LongLong's OL Blog - 容容 的洛城OL隨記

SmallN has never been a big drinker.  She always gets tipsy after a half glass of wine - not merlot but kitty wine like Plum wine.
That's why I was surprised when she proposed for a happy hour for a cold beer at California Brewing Co.  Hmmm.....Am I such a bad influence?  SmallN seems to enjoys wine, beer, and cocktail more since I moved back to Southern California.  Have I given my big sister a makeover from naive housewife to a "hot mommy" who likes happy hour?   Sorry, Samuel's Dad....It's all my fault.
We arrived at California Brewing Co at Main Street Alhambra.  I was surprised the place wasn't crowded on Saturday afternoon. it's a typical old bar with big beer barrels and those vintage woman posters hanging on the wall.  I was suprised to this vintage music box (jewl box?).  I felt like I am in some 70th movie - Kind of remind me of Grease... I am not sure I know how to use this machine.
We both ordered Wheat Beer with Lemon.  Can you guess who order what?    It doesn't matter, becuase we were both thirsty
We were also very hungry.  I didn't have lunch so I had an excuse.  I can't say the same thing about SmallN.  I recalled someone had Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Dad's pasta for lunch......  Hmmm... but happy hour suppose to be Happy and Guilt Free.   We ordered bear battered fried mozzarolla cheese and buffalo wings.
We both like fried mozzarolla cheese. it's crispy but not too greasy.  The cheese can stretch miles long...
Buffalo Wings were okay - maybe becuause we were staring at Tony Romas' Rib across the street.  We should of gone there for happy hours.  50% off all ribs
SmallN and I made a pact - When I move back home, we will try one happy hour place a week!  Where should we go next time?  Cuban Bistro or Tony Romas....
P.S.  If you want to learn more about our happy hour - you can visit SmallN's blog.  She is a better writer, but I get the PICTURES!!!!

It's Wednesday.  Why is Auntie Longlong at Grandpa?  Cool!  I have one more person to play with.  
After the fulfilled meat ball lunch.  I need some fun.  Autie LongLong is hitting the drum like a crazy person.....It seems fun.  I want to play, too.
Let's use my hands first - African drumming style.
I think I am more a Jazz Drumer.  I need my sticks.
Look at me.  I am pretty good.
I am a super little drumer.

Wednesday is Smalln and Samuel's lunch at Grandparent's day.  Mom was busy preparing feast for Prince Samuel's arrival since Tuesday night - Chinese Meat Ball.  
Mom first mixed grounded pork with diced pickle, soy sauce, eggs yoke, salt, sugar, and some rice wine
Boiled a pot of hot soup base -salted pickle juice, chicken stock, and some soy sauce.
Started to roll a little meat ball...
Dropped them one by one into the boiled soup base....Every little meat ball is filled with Grandma's LOVE
Closed the lid and let it boiled for about 30 minutes.  Mom used the clay pot, so it made the stew tasted even better.
30 minutes later.... all the little meat balls are bubbling up and should be ready for Prince Samuel to eat tomrorow.
Samuel loves Grandma's meat ball with rice. Big bite!!
Hmmm... yummy. 
I want more.

I went back to Mom and Dad on Tuesday night in preparing for my big "doctor" appointment on Wednesday.  I haven't gone home during a weekday night for a long time, so it actaully gave me a chance to experience how my life would be if I move home
I decided to stop by a nail salon for a quick manicure.  I called Mom and let her know I should be back within a hour (hmmmm..it's been a while since I need to report to someone on my where about).  My wait time went a bit longer than I anticipated.  I called Mom again and told them not to wait up for dinner (hmmm..again felt a bit like high school all over again).  However, being a nice parents, they decided to wait .  I rushed my manicurist, didn't wait too long for nail to be drive, and hurried home.......I guess no more goofing around after work for me if I do move back home.
Here is the great part about living at home...."Home Made Dinner"!!!!!!  (or semi-home made). 
Mom prepared a simple nice dinner for three of us.  Roast Duck, Fresh Bamboo, and Special home grown veggie (asian root veggie).  Dad also heated up a bottle of nice aged Sake to wish me good luck for tomororw's "Dr. Appointment"

My blog reached 1,000 vistors today!  
Thank you all of my families, friends, and strangers out there who have patiently allowed me to share with you my happiness, fun, thought and venting. 
It has been a great Blog Ride.  I am looking forward to more amazing blog experience.

My blog reached 1,000 vistors today!  
Thank you all of my families, friends, and strangers out there who have patiently allowed me to share with you my happiness, fun, thought and venting. 
It has been a great Blog Ride.  I am looking forward to more amazing blog experience.

Today is our 16th Anniversary of moving to U.S.A. 
I vaguely remember our arrival in LAX, the 1st evening walk in U.S. with grandpa -I stll remember he taught us what to do at STOP Sign, walked into Alpha Beta Market and amazed by how big everything seemed to be in U.S
1 big american dream
2 large over-sized teddy bears which I recieved from my friends right before boarding the plane at Tapei airport.
2 concerned but brave parents who moved to an unknown territory in order  to provide their children with a better life and opportunity.
3 young & fearless teens waiting to start their new lives in U.S.A
4 people squeezed in the back of Jonathan's red acura integra
5 confused and jet lag FOB
6 anxious awaiting relatives and friends:  Grandpa & Grandma, Christina & David, Jonathan and Auntie.....(I couldn't remember if "Big Face God' was there)
7 people crowed in grandpa's 2 bedrooms apartment
8  years of waiting for the visa approval.
9  lbs is how much weight I gained in the 1st year in U.S. Thanks to all those big portion food, giant chips and M&M from Costco...
10 large black suit cases 
It's an amazing 16 years.  We've gone thorugh many trails and triumphs as a family or as an each individual.  Looking back we can just be thankful for each step that God has leaded us through, friends and families who have come beside us in these years- and be grateful.
 

I've been moving around the country for many years, one of my biggest headache is to find a new hair styler in a new place.  I'm very particular on hair - admittedly kind of picky, so once I found a good styler, I would be loyal to him or her till I move.  From NYC Astor Place's Dominic to Bay Area Stilo's Sasha, I've gone to both of them for years......  
For some reason, I'm stll looking for my perfect hair styler here in So. CA.  It's almost too expesive to go up to Bay Area every 2 months for color and cut  -(well, which I did for few times already out of desperation).....  So I started to go to Michael near Focus Plaza (See Smalln's articlue on Michael:  http://www.wretch.cc/blog/smalln5683&article_id=8698645).  My whole families go there, Mom, Dad, Smalln, Steve and even Samuel.   I seemed to be the only one complaining.... Every time after my visit, I would complain and promise myself that this will be my last visit.  My color faded after few washes, too much layer that makes me look like FOB.  I was not a happy customer.  However, I keep going back becuase convenience of the location - most importantly, I don't know where else to go.  
After another horriable hair color last time, I finally made up my mind and decided to try a new salon near by this Saturday.  I was actually looking forward to it.  My hair is getting really long, and I need a fresh cut for my BIG meeting on Wednesday.  Mom was being a good sport - she went there first on Friday to try the guy out.  

I've been moving around the country for many years, one of my biggest headache is to find a new hair styler in a new place.  I'm very particular on hair - admittedly kind of picky, so once I found a good styler, I would be loyal to him or her till I move.  From NYC Astor Place's Dominic to Bay Area Stilo's Sasha, I've gone to both of them for years......  
For some reason, I'm stll looking for my perfect hair styler here in So. CA.  It's almost too expesive to go up to Bay Area every 2 months for color and cut  -(well, which I did for few times already out of desperation).....  So I started to go to Michael near Focus Plaza (See Smalln's articlue on Michael:  http://www.wretch.cc/blog/smalln5683&article_id=8698645).  My whole families go there, Mom, Dad, Smalln, Steve and even Samuel.   I seemed to be the only one complaining.... Every time after my visit, I would complain and promise myself that this will be my last visit.  My color faded after few washes, too much layer that makes me look like FOB.  I was not a happy customer.  However, I keep going back becuase convenience of the location - most importantly, I don't know where else to go.  
After another horriable hair color last time, I finally made up my mind and decided to try a new salon near by this Saturday.  I was actually looking forward to it.  My hair is getting really long, and I need a fresh cut for my BIG meeting on Wednesday.  Mom was being a good sport - she went there first on Friday to try the guy out.  
Although I can't really tell the difference between this new guy and Michael since Mom's hair is way too short.....too much layer.  Dad has been teasing Mom the whole weekend -he called her a "no- hair doll"  just like these two dolls.
Anyway, I arrived on time for my 2:30pm. The place is tiny an busy with few customers waiting.  I let the front desk lady knew I am here and she asked me to wait a bit.  I picked up a bunch of magazine and sat at the waiting area.  I finished one magazine after another, and still waiting.  I seemd to be invisable to them- and 30 minutes later still not my turn yet.  I was pissed.  I really need a color and a cut TODAY.  I called Michael and luckly he can take me right away.  I told the front desk lady that they can cancel my appointment ( not sure if they really care anyway), and walked out the salon.  I headed to Michael across the street - I guess for certain reason my hair keeps dragging me back to Michael.  Well, I think he did a better job this time- maybe because he is sick of listening me vent   Maybe it does pay off to give someone a second or thrid or forth chance.
During the hot summer day, a short and freshly colored hair does make me feel better!

I heard this quote from the sermon this morning - I thought it's quite enlightling, and really show how stupid a person is for hodling grudge.
"Unforgivenss is like drinking poison and waiting for someone else to die."
Something to think about during Monday Blue tomorrow  while others at work start to piss you off.