Thursday, July 31, 2008

Summer school is over!

It's time to disable my M.I.A. mode!

Now I can jump into reading my new books while listening to Jon Schmidt (easy listening). I also need to work more so that I can figure out my budget for my upcoming trips! Very exciting stuff..but nowhere I haven't been to before. The next couple of weeks are going to be very hectic with my back-to-back schedule. On top of that, I have to figure out some more stuff for the APAC Assembly! Oh no.

iPod



I've been longing to own an iPod or at this point..any kind of mp3 for the longest time. I feel like everyone has one but I don't think many of them may love music as much as I do. Sometimes I imagine how different life would feel if music surrounded me everywhere I went. For the thousands of dollars that I've spent in the past 2 years on *misc* (not including clothes, food, movies, gas, gifts) I probably could of bought 6 or 7 iPod nanos. :\

Peace

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Beautiful word clouds

Wordle generates "word clouds" for the text that you provide. The words that are generated are words that are used frequently in the source that is provided. This is a fun Java application, and above is the one I created using the link of my blog!

Create your own.

Diamonds & Stones

never take a person for granted.
hold every person close to your heart
because you might wake up one day & realize
that you've lost a diamond* while you were
too busy collecting stones.

I Love Money

Reality shows used to annoy me so much..but for some reason I can't get enough of watching other people creating drama in less than 20 seconds.

I think the best reality TV shows come from VH1. My favorite one right now is I Love Money. The producers select a couple of people from VH1's best reality TV shows (Flavor of Love, I Love New York, and Rock of Love) and put then into one house to compete for $250,000. This has got to be the most brilliant idea ever. Can you imagine the type of entertainment you can get from watching that?


I was really sad to see Mr. Boston go this week though. As dumb and pathetic as he may seem..I feel like he was one of the smartest out of the group. Now why would I continue to watch the show if the most interesting player is out of the game? :\ I hope he gets something good out of that experience though! Like his own show or something..

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

My pearly whites

1. $5.80 Pearl white heart shaped sunglasses 2. $17.80 Black collar tie-neck tunic.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

I Love You

Yesterday I noticed that it's so easy for me to say that I love my friends..love my life..or love this certain outfit or song. But it's so hard for me to say that I love the people I truly and have always cared about in my life. I'm not trying to say that I truly don't care about my friends..but like most people, my family is the most important part of my life and I don't remember the last time I said those three words to them at all.

It's so easy for others to say that they love a certain person or a certain thing, but do they really mean it? Because relationships come and go and old hobbies will be favored over new hobbies. I guess just be careful about what you say because words are very powerful and you don't want to abuse it. :)

Blair Wardolf

What's not to like about Blair Wardolf's style?

Shopping list

I still haven't fulfilled my last shopping list due to the high gas prices. I'm learning to cut back on a lot of the things that I used to do. :( Oh well. I still want to make a list of things that I'd like to buy to see if I'm still interested in buying them in the future.

1. career vest

2. collar tie top -
this is SO HARD to find. and every time i find one..it's not the one that I want)

3. long short-sleeve cardigan

4. leather jacket

5. black stockings

6. rain boots
I've been dying to buy a pair after I grew out of my raincoat & rain boots from my Kindergarten play "Singing in the Rain", I don't know why I haven't made it a priority to buy a pair since it always rains in Florida during the summer time)

7. long fitted blazer

8. chanel inspired flats
This is perfect for casual wear. I want them in tan..but unfortunately these are no where to be found due to their popularity. I went shopping with a friend once and asked her opinion on these flats and she gave me the most disgusted look and said no. I left the store empty handed and with the feeling that I made one of the worst decisions in my life. This is one of the reasons why I shop by myself!

Friday, July 25, 2008

My pianoforte

When my dad first bought my piano I was excited because my dad owns a lot of musical instruments that were at the time off limits to us. But at the same time I dreaded the fact that I was going to have to take piano lessons. Sadly, my lessons ended after a year of practice because my teacher decided to move on into another chapter of her life. My parents asked me if I wanted to continue and I said no because I thought I hated playing the piano.

It turns out that I actually enjoy playing music more than I thought I did. My dad continued to buy music sheets and I continued to play them. And now I'm blessed to be able to play whatever song my heart desires.

One of my favorite habits is picking up my favorite songs from a movie I just watched and playing it on the piano afterwards. I've recently watched the remake of Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley and fell in love with the music from that movie. So in my free time I've been practicing a couple songs from there. I also switch up the music a little bit by going back and forth with romantic songs from Asian dramas and such.

Life at home is wonderful when beautiful music surrounds you~

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Summer reading

Despite last night's reality check, I feel a little better after a restful night. I've been following a strict bed time schedule, which is really hard for me to do, but I need all the sleep I can get for my 8am class.

Anyway, I checked out two books online from the Orange County Library and I am so happy right now because I came home and found the books sitting on the kitchen table. I've been dying to read leisurely these past couple of months. But I wish the books arrived last weekend when I had more free time because now I have exams to study for these next couple of days! :(

On the other hand, I should be glad that I was even able to get a hold of these books because they are all checked out and on hold at all the Orange County Library branches. I've heard good reviews so I'm very excited to start on them soon after school is over. I feel like reading helps put my mind at peace because I'm not talking and just listening to the words in my head.




Sunday, July 20, 2008

stick to the B.E.A.T.

If you like hip & fresh new music, then you'll like my current playlist! Here is a mix of indie, soul, pop, funk.

1. Sara Bareilles - Gravity
2. A Fine Frenzy - Almost Lover
3. Keri Noble - Look At Me
4. Lykke Li - Little Bit
* love the Swedish accent.
5. Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
* caution: listening may cause you to get up & D.A.N.C.E.

Friday, July 18, 2008

3 Oddest Words

When I pronounce the word Future,
the first syllable already belongs to the past.
When I pronounce the word Silence, I destroy it.
When I pronounce the word Nothing,
I make something no nonbeing can hold.

- Wislawa Szymborska

Heidi's hair

I watched the first episode of Project Runway from season 5 last night and I absolutely adore the length of Heidi's hair.It's not too short and not too long. Perfect for an indecisive person like me.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

11am coffee break

Picture from Elle.com

Last night my sister & I had a conversation about music and fashion. And we came to the conclusion that just because it's not your style, it doesn't mean that it's not music or fashion.

I've had that conclusion about fashion for a while now. A lot of people think they understand trends and what is fashionable or not. But they really don't. I've heard of the most ridiculous theories, coming from people who are only familiar with one type of style: their style. So...I've learned to not listen to these people.

That is all. :)

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Five Lessons About How To Treat People

-- Author Unknown

1. First Important Lesson - "Know The Cleaning Lady"

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.


2. Second Important Lesson - "Pickup In The Rain"

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.

A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home.

A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.


3. Third Important Lesson - "Remember Those Who Serve"

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "50¢," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "35¢!" she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.

When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.


4. Fourth Important Lesson - "The Obstacles In Our Path"

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand - "Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition."


5. Fifth Important Lesson - "Giving When It Counts"

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?".

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Rainy days

It's currently raining outside and I'm sitting here on my bed looking outside my window. Unlike most people, I love the rain. I emphasized the word love because I truly do love the rain. The only time I despise rain is when I'm walking to my next class on campus without an umbrella or when I'm driving and I cannot see anything. But other than that, there is so much that you can do when it's raining. Like go out of the house dressed in a nice pair of rain boots or a cute trench coat. But one of my favorite things to do when it's raining is to do nothing and just watch the rain peacefully fall on the ground. The only thing I'm missing right now is a good book.

And since I don't have a reading book, I'll just check LOOKBOOK.nu for now. Lookbook.nu is a source for fashion inspiration from people around the world. Sometimes I think I belong in a bigger city with those kinds of people.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Gravity

"Something always brings me back to you.
It never takes too long.
No matter what I say or do I'll still feel you here 'til the moment I'm gone."

Clean up on aisle four, please

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Look & feel fabulous everyday

Today I saw someone who did not look well-groomed at all. I would understand if it was 8am and you just woke up from studying all night for a final..but it's freakin' 8:30pm! Even if you're not trying to impress anyone..at least look good for yourself. That's my motto! Now I'm not trying to say that girls should go out all with makeup, but it doesn't hurt to wash your face, wear a nice outfit, and put on your favorite perfume (for men: cologne).

My thoughts on other people's thoughts

When other people give me advice, I just sit there & smile because I've already been there, done that. Sorry for making you waste your breath! :(

Friday, July 11, 2008

Chic comfort

Running in open fields, jumping off random obstacles, and playing in the rain...I learned the importance of keeping my shoes white at an early age, thanks to these.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The meaning of my birthday

April 27, 1987
Lucky Color:Lilac
Personality Strengths:Optimism, Wit
Personality Weakness(es):Impatience
Successful Career Path:Fashion
Sense of Humor Style:Sarcastic
Adjectives to Describe You:bold, industrious
Description:
A hip non-conformist who truly stands for his/her beliefs - you are out to make a difference in this world, and you have a realistic chance of success. You have always been self-driven and derive your inspiration from those close to you. Ambitious - and why shouldn't you be - the sky is the limit for you!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

AMC Summer MovieCamp

The AMC Theater at West Oaks is movies for a $1 every Wednesday morning at 10:00am until August 6, 2008. All admission proceeds will benefit Variety-The Children's Charity and the Will Rogers Institute. So if you happen to live or be in this area and wake up that early, then this would be a good opportunity for you to get out and do something instead of bumming around all summer. This would also be a perfect time to treat your younger sibling (if you have one, if not- bring your family!) & their friends.

Address:
9415 West Colonial Dr. , West Oaks Mall, Hwy 50 W.
Ocoee, FL 34761

Movie Schedule:

June 25:

July 2:
Bee Movie

July 30:
Surf's Up

August 6:

Where is the love?

It is a cruel world out there. People do and say the meanest things to eachother and for what reasons? We complain daily about decisions that are being made to continue the war. When we create our own wars everyday. The change has to start first with you. And when everyone learns to get along with eachother, then that will be the day we have achieved to a state of harmony called peace.

P.S. Nothing bad happened to me today so don't worry! This was just a random thought that I always question myself about the people around me.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Little brother

This is such a cute Polaroid that my mom took of my little brother. Because my brother was so annoying at his age, I didn't realize how adorable he was.

Safari Cardigan

This is such a cute cardigan! I'm contemplating on whether or not I should buy it. Of course it looks really cute in black but I already have so many black cardigans. Right now I'm leaning towards the white. What do you think?

Room: Closet space

Cleaned up my closet yesterday. Organized all my tops/skirts/dresses according to color and shape. I also donated unwanted clothes and took out empty hangers that were taking up space. My room is feeling newer each day and I never want to leave. Somehow I feel like a grounded teenager..but I'm loving it.
- - -
This is irrelevant to my closet post, but I just wanted to point out that I study better with my desk cleared. I will work on organizing the drawer that contains my cds tomorrow. For the people who don't like to clean like me, it really helps to take one step at a time and work on small sections each day. A lot of motivation can be lost by thinking about how long it might take to clean an entire room. That's my tip of the day! Enjoy. :)

Once again, life is good..

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Room: Desk area

It took me 10 hours to turn my desk area from this:


to this:
I took the cabinet out of my room because the majority of the stuff in there was trash and paperwork/notes. I filed all of my papers in folders threw away all of the trash. Now that the cabinet is gone, I have a huge gap from my desk to the door. That problem can probably solved if I find some kind of cool furniture at Target or Ikea.

One of the reasons why I took so long to organize everything was because I had to think about whether I wanted to throw away something or not. I also spent some time walking down memory lane by reading old notes and looking at pictures.

A picture of one of the boxes I decided to take some time to look at. And look what we have here..a bunch of cards from past birthdays. :)

Friday, July 4, 2008

My room

I've decided that my room is going to be next big project on my large list of things to do. There are so many things I want to do but there are some factors I can't change, like my pink walls & maroon carpet floor. The carpet was something we couldn't change in the beginning when we first bought this house. And when I was a young girl I made a foolish decision of painting my walls pink and now my mom won't let me change it to a more neutral color. But since I'm living under the roof of my parents, there are just some things I'll have to deal with.

My room is always in a constant mess, no matter how many times I clean it up..my clothes somehow find it's way back on the floor and my papers all over the desk. I've decided that enough is enough. I'm going to clear the mess and make this space easier to breathe in.

Here are some pictures of my what my room currently looks like.

Balloons on the floor from my 21st birthday. Papers, documents, notes for school all over the ground. And my desk is cluttered with jewelry, pictures, bath&body stuff, cds, etc.


The top of my drawer is still clean from spring break. I reorganized it by taking out some picture frames that sat there and collected dust. I also decided to display my cute hat box that was hiding in my closet. And I changed the main photo to a vintage inspired black and white photo of women wearing a chic dress holding a poodle.

This cabinet has always been under construction. Everytime I "clean" my room, I just throw all of the unnecessary stuff in there.

The floor is getting better, a couple months ago the entire floor was covered with clothes. Now I throw all of my clothes on the pink sofa that is located on the bottom right of this picture. It's a little clear now because last week I hung all of my clothes in the closet.

Okay, so I said I hung all my clothes in the closet, but I forgot to mention that I haven't been doing a good job color coordinating it like I used to. And the drawer on the right side is mostly my sister's clothes. We also keep sportswear, lounge/sleep wear, and lingerie in there.

The left side of the closet is for outerwear and sweaters, the middle is for dress pants, and the right side is for my dresses, skirts, and favorite tops. I have a drawer next to my bed where I keep the "so-so" clothes. I have a lot of clothes, but don't worry..I donate every couple of months when my drawer gets too full. The purple princess bag in the right side of my closet is actually filled with clothes that I'm going to donate soon.

It's hard to imagine how my room can be filled with so much stuff. But it is a large room that I share with my sister. Even though clothes, handbags, and accessories take up 60% of my room, the other 40% consist of books, magazines, gifts, shopping bags, and my favorite - memorabilia. My entire life is in here, I used to get a tear in my eye thinking about what would I do if something devastating happened to my room.

I can't list all of the things I want to do with the room right now, but I'm going to take it one area at a time. I think what I need to do first is just clean it. Today I'm going to start with the area that is closest to the door, and that is my desk.

1.) Arrange all of my magazines from oldest to new
2.) Organize my paperwork
3.) Rearrange my books and dvds
4.) Throw out old jewelry and find a better way to display the jewelry that I keep

Staying at home

It's sad that I don't want to leave the house anymore because of the ridiculous high gas prices. There's so many things I want to do and places to go but I have to limit myself each day. It'd be nice if I someone could drive me around all day..but then again I like don't like to depend on others. Hence, that is why my entire paycheck is spent at the gas stations. My family's estimated monthly bill on gas is $1000. As if buying a car and keeping up with the insurance isn't already expensive! I might have to resort to riding a bicycle from now on.

Famous failures

Inspiring video on persevering no matter how many times you have failed in life. From bluefishtv.com.

Red, hot, and boom!

Happy 4th of July!

I just got home from a great fireworks show, and probably the best in Orlando.

If you can't get enough of the dazzling sparks in the sky, then visit this link to create your own: http://www.julyparade.org/fireworks.html.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

The living lamp

Lull is a lamp that acts like a living flower. In the sunrise it stretches its petals to bloom and dims up to give a morning light. And at night the flower slowly closes while the light dims down and it turns into a bud again.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Shopping list

1. Tan & black heel boots
2. Red pumps
3. New black pumps
4. Red belt
5. White cardigan (3/4 sleeves)

Scarf tying


The latest trend in wearing scarves right is to wrap it loosely around your neck, creating a triangular shape in the front. But I'm not quite sure if I want to look like a 4-year-old dining at Red Lobster with a napkin tied around the neck. I'd like to go for the more sophisticate style and stick to the good ol' french twist. To learn more about elegant scarf knots, visit Brooks Brothers step-by-step reference guide of their favorite ways to knot a scarf.