Memento

You deserve it.

2012-09-18T11:32:00.003-07:00

Source: etsy.com via Debbie on Pinterest

So flip that shit around and have a gorram sundae.

2012 Mantras.

2012-01-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: fromupnorth.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: piccsy.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Well, maybe a few things if they're really pretty...

"We used the stick."

2011-12-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

Source: XShot.com

Ever since my sister and I saw Val's awesome XShot camera extender, we've been lemming for one because it let's you take group pictures without leaving someone out of the group picture. You just screw on the camera to the tip of the XShot, set your 10 sec. timer, extender the baby, and smile. Easy peasy pictures, right? And, bonus! You look super dorky and touristy, but whatever because everyone's in the group! Coolest thing ever, right?!

No. The brother-in-law felt less of the cool and more of the dorky and touristy, unfortunately, so Min never got one. Dun dun DUN...big sister to the rescue, and I got them one in time for their NYE trip. While my sister gleefully ripped the packing off the XShot with a near maniacal gleam in her eye, Brandon was less enthused. (By the way, when they opened their joint Christmas present, my mom had a hard time grasping the context of the extender and thought it a gift of the the disciplinary sexual variety. File that under "Cheese and rice, I never want to hear that out of my mom's mouth ever again.")

Fast forward five days. Min just sent me this text with Brandon's phone: "we used the stick and now Brandon loves it."

Naturally, I sent this back:

I mean, really. Don't you know anything about me?

Ain't that some shit.

2011-12-28T16:10:00.001-08:00

Good God Almighty, if this had been around about four years ago I would have. tore. shit. up.

This kid Jhameel and I are in some serious business right now.

To waiting.

2011-11-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Source: heartofsunshine.tumblr.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Jim: I just wanna say how happy we are that all of you are here tonight. And, I want to especially thank those of you who have travelled from far away to be here with us tonight. Especially the Florida cousins, who obviously can't take a hint. Four years ago, I was just a guy who had a crush on a girl, who had a boyfriend. And I had to do the hardest thing that I've ever had to do, which was just to... wait. Don't get me wrong, I flirted with her. Pam, I can now admit in front of friends and family, that I do know how to make a photocopy. Didn't need your help that many times. And, uh, do you remember how long it took you to teach me how to drive stick?

Pam: Like a year!

Jim: I've been driving stick since high school, so... For a really long time that's all I had. Little moments with a girl who saw me as a friend. And, a lot of people told me I was crazy to wait this long for a date with a girl I work with but I think, even then I knew that... I was waiting for my wife.

Troy and Abed.

2011-09-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

To twentysix.

2011-09-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Ten things that makes me terribly happy.

2011-09-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ten things that makes me terribly happy, inspired by Rockstar Diaries:

1. Rough housing with my neighbor's bulldog puppies
2. My sister's hilarious blog post on her first day of subbing.
3. When a stranger repins my favorite things on Pinterest

Source: mayanrocks.com via Debbie on Pinterest

4. Nightly hand-in-hand walks around town
5. Trying new things with great friends (like hydrobiking!)

6. Doodling again
7. Daydreaming about telling off an impossibly obnoxious coworker and walking away like a boss
8. News of friends' engagements (especially Hannah's!)
9. Getting the last five minutes of pre-workday snuggling in
10. Not having to think too hard about which little things make me happy

First world problems.

2011-09-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Dance has been a consistent part of my life from middle school to the end of my college years so I never felt the need to "work out," which is in quotes because my definition of "working out" is going through the circuit training machines real fast so I can take a 30 minute shower in the ~~naked~~ locker room. I consider the abhorrent water usage as part of my $20/year membership fee.

However, it seems that I'm at the age when my slowing metabolism is a sad, anemic truth. Exponentially compounded by a fat cat lifestyle in Surbubia, CA, where my mom folds my laundry and my grandma cooks dinner nearly night, my somewhat adorable "pooch" is now more of a "pouch where bad snack choices simmer and die."

As a result, I've resolved to hit the gym this summer but I have yet to go in the last, mm, oh, about 30 months or so. I tried to motivate myself by shopping for the perfect pair of gym shorts (which, I'm convinced, does not exist without some excruciating semblance to adult diapers). I proudly held up an albeit all-too-pink Nike drawstring bag for K to see, to which he wrinkled his nose and said "I think you shop for gym accessories more often that you actually go to the gym." Umm, yeah, excuse me, but I gotta look cute when trolling for my next boyfriend.

That night, I finally came to the realization why I'm resisting going to the gym: I avoid the gym because I don't know what to do with my bangs.

First world problems, right? In addition to lacking pink gym accessories, and, ya know, the pain, I don't know what to do with my bangs. I hate when it gets sweaty because they do that horrid separating thing I hate. (Anyone else? No? Just me? Okay...) On the other hand, I have a 5head that is only ameliorated with full, sweep-y bangs.

Btw, 5head: adj. a forehead that is unusually large/long, and therefore surpasses the regular "fore" (pun for "four") to a "five." Famous 5heads: Rihanna, Tyra Banks, Christina Ricci, Luke Perry. Check out this TMZ gallery for more slopey 5head goodness.

One of these days, I'll hit the gym like the good ol' times. But for now, brb while I load up my mp3 player with gym-worthy songs. For, you know, when I "work out."

Hey there, Bay Area.

2011-09-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Things to look forward to this long, jam packed weekend in the BAY.

The Exploratorium, source: planetware.com

Lobster rolls from Woodhouse Fish Company, source: randommealoftheday.blogspot.com

Bi-Rite Creamery, source: Yelp.com

The California Academy of Science (the Living Roof), source: calacademy.org

The California Academy of Science (inside), source: theepochtimes.com

Blue & Gold Fleet Bay cruise, source: blueandgoldfleet.com

Ghirardelli Sq., source: noshameadventures.com

Mushrooms, Onions, Mozzarella Cheese, Montalban Cheese, Arugula in French Vinaigrette pizza, source: yelp.com

UC Berkeley (Sather Gate), source: hogue.com

Telegraph Ave., source: pictureninja.com

We're basically going to eat the entire Bay Area.

Hannah is engaged!

2011-08-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

I guess growing old(er) isn't so horrible when we have amazing things to look forward to, like one of my oldest friends' beautiful and sweet, sweet, sweet engagement! A little quirky, a lot sweet, and 100% Hannah all the time, Hannah is a lifelong buddy, through and through. We danced on our high school dance team together and were drawn to each others' biting sarcasm (and, obviously, indubitable charms).

One of my absolute favorite things about Hannah is her unwavering loyalty to not just her friends & family, but her passions. While the rest of us (some begrudgingly) went into the conventional work force, she followed her dreams of becoming a wedding photographer.

And, a damn talented one at that. Hannah eventually followed her dreams all the way up to San Francisco, where she busts her ass to be the best photographer, daughter, friend, mother of two Jindo fur babies, fancy cook, and (now) fiance she can be.

You can read about her engagement HERE, but below are some of my favorite parts:

"Tony treated me to some of my favorite things. An hour long couple’s massage, a massive lunch of TACOS (my favorite food!), and then finally took me up on a hike to this gorgeous view of the lake.

"...he brought out a scrapbook called “The Adventures of Tony and Hannah” that he had been spending months putting together. It chronicles our whole journey from our very first date when we watched the worst movie in existence, The Legend of Zorro (the movie had a horse running on top of a moving train. I mean, really) and all the places we’d gone, the things we’ve done, the food we’ve eaten.

"That’s when Tony brought out the treasure box...that he had spent so long looking for because he knew it would be perfect for me. And inside was the most stunningly gorgeous ring.

"We were crying and laughing and I nodded my answer yes. I’m so grateful that we were able to have that amazing moment to ourselves. Almost as soon as we were done wiping away the tears, these two older ladies came hiking up the hill, saw us, and offered to take our photo. What great timing!"

A gorgeous story for a gorgeous couple. Hannah, I'm crazy for you (if you can't tell) and am so excited to see you enter the next chapter of your life with a true partner who loves&adores you for being a little quirky, a lot sweet, and 100% Hannah all the time.

"Our house is going to be a mishmash of different styles...

2011-08-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

...but that's ok with me."

Prints for every room

Source: printshop.urbanoutfitters.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: coketalk.tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: 20x200.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Elements of color

Source: sherlonkahkai.tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: ashleyannphotography.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: smg.photobucket.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Airy and light-filled

Source: littlebitsoflovely.blogspot.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: refinery29.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: youaremyfave.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Unxpected surprises

Source: saraicat.tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: decorology.blogspot.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Last Minutes with Oden

2011-08-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

I've watched this video at least three times since I discovered it on goodness-whose-blog two years ago, and I cry every single time. This resonates so deeply, I can't even explain. Surely, one of life's greatest injustices is the laughable extent of life dogs are given in this world.

Summer list, redux.

2011-08-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

Summer (& beyond) to-do list, an update:

1. Old Town Pasadena Restaurant Week, June 1 - 8, 2011
forgone in favor of ice cream and TV at home

2. Birthday BBQ at dear Hannah's
No picture with the birthday girl (really?!) so I'll post a picture of her birthday breakfast instead. Happy belated, Hannah! I always and forever will adore your endearing wit, insatiable hunger to learn & absorb, and unfaltering loyalty to close friends. I love you so, and am soo glad to see SF through your eyes in September!

3. San Diego Google Adwords training seminar & minor detour to ~~La Jolla~~ Balboa Park, June 19 - 21, 2011

4. Global Soul with Rickey Minor, Stevie Wonder, and Friends (Janelle Monae!), July 24, 2011
Janelle Monae was a pint-sized tornado on the Hollywood Bowl stage, while Grace Potter rocked the bejesus out of her white dress. (My favorite Janelle Monae and Grace Potter songs, here and here.)

5. Sister comes back home for a bridal shower and her 23rd (wtf, already?) birthday, late July

Ahahaha, happy 23rd birthday, sister :D

6. "Art in the Streets" exhibit at MOCA (followed by dinner&dessert with Youny and Cam)

7. Miranda July | Eleven Heavy Things exhibit at MOCA Pacific Design Center

Pictures to come!

Things in store for us:
- Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA, May 29 – October 31, 2011
- 26th (wtfff?) birthday trip to SF and East Bay, ~~early October~~ Labor Day Weekend
- Possible and very exciting relocation of sorts?

Can't buy me love.

2011-07-31T12:52:00.001-07:00

Things I like about myself and their evil twin counterparts.

2011-07-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

1. I am largely independent

save for lacking the basic instinct to survive. Should probably get on it.

2. I have incredibly smart friends

and my jealousy of their hard-earned success rears its ugly head more times than not.

3. I'm ambitious

but not very diligent with following through.

4. I've never felt the need to hem the length of my pants

but I still need to come to terms with the width.

5. I love dogs

more than I love humans.

6. I have a sailor mouth

which is in fair need of a finely toothed filter.

7. I have great, glistening hair

and that is all.

George, some kinda muppet.

2011-07-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

As if I couldn't love this man enough.

On the regular.

2011-06-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Valerie says: i bought you a drink
you can kenny can share
its HUGE

Debbie says: aahhhhh
mm take it for your dad or youself then

Valerie says: booOo
its too big

Debbie says: thats what she said

Valerie says: HAHAHAH

We're in our mid-twenties and we DGAF.

Obsessed.

2011-06-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

I've joined. I've pinned. I've become obsessed. And it's mothereffin' glorious.

For the home

Source: pinterest.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: ashleyannphotography.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Debbie on Pinterest

To have and to hold:

Source: google.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: kmdflorist.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: 100layercake.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Styles to try

Source: tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: calypso-celle.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Other tasty morsels

Source: etsy.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Debbie on Pinterest

I spend an inordinate amount of time pinning things, as K can attest. Our normal weekend mornings consists of me pinning doodads on the bed, and him reading Reddit or ESPN, or both. The poor kid never knew what hit him.

Valerie, Hannah, and Sister know what I'm talking about. Speaking of which, SISTER WHY AREN'T YOU FOLLOWING MY BOARDS ON PINTEREST MY BOARDS ARE FLIPPIN' AWESOME.

Cool kids.

2011-05-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

Life has been really sweet lately and it's largely his fault, though I don't think he'll mind me blaming him very much. It's one of the best things about him.

Summer (& beyond) to-do list:

Old Town Pasadena Restaurant Week, June 1 - 8, 2011
"Art in the Streets" exhibit at MOCA, now until August 8, 2011
San Diego Google Adwords training seminar & minor detour to La Jolla, June 19 - 21, 2011
Global Soul with Rickey Minor, Stevie Wonder, and Friends (Janelle Monae!), July 24, 2011
Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA, May 29 – October 31, 2011
Sister comes back home for a bridal shower and her 23rd (wtf, already?) birthday, late July
Birthday BBQ at dear Hannah's
26th (wtfff?) birthday trip to SF and East Bay, early October

I'm so excited! Like, Jessie Spano excited! (She's so excited. She's so scared.)

Touché, First Lady.

2011-05-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

One night President Obama and his wife Michelle decided to do something out of routine and go for a casual dinner at a restaurant that wasn’t too luxurious. When they were seated, the owner of the restaurant asked the President’s Secret Service if he could please speak to the First Lady in private. They obliged and Michelle had a conversation with the owner. Following this conversation President Obama asked Michelle, “Why was he so interested in talking to you?” She mentioned that in her teenage years, he had been madly in love with her. President Obama then said, “So if you had married him, you would now be the owner of this lovely restaurant,” to which Michelle responded, “No. If I had married him, he would now be the President.”

*Apparently, this is a relatively well-circulated (and false) anecdote about every modern presidency, and not really from Michelle Obama. In retrospect, though, there's a damn good reason why it's so well circulated, no?

Why cute is not forever.

The one where we read the same young adult fiction in different states.

2011-04-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

me: my student lent me percy jackson the book and its really good
and i have no problem admitting it

Source: minwook12.wordpress.com

Min: no it isn't
i'm reading it RIGHT NOW
this is weird

We have unwanted telepathy. Source: wired.com

me: ME TOO
what chapter are you on

Min: lol, i think i have one more chapter to go
the movie was tons better

Source: localmovielistings.net

me: shut up, hater
the guy in the movie was pretty cute though, even if he is like 17

Heeyyy. Source: sugar0rush.wordpress.com

Min: he was in jack and bobby, the show i was telling you about

me: 17 is legal in some states
oh right

He's like 20 now. Source: wikiality.wikia.com

Min: lol
i don't like the book

me: hater

Source: starcasm.net

Min: whatever. doesn't mean i'm not going to read the second one

I KNEW IT.

Hardcore motherfuckers on fire.

2011-03-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

From one of my favorite advice columns of all time, Dear Coke Talk. There should be a Being a Productive and Worthwhile Human handbook, and this should be the ending chapter, right before the chapter titled "Toilet Paper Go Over, Not Under."

I’m trying a long-distance relationship for the first time. I really care about the girl, but I have always had a hard time keeping it in my pants. I’ve never really cheated - but in this instance I feel like it might eventually happen. Got any advice?

...A long distance relationship isn’t something you casually try for the first time like Thai food or anal sex. A long distance relationship is something you do because you absolutely motherfuckingly have to, and it’s bittersweet and painful and unbearable and you can’t live without it, which I suppose is still pretty much like Thai food or anal sex, but you get my point.

If all you can say is, “I really care about the girl,” that isn’t even close to enough. You better love that crazy bitch with every last ounce of douche you’ve got coursing through your veins. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up to fail.

And what’s all this about eventually cheating? Quit planning to fuck up. Fidelity isn’t inversely proportional to distance, asshole. There are no teen sex comedy loopholes in real life.

Feel free to work out an open arrangement, but if you decide to go traditional, you better have the requisite integrity. Keep it in your motherfucking pants, or be honest about the fact that you can’t. It’s that simple.

I just spent a solid, passionate year loving someone across hundreds of miles of pacific coast highway. It was the loneliest year of my life, punctuated by the most blissed-out orgiastic episodes of heroin-grade happiness I’ve ever known.

It’s an unnatural thing to maintain burning desire at a distance. You’ve gotta be an emotional athlete to handle the highs and lows. It requires a heart that’s pure and strong, and brother, I don’t think you’re in shape for it.

I’d wish you good luck, but it’d be wasted on your weak-ass shit. Long distance is for hardcore motherfuckers on fire.

You ain’t ready.

Source: "On Trying Long Distance."

31 in...whenever I feel like, okay?!

2011-02-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I failed my little self-experiment. However, I can safely (and very happily, natch) say that the past month has been a something of a revelation. I went to new places, had small, personal victories, and ate a lot. Like, seriously, a lot.

Hell the eff yeah, we did. Source: Yelp

While I didn't accomplish all that I set out to do, I actually want to go out and have experiences now. Not just "do" things and go through the strokes because I'm supposed to, but have real, visceral, good-God-I'm-having-a-shit-ton-of-fun experiences.

Goes to show that good things come to those who wait - and aren't expecting it. That, and Asian metabolisms are marvels of wonder.

Three triumphant cheers to the following mantras:

1. For the hell of it.

2. Why not?

3. Because I can.

*Click here to see the rest of the "31 in 31" list. (Updated constantly - for the hell of it.)

Don't be jealous...

2011-01-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

...of my crazy good skating skills.