Sunday Social #7: All About Fall

I am so excited for my favorite season to arrive! I'm tired of this heat already.

1. What is your favorite fall activity?

I love going to all of the pumpkin patches and fall festivals. It's something I look forward to every season. I enjoy the weather, smelling all the bakes goods, and look at all of the goodies.

This was some of the fun last year. 

2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?

I do not know anything about football. Rudy likes to watch college football and his favorite team is the Oregon Ducks, so I'm sure I'll be next to him, watching a few games. 

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

There's nothing in my area during the fall season that I can think of. All of the festivals we have gone to have been a few cities away. Hopefully they'll come up with something this year.

4. What are your favorite fall staple outfits?

Scarves are a must for me. I have more than a dozen scarves and my favorite is a purplish/grayish infinity one. I wear boots from time to time with skinny jeans. 

5. What things are you looking forward to most about this coming fall season?

I look forward to the same activities during the fall season. I'm excited to drink Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattes/Fraps, going to Fall Festivals, picking out the perfect pumpkins to carve, baking yummy goodies, giving out candy on Halloween, going to family get-togethers, celebrating my birthday, watching the leaves change color, and feeling & smelling the cool, crisp air. 

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Tradition?

My favorite fall holiday is Halloween. I don't dress up, but every year, I decorate my house and carve two or three pumpkins. I am the one that gives out the treats Halloween night and I love looking at all of the cute little kiddies in their costumes. 

 2011

2012

I'm soo ready for all the Fall fun!

San Diego (July 2013)

This post is about 2 months late, but I wanted to share our trip to San Diego. Rudy and I wanted to go away somewhere that wasn't too far away and chose San Diego because there were sights we both wanted to see and we hadn't been there since we were little. 

We left Friday morning and headed over to Balboa Park. It was amazing to see all the beauty of nature. 

For dinner, we went to Little Italy. The restaurant we went to was amazing. Both Rudy and I loved our pasta and the service was excellent. The complimentary bread was yummy, too. Since we were in Little Italy, we (of course) had to stop by to get a cannoli. They brought out a fresh batch as we were walking in. Lucky us!

 Looks really good, right?!

On Saturday, we went to the San Diego Zoo. We actually spent 10 hours there. Yup, 10 hours. By the end, my feet wanted to fall off, but it was worth it. We went on the tram tour and I was lucky to have Rudy as my own personal guide. I have no sense of direction, so I let him lead the way. I was super excited to see the pandas and koalas. I love them so much, we visited them twice. We were lucky to see the baby panda active (mom was sleeping). The koalas were all asleep the first visit, but on the second visit, one was awake, eating away at the leaves. There are definitely a lot more animals than the Los Angeles Zoo, so I'm glad we planned on being there the whole day. 

 

The next day we went to the Safari Park, which was the hottest day of the trip. We went on the tram for the tour, but didn't purchase tickets for the more intimate tour. We knew we couldn't spend as much time there since we had to head back home. It was nice to see the animals on open land, but they weren't always at eye's view. We both agreed that we'll just stick to the regular zoo next time. 

We had such an amazing time and I enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully we'll be able to take another trip soon!

Sunday Social #6: All About Summer

Here's a post about my summer fun!
1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer? Rudy and I went to San Diego the second week of July. It was our third trip together and the both of us hadn't been there since we were little. It was such a fun trip, that I should write a separate post about it (I've been behind on my blogging). The four main stops were Balboa Park, Little Italy, the San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park.

2. What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer? I am not a summer girl at all. I love the fall weather, with the scarves and boots. If I had to pick one, it would probably be flip flops. Being in education, I don't get to wear flip flops that allow my feet to breathe. Heels are hard on my feet (I have wide feet), so I usually wear flats. They can become painful when I wear them too long.

3. What is one thing you wish you'd gotten to do this summer? My friends Lei and Nach live in San Francisco, and I really wish I got to visit them this summer. It was one of my plans, but plans don't always work out. Hopefully I'll be able to find a 3-day weekend where I can go up and see them. I love all the sights there and spending time with them, so a longer weekend would be preferred. 

4. What was your favorite song of the summer? Only one song comes to mind. I absolutely LOVE this song. When I first heard Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" on the radio in the car, I loved the beat, the lyrics, T.I.'s part, Pharell's background parts... just everything. I'm not sick of it yet and definitely jam in my car when it comes on. Rudy and I usually have our own little dance party. Lol. 

  5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer? There's a miniseries on Starz that I discovered last week (they've already aired three episodes) called "The White Queen" based on the novel series The Cousins' War. I love shows/movies about that era with royalty, and their British accents are awesome. The actor that plays King Edward IV is a major babe. ;-)

I cannot believe it's already September. I'm ready for the summer to end and for fall to arrive!

Sunday Social #5: Being a Kid

1. What do you miss most about being a kid?

Looking back, being a kid was so carefree and fun. We didn't have to stress out about things like work or bills. I enjoyed playing with friends, watching cartoons, and just being silly all the time. There are so many responsibilities as an adult, it just makes you wish time moved much slower!

2. Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it?

No nickname for me, which was perfectly fine. 

3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess?

I remember playing Chinese jump rope a lot. It was the "in" thing to play when I was a kid. 

4. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher. I always enjoyed helping my teachers after school and loved all the little teacher trinkets they had at their desks. 

5. Did you participate in any school activities?

In eighth grade, I was in drill team. Before that, I helped teachers after school and racked up a lot of Service Hours. 

6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about?

My older sister and I used to mess around like we were wrestlers on WWF (now WWE). I would pretend that I was wounded and unconscious. My sister would be the referee and hold up my arm and I'd let it drop two times, until the last time, where I'd get some strength somehow to come back and win the match. Lol, it was so cheesy, but we used our imaginations a lot to have fun. 

Sunday Social #4

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

For a random few months in I think third or fourth grade, I wanted to be a pharmacist. I have no idea where I got that from, but that probably would have never worked out. I'm not good at remember all of the medical terms. 

After that, I decided that I wanted to be a teacher and never looked back. I wanted to make a difference in lives and looked up to all of my teachers. I was one of those students that would stay after school to help. Hopefully I'll be able to get my own classroom again soon. I definitely miss it, and it's really a wonderful feeling to see how much the students grow.

2. What was your favorite way to kill time as a kid?

I read a lot of books as a kid. My mom would take my sister and I to the library every other week when we were younger. My favorite book series were The Babysitters Club and Goosebumps.

3. When did you get your first cell phone?

I didn't get a cell phone until I was a freshman in college. I moved into the dorms and they didn't have phones. It was a black Motorola flip phone. 

4. What is your favorite magazine to read?

People is probably it!

5. What is the one random object people would be surprised to find in your purse?

I tried to be prepared, so there are things in my purse that most people probably don't have. I have allergy & anti-diarrhea pills in my purse. You just never know and I rather be prepared!

Sunday Social #3: Food

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

There are so many types of food I enjoy, but I would have to go with pizza. They're so good right outta the oven. 

2. What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?

Definitely donuts. There's a Yum Yum Donuts down the block and I love their donuts, especially the maple bar. Yum!

3. What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?

Since I'm Chinese, I'm sure there are a lot of things others would say are weird/crazy that I find totally normal. When I was younger, I believe I had quail. I didn't know it was quail and my sister told me it was chicken. It totally tastes like chicken, but never again. I think it's more of a mind thing. 

4. What foods do you avoid at all costs?

I don't eat raw fish, even though I love sushi..... cooked sushi. California rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, I'm fine with. No raw fish or eggs for me. 

5. What meal reminds you of your childhood?

When my sister and I were younger, we would get fresh palatha when it was our birthday. My parents are from Myanmar, so we love Burmese food. There aren't any places that sell fresh palatha around here, so we settle from frozen ones. It's made out of a special kind of dough. You can eat it with sugar or curry. Good stuff. 

6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.

Last year on my long term assignment, I baked a lot because it helped relax me. I found this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe online and still remember the aroma that filled the kitchen while it was baking. It was heavenly and tasted as good as it smelled!

• 
  

  Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
  

  makes about 18-20 cookies

  2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  1/4 teaspoon salt

  8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  6 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, melted and cooled

  1 cup loosely packed brown sugar

  1/2 cup granulated sugar

  1 egg yolk, at room temperature

  2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  1 1/2 ripe medium bananas, mashed

  1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips

  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

  Mix the flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl and set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together cooled peanut butter and butter with both sugars until combined. Whisk in egg yolk and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in the mashed banana and mix until combined – mixture will not be smooth. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing with a large spoon until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips.

  Shape the dough into the size of a golf ball (or size of your choice) and place on a nonstick baking sheet about 2 inches apart from each other. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the middles are puffy – do not overbake! Let cool completely then dig in. I suggest letting these cool completely before storing them in a sealed container or bag, and they will stay very soft because of the banana.

  *I had to bake longer than 12 minutes, but I guess that's up to the baker and your oven. 

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

I have been wanting to donate my hair for the longest time, but was never able to keep my hair long enough because I would start to get the itch to get a haircut every few months. About a week ago, I finally cut off 8+ inches to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. 

I knew I was not going to be able to wait for my hair to grow any more, so I looked for an organization that accepted 8 inches. I've been wanting to cut my hair since last summer! I measured my hair at home and cutting 8 inches off would have my hair land right on my shoulder, which is where I wanted to cut my hair until anyhow. 

I got to the salon and was actually feeling a little anxious. The hairdresser tied my hair into three ponytails and took out her ruler. She showed me where she was going to cut, and I thought "What the heck?!" She told me that they don't count the bottom inch or two (split ends, uneven). When she asked me if I was ready, I took a deep breath and said, "yes."

She cut the first ponytail off and I'm not gonna lie, but I was freaking out inside. I then decided that what's done is done, that it's going to a good cause, and that my hair will grow back. She cut and cut, and my hair is now about 1.5 inches below my ears....with bangs. When I looked in the mirror, I swear, I looked twelve....especially with my big ol' head. Lol. 

I'm starting to get used to my hair and hey, it'll grow back eventually. It did help though, that I got a bunch of nice compliments from co workers and friends. The day after I cut my hair, I saw this on Pantene's Facebook page:

Pantene has donated 24,000+ wigs to the American Cancer Society.

And my hair is going to contribute to that! I'm really glad that I did it. Hair is hair, and if we can help others, then it's always worth it. 

Sunday Social #2

1. If you where stuck on an island what are the two material items you would want to have? My toothbrush and Harry Potter books. 
2. What are two TV shows you'd watch over and over? Definitely "I Love Lucy" and "How I Met Your Mother." I have both shows on DVD. They show reruns of HIMYM on TV, so it's a definite watch for me when it's on. I have an "I Love Lucy" DVD in my player just in case there's nothing good on TV to watch. I never get tired of watching the shows, so the marathon continues...

3. If your house was on fire, what two things aside from family, pets, etc would you grab?

I would grab my photo albums and my mom's bag of paperwork (birth certificates, passports, social security stuff, etc.). The photo albums are pictures from when I was growing up and there's no replacing those. The bag has important stuff, that I'm sure I can get back with time, but to keep my mom's sanity, that's what I'd grab. 
4. What are your two most favorite articles of clothing? I absolutely love scarves! I have about a dozen and love taking them out when fall comes around. They feel so comfy and warm. My other favorite would have to be my pea coats. Can you tell that I love the cold weather? :)

5. What two movies that you saw in the past year would you recommend to us?

I really enjoyed "The Hobbit." I watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy in the theater and knew I had to watch this one in the theater, too. I tried reading the book before the movie came out, but I didn't have enough time. It was great and I can't wait for the next one to come out. 

"Django Unchained" was also one of my favorites. Christoph Waltz is an amazing actor and he was just awesome in it. I knew I wanted to see it since I saw the preview for it a few months back. 

6. What are your two biggest guilty pleasures?

Donuts and pop music. I can still sing along to the Backstreet Boys and N'SYNC. ;-)

2012 Questionnaire

1. What are you most thankful for? 

I am most thankful for my family, true friends, and loved ones. They all have been so supportive and always want what's best for me. I am blessed to have a roof over my head and the health of me and my loved ones. I am also thankful for my kiddies, who make me strive to be the best educator that I can be. 

2. What were the highlights of 2012 for you? 

* The first half of the year, I had a long term teaching position (that started October 2011) for a fourth grade class. I met some wonderful people and was blessed to have supportive co workers. I have some awesome memories with them and my kiddies, who were so sweet. I can't believe so much time has passed since it ended. I miss it/them and always think of that experience fondly.

*In September, Rudy and I went to San Francisco to visit my dear friends, Lei & Nach. I got to meet their adorable daughter, Mia. We ate a whole lot and I was sad when it was time to go back home. I had so much fun. 

*In July, Rudy and I took our first trip together to Lake Tahoe for Kim & Kevin's wedding. We survived and had so much fun together, traveling and sight seeing. 

3. What are you hoping for in 2013?

The thing that I am hoping for the most is to get placed back permanently in a classroom at a good school with awesome co workers (I was spoiled with my past co workers). I miss it terribly and feel that I'm still growing & learning as an educator. 

I also hope for happiness and good health for my family, friends, and loved ones. I would like to make many wonderful memories with them. 

4. What were some of your favorites of 2012?

*My favorite new TV show of 2012 is Once Upon a Time. I also was hooked on 666 Park Avenue, but heard that one is being canceled. This year, I started watching reruns of The Big Bang Theory and thing it's hilarious. 

*I don't have just one favorite song of 2012, but I definitely have a few that stick out. I liked GOTYE's Somebody That I Used to Know and Fun's We Are Young, but got a little tired of them since all the radio stations were playing them so much. Jason Mraz's I Won't Give Up and  Christina Perri's A Thousand Years are beautiful songs. I loved all of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood's songs in 2012. 

*My favorite movies of 2012 are The Hobbit and The Hunger Games. I also really liked The Five Year Engagement. 

5. Is there anything you would change about 2012? 

Nope. 2012 was a great year for me. I learned a lot and things could have been worse. I am blessed. :)

Cheers to a wonderful 2012....definitely hoping 2013 is, too! 

Sunday Social #1: The Holidays

I decided to participate in the Sunday Social that Ashley from Ashley's Carnival Ride started months ago. She puts up questions every weekend and bloggers just answer and post! Hopefully this will get me to blog more, but I get brain farts, especially on the weekends. They pass by so fast!

Yay to my first one!

1. Favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials?

It's a Wonderful Life is definitely a favorite. When my sister and I watched it for the first time, we laughed so much when George (Jimmy Stewart's character) was about to jump into the water, but the angel got to it first. It was so unexpected and so funny. It really reminds us that we should always be grateful for what and who we have in our lives. 

2. Do you do any volunteering during the holidays if so what? If not what would you do?

I haven't been able to volunteer during the holidays, but this season I made Christmas cards for our service members through American Red Cross. I used crayons, construction paper and made them myself. They'll probably think kids made it, but I had a great time making them. I also sent some Christmas candy to our service members through Operation Shoebox. For the last 3 years, I buy toys and donate them to ABC 7's Spark of Love  toy drive. I would love to find an organization that need volunteers to wrap toys/presents for people who need it. I love wrapping presents!

3. Favorite toy received as a Child for the Holidays?

I would have to say that my kitchen set was my favorite toy received as a child for the holidays. I was super excited for my mini stove and the tiny food. It was just so cute. 

4. What was your must have item in high school for the Holidays?

Vans!

5. Item you begged for the most and never got?

There were things that I would really want when I was younger and then I'd eventually get over it a few months later. It was because my friends had them, so I wanted them. Roller blades are the only thing that pops into mind. (It's funny because I think back and just see how truly blessed I am to have my awesome parents who didn't spoil me and buy me everything material thing I asked for. They worked hard to give me what I needed, and that's all I could really ask for.) 

6. What do you do on Christmas Eve? If you are Jewish what does your family do for Hanukkah?

Every Christmas Eve, my family and I go to my uncle's house and have a big dinner. Since it's everyone on my mom's side, we have Secret Santa. I always love getting together with my family, especially for the holidays. Then we go home, get into our pajamas, and open the presents we have for one another. It's so much fun. I am truly blessed. 

 2010.

2011.

October 2012

Now that November is coming to an end, I am writing about what an awesome October I had. Yep, I'm pretty behind on my blogging. Better late than never though!

The month started off with a trip to Disneyland for Halloween. I wanted to go as an early birthday outing since I've never been during that time of the year. I absolutely love Halloween, so was super excited. Rudy and I had such an amazing time and got there early enough so that there was no line for It's a Small World. Finally! We had some dee-licious all-you-can-eat BBQ for dinner....holy moly! We ended the night with some fresh beignets. The nice lady behind the counter gave me a large order instead of the small that I ordered since I was celebrating my birthday. So sweet!

 

Forneris Farms is a fall fun outing that I found two years ago. They have a different corn maze every year and I really wanted to go again this year. We headed over there with our comfortable sneakers, bottled water, and light sweaters. Luckily Rudy is great at directions so kept track of where we were going throughout the maze (they have a little map). If we depended on me, we would've gone in circles. They have cute little CORNundrums that you can solve. There are fifteen throughout the whole maze and we found every single one! 

                                       Duck tape.                                               Corn dog.                                            Pumpkin patch.

On another one of the Saturdays, Rudy, my sister and I went to Cal Poly Pomona for a fall festival. It's an agricultural university, so they had a HUGE pumpkin patch. There were so many to choose from, but what usually buys it for us is the pumpkin's stem. We like the thick, curvy ones. We picked two nice pumpkins perfect for carving. They had Spookly the Square Pumpkin stuff there too, which I love! I even got the book, stuffed toy, and DVD. I was so happy to be able to find our perfect pumpkins at the patch!

For Halloween, we usually carve our pumpkins with things like Frankenstein, the Headless Horseman, and a haunted house, but this year I wanted to pick a theme. I looked online for some ideas and decided on a Monsters' Inc. theme with Sulley, Mike Wazowski, and Boo. I was so happy with how they turned out. I traced, my sister took out the seeds and gunk, and Rudy carved. We make a great team! The trick or treaters seemed to like them, too. 

This was probably one of the best Octobers I've ever had. We got to do so much fall-like activities and I had so much fun. I have to take advantage of my favorite season/month while it's here!