Happy New Year!

In case I'm in too much of a drunken stupor to remember later....

I'll have another post up with the resolutions and such.

Happiest New Year to you all. Have fun. Party like it's 1999.

I have a date to kiss on New Year's Eve, I'm forever grateful.

Taiwanese Shaved Ice

Hands down my most favorite dessert ever. Fresh mochi, boba, condensed milk & strawberries. Heaven. Must find something comparable in La La land.

Don't Be Stupid

I was stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. The holidays were magical with the family. I couldn't really enjoy myself b/c I was having up to 5 asthma attacks a day.

Raise your hand if you forgot to renew your prescription for Advair. *Shame on me*
Raise your hand if you couldn't locate your rescue inhaler. *Shame on me*
Raise your hand if you don't have an emergency steroid kit for attacks like this. *Shame on me*
Raise your hand if you lost all allergy meds. *Shame on me*

My asthma has been so awful that I honestly got scared. I just couldn't get any oxygen. I scared the crap out of my husband. My rescue inhaler wasn't doing shit. I was puffing 5 times a day which is HORRIBLE. I got a steroid shot this morning. I also got a stern lecture from hubby, Dr. Sahib (bro-in-law), mom & my doctor.

New Year's Resolution: Take care of my asthma. I don't want emphysema.

More house = more problems

I have a lot of shit to write about. I promise I'll get to updating on my last 3 or so days in Taipei. I have to upload pics. But we just moved into our new house. I am so fuggin' overwhelmed. I have almost 2,000 sq/ft of house and I don't know what the hell I'm doing. It's been one debacle after another (here are just a few):

• Land from our 13 hour trip and find out we have no keys to the house. Call locksmith in the wee hours of the morning.
• My gorgeous sofa will not fit. The movers can not get it in via elevator or stairs. I'm forced to order a sectional. My antropologie rug came yesterday but now is it too small for a sectional? I won't get my sofa until February!!!!
• My absolutely stunning washer and dryer came on Saturday. I purchased a Kenmore H5t It's front load, high efficiency (saves on water) and has wicked steam functions that take out most wrinkles! Yes, it was a splurge but it makes me swoon. The washer fits perfectly in my linen closet and I can close the left linen door. The dryer does not b/c of the big ass metal tube. The dryer is actually in the linen room 100% BUT the door doesn't close all the way. I'm not freaking out b/c it's not really an eye sore b/c the washer/dryer is BEAUTIFUL. But still...
• The brand new GE fridge was not properly hooked up or the hosing that connects the fridge to the water pipe is defective. Our poor neighbor got water damage b/c of it! Thankfully our condo is on the top floor and we have minimal damage. GE is coming on 12/26 to take a look at the fridge.
• We didn't have heat for days! Problem finally got solved.

How the fuck do you clean hardwood floors? I bought Orange Glo cleaner and emailed the builders regarding the product. Score! I bought the correct product (this makes me giddy which is sad):

Bengali Chick,

You picked up the exact product that you should use on your floors. We use that to clean our units prior to move-ins. Just spray directly to the floor and wipe with a terry cloth rag or towel. Hint: Make sure you put felt sliders under all chairs and tables. Good luck and HappyHolidays!

Regards,

Matt

Day 7: Taipei, Taiwan

What a lazy day. I slept in until 10:30 am or so. I then soaked in the tub. Hubby walked in on me singing out loud like a kid, "splish splash I'm taking a bath." My bath tub in my new house is going to get some serious use.

I finally left the hotel around 2ish in the afternoon. I got off at the Ximen stop and explored Taipei's Ximending quarter. Ximending has tons of shops, bars, theatres and food. This is the ultra hip portion of Taipei. Girls are very much into fake eye lashes.

I tired out quickly and headed back to the hotel around 5 (I admit it, I got hungry). I can't believe I'm about to say this... hubby's work peeps are fantastic. I mean fantastic. Hubby's work peeps insisted that I come out to dinner with them to Sonoma Grill (a high end steak joint). Kooky eccentric but fun people. G insisted that no one speak about work (works for me!) The food was unbelievable.
(FYI: I am drunk off of French wine as I write this post)

-grilled mushroom with garlic
-first course: a full lobster -- the best lobster of my life
-second course: mushroom soup -- I don't even eat things that are creamy... all I can say is decadent heaven
-third course: mixed greens with a yogurt dressing
-fourth course: portobello mushroom and risotto with truffle oil
-fifth course: fried bananas, molten chocolate cake and ice cream

I am stuffed! We didn't talk about boring work shit. No corporate anything. The conversation was personal. Dare I say it, authentic??? My husband works for a really good place. The higher ups are genuinely kind. The head honcho gave me his significant other's telephone number and said, "S is very fond of you." He also told me that I'm beautiful. Hubby's work told hubby he needs to relax more and not work so hard. My husband is C-R-A-Z-Y. I admit it, I make hubby cooler. He is type A (A for ANAL). I'm type C (C for Chilled Out). I make him cool.. or I bring out his inner coolness. Hubby and I are totally different. I love how we just mesh together.

I had a really good time. Good food. Amazing wine. Lots of laughs. I feel a little weepy. Even though my husband is away for me for so many hours of the day, it makes me happy that he works for such good company and for good people. I could be the PR person for his job, seriously.

Time for sex! Taiwan is making me very horny. I dreamt about sex all night long. Hubby's in for a treat. Peace.

Day 6: Taipei, Taiwan

The i-net Nazi is coming. This will be a quick post.

I got a full body massage at Sakura @ Ren-Ai Cirlce (right before Fuxing Rd). The cost was only $NT 1100... what a steal! The woman made me feel awesome. She said to me that 1) I looked like a college student 2) didn't realize American's could be so thin!



I then grabbed some snacks.








I walked to the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Checked out the infamous Taipei 101 -- the tallest building in Taiwan. Tried weird food at the farmer markets. Got lost in the World Trade Center in Taiwan which apparently sells TONS of electronic gizmos.. I don't really get it.

Hubby and I checked out a night market close to our hotel. I forgot to take my camera! Hubby ate fried pork and french fries. I ordered a crab hibachi dinner. Hubby kept saying that I was eating frog legs. I couldn't get the vision of frog legs out of my head. I started feeling really sick. I puked at the hotel... there went dinner:(

Day 5: Taipei, Taiwan

I'm not a planner. I like an adventure with minimal planning. I hopped on the MRT and got off at Shilin Station. It's almost impossible to find vegetarian food. I'm not much of a meat eater. If I do eat meat I want it to be organic. I eat the standard meats: chicken and seafood. Luckily I was able to find one vegetarian place called Vegetarian Kitchen.



I wandered Shilin for hours. Drank a bubble tea that was spiked with voldka. YUM. I had a pretty good buzz going on and decided to get my haircut. I know, stupid. It's never a good idea to get your haircut when you don't speak the language. I pointed out 2 pictures in magazines. I wanted bangs. The hair dresser didn't speak any English. During my haircut panic struck me -- would I need to wear a hat everyday? With a pile of black hair surrounding me, there really was no turning back. It came out okay. The cost $NT 400! ($1 = $NT 33).



Hubby's a spazz. He's totally against me wandering around Taipei when it's dark out. Taipei is totally a safe city. One of his workmates is from Taiwan and she told him that she thinks it's unsafe (THANKS A BUNCH BEYOTCH). She's from the uber upper crust and a bit too cautious. I didn't want to give hubby a headache so I complied with his request. I only spent an hour or so at the Shinlin Night Market @ Jaintan Station. The night markets sell tons of cool shit and Taiwanese snack foods. I asked one lady what meat she was selling. She drew me a picture of a hairy leg and hoof. I wanted to puke. I tried to get vegetarian fair.

Uhm, mystery meat is not vegetarian fair. Something got lost in translation.

The rest of the night is a haze from too much red wine.

Day 4: Taipei, Taiwan

Temples, Temples, Temples!

The Temples are beautiful. I explored Longshan Temple. I walked around the Wanhua District and checked out Qingshui Temple & Qingshan Temple. Taiwanese people stopped by the temples and bowed and gave offerings.





I had to take a pee break. I had to squat. Thank goodness I brought tp with me. I'm so not into drip drying.



Snake alley was a bit creepy. It's supposed to be a big tourist spot (Huaxi Street) but I am really not into drinking snake blood. I didn't take any pics. Snake Alley was smelly.

Herb Alley was refreshing. Tons of cool greens and plants.

Why Have I Been MIA?

HUBBY!!!! Apparently when I login under our hotel id he gets booted off. Oops! Hubby lost 1/2 day of work because of that. Anyhow, he's working like a dog and being a i-net Nazi... so I haven't been updating. I have tons of pics to upload. There will probably be one lame catch up post. I tried to be good.... off to go explore!

Day 3: Taiepie, Taiwan

The breakfast spread at the hotel floored me: dumplings, Chinese rice porridge, eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, every kind of pastry you could dream of, every kind of delicious hearty cereal, tons of fruit, nuts, dried fruit, smoked salmon, cheese, deli meats, tofu, vegetables, full service coffee/espresso made to order and more that I can't remember. I wanted to take pictures but felt like a dork!

I met up with hubby after breakfast and I walked with him while he had to do a work thing. I then took off to see 2-28 Memorial Peace Park. Argh, everything is closed on Mondays. I just saw the outside of the 2-28 Museum, Taiwan Museum & Museum of Contemporary Art. Here are some pics:

I then wandered around the Taipei Underground Wall. It was very cool. A mall underground near the subway station. People in Taiwan are hardcore into 80's clothes.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hal, art gallery & cultural office CLOSED for renovations!!!! Oh my luck! I snapped some pics of the outside *Le Sigh*:

I wandered around Taiwan, just taking in the smells and the sights. I had fun doing nothing else but people watching. I enjoyed a boba milk tea during my walk.

I'm back at my hotel now and I am exhausted. I have burned more calories than it is possible for me to consume in a day (I'm not complaining!). I need to take a nap before I hit the night markets tonight. My feet are killing me!

Day 2: Taipei, Taiwan

I don't think I have ever slept so well. The most comfie bed, down comforter and pillows. WOW. Hubby and I woke up a bit late. We missed breakfast. However, the hotel offers coffee/tea/soft drinks/snacks everyday from 6:30 am - 11:30 pm. My plate consisted of grapes, wasabi peas, taro chips, nuts & cheese. Hubby got some mini-sammies. I also got a some great java -- cappuccino. All of this shit was free. I seriously can't get over how phat this hotel is.

All of the signs in Taipei are in Chinese and English. I grabbed a map and headed to the subway (MRT). My first stop was the Jade Market. Crazy big. I am not experienced in jade and didn't want to take a chance on getting ripped off. I did tons of jade window shopping. I walked on over to the Flower Market. This is a green thumb's dream come true. Flowers and plants everywhere. Absolutely beautiful. I picked up a guava fruit. I have yet to find a guava in the U.S. that is so juicy, sweet and tender. I wish I had bought an entire bag full of guavas.

I was exhausted from all of my walking. Hubby was at a business meeting and I headed down to the health club/spa. I started off in the steam room, then the sauna and then a jacuzzi that was larger that most pools [all of this is in the women's locker room]. Tons of naked women. I went into the jacuzzi in my bikini and let the jets of water massage my weary body. Someone kindly informed me that I had to go in naked. Well when in Rome.... I finished off with a swim on the roof top pool. The view was literally breath taking.

Hubby found me longing around in the roof top jacuzzi. We cabbed it over to a dim sum place at Din Tai Fung. I don't think I like pork! I detest pork dumplings, weird brown sauce exploded in my mouth as soon as I bit into the dumpling. Eeeew.

Day 1: Taipei, Taiwan

[View from my window]
I arrived at my hotel around 10 or 10:30 pm. I'm staying at the most ridiculous hotel. This is hands down the most amazing hotel I have ever stayed at in my life -- Far Eastern Hotel. Un-fucking real. Thank you hubby's work! [While I was in Colorado for government business, I stayed at nasty hotel. I was fearful of bedbugs.]

I tried to carry my own bags to my room but the hotel staff insisted. That's so weird. I'm just not used to that kind of stuff. It makes me feel very uncomfortable. I jumped into the gi-normous bathtub. Bath salts were provided. I soaked and watched a movie on the plasma. Hubby calls me and says, "can you be ready in 2 minutes, we're going to go out and party, I've got a BMW and a driver." We respectively drive a Corolla and a Honda Civic hybrid. What world am I in??? There's no way in hell I can get ready in 2 minutes. I tell him that I can jump out of the tub and be ready in 30 minutes. He should know better than ask me such a ridiculous question.

Holy shit. The people we were with party like crazy. I have never seen alcohol flow so freely. I was a bit intimidated. What was I going to talk about with these i-bankers? I have nothing in common. I don't think I even like i-bankers. Luckily, the loud club music and the alcohol kept everyone preoccupied. I hella don't mind free champagne. It's so strange to see tons of Asian people in Taiwan dancing to hip-hop. I had mad fun dancing with hubby and not paying for one single drink!

The Almost Missed Flight

I must have been smoking crack b/c I was positive my flight today from Denver, CO to Los Angeles was at 8:42 am. Being oh so responsible, I signed up for the 6 am airport shuttle. I woke up this morning and leisurely packed. I munched on leftover gluten-free pizza from the night before. I decided to take a quick look at my paper itinerary.

The “Oh FUCK” moment. My flight left at 7:15 am and it was 5:35 am. Oh fuckity fuck. I was panic-stricken. I threw all of my shit into my luggage and ran to the front desk. I don’t think I was speaking comprehendible English since I walking talking in my hyper-Bengali Chick-anxiety voice (1,000 words/minute). The front desk lady calmed my ass down and told me there was a taxi outside. Apparently, someone had ordered a taxi but wasn’t ready to depart. I got in the taxi and struck up a conversation with the Ethiopian driver. He told me about his wife and his 3 small boys with pride. The conversation helped to ease my nerves. He was very sweet and guaranteed me that I’d be at the airport no later than 6:15 am.

I arrived at the airport at 6:05 am. I flew out of the taxi to the Frontier Airlines curbside check-in. Another, “Oh FUCK” moment. I had left my laptop in the cab. Are you kidding me, this is my day??? I once again hysterically called the hotel. They said they would try to contact the cab driver and took down my cell phone number. I couldn’t risk missing my flight. I had to be at LAX in order to catch my flight to Taiwan. I ran to the security line. I was numb with worry. My cell phone started ringing. The cab driver called and told me that he noticed my laptop and dropped it off at the curbside check-in for Frontier Airlines. I had no idea how to get back to the curbside check-in. The Denver Airport is massive. A woman noticed the stress on my face. She offered to help. She took the time to physically bring me to curbside check-in. The man at curbside check-in assured me that my laptop had been sent to my gate. The running started. I ran to the security line and then I literally sprinted to my gate.

I stood in front of the Frontier Airline desk and tried to catch my breath. In between pants I asked the front desk lady about my laptop. She told me no one had sent her a laptop. At this point, I just lost it. Tears started streaming down my face. FUCK ME. I might have lost my laptop. This day just sucked. She was so kind and reassured me that she would do her best to locate my laptop. I started praying. In just a few minutes someone from Frontier brought me my laptop. Sweet relief. Never have I been happier to be on a plane with all bags in tow.

When I arrived at LAX I stopped by the bookstore. I already had a travel guide and wanted to pick up a fiction book. I spotted a good book but it was $15. The cheap girl inside of me kept me from buying it. But, I then spotted the same book for $7.99. I commented to the bookstore sales lady, “I’m so happy I found this book for $7.99.” She said to me, “This is your lucky day.” I said, “Yes, it sure is.”

I could look at this day and say woe is me -- how did I get such bad luck! Or I can be grateful for the following things:
-I made my flight to fucking Taiwan and I am going to board in 1 hour.
-There was a cab waiting outside of my hotel in the exact moment I needed one.
-My cab driver noticed my laptop and was sweet enough to drop it off. I wonder if my friendliness with him during our ride had anything to do with it. We chatted and shared a good amount of personal details from our life. He told me about his mother passing and I told him of my father’s recent death.
-A complete stranger walked me to curbside check-in.
-The Frontier Airline front desk woman responded to my situation with complete and total kindness. She didn’t have to, she chose to.
-A Buddhist Priest on her way to Tokyo started a conversation with me. Her voice, her words filled me up with positive energy. She assured me I’d have a baby.
-While I waited to board the train I asked a Taiwanese woman where she got her McDonald’s. I desperately wanted a diet coke. She didn’t understand me. She just smiled. But when I looked up from my laptop, the Taiwanese lady stood in front of me and offered me her remaining fries and water. I almost cried. She wanted to give me her food. That’s so unbelievably kind.

I am swooning in gratitude. The kindness of strangers does not cease to amaze me. Such incredible beautiful kindnesses today have nourished my spirit. Days like this, surprisingly enough, inspire me to be a better person.

Officially a Homeowner!!!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
And I know I know I know I know I know I want to be in my house!

We fucking closed! Title is mine! Keys are mine! *Doing the happy dance*

This is so surreal. I'm a homeowner. *Doing the happy dance*

Friends, come visit me!!! I have not just one but two guest rooms. Each guest room has it's own full bath.

Come dance with me!!!!!!!!!!!

Aww.. Miss My Old Blog

I got such a sweet email today from a former reader of my old blog:

Hi Bengali Chick,

I saw your comment on Chicmommy's blog entry and thought I'd write to you on the email address given on your profile there. I used to be very avid reader of your blog and loved it! I used to comment once in a while (a****) and was very disappointed when you stopped blogging :( but it was understandable. I just wanted to drop a line to see how you were doing, if you were blogging again (hopefully!) and how your babies are doing. When are you due? (Last I remember from your blog, you had just become preganant). I hope all is well with you and the family!

Take care,

A****

She seems like a very nice girl. I'm just so wary of people on the i-net after that whole troll- outing debacle. I didn't tell her about my new blog. I like being underground, safe and cozy here.

I miss meeting new cool ass people from blogging. Le Sigh.

All of you bloggers I haven't met yet, or the ones I have met, holler at me when you're in Los Angeles. I want to meet you or see you again!

Lame Catch Up Post

Being in Aurora, CO SUCKS. I'm in butt fug no where. I guess at the very least I appreciate living in Los Angeles. The hotel is disgusting. My classmates are typical bureaucrats. I feel trapped in my hotel.

Good news is that we closed on our house. We get the title tomorrow!!!!

I leave for Taiwan this Friday.

I'll blog from Taiwan. I feel drained being in this environment.

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm drenched in gratitude today. Happy Happy Thanksgiving my blogging buddies.

• I am grateful for my husband. There is simply no greater joy in my life.
  
• I am grateful that my mother and I are finally friends, best of friends.
  
• I am grateful for my brother, he may love me more than anyone else in this world.
• I am grateful for Shiny. There is no better match for my brother. I can't imagine someone who would fit as well into our crazy and kooky family.
• I am grateful for Dilly who has been my best friend since I was 12 years old. She is my kindred spirit, my forever friend.
• I am grateful for my in-laws. As much as they drive me absolutely bonkers, they love my husband fiercely.
  
• I am grateful for my new house!!! We get the keys this Monday. This is my dream home in my dream location.
  
• I am grateful that I have the opportunity to go to Taiwan from 11/30 - 12/10. I'm tagging along on hubby's business trip.
• I am grateful for all of my friends. You make me a better person. You fill my life with happiness.
  

I Have No Words....

I love my husband to death. He is amazing. God bless him for being thrifty, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to buy a bomb ass house.

But thriftiness can go so far....

[Gmail Chat]

me: we NEED a truck. the van will NOT fit the bed

hubby: my brother and i will carry the bed.

me: shut the hell up. that is the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard in my entire life.
you're going to carry a bed 1 mile?????

hubby: yeah, it's light.

me: STOP IT

hubby: OR one of us can sit on top of the van and hold the bed. My brother and I can definitely carry it together.

me: you make me crazy

hubby: You Americans -- so spoiled. In India they sit on top of buses.

me: You ARE American and this is NOT India.....

Uhm Yeah

I can't deal with a public blog anymore. I like to share and I got all shy out in the public!

Reclaiming Manifest!

I'm going to try having a public blog again. I'll be more secretive than ever so a troll will NOT be able to out me. If I start getting haters again, I'll close Manifest for good. Wish me well!

Manifest My Desire

Does Dosa Give You Gas?

[Spelt pizza in NYC -- hands down favorite]

I was going to title this post, I'm going going, back back, to Cali Cali, but gas is really on my mind. I'm glad to be back home but NYC was fantastic. Here are the highlights:

• Chilling with the BFF (Dilly) in Curry Hill. And no, she isn't desi.
• Went to ZenDenizen's partay. Engaged in debauchery with her eclectic group of friends. Someone offered me a shot as soon as I walked in. My kind of people. Ms. ZenDenizen is hawt -- skinny with ginormous boobs. Dilly and I stole glances at the breasts.
  
• Brunch with Tamasha at a swanky place. I was tempted to bust out with, "I got five on it, grab your 40, let's get keyed," I have no idea why. Ms. Tamasa fed us well. Dilly and I feasted on frittata with cavalo nero, doesn't that just sound cool?
• Met up with Chai and gang to get our drink on. We wiggled our tush, did the salt shaker, and busted out with the shopping cart until the wee hours of the morning. We closed the house in LES. We then feasted on the cuteness that is Chandi. I don't think I've ever stayed out so late. Dilly and I grabbed grub and got home around 7 am.

I'm exhausted and I have gas. Dilly and I had dosa for dinner last night. I even took Beano. I love South Indian food, the dosa was so good that I'm drooling thinking about it. I couldn't rip loose on the airplane -- hot stifling air and smelly farts are not a good combo. I passed out on the plane ride back to LAX. I hope I didn't pass gas in my sleep (hubby says I do sometimes). At least I didn't do what the old dude did when he got off the plane. He ripped loose as soon as we got off. The farts were loud, like bombs, and I had to hold my breathe because they were stinky. Maybe he ate too much dosa.

You are REJECTED

So the job sounded cool in paper. The job sounded even cooler in my interview. BUT the Director was a fucktwat. I couldn't even imagine working for him, I'd pull out my hair and stab myself in the eye repeatedly. They were offering less money as well, as if. I called on Saturday night and left a message similar to the following, "Thanks so much for taking the time for my interview. Unfortunately, I am not interested in this position unless you can match my salary. Please do not call my supervisor for a reference check. Take care." Satisfying. More to come on my fabtabulous time in NYC. But right now I'm exhausted from all of the partying.

I'm Coming to NYC Baby

[~circa 2005 Pooped from too much partying in NYC. 4 of us kids passed out on Dilly's twin bed.]

Yeah, I jinxed myself. I have an interview for what seems like a very phat job -- phat enough that I'm spending mad money on a last minute flight to NYC. But I'm very excited. I get to see my bestest friend for-evuh and go on blog dates with some very cool bloggers. Let's just focus on the positive and push the entire move to NYC or Bay debate out of my mind:)

I'm off to pack!

The Kindness of Strangers

I lugged my huge suitcase onto the Caltrain. Imagine a ginormous suitcase (I could fit inside of the luggage). I have no other luggage. I've been looking for luggage sales and cheap ass me kept waiting for that perfect deal. Yes I know, I need to buy a carry on rolling suitcase ASAP. I rolled my butt fuck huge luggage to the end of the train, trying to avoid people's appendages, and realized my mistake -- there was absolutely no room for my luggage in between the seats. People tried to get past me but couldn't. I started getting mean looks. I could barely budge my suitcase down the aisle. I felt cornered. I started to panic.

Then a hipster techie desi man showed up. He had sat next to me on the bench waiting for the Caltrain. He said to me gently, "you have to move your luggage to the luggage car." I said meekly, "I didn't know." He picked up my suitcase and motioned that I should follow. I did just that. He just radiated a kind vibe. I wasn't afraid that he would try to make a mad dash with my luggage. Him being desi definitely helped me feel non-sketched. We got to a car where there was a large space for people in wheelchairs. He put my luggage down. I thanked him. He said to me, "I'm worried. We have to find the luggage car b/c the ticket checking guy will make you move your luggage. I've seen him make mothers move their strollers." I nodded my head. He told me he would find the luggage car and took off. He came back quickly and stated that he found the luggage car and it was a few cars down. On the next stop, I quickly got off the train and moved as fast as I could to get to the luggage car before the train took off. SHIT. How many cars down was the luggage car? I hadn't bothered to ask. But get this, the hipster techie desi man was there to help me. He waived to me from the luggage car. He carried the luggage onto the train and hoisted it on the luggage shelf. I smiled and said, "thank you so much." He simply nodded. He got off on the next stop.

I'm floored by his kindness. He didn't hit on me. He wasn't creepy. He didn't expect anything from me. He was just a kind young gentleman. His momma taught him well.

I was in a pissy mood when I landed in Burbank Airport. I missed my husband. I barely saw him this weekend. Anyhow, I was tired, cranky and feeling blue. I got to my apartment and I found the sweetest card and gift from a blogger whom I have never met IRL but feel like I definitely know her. I won't mention who she is by name b/c I don't want to embarrass her. But she had been thrift store shopping, saw a tank, thought I would like it (it says "I love LA") and mailed it to me. No rhyme or reason for the gift. Simple. Authentic. Generous. Real. I love this gift b/c it's in the spirit of true gift giving -- wanting to light up someone else's face with a smile for no reason. And this tank happens to be way cool.

Twice in one day I have encountered authentic kindness, I'm tickled pink and inspired. I will certainly pay this kindness forward. Thank you both for making my day better than I could have imagined by your acts of kindness.

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.
~AMELIA EARHART

Dinner with the In-Laws

I intervened and stopped a fight between hubby and my MIL. Hubby worked over a 100 hours last week and this week. He is exhausted. My MIL wanted us to come out to the East Bay for dinner. Hubby had no time to have dinner with the 'rents in the East Bay. His mom was pissed and hubby was pissed. Hubby thought his mom had no respect for the fact that he was sleep deprived and had mad work to do. MIL felt unloved that her son couldn't find time to see her. I got on the phone to smooth things over. I told her that hubby was busy and we couldn't drive out to the Easy Bay b/c if we did hubby would get less hours of sleep that night. I told my MIL that I would love to see her and FIL and have dinner with them in Silicon Valley. So the in-laws came over to the hotel to visit ME. We went to Madras Cafe and stuffed our face with South Indian food. No drama. Just good food and chilling with the family. I felt very much loved. My in-laws drove an hour to visit just ME. Three years later and we have come a long way -- one big happy family. Of course I bitch about my in-laws, that's alway fun. But in all seriousness, they do really love me and I do love them.

I'm super wife!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

East or [North] West

That's been the debate -- moving East or North West. My heart has always been in Cali, so I've been pushing for North West. We've debated for almost a year. We have discussed the issue to death. At first we were planning on moving out East, we had our reasons. There was a lot of hesitations (the Right coast is not the Left coast and it's butt fuck cold out East). After much deliberation, I think we've decided that staying in Cali and moving to the Bay is the best for us. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I'm confident that we will be moving back to the Bay in the foreseeable future.

Roonie and AK: I can't wait for you guys to be back in Cali. You know that I would love it.

Brown Sugar and Island Girl: I hope our blogger dates are the start of something wonderful;)

I've been so afraid of writing this post. I just didn't want to jinx anything. I'm ready for change but also terrified. LA feels like home. Change can give me anxiety. I have a solid crew of wonderful friends in La La Land. The kind of friends that I feel comfortable calling and saying, "What you up to? Wanna chill? Okay, I'm coming over." No plans. No formalities. I love love love my LA girls. The stupid and irrational fear is that I won't have homies in the Bay. Like AK says, "logic must supersede emotion." Homies are important to me. I had them in Patheticut and I have them in LA. I for sure will have them in the Bay. There's too many cool peeps here (the blogging beauties I've met here proves just that).

I leave the Bay tomorrow, but I'll be back!

Life is Good

Let me count the ways:

1. I am in the Bay with my baby. It feels so good just seeing him. I have missed him so much. Nothing makes me happier than being with my husband. So ever grateful for having this amazing darling man in my life. I swear he got more handsome. It's true, everyday he just becomes more and more gorgeous. Magic!
2. I found the fuzzy brown boots I've been looking for. Got them at a steal -- $13 bucks!
3. My hotel has a beautiful heated pool and I found a bathing suit for $4.99! I can't wait to swim.
4. Temperature controlled bathtub is glorious. I suck at getting the perfect bath water temperature. I always scald myself. I haven't taken a bath in YEARS, maybe 10.
5. Walked in San Francisco with my wind blown curls, delicious soy latte and simply people watched.
6. Met blogger Brown Sugar. She's simply fabulous. I'm a slut, I have another blogger date with Island Girl tomorrow.

Green Bling Bling

I love jewelry. I have what I consider lots of jewelery. All of my jewels are from my parents or from family for my wedding. I'm not a bling bling person. I hate spending frivolous money. I'm frugal and I love being frugal. Also, I really don't like the guilt associated with jewelery, specifically diamonds. I'm certainly not the most green or socially responsible person, but I try. It's important to me. I'm more than happy to spend money to be a more socially responsible consumer (hybrid, organic, fair trade, etc).

I'm not going to say that I haven't considered buying a huge rock. Hubby's asked and I've considered. I don't have an engagement ring, we eloped! I have 2 rings that I wear as my wedding band. They have tiny diamonds in them. Oops (but that was 3 years ago and I've grown and my views have changed for the better -- thank you Cali). I'd be lying if I said that I want a diamond SOLELY because I find it to be sparkly and shiny, hence beautiful. Come one, my cz's shine just as much as any diamond. Let's be real, I'd want a huge big fat rock so people can look at me and think 2 things: 1) wow, she has tons of money and 2) her husband must adore her. I don't want to be that person. I could easily become that person.

I did a search on socially responsible jewelry and found greenKarat:

Our greater goal at greenKarat is to end destructive gold and diamond mining. We do not, however, strive to force that change through radical activism. While activist organizations play a critically important role in educating and motivating consumers, we believe that widespread and permanent change will ultimately occur through the voice of consumer buying decisions.

Our mission is to provide an ecologically and socially responsible jewelry alternative to those who seek change. We want to help you, in some small way, become part of the permanent solution. Together we can make a difference.

How beautiful are these rings? The one above and to the left is called the Gatsby Redux, named after The Great Gatsby. I think it's utterly gorgeous. The rings are affordable and there is ZERO guilt. Let me tell you why this ring is beautiful:

• Cast in 18k recycled gold or 90/10 recycled platinum, with a bezel set created diamond.
• They do not handle freshly mined diamonds at all, preferring instead to use synthetic stones.
• The company uses Chatham created diamonds (They have the same chemical, optical and physical properties as their natural counterparts. The only difference is that one came from the ground and the other from a laboratory).

Back to the Bay

Yup that's San Francisco behind me in the pic. Roonie took it. She's an amazing photographer. I'm flying up to Palo Alto this Thursday night until Monday night to see hubby! I'm beyond excited about flying from Burbank to San Jose, no dealing with the hecticness of LAX or SFO!!! It's been ages since I've seen him and it stinks big time. Hubster will be working crazy hours, unfortunately. I gots to keep myself busy with libations and vintage shopping (you know I love a bargain). Holla at me if you wanna grab a drink!

**I'm meeting an SF blogger (Brown Sugar). WOOT!

Shopping Happiness

Hubby's still out of time. What's a girl to do with her free time? Drink with her friends (drink lots) and shop, but not at the same time. I went to Third Street Promenade with Shiny and checked out Lorin Shoe Store. I fell in love with Simple shoes, they're comfortable and have green toe shoes. But still, I felt guilty about spending $$. Today, on my way to the gym, I stopped by my local thrift store. I found BRAND NEW Simple Clogs for $5.99. I also picked up some other great steals.

vintage clothes = recycled = eco-friendly

*Sniffle*Sniffle*

I miss my baby. Monday night the crackbery went off in the wee hours of the morning. I heard hubby say something important to me but I was zonked out from ze sex. At 4 am I felt my buddy gently shake me awake. His bags were packed. He kissed me goodbye and jetted off for a business trip. The problem is that he may not return to my arms until mid-October.

I don't think I can handle not seeing him for so long. My brother, Shiny and Tum are visiting me this weekend. But every weekend until hubby returns, I'll be on a jet plane to see my buddy.

In Flux

Well, life isn't stagnant and I feel that. That's a good thing, it means I'm alive. Anyhow, I'm hoping I can make some decisions soon. I'm being cryptic, yup not ready to spill the beans.

So here's a cute story instead. My husband is the opposite of controlling or bossy. He's the most chill person I know (when he's home and not at work). I was semi-interested in this federal gig where I get to carry a gun, I mean how cool is that. Here's how the IM conversation went down.

Me: Honey, I really think I should apply to --.

Hubster: Are you really going to mention the -- thing again?

Me: LOL! LOL! LOL! i swear to god i really want it. [joking]

Hubby: Well you better get over it.

Me: i'm cracking up over here. oh my god. you are too much!

can i excercise free speech?

Hubby: I love you so much. Your free speech is limited to things that do not needlessly worry
your hubby.

Me: i can have a gun and say bang! bang!

Hubby: No way

Me: i need to kiss you NOW and make love to you.
i kinda like this over protection
it's sexy

can i say bang bang and you say no?

Hubby: I'll do you to teach you a lesson!

Don't play with guns!
Bad girl!

**Tonight is going to be fun**

My Fabulous Weekend in San Francisco

I left CT to move specifically to San Francisco. That City will always have my heart. I had a beyond wonderful time in my beloved City.

• I saw Roonie. Nothing is better than meeting up with a good friend. It's like picking up where we left off in LA. I love you and miss you so much girl.
  
• Finally meeting blogger Maisnon and seeing her radiant smile, experiencing her warm energy and sense of humor first hand.
  
• People are so nice in the Bay. I can't tell you how many random people started a conversation with me. I miss that.
• I love that SF is so liberal -- that while I'm very liberal in LA, I probably am more moderate in SF.
  
• Being able to see family. Our entire family is in the Bay.
  
• My husband finally gets how important the Bay and family are to me. We're on the same page. And that means good changes will be happening soon.
  
• Nothing to do with SF but everything to do with hair: My husband was inspired to cut my bangs. My face is framed so well now!

**Pic above is from Roonie's blog.

Will It Eever Stop Sucking

I try not to think about it. I don't think I could function if I did. Most days I keep all of those thoughts out of my mind. I feel guilty for not thinking about him. I don't really want to. Being angry is easier. I can get through my day being angry. Why didn't you fucking take care of your health?

I was packing up to go to San Francisco this weekend to see Roonie. I pulled out my luggage and I saw his glasses. After he died, we cleaned the entire house. We got rid of everything that was his. We didn't want my mom coming home to all of those reminders. It was so hard just stuffing all of his things, his life, into garbage bags. He used to wear velcro sneakers. They were always the K-mart brand, he never spent any money on his clothes. My brother and I got him a pair of high quality boots for Christmas and he never wore them, I think he was afraid of ruining them. He alway put on Nivea cream, the one in the blue container, on his face. He used Johnson & Johnson baby oil on his hair. We just threw it all away. I kept 2 things, random. I had gotten him a fleece with my law school logo on it for his birthday one year, he wore it on special occasions. I also kept his glasses. I always made fun of them. They're ugly. They're fake gold with plastic tortoise shell covering. The plastic is chipped in many places.

In my luggage I found the glasses. I put them on and looked in the mirror. Did I look like him? I'm so pathetic, I smelled them, hoping they would smell like his Old Spice. They don't.

He's never coming back. I don't know why... but it just hit me while holding his glasses. This just fucking really sucks. I can't stop the flood of memories from coming into my mind. But none of them, not one singe memory, is good. It's all of him when he was so skinny and couldn't talk anymore. I just keep thinking about waking up, looking at his face, his mouth was open and eyes were closed and I knew. I touched him and he was so cold.

How does this happen? How can this be a part of life and hurt so much? I just want to hug him again. I want to stop hysterically crying. How is this ever going to be better?

Dad -- I want to fucking hate you for dying. How could you leave us? Why did you leave me?

It's Britney, Bitch

My book club is full of very intelligent girls (and one guy) but we really could not get over Britney's VMA performance (come on you know you love pop culture). I don't have cable so the girls and guy enlightened me on the suck ass performance and of course we watched it on youtube.



This was a comeback? I kind of can't stop watching this video. It really is beyond bad. Your back up dancers should clearly NOT outshine you during your comeback.

Book club speculation: the girl did a line of coke, got way too jittery, smoked mad weed to calm her nerves = wacked out zombie who can't dance or lip-sync.

Quoting Moon [pretending to be Brit-Brit], "That sucked ass, y'all."

The Hairdresser

It's fucking hard finding a good hairdresser. Can we say an "Amen" to that? In San Francisco, I found Theresa @ Cinta and she understood my curls and my hair always looked fabulous. After Theresa gave me a a haircut (it was more than a haircut, it was an experience), I was blown away by complete love for my curlicious locks. In LA I found Kelcey. Fug Kelcey. Kelcey is in rehab or some crap for her heroine addiction. So I ventured out to a *new* hair salon that had rave reviews and Fernando cut my locks. My hair is so blah. I wanted bangs. I didn't get bangs. Instead what I got was Fernando's advice on how to stay LA skinny:

• Breakfast = protein shake
• Lunch = veggies and low carb
• Dinner = protein shake

So no fabulous haircut. Instead I got advice on how to become a waif.

Happy 3 Yr Wedding Anniversary, My Love

I remember listening to this song in my bedroom in Connecticut during my last year of law school.

It was on a surpsingly good wedding CD that my friend AK burned for me. I didn't believe in love then. I never thought I would find a man that inspired me to take a leap of faith in love.

Throughout the years, whenever people meet us, they say "oh you guys are just newyweds, you won't be like that after the honeymoon is over." Everyday of my marriage I stive to be like that. When I'm 62 I plan on holding his hand while we walk, kiss him unexpectedly out of the blue, share secret smiles and giggles, gush over our love and make passionate love until we pass out from exhaustion. Three years later, my heart is so full that I am surprised it hasn't burst.

What I have with my husband is nothing short of magical. Every morning I wake up in awe that he's in my arms. It's still painful to leave his side to go to work. My poor husband, I kiss him to death (more like smother him with kisses) before I leave our house. I'm kooky. He just gets me, ya know? Completely. And we love each other fiercely.

Cheers to 3 blissful years of marriage to my best friend.

Hello Lovely 2-8

Thursday night we started off with a party in Venice. Carson Daly was at my burfday party. My homies are cool like that.

Gluten free red velvet cake, vanilla custard filling and chocolate ganache frosting.

Had a family b-day bash on Friday. Shiny made me home made gluten free cake -- yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Delicious. Better than the $40 cake above.

Shiny made me home made gluten free pizza. The girl made her own pizza sauce. She even roasted the red peppers. HEAVEN. I love you Shiny. I hope Shiny and Bengali Dude get married (okay I'll stop being an "aunty").

I had an absolutely fabulous burfday. All smiles.

Filed Under: The Stupid Things White Men Say

I was at Blockbuster's in WeHo. I was taking my time looking at the back of the dvd boxes. Picking a good movie is a serious process. This guy looks at me. I know, he must have been staring at my curlicious locks. I ignored him and hoped that he'd continue on his way. No such luck.

Hipster: Do you know much about indie films?

Me: [I didn't want to get into a conversation with this man, color me anti-social] No, sorry.

Hipster: I'm looking for a German film about a government investigator.

Me: [I knew exactly which movie he was referring to... a fucking amazing movie that I saw at the New Beverly Cinema as part of a double feature.] The Lives of Others!

Hipster: See, you do know your indie films.

Me: Uhm no. That was just an amazing film.

Hipster: Really?

Me: Hands down one of my favorite films. I think it's over there (far away from where I was standing). [I go back to reading the back of the dvd box. I had helped the man. Now he could leave me alone.]

Hipster: Are you in the film industry? Do you make films?

Me: [Is this his pickup line, for reals? It's not like everyone doesn't try to use that line in L.A.] Definitely not.

Hipster: So where are you from?

Me: [Jesus, this question???] I'm Bengali.

Hipster: Wow. I've always wanted to visit. [Yeah right buddy bear.]

Me: Well, you should check it out.

Hipster: So is your boyfriend from there too?

Me: Actually, my HUSBAND [let me say it loud and clear] is Punjabi.

Hipster: [Taking a moment for it to sink in that I am not available] So do your tribes get along, or is there a lot of tribal fighting? [This man was dead fucking seriously]

Me: [I just made a face. There clearly was nothing left to say.]

Butter Up Your Yoni Flower

Yeah good stuff. I own this stuff and it's great to play with solo or with a partner.

I'm Sick & Cranky, Bite Me

Who knew, I had a wonderful time having dinner and dancing with a mostly desi crew on Saturday night. I ended the night early b/c my stomach became a knife stabbing monster. As I walked back to my car from Little Temple, I saw a ghettoburg helicopter flying overhead because there was a shooting. Got to love L.A.

I woke up Sunday with that dreaded tickle in the back of my throat. I was also feeling hormonal and cranky, my period should be here on 9/4 (I know my cycle that well). Of course when I'm in no mood to talk to anyone, dearest MIL calls. She damn well knows that I am a having a birthday dinner in the Bay on Friday with mom, hubby, Bengali Dude (BD) and Bengali Dude's girlfriend (Shiny) [in-laws are OF COURSE invited]. BD is making me a gluten free pizza from scratch. Shiny is making me a gluten free burfday cake. Good times. Dearest MIL is very much aware of the plans. We'll be splitting the weekend with my family and the in-laws. The first 1/2 of the weekend will be with my family, since Friday is my burfday, and I always see my mom for my burfday. It's normal to see your mother, the woman who gave birth to you from her vagina, on your birthday. And OBVIOUSLY, this will be my 1st birthday where my dad won't be there to hug me, kiss me and wish me a Happy Birthday. [Now I want to cry.] Obviously MIL doesn't get it.

MIL: On Friday we can have a birthday dinner for you at our house. It'll be fun.
Me: [this is fucking awkward as the plans have already been made] Well we already have plans.
MIL: [ignoring me] I just need a days notice to prepare everything for Friday.
ME: [trying to be nice.. holding back my tongue] We really do have plans though with my mom... she always sees me for my birthday.
MIL: Your brother and mom can come to our house.
ME: [am about to fucking lose it.. why the fuck should my whole family commute 2 hours on my birthday to go to my in-laws house????] My mom is excited about me coming over.
MIL: [her victim voice]: Oh okay. It's your birthday. You can do whatever you like.
Me: [no shit] K.. see you this weekend.

She then goes to have this exact same conversation with my husband. Well guilt-ing him didn't work either. It's my birthday goddammit.

So maybe for hubby's 26th b-day next year (I married a young one) I should invite my in-laws to a birthday party hosted by my family. That would go over just swell.

The So Called Right Path

Oh you’re not a lawyer, I-banker, doctor, Ivy League grad or don’t make a shit load of money? Well you’re a loser, clearly.

There’s a lot of pressure from the family/society in desi and other cultures to be make it big. Making it big certainly means getting an education. An education from a State school, unless it’s prestigious, or a non-Ivy school is a waste of money. And having a career that doesn’t make a shit load of money is a waste of time.

I thought I was above all of this brainwashing. I was wrong. I was disappointed with my brother’s choices regarding his professional life upon graduation with a B.A. in Economics. I was taken aback when he told me he wanted to purse a one year program in a mechanics school. My little brother a mechanic??? I immediately thought [ashamed to admit now], “but he’s smart…he’s going to ruin his life.” He told me that he always loved cars. He said he liked working with his hands. More importantly, he told me he would be happy as a mechanic.

I lectured my brother. I told him that he should get a job that will utilize his degree. This all came from a good place in my heart. But the bottom line is that I was judgmental. I couldn’t imagine him being happy in a “blue-collar” profession, I wanted so called better for him.

My little brother puts a lot of weight in my words. He took a job he hated. He told me, “I didn’t want to disappoint you.” Do you know how that broke my heart? But my little brother is courageous and brave. He’s now enrolled in a 60 week mechanics program. He’s happy. A weight has been lifted off his shoulders. And I’m proud of him.

I’ve learned a valuable lesson. One of my close and very wise friends told me:

I mean, look at us.
We went to law school, we achieved, wrote stuff, did stuff
We are unhappy with our careers like crazy
But we did everything right!
And it still didn't turn out
I'm learning that sometimes the "right" path isn't "right"
If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't do what I've done.

Somehow happiness, the pursuit of happiness, gets lost in all of this other garbage. We get piles of shit thrown at us, subtle and overt indoctrinations on how to live our lives, and we start forgetting what it means to be happy. I’m glad that my little brother taught me that the path to happiness is easy: don’t give a flying fuck what anyone thinks, pursue your dreams and your heart won’t steer you wrong.

I’m a better person today.

She's fabulous, but she's evil.

I'm kinda scared of brownies. Okay, scared is a strong word. Plus I'm married to a South Asian, does that give me street cred? Maybe not since he is admittedly white washed -- I have to coerce him to eat anything Indian (he wrinkles his nose, and not in a "my interest has been peeked" sorta way, if I've been making my mean curry), but I digress. I have a bias against my peeps. I automatically think I probably won't like the brownie(s) or they won't like me. The first thoughts that cross my mind are -- conservative, clickish & catty chicks..... Yeah, I think of myself as a married but dislike married people type of bad ass who isn't catty (of course) but more of a scamp;) I'm a bit tweaked.

Where is this fear coming from? I've never been part of a desi crew. None of my homies (ride or die friends) are desi. Hell, I only have one desi girl's number in my cell phone (girl you know who you are). Plus the desi chick clique wasn't into me in college -- maybe I was too much of a ho. Anyhoo, fearful of the brownie (more so the brown chick -- desi chick clique gone a la Mean Girls) is where I'm at. Anyone else a wee bit intimidated yet secretly want to be invited to the party?

I know, I need to get over it. Fo shizzle.

Give Me the Big Ones, No Really, I Ain't no Weanie!

I'm ready for the big guns. Boy oh boy am I excited. I am in love with Christina. She said, "I'm Lebanese between my knees," in my weights class today. She is an amazing instructor. We did a full body weights work out in one hour. She keeps it interesting by whooping and screaming like a banshee. You know that exercise where you have a heavy bar on your shoulders and you squat -- making sure your knees do no not extend beyond your ankles AND your ass sits down on an imaginary chair? It was easy peasy!!! I am ready to increase my weights. Spank my firm melon ass baby!



*Sniffle* I miss you Roonie, my foreva' gym buddy.