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    November 30

    Brain dump

    Check out this very nice blog post from my brother Daniel-
     
    I am ready for the weekend. I guess I'm always ready for the weekend. Tomorrow is Friday and it's been freakin' cold outside. The temperature has dropped significantly since earlier this week. I'm know it's almost December, but I'm not ready for winter yet. I've joined a committee at work to plan a potluck for about 450 people. Insane, but I'm really enjoying it. Tomorrow will be another somewhat busy day and then I'm hanging out with Carrie on Saturday and meeting the MBA gang for dim sum on Sunday. YUM! I've been watching my old favorite movies, National Lampoon's Vacation, Vegas Vacation and I'll find something to watch tonight as well. I waste my time on MySpace, Facebook and now Xanga. Damn those networking sites. Damn them.
     
    Got a raise today at work. AWESOME.
     
    That Bindi Sue is such a cutie!! Wasn't a big fan of Steve Irwin, but the little girl is adorable. Will Smith's kid, who is in his new movie is cute too. Kids who work with their parents. Who woulda knew.
    November 29

    Damn I have time

    1.Where will you be when it turns 2007?
    In my living room watching the ball drop.

    2. How did you get the idea for your MySpace name?
    Ask my mom.

    3. What song are you listening to right now?
    Nothing. The TV is on.

    4. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry?
    Heck no.

    6. Do you own an iPod?
    Love my Nano. Bryan has it right now working out.

    7. What was the first thing you thought this morning?
    Damn it's going to be a busy day.

    8. What do you do for a living?
    Training and Quality Specialist for the Technology Support Center at Allina Hospitals and Clinics

    9. What will you do tonight?
    Nothing at all.

    10. Whats your favorite memory from last weekend?
    Watching the Holidazzle parade, looking at the Mary Poppins display at Macy's, shopping at the MOA with Bryan, the Bulisco's and my cousin, dinner at Buca's. It was a fun-filled weekend.

    11. What are the last two digits of your phone number?
    78. Dumb question.

    12. What was the last thing you ate?
    Chocolate bar.

    13. What was last thing you drank?
    H2O

    14. What was the last movie you watched?
    National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation (LOVE that movie)

    15. What do you dislike at the moment?
    That's it's gotten COLD outside.

    16. What food do you crave right now?
    Nothing in particular. Just had dinner. Although in general, some good Chinese food would be nice.

    17. What did you dream last night?
    Can't remember.

    18. What was the last TV show you watched?
    Some cooking show on TV.

    19. What is your favorite piece of jewelery?
    My engagement/wedding ring. Thanks Bryan :)

    20. Name someone on your Top Friends who is just like you.
    No one really.

    22. Who last text messaged you?
    Can't remember.

    23. Are you on any medication?
    Nope.

    24. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
    If you are looking at it, right. Don't really care either way though.

    25. What color shirt are you wearing?
    Blue.

    26. What is your favorite frozen treat?
    How many frozen treats are there? Cherry Garcia is great.

    27. How many piercings do you have?
    7

    28. What's your favorite store?
    It changes every once in a while. Target is great for everything, Archiver's for scrapbooking, Lund's, Byerly's and Kowalskis are great for groceries, I like the clothes at the Gap, etc. etc. etc.

    29. Are you thirsty right now?
    A bit. Thanks for asking.

    30. Who's someone you haven't seen in a while and miss?
    I haven't seen my sister and YC for ages.

    31. What did you do last night?
    Ran a mile, swam laps, sat in the hot tub, relaxed.

    32. Do you care what people think about you?
    Just a little bit.

    33. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble?
    I.e. all of high school.

    35. What are your font colors on AIM?
    At work, I think it's burgandy, at home... erm.. no idea.

    36. Where do you live?
    Plymouth near 394 and 494 if anyone cares.

    37. Are you aggressive?
    Sometimes. Depends on who's asking ;)

    38. Mobile Phone Network?
    Verizon all the way.

    39. Do you like the person who posted this last?
    Yup.

    40. Do you know their birthday?
    It's written in my planner.

    43. What do you smell like right now?
    I'm not sure.

    44. What is your favorite color?
    Orange.

    45. Do you like mustard?
    No, not at all.

    47. Would you ever sky-dive?
    Already did and it was great!

    48. Do you sleep on your side, tummy or back?
    Back or side. Tummy every so often.

    50. What do you think of Angelina Jolie being pregnant?
    WHO CARES???

    51. Do you enjoy giving hugs?
    Depends on who is getting them.

    52. Would you consider yourself to be fashionable?
    Not overly.

    53. Do you own a digital camera?
    Yup. And I'm great at uploading pictures too :) Efficient is my middle name.

    54. What celebrities have you been compared to?
    No one....

    55. Who is your favorite Star Wars character?
    Yo yo yo yoda.

    57. What are you allergic to?
    Bad drivers and kitties (wish I wasn't).

    58. Are you a jealous person?
    Every once in a while.

    59. Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat?
    Yes. Definitely do.

    60. If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name be?
    Carmelo. Just kidding. Anthony. Just kidding. Nevermind.

    Every little thing

    1. Do you still talk with the person you LAST kissed?
    Yup, he's loading the dishwasher right now.

    2. Have you ever seen your best friend cry?
    I'm not sure if I have.

    3. Do you like more than one person right now
    I like plenty of people.

    4. What was the last thing you ate?
    A Cadbury Zip bar my mom brought over from Malaysia. Thanks Mom!

    5. Did you get any compliments today?
    Can't think of one.

    6. Where are you going on your next vacation?
    Hopefully a sunny island in the Caribbean.

    7. Are most of your friends guys or girls?
    A good mix of both.

    8. Do you own any furniture from Ikea?
    My guestroom bedside table, same one in the front entryway, my step stool, my kitchen table and chairs and random accessories.

    10. If you could have one superpower what would it be?
    Flying.

    11. Where have you lived most of your life?
    Hmm there hasn't been one place, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Bemidji, Grand Forks, Minneapolis...

    12. Why is the sky blue?
    Light in the atmosphere.

    13. When was the last time you took a long drive?
    To and from Bemidji for Thanksgiving. Three and a half hours, not so bad.

    14. What is your least favorite sound?
    Children screaming.

    15. Are you moody?
    Not too often.

    17. Have you ever done anything hurtful to a classmate?
    Heheh, probably.

    18. Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?
    I think so.

    19. Have you ever toilet papered someone's house?
    Yes, but with permission (at a party).

    20. Have you ever had a crush on your sister's friend?
    Nope!!

    21. Have you ever gone to a beach?
    MANY times. We're talking REAL beaches, not some sand by a lake!!

    22. Have you ever gone streaking?
    Heck no.

    23. Have you ever had a stalker?
    I don't think so!

    24. Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
    Nope.

    25. How many hours of the day do you watch t.v?
    30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on what's on.

    26. Have you ever gone to a party?
    No. HhAHAHAHAHHA.

    29. Have you ever been out of the U.s?
    PLENTY of times.

    30. Have you ever thrown up from working out?
    No. I hope I never do!

    31. Have you ever gotten a haircut so bad that you wore a hat?
    I've gotten a haircut so bad I've cried. Does that count?

    32. Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food in one day?
    Probably when traveling. Sure try not to.

    33. What was the last song you listened to?
    Something on KDWB on the drive home from work.

    34. Whats one item you never leave home without?
    Cell phone.

    35. Last restaurant you ate at?
    Wolfgang Puck.

    36. Who was the last person who called you?
    Jennie B.

    38. When was the last time you slept?
    Last night... duh.

    39. What are your plans for tonight?
    Relaxing, relaxing and going to bed.

    40. Who will repost this survey?
    Who the heck knows?
    November 27

    Wasting time...

    Fill this out in YOUR OWN WORDS and repost as "My Autobiography"

    Prologue

    1. Where did you take your default pic?
    In Linda's four season porch

    2.What exactly are you wearing right now?
    Grey trousers, black blouse and pink striped sweater

    3. What is your current problem?
    Tiredness

    4.What makes you most happy?
    Bryan and Zoe

    5.What's the name of the song that you're listening to?
    Not listening to anything right now

    6.Has anyone you've been really close with passed away?
    No one overly close

    7.Do you ever watch MTV?
    Only when I'm really bored

    8.What's something that really annoys you?
    Bad drivers

    9. Do you like anyone? Do they know?
    I like lots of people :)

    10. Are you single or taken?
    Married

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Chapter 1:

    1.Middle name:
    Lay-Cheng

    2. Nicknames:
    Care Bear, K, karentan

    3.Current place:
    My living room

    4.Eye color:
    Dark brown
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Chapter 2:

    1.Do you live with your parents?
    Nope

    2.Do you get along with your parent(s)?
    For the most part

    3.Are your parents married/separated/divorced?
    Married

    4.Do you have any Siblings?
    1 bro and 1 sis

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Chapter 3: Favorite...

    1. Ice Cream?
    Cherry Garcia

    2. Season:
    Fall and Spring

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Chapter 4: Do You..

    1. Write on your hand:
    Not very often

    2. Call people back:
    Always

    3. Believe in love?
    Yes

    4. Sleep on a certain side of the bed?
    Yup, if you are looking at the bed, mine is on the right. Don't really care either way though.

    5. Have any bad habits?
    A few

    6. Any mental health issues?
    Not that I know of

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Chapter 5: Have You....

    1.Broken a bone:
    No

    2.Sprained stuff:
    Fingers, playing basketball. Ouch.

    3.Had physical therapy?:
    No

    4.Gotten stitches:
    Only after wisdom tooth extraction

    5.Taken pain killers?:
    Who hasn't?

    6.Gone SCUBA diving or snorkeling:
    Both

    7. Been stung by a bee?
    No

    8.Thrown up at the dentist:
    No

    9.Ever sworn in front of your parents?
    Nothing too bad

    10.Had detention:
    No, but I've been kicked out of class NUMEROUS times

    11.Been sent to the principal's office:
    All the time

    12. Been suspended:
    No

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Chaper 6: Who/What was the last

    1.Movie(s) you watched
    Thank You for Smoking

    2.Person to text you
    Veronica

    3.Person you called:
    Kim

    4.Person you hugged:
    Eric

    5.Last person you tackled?
    No one

    6.Thing you touched:
    Laptop

    7.Thing you ate:
    Cheetos

    8. Thing you drank:
    Water

    9. Time you cried?
    Can't remember

    10. Last time someone told you something awesome?
    No idea
    November 26

    20 questions

    Twenty things about me:

    1. Occupation: Training & Quality Specialist
    2. Happiest moment to be alive: Marrying Bryan
    3. Favorite song: Right now, "Pain" by Three Days Grace
    4. Best friend: Jennie B
    5. Something that not everyone knows about you: I always close the closet door before going to bed at night (boogieman)
    6. Name of first pet: Zoe D
    7. Favorite season: Fall and Spring
    8. Something you feel very strongly about: Bad drivers
    9. Actress: Kate Hudson
    10. Actor: Matthew McConaughey and Wentworth Miller
    11. Movie: Wedding Crashers
    12. Favorite city visited: NYC
    13. Last time you cried: It's been a while
    14. Last time you shaved your legs: Couple days ago
    15. Name of first crush: Can't remember
    16. Name of last crush: Bryan Hanson
    17. Unusual hobby: Don't have any unusual ones
    18. Ever broke a bone?: No (knock on wood)
    19. Hero: My mom
    20. Most thankful for: My friends and family
    November 25

    MOA/EPC/BUCA

    What a crazy busy day. Woke up early this morning and got my oil changed at Walser. They were so friendly as always. I enjoy giving my business to them. Can't say that about some other car places! We went to the Mall of America today and checked out the enormous gingerbread house and walked around the mall for a couple of hours, fighting the crowds, getting most of our Christmas shopping done. (YAY) Then we went to the Eden Prairie Center for a bit and Best Buy to kill some time before Jennie's birthday dinner at Buca's. It's been a great holiday weekend and I can't wait for Christmas. Hopefully, it won't be as hectic as this weekend as been. I'm looking forward to a relaxing holiday season! Really!
    November 24

    Holidazzle and Mary Poppins

    Had a great Thanksgiving meal at Mary's house. She's such a great cook. There were a ton of people there and the house was filled with chatter and laughter. We were only up in Bemidji for one night and got back today. Went downtown for the Holidazzle parade and then to Macy's (old Marshall Field's) to stand in line for a long time to see the Mary Poppins display. The counter lady said that 16,000 had seen it today already! Dang, that's a LOT of people to get through. No wonder we waited FOREVER. Tomorrow we are going to check out the world's largest gingerbread house. (Yes, when I have kids, I'm going to take them to see the world's largest ball of twine).  It's at the Mall of America, which I'm sure is going to be a crazy, insane MAD HOUSE tomorrow. I have to say, Bryan is a good sport. He hates malls to begin with and going to see the world's largest gingerbread house in the country's largest mall probably doesn't excited him one bit. Good thing I paid my dues by going to Sears at the crack of down this morning to buy him his air compressor.  Fun times. Fun times. The holidays are so commercialized. It's sick, but I love it.
    November 22

    Turkey day

    What a weird day at work today. Power was down, so we were running on generators with half the lights on. Odd working in the dark and everything being so silent (ventilation fans were off). Met a co-worker for lunch and there were so many people in the Global Market, I don't think I've ever seen it that busy before. Also got my flu shot this afternoon before leaving for the long weekend, I'm really hoping that it doesn't make it sick (as it usually does).
     
    Veronica and Justin moved down to their new apartment in Eden Prairie today. Hope their unpacking is coming along well. After we pick up my cousin from the airport this evening, we are planning on swinging by and checking the place out.
     
    Congrats to Sam for having his critical habitat license plate picked as the winner.  Now we may have to consider getting a fish license plate. Tomorrow is the day of feasting, so HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone! Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jennie and Brett on Friday!  I can't wait to go shopping early Friday morning. YAY!! Holidays RULE.
    November 19

    three work days

    Yay, only three work days until a wonderful four day holiday weekend. Looking forward to the food, shopping, showing my cousin around town, hanging out with friend and family, the Holidazzle parade and Jennie's birthday dinner at Buca's.
     
    Just got back from Lifetime and had a good swim. Lots of people there, so many that there was a line of people waiting for the lap pool. I've got some presents to wrap for Christmas. Carrie, Corey and Carter are coming over this afternoon for games and movies and I'm making lasagna. I think I might run to Lund's to pick up some bread and dessert. Guess right now we've got to go to Sears.
    November 16

    ASTD-TCC

    Attended the ASTD-TCC (American Society for Training & Development- Twin Cities Chapter)Regional Conference and Expo today at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. It was quite well planned and I had a great experience. Definitely great to have events like this motivate you one more step! They had great presenters and exhibits and the food was good! Met quite a few people in my field and did the whole networking bit. Looking forward to it next year. Now I'm exhausted.  Glad that tomorrow is Friday, which means it's almost the weekend! Wooohooooo!
    November 14

    Holiday quizzie

    Welcome to the 2006 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill.

    1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
    Hot chocolate. My mom taught me not to drink or eat anything with raw eggs in it.

    2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
    Wrapped of course! What's the fun without unwrapping?

    3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
    White lights all the way. More classy :)

    4. Do you hang mistletoe?
    Nope. The plastic stuff is kind of tacky.

    5. When do you put your decorations up?
    Did last weekend.

    6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
    Green bean caserole. YUM. I love the midwest ;)

    7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
    Sneaking peaks at presents :)

    8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
    Always knew, but always believed anyway.

    9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
    Bryan's family exchanges all their gifts on Christmas Eve. Kind of makes for a non-exciting Christmas morning.

    10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
    Lights first, then ornaments. Plug in. Ooooh, pretty.

    11. Snow - love it or hate it?
    Hate having to drive in it. Then again, we live in Minnesota! So there's always some around.

    12. Can you ice skate?
    Horribly.

    13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
    Anything from Bryan and his family. They are so thoughful! They've always made me feel like a part of their family, even before Bryan and I got married.

    14. What's the most exciting thing about the Holidays for you?
    Singing with Kyrsten at church, having Kyrsten play the Star Spangled Banner at Bunny's house before dinner and singing along, changing into pajamas before heading over to Grandma Hanson's house to exchange presents.

    15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
    Nothing in particular. It's all pretty good.

    16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
    See #14.

    17. What tops your tree?
    A rustic looking wooden star, I think it was Bryan's from long ago.

    18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
    Giving! Mean I get to shop :)

    19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
    Angels We Have Heard On High

    20. Candy Canes?
    Nice to decorate with, maybe eat about half, then they are kind of gross. I think the Starbursts ones are pretty good though.

    Dave & Busters is F-U-N

    After work this evening, we went to visit Tim, Bryan's family friend at the Courage Center is Golden Valley. After that, we headed over to meet the Marshalls in Maple Grove at the new Dave and Busters (http://www.daveandbusters.com) that just opened yesterday. We ate, drank and played fun games, including DAYTONA, my all-time FAVORITE game in the whole world!! I'm proud to say I won all three games that I played. Heckled the heck out of Rich  Then someone made fun of me heckling!  Had a blast there. Definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to eat, drink and misses Chuck E Cheese. Party on.
    November 13

    I hope...

    I hope Veronica gets the apartment and one of the jobs that she interviewed for.
    I hope Swany has a safe pregnancy and we get to meet the new baby boy next November.
    I hope Jennie arrives back from her Italy trip with everything she hoped.
    I hope Kim moves to the Twin Cities.
    I hope Brit and Mel come to visit us again soon.
    I hope that everyone gets everything that they wished for during the holidays and more.

    100 Q's

    100 Questions

    Life:
    .:. High School: ELC International
    .:. Junior High: ditto
    .:. Elementary: Garfield and Hugo Reid
    .:. Favorite Soda: Vanilla Cherry Diet Coke
    .:. Favorite fruit: Strawberries
    .:. Favorite weather: Sunny and 75 degrees


    Do You:
    .:. Like someone: Sure
    .:. Want more piercings: Nah, I have enough
    .:. Want a tattoo: One day


    Last:
    .:. Person talked to/texted on the phone?: Kim
    .:. Person IMed on-line?: Trevor at work
    .:. Movie watched: Borat
    .:. Blue or red?: Orange
    .:. Spring or Fall?: Both


    Random stuff:
    .:. Do you speak a different language?: Not enough to admit
    .:. How old do you act?: A couple years older than I really am
    .:. Do you have any pets?: Zoe D Dog
    .:. Mood?: Indifferent


    The 4 W's Questions:
    Who is in the room with you?: No one
    What was the last thing you ate?: Churro from Costco
    What color pants are you wearing?: Grey
    What is the closest item near you that is blue?: Brochure
    What are you wearing on your feet?: Socks
    What instant messaging service do you use: MSN Messenger
    What do you wear more, jeans or shorts?: Jeans
    Where is your mom?: In Malaysia
    Where do you sleep?: In my bed
    Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?: Old Navy

    __Which is Better With The Preferred Sex__
    067. Cute or Sexy: Both
    068. Lips or Eyes: Eyes
    069. Hugs or Kisses: Both
    070. Short or Tall: Not too tall
    071. Easygoing or serious: Easygoing but not a slacker
    072. Romantic or Spontaneous: A bit of both
    073. Muscular or Skinny: ditto
    074. Sensitive or Loud: ditto
    075. Hook-up or Relationship: Relationship
    076. Sweet or Caring: Both
    077. Trouble Maker or Hesitant one: mmmmm... not sure

    ___Have You Ever___
    078. Kissed a Stranger: No
    079. Drank Bubbles?: What? NO!
    080. Lost glasses/contacts: Yeah
    083. Got an X-ray and on what?: Dental
    084. Have You Broken Someones Heart?: I think so
    085. Had your heart broken?: Kind of
    087. Cried When Someone Died: Yes
    088. Cried At School and why?: I'm sure I have


    ___Do You Believe In___
    089. God: I think so
    090. Miracles: ditto
    091. Love At First Sight: No
    092. Ghosts: I'm not sure about this one
    093. Aliens: Same with this
    094. Magic: They're ILLUSIONS. TRICKS.
    095. Heaven: I think so
    096. Hell: I think so
    098. Kissing on The First Date: Sure :)
    099. Horoscopes: Not really
    100. Who do u love? My friends and family

    November 12

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

      We put up Christmas lights outside on the house earlier today. Also put the Christmas tree up with the lights and ornaments. It looks great! I'm excited for our first Christmas in our new house. I like to do some minimal Christmas decorating- just some simple touches, nothing too tacky. I've got about half of my Christmas shopping done. Will probably wait until after Thanksgiving to finish up. Always such a fun time of year. I love shopping for gifts!  Back to work tomorrow. The end of another weekend. Can't wait for Thanksgiving!
    November 11

    Borat

    Freakin' hilarious and very offensive movie! Defintiely going to watch it again when it comes out on DVD. I can see why so many people are pissed at him. After the movie, we went to Costco and picked up lots of groceries, then went to Target to get some Christmas lights. Can't believe that it'll be Thanksgiving in a week and a half and then in a month, it'll be Christmas! Time sure flies. Not too much going on tomorrow. There's a travel show going on at the convention center and a giant craft fair going on at Canterbury Park. I know that if I go to either one, I'll definitely spend money, so maybe it's better if I just don't go?  Lots of holiday open houses going on this weekend as well. It's starting to feel a lot like the holidays!
    November 10

    Animal Humane Society

    After work this evening, I headed over to the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, which is just minutes from where I work (and right in between work and home, so very convenient). They are having their annual holiday sale of arts, crafts, treats and tons of pet related items. I bought Zoe a couple bags of treats and couldn't resist looking in the back, where they keep the dogs up for adoption. There were so many cute, gentle, obedient dogs, just waiting to go home with someone. It's hard to think that people can so easily give up with dogs. I hope that anyone who is considering getting a pet will go to the humane society first! Those animals will appreciate it and love you forever. I can't wait until next year's Walk for Animals. I hope I can raise lots of money. It's such a good cause. Anyone want to pledge me? I thank you and the pups thank you.
    November 07

    Britney Spears files for divorce

    Surprise surprise!
     
    I'm watching Cars right now and hanging out with Zoe dog. I think it's hilarious that the semi truck wears a trucker hat. Tee hee.
    November 05

    gorgeous November day

    The weather today was sunny and warm, for November, that is. Woke up early this morning and cleaned up the house a bit before heading to the Albertville outlet mall for some shopping. Bought a few Christmas presents, a birthday present and a housewarming gift. Got quite a bit accomplished! Bought my Zoe dog a Coach collar, but I got a size too big, so I'll have to get it changed to a smaller size. She has a small neck for a medium-sized dog. It's really cute and makes her look a bit more feminine. Although I don't like her looking TOO girly. Bryan took the opportunity to go golfing with his work friends and they were even going to golf another nine holes, but they were not able to get on the course again. Currently watching the Vikes vs. 49ers game on TV and it seems that the Vikings can't seem to catch a break. I don't really have too much faith in them this year. Back to work tomorrow. Sigh. The weekend goes by WAY too quickly! At least it will be Thanksgiving in just a few weeks.
    November 04

    Bryan's carpentry skills

    Check out the coat/scarf rack that Bryan made! I saw one in a Crate and Barrel catalog that I wanted and Bryan said he'd make it for me instead.