Fearless Carrie Ann

I knew the name Carrie Ann Inaba way before Dancing with the Stars. As an aspiring dancer, I watched In Living Color every week just to see The Fly Girls. I would video tape their routines and learn the steps. (That’s what you have to do when there’s no dance school in your hometown.)



Obviously, Carrie Ann was my favorite Fly Girl. She was the best dancer and had the best hair. I was sure that someday I would audition for the Fly Girls and become her best friend. Yeah, that never happened.

At last night’s intimate Evening with Carrie Ann Inaba, sponsored by CAPE and Verizon, I learned that even though I never did become a Fly Girl or Carrie Ann’s best friend, we actually have a lot in common.


First and foremost, we both got into MIT! I enrolled and drank water from a firehose for four years. She went to Japan and became a pop star. Probably more fun than my 5.60 problem sets.

We’re also pursuing many goals at the same time. I act, write television, write fiction, produce film and I’m still toying with the idea of writing a graphic novel. Carrie Ann hosts, acts, dances, produces television, produces Broadway, and plans to write her next script herself. We are multi-tasking goddesses!

But the big thing we share is a bright spirit and fierce drive that propels us past all obstacles and ever onward in our careers. Interviewer Wenda Fong lauded Carrie Ann for being so fearless in her career and life choices, and Carrie Ann bravely revealed that she does have fears – she just doesn’t let them get her down. She said it best – “It’s not about not having fears. It’s about facing them.” Amen, sister.

Another gem of wisdom from Carrie Ann about pursuing a showbiz career – “It’s not that difficult to succeed. There’s always a way. Figure it out. Don’t expect anyone to do it for you. It’s not easy, but it is simple.”

I love this woman even more now. Thanks for an inspiring evening, Carrie!

Partying for a Cause

CAPE knows how to throw a party. Their holiday soiree at the Vibiana in downtown LA was epic. Celebrities, Taiko drummers, free Pinkberry, the Miss Chinatown court, Ken Jeong bringing down the house with his antics...totally an event to remember.

Tonight will be no different. CAPE is putting their mad event-planning skills to host a Japan Relief Fundraiser at The Factory.

Click here to view the Facebook invite and RSVP!

Just a $25 donation gets you into this great event for a great cause. 100% of proceeds will go to the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Red Cross specifically for the Japan Tsunami relief efforts. Free food and drink, plus a chance to win a roundtrip to Hawaii!

I’ll be there – will you?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
6:30pm - 11pm
The Factory
652 North La Peer Drive West
Hollywood, CA 90069-5602

Free appetizers and drinks!
$25 Admission cash or checks
(Payable to American Red Cross and
note: Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Fund)

Celebrity hosts George Takei, Kelly Hu, Harry Shum Jr., Tia Carrere, James Kyson Lee, Amy Hill, Leonardo Nam, Wilson Cruz and more!

When in Hawaii, Eat as the Locals Do

On Tuesday night, when the
2nd AD from LOST gives me my call time, I mention that I’m going to Leonard’s Bakery in the morning to get malasadas. Surprised and with an extra lift in her voice, she asks, “How do you know about Leonard’s?
You a local girl?”

In Hawaii, being “local” isn’t just a geographical distinction. It’s a point of pride. It speaks of a camaraderie and connection to the spirit of Hawaii that no tourist can ever have. A reverence that comes from honoring the cultural heritage of the land and its people.

The 2nd AD’s question was just as much a compliment as it was an inquiry. The fact that I wanted to eat like the locals set me apart from most tourists. For me, it was a no-brainer.
I didn’t fly all the way to Honolulu to eat at PF Chang’s.

So while tourists crowded into the Yard House for lunch, I was walking to Ono Seafood, a little fish counter that serves fresh shoyu poke piled on top of steamed rice, accompanied by a can of soda for only $5.50. And while the wait at Denny’s was 25-35 minutes, I was sitting at the counter at Liliha Bakery enjoying a steaming plate of Loco Moco with Coco Puffs for dessert.

I headed to the North Shore for garlic shrimp at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, feasted on fresh from the oven manapua and pork hash from Libby Manapua Shop, and strolled through the Diamond Head Farmer’s Market washing down pork and shrimp lumpia with ice cold lilikoi lemonade.

I’m not a local girl, but for six days I ate like one. And I’m still full.