It is to my understanding that 46 out of the 50 states of America are currently experiencing a Polar Vortex in which Mother Nature has decided to freeze everyone besides California, southern Texas, southern Florida, & Hawaii. There have been plenty of jabs at the scientists that coined the term “Global Warming” because it’s clearly frozen in America, but that’s why many of us use the term “Climate Change” instead, because “Global Warming” can be a misnomer. While the planet is indeed getting warmer, it also means extreme weather changes. One man’s frost is another man’s heat & one man’s flood is another man’s drought. In California’s case, we’re really hurting for rain so if one of those 46 states could just ship us over some snow, that’d be so great. We’d be sure to send them a thank you card: Wow. Such Snow. Much Appreciate. Very Kind. Much Thanks. Wow.
Japanese
 Matsu’s Sumo Roll |
Did anyone else stop & ask how in the world February got here so quickly? I mean, technically it’s not February yet, but it’s February somewhere–I’m looking at you, Australia–so roll with me here. It seems that I always start off my posts remarking on how much time has passed, but I really don’t know how it escapes me. I look up & it says it’s 9 PM & then I look up again & all of a sudden it’s really 1:30 AM & I should be in bed. I don’t even…what…
Since I’m trying to intensely study for a life altering exam known as the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test), I’ve isolated myself in my home because I know if I take a trip to the grocery store, I’m just not going to want to study after. This poses a simple First World Problem: what the heck do I eat when all the leftovers are gone? There’s only so much instant ramen & Spaghetti O’s a girl can eat before the spoiled snob demanding variety that is her tongue, can tolerate.
This is the part when my amazing mother comes into play. She’s been working so hard lately that she barely has any time to stop by the grocery store & whip up a family dinner, so she orders food for the family from restaurants instead. This isn’t a feasible solution since ordering take out is much more expensive than cooking your own meals, but I’m certainly not complaining! More time for me to mindlessly surf the web study & more yums in the tums. Mommy dearest is always thoughtful enough to ask me if I want anything to eat so she can bring home the goods. I need to set aside a night to make her a lavish dinner…& then post the recipes after.
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 Salmon Roe with Quail Egg & Uni |
It’s Week 3 & my first midterm is this Wednesday, but I’m updating this just for Ben. However, I managed to squeeze in a bit of fun this weekend on Sunday at the Santa Monica’s Farmers’ Market with some friends. The album from our trip to the market can be found here. Ben & I also went to his favorite sushi restaurant, Sushi Stop in West LA.
I also leave you with this, a short clip of what Ben’s & my humor is like, in 20 seconds.
 Hiking to the Devil’s Chair |
Time flies by…so quickly. My last post was about winter quarter beginning & this post is about winter quarter ending, thus the beginning of my spring break. Clearly I’m horrible at time management if I can’t make a simple update!! But I’ve almost caught up on all of the pictures I’ve taken within the last three months.
So, last quarter I got to go on a hiking trip with the UCLA Hiking Club with Allison & Liz. We got to see a bit of snow & some other gorgeous scenery.
 Hiking trip with Allison in the middle, Liz to her right, & me to her left. |
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My mom & brother came up to visit me for a little so we went out to eat at Yamato to celebrate his early 20th birthday.
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I threw him a surprise birthday dinner with all of his friends. I made Mozzarella Enchiladas with spinach, mashed garlic potatoes, mac + cheese, & Carol brought chicken wings.
 Vinny |
Duong & Jimmy came up to visit me & we had oyster shooters at Sushi Stop to celebrate the end of my midterms. A few days later, Ben & I went to Sushi Stop, making it my second trip within that week.
 Oyster Shooters consist of sake, masago, quail egg, ponzu sauce, green onions, & an oyster. |
 Albacore Tartare on a Tortilla Chip |
 Eel & Avocado Roll |
When I came back home to see my parents before they left for their vacation to South America, my brother, mom, & I went to eat at Au Lac. It’s the most amazing Vietnamese vegetarian/vegan restaurant, ever!!
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I made a belated birthday dinner for Jimmy to make-up for my absence for his actual birthday dinner.
 Baked Salmon |
 Birthday boy, Jimmy |
So, that’s what I’ve been doing for the last three months. Nothing too crazy. It’s just been school, eat, sleep, school, study, etc. Thank goodness it’s spring break! I have to get up in 4 hours to get ready for my roommate’s 26th birthday celebration in Vegas! Talk about doing Spring Break right. Paaarrrrttttyyyy.
New Albums
- AnQi
- The Devil’s Punchbowl
- Yamato
- Vinny’s 20th Birthday
- Sushi Stop with Duong & Jimmy
- Sushi Stop with Ben
- Au Lac
- Jimmy’s 21st
I also added 1 new recipe: Spaghetti All’Aglio e Olvio. Super simple to make & delicious!
 Fantasy Roll from Ami Japanese |
For those on the quarter system, winter quarter starts tomorrow. Winter break really flew by fast! At least I was fairly productive this winter break & had a lot of fun. I totally accomplished my goal of reading 5 books! HIGH FIVE in the voice of Borat.
I uploaded a few new albums to the gallery. Really putting my camera to use.
New Albums
I hope those of you who had winter break had a good one & I wish you all the best of luck as the new school quarter/semester/trimester/whatever begins.
