Joaney-Fresh

Winter break

2011-12-12T14:31:00.007-05:00

Right after my last final this past Friday, I took a nap and then went out to see my girls (That's us, chillin' on the roof of JCT, three bottles deep). Needless to say, I had a great time. Until the next outing, ladies!

I need to finish up my Christmas shopping, but I hate crowds and I hate shopping for anyone other than myself. I'll try to get it poppin' later. For now, I'm going to enjoy my break by doing absolutely nothing.

Filet-O-Fish

2011-12-08T10:12:00.005-05:00

How funny are these compacts? My favorite is the chicken sandwich, because when I get one, I'm going to tell everyone it's a tasty fish sandwich (will it's non-square patty give it away?). Sometimes I convince myself into thinking that I need more grown-up accessories, like a black, crocodile-embossed wallet instead of a Pochacco one, for example. Other times, though, I find goofy-ass things that I just can't resist.

Last final is tomorrow (Sales and Secured Transaction, kill me now) and then sweet, sweet freedom is all mine. Wish me luck!

Dead-ass tired.

2011-12-05T13:51:00.003-05:00

Just went through a 4-hour rape. I mean exam. I mean rape.

Doesn't matter. It was exhausting and I'm glad it's over.

If I smoked cigarettes, right about now would be the time that I'd light one up.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner snacks

2011-12-02T15:43:00.004-05:00

It seems that the only thing to do in Suwanee (where my sister now lives and goes to school) is to go to H-Mart and roam the aisles. Aaand that's where I found these.

And they do taste a lot like chicken. Korean snacks are so awesome (I got the chili-lime flavored ones). Next time, I'm going to buy a butt-ton of these!

Oh, and these aren't my photos--my cell phone is a piece of shit and wouldn't let me upload my actual photos. BLAH.

Red Bull gives you the runs

2011-11-29T13:10:00.003-05:00

NOTE TO SELF: Do not drink an entire can of Red Bull before an exam, lest you want to make the exam proctor raise her eyebrow when you have to sign the bathroom check-out list for the third time within a two-and-a-half hour time span (come to think of it, I am now a little worried that people may think I was cheating...).

I don't ever drink energy drinks (and I drink coffee about once every two weeks or so), but I thought in light of the early-morning exam time and the need for a little pick-me-up, I opted for a lone Sugar-Free Red Bull that's been sitting in my fridge for months. I normally drink tea to get me going, but I didn't think it would provide the jolt that I needed. Aaaand I got my jolt alright. The pain in my stomach made me jolt out of my seat a lot more than I wanted to during such a crucial exam. Oh well.

Despite the shitty (HA!) circumstances, I think I did pretty well on my Con Law final today. YEAH!

PS: I'll try to promise that this will be last gross-post. =)

Dreaming of a white Tuesday

2011-11-28T09:35:00.004-05:00

I've been doing my best to enjoy the Thanksgiving break despite my pesky, upcoming exams...but, I have failed. I have regular nightmares about my finals and I spend all day cooped up and studying. I have managed to squeeze in a movie and a tv show or two, but that's about it. The weather in Atlanta has gotten cool and rainy and all I want to do is sleep, Rip Van Winkle-style.

The weather forecast says it will snow tomorrow. Here's hoping that it'll be ATL Snowpocalypse part Deux and I'll get an extra day to study before my first exam. Either way, wish me luck.

Oh, and the movie I recently watched was Never Let Me Go. It's good but sad, I recommend it. It's like The Island but not super-stupid, albeit less exciting.

Oh hello

2011-11-22T11:08:00.008-05:00

Of course, after an extended hiatus, I WOULD start up this beast again right when finals are around the corner. Of course.

But, if you (whoever that may be) were expecting drawn-out posts, I am sorry to disappoint--I'll just be posting random tidbits per usual.

So, here's a quick list of what has been going on with me since I last checked in:

San Fran with Jacks
Chicago with Jacks
Max turned 23
Jacks moves into new apartment (jealous)
Jacks turned 23
Jacks started Med School (so proud)
I start my second year of law school
Max starts working full-time at mega-PR firm
Friends got married
Firefly 5k with Max
Pumpkin patch road trip with Rebecca
Halloweekend: I was a jack-o-lantern, a smashed pinata, a Mexican (not very PC) and Steve Jobs (too soon?)
I turned 25
Max moves into new apartment (jealous)
Attended my first Falcons game, had AWESOME seats (jealous?)

And there you have it. I'm sure there was more, but I have finals to study for. Duh.

Wow, looking at this list, I'd say that Max and my sister are having a pretty amazing year so far. I'm so proud and excited for them!

Away we go

2011-07-20T12:01:00.003-04:00

Such a sweet movie, it made me think of Max and I. Not the interracial-couple aspect or anything, haha. It made me think about how Max and I never can never decide on where we want to settle one day, when we would even finally decide to settle, whether or not kids are in our future, and how we can never picture ourselves as adults in general. It's scary stuff, really, but the movie made me feel better about it all--we're not fuck-ups and we'll make it through.

Shush!

2011-07-18T15:18:00.006-04:00

Max and his zambaione gelato

Striacciatella gelato from Paolo's!

Yesterday Max and I went on a thrift store raid and scored some some awesome books and DVDs. For once, it wasn't excruciatingly hot in ATL, so we also went to the Virginia Highlands part of town and did some exploring on foot. That's pretty much it. We were thinking about going to see Harry Potter 7.2, but we decided that it would still be a madhouse, being that it was opening weekend and all.

If you didn't know this about us, we're real sticklers about a movie theater being quiet while we watch movies, which is reasonable enough, right? I hate it when people laugh at stupid stuff in movies, like when a character trips over something. It's not that it's NOT funny (it really isn't), it's just that scenes like that don't usually warrant laughing out loud. Does that make sense? Doesn't matter, just shut your ass up already, damn!

The Nothing

2011-07-15T14:51:00.013-04:00

Now that I'm out of school for the summer, I really don't know what to do with myself. I could go out more, but I'm trying to save money. I've mostly been passing the time by playing tennis, reading, watching movies and straightening up my room. Basically, I haven't really been productive at all and I feel as restless as ever.

I stayed up late reading last night and I woke up at the ungainly hour of 11:30pm--the latest I've woken up in AGES--and I can't help but feel guilty. I think I need to learn to embrace having nothing going on and just going with the flow.

Until then, happy Friday, errbody.

Image via Knighttcat

Very excite

2011-07-13T14:20:00.006-04:00

It's official--Thao and I got our plane tickets to San Francisco and Chicago yesterday! We leave on the 25th, but I am so excited, I seriously want to start packing today. SF and Chi-Town, here we come!

Choose wisely...

2011-07-09T20:56:00.004-04:00

Sometimes staying in to eat, drink and hang isn't so bad after all, especially when I'm chillin' with Max (aww) and watching some Indiana Jones (aww yeah).

My sister and I are taking a trip to San Francisco and Chicago later this month, so that's why we've been staying in and trying to save money. I am excited to see SF because I've heard so many great things about it, but I am also really stoked to go to Chi-Town to be re-united with my lovely friend, Heather. Gaah, can't wait!

NOTE: Sorry for the shitty-ass phone-pics. Someday, I will own a nice camera. SIGH.

The Trip

2011-07-08T00:07:00.003-04:00

After seeing many hilarious clips of this movie floating around on YouTube, I finally caught it with my sister.

So SO funny. I loved it! I'm actually watching it again with Max tonight =)

Go Djoko!

2011-07-03T10:08:00.003-04:00

Wimbledon Men's Final and coffee (this match is cray-cray, yo!).

I've got the house all to myself (!!!).

Will head out to IKEA for 99¢ breakfast after (The price indicates that the food will most likely taste like the furniture).

Yessssss.

Baby you're a firework...

2011-07-01T16:15:00.005-04:00

...in my pants!

Seriously, how am I just now seeing this ad???

Commence printing and-uh happy 4th of July to me.

Bocado

2011-07-01T14:57:00.003-04:00

Went to Bocado last night with my sister and lovely friend Rebecca. Long story short, we got really full off their yummy tuna BLTs and burgers and bottle of wine. I came home happy and tipsy.

Aaaaaand it's time to get back to studying. Have a good weekend, errbody!

Seriously?

2011-06-30T10:32:00.005-04:00

I've been to 5 different targets, 3 different Walgreens, 2 different CVSs, a Publix and a Kroger and this polish is still no where to be found. Wtf. And I refuse to order it online (I ain't paying S&H for some nail polish, yo).

Does Sephora even carry Essie? I may have to bite the bullet and venture into the mall aka zoo soon.

DVDs for you and me

2011-06-28T14:49:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago, after recalling that my cousin Tam and her boyfriend Ryan own an extensive movie collection, I emailed them asking to borrow about 7 different movies (Max and I like to watch movies during our down-time). They had 5 of the 7 that I had requested--pretty impressive, right?

Being the generous cine-philes that they are, they brought a crap-ton of other movies they thought we'd like and now we have 18 movies to watch for the remainder of the summer. Max is really excited (he's a cine-phile too), but I am ecstatic about The Last Unicorn--I haven't seen that movie since I was a kid!

NOTE TO SELF: Go to the store and stock up on pop-co'n ASAP.

Vietnamese iced coffee...

2011-06-22T12:16:00.005-04:00

...is my JAM.

Dark roast coffee with some sweet, sweet condensed milk. Damn.

Now, excuse me while I sip in private--I don't want everyone seeing my O-face.

Chinese, please.

2011-06-21T16:44:00.004-04:00

Yes, when I'm at home alone, I eat standing up at the counter. And no, I didn't eat it all (but you bet your sweet ass I could've).

I spent more time than I wanted trying to fix my laptop today. I did not alleviate the problem and it has sucked all resolve out of me. Why am I so computer-stupid? I'm probably going to have to pay the Geek Squad a visit sometime soon. Blaaaaah.

Happy first day of summer! I'll be playing tennis with Max in celebration this evening!

Southern details

2011-06-20T11:47:00.005-04:00

Max's cousin Derek got married to long-time girlfriend Alena this past weekend. The wedding was held in Alena's parent's backyard in Newnan, GA. I'm a real bitch when it comes to humidity and having to dress nice, but the comfortable and casual feel of this wedding really took the edge off and I had a great time.

Old time-y paper straws, sweet-tea in mason jars, live music, awesome tree house, beautiful gardens, goldfish centerpieces and fried chicken--Who could ask for more?

H&F

2011-06-20T00:44:00.010-04:00

I went to Holeman & Finch's for my cousin Tam's boyfriend and my good friend Ryan's 26th birthday. We drank some good drinks, had great company and even better food (we didn't get to have any burgers though--they don't start making them until 10pm and they only make 24!).

Some sort of sausage/bratwurst thing... Sorry for forgetting--there were so many different types!

H&F's assortment of meats and cheeses

Pan-fried rabbit livers with farro, herb salad & pickled beet stems

"Crunchy Gentleman": Sliced black forest ham with melted gruyere

Farm egg and pancetta carbonara with H&F handmade pasta

The birthday boy and his brown sugar cake with blueberries

I don't generally eat at places like this because I usually find the prices to be pretty unreasonable and the food to be more decorative than tasty, but H&F proves to be the exception. I can't wait to come back--I'm comin' for them burgers, believe dat!

K-Town

2011-06-17T12:32:00.010-04:00

Thao got her hair cut at Scissorhands in the Korean part of town (Duluth) yesterday--It's a pretty nice area. Afterwards, we went to a nearby bakery and got some goods for my mom and H-Mart to get ourselves some spicy shrimp chips, dried mangoes and other Asian shit.

These little cards are pasted ALL OVER the salon's walls.

Did you know Korean mags read backwards? Cray-cray!

Scissorhands. I don't know if you can tell from this photo, but it's crazy-lookin' in there!

The haircut goes for a spin at White Windmill Bakery.

Thao's chocolate horse!

Is it weird that whenever I'm in this area, I feel like I'm actually in S. Korea? The store signs and all the products are advertised in Korean characters and all the employees and patrons are Korean as well. Just sayin'.

I finished The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo last week and now I'm reading The Girl Who Played With Fire, the second in the Stieg Larsson trilogy. I think it's safe to say I'm hooked. Something's gotta fill the Harry Potter void, right?

I've got crabs.

2011-06-13T13:50:00.004-04:00

My cousins and I took a quick trip to Orlando to visit one of my older cousins who just moved there for a doctor fellowship thingy (I need to learn to pay attention). Our initial trip was to just visit him, hit up Harry Potter World (the jig is up--I am a HUGE Harry Potter dork), Universal Studio's Island of Adventures, and then go home. But, while leaving HP World, I remembered that my cousin Tam and her boyfriend Ryan had promised to take my sister and I crabbing sometime this summer. As soon as I brought it up, they said 'let's go' and off we went. We drove to the nearest coast and caught our dinner. It was a long and exhausting day that just kept getting better and better.

Everyone is hard at work setting up the nets

We grilled some conch that we caught for dinner too. Look how awesome this spread is!

I love my family and I can't wait to do some more cool stuff this summer!

Hydrate naturally

2011-06-09T09:59:00.003-04:00

I am sick as ALL hell today, but at least my coco-water is making me feel a little better.

Note: I started having a vicious craving for some Vita-Coco after seeing Rihanna sip it in her "Man Down" music video. It's right before she gets raped. Yum!

Better late than never?

2011-06-07T10:57:00.003-04:00

Currently reading Stieg Larsson's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I can't lie, I only decided to pick it up after seeing the trailer for the American adaptation of the international bestseller. Check it out here. Lookin' pretty badass...

So far it's proven to be a real page-turner (God, what a stupid way to describe a book--but it's so true!). I may even pick up The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest and The Girl Who Played With Fire.

X-cellent

2011-06-06T10:34:00.004-04:00

Caught X-Men: First Class with Max this past weekend. I've always been a fan of the X-Men origin stories, so I thought the movie was just great. Go see it! Michael Fassbender's Magneto is simply... magnetic! This year is going to be jam-packed with superhero/comic book movies and being the dorks that we are, Max and I are hoping the rest will be as good as this one!

Sad note: I am heart-broken that Federer lost to Nadal in the French Open finals. To be completely honest, I didn't think he'd make it as far as he did, but it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt any less. SIGH. Rodger, you will always be a champion in my heart.

On the other hand, can I get a what-what for Li Na winning the Women's final??? Get it, girl!

Sunday Morning on a Friday night

2011-05-31T12:51:00.004-04:00

Rebs and I dancing at a non-dancing bar (Ormsby's). It was that kind of weekend.

It was a great Memorial Day weekend. I boogied down, brunched up, and birthday'd out. I am exhausted but satisfied. Kinda like after some crazy tantric sex.

He can't pull-over any farther!

2011-05-27T17:10:00.006-04:00

Max in a crisp white Calvin Klein tee. Check.
Blue Moon w/ Orange. Check.
Sunny day at Fellini's. Check.
Bitching about all the stupid shit in our stupid local newspaper, Creative Loafing. Check.

What a relaxing Friday afternoon.

On a not-so-relaxing note, on my way to the gym this morning, I was held up in some crazy-ass traffic on North Druid. I was really upset about the whole thing until I found out what it was about. Then I became really REALLY pissed. Jesus, is it too much to ask that you kill yourself while stealing pharmaceuticals somewhere FAR AWAY from my usual gym commute? Damn!*

I am, however, happy to report that I had a good session at the gym and I later scored some really cute summer-wear from Zara (Helloooo Memorial Day-Weekend sales!). Looks like ATL police and I are just winning all around this lovely Friday!

*I kid, I kid. I realize suicide is nothing to sneeze at.**
**But stealing is wrong, so, whatever. I'm not sorry.

Oh Jason....

2011-05-26T13:27:00.004-04:00

...please marry me. We could have such a happy life together.

Tyler Durden, is that you?

2011-05-23T11:25:00.004-04:00

Last night Max and I watched Sunshine, a sci-fi thriller of sorts that came out back in 2007, starring Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans, etc. I don't remember hearing anything about it, but Max said it was supposed to be good. I think it was alright, but there were these flashing images of unrecognizable people's faces throughout the movie. Each lasted less than a second and made me feel really creeped out. What the hell were those about?

Unrelated note: I completed my second 5k this past weekend! What what!

Oh Warriorrrrrrs!

2011-05-18T09:48:00.006-04:00

Did the Warrior Dash with Thao and my good friend Kenny (he is dressed as Forrest Gump). I was covered in bruises and scrapes, but it was crazy fun. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Pho real?

2011-05-04T18:17:00.003-04:00

The woman in his photo is Karolyn Pho. She is a 22-year old stylist based in LA and is currently dating Shia LaBeouf. The most important thing to note here is that she is Vietnamese. Oh yes. VIETNAMESE.

Why does this matter, you ask? Let's just say that you need to hide Zac Efron, hide Robert Pattison, and hide Justin Bieber 'cause Vietnamese people datin' errbody out there!

Seriously, I'm gonna pack for LA and rape Sam Worthington as soon as finals are done.

Pure misery

2011-04-28T20:51:00.008-04:00

I have my first final tomorrow, so that means:

NO GAME 6 OF HAWKS vs. MAGIC

NO NFL DRAFT

NO OFFICE

NO 30 ROCK

NO ROYAL WEDDING

All of the above are things that I have never given a crap about before but are for some reason things I obsess about now. How convenient. Especially the sports part (I blame this on my dearest Max & the other males in my life). Sports is the worst thing to get into. Ever. So so so so dumb. This is especially true when you're an Atlanta fan/masochist.

Wish me luck tomorrow.

EDIT: Damn it, I couldn't help myself--I watched the 2nd half and it was glorious. Sports-1, Joan's Studying Progress-0

Winning

2011-03-28T12:00:00.004-04:00

So, I have about 4 weeks until Finals begin, so I took it real easy this past weekend. I played tennis, went running, napped and hung out with some friends. It was really nice, but I'll pretty much be on lock, social life-wise, until the beginning of May.

Yesterday was my first ALTA women's doubles match of the season. The rain held off just long enough for Thao and I to beat that ass (6-4, 6-1). Seriously though, all the practicing has been paying off and I'm feeling really really good about this season. I even ordered myself a new pair of tennis shoes! Nike Lunar Speed 3's. Aww yeeeah.

Buuut, all of the raining in ATL has kind of been putting a damper on my daily training for Warrior Dash... But, I'm gonna get my John Cusack on and just do it in the rain today.

Oh, and Max got a PR internship with Edelman! What what in the butt butt!

A face-full of celebration

2011-03-24T11:32:00.003-04:00

I went running with Thao outdoors for the first time in some time (A/C at the gym is a helluva drug). I was reminded of how much I've missed running outdoors and how allergic I am to pollen... which is VERY.

But it's all good though--if I want to not get embarrassed at the Warrior Dash, I'd best come correct. Besides, I want to be able to celebrate Usain Bolt-style.

Gotta get back to work. Peeeace.

Oral Displeasure

2011-03-22T20:35:00.004-04:00

I wish that tomorrow, I could black out during my appellate oral argument and nail it at the same time, much like Will Ferrell did in his debate against James Carville in Old School. Sigh, if only I was Will Ferrell...

On an unrelated note, the weather here has been amazing. The pollen's killing me, but I've made it a point to be outside doing something active everyday, like jogging, walking, playing tennis, biking, etc. Although this may be good for my tan, it doesn't do much in the way of prepping for my oral argument. Ugh.

Sometimes law school's a real bitch.

All work and no play make Joan a dull girl.

2011-03-17T13:35:00.005-04:00

I am terrible at keeping up with this thing. I'd say I'll try to do better but I'd probably be lying.

I've been ridiculously busy with school as of late, but I did get a chance to get away for Spring Break. I went to New Orleans with a bunch of my friends and I had an amazing time. First Mardi Gras was a definite success. I don't think I've ever drank and laughed more all within the span of four days. I would love to do it all over again next year.

I have to get back to work. I'll try to do better...

Note: The sweet moving image above and more like it can be found here. It's my latest obsession.

Backity-back

2011-01-29T18:21:00.004-05:00

Well, that was a nice, long break. Extra long because of that awesome Atlanta Snowpocalypse (Got an extra week off from school!).

Aaand now I'm back at school and on this blog. I'm in the middle of doing some research for an assignment, so I don't really have much time to say anything other than how much I am hating school already and how I am really excited to see this movie:

Independence Day left quite an impression on me back in '97 and I've been waiting for a comparable movie ever since. Hopefully Battle: Los Angeles won't be a disappointment.

PEACE!

So close I can taste it

2010-12-07T20:16:00.005-05:00

After tomorrow's final ends at 1:00pm, I will declare FREEEEEEDOM (a la Mel Gibson) from Braveheart.

The more likely thing that will happen is me just crying in pure relief. This first semester of law school has been quite the ride. I seriously don't know how to sum it up yet...maybe I'll know how I feel about the whole thing after that last Civil Procedure final.

God, I cannot wait to get drunk.

PS: My lovely cousin Jacinta is home for the holidays from Grenada (she has just finished her first semester of med school)! I can't wait to see my tiger-twin!

Obviously I am the retarded twin.

One last time, wish me luck!

Cooked in your own juices...

2010-12-04T13:10:00.003-05:00

I went a little crazy last night after my Real Property final (thing was a beast). So, I am now sitting in my bed, nursing a vicious hangover, internet surfing and gchatting. This video came recommended from a friend and it's hilarious. I love Steve Coogan and I love impressions. I'm feeling better already!

Once I get all better, I gotta hit the books again. Two finals down and two to go! Wish me luck!

First final tomorrow...

2010-11-30T16:36:00.007-05:00

Getting some fresh air with Thao.

This dreary, rainy weather is really not conducive to good studying, on top of my being sick as a dog.

Every year around this time (finals time), I always get sick, so I thought this year I would juke and jive my way out of it and take my exams with a clean bill of health. Leading up to finals, I took my vitamins diligently, I ran every other day, and I've been eating super healthy (incorporating fruit into my diet and putting handfuls of spinach into every meal).

Aaaand now I'm sick. Like, REALLY sick. Probably sicker than I've ever been. I've tried my best and I've failed miserably. The lesson is: Never try.

Here's the upshot to all of this: The Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is on tonight!

Seriously guys, pray for me tomorrow. I am freaking out.

Matty Ice Ice Baby

2010-11-22T17:02:00.008-05:00

Best parts of my weekend:

1. Eating delicious homemade pizzas and polishing off 4 bottles of wine at Percy's with my favorite people.

2. Celebrating my good friend's 25th birthday at Loca Luna.

3. Watching the Falcons ram the Rams (Something I secretly wish Michael Turner would do to me).

It was an uneventful but nice weekend.

I feel like I am dying a slow and painful death. I wish I could just go ahead and take my finals already!

DuckTales

2010-11-20T09:32:00.005-05:00

This is Hột vịt lộn and it is a duck fetus. You probably have seen it on tv shows like Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Fear Factor. I don't know what the BFD is all about other than the fact that it's delicious.

I made a little nest for my duck fetus because it was too hot to hold. Thao, on the other hand, is champ and is eating it the way a true Viet would and should. Maybe she got a complex from having a hot vit lon explode in her face some years ago.

It took weeks to remove the beak that was lodged in her fo'head.

They walk, you run.

2010-11-16T18:15:00.006-05:00

I experienced a mini-heart attack today because my alarm clock decided not to work this morning. As I rushed to get to class on time and make myself look half-decent, I began to miss my undergrad days very, very much. On days like this, I would have just been like, " ah shit, oh well" and gone back to sleep.

To make up for hectic and stressful morning, me and Thao decided to grab a late lunch at Rusty Nail, a little dark, smoky restaurant that's about 2 seconds away from my house. The place reeks of cigarette smoke, but the food's good and there's a huge, badass gun located at the entrance.

Now, I am at home, watching some Walking Dead while working my outlines.

Until the next mini-heart attack, I bid you adieu.

Let's get down to business...to defeat the Huns.

2010-11-14T16:16:00.003-05:00

Shoot the J, shoot it!

The final version of my Open Memo is due Monday mo'nin'. I am determined to get it done before Dexter, Eastbound And Down, and Boardwalk Empire all begins.

What? I gotta watch my stories!

Don't tell me it's not worth fighting for

2010-11-13T08:47:00.007-05:00

Little birthday present I got in the mail earlier this week from my amazing friend Heather. She's off in IL doing her thang and I miss her like a sonofabitch.

Last night I got some pho with some friends and Max and I finished off another bottle of birthday wine. I think it's starting to become some sort of tradition to start binge drinking every Friday.

I went for a run Thursday evening through this wooded area by my house and I was listening to Bryan Adam's "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." Surrounded by crisp autumn air and colorful leaves, I felt like I was in that music video at the end of Kevin Costner's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Awesome 90s cheesiness, I love it.

It's that chauvinistic, pig-attitude...

2010-11-08T09:25:00.004-05:00

I went out and celebrated my friend's birthday at Milltown Arms Tavern (Rocky IV was playing on tv screen!) and got caught up with a few people I hadn't seen in sometime at Ormsby's this past Saturday. Fun fun fun. Something I have learned from that night: re-enacting the "Struttin' that ass" video is not going to get old for a loooong time.

And here's something I learned while out running yesterday evening: Andrew W.K. makes for some good running music. Seriously, a great alternative to Eye of Tiger.

PEACE!

This is what I really want to be doing...

2010-11-06T11:45:00.008-04:00

Photo by David Mushegain

...but instead, I am fully clothed, not smoking, not wearing sweet cowboy boots, and reading textbooks.

Got up insanely early for a Saturday today--trying to get in an ass-ton of studying done so I can take a lil time off for some fun tonight (I'll give up my social life when it's time to study for the Bar).

I got some direct-opposite-of-encouraging news from my law school career seminar yesterday. Although there were free pizza, I quickly lost my appetite once the speaker basically told me that I would not be able to find a job after school (gotta love the economy) and that I would die poor, neck-deep in debt, miserable and alone. Uplifting.

After thinking on this a little more, I decided that she could eat my ass-crack and I felt better about the whole thing. I'll just work harder and harder every day and then no one can tell me my damn business.

Later, I went home and hung out with Maxwell. We played Scrabble, watched It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia re-runs, listened to old-timey Christmas music (early, but who cares) and downed an entire bottle of birthday wine (the best kind) and chilled the f out. It was a very very good night.

Aaand break is over, back to sturdyin'!

Right on the foyer, on this dark day...

2010-11-04T19:00:00.004-04:00

Started off the day awesome (Made myself look super awesome genius smart in my Civ Pro Class).

Half way through, I lost steam.

Had a stressful afternoon.

Aaand now I'm good again.

Not really a bad day at all...

Just very ready for the weekend, knaasayin'?

It is getting so cold and I love love love love love love it.

That is alllllll.

The Magic Man

2010-11-01T19:30:00.007-04:00

Now you see me...

Now you don't!

Straight killin' oysters at Six Feet Under was only one of many the things I did to celebrate turning 24 this past weekend. I watched scary movies, ate pumpkin-flavored things, danced my ass off, wore awesome costumes, and partied down. Being a Halloween baby (sorta) is, hands down, the absolute best. I cannot wait until next year.

Also, my sister is the best person in the world. Thanks for everything from this weekend (including the delicious pumpkin pancakes)! TOTAL success!

Aaand, I feel like all my posts are about food. I'll try and switch it up from time to time.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand I got a good grade on my open memo! Happy birthday to me!

Pullin' for pulled-pork

2010-10-25T21:31:00.004-04:00

I took a little break from my open memo this past Saturday to make myself, Jackie and Max something to enjoy while watching Georgia beat Kentucky's ass (I didn't get to participate in this part of the evening).

Do not laugh at my IHOP-lookin' plates!

Pulled pork sandwiches with bread n' butter chips, fresh broccoli and carrots. It wasn't much, but it was a pleasant albeit brief distraction.

I feel busted and exhausted, but at least that godforsaken open memo is done.

Aaaaand now my birthday celebration festivities can begin!

Limp Bizkit

2010-10-20T16:37:00.004-04:00

Nothing like coming home from a long day of school to find out that my sister has baked me some whole wheat biscuits (in fun fall-friendly shapes, no less) for me to eat with some pumpkin butter. My sister is the bomb-diggity, no diggity!

'Cause you're hot and you're cold...

2010-10-19T11:32:00.004-04:00

The fluctuation in climate temps here has been wreaking havoc on my sinuses. This could not have come at a worse time--I have an open memo due next week! Bah!

Someone please buy me this early birthday present:

I am certain this headband will cure what ails me!

Why today is awesome:

2010-10-14T16:03:00.008-04:00

I liked my hair (for once).

I got out of class early.

I nailed my open memo conference.

I got a bunch of HW done.

I got caught up on the lastest episode of Boardwalk Empire.

I went for a run along Shady Valley ('cause the weather was kickin').

I ate a whole bowl of cold watermelon cubes.

Aaaand now I'm going to take a nap. On the couch. With my hand in my shorts.

PEACE!

Obladi oblada!

2010-10-12T19:50:00.005-04:00

My nephew Ralph is amazing.

Today was a good day--I did not get called in class, the weather was nice and I enjoyed a big, hot bowl of Bún bò Huế for dinner. The only minor hitch was seeing the guy next to me in class adjusting his nut-sack hardcore (so shameless!). Otherwise, I had a pretty pleasant Tuesday!

Awesome Bill from Dawsonville

2010-10-10T22:09:00.014-04:00

Me and Thao decided to get out of the city for a bit, so we had Max drive us to Dawsonville, GA to the Kangaroo Conservation Center on Saturday morning. It's a long story about how I found out about this little north Georgia gem, but I'm so glad I did. Seriously, only an hour away from where I live is the world's largest Kangaroo mob outside of Australia--there was no way I could NOT go!

Who knew Dawsonville was so scenic? I took a lot of great photos and this on in particular is my favorite; doesn't it look like something out of Rivendell? You know, the Elven forest in the Lord of the Rings?

Aaand, I'm a dork.

Um...

2010-10-07T16:35:00.002-04:00

Matt Ryan. Good googly-moogly.

Why does it cost so much to go and see the Falcons play? It's like, $30-$70 for nosebleed seats depending on what home game you go to. It's $75 to see them play the Saints, and your ears will probably be popping from being at such a high altitude. What the hell? For $75 I'd better get to see Matt Ryan after the game do the "dirty bird" in his underwear in my bed! Sheeeeit.

Lately I've been getting into football (both college and NFL) because I'm around Max and his friends a lot and my dad has always been into football (used to be a bookie of sorts), so I guess it's rubbing off on me a little. After watching my first real football game (GSU v. Shorter College), I decided that it was high time I watch the Falcons. I have never been and I really really want to, but those seat tickets are killing me.

Seriously, is baseball the only reasonably-priced sport to see out there?

Speaking of which, go Braves!

Maps; Wait! They don't love you like I love you...

2010-10-06T17:46:00.007-04:00

That there, is a baby quilt. Of Atlanta.

Aaaaaand, I want it.

So, tomorrow is Thirsty Thursday everywhere and some of my girlfriends are wanting to drag me out to the club (I just took my first law school exam). I am not looking forward to this. The last time I went clubbing was back in May (it was brief and it was a friend's birthday) and the last time I actually enjoyed clubbing was back in May 2008. I don't really hate clubbing, I just really hate people who go clubbing. It's mostly the guys--they all look and act like some messed up, Southern-version of those Jersey Shore guys. Absolutely charming, I know.

Granted, sometimes I feel like dancing, but can I please not get rubbed up on by some gross dudes while trying to justify paying 8 bucks for some shitty-ass drink while I get my groove on?

Man I sound old.

I like my sugar with coffee and (PUMPKIN SPICE) cream!

2010-10-04T22:42:00.007-04:00

It was 55 degrees this morning, so you KNOW it's time to bust out the pumpkin spice creamer again among other awesomely fall-appropriate things:

Dark nail polish colors by OPI and Essie
Fur throw Max got me some Christmases ago
Knee-highs
Chili n' co'n bread recipes
Scary movies (cooler temps makes me crave creepiness)
My comfy, over-sized military-style jacket
Vanilla-scented candles

There's more but I gotta get back to studying.

Hot damn I love fall!

Make yourself a dang quesadilla!

2010-09-30T16:00:00.002-04:00

I was home all alone until about 9pm last night. I ate in complete silence and it was nice.

Got a midterm coming next week and I am going to be studying and trying not to crap my pants everyday until then.

PEACE!

Saturday, what a day

2010-09-28T21:21:00.006-04:00

Last Saturday, after enduring a study session at school with a hangover (courtesy of Estoria and peer pressure), Max dragged me out to the Midtown Festival of Arts with him. Granted, I was the one who told him about it and I suggested we go earlier in the week, but I mean, I was hungover.

We still managed to have a really good time. It was a really nice way to enjoy the last hot, sunny day of the year. And, there's nothing like a solo cup filled with some crisp Terrapin Golden Ale to make everything all right again.

Arnold Palmer

2010-09-23T21:07:00.006-04:00

Cooler weather is coming in next week, so here's my farewell to summer--a nice, cold Arnold Palmer at Corner Cafe/Buckhead Bread Co.

Tomorrow is Friday and I couldn't be more relieved. Yeeeeeah, shawty.

Week #6

2010-09-21T21:06:00.007-04:00

My first closed memo for law school was submitted at 2:45am today. I got into bed a little after 3:00am and I woke up at 6:30am. I was so relieved that my 9:00am class was cancelled, but not in the awesome-I-get-to-go-back-to-bed kind of relieved. I was relieved that I would have extra time to catch up on my readings for my 10:45am and 1:15pm classes. I don't know if it gets any sadder than this.

Everyday I feel less and less like myself, it's like the more I find my stride here, the more I think I am going crazy. Every morning I wake up feeling nervous and question my class-prep from the night before. I often skip breakfast to make sure that I get to school at least 30min before class starts so I can go over my briefs. Every night I contemplate whether or not I have time to eat dinner (and sometimes I don't). More and more everyday I feel so pretentious; In class, I have to speak all "lawyerly" and outside of class, 90% of my conversation with my classmates is made up of even more lawyerly shit (although, this morning at 8:45am, some us got together and just watched some old Family Guy YouTube clips on someone's laptop. Lame, but relaxing in its own lame little way).

I feel like I need to learn to meditate. Or something. Maybe I'm cranky because I've been skipping breakfasts n' dinners n' manicures. It's a strong possibility.

Good thing my Aunt came home today and stocked up on some Chef Boyardee like it's Y2K up in here:

NOTE: No one in my house is a Chef Boyardee fanatic, even my Aunt. Soo, yeah, I have no idea why she decided to go overboard like this (and why there are only two cans of Spaghetti-O's remains a mystery).

Loco for Spam Moco

2010-09-18T17:10:00.006-04:00

On Thursday, Thao and I gave the Waikikie Hawaiian BBQ place by our house a little visit. I ate the BBQ chicken curry with rice and macaroni salad--total comfort-food. Thao had the Spam Moco; Four slices of Spam topped with gravy, two fried eggs, two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad--total heart-attack inducer.

Yesterday was my good friend Sean's birthday. He had a fun house party and now I'm a little hungover today. It wouldn't be such a big deal except that I still have this godforsaken closed memo I have to take care of for school.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

It just takes some time, little girl

2010-09-15T17:54:00.004-04:00

Nothing exceptionally bad happened today at school, but I still had a really, stressed-out, crappy-ass day. After about 6 hours of schooling and studying, I raced to MARTA and jumped into my car. I drove silently until I reached the nearest Kroger and I self-checked out a bottle of Diet Mt. Dew. Afterwards, I got back into the car, cranked up some Jimmy Eat World that happened to be playing on the radio (Thank god--I would have driven myself into the opposite direction of traffic if it had been Kings of Leon) and guzzled down my Dew until I made it safely into my garage.

I am now back on track.

Love, peace and chicken grease, everyone.

A Saturday in September

2010-09-13T22:11:00.003-04:00

(Excuse my crappy cellphone pictures)

Saturday, Max and I went to Carroll St. Cafe over in East ATL to grab some 6th-year anniversary-type grub. We started with some pretty sweet tapas and a bottle of the house red (not sure what it was, I don't claim to be a wine connoisseur of any sort). I had some amazing curried chicken and Max had a NY strip steak that didn't suck at all. It was a very good dinner.

Later, we decided to take a nice nighttime stroll around Cabbage Town to work off some of my tipsy-ness. Max suggested we take a trip through the cemetery and I suggested we visit our friends Chevy and Daniel's new place nearby instead. After walking (weather has been pretty nice here) and drinking a little more that I night, I went home, feeling thoroughly satisfied. Max and I have not gone on a date like this even long before he left for Los Angeles, and I was reminded of just how much I used to love it.

On an unrelated note, Thao and I played some pretty shitty tennis (I came in there not having practiced in a month) this past Sunday on our first match of the Women's fall season. Good thing we won anyways. I'm sure the fact I was just hitting lobs and at one point shouted "DAAAAAAAMN" when a ball almost hit Thao in the face really threw off our suburban, housewife-y opponents' morale off. Guess no one told them that's how the Nguyen Sisters do. Federer should probably take some notes from us, that damn chump.

Have a lovely week--more fall-like weather is a-comin'!

Bizarro!

2010-09-09T17:41:00.005-04:00

(Most recent picture of us. We're at the first GSU football game!)

Today marks me n' Max's 6th year anniversary. I know this is corny, but it feels like it was just yesterday when we first met. And I mean, when we met under more friendly circumstances, not like when we FIRST met for the very first time, when he was a dumb-ass freshman in high school who was mean to me for absolutely no reason that I can think of.

But, all of that is behind us now. It doesn't seem like Max and I have been together for 6 long years because he is my best friend. This is why I often forget that Max and I are even dating; everything just comes naturally between us, knaamean?

We can't do anything to celebrate tonight because I have a lot of reading to do and he has some crazy, all-day interview type thing going on, but we'll get together at some point. No worries.

Bizarro, I love you.

Called out

2010-09-08T18:16:00.004-04:00

Whenever people talk to me about law school, they almost always jokingly (I hope) ask, "Is it like Legally Blonde?" I have not seen the movie in quite some time, so I don't remember much of the details, but there is one scene that has stuck with me through the years. It is the scene in which the main character Elle Woods is called on during the first day of school to brief a case for the class. She tells the professor that she wasn't aware that there was an assignment that she had to prepare for and is then promptly asked to leave the classroom by the professor.

In this respect, yes, law school is like Legally Blonde. One of the biggest reasons why students like myself stress out over law school is because of the fear of being called on in class to brief a case (give the facts, holdings, relative legal doctrine, etc. of a case) or answer any questions (usually confusingly worded or very complex) by the professor, and if you are deemed unprepared, you WILL be kicked out of class. How you manage to keep yourself from peeing your pants in utter fear or looking like a complete Neanderthal in front of your peers depends directly on your class prep every night. Now, one may think, "Okay, so do the readings and you're good to go." This is dumb and naive undergrad-type thinking and this sort of thinking will only get you embarrassed.

The cases and case notes that we are forced to read are difficult to decipher, let alone grasp a comprehensive enough understanding to be able to recite in front of an entire classroom. All I can say is that it's a whole different ball-game when you are forced to talk about something that you THOUGHT you understood while trying to sound "lawyerly" at the same time. On top of everything, professors will bombard you with questions like, "And what EXACTLY does in rem jurisdiction mean? How is that different from quasi-in-rem jurisdiction? If so-and-so did THIS instead of THAT, how would that change the outcome? What all was in Justice Brennan's concurrence on this case?" And it goes on, and achingly on. You have no choice but to answer until you are genuinely stumped. At which point you begin to pray silently, "someone please raise their goddamned hand so this mofo will leave me the hell alone!"

So, you don't JUST read; You read critically, desperately analyzing every little sentence until you can't take it anymore and then you read some mo'. The incentive to avoid the suffocation of classroom dead-air brought on by half-assed class prep is VERY strong. If the saying that a lawyer's most valuable asset is her reputation is true, then it is probably best we try not to cultivate a "Omg, what kind of dumbass comes to class unprepared"-type persona this early on in the game.

This whole Socratic method used by all law professors is more troublesome for me than most others. This is so because believe it or not, I get called on in EVERY class since day one. As a matter of fact, I was called on today right after I said to my friend at the beginning of class, "There's no way he's calling on me a fourth time. Nuh-uh, not gonna happen." I think this is largely due to the fact that I am the ONLY Asian female in the class (I think there are a total of 9 Asian students that make up the ENTIRE student body). My theory is that it makes it easier to put the name to the face, creating a sort of natural inclination for professors to call on me, mid-lecturing or right at the start of class.

As a result, I am constantly poring over my reading assignments to ensure that I know every case inside and out (I am still always left unsure about my thoroughness) and coming to class with an almost paralyzing feeling of trepidation. Even my other classmates have noticed that I am always "picked on" by my professors. Although they tease me about it, I can tell that it makes them nervous as they realize it won't be long before their faces are put to their names and they too will have to endure the same torture in the upcoming weeks. Essentially, during every class, I feel like throwing up, and after every class, I stress out about the next class.

However, as often as I am called on I haven't completely struck out yet. Due to my constant apprehension of the certainty of being called on, I am constantly staying on top of my work (I printed out cases to read while on MARTA going to the first GSU football game and while waiting on friends to arrive last Thursday with me and Max's tickets) and therefore am always prepared for class. I guess this is a good thing, but I just hope I don't have a heart attack before all of this is over.

Oh, and I can't lie, I still vividly remember the "bend and snap" scene from Legally Blonde as well. "Is it like Legally Blonde" ... what a bunch of jackasses.

JD-bound Joaney

2010-09-07T17:02:00.005-04:00

Having been inspired by Max, I think I'll try to keep up with this blog as well.

It has been a while since I've updated and a lot has happened, most importantly is me getting into and having started law school. I'll take the time to get into everything else later.

I've gotten the third week of law school under my belt and I am still alive.

Law school each week can be compared to a thrilling horror movie in which I am one of the stars, who is terrorized from beginning to end, and by Friday, I am triumphant but barely breathing... Kinda like Brandy's character from I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. I'm well aware that this is a stupid analogy, but after three weeks of the most rigorous and challenging work I have ever encountered throughout my entire academic career, it is safe to say that all of my thinking has been devoted to the law and anything else stemming from my brain for any other purpose is pure fried chicken. Like, KFC double-down fried chicken. Any ounce of intelligence that I have must be saved up and sacrificed to the One L Gods (One L, that's what first year law students are called). You can't be wastin' water in the desert, knaamean?

"If law school is so damn hard, then why are you taking time out to blog?"

To answer that asinine question, I say it is to keep myself sane. I have decided that outside of law school, I will dedicate myself to two things and two things only: ALTA Fall tennis season and writing for leisure.

I have chosen to keep up with tennis because it is my favorite sport and I always end up hating myself for not keeping up with in the past whenever I have let a season go by without picking up my racquet. It'll keep me healthy and competitive outside of the classroom.

Writing for leisure is important to help me decompress without resorting to watching mindless television or stabbing myself in the eye. Writing helps me vent and allows me to discuss what I want to discuss outside of the demanding world of law school. I am constantly writing up case briefs for class and I think it'd be nice to write about other things, keeping myself a well-rounded writer. Or, what would most likely happen is that I end up muddying my writing skills by switching between professional and casual writing...eh, who knows?

Despite how I have made it seem, law school has been pretty exciting; it's nothing like I've ever done before and I hope to do well. I'll be keeping whoever reads this thing posted on my progress or demise. Seriously, I'll be more than happy to turn out like Brandy at the end of the movie--she may be covered in scratches, bruises, cuts and blood, but at least she's alive, dammit!

Shoulda known...

2010-07-20T09:49:00.003-04:00

Image: johnny's bird from Knighttcat

Last night was the first night I had spent with Percy since she's been back from Indonesia and it was also the first night in some time that all the ladies got together to unwind. We ended up having much more fun than we had bargained for, so naturally I am feeling like shit and a half today.

Go figure, Percy's back in town and I have a crippling hangover on a Tuesday morning at work.

Gotta risk it to get the biscuit

2010-07-06T10:27:00.003-04:00

If you couldn't tell, my cousins and I put together a ghetto-ass craps table to practice our gambling skillz on the fourth of July. We may not have barbecued, set off fire works or anything else pertaining to this patriotic holiday, but we sho-nuff got our pre-Vegas game-faces on. As a matter of fact, my cousin Jacinta even did a trial-run on my crazy hair to get it ready for Vegas.

Doesn't it look gawgeous?

In other non-Vegas-related news, I am really sick. BUT, I went to work today anyways because after taking the day off yesterday, I was so bored and miserable, I didn't think I could bear another day sitting around the house, feeling sick with nothing to do and NOT making money. It sounds crazy, but I'd rather be sick and busy than sick and restless.

On the plus side, I caught the Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations marathon on the Travel Channel. If you didn't know--I am in love with that man. So articulate, sexy, daring, and tan... Makes my heart swoon...

Bah, enough fantasizing! I need to make that green so I can double (maybe triple) my earnings in Vegas!

Looks like someone's got the case of the Mondays...

2010-06-28T15:54:00.007-04:00

I don't know whether I should just laugh or take 4 baby aspirins...

Ah well, it wouldn't be a true Monday at the office without a lovely, drugged-out, mobile home park tenant acting up.

Cheers.

2010-06-21T14:53:00.008-04:00

Alexa Chung. Image from Knighttcat.

Here's to the most relaxing weekend I've had in some time.

I took 7 naps within 3 days.

Had a late-night dinner with a good friend eating a chorizo quesadilla.

Watched Drag Me to Hell for the third time (new favorite campy-scary movie) and It's Complicated for the second (I love Steve Martin with all of my heart).

Polished off two bottles of wine with two other friends, poolside. At midnight.

Weekends like this don't make me feel too bad that it's Monday today.

Oh PHO sho!

2010-06-10T14:46:00.003-04:00

Just grabbed some lunch with Mollie at VN Pho on Jonesboro Rd (3 minutes from where I work). We both ordered beef pho, but we seasoned our respective bowls so differently. She piled on the sriracha sauce and bean sprouts while I put in an obscene amount of thai basil and just a dash of hoisin sauce. Isn't it kinda cool that two people can order the exact same dish but have two entirely different eating experiences? I dunno... seems interesting to me.

In other non-food-related news, I am super excited about the AA Flea Market event at Atlantic Station tomorrow! Best believe I'll be up bright and early, ready to throw some bows on these bitches! Those over-priced-but-ridiculously-comfortable basic knits are MINE!

Oh my starry-eyed surprise

2010-06-04T10:05:00.005-04:00

Madewell's constellation tee. Mesmerizing. Gimme gimme.

Tonight I am heading to my home girl Priscilla's to eat and drank. I cannot wait to cap off this crazy-ass week with copious amounts of wine and other various spirits.

Quick shout out to Max: Congrats on killin' that audition! I wish I could watch you in the MAIN ROOM at the Comedy Store!

Food porn

2010-06-02T14:08:00.008-04:00

La Oaxaquena Taqueria

Casa del Pollo

Las Tortas Locas

Within the past few weeks, my cravings for Mexican food (namely delicious tortas) has been pretty much out of control and Thao and Max have been along for the ride. Here are some pretty cool places that I have tried out so far:

1. Cow cheek and tongue tacos and tortas at La Oaxaquena Taqueria in Jonesboro are insanely good. Not to mention, they have the best flan I have ever tasted (and I consider myself to be a Flan-connoisseur of sorts).

2. The marinated pork torta at Casa del Pollo right across the street from where I work in Forest Park is amazing. I love that they added pineapple chunks along with the pork and Gorgonzola cheese. SO GOOD. The quesadilla, however, was pretty weak. As you can see from the pic, it's all filler and no killer.

3. Even though Las Tortas Locas is a chain that has been around for some time, Thao and I decided to give it a try for the first time last weekend and gave the Buford HWY location a visit--and were pleasantly surprised. While these fast-food versions didn't quite stack up with other restaurant-quality sammiches, it still hit the spot. Thao's carne asada torta had a really nice kick to it.

Stay tuned for more food porn!

'Bout to bag it up

2010-06-01T15:39:00.006-04:00

I realize that Urban Outfitters is the devil, but I need their leather bucket bag. I have been searching furiously for a slouchy and soft bucket bag to tote all of the my crap around and this one fits the bill. Plus, the convertible straps allow me to turn this bad boy into a knapsack when required. Simply irresistible!

Oh, and Max's stay in ATL turned out to be ridiculous fun. I'll consider posting pictures later.

Lady in the street but a freak in the bed

2010-05-25T11:08:00.004-04:00

Photos from: Olsensanonymous, Karlascloset and Life-In-Travel

These silk PJ pants seem to be the ultimate staple in summer style and comfort...that I don't think I can get away with/pull off. Despite it's versatility (Ashley Olsen keeps it cool n' casual, Karla makes it tough yet chic, and Hanh turns it into a super-stylish resort piece) , I still doubt my fashion forte to make this work.

If I could rocked my silk PJ pants from my bedroom to the public, I would cut my morning routine time in half (the longest part is getting dressed)!!!

Sigh, if only I wasn't a total chicken-shit.

Grillz, grillz, grillz I do adore

2010-05-21T10:34:00.007-04:00

Aw yeah, you best believe that the Nguyen-Family knows how to grill-out.

Yesterday, Thao and I hosted a backyard bbq in honor of my cousin Van and Max's coming into town from Portland and LA respectively. My cousin Joe and Van whipped up the most amazing steaks ever (No A-1 needed!) along with some other equally delicious grilled veggies and mouth-watering bratwurst dogs. We enjoyed all of this out in the beautiful, breezy GA summer weather with some ice-cold beers and hilarious, uninhibited conversation. It made me realize how much I missed these get-togethers and how I need to get some more going!

Later, when the sun went down and the grill went out, we ventured on inside to snack on icecream and candy, all while learning to count cards while playing Black Jack. That's right, the Nguyens are going to Vegas this summer and we plan on taking them to cleaners.

I have to go shower and get dressed now--my dad is taking me and Thao out to Fogo de Chao for a graduation lunch of sorts. I swear, all of this red meat is going to kill me.

Get your hair did.

2010-05-19T14:09:00.004-04:00

Taghrid makes super-long, unruly hair look amazing. I, on the other hand, do not.

I have a wedding to go to this weekend and I'm not sure about what to do with my ridiculously long mane. Also, considering that this wedding will more than likely take place outdoors in the insane, GA humid weather, finding out what to do with my hair is proving to become an even more daunting task. Guess I'll have to see how my "do-I-really-give-a-shit-about-how-I-look-today" meter is reading this coming Saturday.

PS: Where did she get those Pierre Hardy for Gap wedges??? They are no where to be found!

Maxi-muh-um!

2010-05-18T14:33:00.003-04:00

So, I've been trying to play it cool, but I can't lie--Max is coming into town tomorrow and I'm pretty stoked.

First order of business is taking Max out to Fellini's to get some fresh pizza and Blue Moon. Apparently this combo does not exist in LA.

Yay!

You win some you lose some

2010-05-17T14:05:00.005-04:00

Me, Priscilla and Rebecca getting too crunk for the camera's focusing capabilities.

This weekend was amazing, so naturally this Monday is really shitty. I woke up for work late today because my cousin Van was in town from Maine and we decided to throw a sort of "Welcome Home/Jackie's Graduation" shin-dig for him at my house all day Sunday. This was a lot of fun, despite the vicious hangover I was experiencing from having tailgated all day and clubbing all night Saturday (The pho Priscilla and I grabbed Sunday afternoon served only as a slight relief).

Anywho, so I woke up late, missed breakfast, and have been dealing with angry trailer park tenants and snooty secretaries all day long. On top of all of this BS, there have been a slew of men coming into the office. These men are made up of inspectors, prospective tenants, investors, lawyers, etc. The annoying thing about this is that they are all douches and they keep hitting on either my mom (which makes me feel like throwing up in my mouth a little each time) or they're hitting on me (which makes me want to throw up all over the place).

So after an awesome, sunny, fun-filled weekend, I am met with a most disagreeable, cloudy, Monday. Let's hope that the rest of the week will turn out a little less aggravating.

Bleh, time to stop griping and start grinding.

She's only happy in the sun

2010-05-14T10:29:00.009-04:00

This picture in Elle reminds me of how much I love and miss summer always. Such a cool pic of Ambrosio, right?

The 3 best things about summer:

1. Wedding Season

I'll be going to three different ones this summer and one of them will be in Vegas (SAY WHAAAT!?!?). If you want to know why weddings are so awesome, go watch Wedding Crashers and get educated.

2. Graduation Season

People all over the place got they degree! Time to get slizzurd before we all have to grow up officially! My sister just graduated and it's going to be a week-long celebration starting tonight!

3. Tanning

Ask anyone who knows me, all I ever think about is being golden. I whine about it in the winter and I obsess about it in the summer. Unless you are like my lovely friends Heather and Sa, who look amazing pale, go get some color, whether it be by soaking up hazardous UV rays or using safe self-tanners. I do the former.

There are waaay too many things to list that makes summer time awesome, so I won't get into it. But let me tell you, gettin' it crunk in Hotlanta is the way to go every year. Here's to summa-summa time!

Lust

2010-04-29T15:11:00.003-04:00

I am trying to rationalize buying this woven wedge wonder from Elizabeth and James... Considering that I already own a ton of heels and this beauty is $425.00, it's not really working.

Things I learn from festival season in ATL...

2010-04-23T12:55:00.008-04:00

Here are some things you should know about Festival Season in Atlanta, namely the Dogwood Festival that is held in midtown in Piedmont Park every spring...

1. Because the state of Georgia has extra horny bees and flowers and whatever it is that makes pollen go ape-shit, take a Claritin before you decide to venture out. As a matter of fact, take one the night before.

2. Come out early to find parking along 1oth-14th Street or expect to pay a hefty $11.00 to park in a parking deck nearby. Oh, and traffic is the worst in the area during the Dogwood Festival.

3. Do not be fooled; while the Dogwood Festival does boast a lot of interesting folk art to buy, save your money--save your money for the tempting festival food stands that line the park throughout--the art is generally over-priced crap. I mean, how much do you really need a flying pig made out of an old propane gas tank to hang in your yard for $500.00?

4. Related to #2, it is much more fun and MUCH cheaper to walk around making fun of the "art" than actually buying it.

5. Now, as tempting as it looks to chow down on a huge, cured turkey leg after a long day walking around in the sun, DON'T. It's $10 bucks and it's WAY too salty and you won't even want to finish it. Learn from my mistake.

6. You think you want funnel cake, but after paying $6.00 for it and only eating 2-3 bitefuls, trust me, you're going to want to take the rest of it and pawn it off for $4 bucks to someone else. YOU CANNOT FINISH IT and you certainly don't want to carry around that plate until it falls through from all the grease that is weighing down on it. Just leave the wonderful taste of overly sweet festival funnel cake to your childhood memories where they belong.

7. DO get a nice, cold margarita on the rocks. Maybe two, but any more and you might kid yourself into buying an elaborate, ostentatious cutting board you don't need.

8. If you have a date, bring a blanket. In the evening, a huge screen and projector is set up in the park for some romantic, under-the-stars movie-going experience for everyone to enjoy. Hopefully they'll play Psycho again and you'll get extra lucky.

9. Grab all of the freebies! Except a freshly brewed cup of Folger's coffee... Tempting? Yes. Smart? No. It gets really hot in ATL, even in the spring, and a hot cup of coffee won't help you cool off.

10. If you have children, be sure to bring a cooler filled with food and drink. I saw a mom with 3 kids and she probably dropped a cool $40 bucks buying them various extremely unhealthy (deep-fried Snickers, anyone?) festival fare that would normally cost $10 bucks total elsewhere. And this doesn't even include the insane face paint I saw on each of them and the crazy, crafted hair-do's two of the girls were sporting.

11. No one really comes for the Dogwood tree blossoms. I didn't see a single one. I don't even know if they really have them around or not. Don't look for them.

Next up, the Twilight Criterium in Athens maybe?

Why...

2010-04-23T10:39:00.002-04:00

...can't I ever look this cool?

Apparently, clogs are back...

2010-04-19T13:15:00.003-04:00

So my sister and I are trying to sell this vintage pair that we found at Goodwill some days ago. The leather studded fringe remind me of the "mohawk" heels from Prada's 2009 fall line... sorta. Anywho, go head and eat up this "new" trend and bid away!

Sammich!

2010-04-14T14:48:00.005-04:00

Here is a crappy picture I took with my cell phone of my delicious tuna melt sammich. The cucumbers really make a difference, let me assure you.

Anywho, this picture reminds me of scanwiches.com.

WARNING: This website will make you hungry.

What's up, Doc Martens?

2010-04-14T12:20:00.004-04:00

Thao and I just put a new listing for a pair of sweet Doc Martens we found at Goodwill on Buford. Ch-ch-check it out!

Absence makes the runner grow exhausted

2010-04-13T16:26:00.003-04:00

Since I signed up for membership at LA fitness, I had not had a run through Shady Valley, a long stretch of road by my neighborhood, since sometime back in late December. Today, I decided to re-visit my old running grounds. The weather was beautiful and it tempted me out of my sicky laziness. I ran all the way to the park and almost ran the whole way back until I reached the dreaded hill.

This hill makes up about a 1/4th of my run, there are no trees here to shield me from the harsh sun, and it's the last part of my trip. As treacherous and seemingly never-ending as this hill is, I usually run it almost all the way up, only having to slow to a trot near the end of it. Today, however, I couldn't even make it half way. I began to feel crazy stitches in my side and my calves and thighs were tightening up and burning like crazy. I quickly admitted defeat and began to power-walk the rest of the way up like a loser. BLAAAH.

Here is one of my all-time favorite commercials (inspired me to start running, actually):

If this ever happens to me in real life, I hope the killer is not chasing me uphill.

Monday Malaise

2010-04-12T19:29:00.007-04:00

I woke up at 7:20am and got out of the house by 7:35am to make it to 3 dispossessory hearing for work today at 8:30am (talk about a freaking panic attack). Now, I am generally really quick about getting ready in the mornings, but this was pretty hectic for me today. On top of waking up pretty late for the hearings, I woke up with a crazy cold. Even after chowing down on some steaming-hot Chik-fil-A chicken noodle soup, I didn't feel any better and had to have Thao take me home. Thanks again!!!

Now here comes the good part of my day... After arriving home, I cleaned up my entire room, did some long over-due laundry, and then sat and drank a big ol' mug of earl grey. I don't know why, but tea and doing chores generally lifts my spirits. Although sitting at home feeling sick and gross wouldn't normally qualify as being the "good part of my day", but on a crazy Monday like this, it works.

Anywho, here are some pictures from the weekend:

Thao and Uyen, cheesin' after a hard-earned doubles' victory

Why yes, that IS my amazing old world map leather tote. Got it for $2.00 at Goodwill!

How hilarious is this tee? H-Mart is the best!

Thao and I started off our Sunday by hitting up our Women's tennis match (we were rotated out this week so we didn't get to play) and watched them completely dominate the other team. We took the opportunity to eat some on-sale Easter candy and tan. Later, we went to H-Mart with our cousins to help them run errands and grab dinner. After that, we caught a showing of Clash of the Titans. As much as I love the sexy and talented Liam Neeson and Sam Worthington (who doesn't?), the movie was pretty disappointing. Oh well, at least I didn't pay an extra $4 bucks to watch the 3D version or anything.

So it wasn't the most exciting weekend, but it was relaxing. After a hectic work-week, it was exactly what I needed to jump start my Monday, even if it didn't go as well as desired.

Gotta take some meds now, PEACE!

Want vs. Need

2010-04-09T12:40:00.003-04:00

Want: Givenchy Jelly Caged Sandals in Ivory. Even though they're from last season (I've been lusting after them since!), they're still going for about $299 on Ebay... I think I should go with a similar version from Urbanouttfitters in tan, even if it is still a cool $110.00.

NEED: Some new work out clothes. I mean, I don't have a problem wearing ratty, old tees to the gym with some random shorts, but wearing that stuff at the LA Fitness in Buckhead just ain't gonna cut it any more. Here is a cute outfit from Women's Health Magazine:

Cute, right? But I think until I run another 100 miles or so, I'll keep that cute vest zipped up.

Speaking of which, I have discovered that working out will make you more energized, no matter how tired you feel. I had the longest, crappiest workday yesterday and the last thing I wanted to do was to go to the gym. But, I somewho mustered the will to go and when I ran my 2.5 miles on the treadmill, I felt light as a feather. After working out some more, I went home feeling like new. Nothing like a good work-out followed by a cool shower to wash off the day's bad mojo.

Thinking ahead...

2010-04-08T12:20:00.003-04:00

So I did a little online shopping during my lunch break and this is what I bought for myself from J.Crew. I'm not 100% sure when I will be going to the beach or anything, but it was on sale and I cannot resist anything with stripes.

I'm sure it will suit me just fine sitting on my deck with a magazine in the sun.

Tuesday Time-Waster

2010-04-06T20:35:00.005-04:00

Seriously, Cadbury Eggs are the best part of every Easter.

Hello my lovely, lovely readers! Did you all have a good Easter? I know I did--after eating fresh fruit and tanning at Piedmont Park all day with my good friend Heather, I went home, ate some spring rolls and napped for about 5 hours straight... Who says you can't get caught up on sleep?

The first two weeks of the month are always the busiest at work (this is when we're collecting everyone's rent, bills come in and out, etc) so I don't really have much time to post anything substantial, so I'll leave you with this:

http://www.freerice.com/

This time-waster will not only make you smarter, it will help you do your part to end world hunger.

If anything, maybe it will help you prevent from writing like some of my mobile park tenants... Here's an excerpt from a note left for us: I did not know rent was due on the 3th of ever month...

*SIGH*

Well, happy 6rd of April!

Want vs. Need

2010-04-02T09:20:00.004-04:00

Want: Sweet, gold acrylic-metal alloy Dinosaur necklace from the amazing S/S04 Tatty Devine collection.

Need: Save up money for two seat deposits for law school (sorry, I can't find anything that's depressing/lame enough to depict this accordingly).

Seriously though, how great is that necklace? It costs £114... I don't know how much that is, but I'm pretty sure that it's more than I can afford for a necklace right now, even if it is an amazing, golden skeletal t-rex one.

Vay-kay, s'il vous plait!

2010-04-01T12:45:00.009-04:00

This is a picture of Max and I several years ago on our college spring break in Panama City Beach (PCB for all the cool people). The photo was taken by a random photographer for South Shore Studio (note the cheesy pose). Max and I were too cheap to order our own copies, so we just copied and pasted what we could from the website, hence the company logo plastered across our lovely photo.

I've been working 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. I think it's about time I take another vacation, don't you agree? A niiiiice, waaaaarm, vacation.

Wednesday Hump Day

2010-03-31T10:37:00.008-04:00

I am now more than ever convinced that Twining's Earl Grey tea with lemon is an absolute cure-all for a crappy mornings on the weekdays (and crappy, hung-over weekends as well). I am not going to go on and on about how stressful this morning has been, but I will say that Earl Grey has fixed it all and now I can be optimistic that half of this hellish work week is almost over. Thank God.

I have to get back to work now, but I'll try to update again later in the day if I can.

Baaaack

2010-03-29T12:40:00.003-04:00

I have put this blog to the side for a while now for several reasons:

1. I've been working my butt off to finish my final semester at Georgia State University strong (and I succeeded--I made straight A's!)

2. I've been going just about insane getting together my law school apps so that I can get accepted somewhere (also a success--I received a letter of acceptance from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta about a week ago!)

3. I have recently picked up running my mom's ever-growing residential and commercial property management company. I've been working 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. Although I've been working like a dog, I can't complain because I've been learning a lot, I make a lot of money, and I am always happy to help my mom.

So yes, that about sums up why this blog has been on hiatus for the past several months. Now let's see if I can get you readers up to speed on what's been going with my life outside of the academia and work-oriented arena...

1. Max has left for California to live out his post-graduate life indefinitely. While I do miss a lot, I am very very happy for him and I am more than confident we will remain close.

2. I just finished up ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) Winter Mixed doubles season and I am just now starting up ATLA Spring Women's doubles season. Thao (my lil' sister) is my partner and we are ready to dominate these sorry hoes!

3. My cousin Jacinta just got accepted into med school in the Caribbeans! This is a huge deal because she has been working so hard at this for some time now and I am so happy for her and so so proud!

4. I managed to squeeze in a little vacation time into my busy schedule to go to New York with Thao and my mom. There are just too many good things to say about NY, but I will say this: I am in LOVE with all NY men. Mmm-mm.

5. Other than working, I have been spending my time reading, painting, drawing, playing tennis, and catching up with friends. You know, things that writing 25 different term papers didn't allow for me to do before. Although I have to admit, sometimes I think I miss school, but whenever I find myself curled up under my comforter on a Sunday afternoon flipping through mindless magazines, I don't miss it so much anymore. Besides, I should really enjoy relaxing before law school starts up again in the Fall, right?

6. Thao and I have picked up watching Starz's original series Spartacus. While I do realize that this show looks, sounds and feels a lot like the movie 300, I am so addicted. And yes, I also realize that this show is practically soft-core porn with an ancient Roman backdrop. I am not ashamed.

7. My cousin Nancy from Canada is getting married in August. However, I must admit that the most exciting part about this piece of news is that she is getting married in LAS VEGAS. I can only add that I am extremely pumped and ready for this wedding! Especially with all of my awesome cousins going, this trip is going to be ridiculously fun!

Wow, I kind of missed blogging about random stuff... Hopefully I'll keep this up for a little longer than a handful of months this time around. I look forward to getting back into the swing of things!

Movie night done right

2009-09-05T01:39:00.010-04:00

After a long week of studying, Jackie, Max and myself decided to kick off the long weekend by treating ourselves to some random snacks--some popcorn (half drizzled with chocolate), sour gummy worms, Doritos, and some homemade chocolate-covered strawberries and some Coraline, via On Demand.

That movie is actually really intense, especially when you're on a crazy sugar-high.

Look at poor Ricky in the back behind Max and my sister... we'll be sure to get him a treat later, haha.

What are your favorite movie snacks?