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suiginkei
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Birthday: 12/29/1984
Interests: Being artsy or crafty when I get the opportunity especially scrapping, cooking n' baking on the rare occastion, listening to music (almost any type...), learning to wakeboard/ski. I'm a photo fiend...I'm an x-band nerd.
Expertise: Is procrastination a skill? Being twisted with balloons? People say I'm decent at planning social events and scrapbooking.
Occupation: Coordinator
Industry: Environmental Planning
Message: message meEmail: email me
Member Since:
6/23/2003
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| CRAFTS
Nothing new, just doing a little scrapbooking on the weekend. Trying to do it on a weekday night hasn't worked out. Still not "done" with any, especially since I can just add page protectors.
Knitting scarves still on the train
READING
Read books 2 and 3 of Twilight Series. Finally...Kait recommended them to me awhile back. Jackie is collecting them and let Vietca and I borrow them for a few weeks. I can do about 1 book per week. They're Harry Potter chunky! They're a fun read, nothing to gush and rave about. Got around to reading The Alchemist while I was waiting for Vietca to finish her second read through of book 3. Kelli said it was life changing. I was a bit confused by it. Some religious and philosophical themes that I'm not getting.
ROOMIES
We went on a group outing since Shellyn was finally home on the weekend. Headed for a dollar movie at MCAS Miramar. I definately used the tissues I brought, and passed one over when I heard sniffling next to me. We had to stand up before the movie started for a video of the national anthem. Managed to have a food on hand potluck this past week as well. Carb friendly...which worked out well for a night of drinking for Vietca. We're heading out to see a Ventriloquist show tonight at the MCRD...I volunteered with Vietca for SDFF at APSA's talent show, which was somewhat entertaining. I always love acacapella (there's still one person there that I know) and wushu was pretty spectacular. It's a performance activity more than I realized. We're still keeping up with P90X...rest week this next week thank goodness!
SOCIAL
- Met up with Allie for yogurt. Had discussions about the normal...work, little adventures. Moved onto talking about having two families during the holidays.
- Celebrated Liz's birthday at the little Indian restaurant I so adore (thanks to Kat) and took a hike with her and Phil up at Black Mountain (great cardio). We saw a young rattler on the trail thanks to a warning from some passing hikers. I also met Phil's mom in Old Towne when Liz and I met them after spending an afternoon strolling on the Torrey Pines beach (was cold until we started walking)
- Finally finally caught up with Miss Cindy. We both had done a lot of driving recently, so agreed to meet in the middle for Korean food. Yum! I tried this rice stick dish because I want to try making it at home and needed to be reminded of how it tasted. I went with her afterwards to 99 Ranch as I forgot how much I like Barley tea served at Korean places to get some (she had to pick up some items for her mom so I tagged along).
- Attended at 80s themed birthday party for Dave's friend Rodger. We threw together outfits from what we had. I remembered we kept the 3D glasses and suggested he use them for his denim shirt with popped collar and tight (Joann couldnt look after awhile) jeans. I used a black skirt with my 3/4 yoga pants and a jean jacket, slap bracelet and plastic beads necklace. My hair's not quite long enough to do an effective side-pony tail. On the way out we stopped at Vons to pick up some alcohol and I saw the Tom Cruise movie (can never remember the name, but the one where he rocks out in his t-shirt and undies playing air guitar) at the checkout line. I made Dave take a picture with the DVD cover....The party was at Rodger's folks' house up in Escondido. One of the huge ones up on a hill. They did some major fixing up, but we could see it was well worth the effort. Dave and I had an interesting time with the gate when we tried to leave.
- Out with the girls to see a cover band at The Casbah. Christina wanted to check out the venue and tix were just 12. I hadn't gone out in awhile so decided to join them. We got there so early and no one was in the joint, so we grabbed some gelato before hand. I think it's great they use the corn based biodegradable cups. Gelato was ok. Maybe because I've had froyo and ice cream twice already in a week....of course Vietca ran into someone she knew. It was uneventful except when what we thought were a drunk couple ambled over to our table. The guy was a scumbag, he just left the girl there (passed out) while he chatted it up with the bouncer and another girl at the bar...we didn't see her friends anywhere, but decided we should leave before she hurled...some guy who tried to help by waking her up (pouring water on her arm repeatedley) kept talking and talking to Vietca and me too...def time to go.
WORK
Had my first working lunch...where I was actively involved. It was tiring ...I can't imagine yet how I'll do when I have my own projects. 3 meetings back to back: 1 intern, 1 lunch meeting, 1 (2 hour break) for a potential project. Am being kept very busy helping out natural resource folks on everything from contracts, co-op agreements, and ag leases. Not quite understanding all of what I'm doing yet, but next month there is supposed to be more time to sit and explain. I had a class at the beginning of the month, there was so much useful info, it's just a challenge to stay focused for 7 hours. It's also rough to go without an RDO for 3 weeks.
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| Work
I've just moved to my new rotation for work. Again, people seem friendly and helpful. I've plenty to do! My last week at my former rotation wrapped up with a Vegetarian themed potluck for me. It was great because people understand that vegetarians do have tasty options.
I'm continuing to work on my senior project, resume, and rotations outside of my "project" duties. I had to show around a new hire, I checked on one of the recent hires...it's nice that I see a little bit of continuation from rotation to rotation-I'm reviewing a project for the second time. I'll be helping out with Natural Resources and Real Estate most of the time. Aside from the work aspect of things, I'm pleased to have a real window that I can look out of (it's my cube neighbor's but we only have a half wall so I can see...my window is way up high but it still allows for natural light). I don't know if the building sickness syndrome is real, but I truly was starting to feel a little sick at my old rotation if I didn't make sure I went out to get fresh air.
I miss the people at the old rotation, I've gone there to visit a lot this last week. Then I caught up a bit with a former intern advisor, which opened up a whole new can of worms as far as my next rotation for summer goes. It means I need to do some investigating and make some decisions by the end of March because it would impact my housing and travel arrangements. It's good, I know she's looking out for me, but I need to also to my own analysis.
Social
I stayed home instead of going out to party downtown this weekend, I actually caught up with a couple people from Modesto (they don't live there anymore) and made some progress in the scrapbooking department. As it turned out, people returned to the house in good shape, contrary to my fears. But it's just as well. I just always feel so conflicted as a non-drinker (I've given up trying, I know how the genes work) when the majority of my friends want to go do drinking-centered outings. Either way I end up feeling left out (staying at home or going and being bored).
Abby came down to visit after having her interview in Pomona's optometry school, so we got to hang out with her a few hours for a "copy cat" potluck (that was harder than most of us thought) and play some word/phrase/trivia games. Catch phrase and I think Scattegories. I was on a team with all guys, and we finally won scattergories by a close margin!
Other Happenings
Vietca and I finished Week 3 for P90X. Thank goodness for recovery week. A couple people I know are actually interested in the program, my Career Field Manager asks me how it's going when I run into her. My chiropractor noted that my adjustments had held from the last time (just 2 weeks since I saw her last instead of 4 but still), and asked if I'd been stretching. I told her about it,and she asked if she could have a copy. Lol. Next week we get our pictures taken to see visual progress. We haven't had a scale in the bathroom for awhile so I don't know how that has changd.
Cooking Adventures (new recipes) this month so far involved two using the same tofu/marinade: Vermicelli with pineapple sauce and Moraccan Veggies over Coucous (very labor intensive, tastes better one day later). Made up a vegan mayo (as I don't like real mayo) to make crab salad (apples, celery, imitation crab) for my lunch this week. From Kim's book I made a yogurt and spices steamed veggies. Everything's been deemed worthy of making again.
I finally ordered a big batch of Fall 2007-2008 photos so I could complete the Valentine's present. I think we had some good laughs over it...and I know he never prints out photos even if I send the ones I take. We had a fancy dinner at Flemming's, upon recommendation from Vietca. I loved the chocolate lava cake, and Dave kept picking at the Chantilly creme. The scallops were nice and moist, though not super flavorful and the pastry that the veggies sat on seemed a little tough to me. It sure looked pretty. Dave opted for filet minon and we shared a side of the house potatoes (way rich, we only managed to eat a 1/3 of the dish). Sadly I think I am allergic to shellfish-I've had 3 kinds over the last 3 months and each time with an unfavorable reaction. Guess it's better for the ocean that I don't eat it. I'm still wondering if I could do an experiment for a month of vegan diet. I might make an exception if dining out is what we're doing....depending on the restaurant. I always mean to try using flax seeds as a substitute for eggs in cooking/baking.
That about sums everything up.
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| At work it's been fairly slow because they don't want me to be too busy since I'm leaving soon. But I did get to see a sea turtle up close and personal on a field visit. :)
Last weekend started off with going to a Health and Fitness expo with Vietca to pick up my number for the race the next day. We got some free samples of products (workout drinks and snacks...some of them actually tasted good) and 3 free loaves of bread ("here hold my bag so I can go grab another loaf.") and Vanilla Rooibas Starbuck drink coupons.
The Carlsbad Half Marathon is complete as of last week! My first one and I couldn't have asked for better conditions. The weather was overcast, not overly hot or cold (once you got moving). The course was scenic and not very hilly. The coolest part was just watching sea birds mill around overhead, feeling and smelling the sea breeze and not needing headphones because bands played along the trail. I learned a few things from this experience
1. PREPARATION- Get everything ready the night before make a list: water, snacks, SHOES (yes I left these at Dave's, luckily he lives close by), anti-chaffing stick, electrolyte replacement, change of clothes, camera, charged cell phone, music player, pin your number on after getting dressed :P (I ripped a hole in my Michigan shirt)
- Start your training early so you can allow for getting sick or the holidays
- Try to go running at the race start time to get used to waking up early. Though when you get there you might be pumped up anyway and not really need the caffeinated electrolyte goo packets for the jolt effect!
2.EATING:- Yay carb loading the week before...rice, pastas, 1/2 a cinnamon roll, curried veggie roti pocket...
- Eat very light the morning of. A smoothie and piece of fruit was too much. I'll stick with plain ol' fruit next time
- Eat slowly after the race, just a bite and swig every 5-10 minutes.
3. RECOOP
- Tried working out Weds after the race, still too tired. Give self an extra day next time!
- Extra electrolyes in the next day or two.
- Plan to take off some time from work to get a massage!
The first Foodies Unite potluck of 2009 happened this past week. Guests brought their favorite Chinese dishes to honor the year of the Ox...though our food wasn't necessarily Lunar New Year foods, it was a tasty feast. Dave: Panda Express (tofu eggplant-by my request, sweet n' sour beef, orange chicken, chowmein, rice), Brian: bought (eggplant with ground pork), Daryl: bought (fried squid), Wilson: bought (duck), Jen: made mochi with sesame filling, Shellyn: thin rice noodles panfried, Liz: made Orange chicken over rice, Me: Leek pancakes and Tomato/Egg, apparently called Chǎo Jīdàn Xīhóngsh (Karin recommended making it). Rock band followed the feast and played until the wee hours.
I had a miscommunication at the dentist which resulted in not being able to use my Visa credit card for awhile until the charge cancels and having to postpone some work being done.
I feel productive this weekend:
FRIDAY-signed up for FSA to save money, got oil changed and car serviced, Costco trip with roomies since they were nice enough to pick me up so I wasn't waiting 3 hours at the car place, called to get my refund on my keyboard, called in my prescription, organizing photos to order soon
SATURDAY-ran more errands with Vietca. Costco to help her pick out frames and get more samples!, Kohl's to return my purse that broke after a month, new phone purchased so Dave can have my battery (and because I'm starting to notice more and more poor reception, it could be the network but just maybe a phone will help!), picked up my prescription.
Relaxation this weekend:
FRIDAY: going out with Guang, Jeff, Danny, Dave, Vietca to try a place that serves tapas for happy hour. Verdicts: Ahi patte = "cat food", smoked sausages = "kind of small and not special", mushrooms in cream sauce = "wish we had pasta to eat this over", mushroom/tomato/zuchini = yay greens, chicken = ? , crispy potatoes with chipotle aioli = YUM YUM. The boys complained about how not filling it was but I think having the sangria and ordering two desserts helped (brownie with fudge and ice cream and a very strongly herbed rosemary creme brulee). Oh well, I think Vietca and I had a nice time trying something culturally different and just getting out of the house.
SATURDAY: Playing singstar discs 90s, Rocks, and Pop with Vietca and Jen. We found out Jen was the factor that boosted our scores most of the time! We finally scored "hit artist" on Len's Steal My Sunshine. Vietca was so proud, she saved the playback of it....Dancing to some of the rap songs made my evening...MC Hammer is tiring Vietca reports...Sir Mix a lot is booty shakin' Sara knows, Britney Spears can't be imitated, Vanilla Ice-Jen broke it down!
SUNDAY: unsure if/where the Super Bowl game will be watched. But I am taking this morning to work on scrapbooking, actually making things not just planning and organizing...although doing a bit of those both in between. Also spend some time cuddling our diaper wearing Koko...
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| Birthdays...always hectic...lots to do in January. Mostly all within 1 week.
Took half day off work to have lunch at The Prado with Dave for his birthday. The intensity of the sun made it feel like summer rather than the middle of January, so we had to ask for a shady table. My black heat soaking hair...They served a really thin cracker with chipotle hummus that was tasty. I just got poppyseeds stuck on my teeth and face from the cracker. A month or two back when Liz, Dave, and I visited the Japanese friendship garden to check out my mom's cousin's artwork, I mentioned the Star Trek Exhibit. "How come you didn't tell me about it?!" Dave asked. "I thought you were more of a Star Wars person." "How could you not like Star Trek?" or something like that. When we got back home we looked to see how long it was running...through Jan 18th...I joked "oh so we could go there for your birthday." "You're funny." But that's just what we ended up doing. It was actually interesting. They integrated it with info about space exploration and science. Dave does know a good amount about Star Trek. They had models of the Enterprise, and he noted that they weren't of the right scale proportional to each other. I liked looking at the costumes-the sign next to one said that they used low-budget techniques, and I noticed one used bubble wrap as part of the belt! Unfortunately they didn't allow photos inside the exhibit.
Vietca celebrated her birthday early since it fell on a Sunday. She made arrangements for a party bus. The did a half ass job of decorating with a few streamers and green balloons. But it was a lot of fun, the music was pumping (Chris's mix) and the dancer's pole was being used. Drinks were spilled (and consumed). She had planned a "menu" out of drink stops at different venues in downtown but we only made it to the first one, a sushi bar for sake bombs. We had a short ride on the bus to another place, but weren't allowed in for some reaosn or another. Ah well, different adventures for different people. Some of us tried to find a bathroom at Horton Plaza after not being able to get into the "uppity" club (Vietca dubbed) even with a large group of girls. (Though I wouldn't have been able to go in anywhere due to my ID being at home, >_<) Apparently Jason got lost at Horton and had to call Jeff, and squatted in a corner...The ride to and from was extremely slow I don't know how many MPH we were going. People stayed over a bit to sober up and I stayed up to make sure they/our house would be okay. Made a trip out to Jack in the box with Teresa and Vietca before finally going to bed at 2am.
Chris decided that a customizable burger place would be better than Cozymel's for his birthday dinner Friday. I was a little disappointed that the veggie patty was manufactured and not bought there (guess I got "spoiled" when Vietca took me to Veg N Out for my belated surprise birthday where they made the patties in house, yay lower sodium!) But the toppings and sauce where delicious-grilled pineapple and roasted red bell pepper. I got a side of fruit but the melon part didn't taste that great. Instead of going to PB for more drinking and dancing, Dave and I left for Mission Beach to hear two of his pals from work play in their bands. I was so tired, I think it took until the second band to go on that I woke up...even with the music being loud and energetic.
Ah so, my birthday after we got back from dinner consisted of stopping at Vons for pizookie ingredients and heading over to the house to play games (for me just King's cup). I "had" to drink they said, so I had cherry beer. Luckily I did not get the cup at the end. I didn't turn too red or feel sick due to the dinner being very filling. The most annoying rules: thumb master, chris drinks =we drink....also the lisp one was just silly. "not every word has a lisp" "haha, we just sound retarded" My first bday celebrated in SD, thanks to Vietca :)
I'm still training for my first half-marathon that's next Sunday! Saturday I ran my 10 mile, and my co-worker Suzie
said once you get to that point the last 3 are supposed to be cake. She's also doing her first one, but she's joined a running club through VaVi---which someone else told me about. Doing the long runs tires me out for about 2 days after and makes me a lot more hungry than usual.
Nothing much else. Trying to keep up with my new year's resolutions. Doing well with the cooking from my recipe books. I made a couscous confetti salad yesterday, tofu tacquitos, and leek cauliflower soup. Cleaning the room fairly often. Looked at Target to browse printers, still need to research that online. Talked with Suzie, she has a bike she might sell me. So good progress I think since it's only January.
We did one restaurant for Restaurant Week. Tom Ham's light house. The guys had fun playing on the cannon and anchor...pointing at the busts that go on the front of ships. It was a nice romantic setting for our big 8 person group...of which the only pair there was me and Dave. The portions were generous and I think with everyone, each dish on the menu was tried. I didn't hear any complaints. Cutting the bread was a challenge...at least for Vietca and me...
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| One resolution for this year: put all the cook books I've been getting to good use
so far:
Vegetarian Times: Curried squash (used potato) rotti = yummy tastes like samosas at Indian restaurant
Tofu Festival : Tofu Tamale Pie (used with Betty Crocker Sweet corn bread recipe) = yummy even using gruyere cheese instead of a more standard "mexican" cheese, 1/2 recipe made a LOT!
Queer Eye book: mushroom risotto (subbing homemade veggie broth for chicken), using gruyere cheese (left over from our New Year's Eve party)
Second Resolution started:
Clean room on a regular basis
I have twelve in all but I don't have them all memorized...three of which are just to suck it up and make some purchases that would be good for me:
Buy a bicycle for commuting/exercising-one of my coworkers may be able to sell me her old one that's too small for her.
Buy a bed with a frame-to help get a more rested sleep? maybe it will tempt me to go to bed earlier. Frames make the bed look nice.
Buy a new printer/scanner-old one works but you have to keep your hand on the back so the door stays shut.
Crafty resolution:
Finish the senior year and APO scrapbooks so I can start on two others (New Zealand and Life After College ABC's) oh...drat I have to do three...my Australia one is not quite complete.
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