Have a fabulous New Year's Eve and 2009!!!!!

I don't think I will have the time to post for the next few days - just like last week, it's going to be a very busy week for me!

But, I just want to take the time to thank all of you who have been reading my blog: I must admit my writing is not perfect (grammer sucks), but it has been a great joy for me to get to meet and know each one of you who have left me all kinds of comment on my blog. Thank you sooooooo much!

I'm so glad that I started this blog because I got to meet you!! How cool is that? I truly cherish the friendship that I've found here on blogsphere. I hope that we get to know more years to come.

Please know that I wish all of you the best of luck, health and love in the new year 2009. You deserve it!! And I hope that you will keep coming back here to see me.

Thank you so much everyone and have a wonderful New Year!!

w/ Love,

Maki

ps. Be safe and stay safe - don't drink too much!! :)

My Belated Holiday Greetings with an Award

Heeeyyyy everyone!!!!!! How is it going???????

I'm so sorry, I did not get to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hunakkah. Did all of you have a good Holiday?????? Did Santa bring you something nice?

Well, I had all the intention to post something before Christmas, but I got too busy with work (it was crazy) and last minute Christmas shopping and preparing for the big day... So, I was going to post an entry this weekend, but I had two girls night out past Friday and Saturday night as well as taking my girls to a museum in Tampa this afternoon. It's been almost a week since the last Tom Cruise post which I believe is my longest time without blogging since I started.

This may sound strange to you, but I've missed all of you who take the time to read my blog and I've missed reading yours as well. It's been only a week, but I feel like I've missed tremendous amout of what's happening on the other side of the world called blogsphere.

I have so many stories to share, but before I do, I want to say that my dear friend Laura over @ My Thoughts - Uninterupted gave me an awesome award called Honesty Award on Christmas Eve (which I didn't know until Friday and it took me two days to post this).

The honorees are to: a) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep! B) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap."

Wow, I'm so honored to accept this award, Laura!!! And I've always wanted this award - you've made my day!! Thank you!!! So, here is 10 honest things about myself.

1.) I am afraid of public bathrooms. I talked about this before, but I absolutely hate going to a public bathroom. I would hold 12 hours if I had to, just avoid using the public bathroom. Now, my daughters can't hold it, so I have to deal with my phobia when they say, "Mommy, I have to go pee-pee." I can't even grab the door - I have to have toilet paper in my hand and grab the door... I'm totally afraid of Toilet Germs.

2.) I love to sing. I'm no American Idol, but I love going to a Karaoke bar and sing although I haven't been able to do it for the past a year and a half since I left Hawaii. I usually sing in the shower or in the car with my daughters now because I don't have a good Karaoke buddy. I'm accepting the application to be my singing buddy, if you're interested. You know where to reach me!

3.) I love to dance. Honestly, I thought I was going to be a professional dancer when I was a little girl. I used to take classic ballet, modern ballet and jazz dance lessons. I dance with my girls everyday listening to all kind of music which relieve my stress!

4.) I am a strong believer of "A smile could heal a million souls." I try everyday to find laughter in my life. Even when I have a tough day at work or at home (especially for the past few weeks), I try to smile.

5.) If I am interested in something, I pursue it and I don't even know when to stop. The good example: My blog. Well, I did stop for a week, but it was holidays for christ sake.

6.) I love buying makeup/cosmetics. I buy the stuff because I need them, but sometimes, I buy them just because I want it. I have so many lipsticks or eyeshadows that are not conventional color, but pretty to look at. The packaging of the item also plays a huge role to get my attention to buy them. I love, love makeup and Sephora is one of my favorite place to shop.

7.) I joined my gym to gain some muscle. I have always wanted to have more fuller arms and toned thighs. Also, having two kids, I need to tone my belly.

8.) I love to eat. I can out-eat my husband and he tells everybody around him that I eat more than he does. I can't stop eating if there is somethig in front of me. There is no way to stop me from eating. I treasure food and I love it!!!

9.) I can fold up my eyelids - yes, it sounds gross and my dad got really upset when I showed him the trick when I was little. I showed it to JT a few months ago for the first time and he kind of freaked out. Would you like to see me do it? LOL

10.) People watching. There are so many interesting people in this world. Some people make me laugh or angry or simply amazes me by observing them at my gym, work, restaurants, bars or on the streets. I don't mean to stare, but I find myself doing exactly that. I need to stop staring. But I must admit, it's fun some times.

Okay, now I need to pass this award to 7 people. However, I am going to pass this award to three people.

MJ over @ Note To Self
The Rambler over @ My Rambling Thoughts
Dorkys over @ Dry As Toast

I will choose the rest of four bloggers and will post them soon!

I hope all of you had a wonderful holidays with your loved ones!

My Favorite Man In Hollywood

Tom Cruise. He is one of the reasons why I wanted to come to America. I used to put his posters on the wall and fall asleep while looking at them. I was 11 or 12.

Many people don't like him these days since the couch jumping incident on Oprah a few years back or being a lead Scientology member, but I've always been a huge fan. I have talked about him briefly before on my old post here.

I don't think he is crazy (there were times I thought he was having a middle life crisis), and I don't think he is a bad person like many people would like to think. I honestly believe he is genuinly a nice and kind man. He is one of the people whom I would like to meet in person before I die.

Last week, he was on Letterman and seeing him on TV kind of made me realize how much I used to love him when I was younger. Tom Cruise has always put a smile on my face every time I see him on screen or TV.




{He did "Craziest Things People Say About Tom Cruise On Internet"}

So, today, I would like to share all of Tom films that I have seen. There are some popular movies that he's in that I haven't seen such as "Risky Business" and "Vanilla Sky" - but I think I covered most of his films. I must admit, he's in some cool movies (and a few cheezy movies). The list goes on and on, but maybe you'll find some of his movies that you liked and thinking, "Hmmm, he is not that bad.."

I can't wait to see his new film "Valkyrie". And make sure to see him in the "Tropic Thunder" - you'll fall in love with him!!





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Gates of Heaven

I can't keep being angry and sad over JT losing the job forever. Thank God, I still have my job!!! Now we have to be positive (even it's really hard...) and believe that things will get better. Have faith and be strong (Umm, but it's not easy I know!). Thank you all for your kind and warm comments.

Well, today (actually it's past 2am here) is a very sad day for another family in FL. The little girl Caylee Anthony had been missing since past summer, but it was confirmed that the remain that was found last week was indeed hers.

My bloggy friend Rachel over at LIVIN AND LOVIN also posted about Caylee as well as I posted about her dissapearance a while back here. Rachel and I both live in FL and we're both mothers to the cute little girls. Her daughter is 3 just like Casey and my Soapy will also be 3 soon.

It is heart breaking and upsetting to know that someone could cause such damage to a tiny life, defenseless little soul. It is even more upsetting to know that her mother Casey might have killed her. Okay, we all say one is innocent until proven guilty, but seriously, do you honestly believe someone else could have done it?

When you become a mother, you will do anything to protect them. You would even throw yourself in front of a moving train for your child. [Your parents know this.] This is why when I hear the news where kids go missing or murdered by someone, my heart breaks. And if I learn that a mother would harm her own child, my blood starts to boil. There is no excuse for a mother or father to take her/his own child. I do not need to hear their excuse why they did it. They are the most selfish people and they deserved to be punished severely.

As my husband and I watched Caylee's news on CNN, our daughters were chasing each other and running around the house. They were giggling and so happy together. I thank God that they are safe and healthy. And I wish Caylee had her chance to live her life to fullest. The real sad part is that she is gone, but the good part is that she is no longer being stuffed in the bag and floating in the lake alone. She is home now. May God rest her little soul...

Also, this holiday season, I want to say all the parents and families whose children are missing still today to never lose hope. I pray for your child's safe return.

And my friends, have a wonderful weekend!!!!

xoxo

I Showed My Cheek And Life Punched It.

JT came home early today.

He got laid off - right before Christmas. Is this fair???

JT and I have been through a lot and pretty much there is nothing we can't handle together.

But, losing a good job is very tough, especially in the time like this..

JT is pretty optimistic and he's trying to calm me down and cheer me up, but I think I should be the one doing the job.

Truthfully, I don't know what to do... It's not his fault, but I just want to find a huge sandbag and totally go crazy on it.

Please God, tell me what a F's going on???

Watch out, a cute boy is in the house!

Yesterday, I talked about me having a night out with my co-workers last Saturday. I also mentioned about us having a wonderful dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, comped by the casino. And the dinner was one of the hightlights that evening.

I was playing the game nearly three hours, so I asked the pit boss if I could get voucher for dinner. Usually you have to play at least three hours in order to get compted there. Since I was winning, the boss figured, "Let this girl eat and get drunk, so she'll lose some money..", so he okayed and gave me a $170 voucher for dinner. The only place that was open (it was already 11:30pm) was a Steakhouse called COUNCIL OAK. The restaurant was awesome.

It was really beautiful inside and candles were lit all over the place. It would have been a very nice romantic dinner if I was there with JT.

Anyway, we were the very last customer there. We ordered a bottle of California white wine called Conundrum which was recommended by the waitless (She was a good sales person and I'll tell you why later) and enjoyed oyster, shrimp cocktail, filet mignon and lobster. Everything we had was fantasic.

We were chatting away and sipping wine how wonderful the night had been, when this guy who's extremely good looking shows up, holding beer in his hand. We were sitting in the booth and he didn't see us at first and I could see that he was just looking around to see what's so great about the restaurant. Then he realized we were right next to him and he looked kind of surprised.

Somehow he looked at me - so, do you know what came out of my mouth?? I said, "Would you like to join us??" with a huge smile on my face (I was a bit tipsy, but honestly joking). He posed for a second and we all thought he was going to say, "No, thank you" and walks away, but instead, he said, "Well..why not, right?" and sat next to one of my co-workers.

I am telling you, he was really cute and lil drunk, just like us! And I can say this for all my co-workers, their eyes were beaming too!! All of us was kind of excited that he chose to stay. His name is Drew and visiting his friends and family in Florida. We talked about silly stuff, but he was genuinly a nice guy. About 15 minutes into it, his cell rang.

Drew: "Hello... Where am I? Well, I kind of decided to walk around and I am at the restaurant next to the bar... I will be there soon, okay?"

I knew then, it was his girl calling him. He said, "Well, it was pleasure meeting you, ladies. I will be at the bar if you would like to join me," and left our table.

All the girls started screaming as soon as he dissappeared from our sight, "We can't believe you asked him to sit with us!!" They couldn't believe it, but I'm sure they're glad I did! The girls were ranting how handsome that guy was - it was like sitting with Brad Pitt, they said. I think that's an overstatement.

But really, I was just joking when I asked him to join us. I didn't think he would sit with us. Besides, three of us are married and one is in a committed relationship, so I thought what's the big deal?

I am the kind of person who like to meet people and get to know them. We live once and our life is too short. I think it is nice to be able to meet random people and have a conversation even it's just for 5 minutes.

When I went to work today, the other co-worker "C" who couldn't come with us asked me, "So, I heard you asked a guy to sit with you guys and he was really cute? K said it made her night!" C is married, too, but she was like, "Damn, I should have come!!"

During our lunch break, all of us agreed that innocent flirtation is perfectly okay even you're married. And I think so, too. I always believe that as long as you're just window shopping, there is nothing wrong with it. And I believe it's quite healthy human nature. But do you agree or would you totally disagree?

When I told JT about the cute boy, he kind of laughed it off - he knows I love him which I hate to admit, but it is true. LOL. That's what it counts; the trust. Without the trust, nothing works in the relationship. And I love the fact that JT trusts me.


PS. The wine we had at a restaurant was $67. I really liked it, so I went to look for the same wine today and I found it, only to realize it only costs $23 at the store. Ha! The hotel serves it for triple of the amount. Isn't it crime or what?

House always, or at least usually wins

So, I went out with all the female co-workers Saturday night for the first time. Destinaion - Hard Rock in Tampa. It was supposedly pre-Christmas party, but I don't think it was. It was more like a gambling party.

Honestly, I really had a blast. It's been well over five years since I gambled. I love Vegas and I used to love going there pre-baby times, but it's kind of hard these days because I have two little girls.

Anyway, I played Mini Baccarat (which of course is my favorite card game). I had $400 to start with (four of us chipped in $100 each and I played for everybody) and it went pretty good at first, bringing it up to $2400 for playing 2 hours. Okay, here is the thing. If you're a smart person with decent brain would grab that $$$ and go home. Honestly, that's what you should do or would do.

Now, Maki and the other girls with alcohol in their system decide to take a break, go to a fabulous steak house in the hotel comped by casino, go back to table thinking we can win some more $$$.... Ding Dong! A HUGE mistake.

I was debating at first whether to go back to play or not, but I chose to play some more as my co-workers watched from behind. I played for another hour and in the end, $2400 was down to $1200. I was pissed. So I decided to grab that $1200 chips and cashed in.

In the end, me and the girls didn't lose money. Actually we had $300 extra in our wallet than we started. But if I had thought straight and had not being greedy, I would have $500 more in my wallet. That would have been so much better.

If I think about it, I was more a cautious player before. Once I start to lose, I used to be able to pull myself out from the table.

JT told me before I went out, "make sure to leave the table when you are ahead." I should've listen to him!! JT hates to gamble. He doesn't believe in it although I am thinking he doesn't like it because he tends to lose $$$ when he plays. I am sure if he wins, he'd love it!

Anyway, what I always realize while playing at casino - you play for fun. I can totally see why people get addicted, but I think money is too important for me to waste like that. It's nice to be able to go to a casino and play once in a while. Tampa Hard Rock ain't Vegas, but it was kind of close enough. I really enjoyed the night with my co-workers and I feel like it brought us closer than before (may be it wouldn't be so, had I lost their money. Haha).

So, do you guys love gambling? Have you won or lost any significant money? What is your favorite game???

I decided to try this new game...

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend everybody!

Well, my new blogging friend Laura has kindly infected me with a virus and I think I need to spread the love. People say it's a virus that keeps on giving - actually it is a story that you write and the next person you tag have to come up with another story and spread to the whole wide of blogsphere... I thought it's really clever and interesting. I guess I have to put on a creativity hat now...

Here are the instructions. And here is the story:

The bus was more crowded than usual. It was bitterly cold outside, and I hadn't prepared for it. I noticed that a fair number of the riders were dressed curiously. As I glanced around, I stretched my feet and kicked up against a large, heavy cardboard box laying under the seat in front of me. (Splotchy)

I hunched down to see what it was, but as I did, the bus violently veered to left. I was thrown up against a heavyset Asian woman with blond hair. I pardoned myself, but she faced forward with no reply. Just then, a man wearing a jumpsuit of silver and gold stood up at the front of the bus. He was holding a megaphone and a box of graham crackers. He held the megaphone up to his face and began to speak... (Some Guy)

"Ladies and Gentlemen...please do not be afraid! I am here to help you" he said in a mighty booming voice. As he began to step towards me I felt a hand creep its way around my throat and all of a sudden I was pressed against the mighty bosom of the Asian woman as she she hauled me to my feet. She began to back away from the costumed crusader all the while holding me, feet dangling in the air. I panicked and my eyes searched the bus, hoping to connect with someone, anyone who would be able to help me. My eyes met those of the hero in gold and just as I began to gasp for air he yelled...(~E)

„Put her down and no one gets hurt“, he yelled at the Asian woman. All the passengers turned to see what was going on and, as they did, I noticed they were more panicked than I was. A small bespectacled man closest to us hissed at my captor and said in a low voice „Take me, just don't hurt her.“ My fear gave way to curiosity. Who were all these people, and why were they so concerned for my well being?The Asian blonde's back was now pressed against the back of the bus, and she increased her grip on me as the megaphone man crept slowly towards us. As he passed through the bus people started getting up, and now they formed a small army behind him. He raised the box of graham crackers above his head and put his lips to the megaphone... (That Damn Expat)

"Since you refuse to cooperate, I will have to use my secret weapon!" Suddenly a laser like light shot out of the box of graham crackers and everything went black. I don't know how much time passed, but I awoke in a mysterious room with a terrible headache. Immediately I assumed that I had been captured and began wondering why me? Why not the Asian lady who seemed to be the source of trouble? Just then, a woman walked into the room wearing a gold lame' dress, she said...(Laura)

"Oh, you are awake? I am glad you're okay...", and she gave me a glass of water. Apparently I fainted at her boutique while picking out some clothing. I am so relieved that it was just a dream. Being captive is not my cup of tea. Besides, who was that big Asian woman? And what's up with that horrible blond hair she had? Asian people would never look pretty with blond. She was freaky. I thanked the boutique owner and decided to walk outside. It is really nice day out. Oh wait.. I am hungry. I should get something to eat. "What should I eat?", I was talking to myself when.... (Maki)



Ok, now I'm going to have to tag other people... Let's see...

The Rambler @ My Rambling Thoughts
Carrin @ Carrin's Comments
ka1t_lyn@ Unterned Barbie
SBW @ Blogging In Bed
Colby @ Smittin' (out words) Like a Llama


Now girls, go ahead and spread the virus, oh wait, I meant "love" - I can't wait to see what you girlies come up with!

Meet My Mom & Sis....

Sis T, Mom & Maki

Today, I am doing MamaKat's writing assignment - this is my second try.

And I picked prompt #5: Who is the best listener you know? What makes him or her such a good listener?

The answer is very easy. I must say the best listener I know is my Mom. And I think I have to add my younger sister T right next to her. I usually don't talk about my family back in Japan and Hawaii. It is hard for me to talk about them because I miss them terribly and honestly, more I think about them, I get sad and start to cry. But today's prompt was hard to pass, so I decided to be strong and talk about my beloved family...

My Mom and Dad raised me and my sister by continuously saying, "Sister and sister, love each other and help each other..." My sister and I are only 18 month apart, so we're really close in age and whatever we did, we did together. I left Japan to study English at tender age of 15. Then my sister soon followed me after she graduating her high school in Tokyo.

Anyway, I am the baby in the family. I cry easily and tend to act like a little child even I am 35 and oldest daughter. If something happened between me and JT, I would call my mom or my sis T right away. And they are always there for me.

My Mom is an angel and she is my rock. I don't even know what I'd do without her. She is not judgemental. She just listens whatever I have to say. Even when I become emotional wreck and I could be saying something foolish, but my Mom always corrects the wrong for me by saying something really sweet. She wakes me up from those bad thoughts or feelings.

My younger sis T also has Mom's trait. She is a very good listener. She also gives me a very good advise whenever I need it. It's funny how I always call her and ask, "So what do you think??" - then she always has an answer for me!!! She is a very leveled individual who is a lot mature than me who is in fact, older than her. Kind of embarrassing, but oh well. LOL. And my sister knows everything about me - she even knows my darkest secrets that most of my friends or family don't know (and what would that be one might ask?? ? ).

On the other hand, I, Maki is a terrible listener or so does my sis T tell me. And I think the jury may agree with sis T. Don't get me wrong, I have had many friends come to me crying about their boyfriends or husbands and I have been there for them. But, I tend to butt in too much and try to solve their problems instead of just "listen"... Sometimes what people need is a friend who just listens to their problems, right?

So, I am truly grateful and fortunate to have such wonderful liseners in my life - my Mom and sis T (sorry Dad, I love you, but you're like me, not a good listener, but great at giving advise). It breaks my heart that they are thousands miles away. My dad always tell me when I call them crying homesick, "Even we're far away, our love will never change or fade. Distance won't matter..." - and I know he's right. And my Mom always say that I have a new family; JT, Ju Ju and Soapy. She is right about that too... But then, I think I'm allowed to miss my parents and my sister, aren't I?? If I miss them so much, does that make me a bad wife or bad mother? I just don't know..

Now I am getting sad again.. I think about my Mom who is on dialysis, who don't get to hold my daughters or see them grow up via live. Or my sister, who truly cherish, adore and love my daughters... And my Dad who would do anything for me or my sis or my girls. I miss them so much.

I tried the same photo above with my Mom, only this time I'm the Mom

This is last year's Christmas

Sis T & Mom

Me, Soapy & T

Morning Affair

My work hour starts at 9AM. I usually stop at Starbucks where my friend works and grab a cup of Grande Latte. I park my car at the parking lot in front of my work and that is my routine.

But about two weeks ago, I saw something interesting that adds to my morning routine. So let's rewind it to two weeks ago.

I got my latte, parked my car and got out of the car. I closed the door when I saw a couple fully making out in the car parked in the distance (but not too far away). I was surprised because I felt like I saw something that I shouldn't see. So I kind of ran to my salon blushing.

The next morning, again, I saw the same couple making out in the same car. They are probably in their early 40's. Now I was like, "Okay... do you guys really need to do this in the middle of parking lot where people can see???"

And I see them again and again and again for the next two weeks. My salon is located at a shopping plaza where ton of people come to eat and shop. My salon is facing the major road, but there are huge trees hiding the view of parking lot. Probably that's why the couple picked the spot right across from my work.

Anyway, I totally knew the couple was having an affair. I'm not stupid, I know exactly what was going on. But seriously, couldn't they find a hotel room??? It's kind of sad that they had to make out in the car - so tiny and so uncomfortable. It would limit the things they would want to do each other. LOL.

Me and my co-workers debriefed and speculated what is going on between them every morning. Some say they are just dating and loving the thrill or they just love each other so much that they have to make out before saying good bye before work. But most of us say, "They are cheating their spouses or at least one of them is!!"

Now, past Monday as I expected them to be at their usual spot, I didn't see the car nor the couple. I thought to myself, "Umm, maybe they left already.."

I walked in to the salon and the girls asked me if I saw the couple. I said, "No" - so we're like, "Oh I wonder what happened to them?" It's funny how we felt the attchment to the morning adulterers. Not to be in a stalking way, but if they chose to make out in front of our work for so long, I do expect them to show up every morning. That's their duty!!!

So, my boss's wife said, "I bet they got caught." -- Ohhh, maybe! Or they just decided to change the location?

Anyway, since I talked about the adulterers, I wanted to list some movies I have seen that involve affair/cheating.

1. Falling in Love: Very classic - kind of heart breaking story, but love it.
2. Fatal Attraction: This movie was really SCARY! I bet many guys who were cheating on their wives at the time decided to stop after seeing this movie.
3. English Patient: One of my favorite movies. Such a beautiful film..
4. Derailed: Very suspenseful and who could resist Clive??
5. Unfaithful: What a steamy movie!!! I was like "WOW! are you serious, Diane Lane???"
6. Rumor Has It: Cute movie just because my Mark Ruffalo is in it.










And! No matter what other people say, my favorite couple on TV was Aiden and Carrie. When she cheated on him with Big, I used to scream at screen, cursing! LOL. Aiden gave her another chance and she broke his heart again. I was pissed! But I am happy that Carrie ended up with Big....

So, everybody, what is your favorite movie that involves infedility??? Or do you hate it?

Help Me Pick...Again.

Ok, I think it's time for me to say goodbye to my LV cosmetic bag. I've used it for over a year... So, I need your help. Again.

I, Maki, the most indecisive woman in this whole wide world need your input!!

I found a pouch by Anya Hindmarch (it's the purple metalic one pictured below, but in gold in the magazine) when I was reading Vogue a while back that caught my eyes (I believe Rachel Weisz was on the cover - btw, she is another gorgeous woman with dark hair) - or was it Allure? I forget. I love her bags.

Anyway, I went on to her website, there I found three more cosmetic cases that I fell in love. Aren't they lovely??

Now, I have to pick "1" which has been a struggle for me for the past three weeks. So, I have decided to put up another poll and hear your advise again.

Please help this silly girl out - I can't even pick my own makeup bag. It's kind of pathetic, I know, but I really am having tough time. Which one do you like??

Let me know which one you think I should get...

My Long Weekend

This is what I need. Sleep.

I am beat. I am totally exhausted. I could either sleep standing or sleep typing right now. This weekend was indeed super busy and I can't believe I tortured myself to this degree..

Friday night, I took my girls to the Music on Main - which is a monthly event at the shopping place by my house (literally 5 mins away). Every first Friday each month, We have a band and food standds etc, for the local to enjoy. I don't know why, but my familly and my friends somehow end up going there every month.

Anyway, we went there as usual and once the drinks were going, we all agreed that we should proceed to go to our fab bar in downtown SRQ. I took the girls home, put them to bed, changed and drove down to meet up with my friends. I had a great time!!!! But Maki did not think about the next morning which was a HUGE mistake. I almost forgot that Ju Ju had to go to school in the morning even it's Saturday because her school was having Santa Clause over for a breakfast!!!

From that late night with friends and cocktails, my weekend went haywire.

{Saturday}
7am: Got up for Ju Ju's breakfast with Santa.
9 - 11am: Breakfast with Santa
11:30 - 12pm: Lunch with the girls
12:30: Drive the girls to JT's mom's house
1:00 - 6pm: Work
6:30 - 9:30pm: cook dinner, clean, bath and bed time ritual with the girls.
9:45 - 2am: Finishing up the art painting for my friend's who is having a baby in 4 wks. (a little bit of blogging)
2 - 3am: Finally sit down on the couch next to JT and it's already early morning!
3- 7:29am: ZZZ time.

{Sunday}
7:30am - 9am: Shower, breakfast and getting ready for a baby shower.
9:15am: Leave house and stop at a Hallmark to get a card.
10am: Drive to friend's house
11:00am - 2pm: the surprise baby shower was sucess - she was surprised!
3 - 8pm: Arrived at JT's mom's to meet up with JT and the girls and everybody for Sunday dinner.
8:30 - 9:30pm: come home, get the girls to bed, put them to bed.
10 - now: clean, blogging and falling asleep.

This was so not my tyical weekend because usually weekend is supposed to be calm and the time to relax to recharge your energy for a coming week. Not having enough sleep is really hard on 35 year old woman, everybody!!! I realized how important to rest your mind and body because right now, I can totally feel my brian turn into jello. I can hear the sound - it's scary!! I need to go to bed asap!

But before I forget...

I received another award from Dorkys at Dry as Toast. This foreign award (which means the blog invests and believes in the proximity/closeness blogging gives us) . I am sorry it's taken me a while to accept this award, Dorkys!! Let me include the passage below:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

Oh my, I'm so honored! Thank you soooo much Dorkys!! I think I need to pass on to eight bloggers, but I need to give it a thought. I will definitely spread the love and make sure to pass this on!!
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Now, I am totally fading. Tonight's post is not making any sense. My broken English is worse than ever. So I am closing this zombie post now. It's time for Maki to go to bed - Good night!!!

PS. Thank you all so much for your input about my hair color. I am grateful to have all of you who take the time to give me the advise. I will definitely post my new hair once I go to see my BFF D this week! xoxo

Help Me Decide My Hair Color!!!

(I kinda like this color)

Ok, I need your help, everybody!!!

I am thinking about changing my hair color next week although I like having my hair colored lighter than my natural color which is jet black. I mean, I am talking real BLACK like squid's ink.

My sister called me last night from Hawaii and asked me when I am going to chage it because she is getting tired of looking at my brassy hair. Well, my original color is black, so my BFF/Hairstylist D has to use blonde color to make mine brown. It's natural that my hair goes brassy in time. I hate it, but there is not much I can do to change it. I envy people who can have beautiful blond or brunette using the help of good hairstylist!

Anyway, so I asked JT's opinion and he told me he likes my hair dark. Oh no. Now I'm down to two... Now I am totally torn. Therefore, I have decided to ask your opinion. I couldn't find photos of me when I had black hair. But you can see my dark brown hair if you scroll down to the bottom three.

Which Maki do you like; brown hair or black hair??? Should I go back to my natural black or just color it to darker shade of brown or should I stay auburn? Oh BTW, going blond is out of question. LOL.

I put up the poll wideget on the left side of my column, so cast the vote when you have time. Please help Maki out. Your comment/input would be greatly appreciated!

xoxo

This summer with my BFF J

This August with JT
My Birthday with J

Two Years Ago in Hawaii, My Home...

Me with Dark Hair

This is almost a year and a half ago in NJ

In NJ - Dark Hair.