A Floetic Surprise

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

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

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

(the birthday gal with Sandie and me)

November 28, 2007 at 3:35 pm · Friends & Family· Permalink ·

A Brooklyn Thanksgiving

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

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

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

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

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

November 22, 2007 at 10:21 am · Friends & Family· Permalink ·

Birthday Recap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 18, 2007 at 4:58 am · Friends & Family, Just Me· Permalink ·

Paula and Jeffrey’s Wedding

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

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

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

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

November 17, 2007 at 10:41 pm · Friends & Family· Permalink ·