The first two days of the new year has been pretty good. On New Year's Day, I wore my turquoise black lace dress and everyone complimented me on it. My family and I had a party at the house and I got up early to help cook the food, which I didn't mind. I helped with almost every dish, especially the dumplings, noodles, and spring rolls. A family friend came over earlier to make some appetizers: Cream cheese and proscuitto on crackers and sausage, onion and feta cheese inside phyllo dough then baked. I thought he came up with some pretty neat ideas.

A bunch of church friends and Chinese buddies came over with fruit inspired cheesecake (I like the one with strawberry swirls); cherries and little oranges and truffles. I also got a few more gifts: A very beautiful glass clock; really nice warm grey gloves and scarf set; money; a guide to NY restaurants etc.

I spoke a lot with JK and M because they had stories and insights about NY. Also, M's daughter lives in Queens so she'll put me in touch with her which is great. I want to know as many people as possible over in the East Coast. Also talked with N quite a bit because she's closer to my age. It was fun to gossip and update each other on our lives.

Today I was able to chat with a couple of good friends, especially KL. It was wonderful to talk with her; I always love our conversationts even though it's only through the internet. Also, L from LA called me and he's sad that I'm leaving so soon, because he won't be able to come and see me before I go. He was excited about the possibility of visiting NY though. That would be sweet. I really hope that everyone of my friends who say they will visit me there make it out there...

I went with JF and his family to The Orient Express, a Korean restaurant for a late lunch. I chose the chicken teriyaki meal... It came with vegetable tempura (broccoli, carrot and potato- It was very good), fried rice and a small salad. I also tried the spicy pork BBQ with onions and that was so good. The flavors and sauce was just really succulent and delectable.

Afterwards, I stopped by JF's place and he showed me their new bunny. He was too adorable and I got to hold him for a little bit. He was relaxing in my arms and i was really fun to pet the little guy, all brown and white.

Next JF and I headed to the mall where we browsed around for awhile. Bought myself a bluish green iridescent glitter roll-on and ran into a bunch of my buddies when we went into Game-Stop. It was great to see them and hopefully I'll get a chance to again before I leave for New York, but that's coming up really soon. My plane is January 7th night and I still have to meet up with MH, ST, RF and SI (if we get at chance); plus GS will be visiting me tomorrow evening for a couple of days...