LOST – Countless hours on the road driving to and from Mammoth.

FOUND – Time with my loves Andy & Katherine; awesome new buddies.

LOST – My engagement ring!!!

 

FOUND – In the cafeteria where we ate lunch.  Whew!

LOST – My balance over and over and over again going down the mountain.

FOUND – One daydreaming puppito waiting for our return.

Skippee’s What Was She Thinking Moments 

On the way to an outdoor hot tub in the snow.

* * * *

Lazy afternoon at work. 

*Phone rings*

Skippee:  [100% sure she knows who it is on the caller ID sings in a deep and bear-like voice]  HellllllllloOoOOOoo??

Phone:  [pause]  Hello, this is buyer’s counsel for X deal…

Skippee:  [pause]    Oh, I’m so sorry I thought it was someone else.   

* * * *

Upon return from Mammoth.  Forgot toilet wasn’t fixed yet. 

*Skippee bursts into den*

Skippee:  [in a loud hyper voice]  HONEY~~ I almost went to the bathroom in the toilet!!

Andy:  [look of horror on face, motions to phone and mouths "I'm on a conference call"]

My grandparents came to visit from Korea and just left.  It was so incredibly hard to say good-bye to them.  My family spent a lot of time in tears but also in reflection of and appreciation for the time we had together.  The hardest part is knowing that this could’ve been the last time I got to hold my grandma’s hand, listen to my grandpa’s stories, laugh with them and just spend time with them.

I’m sure most of you know how hard it is to live so far away from the ones you love.  Well, no matter how far apart we are…all we can do is just make sure our love transcends the distance and we make that much more of an effort to show we care.

I hope we never let a day pass by without truly appreciating our loved ones.  Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! 

  
 
 

**EDIT**

Hiya sweeties!  Thanks so much for trying to sign up!  You actually don’t need my e-mail address to sign up.  I made my brother try it without it and it worked.  The link below has a special thing that can track it.  BUT~ if you’d like I can give you my e-mail address anyways and you can write me…hehe! 

Guess what?  Andy came home in the middle of the night!!  Flew back from NYC to see me but he has to go to Chicago now.  It’s like he had a stopover in LA between NYC and Chicago! 

EBATES

Hi there!  One of my favorite sites — Ebates– is having a special promo for signing up so I wanted to share. 

Ebates is a site where you get a certain % back on the purchases you make at over 800 online stores (up to 25%).  You first sign in and look up the store you want –  just click on the link to the store and shop.  That’s it!  They also have coupons and deals you can use.  They keep track of your purchases and periodically send you a check.  I joined about 4 months ago and the total as of today says $107.44 $240.99. 

Here are some examples – Macy’s (4%) – Bloomingdale’s (2%) — Banana Republic (3%) — eLUXURY (3%) — Nordstrom (3%) — Overstock (4%) — Target (4%) — Magazines.com (25%) — Snapfish (10%) — Kodak Gallery (8%) — Drugstore.com (6%) — Petco (6%) — Zappos (6%) — Joann Fabric & Craft Stores (5%) — Barnes & Noble (4%) — The Container Store (4%) — Sephora (4%)

I know, I know – some people say it’s only 6% or 10% or 4% — BUT it’s so easy and there are no catches so I feel like it’s totally worthwhile.  My only problem is that sometimes I forget to check first before I shop!

Anyways, if you use the link below and sign up and make a purchase through the site then you’ll get $10 and I’ll get $10!  Usually it’s $5 each but until 2/14 they upped it to $10 each.  If you do it then I’ll give you a big fat virtual hug and maybe you’ll hug me back once you earn some dough on this thing! 

Please click me!  

5 YEARS

Today is our 5 year dating anniversary.  Andy is traveling for work so unfortunately I’m at home alone talking about Ebates…hehe!  No biggie but it would just be nice to be together.  I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since we first started dating – that seems like ages ago — before jobs and real responsibilities.  It’s funny how so much can change in a span of 5 years yet I know that some things will never change…like how we can still stay up until the wee hours of the night and talk…or how I still get goosebumps when I see him…or how we can crack each other up by doing ridiculously silly things. 

It’s really amazing to think that there’s that one person out there for you who is just so right.

Hope you all had a wonderful and memorable holiday season!  We got to spend lots of time with family!  We also went to DC for a really awesome Muslim/Indian/Chinese traditional wedding.   

Resolutions for a Better 2008

2007 was rough in some ways and amazing in others – the great thing about a new year is that there’s always so much hope and resolve for a better year.  Here are my resolutions…tell me one of yours!

== Better Health ==

I recently went to get a check up for the first time in too many moons.  After a lot of testing and consultations I found that I have a heart condition and crazy high cholesterol.  My doctor said that I need to take medication but will give me a chance to improve in the next few months.  This means…exercising and eating healthy.  Eek!

== Expanding Our Family ==

The first step to fulfilling this resolution is to find a good obstetrician.  Does anyone have a good rec for an ob in the West LA/Century City area? 

== Staying Organized ==

I love to collect and buy things so naturally it results in tons of clutter.  I’m going to try to stay organized and not hang on to every little memento/chotchke/thing I find.

== Friends ==

Helping plan two very important events for two of my best buddies – a wedding and a baby shower!

== Improving Photography ==

I really hope I can be more disciplined and improve my photography and Photoshop skills.

== Better ==

This is just a general resolution but I really want to become a better wife, daughter, grandkid, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, friend…just a better person. 

My wish for all of you in 2008 is…good health, amazing memories with family and friends, love and tons of happiness and blessings!

Made with love by my dear Teresa.  She even made me cholesterol-busting cookies to cheer me up!

Austin, one of my best friends, got married.  I call him brother bear…because that’s what he’s been to me all these years.  I first met him when I was a freshman in college.  I was so scared being on my own and not knowing anyone.  Austin took me under his wing and I’ve followed him like a little sister from then on.  He lived in a certain dorm, I became his neighbor…he worked at a certain firm, I worked there too…he went to law school, I followed in his footsteps.  Even when we’re 80 years old, he’ll still be my big brother bear. 

So after all that we’ve been through, I was so truly happy to see Austin meet the love of his life.  I knew Esther was special from the first time I met her.  She’s one of those people who are just so genuinely nice that you love them instantly.  Not only is she beautiful, kind and smart…she adores Austin.  I know they are going to have an amazing life together.
 
Continue reading →

Hi!  Thanks so much for your comments re our South Africa photos!  For my buddies who asked about the camera equipment I used in South Africa…here you go! 

I’m a total beginner photographer so at first I didn’t know anything about cameras.  I learned so much from just researching online.  These 2 sites have great reviews and message boards on camera stuff –> Fred Miranda & Digital Photography Review.

Canon EOS 40d               Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L

Canon Rebel XTi               Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash             

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM         Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS                Sony HD Camcorder

National Geographic Camera Shoulder Bag & Backpack

Epson P5000 

The P5000 is a storage device where you can back up and review your photos/videos on.  Awesome for traveling — you don’t have to bring your laptop plus you can review your photos on a big screen.  I love this thing! 

Hi!  Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend!  There are so many things in life to be thankful for. 

I finally had a chance to put together some of our photos from South Africa.  Since I was a little girl I’ve always dreamt of going to Africa.  I used to (and still) love watching National Geographic’s shows and learning about wild animals.  So…being in South Africa was better than anything I could’ve ever dreamt up or imagined.  It was truly a magical experience. 

– You can see a bunch more if you click here –> (click me!)  If you click fast then you’ll get through the whole thing in a jiffy!

SINGITA LEBOMBO, SOUTH AFRICA

My favorite things:

- The super modern & luxurious lodge

- Witnessing a pride of lions kill and eat dinner

- Going on a walking safari and getting shooed away by angry elephants

- Seeing a rare endangered black rhino

- Sleeping outside

- Discovering Appletisers & Grapetisers 

- Hanging with lion cubs

SINGITA BOULDERS, SOUTH AFRICA

My favorite things:

- The ginormous lodge

- The lizard family living on our deck

- Chowing down on personalized meals

- Private game drives

- Being surrounded by hundreds of Cape Buffalo

- A special dinner set up on a deserted airstrip

- Watching a monkey steal sugar

All in all, this was an absolutely amazing trip to South Africa.  I’d highly recommend the Cape Grace Hotel and Singita.  Singita is the best place we’ve ever stayed at.  We loved the people, the lodges, the food, the animals…everything!  I can’t wait to go back to South Africa!

Hi everyone!  Sorry I’ve been MIA…I’ve missed you all though.  It’ll take me a few days to catch up but I will!

So much has happened…in addition to the pain of losing Gracie something awful happened to my parents.  Their house was broken into.  Although a lot was taken…thankfully they were okay.  Please remember to be safe and also tell your parents to be safe. 

So…I read this:

“Weeks have passed.  And the pain has not subsided.  Every time I think about it, my heart starts racing and I feel like I just got stabbed in the chest.  It’s a jolt, still.  Gracie’s death.”

I couldn’t believe it.  It is as if someone took the words/feelings right out of my heart.  That someone was Oprah.  Her dog, Gracie, was also tragically killed around the same time.  She goes on to say:

“I don’t believe in accidents.  I know for sure that everything in life happens to help us live….Thank you for being my saving Gracie.  I now know for sure angels come in all forms.”

Thanks to all of you for your incredible gestures…the comments, calls, messages, hugs…everything.  It truly helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life.

Anyways, I’ll be catching up with you soon!  For now…Happy Halloween!

P.P.S.  I have a bunch of brand new Modern Bride, Brides and Bridal Guide magazines from July to December 2007.  If you live near West LA and want them let me know!

 

Dear Friends,

I just haven’t known what to do or say.  Our little Gracie was killed in a horrible accident.  We came home to find that she had been killed by a big floor mirror in our house.  There was nothing we could do.

I decided to write this post so I could let you all know what happened and to also remember how wonderful Gracie was.  At first I wasn’t able to tell anyone…because then it would be real and I didn’t want to burden anyone with such sadness.  Then slowly I started to share and the love and support of friends, family and even strangers has been so healing.  I’m just overwhelmed by the kindness of people. 

Here are some of the things we loved and will always remember about Gracie:

When we first saw Gracie she was in such bad shape – abused, dirty and scared.  Yet she had such a gentle spirit and a yearning to be loved.  I’d have to be really careful because if I accidentally tripped over her or opened the door on her she would get so scared and low to the ground as if she did something wrong.  She cried all the time in the beginning.  I’d wake up in the middle of the night to hear her whimpering in her sleep.  I knew that I would do anything it took to erase all the pain and suffering she went through previously.

Gracie was a homeless dog at one point so she didn’t know about a lot of things.  She didn’t know that dogs love sticking their heads out of car windows (Gina taught her how).  She didn’t know how to play with toys (Bella taught her how).  Gracie was such a smart dog.  We were amazed when she learned how to “high 5″ just by watching Bella.  We had never taught her yet she one day just knew how to do it!

Our Gracie was a little piggy.  She ate every meal as if it were her last.  One time we caught her chowing down on the crown molding.  Another time Andy, Gina and I were playing the Wii and made lots of carpet fuzz.  We each thought the other had cleaned it but then realized Gracie had eaten it all up!  Later we put carpet fuzz on the table so she couldn’t get to it.  It was blowing in the air conditioning wind so she was suspicious and barked at it.  Andy showed it to her.  She took one sniff and then tried to take a bite.

Gracie was always a protector.  Even though Bella was older and much bigger, Gracie always looked out for her.  Once at the dog park there were two bully dogs who were scaring Bella.  When Gracie saw this she suddenly ran from across the park to defend Bella’s honor.  It was unbelievable…this tiny dog barked at two big dogs and chased them away to protect her sister.  Gracie was so patient with Bella.  She let Bella eat first and never complained when Bella stole her toys.  When we’d get ready to take them outside Gracie would grab Bella’s leash every single time.  It was so cute.

Gracie was such an amazing dog.  People and dogs loved her anywhere we went.  She was so outgoing (as opposed to Bella who is the shy sister).  Most of you probably know about Gracie’s boyfriend, Redford.  He followed her everywhere.  Once she hit her head on a chair but because he was following her she blamed it on him and barked at him.  When she first met my mom she must’ve known that my mom was against a second dog because she acted like a perfect little angel.








We are going to miss Gracie so much.  We’re going to miss having her hide in the shoe case and jump out when we got home as if to say, “surprise!”…we’re going to miss how cute she looks when she sits and does her special trot…we’re going to miss having her rest her head on our laps…we’re just going to miss everything about her.  Gracie isn’t allowed on the bed but we had this stool next to the bed for about a week.  She never came up until the last day.  That morning we woke up to her big wet nose and kisses and she just snuggled in with us.  I guess that must’ve been her way of saying good-bye.

My parents said that Gracie wasn’t destined to have a long life.  She had a special purpose in this world – to make us incredibly happy when she was with us…to show us the dangers that lie within our own homes…to teach us to cherish every single moment we have with the ones we love because life is so fleeting.  I try to think of happy memories of her…yet the pain is still so heart-wrenching.  Sometimes I can’t breathe and I’m physically in pain.  I just think…if only I had known then I would’ve let her eat anything she wanted…I would’ve taken her to the dog park one last time…I would’ve spent more time with her.

Thanks so much for reading and for remembering Gracie.  We’re leaving for South Africa so I won’t be able to respond to your comments/messages until I get back.  I also promise to catch up on all the posts/calls/e-mails/messages I’ve missed.  I hope you all have a wonderful next few weeks and truly enjoy your time with loved ones.

I’d love it if you would leave a comment or message me with memories of your pets that have passed or just your thoughts on Gracie.  I’ll look back here to remember Gracie and cherish her memories.

Take care,

Jenny

I’m back!  I decided to just post on public so I can reserve protected for personal stuff.  Plus, my non-Xanga buds are too lazy to sign up for Xanga just for me. 

PLAYBOY MANSION

As you can already tell by the title…I was at the Playboy Mansion this past weekend.  Andy and I were paparazzi!!  Isn’t that so funny?  One of the partners at my firm said…”If you asked me to pick the person least likely to have been at the Playboy Mansion this weekend it would’ve been Skippee.” 

I met a new friend in my photography class who plans events so she invited me to take photos and stay and party.  How nice is that?!  I love looking at beautiful houses so I knew it would be an awesome opportunity to see one of LA’s most famous pieces of property.

Location:  Holmby Hills near UCLA & the Bel-Air Country Club (and a few miles from Skippee’s house) 

Size:  21,897 square feet on 5.3 acres

Includes:  22 rooms, game room, private zoo & aviary, waterfall, etc.

Purchase Price:  ~$1.2 million in 1971