Trina's page of Blogginess

This blog has moved

2010-04-30T15:33:00.001-07:00

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Blog Migration

2010-04-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Blogger is no longer supporting FTP publishing, so I need to make some changes around here. The transition will be happening sometime today.

If you usually read my blog through an rss feed, please be aware that this will probably change. I don't know what it will be yet.

I expect my new blog url will be blog.trinachow.com. The archives of my blog before today will probably remain here at trinachow.com/blog.

Hope this goes smoothly.

The 40th Birthday!

2010-04-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Yep, today was my 40th Birthday (Gasp!), and what a GREAT day it was!

I woke up to find dozens of birthday greetings on my Facebook wall. Facebook Birthdays are the best - it's so nice to hear from so many friends, and really makes you feel special. I took a snapshot of ALL of the greetings on my wall throughout the day (thinking I might save them on my blog as a keepsake), but it turned out to be 14 screenshots long, which seemed like way too many to share here. :) I'll just keep a copy of them on my computer - it's like dozens of birthday cards, but I will post one here:

Facebook Birthdays are the Best!

I also had the fun birthday banner on my Windows Live screen. That made me happy, too. :)

It's a Windows Live Birthday Party!

Now, as nice as it was to sit in front of my computer all day, I had a great day away from it as well!

Dick took the day off from work, which was such a special treat.

We started the day by going to Bakery Tartine for breakfast. Can't beat a hot Morning Bun to kick off a day!

Yum!

After breakfast, we headed to the Metreon to catch a matinee showing of..... Avatar. It appears that Dick and I may have been the last people on Earth (or, at least in San Francisco) to see this movie. We figured we'd better see it while it's still showing in a theater - plus, we were able to see it in 3D!

Actually, before the movie, we had some time to kill, so we played a few games of The Lord of the Rings Pinball! Birthday Pinball is the best!

Birthday Pinball!!

...and here we are dorking out with our 3D glasses in the theater.

3D Geeks

In the evening, my parents and my dear friend, Diana, came over and we all had dinner at the House of Prime Rib. It was a fantastic evening. Great food, great company. A perfect way to celebrate my milestone birthday. :)

Dad, Mom, Dick, Trina & Diana at HoPR

and one last shot of me with my hubby and the birthday dessert. :)

It was a very nice day. Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes - I appreciate all of them, and you all made my day memorable.

They're Back!

2010-04-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

Banana Combs are back?! Go figure...

Does that mean that big, permed hair is going to make a comeback, too?
(shudder)

Let's go to the Movies!

2010-04-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

Trina & Grandma Chan, sporting the 3D glasses

This past Friday was my Maternal Grandma's 84th Birthday. I had already planned on spending the day with her and taking her out to lunch, but Thursday morning, I called her with a radical idea:

I asked her if she would like it if I took her out to see a movie for her birthday. :)

In all my years, I can't remember my Grandma (or Grandpa) ever going out to see a movie in a theater. They were always happy watching TV at home, and later, watching movies on their TV through VHS tapes or DVDs. I'm sure that they thought going out to a movie theater was too much of a hassle and too expensive.

Earlier this week, I went out to see "How to Train Your Dragon" in 3D with a friend of mine in San Francisco. I really liked it, and it struck me that this was a movie that my Grandma would really enjoy. Plus, the 3D was really neat, and I thought she'd get a kick out of it.

So, I asked Grandma what she thought of the idea, and I didn't really know what she would say. She had already heard about the movie, and was excited to see it! I also invited my parents to come with us, as they were already planning to have lunch with us, and they wanted to see the movie, too.

So, Friday late morning, we met up with my parents for an early lunch, then went over to the movie theater together.

The moment that we stepped into the theater's lobby is one I won't forget: It had been so many years since my Grandma had been in a theater, that as soon as she walked in, she stopped, and looked around in amazement. Imagine how different movie theaters are now from what they were like in Stockton a few decades ago!

We figured my Grandma may not have been to see a movie in a theater since perhaps the 1950s, 1960s at the latest. She asked me if they still showed double features, sneak previews, or new reels.

I tried to think of some of the differences that had happened since she'd last been: commercials before the movie, movie previews, stadium seating, and much improved 3D technology. :)

The whole experience was pretty magical, I think, for both of us. She really enjoyed the movie, and I enjoyed sharing it with her. This may be the start of something new that we do together! :)

Grandma, Mom and Dad!

One other funny note of the day: I treated my Grandma and both of my parents to the movie. I thought it was really funny that all 3 of them qualified for the Senior Discount! So, yes, that was 1 adult, and 3 senior tickets! :)

Greetings from San Francisco!

2010-04-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

It just doesn't get better than this!

Another reason why I heart All Clad

2010-04-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

When Dick and I got engaged, we joked that the only reason why we wanted to get married was so that we could register for All Clad cookware. We were kidding, of course, but we did receive many wonderful All Clad pieces as gifts, and we use them all regularly.

It's been almost five years since we got our non-stick 12" frying pan. We use it at least once or twice a week, sometimes more.

Over time, it began to lose some of it's non-stick qualities. It never went away completely, but a non-stick pan isn't non-stick if it sticks, even just a little.

I remembered reading a long time ago that All Clad cookware comes with a lifetime warranty against any product defects. I didn't know if this included the non-stick surfaces or not, because I figured that was something that just wouldn't last forever.

I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway, so I called All Clad a few weeks ago, and described my pan. They told me to send them the pan, along with a note with a description of the problem, and that they would review it. I asked if a non-non-stick pan was something that would be considered for replacement, and she said it certainly would.

I figured we didn't have anything to lose, so I wrote a nice letter describing my pans non-non-stickiness, along with how long we've had it, and how we use it. As instructed, I boxed it up, and sent it with a confirmation of delivery to All Clad's return center in New Jersey.

I tracked my package, which took less than a week to get to them. That was about two weeks ago.

Yesterday, the nice UPS man delivered a brand-spanking-new 12" non-stick frying pan!

Nice!

I wonder how many people have had the non-stick surface wear down over time, but don't know or don't bother to send their pans in for review.

I was already a huge fan, but now I'm loving All Clad even more!

Thanks, All Clad!
(and see, you even got a nice blog write up!)

High School Reunion Brunch

2010-04-18T20:33:00.001-07:00

Tim and Ami hosted a lovely brunch today for a bunch of us who went to high school/junior high/elementary school together. We all got together for the first time (since high school) last August.

Tim, Kimi, Amy, Byron and I all took many, many classes together in high school. Unfortunately, Lee came down with a cold this weekend, and wasn't able to join us. :(

There's something so special about gathering with a bunch of friends that you grew up with, and seeing them with their own children.

Here's a picture of the whole group (minus a couple of the kids who must have been running around, and Kimi's husband, Manuel, who took the photo).

I love this picture, too. This is Byron (a 3rd grade teacher in Oakland) sitting down with his son, and Tim & Ami's two boys reading them from a book about dinosaurs. It was so charming! Actually, Ami didn't know that Byron was a teacher, until she saw him in action and it became immediately apparent.

Byron reading to the boys

Thank you, Tim and Ami for a wonderful afternoon!!

'Til Breakfast Do Us Part...

2010-04-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

More fun with eggs! Today was Dick's turn. :)

Do you see the resemblance?

WGI in SF!

2010-04-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

WGI Finals - streaming to you LIVE from Dayton, OH!

Some of you may know that I usually make an annual pilgrimage to Dayton, OH to attend the Winter Guard International Competition. I've been going since 1986 (watching since 1983) and up til last year, had only missed going twice.

I think it was three years ago that WGI started to offer a streaming-video options for a subscription fee, which allows you to watch the entire competition (yes, that's three days chock-ful of color guard) LIVE.

I watched finals live, by myself last year. (long story, but I wasn't really up for any crowds last year) I really enjoyed it, but I have to say, my experience this year was so much better!

Nikki, Chad, Philip and Mom

Yesterday afternoon, through evening, I had over a few of my dear local guard friends. Chad (who marched in Miller's Blackhawks and San Jose Raiders), Nikki (San Jose Raiders and taught at James Logan HS), Philip (Cavaliers, Generis, and WGI writer) my Mom (she's my Mom first and foremost, but she also used to judge in our local circuit) and Miguel (who was the brave soul of the group who had never actually seen color guard, but has many friends, including his boyfriend, David (Miller's Blackhawks) who have been through the winter guard and drum corps activities). Freddie (Emerald Marquis and Cadets) was supposed to come, but unfortunately for us, was a no-show.

Mom and Miguel
I'd like to point out that my Mom is wearing her/my WGI sweatshirt, circa 1989 for the occasion!

Watching Finals Live, from the comfort of my own house, surrounded by a bunch of friends of like-minds was just fantastic! We had so much fun! For once, we were able to watch a show and say things in our "out loud" voices that we would otherwise have to keep mum if we were actually there. :)

Some of our favorite quotes of the evening:

"Wonder if those dresses will become chain flags?"

"OMG! They're spinning Jesus!" (an image of Jesus was ON the flags)

But nothing could prepare of for the shocking results of the evening! We were little screaming at the TV in disbelief as they announced the placements and scores for the top 3 guards in IW. In all my years, I've never seen an upset like it!

Oh, and let's not forget to mention WGI's major flub-up: after announcing all of the scores and placements of all of the finalist, and while the top three groups were receiving their medals, the announcer announced that a mistake had been made. Apparently, they had mixed up the fourth and fifth placements, and asked the two groups to please switch their plaques. How tacky.

...oh, and lest we forget - the other flub-up of the night, when the announcer spoke too early during the middle of Pride's performance. Crazy.

Congrats goes out to all of the SW and IW finalist. I thought it was one of the strongest IW competitions ever. Special personal mention to some of the groups that my friends teach who had amazing performances: Pride (loved you!), Santa Clara Vanguard, Mayflower (my friend, Rob's guard from the UK!), Carmel, Logan, Arcadia and Little Elm (who won SA, where Mykail teaches).

A great and memorable WGI!

I definitely watched more color guard shows at home this year than I ever have when I actually went to Dayton. I have to say that the WGI Fan Network was such a fantastic option and a great way to partake in the excitement of the weekend.

What Dick Found in the Fridge...

2010-04-09T23:07:00.001-07:00

Our friend Tom was over when Dick made the discovery.

He asked us if we have a history of drawing on our food.

We thought about it, and realized that we do!

Long Live Cartoon Squash Baby!

Guard Geek

2010-04-08T16:17:00.001-07:00

This is my workout set-up this afternoon:

I'm watching WGI Prelims LIVE (via the wgi fan network online) on my
computer, which I connected to the little TV in front of my elliptical
machine.

This is all kinds of geeky goodness! :)

Which Chow?

2010-04-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had dinner with my friend Alice the restaurant, "Chow" in Lafayette. It was very good.

I paid our bill with my credit card. When I got the receipt to sign, I had to giggle.

Typically, credit card receipts usually have "Customer Copy" or "Restaurant Copy" at the bottom. (so you'll know which copy to leave with the restaurant, and which copy to take with you.)

This receipt had **Chow Copy.** at the bottom.

So, which Chow is this receipt for? ;)

**Chow Copy**

This one is for my Dad....

2010-04-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

When I was young, one of the things my Dad used to say was, "Throw them in the Ocean!".

He used this phrase many times, when he would hear news of bad people doing bad things onto others, etc.,

My Dad's solution always seemed reasonable to me.

I generally have a pretty high tolerance for people, and will often give the benefit of the doubt, but lately, I've discovered my tolerance for stupidity has diminished.

I got very annoyed this afternoon after receiving an email.

As a way of tipping my hat to my Dad, I put this up as my status update on Facebook:

I feel better now.

(end rant.)

Baby Rulan's Welcoming and Naming Celebration

2010-04-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Baby Rulan

This afternoon, I had the honor of attending a Welcome and Naming Celebration for Jessica's baby, Rulan.

I had the great pleasure of teaching Jessica back in '94/'95 when she was a 14 year old freshman in Logan High School's winter guard. She had quite the illustrious color guard career during her remaining years at Logan, then with the Blue Devils, and finished her performing years in Blast.

Jessica and I managed to stay in touch over the years, and have remained good friends. We somehow managed to see each other every once in a while, in between all of her travels.

I was so honored to be invited to the celebration with her family and friends today. Jessica is of Native American descent (amongst many other things as well) and her family and fiance shared stories of their ancestors and heritage. They also performed some rituals from their heritage to welcome Rulan.

We were also introduced to the woman for which baby Rulan was name. The elder Rulan is a dancer with her own company, for which Jessica has danced with for several years. She also was the person who first introduced Jessica to her soon-to-be husband.

It was a delightful afternoon. I really enjoyed getting reacquainted with so many members of Jessica's family (including her "baby" sister who is now in Logan's World Guard!) and friends.

I'm so happy for Jessica and her entire family. What an honor it was to be able to witness such a special and memorable event with them.

Bonus: Vielka, Brian and Omar were there, too, so I was able to visit with them all afternoon! I hadn't had a chance to meet Omar before - what a cutie he is!

Vielka and Omar!

The Walt Disney Family Museum

2010-04-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today, I spent the afternoon at The Walt Disney Family Museum with my Mom and Dad. It was amazing!

(from the web)
The Walt Disney Family Museum, LLC is owned and operated by the Walt Disney Family Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Disney's heirs (including Diane Marie Disney, co-founder of the Museum). It is not formally associated with The Walt Disney Company, the media and entertainment enterprise. The museum was funded by the Walt Disney Family Foundation.

We were all utterly impressed with the museum. None of us were prepared for the size of it, or how long it took to go through. We figured two or three hours. We started around 1:15pm. I finished around 5:30 (my Mom finished about 30 minutes before me) and my poor Dad wasn't able to quite finish everything before he was told that the museum was closing.

If you are a fan of Walt Disney, or of any part of his amazing career - whether it be animation, the theme parks, etc., - I highly recommend coming to this museum. It was so interesting - you could tell that it was not done by the Walt Disney Company, but rather by the family. It was all very personal, and you could tell it was a labor of love.

Having been an animation geek and student for a long time, plus having worked at an animation gallery, I knew a good deal about Disney's career (especially about his role in the history of animation) but I learned so much today. His life and career were truly incredible, and he was so inspiring.

Understandably, no photos were allowed inside the museum, but we were allowed to take photos out in the lobby.

Here are a few that I took:

A wall of Oscars

The Special Oscars presented to Walt Disney by Shirley Temple in 1938

Some of the furniture from the Disney's apartment in Disneyland

After we left the museum, we came back home and had dinner with Chad at Nirvana!

Dad, Chad & Mom

What a fun day!

Be nice to me...

2010-04-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

... I donated blood today. :)

My Afternoon in Stockton

2010-03-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

I had a very interesting afternoon yesterday in Stockton. It's been a few weeks since I'd last been to visit my Grandma, and I wanted to spend some quality time with her. My Dad usually spends a couple of days a week with her, and I planned my visit so that we would overlap.

Our day started out in the usual way - we met my Uncle Wes for lunch at our favorite Dim Sum restaurant, China Palace. Yum.

Dad, Uncle Wes and Grandma

After lunch, my Dad, Grandma and I went to do some grocery shopping at my new favorite (and cheap!) grocery store: WinCo!

We love Winco!

Here's when the interesting part of the day came.

We are in the midst of observing the "Ching Ming". I am learning that The Ching Ming Festival is an opportunity for celebrants to remember and honor their ancestors at grave sites.

More here on wikipedia

We went to the cemetery where my Grandpa's ashes are interred on Sunday. I didn't blog about it, as it was very similar to when we went to honor him on his birthday a couple of weeks ago. My Cousin Bruce write a small account of it here.

Anyhow, while we were in Stockton, my Grandma took my Dad and I to the Chinese Cemetery in Stockton where many of our family and friends are buried. On our way there, we stopped at a CentrOMart along the way to pick up some flowers to bring to the graves. While we were at the grocery store, I took this photo from the butcher counter. I found it interesting to find these items at the butcher counter of a traditional grocery store - I had only seen them before at Asian markets.

Pork Ears, Snouts and Tails (they also had plenty of other interesting items!

It turns out that the CentrOMart was only across the street from the high school that my parents attended - Edison High. I'm sure they've drove me past it before, but I couldn't remember, so my Dad drove by so I could take this photo!

Edison High School

Since we were in the neighborhood, my Dad decided to drive past his old house (my Grandparent's first house in Stockton, where they lived from 1951-1971). My Dad and Grandma were very pleased to see how well the current owners have taken care of it. The house and yard looked beautiful!

The Old Howard Street House

Next, we drove a couple of miles to find my Mom's old house. Again, I'm sure they have shown these houses to me before when I was a kid, but I don't remember them. I'm so glad we were able to do it yesterday!

Unfortunately, my Mom's old house isn't kept up quite as well as my Dad's old house.

My Mom's old house

Just around the corner from my Mom's old house is the Junior High School where my parents went. Pretty cool, huh? Remember, my parents had gone to school together (and had been dating the whole time!) since they were in 6th grade!

My Mom and Dad's Junior High School

We eventually made our way to the Chinese Cemetery. I don't think I've been here in 10-15 years. I was happy that I had the chance to go with my Grandma and my Dad yesterday.

The Chinese Cemetery

My Grandmother's Father was buried here when he died in 1961. I didn't know until yesterday that he was only the 2nd person buried here in the Chinese Cemetery. That would explain why his tombstone is in the front row.

My Grandma loved her father very much, and was very close to him. Unfortunately, he passed away fairly young. He was only 55. My Dad was only 13 when his Grandfather passed away.

We brought flowers, and bowed at the site of his grave. I was so glad to have the opportunity to participate in honoring him yesterday.

My Great Grandfather's tombstone

We also went to visit the grave site of my Great Grandmother, who passed way in 1991. I was fortunate to grow up knowing her.

Great Grandma's tombstone

It was a long, and very interesting afternoon. My Dad had wanted to show me the ~~prison~~ oops! jail (big difference!) where he was once arrested (!) but we ran out of time. Another day, another story, another blog post!

We went back to Grandma's house so she could rest for a couple of hours, before heading out to dinner.

We went to a new family favorite restaurant across town. (Can't remember the name of it right now.) My Grandmother knows the owners (my Grandma knows everyone!), and we really like the food.

I took a photo of my Grandma and my Dad, along with two of the owners of the restaurant.

Dinner Time

What a nice afternoon. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to experience this day with my Grandma and my Dad. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to go to these special places with them, and to learn more about each of them, and their lives.

Sneaky Gays

2010-03-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

My gaydar has been broken for years - and now I have to worry about "Sneaky Gays?" I'm in big trouble. ;) I ♥ Glee!

Chow on Board!

2010-03-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

I'm in Stockton, visiting my Grandma today. My Dad is here, visiting
too. :)

I was helping my Dad load some stuff into his trunk when I spotted
something that I hadn't seen in in many, many years. (at least 15
years!)

Tucked away in against the side of a crate that my parents keep in
their truck, I saw the instantly recognizable "Chow on Board" sign!

Way back in the mid-80s everyone had these yellow plastic signs stuck
on their car rear windows that said "Baby on Board!". I suppose the
idea was that people would drive more carefully if they knew a baby
was in the car in front of them. ;)

I think we found this "Chow on Board" sign at a local pet store. We
all thought it was hysterical. I think we kept it in/on our car for
several years.

I had forgotten all about the sign until my high school friend,
Christina, mentioned it to me a few months ago on Facebook. It had
been so long since I had seen it, I assumed it was long gone, never to
be seen again...

So, I was obviously pleasantly surprised when I spotted it in my Dad's
trunk today.

For the record, it still cracks me up. :)

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs & S'mores with the Cousins!

2010-03-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

Tonight was "Cousins Night"!

The five cousins, along with our spouses, significant others, and kids got together at our house for dinner tonight.

Dick barbecued the hamburgers and hot dogs (okay, chicken apple sausages). It was such a nice day out (low 70s in SF) that we had planned an outdoor BBQ, but then the SF chilly evening came, and we all decided to eat indoors instead....

Cousins Dinner!

...except for the two little ones, who decided they wanted to stay outside, and brave the elements!

Brave, cold girls!

The highlight of the evening came when we all ventured back outside to roast marshmallows over the fire pit to make s'mores!

Here's where's the shocking truth came out:

It turns out that somehow, I've never made s'mores before! Apparently, I'm the only one in my family who has never participated in this age-old tradition. Go figure!

Cousin Bruce shows his two youngest how it's done!

And yes, you can't really see it, but there is a flame there. We have a gas fire bowl in our backyard. It was a bit windy out, so I had it turned on very low so we wouldn't have to worry about any stray, dancing flames.

Bruce & Robin's three girls

Kenneth & Cheri

Trying to roast marshmallows over the low flames

My First S'more!

New Client Site Launched!

2010-03-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

I launched a new client site last night: Ayuh Yoga.

It was a fantastic project to work on. Not only am I very happy with how the design and finished product turned out, but I also thoroughly enjoyed working with these clients.

I actually taught (color guard) most of the people on the staff of Ayuh Yoga when they were in high school in Union City 15 years ago. I lost touch with most of them over the years, but had the wonderful opportunity to become reacquainted with them via Facebook. I've enjoyed meeting up with them at different events and gatherings over the last couple of years.

It's been such a pleasure to become friends with all of these people again, and to have the chance to get to know each other as adults. It was such an honor to be asked by these friends to design and implement the web site for their new business venture.

Congratulations to the team at Ayuh Yoga!

I wish you great success in your business, and many more years of friendship! :)

Only in the Castro...

2010-03-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

Dick and I were walking on Noe Street in the Castro this evening, on our way to dinner. (Dinner at L'Ardoise! Mmmmm...)

As we were nearing the restaurant, we passed a jogger who was heading in the opposite direction. He was jogging at a good pace, and had his earphones in.

As he passed by, he said, "Cute Dress!"

LOL! Made my day! I was wearing a new dress that I had just bought last weekend.

Only in the Castro!

I love my neighborhood.

Thank You Card

2010-03-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

How cute is this?

This is the Thank You Card that I received yesterday from my neighbor's Granddaughter. She is the 3-1/2 year old who invited me to a tea party on Tuesday.

I had brought a small gift for her - a set of Raggedy Ann and Andy book ends. I think she really loves them. :)

Obviously, her Grandmother helped her with the writing on the card, but she drew the picture of Raggedy Ann herself. I think she did a very good job - It's SO cute!

Large...

2010-03-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a new geek t-shirt.

Am I the only one noticing how small women's t-shirts are becoming?

I fully recognize that I am not as petite as I was, say, 20 years ago. But, considering the fact that I will soon be entering the fourth decade of my life, I think I'm still in pretty good shape. I could be totally fooling myself into thinking that I'm still fit, but I do workout regularly, and generally eat pretty well, and well, I think I look okay. :)

I usually wear a size Medium, and I'm perfectly okay knowing that I no longer fit well into a size small.

But, when I was selecting this shirt, I realized how small the medium seemed to be, so I grabbed a large instead.

Good thing I did. It fits well - exactly how I would want it to. (but it still seems a tad ridiculous to me.)

So, this is me.
Size: Large.

go figure.

I want to know who's responsible for deciding clothing sizes...