just as beautiful, elegant, not too stuffy, not too casual, and way under 50-grand!!??!!!

More photos of the kitten...see post below

2008-10-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone Want a Kitten?

2008-10-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

We came across this abandoned kitty while walking around downtown Friday. She was about to cross a busy street so Anthony gallantly scooped her up and rescued her! She's about 3-4 weeks and still needs to be bottle-fed. We took her to the vet and found out she was a female and that, besides fleas, she's perfectly healthy. I have never seen anything sooo tiny in my life! She also has quite the pipes on her, so I jokingly said her name should be Pavarotti (when I thought she might be a boy). But I think we're settling on Piper. What do you think her name should be? And do you know anyone who might be able to give her a loving home?

Sarah Silverman's Crazy Campaign

2008-09-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

Can Women and Men Just Be Friends Pt. 2

2008-09-18T14:01:00.002-07:00

I posted the article below about friendship between men and women, but I'm not sure I agree with everything. I just found it interesting to think about since I'm engaged! I do see the dangers of telling secrets to a friend without telling your spouse the same thing. But I'm not sure about only having lunch and not being friends with ex-lovers. Here are some of my thoughts:

Now, back in the day, I used to have more guy friends than girl friends. But now, it's the opposite. I am wary of new guy friends, and I've always felt that it's strange to become friends with someone new once you're married. But I honestly do believe that there are some people you can be friends with, even if they were your ex. Actually, I don't have a lot of straight guy friends who weren't exes at one point in my life. Sometimes you just realize you're better off as friends.

About 10 years ago, one of my closest college friends decided he didn't want to be friends anymore because he said I wasn't a good friend. But I really had not done anything differently in all of the years I had known him. My take on the whole thing? We were never meant to be more than just friends.

I had a crush on him when he first moved in as a roommate, but he was hung up on a high school friend of his. Afterwards, when I started dating someone else, he had a crush on me. We eventually did "date" (and I use that term loosely), but honestly, I didn't see it going anywhere and felt that we were much better as friends. Shortly after, that's when he told me he didn't want to be friends anymore. I was devastated. I just felt like we were such good friends for so long that we'd be able to weather the storm.

On a different cloud (without a silver lining), I do believe that sometimes guys are friends with me just because they're holding out the hope that I may someday end up having sex with them. And once that possibility is erased from their minds, (whether it's because they now have a significant other or because I told them so) they're not as interested in hanging out or talking anymore.

Ultimately, to me, friendship has always trumped the other kinds of relationships. I believe that you should be friends with your spouse or anyone first and always because that's what lasts. And to me, friendship is basically any relationship where you have 100% trust in that person. They have your back, and they are there for you in the good and the bad times in your life. Also, loyal to a fault. If they're my friend, they'll back me up even if they think I'm wrong. They don't talk about me behind my back. Instead, they're brave enough to tell me to my face if they think I'm going down a dangerous path. Supportive yet honest and loyal and trustworthy. Building blocks for friendships and for marriage.

Can Men and Women Be Friends?

2008-09-18T14:01:00.001-07:00

Can men and women be "just friends," or is sexual attraction between the sexes always inevitable? According to Rabbi Shmuley, men and women can be friends with members of the opposite sex, as long as they follow certain rules. He talks about platonic friendship between the sexes and shares his ground rules for opposite-sex friendships outside of marriage.

If a person isn't married, Rabbi Shmuley says it's perfectly all right to have friends who are members of the opposite sex. Society has moved away from polarizing the sexes, and today, men and women work together, go to school together and should be able to be friends, he says.

Things are different if you are married, Rabbi Shmuley says. It is possible to have an opposite sex friendship, but you cannot compromise certain borders:

You can't go out to late night dinners together. You can have lunch together in a public place, but you should not order alcoholic beverages. "The embers of attraction really can grow in situations like that, and suddenly it's not so innocent, it's not just friendship anymore," Rabbi Shmuley says.

You can't take long drives or long flights with the other person, even if it's for work. "Even if you have to work with a colleague [of the opposite sex], there are still certain boundaries you need to preserve," he says.

You cannot place yourself in any situation where romance can grow. "Romance grows when people are alone; romance grows when people tell secrets," Rabbi Shmuley says.

You can't share secrets with a platonic male or female friend that you don't share with your spouse. "Because then you're sharing an exclusivity with a member of the opposite sex that you're not with your partner, and that can lead to a big no-no," he says.

You should not be friends with ex-lovers.

Remembering September 11

2008-09-11T11:36:00.001-07:00

It doesn't feel like it's been seven years. I woke up that morning to a phone call from my now ex. He was at one of the airports in New York City, and he called to tell me to turn on the TV because a plane had just flown into one of the World Trade Center towers. Not sure what anything meant and still groggy from being woken up at an "ungodly" hour, I stared at the images and tried to comprehend the newscasters.

My ex was supposed to have been on one of those flights! For some reason, his mother had changed it at the last minute. Miracle? Coincidence? What about all of those people who did not make it?

I remember crying and feeling helpless until I picked myself up and went into work hours early. I was producing/editing for a Los Angeles all news radio station at the time and just being there felt calming to me. I got my ex on the phone to go live and tried all of my friends too. Some people I couldn't reach, but most, I did. It was also a way for me to connect with everyone and to make sure the people I know were alright.

Luckily, my friends had all survived. The closest encounter was my friend, Margaret. She worked at the World Trade Center and just happened to be running late for work that morning! Her father drives a taxi and drove her to work, but then of course, had to drive her back home. Another friend who worked on Wall Street at the time, eventually quit her job. It was a year later, and she was pregnant. And the fumes were still causing her breathing problems.

Finally, my thoughts go to everyone on those planes. They did not die in vain. In fact, every time I think about those who called their loved ones and said they were going to try to do something, I get choked up. Brave souls who sacrificed their lives so more people were not killed. We are all grateful. I do not believe most of those people who died would want the kind of war we are currently in. We all need to remember and not take revenge.

Alicia Silverstone and I bonded over funny moment!

2008-09-08T10:22:00.001-07:00

Alicia Silverstone is beautiful. She has healthy long blond hair, great skin, and an amazing body. What you may not know is...this girl is truly a beautiful person on the inside too! I got a chance to talk to the amazing actress at Animal Acres, a rescue sanctuary in Acton, California this weekend. And her aura is truly enlightened. Kind, sweet, and intelligent, Alicia is definitely not "clueless." Instead, she is vegan for great reasons (love for animals, being kind to all beings, and everything we do is part of the cycle of life), and she and her rocker husband seem very happy. And oh yeah, we bonded when I had to tell her to xyz.

Barack Obama's L.A. HQ Opening!!

2008-09-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

I got an invitation today that read:
Southern California for Obama Headquarters Opening

3619 Motor Avenue, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Thursday, September 4th
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

http://CA.BarackObama.com/CAlosangeles

I RSVP'd and left my loft at 5:30 p.m. Normally that is plenty of time to get to the west side of L.A. But it wasn't meant to be. EVERYONE was there! There was no parking. There were long lines of people waiting outside to get in. I was rescued by my friend, James, who lives in the 'hood. Here's some video of some people waiting outside and then my drive away from the area...away from the mad traffic, news helicopter and trucks!

Jon Stewart says what we're all thinking!

2008-09-04T15:37:00.001-07:00

And he has video archives to back it up! Hilarious. I laughed out loud at my cubicle at work.

The "Inexperience" Argument

2008-08-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Pigeonsailor posted this on www.blogher.com. Thought it was interesting to share:

the thin veil of the "inexperience" argument

Let's do a little research and clear our heads and finish this whole "I know you are but what am I?" kind of argument once and for all by comparing resumes. For the sake of sticking to the point, I'm keeping the resumes just to higher education and years in public service.

Palin's resume:

BS in journalism from the University of Idaho

city council member of Wasilla, AK: 1992 to 1996 (four years, representing a population of 5,469)

mayor of Wasilla, AK: 1996 to 2002 (six years, representing a population of 5,469)

governor of Alaska: December 4, 2006 to present (less than two years, representing a population of 670,053)

Total years as a public servant: almost 12

Largest representation: 670,053

Obama's resume (abridged):

BS at Columbia University

JD at Harvard Law School (magna cum laude)

director of Illinois Project Vote

several years of community-building and civil-rights work

Illinois Senator: 1997-2004 (seven years, representing a population 781,037)

US Senator: 2005-present (four years, representing a population of 12,831,970)

Total years as a public servant: 11

Largest representation: 12,831,970

Jamie Foxx was on my bus at the DNC!

2008-08-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe it! Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx got on my shuttle bus going to Invesco Field. He even videotaped Erin Kotecki-Vest and I for his videoblog! Need to find it...but meanwhile, Erin and I were scrambling for our cameras...he moved to the back of the bus. I didn't have a clear view so Maria Niles videotaped him for me (in the beginning). And when he got off the bus, I was ready.

Moby DJ's at The Church!

2008-08-28T03:15:00.001-07:00

Just uploaded more videos onto youtube and blogher. Before that, Vanessa, Tom, Jill, Marlo and I went to hear Moby DJ at The Church in downtown Denver! Really incredible!! I danced my ass off!! I was sweaty, stinky, and sticky before going to the club. Afterwards, I was 100% more so! A guy who said he worked for the Daily Show kept trying to get me to dance with him. I tried to dance a bit, but when he got too close -- I had to shut him down. And I just walked away. Well, I told him I had to get back to my friends. Why can't people just dance without getting all gropey? So then I just danced with girls!! And it was crazy! Tomorrow night -- I'm going to try and go to DJ Jazzy Jeff's show!! You know why?! Cuz Parents Just Don't Understand. Maybe the Fresh Prince is in town and wants to come on by??!! That would be off the hook, ya'll!

Michelle Obama's Speech

2008-08-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

Amazing. Inspiring. Hit all the right notes with family, love, the American Dream, living up to our potential, and even mentioning Hillary Rodham Clinton. I was definitely crying and also it completely captivated my attention the entire time.

Comfort outside Denver

2008-08-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

OK so things look clean! Here's a video of my room. For some reason, my audio is off-sync so I covered up myself with mostly b-roll of my Comfort Inn hotel room.

Comfort outside Denver

2008-08-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

I just arrived in my hotel room at the Comfort Inn in Louisville, CO. There's a gigantic hot tub in the room next to the bed and mirrors along the wall! Hopefully, this isn't a hooker hotel. I have to pay $150 something dollars a night to stay here!! I should've just rented a car and stayed at Vanessa's parents house for the entire week! OK tell me to shut up and not be such a hotel snob because a lot of people would love to be at the DNC this week. Hopefully, the bed and bathroom are clean...

Democratic National Convention!!!

2008-08-23T18:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I just arrived in Denver for the DNC! Banners are everywhere! And once I got off the plane, there were people with DNC 2008 signs and pamphlets! (I guess if you're a delegate, they drive you to your hotel.) But since I'm just press (sort of), I have to find my own way! Luckily, one of my best friends lives here in CO! Anyway, I got a pamphlet from a sweaty one carrying one of the DNC signs...and now I have a wet pamphlet. Yummy!

As a side note...my flight actually got into Denver early!! Of all the places I've traveled this year, this is the first flight that left on time and got in early!! (And it's the one time that I was hoping it would be late.) I was packing up to the minute today.

I'm at Vanessa's parents' house now. It is amazing!! I forgot my digital camera!! It sits on a golf course up high...so you can see for miles around! And inside, it's a HUGE house with its own gym and doggie shower!! I should just be staying here the entire week...if it wasn't so far to Denver.

Let's talk BBQ!!! Unless you'd rather sing it...

2008-08-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

No way should anyone be putting mayo on their BBQ! And just in case you didn't know, Texas BBQ is the best.

Leo Kottke - How Did I Not Know You?

2008-08-04T00:13:00.001-07:00

Before Lyle Lovett played the Orpheum tonight, legendary acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke performed to a standing ovation and came back for an encore. I'm so in awe of his gorgeous melodies, his lightning guitar picking, and his way of drawing the audience onto the wide, wide stage with him...all without much singing. Just Leo and his guitars, playing continuously with a rhythm and key of his own.

I'm sitting alone in my living room now -- listening to a solo guitar that sounds as deep as the ocean with the moon pulling and pushing the tides over gleaming golden sand. For four hours tonight, I lost myself in the ferocity, the joy, the exuberation, and comedic moments of a live concert. I should go to these more.

To my future children -- remind me, if I ever forget, to allow you to choose the path where your heart is free and your passions run high. Live your life for all of the moments that make you happy and your heart sing. I wish for you a life filled with music, art, love, and dreams.

Ludacris' Rap on Hillary Clinton & John McCain

2008-07-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=52f_1217434061&p=1

Lyrics:
I'm back on it like I just signed my record deal
yeah the best is here, the Bentley Coup paint is dripping wet, it got sex appeal
never should have hated
you never should've doubted him
with a slot in the president's iPod Obama shattered 'em
Said I handled his biz and I'm one of his favorite rappers
Well give Luda a special pardon if I'm ever in the slammer
Better yet put him in office, make me your vice president
Hillary hated on you, so that bitch is irrelevantJesse talking slick and apologizing for what?
if you said it then you meant it how you want it have a gut!
and all you other politicians trying to hate on my man,
watch us win a majority vote in every state on my man
you can't stop what's bout to happen, we bout to make history
the first black president is destined and it's meant to be
the threats ain't fazing us, the nooses or the jokes
so get off your ass, black people, it's time to get out and vote!
paint the White House black and I'm sure that's got 'em terrified
McCain don't belong in ANY chair unless he's paralyzed
Yeah I said it cause Bush is mentally handicapped
Ball up all of his speeches and I throw em like candy wrap
cause what you talking I hear nothing even relevant
and you the worst of all 43 presidents
get out and vote or the end will be near
the world is ready for change because Obama is here!
cause Obama is here
The world is ready for change because Obama is here!

Luda is going to have to explain this at some point! Don't know if this helps or hurts Obama's chances for the presidency. But I think Ludacris' endorsement, in song, doesn't help Obama's image among whites who were prejudiced against him in the first place.

Into the Wild

2008-07-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

I just saw "Into the Wild" this weekend. And I have to say -- it's one of my all time favorite movies now! The spectacular cinematography, the stark but fulfilling performances, and of course, the story literally transformed and inspired me.

Despite any mistakes Christopher Johnson McCandless aka Alexander Supertramp may have made in his short life, he learned from them and ultimately fulfilled his life-long dreams. How many people can say this? Most of us dream while we're moving through our days filled with unimportant-in-the-whole-scheme-of-things activities, instead of living out our dreams. I am inspired by Christopher's journey. I also want to learn from his mistakes...so how to balance a life filled with meaning and fulfillment and the responsibilities for work, family, and finances? I will find the way...

Supreme Soul Got Robbed!!!

2008-07-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

OK so I watch America's Best Dance Crew. Actually, Anthony and I are obsessed with this show. We fancy ourselves pretty good dancers, I believe. And actually, Anthony is a great dancer! But of course, we watch ABDC because the dancing on this show sometimes...blow...our...minds. Especially the b-boys. I don't know what they're smoking or how little bones they have in their body...but these kids can move like James Brown, fly through the air like old school Michael Jordan or Superman even, and twist their bodies like Gumby or the candy Twister. Yes, I'm completely dating myself with these lame ass references. But I'm just amazed! Tonight, Supreme Soul was robbed. They should not have been in the bottom two with Super Crew. These two dance crews are the BEST on the show! And the judges tore America a new one. The bad thing though -- Lil Mama let it slip that Boogie Bots don't get her excited. Poor Boogie Bots. More mental hurdles to jump through next week. Oh and side note -- I LOVED the fact that Fanny Pack danced to N.E.R.D's Spaz!!! That song is supa hot!!!!

wii would like to play!

2008-07-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

BlogHer08 gave away a Nintendo wii at this year's conference to the winner of a wii boxing tournament.

Where's My Camera? Is that...HARDBALL'S...

2008-07-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Chris Matthews?! And argh! Why doesn't my cell phone camera zoom? I was at the San Francisco Airport yesterday, waiting for a Southwest flight back to L.A. (Another flight delay. It's starting to become the norm, rather than the exception.) And a man who was about 6'1" with really messy blonde bedhead walks past me. I stare. Because I know this man! But is it really Chris Matthews who just rolled out of bed, walked past me, and is now sitting sort of behind me eating a sandwich?

When I finally get in line for my flight, some woman says something about Chris not getting to sit in first class since this is a Southwest flight. And then...I hear the distinctive, gravelly, whiney, and loud boom of Hardball's Chris Matthews! Now, I'm really far away from him to take a picture. And a picture of him with that bedhead would be worth...well, not quite as much as Nick Nolte's arrest photo! On that subject...I didn't know this...but Nick blamed his crazy, homeless man 'do on filming a role! Um, yeah. OK.

http://www.splashnewsprints.com/pictures_337469/Nick-Nolte-explains-this-crazy-hair-do.html

Broken Engagements

2008-07-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've had my own broken engagement story. But recently, a friend of mine had to tell me that her wedding was called off. Now, it's not my place to write about what happened or who it is. And since this is still a public forum, I try very hard to just write about things that happen to me. Or I try and stick to my own thoughts. Well, this time I'm not going to write what I think of what happened. But I am going to go off a bit on men calling off engagements.

I've always felt that women are a bit cheated, when it comes to the engagement process. I do think it's nice when a guy plans a nice engagement. Anthony did an amazing job! One that I will always remember fondly. But my issue with the engagement is -- we don't get to choose WHEN this event will occur. I'm not talking about the exact date and time. I completely get that most women want their engagement to be a "surprise." I'm talking about the timeline within the relationship. What if she felt ready after dating for two years, and he waited until the 4th? Or what if he proposed to her after two years, and she didn't think she was ever ready to marry him? Also, I just don't get it when a guy calls off the wedding. Why did he propose in the first place? Did he not think through all of the "issues" before he set about to buy a ring, plan a proposal, and get nervous and ask the woman of his dreams to marry him?! And if he did think those things through, then how in the world did everything change so much that he now has to forfeit all of the money he's put into this engagement and call it all off?

And while we're on the subject of weddings, I think there are tons of things couples should talk about before getting married. I'm not an expert, by any means, since I called off a wedding about five years ago. But I'm always surprised when friends mention to me they did not talk about the following things before they got hitched:

- having children (no, he or she didn't change his or her mind about this later)
- living situation (living worlds apart usually means you probably shouldn't get married...also if you love the suburbs and he loves the city, better figure it out!)
- finances (everyone fights about money, so you better figure out a good system so you're not fighting about it everyday of your life!)

Of course, I think there are way more things to talk about than just those three. And yes, Anthony and I are talking about them. We're even going to premarital counseling to give us tools on how to communicate better! But I hope guys who read this will figure out all their shit and their current girlfriend's shit beforehand! See if the stench can be lived with for the rest of their lives or if it's better all flushed down the toilet! (sorry...bad analogy. let me know if you have any better ones.)

Bad Beat stories and airport hijinx

2008-06-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

In Poker, everyone has a "bad beat story. It's when someone gets very lucky and beats you, despite having a worst hand. Most of the bad beats occur on the river, or last, card. And the storyteller usually involves a lot of emotion. It's one of the rare times that men or women, who rarely cry or get emotional, do.

Now, I don't have a bad beat story. But I have the real world equivalent...the airline nightmare story. But I'll try and make it quick and painless for you...

I had a shoot in Avon, Colorado on Saturday. The travel coordinator at my job books me on the 6 a.m. flight from LAX to Denver. Then I have a connecting flight at 10:10 from Denver to Aspen. And finally, I drive 2 hours from Aspen to Avon! All to make a 1pm shoot. Well, the first flight from LAX to Denver was delayed 2 hours! Sitting on the plane because of some maintenance/mechanical/fuel issues. Since it's 6 in the morning, I text the segment producer who booked this shoot to let her know what's going on. By the time the airline people know what's going on, we're about to take off so no cell phones. But then the airplane turns back! It didn't fuel up, apparently, and it needed 1000's of gallons of gas! So seeing that I was going to miss my 10:10, I call the airline to see if I can re-book my connecting flight. No one could help me, and then the flight attendant said to just wait until I get to the gate.

Once our plane lands, I head over to customer service. There's a super long line, and I wasn't going anywhere fast! At this point, I also have about 10 text messages from the segment producer and one voicemail from the travel coordinator. I call the travel coordinator back to give her the lowdown. And she's trying to help me from her end, but not getting anywhere. I call again to United airlines, and finally, someone helps me! Hurray! He books me on the 11:17 flight from Denver to Vail...which is only a half hour drive to Avon. And I run! By the time I get to the gate though, the doors are closed and NO one is around to get me on the plane. I ask one United rep who says there wasn't anything she can do. And then I run to another United rep, and I beg her to help me. She makes a phone call, prints out my boarding pass, and swipes me into the door! Major sigh of relief.

I get on the plane, call the segment producer and the travel coordinator (to make sure a rental car was available in Vail). And off we went! In Vail, Hertz did not have my change of reservations, but after a bit of negotiating, they got me a car with GPS. I drive to Avon, and the shoot goes well...but a bit late. It's 5 p.m. by the time everything wraps up, and I have to drive two hours to get to Aspen! My flight in Aspen is supposed to leave at 6:56 p.m. Even if I get to Aspen by 6 p.m., by the time I drop off my rental car, I won't make that plane! So everyone encourages me to just drive to Denver. It's a 2 hour drive, and my flight there doesn't leave until 9 p.m. But someone also warns me to call the airline in case they cancel my flight from Denver to L.A. because I missed my flight from Aspen to Denver. On the way to Denver, I make my calls to United Airlines. One guy told me there was nothing he could do. The next guy took forever, and my phone reception cut out in the mountain pass. The third guy was the charm. He made a note in the system that I wasn't going to be on the Aspen flight but would definitely be flying from Denver.

So...OK this is turning into a very long story. But I needed to vent. I get to the airport at 7 p.m., drop off the rental car, and it's about 8 when I saunter up to the ticket reservation desk and ask if there are any earlier flights. The guy behind the counter said there is, but that flight has been delayed later than my 9:18 flight. So I go through security, have my one and only meal for the day!!, e-mail my shoot report, and finally board. Smooth as pie, we get back home to Los Angeles. Thank goodness.

Monday morning, the segment producer who booked the shoot, calls me to yell at me for not following protocol about who to call when flight delays happen. You would think that after all that...the important thing was...the shoot went fine and without a hitch. But no good deed goes unpunished. I work 20 hours on a Saturday without eating all day. And instead of a thanks and/or good job, I get an earful first thing Monday morning. What's worse...she didn't want to hear what happened to me at all! So no one at work knows what I went through to get the damn shoot. No, I am not bitter.

Becky's Bachelorette!

2008-06-09T16:52:00.001-07:00

My friend Becky had her bachelorette party this weekend in Vegas, and it was absolutely the most fun bachelorette party I've ever been to! Her sister, the maid of honor, did such a great job planning the weekend! Most of us got to our hotel, the Venetian, on Friday. We hung out by the pool, then had dinner, gambled a little, and partied in the room. On Saturday, Mary (the slave of honor...as Becky called her), got us a cabana at the Venetian. Such a great way to hang out by the pool! Everyone ate lunch and relaxed. In the afternoon, I went to play in a poker tourney...then when I got back, we all got ready to go to Body English at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel. Oh before went over there, Becky opened her bachelorette gifts. Not one silly gag gift. All useful, beautiful, sexy, or romantic linterie and practical underwear!

At the club, Saturday nights are E!'s Daily 10 - Smashtime - night...Sal Masekela, Catt Sadler, and Ben Lyons all were there (blurry pic of some of them above)...and since the Daily 10 was shooting their show from there this week...my former boss and co-workers were there too. Such a fun night!! We also had our own table and bottle service at the club!! Lots of free alcohol, dancing, champagne, and just the BEST time! Hopefully, my bachelorette party will be just as fun!

Sex and the Single Guy

2008-06-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Alright, so 50 or 60 million of you went to see Sex and the City, and I'm one of them. This past Saturday night, I tagged along with nine or ten ladies to the Los Angeles shopping center -- The Grove. Some of us were dressed up, some of us weren't, some had cocktails with their dinner, some didn't even have dinner, but all of us were big fans of the TV show! We got in line after dinner, and Elizabeth Berkeley was at the front of the line! Now, if you know Sex and the City well you'll remember an episode where Carrie Bradshaw had to ride the bus because she was trying to save money to buy her apartment. When the bus pulled up, there was a photo of her on the side, and a lady asks her, "Now, why do you have to ride the bus when you're ON the bus?" I wanted so desperately to ask Elizabeth Berkely, "Now, if you're in a movie, why do you have to stand in line for the movies?" But I didn't want to lose my place in line.

The film was fun. Lots of great fashion! Homages to the TV show! But if you didn't see the television series, you can still enjoy it.

Afterwards, while getting out of the elevator and going to my car, I see my friend Armando! He was by himself and doing a very smart thing! Hanging out where lots of single women were expected to be! Hundreds of women just hanging out after the stores have closed. No one with much to do because it was really too late to go out and do something else! Most of the women just wanted to hang out and chat about the movie! So smart, Armando. Hope you had Samantha type luck!!

RIP Robert Rauschenberg

2008-05-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

I've met him twice, and of course still don't know him. He was brilliant, mysterious, and from Texas! Today, he passed away at the age of 82.

Here's a semi-boring biography of him from PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/rauschenberg_r.html

Much better bio from NYTimes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/arts/design/14rauschenberg.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087&em&en=8c4579f706145a82&ex=1210824000

Bridal Expo

2008-04-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

So it has begun.

Anthony and I were invited by a co-worker to a bridal expo. Despite reservations, we decided to check it out. Anthony said it might give us a kick in the pants to start our wedding prep. As soon as I checked in though, I wasn't so sure. The lady checking us in talked non-stop, asking us question after question and having us fill out a lengthy form.

When we got inside, a fashion show was going on. Models wearing wedding dresses and tuxedos glided across a high platform to "interesting" versions of songs like JT's "Sexyback." Afterwards, we walked around the ballroom. There were maybe 18-20 booths, so it didn't take us very long. The best booth was the photo booth. We got our pictures taken for free, and we got to do a lot of different poses!

Strangely, a woman who was trying to sell laser dermatology or hair removal packages kept trying to get me to sign up! Was I strangely hairy or in need of her services? I didn't think so. And neither did the doctor who was with her.

Overall, all I can say is, it was draining. The best booth was the photo booth, followed by Patina Catering, which gave out free chocolates. I was intrigued by a female DJ. But other than those, I'm not sure it was worth the afternoon. Why are weddings such money suckers? The industry makes sooo much money off of people willing to have their "perfect" wedding. I never dreamed about what my wedding would look like. I was always dreaming about what I would become when I grew up. I want a beautiful, elegant, and fun wedding...more so because it's really the first party Anthony and I will host, as a married couple. But I don't need a $20,000 video package to remember the night!

The Dos Equis commercials

2008-04-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

There's a series of Dos Equis commercials about "the world's most interesting man." The one above is funny. But my favorite line is one I haven't been able to find yet on youtube. The line says, "He's a lover, not a fighter. But he's also a fighter...so don't get any ideas."

Easter Engagement!

2008-04-06T00:03:00.001-07:00

Too successful for a mate?

2008-04-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

Today's talented, ambitious women are staying single in droves. Are they too busy, too picky or -- horrors -- too awesome?
By Kris Frieswick, MSN Money
The majority of my most successful, good-looking, educated, talented girlfriends are still single.

If they had Y chromosomes, they would have been married a decade ago. Instead, like successful single women all over the country, they trek into their mid- to late 30s on their own -- experiencing fabulous professional success, buying real estate and making savvy investments for the future, without much going on in the relationship department.

What gives? Video: What women are thinking

Carolyn Kaufman, 33, has a doctorate in clinical psychology and teaches college in Columbus, Ohio. She is a perfect example of a woman who has everything except a date. "I have this crazy belief that I have the right to expect my potential partner to be at least as successful as I am, and to have as many things to offer as I do," she says.

Good luck, Carolyn. With more women than men earning advanced degrees -- 61% of master's degrees conferred in 2007 will be to women -- those kinds of men are going to become harder and harder to find. (They call it the pinnacle of success for a reason: The view is great, but pinnacles are by nature narrow, pointy places. There's no room for a crowd.) Video: Does education help or hurt?

Then there's the issue of time. Most highly successful people work crazy hours, which makes it even more difficult to meet a suitable match. Christine Mohr, director of marketing and community relations for the YMCA in Washington, D.C., is out nearly every night of the week at fund-raisers, benefits and business dinners. "The person I'm trying to find is just as busy as I am," says Mohr, 29. "If we're both that busy, when is the time when we're going to meet?" She says the men she does meet at these events are usually married.

Of course, you have heard all these excuses before, from women both successful and not – I'm too busy, there are no good men left, they're all married or gay, etc. But there's another factor at work for women at the top of their game: They're intimidating to men. No matter how enlightened most men claim they are, few are ready to pair up with a woman who is more successful, better paid and better educated -- not to mention better traveled, more connected and more socially savvy than they are.

Talk back: Are singles better off financially?

Even Kaufman's dream of marrying her equal may be wishful thinking: Experts say that highly accomplished men tend to marry women who are lower on the professional and educational food chain than they are, traditionally choosing women over whom they can exert control.

"I've heard men say, 'Why would a woman want me if she can do all that stuff herself?'" says Kaufman. "He was totally missing the point."

Mohr says her ex-boyfriend confessed his feelings of inadequacy to her one night after a couple of beers: "He said, 'I was just really intimidated by you and I didn't know what to do.'"

It's the dirty little secret of the battle for gender equality. It's not that men still don't believe women are equally capable, they just have a hard time visualizing their role in a relationship when the woman outranks them on all the measures they use to gauge their own success. It's a little sad for the men, really. It also makes it very difficult for these power chicks to find a partner.

So what's a girl to do? Review your expectations. (Hold on, I didn't say lower them. I said review them.) Video: Make a list

I abandoned the expectation of many "must-have" items in my years of dating before I met my husband. It's not that I couldn't find a man who possessed the right qualities, but it turned out they were irrelevant to a happy relationship. Was it crucial that my husband have a master's degree? No. Would it be a deal- breaker if he didn't love mountain biking as much as I do? No.

In the end, common values and goals, generosity, intelligence, respect, a warped sense of humor and a mutual attraction floated to the top of the list. Nearly everything else on that list was negotiable, including income and educational attainment.

"As you get older, you get more clear on what's important to you," says Dr. Debra Condren, a psychologist, career coach and author of "am-BITCH-ous" -- which explores how and why women sabotage their own ambition, and why they should cut it out.

"I was very picky about men," Condren continues. "I wondered if there was anyone out there who was going to value and appreciate me. (But there) are many men out there who want a smart, competent, ambitious woman as a partner and to share in making an income."

He just might not be a CEO with a Ph.D. in astrophysics.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 14 million unmarried women living alone -- about 15.2% of the total households in the nation. That percentage climbs slightly each year. In fact, in 2005 for the first time ever, households run by singles outnumbered households headed by married couples. Video: Standards too high?

Experts say that the divorce rate is one factor contributing to the trend. Another is a tendency among better educated, more secure women to postpone marriage.

For lots of these highly successful women, when given the choice between marriage and their current life, single wins, hands down.

Wendy Simmons -- a 39-year-old Brooklynite, founder and president of PR firm Vendeloo, a former club owner and a current world traveler -- loves being single. She was married for one year at age 25, but felt so trapped that she is having a hard time putting a positive spin on the idea of doing it again.

"The longer you go without marriage, the more complete you make your life, the more difficult the idea of a compromise in marriage becomes," she says. "I may be ready to try again, but every day I feel more and more like a confirmed bachelor. I see so many people struggling in relationships that it scares me."

Simmons rejects outright the notion of dumbing herself down to make herself more marketable to all those executives looking for a "wifey".

"For a lot of guys, the simple girl is easier because the man's role is clearer: They make the decisions," she says. "It's those things that I'm afraid of -- a life of compromise every single day."

Elvis, Britney, and American Idol

2008-03-15T00:36:00.000-07:00

I met Priscilla & Lisa Marie Presley tonight at the Paley Center Tribute to Elvis. They were both very nice. Being a fan of Elvis and Lisa Marie, it was a fun shoot...despite being a logistical nightmare. The publicist had all of us squeezed into a small balcony on the 2nd floor of the Arclight Theatre. A bunch of still and video photographers and various producers. But last night, we were literally on the street! It was the "How I Met Your Mother" return party at a very cool joint...the Palihouse Holloway. But despite wrist bands, the media was only allowed inside for about 15 minutes. The rest of the time, we spent outside on a tiny patch of sidewalk or in the street...until water started rushing down and getting all of our equipment wet. Of course, the only thing anyone wanted to talk about was Britney appearing on an episode of that show later. Earlier in the week, I also did an American Idol shoot where we gathered all the friends and family of Brooke White, one of the contestants, at a pizza joint. And...I got to meet Alex Cambert...a young and cuter version of Jerry Seinfeld. But he's Latino and is known as the Latin Leno because he has his own highly-rated late night talk show on Telemundo. Very funny and VERY cute.

Loftwarming!

2008-03-13T00:37:00.000-07:00

The view from the rooftop of my new loft building!

The loftwarming was very successful. It was very crowded in my place, but it ended up being a lot of fun. A lot of people came on time or early. By 7:30, the place was packed! Wall to wall people. We ended the night partying at the neighbor's. I love my place.

Rules from a Texas Gentleman (my take)

2008-03-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

I love this. This is sort of a follow up to my earlier post about the differences between a "nice guy" and a doormat. Nice guys are gentlemen. And here are some rules that gentlemen follow. I love southern men. Manners are important. And as a side note...I know Andy Langer (the guy to whom Lyle Lovett told these rules)...hung out with him in Austin a million years ago. Ha! Ha!

Rules from a Texas Gentleman

2008-03-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

By Lyle Lovett
The first rule of manhood is that they are in charge. Give it up. Realize they're smarter and better looking. We don't have a chance. You have to do everything you can to help yourself.

A woman comes to a table and you're supposed to get up. Period. But I don't always do it. In general, you're supposed to do it every time. But sometimes you're seated against the wall and it's awkward.

Never guess a woman's age. Never guess a woman's weight. Never even talk about weight in front of a woman. And never, ever ask a woman when she's due.

Tipping your hat to a lady is good form. If you're at a dinner table, you'd most certainly take your hat off—cowboy hat, baseball hat, or otherwise.

Women always go through the door first. Even ardent feminists would admit it's nice. It's not an acknowledgment of women as the weaker sex; it's perhaps an acknowledgment of women as the stronger sex. We follow.

Never pass a woman a single roll, even if she says, "Don't pass them all over." Don't do it. Bring her the whole basket. Some things are a trick. I can hear the phone conversation later on with a girlfriend, "I asked him to pass a single roll. And he did!" It's a trap.

There's etiquette to listening: If they're talking, shut up. Just shut up. Simple enough?

In our modern world, what constitutes a thank-you note? Being able to dash off a text message has enabled me to be more immediate and less guilty. I believe the old adage that the sooner you write a thank-you note, the less you need to write. I realize that among real sticklers for manners, e-mails and texts would be verboten, but I think they can convey genuine sentiment.

Never look in a woman's purse—invited or uninvited. Especially invited. Just refuse. Bring her her purse, don't fish around in there. We don't know what's in there, and we don't want to know.

Who are these guys that order for women? Never order for a woman. You're going to tell a woman what to eat? Never tell a woman anything. Ask. And be grateful for whatever reply you might get.

The idea is that you'd be like Cary Grant or George Clooney, in a graceful ballet of walking down the street, opening the door, and ushering a young lady into a limousine. But I'm really more like Maxwell Smart. I was opening a door for my fiancé today and I stepped on the back of her shoe and almost knocked her over. It happens a lot.

—As told to Andy Langer

Tomkat, Nicole Ritchie, and Art

2008-02-09T23:10:00.001-08:00

I'm a huge art fan. I studied art history at NYU, not because I wanted to work in the field...but because I just love it. So I was excited to cover the opening celebration of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum at LACMA tonight. But I didn't get to ask any art questions. I had to ask questions about Valentine's Day and general questions about why they were there to support the museum and if they have an art collection. Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Nicole Ritchie, Joel Madden, Tony Bennett, David Byrne, Michael York, Eli Broad, Petra Nemcova, Angelica Huston, Mayor Villaraigosa, Garry Marshall, Maria Shriver, james Spader, Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Hopper, and Lauren Hutton were all there. Nobody huge talked. I was dressed up!! Anthony has some pics, and if I can get it from him, I'll upload. :)

oliver ifergan atelier salon

2008-02-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

I got the most luxurious wash and blow dry tonight! And it was for free!! My lovely publicist friend, Elissa, invited me to the very hip Oliver Ifergan Atelier salon for his grand opening celebration, and they were offering free blowouts, food, champagne, martinis in a lovely setting. When I walked in, Oliver introduced himself, while he was working on a model's hair. He told me he loved my red lipstick. Then, a girl named Shay (pronounced Shy) gave me a great blowout. I should've taken a picture when it was done...because it's all flat now since I just took a shower. Shay was born in Israel, moved to San Antonio, TX when she was four! And now, she lives here. We joked that we've had parallel lives since I was born in Taiwan, moved to Arlington, TX when I was 3 1/2, and I now live here. Her parents are here in Southern California too.

Poker & Enchanted

2007-12-03T01:08:00.001-08:00

Last night, I played a game of poker with some guys at a friend's birthday party. And I ended up chopping the pot with one other guy b/c the game started to go late into the wee hours of the morning. As we were all saying good-bye, I noticed two of the guys I had taken out of the game didn't say good-bye to me. A little sore that a girl beat them? I don't know. But what I do know is...it's just a game!! I don't get it when people get really angry or trash talk a lot. I don't profess to be great at the game, but I enjoy it when there's a level of respect for all of the players involved. And the best thing I've found is to let your game do the talking...not your mouth.

On a different note, I saw "Enchanted" tonight. It was on the recommendation of a co-worker who does film reviews. In my opinion, it was cheesy in some parts, but light-hearted fun.

Check out my video blogs!

2007-11-03T01:59:00.000-07:00

I have a new video blog on:
http://afortunecookie.blogspot.com/

This is what I've been working on for the last two months. Some of you have heard the stories. For those of you who haven't...ask me if you're curious.

Just Got Back from Another Wedding

2007-08-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sometime around my mid-20's to late 20's, a lot of my friends were getting married. Then, things slowed down, and everyone started to have babies. Now, this year, things are picking up again with those who haven't gotten hitched yet.

This time, it was my friend, Tanner's wedding. I don't know if I thought Tanner was ever going to get married. He and our friend, Kim, had sort of a bet going on who was going to get married first. I had said Kim. Kim had said Tanner. And Tanner had said me, I believe. I almost got married first, but I broke up my engagement. Then, Kim almost got married last year, but then it didn't happen. Now, Tanner has gone through with it. So, what should Kim win?

A Texas wedding in August almost seems like a sure way to slowly commit suicide, to me. But there we were. In 90 degree plus humidity, landing in Austin Friday evening and driving to the rehearsal dinner Tanner's parents had planned and invited us to. As soon as we walked in, a woman said, "Katy Chen," like she had known me forever. I couldn't quite place her, until she introduced herself to Anthony as Mrs. Brannon. Mrs. Brannon...I couldn't quite remember...until halfway through the 2nd course, I seemed to recall she was a teacher at Lamar, my old high school. She asked me about my current career in the entertainment industry, and asked me if I knew this girl who worked at Dr. Phil. No, I said, but I probably know someone who knows her. It was a lovely rehearsal dinner, full of speeches about Tanner's warmth and "resourcefulness." And of course, welcoming Naddy to the Sandlin family. And the best part, it was all indoors, in air-conditioning.

The next day, we made our way to the wedding. It was in Pflugerville, Texas. A small town just north of Austin. They were getting married in a place called, The Plantation House. We pulled up, a bit late. But nothing had started yet. No usher to greet us. Instead, we had to walk around on the grass to find an empty seat, ourselves. When we finally sat down, the mid-August Texas heat and humidity hit us like swarms of mosquitoes and other vermin caught in honey and spider webs. My hair had fallen at this point, and my makeup was starting to melt under that not-too-sweet Texas sun. I decided to just pull back my hair into a low ponytail and start worrying that my deodorant and anti-perspirant were not going to hold up in this heat. Finally, the ceremony began when that famous Enya song came on. Tanner looked happy and aware of everything. Naddy looked beautiful. And both a Muslim and a Methodist started the wedding proceedings. Afterwards, everyone scattered like ants at a picnic, trying to find shade underneath a tree or under the tent or in the main "plantation" house. Was I the only one feeling a bit uncomfortable that this place was called a plantation house, and those serving us the food were African American? No one seemed perturbed, but then again, it could be that heat, again. Hard to think about history and the world-at-large when the mugginess makes it hard to breathe. I think everyone was really dumbfounded that we weren't going to have the reception in the house, with air-conditioning. Instead, we found ourselves going through a buffet line on the porch of the house and getting seated underneath a tent on the grounds, next to the ceremony site. A lot of people left right after the cake was served, before the first dance (around 8:30)! Anthony and I hung out until it was pretty much just the wedding party, Tanner's parents, and Naddy's family left (around 10:30). We would've stayed longer, but it seemed like we were imposing, at a certain point. So we left, and after changing into more comfy clothes, we drove into downtown Austin and had a couple of beers at an Irish pub.

Help Me Please!

2007-08-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

If anyone has any cures for a bad cough, please send them my way! I am willing to try anything at this point! My cough is now officially 2 weeks old, and it's making me sick!! Literally and figuratively. I'm annoying myself, and I have definitely annoyed everyone around me...especially the people sitting next to me at work and the editors who have to sit in the edit bays with me for hours at a time. Oh I feel sorry for them. They're generally such nice people. What did they do to deserve this girl who's coughing and hacking up her lungs every two minutes? And please forgive anyone who tries to make me laugh!! The coughing fit makes one of my co-workers so concerned, he's e-mailing me to ask me if I'm OK! Why is he e-mailing me, instead of just asking? Because he actually sits across the room from me! That's how loud my coughing is! I've tried Nyquil, Benadryl, Ricola, Halls, and more natural methods of drinking tea, breathing in steam, etc. And NOTHING IS WORKING. Someone please help me end my misery NOW.

What American Cities Best Fit Me?

2007-08-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

American Cities That Best Fit You:

65% Honolulu

65% Los Angeles

60% San Francisco

55% Boston

55% Chicago

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

According to this survey, I guess I'm living in my ideal city! #1 LA and Honolulu tie. I think I would be very bored by Honolulu. San Fran was #2. Hmmm...I've never thought of living there. And Boston and Chicago tie for #3. I do love Chicago! I was just there recently, and I really love that city.

Am I going to be a multi-millionaire?

2007-08-12T19:54:00.001-07:00

I put this on my other blog too. In case you don't know it, it's http://afortunecookie.blogspot.com/. But in case you care, according to this very scientific survey, I am well on my way to becoming a multi-millionaire. How about you?

Your Chances of Being a Multimillionaire: 84%

It's almost certain you'll be a multimillionaire. Just keep doing what you're doing.
You are good with money, a creative thinker, and an ethical person. You might be the next Donald Trump!

Will You Be a Multimillionaire?

I'm still sick

2007-08-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

I still have this terrible lingering cough. And it makes me so weary. I hate taking medicine, and I don't think it works anyway. I've been taking Nyquil and Robutussin, and they haven't relieved my cough. They just make me sleepy and sort of loopy. I slept so much today! I think I slept for about 16 hours, and I'm still coughing. Oh please help me, someone.

Being Sick at Work

2007-08-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

I always feel guilty when I'm sick. So sometimes I end up going to work even while I'm under the weather. Case in point, I've been sick since last Friday. I think I've been working a little too much and just stressing my body out. I went to work on Monday and Tuesday. But when I was still not getting better by Wednesday, I decided to take a day off to just sleep and try to recoup. Well, Thursday came along, and I still wasn't much better, so I took that day off too. By Friday, I felt major guilt. So, I sent an e-mail to my bosses the night before, saying I was coming in a bit late. Then, this morning, when I still felt terrible, I called and asked if it would really screw them if I didn't come in today. One of my bosses said yes, so I went into work. Luckily, they let me work on one thing and then go home early. But while I was work, I was worried about getting other people sick, about coughing too loudly, and just thinking too much. Ugh. It's so not worth it. But then again, I'm freelance. When I don't work, I don't get paid.

Vanessa's Wedding

2007-07-15T00:22:00.000-07:00

Vanessa and I have been friends since the 7th grade. I don't remember the exact details on how we became friends, but she does. She says it has to do with our mutual hate for another girl in our class. Anyway, today was her wedding day. Last night was her rehearsal dinner, where friends and family sort of "roasted" the bride and groom, especially the groom. Today, the wedding was at Saint Mary Catholic Church. I did a reading from the book of Genesis. I hope I did a good job. I got re-acquainted with Jennifer from high school and her husband. They were super nice. They've got two boys now, and they live in North Carolina, about 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. Vanessa wore a gorgeous off-the-shoulder white gown with swarovski crystals. (I'll upload pics later.) And the bridesmaids all wore beige/tan with white sashes. They were the prettiest bridesmaid dresses I have ever seen at a wedding! Everything was gorgeous for the ceremony too. It was held at the Lodge where we were staying. There's this balcony that overlooks mountains and valleys and peaks. So dramatic with the sun and the trees. I again apologize for not uploading the pics yet. On the centerpieces, there were rocks with words like peace and harmony and little flowers on top of other rocks and candles she had handmade with leaves melted into the wax. So Vanessa. The cake was beautiful, and the food was delicious! I could've eaten another plate. We also danced until our feet hurt. Jason, whom I had only met last night, DJ'd a long set and kept everyone on the dance floor. They looked really, really happy. It was also so fun to see Vanessa's family members. Her sister, Beth, is really grown up now. She used to watch, "Dirty Dancing," with us when she was about 3. Her brother looks very different from what he looked like when he was a kid, her dad looked the same, and her mom looked hotter than I even remembered her. She gave a really great speech that made everyone cry. All in all, such a lovely evening. I can't believe it! My friend of 20 years (she reminded me of this fact at the rehearsal dinner) is now married!! And she and her husband look amazingly happy. Congrats, and have a blast on your honeymoon in Spain!!

Hollywood and Santa Monica

2007-02-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

For those of you who live in Los Angeles, you know this corner. For those of you who don't, it's tranny corner. Everyday, the trannies work on this seedy part of Hollywood, and for awhile, I actually worked in the same area. Not doing the same thing, of course, but I couldn't help seeing them and wondering what their lives were like. I worked at a post house last November and December in that area, and the Nitris artist and I would go to lunch every day, walking past the trannies. But what's even stranger to us was a coffee shop on Hollywood. We'd go there for lunch sometimes and find the entire place filled...with people conducting meetings...for alcoholics anonymous. I thought AA meetings only happened in the basement of a Y, or somewhere...at least where the alcoholics can remain anonymous!! Here they were. Sitting inside this coffee shop, and every time we'd stop in for lunch, there they would be. One time, my artist friend told me that he recognized one of the AA members. I think he was in an 80's television show. I don't remember who it was. But needless to say, he's no longer an anonymous alcoholic anymore, now is he?

West Coast v. East Coast...weddings that is.

2006-11-27T00:34:00.000-08:00

Anthony and I have been going to some high profile weddings lately. First, we attended a friend's wedding in NYC. He's a good friend of mine from college, and although he's not personally wealthy, let's just say his father lives on Park Avenue on the Upper East Side in a doorman building. And everyone at the wedding said that the bride "scored." The wedding was held at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. I lived in NYC for four years, and I had never been there. The Rainbow Room was incredible. Views of NYC from floor to ceiling windows, and everywhere you looked, New York City looked stunning. The bride wore Monique L'huillier, like all fashionable young ladies to date, and the bridesmaids all wore dresses that they can actually wear to another event! (as long as they cut the train a bit...since people were stomping on them all night long) It was a black tie event, and so all the men except for maybe one or two showed up in tuxedo. But for the women...black tie is a bit subjective these days. Most of the older women stuck to tradition and wore a floor-length gown. Half of the younger women also wore floor-length gowns, but the other half wore cocktail length. All in all, a simply stunning evening.

Last night, Anthony and I attended another wedding where half the people there were the cast of "ER." This wedding was held in Southern California. The ceremony was a catholic mass at St. Brendan's Church in Los Angeles. The priest was extremely enlightenened and in touch with the modern world. In fact, he made me think about possibly joining his church for Sunday mass someday...the reception was held in far away Valencia at a country club. The groom is part of Barry Manilow's entourage, and the bride is the one who works for "ER"...behind the cameras. And although both were high-profile, expensive weddings with lots of "VIP's," I must say the main difference is the fact that one is East Coast and the other is West Coast. The NYC wedding was formal, elegant, and stylish. The Los Angeles/Valencia wedding was more casual, free-spirited, but still very traditional. NYC wedding was Jewish, while LA wedding was Catholic. Both followed their religions, but made their own twists. Neither bride threw the bouquet, nor did the grooms go fishing for the garter. Both picked white as their overall flower color choice, and both had dark colored bridesmaids dresses. East Coast was a midnight blue or very dark Navy. West Coast was a forest green or very dark green with gold beading. And interestingly, both brides had red hair. East Coast bride is a strawberry blond, while West Coast bride was a fiery red. East Coast bride had a strapless ball gown and was referred to by her sister and maid of honor as a "princess." While West coast bride had on a ball gown with below the shoulder sheer sleeves, and her princess theme was carried throughout the reception.

We had a really great time at both weddings. We danced a lot, laughed a lot, sighed a bit, and cried a bit...

2006-11-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

What is this?? A new VW Beatle in PINK?! My head is spinning. My heart is palpitating. The drool is making a huge mess on my desk. I'm in love!!! I may need this car NOW...or a valium...or a sedative...or a Mary Kay license.

No one will take care of you better than you

2006-11-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

“Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got” –Janis Joplin

I always believe this to be true, and recently someone I know got into a bit of a public jam because she didn't heed these words. I don't blame her, but if she had taken care of herself first and not compromised, she may not be in the position she's in now. Reading this back to myself...it sounds so harsh. But I don't mean it that way. I mean it in the best way possible...with lots of love and empathy. I was even depressed for her after I found out. It is sort of a mom's "I told you so..." and I hate sounding like a mom, but then again...moms do usually know best.

Well Done!

2006-10-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

I think what makes people interesting is that we all have very distinctive tastes in everything. I think that's why myspace.com is interesting to young kids. You get to read about what turns others "on" as well as be a bit narcissistic and list exactly what turns you "on." As for this post, I'd like to discuss what goes into cooking a steak. At restaurants, the wait staff will generally ask how you'd like your meat prepared. For those of you who are vegetarian or just don't know anything about meat, there's rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, and well done...in that order, generally. There may be others, from a master chef's point of view, but for general recourse, these are the main ones. Well, I had dinner with Anthony and Carrie Friday night at Frida, an upscale spanish/mexican restaurant in Beverly Hills. I ordered a filet mignon, and to the horror of my dinner companions, chose to have it made "medium well." When it arrived, it was not medium well. It was not medium (which I can tolerate), it was medium rare to rare (depending on where you would cut the steak). So rare in some parts, that it was purple! So, I cut up my steak into smaller pieces and sent it back. When it came back to me, it was seared almost black on the outside and still rare to medium rare on the inside! The manager came by at one point and asked about our food, and I mentioned the "inedible." She took the steak back to the kitchen and had them re-make it a third time. All the while, our waiter never came to the table. When I finally got my food back...the steak was well done, not "well done!"...and tasted like burnt beef. Gross. And...I didn't get any discounts or apologies from the waiter.

On Public Restroom Etiquette

2006-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

I was just in the restroom at work. While washing my hands, I saw a woman go into a stall next to another woman. Now, why in the world do people do that?? All of the other restroom stalls were empty! Why would she choose the one stall that's right next to someone else? It must've been unpleasant for her...since the woman next to her had been in that stall since before I even got in!

Asian Pacific Americans Unite!

2006-10-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have always been interested in politics and always try to vote (except for a couple of unforeseen circumstances), but I have never been outwardly extremely political. When I was a journalist, we had to maintain our lack of bias in order to have credibility. And after I started working in entertainment, no one seems all that interested in discussing politics. But this weekend, after attending the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival (The Queen from Virginia screened to a big and enthusiastic crowd)...it started me thinking about issues that affect us all. I had not even heard about Senator George Allen's racially charged comments..until I read this blog entry by Eric Byler, a director of one of the films screening at the festival. I encourage everyone to pass these on to your Asian Pacific American friends:

http://www.imdiversity.com/Villages/Asian/dialogue_opinion_letters/byler_george_allen_macaca.asp

http://apafilm.org/blog/

If nothing else, let's start the dialogue.

Texas!

2006-09-15T11:35:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, Lynn, Anthony & I went to see Willie Nelson, and I must say I felt proud when the Texas flag made a very prominent appearance on stage at the Hollywood Bowl. Willie was, of course, the BEST! He's been my hero for a long time now. Have you heard of Willie's IRS troubles? Well, when Willie Nelson got audited by the IRS and forced to pay back taxes but couldn't...the IRS seized all of his possessions...cars, houses, land, guitars, etc. And what I heard was...when the IRS put all of Willie Nelson's items up for auction, his friends bought as much as they could...and a lot of them returned it back to him! Now, you may be thinking...that's what friends do. But think about it...he's an entertainer...and most of the time, as soon as something bad happens, all of their "friends" disappear. But Willie Nelson...he must have true blue friends. And he must be a great friend, himself. Because not only did his friends NOT disappear...but they actually went above and beyond when Willie was down and out. That's the kind of friend I'd like to be...there for the good times and the bad.

This weekend...I'm going back to Texas! The documentary is screening in my hometown of Arlington...home of the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys & the Stars! The film starts at 5pm at the University of Texas at Arlington, where both of my parents attended college and grad school. It's screening in the Lonestar Theater 500 W. Neddermen Dr.Arlington, TX 70013. Ya'll come on out! Afterwards, I'd love to go to Spring Creek BBQ! I need my fill of BBQ and Tex-Mex this weekend!

On Success

2006-09-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

As I'm mourning the death of Geronimo, the cat, I am reminded of these lines from Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go":

So be sure when you step,
Step with care and great tact
And remember that Life's a Great Balance Act.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

Concert

2006-08-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the show yesterday! For everyone who couldn't make it, you missed a great show! Far*East Movement is awesome! They really know how to get a crowd going! Honeymoon rocks!! And the ladies of Ms. Senior CA sung their hearts out! I loved when these little boys got on stage with Far*East Movement and started breakdancing! I also loved the fact that two little girls recorded Honeymoon on their phones and went and asked for Sarah's autograph! I hope the bands had a good time playing...even if the turnout wasn't what I wanted it to be. Anthony was a great emcee. Everyone thought he should do it for a living! I had fun...I hope everyone who came did too!

End of summer concert fundraiser

2006-08-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Summer '06 will not be complete without a concert, and I'm planning my first one ever. I'm quite nervous that people will show up and have fun. Here's an email (edited version) sent out by David:

For all of our Texas supporters who can't make our fundraising concert in Pomona, CA, have no fear, The Queen from Virginia is coming to you in September!

The Queen from Virginia has been selected to screen at the Dallas VPS Film Festival on September 15-16 @ the University of Texas at Arlington (www.vpsdallas.org/filmfestival.htm).

The Summer Concert is just 1 1/2 weeks away! Thank you to everyone thus far who has purchased advance VIP tickets and/or spirit tickets. Your support means a lot! And it's going to be a HOT show!!

Sunday, August 27th @ 3pmThe Band Shell @ Ganesha Park (outdoor park with amphitheater, next to the LA County Fairgrounds)1575 N. White AvenuePomona, CA

$10 per ticket. Featuring:

Far*East Movement - making waves in hip-hop and currently has a single featured in The Fast and the Furious 3 entitled "Round, Round." Take a listen at www.myspace.com/fareastmovement

Honeymoon - taking over the Los Angeles rock scene with its infectious grooves and fiery female lead singer. Check them out at www.myspace.com/honeymoonrock

DJ Chuck Lepley - changing the way you listen to music with his electronic magic. Check him out at www.myspace.com/djchucklepley.

And of course...Past and Present Ms. Senior California! www.mssrcadirector.com

You can buy advance tickets in several ways:
-Order by credit card here: www.doubleohthree.com/Concert.html
-You can send a check payable to Double Oh Three Productions or cash to the following address:
David Ngo
Double Oh Three Productions
1814 Parnell Ave. #8
Los Angeles, CA 90025

For those of you not in the Southern California area on 8/27, you can still support the concert by purchasing a spirit ticket! Yes, you can be with us in spirit! http://www.doubleohthree.com/donation.html

Poker Update 8.18.06

2006-08-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Alright...so the original reason why I started the poker updates was to prove that Carrie won the majority of these lunchtime games. And today, she proved it to be true. She won!

Tomorrow is the Ladies Event at the Bike...here's what I'm supposed to include in my e-mail at the end of my signature at work:

“GO ALL IN FOR THE CURE! WPT is teaming up with The Susan G. Komen Foundation to help fight against breast cancer at this year’s Ladies’ Night event. To make a donation or to participate in our online auction, visit www.worldpokertour.com . Tune-in October 28th at 8pm on the Travel Channel to watch the Ladies’ showdown at the Final Table.”

I can't decide if I want to play or not. On the one hand, I think it's for a great cause, and my boss sure would love me. On the other hand, I haven't really played a tournament since my dad's birthday in early July, so I'm rusty. $125 buy-in is a bit steep for the rusty...we'll see how I feel in the morning.

Prayer for Serenity

2006-08-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

I love the beginning of this prayer:

God, grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference...

I've been saying a lot of prayers recently. I've been saying prayers to Sarah and her family. Her dad is in ICU, and had a number of complications. I've been saying prayers to Anthony and his family. His dad is in the hospital for triple bypass surgery. I've been saying prayers to a former editor's family. He apparently committed suicide and leaves behind small children. And I've been saying prayers for a cameraman's family. He died from a burst appendix early Wednesay morning. He leaves behind a pregnant fiance.

Poker Update 7.7.06

2006-07-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was a late night for all of us. So today's poker game was a little slow pokey. My production company had its wrap party last night at Saddle Ranch at Universal. It took us an hour and 20 minutes to get there, the food was terrible, but we still all managed to have a lot of fun. I rode the mechanical bull for more than 12 seconds...twice! And Carrie sang three songs for karaoke! The boss gave out $100 for the best singer and $200 for the worst singer. The guy who got the $200 and the worst singer title was an Asian guy in IT who sang "She Bangs." I can't remember what the best singer sang, but Kedj won that one. I think it might've been a Pearl Jam song.

So in today's game...the players were Patrick, Carrie, John, Bob, David, and me. John was first to bust, then Bob, then Patrick, then David. Carrie and I were heads up for quite awhile, and eventually it got hot outside...so I started to just go all-in...not caring if I won first or second. Carrie wasn't biting half the time, until she just got tired and called one of my all-ins. I had 6-8 off-suit. She had 5-8 off-suit. My cards held up. Nice. The crazy thing about this game was...I got 9-2 off-suit about 10 times! Also, Carrie sucked out on me TWICE! Both times, I had her dominated...but both times, she got the miracle Jack on the River...to win with a straight!

Dad's Birthday and Poker

2006-07-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

My dad introduced me to poker. He actually started showing my brother and I how to play cards as soon as we could hold cards in our little hands. My mother is the one who never played cards, and sometimes she didn' like my dad showing the kids how to gamble. But since Saturday, July 1, was my dad's birthday...I decided to pay his buy-in at Casino Morongo's No Limit Texas Hold 'Em Tournament. We got there around 9 in the morning and signed up. Then, we went to eat breakfast, take a walk by the enormous pool (have to come back for this!), and sign up for a member's card. The lady at the members card desk flirted with my dad (ewww!) and gave him a t-shirt for his birthday! The tournament started at 11 a.m. We were seated at the same table, and luckily, I was not picking up any cards. Meanwhile, my dad was running the table. He seemed to have the goods every time he showed, and he was building up a monster chip stack. When the first break came, we were separated to different tables and the blinds jumped considerably. I found myself completely shortstacked, so I started to make a couple of big all-in moves. After playing for a bit, my dad busted out of the tournament. Finally, I made it to the final table! The blinds had really jumped again, and I found myself short-stacked once again. But not as short-stacked as two or three of the players. One player only had two chips left. All of the final table players made it into the money, so I didn't really care anymore. I was planning all-in moves left and right. The stacks who were shorter than me busted out fairly quickly. The old guy on the respirator to my left was extremely tight...so whenever it was his big blind...I'd raise or go all-in, and he'd normally fold. If he had a hand, he'd play, and I knew to get out. I eventually took him out and took the chip lead. From there...I just kept going...aggressively putting my opponents all-in...and if they had a hand, they'd call. If not, they mostly folded. Eventually, I won $1000. Not bad for about 3 1/2 hours of playing. I wished my dad would've placed into the money too, but my brother and I bought him dinner so it all worked out well.

Poker Update 6.30.06

2006-06-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Not too much to report. I went out second. I was getting the worst cards, and I was on the short stack for most of the game. Ugh...sometimes poker is brutal. I hope I do better in a tournament I'm playing in tomorrow.

Sisters and Mothers

2006-06-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

I think we can go through life with different sisters and mothers. I went to a lovely bridal shower this weekend, and what sticks out in my head is when the bride-to be said how much she really appreciated this shower because she didn't have any sisters and her mother just passed away. I looked around the room, and it was truly a group of women who could be her sisters and her mothers. The dragon boating team she belongs to, the Los Angeles Racing Dragons and also the team that is made up of breast cancer survivors, the Pinks, threw her this shower. LARD is definitely a group of women close to her age or younger, and the Pinks are all around the age of our mothers and grandmothers. But no matter what age, these were all dynamic, strong, caring, supportive, sisterly, motherly, and just wonderful women...and I felt blessed to even be invited.

Men v. Women

2006-06-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Are we really that different? A co-worker told me he thinks we are, and he sort of jokingly told me that he believes he knows more about women than I do. What?! Enlighten me, oh arrogant one, so I can get a good laugh.

"Nice" Guys

2006-06-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a lot about relationships because who am I to talk about them? I'm a 32 year old commitment-phobic woman. But this subject has bothered me for awhile. So let's talk about the "Nice Guy." I want to dispel the rumor that women don't like "nice" guys. It simply is not true. Yes, there are some women who like the bad boys, and there are moments of insanity in every sane woman's life where she gets too deeply involved with someone who's not good for her. And there are also some guys who love the bad girls. But most women, in their right minds (and the kind you really want to date if you truly are a "nice" guy), would not turn down a gentleman. But I want to clarify that most guys who think that women don't like "nice" guys aren't really talking about "nice" guys. Let's clarify, what a nice guy is NOT. First, nice guys don't put women on pedestals. No woman, unless she's your wife, should be put on a pedestal. We're all human and should be treated equally. If she's your wife, giving her extra attention and worshipping her will help win you points towards "Husband of the Year," but if you're just dating, you're supposed to get to know each other and see if she or he is right for you and your future. There should be no pedestals at this stage. Next..."nice" guys are not doormats. They still have their own opinions and are not afraid of expressing them. They don't just roll over and only date women who whip them. If you're "whipped," you're not a "nice" guy...you're just a wimp. Also, "nice" guys are obviously not always on the "lookout" which means they don't look at other women while engaged in conversation with one or on a date with one, and they don't participate in "locker talk." Finally, "nice" guys are not afraid of asking out "nice" girls. And this takes me to what real nice guys are. Nice guys are gentlemen. They open doors, they pull out wallets and offer to pay (and if you insist on paying yourself, they allow it and not get all caveman about it), they walk on the outside to protect you from cars flinging anything your way, they always speak with respect towards you and your family...even if they're angry, and "nice" guys are sexy because they're confident and not afraid to not be so nice when it's necessary (like protecting their woman's honor and in bed).

Poker Update 6.16.06

2006-06-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Not my best game. I was first one out today, and it was on the second hand! There were 8 players today: David, Patrick, Carrie, Sef, Bob, Cam, Paul, and me. On the second hand, I raised with A-9 unsuited under the gun. Paul and Cam call. The flop was K-Q-Q. Everyone checks. The turn was a six or something. Cam checks, I raise the pot size, and Paul moves all in. Cam folds, and I don't believe Paul so I call him. And Paul turns over K-Q. He had the nuts, and I fell into it...big time. I didn't even want to turn over my cards. But Paul eventually went on to win it, so he used my chips wisely, and Cam came in second.

More Poker Blah Blah

2006-06-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

OK you might be bored with all the poker, and yes, I have been playing a lot lately. But if you don't judge me, I won't judge you. Besides Friday afternoon, I played Friday night and Saturday. Friday night's game was pretty laid back. There were about 20 of us, and I went out in sixth. I should've just folded everything until I got into the money...the top three...but decided to make a push with pocket 6's. Aiya. Middle pairs. That's how I always end up losing. Saturday was a charity poker game I had a link to on this blog. It was extremely disorganized. Not only did we have to pay $40 to play, but then we had to pay $10 for parking and at least $5 for drinks...and when I say $5 for drinks...I mean water. Anything with any flavor in it would cost you at least $6. The invitation said the game was going to start at 4:30 pm, but it didn't start until at least an hour later. It also said registration started at 4, but when my friends and I got there at 4:05, they wouldn't even let us inside! We had to hang out outside until about 4:30. Once inside, some people got their table assignments, some didn't. When I finally got mine, I was happy to know that my friends were at different tables. This meant possibly all of us meeting up at the final table. But when they called players to their tables, they tried to put me at a different table. At first I was fine with it because my friends weren't at the table they tried to put me in. But then another person showed up, and they kicked me off that table and tried to put me at a table with my friend, Carrie. When I complained, they tried to put me at Patrick's table. When I said no, I ended up waiting another half an hour, and then ended up playing at the last table. The time for the blinds weren't kept very well, and at one point, they wanted to jump blinds sporadically amongst different tables...meaning some tables didn't have to jump blinds and some did! How is that a fair contest? I complained, and they decided to keep the blinds the same, but just to cut the time, so instead of every 15 minutes, the blinds went up every 8 minutes. This was shootout style...so I had to knock out every single player at my table to get to the final table. I played tight at first, watching everyone play. Here's how I characterized everyone:

#1 seat: Wayne. short, pudgy Asian guy. Told me before we started playing that he plays three or four times a week, both online and in-person. He plays super tightly...got blinded down. I was concerned about him before I started playing, but then he turned out to not be a threat.

#2 seat: Pretty Asian girl with big round eyes. She and I chatted briefly before the game about how disorganized the tourney was. Smoker. She riffles her chips pretty well. I had an eye out for her, especially after she cripples me with a full house, and then makes another full house the very next hand. An experienced player with luck on her side! Danger!

#3 seat: Short Caucasian guy. His move: all-in. He moved all-in quite frequently, and he even marveled at how much respect he was getting for his all-ins.

#4 seat: Tall, muscular Asian guy who's girlfriend is sitting at the next table next to Patrick. He's playing a lot of pots. Likes to see action. Likes to take chances unless you make it expensive for him, then he usually backs down if he doesn't have the goods.

I'm in the 5th seat.

#6 seat: Tiny, mousy, Asian girl. Very quiet. Takes a long time to think and act. Usually limps in pre-flop, but aggressive post-flop. First time she shows her hand, she had nothing against someone who had a pair of Jacks. So, the next time I get a hand, I cripple her easily.

#7 seat: Bony Asian guy. Plays very tight, but aggressively. Whenever he hits, he bets out. When he doesn't hit, he usually checks it down or folds.

#6 is the first to leave. Ever since I cripple her, she couldn't make a move, and eventually got blinded down until she went all-in with hardly any chips. I believe I knocked her out.

Can't remember if #1 or #4 left next, but they left one after the other.

When it's just four of us: #7, #2, #3, and me...#7, #2, & #3 calls. I look down at 5h-4h. I check. Flop comes down Ah-?h-4?. #2 goes all-in. #3 folds. I call because it's not that much more, and #7 calls. Turn is maybe a King? Not a heart. I check...wanting to check it down...but #7 goes all-in. At this point, I'm the chip leader. I have a pair, and a flush draw so I call. We flip, and #7 is holding J-4. So he's got a pair of 4's. I'm angry that he went all-in on a dry side pot with 4's, and a jack kicker. But he's saying he's got the better hand. I don't know the odds, but on the river, I make my flush and knock both of them out.

Last hand at this table is between #3 Caucasian male and me. I see K?-4?, and I put him all-in since I have everyone's chips at the table. He calls, and he turns over J-2. I make two pair, and I win my table.

At the final table, there are six of us. Among my friends, only Patrick and I make it. I go out in fourth, making a straight, while another player made a flush. When it's just down to Patrick and another player, I convince the 2nd place winner to take the WPT package since Patrick works there. The other player agrees. Patrick wins 1st anyway, but he also wins free Direct TV for a year! I win a Go Productions Party package. Good times. Very good times.

Poker Game 6.9.06

2006-06-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

The tally isn't working anymore. So I'll just update and not really keep a tally. Today's game was between: Paul, John, Bob, Patrick, Carrie, and me. I'm out first. Carrie's out. Then, Bob. It's heads up between Patrick and John for awhile, but John was aggressive and wins this one.

Sex Change

2006-06-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Alright, that title got your attention, didn't it? It certainly would! Why wouldn't it? It has certainly gotten my attention, so much so that I can't think about anything else right now. I thought people having sex changes only really happen on talk shows or in the latest TV movie of the week. But I actually know someone who had a sex change! I'm sure it's not a secret because he's posted his before and after pictures on a high school classmates reunion type of website, but I'm not going to announce his name here since this blog is more about me and my feelings about the world-at-large. Hee. Hee. Well, my feelings are mixed. I don't think I would've ever guessed, in a million years, that this would've happened. If I had to make a prediction, when I was in high school, how this guy would end up in the next 10 or 15 years, this would not have been it. He was a really nice and normal guy. He didn't seem, in any way, effeminate. He didn't seem overly masculine either, like he was trying to prove something. The only thing that probably wasn't the most normal was the fact he was a bit of a Bible-thumper. But this was Texas, ya'll! If I had to guess what he'd be doing in 10-15 years, I would've said he would be married to a nice woman, had two or three kids, and lived in the suburb. Something completely predictable and boring. So much for what I know! The one thing I do remember about our conversations in high school...I loved saying things that shocked him! And believe me, it didn't take a lot to do that back then. But now...he has officially one-upped me. I don't think I can top this...as long as I live.

Beggars Can't Be Choosers

2006-06-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

One late night, about a year ago, I was driving home from work when I realized I needed gas. It was around 3 in the morning, and I got to a gas station around La Brea and Washington Blvd...not a pretty area. As soon as I got out of the car, a tall, black man approached me and asked me if he could pump the gas. I told him it wasn't necessary, but while I was getting out my credit card, he grabbed the gas pump before I could. I told him that I didn't have any cash to give him, but he decided to keep going anyway. While he was pumping gas, he was also telling me why he was out on the street, some story about how he couldn't stand his woman nagging him and something else about his children. When he was almost done, I told him he needed to go home and make up with that nagging wife and take care of his children. He told me he would, and then he asked me to get him something to eat at Lucy's...which was about two or three blocks back North. (I was headed South towards the freeway.) Being the nice person I am, I agreed and drove out of my way to Lucy's to get him some food, while he ran all the way there. Once I got there, I realized it was a cash only place, and I didn't have any cash! I dug around in my car, and pulled out about a dollar in change though and looked at the menu to see what I could afford. One measly hamburger was about it. I ordered the hamburger, and while waiting in line to pay, the gas pump man ran up, all out of breath. He thanks me, and then he asks me what I got him. I paid and told him that I had gotten a burger. He looked at me, wildly, and said...oh no! I don't eat meat. No good deed goes unpunished.

Poker Update 6.2.06

2006-06-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

Maybe my plan when I started the poker tally was to give myself some luck. I won the weekly poker game again. This week the players were: Patrick, Paul, David, George, Carrie, and me. I'm actually lucky in this game, picking up pocket queens, at one point, and knocking out David. George is next to go, then Paul loses to a short-stacked Carrie, giving her a monster chip stack. I call Patrick when he's on the short stack, and he's eliminated. Finally, it's just Carrie and me. We go back and forth for awhile, until I call her all-in, and I win.

More poker...but it's for a good cause!

2006-05-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

https://www.projectbyproject.org/sc/poker/index.html

Weekly Poker Update

2006-05-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

The tally isn't working in my favor yet. We decided to play poker today since a lot of people will be out or gone early tomorrow for Memorial Day weekend! (Normally, we play on Fridays.) Players today were: Bob, Carrie, Patrick, John, Kedj, and me. I slowly built up my stack, stealing a couple of key hands, and losing one major one. Bob took out Kedj and Carrie. I took out Bob and John. Then, it was just between Patrick and me. First hand, I had A-9 of hearts, I go all-in. He folds. Second hand, he goes all-in with K-J (?) off-suit, and I call with 8-9 of spades because he didn't have that much more. I get a 9 on the flop, and I'm the winner!

Celeb Spotting

2006-05-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I attended the opening of the Robert Rauschenberg exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles Saturday evening. We got there a little before the opening party started, and there was already a super long line to get into the museum to see the exhibit. Do all of these people really know about Rauschenberg, or are they there just to party? After seeing his amusing and forward-thinking pieces (I think they're still so relevant and fresh today), we wandered upstairs where there's a cash bar and a DJ playing. We walked around the bar, decided not to get a drink, and on our way out, I did a double take. My heart leapt into my throat because there was Robert Rauschenberg in a wheelchair, surrounded by a group of people, getting his picture taken! I wanted to talk to him, I wanted to remind him that I had met him about 10 years ago in his studio in Manhattan, and that I interviewed him for an NYU television news magazine program. But the vultures would not let him go. Many were oblivious to his presence. But those who knew...clung to him like saran wrap on a sandwich. I was still giddy...He's the only artist, whose works are in a museum, whom I've met, now, twice.

Poker Game

2006-05-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Carrie and I play in a "friendly" game of poker at lunchtime, most Fridays. I think she's won most of the games, but she doesn't think so. So I'm going to start a tally. In today's game, the players are David, Patrick, Cam, Carrie, Paul, and me. I knock out every single player, and it's heads up between Carrie and me. I have her out-chipped considerably, but she doubles up a couple of times, and eventually, she wins.

Al Gore's doc on enviro

2006-05-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/18/politics/main1628199_page2.shtml

Sweats

2006-05-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

I think I've been haunted, my whole life, by sweats. This past week, I attended the screening party of Al Gore's new documentary about the environment. I didn't actually get to see the film. My friend invited me to the after-party, very last minute. I was coming from work, and I was wearing a Juicy hoodie and American Apparel sweatpants. I think I had on a tank top underneath the hoodie, and my pink puma sneakers. As soon as I walked into the Directors Guild of America building, security was on me. The security guards were asking me a lot of questions...who was I with? What was my name? Was I just coming to pick someone up? Luckily, my friend, Neil, showed up and ended the interrogation. Lots of people were there...Al Gore, Jessica Alba, Larry David...to name a few. And I was there in my sweats!

In junior high, I broke up with my football playing boyfriend with a note. This is a lesson I need to pass on to any kid in school...DO NOT break up with your boyfriend in a note. Leave no paper trail...it will come back to haunt you! In this note, I gave some reasons for why I broke up with him...one of them being...he had said I looked "sexy in sweats." I don't know why...but I was disgusted with that comment back then. Well, the next day...the note had been passed around...and most of the guys on the football team would come up to me and, yes...you guessed it...tell me that I looked sexy in sweats.

Katy Doll

2006-05-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Surprise! We won...

2006-05-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Queen from Virginia is an award-winning documentary! The film won the jury prize for Best Documentary at the 2006 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival.

David, Gavin, Christina, Anthony and I attended the closing ceremony last Thursday evening. They gave out four awards...best scripted feature, best documentary, best short, and the audience award. There were about 200 movies screening at this festival! We were shocked, excited, thrilled, and amused.

David gave a really nice, short, and funny speech. And afterwards, we took pictures, mingled, shmoozed, drank, and finally ate dinner really late at Oomasa...the best sushi restaurant in L.A.!

Film Premiere

2006-05-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

I just want to express my gratitude for everyone who came out and supported the documentary I produced, "The Queen from Virginia: Jackie Bong-Wright and Ms. Senior America." We had a great turnout and amazing responses to the film. It was very exciting for me, personally, to have a film I produced, playing in a real movie theatre in Los Angeles! As with any independent project, we could not have done it without support. And since I didn't get a chance to say this during the Q+A session after the film, I just want to express my thanks.

To the team that made the film - Gavin, Steve, Young, Stacy, Anthony, Kendra, Masa, Robert, Lindsey, and Rachel - Thank you for your talent, hard work, and senses of humor!

To our fundraising team - the Ngo family, Lynn, Sarah, and Valerie - your skills and contributions are immensely appreciated!!

Thanks to Mark, Wileen, Bill, and everyone else who saw the rough cuts and gave us notes.

Thank you Susan for your legal expertise.

Thank you to everyone who donated items for auction. Go to www.doubleohthree.com and hopefully, we will have websites up for our sponsors.

Special thanks to those who gave to us, financially, either by coming to our fundraisers or just sending me checks. You are angels, and I wished you were all here today to see your contribution to the film you helped make.

And last, but not least...thank you, David, for bringing me onto this project. It's been almost two years, and although I don't know if it's anything like giving birth, the struggle was worth it in the end!

Women

2006-04-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I love women who are strong, beautiful, smart, and funny. I know a lot of women who are not comfortable with other women, and I always find that strange. Everytime I meet a woman who feels threatened by other women, I feel a bit sad for them. They can't appreciate what another woman can offer -- experience, support, guidance, nurturing, laughs, style and presence. What straight guy can give you experience with menstrual cramps, give you support when you most need it and in a way you need it, guidance on how to avoid sexism at work, nurturing when you're sick or heartbroken, laughs about the silly and sublime, and I don't think most guys even know what I'm talking about when I mention style and presence. I wonder what most women think about this subject...

My earliest memory

2006-04-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Chickens. I'm in Taipei, Taiwan. I am probably only 2 years old since I moved to the U.S. when I was 3 1/2. My parents live in an apartment building with a balcony. We probably live on the third floor. On the ground floor, there are chickens, in a dirt patch, with a fence around them. I love to watch them. In my memory, the chickens seem to occupy a lot of my 2 year old mind. I remember throwing them food once in awhile, although what I threw them, I really do not know.

Good Friday

2006-04-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not a particularly religious person, but I've noticed that every single year, on Good Friday, it's cloudy.