Googled Yourself Lately?

From time to time, the narcissist in me likes to go on the web and run a google search on myself. The paranoid in me likes to see what information others are able to view, and the control freak side wants to do what I can to prevent public access to certain private information, if possible.

Yes, I know, the Counseling profession is a good fit for someone like me!

So, imagine my surprise the other day when I found pictures of myself up on this make-up artists' site:

Echou Make-up

True, they were taken because of the make-up and hair she had done on the Bride, but the rest of us, she cannot take credit for (Shiseido did my make-up and I did my hair, thankyouverymuch!). I don't know if I should be flattered or peeved. A bit of both, I guess.

I find the thing that irks me most is that my photo was on her website without my knowledge or consent. Typical Asian vendors...

But I suppose, the avoidant-dismissive in me doesn't care enough to do anything about it!

This Blows

Unfortunately, I've heard enough pick up lines in one lifetime to properly officiate and title the following as Worst Pick-up Line ever heard:

"I'll take two of you and call the Doctor in the morning"...

I don't even know what this means. Take two of me what--?

Does it mean that I will make him ache with double my presence? Or does he want a threesome with me...and ME?

And, what does a Doctor have to do with any of it?

Either way, the innuendos aren't flattering.

This one blows my mind, and not in a good way.

How To Tell Your Therapist Off

Well it's quite simple really. Especially, when you get charged an inflated, ridiculous amount ($95) for a missed appointment when you normally pay $19!

I woke up several days ago feeling really sickly. Ever since I've been diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy (google it), I've been more aware of my impending illnesses and colds. They've been quite frequent too.

Convinced I had strep throat yet again, I emailed Dr. S to let him know a few hours ahead that I wouldn't be able attend our therapy session. I knew I might have a 'missed appointment charge' and figured it would be my standard rate of $19/session.

I get a call from Dr. S that he's going to have to bill me $95 because my insurance doesn't cover missed appointments.

Just what every poor, grad student wants to hear.

But since when did anyone notify me of this from the get go? Um... never? So, I was &*$*%% pissed off!

First of all, I've been wanting to terminate my therapy with Dr. S for some time now, but my hatred of saying goodbye prevented me from doing so in spite of his relentless unprofessional demeanor (Note to future therapists: don't glance at the clock, yawn, stretch, shake your knee uncontrollably, or forget your booked appointments with clients). I asked Dr. S if there was anyway I could come in for 30 mins (I still had 30 mins remaining on the hour) and he could still bill my insurance for that time. He said 'I'm sorry, but I'm using this hour for some notes'.

Excuse me?! Hold the phone!

First off, how could my previous appointment spot have been used in such a manner? And, the lack of effort on his part to meet me halfway was what ultimately prompted my immediate termination with him.

In hindsight, it felt to me that he cared about his money more, and it was clear in his unwillingness to accomodate to my situation. It's not like I've ever missed an appointment with him before.

I proceeded to write him a termination email in which I stated how helpful he has been to me but going forward, I challenged him to look at the 'offputting vibe' he may be giving his future clients when he's not aware of his yawns, stretches, etc.

I must've given Dr. S too much credit for being an introspective counselor because he ended up saying that I was 'rude and abrasive' in my email.

I reiterated that I am not apologizing for any of my constructive criticism, and if my remarks invoked a negative response in him, then perhaps he should further explore the meaning behind it resonating such strong feelings inside himself (1 point for Christina!)

Dr. S must've taken my words to heart because the following day, he responded that he 'did care about my treatment with him, wishes we would've been able to work it out in our sessions, and that if I need a referral to see another therapist, not to hesitate' to ask him for one.

Yea, like I'm really gonna take therapist recommendations from you.

Although I'm disappointed with the way we ended, I'm still indebted to him for helping me work through some childhood drama, and help validate the person I am today. He was my first therapist so I will always remember him semi-fondly, and going forward, I will just have to be more demanding and outspoken about what I need/want, if I'm ever in search of another.

The Ex Files

...coming soon...





and, onto a better and brighter topic...

New Things Tried This Week:

• Make cotton candy (surprisingly, quite a chore and messy!)
• Soju shots and beer without puking (yay, my tolerance is increasing)
• Quit social smoking (4 days and counting)
• Mexican Eggs Benedict (uber fabulous!)







Dos Caminos




• Write an Article Critique
• Afghan Norooz Celebration

Nowrooz (Afghan New Year) @ NYU

California Love

I, (and 1 million NYers) would agree

For the longest time, I willed myself into believing that in order to LOVE and live in NY, that meant I had to sever all ties to my heart, and my former home- Los Angeles, California. It's that kind of dichotomous thinking: East Coast vs West Coast mentality that has got me on any given day, loving NY/hating LA, or Loving LA/hating NY.

For months I've battled back and forth between my love/indifference for my new life in The City. Talking to a few people in similar situations as myself, a lot of us that have moved out East from the West coast means adjusting to an entire new way of life-- public transportation with people you normally wouldn't be exposed to, living in (MUCH) smaller living quarters with (MUCH) higher rent costs, mingling with very unique people (which can also translate to mingling with very crazy people) and a faster pace of living mixed with harsher weather elements.

That's all been fine and dandy for me. I like being busy and always on-the-go.

However, no one ever told me that I'd miss what I've taken most for granted since living here: 1) the ever-reliable Cali sun and 2) my beautiful, lovely, nice, and NORMAL family and friends back home.

What I miss most about Cali are my Cali loves

Now, I don't want to knock the new friends I've made in NY, or the recently acquainted family members I've met out here. There are a lot of nice people that have been supportive of me, and given me the space to embrace my independent and free-spirited nature with little judgment or questions asked. Meanwhile, I've started hanging out with some fellow transplants also originally from Cali (isn't it weird how that happens?), but my biggest gripe about NY aside from the sky-high living costs, is the lack of COMMUNITY. Maybe now that I'm getting older, I don't enjoy partying like a rock star all the time. I've sorta got the been there, done that mentality. Also, working hard and having very little time to relax, to me, that's not an enjoyable way of living. I long for the slow and tranquil days of Cali, going to the beach on a whim, even missing the generic attributes of my fellow Lost Angelenos (way easier to figure out than the indie folk I meet here).

And, I absolutely miss Mexican food! It's always funny too, how New Yorkers love to say to me "Oh, you have to know where to go. You just haven't found a good spot". Trust me, I've hunted around quite a few places now and the carnitas never quite tastes like the stuff back home.

I'm still opening myself up to getting to learn New York's way of life and appreciating everything it has to offer (cool culture, eccentricities, exceptionally fine dining- dare I say, the best in the nation!) especially now that the weather is getting nicer. As my friend Kim says "We're all here in NY on borrowed time. No one stays in NY forever, so you might as well live in the best neighborhood, eat the best food and enjoy the hardcore parties..."

Going forward, that will be my new motto for day-to-day life. I think it's the only way that it'll keep me sane, at least, for another year or so.

Every time it rains, snows, hails, gets windy, and as I walk the streets each morning and evening rushing to get from Point A to Point B inhaling the cab fumes and probably developing some form of cancer, I just think of my friends enjoying the beautiful nature hikes, Cali's ability to laugh easily and often, and the mellow, breezy days that seem to stretch on endlessly.

Then I start to think about the earthquakes...

And that makes me ponder: What if I were still living in California?

Would I be sitting in my mildly warm, massive apartment with not enough furniture to fill it, complaining about the one-hour commute in traffic, blogging about how much I ♥ NY?

Abso-f*cking-lutely.

Hermosa Beach, California

Hello Kitty is a WHRE

Okay, she (he? maybe little male cats like to wear bows/dresses too) really isn't a WHORE, but the way she's being mass consumed kinda makes you think of her like one.

Ever since I was a little child, Hello Kitty (HK) was quite the staple in my life. She dominated my pencils, erasers, notebooks, lunchbox, and everyday essentials for school. Just a lovable, little companion to get you through the wearisome school day.

Then in college, I remember HK's face imprinted on towels, travel suitcases, and kitchenware (toasters anyone?). Cool, some people like happy faces on their pancakes; others like HK's face on their toast. I get it. Last year, when Makeup Art Cosmetics (MAC) came out with their HK line, I began to think to myself: What is this little cat doing representing adult make-up? But, it still didn't stop me from purchasing the HK lip gloss (or using the free HK tote I received from my purchase).

Yes, I admit, I am guilty of feeding into HK's "victimization" process.

But HK is all grown up. She is no longer just splashed onto little girl items, now she's in the Big Girl's League. Zales created a HK pendant not too long ago (my friend owns one). There's a whole jewelry line now.

And check this out, soon you'll get to enjoy some nice HK wine (Pinot and Rose), hopefully, just in time for the summer!

In the near future, I'm sure we can all look forward to the day when one can sip some fine HK wine, smoke some HK-branded cigarettes, meet that cute guy/girl at a bar, and perhaps, when you reach for that contraceptive in your pocket, you'll see her familar plump face, adorned with red bow and all, giving you the go-ahead, and cheering you each step of the way, just as she did in your childhood. Hello Kitty is no longer the innocent kitten we remembered, she's grown up and living in the fast lane. I kinda miss the baby version of her though, just a little.

Zales' Hello Kitty Sterling Silver Pink and White Sapphire Pendant with Diamond Accents

Pinot Nero and Rose Wines by MWC Importers

For more info, check out their site: Hello Kitty Wines

I like to eat....A LOT

Hanger Steak, Momofuku Ssam **

Okay, sometimes I think I have an unhealthy love relationship with food. Oftentimes, overnight guests can find me in my kitchen at 2am, with the refrigerator still wide open, in my shorts and tank top rummaging around for accessible munchies in my line of vision (pickles and mayo anyone? how about eating out of a jar of chili bamboo shoots? I fear the type of foods I will crave when I become pregnant!). Then when I go to bed with my tummy slightly irritated/slightly satisfied, I look forward to waking up in the morning and enjoying a hearty feast. I am quite average in weight and aside from my high blood pressure (which, doctors recently found may be linked to a kidney under/over-working situation), I have a pretty clean bill of health. But I loooooooove food! My whole existence here in NY is trying to seek out the most delicious, scrumptious, exotic flavors a palate can ever experience, all in my budget-range of course!

Even though I love to eat, I am quite conscious of the health choices I make too. The past few months, I've been eating all my carbohydrates during breakfast and lunch time, and strictly protein, veggies and fruits at dinner. It was a hard routine to follow at first, but after awhile, your body gets used to it. My friend has been doing it for a few years, and it's worked wonders for her health and weight. In addition to my 'No Carbs at Dinnertime' rule, I practice Bikram Yoga (yoga in a 104 degree heated studio) twice a week and aim to hit the gym once in between. I also get the benefit of walking everywhere due to a lack of having my car here in NY, so to date, since moving from LA... I've lost about 11 lbs!



















Crying Chocolate & Taro Puff Lollipops, Buddakan

**Hanger Steak: the cut of beef that 'hangs' from the diaphragm. Due to its proximity near the kidneys, this cut is considered to be 'more flavorful'. There is only one hanger steak per animal.

Shakespeare and alcohol?

So I get a text from a friend last night about coming down to Alphabet City for a very original, true-to-NY experience-- an event titled "Juliet's Coming Out Party!" Wait, before you all leap to the conclusion that it's another regular welcome for a lesbian coming out of the closet, it's not quite as simple as that.

So the concept is such. There's a venue, mainly a bar. There are actors and actresses in costume, posing as characters from Shakespeare's "Romeo

& Juliet" walking about and interacting with guests (you) from the minute you arrive. As you sip on the cocktail of your choice, you may have a convo with the arrogant Paris; Juliet might thank you for coming to her Sweet 16 (Coming Out) party-- site where the star-crossed lovers first lay eyes on each other. Then a series of events begin to transpire in line with the famed Shakespearian tragedy, and the coolest part is not only do you get to watch the story come alive, but you get to be a part of it. Now, your role can be as minimal as you want (i.e., watching from the back of the room in 'wallflower' mode) or as active as you want to be (i.e., Juliet's bridesmaid, one of Juliet's stalker-ish admirers, dispensing advice to one very nervous Romeo-- a role I chose to play). It wasn't the best Shakespeare production I've ever seen in my life, but it definitely was the quintessential NY experience.

Juliet's Balcony Scene

The scene that makes the $10 entrance all worth it: The Wedding Night... and, it gets quite steamy!

Opposites Attract

In the case of my best friend and I, we are definitely night and day. Amy's a blond-hair, blue-eyed, Republican southern sweetheart from the heart of Texas and extremely conservative; I'm an Asian brunette with brown eyes, socially Democratic/fiscally Republican, living in New York city and as liberal-minded as they come. But together, we make beautiful music...

Medieval Times

Actually, we're more like a train wreck you can't help but notice.

Cop: "I can't be in the picture cause they told me that if I let anymore girls pose on the cop car, I'm gonna get desk duty."

Soon To Be Mrs. T's Website

The Feline-Human Connection

A few weeks ago, it was another one of those hum-drum days at the office so I decided to leaf through the TONY (Time Out New York) magazine in the waiting area. I came across a rather unique featurette of a group called CHERYL in an article titled "Most Stylish in NY".

These Disco Shamans instantly piqued my curiosity.I did what any normal human being would do next, so I googled them. To my delight, turns out CHERYL has a whole site devoted to bizarro videos that aim to capture the feline-human connection through the power of disco, discount clothing, and LOTS of glitter.

A feast for the eyes for sure!

Check out the Gnarly Videos

(un)Original Post

Wow, so much time has passed since a) I felt like I even had time to sit and freewrite/journal/blog and, b) I've been living in NY for almost a year now (Can you believe it? Surely, not I!)

Starter posts are always a little nerve-wracking. On the one hand, you want to ensure that the material is semi-interesting that readers- not blood-related to you- will want to return; On the other hand, it's 3:33am and you really can't muster up the strength at this hour to care.

I am bringing something (besides sexy) back though:
Which of you devoted loyal Xanga followers of mine remembered New Things Tried This Week?

Well...


New Things Tried (Last) Week:

• Swimming with dolphins
• Ziplining through the jungle
• Underwater cave exploring
• Rappelling
• Partying in Playa Del Carmen
• Chichen Itza and Tulum Mayan Ruins
• Cliff jumping into a 150 ft deep Cenote while maintaining my ability to stay alive.

  (*See video below. Got too impatient waiting for video to load.)

♥ Tulum




Lex & I: zip-lining neophytes