Neil strikes out

Neil strikes out, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

We took the morning off to play a game of bowling w/ Teri and Tyler. It was fun and lasted less than 1hr. Remember when we used to go bowling back in Hawaii?!
:)

We shall meet in Hell!

We shall meet in Hell!, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

I felt like a kid this afternoon. I unboxed a bunch of X-Men and took them out and played with them. I posed them and took pics that I flickr. :)

My favorite Storm "look"

All Hail, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

This is my favorite action figure of Storm. The hair itself is worth buying. I think I did a pretty good job with the pose and angle of the photo. Come on Nate, with all those action figues of yours, I'd be thinking you'd have scenes played out!

C'mon!

Allied Waste Services can kiss my ASS

Allied Waste Services can kiss my ASS, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

We were set up with Allied Waste a few months ago and they offered me 2 free recyling dumpsters to be picked up every other week.

They've missed almost every pickup since. When we call them, they tell us that there will be a non-scheduled pick up fee. What do I want to do? I kindly let them know that I will not be paying for their delinquency. So they tell me that my next pick up will be in 2 weeks.

So I'm trying really hard to be calm. I tell them that my recycling has not been picked up at all this month, why won't they come out and do their job?

I was placed on hold and the customer service lady, APRIL, who was like a robot says to me, "would you like my supervisor to contact you?"

That's where it ended for Phase I.

Phase II. I went through my billing statement and noticed that they had charged me 2 non-scheduled pick up fees. So I'm utterly irate and call back to speak to a supervisor. The guy on the phone tells me his name is ANDREW and that he is the supervisor. Great I think to myself, I can get this crap resolved. So I go on and tell him the situation and then he puts me on hold. He comes back and tells me that there is a note on my account that a supervisor will be calling me back. I say, "Yes? and wouldn't that be you? Didn't I ask to speak to a supervisor when I called? And didn't you tell my you were the supervisor?"

He says, "Well, I'm just the temporary acting supervisor. Another supervisor will call you back."

So now I have recyling filled to the brim and a lot more in my office.

I'm at a lost for words and I know tha screaming at people who call themselves customer service representatives sitting in a room answering pissed off phone calls will do be ZERO good because they absolutely don't give a shit!

I think I will be cancelling my service, yet again.

Happy 42nd

Happy 42nd, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Bought dinner from Cafe Ori and had a simple dinner at the house. The kids ate very slowly and we had pecan pie and vanilla gelato for dessert from Wholefoods. Pecan pie was hot and delicious. The gelato on the other hand was too airy and fluffy.

See the rest of the photos on Flickr :)

Happy Birthday Teri

A big happy birthday to you! :) We'll see you for dinner.

xoxo!

Fake Shark Fin

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/10/19/shark-fin-animal.html?category=animals&guid=20071019141500&dcitc=w19-502-ak-0000

It's good to know that someone is doing something about this. There's absolutely NO reason why sharks should have their fins cut off, thrown back into the sea, to die! Shark fin has no taste anyway!

Follow my lead

Follow my lead, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

So here's the other toy I got. It specifically says "NOT FOR CHILDREN" A collector's toy. It has small parts like the wind up crank that kids will swallow. The duck is on whell and the ducklings are towed along.

Let's go for a spin

Let's go for a spin, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

I keep telling Neil to not collect junk. But here I go, giving in and buying this wind up vintage toy at the Salish Lodge gift shop.

But come on, tell me it's not awesome!

pretty in pink

pretty in pink, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

I love dahlias...i wish we had dinnerplate ones. Reminds me of the time we got them for TNT wedding and the guest started to leave early and started to dismantle the display so they could take them home....I'll leave it at that!

Salish Lodge

butternut squash soup, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

It was a perfect day to go! The lunch was yummy and hearty!
Neil finally got his flickr and Blog up. Check him out.

www.neilesilverman.blogspot.com

Check his flickr via me :)

iSushi

avocado roll, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

We went to Issaquah for movie night and stopped by iSushi to grab a quick bite. I didn't realize how BIG this place was. Like a Gengki or BlueC with the conveyor belt seating.

With almost every seat taken, I thought it would be a sure bet. I was wrong. We were sat in the back where the sushi chefs were preparing everything.

I personally wasn't keen on the cleanliness or the presentation. The sushi rice was falling apart. I couldn't pick the rice roll up w/ my chopstick w/o it falling all apart. I wasn't the only one. The couple next to us was experiencing the same thing.

I could go on but it seems people in IssQ love this place, maybe it's the only one around?

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

The Cyclone pasta is really the best dish on the menu. I learned that the veggies which is sooo good is really cooked in bacon butter. No wonder.

max out

max out, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

I think this is a great shot of Max.

Serious Pie

SP sausage, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

We keep talking about this joint. So we went there for lunch w/ Danny. I'd never go back only because it shoud be 1/2 the price.
A pizza cost around $15 for an 11". I guess it would feed 2 comfortably. But come on...it really should be $8 at the most.

The best was the sausage, then egg, then mozzeralla, and last, the clams. If the clams were fresh, I'd reconsider but it was fishy. Didn't look or taste fresh.

The cannoli was a big dissapointment. The ONLY cannoli I enjoyed was in North Hamtpon's JOE'S.

Seriously...

Monday Night Dinner

Monday Night Dinner, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Rare beef pho
Taro shake with double tapioca

You got me spinning...

You got me spinning..., originally uploaded by awungfoo.

So there's a SWARM of these itty bitty flies all over the neighborhood. Maybe they sense fall is coming and clammering to find shelter. Anyway, the spiders are spinning huge, huge ass webs and snarling these creatures and feasting like there's no tomorrow.

Dumbo

Dumbo, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

i love this!

Elephant

Elephant, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Tanner is great at staying still to take pictures. Tyler on the other hand won't stand still long enough. Terry made really juicy burgers and we celebrated Danny's bday again w/ a second cake.

A Flock of ...

A Flock of ..., originally uploaded by awungfoo.

This might be Nathan's nightmare but we went to see Michael Clayton and I think Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson should win an oscar for their amazing performance.

As we were heading out the parking lot, the entire sky was flooded with literally 100s of crows heading SE!

Smashing

Smashing, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

I remember the Halloweens we had on Rooke Ave. Those were the good ol' days of receiving grocery bags full of goodies. Now-a-days, kids have to go to the mall. Where's the thrill and suspense of going up to a darken house and ringing the door bell.

We participate in the local trick or treat and I swear it's a pain in the ass. First I have to buy bags of candy and 2nd, we have kids and their mom or dad or whoever come in and go Trick or Treat! I'm trying to run a business and make some god damn $. They can be a distraction as we're trying to work with real paying customers.

Too bad that it has fallen upon businesses to provide a safe pratice that should really be a community/ neighborhood effort. Instead of getting to know your neighbors, people just go to the mall.

Who would have thought

my hump, my hump...., originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Marc Ecko...Love the stuff. The outlet has the skull hoody Hiram and I got for $60 down to $25. Neil and I got jeans 2 for $50.

:)

Vancouver

mango pineapple lassi, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

We drove up for a day and it went by rather quickly. DL "The Kite Runner" which is being turned into a movie. Saw the preview of it b4 "into the wild". It's a nice memoir style of a "read". Amazing insight in to the Afghan life.

So maybe it was just me, but I wasn't so thrilled about Vancouver. It seemed all the little cool stores are gone and the big stores have taken over. Every you go now, it's all the same damn stores! What's the point? Might as well shop out of a catalog or online.

We did have a nice quick lunch at Rangoli on Granville in Vancouver. Indian curry lunch. We didn't even stay for dinner. Got home around 7pm and had takeout from Cafe Ori.

To the left. to the left, to the left

To the left. to the left, to the left, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Just another day at home with 2 screaming birds.

sunrise

sunrise, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Now that we added another desk, I get to look out the window and this was my view in the morning. Such I added a little hue and saturation but it's very close to the real thing :)

everything in moderation

Costco chicken and greens for Sunday dinner.

Costco muffin for breakfast. I only ate 1/3 of it, the crunchy part. Too much to digest.

The Last King of Scotland

I can see why Forest Whitaker won an Academy award for his portrayal of General Amin. If you haven't already know James MacAvoy, you should. He played Dr. Garrison in the movie and he was also in Becoming Jane. I also recognize his name in a lot of films recently. He's an amazing actor.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

lazy sunday

lazy sunday, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

It's been raining on and off the whole day. I've had a nice lazy day napping and Max is doing the same. I put in "The Good Shephard" and it's boring me to sleep. So I guess it's doing it's job perfectly.
I'm using the laptop that we just got. I like it. Panasonic.

Somehow Neil DL a virus and the desktop computer has POP UP everywhere. I'll let him fix it.

:)

Into the Wild

We were going to see this movie after Dahlia Lounge last night, but to sit through almost 3 hrs after dinner wasn't such a thrill. Neil and I went this afternoon and I must say that this should win best movie for the Oscars. It was so moving. To see a person so disappointed with society to want nothing more than to leave it, and then only to find himself at his most solitude wanting to be part of society.

We stopped by Wholefoods afterwards and I had soup and salad.

Happy Bday Danny

Happy 37th! We took him to Dahlia Lounge for dinner. Check out the FLickr photos.

More art in your life...

More art in your life..., originally uploaded by awungfoo.

What a fitting fortune cookie considering we're redoing the TV room. Just saw PUSHING DAISIES and it's a cute show. Looks promising. Looking fwd to the season's finale of TOP CHEF. I think the girl is gonna win.

Across the Universe

Saw it. First 1/2 was Ok. Second 1/2 worked much better. Did the music work? Yes and No. 3 out of 5. I really like the Jude character.

Decorating 101

Decorating 101, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

I ditched my "wish" for an acrylic frame. It would have been almost $1000. So I went the Target route and printed my own photos for 1/10 the cost. Now we just have to repaint the walls.

We also took the large mirror from the garage and set it off to the side wall. Unfortunately, it's from Costco and during the move from Capitol Hill to here, the frame was damaged and the mirror is loose so we can't hang it.

New living space

New living space, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Out with the old. I love the new openess of the TV room. Now we just need some art on the wall. I think the wall 9 photo dahlia would look awesome!

it's the time of the season for...

fall, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Damn, it's Fall. While friends in NYC and PHX tell me that it's hot as shit and they're still wearing tank tops and shorts, we're all bundled up in fleece and long pants...

The Fremont Red Bull Derby race was on today and I thought about going but I wasn't in the mood to deal w/ the crowd. My staff felt they managed things quite well and I was rather impressed that they called to ask to stay longer.

Having a decent staff makes such a huge difference. Thank god for small favors.

:) Stay dry.

Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

I love taking photos like these. So much movement and you never know what you'll get.

This was a 15 second open shutter frame as we left Omar's heading to Danny's house.

Omar Lebanese Food

Omar Lebanese Food, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

It's next to Danny's house and for a Monday night, it was empty. Only 1 other table and it was 2 fat women talking about nothing. Another girl came in to order take out. It seems she's never been in before and needed help with the menu.

We ordered falafil and tabouleh. It was very fresh and the flavors were distinct and fragrant. You get a soup or salad and since there were 2of us, we tried both. The eggplant soup was very hearty the salad dressing was tangy but not overpowering.

The lamb/beef roll was too compact for me. Like trying to squeeze a very difficult turd. Yes, that's what it looked like. The grill chicken with curry powder on the other hand was moist, flavorful, and excellent.

We didn't try their baklava which was being made fresh and in house as we were eating because we told Danny we would be heading over afterwards to finish up the pies.

A bit pricy but you do get A LOT of food.

The pot has arrived

The pot has arrived, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

hotpot and the village tonight. Yummy and a lot of food as always. The crab was my favorite. fresh, sweet, and very meaty.

Egg custard Tart

Egg custard Tart, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Tanner loves fried food. I see KFC in his future. Zen Garden in Milcreek was a good choice for dim sum this afternoon.

Dinner @ TNT

make love not war, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

As usual, the steak was dead on. Tyler impressed us with his piano playing. At his rate, he'll be playing Mozart by the end of the year.

TGIF

365: Day 39, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

It doesn't really mean anything, we work tomorrow. I did take a 1/2 day on Wed, but I ended up working from home anyway.

Neil was so excited to see Resident Evil: Extinction tonight. I was 1/2 falling asleep. The acting was actually well done, the action was ok. The story was just inconsequential. But I have to tell you that Milla Jovovich is damn HOT! :)

So to follow up with staffing, I have to say that I really like most of the new staff. Now I just need to improve their sales tactics.

Panasonic Lumix Leica TZ3

Tripe, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Neil decided to get his own point and shoot. A Panasonic Lumix Leica lens model TZ3. It's nice and there's a lot of cool features.

Across the Universe

I am in anticipation for this movie to come out. I just DL the music soundtrack from iTunes and I LOVE it. I love LOVE but I'm a suckah for musical/soundtracks/showtunes and this has all the elements to make a great movie, not to mention BONO!

I hope the movie doesn't suck but if nothing else, take a listen. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how well they covered all the songs.

Fall

I'm going home, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Fall is here. Sucks. It's wet, cold, rainy, cloudy, wet, wet, wet.

On my way home, I noticed the clouds and I really wanted to stop in the middle of the freeway and just take a picture. Luckily, I took my exit and during a red light was able to capture the gorgeous burnt orange hue of the sky.

SUNDAY

orange scone, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

This is the 2nd weekend I've work straight through. So I guess it means I've worked over 14 days straight. Wonderful...
I have to admit that right now, my staff gives me ZERO headache. They're all learning and I'm glad that they are receptive and actually selling.

Today, I couldn't sleep so I was up at 3:30am and went to work at 5am and redid all the planters for fall.

Went back to Fremont at 10am to www.threadshow.com
we were only going to see some samples but ended up meeting some old friends and there was a section quartered off for wholesale and we wrote some good lines we missed in Vegas.

EMMY time!
:)

Korean for lunch

Korean for lunch, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

When I was in LA, we went to Koreatown and there's this Korean joint right in the center of the complex where we shop. It's run by Koreans and not Chinese, unlike some Seattle joints we've been to!
The seafood soup was so spicy and bubbling hot that we had to let it simmer down a bit. It was so hearty and tasty! The fish could have used some seasoning but it was rather cripsy and the meat was flaking. It was just a tad fishy.

Wednesday Sept 12 2007

sunrise, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Took a day trip to LA with our friends from Peridot to do some immediate shopping. Visit the store's blog to see our new arrivals.
Got up at 3am. Actually I don't really sleep when I have to fly the next day so it's a wasted night. Caught the 6am flight, spent the entire day walking and selecting merchandise. Took the 8:30pm flight home and went to bed at 12.

365: Day 29

365: Day 29, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Roast duck.
So good. I'm off to LA tomorrow for 1 day! Yeah, no packing!
6am flight, come back 8pm.

ecco rxp 3040

ecco rxp 3040, originally uploaded by awungfoo.

Performance is what serious runners demand from running shoes, and Ecco® is on the cutting edge of performance footwear design. The uppers on the new RXP 3040 are a synthetic leather and textile combination teamed with breathable mesh, supportive overlays and a ballistic nylon lacing system. These features wrap your foot in a durable, yet breathable shell that is also lightweight so it won't slow you down. There is encapsulated DynaThane in the high-impact area of the forefoot to dampen shock. An ultralight, compression-molded EVA midsole is equipped with a Receptor® RXP technology plate that's anatomically designed for those who run on hard surfaces. Receptor's highly abrasion-resistant rubber outsole is engineered with a specially selected tread pattern that delivers optimal performance on roads, sidewalks and other smooth surfaces along with exceptional durability. For maximum stability, the shoe incorporates Receptor® RXP Plantar Fascia Bridge (PFB) technology and a dual-density medial heel for motion control.

Lynne and Hiram, try this one out! I'm telling you, it's amazing!

Happy Birthday DEBORA

Today is Debora, Neil's sister, birthday! Have a wonderful day and I'm sure you'll have a delicious dinner tonight! xoxoxoxo

Zen Garden

What was once the Imperial Palace is now Zen Garden. I was cautious about having Chinese in Mill Creek and the online reviews were not so positive. But I and I'm sure Teri and Danny/Ivy will tell you, it was damn good! I wasn't so keen on the multiple levels but the garden was very beautiful and picturesque.

We had 2 tables and Joe ordered the GREAT COMPANION GATHERING FEAST.

We had:
Deluxe house platter of assorted appetizers (jellyfish, pork, and beef)
Vegetable stir fry with sliced Chx and Shrimp
Scramble eggs with fried fish maw and crab meat
Shark fin soup
Dungeness crab stir fried with salted duck eggs
Berling mushrooms with tofu
Drunken chicken with ginger sauce
Deep fried grouper and pan fried sole
Seafood fried rice
red bean dessert

In celebrating Joe's engagement to Suzy, we met some of her friends and her parents sat at our table. Suzy's dad, Harold tried and ate everything! They're just sweet folks!

Let's come back for dim sum and see if the food is worth the drive.

No pictures because I forgot my camera at home. Neil didn't come because he was sick w/ a cold.

I guess Elvis likes to Sniff butts too...

DSC08482, originally uploaded by awungfoo.