Mujer al Borde de un Ataque de Nervios

I don't know what's so funny

2009-09-17T08:27:00.002-05:00

Beware! Hana's got teeth!

2009-09-17T08:25:00.003-05:00

Hana loves Kiki the Monkey

2009-09-01T10:49:00.005-05:00

Thank you aunt Esther! I love, love Kiki (I called him so) the monkey!

It's been a long time....

2009-07-16T09:47:00.003-05:00

Baby Hana is 5 month old....

Good old days....

2009-04-19T20:34:00.004-05:00

I'm just sayin'.....

I love you, Hana.

If you are wondering....

2009-04-04T13:18:00.008-05:00

Hana is now 2 months old. Here is a little baby porn....Grrrrr....

She weighs 12 lb. 11 oz. Can you imagine your weight doubles in 2 months? And everyone applause for it?

You get applause when you burp and poop. Good life, baby.

Now she can grab a toy!

My friend Ayako the sports writer who recently interviewed Usain Bolt in Jamaica took this photo. I love it.

I know, she is cute. C'mon, she is my daughter!

Crying baby is One Month Old

2009-02-24T16:33:00.006-05:00

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. Well, indeed, Hana the baby is the cutest in the world! Heheheh.

That doesn't mean I've been all happy. My mom who had helped me a lot by cooking great Japanese meals, teaching me how to organize the rooms and taking care of Hana for a month, went back to Japan today. She has magic hands to let Hana sleep. I already miss her a lot. After taking her to the airport, I came back home. It took forever to let Hana sleep. When I started sobbing, Hana finally fell asleep. Then my husband came home...making big noise. Yeah, it woke her up. Sigh.

And I can't have martini. It sucks.

Thank you uncle Steven!

2009-02-09T15:05:00.002-05:00

Hana is wearing a hat (100% Alpaca wool) made by Uncle Steven.

"Me love it!"

Hana the newborn baby

2009-01-31T17:54:00.006-05:00

As you may already know, Hana the fetus is now a newborn baby. She was born on January the 23rd at 10:50am at Sibley Memorial Hospital. It was 10 days before the due date (due was February the 2nd), but she waited until her mom had finished covering the inauguration and doing an important interview, and her dad had completed infant car seat installation class. She is such a good girl!

OMG, the labor was sooooooo painful. I can't believe women go without epidural in Japan. I just screamed "GIVE ME EPIDURAL NOW!"

Hana sleeps, sucks my boobs, drinks some formula, pees, cries and sleeps. That's all she does everyday. Good life, baby.

They are cheaper than child day care monthly fee

2009-01-03T12:03:00.005-05:00

From Manolo Blahnik spring collection. Aren't they beautiful?

Baby Hana, mommy needs a new pair of shoes for spring....can I return your crib? ....I didn't think so.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T22:41:00.003-05:00

Ouch, I haven't updated my blog for almost a month...and it's already a new year!

I have been taking a vacation since Christmas Day. I had so many vacation days left for last year and could carry over only 5 days to this year. So I just decided to stop working for a while. I didn't have any plan for the vacation and actually I did absolutely nothing special. It's been so good.

What did I do? Hmmm.... I went to Buybuy Baby with my husband to pick up a crib and put it together. We also bought a car seat for baby Hana. I had a brunch with my co-worker from NYC bureau and her boyfriend. She gave me a Christmas present....a Prada dress! Now I have a clear goal to lose baby weight after the birth. Thanks, Maho!

I finished reading Crónica de una muerte anunciada by Gabriel José García Márquez...in Japanese translation. I have been reading a memoir of a Japanese journalist who passed away a few years ago.

I saw two movies. "Frost/Nixon" and "Milk." Both were good. Maybe I liked Frost/Nixon better. I also saw "Trade" on Netflix instant viewing.

I bought a new vacuum cleaner and vacuumed....once. I should vacuum again tomorrow.

I and my husband went to have a lunch with his brother at his mother's house. His brother, Ph.D candidate, was staying there only a day on the way from Buenos Aires where he had been doing research for his dissertation to Mexico City to meet up with his girlfriend. He and his girlfriend broke up a year ago, but it seems that they are trying to be together again.

I did some shopping at a Japanese grocery store for New Year. I bought a Kagami Mochi and some other stuff.

Kagami mochi (鏡餅^?), literally mirror rice cake, is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration. It usually consists of two^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4] round mochi (rice cakes), the smaller placed atop the larger, and a daidai (a Japanese bitter orange) with an attached leaf on top. In addition, it may have a sheet of konbu and a skewer of dried persimmons under the mochi. (from Wikipedia)

I also dropped by a thrift shop and bought a dress ($2!) and a leather jacket ($10). I love thrift shop. I made some Kinton, a traditional Japanese sweet for New Year made from either sweet potatoes or chest nuts.

I, Steven, our friend Eric from Baltimore and Peter went to Nellie's for Happy Hour. Ray, our friend, joined us. There was a college basket ball game was going on, and some sports fans were shouting so loud. It was a little annoying. Plus, while Happy Hour vodka drinks were $2, my tonic water was $3. It's unfair. Next time, maybe I should order vodka tonic without vodka. On the way home, we dropped by Austin Grill to eat. Fun times.

On New Year's Eve, I went to Steven's Champagne tasting party (I spelled Champagne correctly without looking at a dictionary for the first time! Woo Hoo!). Although I couldn't taste any of the bubbles, I had a very good time. Next morning, my next door neighbor Peter invited us and other neighbors to a New Year brunch. Great neighbors, fun times. At night, my mother-in-law came over and we had a dinner together.

Today, I and my husband had a dinner at Mama Lucia, a Italian restaurant near Silver Spring station. Great pizza and pasta. Plus, because the waiter messed up a little bit with our order and the pizza came a little late, he gave us a free tiramisu. Yum.

Tomorrow, I'm planning to bring my car to the emission inspection in the morning and have lunch with Steven. I need to go to buy a birthday present for my husband at some point....

Ahhhhhh....I have to go back to work on Monday! I want to be a housewife of a millionaire. Seriously.

Hana the fetus is growing

2008-12-09T18:21:00.004-05:00

She is now 4 lb. 1 oz.
I have stuffy nose, short of breath, bloating and need to go to pee three times at night. She kicks my bloated stomach and bladder. I'm sure she is having fun by annoying me.
Well, she is my baby, after all.

McDonald's Apple Pie

2008-12-03T15:07:00.003-05:00

My new food craving....apple pies. I baked some last weekend, but now they are gone. And this afternoon, after the flu shot (my ob doctor recommended it. I had a mercury-free one, just in case), I suddenly wanted to eat McDonald's deep fried apple pies. I ran to the nearest McDonald's and found out that their apple pies were now....baked.

I googled, and it seems that McDonald's has replaced their deep fried apple pies with baked ones since 1992. I also googled in Japanese, and found out that they are still selling deep-fried version in Japan (at least until last year). Hmmm...interesting. Well, baked one wasn't bad. 2 for $1! Of course I ate both.

FYI, according to the StephenKing.com, Checker's sells deep fried apple pies.

Another hair cut in two days

2008-11-30T16:36:00.004-05:00

After all, I didn't like the cut I had at a Japanese hair salon in Georgetown. The stylist cut the end of my hair straight and didn't make layers. As a result, it looked very heavy and old-fashioned. The last time I had a hair cut there, the younger stylist did my hair and I really liked it. But this time only the older one was available. And she didn't seem to be giving lots of efforts to make a good cut...she wanted to go home soon or something. She wasn't even there to greet me when I left.

So, I went to a Taiwanese hair salon "Beautiful Life Hair Salon" in Rockville for a quick fix. I could have asked the Japanese salon to fix it, but it was not open today and I couldn't wait. I think my hair looks much much better now. The young Taiwanese stylist, Wei Wei, did a quick and great job. And it cost only a half of the price I paid for the Japanese salon! I'm sooo going back there.

Hair cut

2008-11-28T19:34:00.003-05:00

I wanted to perm my hair. I have naturally frizzy rebellious uncontrollable hair, and I'm sure I won't have enough time to style my hair when Hana is here. My previous hair style, which was wavy, was very easy to manage. Basically I didn't have to do anything. So I went to a Japanese hair salon. Unfortunately I was told that since I had Japanese straight perm before, perming may not work. So I just had a hair cut.

I may make it shorter sometime....maybe very-short like Posh. But I didn't have courage to do it today. What do ya think?

Baby Shower! Very belated posting...

2008-11-28T18:17:00.019-05:00

First of all, this is THE cake!

Isn't it amazing? Mike is genius. Plus, it was delicious!

Baby shower was on November 15th. I am still working on Thank-you notes...I know I'm bad.

The shower was lots of fun. Thank you, Steven and Mike!

When we cut the cake, everyone screamed "Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

Gifts opening....

Food was delicous, too...Steven prepared chilled berry soup...yum. Mike made quiche, lazagna and hash brown casserole. Everyone enjoyed Mimosas while I was sipping orange juice. Um, yes, I had just a sip of Mimosa. I'm sure it made Hana the fetus genius.

It was great to see some old friends.....Jeremy and Nida. Nida came down from NYC!

Contrex

2008-11-01T13:27:00.004-05:00

It seems that all Japanese pregnant women are drinking this French water "Contrex." It has 11% Calcium and is said to ease constipation. I read recommendations on Japanese magazines and books and one comment actually said it's "must have" for a pregnant woman. I tried to find it like at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's but they don't have it. Maybe this water works only for French and Japanese pregnant women. I checked Contrex website and found out it was available at Wegmans in Virginia. Maybe this water works only for French, Japanese and Virginian pregnant women. Last Friday, I was going to pick up VUBOQ's friend from NYC at Dulles Airport (I had no idea why he picked Dulles to fly in to DC...he said just because the ticket came up first on the discount ticket website) so I decided to drop by one of the Wegmans near the airport. Of course I got lost (I don't go to Virginia, you know) and it took an hour and half to find the store. I bought 6 bottles of Contrex. Yay.

I can see this gorgeous golden tree from my sofa...the photo does not catch the whole beauty of the tree....

Hana the fetus with ADD

2008-10-17T07:54:00.004-05:00

Yes, I had too much beer.
Hana the fetus is kicking me around from inside and turning around. I'm afraid she has ADD.

The other day in the metro, a young woman was sitting at the window side and had her messenger bag (with "Obama 08" badge") on the seat next to her. All other seats were occupied. I was standing in front of her. She glanced at my big belly and my face, and kept reading. Of course I could ask her to move her messenger bag, but..... I mean, even if I don't see anyone pregnant or elderly, when the train is crowded, I do move my bag on my lap. This is not the change we need, Obama girl!

I will be traveling to Reno, NV next week for a report on battleground states. Hana the fetus has already traveled to Denver and St. Paul. She is a jet-setter.

It's not from B-rated horror movie

2008-09-26T17:52:00.005-05:00

It's my baby in 3D sonogram!

....and this is something I hate about pregnancy.

Weekend in Pembroke Retreat in Virginia

2008-09-24T17:36:00.007-05:00

Since I canceled my trip to Argentina in August due to the first trimester worries, I decided to take a mini-vacation. I had been interested in this place, Pembroke Retreat, which has Japanese style hot tub (ofuro). A couple runs the B&B, the wife is a Japanese and husband is an American. It was great. You can choose Japanese or American breakfast. I ordered Japanese one, which included rice, grilled fish, vegetables, raw eggs (they are from the owner's chicken pen, so fresh you can eat raw. We eat them mixed in rice with a little soy sauce in Japan) and miso soup. My husband ordered American breakfast, which includes homemade banana bread, waffles, whole wheat bread, honey (the owner has just started bee-keeping as well) , berry jelly made from berries the wife picked in the nearby mountain and fresh fruits including figs the wife just picked from a tree near B&B.

We just relaxed, relaxed....read, took bath, went for a walk....it was great.

I couldn't sleep well at the first night....because it was too quiet! I needed those noises of bus, people yelling, fire siren....

Thank you!

2008-08-26T19:19:00.002-05:00

Thank you for sweet messages! I feel my shoe-loving baby girl is more blessed.
I'm in Denver with her now. She will travel to Minneapolis with me next week. I'm not sure if she knows what's going on.....I have not experienced any of her kicking or moving yet.
I can't stop eating french fries....weired. They are not even my favorite.

The world will have another shoe loving girl

2008-08-20T08:37:00.004-05:00

I haven't updated this blog for a long time...because there has been a life changing event. Everyone, another shoe loving girl will be born into this world next February. Yup, she's been in my uterus for 16 weeks now. Yup, I have been totally sober for two months. I had my last martini on June 13th. I already asked VUBOQ to bring gin, dry vermouth and olive to the hospital where I deliver the baby so that I can have martini immediately after the labor.

I had amniocentesis last week, and got a result on Monday. My baby seems to be healthy, so now I can finally make it official here. My belly is getting bigger, so now I can wear only loose dress or tunics (I haven't told my boss or co-workers yet). I bought two kitten-heel Manolos, and they are beautiful. I had morning sickness in the first few weeks, and it was terrible. Imagine hangover without drinking. It totally sucks. But now I feel great. I don't dream about drinking gin tonic or red wine and wake up with guilty feeling anymore (yup, I did see such dreams several times in the first trimester).

This baby may make my life up side down, but I will try to be myself....well, I still can wear kitten-heels Manolos.

You need new manolos to forget bad experience

2008-07-11T13:00:00.010-05:00

I went to NYC for a business trip. I stayed at infamous Hotel Pennsylvania. I chose this hotel because it was located just across the Penn Station and I was arriving there very late at night. In addition, it was one of the only hotels whose rate was accepted by my company's accountant. Still, it cost $200. I made a reservation for a non smoking room with a king size bed. But the hotel receptionist told me that only available non-smoking room was one with two twin beds. The room was very small and smelly. And here are some photos.

Super heavy door. It somehow reminded a submarine's door. I've never been in submarine, but....you know.

Bathroom. Water didn't go through the sink. TV was broken.

I felt miserable. You know, I was a backpacker. I am totally OK with shabby cheap hotels if they are $10 or $20. I just can't accept it when it cost $200.

So, I needed something to ease my crankiness. My evil co-worker in NYC whispered me about Manolo Blahnik semi-annual sale. Whenever I go to NYC on business, they happen to have sale.

I'm wearing them today. I'm happy. My credit card isn't. And now I'm on Manolo's NY store's mailing list. Ouch.

Our garden is full of life!

2008-06-29T21:59:00.003-05:00

My shiso herb is growing! And Steven's wild flowers are blooming.

If you saw the movie....

2008-06-12T07:49:00.003-05:00

On sale at Neiman Marcus. $945!!!!

Jimmy Choo for blue Thursday

2008-06-05T14:22:00.003-05:00

The actual color is much brighter.

I made a mistake in my article. I need to write a letter of explanation to the editor in chief in Tokyo.

I thought I might be pregnant. I bought a pregnancy test. When I went to a bathroom to test, I found out I had a period. Hmmm....I'm partly disappointed but partly relieved. Because.....I just bought three pairs of shoes (all high heels) in NYC. And I don't know how to survive this hot steamy summer without margaritas!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-05-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Agh, whatever.
I have two deadlines today.....of course I went out last night.
There are five e-mails from my editors in Tokyo....
Panic!

Sorry, Sachiko, I wasted Pink Moet

2008-05-27T10:04:00.001-05:00

tomokitoprebirthdaybash 065
Originally uploaded by enviroboi.

Yes, I will be #0 years old next year

2008-05-27T10:03:00.001-05:00

tomokitoprebirthdaybash 053
Originally uploaded by enviroboi.

Me and my great friends

2008-05-27T10:02:00.001-05:00

tomokitoprebirthdaybash 047
Originally uploaded by enviroboi.

I'm lucky to have a good (or bad) neighbor part 2

2008-05-26T14:26:00.005-05:00

It's such a beautiful day. My neighbor VUBOQ called and we decided to have some drinks in our yard. Hmmmmmm.....coffee vodka drinks and brownies. I totally forgot about some articles I've been working on....the deadline is Wednesday. Agh. Well, whatever. I had a good time.

Shanghai Tang Now Open in NYC!

2008-05-08T14:11:00.005-05:00

I love, love Shanghai Tang....finally the flagship store opens in NYC! I bought a dress from their main store in Hong Kong in 1997. VUBOQ, this may convince me to go to NYC!

I'm lucky to have great neighbors

2008-05-05T14:16:00.002-05:00

Kristi brought Mango mimosa. It was beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Weekend with Booze

2008-05-04T22:57:00.008-05:00

Friday Happy Hour at Nellie's

On the way home

Saturday Afternoon Margarita.

Sunday, mimosas with neighbors. Yay.

Rainbow Vintage shoes for....Thursday night at VUBOQ's

2008-05-02T10:22:00.006-05:00

I joined VUBOQ to celebrate his end of Alcohol Free April last night.

And I enjoyed watching SATC on my couch. What a perfect Thursday night!

Stuart Weitzman for...actually Wednesday

2008-05-01T17:48:00.002-05:00

Citizen Steve!

2008-04-28T08:08:00.002-05:00

citizen st
Originally uploaded by tomoko528.

me

2008-04-28T08:04:00.001-05:00

me
Originally uploaded by tomoko528.

me, emiliano, bobby, steve

2008-04-28T07:59:00.003-05:00

me, emiliano, bobby, steve
Originally uploaded by tomoko528.

steven and me

2008-04-28T07:59:00.001-05:00

steven and me
Originally uploaded by tomoko528.

I can't wait!

2008-04-25T16:18:00.003-05:00

When is "soon"?? Luckily, there is Steve&Barry in Silver Spring. Yey.

LBD Laura Bennett on QVC

2008-04-25T10:38:00.011-05:00

If you watched Project Runway season 3 (is there anyone in this world who didn’t watch it?), you know fabulously glamorous Laura Bennett. As you may already know, she has her line “LBD (little black dress, of course) Laura Bennett” available on QVC. I’m still on a waiting list for THE little black dress (again, if you happen to have one in XS, return it immediately) , but I bought a cropped jacket and a satin coat with corset detail. Both of them are very glamorous and chic just like Laura. You know, I have noticed that most of my wardrobe is kind of….too funky for 38 years old. Laura gave me something missing in my wardrobe. Yeah, glamorous, chic and grown-up look. Thank you, Laura!

I posted a review for the coat on QVC website but it has not been up yet.

About the coat. It is a little big for me (I bought XS in Champagne) and the corset detail was not as shaped as I expected, but it is still gorgeous. Oh, I needed to use double-faced adhesive for the hems of the collars to avoid them being curled to outside. I especially love the fabric and color. It’s a little shiny but not too much. It’s very well constructed (again, as Laura always does) and light. It goes perfect with business suits, jeans and dresses. You can add a little glamour to any outfit.

I love, love the cropped jacket. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I wanted it when I saw the photo, but it’s great looking when you actually wear it. As Laura explained on QVC, it’s basically a cropped trench coat. What a great idea! I’m wearing it today with my shirt dress. I’m definitely feeling glamorous! I’m sure it goes well with jeans, too.

Rainbow shoes by NANA for happy Friday

2008-04-25T10:10:00.002-05:00

I guess I made a little confusion. Sorry, my English no good. The e-mail I sent to VUBOQ was as follows.

“Yes, you can use my laundry time today. Emiliano (my husband) decided not to do the laundry yesterday because we didn’t have much laundry to do and he wanted to have sex with me.”

FYI, I have never done laundry since I married my husband 4 years ago (4? 3? I’m not sure). Yey.

Springy vintage mule for Thursday

2008-04-24T13:32:00.004-05:00

I sent an e-mail to VUBOQ this morning and he got the following message instead.

Symantec Mail Security replaced Message Body with this text message. The original text contained prohibited content and was quarantined. Should you feel this message is in error please contact IT support at (###) ###-#### or ######@####.com.

How naughty e-mail have I sent to VUBOQ???

Tomokito is angry

2008-04-23T10:59:00.013-05:00

Tomokito is angry. This morning, I was happy with the springy weather and decided to wear my Manolo Blahnik silver Sedaraby D’orsay a.k.a. Carrie’s stolen shoes. Plus, I picked Laura Bennett LBD spring coat (I'm still waiting to get her famous little black dress which is sold out and I'm on the waiting list. If you have one in XS, return it immediately). I was in good mood. I hopped on the bus and seated. The Hispanic guy sitting the back seat of the bus was staring at me and saying something dirty. I ignored it. When this guy passed by to get off the bus, he flipped my skirt!! I stood up, faced him and said “Do you want me to call the police? Huh? Do you think you are allowed to touch me? Huh? Who do you think you are. I will call the police.” He looked totally stupid and left. If I see him again in the bus, I’ll smash his balls.

Another angry story. Yesterday after DOS briefing, I went to the taxi waiting area in front of DOS building. There he was. The famous jerk driver (Five Star Cab, dark blue car). Since he was the first in the line, I had to take his taxi. I decided to walk back to the office. There are at least three victims of him including me.

Victim1: me

After the DOS briefing, I said bye-bye to other reporters and took his cab.

Jerk Driver (JD): If you know those people, why don’t you share the cab?

Me: Oh, they are going to the different direction.

JD: (Big sigh)

Me: I’m sorry, is there a problem?

JD: (Bigger sigh and threw his driver journal to the passenger seat) I’m not making money.

Me: But that’s not my fault.

JD: (Clicked his tongue)

Me: You know what? I’m getting off. I don’t like your attitude.

Then I left.

Victim2: an American reporter

He took JD’s cab from DOS to National Press building. The fare was $7.50 and he paid $8.

JD: Be more generous next time!!

He thought there never be the next time.

Victim 3: Korean reporter

She took JD’s cab at DOS. The same situation of mine.

JD: Why are you alone? You should have convinced the other people to split evenly the number of the people to take each cab!

Her: (speechless)

JD: (keep complaining until he arrives at National Press building)

I think I need a really good lunch.

I know what I want for my birthday present

2008-04-14T10:42:00.002-05:00

Tickets for May 30th and companions!

Shoe or Sofa

2008-04-13T22:30:00.002-05:00

It was one busy Sunday. I'm exhausted. I woke up around 10:30am on the couch. Yes, I was mad at my husband (again) and refused to sleep in the bed with him. I started organizing my closet and realized I had way too many clothes. So I started organizing my shoe closet (yes, of course I have a shoe closet) and realized I had way too many shoes. I decided to go to IKEA.

I bought a lovely side table, a small drawer and shoe boxes. I dropped by Trader Joe's and Whole Foods for grocery shopping. I came home, assembled the side table and drawer, totally ignoring my husband who was trying to talk to me and apologize, and organized my clothes and shoes. When I managed to clear the living room, it was 10:30pm. Gah.

At IKEA, I saw a nice sofa. It was like $400 or 500. I thought "Ew. It's expensive." Then I realized I have a (ok, not one. a few) pair of shoes which costs more than that. I thought I should stop buying those shoes. Seriously. Or I should buy the sofa.

YogaToes

2008-04-06T08:22:00.002-05:00

Last night, VUBOQ and Y came over for a dinner. VUBOQ brought squash lasagna our neighbor Peter had prepared and I made salad. We ate dinner, drank wine (VUBOQ had cranberry juice since he is on Alcohol Free April) and ate cheese. We watched new Bravo reality show, Step It Up and Dance, a little bit, and some episodes of Sex and the City. I said according to the statistics mentioned in SATC, 85% of American men are NOT circumcised. VUBOQ and Y said it was impossible (and Y mentioned about baby's first blow job. Ask your Jewish friends about it). They were right. As we watched the episode again, it turned out the statistics was about 85% of men in the world. Now it makes sense.

VUBOQ made fun of my YogaToes and took a pic.
You know, you need them if you wear beautiful shoes. And they feel good. These days my weekday night relaxation is on the couch, wearing YogaToes, applying Clinique Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift Firming Cream on the face, sipping dirty martini, and watching or reading SATC.

OK, now I need to go back to this never ending article I have been working on....

More Shoe Porn for Rainy Friday

2008-04-04T12:11:00.006-05:00

More shoe porn.

I'm wearing this pair I bought from Posh Vintage
today. And loving it.

Something makes you smile

2008-03-30T09:54:00.004-05:00

High school baseball is huge in Japan. It has two seasons, spring and summer. Now spring season is going on.

In one of the games, a catcher saw a pitcher being nervous. So he decided to kiss him on the cheek. The pitcher regained his concentration and won the game. Isn't is cute?

The eyes of the beholder

2008-03-29T12:34:00.005-05:00

My long time friend, Bala Wala Shi, posted this on her blog.
And I just read about the reaction of SJP to the MAXIM magazine article which named her as "the unsexiest woman alive in the world."
Then I had to think about the issue of "the eyes of the beholder" and stereotyping.

First, SJP. She shouldn't have been surprised. If you look at the list of the women who were also named as "unsexy": Sandra Oh, Madonna, Amy Winehouse. Of course straight men don't like them! They are strong, independent and professional women!

SJP is right:

"I really like the choices I've made. I am who I am," she says. "Do I have big fake boobs, Botox and big lips? No. Do I fit some ideals and standards of some men writing in a men's magazine? Maybe not."

You go girl! We love you. But SJP, why did you get mad on the article? You know, the article simply reflected its readers' opinion. And I believe it did reflect the opinion or perception of most of the straight men in the U.S. quite precisely. Why do you care? I don't. If I feel sexy, that's all I need. I don't need any assurance from men. Oh, I do care the opinions of my gay friends, though. Because they know about shoes!

About Bala Wala Shi's post. To be fair, we all do stereotype. For example, Jeremy, my American friend (who Bala Wala Shi also knows) lived in South Korea teaching English years ago. He said to me that his Korean students often asked him "Do you play basket ball?" "Do you have a gun?" "Do you want to go to eat at McDonald's?" I have to admit that I thought all Americans cursed all the time like in the movie Pulp Fiction before coming to US. I thought all Argentinean men were romantic. My husband bought me a new CD by Prince for my birthday. Well, it could be considered romantic for some...no judgement. My English teacher in Japan, who was the third generation of Japanese American, told me how difficult for him to find a job at language schools in Japan. Because he is not blue-eyed blond.

The problem is that there are quite a few people who think their perception is universal and do not accept the fact that the things they think "wrong" or "unsexy" may be only the product of "the eyes of the beholder" or cultural difference. I and Bala Wala Shi more often face this issue than others because first, we are Asian and Arab, women, who often become the subject of curiosity, strange fantasy and....you know, misinformed pity, living in the Western countries. Second, because to some extent, Western or American (or North American) culture dominates the world.

Oh, BTW, Japanese straight men are the king of stereotyping. If they find a cute quiet girl, they instantly assume she can cook. They sometimes get disappointed after marriage. Most of my unmarried female friends who are beautiful, professional and sexy, cook very well. Men just don't see them. Idiot.

Manolo Blahnik for Friday

2008-03-28T15:19:00.003-05:00

No words necessary.
I love Manolos.

Yey! It's Friday!

Christian Louboutin for Thursday

2008-03-27T15:21:00.006-05:00

I was very tired this morning. So I decided to wear my very new "King of Sole" Christian Louboutin white patent pumps. And I paired them with my bright pink suits. Nothing but beautiful shoes and bright color can cheer me up!

Connecticut (or Bradley International Airport) SUCKS!!

2008-03-26T18:47:00.003-05:00

OK, I'm on a business trip in Connecticut. I did interviews in Hartford and New Haven. I drove as fast as possible to the Bradley International Airport after finishing the interviews to have some martinis. I had already located a bar in the airport when I had arrived this morning. After going through the security checkpoint, I saw the bar was about to close!!!! It was 7pm, Buddha's sake!! I forced them to give me a glass of beer. That's it. I hate this airport. Everyone, beware! Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut!

I told you!

2008-03-25T18:09:00.002-05:00

This blog "Stuff White People Like" wrote:

White men love asian women so much that they will go to extremes such as stating that Sandra Oh is sexy,

See? Telling me I look like Sandra Oh or Vera Wang is NOT a compliment.

I'm flying to and back from Connecticut tomorrow. Gah. I'm just hoping I will have time to have some martinis at the airport on the way back.

Spring has come!

2008-03-23T14:37:00.015-05:00

OMG! It's spring!!
Look out of the window!
Flowers blooming! Warm sunshine!
I just had a margarita strolling around in our COOP yard. It was great.

Now I'm having more margarita watching Sex and the City season 4. I just got replacement DVDs from ebay.

This morning I saw the movie "Shoot 'em Up." If you love Clive Owen like I do, you love this movie. Or if you want some pure shooting entertainment with some laughs, it's your movie. When
Paul Giamatti ,who plays a creepy gun fanatic killer in this movie, said "Fuck me sideways," I couldn't help giggling.

No plan

2008-03-23T09:28:00.002-05:00

My next door neighbor is getting married with her super-cute boyfriend. They are such a cute, nice and sweet couple. This news makes me smile. They broke the news at her birthday/egg dying party last night. I thought "egg dying" was some sort of killing eggs.....you know, "dying" and "dying"....me no like english. We made many colorful dead eggs. Lots of wine. Fun.

Today I have absolutely no plan. My husband is working and not coming back until 4pm. Which is good. But I was planning to go shopping, maybe to Arundel Mall where Neiman Marcus outlet store is. Then I realized most of the stores are closed for Easter today. Easter sucks. I'm Buddhist, you know?

I may catch up with some reading, watch DVD, and try to say bye to my fellow international bloggers who have been staying at VUBOQ's since last weekend. And I may make some margaritas in the afternoon.

Gomennasai (I'm Sorry) Daikon Radish

2008-03-21T10:31:00.003-05:00

I have no idea what he/she is apologizing for, but he/she looks so sorry.

30 years from now

2008-03-19T17:51:00.002-05:00

You know, when I was reading goblinbox's post, I had a thought. Me and my friends having Saturday afternoon margaritas in a nursing home 30 years from now. Fun!

Deja Vu

2008-03-16T12:27:00.002-05:00

I was watching TV and found a familiar face in the Fiber One commercial. The store manager endorsing the product in the commercial looked somehow familiar....Yes! He was the Bangladeshi waiter who kissed Samantha after she was dumped by her date! It's one of the Sex & the City episodes.

When I saw the movie Munich, I couldn't focus on the film because the actress who played the Israeli Prime Minister looked very familiar but I couldn't remember from where. After 20 minutes...Yes! She was Magda the housekeeper who worked for Miranda.

I think I'm officially addicted to SATC. Actually I watched SATC DVD too many times, some of them, including my favorite episodes like "Real Me" (in which Carrie modeled in D&G on runway) got scratched. I need to replace them.

My most relaxing time is stretching on my couch, drinking dirty Martinis and watching SATC. Another one is taking bath looking at Victoria's Secret catalogue. You can have heavenly time without cost, at home.

Vera Wang

2008-03-01T23:43:00.003-05:00

Today at a liquor store, when I was buying tequila and triple sec (yes, to make Margarita!) , a woman at the register told me "You know, I was thinking you look like that designer woman in Oprah....are you the designer?" I had no idea because I never watch Oprah. To be honest, I hate her. Then the woman asked another store clerk "Hey, you watch Oprah. You know, that woman in the show.....the Chinese or somethin'.....the designer...." He said, "um....you mean, the designer who make wedding gowns? Yeah, she looks like her!" OK, now I got it. It must be Vera Wang. And this was not the first time someone told me that. Last year before Christmas, at my friend Steveandbobby's Christmas tree decorating party, this Cambodian guy told me that. He even wanted to take pictures with me and show them to his sister to tell her "I met Vera Wang!"

Um.....guys, if you think that is a complement, I'm not sure about that. Sure Vera Wang is a great designer. If you are saying I'm as talented as her, that's a complement.

Whatever. What is she doing on Oprah, by the way?

San Antonio

2008-02-28T15:24:00.002-05:00

Whew. I finally have time to open my laptop. I'm at Dallas airport drinking dirty martini. 30 minutes until my flight to DC.

This two day business trip was crazy. Yesterday morning I went to DOS to cover morning briefing. I left there at 10:30am, hopped on a cab and headed for National Airport to catch 12:30pm flight to San Antonio, TX. I arrived in San Antonio around 5pm, rented a car, headed to the hotel, did a brief phone interview, grabbed cold terrible sandwiches and drove an hour to San Marcos. I covered Obama rally there. About 10,000 people were there, I guess. I did some interviews with Latino voters there, waited for Obama, took photos and listened to him for 2 and half hours, freezing. It was warm during the day but cold at night.

At 11:00pm, exhausted, I decided I could not possibly go to sleep without booze. I grabbed some beer at a liquor store near Texas State University surrounded by college kids who were very excited after seeing Obama. I drove back to the hotel, and arrived there around midnight. It was too late to catch Project Runway rerun. I drank, took a warm bath and went to bed.

This morning, I woke up at 7am, had a cup of coffee, dropped by at Hillary campaign office only to find out nobody there and did an interview with a regional counselor of Latino organization. I left there and drove to the airport to catch 12:30pm flight.

My biggest regret was that I didn't have enough time to explore San Antonio.....even with a glance from a car window, the city looked very interesting and beautiful. It reminded me a town in Uruguay. I hope I can go back there someday.....

OK, now I need to go to the gate.

Girls Love Shoes

2008-02-25T19:51:00.003-05:00

My co-worker in NYC sent me this link.
She is evil.

I Love Stilettos

2008-02-23T18:18:00.006-05:00

Yes, Bala Wala Shi was right. I found the Prada shoes at Neiman Marcus and tried them on. They didn't look great, well, at least not on me. Plus, despite of the chunky heels, they are not that comfortable. Personally I'm not big fun of chunky heels. I just love stilettos.

So now I'm looking at this pair by Steve Madden. I'm not big fun of Steve Madden shoes....but I like the scrunchy on this pair.

You know, I sometimes see some women walking in stilettos and....tottering. OK, call me a mean bitch. But if you don't know how to walk in heels, don't wear them! When you are in stilettos, you have to be confident and feeling sexy.

How to spend Bush tax cut

2008-02-16T22:29:00.002-05:00

Usually I don't like chunky heels. But I might like this Prada peep-toe shoes. What do you think?

Guess who this is?

2008-01-31T16:17:00.000-05:00

DC needs better shoe culture

2008-01-30T17:58:00.000-05:00

I was walking down the Connecticut Avenue this afternoon when a goofy looking USPS guy exclaimed “I like your shoes! I’ve never seen that kind.” The pair I was wearing was the Betsy Johnson rainbow color pumps. I said “well, these might be a little over the top, but I love them.” He said “no, no…..well, they might be a little more New York than Washington.” I couldn’t agree more.

Freezing weekend

2008-01-26T13:27:00.000-05:00

Due to the emergency in our building, I don't have heater this weekend. It's freezing. I decided to have Hot Toddy to warm me up. Now I'm sleeeeepy......

Here are some photos of my new Manolos. One of them is my first animal prints. I usually don't wear animal prints, but they are adorable.

My First Pilgrimage to Manolo

2008-01-25T15:41:00.001-05:00

Some of you asked about my first pilgrimage to Manolo store in NYC. Here is the report.

As soon as I finished my appointment around 3pm, I immediately hopped on the subway and headed toward 54th St. between 5 and 6 Ave. My co-worker warned me that the store was not easy to find. She said if I couldn’t find it, one of her office’s assistants could come to escort me as a personal Manolo tour guide. I walked from the subway station and approached the location…my heart started pounding....carefully looked around… and saw shoes displayed inside of the window. I rushed toward there. Here it was! There only was a small bronze plate on the wall which said “Manolo Blahnik.” It could be easily missed.

As I approached the entrance, a casually dressed young guy opened the door. Hm. There are Manolos, Manolos, Manolos…..and far back there was the “sale” corner. Everything was 50% off and some clearance items were 70% off. Woo Hoo! There was a small showcase which displayed classic vintage Manolos. The store was small and unlike the image from Sex & the City (please refer to “Women’s Right to Shoes” episode), salespeople were very casual and friendly. I ended up buying two pairs…I’ll post the photos later. Customers also dressed very casual as if they were shopping at Payless. But I heard one of them saying “good price!” to $2,000 handbag. New Yorkers.

Now I’m desperately waiting for the $600 check from Bush. I blame my evil co-worker.

Did you know Sangria is illegal in Virginia?

2008-01-24T13:13:00.001-05:00

Fate of Va. Sangria Ban At Issue in 2 Hearings

By Anita Kumar

Pilgrimage to Manolo

2008-01-22T18:58:00.001-05:00

I’m going to NYC tomorrow on business. I spoke to my co-worker there about having lunch together before my appointment. She gave me a devil’s whisper….”Manolo boutique is having an annual sale.” Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I changed my reservation for the returning train from 5PM to 6PM.

I'm proud of myself

2008-01-18T14:26:00.001-05:00

I found this pair of shoes by Betsey Johnson the other day. I was intrigued but not sure if I could wear this right. Today I found the post on Manolo's Shoe Blog, one of my most favorite blogs (no wonder) about the same shoes. I'm proud of myself.

I'm still not sure if I should buy this beautiful but border of tacky shoes.

Maybe this one is the wiser choice.

Every day is precious

2008-01-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

I'm in Philly. I was supposed to do an interview with a breast cancer survivor who started a business based on her experience. I met her business partner, but couldn't see her. Her cancer has been back. And she is passing. She is 37 years old. Her father said I could see her briefly if I wanted, but I declined. I wasn't sure if she wanted see a woman who was almost the same age and healthy. And I didn't know what I could say.

After I left there, I had a martini. And thought what I should do this weekend.

Camera test on my new straight hair

2008-01-16T23:38:00.000-05:00

I'm testing the web-cam of my new lap top. And this is my newly straight hair!

Fortune Cookies are originally from Japan!

2008-01-16T11:05:00.001-05:00

"Solving a Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside a Cookie" ---today's New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/dining/16fort.html?ex=1358226000&en=bbec9d86850a21a3&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Bye Bye Manolos

2008-01-15T21:47:00.001-05:00

There is another thing I got in Japan besides straight hair. New lap top! Woo hoo! It was about time to abandon my f%&$ing slow 5 years old computer. This new lap top has Wi-Fi and web-cam. I chatted with Nida, my friend who left me for Canada (sob), with web-cam the other day. And I'm blogging on my couch having dirty martini and watching Sex & the City. And my husband is not home. I'm in heaven!

There is one bad news. The COOP board just voted for the most expensive budget plan tonight. I can't believe it! My monthly COOP fee will increase for 80 f%$&ing dollars! I have to give up my manolos or start standing on the street. Or start pimping my husband. Or my downstairs neighbor:-p

Japan is a great country

2008-01-15T18:38:00.001-05:00

"Ukon no Chikara" or "Turmeric Power"...I can't live without it. This amazing Japanese drink is made from Turmeric extract. When you have a little too much drink (and if you are conscious enough), don't forget to drink this. When you wake up next morning... Voila! You don't have hangover!

Besides Ukon no Chikara, we have lots of varieties of hangover cures in Japan. That's precisely because Japan is the world's biggest drunk society. I bet Japan beats Russia on this.

Thanks to my friends, especially VUBOQ---now my downstairs neighbor---I don't have to miss Japan the drunk country too often.

belated update

2008-01-14T12:07:00.001-05:00

OK, it’s time to update.

Happy New Year everyone!!

To make a loooooong story very very short:

I spent a week with my family in Japan (12/23-12/31).

I cerebrated New Year at VUBOQ’s party. Fun!

I went to Iowa (1/2-1/4). Not fun.

I went to New Hampshire and saw Hillary’s tear (1/5-1/9). Exhausted.

The fact that I drove to Portsmouth, NH and saw Hillary’s tear with my own eyes but other reporters who didn’t bother to go there also wrote a news story as if they were there, has bothered and haunted me since then. I know I should move on, but it keeps haunting me. AGH.

Oh, there is one big news. My hair is now straight. Woo Hoo! Thanks to the Japanese new hair straightening technology, my hair is perfectly straight and shiny. My hair has never been completely straight since I was 6-7 years old. I’m happy. I’m no longer Sandra Oh! BTW, at Steveandbobby’s Christmas tree decorating party in December, a Cambodian guy said I looked like Vera Wang. Hmmmm……I like the wedding dresses she designed (I don’t particularly like her other lines), but…..Well, it’s better than being told that I looked like Fusako Shigenobu, a infamous Japanese terrorist….Do I?

I have been looking at this pair of shoes for some time. I'm still not sure if I should buy them.

Holiday! Celebrate!

2007-12-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

I had been driving hours and hours and hours in the middle of nowhere of Iowa, and now I am leaving for Japan. What a holiday.

Happy Holiday and Happy New Year everyone! I'll be back in town on the New Year's Eve.

Christmas Present for Myself

2007-12-10T17:46:00.001-05:00

Of course I didn't get Comcast cable today.

2007-12-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

A Comcast technician was scheduled to come for installation today between 2 and 5 PM. Of course he didn't show up. I called customer service and was told she would locate the technician and call me back in 15 minutes. NO call. The technician arrived at 7pm. He tried to do something and said he couldn't do the installation because there was no wire in this building. He is supposed to come back on Monday. Let's see if it happens.

from Florida...h.

2007-11-29T03:33:00.000-05:00

I'm in Florida. It's 3 f%&$ing: 30 AM. I've just done with my work. I seriously think I'm dumb.

Should I go to sleep? Or keep being awake to make sure I catch a flight tomorrow morning?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Bye Bye Manolos

2007-11-19T14:36:00.001-05:00

I returned the Manolos. I am sad. I loved the shoes. Here is the story.

I bought the Manolos (I refuse to say “the shoes”) on Neiman Marcus website for 30% off price. The Manolos arrived last week. I opened the box with excitement, and found several scars on them. I decided to take them to Neiman Marcus store in Friendship Heights hoping that they have a replacement. The guy opened the box and said “Oh, Campari Mary Jane. Beautiful.” Me: “Yeah, I love them. But see, there are some scars….” Guy: “Oh, yeah….they happened in the box during the shipping. Which means, when you wear them, there will be more scars.” Me: “oh, you think so? L” Guy: “Oh, yes.” So I returned the Manolos. I was so sad, so I decided to go for a shopping spree. But, alas, after having seen the perfection of the Manolos, no shoes attracted me. I went home exhausted with empty hands….

Oh, but I bought a vintage funky pair of pants at Mustard Seeds in Bethesda for $5. Yeah, $5 pants can make me happy, too. Yey.

Beyonce the terrorist????

2007-11-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

I saw this strange dream last night. I was vacationing in some sort of resort area. When I was having some drinks in a restaurant, this guy came in and started pouring some liquid murmuring "it should give the explosion more impact ...." I felt suspicious, but as it is always so in a dream, I didn't do anything. Then I saw this girl coming down the stairs from the second floor saying frantically "Beyonce! Beyonce!" Somehow I understood clearly what was going on (I don't remember what it was, though) and shouted "everyone, get out of the building! The bomb!" I carried the girl and fled to the outside....and the explosion followed. The building where the restaurant was located on the first floor was totally destroyed leaving only the outside structure. Can anyone tell me what this dream mean?? Maybe this dream is telling me "Return the Manolo and use the money to get cable"?

Project Runway new season starts next week

2007-11-08T19:00:00.001-05:00

From Emmet McCarthy Fall Collection.

Now I want this dress badly.....VUBOQ, it's your fault! You owe me this dress!!

Sushi

2007-11-08T13:07:00.001-05:00

I want to note something from the conversation with VUBOQ at BAR VUBOQ last night.

The former Japanese defense Minister, who was the first female defense minister in Japan’s history, asked people to call her “Madam Sushi.” She said that is because she is often compared to Condi Rice (rice->sushi).

According to Urban Dictionary,

11. Sushi

Definition: Any shaved pussy.

Origin: Most Asian women naturally do not have much hair on their pussy's hence shaved pussy's are called sushi.

I was at Keshia's last night and damn if she didn't serve sushi. I ate that sushi all night long.

Hmmm.....

Dear Earthlink, your customer service is VERY BAD

2007-11-07T12:52:00.001-05:00

OK, I’ve decided to be wise enough. Maybe I should invest in cable instead….

This morning, I received an e-mail from Earthlink. It said that a monthly fee for dial-up Internet service of $9.95 is past due. I canceled my account of this Internet provider in August. So I called customer service. The customer service, Jim (I don’t think this is his real name. I believe their customer service is outsourced to India), said when I called the customer service in August to cancel my account, I agreed to accept an offer to continue using the service. I said “I DID NOT accept any offer. I just canceled my account.”

Jim: “Yes, you did agree to accept the offer. You have to pay $9.95.”

Me: “I said, I DID NOT. I have Verizon DSL. Why should I accept an offer to continue using your service? Don’t you think it’s your mistake?’

Jim: “Again, you agreed to accept the offer. You owe us $9.95. Do you understand?”

Me: “I need to talk to your manager.”

Jim: “Oh, ok, I’ll close your account.”

Me: “What is your name, please?”

Jim: “Jim. It spells J.I.M.”

Me: “I know how to spell Jim.”

Jim: “Oh, yeah?”

Me: “OK, but I still need to talk to your manager about your customer service.”

Jim: “Why? I’ve already closed your account.”

(this exchange was repeated more than 5 times)

Me: “CAN I TALK TO YOUR MANAGER, PLEEEAAASE?”

Jim: “OK”

(15 minutes later…….)

Danny the manager: “May I help you?”

After a looooong conversation with Danny, I finally got an apology and an e-mail, which is almost incomprehensible because of lots of misspelling, to confirm the cancelation of my account.

I’m sure I’ll receive another bill from Earthlink next month.

Help!

2007-11-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

Manolo Blahnik is 30% off plus free shipping at Neiman Marcus website today. I can't decide which one.....or if I'm wise enough, I just should forget about the deal.
What should I do?

Fun Weekend and The End Of Daylight Saving Time

2007-11-05T16:01:00.001-05:00

It was a weekend full of fun. I took a day off on Friday. I had never took a day off during the week for no reason before. It was great. I woke up around 8:30am and saw people going to work. It felt great. I made a pancake for breakfast and had some coffee. Mmmm…. And then went to the gym, fixed lunch and took a nap. Mmmmmm….. And I was on time (well, actually a little late) for Happy Hour for the first time! Woo Hoo!! I and Steven met Mike at Halo. Halo changed their Happy Hour policy, and my first Cosmo was disappointing. The second one made by a nice bartender was good, though. The man at the bar told me “I love your dress, shoes and necklace. You look great.” I said “Thank you!” Then he said (or I thought he said) “Don’t tell me you are tranny.” I said “Whaaattt? Nope, I was born as a woman.” He looked confused and said “Oh, no, no, no. I said ‘attorney.’” Whew.

We walked to another bar to meet Jerry, Steven’s friend, and had some beer. More fun. Then we had a dinner at Skewers. Yuval joind us. Yum. I ate a salad with bugs (or so Mike believes…they were actually shrimps). Yuval gave us (me and Steven) a ride home. I dropped by Bar Steven for a fabulous martini. I love Bar Steven. Always Happy Hour. No hidden cost. The owner/bartender is niceJ And you can walk home!! It takes less than a minute! You can’t have more.

On Saturday, I watched Japanese historical drama on DVD. Then went to swim at the gym. Then I and my husband went to IKEA to buy…finally, a cabinet with a gift card my friends gave me as a house warming present. I had also bought some wine, martini and champagne glasses with the gift card. There is still balance left in the card, so I’m planning to stock up some booze….yey! Thanks everyone!

On Sunday, I did grocery shopping at a Korean store and went to pick up my friend who lives in Arlington to go to Korean massage/body scrub together. I crossed the Key Bridge, saw her apartment complex, and…..it passed…..Awwww……somehow I ended up in Kennedy Center. I hate Key Bridge. After wondering around somewhere for 40 minutes, I managed to go back to Key Bridge. This time I called my friend and asked her to navigate me to her place. I made it. Whew. I. Never. Cross. Key. Bridge. Again. After the massage and giving her a ride home, I went home. I cooked, cooked, cooked….for 2 hours. I don’t have to cook for a week. Or more. A problem is my husband doesn’t know how to appreciate the art of cooking. For him, “thinly sliced burdock (it takes forever) fried and stewed with thin sliced beef in a sweet soy sauce” tastes same as just simply grilled beef. He can’t say difference between homemade herb marinated beets and canned beets. I need someone who appreciate my cooking….

I knew it!

2007-10-31T10:26:00.000-05:00

I want to smell the leather

2007-10-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

I didn't like the pair I bought from Zappos (the one in black). So now I'm thinking one of these. What'ya think?

It's official

2007-10-30T21:36:00.000-05:00

This morning, my breath turned white for the first time this season. In the bus, I felt the heater was on. I wore my new knee-high boots. It's officially fall, everyone.

Virtual Shoe Museum

2007-10-23T10:22:00.001-05:00

http://www.virtualshoemuseum.com/vsm/index.php

I want them both. Can I?

2007-10-20T14:52:00.001-05:00

Because I (heart) Zappos.com, too!

Check out this post on Manolo's Shoe Blog

2007-10-19T10:41:00.001-05:00

Greetings--

Tomoko thinks this will be of interest to you:

Zappos Sends the Flowers!

http://shoeblogs.com/2007/10/17/zappos-sends-the-flowers/

Enjoy.

--
http://shoeblogs.com

As cranky as bad hummus

2007-10-15T21:11:00.000-05:00

I bought hummus from Whole Foods yesterday. The expiration date was November 3rd. I opened it, dipped a baby carrot in it and ate it. It tasted sour. Something stung my tongue. I smelled it. Agh. It was bad. How could I know something that had been sold in Whole Foods yesterday was already bad?? I immediately sterilized my mouth with martini. It worked.

I've been cranky. I've been living and working in this country legally for years. I pay tax. I've contributed to US economy by buying lots of shoes. I have career and life here. I can't get a job in Japan. No one wants to hire a woman over 30 with experience in Japan. I'm a gender refugee. So why does this country refuse to give me a permission to stay a little longer? It's so unfair. I have to fight.

This is why I don't want to see SATC the movie

2007-10-10T17:58:00.001-05:00

Jesus Rocks!

2007-09-30T17:35:00.000-05:00

The other day, in a metro station, I passed by two young nuns. I overheard them chatting: "You know, like, Jesus is like...." "Yeah, totally. Like....." I thought it was funny. And I liked their outfit. It was gray and turquoise-ish color.

I was very hungover yesterday. I spent the whole day on the couch. Feeling that I wasted a day, this morning I decided to go to the gym early. The Silver Spring WSC opens at 8am on Sundays. I got there around 8:20am, being very motivated. I saw 5-6 people in front of the gym. They said the gym was not open yet. We waited, waited, waited.....Finally a staff showed up around 9am!!
We were given NO apology or explanation. I think I'll send them a very angry e-mail.

Because of this, I was late for the brunch at Mike's place. Mike prepared fantastic blueberry pancakes, vege-sausages, and eggs. Yum.

Reward for Me

2007-09-26T06:22:00.000-05:00

How's this? Bootie for this fall!

I Need New Shoes

2007-09-25T13:04:00.000-05:00

I’ve just finished writing a long feature article. I’m sure I deserve a new pair of shoes.