KOL

Currently listening to: Charmer - Kings of Leon

Wow...great...fantasmic....rockin... guess that's how I can describe it. I have been wanting to see Kings of Leon in concert for a long time and they didn't disappoint. Even Leon himself (no pun intended) has become a fan. Saw them this past Thursday night in SF at the Bill Graham Civic Center.

Some highlights of the night...

A very drunk/high group of girls were next to us proclaiming their "space" during the concert (It was standing room only on the floor). One turned to me and said, "You know, if it's ok with you I'm just going to pee here because the line for the bathroom is too long." I told her I don't mind, so long as she does it away from me. She proceeded to pee into her vodka cup, while her friend took pictures of her..um...private parts in the process. After she was through, her friends were telling her not to leave her cup around there and to get rid of it. Her solution? She threw it over the audience ahead of her!!! If those people knew that was piss...wow. Then her friend was showing pics of her vajay-jay on her i-Phone to her and everyone around her. Did I also mentioned that this happened before KOL even hit the stage? As a friend I know (okay Annika) would say... Handle your sh*t!

Another drunk lady who was a little older and totally picking up on this guy next to her was telling us all not to move and to claim our space. Then she reached out to touch my arm and tell me once more. She proceeded to rub my arm and tell me "your skin is SO SOFT"...then she rubbed my arm for the next five minutes saying "it's amazing...so soft!" Awkward.

Two guys were almost in a fight next to us for about twenty minutes for pushing. I almost kind of hoped for it, as it might have cleared some space for us to get closer to the stage.

So these all may not sound like highlights that made it fun for us, but it actually was pretty entertaining. You could say these people were our entertainment before the actual entertainers came on stage.

Kings of Leon must have played three albums worth of songs, they barely took any breaks. When they did, the lead singer Caleb kept telling the audience how much he appreciated us "spending our money, in times like these, on a concert to see us" or "I remember when we were the opening act here only a few years ago, thanks for supporting us". He also mentioned "drive home safe" or "thanks for being respectful to each other" (obviously he didn't see the drunk group of people standing next to us). It was cute actually and I was crushin' on him by the end- is it his Southern charm? :)

Some pics from the night...


Leon (my king) & I


Everyone sits and waits...drunkards not there yet


KOL hits the stage


Matthew, Nathan, Caleb


Caleb & Jared


Caleb with the O face


Rockin out


This was the moment that Caleb looked driectly at me and said "Sandy, this song goes out to you because I am in love with you," and he proceeded to sing Use Somebody....ok that never happened, but I pretended it did


Caleb


Encore

When the Boys Are Away, the Girls Will Play

Currently listening to: Notion - Kings of Leon (yeah you know, just doing my homework for the concert this week!)

So Leon went away on a four-day boys weekend in Pismo and I was left alone Thursday through Sunday...but not really. Angie, Shannon, and Ann stopped by last Friday and we had our own mini-potluck. Yum! It was great fun eating while we figured out how to rent a fairly huge houseboat on the closest lake in the Bay Area, that must have a slide....long story, but let's say someone will enjoy their birthday compliments of Ann :)

Saturday I participated in a walk at work for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Since Leon was away, Angie was SO NICE to fill-in for him at the walk. Thanks again Ang, you're the greatest!!! {{{hugs}}} Sharkie apparently had some issues with me as he approached me more than once either biting my head or taking the team sign and banging it on my head. What's up with that? No instagation on my part, but I did whisper to him while taking our team picture "Go Ducks!" Here's some pics.


Angie & I staying cool in the shade

Team picture with Sharkie (a.k.a. the Shark that has a grudge w/me)

Angie and I spent the rest of the day shopping. Angie is a good shopper as she assists in rationalizing your purchase. Leon would appreciate me going shopping with Angie! :) Guess what though Angie? I splurged and bought those sunglasses after all...they were calling me!

On a very hot Sunday morning, we had brunch with Lorianne who is on a countdown to her wedding day. We can't wait! She filled us in on a dessert bar of some kind with candy, sundaes, and....get ready....COTTON CANDY! How awesome is that? So excited for her and her fiance Nick, they make a great couple. It was also a nice cap-off to the weekend hanging with the gals.

On a totally random note...I am looking so forward to Glee. I am already singing the commercials and have it programmed on the DVR.

I Heart Kings of Leon

And really it is not a bias with their band name :)

I like some good old Southern Rock sometimes (Creedance anyone?) but this latest album has me listening at least once everyday with a song or two on my commute. Maybe their old fans won't like this "new" Kings of Leon (I call it improved), but it sure has gained them a whole lot more popularity in the States. Personally, I like this sort of arena rock thing they got going on now.

I am into them so much that we are going to see them in concert next week. This really will be my first "rock" concert and it is at a venue that is basically standing room only....Rock on!

Happy 5th B-day Tank

Ahhh...how time flies. Our little Boston Terrier Tank turned the magical 5 years old yesterday. That means he is almost caught up to us in human years, but he still has more spunk than his parents by far.

Tank got to celebrate his birthday in style. We grilled Fred Steak for dinner. Tank had some and so did we (hey we have to join in on the festivities, right?). And since Schaub's just so happens to be right next door to Sprinkles, we picked up some dessert too.

By night's end, Tank's belly was full and he was snoring contently. Leon followed suit soon after :)

It's been awhile

... a long while since I have posted. Perhaps it is because I am caught up in other timesucking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Redfin, etc.

So I choose this Monday to share with you, and to let you know that my blog is still alive - even if barely kicking.

Here's a way to get you through the week: check out this website. It's called Texts from Last Night and you can guess the fun stuff that comes out of this one. I discovered it last week and have been logging in sporadically, but always to some funny finding.

A couple from today:

(202): He's so far in the closet he's in Narnia

(508): hdsncx Gizmo asnqw toilet blanasdi
(214): ok, stay where you are, be there soon

(610): I thought she had blonde hair
(302): No, Gonorrhea actually

Hanging with peeps

No...not the marshmallow ones!

I finally was able to get my camera back from Leon (yes I realize we live together) so I can download my photos. Here's what's been going down.

Our friends Matt & Lara had a baby boy, making this the second to add to their growing family. His name is Niklas and he's a cutie. We visited them on 3.21 (yeah...late posting)


Niklas & Leon


Me & Niklas (trying very hard to keep his eyes open)

Then the Windelers came to town the same weekend - yay! Jenn & Brahm without the little ones in tow. What better way to spend the weekend than to visit the Cal Academy of Sciences? It was so great to see these Michigan-ites...we feel very nostalgic when they are back in Cali and hope to visit with them again soon.


Leon fearing this horned beast


The living roof was cool...and also cold...and also windy


Leon, me, Brahm, Jenn - all freezing

Come the next weekend, the Lawrence family was heading back up north from their hood down south at the end of Spring break. So, we met them halfway in a town called Cayucos, along with friends Brett P. and Adam. We rented a 70's porn house (well it looked to be that way), with an awesome view right on the beach. These people know how to have a good time and we shared some interesting stories over smores & poker. Tank became good friends with Brooks, so much so that I think he wants to be adopted into the Lawrence family. We're trying to convince him we're cool parents too! It was a fun way to end spring break:)


Leon lighting up a cigar to start the weekend!


Tank checking things out


All the boys! Brett P., Adam, Leon, Brett L. (Tank in the background)


Cutest baby EVER! A.K.A. Brooks, digging himself a hole


Brooks & Annika chill out while the guys play Bocci

Wish every weekend was like this. *sigh*

Wrappin' up the weekend

What a weekend! Even though we were pretty exhausted by Sunday evening, we got to see alot of good friends and engage in some good times.


Friday we got to go to our friend Angie's Junior League pre-rummage sale event. It was a 1920's dress theme and we attended along with our other friends Peter & Ann. We had some food, drink, and first pickings amongst the rummage items. I came away with a $4 jewelry cleaner and Leon came away with this huge golf club travel case which we have SO much room for (can you sense my sarcasm?). Peter & Brett convinced me it was a much needed item that was a great deal, which I am sure was their totally unbiased opinion :) Either way we had a great time and "did it for the children" as Ann & Angie would say.


Along came Saturday and our second annual Wii-Eat-Crab Wii-kend event, otherwise known as "Wii Eat Crab Part Deux". This time, we actually were able to score crab from the boats in Half Moon Bay. This gang was serious when it came down to the Wii competition with the Lawrence's modeling team sports gear and the Mc-Millers making custom team t-shirts for all. It was a lot of fun and can't wait for next time. Thanks Annika for the cool team photos.


Sunday was a celebration for our friends Jake & Karen. They are not a traditional couple that wanted a baby shower, but with a little convincing from friends, they caved. We did a "Top Dog" themed shower along with King Pin donuts as dessert. If you are not familiar with these items, they are Berkeley faves. Top Dog t-shirts were given away as favors. Even though our cholesterol & sugar levels took a spike on Sunday, we were all full and happy. It's countdown time for the Hadary's now, just 4 weeks to go!

Leon and I joked that we've been in costume all week from Vegas FOAM, to the 1920's Junior League event, then our Wii-Eat-Crab team t-shirts, to the Top Dog t-shirts. We almost feel uncomfortable in our normal clothes. We're going to have to find another costume party fast!

Busy busy week

Wow - our social schedule is out of control right now, but it's been a blast. This last week has been a very busy one with more exciting stuff to come...


Last weekend our friends Dave & Genevive from LA came to visit us and we took them on a whirlwind tour of San Francisco.


Right after Gen & Dave took their flight back to LA, we were graced by a surprise visit from the Estacios who happened to be touring the SF zoo that day. Love the D's and lil' new addition Aleah.


On Tuesday it was off to Stanford's B-school FOAM event in Vegas. One night only, dressed in 70's gear and back the following day. I found a new gambling partner in Annie P. - we tore up those crap tables!

Tonight I attended Angie's Junior League Rummage Sale party...will post those pics later.

Tomorrow is Wii-Eat-Crab Part Deux, followed by the Hadary Baby Shower on Sunday. I wasn't kidding about the social schedule people!

In a word or few - state the obvious

Courtesy: http://www.wordle.net/

Sam's B-day from 1.10.09

Ya' know I am late posting so here is my catch-up. Our friend Sam decided she wanted to do some rollerskating for her B-day, and some dressed up for the occasion. We had a fun time, but I think I need to stick to rollerblades.

View Album

Get your own

As promised...

Even though the tan is almost gone, Hawaii is still fresh in my mind. Here are the photos...finally!

View Album

Get your own

Change is here!

Is it really winter?

Just had to post...because I am finding a hard time believing it is January and I am in flip flops and a t-shirt. I'm just sayin'....not complaining.

I downloaded the Maui pics - just need to sort through them. I'm a slow blogger, but it keeps the anticipation up, doesn't it?

Last day of warm weather

Today was our last full day in Maui. We had a great time here and are sorry to go. I will miss wearing flip flops and shorts everyday...swimming in the ocean...and not looking at e-mail. *sigh*

Tomorrow morning I shall soak in the last of the Hawaiian sun before we depart.

Will post pics on our return. Aloha!

Maui...here we come

Tomorrow we leave for Maui...can't wait.

Elf Myself!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I love my...

Jura espresso machine...I look very forward to getting up in the mornings because of it!

Green X-mas party

Last night I attended the Alice Green X-mas party in SF at a place called Mezzanine. Some great live music in an intimate setting.

My favorite acts were Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, and Lenka. Alanis Morissette made an appearance as the headliner too, but we cut out a bit early to beat the crowd. Girl looks skinny - like, on the verge of too skinny.

Here are the least blurry pics from my phone. Note to self: the camera on this phone sucks.


Alice radio station propoganda


Ingrid Michaelson (on the right)

San Francisco has such a friendly crowd. People let you pass willingly through the crowd to get your drink and come back to your spot. Those in front of you are concerned if you can see ok. Gay people can be open...ok I won't get on that rant.

Fun times and I will keep this venue in mind for the future. Not too shabby if you don't mind standing room only.

Tis the Season & Baby Business

This past Friday Leon & I attended his company holiday party at Allegro Romano in San Francisco. Had a great time, but should take note to wear stretch pants because they are not playing around when it comes to feeding you! Or keeping your wine glass full for that matter...woke up with a wee bit of a headache on Saturday morning.



On Saturday while Leon was shooting clays with his Stanford crew (Happy B-day Brad!) I headed out to San Ramon to attend Lily & Elton's baby shower. It was a great to see Lily's growing bump. Andrew (Francie & Jimmy's baby) was hamming it up for the camera as well, he seems to know what to do when the little red light comes on. I also got to see a blast from the past, my good friend Carson along with some other peeps from back in the day.

This week is finals and I have been studying and writing. Can't wait until it's over!

Spoke too soon

http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/hutchinson__eric/bio.jhtml

Damn!

It's Ok..it's alright with me...

High-five Eric Hutchinson, I know I will see you on VH1's Saturday countdown.

New Heavy Rotator

Currently listening to: Food Chain - Eric Hutchinson

You know when you find a music artist you really like and no one really knows about them just yet? And you feel giddy because somewhere in the space of satellite radio you heard this great tune, came home, found it on iTunes...but then you found an entire great album! That is Eric Hutchinson.

Not alot of artists get their own entire playlist on my nano (Sorry Sasha Fierce...aka Beyonce), but my Vampire Weekend has been replaced. Now let me re-phrase that Vampire Weekend can never be replaced - they're just not at the top of the spin list. It is time for a new album from those guys.

What makes me excited about Hutchinson's album (Sounds Like This) is that it is remnant of Billy Joel with a more bluesy feel. Now I know what you are thinking. I'm not talking about the "We Didn't Start the Fire" Billy Joel or the doo-wop "Longest Time" or "Uptown Girl" Billy Joel. I am talking about the "My Life" and maybe even "Don't Ask Me Why" Billy Joel...but like I mentioned, with a lil' more Blues.

Am I just rambling? Do you even know who Billy Joel is? Has anyone ever endorsed an artist this intently? Should I be asking Eric Hutchinson for a kick-back if so?

Well, I don't want to see Eric Hutchinson on VH1 anytime soon because for a moment I wanna' keep this album to myself...but if he does make it to the big times, maybe I will ask for a wee kick-back :)

The Long & Short of It...

Currently listening to: Ok, It's Alright with Me - Eric Hutchinson

I've been a bad bad blogger...how did December get here already? So here is a long catching up post:

October 31st...

Tank dressed up for Halloween

and so did we (Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, & Suri)

fun times at the Paulson's Spoooooooktacular

November 1st

A great B-day dinner at Red Lantern

Mmmmmm.... Sprinkles cupcakes for dessert

Then a little bowling (Peter & Garrett celebrate)

Angie, Ann, Jeff, & Sam wait their turn

November 25th

Leave to LA for the Thanksgiving holiday

November 26th

Lovely day in San Clemente with some of the Stanford crew or AKA "Married Mafia". As Leon golfed with Brett, Brett's dad, & Brad , Annika kept me company showing me around her hood. Her folk's home was beautiful and I have decided to move in...they just don't know it yet. We had manis, pedis, and did a little shopping then met up with Heather for lunch. Unbelieveable weather and quite a beautiful day.

November 27th

Turkey Day....time with Leon's grandparents and a lovely prime rib dinner...no Turkey's sacrificed at the Chen household.

November 28th

Yay...time with my childhood friend Joma out in Santa Monica. Got to check out his new digs (now old) and the high school he teaches at...just like old times.

We are back up north now in the real world... next week is finals week. Can't wait for it to be done!

Yes We Did...

Words can't even explain what I feel right now...such emotions. I cried when they announced Obama.

I am so glad Americans were able to reach across the color lines for change.

Just trying to soak it all in - this historic moment.

Vote...Vote...Vote...

I did...

Racism & Discrimination '08

I am not one to usually go all political on my blog, but....the racism & ignorance in this presidential campaign has gotten to me. It runs rampant - just Youtube Ohio and Obama, you'll see what I'm sayin'.

Besides that, there is Prop 8 - ridiculous. California was the one of first states to allow interracial marriages. Let's be one of the first to keep gay marriages legal and quit with the discrimination. I am allowed to have privileges that my gay friends do not...it ain't right.

When you vote on the 4th...I hope it doesn't entail color of skin or homophobia.

'Nuff said.

A pumpkin rendition of...

Leon and Brett! Can you tell who is who?



It could have been the drinking, but our friends Brad and Peter decided to make pumpkin carving fun and recreate both Leon and Brett in pumpkin form. When we went over to Brad's house last night, they were there to greet us on the porch.

Unfortunately for Brett, his pumpkin made an appearance on his porch today. His dog Ellie freaked out - guess she did not recognize her Dad's face. Maybe it wasn't a good rendition after all.

Tank is not happy

Poor Tank...

We found some sort of cyst on his paw the other day. Since the vet was going to put him under to remove it, we'd thought we'd have them clean his teeth too.

Upside: Squeaky-clean teeth and that oh-so-fashionable Elizabethan collar!

Downside: That ef'fin Elizabethan collar!


"Why the hell are you taking pictures of me, woman?!?!"


"Seriously...take this sh*t off me..."

Why I love Tina Fey

A little catching up

Busy week last week....here's an update:

Wednesday night, went to the Maroon 5 concert at the Shoreline. I am not really much of a fan of Maroon 5, but with free VIP tickets, who can say No? It ended up being fun and they sounded good live.


Obstructed view


Finale

Then on Saturday it was time to do our civil duty and participate in the California Coastal Cleanup Day. We picked Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay. We managed to collect about 60 lbs. of debris including lighter fluid canisters, beer cans & bottles, cigarette butts, plastic bags, and socks (yes...socks). The biggest find however, was an old rusted shopping cart that Leon helped to haul back to the sign-in site with two other guys.


A lot of beach to clean


Enjoy the view


Leon scouring for garbage

Saturday night called for a celebration. We attended Leon's good friend Adam M.'s b-day party in SF. They rented a party trolley that stopped off at Medjool and Element. The Russian trolley driver was too funny (even if he wasn't meaning to be funny). He told us that if we must go pee or use drugs, then he has to pull over. So long as we did those things on the sidewalk, he had no problem pulling over. Great pep talk to get the night started. We had a lot of fun...almost too much - as I woke up with a wee bit of a hangover!

Spring Awakening

Great show...go see it while it's in town.

I especially liked the first few opening numbers.

Hot day, Fuwa, and Opa!

Wow - guess Summer decided to start in September. We do not usually see these temps on the Peninsula, so it is damn hot I tell ya'.


This past weekend Leon got back from China and he came bearing gifts. I was very excited to receive my collection of Fuwa!


Leon was suffering from jet lag still, but we managed to catch Tropic Thunder (hilarious BTW), and take a peek at the Greek Festival which happens to be just around the corner from where we live. Lots of good food, and we had to take some dessert to go.

Although this was a short week, given the Labor Day holiday, it seems like forever for Friday to get here...

Hello Summer

So jealous...

About a year ago, Leon and I started making plans to go to Beijing for the Olympics. His bro Wes lives there, and we would get to stay at his new condo in the heart of the city. I had a very limited timeframe to work with (because of school), and made all my class schedule plans around it. No second term Summer for me...Olympics here I come!

Unfortunately, the gods were not in my favor. Wesley is an American citizen and his visa was to expire in the month of August '08. In order to purchase Olympic tickets, you must have a Visa showing active at the time the Olympics were happening. However, in order to renew his Visa, Wesley had to return to the U.S. In order for us to get a Visa to visit Wesley, his had to be renewed. Long story short - we missed the boat. I decided to stay since there was no guarantee of seeing an event. Tickets would be available via scalpers or who knows what kind of lines. Given the $$ saved, I skipped the trip and encouraged Leon to still go with the fams. They left last week on Wednesday. They were able to catch one event - the U.S. vs. Japan in baseball.

Now for the past few days, I have thought about Leon being in Beijing with all my favorite things...

To eat: spicy fish, noodles, bao, and random crazy street food...yum! Is it coincidence that I have had Chinese food three times already since he has left? Szechuan food, Shanghai, Dim Sum...

On top of that: Wesley is a hip-hop DJ with many hook-ups in Beijing. They've been out on the town every night.

Yeah I'm jealous...here's my list of things I WISH I'd been a part of with Leon as he stays in Beijing:

1. Food
2.The craziness of the Olympic crowds
3. Shopping
4. Nightlife

But the biggest kicker of all? Here are the people Leon and Wes got to meet/mingle with these past few days:

- LeBron James
- Dwayne Wade
- Kobe Bryant
- Jason Kidd
- Carmelo Anthony
- Deron Willliams
- Hussein Bolt
- David Beckham (ladies...this one hurts)

I know! Seriously....

SO jealous....

WARNING: Olympics may cause drowsiness

Though we have a DVR and I vow to record the Olympic events every night, I can't wait for it. So I end up staying up really late to watch everything anyhow.

You have to admit that it has been pretty exciting. The opening ceremony alone was enough to make you want to see more. I feel really sorry for London in that aspect...it's going to take them all of the next four years to come up with something to top China.

So even though I suffer from lack of sleep during my workdays, it has been worth it. I know none of the morning headlines will surprise me because I've seen it already :)