urbanblitz

On Sunday, I got together with a few of my closest friends. In true, Asian time they were all 30 minutes late. And it started with Nat and Angus. Then the twins. Can I say the shutter bugs were there in full force. I’m so blinded from all that flash action.

In fact, I even hid James camera to see how long it would take for him to figure it was gone. And of course, Kevin want to see how long it would take for James to freak out. Must be a twin thing. All in all, it was great to have a good meal laughs with my friends.

Mmmm.. Eggs Benedict.

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In honor, of Flo’s 28th birthday on the 28th, Sandie and I organized a surprise party for her. Well, It’s really because she took so long to decide what she was going to do. So we decided to take it out of her hands, and organize something extra special on her birthday. She absolutely had no idea. In fact, she was even planning her own bash that Friday at Le Souk.

It was really hard for Sandie and me to keep a straight face during the planning stages. But we did. We started off the night at PDT. I told her I was taking her for drinks on her birthday. I even removed my watch so that I would be able to check my mobile when Sandie text me that everything was in place. In fact, I even slipped during drinks. But was able to make a quick recovery.

When we got to the restaurant, Flo was so surprised. Then she spotted her mother and realized that she was in it too. It was such a priceless moment, in that we pulled fast one on the ultimate planner. The party was absolutely fabulous. And we know it was a hit because Flo kept telling us that we suck and she hated us. But we all know she loved begin surrounded her friend’s and family on her birthday.

(the birthday gal with Sandie and me)

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This year, my cousin had hosted his first Thanksgiving dinner with his friend Mark. And what a bird it was. I got there a little bit after 5 pm. Lounged around the couch waiting for some turkey. Ran away from my cousin who was chasing me with his camera. I’m painfully camera shy. And gobbled up all his white castle while I waited for the feast to begin.

Mark was not expecting the turkey paparazzi every time he opened the oven to check on the bird.

But then again, Mark was always in search of the giblets. As he would say how could they not include the giblets. It’s what makes the stuffing good. All I cared about was the turkey.

After having a small plate of turkey, I fell asleep on my cousin’s couch. Of course, my cousin took this opportunity to take a
photograph of me. But I did wake up in time for dessert.

Then I fell asleep again during Gremlins II. Gizmo is so cute. But not enough to keep me awake. And that was my first Thanksgiving dinner with my cousin in Brooklyn.

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This year, I decided to keep my birthday pretty low key. In the past, I had a party at a bar, but I found that I just didn’t get to spend quality time with my friends. So instead of having 2 birthday parties this year, I decided to have brunch with a few of my closest friends. But a small group to me is 14 people.

After last year, I know that strange things occur on my birthday. Such as the birthday balloon that appeared in my office with no note. In addition, my friend Josh had messengered over a cheese cake. But the best gift of all was when my friend Kat had surprised me at my birthday party from London. But that was only last year.

So I had no idea what was in store for me this year. Except there would be more surprises to come. My day started with finding a Starbucks muffin on my desk with no note. By a matter of deduction, I knew who had put it there. Then at about 10 am I get a FEDEX package from my co-worker in Oregon. She sent me donuts from VooDoo Doughnuts. If you don’t know what they are you better watch the Food Network pronto. They were even on the Anthony Bourdain’s show. Come on foodies. I know you’ll are foodies, so come out of the closet, NOW! It definitely topple the cheesecake from last year. Woo hoo!

Truthfully, I was just going to go home on my birthday, if my cousin didn’t drag me out to dinner. We went to 26 seats which one of my favorite french bistro in New York. Afterwards, we were going to go to the avant garde dessert place. But they had closed their doors back in July. So we ended my birthday with Pinkberry. Mmm.. Frozen Yogurt.

Then the next night, I went out to dinner with my friend Flo at Rayuela. Did I tell you that they had this really cool bathroom. And of course, I had to take tons of pictures of that. Surprisingly, no on walked in this little photo session of mine. But the highlight of the night was this amazing duck breast that was stuffed with mangoes. It was definitely my all time best food shot.

So my birthday week ended with sunday brunch with 14 of my closest friends. It was a morning of debauchery and merciless teasing. It would have been PG-13 if M1 & M2 didn’t decide to move the rating closer to NC-17. *Covers eyes* There was way too much licking and let’s not talk about the girls. I’m still a bit traumatized. Well not really. They are my friends.

I got the coolest gifts which included Animaniacs DVD, Crumpler photo bag, Amazon gift certificate, Strands mug and gift card. Hmm.. I must start my rendition of Wacko’s burp alphabet now. *BurP* *BurP* *BurP* I can’t wait to put my gift certificate towards a new lens for my camera and I guess I not leaving Strands bookstore anytime soon.

All in all, I had a great time even with the endless teasing. It was really a lovely birthday. Now how can I top it next year.

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OMG! Paula’s getting married today. Another one bites the dust. Well actually, they had gotten married the previous day at City Hall. It wasn’t much more of a wedding but more of a reception with their closest friends and family. The receptions had taken place at this gawdy catering hall in Long Island. Seriously, they had colored neon lights. No wonder I had to turn all my pictures to sepia. It was nice to see some old friend from university, but it was very odd to see married with children. We’ve only been out of school for a little over 10 years.

I’ve been to many weddings where I’ve seen the Chinese Tea Ceremony. So it was quite a treat to see the Thai Water Ceremony. Basically, the bride and groom kneel together, and a string is draped over their heads. And this string signifies the bond of their union. During the ceremony, starting with the eldest family member down to their peers each person would pour water over their hands as a blessing of their union. Of course, this ceremony will be very long if you come from a big family. It was very amazing to watch and very different.

I’m not sure if I would call this a wedding but more of a celebration amongst friends. There was definitely no problem getting people on the dance floor. Especially with Paula’s mom doing the Cha Cha. Of course, what would a P&J wedding be without the Electric Slide, the Macarena, and the Conga line.

It was nice to see everyone. And like our old university days, there was a lot of photographs. The wedding had ended with a group hug. And I sort got lost somewhere in the middle.

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This has by far been the best birthday.   And definitely full of surprises.  There are no words that can really describe how I feel.  Frankly, I’m at lost at how to articulate the whole experience.  Everything was so memorable.  Including the delicious strawberry cake my friend Rob brought to my annual shin dig.  But the biggest surprise was when my friend Kat showed up.  I just kept saying OMG.  Aren’t you suppose to be in London.  I was so shocked.  And my expression was priceless.  Too bad she didnt’ get it on film.  *smile*  The evening ended with the song Mickey with both TM and MS bringing down the house.

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Last night, I met up with a few people to play spades.  It’s been so long.  And everyone has different house rules.  It was really very nostalgic for me.  I brought back to my college days, when we use to played spades to determine who was cooking.  In the end my partner and I triumphed probably because our opponents were much more conservative players.

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I attended my 2nd Chinese wedding of the year. But this one was for the son of a family friend. So my mom and I halted our asses to Flushing. Neither of wanted to attend. Of course, Ms. Lee would have our heads if we were no shows. It was nice running into some familar faces until I discovered the table I was assigned to. I think Ms. Lee was trying to play matchmaker again. *scrunch nose* So I try to sit as far away from the two guys I met at a previous event. Thank god their mother wasn’t there. Instead, I stuck my mom right next to the good doctor. I think she spent the whole evening talking about her ailments. *grin*

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Well let’s give you a recap of the first wedding I had to attend this season.

First,it was a Catholic wedding held in a church with no AC. About 1-1/2 long ceremony while he whole bridal party had rushed down the aisle. Made taking pictures a bit hard. The little ring bearer was so cute. He rushed down the aisle and when he was close to the papprazzi Asians, including me. He rushed down the aisle with a pillow in his face. Guess he’s a bit camera shy. While the flower girl took her time while she savored every minute down the aisle.

The ceremony was very different then the non-denomination ceremonies I’ve been to in the past. We got up and sat down at least 10 times during the ceremony. In the end, it was pretty nice ceremony that ended with a stream of bubbles.

The reception is what I dread the most. It’s a scene out of Joy Luck Club. Ran into a lot of folks. There were a few folks who said it was was very nice to see me again, but I don’t remember their names. God darn it! Where were the name tags when you needed them.

A lot has changed. When our only concern was sneaking food out of the cafeteria to stir fry in our room. To my friend sneaking her beagle into her dorm room for a whole year. Now they’re just concern about keeping track of the kids running around the reception. Most of my friends were either married with ball in chain. Some had kids while others were expecting. Surprisingly, a few of my classmates are now teachers. There much to chuckle about the past.So much has changed in 10 years.

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I’ve tried Friendster, Myspace and Orkut. I’m sure there are a few others but I don’t remember. I used to check orkut because of the communities. And I’ve definitely gotten very lazy about loggin into orkut. I must admit as much as Myspace is gaining momentum in the social networking space. Everyone is still on Friendster. Very mind boggling how small this world is and how we’re all connected.

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