Following Anne

Happy Anniversary to My Husband

2011-10-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hello! Is anyone out there?!?! It's me! Are you following? Cuz I've got a monster of a blog for you today.

I haven't blogged in so long, you might be wondering why the sudden urge to now. The reason is simple. My husband! The sappy man he is I thought this would be a lot nicer for him to read than a card. He enjoys reading my blogs and has been trying to get me to start up again for a while. So without further adieu... Here's one, just for him.

.....

Honey! My first blog in a long time and it's to say...

Happy 5 Year Wedding Anniversary! Thank you for the past 5 wonderful years. Not only have I felt so secure in our marriage, but I've had a damn good time! Best believe.

From our 5 year wedding anniversary photo shoot with Endless Envisions

When we got engaged 6 years ago, we were 24 years old and in the 2nd year of dating (not including the years as friends). Thinking back we did sorta seem like two crazy kids in a rush doesn't it? Haha.

October 7, 2006

I couldn't say I regretted a single thing. In fact, if I knew how things would turn out the way it did, I would still have married you 5 years ago on October 7th without a doubt. Reliving the last 5 years wouldn't be so bad, but I'm excited to see what we've got coming. Life and marriage has been nothing short of amazing.

I had a really hard time figuring out what I wanted to share with you in this blog post, but I don't think I tell you enough how great I think you are. So I'll tell you here and now...

In fact, there are things you might think I don't like about you, but I'm actually very proud of. For instance, I'm very proud that you're a Batman and comic book geek. It's a way cheaper hobby than electronics and cars and I actually think Batman is one bad ass dude... although Heather Ledger's Joker is WAY more bad ass. And here's a confession... if you REALLY wanted to name our son Bruce Wayne Tran or our daughter Harley Quinn Tran, I would probably let you. So think long and hard before you make such decisions.

Here you are with the bat himself at Comic Con 2011 in San Diego

You with the actual Dark Knight suit in NYC 2008

Heath Ledger's Joker on a Dark Knight Movie Poster at our subway stop -2008

I hope you're appreciative of the things I do for you. Things like getting in line early to watch all of your superhero midnight showings and staying up late on Thursday nights, going to work sleepy. Remember that one time I got really sick because we were waiting outside in line forever? Haha. I forgive you.

I hope you know that I support your geekiness and am with you every step of the way! I love it. I love seeing you in your element and I love seeing you happy and being a kid. Even accountants need to have fun right?!

Batman standing on a gargoyle or something. Haha. (Comic Con 2011)

With that said, I love that you're also equally supportive of all the weird phases I go through even though it makes other guys call you "gay". Haha. Like remember the time you waited in line with me to watch the midnight showing of Twilight?

Us with the Eddie Bear you made me mirrored off Edward Cullen

And remember you even sported a Twilight shirt? LOL!

Oh, but honey... You're MY hero! Haha!

Man, you even went with my zany idea to reenact a photo from the Twilight movie. LOL! (Thanks Thaoie for taking this awesome shot! Thao Vu Photography)

Hold on tight spider monkey! (Thao Vu Photography)

Thank you for waiting in line and watching the midnight showing of Sex and the City the movie with me in Manhattan. Thank you for looking up geeky movie news of flicks you know I'd like to see and follow. And thank you for your undying support of my love for Captain Jack Sparrow!

Subway station in NYC

On one of our date nights at Downtown Disney

And not to mention... Thank you for your understanding of my weird love for Justin Bieber. Haha. And watching Never Say Never in 3D with me as well.

Your support went so far as to try to imitate his hair for me for a day. LOL!

hmm... Fail

You might also think I'd be embarrassed about this other thing, but I find it pretty funny. Honey, it's your love of wearing tights and spandex during Halloween. Haha!

2003

2004

2006

2010

I think it's sorta funny that you like to subtly coordinate every outfit with me, but I think it's so cute and endearing. I love you! =) It's a good thing we aren't like some couples who wear the exact same shirt and pants! Only Duy would try to pull that off! LOL!

Freakin' DUY!

At a park in Gramercy, NYC

Kailee's Bow Tie Theme Birthday at the Crosby

In Los Angeles

Almond Tree Field in CA

Downtown Santa Ana

Wine tasting in Temecula

Thuy's Birthday Party in Soho, NYC

I like how you pretend that you don't like it when I wear your clothes around other people, but in actuality you really love it. Yeah! I outted you! Everyone knows the truth now! =)

While visiting me at work, you caught me wearing one of your shirts

Not only are we super compatible in our preferences in travel locations and traveling styles, you're also always up for anything I wanna do, even if it might seem a little off and others don't want to join. Haha. I don't know who would be my roll dawg if I didn't have you. =)

Bubble Battle in Times Square

80's Prom in the East Village

Dancing together in NYC's Dance Parade

Trying to break the Thriller Dance Guinness World Record

Trying to break the world record for most people dressed as super heroes in one spot. YEAH! Will Farrell!

I love that you love to watch outdoor movies and have picnics with me. How many times do we go? Like three or four times every summer?

Exposition Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park

I love that we have the same favorite movie, Fight Club and I love that we love the same music. In that way, we really can do everything together and have a great time.

Incubus at Radio City Music Hall in NYC

I think it's so cool how you're musical. I remember before we were even dating, you sat down and played the piano and I think at that moment I fell in love just a little bit. You play the piano, the drums, and now you're into djing...

Djing at Duy's pool party

I love that you're so close with my closest buds. Not just a couple of them, but ALL of them pretty much!

With Duy and Dennis on NYE

Yes, even with my ex. Haha!

On the Little Mermaid ride with Tony at Disneyland

But even more I love it that you're so close to my family, my mom, all my little cousins... Especially my best friend and little brother Nam. When the three of us are together it seems like nothing could ever go bad. I know we miss him, but we'll be reunited soon! =)

Having brunch in the East Village

And I can't stress enough how much of a gentleman you are. You never let me do anything if you can do it yourself. Even until this day, if I'm thirsty and about to go downstairs to get a drink, you'll always insist that you go get it instead.

Carrying groceries in Manhattan

Rowing the whole time in Central Park, even though you were tired. Haha.

There are things you probably don't even think I would think about. It's always the things you do without asking for anything in return that really touch me. I remember during the winter time in New York you would insist I not even go to the laundromat with you to do laundry insisting that it would just be faster if you did it by yourself and you'd rather have me warm inside our apartment.

Laundromat in East Village

And don't think I don't think about it, but I'm also very grateful for the fact that you love spending time with me. If we ever work kind of near each other, you'd wake up a little earlier just so we could carpool to work and you'd drop me off earlier. You'd drive to my work place to take me to lunch and after work you'd come back to pick me up because you loved spending time with me even in the car.

In New York you rode the subway an extra 10 minutes just so you could spend a little more time with me and after work even though I told you you could go straight home, you wanted to trek back to my area to wait for me so we could go home together.

First thing I saw when leaving work every day. =)

There's something that cousin Frances told me that I thought was reallyfunny. Donky said to her, "Dan acts like he's still trying to get Anne.Like every day. Until this day!" HAHA. Thanks honey, for always actinglike you're still trying to get me. I love you.

Thank you for getting me flowers on special occasions, but also thank you for getting me flowers on my sad days honey. Every time I have one of those days that make me just want to cry, you never fail to bring me home flowers or my favorite tea or treat. Those simple gestures remind me of the pain you feel when I'm sad and reminds me how much my happiness means to you.

Who wouldn't want to receive flowers from a handsome fellow?

I so very much love that you are my partner in crime in everything we do! How is it that I got so lucky that I would find someone that is so compatible with me in so many ways? Because of this, we're able to do so much together and have so much fun.

Someone that would move to a brand new city with me?

Gazing at the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan (Thao Vu Photography)

Someone that would join me in my exploration of the world.

His and her traveling backpacks, thanks to brother Nam

There are just so many things that I love about you and appreciate about you that I just don't think I could list them all on this post. Just know that I thank you for everything and thank you for being you. I'm just going to end it with one last thing.

You might not think I notice, but I do. It's crazy that you still have those looks that radiate so much warmth and love. Sometimes you look at me like I'm the only one in the room and that everything around you has disappeared. The moment makes me weak because you look at me like you're still madly in love with me...

There it is. The photographer caught you that time.

... As I am with you! Happy 5 Year Anniversary, Butthead!

Remembering 2010: Hawaii in January

2011-06-06T00:40:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to recap parts of 2010 and have been forgetting to do that. Last January, pretty much right after we got back from our backpacking trip in South East Asia, our big bro Anh asked us to come visit him before we started working. This trip was really just to visit him so that's what we did. We hung out with him and watched the whole first season of Dexter while we were there. LOL. The boys drank 2 bottles of wine almost every night and had a blast while I watched TV.

Sometimes people ask me, "When's a good time to go to Hawaii, weather wise?" The answer is ANYTIME ladies and gentleman. The weather in Hawaii is great all year long, even in January.

Enjoy this blog which will mostly consist of photos. Better than nothing! I'll give you a break from my blabbing. =) I'll start off with a photo of Anh himself (with Dan in Anh's apartment in downtown Honolulu). Our first night there he made us some delicious steak.

On to more photos!

Anh lives in a new apartment now, but the view of his last apartment was awesome.

While Anh worked in the day time we borrowed his car and drove around. On the first day we spent time in downtown Honolulu. Dan was the one driving, but I can tell that he was stressed. Man it's crazy there!

You would think that the weather would be a treat since we were leaving winter behind, but this trip happened shortly after we returned from Asia so wearing dresses and shorts weren't such a big change and we were still nicely tanned. Haha.

Diamond Head in the background

Hanging out at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

When Anh came home, he took us to a wine bar and we had some good food to go with it. When we got home, Dan and Anh shared two bottles of wine and that was the day we became hooked on Dexter as we started season 1!

The next day Anh went to work again so we decided to go to Hanauma Bay.

When Anh came home that night, he made us another meal. His swordfish pasta is to die for!

Hanging out in Anh's living room after dinner, before watching Dexter.

Dan and Anh enjoyed cigars outside each night.

Here are a couple daytime view from Anh's balcony and living room.

On this day we drove to Diamond Head.

This night Anh took us to a couple of bars before we headed back to his apartment for more wine for the boys and more Dexter for all of us. The next day Anh had a day off so he took us for a 3 hour round trip hike.

The next day we prepped for a bbq on Anh's rooftop where we had some of Anh's super delicious ribs. He tried to teach Dan how to bbq. Haha.

That night we went out to drink. When Anh drinks, he becomes Mr. Happy. Haha.

We went to downtown again the next day and wanted to take photos with these parrots. Haha.

Check out the sunset from Anh's balcony. Nice huh?

And for our last full day, Anh drove us to Pali Lookout because he really wanted us to see it. The view is awesome.

What did we do on our last night? More wine and cigars for the boys... and we finished up Season 1 of Dexter!

All in all the trip was really relaxing and it was so great to hang out with just Anh. We felt like we were all roommates and we were so comfortable with each other. There are those people you probably don't want to see every single day, but Anh is one of those people that we don't really get tired of. He's family. =) We miss him dearly now that he's living in Hawaii, but it's nice to know that whenever we see him we always feel like no time has passed.

Happy Birthday Gift to Me!

2011-05-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Canon G12

Check it out!!! Ladies and gentlemen, behold... my 30th birthday gift from some of my most amazing pals listed below in no particular order.

Dear Heather, Anh, Huyen, Thaoie, KimChi, Duy, Frances, Helen, Duy, Vivian, Kim Tran, Jenny, Thu Hong, Laura, and Uyen,

Thank you so much for chipping in for this awesome present for me. Don't worry. I've put it into good use already with various activities and my road trip to Mount Rushmore (I'll include one picture below) and I'll be sure to blog about it soon. Having nice photos just motivates me to get these photos out. Also, thanks for including all the extras such as the case, extra battery, gorilla stand, and memory card! You sure know how to spoil a gal.

yippee!!

Love you guys!
Anne

Moving along...

Most of my friends on this list read my blog, so I think it's so fitting that they're included on this list! Now my blogs can include better candy for their eyes to feast on in the form of fantabulous photos!

I'm no expert at photography nor do I think I have an eye great enough to take amazing photos like some of my friends, but I'd sure like to at least try for the sake of my blog. And the fact that I love to travel, I'd like to capture beautiful photos as keepsakes. Some of those smaller digicams I used to have, weren't up to par, in my opinion, to do the job.

I wanted something more advanced than the previous digicams that I had and I wanted something simple enough for me to learn and Duy and Nam helped me pick out this Canon G12. I first saw this camera from Heather when we went on our trip to Sonoma. So far I think it's super awesome, but I still need to go take some lessons from Duy.

Mount Rushmore

Man! Isn't that an awesome photo! Now, once I learn how to use all the different settings, my photos will be better. As for now, hopefully you'll see improvement in my photos as you continue to follow me, Anne.

I've got awesome friends!

Sonoma, Through the Eyes of a Non Drinker

2011-05-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm going to start my blogging momentum going again. I only blogged once in April! Dan wants me to start with our trip up north to San Francisco and Sonoma for barrel tasting. His request will be granted! Here we go!

This is going to be a very photo oriented post. I don't have too much to say about the wine, because I haven't acquired the taste yet. Sorry! Maybe I should have had Dan write this post. Haha.

We took this trip March 11-13. I'd like to give Heather two thumbs up on trip planning. She handled everything and all went smoothly. First thing she did was rent a car for the seven of us (Heather, Jason, Dan, me, Dennis, Duy, and Thanh). The boys took turns driving and I begged for them to stop near these trees I saw. And of course if you know me, you know I'd want a jumping photo. I thought these trees were cherry blossom trees for the longest time, even though I had my doubts, but I didn't know what else they were so I just called them cherry blossom trees. Turns out they're almond trees! Haha!

Almond trees in Firebaugh, CA

Our group

Who needs to get television hooked up in your car when you have an iPad and sleeping bag. Haha!

Car TV

And our trip began on Friday night.

Night on the town

Looking back, it looks like we had a lot of fun that first night. Haha!

Ending the night with pizza... yummy!

Heather arranged for us to sleep at her friend Chris' apartment which was nice because we saved money and his place was quite spacious and was in the city.

The next day we woke up early for barrel tasting in Sonoma. A van was rented to take the 7 of us plus Jason's brother's friends on our journey. Can you tell which is Jason and which is Mike in the photo below? Haha.

The Yee Bros.

Was standing on this street when I saw the perfect opportunity for Dan to MJ's Smooth Criminal pose. Haha.

Heather purchased all of our barrel tasting tickets for us, which came out to about $20 a person. SO CHEAP! And here are our barrel tasting photos!

The whole group

That night we spent another night on the town. We had a yummy steak dinner where I stuffed my face crazy. Good thing we walked around a bunch before heading back for bed. I don't have too many photos, but here are some!

The next day I had another good meal! Soup dumplings! Makes me remember all those times I had soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai in New York. =)

I thought this building was super cool so I took a photo of it.

Getting ready to head out...

On the drive back we stopped in Firebaugh for the almond trees again.

It's so nice to have a personal photographer around. Duy is so awesome!

Duy at work

After Duy took this photo he said, "Bam! This is what I get paid for!" Haha. Very impressive as the other half of Thao Vu Photography. =)

And home, we went enjoying old 90's songs on the ride back. =)

Special thanks to Heather for planning. Heather, Jason, Dan, Duy, Dennis, Thanh for being great! Chris for a place to stay and Mike and all his friends for an awesome time!

30... It's Where I'm At

2011-04-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Taken on my 30th Birthday - April 19, 2011 by Dennis

Time to write in my journal/blog because I've been dying to get this down for myself to read. Haha. I've finally found some time and it feels so great, not that I'm grateful to be kept busy and have so many people around all the time. Hubby is in Vegas for Steve's bachelor party, had dinner with mom before she headed over to her hubby's house, and I have absolutely no obligation tonight such as birthday dinners or any friends from out of town to see. I'm free to spend time with myself... well maybe for a little bit until I call someone up. Haha.

Warning. This blog is not for those who just want to look at photos. My lengthier posts will be reserved for those who want to look inside the mind which belongs to Anne. Moving along...

Yes... 30. That's where I'm at (as of April 19, 2011). After a full week... I'm just finally coming to terms with this wretched number! I'm not even fully convinced that I like this number yet. At the very start of my birthday (midnight) last Tuesday, I swear I could have cried. LOL. In fact, I probably shed one glistening tear that didn't really trickle down my cheek, but just rested there on my lower lash line. I didn't know why it was so hard for me to accept. I just couldn't (maybe didn't want to) escape the feeling of despair. Okay, I wouldn't say despair, but I couldn't be ecstatic about turning 30 and I'm usually excited about birthdays. I know I'm being dramatic, but I'm trying to be honest here with my deepest thoughts. Haha.

You may hear very often that "30 is the new 20," and I've heard it repeatedly for the past few weeks. I actually use the phrase myself, but what does it really mean? What?! When was 20 the current 20? Haha. I'll hear the phrase and be like, "Yeah, that's true. 30's the new 20." Then 40 seconds pass and I'm like... "Okay, I'm sad again." The phrase is like comfort food. It's like cheesy nachos for an achy heart. A quick fix with no real resolution.

But then after about a day, I think I figured out why I'm so depressed. This story is going way back to 12 years ago.

It has something to do with what my mom encouraged me to do at 18. She convinced me to go study abroad in Spain for a semester. After that experience, my eyes were opened to the world I never knew existed or thought to explore, my whole outlook on life changed. I guess at 18 you wouldn't say my outlook changed, I was still searching for an outlook and I discovered it while studying abroad. I vowed to live life... well... the way I've lived it. I vowed to live my life to the fullest exploring, eating, reading, doing, discovering. I vowed to find laughter as often as I can while living and I vowed to love those around me with an open mind and open heart.

If I said I was going to attend Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, you'd betcha I'd be dancing in the Sambadrome. If I said I was going to live in New York City one day, you'd betcha I'd be packing my bags one day and hopping on a plane. If I said I was going to eat a tarantula in Cambodia one day, you'd betcha you'd see me chewing on that hairy soft-bodied 8-legger. I did all of these things laughing all the way and enjoying these activities with loved ones.

I set realistic goals of adventure throughout my 20s so that I'd stay focused on accomplishing all of them to the best of my ability. I made all of these awesome goals and gave myself a certain amount of time to accomplish them all, I gave myself a deadline. Are you ready? I gave myself until the age of....

30!

Dun dun dun! Did you see that coming? Maybe you did, maybe you didn't. But I didn't realize it until after I turned 30. So all of the things I wanted to accomplish by 30 I did most of and more. Now... I'm 30. How did this day come so fast, in the blink of an eye? What comes next? I need new freaking goals. I'm lost.

If you know how my mind works then you know I have a certain depiction of how a 20-something year old's live. Somehow I convinced myself the 20s were reserved to be a little reckless, to explore, to experience, to experiment, no need to settle down. And that's me! All me, baby! That's what I did! Now this isn't everyone and it's definitely not right or wrong. Some people have a different vision of the 20s and different goals. Mine were to travel the crap out of the world, learn as much about other cultures as I could while exploring, to live in New York City, and to eat anything I hear about.

"Honey!" I'd exclaim.

"Yeah?" he'd reply.

"Let's work for two years, quit our jobs, backpack South America and then pack up and move to New York!"

"Yeah?"

"Yes!"

And as you may know, we did do that. And as you also know, we did it again for South East Asia only we moved back home to California to have a family and those spontaneous pick-up-and-go days seem so long ago.

I'm always thinking of things I could be doing if I was 25. I could travel around the world for a year, teach English in a developing country, live in a different US city or possibly a European one. Even if I wanted to do these things, I'd need to start over and save from scratch again because Dan and I did so much in the first three years of our marriage that we have to rebuild our foundation. Backpacking about 13 countries, visiting about 7 others, and traveling around the east coast takes a toll on one's wallet and living in the Big Apple definitely isn't any help.

I figured that what I need to be doing is looking forward, making new goals to accomplish by the age of 40 or 35 or whatever I want. I'd be going against my philosophy in life if I were to keep looking back. Looking back isn't so bad since I'm quite proud of what I've done, but I now realize that keeping my eyes on the road can be just as exciting. So here's to the future!

I'm 30 and I'm ready to keep on keepin' on!!

McDonald's Filet o' Fish vs. Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet

2011-03-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

For a lot of friends in my circle, this is the time of Lent also known as No-Meat-On-Fridays. And for this 40 day period we generally turn to McDonald's Filet o' Fish to satisfy our fast food fix on Fridays when we aren't supposed to eat meat, but can eat fish. I'm not going to lie, the Filet o' Fish is also my go to fish sandwich during Lent. It helps that McDonald's offers it for a mere $0.99 on Fridays at this time.

Recently we started hearing more about Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet. It was getting quite a lot of buzz with our friends so on a road trip to San Francisco we decided to do a taste test. Dan made that weird ass looking blind fold so take all complaints to him. LOL. Thanh was brave enough to risk his life and volunteer to be our taster.

The competitors:

McDonald's Filet o' Fish

Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet

This is by no means a foodie blog or claims to be one so don't expect an in dept description of each burger. This answer is all Thanh had to offer.

"They are both good. Wendy's fish sandwich has better quality, but McDonald's is more addicting."

So there you have it! They are both good. Actually I tried them both too and I'd eat both. Our standards aren't very high. LOL. Oh, Jason prefers Wendy's much more over McDonald's.

What do you guys think?

To My Brother Nam: Happy Birthday!

2011-03-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

In honor of this special day, I'm typing this blog in Helvetica font since little brother and I have matching tattoos with this font on our arms. While having lunch one day, we said we should get tattoos together and within an hour we came with "us.2" and Nam's graphic designer best friend Johnny picked the font. We headed to the tattoo parlor after lunch and got inked together. =)

The Grand Canyon

I just got off the phone with my little brother. Today is a special day because it's his birthday. Some people believe in soul mates, but I also believe in soul siblings. Nam happens to be my soul sibling. I feel as though God put us together, gave us the same blood so that we could be in each other's lives through thick and thin, never hurting each other, always being there for each other when no one else is. When one is sad, the other is aching. When one is happy, the other is ecstatic! We have the same interests (except he's an IT nerd), same lifestyle, and exact same philosophy in life.

My brother plays two roles in my life.
He plays the role as my brother and he plays the role as my best friend. Let me tell you he does a damn good job at both... the best job! I have so many stories about Nam and what he's done for me that you wouldn't even believe. He's selfless, caring, understanding, compassionate, fun, and awesome! When times are bad, he's there for me. When times are good, we have so much fun together!

We have always been inseparable as young kids and into our adult life. In fact, he and Dan are also best friends. We've traveled afar together, we even moved to New York City together. Sadly we are now separated as he is still in New York living a great life. I miss him everyday, but we are always with each other in spirit. We chat online and on the phone regularly and we don't forget each other's birthdays. =)

Happy Birthday Nam!

I'll see you next month when you visit for my birthday!

"us.2"

For Japan With Love

2011-03-16T01:28:00.000-07:00

Photo from money.cnn.com

Sometimes people ask me if I ever get depressed. The answer is yes. Sometimes people ask me what prevents me from breaking down when I am depressed. The answer is that I never fail to remember that things could be worse and it is for many people around the world. This past week, thousands and thousands of people in Japan have experienced a far worse week than I've had all year, despite being depressed at times. And thousands and thousands of people in Japan will continue to suffer from the devastation of the recent major earthquake, aftershocks, and tsunami. Seeing and hearing about all that is going on in Japan breaks my heart. I'm going about my daily life doing my usual routines, but I want to help somehow. Here's how I'm doing it.

A couple of special ladies I know from Utterly Engaged have teamed up with Ever Ours to come up with a way for the little people like us to help the people of Japan in the midst of the tragedy they are living through. For Japan with Love has a direct link to their fundraising page for ShelterBox. Each ShelterBox contains very useful items needed for an extended family such as a tent, cooking utensils, water storage, basic tools, blankets, and more. So far, For Japan with Love has accumulated enough donations for 5 ShelterBoxes! Isn't that awesome? So go ahead and clink here to donate!

I want to add that I'm disgusted that some human beings would use this chance to make money off of other people's suffering. I saw this article this morning and my stomach turned. If you want to help, try to Avoid Fundraising Scams!

DANNE: To Birth or Not to Birth?

2011-03-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

Before I get to the heart of what I wanted to write about, I just wanted to take a moment to type something down to remind me to stay positive. The economy has changed so much compard to when I first graduated. For those who are still at the jobs they've been at for the last 5 years, well, they don't feel the pressure. But for those like me who have been struggling, it's been real tough. I know some of you are out there! We've chatted. I know I'm making it harder for myself to find something. For me it's not about the money. I could be doing whatevers making something. I just want to do something I'm somewhat interested in. Is that too much to ask?!

Yesterday I had a rough day. On rough days, your true friends always come out to play. They hug you, call you, text you, give you pep talks, share inspiring quotes with you, bring you your favorite drink, take you to a funny movie, tell you how amazing and rich you are in other ways. On rough days, even the friends I didn't speak to pop into my mind. The things they have said to me make me smile and make me feel loved. On rough days, my mom holds me and tells me she's still proud of me despite what's going on. On rough days my brother tells me how capable I am and not to let anything get me down. On rough days, my husband shows me that my job situation doesn't make me who I am even though I might base all my worth on it at that moment. Rough days eventually turn into good days when I stop and look around me, at my loved ones. Today is a new day. =)

With that said, on to happier things!

Uncle Dan with Chloe

What great photos of Uncle Dan and Chloe. This always makes me smile, but mostly the photo on the bottom left. It looks so genuine and Chloe looks really happy. These photos make me envision Dan as a daddy. He'd be the type that would be so proud of his children. He'd be the type that would would hug and hold his children. He'd be the type that would show off his little girl (if he had one) and he'd be the type to step behind her into the background to let her shine. This photo makes me think these thoughts of Dan.

And so what am I getting at? We have been getting this question over and over. "When are you two having kids? You don't want kids?" We do! We just weren't in a rush. People are having kids later these days and we fall into that category I suppose.

So... to birth or not to birth? Are we ready? That is the question! And I think the answer is...

Yes. And no........... I am not pregnant right now and it doesn't mean I will be next month. All's I'm saying is we are open to getting pregnant now. When it happens it happens and when it does, we'll be ready for the little one to flip our lives upside down. When it happens, you will all know. It will be blogged about, it will be on Facebook, it will be on Twitter, it will be coming out of everyone's mouths. No one needs to ask every time they see me, "Are you pregnant yet?" and touch my belly. You might mistake my belly fat for an enlarged womb. I will tell you when it happens. I promise. So please refrain from doing that. LOL.

Dan and I are heading toward our 5 year wedding anniversary. We're both turning 30 this year. We've traveled all over the states, lived in New York City for a brief period, and traveled to almost 20 countries together since we've been married. And we're not homebodies that stay home and watch a lot of television and don't speak to each other either. We have a fairly healthy social life which includes day and night time activities with lots of friends. We've had our fair share of sleeping late and sleepin in.

So I say it's time. Not only because I say it's time, but because Dan and I both feel that we're ready and we feel that it's time. It's so nice to be on the same page.

Me and my bubba

Us with Elise

It's funny because Dan and I were in the booth by ourselves taking these photos and the next thing you know, Elise pulls aside the curtain and throws her arms up at us practically yelling at us, "I wanna take a picta!" It's like foreshadowing what life is going to be like with a little one around isn't it? Less alone time... as my mommy friends tell me all the time. Haha.

It seems we've been hanging out with kids a lot more lately.

My Godson Nathan and me @ Long Beach Aquarium

Never Say Never 3D with Amanda and Ashley

When we took Ashley and Amanda to the movies to watch Never Say Never 3D, we both felt like we were parents and we didn't really mind it. It helps they are good and nice girls. Haha.

Ashley and Amanda at Ashley's 10th birthday

I'm so lucky that a bunch of my friends have kids now and have no hesitation in sharing their knowledge. I'm going to be a very good student to these fine mommy friends I have when the time comes.

Auntie Apple and Aiden

I really don't know how Aiden came up with the idea to call me Co Apple, but I'm fine with it. Haha.

Remember, don't touch the belly and ask if I'm pregnant yet! You will KNOW.

And one more thing before I go!

Happy 17th Birthday, Justin Bieber! If you want to get him a present, he asks that you donate $17 to Charity: Water to build clean water projects in developing nations. http://mycharitywater.org/justinbieber

NEVER!

SAY!

NEVER!

Until the next post, friends!

Remembering 2010: Valentine's Day

2011-02-24T22:36:00.000-08:00

So I said in a previous post that I needed to downlaod all of my photos from my camera. 2010 was stuck in there until today when I emptied out all my photos and organized them into folders. Dayam, did I do a lot last year. Time to give them a place to be remembered.

I must admit it was fun revisiting old memories from 2010. Just look at Valentine's Day from just a year ago. We look really different! Mostly due to our hairstyles... haha.

Angel Knolls Park in Los Angeles

Last year for Valentine's Day, Dan planned this full adventure in Los Angeles which included public transportation, food, famous movie spots, tourist attractions, a movie, and Johnny Depp.

So before I keep blabbing about it, I'll just start from the beginning. Follow me on our Valentine's Day Adventure in 2010!

We drove to Hollywood and Highland and from there we took a bus to get to our lunch spot. Dan wanted me to get that New York feel that I missed. First, we had to buy our bus/metro tickets...

Buying our transportation tickets

Heading up to the bus stop

Sitting on the bus on the way to lunch

Look how cute! He has his notebook with all his plans written down <3

Arriving at the restaurant: Cliff's Edge

Dan made reservations at Cliff's Edge. The restaurant looks hidden doesn't it? If you remember in a previous post, I mentioned that I liked outdoor dining so that's what I got last year. Luckily, California has such great weather that we can sit outside and eat without freezing to death. Eating here felt like we were eating in the jungle, a very peaceful jungle. There were trees everywhere including a giant tree smack in the middle of the whole place.

Now, even though this date was a full year ago, the food was so good I can still remember my reaction. I'm going to have to remind the hubby to take me back here.

Awesome appetizer and pasta!

He's proud because I enjoyed the food =)

This dessert went into my tummy REAL fast

After lunch, we took a bus then subway to Angel Knolls Park. Dan and I both loved the movie, 500 Days of Summer, so he decided to take me to Tom's favorite spot in the movie. =)

Here's a preview of what we did later on that night. See the billboard behind me? We watched Valentine's Day!

At Pershing Square Metro Stop by Angel Knolls Park

Twitter is really amazing. Because of our use of social media, Kimmie and I found each other at this park. Haha. It just so happened that she was here with her boyfriend around the same time Dan and I were. =) Kimmie and I are long overdue in planning a double date. This blog post reminds me that we need to do it soon!

We have VERY similar tattoos... not on purpose. =)

The plaque made in honor of the movie

After leaving the park we spent some time at Hollywood and Highland before leaving to our next stop.

Mann's Chinese Theater

My hands where Johnny's hands were =)

A Jack Sparrow impersator... not nearly as good as the real thing

Johnny Depp's Star

His Mad Hatter Billboard

We even found the Dark Knight for Dan!

After this, we drove over to the Griffith Observatory. Something we got to see a lot of in New York City was the endless horizon of lights and buildings from our apartment. From the Griffith Osbervatory you get a GREAT view of LA. It's free too!

The night isn't done ladies and gentlmen. We also had our movie to catch. We went to the Landmark Theater to catch a showing of Valentine's Day. So many cool actors in it! It was a perfect date movie. I'm lucky my husband doesn't mind chick flicks one bit. =)

We met up with Jenny and Bryan for the movie =)

We ended our night in Little Tokyo at Izakaya Haru Ulala for some late night Japanese tapas and sake and beer for the others. Food is always a good way to end a night. =)

Valentine's Day aka Dan's Day 2011

2011-02-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hubby and me at the entrance of Firefly Bistro in Pasadena

I haven't been as good with my blogging as I'd planned, but here's to lighting that fire under my ass!

If you're reading this, I'm assuming you know me... and you know Dan. But for those of you who don't know too much about the Dynamic Duo that is DANNE, let me tell you that The Dan in DANNE is the more romantic of the team. Valentine's Day is the day he gets to buy me flowers, make restaurant reservations, and dress up. Sometimes he gets creative and changes it up a bit.

Don't get us wrong though. We go on dates regularly but on Valentine's Day, Dan gets to do his thang. I'll blog about Valentine's 2011 and follow up with 2010 in the next blog since it deserves to be blogged about.

And here we go!

Dan loves to get me flowers. He used to love sending roses, but I told him never to get me roses on Valentine's Day because they are really expensive, or ever actually. Haha. We made a compromise and he's allowed to get me on our wedding anniversary. =)

I loved the colors and flowers he chose. Thank you hon!

Dan is a very thoughtful husband. He chooses restaurants based on my interests.
He usually goes to Cousin Mike for suggestions on restaurants since my cousin is a huge foodie. Dan will then get a list of suggestions, Yelp them, and then make his decision. Dan knows I love outdoor seating so he picked a restaurant which had seating under a tent. This place is NICE! The plan was to walk around Old Town Pasadena afterwards, but I wasn't feeling well due to Aunt Flo's visit. She always comes at the worst times. Boo! Dinner was great though! =)

Thanks for picking this place, honey! I really liked the atmosphere. If you ever feel like going to Pasadena for brunch or dinner, Firefly Bistro is highly recommended by us! The owner actually walked around making sure that we were all having a nice night. So nice.

I'm not a foodie like KimChi so I won't be able to give you an indepth description of the awesomeness of our meals, but I think I like food enough to tell you that the food here is super yums!

I got the fish

Dan got the steak

I really like that our portions weren't huge. I was able to finish it. I hate wasting food. I grew up in a household with grownups who constantly reminded me that children were starving in Vietnam so now I always feel like I have to finish all my food even though I'm at the point of hurling. Haha. I don't have photos of our appetizers and desserts, but you'll have to trust me that those were also really yummy.

If you know us, you know that we really enjoy each other's company. =)

Too bad Valentine's Day was cut short this year, but any quality time with my hubby is great. Thank you again for planning this night, Bubby!

Stay tuned for Valentine's Day 2010 in the next blog!

My Travel Videos!

2011-02-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed, I've added a page for My Videos to this blog. We have other fun videos that are located in our youtube channel, but My Videos page will house our more extensive travel videos. Hope you enjoy them! =)

See? There he is with the video camera!

My husband, Dan, put a lot of time and effort into making these videos so I wanted to give them a home other than on my youtube channel. =) I hated to think they would be forever lost in my twitter and facebook feeds. I may be biased, but I think he did a fantabulous job on them! I get goosebumps every time I watch them, remembering all the great memories I had. There's something about a video clip that shows so much more than just a photograph. After one trip with a video camera, we were hooked!

Happy Lunar New Year! Bring me some good luck this year, Wabbit!

2011-02-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

Our New Year's Group

February 3rd marks the first day of 2011 for the Lunear Calendar and it's the year of the rabbit (cat for the vietnamese).

RABBIT - 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The Rabbit is outgoing, friendly, sensitive, and soft spoken. These characteristics make the Rabbit seem like pushovers making them easily taken advantage of.

I'm thinking I should start cookin' a bun in this here oven o' mine so I can pop out a 2011 friendly kid I can take advantage of. HAHA!

Well, tonight (technically last night) was supposed to be a random weekly dinner with Heather and Jason aka Heason, BUT at midnight Jason announced that he was the old man of the group so he started handing out
red envelopes to us. Whoa! You didn't have to. Thanks Jason!

My first lucky red envelope comes from Jason!

*edit* Heather told me that Jason helped cooked so I'm going to give him some credit too. Haha!

Just in case you were wondering what we had for dinner, Heather and Jason made an awesome salad followed by a triple layered lasagna dish. YUM! Jason cleaned after. What a keeper! Haha!

We hung out until Heather's mom showed up after midnight with good luck charms for Heather and Jason's house. Each item has a meaning, but I forgot. Haha.

To Heather and Jason from her mommy

... More money from Heather's mommy and Mike! Who'd of thunk Dan and I (a married couple approaching 30) would still be getting li xi money for New Year's. Haha.

Emmy (Heason's dog) says Happy New Year too! Isn't she so cute!!! I told her to look at the camera and smile and this is the face she gave me. Arf arf!

2010 was the year the of the Ox and it was supposed to be a prosperous year, but the economy proved otherwise for a lot of people, including myself. Hubby and I faced a lot of different trials, but we're still here and still healthy and appreciating everything we've got! Here's wishing everyone a new year filled with love, happiness, prosperity, and all the good stuff you can think of... all of it!

Until next time!

Co Apple (Auntie Apple) and Aiden - Jan 2011

Rants of a Christopher Nolan Fanboy

2011-01-25T23:55:00.000-08:00

Guest Blogger: Dan aka My Husband

Anne's note: Hubby is the movie buff in our most awesome partnership so I asked him to write this in-depth blog about Christopher Nolan getting snubbed of an Oscar AGAIN. Thanks Honey! If you do well, I'll have you write all my movie blogs. If you guys like his post, show him some love!

The Academy announced their nominations today. For anyone who has been following the awards race this season, there were two things that may have raised some eyebrows:
Christopher Nolan not getting a nomination for Best Director for Inception and in a bigger shocker, Lee Smith getting left out of a Best Film Editing nomination for the same movie.

I'm not too surprised by Christopher Nolan's snub by The Academy. He hasn't been shown much love from The Academy in the past. Though a DGA (Directors Guild of America) nomination are no way a guarantee that a director will get an Oscar nomination, it is a safe bet that your chances are amazingly good. Christopher Nolan has been nominated three times by the DGA for Memento, The Dark Knight, and now Inception and, all three times, he got snubbed by The Academy. What doesn't the Academy like about him?! Is it because he can pass for Leonardo Dicaprio's older brother, another person The Academy hasn't shown much love to in the past? He has been nominated for an Academy Award three times, though he deserved more (The Departed and Revolutionary Road comes to mind), with no win. What do you have against blue eyed heartthrobs, you stupid Academy??!

Though I feel for Christopher Nolan (I feel for you, Chris!), my mind is baffled at how this movie did not earn an Oscar nomination for Best Film Editing. After seeing this movie the first time in theaters, I walked out feeling that this movie had this catergory locked down for a win. Seriously, it would take a master (Lee Smith) to edit the last 45 minutes of this complex movie in a way that you would be able to follow but still be entertaining. Something a director, as hands-on as C. Nolan is, would also have to guide, making both snubs shocking.

I wonder if there is enough backlash by these snubs that The Academy will be forced to expand their Best Director nominees from 5 to 7, much like how the snub for Best Picture for The Dark Knight forced The Academy to expand the Best Picture nominees from 5 to 10.

Inception is such an incredibly original movie that both entertains and stimulates and would take a director of the highest caliber behind the helm as well as a master editor to create a movie that is also both intelligent and accessible to the public. It is a shame they both got snubbed for these two awards.

In short....damn you, Academy!! Die! /endrant

Leaving with a parting picture...only because my wife, owner of this blog, thinks he's hot.

Disneyland and Club 33 for Elise and Chloe!

2011-01-24T14:03:00.000-08:00

Photo from Life as KimChi Knows It

On January 19, Dan and I headed to Disneyland for Elise and Chloe's birthdays. Thanks to their Uncle Homer (Hoang), they had the opportunity to celebrate at the park's exclusive Club 33. Oh yeah, anyone who's a Disneyland lover knows about this place. Ahh, Elise and Chloe... so young yet already gettin' into such places!

I was going to start researching the place to give you all a bit of information about this nifty place,
but I'm passing this task to their mama do it instead. =) She's like my human encyclopedia. Read about Club 33 here at Life as KimChi Knows It. She's got some great photos of the place as well as some awesome foodie shots!

From KimChi's blog, Elise and Chloe's Birthday at Disneyland Resorts! How cute is this?

Since I let KimChi tell you about Club 33, I'll just fill you in on some of the things we did. =) Look at these cuties! Elise (4) is dressed as Ariel and Chloe (3) as Snow White.

Their baby brother is also enjoying Disneyland in the comfort of his mama's belly. Haha.

Here we are! Waiting to entery Club 33.

The folks in our car to Disneyland!

Dan and me sitting in the hallway with Walt Disney's picture behind us.

Only some of us rode Tower of Terror. If you're not too fond of that dropping sensation which makes your insides jump inside your belly, then this isn' the ride for you. There are several drops! Up and down, up and up and down! Heather doesn't like drops, but she went on anyway. She accidently punched Jason in the face during one of the drops. Haha. I think this is the first time I got to sit front row and it's MUCH funner than sitting in the other rows. I couldn't stop laughing and being scared at the same time! Eeep!

This one's funny. Haha. Elise doesn't even know what's going on behind her.

Gotta have our Mickey shot!

Personal best scores for Hubby and me.

This is where we stood for World of Color.

Elise hung out with us girls for a little bit while waiting for the show to start. So cute.

Here are a few photos from the World of Color show. I think the only way to get in is to go in the morning and grab World of Color passes. They run out!

The Little Mermaid section was my favorite part!

Whenever I have visitors from out of town they want to go to Disneyland, but are afraid Dan and I wouldn't want to go because we live here. Hello!! We have annual passes. I don't think out of towners realize how many locals actually have Disney passports and actually frequent the place So if you ever come visit me, don't be afraid to ask me to take you to Disneyland!

See? All locals. =)

Thank you to Elvis and KimChi for having us at Elise and Chloe's birthday celebration!

Another photo from KimChi =)

Remembering 2010

2011-01-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

I recently realized that I haven't uploaded a single photo I took with my camera in 2010, actually a little before that too. I mean, that memory card is full! I constanstly have to erase photos that I've already uploaded to make space for new ones.

So... I figured if I'm emptying the photos from my memory card to create space for new memories I might as well share a little bit about each special event I attended or each interesting activity I particpated in. So there you have it folks, you'll start seeing spurts of 2010 in 2011. It's just so I have those memories recorded somewhere.

I just realized I gave myself another New Year's Resolution. Haha. This blog is really benefitting me. =)

Groupon Got Me Good!

2011-01-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

You're all familiar with Groupon right? Well it got me good with a $20 for $60 worth of Blurb services. I bought 3 of them because I'm like, "Wow! I can finally put all my photos into photo books! And for cheap too!" Well it got me good because I'm a procrastinator and procrastinators procrastinate. They gave me 3 months before my coupons expire and I don't have much time left.

So ladies and gents, another one of my New Year's resolutions is
to get three books done and PRONTO! I have to or else I lose money!

I'm starting with Ireland. I know I have South America and South East Asia backpacking trips but those are going to be massive books and I need to start off with something less overwhelming.

I just realized something after writing this blog. Maybe another New Year's resolution should be to stop procrastinating. Haha! I've given up on the resolution to start drinking. My tolerance is just too sad to keep on trying. Anyone have any interesting New Year's resolutions?

My First Post! Happy 2011!

2011-01-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011 Everyone!

One of my new year's resolutions is finally in progess!

With a lot of encouragement from hubby, family, and friends I decided to start this blog. After returning to Orange County from my crazy few years of backpacking, leisure traveling, and living in New York City I lost much of my motivation to blog. My life here doesn't seem as crazy and exciting as backpacking for months in third world countries or living in the most exciting city in the world, but it's still very eventful and hubby and I still do so much. I feel that I should share that if not, just record it for myself to look back on.

Where as the the blog I maintained in New York was more or less a log about my life in NYC (OC Girl in NYC Chronicles) and my thoughts on life there, this one will go more into depth about everything I do, think, and plan. I'll blog about
anything that comes to my mind or things that I have thought about and throw in some random ramblings. I often change my mind a lot as go through this journey called life so if you notice any differences in my thoughts, opinions, or life plans, don't be alarmed! =)

Note: Curious about my photo above? It was taken via awesome photobooth by Thao Vu Photography. Inquire at ThaoVu.com

Follow me along my travels through the world, life, and my mind! Are you ready for the journey?