The first quarter of this year is drawing to a close. So many things have happened, one of which is kind of a life-changing thing. It made me realize that life is too short, so enjoy it to the fullest while you are able.
Today is a day of inspiration.. Inspired by many beautiful things I chanced upon.. Namely three things:
1) The video of the duet "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Shania Twain
This has always been a beautiful classic love song. I loved it when Lionel Richie and Diana Ross sang it together. I love the upbeat twist to the new country version by Shania Twain and Lionel Richie.
When I saw the video on Youtube today, I was even more enthralled by the simplicity of the video yet the inner meaning it carried. The video starts off with Lionel dressed in offwhite in a monochrome and mostly white house by the beach; the furniture, the walls and even the grand piano are in shades of white. As he sings, little frames on the wall show a black and white Shania singing as she rides on a horse on the beach.
As the song proceeds, Lionel walks around the house, looking wistfully at the animated frames on the wall with Shania in them. The frames get bigger and as the song intensifies, suddenly, Lionel draws back the curtains and look out on the beach. The next scene shows Lionel leaving the house, with a change of clothes to black shirt and pants.
Shania comes riding on her horse up the beach, while Lionel walks excitedly towards her. The surroundings in full colour becomes obvious as the two unite.
I interpreted it that life was black and white when the two were apart, and Lionel could only see images of Shania in his imagination, such as the frames in his house. But when they are together again, life becomes more colourful and meaningful. This is very true, because what else can bring colour to your life except the one you love? :)
2) A picture of an old couple, with the words:
"How did we manage to stay together for 65 years?"
"We were born in a time when if something was broken, we would fix it, not throw it away..."
This hits me because as we face problems in our relationship, there may one day be a tendency for either party to just give up and walk away. I wish that day will never come, because I really cherish our happiness together.
In the olden days, people were poor and had to make do with whatever they had. If things broke, they would mend it instead of spending hard-earned money to get a new one. In today's world, the cost of repairing something that is broken is almost equivalent (or sometimes even higher) to the cost of getting a new one.
Consumerism has led to such a phenomenon; there is so much more wastage in this world. People have lost the ability to cherish, the desire for quality.
In a relationship, when there are problems, we cannot simply toss them away in the garbage. They can be fixed, and when they are, they won't be problems anymore.
In another perspective, when a relationship seems like it is broken, the two parties should not walk away or trash what they had. Instead, they should get together and try to make amends, try to fix what has been broken.
Very inspiring for our relationship, which has gotten into some vicious cycles of sort lately. I want to spend another 65 years with you :) so I want to treasure everything we have. I'm gonna stick this picture up in our new place pretty soon!
3) My roommate throwing away a bunch of food that seemed perfectly edible.
My heart crumbles when I see people throwing away perfectly good food.. To some, it may be stale/distasteful/gross to eat, but it may be a matter of life or death to some people starving to death. That's why I always finish up my food; and when I don't, I keep them away for later. Somehow, I wish those food that people/restaurants throw away can magically land up in the hands of the hungry so they can at least have some to eat. Every grain, every morsel counts. Cherish your food and think about all the hungry people in the world the next time you are about to throw away the leftovers on your plate.
Some say we can control how much we eat. But what about restaurants? What about amateur cooks like myself who cook more than enough sometimes? Even eating the pizza crust that you dislike will make a difference to not wasting food. Just remember, each time you waste a bite of food, someone else is looking at you, just longing for just one bite.
These are my ponderings for the day. All simple thoughts, but very impactful on my mind. Speaking of impact, my boss hates that word. HAHA!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy 2012!
Farewell 2011, you have been kind. Hello 2012, I hope you will be even more awesome!
2011 passed by so quick and many things happened so fast I can't even keep track of them all!
No. 1 highlight of the year: My JOB!
I was very fortunate to have found a job that I can proudly say I enjoy every single day! On my vacation days or the days that I have to miss work, I find myself yearning to go to work. Very strange indeed. Almost one year there now, hooray!
With work taking up most of my time, I have come to appreciate the little pockets of time on the weekends to spend with JS, who is forever swamped with schoolwork..
Was also busy studying for the CSC course which I have now passed!! Now I have all the time in the world to do my other projects I've been meaning to do!!
Most of the drama this year happened in the last two months.. New circumstances have changed the atmosphere of the house I was living at and has thus resulted in me moving to a new place.
Just pretty astounded by how low some people would stoop to get my money. Shall not say too much, but KARMA will definitely bite you back. I'm here in my new place, not yet loving it but will definitely get used to it ;)
Here's to an even better year ahead! Cheers!
2011 passed by so quick and many things happened so fast I can't even keep track of them all!
No. 1 highlight of the year: My JOB!
I was very fortunate to have found a job that I can proudly say I enjoy every single day! On my vacation days or the days that I have to miss work, I find myself yearning to go to work. Very strange indeed. Almost one year there now, hooray!
With work taking up most of my time, I have come to appreciate the little pockets of time on the weekends to spend with JS, who is forever swamped with schoolwork..
Was also busy studying for the CSC course which I have now passed!! Now I have all the time in the world to do my other projects I've been meaning to do!!
Most of the drama this year happened in the last two months.. New circumstances have changed the atmosphere of the house I was living at and has thus resulted in me moving to a new place.
Just pretty astounded by how low some people would stoop to get my money. Shall not say too much, but KARMA will definitely bite you back. I'm here in my new place, not yet loving it but will definitely get used to it ;)
Here's to an even better year ahead! Cheers!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Career Dreams
A sudden realization hit me this evening. I better write this down before I forget it..
I realized my ultimate dream career would be a journalist for something casual, like the 24 Hours newspaper. My current job has made me fall in love with words even more, but I know I lack the professionalism in putting them together eloquently.
I have always loved reading and writing from a young age, and still do. I remember I used to make dozens of little "books" in elementary school and fill them up with words as I dreamed of being an author when I grew up.
Now, I do not want to write books. I just want to write for a living. With my current editing experience, I wonder what kind of future I can go after. If I become rich, I might go for a journalism degree and learn to write better.
My job has two sides: the financial side and the language side. I certainly am more interested in the language side, especially because English is such a whimsical, fun language to play around with, at the same time being so expressive about emotions and feelings. Financial stuff? Not for me.
I find it almost repulsive to study how people are manipulating something that does not actually exist -- MONEY. People try so hard to earn more and more, but ultimately it's a never-ending ceiling they are trying to reach. Why not just sit back and watch the world go by, spending a little more time thinking about just, thoughts?
We live in a materialistic world. I have said this numerous times, I really do not need money to be happy. Just enough to live by, and derive happiness from simple things like viewing breathtaking scenery or feeling the ocean breeze by the beach.
Someday, I'd like to follow the journalist career path. :)
I realized my ultimate dream career would be a journalist for something casual, like the 24 Hours newspaper. My current job has made me fall in love with words even more, but I know I lack the professionalism in putting them together eloquently.
I have always loved reading and writing from a young age, and still do. I remember I used to make dozens of little "books" in elementary school and fill them up with words as I dreamed of being an author when I grew up.
Now, I do not want to write books. I just want to write for a living. With my current editing experience, I wonder what kind of future I can go after. If I become rich, I might go for a journalism degree and learn to write better.
My job has two sides: the financial side and the language side. I certainly am more interested in the language side, especially because English is such a whimsical, fun language to play around with, at the same time being so expressive about emotions and feelings. Financial stuff? Not for me.
I find it almost repulsive to study how people are manipulating something that does not actually exist -- MONEY. People try so hard to earn more and more, but ultimately it's a never-ending ceiling they are trying to reach. Why not just sit back and watch the world go by, spending a little more time thinking about just, thoughts?
We live in a materialistic world. I have said this numerous times, I really do not need money to be happy. Just enough to live by, and derive happiness from simple things like viewing breathtaking scenery or feeling the ocean breeze by the beach.
Someday, I'd like to follow the journalist career path. :)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Live life, spend money
A coworker always talks nonsense and makes useless remarks, but one of his nonsensical statements actually got me thinking and writing this post.
He always asks, "So Nikki, you make all this money; where are you going to find the time to spend it?" I always give him a useless answer or just ignore and continue with my work, but now that I give it more than 5 seconds of thought, it is a really important answer to ponder about.
True, I make enough money to pay rent, buy groceries, pay bills.. Basically, enough to survive. More than enough, I'll say.. I put away almost half of every paycheque and it's just sitting in the bank account. At some point in time, I'll probably have to give a portion to it to my parents (they've been asking me! Can you believe that?!), but I'm still hoping to save up for our future in Canada.
Living standards are high in Vancouver, one of the most livable cities in the world (fell from No. 1 spot already, but still No. 1 in my heart).. It certainly is important to save up for a house, probably a car, and most importantly, to start a family. I may still feel young but it's about time to start planning (or at least giving it a thought) about these things.
But contradicting my own previous statement, it is also important to know when to spend my hard-earned money. As they saying goes, "If tomorrow never comes.." What are you going to do if it was the end of the world and you don't even have a chance to enjoy life and reward yourself?
I used to be very tight with my money, never eating out unless I am hanging out with friends, deter myself from buying pointless things, etc.. But the boyfriend has encouraged me to spend more on the things that I like to make myself happy. I used to think that was bad news for my bank account, because money would hypothetically flow out faster than it flows in.
But now, he's the one keeping a vigil eye on his bank account because he put away some savings.. That kind of makes two of us who are saving our money. Now I'm more used to spending, it's kind of strange to be holding back again. I realized the difficult task of spending to make yourself happy and yet keep track of what you are spending and saving.
These days we don't eat out as much because school has started and he's so busy! That also means less activities and date nights, but we did so much in summer it's time for a break!
This might have gone a little sidetracked, but I realize that as I keep earning money, I should also keep spending to reward myself once in a while, at the same time put away enough for our future.. Spending money is not a rational action, so you have to make it justifiable most of the time and keep irrational spending to a minimum.
I'm glad that I still do not wish for branded clothes/bags/accessories.. Back to the topic, I think I value my free time more now that I am so swamped with work days.. I spend all these time working, so I should also find free time to enjoy myself, instead of squirreling away all this money. Work is important, but knowing when to spend your money is more important.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Boris Gardiner - I Want To Wake With You
Boris Gardiner - I Want To Wake With You
I want to wake up with you
I want to be there when you open your eyes
I want you to be
The first thing that I see
I want to wake up with you
I want lay by your side, baby
I want to feel every beat of your heart
And throughout the night
I want to hold you tight
I want to wake up with you
All the love inside me has been sleeping
Waiting till the right one came along
You can share the love that I have been keeping, baby
You can put the music to my song
I want to wake up with you
I want to reach out and know that you're there
I want you to be
The first thing that I'll see
I want to wake up with you
And throughout the night
I want to hold you tight
I want to wake up with you
All the love inside me has been sleeping
Waiting till the right one came along
You can share the love I have been keeping
You can put the music to my song
I want to wake up with you
I want to reach out and know that you're there
I want you to be
The first thing that I'll see...
-- Because you're the only one I want to wake up with ♥ I love you so much...
I want to wake up with you
I want to be there when you open your eyes
I want you to be
The first thing that I see
I want to wake up with you
I want lay by your side, baby
I want to feel every beat of your heart
And throughout the night
I want to hold you tight
I want to wake up with you
All the love inside me has been sleeping
Waiting till the right one came along
You can share the love that I have been keeping, baby
You can put the music to my song
I want to wake up with you
I want to reach out and know that you're there
I want you to be
The first thing that I'll see
I want to wake up with you
And throughout the night
I want to hold you tight
I want to wake up with you
All the love inside me has been sleeping
Waiting till the right one came along
You can share the love I have been keeping
You can put the music to my song
I want to wake up with you
I want to reach out and know that you're there
I want you to be
The first thing that I'll see...
-- Because you're the only one I want to wake up with ♥ I love you so much...
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Back after 8 months?
Sorry for going missing for errr... practically 8 months? I didn't really realize how much I blogged here before.. The whole entire reason why I went missing is of course... WORK.
I managed to find a job that is what I like to do and have thought of doing, which turned out to be great. It was a whole new experience, but I settled in very quickly. I like the paperless environment, non-personal communication. I can't say that I like the early hours of 6am, but I can't say I dislike getting off at 2pm.
Making more money makes me realize how busy life can get, and earning money is not the main purpose. We have to get out and enjoy life, breathe the crisp air and bask in the beautiful sunshine. Money is also meant to be spent, and I did that with a lovely 2-week vacation back home. It was a short time, but it was enough to make me realize Vancouver is the place I want to be.
Many many life realizations have come to me in the last few months, but I haven't had any time to pen down my thoughts. Maybe I ought to start again, so that one day I can look back and wonder why I was at that stage and learn lessons from myself.
Off to meet some friends for dinner! But I will be back! I have all these thoughts in my brain that I would like to declutter and sort them out. Till next time, ciao!
I managed to find a job that is what I like to do and have thought of doing, which turned out to be great. It was a whole new experience, but I settled in very quickly. I like the paperless environment, non-personal communication. I can't say that I like the early hours of 6am, but I can't say I dislike getting off at 2pm.
Making more money makes me realize how busy life can get, and earning money is not the main purpose. We have to get out and enjoy life, breathe the crisp air and bask in the beautiful sunshine. Money is also meant to be spent, and I did that with a lovely 2-week vacation back home. It was a short time, but it was enough to make me realize Vancouver is the place I want to be.
Many many life realizations have come to me in the last few months, but I haven't had any time to pen down my thoughts. Maybe I ought to start again, so that one day I can look back and wonder why I was at that stage and learn lessons from myself.
Off to meet some friends for dinner! But I will be back! I have all these thoughts in my brain that I would like to declutter and sort them out. Till next time, ciao!
Monday, January 24, 2011
The rest of the 30 Day Challenge
Oops, 3 months later, and I continue my 30 Day Challenge.. LOL! So much for doing it every day!~ Let's just do the later half all at once now! I am so funny~~
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
I don't listen to music on my iPod.. I listen to music on the radio :D
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Too lazy to post pics already :D
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Hmm, this is interesting to think about.. I cannot think of any right now...
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Learn Italian! Learn Korean! Get married! Be Canadian! Take great photos with my (new!) DSLR! So much to do, so much laziness :S
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Chunz: The secondary school gang; we all have some part of our names, and we add a 'z' to the end.. Just sounded so much cooler yo. And then we used Zebra marker to write it on the cement floor at the "hole", our secret hideout during recess.. Sadly we cannot go to revisit these memories, since the old campus has been torn down..
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
I don't want to jinx it.. Y'all should know who it is ;)
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
No pictures, but sunshine and blue skies make me happy :)
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
I don't like things that are too popular... Examples would be Jay Chou, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga..
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Sushi! Chocolate!
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Hi parents,
We sure are an odd family.
Love, your only child
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Wallet, 3 X Lanyards (one each for camera, keys, bus pass), phone (but usually in my pocket) -- these are the standard things..
Not-so-standard things range from: Candy, tissue, pad, lipstick, phone charger..
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Friends? What friends?
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Wanted to test my perseverance (obviously an epic fail), thought it would be an interesting road of self discovery, and boredom.
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
My looks haven't changed much.. I have opened my heart to love again and I now feel like the luckiest girl on earth ;)
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
- Jobhunting is not easy.
- Having endless jobless days is torturing.
- Unemployment is not fun.
Day 30- Who are you?
Why do you want to know who I am? I don't even know who I am.
HAHAHA DONE! Half-arsed answers, I know! I just want to get this over and done with!!! :P
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
I don't listen to music on my iPod.. I listen to music on the radio :D
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Too lazy to post pics already :D
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Hmm, this is interesting to think about.. I cannot think of any right now...
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Learn Italian! Learn Korean! Get married! Be Canadian! Take great photos with my (new!) DSLR! So much to do, so much laziness :S
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Chunz: The secondary school gang; we all have some part of our names, and we add a 'z' to the end.. Just sounded so much cooler yo. And then we used Zebra marker to write it on the cement floor at the "hole", our secret hideout during recess.. Sadly we cannot go to revisit these memories, since the old campus has been torn down..
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
I don't want to jinx it.. Y'all should know who it is ;)
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
No pictures, but sunshine and blue skies make me happy :)
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
I don't like things that are too popular... Examples would be Jay Chou, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga..
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Sushi! Chocolate!
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Hi parents,
We sure are an odd family.
Love, your only child
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Wallet, 3 X Lanyards (one each for camera, keys, bus pass), phone (but usually in my pocket) -- these are the standard things..
Not-so-standard things range from: Candy, tissue, pad, lipstick, phone charger..
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Friends? What friends?
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Wanted to test my perseverance (obviously an epic fail), thought it would be an interesting road of self discovery, and boredom.
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
My looks haven't changed much.. I have opened my heart to love again and I now feel like the luckiest girl on earth ;)
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
- Jobhunting is not easy.
- Having endless jobless days is torturing.
- Unemployment is not fun.
Day 30- Who are you?
Why do you want to know who I am? I don't even know who I am.
HAHAHA DONE! Half-arsed answers, I know! I just want to get this over and done with!!! :P
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Goodbye, 2010 ♥
Happy New Year to all!!! It's 2011, and today's a special day: 1/1/11!!! :)
Let's recap 2010, shall we? I'm sure everyone agrees with me that it went by way too fast! First of all, I am so glad I had someone special this year and it's been wonderful to have someone beside me and there for me.. Thank you and I hope 2011 will be another great year for us!
Let's do a recap...
January
Spent time with a very special person, whom I grew more and more fond of, and had the most number of birthday meals ever (4! with different groups of people!).. It was a memorable birthday year, turning 22!
February
Olympic Games or the start of a very special journey, I can't decide which one is more life-changing.. Haha... It would be the first (and possibly last) time I'll ever have such an opportunity to see the Games very up close and with my own eyes.. And earn money while doing that! And it was a very wonky Valentine's Day, but I'm glad everything turned out great.. Also the year that V-Day coincided with the first day of Chinese New Year..
March/April
Went on with school, not much exciting things and exams were BLAH. Almost thought I was going to fail the course my favourite professor taught, was very relieved that my student life at UBC had ended on a graceful note.
May
The first time going to the Canadian Rockies, saw many beautiful natural sights, mountains, glaciers, lakes.. I HAVE TO GO BACK during the summer some day. It would also be a first vacation together for us, so it is especially sentimental.. Really wish I can go to explore more of inner BC's nature..
And of course, my graduation ceremony! It was drizzling a bit but it still turned out picture-perfect! It is a siginificant milestone in my life, isn't it?
June
Spent the sunny days going to many places around Vancouver, seeing more new sights and hidden gems in the city. Explored a lot, took a lot of pictures; this is just one of them. Many beautiful sunsets, endless blue skies, cotton white clouds...
July
Finally found a place I now call home, living with the best family anyone can ask for (3 young kids, and the cat above who sits in the flower box). I have a nice big room to put all my junk, and it screams LOCATION all over! Nice neighbourhood, 10 minutes to groceries, 10 minutes to UBC, direct bus to Downtown, I don't want to move out anymore!
August
Alone in Vancouver for a month, spending evenings on Skype. (Thank you technology!) On the bright side, time passed fast with my first full-time job, even though it was a temporary one. I settled well into it, tried not to make too many complaints and stay positive, ended staying there for 4 months instead of 4 weeks.
September
Baked a cake and celebrated a special 21st birthday for the special someone, it turned out semi-disastrous but still edible. Hey, it's the thought that counts right? :D
October
Not much happening, just regular work and date nights on some weeks. What a bore work turns you into huh! Actually lost my job for the long weekend and then they called me back. That was something. Oh, got a short short haircut too! Hello bangs again!
November
Got our first crazy Vancouver snowfall, ridiculously sub-zero weather for a couple days. It was sunny and snowy, too bad didn't get to play in the snow at all. But everyone was thankful when the snow was finally gone, as it was becoming quite a nuisance than a pretty sight.
December
The month for joy and festivities, and my job assignment ended. I try to stay positive and enjoy it as much as possible. Ate lots of good food, went to lots of good places, visited many Christmas sights in the city, met up with some friends. It was a great month!
My 2010 was the best year anyone can ask for, all I hope that 2011 will be even better or equally as good! :)
Let's recap 2010, shall we? I'm sure everyone agrees with me that it went by way too fast! First of all, I am so glad I had someone special this year and it's been wonderful to have someone beside me and there for me.. Thank you and I hope 2011 will be another great year for us!
Let's do a recap...
January
Spent time with a very special person, whom I grew more and more fond of, and had the most number of birthday meals ever (4! with different groups of people!).. It was a memorable birthday year, turning 22!
February
Olympic Games or the start of a very special journey, I can't decide which one is more life-changing.. Haha... It would be the first (and possibly last) time I'll ever have such an opportunity to see the Games very up close and with my own eyes.. And earn money while doing that! And it was a very wonky Valentine's Day, but I'm glad everything turned out great.. Also the year that V-Day coincided with the first day of Chinese New Year..
March/April
Went on with school, not much exciting things and exams were BLAH. Almost thought I was going to fail the course my favourite professor taught, was very relieved that my student life at UBC had ended on a graceful note.
May
The first time going to the Canadian Rockies, saw many beautiful natural sights, mountains, glaciers, lakes.. I HAVE TO GO BACK during the summer some day. It would also be a first vacation together for us, so it is especially sentimental.. Really wish I can go to explore more of inner BC's nature..
And of course, my graduation ceremony! It was drizzling a bit but it still turned out picture-perfect! It is a siginificant milestone in my life, isn't it?
June
Spent the sunny days going to many places around Vancouver, seeing more new sights and hidden gems in the city. Explored a lot, took a lot of pictures; this is just one of them. Many beautiful sunsets, endless blue skies, cotton white clouds...
July
Finally found a place I now call home, living with the best family anyone can ask for (3 young kids, and the cat above who sits in the flower box). I have a nice big room to put all my junk, and it screams LOCATION all over! Nice neighbourhood, 10 minutes to groceries, 10 minutes to UBC, direct bus to Downtown, I don't want to move out anymore!
August
Alone in Vancouver for a month, spending evenings on Skype. (Thank you technology!) On the bright side, time passed fast with my first full-time job, even though it was a temporary one. I settled well into it, tried not to make too many complaints and stay positive, ended staying there for 4 months instead of 4 weeks.
September
Baked a cake and celebrated a special 21st birthday for the special someone, it turned out semi-disastrous but still edible. Hey, it's the thought that counts right? :D
October
Not much happening, just regular work and date nights on some weeks. What a bore work turns you into huh! Actually lost my job for the long weekend and then they called me back. That was something. Oh, got a short short haircut too! Hello bangs again!
November
Got our first crazy Vancouver snowfall, ridiculously sub-zero weather for a couple days. It was sunny and snowy, too bad didn't get to play in the snow at all. But everyone was thankful when the snow was finally gone, as it was becoming quite a nuisance than a pretty sight.
December
The month for joy and festivities, and my job assignment ended. I try to stay positive and enjoy it as much as possible. Ate lots of good food, went to lots of good places, visited many Christmas sights in the city, met up with some friends. It was a great month!
My 2010 was the best year anyone can ask for, all I hope that 2011 will be even better or equally as good! :)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Just for fun
My List of Christmas Wants
(they are rather essential things which will be useful to my everyday life.. Highly doubtful I'll get many of them..)
1. A DSLR (to capture the beautiful moments in life)
2. A watch (prefer digital as always)
3. A backpack (must be pretty enough for my standards)
4. A new hard drive (to store my gazillions of photos)
5. More shelves / storage space for my junk at home.
6. More pretty work clothes
My List of Christmas Places to Go
(hopefully all will be attained.. depends how much stamina we have, and also depends on the weather..)
1. Christmas Lights @ Capilano Suspension Bridge
2. Christmas Lights @ Van Dusen Botanical Garden
3. Body Worlds @ Science World
4. Queen Elizabeth Park
5. Movie outing + Greek food
6. Boxing Day shopping @ the mall
My List of Christmas Desires
(the things that money cannot buy..)
1. A new job where I will enjoy myself much more, and less brain-degenerating
2. To keep my room in a more presentable state (nearly impossible to achieve)
3. Eat lots of good food and not get fat (HA! first part will be achieved but the latter is hard.. so hard..)
4. Find new TV shows to watch (my mum already thinks I am a "TV Queen" but I don't seem that addicted yet...)
5. Learn Italian again (I am so sad, I have forgotten almost everything I learnt one year ago.. which is really sad..)
6. Spend time more effectively on more things and people..
Just a boring post, my blog is getting pretty dead.. I keep starting new posts but never end up finishing them~~ Sigh..
(they are rather essential things which will be useful to my everyday life.. Highly doubtful I'll get many of them..)
1. A DSLR (to capture the beautiful moments in life)
2. A watch (prefer digital as always)
3. A backpack (must be pretty enough for my standards)
4. A new hard drive (to store my gazillions of photos)
5. More shelves / storage space for my junk at home.
6. More pretty work clothes
My List of Christmas Places to Go
(hopefully all will be attained.. depends how much stamina we have, and also depends on the weather..)
1. Christmas Lights @ Capilano Suspension Bridge
2. Christmas Lights @ Van Dusen Botanical Garden
3. Body Worlds @ Science World
4. Queen Elizabeth Park
5. Movie outing + Greek food
6. Boxing Day shopping @ the mall
My List of Christmas Desires
(the things that money cannot buy..)
1. A new job where I will enjoy myself much more, and less brain-degenerating
2. To keep my room in a more presentable state (nearly impossible to achieve)
3. Eat lots of good food and not get fat (HA! first part will be achieved but the latter is hard.. so hard..)
4. Find new TV shows to watch (my mum already thinks I am a "TV Queen" but I don't seem that addicted yet...)
5. Learn Italian again (I am so sad, I have forgotten almost everything I learnt one year ago.. which is really sad..)
6. Spend time more effectively on more things and people..
Just a boring post, my blog is getting pretty dead.. I keep starting new posts but never end up finishing them~~ Sigh..
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Advice on Cooking
My style of cooking; it's a very strange combination of skill and laziness.
I call it "skill" because I have watched tons of cooking shows during my 2 years of living at Gage in UBC, where I was blessed with a TV in our living room. Sad to say, now I don't have a TV and my only complaint is I cannot watch the Food Network anymore~~ Even though I'm working during the hours that my favourite shows are on, I would still like to have a TV.
And I have picked up a lot of tips from watching all these cooking hosts. Like what are the "standard" seasonings for different kinds of cuisines, important theories, what to put together and what NOT to put together, so much more! I could write an entire book on what I've learnt just by watching...
And laziness? That's pretty self-explanatory. Or you could also define it as I-am-so-cheap-I-refuse-to-get-the-expensive-ingredients-like-the-pros-do. I pretty much use whatever I have on hand, and whatever I have on hand is what I "happen" to pick up at the supermarket for that week. There are rare times where I would specially buy specific items for whatever I am making though, depends entirely on my mood.
With this combination of knowledge and non-specificity, I sometimes come up with random recipes. No actually, make that ALL THE TIME. Especially my "Chinese" cooking are the simplest things I usually cook. My usual is a tiny portion of meat, either ground or in small pieces, with a range of 2-5 types of vegetables cut up. First I fry the meat, and then toss in the vegetables. The meat may or may not be pre-marinated, but I have learned to "season every layer of the dish", but I usually put so little seasoning it doesn't really taste very strong anyway. I think this is a healthy diet, especially when served with rice. My meat-to-vegetables ratio is usually 1:3, and I'm proud of that.
When I encounter certain things I feel like baking or trying out, I hunt for the recipe on ever-trusty Google, and then I modify it to whatever I have in my fridge. Except you can't really mess with the chemistry of baking, so I don't alter proportions and try to follow baking measurements to a T. I'm a lot better now, at least my landlord has measuring cups and spoons which I can use, which I never really used in the past. The actual baking time and temperature and oven will definitely not make my baking turn out perfectly, but I have learned to live with such imperfection.
Today, I made hummus. The traditional recipe calls for chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sesame paste and some spices. I have only the first 2 on the list. Well, I guess I can make do, since chickpeas is the key ingredient in this. I was hesitant to chop up garlic at first (because I was oh-so-lazy) but finally gave in because according to my landlady, "hummus is not hummus without garlic!"
So I blended the chickpeas and garlic together with only a little of the liquid from the can (with my lovely $7 mini food processor), and then added sesame seeds (to replace the sesame paste), and --- oh, that's about it. I added salt and black pepper, and I also decided to be brave and add curry powder. I did not add olive oil because seriously, I don't see the need for it (and I didn't want to scrub a greasy food processor). The curry powder turned out to be a great choice, and after I spooned everything into a container, I swirled in a couple drops of sesame oil to enhance the aroma.
And boy, did that taste good! So, I conclude that you really don't need all the classic ingredients to make a good hummus. And really, that applies to pretty much everything that is not baking.. I suppose if you are really professional then you can fiddle around, but I'm not there yet..
My advice when it comes to cooking: Be adventurous, be flexible, and most importantly, be LAZY! :) Happy cooking everyone!
I call it "skill" because I have watched tons of cooking shows during my 2 years of living at Gage in UBC, where I was blessed with a TV in our living room. Sad to say, now I don't have a TV and my only complaint is I cannot watch the Food Network anymore~~ Even though I'm working during the hours that my favourite shows are on, I would still like to have a TV.
And I have picked up a lot of tips from watching all these cooking hosts. Like what are the "standard" seasonings for different kinds of cuisines, important theories, what to put together and what NOT to put together, so much more! I could write an entire book on what I've learnt just by watching...
And laziness? That's pretty self-explanatory. Or you could also define it as I-am-so-cheap-I-refuse-to-get-the-expensive-ingredients-like-the-pros-do. I pretty much use whatever I have on hand, and whatever I have on hand is what I "happen" to pick up at the supermarket for that week. There are rare times where I would specially buy specific items for whatever I am making though, depends entirely on my mood.
With this combination of knowledge and non-specificity, I sometimes come up with random recipes. No actually, make that ALL THE TIME. Especially my "Chinese" cooking are the simplest things I usually cook. My usual is a tiny portion of meat, either ground or in small pieces, with a range of 2-5 types of vegetables cut up. First I fry the meat, and then toss in the vegetables. The meat may or may not be pre-marinated, but I have learned to "season every layer of the dish", but I usually put so little seasoning it doesn't really taste very strong anyway. I think this is a healthy diet, especially when served with rice. My meat-to-vegetables ratio is usually 1:3, and I'm proud of that.
When I encounter certain things I feel like baking or trying out, I hunt for the recipe on ever-trusty Google, and then I modify it to whatever I have in my fridge. Except you can't really mess with the chemistry of baking, so I don't alter proportions and try to follow baking measurements to a T. I'm a lot better now, at least my landlord has measuring cups and spoons which I can use, which I never really used in the past. The actual baking time and temperature and oven will definitely not make my baking turn out perfectly, but I have learned to live with such imperfection.
Today, I made hummus. The traditional recipe calls for chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sesame paste and some spices. I have only the first 2 on the list. Well, I guess I can make do, since chickpeas is the key ingredient in this. I was hesitant to chop up garlic at first (because I was oh-so-lazy) but finally gave in because according to my landlady, "hummus is not hummus without garlic!"
So I blended the chickpeas and garlic together with only a little of the liquid from the can (with my lovely $7 mini food processor), and then added sesame seeds (to replace the sesame paste), and --- oh, that's about it. I added salt and black pepper, and I also decided to be brave and add curry powder. I did not add olive oil because seriously, I don't see the need for it (and I didn't want to scrub a greasy food processor). The curry powder turned out to be a great choice, and after I spooned everything into a container, I swirled in a couple drops of sesame oil to enhance the aroma.
And boy, did that taste good! So, I conclude that you really don't need all the classic ingredients to make a good hummus. And really, that applies to pretty much everything that is not baking.. I suppose if you are really professional then you can fiddle around, but I'm not there yet..
My advice when it comes to cooking: Be adventurous, be flexible, and most importantly, be LAZY! :) Happy cooking everyone!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Another weird conversation
(Person A) and I were talking about this guy who might be interested in her. Major 180° change in topic as we switched to talking about (Person B).
(Person A): I introduced him to (Person B) -- she's desperate for a boyfriend...
Me: How desperate is she?
(Person A): She asks me and *other friend* to introduce guys to her...
Me: Okay, I should introduce *my boyfriend*'s friends to her then..
*Person A*: Oh really? Please do!! I have introduced all my good friends to her...
I show *my boyfriend* the above conversation.
*bf*: LOLOL! My friends are study dudes, they won't be compatible.. And they are shy too, not "on the bed" type...
Me: LOL! My sentiments exactly!
ROFL. I don't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for (Person B). FYI I have top-secret access to such information. :D
(Person A): I introduced him to (Person B) -- she's desperate for a boyfriend...
Me: How desperate is she?
(Person A): She asks me and *other friend* to introduce guys to her...
Me: Okay, I should introduce *my boyfriend*'s friends to her then..
*Person A*: Oh really? Please do!! I have introduced all my good friends to her...
I show *my boyfriend* the above conversation.
*bf*: LOLOL! My friends are study dudes, they won't be compatible.. And they are shy too, not "on the bed" type...
Me: LOL! My sentiments exactly!
ROFL. I don't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for (Person B). FYI I have top-secret access to such information. :D
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Words of Wisdom
(meaningful phrases from country songs)
Life is not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away...
I don't want a man I can live with; I want a man that I can't live without...
I believe in angels, 'cause my angels believe in me.
I wanna put you in a melody, so you'll be stuck in my head all day. If I could press play, rewind a couple million times; so let me put you in a song...
You make me smile like the sun, forget how to breathe.. Just the thought of you can drive me wild, oh you make me smile...
I'm gonna change your mind, I'm gonna make you love me...
Life is not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away...
I don't want a man I can live with; I want a man that I can't live without...
I believe in angels, 'cause my angels believe in me.
I wanna put you in a melody, so you'll be stuck in my head all day. If I could press play, rewind a couple million times; so let me put you in a song...
You make me smile like the sun, forget how to breathe.. Just the thought of you can drive me wild, oh you make me smile...
I'm gonna change your mind, I'm gonna make you love me...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Day 14
Day 14 - A picture of you and your family
Hello, my parents are too cool to take pictures with me. My mum perhaps might, but not my dad. When was the last time that all 3 of us were in the same country huh?
I wish to start my own family soon so that I can have one to call my own... But that doesn't mean I'm ready to have kids! It's two different stories altogether :D
LOL random twist again.
Hello, my parents are too cool to take pictures with me. My mum perhaps might, but not my dad. When was the last time that all 3 of us were in the same country huh?
I wish to start my own family soon so that I can have one to call my own... But that doesn't mean I'm ready to have kids! It's two different stories altogether :D
LOL random twist again.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Day 13
Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Dear [name removed],
I try not to take things too personal but ignoring just me is ridiculous. I know you see me as a threat but there's nothing I can do about it. I try to be polite but sometimes I fail. And I can't help it if you are PMS-ing when I am trying to ask you questions. I hope we can cooperate in the future when there is a need to.
Peace.
Dear [name removed],
I try not to take things too personal but ignoring just me is ridiculous. I know you see me as a threat but there's nothing I can do about it. I try to be polite but sometimes I fail. And I can't help it if you are PMS-ing when I am trying to ask you questions. I hope we can cooperate in the future when there is a need to.
Peace.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day 12
Day 12 - How you found out about WordPress and why you made one
(ahem, I got stuck here on November 6 and now it is November 16... LOOOONG hiatus indeed huh!)
Since I'm on Blogger, let me talk about that.. I heard about blogging in 2004, and then I was in some emotional turmoil so I wanted a place to release all my tensions and troubles..
And then I came to Canada to study and began a brand new blog to keep my friends updated about my exciting life abroad! And it went on for a couple years, with new blogs for a new year, and in the recent 2 years or so, I decided my life was too boring for the public so I made this one and strove to make things more interesting, more typical-interesting/quirky posts and less about my mundane life..
I hope I'm doing a good job keeping y'all entertained, but I must admit, my blogging frequency is becoming more and more irregular... MUST. WORK. ON. THAT!
(ahem, I got stuck here on November 6 and now it is November 16... LOOOONG hiatus indeed huh!)
Since I'm on Blogger, let me talk about that.. I heard about blogging in 2004, and then I was in some emotional turmoil so I wanted a place to release all my tensions and troubles..
And then I came to Canada to study and began a brand new blog to keep my friends updated about my exciting life abroad! And it went on for a couple years, with new blogs for a new year, and in the recent 2 years or so, I decided my life was too boring for the public so I made this one and strove to make things more interesting, more typical-interesting/quirky posts and less about my mundane life..
I hope I'm doing a good job keeping y'all entertained, but I must admit, my blogging frequency is becoming more and more irregular... MUST. WORK. ON. THAT!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Day 11
Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends
Okay, let's talk about my university friends.. Got to know them in first year when we were in the same dorm.. One introduction led to another and it was quite a group.. We had dinners together every now and then but things just got busier and I lived further away from them and I drifted away from them..
A picture of all of us, together for possibly the last time, at graduation:
3 of them have returned to Hong Kong to work, another one has gone to UK for Masters.. Wonder when I'll see them again.. But like I said, things have drifted for me.. I don't feel the same as I did in first/second year anymore..
Okay, let's talk about my university friends.. Got to know them in first year when we were in the same dorm.. One introduction led to another and it was quite a group.. We had dinners together every now and then but things just got busier and I lived further away from them and I drifted away from them..
A picture of all of us, together for possibly the last time, at graduation:
3 of them have returned to Hong Kong to work, another one has gone to UK for Masters.. Wonder when I'll see them again.. But like I said, things have drifted for me.. I don't feel the same as I did in first/second year anymore..
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Day 10
Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
I don't listen to much songs anymore.. I listen more on different phases.. Like for a month or two I'll be listening to a certain genre of music... Sky.fm is great for that, internet radio with different genres..
I usually listen to country music radio, but I stopped listening for a month now.. Had been listening to operatic music, it's quite soothing sometimes.. And solo piano of course, when I need something to calm my nerves when people piss me off at work..
Other than that I go through phases when I like listening to Mandarin pop, Cantonese pop, English love songs.. Yea, not really based on my moods..
One exception: Folding laundry always calls for country music.. HAHA! It's a newfound tradition~~ Discovered it in spring.. HAHAHA!
Okay, I didn't answer the question but hey, isn't that what I haven't been doing for the past few entries? :D
I don't listen to much songs anymore.. I listen more on different phases.. Like for a month or two I'll be listening to a certain genre of music... Sky.fm is great for that, internet radio with different genres..
I usually listen to country music radio, but I stopped listening for a month now.. Had been listening to operatic music, it's quite soothing sometimes.. And solo piano of course, when I need something to calm my nerves when people piss me off at work..
Other than that I go through phases when I like listening to Mandarin pop, Cantonese pop, English love songs.. Yea, not really based on my moods..
One exception: Folding laundry always calls for country music.. HAHA! It's a newfound tradition~~ Discovered it in spring.. HAHAHA!
Okay, I didn't answer the question but hey, isn't that what I haven't been doing for the past few entries? :D
Friday, October 15, 2010
Day 9
Day 09 - Something you’re proud of in the past few days
(the date says 15 October, but it's actually 6 November now.. Procrastination has gotten thebetter worse of me~~)
I am proud that my room is such a disaster that my mother halfway across the globe cannot imagine how messy it is right now, and she cannot do anything about it HA! And my boyfriend is probably speechless even though he hasn't seen my room for a month.. Oh wait I don't think this is something to be proud of.. Oops..
I am proud that I have been doing things at work without using my notes for a few weeks, but I still get nervous sometimes and refer to them if I need to.
I am proud that I finally acquired a microwave so I can be lazy and cook one meal a week and then eat it the entire week...
Sigh, not many milestone achievements in my boring life, isn't it?
(the date says 15 October, but it's actually 6 November now.. Procrastination has gotten the
I am proud that my room is such a disaster that my mother halfway across the globe cannot imagine how messy it is right now, and she cannot do anything about it HA! And my boyfriend is probably speechless even though he hasn't seen my room for a month.. Oh wait I don't think this is something to be proud of.. Oops..
I am proud that I have been doing things at work without using my notes for a few weeks, but I still get nervous sometimes and refer to them if I need to.
I am proud that I finally acquired a microwave so I can be lazy and cook one meal a week and then eat it the entire week...
Sigh, not many milestone achievements in my boring life, isn't it?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Day 8
Day 08 - Short term goals for this month and why
This month is nearing an end. I don't really have much goals anymore, now that I'm not in school. If I'm in school I'll say I want to do well in my midterms and stuff.. But sadly no.. I should probably get to long term goals in terms of career and stuff, but it's too depressing especially when I don't know what I want.. It's that difficult transition period between school and working life..
Well, I aim to write more, just because I want to and feel like penning down my thoughts these days. But this is hard to do, inspiration comes and goes. Which goes to say that these posts you see are actually not dated when they were written ;) I write a whole bunch when I am inspired and nothing for a few weeks..
More goals? Get a proper job? Easy to say, hard to do. I don't want to think anymore about goals for now. Kthxbye :D
This month is nearing an end. I don't really have much goals anymore, now that I'm not in school. If I'm in school I'll say I want to do well in my midterms and stuff.. But sadly no.. I should probably get to long term goals in terms of career and stuff, but it's too depressing especially when I don't know what I want.. It's that difficult transition period between school and working life..
Well, I aim to write more, just because I want to and feel like penning down my thoughts these days. But this is hard to do, inspiration comes and goes. Which goes to say that these posts you see are actually not dated when they were written ;) I write a whole bunch when I am inspired and nothing for a few weeks..
More goals? Get a proper job? Easy to say, hard to do. I don't want to think anymore about goals for now. Kthxbye :D
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Day 7
Day 07 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
My dad always says the best time of your life is when you're in university. I never knew what he meant. I didn't really know what university even meant, until very much later on.
Having spent 4 years at this beautiful campus, the only regret is that I didn't fully cherish my time there until after I have graduated. Of course, we all take things for granted and maybe I have done so too.
I don't really miss the crazy studying days and nights. The part of university I enjoyed most was the whole living experience. I have made some good friends, even though most of the people I interact with are acquaintances in classes whom I might never meet again. I have had the luxury and luck of living on campus residences for all the 4 years, and not having to commute.
I particularly enjoyed the last 2 years, where I got to cook for myself, and that has opened up my hidden passion for cooking. I may not be the best chef yet, but it has made me discover how much I love cooking. This has changed my life quite significantly.
Of course, not to forget, it was during the last year at this wonderful place when I've met the most wonderful guy, who treats me better than anyone can ask for. We have shared many beautiful memories in UBC as well, making it an especially sentimental place for both of us.
This has been the best 4 years of my life, and for once, I agree with my dad. I'm very glad that I have chosen this path and I am who I am today, because of the time spent at UBC.
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
My dad always says the best time of your life is when you're in university. I never knew what he meant. I didn't really know what university even meant, until very much later on.
Having spent 4 years at this beautiful campus, the only regret is that I didn't fully cherish my time there until after I have graduated. Of course, we all take things for granted and maybe I have done so too.
I don't really miss the crazy studying days and nights. The part of university I enjoyed most was the whole living experience. I have made some good friends, even though most of the people I interact with are acquaintances in classes whom I might never meet again. I have had the luxury and luck of living on campus residences for all the 4 years, and not having to commute.
I particularly enjoyed the last 2 years, where I got to cook for myself, and that has opened up my hidden passion for cooking. I may not be the best chef yet, but it has made me discover how much I love cooking. This has changed my life quite significantly.
Of course, not to forget, it was during the last year at this wonderful place when I've met the most wonderful guy, who treats me better than anyone can ask for. We have shared many beautiful memories in UBC as well, making it an especially sentimental place for both of us.
This has been the best 4 years of my life, and for once, I agree with my dad. I'm very glad that I have chosen this path and I am who I am today, because of the time spent at UBC.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)