Week 11 - Hunger Pains

On Friday, I had an intense drive to find dim sum. Maybe I needed the protein. In my delirious state of hunger, I had forgotten that it was the weekend of the Lunar New Year and everyone was at the local Dim Sum palace. Thankfully, since I was eating alone, I was seated immediately and for the first time in the longest I could remember, I could barely wait for the servers to bring out the food. I was so hungry, my stomache actually hurt.

It's a good thing that dim sum has immediate gratification. I was reading in Jenny McCarther's "Belly Laughs" about how she was ready to kill a server while waiting for the bread to come out. I finally understood what she was talking about. It was such a shock to my system to want food, let alone to want food that badly, when in the last 3 weeks I had been avoiding it. After lunch, I felt so satiated, it was almost a high driving back into the office. AG and I went to Dim Sum again on Saturday. I guess I couldn't get enough. We found a great little place in South SF. Again, I was so hungry I couldn't talk and I think I scared AG a little as I was turning green in the car while he was driving.

Sunday we celebrated the Lunar New Year much differently from last year. It was just us and the pups. Leisurely morning, drive to grab lunch and then a nap afterwards. Watched some terrible movies and had dinner with Ronnie and Nicky in the evening. Monday AG and I took the pups to Dolores park for a good hour, sat in the sun sipping (hot chocolate for me) coffee before AG took off to spend the next 24 hours at work moving his office.

On Friday, I gave my dad the news and he was surprisingly ok with it. I just never know with my family sometimes. But I'm relieved that there's no issue. My mom will be back on the 27th - I'll give her a couple of days to recover from Vietnam before dropping the bomb.

Valentine's 2007 and Week 10

Yesterday AG and I got dressed up on a school night to check out Heineken's new restaurant - yet to grand open - on Clement and 26th (2512 Clement) called Clementine's. Very cute, to service Spanish, Italian and French tapas? Not sure. But definitely not Mediterranean nor Japanese says Heineken.

Caught up with Margo Keylargo and Mr. Maddison. Both have had a very rough 6 months.

We have also decided that it's finally safe to let the cat outta the bag and the little bump aka Baby G will be joining us September. Of course my parents don't know yet. But most of our close friends and AG's family do know.

As you can see, Baby G is already showing. That bump is not from having a big meal.
I wanted to be able to start blogging about this experience and provide a window for family members and close friends to know how the pregnancy is progressing. So to catch most people up on what's been happening:

The not-so-great-things about pregnancy (so far):
1. Have been nauseous the last 2.5 weeks. Haven't actually thrown up but dry heaved a couple of times in the morning (which is always fun).
2. Smell of food has made me green. Haven't been cooking, couldn't go to restaurants, eating only fruits. I can smell sugar from AG's candy bar from the passenger seat. Keen sense of smell - is interesting.
3. Bloated - potruding bloated stomache is quite uncomfortable even before eating, and after meals it's almost painful.
4. Restless, interrupted sleep - the Trooper is uanable to get everything done when she's unable to recharge the batteries. This has been more difficult on me than the not eating.
5. No drinking - parties and late night events don't sound as fun - when you're the only one who's sober.
6. Irritability, little patience - hormonal changes + lack of sleep + little food + bloating = grouchy me. Haven't gone postal on AG - but little things do seem bigger than usual.
7. Vitamin pills - I have to take 6 huge pills (they are organic and vegetable based) per day.

Things that have been awesome about pregnancy:
1. Nausea gone - only lasted 2.5 weeks (which is awesome compared to most women).
2. Bloated mostly gone - now it's just the belly.
3. Sleeplessness gone - getting deeper, longer sleep (except for occasional 4am whining from Sienna).
4. Drinking - not so bad when I found out that wine tastes like vinegar.
5. Irritability, little patience diminished - better sleep + more food + no bloatedness = happier me.
6. AG has stepped up and taken great attention and care of our well being - it's sweet.
7. Focus - has shifted from "living-life-day-by-day and enjoying-whatever-comes-along + partying many nights a week" to "long-term and figuring-out-how-to-create-home-life-social-balance on my-own-terms." (9-5 schedule is not part of the 5 year plan)
8. Realizing that we're creating life - and Baby G is both a part of AG and I. This one is easy to acknowledge but is difficult for me get my head wrapped around the science and biology of it all. Thanks to Grandma Karen, we now have 10 books about babies of which 4 are baby name books, one Jewish Baby Book, and some cool ones on the science/biology of creating life.
9. Glowing skin - my skin has never felt or looked better. I don't usually wear foundation, except for going out, and now I don't wear any going out at all either. Difference is, it looks like I do.

The interesting things about being pregnant:
1. I used to love meat and thought I'd be eating more meat when pregnant. Not so. I find most meats unbearable at the moment and enjoy tofu, veggies and lots of fruits still.
2. I am a McDonald's and fast food hater. I used to get nauseous just smelling the oils at Micky D's. I am now guilty of haven eaten there twice, in one week. It's the french fries, I can't help it. I've had french fries cravings for awhile now, and even though I hate that they use hydrogenated oils, they have the best tasting fries.
3. I'm already showing a bump at 10 weeks and actually both AG and I noticed the bump closer to 8 weeks. Thought I'd be like my Asian friends who didn't show until week 20.
4. I've had pickle cravings, but not sure if they are really cravings since I love pickles before. But I've not had the sugar and ice-cream and odd combinations... not yet anyways.

In summary, both AG and I are thrilled and excited about this new set of changes in our lives. I am a little bit more than mortified about the prospect of more needles and hospitals and the birthing process. I worry sometimes that I'll be too busy to maintain some semblence of myself and my social calendar (b/c my community is so important to me), and I dwell too often on whether I'll make a good parent. But mostly, I daydream about: (1) the crazy and colorful outfits I'm gonna put on Baby G, (2) the special bond between Baby G and us; (3) the tenderness of AG with Baby G; (4) the happiness Baby G will and has already given to us and our families/friends; and (5) the development of Baby G growing up in a unique community with diverse cultures and beliefs.

Another Day in SF

Saturday morning AG and I woke up and had a leisure morning. Fed the pups, then took BART down to Embarcadero and walked to the Farmer's Market. It was slightly misty and drizzling, but had fun checking out the stands and selecting brunch from the various awesome vendors.

AG ordered a mocha from Blue Bottle, which I've heard such great things about. And after agonizing over all the choices, and tasting all the free cheeses and fruits, we ordered a turkey and salama sandwhich. Yum. We ate outside on the pier. On our way home, we stumbled upon a huge anti-war rally - which lifted my spirits even more. Got home, and watched tv for awhile before I headed over to Shelaine's to help out for their party.

AG left last night for New Orleans, and I woke up with a ton of energy and so many things to do before he returns. First and foremost, I had to have another turkey/salami sandwhich - which you see above. It was huge, I was barely able to fit my mouth around it. All worth it, cuz now it feels like lead in my gut.

Friday Rain

Here's a picture of my new haircut. Melissa saved my hair. I was ready to cut it all off. She's such a great listener. We sat and talked about my lifestyle, what I want etc. Really, I just wanted an overhaul on my hair, with something edgier and funkier, but still have the ability to keep it low maintenance. She knows that short hair is a lot of maintenance for me b/c my hair sticks out all over the place when it's short. So she cut off 8 inches but with lots of piecy parts that are fun to play with. This is the next day wake up look - without any combing and it still looks good, I think. I'm darn happy with the cut. Her costs are way up though, it's the most I've ever paid for a haircut - $130 total oh but so worth it.

And a picture of the dreary day from my office, looking out at the rain...

Pan's Labrynth

After work AG and I went on a date, checked out the new cinema at Century Theaters on Market/Mission across from the Metreon. I had stopped by the Mediterranean place on 16th and grabbed a couple of schwarma's for dinner with popcorn and cokes for dessert.

The Theater is beautiful, of course it's brand new - only 4 months old. With big comfy leather seats that recline and the cupholder pulls up to allow couples to cuddle, and a huge screen, I am so much more inclined to return to this Theater.

The movie was fantastic! I had very little knowledge of the story before we sat down. The trailer had me at the first image of dark, magical, goth visions of Pan. Director Guillermo de Toro wrote and directed this horror/fantasy set in the background of the Spanish Civil War (reminded me of Narnia, but done 500 times better). The tension between reality vs. fantasy, and magic vs. terror was well balanced. I felt pulled into this world immediately. It's a fairty tale for adults. I would not take children to this movie. AG had disturbing visions and dreams that night. It's been such a long time since a fantasy movie was done so well, probably Lord of the Rings. Highly highly recommend this movie, also note that it was nominated for 6 academy awards.

Let's cut it off

Ok, it's a new year and I'm ready for a change. I've had this long hair for over 4 years, and it's been great. Lately though, I havent been doing anything with it and it looks long and drab. With the eye surgery, I'm not able to wear any eye make up for a month and I feel and look like an old woman. I need something fresh and new - so I made an appointment to see Melissa, my old hairdresser in Marin. She's super exepensive, and I only go to her when I want to make some drastic changes. I'm not sure how short I'll go, it will depend mostly on her suggestions. Usually I tell her what I'm in the mood for, and I give her full reigns to do whatever she likes. I've never been disappointed.

Why I like going to Melissa, even though she's expensive is, she's creative and provides great suggestions. She's always given me a great cut that lasts. She understands my lifestyle and my need for a low maintenance cut.

Also, the woman's got phenom memory power. The last time I was there, she remembered everything about me, I mean everything from my love life to my work.

LASIK

I had my operation yesterday. Ugh, it was a lot more uncomfortable than I thought or than I was told. It's becoming more and more clear that I metabolize everything very quickly. So at the Dentists' office, the novocaine usually wears off halfway through the procedure. Thankfully, I always tell my Dentist (who doesn't really believe me), until halfway through, I raise my hand - per our agreed upon signal, and he gives me another shot.

Same thing with this operation I think. I could feel the cut on my eyes during the first part of the procedure where they cut the cornea to create a flap. Wasn't as bad but still could feel it. The 2nd part was much more difficult as it last a lot longer and my eyes were so teary from the pain, that I had a difficult time continuing to look into the bright lights and the red dot (laser). By the end of the procedure, my eyes were burning, the vicodin had worn off and I was in pain. Thankfully AG took great care, brought me home, blocked off all possible lights. I felt like a vampire.

When I was able to ingest the 2nd vicodan, it was much better. I woke up 5 hours later - took off the bandages, and although my eyesight was still blurry, I could see better, and possibly the same as if I had my glasses on. This morning, at my post-op appointment, they confirmed that I was 20-15. Better than 20-20. Still healing, it could get better, could get a little worse, but thankfully it's all over.

Elaine has hers right now as we speak. Oh boy, I hope hers goes better than mine.

Dancing, beach....

Then off to cheesy bars and clubs we went, dancing on tabletops and bars.

We made it home after 2am. The next morning, I meanly woke up the girls at 8:30 to head back to SF and hang out with the other crew.


Spent the night after watching baby turtles swim out to see. Then back to PVR for one more night and day before coming back to cold SF.

Saturday night out

But first we had to have dinner. Oh my. I took them to Old Town to a place AG and I had been. Of course we had to have the SEAFOOD Special. Lobster and steak. Oh and the waiters ran around trying to find any excuse to wait on us. Lots of attention with 8 beautiful women unattended.

We were serenaded to... in English and Spanish.

And the Chef had a special dessert for the Bride to Be: Chorrizo Negro!

Beach burn ceremony

We started off the evening on the beach.
With lots of love, good intentions, advice and something to burn for our bride to be. Lots of laughs and lots of good advice, not just for Sasha but for all of us....

The sky was lit up and we were ready to send Sasha off this night.

Beautiful people

Aren't they all beautiful? Stayed until Saturday morning, where I upped and headed back to PVR to meet with the Bachelorette party....

San Francisco, Mexico

Oy! How lovely to fly from SF to SF, Mexico. Came in at midnight on the 4th to warm welcomes from Brimeeza, M&M, John & Amy and Colleen. They had been partying it up here for the New Year's and since my flight came in a couple of days earlier than the Bachelorette's party... I decided to visit my friends and check out this place.

Spectacular - 4 story 6 bedroom/6bathroom Villa de Magico. Which it was indeed. We had both views of the ocean and the jungle. AG and I were just here in October, but vacationing is so much more fun with a group of friends. We had a lot to do. Lots of wonderful meals together, including a scrumptious meal at an Argentinian restaurant Mar Plata, where we ordered up a storm to celebrate Bri's birthday.

NYE 2006 Part III & IV

We knew we wanted to spend the rest of the evening with these two. So we got to Saha's and hung out until they closed. We were along for the ride, had no idea what the plan was except that we were just hanging out wherever they took us.

Our trust was completely rewarded. Mohammad drove us to a party on 6th Avenue - part of the Trance crew and it was one of the best parties we've been to. The energy was amazing, the music was random but very good, the freaks were out and everyone was cool. We even met two new friends of theirs, Alex and can't remember the other one's name. Marmee and I danced for hours and by 6am we were ready to head to the next last part of our trip - Breakfast in Bed at the SupperClub.

At the Supper Club until noon. I cannot believe we stayed out until noon! Our MO has always been to head home by 4am and snuggle in bed together. But this year, everything was fresh - we trusted our instincts and our friends and were so happy for it. We couldn't have had a better night - this is on the top of the best NYE. Reminded me so much of the year AG and I mixed things up a bit and camped with Numinosum where we met Mohammod/Marmee, Salim/Nafysa and all the brown girls. It's opened up a new crew for us and we are mixing all of our friends together.

AG and I are so thankful for our life. Our friends are fucking amazing... our life together is fucking amazing. And to sum up my intent for 2007 - Be healthier, wealthier and wiser.

2007 is the year of the boar, and I'm ready to make some forward leaps.

My Sister's Wedding - AZ

We rolled in Chandler, AZ at 5am. We did not like Chandler, AZ. It's a mecca for suburbanites. As I watched my sister, Hang, get ready, I realized how opposite she and I are. I don't think we even look alike. People tell us we sound alike and that we have similar mannerisms, but she voted for Bush, and that's just unforgivable ;).

She's a good person, she's just so traditional, and straight and conservative. That's just the outer layer. Growing up I was the black sheep of the family, but I think she's taken that title from me.

Here's a picture of me and my mom in our VN Ao Dai Traditional dress preparing to meet the Groom's family. I just happened to bring it along, didn't even know if it would still fit since I had it made in VN 4 years ago. The Ao Dai is made fitted so that if you gain more than 5lbs, it won't fit anymore.


Here's a picture of Thuy, a college friend of both Hang and myself, and her new man Joe. We had quite a bit of fun with them. They live in Vegas and he owns 5 restaurants. After the reception we all went to the Casino to drink and play a little blackjack. Hopefully we'll get to hang out with them some when they visit next or when we visit Vegas.

Here's a picture of my sister and her husband, Quang. He's a super sweet guy, the nicest she's ever dated (we haven't always approved of her previous attachments). His family is also super sweet and down to earth. He absolutely adores her and she abuses him a little here and there, but in all, I do think she loves him.

And here is Juliet. Hang got her 9 years ago. I remember holding Juliet in the palm of my hand, so small, so cute. She's still pretty adorable, likes to lay around and stare at people, and she loves getting her picture taken.

We were pretty happy to leave Chandler on Sunday. It took us 16 hours to drive home due to the horrific traffic that is Thanksgiving weekend. So good to be home, in SF and in our home. We love it so much here. There's no place like SF, there's no place like SF.

Pre-Turkey

Since we are driving to my sister's in AZ for thanksgiving, we decided to throw together a little shindig before we left. It was great. I hadn't cooked a turkey in 6 years. This time, I went all out and brined the turkey 4 hours before, inserted fresh sage underneath the skin, rubbed it with salt and pepper and an hour before it was done, laid strips of bacon on the turkey for the juices.

It was a beautiful bird. I didn't get pictures since I was so busy in the kitchen. We had a ton of people over and everything was delicious. Andy and Allison made some spiced cidar drink with bourbon. And we drank. There was pumpkin pie and home made fresh cream from Migdal, pumpkin cheesecake from Allison, and an amazing apple pie from Sandy/Carla. And lots of wine.

Heading out now to AZ.... to see the family.