l i t e r a l l i

Chicago wrap up

2011-10-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

And thus, i'm wrapping up my first city of this three month stint of travels that i am partaking in... for business.

However, today even in the midst of all this exhaustion of working for hours on end for the last week, there was a sort of calm and excitement that washed over me. I had finished my first weekend of a promotion i had broke my back over and i finally got to get some r&r with a few friends, old and new, to see Chicago; a city that i so desperately have wanted to visit. So our crew of four took off for the my favorite night tours and got to see many of the new art endeavors of Chicago. And even when they all had work tomorrow, they were so hospitable and offered to show me around for the sake of my own touristic needs. so thank you, p, l, and e ... who dealt with my obnoxious photo-taking, instagraming and desperate need to see the city before it was well.. closing time.

Tomorrow is DC. Let's go!

This road ahead.

2011-09-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Amusing blog title to say at the least.

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and a lot of it probably has to do with the fact that my life is going to rapidly change at the end of this month. With my job and the position i am in, there is not going to be any down time and i'm going to be uprooted for about 3 months. As much as i want to say that this exhilarates me, at the same time there is some serious fear. It's like the looming cloud of unknowing... even if you have everything planned out.

In these next few months and leading up to the New Year, i think a lot of things will change for me... Not even in the sense of being exhausted from the job or what not, but internally and emotionally about many things. I'm hoping that the job doesn't wipe me out to the point of reluctance to do anything, and will instead empower me to move forward with my life.

We'll see.

200.

2011-06-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

This is my 200th post for my blog! (quietly patting myself on the back)

It's shocking that it took me this long to get to the 200th post considering I have over 2000 tweets and god knows how many different Facebook posts. Then again, when considering how different outlets there are nowadays on how you want to channel your creative, writing, and thoughtful energy .. i guess it's not all that shocking at all.

So it's June and i think it's about a good time to do a recap of my New Years resolution and see how I am feeling so far this year. Quite frankly, I couldn't honestly say that it's been the best, however it's thankfully not been the worst. I've already learned so much. Not only in terms of the world (thanks, NPR), but also in terms of myself and how I am able to identify a lot of what i'm feeling and sort it out without getting overly frustrated. Also, i had promised myself that this year i would see and try new things every month. Whether it involved taking off to a new place, listening to new things or even just trying new things in places i've already been - it's all about keeping myself stimulated. One too many times last year I found myself missing event after event that i wanted to see, but somehow kept on missing. But this year, i can say that i've done well for myself!

I won't go on about the new things i've done and tried over these past months, but i can definitely say that it's been a good ride thus far and i can't wait to see what else is ahead.

And a huge thanks to J, J, and D who had dinner with me tonight and really helped me realize how good things have been. Puts things into perspective.

May Catch Up.

2011-05-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

The last few months of my life have been crazy. I will say that i've been participating in a lot of events and attending many shows. I've also been keeping in line with my New Years res and can say that i've done something new or cultural every month this year. I'm slightly ashamed to say that i wasn't very good at logging all these things i visited so far this year, but here are just a couple of highlights.

cicLAvia - Downtown LA

Art Installation - Coachella

Scott Campbell - Noblesse Oblige - OH WOW gallery

Hitrecord - Vista Theater

Art in the Streets - MOCA Geffen

JPL Open House - JPL

A proud new owner of the King of Limbs Newspaper Ed.

Little Pleasures.

2011-05-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yeah ok, i admit it. I'm one of those people who buy these goddamn expensive Apple electronics, but cannot get myself to pay up the $0.99 to purchase a stupid app or song on iTunes. Yep. That's me.

However, every once in awhile there is an app or an album that will really grab me. And when it comes to music, if i'm particularly moved, i will slap that $0.99 price tag in the face and download the entire album. And somehow this pre-summer season has been just that... 3 weeks in a row and all ABSOLUTELY perfect purchases.

So what's in my playlist this summer so far?

1. Bag Raiders - Bag Raiders :: I'm particularly loving "Prelude" which is a bit more mellow than their other songs on the album, but I dare you to try listening to this album and not dance. . . Dare you.

2. Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin' :: This is one of my biggest Coachella "sacrifices" i had to make when i was out in the fields. It still makes me sad to think that i've missed his performance out there but i guess makes me more determined to see him in the future. Raphael Saadiq's music is just so soulful, old school, and makes me want to wear cat eye glasses while he swoons. This song hits a particular note with me currently.

3. Tokimonsta - Creature Dreams - EP :: Ok, this girl has got talent. And i don't say that because i used to have class with her, but she's seriously one of the most talented DJs. Her newest EP that dropped will bring chills down your spine. It's mesmerizing and I'm spellbound. This is definitely going to be on repeat all summer for me.

What's more? My desire to own a piece of the music beyond the digital copy grows and and just have to get their album in vinyl, skipping CDs en totale.

Shambles.

2011-03-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

This morning i woke up and looked at my clock and stood there in a bit of shock. Why had a woken up at 6am and why wasn't i feeling tired? i started to calculate my day ahead of me and tried to get more sleep, but to no avail, by 6:30am I just got up and started my day. After Post Secrets and trying to figure out a plan to start cleaning up my room, I noticed the clock on my computer... 8:30am. What is going on?

Funny. Since being back home i've neglected to change the clock on my wall and have been running an hour ahead of time since last Sunday. But how have i not gotten to work earlier?

Coffee.

2011-03-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and felt utterly in the pits. Tired, in a sour mood, and simply under a cloud ... I couldn't shake myself awake. But halfway to work, i looked up Westmoreland and was reminded of a wonderful pick-me-up... coffee. Brilliant Intelligentsia Coffee from Bourbon St. Cafe.

I will admit to you that coffee and i were never in a long term relationship. Coffee would call to me sometimes in high school and in college, but in the forms of sweet lattes and stupidly caloric white chocolate mochas. However, in recent times i've truly grown to love this beverage and in probably the form that people don't like... black coffee... dark as soot.

What could change someone to go from liking the Moroccan mint tea lattes and pumpkin spice blended? A taste of truly thoughtful black coffee. Does that even make sense? I'll elaborate. I sipped my first Ethiopian blended coffee last year via Barista Paul and somehow it's set a standard. All the care that Paul put into preparing the coffee and the time he took to explain what i should be tasting completely awed me. Coffee from McDonalds for $1 could no longer suffice. I walk into Starbucks and cringe at the way their baristas prepare each drink. I had been turned into a snob... a coffee snob. Goodness, what deep end will i fall off next?

In any case, the beautifully prepared coffee from Bourbon Street really jumpstarted me and why am i writing about coffee at night?

because of this song...

It just spoke to me all day.

Timshel

2011-03-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

I was just driving back from hanging out with ev and this song by Mumford & Sons came on. And now I'm addicted. I know that Mumford & Sons is seriously blowing up the scene right now after their stellar Grammy's performance, but how could they not be with songs like this one...

But wow, what a beautiful day. I started my day walking to Kaldi's with my mom. We had such an amazing conversation and she really gave me some insight about things happening in my life right now. I think that as I've grown older she's really becoming one of my best friends and i can't express how much i appreciate her. So we had some great coffee, shared a muffin, and headed back home.

Then, I met my good friend ev in Old Town to do some lady pampering, which was so nice. I had a ball sitting in those pedicure tub/massage/lounge/la-z boy chairs and getting my toes done with "cute as a button" nail polish. Those names always kill me.

It was SUCH a nice day that ev and i just roamed around old town and browsed the shops drinking our iced coffee and lemonade. I was in SUCH a good mood that i wasn't even fazed by the fact that i got a parking ticket for $45 for overrunning my meter by 3 minutes! (parking nazis)

I'm just on cloud nine today...

A certain sort of small.

2011-02-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

Earlier this evening i was watching TV and of course, as it is a Monday evening, Mr. Anthony Bourdain was on. I don't know if i've mentioned this earlier, but No Reservations is probably one of my favorite unscripted shows of all time. Lets not forget my bizarre and strange obsession with medical docus about morbidly obeses folks, but Tony Bourdain manages to capture my heart and gives me a joy for an hour every week of true tunnel vision. This past week's episode took me and the rest of his viewers to Haiti for something that rocked me in the same caliber of the recent Paris and Rome episode this past season, but in a completely different manner.

Watching these people in the ruins of their the quake that happened last January, it was shocking to really see how much damage had occurred. The images, the emotions, and the attitudes of Haitians was just seething from my TV into my living room and engrossing me in every way. Granted No Res is all about the enjoyable travel experiences including food and culture and exploration... this really took a raw look a country and city that went through so much pain. I won't go into lengths about what the episode actually covers, but let's just say that emotionally...i felt small.

i just felt so small.

And those who understand what I am talking about, know exactly what i'm talking about.

Portland, OR.

2011-02-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

When I told people that i was going on a trip to Portland with my family the general reaction of everyone was "What?! Why Portland?" And funny enough, even while we were on our flight to Portland my mom turned to my dad and asked, "Where is it that we're going again?" Wherein my dad and I would laugh our funny inside joke laugh and then point out where Portland was on a map to my silly mother.

But what I guess i didn't reiterate to people was that my dad is an avid photographer and he wanted to actually scope some of the beautiful landscape that surrounds Portland, and not so much the city itself. And though i was more excited to check out the city, as a lot of what traveling in my books means eating and exploring local culture, it was actually pleasant to be out in the woods and the ocean away from most civilization. Granted most of the trip was miserably rained out, I was able to put to use some of the tips my dad had given me on taking pictures.

And here... after years of not doing a photo update to a blog of my own actual photos (and not just one photo like the previous entry) is a huge step of 5 whopping pictures! Enjoy.

However, i will say though that i was a bit disappointed to not run into Fred Armisen's "Bike Rider" character on the streets during the brief moments we were passing through the city.

844 Hours.

2011-02-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

The other day, for some odd reason, the subject of stuffed animals came up. I was talking to someone about how i don't possess any stuffed animals and to be quite honest, i don't know what happened to the ones i used to. But i do remember receiving a load of them as a kid. I mean a real load of them.

I don't know how most little girls (and boys for that matter) receive their toys, but when i was younger i remember coming downstairs and there was suddenly a mountain of stuffed animals in my living room. My dad's friend was visiting and for some reason he had brought Noah's Ark to my house. Literally every animal imaginable was in the mix on the ground in my living room. But i particularly remember two that i obsessed over; a koala bear and a brown teddy bear. I couldn't let go of these two at all. I remember taking a trip with my family and carrying this brown teddy bear with me on the airplane. And when we boarded the plane and took our seats, i remember the stewardess came and asked for the name of my bear. And i didn't have an answer.

So i looked up at her, looked at my bear, looked at her again and just blurted out, "Brown Sugar!"

What the hell?

In any case, i don't have that teddy bear any more unfortunately. She was packed away and then from what i understand donated to the local Salvation Army. So i guess some other little girl will be able to enjoy it.. and give it a better name i hope.

843 Hours.

The New Year.

2011-01-31T23:01:00.000-08:00

Happy (insanely belated) New Year!

It's been quite the eventful New Year if you ask me.

In fact, prior to it even beginning my world got flipped from underneath me and it's brought me through the New Year with feelings I've never had before. Elusive? Yes, but i'm in a happy place, its not a bad thing.

Already i feel like i've planned out the year ahead of me. With so many events happening in the next few months i wouldn't be surprised if my entries for 2011 are just as sparse as 2010. What's more, i haven't made any commitments to blog more. That can't be good. But i suppose the least i can do is blog as much as i can for whenever i remember to do so.

Here's a great update though. As far as picking up an active hobby for the new year, it's actually coming to fruition! Lo and behold, i've purchased a new bicycle and i'm so very VERY excited about riding it. Stay tuned for pictures.

Window Cleaning.

2010-12-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

documented with mom's cam.

It's been miserably rainy the last few days here in the usual sunny southern california. I think it's all stemming from last week's insane 80+ degree weather and how citizens of socal wanted to shove it in everyone's face about how great it's been. But who cares, we get our cars and windows cleaned.

So previously i wrote a post about having this great day and having all these great finds but found myself in the unfortunate position of losing a lot of my possessions one night out on the town. The car's window got busted and.. you get the picture. It was a learning experience, to say the least, and I wish nobody the terror of that night. In other good news though... or bad... the plight with my ever lost camera has forever been lost. And thus the journey to find a new one begins.

or maybe it's a sign for me the quit taking pictures all together and reflect on the importance of viewing... on my own.

mmm... nah, i doubt that.

-

other news. i think i'm finally going to buy a bicycle this year.

List ten good things...

2010-11-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

It's really sad I think if you can't list ten good things that have happened to you in a day... So I'm going to try... Besides the redundant 'happy to be alive' one.

One. My mom cut fruit for me today and they were delicious.
Two. I refrained from drinking soda.
Three. My work blog received a fair amount of viewers.
Four. Got complimented on my hair.
Five. Chatted with a new friend.
Six. Hung out with old friends.
Seven. Admired the beautiful jcrew holiday catalog
Eight. Messaged an old friend in Korea
Nine. House of honey
Ten. Blogging myself to bed.

Holy Rollin'

2010-11-15T23:29:00.000-08:00

And it still isn't really over.

i've worked from 9:00 straight until 6:30pm... then went to the gym... and came back to finish working.

ANYWAY

more interesting things.

I've recently been obsessed with actor Jesse Eisenberg (blame the Social Network) and watched Holy Rollers on Netflix. I really loved how Jesse Eisenberg played the part of this orthodox Jewish kid who really just wanted to do right for his family, but fails.. miserably. But what really got me about the film was actually the soundtrack. Granted the film is all about drugs and losing innocence, the music really melded well with the movie. Created by Remix Artist Collective, who doesn't sell any of their music through iTunes. Not super shocking I guess, but was refreshing to purchase music this way.

In any case, the song "If you Forget me" and "House Party" are on repeat. ... and "Sushi" as well.. just give it a listen. You'll get why.

RAC x HOLY ROLLERS by Remix Artist Collective

Pictures to Prove Nothing.

2010-11-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

It was one of those days...

Let me describe just the kind of day it was in my unphotographic memory.. and lack of having pictures.

I woke up this morning feeling well-rested and eager to finish Billy Elliot. I will confess and say that I have never actually seen the film so seeing it in full length of over the last few nights and into the morning, probably did not do it justice, but it did do me right. I was head over heels for this kid and his maturity in the film as well as the father-son relationship that was taking place. Interestingly enough, it seems that Netflix has picked up on my trend, seeing that I watched Finding Bobby Fisher recently. So I cried at the appropriate times and cheered all between 8am to 9am. Wonderful.

Then I was off to Santa Monica with J to do a location scout out at the Annenberg Beach House. Beautiful house, rather cold events hall, but overall wonderful feeling to be back out by the ocean. We witnessed the beginning of a wedding taking place by the shore and the whole scene was so lush. The crowd of about 80 guests were all seated and waiting for the bride, kids were running around, late comers were waving to fellow family members, and the waves and the wind felt like they were in tune with the guitarist.

Lunch was then enjoyed at Le Pain Quotidien, a personal favorite, and we decided to do some minor damage to our credit cards considering how (un)wealthy we both are. Amazing finds. But one particular gem i'd like to express. My new leather jacket. I'm a huge fan of leather jackets and for the longest time was kicking myself in the shin for having not bought one while I was in London. The peril of not having one for the time I've been back to the states killed me, eating away at my heart every time I tried one on and it just wasn't it. I could never find the perfect one... yes, it's that serious. But lo and behold, we end up going to All Saints, a London based store, and I find it. It! It is beautiful. Grey, gorgeous zipper details, beautiful fleece lined hood, and fits like a glove. After a painful, yet somewhat relieving purchase, I walked out with a new key piece in my wardrobe. And the irony of buying the jacket from London based shop just makes me laugh.

Thereafter, i met up with my old friend T, who i can't honestly say i've kept in great touch with. Nevertheless, we had some coffee at a local shop, reminisced, updated, and reveled in our love for our small town. I was thoroughly impressed with what he's been doing with his life, and how he's grown up into this man who is passionate about what he does. We stepped outside when the cafe started to set up the jazz band playing and it was so beautiful. The sun was setting, clouds were on fire, the train was whirring past us every few minutes, and a cool breeze drove away the earlier heat of the day. It was just so nice having a moment to sit down and enjoy everything around me.

Once T had set off on his bike, I walked across the street and noticed the old video store's lights were on and there was hustle bustle happening. What was this? A new used music and bookstore in town? ... Well, of course, I walked in and was just so delighted. Bee-lined to the music, and laughed at the collection but was SO excited to have found a Doors LP from their night at the Hollywood Bowl. Why this album in particular? Well, I recently watched the Doors' documentary, When You're Strange, and fell madly in love with Jim Morrison. They do a particular bit in the documentary about the performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and i have this weird thing about the Hollywood Bowl and how many incredible acts have come through that venue. So with the LP and a Taschen London Interiors book in hand, I was one happy camper.

Great, great Sunday.

damn.

2010-11-13T18:57:00.001-08:00

Lost my camera again.

What is this... if we're not meant to be just tell me!

please?

Want to be interviewed?

2010-10-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, so maybe it's more like reaching the end...

but i'm trying here..

So i've definitely fallen off this blogging scale. I feel so disconnected when i'm online all day and I don't feel any desire to blog about anything when blogging has become my career.

ugh.

But good news! This Saturday I'm going to be putting my creative juices to work by actually doing some filming! A new project of interviews is going to begin and I can't wait to document some really interesting people. Although i'd like to think as a visionary and hope that i will be showing in Cannes one day... this personal project of mine is purely a manner of filming people. I know that we are always taking pictures of friends and trying to relive memories through photos... but wouldn't it be nice to be a subject of an interview? have 20+ years pass and you can watch this video of yourself talk.

about nonsense probably..

but atleast it's there.

I have to record my parents cooking as well.

Much to do.

note: would you like to be interviewed? Let me know.

24 life

2010-09-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a great way for me to celebrate my 24th. Took over a quiet pub in downtown and gathered some of my closest friends with a healthy amount of alcoholic beverages. I would have to say that some of the high lights of the night definitely were seeing all my amazing friends drive out to this sketch area and the pictures!!! I know that i don't have them available for your viewing pleasure here... And to be quite honest it had to do with the fact that I lost my digital camera a few weeks back but was inspired by my friend, Phil, to bust out the film and instants. So i got to wallk away from the night with a stack of instant fujimax films and a roll of very interesting photos to be revealed from my stupidly chunky Canon Autoboy. The expressions of everyone taking pictures with that camera was priceless. Everyone would first ask, "what the he'll is this!?!" because yes the thing is quite the relic... Then after having trouble finding the viewfinder the funniest was seeing the automatic look at the back of the camera like it would reveal what the film had captured like a normal digital camera. So great!

But beyond that i was truly blessed by the people who came out and just hung out. It really is so great to see all your friends on occasions like last night. Eespecially since when you're done with college it's so much harder to cone by. Love them all so much.

So year 24 you've got quite the challenge ahead of you since 23 proved to be insanely eventful. I've got visions and I want to make shit happen. Now it's up to me to do it.

Oh and good news, I found my camera. Thankfully not in a pot this time. Um... But that's a story for another time. Goodnight world.

Big time like KOBE!

2010-09-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

Holy cow!

i've been saying that a lot lately..

Holy cow! i'm old. i can't believe that my birthday has just come and gone. And in the midst of the quiet and sorta regular day i had, it was actually really special.

I feel like a lot of times people forget to be grateful for the people that make their lives worthwhile. Yeah, thank god for facebook birthday reminders, but on the real... all my buddies who called or texted me today was really meaningful. I know that everybody has their own lives and run about doing what they gotta do.. but man, it feels nice to be acknowledged on just that one day.

Big ups to my family for dinner and late LATE night candle/cake session. Nobody left the table until my day was up... then again, I didn't let anyone leave the table until the clock struck 12 and the day was over. That's how amazing they are. :)

and tomorrow?
we eat more!!!

and the day after?
WE DRINK!

Fight the Funk.

2010-09-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Don't fight the funk.

Just fly from it.

I get this feeling sometimes that every time i try to battle something that makes absolutely no sense, it just causes me to stress out and be overwhelmed. I'm learning to let these things go.. be happy again.. rediscover the me that was so satisfied in college... Not gonna lose my cool over something not worth my energy or time...

Can't wait to fly.

2010-08-27T16:54:00.001-07:00

i will never

ever

cry at this job.

Mayer Hawthorne - It Just Ain't Gonna Work Out

2010-08-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

reminds me of me... but with boys.

especially that last part. lol

happiness is...

2010-08-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

a warm gun.

one of my favorite beatle's songs.

actually... julia could be one of my favorites...

...

perhaps i just really enjoy all of them.

Hello August

2010-08-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Oh Hello August, i didn't realize you were coming so soon. But since you'll be around for a few days, will you be kind to me?

in other words,

will you find the man who wears these shoes so i can marry him?

Thanks.

irisx

Typewriter Orchestra

2010-07-30T17:09:00.001-07:00

Flying Lotus - Mmmmhmmm

2010-07-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

Something to peanut butter and jam with.

Converse, 3 artists 1 song.

2010-07-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Love the song. Great collab.

Band-aid Girl Flashback.

2010-07-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

It’s bizarre how memories will pop out of nowhere in your day and punch you in the face. Well luckily this memory didn’t make me cry with pain but rather, made me laugh.

FLASHBACK to CHILDHOOD!

Ages ago…well more like middle school, I was sent to a tutoring center by way of my parents. It was some ramshackle Korean place that promised something about making kids smarter… when of course it was only a means of getting some kids out of parents’ hair for a couple of hours.

So here I was at this new tutoring center and taking some test to measure my aptitude. All of a sudden, this girl, whose name escapes me, bursts into the room. She’s wearing sneaker heels, short shorts, and has dyed her hair an odd color of beige. This girl looks me straight in the eye and says to me in a biting tone, “Look, there’s a boy in our class that you’re going to be in. And just so you know, HE’S MINE!” She then takes her Hot Cheetos stained fingers and walks out with a swagger like she owned the joint. I was completely stunned.

This girl I’d never met had suddenly made me her enemy. She hated me for what reason? How did this happen? And then in some weird stinging moment, I BURST into tears. I started to cry insanely! The horrific sobbing must have frightened the head teacher because she was the next person to burst into the room asking what was wrong. She thought I was stupid and couldn’t answer the aptitude questions, as if the frustration of unknowing could make me burst into tears like that. Eventually, I mustered that some bitch had told me off wherein the girl was scolded for her misbehavior and probably told to be nice to me.

Let’s proceed to the next day at the tutoring center. We’re all in class and the girl is throwing me nasty stares. I meet cute guy she’s talking about. Tall fellow, sweet face, and seemingly kind hearted. The tutor calls for a break, probably to smoke a cigarette and wallow about his miserable life, and the students all run out the door. The last ones out the door are bitch, tall fellow, and myself. The girl heads out the door first and I notice a band-aid on the upper backside of her thigh.

I ask her, “Why do you have a band-aid on your thigh?”
She snorts and replies, “I shave my legs, don't you?”
I cock my head sideways and say, “Yeah, but thankfully I don’t have a hairy ass.”
Tall fellow laughs.
She harrumphs in frustration and storms out.

V is for Victory.

FLASHFORWARD

Then I started to laugh.

This Mood.

2010-07-11T20:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes i get into these moods.

I feel a tightness in my chest.
My anxiety starts to rise.
I can't think straight.
I feel rigid and stuck.
It feels like i'm suffocating.
Tears won't make the feeling go away.
And I just want to fly somewhere so far...

But when these moods take over, i'm having to constantly remind myself for the things i'm so grateful for.

I'm unsettled soul. There is a part of me that can never really shut off this side that wants to travel and be free. I think a lot of the times i question if it's because i'm running away from real life and the stability that being settled provides. All i really want to do is see the world and being stable for some reason scares the shit out of me. It's been over a year since i've flown out of california and i feel like it's almost making me feel like i'm missing something bigger in life.

So... for now, what do i do to feel better?

I list the things that i'm looking forward to this week.

1. Korean classes start this tuesday.
2. Whole new list of books to start reading.
3. Studying again.
4. Writing for personal projects.
5. Gym!!!!
6. Sunshine.
7. Getting out of this mood.

Now on to Sunday night tv. Anything good on tonight? I miss TLC's weird medical docs. anyone?

Tightrope - Janelle Monáe

2010-07-05T10:57:00.001-07:00

i love this girl.

can we all just dance along???

Flake does McQueen

2010-06-11T11:55:00.001-07:00

Breakbot

2010-06-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

I just can't get over these water colors.

Pashley

2010-06-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

So, I wrote a post earlier this year about bicycles and how much i fell in love with riding them again when i was in europe... And this past weekend I went out to the Flying Pigeon Bike Shop in LA... what can i say? I found it.

The bike of my dreams.

The Pashley Britannia.

This English bike gave me that same feeling when I put on my senior prom dress and knew that it was THE dress. THAT exact "match made in heaven" feeling tingled past every nerve as i took it for a test spin around the store's neighborhood. This is no joke. I almost cried when i walked away from the bike... why?

because the asking price is close to $1200.

I know many of you are like "that's ridiculous, why would anyone pay that much for a bike?" But The reason is because it's a beauty and it rides sooo amazingly smooth. I guess i'll never be happy with riding my car to work as i'm constantly looking for other ways to commute.

Tighten up

2010-06-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

sorry. it's a music video kinda week.

This video is just too funny.

What me worry.

2010-06-04T14:08:00.001-07:00

Something about this song just makes me feel so good. I suppose it also helps that St. Vincent's voice is just so incredibly soulful. And I must say that Andrew Bird's accompaniment really helps.

-sigh- Why aren't i living in France already?

Kylie Minogue - All the Lovers

2010-06-02T15:13:00.001-07:00

Umm. How does this woman keep looking this great?

Going under my list of music videos I would not have minded being a part of.

LV + World Cup

2010-06-01T23:16:00.001-07:00

Hubububah...

When I saw this on Highsnobiety, I was speechless. For me, LV in the back of my head is not a bag i desire to carry any time soon but a piece of luggage i'd love to have in my collection when i'm a jet setting trendsetter. Therefore, seeing the bad boy World Cup Trophy encased in a LV custom made carrying case... made me oddly jealous.

via Highsnobiety

June Vow: Goodbye Soda.

2010-06-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

Last month, i went the entire time without buying a single item of clothing. That means no clothes and shoes. it taught me how much i spend(waste) time looking at clothes i want to buy and sales i rummage online. I noticed that i began to dedicate more time to finding things that will last me more than a few wear and tears. I also learned that whatever money i didn't spend on clothing, bless me, went to savings. And funny enough, when June 1st rolled around today, the first thing i wanted to buy wasn't clothes. So i've decided maybe every month i'll give up something.

This month's winner?
Soda, pop, cola, coke, coca, ... whatever you call it. I'm calling it quits for the month of June. I'm not really a heavy soda drinker, but i realized when i start drinking that stuff i can't stop. Especially since there is always soda available at work, i need to just back off.

Exceptions?

Yes, because otherwise I can't survive. I love bubbly drinks but that doesn't mean they all have to be that dark caramel color.

i can therefore allow myself to drink mineral water.

So what can i work with?

1. Water
2. Milk
3. Juice (Orange... otherwise only fresh squeezed stuff)
4. Mineral Water

Here we go.

edit: shoot. what about alcohol?? Least caloric drink?? Vodka Tonic or Vodka (club) Sodas. is beer excluded too for this month too? ... maybe alcohol just won't count. This is going to be interesting.

M.I.A.

2010-06-01T17:25:00.001-07:00

I'm not so much a huge fan of MIA. A couple of her songs and that last NSFW music video "born free" that cause quite the stir recently have been on my list of things I like from her, but this photo shoot with her by Ryan McGinley awes me.

A simple reward.

2010-06-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

Last month I vowed not to buy a single item of clothing.

And as a reward.

A pregnant woman rear-ends my car during my morning commute.

hmm.

Does that mean I should just continue to buy clothing?

*sigh* My neck hurts. I guess it's time to revert back to taking the Metro.

2010-05-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

I just liked this...

Mid-Year Slump

2010-05-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

So I don't know about the rest of you, but around this time of year... anywhere between may, june, july i get this weird mid-year slump. That enthusiasm i had back in Nov-Jan has run dry and now all i'm feeling is tired, uninspired, unmotivated, and fat. And no this isn't a "my self-image sucks" kind of fat.. i've literally gained weight from the lack of motivation to work out and to eat healthy. Instead I will spend days like today, which sound like this..

Morning: Cereal and Milk - PERFECT! let's get this day started.. i'm going to be healthy today!
Lunch: uhh Brazilian BBQ Truck TABOM!?! PERFECT! Steak burritos with french fries and heavy rice... i'm going to be healthy tomorrow!
Dinner: hmmmm glass of wine... grilled steak (yes, again), sauteed mushrooms, kimchi (i'm korean, beat it), rice and lettuce... another glass of wine... and another.. and then some carrots and hummus, then some pita chips, and then more wine, a bite of bundt cake, more wine...

I'm going to be healthy NEVER!

did i mention that in the midst of this eating fiasco i also was invited to go work out at the gym? obviously did not happen.

This mid-year slump always gets the best of me and wastes all my gym money. I wonder if it's because i have nothing to look forward to... or nobody to impress... or it's just this slump... a dry dry season.

Although for some reason... i'm feeling pretty good about a lot of things.

Things I learned in College : Lesson 7.

2010-05-05T22:12:00.001-07:00

Don't lose your phone.
(Lesson by Ottoban, transcribed by me)

This goes without saying... but there is something more to it than just the financial burden of losing a phone and the personal disadvantage of losing your contacts. With the advent of technology and the greatness of connectivity, people losing their phones and getting contacts again has suddenly seemed easier. Well guess what, you and your "I lost my phone & I need your number" Facebook group/event/fan page suck. And here's why (like i even have to explain):

1. C'mon! take care of your phone. I excuse you if you really actually "Got Mugged, and So did my Phone" but the "I dropped it in the toilet, i need your numbers" and the "Oops! Lost it at the club last night, give me digits." no, you don't fly. which leads me to..

2. Your clever invite names are about as far as I will go. If you got a really funny title, maybe i'll consider giving you my number again.. but the "Lost Phone" and "Hey, So sorry! I lost my phone!" and the "Omg, i know you hate this! SO SORRY! I LOST MY PHONE" ... ignore, click.

3. I'm sorry who are you? - don't select all 1000+ friends to give you their numbers if you don't give a shit about 990 of them. What about a friendly personal message instead... nobody do those anymore?

Ok! That leads me to one solution...

BACK UP YOUR PHONE. if you're on any legitimate carrier (boost mobile.. do you do this??) you should be able to back up your contacts. Do it please.. now. for the sake, of the rest of your friends. In fact, i'm going to go do that right now... because knowing me and bad karma... i'm going to probably lose my phone next week.

(Happy Cinco de Mayo!)

Things I learned in College : Lesson 6.

2010-05-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Start building a personal library.
Professor Bach was my International Studies Advanced/UpperDiv/Kickmyass/MakeYouCry/RatherBeDead writing instructor. And yes, he was incredibly difficult. Professor Bach was one of those men that you just so desperately wanted to make proud and please. I knew he was an intelligent man and I wanted nothing more than to make him just raise an eyebrow at me in ponder and perhaps agreement. In any case, within a quarter of debating about democracies and ethics in international relations I walked away with one valid lesson.

To start building a personal library.

No other professor in the four years i was in college even MENTIONED the idea of building a personal library. They in fact, and rightfully so, encouraged the purchase of books from other students to save our already burned out wallets. Don't get me wrong, I sold books left and right just to get a menial amount of pocket change, which i probably ended up blowing on a pack of gum anyway. I too was one of those people who stupidly sold $40 for a cool $1.50 because it was paperback (assholes). Granted if you were a student of biology, econ, IT and your textbooks were $200+ please yes, sell your books as new editions are issued at what seems to be a bimonthly rate. But i'm talking about all your other classes...

I definitely regret selling back some books and only getting chump change for it. At least if i had kept those books i would have been able to maintain a level of priceless pride for having endured courses in Asian American studies, Art History, Modern Theater, Poetry.. and so on. Instead, i have empty bookshelves with nothing to show.

Of course, people will say that you will never read those books again, but as Professor Bach had reminded us, that's not what matters. It's a measure of boasting to people who haven't read... or something like that.

note: I've received some great feedback about these Lessons and would love for other people to contribute. Please email me or write me a comment and let's talk.

Things I learned in College : Lesson 5.

2010-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

If there are language courses offered, TAKE THEM.
Ok, so i don't care if you were a biosci major or some crazy IT major with a compsci/engineering double minor... whatever, if your school offered you language courses you should take them.

Let's explain this in a functional manner... here are the excuses people had about language courses.

1. "But you have to go to class everyday then." - Iam Awhiner.
Kiss my ass. You're in school anyway. If you're so bummed about taking a class everyday what else would you be doing with that hour that could be spending at a language course? Going to Jack in the Box? Watching TV? Eating a box of Cheez-its? Probably something that wasn't as productive as you learning a new language, making new friends, and discovering how much we as Americans don't know jack about other countries.

2. "But I don't have room on my schedule." - Winnie the Whiner
Kiss my ass. You're only saying that because you think going to class at 8 or 9 am is feat that can't be tackled. Get over it. Again, rather than sleeping in just so you can go to an 11am class instead, why don't you haul your ass out of bed and actually go to a class that's conducive to exciting your alcohol nuked braincells. If not, stick a little while longer on campus to take a later course!

3. "But I suck at learning new languages." - Wally the Whiner
Well... kiss my.. i'm kidding. I actually suck at learning languages too. But that didn't stop me from taking classes. It's amazing how you may feel like you can't learn a new language and that the challenge is too much to bear... but seriously ... kiss my ass. And then kiss the ass of the white guys in my class trying to learn KOREAN. I'm talking sticks and circles that suddenly had to formulate sentences for them. It's actually kinda embarrassing because these guys had better spelling and grammar than i ever would. Granted that I could listen and speak better... they passed the written tests with FLYING colors.

4. "But I'll never use it outside of school" - Kant Dewitt.
WHO CARES. Life isn't always about living constantly to work towards your future. The song your listening to right now doesn't help you with your future. Think outside of the learning languages only. I managed to stay in my Kclass for 5 quarters (approx 2 years) and yeah, i may not remember how to spell certain words any more but I made some amazing friends and would never had had my amazing teacher. I even took French after my year in England. Now really, when would i ever use French in the States except learning how to pronounce certain foods. So for that, I pat myself on the shoulder for being able to pronounce Nicoise Salad and Bourguignonne. (Thanks Madame Guthrie!)

5. "But I don't want to learn another language." - Ayam Iggnant
Then stay in your hole.

Things I learned in College : Lesson 4.

2010-05-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Appreciate your school gym.
I think that this speaks for anyone who went to a school who had a nice gym. If you went to a crappy school who decided that physical well-being wasn't important then.. i'm sorry, this doesn't pertain to you.

UCI's educational program was great. Great teachers, great science library with a bunch of books I never touched, and a great gym. I'm not kidding you. A REALLY GREAT GYM.

The funny thing with me was that when i had gotten to UCI and witnessed the monstrosity of the ARC, I thought that other gyms like LA fitness, 24, or Bally's was something like this. The arc had state of the art ellipticals, a lifting room that was ergonomically suited for females, too many courts to count, a huge pool, racquetball courts galore, rock climbing wall, and so many more nooks and crannies i probably did not even realize. I mean considering how large the school was i suppose that it was only appropriate to have a gym of such stature, but they didn't need to fill it with such great equipment. But they did, and their stuff got better and better every year. They had no qualms of ridding their old equipment with even better ones. Plus, who could beat gorgeous flatscreen TVs that are able to be plugged into your own machine's headphone jacks. I seriously was so spoiled by this gym that i had almost begun to think that it was a standard for all gyms.

BOY, was I wrong.

A few months after i graduated, I had turned into a lump of lard and decided that it was due time to look for a new gym in the area. Having noticed that a brand new LA Fitness was built down the street, I thought it was about time to join. But i actually joined on a whim at those outside kiosks and did not really take a look inside. The moment i walked in, i felt like i had turned back in time to a crappier freshman year version of the ARC. It's like the thrown out equipment had made its way to this LA Fitness which was barely 2 years old. I thought, wonderful, a swimming pool and then looked in to see a load of old Chinese women wading through the waters. I then sighed... and realized nothing will ever beat the ARC.

Things I learned in College : Lesson 3.

2010-04-29T23:19:00.001-07:00

Listen and read the news, but try not to get too emotionally invested.
local news is not included, sorry.
When I got into college and about my Sophomore year, I decided that it was important for me to read, watch and listen to the news. Also being an International Studies major, i guess i figured that it was something I SHOULD do. But eventually this should turned into a major fascination/obsession. My roommate at the time could probably tell you about the times i would bring up anything from CNN I would read. It actually became ritual to my day.

I would click on the headlines, then follow up on any of the past stories i was reading, and then check top stories. If it was something really interesting I would then take the liberty of linking it to friend's Facebook pages and maybe even email it to someone.

But as you know, and anyone does know, the news isn't all filled with bubblegum and flowers and candy. It's really heavy.. and at times I would cave into these deep thoughts about what i had read and feel seriously ill afterward. My desire to read these news articles and be emotionally moved by every single one of them caused me to get sick!

I remember at one point, althought i can't remember precisely what got me, but i had to stop reading the news. So in one whole determined move, i shut myself off from the world. I became happier temporarily... and then i felt empty again of the information i used to steep myself in daily. So i had to get back into it.. but slowly and without so much information.

But ultimately, what reminded me of this lesson was that in the morning i listen to NPR. Yes, i am a nerd. My radio alarm clock goes straight into Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne talking about the daily happenings around the world. But with the recent news of the miners who died because of the explosion, brought me to tears one morning. The thought of these men with families who were waiting for them to come home as usual from a day at work and then receive a phone call to find that they had been involved in an accident was too much to bear. I had forgotten how heart wrenching listening to the news could be again.

But this time, I'm not going to fold back to not listening to the news in the morning... it's more about checking my emotions. Therefore, leaving enough to be involved with the coverage but to stop when it could ruin my day.

Things I learned in College : Lesson 2.

2010-04-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Always stock your pantry with cereal and fridge with milk.

I'm not joking. For me these two combined are like the forces of elements creating this earth. ok, maybe not that monumental but it definitely has always been a part of my daily life.

Granted i ate cereal and milk on a daily basis since I was i don't know how old... it essentially kept me alive all throughout college. the combination of the new are an amazing breakfast but for me i crave it as a treat outside of normal breakfast hours. i could not stop eating this stuff. Ask my roommates! I bought milk on a weekly basis. Would finish the milk on a weekly basis. And could not get enough of my cereals. Even while i was in England, there would always be a box of cereal and those annoying little plastic cartons of milk from Tescos in the hall fridge.

I kinda miss that Winnie the Pooh Stars cereal exclusive to Tescos...

In any case, since my move back home my parents have been generally stellar at buying cereal and milk. My dad for some reason even knew when i was coming home that he would have to hit up Costco to stock up. Literally, he called me before i came back and asked which cereal i preferred to eat (so nice). but like any budding relationship, or one that was rebudding, my dad grew tired of buying me cereal and milk when buying dog food became apparently more important. So, one week, i had no cereal or milk. Devastating. Left me feeling empty.

Physically and emotionally.

... which reminds me... i should probably buy cereal and milk for work now.

Typographic Moustaches

2010-04-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

Haha. made me giggle today.
love all you wonderful typographic whores.

Things I learned in College : Lesson 1.

2010-04-27T17:28:00.001-07:00

How to write an formal email.
This is a series of lessons i've learned in college... life or whatever.

Whether I was writing to my professors, my PAs or potential employers, formal emails has become a part of my everyday life. But the mundane world of writing, please and thank yous in barf-worthy amounts has made my vocabulary diminish to terms like "barf-worthy."

So what does this lesson help me with other than making me sound like a woman from the the 1940s who worked as a secretary for some masochistic male? Not much else.

But formalities are what i've realized has helped me gain a level of respect and who wants to sound like a 15 yr. old, because otherwise I'd probably be talked to like one.

But I'm surprised that i've survived not typing in a happy face aka :), a "hey! what's up?", or a "dude." Considering my limited linguistic abilities, i've managed to become somewhat considered a grown up with the ability to formulate formal emails.

Obviously someone did not teach me grammar...

Hardbound Vs. Digital

2010-04-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

So my commutes to work have become a commonplace in my life now. The wake up and rush to get to the station before the stripe bars cut me off from parking are now an everyday drill. But along with this and my trusty iPod i've written several times about how i've been also reading a lot lately.

So my library has slowly been growing and the stack of books i have to get through has also been growing. The funny thing is though that when you're commuting to work with a laptop, a purse with your belongings, an ipod, a water bottle, sunglasses..etc.. it all gets well.. rather heavy. I'm not saying i'm a wimp. But ever since college (and maybe even into high school) I was always trying to figure out ways to make things lighter. That would entail carrying 1/2 inch binders, 50 page notebooks, leaving books at home and so on. That habit hasn't left me. I dread carrying lunch to work because of the extra weight the Tupperware adds.

Ok, but back to where i was getting at. The new Kindle for Blackberry was released and I decided to download it. If you've heard me rant about how i feel about Kindles and e-Readers, then you know that i'm not a big fan only because i'm yes, i admit, of a materialistic generation. Save the trees yada yada yada I LOVE BOOKS. Whether they are old or new (preferably new with no creases on the spine) I cherish the books i purchase and build my personal library with. But herein lays my dilemma... I've discovered the love of the Kindle for Blackberry.

These past few weeks i read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson off my Blackberry for Kindle and thoroughly enjoyed it! Pressing the space button and seeing the percentage of completion increase and having the book on me at ALL times was incredibly satisfying. I couldn't believe how quickly i got through the book no only because it's a great read (yes, i do recommend the book like every other Salander Saga fan) but because of how easily accessible the book had become to me.

But... of course, when i had completed the book i lacked a sense of fulfillment because i didn't have the book in my library to show for it and more importantly, lend the book to others.

So where do i go from here? Do i continue to buy books, wait for them to arrive, kill a few trees, carry the load and forever have it in my physical library? Or do i deal with the small screen of my BB, have a book online forever, and never share?

O woe. the conundrums of a 21st century girl.

I have this tendency...

2010-04-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

that when i step away from my blog and do not write in it for awhile.. i start to avoid it purposefully.

Painfully purposefully.

But I suppose because i've been now blogging for a living it would be nice to blog about things that are more personal to me.

So.

Let's start anew?

I mean i guess that's why i bought a new computer. In order to actually blog, upload, watch, and share more often.

ok. Let's do it.

Let's get naked.

2010-03-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about the recent upheaval of getting naked... maybe it's the heat... i don't know what it is exactly but it's gotten me all hot and bothered.

But i must say that Matt & Kim and Erykah Badu made my heart beat faster and i felt like i could see their adrenaline rush...

Anyone suddenly have an urge to go skinny dipping?

Fishy Condos

2010-03-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

So earlier this month my office moved down the street and it seriously feels like working for a different company... but not. Anyway, we have a dog friendly office so for the longest time i was debating about getting a new dog for me to bring and take care of. Especially since i would be here all day i thought it wouldn't be so bad to get one... but of course, i'm not responsible enough for something like that... so what's the better solution?

fish!

gold fishes perhaps.

anyway i really liked this concept by Teddy Luong on www.unicahome.com.

Long Live Books!

2010-03-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Another product post.

But i can't help it.

This is the "Book" from www.LongLiveBooks.com. ... funny enough it may look like another normal book off the shelf, but of course considering my obsessive behaviors when looking for a macbook cover (which will finally be "re"arriving tomorrow) i run into this beauty.

The books are all handmade by one dude out in Minnesota. He slaves away to make these things by order and will even do custom printing for the cover of your book in case you want it to say something like "Don't Take Me" or "Pride and Prejudice" or simply "My Book"... but for $5 extra dollars on top of the $89 pricetag.

whoop! steep.

but i want it. now.

Hipster Pooches

2010-03-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

Blessed Literall readers. I’m sorry about my absence and definite delays of updates. I had been overly consumed by the Winter Olympics. Every time i came home from work I would sit and watch until 12am. And then would immediately feel so numbed by television consumption that I would fall asleep. It was definitely an interesting period of doinga lmost absolutely nothing when I got home from work.
ALAS! I am back and will begin March with major blogging overload again. I promise. But I’m definitely alarmed at how quickly the month of February passed so quickly. I think my weeks have been so busy and I’m constantly working on new projects to keep my time occupied which is definitely an exciting period! what do i start off this month of March with?of course! the Website of the Month. This was strangely a tough call but at the same time when i came across this one i couldn't help but laugh and hope that "it" continues. So what is this website??
hipsterpuppies.tumblr.com

Ok. So pictures and dressing up your puppy to look indie may be incredibly cute... but what actually cracks me up about this site are the captions...

For the photo above:
barney is more concerned with “dynamic range compression” and “the loudness wars” than the fact that he has shitty taste in music

Here's another favorite...

"popeye insists he doesn’t have “a thing for asian girls,” even though his last four girlfriends have been pekingese"

and lastly..."punky figured his student loan money would be better spent on a vintage cr78 drum machine he found on ebay"

Ok. Go have a good laugh!

I'm excited about this month! Lots going on!

Winter Olympics + Check 3!

2010-02-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

First issues first!

I want to apologize for the lack of updates lately. Without a doubt it's only because i have been coming home from work and going straight into watching the olympics for HOURS until it's suddenly midnight and I'm going straight to bed. Insane!

By the way, may i comment on how many beautiful people are in the winter olympics?!

[Kim Yun Ah - Korea - Women's Figure Skating]

[Mirai Nagasu, Rachael Flatt - USA - Women's Figure Skating]

[Apolo Ohno - USA - Mens Speed Skating]

[J.R. Celski - USA - Mens Speed Skating]
Also one of my favorites!

[Shani Davis - USA - Mens Speed Skating]

[Evan Lysacek - USA - Mens Figure Skating]
He skates in couture by Vera Wang. loveeee.

[Lindsay Vonn - USA - Women's Skiing]

[Scotty Lago, Shaun White - USA - Men's Halfpipe Snowboarding]

god. Who could resist these Double McTwisty Red Curls?!

I'm sure i'm missing all the other international snow bunnies, but i'll come around once the games are over and i notice more cuties.

---

CHECK THREE!!!

SO! remember my goal of 20 subscribers by the end of the new year? Well guess what! I've reached it in a mere 1 1/2 months! I guess getting your blog out there and having people reading it isn't as hard as i assumed it would be. But many thanks to the twenty people who have subscribed to my blog! I feel like i've hit a milestone and it makes me determined to blog more and more consistently.

Happy Vday!

2010-02-14T17:10:00.000-08:00

To all you lovers.

xoxo

Lost Voices

2010-02-09T22:24:00.001-08:00

Getting sick always makes me really disappointed that I didn't take care of my body.

But...

I love losing my voice and imagining that I'm a secret agent or a spy.

[Audrey Hepburn in Charade]

[Greta Garbo in Mata Hari]

[Luciana Paluzzi as Fiona Volpe in Thunderball]

badass chicks.

Cinema vieux.

2010-02-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Whenever I watch old films and see them on my small computer screen or on my family's television, I wonder what it would have been like to see these films during their heydays in the movie theater. The whole experience of watching a film in a theater is so completely different from that of your living or bedroom. I love going to the movies to sit in the seats, have the lights dim, everyone shut up, and just be completely immersed in the imagery and sound of the film. Although today, going to the movie theater is more like an investment rather than a leisure activity, I've longed to watch classic films in the theater.

Lucky for us who live in Los Angeles, this feat is quite possible...

Some places and films to be excited about...

[Aero Theater]

+ C, my friend from ms/hs brought this theater to my attention because for the eve of V-day (otherwise popularly known as SADay), they are showing Audrey Hepburn's two classic films of Breakfast and Sabrina. To this day, the scene where Holly Golightly and Paul "Fred" kiss at the end of the movie is my favorite Hollywood kiss. It's the rain... it makes everything so much more dramatic.

[New Beverly Cinema]

+ I've been on this theater since the summertime... and funny enough they are featuring Summertime with another classic Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn that is. This theater is cool because they actually feature some really old stuff but will get the ball rolling again on some recent, being the 90s, shows. In other words, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Bottle Rocket are soon to be on.

[Silent Movie Theatre]

+ Need I really explain more?

[Arclight in Hollywood]

+ Considered one of the most recognizable buildings on Sunset Blvd next to Amoeba Records, a lot of people are unaware of the Arclight's Presents nights. I mean aside from their usual features, this theater boasts a really awesome past of presenting movies from the past and people who were involved with the film. Upcoming features include East of Eden, Malcolm X, and tomorrow night Casablanca. Producers, Cinematographers, and occasionally the actors of these films will come and speak for a little bit and then audiences get to relax and watch the film in all it's Arclighting gloriousness. Also their location in Sherman Oaks does these Arclight Presents nights. And a word to the 21+ crowd, they have 21+ Screenings with current films as well. No, not porn... just cocktails and a movie.

Oh the woes of Hollywood... I live in an amazing city. Yes, I admit it.

Did i just give some people amazing valentine's day date ideas?

+++

I've always wanted to be kissed in the rain like this...

Let the Great World Spin + Man on Wire

2010-02-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.

There is no shame in me saying that i took upon reading this book because of an Amazon recommendation. Had I become a part of the "tipping point?" Yes. I added to this Mr. McCann's acclaim of being a number one best seller for 2009.

So i'm not done with the book but i already have some general thoughts that could or could not sway you about whether you'd like to read novels again.

Let the Great World Spin first is very much like Crash, the film. But this movie is based around the time in the 70s where a great man had walked across on a wire that was connected on the World Trade Center. The most outrageous characters and the utmost real characters cross paths between this time in unusual yet normal ways. I think that the book so far has done an excellent job portraying the characters in their own elements. From prostitute, priest, mother who has lost her son at war... they all wind together in a form that is actually strangely poetic. What makes this book so easy for me to read though is that it comes in little vignettes that keep things short enough for me to complete while i'm riding the metro and before i go to bed. Today was actually the first day that I had almost missed my stop on the train because I was so eager to finish a chapter.

MAN ON WIRE
Starring Phillipe Petit

So it shouldn't really surprise you that the next thing i wanted to do was watch Man on Wire! Lucky for me in the midst of finishing this book, my Netflix arrives with Man on Wire in tow. And how wonderful the timing was. I watched the film and oo'd and ah'd at his tricks, juggling, and of course him walking on air.

It was exhilarating watching Philippe walk between the Notre Dame towers, then the bridge in Sydney, and finally the two World Trade Center towers. An entertainer to say the least yet at the same time an absolute nutcase! But it was simply so amazing to see this man devise such a brilliant plan and then execute it so well. I was glued to the screen the entire time. And honestly, I could not express more how much I loved that Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No.1 was playing for when he started the walk across the towers . Perfect perfect music composition for the movie.

The only regret i truly have is that 1. I wish i were alive in the 70s to have seen this happen 2. since i wasn't alive i wish i had seen it in the big screen at a theater... or better yet, Imax. Hopefully one day the New Beverly Center will play it again or something... it's just too magnificent.

Could you imagine being on the street in New York that day and looking up to see something like this? These are times I wish I lived multiple lives and could remember those past lives...

Website of the Month

2010-02-03T12:37:00.000-08:00

So every month I've decided to start logging some websites that have caught my fancy and will continue to catch it for the years to come... granted they stay in business.

ValetMag.com wins the first month of me ever doing this and that's because it's just so good for all guys! i mean

truly... all men should look at this website. I know my 16 followers {yay!} are mainly girls but please share with your boyfriends, boys who are friends, and boy toys the wonders of Valetmag.com. You will truly be surprised with how much they will learn from this.

It's actually funny because I got a book for Ottoban by Esquire Men about how to dress and i thought that the guide was genius. But it's all accessible now for guys at Valet. And anyway, who doesn't love really awesome illustrations to guide the lost fashion soul in boys?

please forward this website to the men in your lives.

Fashion Icon 1.

2010-01-28T14:29:00.005-08:00

A few weeks ago, I was having a talk with J about some of our fashion icons and who we look to for fashion inspiration/rtw. To be honest, I had some trouble thinking of people that truly i thought had an influence on how i dressed. I mean there are classic mavens like Garance, Zoe, and various celebrities. But a lot of where I get my inspiration for fashion comes from people on Lookbook and the Sartorialist and other street style sites. Maybe a lot of this had to do with the fact that I'm not subscribed to many fashion blogs or that i don't receive any magazines... but I'm going to try to make a point to note the ones that actually do impress me... and in the midst of looking at edgy haircuts today.. i found one. And her name is Kate Lanphear - the fashion

editor of Elle Magazine.

Fear the Lanphear.

I don't really give a shit if she's the fashion editor of Elle.. to be honest after watching Nina Garcia yap on and on on PR, i knew my subscription was ending. But Lanphear's style and the way she dresses drives me insane. It's all her own and I'm seething with jealousy. It's the edge, the platinum/silver blonde hair, the rich textures, and her lack of colors. I'm completely her type. I love that she doesn't need to wear anything outside of black, grey, white and the occasional beige.. . What i love most is that against all her hard rough edges with studs and spikes and heavy metal... she lingers with a very delicate feminine side as well. From her buzzed side hair with soft wispy bangs or the chainmail vest that is layered under a spiderweb of a shredded black T, it's this constant ebb and flow of hard and soft. it's fashion porn. And i love it. God it seems like my spring wardrobe is not going to include a lot of florals and pastels.

oops.

Watching... or staring.

2010-01-27T22:39:00.004-08:00

taking the metro on a daily basis has brought out this weird side of me that usually is kept hidden under a stone behind my learning emotion. It's called... emotional observance... and to other's they might just consider this being a stalker. oh well.

so i see these people on the public transportation and i imagine their lives outside of this 15 minutes of space we share with one another.

case 341. cute indie couple - every morning this girl waits for her boyfriend to walk onto the train. She sits in the furthest seat in the last train. And the entire way they talk to each other like they haven't seen each other in years. there is always this level of excitement... and he always just wants to touch her hand. and their perfect theme song is...

case 923. guy in green headphones - i don't have a story... it's just those damn green headphones make me more curious about what he's listening to more than anyone else... so i imagine he listens to things like pepi ginsberg. when i'm sure he's actually listening to something closer to arcade fire or decemberists.

case 675. Girl with red bag - she always looks stern and crosses the street before everyone else, but i know, she's dreaming...other than that.... this song just goes well with her...

really. i don't do this everyday... just when i get tired of reading and look up.

Burberry + Colette = ?

2010-01-25T21:53:00.004-08:00

GENIUS!!!

So this is actually a season ago's look for Burberry as far as their twisted knotty look is concerned. But the funny thing is that as much as i loved this look on the runway and on the campaign with Emma Watson, i never really paid attention to the detail work that the Colette collaborative created. I just figured they are switching up their traditional trench look. But look at this!

Collette had gone and added these amazing little gold studs/spikes underneath the collar. I literally gasped with surprise and utter glee when i saw this picture. Mind you, I'm a huge fan of surprises like this when it comes to clothes/accessories/shoes. A reason why i went with the Burberry trench that i chose, as opposed to the traditional trench, was because of an element very similar to this - but of course a bit more demure.

I'm starting to get the feeling that these spikes and studs are going to be an ongoing trend in 2010.

Reading while riding

2010-01-24T21:13:00.003-08:00

Last week, I finished reading The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, a definite recommended read for the eager factoid minded. So I enjoyed the rest of my week riding the Metro bookless... thinking that it would be nice to just people watch and look at the scenery. Quickly i discovered how wrong i was. I missed having a book and people watching was hardly entertaining when all i wish for is that an attractive guy sits next to me. Instead, the usual Korean/Chinese/Japanese grandma who finds me a harmless indistinguishable Asian race will sit next to me as I seem like someone who will not steal from her. Anyway, that's a rant for another day.

So! I needed a book.

I've always wanted to try reading short stories as an alternative to fiction novels, which are my utter favorite. Funny thing is that i remember asking Ernie for a short stories book from way back when, but she couldn't resist in the midst of all the SATC craze to get me Love Letters From Great Men instead. An excellent book, don't get me wrong, but also incredibly depressing. . . Something I don't think would make me feel any better about being single near Valentine's Day this year, but that's for another day.

In any case, I went Barnes and Noble and picked up

The Best American Nonrequired Reading

Edited by Dave Eggers

I'm hooked! The book starts with an introduction by Marjane Satrapi, the author who wrote Persepolis. Then jumps right into the Best American this and thats of the 2009. For example: The Best American Titles of Books Published in 2008, one being curbside Consultation of the Colon or Strip and Knit with Style. The the book goes on to talk about the Best American Anonymous Postcards and even Bank Heists. Just a really great great mish mosh of fun.

Apparently it is a book that has been composed by high schoolers from Michigan and San Francisco. And what's even better is that they have a Blogspot to follow their journey for their next book of Bests 2010. I can't wait for these 15 min reads between the Gold, Purple and Bus 720!

I get excited about reading books on buses... My life is full of such excitement. haha.

There goes my money

2010-01-23T16:33:00.009-08:00

this is a big week of a purchases coming up ... and to be honest, I'm not quite sure how i will be able to handle it. I'm pretty much going to go bankrupt for a bit and then make my way back to somehow livable standards...

1. Coachella ticketsI know that i told myself that I'd be buying these damn tickets the moment they went on sale, but i was at work on Friday morning, and all that could go through my head was, "do i even have enough to spare??" but eventually this purchase will happen by the end of this week. - $279

2. headboard from UO

I was initially planning on making this purchase approximately... oh i dunno... 8 months ago?! but finally a trip around the block in old town and a free shipping offer... i caved in. The new headboard should be arriving in the next few weeks and I'll happily put up pictures of my room in its somewhat complete state excluding the need for a map and some curtains from either Anthro or UO again. With free shipping (ohyeahyur) - $300 (bought)

3. new macbookpro

So if you follow my tweets you'll know that i, in my unfortunate clumsiness, spilled a whole cup

of gingerbread coffee with french vanilla creamer on top of my precious iBOOK G4 (god, i used to think this was so cool). I saw it happen in slow motion in front of me... the entire cup just washed the keys in a lovely creamy mocha color. With this sad occurrence my 9/(, F10, F11, F12, and my up and down keys have decided to crap out on me and no longer have any

purposeful function. How incredibly aggravating/depressing yet at the same time absolutely exhilarating. After purchasing my lovely iBook right before freshman year of college in 2005, it's time to finally get a new baby. This purchase though i must add is all granted that they come out with something better this week... especially after all these speculations. - $1100 (big ouch)

4. BOOkBOOk!!

At first glance you may ask, "well what the hell is that?" Well, in all my excitement to buy a new macbook i thought to myself that if I'm going to be investing this much into a new comp, i really need to step up my game and buy myself a nice cover to protect it. Not to diss the kids with the classic black neoprene cases that look sturdy and could potentially keep wine at a very desirable 50-55ºF... but I am ok, thanks.

This is the BookBook - gorgeous macbook cover built by TwelveSouth. Disguising your macbook into looking like a vintage read has never been more beautifully done.. or has it ever been done? I don't know, and i don't care. I just want it. $79

Ottoban, if you ever read this... i have major buyer's anxiety.

currently listening to:

Toro y Moi

mmm please listen, you won't regret...

Rain Rain Rain

2010-01-21T10:55:00.004-08:00

over and over and over again.

Would you dare wear these? kinda fun - Les Queues de Sardines.

It's amazing how this rain has been bringing down all of the news of california. But really i love it. I mean who cares, it's going to clear out by Saturday anyway.

Lately, I've been completely obsessed with who's gonna be at Coachella and who won't be. Today alone listened to the new Stylo song by Gorillaz... can't wait until their new album drops in March. But until then, i've also been a huge fan of The XX...

thus. enjoy.

mmmm hurry weekend.

Festival of all Festivals

2010-01-19T22:40:00.006-08:00

COACHELLA!

So there was definitely a different buzz in the air within all music heads of californians today. Aside from the thunderstorms and the tornado warnings, the COACHELLA lineup was announced today!

I got the text first from V in the morning while i was waiting at the station on Mission. The moment i received it, i squealed and then did an awkward dance. There are SO many bands that i want to go see and i cannot wait until tickets go on sale so i can have these beauties in my hand!

What's great is that with the tickets this year it's just an all 3 day pass ordeal.. no one or two days.

I'm so excited! I'm gonna go make myself a mix now. peace.

Lineup
Friday, April 16th
Aeroplane
Alana Grac
As Tall As Lion
Baroness
Benny Benassi
Calle 13
Céu

deadmau5

Deer Tick

DJ Lance Rock

Echo& the Bunnymen

Erol Alkan

Fever Ray

Grace Jones

Grizzly Bear

Hockey

Iglu & Hartly

Jay-Z

Jets Overhead

Kate Miller-Heidke

La Roux

LCD Soundsystem

Little Dragon

Lucero

Pablo Hassan

Passion Pit

POS

Proxy

Public Image Limited

Ra Ra Riot

She & Him

Sleigh Bells

The Avett Brothers

The Cribs

The Dillinger Escape Plan

The Specials

The Whitest Boy Alive

Them Crooked Vultures

Vampire Weekend

Wale
Wolfgang Gartner

Yeasayer

Saturday, April 17th

2 many DJ's

Aterciopelados

Band of Skulls

Bassnectar

Beach House

Camera Obscura

Coheed and Cambria

Corinne Bailey Rae

Craze

David Guetta

DEVO

Dirty Projectors

Dirty South

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Faith No More
Flying Lotus

Frank TUrner

Frightened Rabbit

GIRLS

Gossip

Hot Chip

John Waters

Kaskade

Klever

Les Claypool

Major Lazer

Mew

MGMT

Muse

Old Crow Medicine Show

Porcupine Tree

Portugal. THe Man

Pretty Lights

RX Bandits

Shooter Jennings

Sia

Steel Train

The Almighty Defenders

The Dead Weather

The Raveonettes

The Temper Trap

The xx

Tiesto

Tokyo Police Club

White Rabbits

Z-Trip

Zoé
Sunday, April 18th
B.o.B.
Babasónicos
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Club 75
De La Soul
Deerhunter
Delphic
Florence & The Machine
Gary Numan
Gil Scott-Heron
Gorillaz
Hadouken!
Infected Mushroom
Jónsi
Julian Casablancas
Kevin Devin
King Khan & the Shrines
Little Boots
Local Natives
Matt & Kim
Mayer Hawthorne & the County
Miike Snow
MUTEMATH
One eskimO
Orbital
Owen Pallett
PAPARAZZI
Pavement
Phoenix
Plastikman
Rusko
Sly & The Family Stone
Spoon
Sunny Day Real Estate
Talvin Singh
The Big Pink
The Glitch Mob
The Middle East
The Soft Pack
Thom Yorke
Yann Tiersen
Yo La Tengo

Fierce has a new shoe

2010-01-18T23:22:00.005-08:00

For those who know me, understand my love for intense shoes. I mean really awesome heels with a great statement. I remember back in england i told myself that if there was one part of my outfit that i want to make a statement it would be my rings or my shoes.

well.

nothing could scream this statement louder than these Louise Goldin for Topshop shoes.

GOD! i'm in LOVE!

Photos are courtesy of MYKROMAG.

These are those kinds of shoes that another girl would give you a weird look for wearing and then in her head think, "Lucky, bitch."

Check two

2010-01-16T22:39:00.002-08:00

Or shall i say deux?

So I got my (re)subscription to Netflix this past week! The first film came in yesterday and I watched the ever beloved Julie Delpy and neurotic Adam Goldberg in Two Days in Paris. And i absolutely loved it! An indie romcom... really? Of course i would.

In any case, I had a balls out french cine day. .. Let me start over...

Last night I had a really great time going out with the girls. I mean having already gone out to the Bottega and SevenGrand with T the night before i thought i wouldn't be going crazy. But that was a lie. I had one too many drinks on friday night... stumbled home somehow with the help of wonderful people and woke up with a raging headache. Classic hungover episode.

So after an amazing recovery session this morning at Pho 79 eating Bun Bo tho(?) It's number 68 on the menu, I'm not even going to try to be smart about this one... so I stopped by Videotheque and thought why not borrow some more films. Where do i go? Of course, a straight shoot to Christophe Honore's section and pick up La Belle Personne and above on Godard, Tout Va Bien. After a scoop of coffee ice cream at Buster's and stop at the Good Harvest Bakery, I head home to enjoy my movie and freshly baked honey wheat bread. (they didn't have baguettes unfortunately)

So what do i indulge myself in all day??

THE FRENCH. La Belle Personne, 2 Days in Paris, Tout Va Bien, and Julie & Julia.

I vegetated on the French. All day... and fell madly, i mean really madly in love with Louis Garrel (The Dreamers) again. What was it that grasped me again? The way he smokes his cigarettes. I don't know, don't ask. I just love it.

-3.35-

And with that... i've simply decided to watch every Christophe Honore + Louis Garrel work.

c'est bon.

Obsessing without Spending

2010-01-14T10:57:00.004-08:00

There are so many times that a girl will obsess over items and know full well that they cannot afford the piece. Well... that time has sprung up again for me... as always.

Yesterday while I was on the bus ride home, a woman who i would consider pretty stylish for LA standards sat next to me and immediately my eyes went to her lush leather satchel. I couldn't stop staring. For one, the quality of the leather was immaculate and the way it was slouching with use was really gorgeous. So then i couldn't help but notice that yes, it was a Mulberry bag! I hadn't seen a mulberry since walking out of Heathrow in 2008 and then once at a Duty Free store in Incheon. I love these bags! I remember i would obsess over the really cute small crossover bags that girls would wear on the Underground.
But check this out! This morning I'm checking my emails and Refinery29 sends me the must haves of 2010. And to my surprise... look what there is..

Alexa Chung carrying a Mulberry! And it's HERS. As in the name of the bag that she is carrying is the Alexa Mulberry. Despite the fact that this socialite gets whatever she wants.. i'm even more surprised that she's chosen to obsess over a Mulberry bag. And what i love even more is this saddle color... forget the blue and white ones that it comes in... this one will stay with you for years. What a great midrange priced bag! yet, it's still too expensive for me. . . atleast for now.

Anyway. The bag is sold out online and probably at stores already. oh well.

--

On another note...

Jimmy Choo and Uggs have just announced a collaboration ordeal.

NYTimes statement ::
"Ugg & Jimmy Choo," will use the famous sausagelike boot construction, adding "design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand.”

Fuggy Choos.
are you ready for them?

(puke)

Check one

2010-01-12T22:25:00.006-08:00

Thoroughly excited to say that I am now a tapping public transportation user of Los Angeles and the Greater Los Angeles County. This may seem like a dumb feat for someone who takes the public transportation already but this is a huge deal for me.

Let me explain.

I've never taken the bus to school. Never. I grew up with someone driving me, or walking, or on the occasion riding Diana's scooter. I started driving at the ripe age of 16 and immediately was given a car very graciously by my parents. I drove everywhere all the time. I drove my 92' green Tanker Volvo, the Silver Bullet Honda, and my now precious Night Rider. The most public transportation i ever experienced was while I was abroad. London and Seoul both had very VERY extensive public transportation systems. And who couldn't but fall in love with this after having driven myself for so many years. Somebody got to drive me. I got to sit, read, people watch, listen to music, and merely daydream until my next stop. I simply fell in love with public transportation.

Now when i learned that my work was somewhere on wilshire and robertson... i wondered if i could take the Metro.. but much to my dismay back in november i realized that the Purple Line stopped at Wilshire/Western. Only later did i learn that the 720 bus runs all the way up and down Wilshire... wow i'm starting to realize how newb this post is starting to sound... anyway... after talking to Nathan, I decided that I should give it a try.

and what's the result?

I've fallen in love all over again!

Although i do missing singing at the top of my lungs in the car...

On another note,

New glasses!

excuse the horrible quality of photos. I'm too lazy to take out my canon, plug, upload..etc. So blackberry camera will do.

I want to watch 500 Days again. . .

Chanel goes Big. Burlesque and Big

2010-01-11T10:58:00.003-08:00

I'm all for the big girls movement. But more than anything, I'm all about the big girls doing burlesque and being photographed by Karl Lagerfeld at the original Chanel in Paris. Wow.

I guess he had a little heart for her coming from the fact that he was overweight for a bit in his life.

Images from V Magazine

being Euro

2010-01-11T09:59:00.003-08:00

Bicycles.

I've always fancied bicycles. When visiting Utrecht, Netherlands, i couldn't help but stare at all the beautiful people riding their beautiful bicycles. And the only thought was how i wish it were that much easier to commute with bikes in LA. And even with such European inspirations but unrealistic desires to ride daily, I bought a cruiser off a guy from craigslist for $20 in Irvine in hopes to ride into the sunset. That never happened since the tires were crooked and it was so old that pedaling took much more work than it was worth the cruise. But it's a sleeping beauty and I definitely have decided to add it to the things to do list of this year. So I'll be putting it as a makeover list with my room.

In light of that... look at these inspirations...

Chanel Bike ($17000)

Hermes Bike ($3500)

Danish Bikes - Sogreni ($2250)

Sartorialist - one my fav shots.

Lofty Goals

2010-01-10T19:49:00.004-08:00

Maybe, making some lofty goals for this new year will actually help inspire me to do some crazier things.

Let's begin.

+ Double the amount of readership for my blog from 10 to 20 people.

Although this task doesn't seem so difficult, i'm struggling to believe that even 20 people will find my blog interesting. But i remember taking one thing to heart about making my blog find more readers... blog more. So it will be encouraging me to blog more about my daily stupidities. And i need to revive LePiquance. Time to cook more.

+ Concerts are to be attended... by me.

A friend told me once that if there is a show and you want to see, you should just go see it. Struggle and find people to go enjoy it with, and if all else fails... damn.. go alone.

+ Netflix? What better way...

Although when i start getting netflix i become a hermit and will probably tangle myself in thoughts of whether i should go to the gym or watch the movie in the comfort of my bed... I think it's time for me to begin getting netflix again. I just miss watching some really good classic films.

+ I am Metro

Have you guys seen those horrible ads for the Metro around LA? I think they are pretty horrendous, but I'm proud to say that I am one of them. I suppose this is a resolution in the making... and i'm definitely already taking full action for it. I've started to take the Metro to work and I feel invigorated. It definitely makes every trip to work and back home so much fun. I'm excited to say that tomorrow I will be purchasing my Tap Card. and tall guy with green headphones who takes the 7:45 train on Gold Line. You're hot. Let's talk.

+ What's this? A card? for what?

For any occasion.

+ A big black disc goes round

On an LP player that needs to be in my room... No more spending money on clothing. I need to out fit my room. Curtains, LP player, wall decorations, furniture... it's slowly but surely coming together... but i want it done by December.

mmm

Delicious song of the moment.

A new year

2010-01-01T23:45:00.002-08:00

It's like turning the page and letting go of 2009... and although for many it's a time for change and hitting the gym and making it a big ordeal, I feel like my new year came back in November.

I landed a new job. I got rid of the bad that was flocking my life and keeping me from progressing. I turned to the right people. I reconnected with old friends. I made new friends. I joined a gym.

But that doesn't mean that because it is technically a new year that i can't start getting excited about everything that is coming up this year.

I'm especially excited about traveling come April and September. Stabilizing with my job. Meet more new people. Read more books. Take the public transit system a few times a month. watch more movies. go to more shows (coachella this year finally). cook more + add more to LePiquance. Let's see how this all goes.

Wish me luck. I wish you luck. and a very very Happy New Year.

---

This morning this song seemed so fitting...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T11:04:00.001-08:00

Too much fun last night and ready to take on this new year!

I'm so excited!

Just as excited...

2009-12-30T23:32:00.004-08:00

I hope that you are just as excited as i am about this new year.

Happy New Years Eve!

here's to the new decade of decadence!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T11:21:00.002-08:00

It's only 11:22 in the morning of Christmas and I'm in a very good mood.

Nothing like some good ol' blueberry pancakes with sweet sausage to put you in a good place.

along with a pink Snuggie from my brother, a cereal dispenser from my mom.

and cold hard cash from grams/gramps

yes.

i love my family.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Le Creuset

2009-12-21T10:14:00.003-08:00

Is it absolutely inane of me to merely want a set of Le Creuset's cast iron pots, pans and other various baking dishes for Christmas this year?

A stray from the reel.

2009-12-18T12:25:00.002-08:00

I'm obsessed with heels that seem demure... but have such an intense statement. obsessed.

by the way,

happy 101st Blogpost to me.

pop art blue

2009-12-17T01:02:00.001-08:00

Zero 7 it was a pleasure meeting you. You were all so very wonderful.

I can't wait to meet you

2009-12-16T09:27:00.003-08:00

the both of you.

soaking

2009-12-15T12:41:00.003-08:00

dreamy.

Office

2009-12-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

Another week of work is exactly what i need right now.

Another week of challenges and another week of new adventures.

2009-12-13T20:48:00.002-08:00

pfft.

2009-12-13T09:12:00.002-08:00

Are we ever safe?

2009-12-13T00:58:00.000-08:00

It's a funny thing if we think about how unsafe we all are. I mean we all try to be physically safe by being aware, driving carefully, and making sure our surroundings are safe. But isn't it strange how there is no means to really protect yourself emotionally? I mean, granted that we can try to desperately hope to prepare for the worst to happen... but who can live in that kind of world? I certainly couldn't. So what do you do? How do you protect yourself from getting hurt emotionally? From heartbreak?

2009-12-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

dumb.

Paris When it Sizzles

2009-11-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

Awhile back i bought an Audrey Hepburn DVD pack from Amazon in order to obtain some of her other classics that i don't have in my collection. Within the package came Paris When it Sizzles, and to be honest.. without hearing so many rants and raves about how great this movie is.. i wasn't very interested. And being such a great Audrey Hepburn fan and not seeing the movie, i felt rather guilty. But i proceeded to watch the film tonight.

General thoughts... I actually thought the beginning was good but then it fell of the scale pretty quickly towards the middle. Enough for me to pause, grab a drink, cut some fruit, and then finish the film. I mean this wasn't even War and Peace worthy of a pause. The storyline was creative and probably done before... but I think the fashion of how easily Gaby (Audrey Hepburn) falls for Rick (William Holden) was what actualy made me turn off from this film. I mean even in Funny Face it takes a bit of movement to get Jo Stockton to love Dick Avery. BUT old flicks and the easily chimed chick flicks of it's day... still a classic i would say. Plus William Holden in his drunken bloody mary misery was charming... his wardrobe was also well coordinated if i may add.

A good classic Sunday night.

Let's get ready for another week of work folks!

2009-11-29T00:48:00.002-08:00

let's try to maintain this blog as i should be getting more interesting things to talk about in these next few months. even if the situations are minute and really not relating to anything.

Tis' the Season

2009-11-29T00:36:00.001-08:00

To go shopping.

Fa la la la.. la la la la

Free Food for Millionaires

2009-11-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

There is something strange about me and finishing books. I love relishing in a book for the days that it takes to read it and anticipate the end as it always makes me feel like i've accomplished something... yet by that point i become so consumed by all the characters that i feel somewhat empty after i've finished reading the book.

Take for example

Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee. It was upon a recommendation of a friend that i read this book and thank goodness i read it. I love how the author takes into consideration each character she presents and gives each of their history not in lots, but as one reads the book. I was so consumed by the characters and their livelihood that it even crossed my mind inbetween my sit downs with the book. Would Casey persist to stay with Unu? Will Ella ever forgive Ted? Can Leah ever face the truth? And once i had completed the ridiculously long book today... i felt empty. In some weird way, i grew antsy and i couldn't shake it off. I wanted to read more and find out about what happened next. Reading becomes like watching a really good tv show before i go to bed.. and now i have to find another book that can keep me captivated like this.

Any suggestions? Otherwise, i'm moving on to a book called Bought that i received for free in a gift bag a spa treatment. Free books always make me a bit wary.

Well that was a quick month...

2009-11-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

October flew by like i didn't even see it. happen. what?

Time for a new look.

feeling uninspired.

Hearing the obvious

2009-10-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today i heard the obvious.
do you ever have those days where you hear what you already know. yet hearing it again makes your heart tingle again and again. i couldn't believe how hearing what i already knew made me feel this way. Maybe being reaffirmed by the person sets the situation in stone.

yet, even though i knew it to be true.

It didn't stop from breaking my heart
but this truth wasn't something that i wanted to hear when everything about the timing was off. and the manner by which we talked about how things could have spread out, can spread out, will spread out, and are spreading makes me wonder.

and

at the same time

hoping for the best.
yet only it was handled so well.

And whether or not timing is everything in a situation like this... i can't help but wonder if the timing worked out perfectly to make sure something didn't happen. Funny how things work out. we'll see.

Thai Iced Tea

2009-10-02T00:49:00.000-07:00

Yum.

Tonight i had some excellent Thai iced tea.. and to no avail i am now awake and churning. I tried doing to some crunches and stretches to calm me and now i'm just even more alert. this isn't healthy i know.. and i have a full day of work tomorrow so i'm not quite sure what to do... a warm glass of milk?

--

new stuff to handle this month.

I want to be productive. Not like i wasn't in any sense last month. I was just busy all throughout september. but back in August when i was studying for my CPhT test, i felt accomplished again. like getting an A in school. I'm also proud to say that when i got my scores back for the PTCB i got an 830 out of 900. yessss.. feels like SATs again.. but better... since i'm more eligible for hire.

But seriously, I'm looking into going to classes again. And truthfully i'm open to anything. I think that it is time for me to explore my options again and really figure out something that piques my interest. So i've decided to enroll in some CE classes, an online course through Kaplan, and maybe look into getting language lessons somewhere. Whether it is more Korean or French again.. i haven't decided. I just realized that i enjoy studying and that the joy of learning hasn't died in me just yet.

It's time to get the ball moving in all sorts of directions and maybe somewhere in the midst of all this i'll figure something out, be inspired, and get some real good shit out there.

wish me luck.

and a Happy October to you too.

ix

through the grapevine

2009-09-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

I was given a bit of insider information about a certain somebody... but the funny thing is that if i were the younger me, i would have taken this information to heart and really not have pursued anything that had to do with the person. But for some reason, I listened.. observed.. and have decided to make my own conclusions about the person. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt and relinquishing their past as their own lost world is all i can do because that person is hopefully doing the same for me. And if they hear something they don't like me and decide to no longer continue whatever this we're in... well their loss.

sunday morning routine

2009-09-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

Wake up.

Stretch arms over head until i touch the walls.

check blackberry for messages.

bbm.

postSecret.

wander house aimlessly and tidy.

wash the body from smelling like an ashtray.

make phone calls.

out for lunch.