Bored in NY? Never!

It's Saturday night and I'm ready to go out! Tonight is the Wes 08 Reunion party. I can't believe I'm going to Brooklyn... UGH. Sorry BK people, I grew up Uptown, Brooklyn is like another state to me. (DON'T even get me started on Jersey!) It was great seeing people I haven't seen since graduation. Yes, I know it hasn't been that long, but just because I haven't seen this people doesn't mean that I am not very fond of these people... It is also a relief to have a job, and know what I am doing. Now I can finally answer "What are you doing now?" instead of laughing it off and say I'm still looking and going on job interviews. Some of my favorite people are now NY residents and I m very happy about that! But the reunion party was fun, fun. It was open bar from 10-11 and you can bet our recent college grads were there on time! We all were either double fisiting and some of the pros were tripple fisiting. The only downside to BK is geting back uptown, it take about 1hr-2h especially on NY subway weekend schedules. BOO. My favorite part of the night was getting there though. Rey, Nina and Jonelle and I were all trying to go together especially since we all are living uptown but of course we couldn't really get ourselves together...cough, cough... But we made a plan to meet on third car in the back on 79th street 1 train. Rey couldnt reach Nina and Jonelle so Rey and I planned to meet on 79th street anyways, and while I was waiting at 79th street, I painfully watched 6 trains pass me, by the 7th train Nina runs out and was like WHERE's REYSON!? and I was like NINA! WHAT!! They both got off the train, but I didnt understand Reyson wasnt with them, so I was like GET BACK ON! Luckily, Nina, pulled me off. How did Nina get there before Reyson especially since Rey lives closer to 79th than Nina does!? Anyways, Reyson casually showed up 2 trains later...UGH meeting on the trains NOT a good idea!

FYI: Looking for something to do in New York? Check out newyork.going.com its a website that posts all the fun things going around New York. They even have a section labeled free for all you penny watching fun loving New Yorker! Also, in case you are not a native New Yorker and still need help planning your trip around NYC, use hopstop to plan your trips; it helps you plan how long it will take by bus or train and also the best route to get to your destination. Thanks again o'wise one. ALSO check out these events coming up:
• Summerstage, July 20th: A-track, Diplo, Santogold, Kid Cudi. 3:00-7:00 pm. Central Park SummerStage is located at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Enter the park at 69th Street and 5th Avenue on the east side or at 72nd Street and Central Park West on the west side. Get there early, as I'm sure there will be a lot of wes people there! Check out summerstage.org
• HBO Summer Film Festival, June 18th-August 18th (every Monday Night). Check out http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php for a complete listing of films. Get there early, lawn opens up at 5pm for seating and film starts at 8pm.
• 32nd Annual New York Asian American International Film Festival (July 10th-July 19th). Check out http://asiancinevision.org/press.html for a complete list of times, locations, and films. *Thanks Cecil!
• 7th Annual New York Asian Film Festival (June 20-July 6th). Check out http://www.subwaycinema.com for a complete list of times, locations, and films. *Thank Cecil!

Next Steps

Today I signed the contract for my job and was told by my boss that I made the right choice because the other three candidates were really disappointed they didn't get the job but also that he is very glad I did take the job. Yes! for making the right choice. Now, I am in the process of moving out, first I conquered the job situation and now I move on to finding an apartment! I plan to move out by the end of September, early October. My parents don't want me to move at all because they are scared for me, plus they don't understand that I hate commuting and getting up earlier than I have to and ALSO its also really expensive to buy a month metro north ticket and commuting from my house to the train instead of a month metro card pass and walking... Anyways, I'm not listening to them because I know how to be careful and stay safe, especially since I grew up here.

Right now, I'm just trying to figure out what areas I want to live in and can afford. I know just the place too, however, my parents disagree with me because not only will it "be safer" to commute, they think "i'm moving to a 'dangerous' area...BLAH! They prefer that if I really have to move, it should be to Upper West side or downtown SOHO (which is just TOO expensive for my salary range right now), and while I love the Upper West Side, I have a special spot in my heart for Wash Heights...I just love it here and I feel completely home here. In fact, till I was in 6th grade, I lived on 200 Dyckman St. and my parents had business there until a year and half ago. I've always loved the area (not the men who like to catcall to young girls, that I've always hated!! but I think thats where I learned to stay alert and cautious), and maybe because I was younger and perhaps I don't remember the dangerous parts, but its always been home to me and I've grown and changed alongside with the area. Washington Heights is very diverse (now) but majority of the population is Latino(a). Since I was little, my parents plotted to move out of the area, and move to a respectable and quiet area like Hartsdale. My parents seem to have disdain for the area and look down upon it. It seems they forget we used to call that place home, and I guess I think it weird because both my parents speak Spanish and had many friends in the area. When I tell them I want to move to this area, they act like they've never heard of it, and tell me how dangerous it is. (it's not! unless you're stupid...) It disappoints me they forget where we came from and can't understand why I love the area so much.

FYI: Speaking of moving, o'wise one has recently told me about Rentometer, a website that allows you to type in the area you live in and the apartment building number. It will then tell you if you are paying too much or if you found a great bargain!(It works in USA, Canada, and UK) This will be a handy tool when I move out. YIPPERS!

Just Another day in the Heights

Right not I am house siting for the bf and its definitely weird to be in his house without him but its fun to be on my own also. Two things I keep thinking about, firstly, his roommate hasn't moved in yet, so he is alone most times. I imagine he hasn't noticed lately because he's been working really hard and coming home and passing out. I'm not sure I could do that. I had some alone time to myself today, and that was great, but I'm not sure I could be by myself all day and night, especially since I'm not working right now. At least today, I had company and several of our friends came over and we ate pizza, listened to music and played sexy, dirty scrabble, where you have to spell only dirty words. See the picture below, notice the words God and Lord, very important! And also bf if you read this, it was technically not a party! haha.



Anyways, it was fun and Rey convinced me to stay over, (he sold me over with air condition, which the bf does not have) so I haven't spent a night by myself yet. Well technically, I did end up spending the night alone in no air :( because I realized I am allergic to Rey's and Mica's cat! Weird since I've never been allergic to anything before...sad because their cat is really cute. UGH.

It's funny I feel so weird about being alone since I moved to Burlington by myself for two summers. It feels different now, because in Burlington I didn't know anyone and I actually enjoyed being there after two hectic school years but also New York is my home and I have lots of my friends and family are here so I can't imagine being by myself all the time. Don't get me wrong I love my alone time, once in awhile but not all the time... Good thing I'll never be bored or alone here in New York...I mean its New York... but also he lives in Wash heights so there's always a lot going on here, lots of activity which I LOVE.

Lucky Seven

I did it! I finally got a job and I am very happy about it and it took me seven weeks to do it... Its going to be an exciting job, and I start July 1st! Chayanee, Headhunter. It's not the official title, but it sounds nice doesn't it?

The only problem, well not really a problem, but I have to stop drinking for two weeks now, a small price to pay. Two thoughts, should I start NOT drinking on Tuesday, when I start my job and I get the benefit of celebrating for a weekend or should I start now so it can end faster? Hmm...decisions, decisions. Well, technically, just technically! maybe I won't have to give up drinking because yesterday while I was hanging out with friends, we decided to have a prayer session. We didn't pray exactly to Buddha but to GOD and during this session, I of course, asked for a job and some money but of course! And then today, I got a job, just like that! So GOD must have liked the way we were praying (we were clapping and rejoicing and listening to Marvin Gaye's Got to Give it Up) because he granted me my wish, right away, may I add. Nina thinks Jesus would have done a better job, but Jesus didn't! His father did. So really, do I need to give up drinking or not? And did Buddha do his job or did GOD do it for him?
All Coincidences? I think not. Maybe a change in religion is in need?

FYI: My job search was difficult, but I used lots of different sites to help me out! Here's my list:
• Indeed.com
• Simplyhired.com
• hotjobs.com
• Staffing Agencies: Don't rule out temporary jobs, they can lead to permanent placing in the company! These agencies have a lot more connections in all aspects of the market (I used a lot of agencies that specialized in HR but you can either use specialized firms or not, depending on what you are looking for) that can lead to job opportunities. Plus you don't have to submit your cover letter as often and also having someone else speak on your behalf is always a plus!

* I didn't list the normal monster or even nytimes or careerbuilder because it wasn't successful for me, and it was a lot harder to use. My three bullet points were my favorite, and easy to use and updated everyday and were search engine that pulled job postings from all over the place. Also, when I was job hunting, I found a lot of jobs but I didn't apply to them all at once, but I was able to keep them organize through del.icio.us , a bookmarking websites that allow you to keep all your bookmarks in one place. It's great because you can access your bookmarks anywhere and any computer! Good luck!

Et vous?

I spent a lot of today planning another a meal. I wanted to prepare an elaborate meal but I ended up producing a simple Thai dish. I can't help but think about my cooking techniques. Whenever my mom prepares a dish, it is always made with a lot of care, both the preparation and the meal itself comes out beautifully. My mom likes to watching cooking shows, and try her own sample of the dish. My mom cooks methodically whereas I like to throw things in the pot. Our styles are different, and I cant help wonder if theres a connection between our cooking styles and personality. Personally, I don't spend much time prepping for the meal, and I hate cleaning up. My rule is if I cook you clean. And whenever the bf and I cook together, he will prepare the food and I will cook it. But today I didn't have a sous chef, so I sloppily cut the vegetables and honestly, I didn't really care about presentation of the food; all I wanted was for the food to taste good. And that's the thing about me, I am anxious to get to the end and see the results. I'm not too into the process or the method, just the results. Give me the ending and I'll be happy (that's how I watch movies too). I think that's what was so hard about college, most times when you write a paper, you don't know how well or bad you did until a couple of weeks later. There's no instant gratification and I think I need that, I need to see the results of what I am doing in order to motivate me to continue. It is interesting to see how our personality shines through on even the smallest thing. What does your cooking skills say about you?

FYI: Recipes, delicious recipes.
Speaking of cooking, I've added a recipe below for ginger salad dressing, which is really delicious and is great on chicken! But if you are really interested in cooking, check out this wes blog all about cooking (she even gives you recipes and pictures of the food, yum! but if you are mainly just interested in her recipes, click here)

RECIPE: Ginger Salad Dressing
Makes about 1 cup (change accordingly)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup salad oil (any kind)
1/4 cup either cider or rice vinegar
3/4 teaspoon tomato paste
1/3 medium onion
1/4 fresh lemon, just juice and pulp, no skin
1/4 fresh orange, just juice and pulp, no skin
1/4 fresh ginger*, about a 1-inch piece or less, depending on taste

In a blender, combine all ingredients except ginger. Blend until liquified. Grate ginger to taste and stir into dressing. You may prepare dressing a day in advance, if you like. The dressing is thinner when it is first made; it thickens up the second day.

*Note: For a fresh flavor, it's important to grate the ginger after all the ingredients have been blended.

Enjoy!

The bathroom is more than a toilet

I am still reading Kitchen and I just love and feel inspired by these two quotes:

"Life can be so hard, but if a person hasn't ever experienced true despair, she grows old never knowing how to evaluate where she is in life; never understanding what joy really is " (41).

"There are going to be days when awful things happen that will make you sick at heart, or the path before you is so steep that you can't bear to look at it, you will experience these things over and over again, and you will suffer, again and again, but you will get back on your feet. Don't be defeated or let your spirit be destoryed, otherwise not even love can rescue a person from that" (42).

Clearly, this is still kind of sensitive topic for me but I cant help think how the main character in the book loves kitchens and what the kitchen means to her. This makes me wonder is there a place in the Ubol house I can call my own?

The answer isn't as obvious as my room. Technically I have a room in the house that a lot of my stuff resides in but I can't help but feel like a stranger in. My parents are controlling (hard to imagine isn't it?) But ever since I was little, I wanted my room a certain way or wanted certain posters up, but my parents never let me do it the way I wanted it. "that's ugly" or "you're room is still too messy" but almost always "take that down, it looks so tacky!"

And its funny, because when we first moved to this house, I was eight years old and my room was already decorated but I didn't care because the house was new, the room was new (and you KNOW how I like new things). But after awhile, the word new wore off and the room became a place I slept in. I never claimed ownership over it no matter how many books were in the room or how many pictures were put up. I never invited anyone over (also because I wasn't allowed to, because our house was just for us not for "outside" people). The next time my parents re-did the room, I had already left for college, but this time my parents asked me what color I wanted. But even then, they didn't really let me chose the color I wanted. We settled with purple, but even a new coat of paint didn't hide how hideous the room was. There was nothing warm about the room and that was because the furniture was mismatched with the person living in it. If you saw my room, you would be confused on who was living there. The twin bed and floral print and purple wall suggested that perhaps a girl of 12 years old lived there. But if anyone looked closely enough into the room, the books, the pictures, and other nick knacks surrounding the room tells a different story. This person is well-traveled, well read, and is very into art and painting. It's hard to imagine who this person is...who is this person? I think that's why I always took time to decorate my room while I was at school, it was the only place I could call my own. I understand why the bf loves his apartment, its all his and technicaly his roomate. But still... its belong to him. I just wish he would share it with me a little just until I can get my own place... sigh...lucky bastard.

My favorite room in the house has always been the bathroom. Firstly its the only room in the house that has a lock on the door. Secondly its the only place in the house that my parents leave me alone to do my business in. (it seems rightly so) Thirdly, I like how simple my bathroom is, and how comfortable I feel in the bathroom. I never feel too fat or too ugly in the bathroom. I like sitting in my bathroom and reading silently. When I was little, I used to hide cookies and books in the bathroom and spend hours just reading. It was in my bathroom, I learned to look at myself naked, to put on make-up, and just be comfortable by myself. It sounds odd but if my mom shotguns the kitchen, I call the bathroom!

Kitchen I want it, but you claim it as yours

I am currently reading a book called Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto which I am loving! It's both funny and serious but it nevertheless is a book that makes me think and question my own life. The first passage that struck me was:

"When my grandmother died the other day, I was taken by surprised. My family had steadily decreased one by one as the years went by, but when it suddenly dawned on me that I was all alone, everything before my eyes seemed false. The fact that time continued to pass in the usual way in this apartment where I grew up, even though now I was here all alone, amazed me. It was a total science fiction. The blackness of the cosmos" (4).

I was reading this on the train, and I couldn't help think about my own family and how even though our number was still 4, as the years went by, our family has grown smaller and smaller. Slowly, over the years, my sister and I began to check out of our family. I just never dreamed that my sister would check me off too. But really I know that it wasn't just as simple as checking off a box, but a process that happened over years.

My relationship with my parents and my sister are complicated and most times it leaves me feeling alone. I have over the years began to relay and see my friends as my family. I do however, thank my parents for raising me to be an independent person but I think often they forget that I am a capable person. Recently over dinner, my mom told me that, my oldest cousin, who just started his second year in college in Thailand, asked his mom for an apartment because going to our family house every night was too far. My aunt, who has always babied him, bought him a two million baht apartment. My cousin has never learned the meaning of hard work or even the value of the money, it has simply been provided to him by his parents. I can't really blame him because its part of our culture in Thailand. Everyone in Thailand is babied by their parents, this leaves them completely helpless and reliant on their families, until they are married. I really feel blessed that my parents have raised me better than that. However, often they forget...most recently it has involved the kitchen.

I generally love cooking. And after I tell this story, if I ever boss you around in the kitchen or claim to do things better than you in the kitchen, pinch me, because its NOT okay.Cooking is something I like to dabble with once in awhile and also something that had become a necessity once I started college and especially when I lived in Burlington alone. I actually like it, not the cleaning part, but the cooking. I don't like reading recipies, I like to throwing things in the pot and hoping for the best. It's exciting.

I still remember the first time I made my own dish. It was freshmen year, and the dish was baked ziti. Not a very difficult dish, but I remember panicking and calling my mom more than 10x to make sure I did everything right. Since then, I still call my mom time to time to ask her for a recipe and help on a dish. I think my mom thinks my cooking is a joke, and I can't blame her, cuz once three years ago, I tried to make sugar cookies at my house but I ended up reading the recipe wrong and put more salt than sugar in the cookie dough making salt cookies instead of sugar. OOPS! My mom has never let me forget that moment and likes to tease me a lot, so I never cook while I am at home. And even though my complains alot about being the only one who cooks in my house, I think she secretly like its...the Kitchen is her domain.

Today, my mom is undergoing a procedure that will not allow her to eat for 24hrs. Earlier she asked me to cook for my dad while she is preparing for her surgery. I readily agreed, excited to try new dishes and prove to my parents I am a great cook. I decided to make homemade meatballs and sauce with pasta. However, I did NOT make the meal, my mom did. I just wanted her recipe on making meatballs, but when she told me to gather the ingredients and I didn't know where everything was, she beagn to chastised me for not knowing where she kept everything in HER kitchen. But then she started to making everything, and criticizing me on how my meatballs were not perfect circles. SERIOUSLY? who cares if they aren't perfectly circle! Then, she moved on to making the entire sauce... And I guess the best part of the whole debacle was when she asked me what type of pasta I was going to make, but before I could answer she said, "well, I prefer rigatoni". Hilarious since she couldn't eat it anyways, but overall the meal tasted pretty bad. So dear ol'mom, you can have the kitchen, its yours.

Paradise doesn't think I'm funny

All my life I wanted to belong and the only way I saw to belong was to be funny, I mean how else will you get people to listen and hang on every word you say? that's the stuff popular people are made out of...

I've always been a little bit awkward (thanks a lot mom and dad). Being the only Asian person in my high school, made me try really hard to fit...I just wanted to be like everyone else, even though I am not really sure what would have made me feel like everyone else. I think too often I try too hard, because I really just want to be funny...there is such a difference between when people are laughing at you and laughing with you and I think often times people are laughing at me. Most of the times, I don't care because I do say and do a lot of stupid things and maybe in some ways I've grown in that area and have become more comfortable with myself. But I've been told that I am more funny when I don't try, but it would help if my friends would laugh with me even when I'm not that funny to encourage me and my comfort level (hint, hint, friends reading this) and NO I do not want to read a book about how to be funny.

However, I have been blessed with other talents. I am a temperamental artist, which means I can only once in awhile accidentally paint when the mood arises. I am also a decent writer. I've never been a grade A writer but most definitely a grade B+ writer. I am just way too lazy to proofread and spell check my work, which often causes my writing to get muddled up in emotions. My best work has been done when the bf upsets me. My creativity has always been tied to my emotions which have led me to some of my best ideas ever. So maybe I won't die if I am not funny, at least I am a creative thinker.