Move Over Hamlet!!

To rant, or not to rant: that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The idiocy of the dunces out there

Or to take arms against a sea of dimwits 

And blog about about them?

This is the beginning of a section I like to call "Silly-loquies." It shall be my stage to air my grievances, rant about and post hilarious things I observe in life (my own included). So now, if you with patient ears attend, what here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend! (To all you Shakespeare buffs out there, that one was for you!)

Silly-loquy #1: Strange profiles on Match.com 

As a busy, young professional woman, I signed up for an account on Match.com back in July (July 4th to be exact). I purchased the 3-month package, but ended up "hiding" my profile for a while because I had gotten so bogged down with work, I didn't have time to peruse Match.com. In addition, getting notices of "winks" and "e-mails" was clogging my mailbox and that was getting really annoying. I completely forgot to cancel after 3 months and got charged for another 3! Oh what a tragedy indeed! I figured since I already paid for it, I will just turn my profile back on and do some browsing. The romantic part of me says, "You never know who might be out there!" The frugal part of me says, "You better at least get your money's worth and look!" And the cynical part of me chimes in with, "Reading these profiles could be entertaining!" 

So, without much further ado, the following are real excerpts from profiles on Match.com that got me scratching my head and laughing out loud: 

1. "Im an intelligent, well educated guy...I have by batchlor's degree in..."

-Really? I mean, really??

2. "Quarks are the constituent particles of matter, along with electrons. Protons and neutrons are made of quarks, and when electrons decide to joint the fray, atoms are formed. When a bunch of atoms decide to socialize we end up with a lot of possibilities...We are constantly fooled by the electromagnetic force into thinking that we are solid, when, in fact, we are mostly empty space...I take fish oil, krill oil, vitamin D, lutein, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid."

-Don't get me wrong, intelligence is big turn of for me. But all this info jammed packed into a profile for a dating website? 

3. "l am a strong sensitive man that likes painting toenails..."

-Shivers. 

4. "I read a LOT. I'm one of those nerds that's walking down the busy sidewalk reading and running into people. I read while I pump my gas, and if I'm really into a book, while waiting at a red light."

-Sir, have you heard of books on tape? They are SO much safer!!

5) "... i really do not like going to parties that often maybe once every three weeks to a month. i would rather hangout and talk to my friends and family or go the movies or a park. I enjoy working out its fun for me lol. I don't like drinking that often once a month is good enough for me, only really when I'm at a party. i feel like its really bad for you and it takes away from my workouts. i have never been to a club or want to go to a club its not my scene. I know I'm boring lol. i like watching TV, movies singing in the car. i joke around a lot. I'm very sarcastic but i don't have a sarcastic voice which sucks...The things i look for in a girl is a girl that hasn't been around a lot..."

-So you are looking for Emily Dickinson? (She was an American poet from the 1800s who was a recluse- barely left her own room)

My New Crush!! And What I Learned From Him

Smitten? Why, yes!!

As a girl who follows the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), I get the pleasure of watching a plethora of attractive, sweaty, chiseled men in little clothing fighting, wrestling, flexing...ahem! Believe it or not, I did not start watching UFC to gawk at sexy athletes. I started following the sport after seeing a documentary on the training these athletes must endure in order to be best MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter.

Despite years of watching UFC, this is the first time I have developed a major crush on a fighter...and NOT for his prowess in the octagon.

If I we were in grade school and today was Valentine's Day, Georges St. Pierre would get a big fancy, glittery cut-out heart from me. I have to admit, I admire the man! I do not find him attractive because he is currently the undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion or because he is the top pound for pound fighter in his weight class (or because of the rock hard body and handsome face). I am crushing on him because he is gentleman.

UFC 100: GSP defends his belt again Thiago Alves, Las Vegas
I was totally there!!!

GSP, as he is known to fans, is a coach this season of the reality show the Ultimate Fighter. The premise of the show is based on two teams of amateur fighters led by two prominent UFC fighters. The contestants fight it out in the octagon and the last man standing wins a six figure contract with the UFC. As a coach, GSP is patient with his fighters and devotes his time to ensuring that these guys get the most out of their experience on the show. He wants the show to be about the contestants, rather than himself. He is humble when his team wins and is graceful when his team loses. Unlike the opposing coach on the show, GSP does not trash talk, pull pranks or lose his temper when things don't go his way. Even when provoked, my crush stays calm and collected. Instead of resorting to juvenile backlash, he channels his frustration into the training and takes it out in the ring, where it actually counts. Classy! I find all these traits really hot.

After being single for most of 2010, I have had the opportunity to reevaluate what I am attracted to in a man. I have reconfirmed, through my newly developed crush, that I definitely have a higher regard for a man's good values than for his money or looks. It's good looks that initially attract me, but it's wholesome values that keeps me attracted.

What are the top non-physical characteristics about someone that draws you to him or her?


By the way, if you are rich, hot and nice...don't hesitate to contact me :-)

My Short Term Bucket List

I believe that you are more likely to accomplish goals when you write them down. Your goals can be as realistic or as fantastic as you want them to be, but writing them down is always the first step to making them come true. After I turned 25, I updated my "bucket list" because there were things I have already accomplished and I have found new interests worthy of pursuit!

Here are things from the list I made as a 19 year old that I have been able to cross off:  

1. See Rome and eat a slice of pizza by the Pantheon (and eat gelato by the Trevi Fountain too)

2. See an opera at the Sydney Opera House

3. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reefs

4. Backpack through New Zealand and take a boat down Milford Sound

5. Swim with the dolphins 

Here are some things on my list I hope to get crossed off by time I turn 30:

1. Cruise down the Nile River and ride a camel across the desert

2. Run a marathon

3. Get kissed passionately under the Eiffel Tower (or on a gondola in Venice)

4. Sleep in an Irish Castle

5. Travel to all 7 continents (yes, Antarctica too)

I never thought I would do anything of the things on my list when I wrote them down as dreamy-eyed teenage girl...it was more just fantasizing. I didn't have that much money as a student, but I found ways to fund all those bucket list items without having to take out loans/borrow money. It just takes dedication, planning and imagination!

What things are on your to do lists? What are your wildest dreams? What's stopping you?

By the way, if you know of any amazing eligible bachelors out there that can help me cross off #3, don't hesitate to let me know!! 

Manscaping: Hairy Subject!

 Images my mind conjured up when I heard the word manscaping:

Male models (especially Mr. David Beckham in that Armani underwear ad campaign)

 Olympic swimmers 

Steve Carell in the waxing scene of The 40 Year Old Virgin

Jerry Seinfeld in “the Muffin Tops” episode of Seinfeld where he tries to even out his chest hair (particularly the end of the episode where he howls like a werewolf)

Kramer introducing Frank Constanza to the “Bro” or “Manzier” – That is just how my brain works OK? (Man + landscaping = Manscaping + thinking about Seinfeld + funny word combinations = Bro or Manzier)

Talk about going from “Ooohh” to “Uggghhh” in less than 10 seconds!

Manscaping: a term that refers to the shaving, waxing, trimming and or grooming of superfluous hair on a male body, including below the belt. The term was made popular by a 2004 episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

Example: “I find really hairy men unattractive, manscaping is definitely a prerequisite for dating me,” blogged the single girl.

The topic of manscaping came up the other day and it really got me curious about what percentage of men practice this delicate art. Yes, delicate indeed! There has to be a fine balance between stubbly hairs that are prickly and itchy and full blown Chewbacca. And I guess it is not so easy – that’s why a caveman can’t do it, right? 


I adore guys who manscape. Manscaping goes beyond making you more physically attractive - it's hygiene too! I appreciate men who actually put in the effort to keep themselves looking presentable with and without clothes on. It shows that you care about yourself and about the woman you are with. I am realistic, unless you are a model or a competitive swimmer, I don't expect you to be completely hairless. I actually prefer some body hair - it's more natural. 


This is the 21st century. Men, it's OK to be metrosexual. So pluck those rogue hairs, wax that unibrow and take a firm stance on deforestation of the jungle you might be living in. And if you are new to manscaping, make sure you have the appropriate tools and techniques. Don't use a mower where you only need a trimmer. We will take notice, you will score points. We do it for you, you should return the favor. 


Guys and gals out there- what are your opinions on manscaping? What do you prefer? And gals, would you ever tell your significant other he needs manscaping? 

The Second Most Dangerous Place in the World!

If Iraq was the most dangerous place in the world, then the second most dangerous place would, hands down, have to be the parking lot of a dim sum restaurant on a busy Sunday morning.

All kidding aside, how did Asians get pegged for being bad drivers? If something is a stereotype, then there must be something to back it up, right? I can't seem to find any statistics that prove Asians are bad drivers. However, I can see why Asian immigrants would have trouble driving in America. Have you seen the traffic in Tokyo, Mumbai or in my insanely congested original hometown of Ho Chi Minh City? Overpopulation and different (or lack there of) traffic laws will definitely have an impact on someone's driving.

As for me, I have had two speeding tickets to my name and a couple non-noteworthy fender benders. Pretty good for being a woman AND Asian huh?

Do you have any anecdotal encounters with a "bad Asian driver?" What is your opinion of this stereotype?

This is not good bye, not even close

This is a letter to my best friend. I have not told him I have posted this. I hope he finds it after he has departed, maybe read it at an airport somewhere (the theatrical part of me also hopes there would be the acoustic version of "The Scientist" by Coldplay softly playing in the background).  Somethings are just too difficult to say. He is leaving America for an exciting position overseas. Everything fell into place for him so quickly, that he only had a week to pack up and move. Only a week to settle affairs. Only a week to say good bye to family and friends. It will take me longer than a week to process all this, but this will have to do for now.

To my best friend,

I will not say I can't believe this is all happening and so fast. I will not say that I can't imagine life without you. I will not say good bye to you.

I will say that I am beyond elated that you have been bestowed this great opportunity to live and work abroad. We use to sit around and talk about all the "what ifs" and my friend, one of the "what ifs" has become reality for you! I am also glad everything happened in a time of your life when you are not tied down by other obligations.

I will say that I can't imagine what my life would be like without having had you in it. We met when I was on the brink of adulthood, when I had not yet define who I was. I love the person I have grown to become and you have definitely had a major part in my transformation. Through the past years, you have been a dedicated friend, a strong support system, an honest mentor and so much more. You have seen my hideous side, the one that can be angry, judgmental, selfish and irrational. You have helped me reflect upon myself to correct those flaws. You have been the only person that I have allowed to see me completely raw and vulnerable. You have even seen me cry. Through the hard times, you have taught me to be confident and believe in myself. Through the hard times, you have always been there, even when I have taken my frustrations out on you and hurt you. I will forever be indebted to you for everything you have been to me and for everything you have done for me. Looking at the unfinished tapestry of my life, I can see where you have interlaced the warp and weft of yourself...I find these parts one of the most beautiful and they will never unravel.

I will say that I will miss you immensely. I have that feeling I get when I have misplaced something of great value - I know it is not lost, it is just out there somewhere. You and I both know the connection we have is strong enough to span both distance and time. Just know that no matter where you end up, even when you are half a world away and your sunrises are my sunsets, you will always have a home in my heart. Just know that I will love you until the day I am no longer capable of conscious thoughts and emotions (overly theatrical? definitely, but I don't know how else I could have put it).

My friend, until we meet again, I hope that Fortune smiles upon you and keeps you safe,

Phuong

It's the Little Things!

The past 7 days has truly been complicated and draining, but I was fortunate enough to spot the little things that happened along the way that brought me such simple joys:

1. Finding $10 in the coat from last season

2. Waking up thinking I was late for work when I really have another hour to spend in bed

3. Thinking I was going to miss my flight and getting an automated phone call from the airline saying that my flight has been delayed.

4. Sitting on the back of the plane, the flight attendant brings around the tray of snacks, there is one bag of cookies that you really want left over and the person right in front of you opts for the cheesy crackers...score!

5. Hitting all the green lights on Kingshighway (the stretch in front of Barnes') - that feat was just short of a miracle. 

What little things make you happy? Were you able to spot life's little blessings? 

My Michelin Star Mission

My new pursuit: visit as many 3 Michelin Star Restaurants in the United States as I can (afford to).

What is a Michelin Star? 

The Michelin Guide was published in France in 1900 to help travelers find good establishments on their journey. Over a century later, it has become the gold standard guide for gourmet dining. The Michelin Guide employs highly qualified inspectors to anonymously visit hotels and restaurants. 

1 Star = A very good restaurant in its category

2 Stars = Excellent cooking and worth a detour

3 Stars = Exceptional cuisine and worth the journey

Restaurants with 3 Michelin Stars are rare- only about 80 restaurants in the world have this distinguished honor. There are only a handful of them in the United States and my new mission is to seek out them out, educate myself on the menu and enjoy utterly ecstatic culinary experiences! 

My First 3 Michelin Star Experience

I read about Joel Robuchon in a magazine a few years ago and was fascinated with the idea of one day eating at his restaurant. Getting to live out my gastronomic fantasy was pure bliss!

The restaurant sent a limo to the hotel to pick up my dining companion and I. We were driven to the back of the MGM Grande, where we were escorted by a beautiful woman in a long black gown through a big wrought iron gate and through the Mansion's corridors. We were greeted by the host upon arrival, an attractive French man in a very sharp suit. The ambiance of the restaurant was incredible and the furnishings were so luxurious- velvet seats, a beautiful chandelier and even a foot stool under the table! We had about 8 servers throughout dinner - each person had a specific task (utensils, water, drinks, bread, entrees, etc). We had a new sets of utensils with every course. It was very overwhelming.  

After our cocktails arrived, a bread cart with at least 20 types of breads was rolled out for our selection. I had a "Pretty Woman" moment because I had never been anywhere so fancy (I had not even set foot in a limo until tonight). Apparently, your bread plate stays on your left hand side at all times. I kept moving my bread plate in front of me and the server kept moving it back to the left side when he visited the table to bring more bread. My friend finally just told me, "Hey, the bread stays on the side." I wonder why he didn't tell me sooner! The menu was in French with English description below.  I didn't even attempt to read the French titles out of fear of further embarrassing myself. I told server I was not going to butcher his beautiful native language and that I would order in English.  Everything was "Le" this and "Le" that...and I was being referred to as "mademoiselle." I was intimidated.

I had the six course meal (technically, I had 11 because my friend and I shared our courses with one another). Everything was executed so perfectly and artistically! 

1. Amuse bouche

-Caviar on top of succulent crab

2. Appetizer

-King crab with asparagus blanc-manger (French panna cotta) and season vegetables 

-Truffled langoustine ravioli with cabbage

3. Soup

-Creamy chestnut soup with foie gras and bacon foam

4. Main courses

-Beef ribeye, wasabi spinach and bell pepper medley

-Duck and seared foie gras with sweet and sour fruit

-Spiny poached lobster

-Pan seared sea bass 

5. Cheeses (the names were so fancy I couldn't remember them!)

6. Desserts

-Blueberry compote and lemon brulee with violet milkshake

-Raspberry with raspberry brandy and coconut foam

Bonus round

-An array of mini desserts (I actually started laughing after the man named the all these desserts - how could I remember which was which to order?) 

After the wonderful meal..."Le Bill!" This was hands down the most expensive meal I have ever had. Was it worth it? Absolutely! It was a mind opening experience and an incredible introduction to fine French cuisine. Joel Robuchon was hailed "Chef of the Century" by this native country...what more could you ask for?

The experience ended with us being escorted back out and driven back to the hotel by another limo. I felt like  a celebrity! I also had the chorus of "Lifestyle of the Rich and the Famous" by Good Charlotte playing in my head on the limo ride back. It was very surreal. It was only 48 hours ago that I was eating frozen dinners! 

I have included some of the pictures I secretly snapped from my iPhone (it is considered rude to take pictures in the restaurant). The ones of the bread and cheese carts were courtesy of Google Image :-)

From top to bottom we have the bread cart, caviar, duck and foie gras, crab with blanc-manger (and yes, those are gold leaves on the blanc-manger), ribeye, soup, sea bass, cheese, dessert and bonus dessert. 

A Foodie is Born

One basic, yet very important thing about me: I LOVE food.  My close friends make fun of me for having both a personal trainer and an insatiable appetite for good eats. Don't get me wrong, I do it all in moderation. I got back from my dining excursion to Las Vegas a little over 24 hours ago. On the plane ride back, I reminisced about the wonderful food I had the opportunity to experience and reflected upon my journey to becoming an amateur foodie. 

An early history of my romance with food...the good times and the bad: 

I remember not liking foods that were not junk food as a child.  I was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in the mid 1980s and there was not a wide variety of food where and when I grew up.  I vividly recollect dreading meal times because I correlated them with (a) stopping whatever mischievous activity I was plotting or carrying out (b) getting scolded by my parents for not having a better appetite when there are hungry children in Laos (c) suffering through the yuckiness that existed in the form of vegetables and (d) having to endure what seemed like an eternity of adult conversation and having to sit still through it all. 

I also remember going to "commy-first grade." Vietnam was and still is one of five communist countries that exists today. Under this regime, school children had to live under the strict rules of teachers who made mean Catholic nuns seem like Mary Poppins. We had to finish all our food at lunch...or else! The "or else" was usually a few slaps with a ruler on the hands followed by a humiliating bout of crying your eyes out in public because it hurts so darn much. You know, the uncontrollable crying with the gasping and snotting all over the place that made other kids looked on with wide eyes that read something like, "Damn! Sucks for you. At least it wasn't me!" One day, I couldn't finish my food and a dazzling light bulb went on over my little head. I figured I don't have to eat the food, I just have to get rid of it somehow. But how? But where?! Quick! Quick! Before they catch you! I threw the food under the table little by little...methodically and with precise calculation. Once the teacher saw that I had "obediently finished my food", as evident by my empty bowl, I was free! Free to go play! Unfortunately, like the invention of the atomic bomb, my bright idea had devastating consequences.  

The food I tossed under the table landed right under this poor boy's seat. A little tattle-tale ran to the teacher and told her about how the boy was throwing away his food. He was confronted and punished. As he was pleading his innocence, I looked on in silence like the coward that I was and thought to myself, "Damn! Sucks for you. At least it wasn't me!" I feel guilty about that incident, even to this day.  I wish I could apologize to him.  I wish I could take back what I did. I felt like one of those hated sleazy characters in the books I read as a child.  

Fast forward a few years later. My family and I moved to America when I was seven years old.  They told me America was the land of opportunity, but they didn't mention the food opportunity! I soon discovered French fries, other kinds of soda that was not Coca-Cola (purple ones, clear ones, red ones, orange ones, green ones...and they all gave your mouth that tingly zing!), burgers, cheese, milkshakes, pizza, tatter tots, ketchup, fried chicken...carbohydrates that have had their flavors enhanced by fats! These were of course all junk food, but they made eating enjoyable. I learned to explore different flavor combinations (picture that part in the movie Ratatouille when Remy first combined cheese and fruit).  I no longer dreaded meal times.  Food in America was wonderful! I love America! 

My palate has definitely changed over the years. I like to think my palate is more sophisticated these days.  I have come a long way from that little schemer girl who desperately tried to avoid food to someone who appreciates it whole heartedly. To me, food does more than nourish my body. Food for me means adventure, culture and comfort among many other things. 

What were your first memories of food? How has your palate changed over the years? What does food mean to you? 

I love food so much, I play with it! I'm just another classy girl.
*Crawfish finger puppet at Commander's Palace, New Orleans*

Tomorrow: My Michelin Star Mission and pictures from my "meal of a lifetime" in Vegas. 

Solution to My Quarter Life Crisis

According to the German philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche, "Out of chaos comes order," but in my case, out of chaos comes blogger! 


I am turning 25 years old next week and I have been jokingly claiming that I have been going through a quarter life crisis.  Upon further inspection, my claim is not that far from the truth.  I have graduated from college, started my first full time job, moved in with a boyfriend after 3 years of dating, quit my first job for a better one, broke up with my boyfriend, watched my friends either move away or get married, moved out of the loft I shared with my now ex-boyfriend, started living alone for the first time and recently started dating again...all within the last year and a half. 


I am a pharmacist, foodie, traveler, quarter life crisis survivor and avid pursuer of happiness who is currently residing in St. Louis, Missouri.  


"I blog, therefore I am," is going to be my little motto for my purpose of writing. Like Descartes, I want to think (and write) in order to examine my reality. I also want to share the journey of my pursuit of happiness...my living diary about food, travel, point of view on life, rants, dating, relationships and other topics of depth and humor. 


I hope to learn more about myself through writing and through reader feedback. I also hope to get fresh perspectives from people from different walks of life. Comment! Lend me your wisdom! Share your point of view! I hope to hear from you! 


Phuong