After running out of car wash soap, I started using dish-washing soap to wash my car, like most people I know. I was told that this is a bad practice, as it strips the car of its wax. "Well, what if you don't wax your car anyway?" "It's still bad. It strips the protective layer." "Yes, my car is looking less sparkly these days. Okay, then I'll go out and buy some special car soap and maybe I should wax my car, too. How do you do that? Hmm, sounds like a lot of time and trouble. Maybe I'll just go to a car wash, but my car antenna doesn't retract. I'll have to go to a place that does everything by hand."
Today it was my car's turn to get pampered. It got 45 minutes of personal attention as two attendants vacuumed, wiped, washed, and waxed. What a treat! No streak marks, they got rid of the grime on the hub caps, and even made the tires all shiny. Everyone should have a spa day.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Monday, June 20, 2005
scrounging for food
Today I went to Trader Joe's to buy another box of green tea, but found that I had left my wallet at home. That meant no cash, no credit cards, and no ATM card. I usually leave money for parking in my car, but put off replenishing it since it was stolen. What was I going to do for lunch? I had to eat! Fortunately, I had a Borders gift card that still had some funds. Oh goodie! I've been wanting to check out the new Borders since it opened. The Seattle's Best inside the bookstore accepted the Borders card and I ordered a toasted herb pretzel stuffed with cream cheese. Don't you love when things work out? :)
I walked around the store and saw a bunch of books I've been wanting to read, including The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. I still can't decide whether I'm an introvert or an extrovert. I often ask my friends, "Do you think I'm quiet?" I usually get an answer like, "When you first meet someone. But once you get to know them . . ." I also saw Who Moved My Cheese? by Johnson and Blanchard. A while ago, someone suggested that I read it during a lunch break so we could discuss it. It's a short book, but I never finished it. I picked it up today, but the busines section is right next to the travel section and I was quickly distracted by the travel guides. Oh, well.
I walked around the store and saw a bunch of books I've been wanting to read, including The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. I still can't decide whether I'm an introvert or an extrovert. I often ask my friends, "Do you think I'm quiet?" I usually get an answer like, "When you first meet someone. But once you get to know them . . ." I also saw Who Moved My Cheese? by Johnson and Blanchard. A while ago, someone suggested that I read it during a lunch break so we could discuss it. It's a short book, but I never finished it. I picked it up today, but the busines section is right next to the travel section and I was quickly distracted by the travel guides. Oh, well.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
the grotto
After a long week, I took some time to relax and hang out with friends at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona. It was a perfect day for lounging by the pool. The facilities include a lounge pool, a lap pool, and terrace pools, but my friends and I were more interested in the mineral baths and Club Mud, the red clay mineral bath.
First, we soaked in the mineral bath to open up our pores and relax our muscles. The sulfer smells, but you get used to it. Then we went to the mud bath, where we slathered smooth red clay onto our bodies. The clay is supposed to draw impurities from your pores and release waste from the skin. We got out so the mud could dry and gathered in the Wafa room, but found it hard to talk with the mud masks drying around our mouths. Once the mud became dry and powdery, we brushed it off with our hands. This is supposed to exfoliate and revitalize the skin. I did feel very smooth afterwards. I love how they placed a full-length mirror by the mud baths. It is tilted at a slight angle so your reflection is especially flattering.
My friend and I went into The Grotto for an extra fee. There are four stages. First, an attendant applies a warm mixture of sea kelp and aloe vera with a paintbrush. Once you're covered in green goop, you go into the hydrating chamber set at 92 degrees and rub the moisturizer into your skin. Next, you rinse off in the shower room and then go into the Relaxation Room where you can help yourself to Glen Ivy tea, water, and a crisp green apple.
What a difference three hours at the spa makes! Driving home, I was in such a good mood and feeling very content. I looked in the bathroom mirror and my skin looked so much better! I wish I had bought some of the overpriced beauty products at the spa store. Can anyone recommend a good masque?
First, we soaked in the mineral bath to open up our pores and relax our muscles. The sulfer smells, but you get used to it. Then we went to the mud bath, where we slathered smooth red clay onto our bodies. The clay is supposed to draw impurities from your pores and release waste from the skin. We got out so the mud could dry and gathered in the Wafa room, but found it hard to talk with the mud masks drying around our mouths. Once the mud became dry and powdery, we brushed it off with our hands. This is supposed to exfoliate and revitalize the skin. I did feel very smooth afterwards. I love how they placed a full-length mirror by the mud baths. It is tilted at a slight angle so your reflection is especially flattering.
My friend and I went into The Grotto for an extra fee. There are four stages. First, an attendant applies a warm mixture of sea kelp and aloe vera with a paintbrush. Once you're covered in green goop, you go into the hydrating chamber set at 92 degrees and rub the moisturizer into your skin. Next, you rinse off in the shower room and then go into the Relaxation Room where you can help yourself to Glen Ivy tea, water, and a crisp green apple.
What a difference three hours at the spa makes! Driving home, I was in such a good mood and feeling very content. I looked in the bathroom mirror and my skin looked so much better! I wish I had bought some of the overpriced beauty products at the spa store. Can anyone recommend a good masque?
Friday, June 17, 2005
getting robbed
After I got out of work today, I found the inside of my car in disarray. I thought someone had played a joke on me, but quickly realized that someone had broken into my car. I always thought the parking lot at work was a safe place. People are coming in and out of the building throughout the day. I don't know how this happened. There were no signs of forced entry. My car doors were locked when I left them, but the windows were open a crack to allow for air flow. Still, my locks are not the ones you can pull open with a metal hanger. My first thought was, Oh no! I hope they didn't steal the directions to where I'm supposed to go tonight. Clearly, I wasn't thinking straight.
What's puzzling is the randomness of the items stolen. Car manual and notebooks from my glove compartment, $5 from the ash tray, quarters from the change holder, but not the dimes, Discman and car set, CaseLogic CD case and CDs, but not the CDs on my visor, X-ray marking ruler (bizarre), but not my sunglasses, box of Trader Joe's jasmine green tea that I bought during lunch, but not the fruit leather, first aid kit from my trunk, but not my car kit or golf clubs (thank God! I had forgotten to put them away). They also left my books, Thomas Guides, and CDs from the door holders (they had shuffled through each). My boss is so sweet. She left a message on my phone saying how bad she felt and that I should buy a new CD player and bring her the receipt.
I'm thankful that nothing really valuable or irreplaceable was stolen. I view it as a petty crime and am not too upset by it, just a little disconcerted. I was SO much more upset when, years ago, the original Acura emblems on the front and back of my car were stolen. At the time, I said, "I feel like my car has been violated." My friend said, "Your car has been violated--from the back and the front!"
What's puzzling is the randomness of the items stolen. Car manual and notebooks from my glove compartment, $5 from the ash tray, quarters from the change holder, but not the dimes, Discman and car set, CaseLogic CD case and CDs, but not the CDs on my visor, X-ray marking ruler (bizarre), but not my sunglasses, box of Trader Joe's jasmine green tea that I bought during lunch, but not the fruit leather, first aid kit from my trunk, but not my car kit or golf clubs (thank God! I had forgotten to put them away). They also left my books, Thomas Guides, and CDs from the door holders (they had shuffled through each). My boss is so sweet. She left a message on my phone saying how bad she felt and that I should buy a new CD player and bring her the receipt.
I'm thankful that nothing really valuable or irreplaceable was stolen. I view it as a petty crime and am not too upset by it, just a little disconcerted. I was SO much more upset when, years ago, the original Acura emblems on the front and back of my car were stolen. At the time, I said, "I feel like my car has been violated." My friend said, "Your car has been violated--from the back and the front!"
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
breaking resolutions
This weekend, I went to a wedding, picked up trash as part of a community service project, hit a small bucket of golf balls at the driving range, went to a major league soccer game, hit softballs at the batting cages, and chatted with friends. My mid-year resolution starts next weekend.
The wedding started at 3 pm, but the helpers arrived at 12:30 pm to set up. At least I got to catch up with old friends and take lots of pictures. By 9:00 pm, I was pooped. I said good-bye to my friends and walked toward the entrance. I had my hand on the door when I heard someone yell, "[Amysan], get back here. You're not leaving like that!" I looked up and saw the groom looking at me among a crowd of people. The reception line! I totally forgot about wedding/reception formalities. I treaded back to my friends, defeated, and waited for the line to die down before leaving.
picture my friend took while picking up trash
GOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! and the crowd goes wild!
chivas usa vs. san jose earthquakes, final score 1-1
The wedding started at 3 pm, but the helpers arrived at 12:30 pm to set up. At least I got to catch up with old friends and take lots of pictures. By 9:00 pm, I was pooped. I said good-bye to my friends and walked toward the entrance. I had my hand on the door when I heard someone yell, "[Amysan], get back here. You're not leaving like that!" I looked up and saw the groom looking at me among a crowd of people. The reception line! I totally forgot about wedding/reception formalities. I treaded back to my friends, defeated, and waited for the line to die down before leaving.
picture my friend took while picking up trash
GOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! and the crowd goes wild!
chivas usa vs. san jose earthquakes, final score 1-1
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
talking to strangers
Today I ate lunch outside of Subway, where three little boys, ages 5, 5 3/4, and 6, were hanging precariously from the guardrail nearby. The mother of the two red-haired boys came outside and told them to sit down. I said, "You can sit here," pointing to the empty chair across from me. One boy said, "No, because there are three of us," and continued, "or, what if your husband comes?" I smiled, but thought to myself, man, I have aged!
Monday, June 06, 2005
dining
I spent the weekend dining at historical landmarks in the greater L.A. area. I had never eaten at any of these places, even though I was born and raised in southern CA. It's time I get out and explore.
First, I went to Philippe's French Dip in downtown L.A. It was established in 1908 and the ladies there still wear the old-style uniforms. You order at the counter and the cashier has you put your money on a little tray. They don't touch the money directly. I had a turkey sandwich, a bowl of chili, and a lemonade. The sandwich is pre-dipped. Next time I'm going to order extra au jus on the side. I like it saucy! Everyone in my party ordered the chili. No coincidence, it is yummy. They make it with and without beans. I saw on the Food Network that "real" Texan chili is meat and spices, no beans. They also sell desserts--cake, pies, custard, and donuts.
The next day, I ate at The Hat. I see this chain restaurant all the time. Finally, I gave it a try. I was starving when I arrived, but still agreed to split a pastrami sandwich. Good call. After eating that plus wet fries (fries covered in gravy), it felt like a brick had dropped in my stomach. Mmm, but I do love those fries! It was a huge order and steaming hot when it arrived. I couldn't have been more pleased. And how often do I get to drink Orange Bang? That's good stuff.
For dinner, I wanted something simple and not too heavy. I ate at Pho 79 in Alhambra. It was one of the first, if not the first, pho restaurant to open in the Monterey Park/Alhambra area. I had spring rolls and the noodle soup with rare beef. It was tasty and hit the spot. I can't wait to go back and try the 7 course beef. It is a set menu with a lot of food. I was told 2 orders for 3 people is about right.
It was a fun, relaxing weekend. My mid-year resolution is to slow down and try to take it easy on the weekends. I think it's manageable. I'm going to my last wedding of the year next weekend. It's the same day as my boss's 45th wedding anniversary. I asked her, "Is it a good day to get married?" She said, "Yes! It's a great day!"
First, I went to Philippe's French Dip in downtown L.A. It was established in 1908 and the ladies there still wear the old-style uniforms. You order at the counter and the cashier has you put your money on a little tray. They don't touch the money directly. I had a turkey sandwich, a bowl of chili, and a lemonade. The sandwich is pre-dipped. Next time I'm going to order extra au jus on the side. I like it saucy! Everyone in my party ordered the chili. No coincidence, it is yummy. They make it with and without beans. I saw on the Food Network that "real" Texan chili is meat and spices, no beans. They also sell desserts--cake, pies, custard, and donuts.
The next day, I ate at The Hat. I see this chain restaurant all the time. Finally, I gave it a try. I was starving when I arrived, but still agreed to split a pastrami sandwich. Good call. After eating that plus wet fries (fries covered in gravy), it felt like a brick had dropped in my stomach. Mmm, but I do love those fries! It was a huge order and steaming hot when it arrived. I couldn't have been more pleased. And how often do I get to drink Orange Bang? That's good stuff.
For dinner, I wanted something simple and not too heavy. I ate at Pho 79 in Alhambra. It was one of the first, if not the first, pho restaurant to open in the Monterey Park/Alhambra area. I had spring rolls and the noodle soup with rare beef. It was tasty and hit the spot. I can't wait to go back and try the 7 course beef. It is a set menu with a lot of food. I was told 2 orders for 3 people is about right.
It was a fun, relaxing weekend. My mid-year resolution is to slow down and try to take it easy on the weekends. I think it's manageable. I'm going to my last wedding of the year next weekend. It's the same day as my boss's 45th wedding anniversary. I asked her, "Is it a good day to get married?" She said, "Yes! It's a great day!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)