Back to school…

School hasn’t even started yet and I’ve already been swamped with school related work. From a big entrance project to paper after paper (mostly for scholarships etc)… Its all quite overwhelming, especially since I haven’t been in school for 6 years. Well, give or take a few JC courses here and there that I either dropped or withrew from shortly after enrolling in LOL yikes. Anyway, I’m stressed beyond belief but all the while… super excited! I’m finally going to school for something I’m actually interested in. I’m finally going to school because I *WANT* to not because anyones saying I have to and it really makes a world of a difference.

My schedule will be hectic but at least it won’t be boring

Mi Vida Loca

I’ve got so much on my plate it’s ridiculous. I’m working full time, wedding planning, running my own business (www.BananaAn.com) and I’ve decided to go back to school full time. Crazy much? I forgot to mention – I also play housewife, making a homemade dinner every night and cleaning… constantly. I’m so busy that I don’t even have time to be overwhelmed. 

We’re almost a year away from our wedding and I feel like we’re already so behind. We’ve yet to secure our reception venue and time is ticking! They usually book about a year out and because of our guest list size, we only have a few locations that can accommodate that many people – within our budget, I mean. I’m beginning to second guess my DIY ventures… I still really really really want to DIY our invitations and other paper products (save the dates, programs, menus etc) but things like centerpieces, favors and flowers I might have to leave to the professionals – we’ll see. Like Superman always says, “Do what you do best and hire the rest!” LOL love it. 

Work – my real day job has been hectic. The same week auditors came (I work for a bank and auditors come annually to make sure we do everything according to protocol) my coworker decided to resign and then we all ran around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to make sure the new employee was trained properly to take over a good chunk of work that would need to be done. In the midst of it all, I moved to a different desk and took over a large portion of the workload. 

During the same time this happened at work, I had been trying to figure out a way to go back to school. My mom (along with everyone else) kept telling me “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”… I was a bit skeptical at first but hurdle after hurdle, I overcame it all and can proudly say, I’m going back to school – full time. 

Banana An has been getting consistent traffic and sales which is awesome considering our economic situation. We’ll be adding new inventory soon; way overdue!! We’ve also decided to sponsor another 13 Minutes Magazine event so stay posted for more info on that  

Life has been crazy indeed but it’s all for the better and I’m so excited for all these changes and events. God has definitely been challenging and testing me but I’m trying my best and I hope I’m proving to him how badly I want it all.

Love, happiness and success <3 

XOXO

Blackberry

I’m stoked! I got the wordpress app for my blackberry and will be posting from here now yay! Finally, no more hiatus…hopefully

Hiatus

Why hello there

I wanted to apologize to anyone that still reads this blog (apparently I still get views) – no, it’s not done with but it’s definitely been put on the back burner… way, way, way back…Since we got engaged – life’s been a whirlwind… I’ve been consumed with wedding planning, Banana An, my day job and, oh yeah, we moved! So you can imagine how blogging took a hiatus.

We have gotten tons done though – we moved to a new place not too far from where we were (same city)… and are FINALLY settled in. I’ve officially become domesticated (a lot faster than I thought I would LOL) and have been cooking dinner almost every night – not just boxed dinners, but from scratch. I’ve mastered a few key Vietnamese and Filipino dishes (mostly our favorites) which we’re totally stoked about; no more driving 20min+ to authentic restaurants =P hahaa…

Wedding planning? Super fun but super overwhelming – so far what we have done are:

• Set the date
• Booked the ceremony location
• Contracted an amazing photographer (my #1 pick actually!)
• Bought my dress (Yes, you read right! It’s a Junko Yoshioka couture gown but that’s all I’m sharing so you’ll just have to wait till (at or) after the wedding to see it!)

So we still have TONS to do… currently we’re interviewed wedding planners, researching reception locations, flower options (i really really really want peonies but they’re out of season during our date so we’ll see if i can get them) and we’re putting together our bridal party…  I also have a savethedate/invitation idea planned out but probably wont be working on that until the end of this year or beginning of the next.

I’ll try to stay more connected on here and might be posting up cooking pics, recipes and wedding planning updates so stay tuned! (I’m also considering making a different blog for my wedding planning stuff – in addition to our own wedding website so we’ll see)

Where have I been???

Sick… busy… got sick again… you know the deal.

Anyway… one day…

Read and educate yourselves…

I’ve disappeared for the past week or so because I got miserably sick AGAIN. Well, it all started with Superman getting the flu – I mean he got full on Influenza, had to take him to the hospital on Superbowl Sunday, 102+ fever etc  kind of flu. The Real Deal. So sure enough, our visitor influenza decided to come hang out with me for the remainder of the week. Yes. Lovely.

Anyway, it’s still lingering but I think I’ll be 100% again by the end of this week – in time for Valentines LOL and more blogging of course. Stay tuned for that…

Oh, so back to business… The reason I’m even posting anything is because I read one of Lindy’s recent blogs and thought this was a MUST RE-POST.

Read and educate yourselves…

http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF09A42.pdf

Bertrand at Mister A’s

Bertrand at Mister A's

Sorry for disappearing – I got terribly sick last week. So much so that we had to reschedule our reservations for Mister A’s… but nonetheless, here’s my review: (I gave them all 5 out of 5 stars)

Okay – so we went for Restaurant Week but strayed a bit from the menu….I must say their portions are smaller but we didn’t mind (probably because we ordered so much LOL). Note – if you make reservations, you’ll be charged a $25 per person fee if you cancel but you can always reschedule your reservations if needed (which we did and it was no problem at all).

The view was breathtaking – much preferred to a beach view (which i find is overrated in SD) In fact you get to see the beach anyway with their view! You can see all of downtown all the way to the water. Even more amazing was the view of the fireworks if you happen to have reservations around 9pm. I definitely suggest going early because it’s a little tricky to find (rooftop of the building) and the bar area is nice anyway. We didn’t have any specialty cocktails – just our regular Grey Goose & Pineapple for me and Crown and Coke for my fiance. Both were made perfectly (a bit on the stronger side). You can always take your drinks outside to enjoy the view while you wait for your table.

*Appetizers*
The “Fresh baked mussels Provencal garlic Pernod butter and fresh herbs” were DIVINE! My Fiance and I both ordered it as part of the Restaurant Week package. We each got six mussels that were baked and displayed on a bed of sea salt. They were seasoned with butter and herbs and literally melted in my mouth. I’d have to say, if it’s your first time – you must order the mussels! We also ordered an additional order of the Macaroni & Cheese “A’s style”. It’s made with bits of black truffle and infused with white truffle oil. It was amazing (nothing beats truffles); in fact my mouth is watering just talking about it. We also added on the “Maine Lobster Strudel” which was okay; I’m not sure what all was in it but it was good, not great – I could do without it next time especially since it’s the most expensive appetizer ($20).

*Entree*
We both decided on the “Pan seared line caught swordfish, paella style saffron rice, assorted shellfish”. The swordfish was seasoned well – seared leaving a crisp layer on top and cooked to perfection. It was dense and moist and delicious! I wasn’t a fan of the paella style saffron rice but my Fiance loved it. It came with some clams and more mussels which were steamed and incredible especially since the mussels we had for the appetizer still had our mouths watering.

*Desserts*
We had the “Apple and brown butter cake, house made bourbon praline ice cream” and “Chocolate macaroon with mint ice cream, almond macaroon with banana crunch ice cream”. The macaroons were yummy and the ice cream was good. I wasn’t crazy about the apple and brown butter cake but my fiance liked it. The desserts were tasty but nothing to brag home about.

*Service*
…was exceptional! Our server (who seemed more like a maitre d) was very informative and treated us like royalty. He was much older (maybe in his 40s) and knew the menu to a tee. He did everything from placing the napkin on our laps, chatting about the recipe for the mac&cheese and even taking a picture of us outside on the terrace with the view! The busboys were very attentive but nervous! I’m sure they get some very particular customers in there so it’s not surprising. We saw them constantly checking to see if we were done and then nervous to take the empty dishes away as if they’d get yelled at LOL (we didn’t mind this at all and found it amusing).

*Ambiance*
Was relaxed and not “stuck-up” at all. Maybe we went there on a good night? We were able to converse like normal and didn’t feel inferior for wanting a photo outside. No dirty looks or evil eyes – no smirks or whispering. They specifically state not to use your cell phones inside but I appreciate that – isn’t it rude anyway during dinner?

Overall, we loved it and will definitely be returning. Don’t forget; make sure you get the Mussels!

I think i forgot to put that for my review on The Marine Room but I gave them 3 out of 5 stars. We also ate at Rainwaters on Kettner but I’m exhausted so I’ll write that review later… Anyway, hope you all are well and I’ll get back to my regular ranting posts soon!

The Marine Room

The Marine Room

This week is San Diego Restaurant Week; we realized this a little late. Superman thought it was next week but even so, we were able to secure 2 reservations. We’ve participated in this every year since we started dating. It occurs twice a year (January and September) where many of San Diego’s popular/best restaurants put together a prix-fixe menu for $20, $30 or $40 (depending on their regular costs – this usually results in saving almost HALF your bill compared to regular prices). In the past, we’ve gone to Morton’s, The Palms, Humphrey’s by the bay, Flemming’s and a few others I can’t remember right now. Some were fantastic (Morton’s & Flemming’s) and others were forgettable (The Palms & Humphrey’s)… This time we got reservations for The Marine Room and Bertrands at Mister A’s.

As I’ve mentioned before (I think it’s on my About Me, too), I frequently post reviews for various businesses, mostly restaurants, on Yelp.com so of course I’m going to Yelp these ones as well. Last night was our reservation for The Marine Room. Below is my review for it off Yelp. Enjoy

Maybe my expectations were too high but I heard and have read a lot of great things about this restaurant. When we first arrived I noticed the decor… let’s just say it was definitely lacking. The carpet was old, the wood rails on the stairs looked like they’d been there since the 70s… same thing with the chairs – thankfully we got a booth which was still nicer… overall it looked like an old white cabin; not my idea of posh fine dining… The wait staff was okay – the guy that seated us was nice and did the whole pulling out the table thing for us to get in our booth. Our actual waiter was kind of awkward. We ordered wine and he questioned our age twice, don’t’ get me wrong – i look young and i don’t mind because getting carded makes me FEEL young still… but we offered him our IDs and he just said “oh i trust you” but then questioned it again later during our second glasses but still did not look at my ID… it’s like really now… if you’re that curious or worried, just check the damn ID! It’s the law and I really didn’t mind!

Anyway, please keep in mind that we went for San Diego Restaurant Week so we chose from a prix-fixe menu of 3 courses for $40 per person – much cheaper than they’re regular prices….as for the food…

For the appetizers we ordered the Berber Agrume Spiced Prawn Duet – this was pretty good actually… the prawns were a decent size and seasoned well.

For our main courses I got the Smoked Almond Gooseberry Crusted Arctic Char – this was ok… the Arctic Char (a fish) was cooked well but I wasn’t a fan of the seasoning. It came with Tomato Risotto which wasn’t that great… the risotto was kind of undercooked i think… My fiance had the Peri Peri Spiced Maine Diver Scallops which i thought was delicious (too bad there were only two little scallops LOL) it also came with “Vanilla Braised Leek” which was gross to be honest. Whatever it was seasoned with was icky because I’ve had leek plenty of times before and i usually like it.

The desserts were a “Trilogy” of Honey Crystal Peach Sorbet, Kona Kahlua Espresso Torte and Macadamia Amarula Pot de Crème – the peach sorbet came with a blackberry, together it was great especially to “cleanse your palette”, the espresso torte was very rich (a little overwhelming) and the “Pot de Crème” was really just a macadamia Crème Brûlée but it was really good too.

Over all, it was okay – the portions were teeny! I don’t think it was because it was a Restaurant Week deal – we’ve gone to other restaurants that we frequent (Flemming’s, Morton’s etc…) and they’re portions are the same regardless… I’m a fan of fine dining but I think we’re both spoiled with “steak house” fine dining where you still spend that $300 on a dinner for two but the portions are big and satisfying you know? I’m glad we went for Restaurant Week and got it on a deal, otherwise at regular price it was not worth it.

*PS* They should use some of that money to remodel the place!

Our reservation for Mister A’s is later this week so I’ll update then!

I wear my heart on my sleeve <3

I found this blog in my old drafts… I never really finished writing it and forgot I even had it.. but I figure it’s never to late to publish it Lol so enjoy! (I originally wrote this Nov. 13, 2008).

Many people say they don’t like playing games but yet they still do – that’s not me. You can ask anyone that’s close to me and they’ll tell you that I wear my heart on my sleeve… I don’t see the point in playing games, really. If you like someone then show it, if not, then don’t. Why waste any one’s time?? Another thing I’m notorious for is is I lay out all my cards on the table and basically say take it or leave it.These traits have proven to be effective and devastating to me… It makes you really vulnerable. I may lay out all my cards but the other person doesn’t; that ends up being catastrophic.

At the same time, I think that’s what makes Superman and I work so well. When we first started dating – I told him everything about me that I felt could make or break the relationship.

• God & my family come first.
• I’m excruciatingly attention needy.
• I get jealous easily.
• I hate being told how to spend my hard earned money.
• I don’t like being alone.
• I refuse to watch horror flicks.
• Relationship titles are a necessity for me.
• I’m stubborn.
• I throw the worst temper tantrums.
• I want to start a family before I’m 30.
• I don’t like waiting by the phone.
• Trust is a constant struggle.
• I’m always right.
• I shop – a lot.

…and the list goes on…

Why lie? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard my girl friends tell guys they’re dating that they’re “not the jealous type”… next thing you know they’re checking his myspace/facebook for suspicious comments… calling his guy friend’s when he doesn’t answer… going through the guy’s phone while he’s in the restroom, to read his text messages… LOL you know the type – actually, I’ve yet to meet a girl that doesn’t do this… Don’t get me wrong, guy’s are just as guilty of this. Superman didn’t exactly lay his cards out on the table… he played games. Maybe he played the games right? Or maybe I didn’t care what his cards said to begin with because I knew he was the one Who knows…

Updated – It’s amusing to read what I wrote just a few months ago… little did I know that we’d be engaged by now. Actually, I did know. I just didn’t know when it would happen Anyway, I still think it holds true and worked out pretty well huh? I guess wearing your heart on your sleeve isn’t so bad after all

Cradle Catholic

I was catching up on my blog subscriptions in my Google Reader and a few of the Catholic blogs really caught my attention. One of my favorites, Lindy Borer, wrote about some of the reasons she converted to Catholicism – the misconception of what searching for Faith is really about and what it shouldn’t be not about.

“The Christ-centered aspects of mass are especially apparent to former protestants who are Catholic converts. I can recall feeling like a person afloat in a giant sea of denominations, drifting aimlessly from one to another, desperately reaching out for a solid piece of land, and finding again and again nothing but a flimsy piece of driftwood. This process is often known as “church shopping,” and always struck me as rather horrifying, though at the time I couldn’t say why this was so. But now I know…it was all about me, Me, ME! “Try many different churches and see what fits YOU.” For crying out loud, was I looking for Christ or a pair of jeans?”

That kind of related to my previous post about Mass and how many argue/complain that ours is so boring etc. That’s not what it’s about – it’s not about us and how entertained we are. It doesn’t matter if we’re not singing and dancing. It’s about the Eucharist. Among other things, she also wrote about her husband being a “cradle Catholic” and his limited knowledge of his faith yet his strong defense of it.

“…like many life-long, “cradle Catholics” wasn’t always able to provide adequate explanations of his faith (although I think Catholics in general know way more than they think they do), he WAS immovable in his annoying, pragmatic, and logical way, and exhibited a marked resistance to the fluff with which I was presenting him.  And carried off his defense of Catholicism quite well, actually.  Over the course of time, he represented a strong anchor in the sea of options, and I was beginning to envy his stability.”

I realized that’s exactly what I am. I’m a cradle Catholic. I recall many encounters I’ve had with various Christians of other ”Denominations” who like to throw random absurd opinions at me about the Catholic Church to see what my response would be. Honestly? Most of the time; I’d have no clue and or would just shrug them off changing the subject. At the same time – I would still hold my ground as a Catholic, knowing that whatever their argument was, there was an answer – I just personally didn’t know it. This is what’s always made me a tad envious of those who’ve converted to Catholicism rather than raised Catholic. Converts all seem to know so much more and seem to be stronger in their Faith.

My Mom is another cradle Catholic – my Dad converted from Buddhism. When I was a kid; my Dad would always be the one insisting we went to Mass every Sunday – and on time. Not to insinuate that my Mom isn’t committed – she definitely is; it was both of them that made sure my brother and I went to Catholic private schools etc. but my Dad is just extremely devout. I noticed the same thing with my Aunt (she converted as well) – she always makes sure that, even when her family is on vacation, they find a Catholic Church wherever they are on Sundays and attend Mass. I also feel like those that convert are more knowledgeable especially when defending our Faith. I really admire that.

I think what made me more religious was attending Chris’ confirmation courses with him. I received all of my other Sacraments while attending private Catholic schools; this includes my Confirmation during my freshman year of high school. Although I completed all the necessary courses, I don’t think it impacted me as much as it would have had I done it later in life – like Chris. He completed all of his other Sacraments on time as well because he also attended private Catholic elementary schools. After transferring out to public schooling – his Confirmation unintentionally slipped to the back-burner. When we first started dating, I knew he was the man I would marry but I also knew that we couldn’t receive our Sacrament of Matrimony (getting married fully in the Catholic Church) if he wasn’t Confirmed. He had mentioned that he wanted to get Confirmed but just hadn’t gotten around to it; so I took that as a green light, did some research and enrolled him LOL.  He was actually all for it – and just hadn’t known where to start. He wanted me to come with him to keep him company so I attended every class with him; I was amazed by how much we grew and learned as Catholics. I enjoyed asking the millions of questions I never realized I had and absorbing every answer. We even bought a new Bible and each our own Catechism books It was an amazing experience.

Even though I was already a Confirmed Catholic – I really felt as if I was re-Confirmed. Going through all of it a second time really opened my eyes and brought me closer to my Faith. I guess that’s the difference between getting Confirmed as a rebellious teenager (I probably didn’t even pay any attention to it) and doing it was an adult. Combined with a few other life experiences (like some of my close friends having abortions) I’ve made an extra effort in growing my Faith and being more active in my Parish.  As for all of those “random absurd opinions” I’d hear from other Christians from various Denominations; I also made sure to get those answers – now I’m just patiently waiting for them to bring it up again so that I can throw my Catechism book in their faces – oops, I mean politely correct them