Lunar New Year might be one of my new favorite holidays.
For starters, the TelePresence team at Cisco went out for dim sum on Chinese New Year's Eve. Our group had around 40 people and took up several tables. It was a no-host lunch, but the $15 was well spent as all of the food was quite good. Click here for pictures from the meal.
The Armada Group brought us lunch the next day as it was Lunar New Year. The butter chicken was one of the best things I've ever tasted. I didn't know Indian food could be so damn delicious. This is one reason I love my job.
Continuing on, the Shiehs had us over for dinner on the 5th. It was great to see my cousin Cathy again. Her friend Christina was going to stop by but came down with food poisoning and had to cancel. I definitely hope there will be other opportunities to get to know her better.
The weekend concluded with the Liu family - our new neighbors two houses down - inviting us and another couple over. The kids and I watched Super Bowl XLV while the others helped make dumplings. There was so much food that I was quickly full. The not-so-fun part is that I had an awful bad headache, but that fortunately went away after a good night's sleep.
On the whole, this was one of our best weekends ever. You can go here for the pictures.
Currently listening to: "I Do (Cherish You)" by 98 Degrees
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
a short but exciting Christmas break
I'm now back in the office as the holidays are over. One thing about having a regular job is that vacation days are scarce. That said, the break was nice.
For starters, the Shiehs invited us over for lunch on Christmas. Aunt Cynthia and my cousin Connie both made lots of delicious food. Everyone had such a good time that we stayed for dinner. You can go here for the pictures.
This was followed by a day trip to Monterey on the 27th. I enjoyed checking out the restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf and trying the clam chowder samples. The food on display looked appetizing - the only reason we didn't eat here is that we had leftovers at home. Monterey is definitely a place I'd like to revisit in the future. I've posted pictures from the day trip on Flickr.
Continuing on, Dad took us to Tahoe three days later. The trip was short but really fun. After getting home, the three of us went to Cynthia's house again to celebrate New Year's Eve with the Shiehs. So yeah, the break was awesome.
Currently listening to: "Auld Lang Syne"
For starters, the Shiehs invited us over for lunch on Christmas. Aunt Cynthia and my cousin Connie both made lots of delicious food. Everyone had such a good time that we stayed for dinner. You can go here for the pictures.
This was followed by a day trip to Monterey on the 27th. I enjoyed checking out the restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf and trying the clam chowder samples. The food on display looked appetizing - the only reason we didn't eat here is that we had leftovers at home. Monterey is definitely a place I'd like to revisit in the future. I've posted pictures from the day trip on Flickr.
Continuing on, Dad took us to Tahoe three days later. The trip was short but really fun. After getting home, the three of us went to Cynthia's house again to celebrate New Year's Eve with the Shiehs. So yeah, the break was awesome.
Currently listening to: "Auld Lang Syne"
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy 2011, y'all
It feels like 2010 has just started. Can you believe 2011 is already here?
I'll start by saying that we didn't have anyone over for New Year's Eve as neither of the families we invited could come. On the other hand, my family had dinner with the Shiehs at my aunt Cynthia's house. I definitely can't complain!
Connie had recently left for San Diego, but Cathy was home. It was nice to watch the Times Square ball drop with my cousin after dinner. Cathy's friend Christina later came over and seemed like a cool person. Though I wanted to stay and get to know her better, Dad was tired and wished to go home. I felt it would be selfish to keep my parents waiting just to talk to a girl. Oh well, there are probably other chances to get acquainted.
Considering that our own New Year's Eve party was canceled, I'm thankful that we got to spend time with the Shiehs.
2010 in review
Last year was pretty tough. The worst part was when my father lost his job. It didn't help that our car was burglarized six days later. Another unpleasant memory was when an "FBI agent" accused me of aiming my laser at aircraft during the Moonlight Train Dinner Party at Roaring Camp. Though we figured he was an impostor, our evening was ruined. I had looked forward to the event for years and was pretty pissed off. Dad had paid $135 for the tickets and understandably wasn't too happy either.
On a more positive note, the best part of 2010 was finishing graduate school. It took a huge financial burden off our shoulders, not to mention we had an awesome party on the last day of class. Thanksgiving break was also lots of fun. The dinner with the Panns and the day trip to Willits were both enjoyable.
All that having been said, it's best not to dwell on the past. Speaking of which, my New Year's resolutions for 2011 are to make more "offline" friends, improve my job performance and be nicer to my parents. Haha.
Currently playing: The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
I'll start by saying that we didn't have anyone over for New Year's Eve as neither of the families we invited could come. On the other hand, my family had dinner with the Shiehs at my aunt Cynthia's house. I definitely can't complain!
Connie had recently left for San Diego, but Cathy was home. It was nice to watch the Times Square ball drop with my cousin after dinner. Cathy's friend Christina later came over and seemed like a cool person. Though I wanted to stay and get to know her better, Dad was tired and wished to go home. I felt it would be selfish to keep my parents waiting just to talk to a girl. Oh well, there are probably other chances to get acquainted.
Considering that our own New Year's Eve party was canceled, I'm thankful that we got to spend time with the Shiehs.
2010 in review
Last year was pretty tough. The worst part was when my father lost his job. It didn't help that our car was burglarized six days later. Another unpleasant memory was when an "FBI agent" accused me of aiming my laser at aircraft during the Moonlight Train Dinner Party at Roaring Camp. Though we figured he was an impostor, our evening was ruined. I had looked forward to the event for years and was pretty pissed off. Dad had paid $135 for the tickets and understandably wasn't too happy either.
On a more positive note, the best part of 2010 was finishing graduate school. It took a huge financial burden off our shoulders, not to mention we had an awesome party on the last day of class. Thanksgiving break was also lots of fun. The dinner with the Panns and the day trip to Willits were both enjoyable.
All that having been said, it's best not to dwell on the past. Speaking of which, my New Year's resolutions for 2011 are to make more "offline" friends, improve my job performance and be nicer to my parents. Haha.
Currently playing: The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
Friday, December 31, 2010
a quick trip to Tahoe
Happy New Year's Eve!
I just got back from Tahoe with my parents. The trip was short but pretty fun. I had suggested staying home in light of our current financial situation, but Dad was able to book a room at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino for only $21 with his loyalty points. :-)
Day 1
There was little traffic on the way to Incline Village. I had done most of the driving and was a little tired when we arrived. Freezing temperatures aside, the evening was eventful as we went to Raley's for groceries and tried our luck at the Grand Lodge Casino after dinner. Playing the slots was my favorite part of the trip even though luck wasn't on our side this time.
Because there wasn't much else to do, all of us went to bed before 10:30 p.m. Shortly afterwards, Mom realized she may have forgotten to turn off the outlet valve after cleaning our swimming pool. Oh crap.
Day 2
The morning weather was pretty nice. The three of us went for a stroll along Donner Lake and browsed the shops in Truckee. However, because the Shiehs are having us over for dinner, my parents decided we shouldn't leave too late. Besides stopping at three stores in Roseville for groceries - namely Costco, Cost Plus World Market and WinCo Foods - the trip home was uneventful.
The plan was to go to a local restaurant for lunch, but we weren't hungry anymore after eating a bunch of samples at Costco. The light traffic allowed us to get home earlier than expected. The other good news is that Mom did remember to turn off the pool valve after all. That was no doubt a huge relief.
Conclusions
On the whole, this was a great trip. Tahoe is one of those places that never gets old. I definitely wish we had an extra day or two. At any rate, feel free to check out my pictures on Flickr.
I'm also excited to celebrate New Year's Eve with my cousins. It's so nice to be invited to dinner right after coming home. :-)
Currently listening to: "When the Dream Ends" by Christopher Chua
I just got back from Tahoe with my parents. The trip was short but pretty fun. I had suggested staying home in light of our current financial situation, but Dad was able to book a room at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino for only $21 with his loyalty points. :-)
Day 1
There was little traffic on the way to Incline Village. I had done most of the driving and was a little tired when we arrived. Freezing temperatures aside, the evening was eventful as we went to Raley's for groceries and tried our luck at the Grand Lodge Casino after dinner. Playing the slots was my favorite part of the trip even though luck wasn't on our side this time.
Because there wasn't much else to do, all of us went to bed before 10:30 p.m. Shortly afterwards, Mom realized she may have forgotten to turn off the outlet valve after cleaning our swimming pool. Oh crap.
Day 2
The morning weather was pretty nice. The three of us went for a stroll along Donner Lake and browsed the shops in Truckee. However, because the Shiehs are having us over for dinner, my parents decided we shouldn't leave too late. Besides stopping at three stores in Roseville for groceries - namely Costco, Cost Plus World Market and WinCo Foods - the trip home was uneventful.
The plan was to go to a local restaurant for lunch, but we weren't hungry anymore after eating a bunch of samples at Costco. The light traffic allowed us to get home earlier than expected. The other good news is that Mom did remember to turn off the pool valve after all. That was no doubt a huge relief.
Conclusions
On the whole, this was a great trip. Tahoe is one of those places that never gets old. I definitely wish we had an extra day or two. At any rate, feel free to check out my pictures on Flickr.
I'm also excited to celebrate New Year's Eve with my cousins. It's so nice to be invited to dinner right after coming home. :-)
Currently listening to: "When the Dream Ends" by Christopher Chua
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
congratulations, Lori!
I've received word that my cousin Lori has tied the knot in Taiwan. So without further ado, please join me in congratulating her and Lawrence on their union. I wish the happy couple all the best in the years to come.
That makes three cousins on my mother's side who are now married, the previous being Anne and Tom. It's funny that Anne's husband is also named Lawrence. Judging by the pattern, I should be the next one to get hitched. If only I wasn't single. ^_^
In other news...
Christmas break started last Friday for me. Speaking of which, my family is heading to Tahoe. I'm pretty excited!
That makes three cousins on my mother's side who are now married, the previous being Anne and Tom. It's funny that Anne's husband is also named Lawrence. Judging by the pattern, I should be the next one to get hitched. If only I wasn't single. ^_^
In other news...
Christmas break started last Friday for me. Speaking of which, my family is heading to Tahoe. I'm pretty excited!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
first day at Cisco
"So you're new here... does that mean you'll believe everything we tell you?" -- Albert
I started my new job today at Cisco Systems as a software engineer. Hello, real world. For those curious, I'll be doing test automation for the TelePresence team.
The first day went pretty well. I set up my computer while my co-workers Kim and Swapneel showed me the ropes. Speaking of which, my work computer is a ThinkPad W510 with an Intel Core i7-720QM processor, 4 GB of RAM and 320 GB of storage. It's much faster than anything at home. I have my own cubicle, although we typically work in the labs.
I'm definitely loving my new job so far. Everyone is friendly and helpful, especially my mentors. In addition to being very close to McCarthy Ranch, our building has its own cafeteria. I've also been told that our team Christmas lunch is just around the corner. From what I've heard, many people consider Cisco to be one of the best companies to work for. I certainly can't disagree.
Of course, the transition from the classroom to the office is no small change. I'll definitely miss the dances and month-long vacations. There's probably no spring break in April either. On the other hand, at least I don't have to worry about exams. :-)
I don't actually work directly for Cisco, but as a contractor for a Santa Cruz-based staffing company called The Armada Group. This means I get paid less than a regular employee as Armada takes a cut of what Cisco pays. However, I'm certainly not complaining about finding work right after school.
Currently playing: Super Mario BP Oil Spill
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
a farewell to UC Santa Cruz
Last night was the CMPS 101 final. I hope I didn't bomb the exam as it was quite tough. But considering that I did better than expected on the two midterms, maybe I shouldn't worry too much. In any case, the fall quarter is over!
Speaking of which, I moved out last Tuesday as my lease has ended. Connie's house is one of the nicest places I've ever stayed. It was hard to say goodbye to her cats Tommy and Zoe. They'll always have a special place in my heart.
In other news...
Tomorrow is my first day at Cisco Systems. I'm a little nervous but also extremely excited!
Currently playing: endeavor
Speaking of which, I moved out last Tuesday as my lease has ended. Connie's house is one of the nicest places I've ever stayed. It was hard to say goodbye to her cats Tommy and Zoe. They'll always have a special place in my heart.
In other news...
Tomorrow is my first day at Cisco Systems. I'm a little nervous but also extremely excited!
Currently playing: endeavor
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