long days

After a fun yet productive start to the week, it ended with nonstop activities the past couple of days. First of all, Esther and I redeemed Taco Tuesday, thank goodness for that. I also made decisions about classes and housing, finally. I met with a friend i used to work with at an amazing sushi place. It was a little bit of a drive, but well worth it. I ate the best sushi that I can remember. I had been craving it for so long and i was not disappointed. We also made these elaborate plans to expand my LA knowledge and experience because she grew up here and i'm still intimidated by the city.

I had to work on the 4th of July, but we still made strawberry/raspberry/blueberry shortcake and we were able to see some of the fireworks they shot off from the rose bowl. My least favorite part of the night was when they asked me as i was leaving to go pick up some people from the rose bowl who had gone for the fireworks. Long story short, traffic. I got off work 2 hours late on friday and had to be back early Sat for yet another full day. On Sat, we took the kids to Redondo Beach for the afternoon. While i was driving the kids all i could keep thinking about was how i now understand how my parents felt when i wanted to listen to my music in the car. The kids wanted it so loud and they only wanted to listen to the same 3 songs. There are so many "parental moments" that happen when i'm at work.

We got back from the beach right when my shift ended and i had to go directly to my friends wedding reception. I had missed the ceremony because i had to work, but i offered to help set up for the reception so i rushed to help set up for close to 500 guests. This wedding reception was incredible. First of all it was chinese which meant it was a cultural experience as well. They rented out this huge seafood restaurant that was beautiful. There were probably 12 or more chandeliers and everything was decorated perfectly. It was a sit down 8 course meal plus cake; imagine 4 plus hours of just eating :). We had crab, lobster, beef, duck, chicken, shrimp, scallops, fish, shark fin soup and rice. While we were eating there were the traditional aspects of a wedding reception plus multiple choreographed dances by bride and groom and bridal party, as well games/skits. The bride changed her outfit 4 times throughout the evening each time with another introduction by the emcee. Her family is chinese and his family is cambodia so everything was translated twice. There is probably more i could say, but it was quite the experience. A fun one for sure and i always love seeing the bride and groom so happy.

Today was church and work and i'm so glad that tomorrow is my day off. I have jury duty this week so its kinda like a game. I have to call in every night to see if i have to go to the courthouse the next day. I don't have to report tomorrow which is quite a relief. i'm sure i will have to go eventually. it will be interesting. I kind of hope i don't get selected for a trial. It seems like so much pressure. Anyways, another week of summer gone and another one awaits.