"Nee-how, dai jin" (hi and goodbye)

Yikes. It has been a loooong time since my last writeup. Part of that time I have been in China on vacation with the fam. The 13-day trip was eye-opening and fascinating, as I saw some amazing stuff. We started out in Beijing (the first day was the coldest, rainiest day of the trip), flew southwest to Xi'an ("she-an") to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, then west to Shanghai. Our tour group consisted of about 28 people from my parent's town with a median age of 50, so my lil' sis and I were the youngest of the group. Some of the highlights from the trip was seeing the Great Wall of China (Badaling portion, just 1 hour north of Beijing), Terra Cotta warriors (even more amazing than what you see on the History Channel), Temple of Heaven (the symbol of Beijing), all the preparations for the 2008 Olympics, the gorgeous modern architecture of Shanghai, and of course, the culture. I felt pretty worldly before the trip, having traveled around the U.S. and a whole 2 times to Europe and once to Mexico, but this experience was completely different. It was interesting to see the modern Westernization of the cities, yet there were haunting reminders that I was in a Communist, third-world country. You would see a flurry of Starbucks and KFC's, yet with staunch soldiers standing outside them, making their presence known. Our bus would drive by huge shopping centers, only to pass by run-down "Hutongs" (old village complexes) and people hauling vegetables on the back of their bicycles. It was quite surreal.

Secondly, I always thought I looked kind of different, or more American, to most Chinese. So it was odd to me to be approached so much and greeted with a "nee-how" ("hi") and "blah, blah blah blah blah" in Mandarin. When they figured out I couldn't speak back to them, they had a funny look on their face and giggled. Maybe many of the Chinese have never met anyone who looks like them and doesn't speak the language! It made me feel that fine line between "American" and "Chinese" that comes up at times, when I have a mini cultural identity crisis. When I don't know how to define myself. I look like these people, but I don't speak the language, eat the food, or live their life. It made me think "should I be like them? should I be able to fit in better than most?" And does that identity borderline even exist? Hmmm...heavy stuff.

Anyway, the next 10 entries are notes from my travel journal. Hope you enjoy!

Tasty Treat

Halloween 2007 turned out to be kind of boring...no huge parties and trick-or-treater levels were down year-to-year (in researcher speak). However, I did love my costume! Following up the 2006 TV Set costume, I recycled the same "TV Set" into a Chinese take-out box. Take any old cardboard box, cut the top flaps into semi-circles, paint it white and accent with red writing to make an easy chinese take-out box. You can't really see my t-shirt in the photo, but I also added iron-on letters to an old t-shirt that said "Food." Hence, "Chinese Take-Out." It was cute but did not win me many prizes. I don't think I can recycle my box again so I may have to resort to some sort of stupid slutty outfit/uniform (nurse, firewoman, policewoman, maid...why the sexed up occupational themes?). Then again, maybe I'll find another box and be a refrigerator or something...at least I'll be warm. My Chinese Take Out Box has yet to go into recycling, as Mr. Biscuits is enjoying it as his fort in my living room.

Friday Comfort Food

After the long work week, the last thing I want to do is cook. However, since our friend Murphy was our house guest last night and I was craving some good old comfort food, I decided to put on the apron. I love homemade lasagna, but I hate the work and time that goes into it. Thanks to Trader Joes and a little creativity, I whipped up this last minute lasagna in about 60 minutes. I know the golden rule of cooking for guests is not to make something you haven't tried before, but since Murphy is a good sport, why not?

After Work Lasagna

1 Box Barilla Lasagna (the kind you have to boil)
2 jars Trader Joe's Marinara Sauce
1 container Ricotta
1 ball of mozzarella (sliced)
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
Trader Joe's Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage (I used 2)
1/2 minced onion

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Boil water and cook noodles until al dente. Saute onion and set aside. Mix sauteed onion with ricotta and mix in eggs. Slice sausages and saute, chopping gently to small pieces. Once sausage is cooked and in small pieces, add marinara sauce.

In a large rectangular pan, spray lightly with non-stick spray and add a little marinara sauce to the bottom of pan. Layer noodles with ricotta mixture, another layer of noodles with sausage/sauce mixture and sliced mozzarella, and so on. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for 10 minutes.

Holly Go Lightly

Shoe mavens rejoice! Holly Dunlap, Creative Director of oh-so-fab classy shoe goodness, Hollywould, is coming to a Target near you! Hollywould is known for classic designs, sexy heels, and signature ankle bows. How cool is it that through October-December, I won't have to shell out $200+ for a pair of her shoes, but only $29.99??! Yes, that's right, $30 bucks. To top it off, there is a line of matching bags (how ladylike). I am eyeing this tote, as well as a pair of red satin heels.

Hollywould Fifi Tote, $49.99

Bringing SexyBack to SacTown

Boy, that Justin Timberlake has an insane effect on females. Following up to my previous post, my concert-bud Clau got some last minute tickets to the JT show at Arco Arena so after work I rushed over to Forever 21 to get some non-stuffy-sequined attire and off I went. Sacramento was the last stop on JT's tour and he and his crew really put on a good show. We started out in nosebleed section 218, but were able to take over our friend's much-better seats about 5 songs into the show. The new seats were in the middle of skankville, as girlfights erupted, obnoxious comments yelled, relationships were consumated, and lightweight drinkers over-indulged to the point of sickness. However, Clau and I had a great time and danced like we were 20 year old clubbers again. All this on a Tuesday night in Sactown...

This Just In...

As of 4:30pm this afternoon, I am going to the (rescheduled) Justin Timberlake concert at Arco Arena tonight! This was entirely unexpected, as I did not bring extra clothes, makeup, anything with me, but I guess that is an excuse to do some power shopping before he hits the stage at 8:30pm. Thanks to my friend Clau and her fairy godmother, dreams do come true!

Emmytime (Spoiler Alert)

Of all awards shows, the Emmy's are my favorite. The Oscars are a little too austere for my taste (even with Jon Stewart and other comedian hosts), Golden Globes are a nice preview to the Oscars but its spontanaiety is overplayed, SAG awards are mainly a popularity contest (only Screen Actors Guild members vote for their faves), and anything MTV awards is just fluff programming for MTV to give itself a little ratings boost. I'm a TV-girl at heart so I really enjoy seeing talented people get their due. I pretty much agreed with most of the winners. However, I didn't quite agree with Ryan Seacrest as host (why did he have to dress up in a costume from "the Tudors?" come ON.), the whole Jersey Boys/Sopranos tribute (their Jersey roots is the only thing they had in common. 50's pop and Mob families just don't mix), the theatre "in the round" staging, and the creepy Neil Patrick Harris/Hayden Paneterie banter ("so you're 18 now...").

Random Winners and Commentary:

Drama Series: "The Sopranos," HBO. AGREE, this show is so well written that I don't mind the grit and gore.
Comedy Series: "30 Rock," NBC. AGREE. Tina Fey reminds me of my smarty-pants friends. This show reminds me of working at a network and the insane dysfunction that prevails. Love it!
Miniseries: "Broken Trail," AMC. Westerns always win. But I still heart Robert Duvall.
Variety, Music or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," Comedy Central. I admit that I am part of the generation that gets my news from "The Daily Show." Infotainment is key to our multitasking age group.
Made-for-TV Movie: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," HBO. I watched about 15 minutes of this is a heartwrencher of a movie. I can't stand watching movies about the topic.
Reality-Competition Program: "The Amazing Race," CBS. No surprise, this wins every year.
Actor, Drama Series: James Spader, "Boston Legal," ABC. Good, Creepy, Actor. Every time I see him, I think of "Secretary."
Actor, Comedy Series: Ricky Gervais, "Extras," HBO. AGREE, HILARIOUS. I thought it was great that Steve Carell from the other "Office" accepted it on his behalf.
Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Robert Duvall, "Broken Trail," AMC. AGREE, he's so good at playing old, hardened, cowboys.
Actress, Drama Series: Sally Field, "Brothers & Sisters," ABC. Hmmm, I didn't see the series, but I do like Sally Field. We like her, we really like her.
Actress, Comedy Series: America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty," ABC. Good for her. I remember her in "Real Women Have Curves" and I think she's a great role model for aspiring actresses.
Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Helen Mirren, "Prime Suspect: The Final Act (Masterpiece Theatre)," PBS. Who doesn't like Helen Mirren?
Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Jeremy Piven, "Entourage," HBO. I wouldn't say he's comedic, just nuts. Too bad that he is the only talented one in the entire show.
Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Thomas Haden Church, "Broken Trail," AMC. From "Wings" to "Sideways," Love him!
Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Katherine Heigl, "Grey's Anatomy," ABC. I liked that she corrected the announcer-lady about her name pronounciation and how she announced that her mom told her she wasn't going to win. Her mother must have been so proud at that moment.
Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Jaime Pressly, "My Name Is Earl," NBC. She's pretty good at playing white trash. However, I didn't like that she called herself "the little engine that could." That just seems egotistical.
Directing, Drama Series: "The Sopranos: Kennedy and Heidi," HBO. That was an awesome episode.
Writing, Comedy Series: "The Office: Gay Witch Hunt," NBC. Classic "Office"!

Wish List Of My Own

The seasons are changing and you know what that means...FALL FASHION! This is probably my favorite season of the year because 1. whatever body flaws you might have can be covered with a beautiful cashmere coat or sweater. 2. gorgeous leather boots make me feel oh-so-sexy (very Mod Squad). and 3. I don't have to fret about perfect pedicures every other week.

I was not thrilled about many trends the past few seasons (its just too 80's for me), but I am LOVING fall so far. Here's my wish list for the Fall:


1. All Things J Crew


I like preppy, but I usually don't like their "I-go-to-the-Hamptons-house-every-weekend-look-preppy." However, I love this argyle sweater dress($175), wool "Bella" coat ($350), and PETITE (yessssss) Herringbone pants ($135).




















2. Mary Janes and T-Straps
Ever since I could fit a pair of shoes, I have always worn Mary Janes, and T-Straps make me feel like dancing! I just bought these Linea Paolo's at Nordies the other day ("La Rue") and they are not only comfortable and stylish, but they come in red! These will look adorable peaking out under black suit pants!














3. Shiny Things

I am a self-described rodent, as I love all things shiny. I love fall because it is a precursor to dressy holiday fashion and luxurious things like velvets, sequins, and light-up holiday sweatshirts (j/k). I recently bought a black sequined tank top from Forever 21 to wear to the JT concert and it will rock on this season under a velvet blazer, paired with black satin pants, or even paired down with a pair of jeans for a night on the town. The gunmetal gray shiny whatever is next on my list. I love the color: it reminds me of a car. Not only would it be a preferred automobile color, but it is definitely a wearable color as well.

4. Oliver People's Nora Sunglasses

Since I pretty much don't have a bridge to my nose, it is really hard to find trendy sunglasses that fit. However, I solved a 28 year old problem last year while visiting Neiman's and tried on a pair of Oliver People's Makeda style frames. Lightweight, big enough, and complete UVA/UVB protection, I was sold. This year I'm dying to get the second generation Makeda's, this time titled the "Nora" which is a little larger and more square, but a perfect fit.








5. Mac Viva Glam VI
If you liked the sparkly pinkish neutral of Glam V, you'll love the slightly more dramatic VI. I tried it on the other day and this is perfect for fall. Match it with a neutral lip liner (like MAC's ever-popular "Spice" or "Whirl") or a darker one for evening (maybe mixed with "Vino"), this warm, plummy color should go well with all skin shades. Additionally, all of its proceeds go to toward HIV/AIDS research, so that's reason enough to buy it now!

Mr. Biscuit's Wish List

For those of you who know me fairly well, you know that I get a kick out of really really stupid cat paraphanalia. Ever since I became a cat-mommy of a 18 pound tuxedo cat named Mr. Biscuits in March, all things kitty make me giggle like a school girl. He is a cat, but acts like a dog, as he responds to his name, needs constant affection, and loves to play. If I were to give him a human voice, I think it would sound something like James Earl Jones. He sits around the house all day and entertains himself with his feather toys and when we come home, he sits by his little cat door window and watches us come into the house. But I won't bore you with any more cat stories...once you see me in full-on cat t-shirts and other feline fashionables, you can tell me I've officially lost it.

Until then I will have to giggle at the following:


CAT DUSTER SLIPPERS

Mr. Biscuit can now make himself useful around the house!

CITIKITTY TOILET TRAINING KIT


Now if we can only teach him how to flush.

MEWVIES....as seen on 20/20!


http://www.mewvies.com/
Something to keep Mr. Biscuits occupied during the day. He can watch episodes like "Backyard Buffet," "Birdland Bonanza" or "Bug Brigade," all which feature "Animals in their natural habitat." I can get the complete set for $29.95.

On the Edge of Insanity

51%
I can deal with 51%. It means I have a life. :) However, on the other hand, maybe it means this blog that you are reading sucks 49%.

Ode to HBO

When I was a little girl my mother kept getting more and more irritated with our local cable company that one day she had it cut off. I remember that day very clearly; it was around 3pm in the afternoon on a weekday and I was watching "She-Ra" in my parent's bedroom. Suddenly the screen went black. Sad to say, She-Ra never came back to my house.

Now that I am a grown up and can buy pretty much whatever I want, I have 300+ channels of pure television enjoyment to choose from, including...HBO. My parents gasp at the thought of "premium channels," but you have no idea how it has affected my life. First off, it has saved my marriage: my sports-loving husband and I now have programs that we can both agree on. No more wrestling for the remote control (which was fun at first, then got old), snide comments ("Food Network hosts are geeks"), or separate viewing in different rooms. This summer, on Sunday and Monday nights we actually had a ritual of eating dinner together then snuggling on the couch to watch "Entourage," "Flight of the Conchords," and "Big Love." How sad I am to see those show end for the season, but I'm hoping I will get my hubby hooked on "Curb Your Enthusiasm." He really seems to relate well with old, crotchety, curmudgeons.



The next reason why I love HBO is because I am so over the whole reality craze. Yes, it is cheap to produce and yields high ratings, but lets get back to basics. Real storytelling with real actors and real budgets. Programs with a well thought out creative proccess. To me, that's what Hollywood is all about. So as I wax poetic about premium cable, for those who do not subscribe, think of it as an investment in your intellect as well as your relationships. I know I did, and it has made all the difference.

Fair Food 2007

Ah, the State Fair...Cows, Carnies and Corn Dogs. Sad to say, the primary reason I brave the white trash crowds and ridiculous heat each year is to eat my way through all the fair food. Each year I have sampled the trendy food of the moment, from fried oreos, twinkies, or avocados, to more traditional stuff like lemonade and corn dogs. The main culinary edible this year was Fried Coke. Yes, a fried soda. From what I gathered, the soda syrup was mixed with batter and fried (can't mix water and hot oil), then more syrup was drizzled over it and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Frugal me couldn't fathom spending $5.95 on a cup of fried batter, so I went with the next big item: the Fried Elvis Sandwich. For the same price, I got a peanut butter and banana sanwich on white Wonder bread dipped in batter and deep fried to golden perfection. It wasn't much to look at, but inside it was creamy and peanut-y and there was a nice crisp crunch to each bite. Talk about rich on the hips, I think I ate about half of it then gave up. But I DID IT, and that was all the mattered.

No Day But Today

Welcome friends and strangers to my blog. There aren't too many reasons why I'm doing this, but probably because all my friends are doing it (sorry mom). I love reading my far-away friend's pages to keep up with their lives and interests, so I feel that it is now my turn. I'm not really the type to follow a theme, but I anticipate this to have scattered musings and interests which reflect my crazy life. Maybe that's why I never became Miss LA Chinatown...because I couldn't stick with a topic (But not in a Miss Teen South Carolina sort of way...).