Category Archives: Friendship

My Girls

Tomorrow, I’ll be at my bridal shower where I will be in the company of 30 beautiful ladies, young and old gracefully mature, who’ll all bond over silly girly games and summer sangria. I can’t wait.

I’m so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. My heart feels warm and full when I think about all the people who’ve helped me and Matt this year, from planning our last hurrahs to spending their Sunday nights tying ribbons onto sticks.

Right now, I want to introduce you guys to my bridesmaids, who’ve been so amazing and have made my whole wedding journey so much more special. Copied and pasted from our wedding website, here they are!

Carissa
Carissa, aka “Little Woo,” is Michelle’s one and only sibling. People always say the two of them look alike but they can’t really see the resemblance. She is an independent spirit and a born risk-taker, recently starting her own business, Name That Frame, and signing up for the Miss Chinatown pageant, even though she can barely order ice water at Chinese restaurants. Michelle and Carissa laugh so much whenever they’re together, whether they’re reciting lines from “Elf” or belting out showtunes from their childhood. They are so different from one another but they’ll always be close. Sister Power!
Desiree
Desiree and Michelle met in their college sorority. The first time Michelle saw Desiree, she thought, “Wow, that girl is buff.” Desiree is extremely competitive. (Sometimes at restaurants, she’ll gulp down her entire glass of water and declare “I WIN!” as everyone at the table sits there confused.) She’s also genuine, compassionate and hilarious. Desiree is studying to get her PhD in organizational psychology so she loves making Michelle take personality tests. It is because Desiree is an ENFP and Michelle is an INFP that they can remain such wonderful friends (but never remember when they’re supposed to hang out).
Nao
Michelle met Nao in high school. They became instant friends and even created a secret language and a comic book saga (starring themselves, of course). They went on to be roommates in college, which was endless silliness and bliss. Michelle is in awe of all Nao has accomplished since then—she was a designer for Max Azria (Madonna wore one of her creations!) and is now studying to become a speech pathologist. Nao is warm, thoughtful and full of smiles and energy. And hotness.
Jessica
Jessica and Michelle met their first year of college. She was this sweet gal from Louisiana who wore bright headbands and said “y’all.” Little did Michelle know she was crazy! In the best possible way, of course. Jessica helped quiet little Michelle come out of her shell by taking her to parties and inviting her to check out her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. The rest is history. Jessica is also one of the smartest, most ambitious people Michelle knows. She’s currently a dentist in the US Navy. Michelle is very proud to have her as a close friend—and she salutes her!
Alice
Alice and Michelle met in high school choir. (Yep, they were just like the kids in “Glee”—um, okay, not really.) They were in the same sorority at UC Irvine but became good friends after college, when they would run (almost) every morning together on their old high school track. Alice and Michelle went on two trips together, first to China and then to Costa Rica. Alice has since followed her dream to live it up in the Big Apple, where she now teaches special education. Michelle misses her quirky antics, impeccable organizational skills and her amazing snickerdoodles, but she mostly misses her kind, caring heart. (Haha, Alice hates it when friends get mushy!)

2009: An Assessment

So I wrote this last week but was about to delete it because I was like, it’s sooooo boring, who wants to read about my boooring life? And then I thought, hmmm, well, this site is called Michelle Woo (me), so I guess you all do. Which brings me to my first goal of 2010 (and beyond): STOP CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK. Oh, by the way, I’ve decided that every day this week, before I answer your questions (keep ‘em coming!), I’m going to write about one aspect of my life I’d like to work on. I was kidding myself when I thought I could cruise through the new year without some emo self-reflection. So stay tuned!

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.

Will you …

… be my bridesmaid?

This weekend, I “proposed” to my best girls with flower locket rings.

bridesmaid1

bridesmaid2Rings by the always wonderful Danni at oh, hello friend.

They said yes!

Carissa, Jess, Des, Nao and Alice: I am blessed to have you in my life. I hope I don’t make you put up with too much crazy in the coming months! Love you.

Recovering

Sorry for the lack of posting. I am still recovering from this month’s wedding-overdose (we attended three in a row!) and possible swine flu. Oh yes, swine flu. The other day, my boss announced nonchalantly that his kids are infected and of course, we all freaked the eff out. The next day, several of us started feeling sick and one of my coworkers handed out SARS masks and we all wore them at our desks. (So Asian.) I’ve been kind of feverish and lethargic, but I think I just need rest.

This month was ridiculously fun, though. Here’s a clip of me and my gals at our sorority sister Jessica’s wedding this past weekend.

Happy Friday. Stay well.

Ladies, I have his number

via Gchat

Lorenzo: This is a brainstorming session. I need you to help me write a bio for the bachelor auction I’m in.
Me: Well, what are your most attractive features?
Lorenzo: I’ve been told I have a nice upper lip. And my ex said I had a nice back.
Kyung: Mention you have great NIPPLES!!
Lorenzo: BTW, I have the choice of allowing both females and males to bid.
Julieann: HAHAHAHA
Kyung: Say you lived in SF.
Lorenzo: You can say that I traveled to India, Costa Rica, London, Taiwan and Japan.
Julieann: You built my desk.
Kyung: Say you’re a builder!
Lorenzo: I’m an architect.
Kyung:
Say you’re a gold medalist in bedroom olympics.
Lorenzo:
I have to go on stage, too. I’ll be nervous.
Julieann: Just don’t wear anything that shows armpit sweat.
Kyung: To show creativity, first appear nerdy and lame, but somewhere in the middle of your sales pitch, change your voice and appearance.
Jon: Steve Urkel to Stephan!
Kyung: Wear glasses and then fling them into the crowd. Ta-da !
Lorenzo: Haha. OK, focus. I enjoy surfing, beach volleyball, wine and movies. Don’t say chick flicks. Oh, you should probably mention I’m a pretty good dancer.
Jon: Do a dance on stage.
Kyung: When transforming into Stephan!
Lorenzo: On my bio, it should just say I HAVE A JOB.
Kyung: Mention your WPM.
Me: How about something like this? “Lorenzo is the perfect mix of brains and brawn. The proud Bruin loves to travel, surf, play beach volleyball, watch movies and get down on the dance floor. He’s also a gold medalist in Bedroom Olympics. OK, just kidding. He only won the bronze.”
Lorenzo: $1000 bid!
Kyung: $1001!
Me: Yay! Now what picture are you gonna use? That’s even more important.
Lorenzo: I need help there, too.
Kyung: I can Photoshop something for you :)
Lorenzo: Put me on Wolverine’s body and give me Johnny Depp’s eyes and hair.
Kyung: You should write this: “I’ve thought a lot about what first impression I should give you all, but the truth is, I have multiple personality syndrome, bipolar disease and three kids.”
Lorenzo: I like it!
Julieann: Me too.
Jon: Me too.
Me: Yeah, OK, I’m going to bed.

That’s Amore!

Cheers to summer.

Oh yeah.

Analysis

Last week, I had dinner with my friend Desiree. HI DESIREE. Bloggers, do have a friend who always does this? Like if you’re hanging out and something funny/interesting/weird happens, she’s like, “Are you going to blog about this?” And you’re like, “I dunno. Maybe.” And she’s like, “Well, how are you going to write it?” And you’re like, “I dunno, I haven’t given it much thought.” And she’s like, “Well, shouldn’t you be taking notes or something?” And you’re like, “Chill out, dude!” And she’s like, “Tee hee, I’m so excited to read about me.”

No? Oh, me neither.

So Desiree is really into analyzing stuff. Which is awesome because if you’re ever on the fence about, say, a guy, she’s the first to equip you with checklists, pros/cons lists, timelines and word association games. A while back, she had me take the Myers-Briggs personality test and my results were eerily accurate. She’s an ENFP and I’m an INFP, so we’re both pretty much the same, meaning we’re both careless and unaware when it comes to the little details in life. It’s amazing we’ve managed to maintain a friendship for this long as arranging to meet up is nearly impossible. (“Wait, did we say Thursday?” “I totally don’t remember.”)

As we were slurping ramen, she was analyzing my life, mostly my work situation, and was saying something about motivation and recognition and intrinsic vs. extrinsic values. We analyzed her life, too, talking about her relationship patterns and fears. It was good grownup conversation.

After dinner, we were walking back to my car when we saw that I had gotten a ticket! I guess I had accidentally parked in red and … gah! As I stared at the little white slip of paper in horror, Desiree started snickering.

“Why are you laughing?!” I asked.

“You’re such an INFP!” she said.

I guess I am.

You know? Sometimes I’d rather go unexplained.

Gaming Gals

Once in a while, cool stuff happens to me, but this is one of the coolest. Definitely Top 20. It falls somewhere between meeting Mario Lopez and discovering Thin Mints.

Read the rest of this post

Party Pics

apples
Playing Apples to Apples

hamburger1
Jenn, me and my hamburger phone!

jesus
Mike and his Grow Your Own Jesus

octopus
Yon and his dried octopus

ky
Me and my K-Y Jelly, which was immediately stolen (a popular gift, indeed)

pole
Larry and his pole dancer

Should I steal the cat puzzle or the enema?

The term white elephant refers to a gift whose maintenance cost exceeds its usefulness.
—Wikipedia

My friends and I take the white elephant “stealing” gift exchange game seriously.  When the rules say, “Bring a crappy gift,” oh, we bring it. Then we transform into cackling middle schoolers once the novelties are unwrapped. It’s so much fun, I swear, we could do this every Friday and the hilarity wouldn’t wear off.

This weekend, I went to two holiday parties where we played this glorious game. Here’s what some lucky recipients got to take home:

Signed Papa Roach CD
Internet urinal
Rock Your Body with Jamie King DVD
Dried octopus snacks
Mineral oil enema
500-piece cat puzzle
Framed doily cutout of Chinese communist leader Mao
Photo collection of famous statue genitalia
Personal lubricant
Southwest Airlines drink coupons
Grow Your Own Jesus

At one party, I ended up with Stephenie Meyer’s Breaking Dawn (yay?), and at the other, I was the big winner of soap.

At Party #2, we also played Secret Santa and I got a hamburger phone! My lovely friend Jenn apparently reads my website. I gave my friend Larry a USB-powered pole dancer, which the boys seemed to wholeheartedly enjoy.

Ho ho ho.


USB Pole Dancer from Michelle Woo on Vimeo.