Archive for the year 2013
Done and Done
Posted on August 4, 2013 by Ching under Projects.
Brian got these 70s era Star Wars blueprints from his dad several years ago. We finally pulled them out of storage recently because we wanted to use them to decorate the office. We had this crazy idea to get all of our favorites framed so we could hang them in the office. We had no idea that custom framing would cost so much.
Well, we kind of knew because we had some prints framed at Hobby Lobby several years ago, but I guess we’d forgotten. LOL.
We went to Michael’s this time because I found a 60% coupon for custom framing. Except, even with the coupon it was super expensive. As in, each frame was going to cost over $160 even after the discount. As many as we needed done, it was going to cost almost a grand for what we were trying to do.
We actually paid for the first two prints and everything. The nice lady at Michael’s said it would take a couple of weeks, which meant the prints would be ready while we were in Orlando. Anyway, as we were on our way out, I noticed that they were having a buy one get one sale on most of their frames. This got me thinking, why are we going to spend a grand framing these blueprints when we can do it ourselves for a fraction of the cost? So it’s not masterpiece glass? So what? The prints are just going to hang in the office anyway. Not like they’re gong to be on display in the living room.
So after buyer’s remorse kicked in, we went back to the custom framing area, apologized to the lady for being so flaky, and asked for a refund. We used $80 of the $320 to get four large frames and two smaller ones. We got a deal on those too because I had a 20% off everything (including sale items) coupon also. I’m Asian and I’m frugal. I’m all about coupons. LOL.
Here are some pictures of Brian hanging the freshly framed blueprints.
We did it the cheap way, but the prints look just fine.
These are the four big ones on the East wall.
The R2-D2 blueprint is framed by itself because of its orientation and, well, it’s R2-D2.
R2-D2 deserves to be in his own special frame. LOL.
The other blueprint that we framed separately is the mobquet landspeeder.
We didn’t originally plan to frame this one but we had an extra frame because of the BOGO offer. LOL. Anyway, I liked this one the best out of all the other blueprints that were left. So what do you guys think?
Personally, I think our office decor fits our nerdy personalities perfectly. I’m really happy with how the blueprints turned out. I’m even happier that we came to our senses and didn’t spend more than $80 on the whole project.
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P.F. Chang’s – It’s Been a While
Posted on August 4, 2013 by Ching under Food and Drink.
Our friend Jorge was in town the other day and invited us to have dinner with him, Sid, and Laura at P.F. Chang’s. It’s been a while since we’d seen Jorge and even longer since we’d been to P.F. Chang’s, specially since we don’t live in that side of town anymore. We had a wonderful leisurely dinner with the group. Here are some photos…
Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps are a must have item at P.F. Chang’s. It’s their signature appetizer, kind of like how bang bang shrimp is to Bonefish Grill.
We also had some crab wontons, which I love, and spring rolls.
Sid ordered the flaming red wontons, which I didn’t try because I don’t like spicy foods. Brian had some, though. He said they weren’t that spicy.
For our meal, Brian and I shared our usual — Mongolian beef with eggplant instead of scallions. I love the eggplant at P.F. Chang’s. So yummy!
Jorge had the quinoa “fried rice” which is a special summer item. He says it’s his current favorite. Laura ordered some more chicken lettuce wraps and Sid had noodles.
I wasn’t going to drink, but couldn’t help myself because everyone else was. I had the Long Island rum tea which tasted even better than it looked.
I think it has been about a year since we’ve been to P.F. Chang’s. I’d forgotten how good the food is. Though I noticed that the prices are much higher also. I guess that’s inflation for you.
Anyway, here’s a picture that I found from our last visit to P.F. Chang’s… The photo was taken on August 3, 2012 when I was almost 15 lbs lighter than I am now. Man, those were the days! I’m going to have to stay away from P.F. Chang’s even longer if I ever hope to drop back down to that weight/size again. LOL.
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My First Time
Posted on August 3, 2013 by Ching under Projects.
I did a presentation to a bunch of strangers (by strangers I mean people who are outside of our organization) for the first time via webinar. I hadn’t done that before. Thankfully my topic was something I was very familiar with — our quality assurance program at work (my area of responsibility).
Apparently I did a good job because I got this message from one of the First Quartile folks later that day. My work stresses me out sometimes, but it also makes me feel good. Compliments are always nice.
Last week was pretty much “presentation week” for me because the day before the First Quartile Community Insights Conference webinar I had to present at our Customer Care Quarterly Management Meeting also. Presentations are not my strength so I was pretty stressed about it, as you can imagine. So stressed that Brian and I found ourselves at the Nifty Nut House over our lunch break later that week.
While there I decided to get some treats for my team.
They all got little bags of chocolate rocks because they’re rock stars. Yeah, I’m nerdy like that. Have you ever had the chocolate rocks at Nifty Nut House? They’re yummy!
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I Can Officially Pack!
Posted on August 3, 2013 by Ching under Travel, Zumba.
My costume for the ZIN soiree has arrived. I can officially pack! I wasn’t counting on getting my package until next weekend so this was a pleasant surprise.
Hurrah for Amazon!
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Getting Ready for the Zumba Convention
Posted on July 31, 2013 by Ching under Travel, Zumba.
Getting ready for the Zumba convention in Orlando in a couple of weeks. Yup. My wallet, purse, and duffel are all matchy matchy. Sue me.
I got the bags from All For Color back in winter when I registered for the convention. I figured I needed some colorful bags for such a colorful event. They have some other pieces, but I decided not to get too carried away. LOL.
I had to order a costume for the ZIN soiree at the last minute because they didn’t announce the theme until last week. The ZIN soiree theme this year is a ZIN Summer Night’s Dream. It’s supposed to be “an ethereal dreamscape of fantasy and bliss buzzing with colorful creatures, pulsating music, flashing lights and more” — sounds like it’s going to be super fun. I can’t wait to see what mythical beings turn up!
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