I was waiting to pick up my order of sandwiches this weekend at a Mr. Baguette near my house when four old women, all with short permed hair and wearing long floral gowns walked in. They stood out because they were all Caucasian in a predominantly Asian store. They all walked in not knowing where the line to order was since there was no real line that was formed. One of them almost tripped over the pole that was placed to indicate where the line began, so she quickly turned around to notify her companions that the pole was there and that they should be careful not trip over it. It was cute. It was one of those moments that made me smile. It was like the Golden Girls plus one, but in a weird way, they kind of made me think of Sex and the City and how those women could have been the "old" version of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. That made me smile even more. I just hoped that one day, when my friends and I are all old, that we would go out to random places like that and enjoy life like we would have if we were young.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
parents
I recently found out that a couple of my co-workers, both around my age, had lost a parent - one lost his mom when he was 12 and the other lost her dad when she was 14. I found out in awkward moments where I had wished I hadn't asked the questions I had asked, but any normal person would have probably asked the same questions.
After Mother's Day had passed, I asked him "So what'd you do for Mother's Day?" He replied, "My mom passed away when I was 12 so we all decided to go hunting to try and forget about it."
On another day, I had asked "So what are you doing this weekend?" She replied, "I'm going to visit my dad on Sunday." So I asked "Where at?" And she said "At the cemetery. My dad passed away when I was 14. All the smoking and drinking that he did way back when finally caught up with him."
I didn't know how to respond to these answers they gave. All I could do was say "I'm sorry." But it made me think a lot afterwards about how lucky I am to still have both of my parents, alive and well, still happy and content. It's so hard to imagine life without them being here doing the funny quirky things they do that make me laugh, like how my mom bought shoes the other day for when she goes on vacation to Burma, but we don't really know when we're going, or like how my dad got this really ugly chair cover for his car seat because it was free and decided that he had to use it because he had it. Things like that make my parents my parents, and I love them for that. There's no one in the world who can replace them and I've learned to appreciate the time I get to spend with them because unlike my co-workers, I have the opportunity to do so and I've learned that I have to take advantage of that.
After Mother's Day had passed, I asked him "So what'd you do for Mother's Day?" He replied, "My mom passed away when I was 12 so we all decided to go hunting to try and forget about it."
On another day, I had asked "So what are you doing this weekend?" She replied, "I'm going to visit my dad on Sunday." So I asked "Where at?" And she said "At the cemetery. My dad passed away when I was 14. All the smoking and drinking that he did way back when finally caught up with him."
I didn't know how to respond to these answers they gave. All I could do was say "I'm sorry." But it made me think a lot afterwards about how lucky I am to still have both of my parents, alive and well, still happy and content. It's so hard to imagine life without them being here doing the funny quirky things they do that make me laugh, like how my mom bought shoes the other day for when she goes on vacation to Burma, but we don't really know when we're going, or like how my dad got this really ugly chair cover for his car seat because it was free and decided that he had to use it because he had it. Things like that make my parents my parents, and I love them for that. There's no one in the world who can replace them and I've learned to appreciate the time I get to spend with them because unlike my co-workers, I have the opportunity to do so and I've learned that I have to take advantage of that.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
the 7th wheel
I was talking with one of my friends today about our "field trip" this weekend to the IMAX theater and science museum. Our friend decided to do a "remember when we were in elementary school..." day, hence the IMAX and the museum but sans the sack lunches.
Turns out everyone who's going has a "partner" or significant other whom they plan on bringing along on the trip. Let's see...three couples and single ole me...hmmm...that sounds fun! They assure me that it'll be fine, that it won't be weird or awkward cuz I've hung out with them before, which is true, but not with all three couples at the same time. There were always other single people there, so it was fine. They think I'm silly for not wanting to go because of this, but think about it - wouldn't you feel a little awkward? Like you're the 5th wheel, but in this case, a 7th? Don't get me wrong - I like all of them, but being around a lot of couples at the same time is just not my thing. The thing is, I don't want them to feel weird around me because they know I feel this way. So it's kind of weird...
But sometimes I feel like they don't understand. They've all been in really long relationships. I would say they're the kind of relationships where you know there's marriage in the future for them all. I on the other hand, have never been a long term relationship or even a short one for that matter. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem being single; I kind of enjoy it - being able to do things on my own whenever I want with whomever I want, getting alone time when I need it, and being able to check out hot guys whenever they're around without feeling guilty. But sometimes I just wish I had that special someone as well. And there's always those moments where you wish someone were there. So it's kind of hard for me sometimes to be around all these happy couples (and yes, if I sound bitter, maybe I am a little and I admit it). Sometimes being around a lot of people (especially when they're all couples) can make you feel lonlier than just being around a few people. I know that sounds strange, but I guess you had to have had that feeling before to know exactly what I mean.
Turns out everyone who's going has a "partner" or significant other whom they plan on bringing along on the trip. Let's see...three couples and single ole me...hmmm...that sounds fun! They assure me that it'll be fine, that it won't be weird or awkward cuz I've hung out with them before, which is true, but not with all three couples at the same time. There were always other single people there, so it was fine. They think I'm silly for not wanting to go because of this, but think about it - wouldn't you feel a little awkward? Like you're the 5th wheel, but in this case, a 7th? Don't get me wrong - I like all of them, but being around a lot of couples at the same time is just not my thing. The thing is, I don't want them to feel weird around me because they know I feel this way. So it's kind of weird...
But sometimes I feel like they don't understand. They've all been in really long relationships. I would say they're the kind of relationships where you know there's marriage in the future for them all. I on the other hand, have never been a long term relationship or even a short one for that matter. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem being single; I kind of enjoy it - being able to do things on my own whenever I want with whomever I want, getting alone time when I need it, and being able to check out hot guys whenever they're around without feeling guilty. But sometimes I just wish I had that special someone as well. And there's always those moments where you wish someone were there. So it's kind of hard for me sometimes to be around all these happy couples (and yes, if I sound bitter, maybe I am a little and I admit it). Sometimes being around a lot of people (especially when they're all couples) can make you feel lonlier than just being around a few people. I know that sounds strange, but I guess you had to have had that feeling before to know exactly what I mean.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
hmmmmm...
I recently found out that an ex-co-worker of mine has a case at an immigration law firm my friend works at - weird how small this world is. He's getting married to a young Asian girl, one year younger than me, but mind you, he's probably about twice her age. They're applying to get her a green card - hmmmm.
He was one of those guys at work that all the women loved to hide from. He was not bad looking, but he was arrogant and self absorbed and very closed-minded. He'd frequently invite himself to lunch with random people and when that wouldn't work, he'd ask people out to lunch instead. He had a track record of asking all (well most of) the Asian women at our work out to lunch while they would try and make excuses not to go with him.
There was this one incident where my friends (a girl and a guy) and I were in the car, ready to leave for lunch. (Earlier that day, he had asked my friend (the girl) out to lunch, but she said she had brought her food and she'd be eating with us, which was true at the time, but we all changed our minds and decided to go out instead). Next thing you know, while backing out, he appears next to the car, opens the door, and hops in, inviting himself to come with us (damn, how I wish we just drove off or at least locked the door). At this point, how could we refuse? He was already sitting in the car! Anyway, one of the conversations we had went something like this:
Ex-co-worker (directing question to my Asian girl friend): So have you had any other jobs before this one?
Girl Friend: Yea, why?
Ex-co-worker: Because I know that a lot of Asian people don't really work until they graduate from school.
Girl Friend: What? I've had a lot of jobs before this one while I was in school (and she went ahead and pretty much listed her resume to try and disprove his theory).
At this point, I was sitting there thinking "Great, we have to have another one of these conversations with him." The next thing you know, while I was sitting there trying to eat my food, he leans over and wipes my mouth with a napkin. According to my friends, I had a look of horror on my face, trying to back away from him, wondering what the hell he was doing wiping my mouth - can i just say eeeewww! Who does that?
Example #2 of what conversations are like with him:
Ex-co-worker: So what school did you graduate from?
Another Girl Friend: ASU, why?
Ex-co-worker: Just wondering. What was your major because isn't that school really easy?
Girl Friend: I had two majors, *blank* and *blank* (I don't really remember what she said they were).
Ex-co-worker: Oh really? Well those are really easy majors and your GPA was probably not that high huh?
Girl Friend: No, I actually had a 3.9 and graduated with honors.
Ex-co-worker: Oh, well I graduated from...(I don't remember what school he said, but he went on and on about how smart he was and how much better his school was).
Yeeea, so see what a catch he is? So I wasn't surprised when I heard he was marrying that girl. The sad part is that I can't believe he found someone before I did!
He was one of those guys at work that all the women loved to hide from. He was not bad looking, but he was arrogant and self absorbed and very closed-minded. He'd frequently invite himself to lunch with random people and when that wouldn't work, he'd ask people out to lunch instead. He had a track record of asking all (well most of) the Asian women at our work out to lunch while they would try and make excuses not to go with him.
There was this one incident where my friends (a girl and a guy) and I were in the car, ready to leave for lunch. (Earlier that day, he had asked my friend (the girl) out to lunch, but she said she had brought her food and she'd be eating with us, which was true at the time, but we all changed our minds and decided to go out instead). Next thing you know, while backing out, he appears next to the car, opens the door, and hops in, inviting himself to come with us (damn, how I wish we just drove off or at least locked the door). At this point, how could we refuse? He was already sitting in the car! Anyway, one of the conversations we had went something like this:
Ex-co-worker (directing question to my Asian girl friend): So have you had any other jobs before this one?
Girl Friend: Yea, why?
Ex-co-worker: Because I know that a lot of Asian people don't really work until they graduate from school.
Girl Friend: What? I've had a lot of jobs before this one while I was in school (and she went ahead and pretty much listed her resume to try and disprove his theory).
At this point, I was sitting there thinking "Great, we have to have another one of these conversations with him." The next thing you know, while I was sitting there trying to eat my food, he leans over and wipes my mouth with a napkin. According to my friends, I had a look of horror on my face, trying to back away from him, wondering what the hell he was doing wiping my mouth - can i just say eeeewww! Who does that?
Example #2 of what conversations are like with him:
Ex-co-worker: So what school did you graduate from?
Another Girl Friend: ASU, why?
Ex-co-worker: Just wondering. What was your major because isn't that school really easy?
Girl Friend: I had two majors, *blank* and *blank* (I don't really remember what she said they were).
Ex-co-worker: Oh really? Well those are really easy majors and your GPA was probably not that high huh?
Girl Friend: No, I actually had a 3.9 and graduated with honors.
Ex-co-worker: Oh, well I graduated from...(I don't remember what school he said, but he went on and on about how smart he was and how much better his school was).
Yeeea, so see what a catch he is? So I wasn't surprised when I heard he was marrying that girl. The sad part is that I can't believe he found someone before I did!
Monday, May 02, 2005
dude, where's my car?
So we went to the Coachella Music and Arts Festival on Saturday and we all agreed that it was a really nice day in Coachella compared to the past ones we've attended. It was sunny, warm (hot at times), and there was a cool breeze that constantly blew throughout the day.
We started the day off with The Sexy Magazines (who screamed a lot), stopped by Katie Melua (who was very cute and British), saw k-os (very entertaining), waited for Snow Patrol (who was not very good live), saw Keane (who sounded exactly like they do on the cd), stopped by Rilo Kiley and Wilco, saw Weezer (who could have been a bit more entertaining), and last but not least, we saw Coldplay - the definite highlight of my evening (he was so hot, and I think it's partly because of his cute accent, and he played snip-its of Weezer and NIN which was cute). The crowd was singing along in unison and there was this one song where he told the crowd to take a picture at the same time - it was like a sea of flashing stars - very cool!
The day was filled with strange people - one playing air guitar and doing the Macarena (not sure if that's how you spell that) tp Coldplay (yea, I don't get it either) and another sitting on top of a guy's shoulders while letting another rub her ass (really strange but hilarious in a weird way - I guess you had to be there).
So the night was ending and my friend says that something is bound to go wrong because we (meaning her and her friend Betty) have never had a perfect day like this - something bad will happen. Yea, she totally jinxed us - we were headed out to the parking lot, following the crowd and not paying attention to where we were going. Next thing you know, 40 minutes pass and we had to backtrack to where we were to figure out where the heck our car was. We decided to ask a parking attendant and were curious as to how many parking lots there were - he replied "17." Our mouths dropped, all of us picturing us having to go to every single one of those parking lots to look for the car. I felt like we were in the parking lot of Disneyland except with no cute cartoon characters to guide our way, just big yellow balloons with numbers flying in the sky. An hour and some minutes later, we found it - all of us tired but glad that none of us yelled at each other because apparently, some of their other friends would have. I finally got home around 3:30 in the morning and fell asleep with dreams of Chris Martin in my head...=)
We started the day off with The Sexy Magazines (who screamed a lot), stopped by Katie Melua (who was very cute and British), saw k-os (very entertaining), waited for Snow Patrol (who was not very good live), saw Keane (who sounded exactly like they do on the cd), stopped by Rilo Kiley and Wilco, saw Weezer (who could have been a bit more entertaining), and last but not least, we saw Coldplay - the definite highlight of my evening (he was so hot, and I think it's partly because of his cute accent, and he played snip-its of Weezer and NIN which was cute). The crowd was singing along in unison and there was this one song where he told the crowd to take a picture at the same time - it was like a sea of flashing stars - very cool!
The day was filled with strange people - one playing air guitar and doing the Macarena (not sure if that's how you spell that) tp Coldplay (yea, I don't get it either) and another sitting on top of a guy's shoulders while letting another rub her ass (really strange but hilarious in a weird way - I guess you had to be there).
So the night was ending and my friend says that something is bound to go wrong because we (meaning her and her friend Betty) have never had a perfect day like this - something bad will happen. Yea, she totally jinxed us - we were headed out to the parking lot, following the crowd and not paying attention to where we were going. Next thing you know, 40 minutes pass and we had to backtrack to where we were to figure out where the heck our car was. We decided to ask a parking attendant and were curious as to how many parking lots there were - he replied "17." Our mouths dropped, all of us picturing us having to go to every single one of those parking lots to look for the car. I felt like we were in the parking lot of Disneyland except with no cute cartoon characters to guide our way, just big yellow balloons with numbers flying in the sky. An hour and some minutes later, we found it - all of us tired but glad that none of us yelled at each other because apparently, some of their other friends would have. I finally got home around 3:30 in the morning and fell asleep with dreams of Chris Martin in my head...=)
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