Your New Year's Resolutions

Yup, it's that time of the year again. I imagine it's the same old things, i.e. lose 5 pounds, be more organized, be nicer, etc. However, I might be able to help you out this time. CLICK HERE if you want to spice up your New Year's Resolutions (or simply have a good chuckle or two).

What are my resolutions? Not sure yet, but I think my friend has suckered me into exercising with her via long walks from my house to Manhattan Beach, soon to turn into jogging. I did it last year, I guess I could do it again. I guess it doesn't cost me anything, besides some time and calories, right? But in exchange, I get quality time to catch up on girl talk. Good luck on your resolutions, not that you need it or anything.

[Tags: e-card, NYE, new, years, resolution]

Explosion of brilliant colors

MB Holiday Fireworks
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

My friend got a much better shot than I did that night 3 weeks ago (click here for my shot). Look at the multitude of brilliant colors in the dark sky. You guys (and girls) should see it in person next time, I think on 2nd Sunday in December every year in Manhattan Beach. Ok, maybe all fireworks are the same, but I doubt it. The fireworks on New Year's Eve on the Vegas strip are a spectacular show worth admiring, despite the overcrowding. Maybe I can dig up those pics from 1 or 3 years ago. I'm amazed that different shots can be taken by 2 people at the same moment. It's not only the camera itself, but rather the perspective of each person that can make a shot unique. Deep, huh? j/k. Happy early NYE! TGIF.

Photography by Miss August

[Tags: fireworks, christmas, holiday, beach, manhattan]

Pooper Scooper at your service

Pooper Scooper at your service
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

I saw this car at 8:30am today on the way to work. It's amazing what you see on the road nowadays. I wonder if the car owner is the business owner or someone was paid enough money to place the ad on the car windows. Either way, what an entrepreneur! I'd pay someone to pick up my pet's crap, if I had a pet, but I don't... for that very reason. Anyhow, this is free advertising for them. I should get a cut, huh? I saw another interesting ad last night, but the pictures didn't come out too well- will blog about it another time. I think this company should re-think about their name, Pooper Scooper sounds more catchy than DoodyDude.com, no? But they did pick a good phone number, 1-866-888-POOP. Hilarious!

[Tags: poop, pooper, scooper, doody, dude, ad, advertisement]

Brazilian underwear for NYE

Yes, I said underwear. Two nights ago, I was having drinks with TK and his Brazilian friends at a local bar when we started talking about New Year's. I learned that Brazilians are quite superstitious folk about many things, including undies for end of the year holiday. It's almost like the belief about wearing green for good luck on St. Patrick's Day or you'll get pinched. The color of your underwear will give you some fortune in the new year.

• Red = Passion
• Pink = Love
• Yellow = Money/Friendship
• Green = Hope
• Blue + White = Peace

I don't see how the color yellow can bring both money and friendship, or maybe it means being rich with friends. I asked the Brazilians, "What if I wear a rainbow colored underwear? Can I have all good fortune?" They laughed. I was serious, or at least half-serious. I turned to TK and said, "We have to go shopping." TK responded, "We?" My response was, "I mean you." Hee hee.

[Tags: brazilian, underwear, undies, superstition, NYE, new, years]

Let it snow in Italy...

Let it snow in Italy...
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Upon my request, my friend sent me this picture by email today. He went home for vacation in Italy. I think he's bragging. ;P I do want to go to Italy one day, but perhaps when the weather is a bit warmer.

I've never seen so much snow. I saw snow for the first time in my life when I was in Korea for business 3 years ago (share pics next time). However, there wasn't enough snow to even make a snowman. :( One day, I'll make a snowman (and a snow angel)...

[Tags: italy, snow]

The Grinch who stole xmas

The Grinch
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

I drove by this house in San Diego last weekend. I thought it was nice to see something else besides Santa and a snowman. I wonder if the Grinch lives there, j/k.

[Tags: grinch, christmas, decoration, santa, snowman]

Z = Keep your mouth shut

Einstein Equation
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

This mug is hilarious. I noticed it recently sitting on the window sill in my colleague's office. Sometimes, if not all the time, I forget about the "Z" factor in the equation (click on the pic to read the mug if you haven't already). Albert Einstein was a genius.

[Tags: einstein, equation, formula, success, mug]

No work and all play...

...makes sMhyla a happy girl. I dragged my butt out of bed and went to work for 2 hours before going to the doctor's office on last Wednesday morning. My doctor said my cold was contagious for 4 days, so he prohibited me from going to work. I even got a doctor's note! I missed work for the rest of Wednesday and all of Thursday. It was a holiday on Friday and Monday, which makes a really long weekend, about 6 days. I think I'm refreshed to go back to work now, even though I'm not 100% better yet. Let the vicious cycle start again. After this week, it will be a new year.

My face is on fire!

That's how I felt when I was getting my last facial at Murad Spa. I usually get a normal facial, but this time I tried a AHA facial. AHA = Alpha-hydroxy acid. AHA's are used for chemical peels, according to About.com. According to this source, repeating the treatment every 3-6 months can remove fine wrinkles and surface skin scars for up to 2-5 years. Don't get me wrong, my skin is in fairly good condition, however I have a minor breakout once in a blue moon. Switching to the pill caused a hormonal imbalance as expected, but I don't want to ride it out, so I got a facial.

I didn't start getting facials until this past year. After the first time, I received some compliments. Wow, someone noticed without me telling them. Perhaps there is a "glow" after a facial. Anyhow, I treat myself to these facials now, once every 2 months or so. I figure it can't be bad for me (except for my wallet). Unfortunately, the facials are not cheap. ($110 for AHA facial, or $85 for a basic one).

I used to go to Trilogy Spa, but I like Murad better. Murad is a clinical spa, which means that they wear gloves while touching your face. I thought this was odd at first, but I got used to it. Murad has more to offer, which justifies the additional cost in my mind. First of all, the facial itself is better. The massage of the neck and shoulders (which I desperately need) are also better. The facial includes a paraffin dip of your hands (normally $10 with a manicure). If you don't know, paraffin dip makes your hands soft by dipping your hands in warm wax for some minutes.

Back to the main topic, my face was on fire at this last facial. So I told you all the good things, but this is one not-so-good thing about a facial. The AHA literally burns your face. Murad offers 3 different concentrations and recommends 2 treatments per concentration before increasing to the next one. So, I've done my first treatment out of 6. I wanted to scratch my face out when the AHA was applied for 1 minute, which seemed to be the longest minute of my life. Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to my next appointment. However, this is supposed to be good for me, so they say. I know I'm relatively still young, but I believe that preventative maintenance is a necessary evil to slow down aging. Until someone comes up with a magic potion...

[Tags: facial, spa, murad, AHA, alpha-hydroxy acid]

My one year anniversary

I started blogging last Christmas, exactly one year ago from today. I wonder if I'll see another year. Blogaholicism seems to be contagious and chronic with not too many side effects. However, blogging is more of a passion than an obsession to me. I thank D-Lo for showing me the dark side and hope others find their own solitude in the blogosphere. Merry blogging to one and to all!!

PS. Yes, I'm being silly and serious. ;P

Itchy and Scratchy on Xmas

Yup, I've been gifted with another case of hives. I have exchanged a simple cold for hives, not the best trade in my opinion. The doctor prescribed some new antibiotics to me in order to prevent a secondary infection. I also was taking Tylenol every 4 hours for the head aches, body aches, and sore throat. Last time, my allergy doctor deduced that I was allergic to Advil (asprin), so I switched to Tylenol (acetometaphin). Assuming I'm not allergic to Tylenol too, then I'm probably allergic to the new antibiotics this time. The pharmacist instructed I take 1 antibiotic four times per day. I've taken it for the past 3 days, but I can't stand the itching anymore. I give up. I'm taking myself off the antibiotics. My calves and inner arms are all pink and itchy. Once I start itching, it hurts even more. The doctor's office is closed this weekend, so I'm Dr. sMhyla giving my own diagnosis. Now when my doctor asks if I'm allergic to antibiotics, then I will say yes. I don't know why they don't just give me the same antibiotics before, like Z-Pak, which is much easier and quicker. When Santa asks me what I want for Christmas, I'll answer, "No more hives." At least, not my whole body turned pink, so I don't feel like a complete leper. It has been much worse in the past, so I shouldn't complain. :(

'Twas the night before xmas

I seem to be lacking the holiday cheer this year. Not sure why. I'm not even done xmas shopping. Of course, I was sick for the past few days and the thought of a overcrowded mall was not so appetizing. My creative juices for gifts are not flowing like it has in the past. I did fairly well for my best girlfriends (I'll share later), but not so much for my family this year. I hate disappointing them. Eek. I know, I know- I'm the best gift of all, blah blah. I have a few hours left...

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Holiday Fireworks

Fireworks
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Every year, the city of Manhattan Beach sponsors fireworks for the Christmas holiday, but not for Fourth of July. Anyhow, it's a pleasant walk from my place, right under 2 miles each way. Many people crowd the Strand, headed in the same direction. Some of the streets are closed off, so that families and friends can huddle while oohing and aahing at the spectacular show. This picture cannot capture the fireworks properly, so you'll have to see it for yourself next year. It's usually the second Sunday of December. It's for free, why not? Ok, parking might be a hassle, but it will be worth it. Happy Holidays.

Hi, I'm Sleepy the Dwarf

That could be my new Dwarf name. Sometimes I'm Sneezy too. If there was a Dwarf named Sickly, that would fit me as well. Yes, I'm sick again. All I could do this afternoon is sleep, sleep, and sleep. I wanted to go xmas shopping, but I didn't have enough energy for that. I slept yesterday afternoon as well. Last night, I couldn't sleep right away, so I took a Benadryl near midnight. I woke up at 130am, so I took another one. It should have last 4-8 hours for me. Anyhow, I woke up at 9am to take my friend to the airport. Then I ate breakfast burritos with my roomies. As soon as I got home, I passed out on my bed. No energy to even pick up my cell phone when it rang. I can barely type this blog right now. I feel like I took another Benadryl, but I know that I didn't. I wonder if the pill I took at 130am got stuck in my throat and didn't hit me until lunch time. What do I want for Christmas? A better immune system and energy will do. Have I been naughty or nice? What do you think? zzz...

Dark or light hair???

mg
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

It's that time again for a hair cut and highlights. I think I'm tired of my highlights (and the cost). How about going back to dark hair? My hair dresser says my natural hair color is not black. This picture was taken last year October. My hair dresser used semi-permanent color to darken my hair, but it eventually washed out. Let's take a vote, what shall I do?

[Tags: hair, highlight, color]

I don't share boys

When is it ok to share with friends?
a) a random boy who I like
b) a boy who I've kissed
c) a boy who I've dated
d) a previous boyfriend

I can understand if some time has passed with the boy, but what if the wounds are recent? I don't think I'm willing to stay friends with a girl who might stab me in the back. It's not worth it. The story is more complicated, but I'm not going into details on this one since she may read this. Let's just say that it's the straw the broke the camel's back. It's sad to lose a friendship, but the situation makes me an angry sMhyla, not a pretty sight.

Where's Nemo?

Where's Nemo?
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

At the Long Beach Aquarium, something worth checking out at least once. If you haven't seen the movie, go rent the DVD, Finding Nemo. Shark's Tale is another good one where I didn't expect to laugh so much. I thought it was a cartoon for kids, so I couldn't believe my friend S wanted to watch it, but the humor was adult-level. I want that flick on DVD, so I can laugh over and over.

My friend TK said that this picture could be my screen saver, but I think I'd rather blog about it. My current screen saver looks like a scene from the Caribbean. My previous screen saver was Dilbert (Out, out, Demons of stupidity!), ha ha.

[Tags: fish, nemo, aquarium, long beach]

What the heck?

What the heck?
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

I saw this car on the 405 South freeway on way to work on Monday. I guess this person is protecting their car's paint job or the car is into S&M.

Talking e-card

My friend sent me this talking e-card for xmas. He used our picture from my halloween party 3 years ago. If you can't tell, he was Papa Smurf. An A+ for originality, except for the blue face paint and finger prints on my white walls. Click on the picture to hear the talking e-card- be sure to turn up your volume.

Note: Picture looks a bit distorted to me, don't know why. Anyhow, click on it to hear the talking e-card.

[Tags: e-card, talking]

My cool shadow box

My cool shadow box
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

I found this cool picture frame set at Costco for a good price. The coolest thing about the frame is the cubby holes for knick knacks. This was a good project to keep me busy about 2 weeks ago when I was sick. I finally decorated the bare walls in my bedroom with that photo frames, my mosaic mirror (that I bought in October at the MB Fair), and my MBA diploma frame. Of course, everything I hung was a bit crooked, I must admit. Oh well.

[Tags: frame, photo, shadow box]

My gift to me: Sex and the City

I'll admit that I'm an impulse buyer. When I want something, I get it. It's bad near my birthday and xmas, because I buy the stuff I want for myself. My friends and family hate shopping for me even more so, because I'm picky. I started making a "wish list" to help my family out. Sex and the City and Friends DVDs were on my birthday wish list, but I didn't get all of them. When I was at Costco tonight, I discovered the Sex and the City Gift Set, which includes the whole series in 20 DVDs. I had to buy it, even though I already have the first season. I'm sure I could have asked someone to buy it for me, but no. I prefer to be surprised and I don't like to ask.

Price is right, how much would you pay for the complete DVD series (6 seasons)???
$299.95 at the HBO store (15% discount and free shipping)
$199.99 at Best Buy
$159.99 at Costco

$140 savings or 47% discount. Talk about a mark-up! This purchase alone more than pays off the Costco annual membership. This is a great gift for a girl. However, Sex and the City is beneficial for guys to watch too- take notes, boys! I love laughing to comedy shows, like Friends and Sex and the City. I'm so excited to host "Sex and the City" girls' night at my house. Woo hoo.

[Tags: sex and the city, dvd]

She super-glued her phone

Since we're on the topic of cell phones... My friend bought a new cell phone a few months ago for a pretty penny. It's a flip phone with a camera. As with any new gadget, it got dropped soon after. To her dismay, a piece of the flip cover broke off. No insurance on the phone. $300 down the drain? She decided to super glue it near the pivot point. Let's just say it got a little messy with the super glue. The final outcome: the cell phone is permanently flipped open. The phone can not be closed anymore. It could be worse... it could have been super glued shut. At least, she can still make some phone calls even though the battery might die fast. At least, she has a phone, unlike me.

Note: My friend gave me permission to blog about her blond moment.

Lost without my cell phone

Yes, I lost my cell phone this afternoon. I know it's somewhere at work, but I can't find it. It's driving me crazy since it's within 30 steps between my desk and the lab. Ugh. I feel lost without my cell phone. I don't have any phone numbers memorized or written down. My new voicemail says, "Hello, you've reached sMhyla's voicemail, but I've lost my cell phone. Yes, I know. Anyway, leave me a voicemail and I'll try to call you back. Or you can call me during business hours at XXX-XXX-XXXX. Or email is a good way to reach me." I'm going to be annoyed if I have to buy a new phone since I only have 6 months left on my cell phone service contract. If so, then I'll just sign up with another carrier earlier than expected and pay double service. Ugh.

Update: I found my phone on the floor at work the next morning. I don't think I could have lasted any longer without a cell phone.

Recipe: Chicken Parmisiano

This dish is always a winner. I'm not a chef by no means, but this recipe is simple enough. I won't go through the hassle for myself, but I don't mind cooking for others once in awhile. Why? As much as I like lasagna, I don't want to eat it that for a whole week, for example. So I prefer a dinner party where there won't be much leftovers. In case you want to try something new...

Ingredients:

• thinly sliced skinless boneless chicken breast


• flavored bread crumbs


• eggs


• shredded parmesan


• olive oil


• garlic


• red pasta sauce


• pasta noodles (mini rigatoni is my fave)


• mushrooms (optional)


• garlic bread (frozen or fresh)


• salad and dressing

Instructions:

1. Heat up oven and put in garlic bread.


2. Heat up olive oil in a pan at medium heat. Add a spoonful of garlic (as much as your breath can withstand), and sautee.


3. Boil pasta noodles in a pot (use salt to bring to boil faster).


4. Sautee mushrooms in olive oil.


5. Beat 2 eggs in a bowl. Mix some bread crumbs with parmesan in another bowl. Dip the chicken into the egg batter, then coat with bread crumbs and parmesan. Place chicken into pan. Let cook on each side 5-10minutes until cooked.


6. Warm up red pasta sauce to which you add the mushrooms.


7. Serve the chicken on top of the pasta noodles, then drizzle red pasta sauce on top of the chicken. Sprinkle parmesan on top of that. Place two slices of garlic bread to the side. On half or quarter of the plate, add some salad with your fave dressing.


8. Eat.

Yummy for the tummy!

[Tags: chicken, parmesan, parmesiano, recipe]

My love life- shh!

I share alot about myself in this blog, but I don't share everything. I will give bits and pieces about my love life, or lack thereof. Just because I don't write about you, doesn't mean I don't care. I want to keep you for myself. I'll eventually share tidbits about you in the blogosphere in due time. Plus, I know you're reading this. Smile.

Dr. Love at your service

It's so much easier to give advice when you're not in the situation. Things appear to be more clear. When I'm giving advice, I try to put myself in their shoes. I wish I could listen to my own advice sometimes, but "love can cause blindness". I don't want to preach, so I try to reserve giving advice until solicited from me. I will try to listen and understand, but there is a limit. When it's the same thing over and over and nothing is being done to fix it, then I might suggest giving the ax, time to move on. I do cringe with this harsh decision, but it's a vicious cycle. I hope my friend doesn't regret it and blame me. I try to look at the big picture: "In a couple years, we'll both look back at this and laugh. We'll both me married to great guys and think Mr. X was such a lameass. What were we thinking?" This period in your life is like a hiccup along the road to happiness, but we have to be patient. Maybe, I'm full of it or on cloud 9, but that's how I've been keeping my chin up.

My blogging personality

I'm copying my bro by posting this...

Your Blogging Type is Unique and Avant Garde

You're a bit ... unusual. And so is your blog. You're impulsive, and you'll often post the first thing that pops in your head. Completely uncensored, you blog tends to shock... even though that's not your intent. You tend to change your blog often, experimenting with new designs and content.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

I was voted "Biggest Flirt"

When is flirting with someone else ok?
a) When you have a SO (significant other), meaning "it doesn't matter where you get your appetite, as long as you eat at home"
b) When you are casually dating, meaning "there's no ring on the finger..."
c) When you are 100% single and ready to mingle
d) ???

I'm not saying that flirting can be turned on or off, but there are some boundaries for some people. Flirting could be ok, as long as the person is loyal to his/her SO, assuming the SO is ok with it in the first place. I hate to admit that I was voted "Biggest Flirt" during freshman year of college on my dorm floor. At the time, I was embarassed, believe it or not. Actually, my SO at the time lived on the same floor, so of course I was flirting! Despite that tag, I consider myself a loyal girlfriend when I have a SO.

Anyhow, this particular blog is not about me. I think excessive flirting with another person indicates that the person is not in love with their SO, so it's time to set him/her free- only then can he/she continue flirting with a clean conscience. Maybe I'm babbling and/or thinking about this too much, but what do you think??

I've got a cookie-cutter smile?

I've got a cookie cutter smile?
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

My b-school buddy accused me of having a cookie-cutter smile. No one has ever told me that to my face- beautiful smile, yes; cookie-cutter smile, no. Only after chugging some in the beer garden at the Manhattan Beach Old Town Fair, we took this crazy shot. Today's his birthday, so it reminded me of this picture from October.

Happy Bday, Ted!

Too busy to blog

I must apologize to my fellow blogaholics. I've been busy with friends and family lately. I threw a white elephant gift exchange party on the weekend, so I'll have some pics to share. We watched the holiday fireworks in Manhattan Beach last night. One of my bros is moving to LA, so I was helping him in his roomie hunt. I think he got lucky with the first place he checked out, so he'll be living a few blocks away- woo hoo! Gotta keep this short, but I promise to make it up to you guys soon. 1 Day down and 4 more to go!

I feel like I've been crying

We watched the movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Since we were cutting it close by grabbing food and drink beforehand, we nearly landed front-row seats so that we could strain our necks to watch the kids run away from the witch in the winter wonderland. It took me awhile to figure this movie out. I thought it was going to be a cartoon, or something for kids. Apparently, something was missing from my childhood all these years. I'm sorry, but I never read this book. The movie would be more interesting if the book was read first. My friends dragged me to the theatre even though the thought of lounging at home sounded appealing. It's hard for me to say no...

Anyhow, as soon as we stepped out of the darkness, called the theatre, my eyes were hurting. It was as if I had been crying. When we made a pit stop, I looked into the mirror to find bloodshot eyes. As soon as I got home, I checked my eyes in the mirror again and my eye lids looked puffy. I used some Visine drops, but my eyes still hurt. My eyes were tearing, perhaps from dryness. My eyes hurt as if I had been crying for awhile. My throat was hurting earlier, so I had some green tea and miso soup. I feel tired even though it's barely midnight. I guess I'm turning into a pumpkin early. Yes, I am complaining about feeling sick (again), but no one is here to listen. Just like the saying about a tree falling in a quiet forest. Hey, I'm talking to myself, don't interrupt. Just kidding. Have a good night.

Boys-Only Poll

I don't feel like blogging about myself, so I will give e-props to a fellow blogger. A friend created this poll about guys. If you're a boy, click here Mister Poll: GUYS ONLY: BOYS BOYS BOYS. If you're a girl, click on it too, but then click on "view current results" at the top menu. Have fun.

Brutal Honesty or Big Mouth

I tend to be brutally honest to the point where I probably share too much (AKA TMI = too much information). I don't want to be lying, so I share almost everything. Unfortunately, it's not well received. Brutal honesty- like out of the movie with Tom Cruise, but I can't recall the film name at the moment. I hate it when I mess something good up. I'm kicking myself right now.

Top 3 Scariest Moments

I blogged about my Top 3 Most Strenuous Feats last month, and now I want to continue my Top 3 lists. This is not in any particular order of importance, as far as I know.

• Skydiving (I swear my instructor pushed me out of the plane)


• When I found my roommate not alive (another blog for another day)


• Loving a person, but not being loved back

Hate is a strong word, but...

I
I H
I HA
I HAT
I HATE
I HATE B
I HATE BE
I HATE BEI
I HATE BEIN
I HATE BEING
I HATE BEING S
I HATE BEING SI
I HATE BEING SIC
I HATE BEING SICK

Feed my fish

adopt your own virtual pet!

Steps:
1) Click on green fish food bottle on the left of the tank.
2) Drag fish food bottle on top of the tank.
3) Feed until Nemo's Evil Twin is full.
* The fish will follow your mouse if you hover over the tank, kinda like when you knock on the glass.

Why is Nemo's Evil Twin the best pet for me?

• Cute


• No noise


• No cleaning required


• Inexpensive upkeep (no litter, no toys, no food)


• Minimal attention (no pet sitter needed when I'm on vacation)


• Infinite lifetime


• Won't run away


• Loves me no matter what

I have to thank my bro for showing me the only pet that I can keep alive. Let's see whose fish can survive, Nemo's Evil Twin vs Squishy the Fishy.

[Tags: fish, pet, virtual]

Ooh aah, pretty lights!

Hermosa Holiday
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

After dinner last night, Boy-A and I decided to take a stroll along The Strand toward the pier. In case you're not familiar with the area, The Strand is the street name for the board walk along Hermosa Beach. It was quite nippy last night, 57 +/- 2 degrees F as reported by MSN Weather. You might think that's nothing, but I'd normally be curled up on the couch next to the fireplace during this time of the year. Getting back to the main topic... we were admiring the houses decked out with christmas lights, so I snapped a shot of one (see above).

On a side note, this reminds me of something that my roomie showed me last week, a Google Video of someone's xmas lights set by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. CLICK HERE to view and listen- don't forget to turn up your volume. It's amazing how creative some people can get. I'd love to see this house for a live performance. I wonder if the homeowner is an electrical engineer by day and an orchestra conductor by night... Happy Holidays!

[Tags: christmas, lights, xmas]

Blooper of the Day: Text Messaging

Background:
I'm playing the role as matchmaker for a "friend of a friend" with one of my friends. They had met once during the recent "game night" at my house. Let's call him "VIP", while she will be K__. VIP and I were text messaging through our mutual friend's phone until VIP gave his digits. However, I was "busy" with my own friend and didn't want to be the middle-woman anymore. I let K__ call him directly. To keep the story short, VIP and K__ finally met up that night.

On the next morning, K__ received a slew of text messages from VIP.

1st text message:
TY [AKA thank you] for getting me to go to the bar last nite. I really like K__!

2nd text message:
I LOVED hanging with u last nite. Can't wait to see u again 310-XXX-XXXX.

K__ and I were perturbed that he would send both messages to her. I figured out that VIP probably intended the first text message for me. Hmm... how do I tell VIP that he's a dumbass (in a nice way)? I didn't have to...

3rd text message (1 hour later):
I'm a moron. Just realized I have the same # 4 u and sMhyla.

Hilarious. So that he'd have my digits, I sent VIP a text message:
Hey, this is sMhyla. Good job.

We all had a good laugh that morning, at VIP's expense of course. However, it was all nice words, so no harm done.

Honestly, I don't like it when friends ask me to set them up. In this case, they didn't ask, so I didn't mind so much. I normally don't assume the role of matchmaker, because I don't want the responsibility if things go south. Once in awhile is ok, I suppose. Now I've completed my mission impossible, so I leave it in the capable hands of VIP and K___. Good luck (not that you need it, of course).

[Tags: blooper, text, messaging, sms]

Wanna sumo wrestle with me?

Me and a sumo wrestler
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Since we're on the topic of Japanese, I remembered this particular picture. In October, I ran into sumo wrestlers in Vegas, but none in Japan. My vacation did not overlap with the sumo fights. I wanted to ask the sumo wrestler to take a funny picture where we pretend to wrestle, but I was too embarassed. Oh well.

Last week, a co-worker asked me if I had gained weight (maybe a pound or two from Thanksgiving?). Asians (from Asia, meaning not Asian-Americans) have a tendency to be more open (AKA rude). When I look at my picture with the sumo wrestler, I feel a little less bad about myself. However, he is probably trying to gain weight, while I'm not. Anyhow, it's still a funny picture in my mind.

[Tags: sumo, wrestle, japan]

Grill-on-the-go or UFO?

This contraption was listed as one of the "Top 12 Gifts of the Season" at Home Depot. It does look interesting, but it also looks like a UFO with complimentary food. I love BBQ's, but it's a man's job. Thus, I need a grill and a man... Is that gift set available at Home Depot?

The product description does not tell how big this grill-on-the-go is. Plus, it's only available on the internet, so I can't check it outwith my own eyes. I don't mind shopping via the internet, but not for something unknown or a big-ticket item. It's only $99 at HomeDepot.com, but the hassle of returning does not sound appetizing.

I want to get something to cook like Korean BBQ style, which is perfect during the winter time. Who wants to stand outside in the cold when you can cook at the table? I don't know if this grill-on-the-go can be used indoors. Or I can suck it up and just buy a regular grill.

[Tags: grill, bbq, home depot]

Child-proof Chopsticks

Child-proof Chopsticks
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Props to Club Sushi. Every Japanese restaurant should offer this tool, otherwise my friend's boyfriend would starve. He's a good sport for letting me capture the kodak moment. I wasn't embarassed at all when I asked the waitress, "I'm sorry, but can we have another chopstick aid since he broke the first one." It's hilarious to watch some people use chopsticks!

[Tags: chopsticks, sushi, japanese, club sushi]

Wing Woman of the Year

One morning, two girl friends decided to grab some coffee. They found a parking meter spot right in front of Starbucks. There was a random guy sitting at a table outside of Starbucks. As Girl-A went to check the time on the parking meter, Boy-A offered, "Parking's free during the holidays". Girl-A continued to verify the fact, but Boy-A was right. As the girls walk away, Girl-B apologizes to Boy-A that Girl-A is an engineer.

As planned, the girls went to Coffee Bean for a dulce de leche latte. The girls agreed that Boy-A was cute. So they got the coffees to go and returned to Starbucks for some banana bread (and maybe some ogling). Girl-B instructed Girl-A where to sit inside, in direct view of Boy-A who was sitting outside. Girl-A thought it was too obvious. Anyhow, the girls sat down and chatted as normal.

At one point, Girl-B assumed the role as "wingwoman". Girl-B grabbed a napkin and pen, then asked for Girl-A's phone number. Girl-A refused. So, Girl-B dug in her purse for her PDA phone and found the phone number. Girl-B knocked on the window and got Boy-A's attention. Girl-B flashed Girl-A's phone number through the window, while pointing at Girl-A. Girl-A was turning red, as each second passed.

Boy-A dialed the phone number, and both girls stared at Girl-A's phone. No ringing. Nervous laughter filled the room. Girl-B showed the phone number again to Boy-A. Finally, the phone was ringing. Girl-B pretended to not answer the phone, then picked up. The first question from Boy-A was Girl-A's name and then said, "I can't believe I'm talking to you through a window." So Girl-A invited him to join them inside. All three ended up chatting for a few hours...

Girl-A simply wanted a latte and banana bread, so Boy-A was a nice bonus that morning. Don't be mistaken- this was the first time for Girl-A to experience getting set up. Award for "Wing Woman of the Year" goes to Girl-B. Lastly, Coffee Bean is great for dulce de leche lattes, while Starbucks for banana bread (and cute guys).

[Tags: wingman, wingwoman, matchmaking, coffee, starbucks]

I failed my DEXA scan

My bone mineral density (BMD) was +0.6% standard deviation from the average for the hip (good), but -1.1% standard deviation from the average for the lumbar spine (bad). I just missed the 1% limit from the average. Supposedly, there is 3% error, so I asked to repeat it, but my doctor advised against exposing me to X-RAYs again until 2 years from now. So, my doctor wants me to increase my calcium intake to 1,500 mg per day. I had already started taking 1,000 mg per day. Now I have a good excuse to snack on 3 caramel Viactivs every day, yum!

The other doctor's order is stop using Depo Provera. That is not new news to me (or you), since I had received my diagnosis of mild osteopenia in October (read my first blog post about this topic, click here). Anyhow, this is on my mind, since I have to make a decision. You think there are many choices out there, but there isn't. I wanted to try the patch, but a friend forwarded me this news article from CNN about the patch increasing the risk for blood clotting. Anyhow, we shall see if I can remember to take a stupid pill every day. Blah!

[Tags: dexa, bmd, calcium, osteopenia, osteoporosis, viactiv]