Turtle Bug

Check this baby out! I wonder how this thing parks in the stalls...wouldn't it be too long?

Movie Review: Mr & Mrs Smith

As always, Angelina Jolie is magnificient in action movies. Brad Pitt was...ehh, I don't really care for him. Nothing too deep about this movie except that it is an exaggerated version of common marital problems. Couples fight and if I could fight like Angelina, I would win in all fights with HappyOblivion! Oooops, did I say that out loud? Overall, a must watch for Angelina fans. I give this movie a B- because there wasn't much of a plot. Even though I am a big Angelina fan, my ratings cannot be biased.

Sushi Etiquette

While enjoying my favorite sushi at a great sushi restaurant or bar, I always wish to have simple conversations with the itamae-san like the ones you see on the Japanese food shows on TV. I want to tell him how great the food is and ask for his recommendations on what to eat next. When you build a good relationship with your sushi chef, you will have a more enjoyable sushi-eating experience. However, since I don’t speak any Japanese, another way to show respect and how I much I enjoy the food is to have good sushi etiquette. A good sushi chef notices customers with good sushi etiquette and will personally welcome your returning visits. I have researched online and composed a brief summary of sushi etiquettes to follow when you are at a sushi restaurant. Afterall, don’t you want to enjoy sushi at a bar as a sushi connoisseur?

1. Never wear strong perfume or other fragrances when going to a sushi bar. They will conflict with the flavors of the food.
2. Usually, the sushi connoisseurs sit at sushi bars but you are welcome to sit wherever you like.
3. Never refuse when given Oshibori (hot towel). Oshibori is used for wiping hands before meal.
4. Remember to order with the assigned waiter or waitress. Sushi chefs only take sushi or sashimi orders.
5. Never order more than what you can eat at a time at the sushi bar because you do not want the sushi to dry out. Also, since you are eating sushi with other customers as well, it is rude to order a large amount of food and take up the chef’s time in preparing food just for you. Order maybe 1-3 items and then order more later.
6. Sushi connoisseurs usually order green tea with the food. However, sake or beer is equally important to order at a sushi bar. It is not wise to order coffee or coca cola with sushi since the taste will masks flavors of the sushi.
7. Never ask for knives because that implies the food the tough.
8. Never smoke at a sushi bar since the smoke will disrupt the flavors of the sushi and also other people eating sushi.
9. Know how to use hashi (chopsticks). Never eat sushi with fork or spoon. People will look at you funny.
10. When using chopsticks, break them apart under the table and never rub them together to get rid of the splinters. That implies the restaurant cannot afford expensive chopsticks.
11. When taking food from a shared plate, use the opposite ends of your chopsticks.
12. Never use chopsticks to pass food; instead, pass the plate. Passing food with chopsticks means passing cremated bones of a deceased relative at a Japanese funeral.
13. When eating sushi, you have a choice of eating with your fingers or chopsticks. However, always eat sashimi with chopsticks.
14. Never make wasabi soup with your soy sauce. The itamae-san prepares sushi or nigiri for original taste of the fish and not for you to indulge in wasabi, which paralyzes the palette and hide the subtle flavors of the raw fish.
15. Never dip sushi rice down in soy sauce. Pick up the sushi and dip the fish, then eat the sushi whole with fish side on your tongue. Always try to eat sushi whole and not bite in half.
16. Never bite into one piece of sushi and then go for another piece. Always finish the one you have and then go for a second piece.
17. Daikon and gari (ginger) are to nibble on in between dishes. They help cleanse your mouth of after-taste from the previous dish.
18. When not using chopsticks, place them on the hashi oki in front of you, parallel to the sushi bar table. This way the sushi chef will know you are finished and ready to pay.
19. Finish everything! Never leave food behind, especially rice.
20. When you are ready to pay, ask for the waiter or waitress, not the chef. People who handle food never touch the money.
21. When you leave, say “Gochisoo-sama” to the itamae-san.

Happi Vicodin

Vicodin® is the brand name for the combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone. Vicodin® is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain. Hydrocodone binds to the pain receptors in the brain so that the sensation of pain is reduced. Acetaminophen halts the production of prostaglandins which otherwise cause pain. Vicodin® is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form and is taken every 4-6 hours by mouth. Since hydrocodone can be habit forming, care must be taken to follow the doctor's instructions when taking Vicodin®. Do not take a larger dose, or take it more frequently, or take it for longer than the doctor has prescribed.

http://www.opiates.com/opiates/vicodin-addiction-detox.html

You are probably wondering why in the world I am interested in Vicodin. Well, after my wisdom teeth were extracted, the dentist gave me Vicodin for pain killers. Well, the pills worked great. 1 hour after I took the drugs, I was really energetic and happi! Then it's Vicodin-low when I get really tired and sleepy. I guess that's why people get addicted to this drug, it gives you a fun feeling...like cotton candy but even better!

Wisdom Teeth

I want to send a big MAHALO to my family and especially my sister Pooh Cow for sending me such a wonderful gift to accompany me in my oral surgery and recovery. These guys are so adorable and I know I will be ok. Pooh Cow also send me detailed summary of what to expect during the surgery and how to prepare myself (food-wise) when my wisdom teeth are out. She is so wonderful and to thank her for what she has done, I have turned her into a Victoria's Secret fanatic! You welcome sis :)

Surfing

Today was my first day learning how to surf. I have to admit, it's pretty fun. I was really scared to go out in the waves because of...don't laugh, SHARKS! Hey hey, you just haven't heard of all these shark attacks in Hawaii. It was a beautiful day to be out because the sun was burning HOT and the waves were perfect for beginners. I tried to stand up three times (once was successful for longer than 1 second so I am proud). Then I got really tired and decided to try catching a wave kneeling on the board. Well, I CAUGHT ONE! I rode the wave all the way to shore and it was a great feeling! I will go back...after I recover from the pain in my arms.

The Evil Flu

Maintaining a blog itsn't so easy afterall. After awhile, I run out of things to share. Well, not because I am a secretive person. It's because a working life is so damn boring! If you have been wondering where I have disappeared to for the past month, well...let's just say I had a great time and then died.

In the first week of April, I went to a residency retreat and watched all the residents meet and talk about things they don't even understand. Then I went back to California to visit my family and friends. Yup, that was fun! When I returned to Honolulu, I realized how much I missed the feeling of being at home, shopping until my wallet goes empty, and just being lazy. Oh and my baby niece is so adorable. No words can describe the happiness and joy she brought to the family. I can't wait to see her again.

Then tragedy falls on poor angelpoo, the evil flu renders her helpless on the bed for days. The muscle aches, nasal congestion, fever, and cough hits her like a tsunami, destroying all the energy and spirit that kept her alive. Five days have gone by and just when she was feeling better, recurring fever wipes her away. Now she is coughing endlessly.

Yeah, got sick on my vacation, life is beautiful. How did I get sick? Probably after visiting Davis and caught the flu at UCDMC. Damn hospitals!

Tamago

These are new additions to my collection of favorite cute things. The big fat yellow yummy looking thing is tamagoyaki (Japanese omlete) body pillow. Below it is a white pillow. Together, they make a great tamago display. On top of the tamagoyaki is Shelly, a turtle I bought to add to my collection. He has a big head, green eyes, and loves to eat tamago.

University of Hawaii

Yup, a very memorable moment in my life, I was accepted into Natural Resources and Environmental Management Master's Program at University of Hawaii. I came back from work, opened the mailbox and there it was, a thin envelope sitting there waiting to either disappoint me or make my day. On the way up the elevator, I opened the letter and read 2 words in the letter, "pleased" and "admitted". Yes, that was enough and I was in tears.

This may not mean much to those who are reading this but it was a very important turning point in my life. Now I know I will be going back to school for 2 years, dedicating my time to my interests. I am one step closer to my goal of working with sea turtle protection and conservation. I will be conducting research, something I have not done in awhile and am excited to begin. My dream of studying for a Ph.D may come true. My parents and everyone who cares for me are proud of me. And lastly, I get to take advantage of the back-to-school sales at Wal-mart!

What's your favorite sushi?

Tamago is my favorite sushi. It is simple but difficult to make. It has to be light like marshmellow and firm like fresh tomato, with just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness. And don't forget the size of the tamago, bigger is better! Take a bite without soy sauce to enjoy the natural true taste of a Japanese omelete. Tell me your favorite sushi and why you like it so much :)

MacGyver

Photo from www.elspethmac.com
I love MacGyver! Must watch everyday...so addictive!

Comic of the Day!

Don't you want to be a turtle now :)

Jaws

Photo from www.honoluluzoo.org
This is Jaws, a Galapago Tortoise in Honolulu Zoo. When I volunteer at the Zoo, I spend the most time taking care of this tortoise because he is old and blind. I usually feed him, clean his exhibit and bathe him. He loves an afternoon shower. I hug him when I leave because he is such an adorable and lovable tortoise.

Auntie Angelpoo!

I am an auntie. I cannot believe this. The word auntie makes me feel old but I feel so special. It's like having the credentials M.D. or Ph.D. after your name but better! I mean no offense to all the highly educated people out there. I have a niece...yippeeeeee!

New Baby

Oh gosh! My sister is now in the hospital ready to deliver her new baby. I am so nervous...I wish I was there to push with her. I am going to regret this forever. I know when I am ready to deliver, I would want my whole family to be there for support, even though they might not want to see the painful process. All I can do now is sit here, not concentrate on my studies, but cry for her pain. Wow, never been so emotional before. I guess I am just really happy for my sister and I want to fly back NOW! Should've bought the stupid plane tickets last month...damn, only freakin' $300! But then again, I would risk not getting into any graduate school. Hmmm....that is a tough decision. Wah wah wah!

My Turtles

These are my wonderful pet turtles. The left is a female and she is a rascal. One time, she either got too desperate or too aggressive, she bit off the tail of the male turtle on the right! Poor thing couldn't swim for awhile. I miss them so much.

New Year Resolutions

1. Take GRE (Done - got good scores too!)
2. Get into UH
3. Maintain my weight (So far so good)
4. Eat at all the yummy restraunts on Oahu
5. Watch as much MacGyver as I can
6. Learn to sing Totoro in Japanese
7. Teach my niece to say "Bryan has a fat head"
8. Learn to sing one song in German from American Continental Radio
9. Learn all of the confusing functions in Adobe Photoshop
10. Collect all 10 Sherman's Lagoon comic books
11. Kiss Jaws regardless of the salmonela???
12. Draw comic strips