Back in the Valley...San Gabriel Valley that is

Toto, I don't think we're in Santa Monica anymore...

So I went for a run this morning at my nearby park, VERY different than my runs in Santa Monica to the beach..  In SM, I would see fellow runners, people with their dogs or kids walking around, smiling and being friendly.  When I went for a run at Barnes Park, I saw lotsa old Chinese people doing Tai-Chi, walking around the park and of course, it wouldn't be complete without one of those ladies wearing those taiwanese mask to protect her from the sun. Mind you, this was at 8 in the morning and there was NO sun out. For those who haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this, here's a picture:

Don't get me wrong, MPK is not that bad, but it is very different from the Westside.  There's great food, and I am always running into old high school friends at the gym, the bank, etc. 

Its kinda funny how MPK has evolved. When we were little there were a lot more American businesses.  Over the years, the KFC has turned into a Shau May, the Sizzler has become ABC Cafe, the Target has become the San Gabriel Super Store and the Vons has recently turned into 168 Super Market.  

Memorial Day

Normally a three day weekend wouldn't even phase me because every week is a 7 day weekend, but today was especially fun. Mike and Jaime had just gotten back from their vacation in Sydney, Australia and got engaged! So we wanted to go out and celebrate and hear all the details of the proposal and officially welcome Jaime to our family! We went to El Cholo in Pasadena.

Cheers to the newly engaged couple!

Alexis was really well behaved and sat in her little chair

After lunch, we walked around Pasadena and did some shopping (window shopping for me, since I am broke as a joke). We had some Jamba Juice and sat and enjoyed the beautiful sunny day

Here's a pic of me and my sisters :)

Alexis having a good time!

After old town, I went back to Mike and Jaime's to watch the Lakers Game.

It was fun, but unfortunately the Lakers lost :( Guess my jersey isn't as lucky as I thought. Overall, still a great day!

Day in the Life

So now that I'm unemployed and job searching, everything has become blurry - I usually do not know what day of the week it is, since every day is pretty much the same. I am only aware that it is a weekday cause I'll be at Cando's in the Valley or I know what day it is when there is a Lakers Game on. The week days blur into the weekend and that has been my life. I haven't quite felt the pang of unemployment, except when it comes to money, or lack there of...

So my week consists of going to the Valley, getting together with friends for lunch/dinner, watching movies and television, organizing my MP3's, and much time is spent online - blogging, facebooking and of course job searching. There seems to be quite a few jobs out there, the question is, how do I get them to call me for an interview? Any ideas or job referrals would be greatly appreciated :P

Unemployment = Quality time with Lexi

So I've graduated and have been actively job searching. Unemployment is barely starting to hit me now, probably because I've kept myself quite busy. Went to Charleston, then was busy moving out of my apartment in Santa Monica and unpacking in Monterey Park. And of course every other free minute I've had, I've been hanging out with Cando and Alexis in the Valley

I know that I'm a little biased but she is seriously the cutest little baby in the world. She's so happy and chubby and adorable! So the unemployment and harsh economic time is actually a blessing in disguise because I get to help my sister out when she works from home and spend time with this cutie pie!

Charleston

A week after graduation, I went to Charleston for Kat and Patric's wedding, which was absolutely beautiful and perfect. I got there on Wednesday and hung out with the girls. Charleston is a super cute and charming city,

We sat on a swing near the water and it was the most relaxing thing ever

Since I arrived early, I was lucky enough to attend the Bridal Party luncheon, which was a cooking demonstration. They made fried chicken, grits and greens and a delicious strawberry shortcake. It was really fun!

After a spooky time at the Haunted prison...
We went to the "Blind Tiger" for drinks, very fun!

Here is the lovely Bridal Party

The girls at the Reception enjoying delicious cupcakes :)

The Rayburns' first dance :)