farewell gatherings

this past week has been full of gatherings with friends and family before i take off for japan. thanks to everyone that took their time out and said their good-byes. for those whom i didn't get to meet, it's all because of my lack of planning and didn't give enough notice... sorry! but i will be seeing a lot of you again very soon, just mark your calendars for a 2-month countdown. :)

with friends at Kappo Nami Nami

i got to see addison again and she showed me some of her tricks, like "kissy kissies" and "blinky blinkies".

can't believe she's turning 1 year old next month!

she's giving me her "kissy kissies" - isn't she sweet!

aww... don't be sad... aunty c will see you again soon!

my cousin is visiting this week for a special reason.
here's she and my mom outside of SF city hall

lovely italian dinner at Rocca

i didn't take pictures with a few other friends who also said their good-byes... :(
but again, i want to thank you guys for the great send-off!

pillow restoration (part 2)

finally completed the pillow cases. seems like they are easy for beginners - sewing straight lines all around!

i spent quite some time at the fabric store picking out the pattern i liked, but most importantly, i wanted a very soft and smooth material.

these are the two pieces that made the cut. (get the pun?)

here they are - the final products!

one week from today (and tonight)

one week from today, i will be heading to japan to start another new journey. preparations have been going well, but there is still lots to pack and a few more farewells to bid.

and tonight, i picked to dine at my favorite SF steakhouse with my family.

House of Prime Rib has been a historical restaurant in SF, serving traditional english style prime rib. while i don't know when it opened, i know that it's definitely in business for over 56 years.

well, when the gray-haired maitre d' walked pass our table, our waitress joked that he is her boyfriend. he joked back and said she is only one of his girlfriends. funny guy.

our waitress later told us that he has been working at the restaurant for 56 years - started when he was 20. very loyal guy.

enough history... ready to look at the pictures?
(pictures are a little discolored...)

we had a wonderful dinner - and packed away lots of left overs too!

package from safarisister

the pair of handmade earrings that i ordered from safarisister arrived today!!

break

after 3 weeks of intense baking lessons, the oven and our stomachs need a break. the following is last week's lesson plan.

PLAIN SPONGE CAKE


APPLE COFFEE CAKE



BANANA WALNUT CAKE



CHICKEN PIE



MINI CHEESECAKES


LEMON MERINGUE PIE

i agree with carrie bradshaw

my (current) favorite dialogue from the upcoming Sex and the City movie:

Mr. Big: Should we get you a diamond?

Carrie: No, just get me a REALLY big closet.

in theaters May 30, 2008!

www.sexandthecitymovie.com