lannguyen.me

try { _uacct = "UA-3317522-3"; urchinTracker(); } catch(err) {}

[lannguyen]

Hello #iPhone6 -- what an upgrade

[lannguyen]

Adventure time!

[lannguyen]

REI Flash 18 Pack

I wasn't sure if this pack could hold all that I wanted, but decided to give it a try. In a short amount of time I've taken on trips to the gym and short day hikes -- I pretty much love this pack.  The design is simple but it's the added thoughtful features that make this bag so versatile and useful for all types of outings. 

The daisy chain makes it easy to clip on gear with carabiners. I usually throw in my harness, chalk bag, keys/phone/money/cards in mesh pocket, and still have plenty of room for a jacket and water bottle.

Sternum strap with emergency whistle. Manageable sized hydration hose port. The mesh shoulder straps are on the thinner side, but this is designed for short trips not overnighters or multi-day adventures where you'd need to carry more weight. I've loaded this pack with a 2.0L Camelbak reservoir, jacket, snacks and did not feel strain on my shoulders.

This is a top loading pack with a drawcord and cinch type closure. This grey pull flap (sort of) covers the small opening that's left when you've closed the pack. Yes, I believe in torrential rain conditions water will get in... but in less dramatic rainy day weather, I think the amount of water getting in is ok.

Hydration pocket with hook to keep things upright and neat, not slouchy!

Lift the velcro flap to reveal a removable sit pad. After a muddy hike I pulled this out so my boots wouldn't muck up my car mats. Again, it's thin but just enough to keep things from poking your back.

Pulled the pack inside out to show the zippered interior mesh pocket for smaller items and key leash.  It can also be used as a stuff sack, but I haven't used it for that just yet.  

The REI Flash 18 is such a great deal for all the things that it can do. Feel so confident (hopefully it'll force me to pack light) that I'm using it as my daypack on the Inca Trail.

[lannguyen]

Tip jar at bike rental shop in #bieberburn #amsterdam

[lannguyen]

rei micro shower kit

In preparation for a trip (or just an excuse to look at gear), I picked up this compact, micro shower kit from REI in honey mustard. There's an all black version, but it didn't look too exciting and I'll really spot this out of my bag. I'll throw this shower kit in my trusty Patagonia while traveling in Europe for 14 days.

Size

I appreciate how compact it is which will help save space by only putting in the things I really need and eliminate items that are too big to fit. Specs: 8 x 3.75 x 2 and weighs 3 oz.

Features

Nice loop handle

Exterior pocket - perfect for slim items such has flat comb, band aids, bobby pins, hair ties.  Also a smaller loop for hanging on a hook or attaching to luggage with a carabiner. 

The main compartment has an interior mesh pocket. Also the gusseted designs allows the bag to expand and open pretty wide. Making it easy to search through your things.

Need to make a run and buy some travel sized toiletry items, curious to see how much I can pack in!

[lannguyen]

tap tap

Ahem... I'm a horrible blogger. And as you can probably tell the whole journaling/diary thing never caught on with me either. My infrequency seems to be the most consistent thing here, but hey... I'm here now!

Life has been good and this summer I've been focusing on changing and adding new habits.

Healthy Stuff

Tracy Anderson - gasp, that's right, I'm doing @home workout dvds. I borrowed the Metamorphosis Hipcentric program from the Sis. I can't speak for the cardio portion (a lot of jumping) but her strengthening exercises are working. I'm on part 4 of 9 (each section is 10 days) and I've noticed overall slimming in the abs and hips. I'm still into it because I'm seeing results and the vids make me chuckle. The music is great, I feel like I'm in an 80's video game.  Also, as you progress her leg lifts and combo's gets a little more advanced and so I'm watching her saying "yea, right Tracy!?!" But after some practice, you dominate(!!!) the leg lift thingie where you have to balance and  kick out with only one knee and one hand on the floor type move reminiscent of an abominable Twister game gone wrong.

Lose It! app - wasn't intending to use this as a weight loss tool, I think I was interested in what I was putting in my body in terms of protein, carbs, and fats. What was so easy, was the ability to scan the barcode to whatever I was eating and punch in the correct number of servings. The app also let me keep track my Tracy exercises (7 days, 1 day rest, then 3 more days) which I wouldn't have been able to keep straight in my head. Biggest thing I learned about myself was that I wasn't getting enough protein!

Food Stuff

Eating like a normal person - I eat breakfast now! And it's this wholesome thing called oatmeal, which I've despised all my life until now. I know it's probably not the best oatmeal out there, but I reeeeally like Trader Joe's Steel Cut Oatmeal in the frozen section. I have the same amount of enthusiasm for it now as I did that very first morning.

Salad Master - I have salad everyday for lunch and usually it involves an avocado. Avocado just makes everything better. I love it so much, I'm trying to grow an Avocado tree (currently on my dining room table) from a seed. I see a root shooting out, so I feel pretty good about it.

Fun Stuff

Reading - I miss reading books so... I'm reading books! Technically borrowing a lot of ebooks from LA Library. Please indulge me as I go through "I'm feeling a bit older moment" remember how you learned the dewey decimal system so you could locate a book? Well, don't really need that now.  So easy to borrow or hold an ebook straight from your reading device. Much easier than getting to a library which is always closed when I want to go. Just finished Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. Such a fun one, don't eat the fishy special at Sunday brunch folks!

Culture it up - We are proud LACMA members. Saw the Kubrick and was completely amazed by the Turrell exhibit. This is your cue to go right now, you can read the rest of my post on the drive there.

Concerts - it's not summer unless it's full of live music! 7/28 JZ & JT, 8/24 FYF Fest, 10/16 HAIM. Bummed can't make it to Outside Lands this year, but that's because of...

Traveling - I am 18 days away from 14 days in Europe: Berlin, Prague, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen. 

Website updates:

Finally added something to the gear section. Uploaded photos for vietnam in travel, but I'm not happy with how the photos are, so I don't think that arrangement will be staying up there for too much longer.

Phew, this was long! Have you started something new this summer too?

[lannguyen]

Newest estate sale find: beautifully kept 1962 Mamiya Auto Deluxe (I think). Threw in an expired roll for some snapping around San Diego last weekend. But I only figured out how to really use the camera mid roll. Also only know how to successfully load film about 50% of the time. With all of these variables, picking up my photos from Costco is always an exciting event. They really built these things like a tank. Deceivingly heavy, brick-like weight. Shutter action is crisp, lens pristine, and feels so classy.

[lannguyen]

Added plus from buying books from a $1 used bookstore, random stuff left in books that were once used as bookmarks from their previous owners. So far: business card for another bookstore and a free Dave's Matthews band song download from Starbucks.

[lannguyen]

San Francisco you are amazing. These 5 pictures don't nearly describe the amazing weekend that i had in the city.  Was not my usual self in terms of food documenting -- pretty much because i was gobbling everything in sight.  Clockwise from the left! 1. Roli Roti Porchetta Sandwich- fatty and juicy and still dreaming about 2. Blue Bottle coffee-so good i can handle their darker roasts like a pro 3. Wise Sons Pastrami and eggs w/ rye sourdough bread- they combined 2 things i hate into something so good. 4. 4505 Meats -artisan egg sausage breakfast sandwich 5. Outside Lands - justice (blew my mind), of monsters and men, passion pit, fun., santigold.

[lannguyen]

I was home celebrating Mother's Day and snapped this picture from an old album. I'm so very lucky my family (my sister and me came later!) immigrated to America even though it was because of very bad circumstances. It's good to remember where we all came from.

[lannguyen]

3 months cable clean

think i've permanently kicked the habit, though this is not saying i've found the perfect setup, at least not yet.  until something new comes out or something changes with way live sports are broadcasted, i won't have easy access to live sports (read: NBA).  but i'm getting closer and here's how:

antenna. yes, the mere idea was deplorably offensive to me as well!  Should i just throw on reebok pump up high tops, step into my delorean, adjust the foil enhanced rabbit ears, and kick it with my friend alf? thought NBA League pass was the simple solution, but it really disappoints, fine print says that they blackout your local broadcasts (ie your team). This makes no sense to me.  I'm willing to spend a substantial amount of money to watch my team and you're telling i am going to pay to see every team but the one i care about? really?

i'm desperate, it's the playoffs, so antenna it is. 

luckily my mohu leaf antenna arrived today. picked this antenna because of the simple unobtrusive design and number of reviews it had on amazon.  opening up the box i was a bit concerned that i had paid $35 for just a laminate piece of paper with a cable attached to it. One side is white, other side is black and comes with 2 velcro adhesives. after setting it up (very easy) i was happy with the number of channels (104) it picked up on the first try. i sort of chuckled when i came across the MTV channel, never had it when i was a kid and now it's free over air!

some of the reviews i read recommended placing the antenna near/on a window.  i just mounted mine so that it was across from a sliding glass door.  i don't know if it made a big difference, but decided to do it anyway. oh and yes, that's paul walker in into the blue.

the leaf gives me abc, cbs, nbc, kcal, pbs, kcet, ion, mtv (does anyone watch anymore?), and tons of very random channels (counted 7 in vietnamese). but for playoffs still lacking tnt, espn, and nba tv, next best option...

bar. this isn't terrible, gets you out and about, social, and a beer. stay thirsty my friends.

[lannguyen]

Static waves in my veins on a ladder. Andrew Belle and Katie Herzig. 5/1/12 @ the troubadour

[lannguyen]

I love ingrid michaelson 4/27 @thewiltern

[lannguyen]

Discarded (Taken with instagram)

[lannguyen]

Font selection could be better...right? It's okay not a deal breaker. Voting #Obama (Taken with instagram)

[lannguyen]

Had to be done (Taken with Instagram at Wailea Grand Champions Maui - Destination Resorts)

[lannguyen]

Aloha Wailea! (Taken with instagram)