Goodbye Christmas! Hello New Year!

It is 12:30AM on the 31st...my time flies. I am a bit sad the tree has since been removed, and the beautiful ornaments packed away till next year. But Mike has encouraged me to look forward to the new year, so I shall. Some very exciting things will be happening...

1) My parent will buy a house in So Cal (hopefully the market holds long enough for them to buy, then skyrockets back up so my condo value isn't so low!!!!!).

2)My brother will graduate from...UCLA! Who would have known?

3) I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY get to go to ROME AND GREECE! A belated honeymoon should be well worth the wait.

4) Perhaps a new job for Mike?! I hope he gets one he LOVES!


So if I focus on these great events, and my new years resolutions (which warrant a blog of their own!), I think I can get through this sadness of the departing Christmas season...

Included our some of my favorite pics from this years holidays!

CHRISTMAS IN....VEGAS!!!!!

Christmas in Vegas

Oh I really miss it already...my first time in Vegas over the age of 21, and during the most wonderful time of the year...could it get any better?!

On the 24th, my family packed into two sedans and made the 4 hour drive to sin city with only two stops, one at Denny's in the middle-of-nowhere that managed to have a more-than-shady crowd, and then another stop was at a place called Baker, for the world-famous THE MAD GREEK CAFE. We ordered shakes, and I also ordered pita and hummus, as well as Baklava...the Baklava and pita bread were divine, the hummus, too rich for me (on the return trip, I ordered their gyro, it was AMAZING, and worth a drive out there!!!).

We stayed at the Luxor on the strip, since I have ALWAYS wanted to stay there (heck, an Egyptian-themed hotel? perfect!---the only other place I stayed was at the Paris Hotel, which was great). It was good, not great, but not bad by any means---we had two rooms, both with decent views...and the bathrooms were nice.

My parents surprised us with a mini Vegas-themed Christmas tree (my Mom is ALWAYS so good at this stuff!). And presents, of course... loot including money, Blackberry's, a BlueRay DVD player and kiddy-travel gifts!

We enjoyed buffets, fine dining(including Mike and I's yummy time at The Palm) mixed drinks for breakfast (and lunch and dinner). And the shopping---I got a steal on the 26th (a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo flats!).

But most fun of all, was that I saw the LOVE Cirque Du Soleil at the Mirage. Then...on our last night, we had EXCELLENT tickets for The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. We bought cheap tickets at the half-price booth...but then was moved to dead-center 3rd row mezzanine. Not bad. We paid $70 per ticket, and was in $150+ seats :)

I am at home, resting, but dreaming of going back already---looking for steals! It really doesn't take long to get to, so perhaps a return visit in the coming months?

Finally, I even enjoyed celebrity sightings, twice! Criss Angel and Holly Madison (former Hugh Hefner #1 girl, and my fav!) were at the Luxor (he has a show there) so I got to see them goofing around and eating at the same time/place Mike and I enjoyed french toast at 1AM after drinking. She is beautiful without a bunch of makeup, and looked very happy.

New Anthropologie China!

Party pic of my dinner table from last night :) courtesy of my mom!

Anthropologie is a favorite store, despite the fact I have very few items from there...I find them a bit too expensive, and not of fantastic quality (personally). I just have an issue paying $150+ for a jacket made of polyester from China, you know?

But for little things like discounted china, from CHINA ;) I have no issue (neither does my generous mom!).

I obviously have nicer dishes that go with these...but forgot to put them out!

Friday Update

I have plenty of work to do, but thought I would take a few moments to do a Friday update.

It is really cold this morning at 'SC. About 50 degrees (cold, for Southern California). Despite wearing warm jeans to work, and a thick FC sweater, I had to borrow Mike's jacket just so I wouldn't catch a cold (I wonder if by stealing his jacket, he will now get the cold?). Anyway, it was a nice, only slightly rushed morning (we had to run back to the house twice, because I forgot a few Christmas presents for those at work!). Then, I needed a bagel with yummy cream cheese, and a diet coke, of course----

I am the only one in the office so far, most people are out next M-W as well; I plan on only taking Wednesday off (as we leave for Vegas that morning...), but I am now wishing I had asked for Monday and Tuesday as well.

Tonight we are picking up Lei from work in Downtown, and then Luke and her will be over for a small dinner at our place, and then....ICE SKATING! Yippy! I expect warm food, good company, and a sore bottom ;)

Almost Here!

As I enjoy the Victoria Secret Fashion Show (huge fan of Heidi Klum!) and the UCLA basketball game...I thought I would post my thoughts...

Christmas is almost here, and while I am excited about the holiday, and spending time with family (and missing those not there), I am most excited about time off work. Not that I don't mostly enjoy my job (and very fortunate to have a good paying job right now, given the economy)...but that I am a bit worn out. I really haven't had a vacation in over a year and a half...and the year and a half has been stressful (moving to a new house, new job, etc).

I cannot wait to hang out in Vegas with the family. And all the lights (anyone that knows me, can understand my fascination with lights)...as well as the Christmas decor that I assume graces most of Sin City! While it may not be very restful, it will be invigorating, to a degree. When I get home, I will have 7-8 more days to rest :)

Saturday Shopping at South Coast

Well...it was a little less glamorous than 5th ave on a cold wintry Saturday...but South Coast will have to do. I went with my Mom and my Aunt. While it was fun, we didn't get to shop every store on my list...

However, what was most fun were the decorations, and the food I got at Puck's Cafe and Champagne French Bakery. Yummy!

I used to enjoy holiday shopping more, but perhaps the stressing from the economy has gotten me out of the mood? Or perhaps it is that I actually have nearly everything I want, and did most of my shopping for others? Regardless, it just wasn't as fun :(

I know there are many people out there feeling the same way. With the state of affairs right now, it is kinda hard to enjoy Christmas as much.




In other news, we went to Disneyland on Friday night with my pseudo-Aunt, very fun. I can never tire of Disneyland---

50 Things About Me

I am totally stealing this idea from another blogger I love...I am posting 50 random things about me (I am bored--Grey's Anatomy is a re-run).

1) I love my family more than anything. Even more than Tiffany's and Disneyland.
2) The best Christmas gift I ever got was a small diamond ring from my beloved grandmother Baba, which was tied to a doll named "The Diamond Fairy".
4) The worst Christmas gift I ever opened was a DEAD SEAHORSE from my not-so-loved grandmother.
5) I have a great partner, who constantly says "Can I get you something?" and "Do you need anything?"...be jealous. He is also adorably cute, 99.9% of the time :)
6) Nothing is more fun in the world than opening an acceptance letter from a college (I have collected a stack, including: UCLA, CAL, UC Davis, Univ. of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Boston College, USC and NYU).
7) Nothing sucks more than getting rejected by Stanford.
8) Teddy Bears from Daddy do fix heartaches (note: received one after being rejected from Stanford).
9) I love my laptop, despite the fact it sucks.
10) One of my best friends and I talk ONLY using this sucky laptop. I met this friend at a Queen concert.
11) My favorite rock band is Queen (yes, the lead-signer is dead, and no, I don't care that the band rocks without him...)
12) The guitarist from Queen, Brian May, kissed me on the head. It was the single most star-struck moment of my life (even more than hugging Tiger Woods after he won a big tournament).
13) I love history (all periods, bring it!).
14) I want most of all to travel (and believe it is entirely possible I will not get out of the states in a long while...)
15) I have the same nightmares, even if it has been a few years...I am still being chased by a masked-man in Disneyland, or flying in my old backyard in Carbonera.
16) I actually hated the house I grew up in, and only loved it after we left (Carbonera).
17) I never learned to ride a bike, because the aforementioned house was on a massive hill.
18) I love to sit in the shower. No baths, no standing showers.
19) My favorite food is really McDonalds. But it tends to make me sick.
20) I wish more than anything to have my four scars on my chest disappear.
21) But I thank Dr. Carl at least once a week, for my life.
22) I love hospitals. However, recently remembered how scary they really can be.
23) My parents bought me a SAAB for having surgery...totally worth it.
24) I hate MACs. And I hate people that just love them. They are idiots.
25) Don't ask me to do a math problem off the top of my head...I forgot math the minute I finished taking the GRE.
26) I am a big believer that standardized tests are not indicative of a students performance (although, I did fine).
27) USC SUCKS.
28) UCLA is the greatest school on earth.
29) 515 Kelton Ave is a scummy apartment complex, but I enjoyed living there. Why did we pay $2000 a month for it?
30) Memories of living in NYC for a year are priceless (okay, actually they cost about $50K)
31) The MET Opera is totally over-rated. Please no BS about how I am not cultured because I think this way.
32) My favorite museum is the MET.
33) I worry about money ever day.
34) I have a shelf of books about not worrying...and never read them.
35) My mantra is stolen from Gone with the Wind "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow" or "I'll worry about it tomorrow".
36) I golfed. I seriously do not know if I loved or hated it. My clubs rock though...can you say custom Titleist?
37) I am addicted to Tiffany's and J Crew. I have over 40 blue boxes...stacked in the garage. I have a personal shopper at J Crew.
38) I LOVE pedis. I hate the price.
39) Mike is 100% my other half ;)

40) Nothing is more fun that a warm bed and a good book.
41) Except for Disneyland.


42) I see my beloved Baba and Pa (the good grandparents!) whenever I go to Disneyland...the minute I step through the turnstiles, my heart warms, and my eyes well with tears.
43) The most heartbreaking moment of my life was saying goodbye to my Pa. I can relive the moment perfectly. Just typing this makes me cry.
45) The only jewelry I really wear all the time is my Tiffany rings...and I do stare at them more than I should admit. I also typically wear a small locket, with pics of my Baba and Pa.
46) I sometimes wish I could fly away.
47) I am working every day on being happy.
48) My family and great partner make me happy, and they try very hard.
49) My one dream in life isn't to be rich, or famous, or more successful, it is to have the entire family together once more...at 15 Harrison Way. My kind Aunt and Uncle did give me the most wonderful gift of the numbers from the house with the key...it hangs by my door...
50) The best gift my parents ever gave me, ever, is a little boy brother named Scotty. I would die for him, no questions asked.

Christmas at Tiffany's

Ahh...Christmas at Tiffany's. No better place to be...and it doesn't matter if you are in a mall (aka South Coast Plaza Tiffany's) or in the grand-daddy of them all, NYC's 57th and 5th. The window displays are precious, the decor inside is classic,and the jewels, silver and crystal? divine.

Believe or not, for someone who loves an actual store this much (or perhaps it is the idea of what the store represents?), I didn't walk into one until I was over 16. It wasn't that I didn't have access to one, but I actually believed I shouldn't walk in, until I knew the experience would be magical. And so, years went by, and I waited. I wanted the moment to be perfect...like the movie. It wasn't. No song played as I graced the mahogany and glass...My attire was less-glamorous than a gym outfit (at least a designer gym outfit found in Orange County)...and my wallet was actually empty. But despite the apparent shortcomings, Tiffany's did live up to one expectation...fabulous, perfected gems.

So in a "slumppy" economy...and with an attitude that rivals that of Susan in Miracle on 34th Street... the only pick-me-up really is a stop at my friend Tiffany's :) The window displays in particular are breathtaking and make you appreciate what Tiffany's really is...a museum. And it houses Picasso's too (albeit, his daughter Paloma's designs...).

Shopaholic?

I am starting to question whether or not I am a shopaholic? I mean, my favorite blogs are about stores/brands such as JCrew...and I get overly excited on product reviews about new handbags from the store, or the newest coat they have from a fine mill that makes the Chanel jackets (yummy! but it didn't fit well in the store...). And then I realized that this month I spent over 25% of my income on stuff (my credit card and debit card with Wells Fargo makes it a point to provide a "spending report" each month). Sure, it is Christmas time, however I managed to spend only $200 per person in my family this year (down a $100 from last) in an effort to save. But it seems that I am the problem...for example, I recently purchased the Marc Jacobs Multipocket Hobo, only to discover after that I really loved the Blake bag...and of course, I need new perfume this month since my Tiffany & Co "Pure" was nearly finished...as was my Chanel. So, I opted to try a new scent by Cartier
To go with my new perfume, I got some more hair care products at Sephora...including my Ted Gibson Items (hair sheets, shampoo, conditioner). It reminds me of the beautiful time spent in NYC at his salon (look at that picture!)

And on the weekend I went shopping without makeup (and in sweats...which never feels good), so of course I left with new makeup by Laura Mercier which really wasn't needed (okay, perhaps the under eye concealer was!)

BUT SERIOUSLY! I added it all up and it really does make me sick. I used to be thrifty (very thrifty). What happened?! Well, I have made the first step to recovery. This morning, while walking to work at USC, I experienced a chill that hasn't been present since my days back east (it was almost 54 degrees) and the fact I was actually without a coat. So, instead of going to JCrew and thinking I got a steal on one (original prices are around $275, then with all the sales and the student discount it is really around $150-which is a chunk of change), I went to Old Navy, AND the sales rack, found a good light coat, for $39.50 (see picture of adorable black twill coat above!).

Hi. My name is Lula Mae and I am a recovering shopaholic.

UCLA Football

Ever since I set foot on UCLA's campus, I fell in love. UCLA was the perfect fit for me (and I really never questioned it). It was beautiful (Romanesque buildings), in an amazing location (unlike being in South Central, UCLA is in Westwood, bordered by places such as Brentwood, Beverly Hills and Bel Air). UCLA was large (unlike all my schools prior). It was public (there is something very special about attending a university that was truly created for all-people in the state). Most importantly though, UCLA was a proud collegiate sports school, one of the best (heck, they were the first to 100 NCAA championships, right?) Or so I thought...

Sure, UCLA is still good in athletics, great in many sports (some of these sports may be over looked, compared to football and mens basketball). But is missing something. What UCLA athletics is missing is not funding (although a BCS birth would sure add to the revenue still that could easily be used)...nor great athletes. UCLA is missing true fans...

At Saturdays game against the University of Scholastic Compromise (USC)*, there was more red (oh, pardon me, it is Cardinal) than blue. Why? Because when the going gets tough, the tough at UCLA don't get going!

UCLA fans need to support their teams (all of them), regardless of whether our season is stellar, or dismal. While I could rant for forever about the need for Bruins to show their pride, instead I am going to write why it is important to support your team (especially when it is most important, for example, when your team was 4-8 and you were playing your crosstown rival with your 3rd string quarterback). These are the top-2 reasons.

1)Regardless of your affiliation (student, staff, faculty, alumni, parents, and the best there is, fans just because!), UCLA is YOUR school. Need I say more?

2)UCLA athletes are young boys and girls, with classes, finals, etc who wake up at 5AM to practice, go to class, and practice again to represent you. They receive beating on the field, injuries on the court, and still manage to play...don't they deserve your clapping, and cheering?



So next season when football starts again, make your way to the Rosebowl. Stand up on 3rd downs, and scream...because the players on the field are not blind. And it is a shame, that they can see that despite their very best effort, it isn't good enough for you...


*USC only requires a GPA of 1.8 for freshman athletes!
**MIKE LOOKS ILL IN THE PICTURE, BECAUSE HE HAD AN AWFUL COLD AND WAS ON A NUMBER OF MEDS!

Christmas

I am doing my best to get into the holiday spirit. I went out on Black Friday, bought my tree that Friday as well...I have (or rather, Mike has...) wrapped all the presents already. We have mint Baileys. We have Christmas cookies. We listen to ONLY Christmas music during the 1hr commute to and from work (both on the radio---and with our two new CDs, one being Josh Groban's Noel--). We even put lights outside this year. Yet, I just still cannot get into it, I mean, really get into it.

At first I thought it was because we are having a less-indulgent Christmas (fewer presents, due to my fear over the economy...and realization that I sometimes just spend too much money), and perhaps I was bummed about fewer presents (giving to those I love). But I don't think that is the case...



Another thought was that with everything going on in the world, the warmth of Christmas, and the magic isn't there...if this is the case, I fear Christmas will be magic-less for a few years, until things rebound.

This year though, we are starting a new tradition and going to Luxor for three nights (taking off the 24th, and then staying the 25th and 26th as well...). I do get excited when I think of being in a hotel (my favorite thing!), with a tacky but fun Egyptian theme, for Christmas (and only have a slight problem with spending Jesus' birthday in SIN CITY!). AND THINK OF THE SHOPPING (Tiffany, Cartier, Harry Winston, Fred Leighton...notice a jewelry theme?)....and the OUTLET SHOPPING (J. CREW, French Connection, Kate Spade...).

I am not a gambler per se. But I do love the nickel slots, and free drinks. I will also love being with my family during this time (and believe it or not, it will be my first time in Vegas over the age of 21!).

And the buffets are always SO FUN. However, I do suffer from food allergies, so this could either be good, or bad. Typically eating out ALWAYS proves fatal :( It is normally worth the sacrifice though.

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see the Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian. Just LOVE TOO! However, decent tickets are $115 per person...which I find is just too much to spend for a few hours. And Elton John isn't back until February. The last show I saw in Vegas was courtesy of my family as a UCLA graduation present... and was We Will Rock You. My Aunt managed to get some of the BEST tickets...about 8 rows back, DEAD CENTER! Of course, for anyone that knows me, Queen is my all-time favorite band, and this musical (based on their music) was amazing. It helped ignite my new passion for the band...which has lasted ever since. I fear any other Vegas show just might disappoint.

Whatever the reason for my apparent depression during the holiday, I do look forward to spending time with my family. They really are my best friends, and perhaps a little fun in Sin City might prove to be the perfect fix for my recent tears.

I am attaching pics of our tree this year. It is beautiful, and has ornaments that graced my beloved Baba's trees (that my mother decorated for her). I added beautiful gold and glass doves...and acorns bought at Disneyland.

Friday Nights

After the week of work hell, I am happy to be in bed, with Lipstick Jungle on (starting to love the show!), a Tiffany book next to me (Tiffany Style: 170 Years of Design), and a Tiffany bag indicating a fun evening of Christmas shopping!



But even after a nice evening, I am still tired, a bit unhappy and praying for a good day tomorrow...oh wait, UCLA plays against USC. Hmm...that sorta smells like trouble, wouldn't you say?! So maybe tomorrow won't be so good.

Oh well, I still have a kick ass Christmas tree, and Baileys.

Higher Priced Babysitter?!

Today I realized I may simply be a higher priced babysitter. Could my job be that I am paid to watch over PhD students?...I do ensure they are following rules, doing their "homework", not getting into trouble..etc. And when I am not doing that, I am deciding simply which students I want to babysit next year (i.e. admissions)...


Oh well, other more important things I guess I do are budgets, supervision, data collection and analysis...but still, not the glamorous life I dreamed of...yet.

Random

So, today was a just awful day at work. Just awful. It was one of those days that you wanted to close your eyes and be somewhere else. Where you disliked all those around you, and were eying your departure. However, instead of jumping into sales for cyber Monday, I did the unimaginable...I WORKED!

I passed up the 30% on sale items at JCrew.com, or the 40% of sale items at Bloomingdales.com. I skipped out on the virtual fun, and opted to use my brain to review applications, answer student questions, and deal with VISA issues all day long (tell me, why is it so hard for legal travel, and so easy for people to just illegally jump the border?!)...

On the way home, I enjoyed Christmas music before it outlives its welcome. Mike drove (as usual). As I sat in my beautiful new Saab courtesy of Mom and Dad, I thought about my life, and what I really wanted. First, my dream job would help (and it is actually open, at Foothill, my alma mater!). However, that will have to wait. I want health too! I want to be able to run, and work out, despite what others may think. I want to tone up, and fit that 2 that I used to. I want to eat healthy, and be able to pass up those beautiful golden arches (aka McDonalds!). There are so many things that I want, that I can somewhat control. But I don't.

So tonight I will ponder why it is that I allow things to remain the same...

(p.s. all was not lost, my mom dropped off a beautiful brown box from JCrew, an old order from a few weeks ago during their sale which just now arrived...so fun to open up...and try on...so sad to realize it cost a huge amount of money...MUST. STOP. SHOPPING!!!!)