California ranch and bungalows

Having lived in Southern California for my whole childhood doesn't make me want to move back, but Southern California has some of the nicest ranch homes. I discovered their bungalows and love them too. If I ever do move back, it'll be for the houses.

Thankfully, my favorites aren't the million-dollar homes but the ones around 400-800K. It's still pretty expensive, but not completely unfathomable.

Modernist Bungalow isn't particularly my style, but it's put together really nicely.








The exteriors are sometimes more fantastic than the interiors...

Death by school.

I think what I want is in Palm Springs. I saw these pictures of the Ace Hotel and the Riveria from Happy Mundane. I have a book on hold at the school library on Palm Springs homes. :)

[via happy mundane]

I haven't had the chance to read my design books. :( Mostly because of school or well, the lack of security I have over school.

Tomorrow - paper, tutoring, paper, meeting, paper
Friday - meeting, paper, paper, paper, paper, kids' last basketball game :)
Saturday - paper, paper, paper, research thinking, research writing, research interview crap :( I hate hate hate the stuff because our prof is out in left field and crazy
Sunday - research writing and reading

Death death death. My co-op teacher is limiting the number of days I'm there but I helped him grade papers today and hopefully he got to know me so he will be more comfortable with me there. :(

I did homework with Bonnie today and I have problems writing a paper. I haven't written a history paper in more than a year! :( Except for my thesis of course. Which is why I'm taking a long time on this one.

This semester is just not connecting, according to Yancey.

Errands to run, books to read, pictures to share!

I woke up super early (as in 7am) to sign up for aerobics! Instead of sleeping, I decided to sit and dawdle online. Well, I need a book to read. Here are some picks. I'll let you know which I chose.

Here's what I'm dabbling in, but I need a good, non-biographical book.

Which one? Apparently, I'm in a chick lit phase.

I didn't update on pictures very much at all.

Me on Christmas Eve, in green! :)

Since the holidays are about family, here's my family!
This is my eldest uncle.

These are my aunts.

This is my mom.

This is my little cousin Catherine who just ate some blue Gushers.

We were waiting for my mom...

I remembered I forgot my last photo booth picture. Here you go!

BEST FRIEND(s) - See that guy in the middle? That's my BFF Peter!

Back to the grind...

Coming back always feels weird. Lonely? Not sure. When I go back, it feels less weird than when I come back.

Yesterday, I ate with Kim and Peter after waiting a long time. We ate some banh beo, which I forgot wasn't the same thing as banh cuoc. Okay, without all that Vietnamese, it wasn't great and then they both went to work.

Van called right after. Every time I think it's the last time I'll see her, I'll see here again. We went shopping at South Coast and Metro Pointe. I found two pairs of shoes: DC flats and some fancier flats.

I went home, ate some egg rolls, and went off to meet Chuck Liddell! It wasn't a bad wait since I went early to get my wristband. After, I met up with Peter and he ate some Arby's. Waiting for Albert, I watched "Transporter 3," but mostly fell asleep until Albert woke me up to go. We headed to Irvine and this cute little center to take Sticki Pickis. Albert and Jessica hadn't eaten all day so they ate.

(I'll share one each post.)

Shower, In N Out, and CSI later, I slept for 2 hours before I got on the plane and back to Asheville. The flight from LAX to Charlotte was only 4 hours! It was even earlier than the 4 hours and 19 minutes it estimated. I can't believe my luck especially since I slept my way through the flight. Of course the plane ride from Charlotte to Asheville was on time, which was longer than it should've taken. An hour to fly here when it takes only 2 hours to drive the same distance? No way. Mostly, we waited to fly off.

Liz picked me up, brought me home, and then I went to eat meatloaf, green beans, and scalloped potatoes at her boyfriend's family's house. Yancey and I headed to Walmart afterwards to do some grocery shopping. We watched two movies and I fell asleep towards the end of the first one.

Now I'm chatting with Charter online and going to bed soon. Charter is really slow on their typing. I might watch some more CSI or read the end of my Bill Bryson book or pick up one of the others I have stashed here.

Tomorrow is some favorite youtube video get together. I don't have favorite youtube videos nor am I particularly interested. Movies, I can do. Tomorrow is also a midday birthday party. I'm not sure I'm up for anything but lots of cleaning. Cleaning my room, the house, the car... Tidying up is a better word since there's no real washing to do except in the car.

The Iceman!

Last day in California. I'll blog about it later.

I met Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell! (Terrible picture though!)

:(

Today and tomorrow then I'm gone...

I'm going to write down things I must do in my offline notebook. I swear by these cute little composition books from Target. Best thing ever. Anyways, it will include my spring schedule and all the amazing, time-consuming things I'm doing and reminders for a brand-new me. Haha.

Today. Besides the above, I have no idea what I'm doing. Maybe eat and pack.
Tomorrow. Lunch with Kim, seeing Chuck Liddell at 7pm, hang out with Albert and Peter, pack, leave at a ridiculous hour on Saturday morning.

Eat hard, workout hard?

I want an Aero Garden too...

Today was fun with Van! I went up there early so that I wouldn't get stuck in traffic. I walked around Westwood for an hour and a half (after walking around the mall for a bit) before picking Van up. Where I picked her up was where everyone picked their kids (or friends) up. Anyways, the walking made me miss the times I've trekked around the area and wish for a less country life in Asheville. (Sometimes it is.) Sometimes I wish I would've gone to UCLA sometimes, but I think my experience has been nice. It's almost done. I'm pretty freaked out about the TB test I have to take for student teaching though! :(

We tried to go to a fancy restaurant, R+D, but it was packed so instead, after waiting for 30 minutes, we headed to Curry House. Yummy Japanese curry with chicken katsu. I need to learn some meal etiquette. I feel like such a slob and totally in need of yoga and hopefully, aerobics!

It was my last time seeing Van for 6 months when she graduates and I'm coming to see her walk... :/ I miss Van! :( I'm going to start sending her snail mail once a month for holidays or when I feel like it...

I have to pick up my mom later. I think I'll grab some magazines to read. I know I know. I said no magazines, but what else should I do on my daytime plane ride??? I hate daytime plane rides. My fave are the nighttime flights so I can sleep and wake up to start the day.

I'll have to adjust my sleep schedule ASAP. Wednesday, the first day of classes, I'll have to proctor from 7:30-12:30 then classes from 2:45-4, 4:10-5, and 6-6:50 (if I get aerobics). I tried to do some sit-ups last night. I think I did 30 before I died a little. NOT even consecutively! Albert does like 250-300 a day! Geez.

Woooww, my friend just got engaged! Congrats!

Empty

I feel empty. Lost. Nothing else.

I never want to leave Asheville and then I never want to go back. I suppose it's pretty normal, but I hate the change of heart and getting over it.

3 days left. Seeing Van tonight. Not sure about the daytime, but I'm pretty bored.

I hate meeting new people I will only see once.

I'm overjoyed, heartbroken, and unsure about life -- all at the same time.

Apparently, I am not outgoing. I thought I always was. I just don't have confidence sometimes. I need to resolve that.

Less than 4 days left

Danish Modern chairs on the cheap (eBay and More Ways to Waste Time)

I sleep too late. I have to change that and wake up early, like 7am at the latest. :/ My schedule is jammed packed of classes, tutoring, and yoga. First day of class, I'm going to proctor exams at 7:30am! I volunteered myself to get into the schools more and focus over the next 3.5 months.

"CSI: LV" on Netflix is addicting...

I'm going to get food (though I was a bit full all last night), walk around, and maybe finally buy some Bare Escentuals!

Gee, so I'm waiting for a little red pop-up with good news. :)

This is a big deal.

I see pictures of people I know/knew and they either got bigger or smaller. Plan: I'm taking 25 off this year. It's a must. I'm working out for real. Drinking? Maybe not so much anymore.

Also, I know this is silly, but I found the dream guy at a party. I mentioned him a couple of days ago. Okay, maybe not the dream guy inside and out but definitely on the outside, he's it. Where else am I going to find that except in this area? Really.

In case I don't get a job, I want to study more Spanish and get some sort of add-on to my teaching license. Architectural history is a ways away.

Best Cities for Teachers to Live & Work

Furthermore, Raleigh has a long list of accolades. No suitable houses for cheap in Orange County.

I think I'm considering like every city! Click on my map with the purple hearts.

Live, eat, be pretty

Austin, Texas, you have some good prices on amazing homes! Check this one out.

I added This Young House to my dailies because wow, is it great! I love the adorable couple who transformed their home and also show pictures from their wedding. Let's just say I want to be like them one day. :)

Amazing living room

Great bedspread

I fell asleep again and I'm definitely hungry. My aunt bought fried noodles, but I don't want anything fried. I went to Trader Joe's for a spa salad for lunch, spicy spinach pizza, and lobster ravioli. Yummy meal tonight! Oh, I also can't wait to get home to start baking! Pumpkin baked goods are my specialty so I'm up for healthy pumpkin muffins. I said no candy this month, but I need some baked goods!

Other things to dos: go to the bank, deposit $, and ask for a check register; buy Bare Escentuals that Van swears by. I need a makeup regime right? Or am I too lazy? The natural look has been okay so far, but I think a boost of confidence is nice.

K, straighten hair, Bare Escentuals, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara. I think that's enough. I just need to buy that Getting Started kit.

Tomorrow I'll visit Van for dinner if all plays out well with everyone else. For now, I'm relaxing and recovering with TV (new "Suite Life of Zach and Cody" and some HGTV maybe) and food.

Buzzed hair, questionable race, diamond stud in one ear - that's what I like

Okay, somehow I decided to wake up at 6:30am? No idea, but sometimes I wake up at this time with things on my mind: I have to cancel my T-Mobile account and pay for last month's bill or I have to find my poster! :( My dad pays for my cell, but since he's out of the country, my uncle pays on his behalf. However, it always seems like a bitch for him to do it so I have to yet I'm not the keeper of my dad's funds. :(

Tons of things on my mind I guess and it didn't get easier because it became 2009. It just makes it harder because I need to think about whether or not I can really teach. I've got the connection, but I'm not a terribly amazing teacher when I'm working with large groups. I love it so I have to work on it. Oh yes, pay for my water bill and credit card! :( Once I get my T-Mobile stuff sorted out, my credit card bill will have a balance of $0. :)

I also have to think about where I want to live. Never thought endless choices would make choosing so tough. Help! I'll discuss this with Peter today after he gets off work and I go over there to watch movies. Woo! Then tomorrow, I think I'm going to Van's for dinner.

2009 started off rather sunny here in the LA/OC vicinity.

Oh, I promised a recap of New Year's Eve. I haven't taken pictures at all since I've come here. Oh well. Okay, so I drove to LA, went to Van's shiny new apartment, and we got ready. We went to her friend's apt, which conveniently is next door to the party. Grey Goose, Ciroc, beer and Bacardi later, I met lots of new people. As I told Albert, Korean people are my favorite Asians. :) Though according to Albert, they don't like anyone else as much. :(

Anyways, it was pretty great hanging out with Asian people for a night especially since this group consisted of hot guys and not so attractive girls. I passed out next to some girl on a bean bag and definitely said random stuff to people. Honest stuff, but since I didn't know them, it was fine. :) For example, I told this guy who I spotted when I walked in that he was the hottest guy there. I then turned to the girl laying next to me and asked, "Right? Don't you think so?!" I don't remember what she said, but I think he just smiled and said, "Thanks." Hah. Cute. He was like part Asian or something and had a diamond stud in one ear. Sadly, his was the only name I didn't get. :(

No more drinking for awhile though. I'm pretty grossed out by liquor right now. Even the mention of it now is grossing me out.

Yesterday, I was definitely hungover. I felt so sick with this massive consuming headache and I couldn't eat anything. I drove home and thankfully, no cars! Amazing for LA. Van came back too so we actually went to dinner... at Albert's. Mung bean pancake things and meat with rice was our first real meal of 2009 besides the croissant with turkey I tried to eat. :) I love his cute family and little 4 1/2 year old nephew. Aw, that's the only reason we visit Albert. Okay, not really.

I'm super hungry right now, but it's about 8am and no one else is awake. Why am I awake?

A night out?!

Last night, after Van finally got back from LA, we went to Dave and Busters. We made happy hour and got two drinks apiece (only Van and I). We got to keep the TnTea glasses that cost us quite a bit. Van also ordered an appetizer trio for 4 (hah) and Kim got some delicious tortilla soup. The bathrooms were super dirty - someone left a bottle in the bathroom. We also went to Walmart with Albert for no apparent reason since Van and I fell asleep in the car. I heard all sorts of strange yelling outside.

Kim has work today so does my whole family (except my mom). I didn't know the bank was open on Christmas Eve and that people actually worked. I remember everyone having the day off!

Peter told me about Famima!! the other day. It's near his house and on the way to my aunt's from Kim's. I stopped by. It's a "Japanese 7 Eleven" according to Peter. They have sushi, tiramisu, and other Asian snacks in addition to all the regular stuff. I walked around and just got some cheap 16 oz chai for $1.50. Not bad especially when my tall caramel chai cost $3 at Starbucks. Though Starbucks has an Orange County mug I want ($10).

Things to call home about

I just had some Korean pizza and chicken at Love Letter. Apparently, it's also in Duluth, GA! Wow. It was pretty darn good except the spicy chicken was too spicy to even eat. The pizza had potatoes, onions, corn, and meat of some sort. Yum. Though a bit small, I was filled up after 2 slices and 3 chicken wings. We hung out in Koreatown for a bit, but Peter and I had to leave so he could do something or be there for someone... so I'm home reading and watching TV.

I want a purse. I didn't bring one back here so I need one. I saw this girl at Forever 21 carrying a Dooney and Burke gold handbag. I found it online and it's $350 (on sale 30%). I think it's this limited edition bag by Hayden Panettiere.

I also need a wallet.

Oh yeah, I'll inventory what I've purchased so far:

• Forever 21 - a navy blue button-up sweater vest, peacock earrings, a long green cardigan
• Fashion Young - a black, uh, cover-up thingy, long sleeve striped sweater
• Ross - Kenneth Cole Reaction black pumps, 2 long sleeve striped V-neck sweaters
• Marshall's - short sleeve gray turtleneck
• Macy's - Philosophy Makeup Optional kit
  

Not much to report

I hung out with Kim yesterday, ate at Luggatti's (shared calamari, lasagna, tiramisu), went shopping in Downtown HB, and back to her place to watch Seducing Mr. Perfect before we went for yogurt and she dropped me off. I've stayed in because I hate having my family wait for me. Tomorrow night, I'm going to Dave & Buster's with Kim and Van. I'm excited to see Van! :) I never see her, but it always makes my day. Kim calls me quite a bit so we are constantly in touch; I always know what's going on in her life.

I've read instead and I'm not getting very far. I'm also kind of hungry right now and I want some egg rolls. I wouldn't mind the walk there since it's super close, but I think I'd freak out my family a little bit if I did. :( Peter's going to pick me up once he gets ready. We'll get food. He wants carne asada fries. I just had some. :( What else can I make him help me do? Hm...

To dos:

• Fax items to T-Mobile
• Buy a flannel/plaid shirt that doesn't make me feel like a cholo
• Deposit this $50 I JUST received in the mail
• Stop eating jelly beans... they're kind of gross

One thing is for sure...

As I sat around yesterday and then shopped today, I realized that California is no longer "home." I want to go home to Asheville, to my full-time friends. I meet new people constantly and everyone mingles. It's a bit tough to do that when I'm a 3 week resident and everyone still stays in their own cliques from high school. I remember a conversation I had with someone who was sick of the underachievers who stayed in Asheville. I feel the same way about here.

My full-time family is here yeah but not everyone. It's weird now because everyone is everywhere. I'm having a tough time deciding where I want to live because, for once, I'm completely enamored with my friends, my kids, and my life. Graduating is going to be tough.

Found: Lei in Asheville

So Alex totally got me connected to a lei. Hah. She works at Blossoms and they were amazing enough to make a lei for $30. Alex then sent me this picture of her mom with the lei on. She delivered it to Thomas Wolfe where graduation was taking place. Then Liz, who was ushering, had to stop Conor and tell him to wait after for his graduation gift. I bet it was strange as this stranger came up to you with a lei. Hah. But I was so excited and hopeful that it all worked out that I woke up at 8:45am PST to make my calls.

As for the rest of today, I'm going to get a few things: eyelash curler and face cleanser kit. I have a ton of things I want though so I'm consulting my wish list. My mom and I might go to Vegas... weird to go to Vegas with my mom, but that's okay.

Top of my list:
Juicy Couture Pave Hearts Clutch (Rose) $125
State Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver (California) $75 (code: 25DAY)

Philosophy The Miracle Worker $85


"Chasing Pavements" by Adele was playing on VH1 when I fell asleep last night.

I've made up my mind,
Don't need to think it over,
If I'm wrong I am right,
Don't need to look no further,
This ain't lust,
I know this is love but,

If I tell the world,
I'll never say enough,
Cause it was not said to you,
And that's exactly what I need to do,
If I'm in love with you,

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

I'd build myself up,
And fly around in circles,
Waiting as my heart drops,
And my back begins to tingle
Finally could this be it

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep on chasing pavements?
Should I just keep on chasing pavements?

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

Resting day

Fave quotes from tumblr:

“Someday someone might come into your life and love you the way you’ve always wanted. If your someday was yesterday, learn. If your someday is tomorrow, hope. If your someday is today, cherish.”

“We accept the love we think we deserve.” - Perks of Being a Wallflower

I really want some carne asada fries 'cause I'm craving some. I wonder if Kim or Peter will go get me some. :/ Why did I say no to taking my mom's car?

I've read a little. Other than that, I'm just hanging out at the house. I went to lunch with my mom, Albert, and Peter. The service was terrible. I forgot how informal Asian restaurants are... :(

I really...
“Wish you were here. Wish I was there. Wish it was different. Wish wishes came true. I’d wish you back.” - I Wrote This For You

Yeah. California day 1 is boring. I miss you.

EDIT/
I had egg rolls instead. Then my family and I went to the mall. I just had noodles even though I didn't want any... ugh. :/ Especially since I weighed myself and I'm a fat ass. :( For some reason though, everyone thinks I weigh a lot less than I do and considerably less.

Wish you were here too

I'm at the Las Vegas airport after making my Charlotte flight by luck. We were super late but I ran and I found out I completely suck at running. I'm going to work on that this break - work out and run. Anyways, after my long flight I was still 30 minutes late for this last 1 hour flight. They didn't give me my boarding pass and normally that would've been fine had I not had to outside to security again. Then I lost my ID for 10 minutes! :( So I'm wairing for an 8:30 or 9:30 flight. I broke down and am eating Thai pizza at CPK with a Stella Artois beer...

Gah I'm bored and need entertainment!