tammy’s blog

Today was my first day back to the gym in nearly 2 months! This probably isn't a big deal to most people, but I was going to the gym religiously -- minimum of 4-5 times a week for the past 8 months... Sounds like I was training to be an olympian.. haha..  Actually lost nearly 55lbs.. (still surreal & REALLY hard to imagine!)

Don't worry, I won't scare you with any before and after pictures..

I've been feeling ridiculously out of shape so the thought of going back to the gym really intimidated me... I was secretly hoping that I wouldn't run into my old personal trainer... Don't know if my flabby arms and bloated gut could handle his reaction.. As soon as I walked through the doors, my eyes went straight to the back of the building and I headed briskly to my safe haven - le locker room. No eye contact! Don't bring any attention to yourself..Just keep on walkin'!

I decided to ease into my routine.. We definitely won't be running a full marathon today.. Oh no.. Just a nice 20mins on a stairmaster (gotta firm up those neglected buns!) and 20mins on a stationary bike.. 3/4 into my workout, I get a text from my trainer.. greaaat...he saw me..  

trainer: "U came to see me today, how sweet"

me: "Not to see you mr. creepy.. where are you hiding?"

trainer: "I ran away"

me: "Figures you can't handle a real woman." (HA!)

trainer: "lol.. no I ran to a real woman"

me: "Oh.. my bad.. your wifey wolfie" (another trainer at the gym)

trainer: "Yep. He knows how I like it"

me: "I'm sure my cameo at the gym totally made your day.. you're welcome"

I couldn't help but have a huge grin.. things were back to normal... and no fatty comments! whoo whoo!

Oh.. I missed my gym! I missed your noisey machines, sweaty people, strange music, and fun texting banters.. :)

It's been 6 weeks since the moped and I parted ways and I'm healing quite well.. I've had doctor visits and x-rays every week -- I know! So much exposure to radiation... I probably glow in the dark now.. ha.

X-RAYS!

Week 2 - First X-rays after surgery!

Week 6

 Here's a little close up!

Week 2 - up close

Week 6 - up close

Ok. .so you probably can't even tell the difference.. well, except that the first picture has three metal pieces and the 2nd only has two! But, if you examine it VERY VERY closely, you'll notice the calcium forming at the tip of my clavicle (I didn't notice either..my doctor informed me.. ha!).

I am the luckiest person in the world.. I'm blessed to have friends and family members that care so much.. Today, I was given the most thoughtful and touching gift I have ever received.

Card

Inside

One of my closest girlfriends -- SOPHIA LAU gave me a card... ok. I'm sure you're thinking, what's the big deal? Well, the message inside was probably the most touching thing I have EVER received. Sophia did a little fundraiser to help raise money to pay for my medical expenses (hospital, ambulance, 3 surgeries, etc..). I've never had anyone go out of their way to do something so kind. Let me mention that a huge part of the donations were from people I've never even met. She helped raised over $500.

Absolutely AMAZING.

Contribute

PEOPLE/FAMILES WHO CONTRIBUTED:

Christina Cheung, Sandy Chan, Anna Truong, Donna Daguman + her mom, Telly Tan, Perry Kayasone, Lawrence Leung, Alice Lo, Queena Tse, Norene Lew, John Giang, Tobiason Family, Leach Family, Close Family, Clemes Family, Masto Family, Monica Devera

Message

Sept. 2, 2008

Dear Tammy,

     I hope you recover 100% soon!! When I first learned about your moped accident, I was really sad and worried. I knew that I had to do something to help. I really wanted to see you, so I came down to have lunch in SJ, eventhough it was only with you & Hoa.

     I'm not sure how much your insurance covered, so I started a little fundraiser. I sent letters to the parents at my school, and also let people know that I was donating my August commission from The Body Shop towards your med. bills. I didn't quite reach my personal goal, but I do hope that it helps!

     I <3 U, and hope that you heal completely very soon!   <3, Soph  

I am still in disbelief of how amazing some people are...

I really hope this inspires people to live well and do good.

I know. .its kinda gross..but that little pokey thing is a pin migrating its way out of my arm.. This picture is 2 days before my surgery.. The day of, the pin was out even more and ready to puncture!

Picture004.jpg

This is the surgical hardware that they took out of my arm.. pretty crazy! It was soo much bigger than I thought it would be.. You're probably wondering why I'd have that in my arm in the first place. Long story short, I fractured and dislocated my clavicle so they had to put in 2-3 screws/pins so that it would heal straight. I'm getting them all taken out in 2 weeks!! For now, just call me the Bionic Woman!

Picture003.jpg

SATURDAY

Inspired by the $$$ Bobbi Brown Lip Palette I just purchased, I decided to gather all my lipsticks and shave them into my own kit. I went to Ulta Beauty in search for the Japonesque Double-Sided Lip/Foundation Palette.. (They didn't carry it, but I found it online and used coupon codes to get $15 off!! Pretty awesome!)..

I hate when you go out of your way to a store and leave with nothing.. Therefore, I make a point never to leave empty handed.. haha. .I know. .ridiculous.. so, I made my way to the register (brush cleanser and sponges in my basket) and patiently wait for my turn. The cashiers were trying to get customers to sign up for a membership card and a "free gift" (Two free issues of InStyle now and two issues in the mail.. plus a free watch!).. Now, I know this is a scam. Sure, you'll get the free issues now, but they'll continue billing your credit card for issues after two months.. Then it'll be a complete nightmare to cancel.

I politely decline their offer and wait to be rung up. As I'm waiting, an older vietnamese lady next to me, is being given the whole speel about the offer. She spoke minimal English and was completely confused. My cashier (a young Vietnamese girl wearing too much eyeshadow - Anh Thu) then speaks to her in the most proper vietnamese I had ever heard.. I was completely impressed. Correct verbage and everything!! I could barely get through a Vietnamese conversation without throwing in English with every other word.. Anywho, she explains the offer and of course, the lady trusts her and signs up. While my cashier goes to the back to grab some magazines. I tell one of the cashiers that they should explain how to cancel the subscription to the Vietnamese lady. The cashier then tells me, "Well, there's a language barrier but that girl explained everything to her.. Thanks for your concern".. PUH-LEASE! You have no idea what that girl said! But then again, maybe I wasn't paying attention and she did say something? Whatever the case, I leave and walk out to my car.

I feel horrible for that older lady. I can completely imagine someone trying to run that with my mom or aunts. So, I stand outside my car and wait for her to come out. It's been almost 5mins... what's taking so long?! Screw it! I'm getting in my car.. So, I get in my car and back out.. As I pull up to the turn, I stop the car and wait. Maybe I'll just wait another couple of minutes.. She FINALLY comes out and I roll down my window.. EXCUSE ME!! In my best vietnamese (which is pretty horrible and broken), I explain that she needs to ask them how to cancel the subscription or her credit card will be charged. How do you say subscription in Vietnamese?! Beats me! She's completely surprised. They never told her that it was something that could/would need to be canceled.. She thanks me, calling me "big sister", and goes back into the store.

SUNDAY

An otherwise uneventful Sunday turned into a mini solo roadtrip to Montery. My BFF went skydiving and lost her keys.. not on the drop but somewhere inbetween.. haha... Anywho, she calls her "bf/ex-bf" to see if he could come by and drop off her spare.. He's "too tired" and askes if there's anyone else that could do it. She then calls me and of course I do it without hestitation! What kind of BFF would I be if I didn't? I pick up the spare key from his house (he's afraid I'll say something to him, so he leaves it with his little brother to give to me) and hop on the 101! 

*note* He was probably right. I sure would've said something to him! The entire 5 minute drive to his house, I was thinking of things I'd say if I ever saw him. (Very much like SATC the movie, where Charlotte decides what she'd say if she ever saw Big)... "I curse the day you were born!?".. Maybe I'd say something short and sweet like, "Man up!" ..

Anywho, the drive down to Montery was crazy long!! It's even worst when you have no idea what the distance is suppose to be like... Since the weather was beautiful, turned out everyone in San Jose and neighboring cities, was making their way to the beach. Going at 20-25mi/hr.. it took me a little over 2 hours to get there... driving back was a breeze tho, it only took about an hour! It would normally feel like a completely drag to drive anywhere on your own, but I was totally loving it. That slow traffic gave me some good time to reflect.

Whoo whoo!

Hello to VOX, the New Year, and a wonderful new beginning.

I found Vox under strange circumstances but am happy to be here nonetheless. It's so therapeutic to write and read about all these great happenings!

I'm currently obsessed with this song... it's inspired me to pick up an acoustic guitar in hopes that one day, I'll be able to be half as good as Mr. Andrew Brown... You might even get a video out of me! ha!

Here's the skinny on me..

Born and raised in the Silicon Valley but sadly not a tech girl (really wish I could understand all this html. jazz). I love youtube, good food and good music, reading, working out, event coordinating, and being a make-up artist. Does this sound like a personal ad or what?! HA! okay.. enough mumbo jumbo for now..

Promise I'll write more on my next blog! Have a great day!