Sisters are the best thing ever. Happy 26th birthday, Carissa!

Recently, my dad has been converting his old VHS tapes to digital files and found our entry. We didn’t win, unfortunately (or fortunately?). Watching it made me laugh. A lot.

A belated happy birthday to my sister Carissa, who turned 25 yesterday. No, we are not white girls who wear floral dresses and lay on docks, but I really liked this photo.

She emailed me back with this one.

Gasp! You can see her inner thigh! And her lower back! I just shook my head and laughed. Whatever. She can wear whatever she wants. Still, how did this hot mama have such a prudish daughter?

I sometimes tell Matt that all I ever hear in my house is, “Where’s Carissa? Have you talked to her? How is she?” even if she just called an hour ago. (She lives five minutes away.) She gets all the attention.

Still, she is cute and I love her.

For now, here’s an assessment of my 2009, with ratings from 1 to 10.

Career: 6
This score may seem a little harsh since this past year, I 1) left a position that was weighing me down, 2) created my own part-time position (at the same company) that I’m enjoying 100 times more, and 3) declared I would also be a freelance writer and have actually—knock on wood—been getting steady work. So overall, 2009 seems like a mondo WIN. The thing is, and when it comes to my career, there’s always a thing, I feel so far from where I could be. And I don’t quite know how to get there. It bugs.

Love: 9
So, I got engaged. If that doesn’t boost my score in this department, I’m doomed. No really, I am loving this stage in our relationship—we’re building a life together, piece by piece. (Did I tell you that Matt and I are now on Verizon’s family plan? Isn’t that the sweetest thing?) It feels wonderfully natural, like oh hi, you’re gonna be my husband. Grin.
(I didn’t give myself a 10 because I suppose there’s always room for improvement. Maybe Matt can make me French toast in bed sometime, ya think?)

Friendship: 7
I can do a lot better in calling—not just gchating and Facebooking—my best pals, but overall, I feel really blessed to have people in my life who know me (and like me anyway). I’m excited for what’s in store for us: More trips! More dinner dates! More nights we can’t remember!

Family: 9
Family rules! (Though Ma keeps nagging me to take my clothes out of the dryer, even if the buzzer went off just an hour ago … for the 42th time.)

Appearance: 5
While I wouldn’t call myself a grenade (Dude, I don’t even watch Jersey Shore and I kinda love that term), my appearance has taken a downwards turn. Yes, we all get older, I know, just deal with it, but this is the first time I’ve noticed some “signs.” Ew, that word! My undereye area is kinda dry, my cheeks are not as glowy as they used to be and my eyes make tiny creases when I smile. Oh, and we’re not even gonna talk about my hair. It’s all okay, though, I’m just gonna have to put more effort into this important area of life, you know, bring out the power tools. I just invested in good mascara and fake eyelashes (I’ve never tried them!), and my mom bought me this secret gel that she says will make me look five years younger (23, can’t wait to see you again! I have missed you!)

General happiness: 7.5
I have a good life. Now I want more.

I didn’t want to make a big announcement as I assume I’d get the same reactions here as when I put in my vacay notice at work. “Oh, what? Your tan from Costa Rica is fading? You poor thing!” Well, you know what? One, I’m not exactly in paradise here and two, yes, my tan was fading! So there.

I’m here with my parents and sister. This is my fifth time in Hawaii and my fourth time in Oahu, and gosh, maybe I’m just spoiled, but I could live a very complete and content life if I never again have to yell “Aloooooooooooha!” as directed by some tan dude in a grass skirt. Don’t get me wrong, the island is a gorgeous, idyllic place, but it’s just so commercialized. And expensive! I’m like, no, I don’t want pay $12 to learn how to turn a banana leaf into a headband, and they’re like, dude, we’re in a recession too you know, and I’m like dude, call Obama, he grew up here, and they’re like fine! Or something like that. Yeah, I don’t know. I’m tired.

Despite being somewhat of a brat about the destination, I decided to come on this trip because this could very well be the last family vacation we take together, just the four of us. It’s kind of sad when I think about it. Being here brings back so many memories of vacations of the past. My sis and I on the pull-out bed, stacks of meal coupons in my mom’s purse, photos every five minutes.

And it’s still my dad and his three “whining women.” Today, as we were driving to North Shore in our rental car, he was fumbling with his giant map, trying to figure out which freeway to take next. Discord ensued.

Sister: Just give me an address. I’ll plug it into the GPS.
Dad: Do you have a compass?
Me, sister & mom: A COMPASS?!
Sister: Just name any place in the area we’re heading to.
Dad: We’re just driving and exploring. We don’t really have a destination.
Me, sister & mom: WHAT?! WE NEED A DESTINATION!
Me: I have to pee.

After more bickering, we finally happened to land in a place called the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is like an amusement park without rides. It saved us. Our day ended up being full of activity and it was all pretty educational and fun.

As we were driving back to our hotel underneath the stars, there was something about sitting there in the back seat with my parents up front and my sister beside me. We stared out the windows in silence, and I felt so safe. Like I always have.

I am glad to be here.

Me, Tiff and David

Some thoughts:

- I still have that stupid, open-mouthed expression at all times. Huh?

- Why couldn’t I have gotten a real Halloween costume? “Chinese girl” is not a costume! “Chinese girl” is what I was in real life! Lame.

- WTF is up with my cousins’ faces? I can totally imagine my aunts drawing on them and laughing uncontrollably. So this is why you have kids, eh?

- The photo scanner has to be one of the best inventions ever.

You rock.

Happy 24th birthday.

Love,

Big Woo

My cousin Ashley

Me and my sister Carissa

My cousin Alan

My cousin Tiff

My cousin Krystal

My uncle Norm and aunt Jeanne

Photos by my cousin David.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Don’t judge.