Winter Solstice

Sunday was Winter Solstice. From here on, the days will get longer until 6/21/2009 when the day starts to get shorter again.

I am very excited and am looking forward to the longer days, Christmas and the coming new year (hopefully I'll have a house before Spring Equinox).

My Fav Song These Days

For some reason, this is my favorite song these days...

Doesn't Linda Evangelista look so cool and free??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTugeLRZ6GI

Nine Promises That Can Bring Happiness

1. Promise yourself that you will talk health, happiness, and prosperity as often as possible.

2. Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.

3. Promise to think only the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best in yourself and others.

4. Promise to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

5. Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

6. Promise to forget the mistake of the past and press on greater achievements in the future.

7. Promise to wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person you meet a smile and respect.

8. Promise to give so much time to improve yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

9. Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.

Fast but don't hurry

I know I often quote Coach Wooden when I am in doubt, and I provide his simple wisdom to my friends when they are trouble or lost in their ways in navigating thru the danger waters of modern day living (in life, love, friendship and career).

It is comforting that deep down inside, I always know and believe in coach wooden’s teachings. The way he tries to simplify things (about life) with his clear and concise messages is very comforting for a sometimes complex man like me. For that, I really finding it comforting.

2008 is almost over. I foresee changes coming my way in 2009. Personally and Professionally. I welcome the challenges because I know I am up for it.

Valkyrie

www.valkyrie.unitedartist.com

I know my taste is very different from you all. But this is is the movie I have been anticipating for a while. I am definitely going to watch it on the opening weekend, join me for a interesting history lesson if you would like =) I'll be there.

F*&ked up Haircut

What does "Bu yau tai duan" (Not too short) in proper Madrain Chinese mean to my Cantonese hair stylist?

Apparently it means just the opposite! Freaking honkies, no wonder I can't stand them!!! Now I have to endure one of the absolute worst haircut every in my life for the foreseeable future (picture a Tibetan Monk haircut with a slight hedgehog spike in the front...or in a simpler term, a reverse mullet).

Whatever, hakunamatata. I'll just be less out and about for the next few weeks then.

Finally a good sleep :P

Had a great night sleep last night and woke up this morning completely refreshed. I don’t feel pensive as the days before. I think some of the anxiety that I’ve been feeling for the past few days stems from me not quite ready and knowing what I need to do in preparation for the changes that are coming (Positive changes that I wanted too). I was clueless. But before I sleep last night, it occurred to me that just like Triathlon training. The trick is all about pacing and step by step plan. If I can stick to the plan and do my part, then the result will be the best that I can get Jß(this is not a redundant sentence, think about it! J)

So here are the plans for today.

On the housing front, I am going to do of some housing in Tustin and Orange Hills area because that is where I want to be.

On the professional front. I do know my strength and weaknesses, as with my team. I will focus on my strength and try to pass it on to the team as much as possible. As for my weaknesses I know successful leadership skill takes time to develop. While I realized that I need to create some distance now, I will be fair in both rewards and discipline.

This is so cool...

One of the places I must go eat one of these days....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEgn3kClWGs

Rain...

Is finally starting, signifying changing of the seasons. It is quite fitting too for I foresee some minor changes in my extra ordinary life.

For the past three years, I've been enjoying a nice and quiet life house sitting in Irvine. Yesterday, when I open the door to my living room, I suddenly realized that I need a change in scenary.

So I think it is time.

I know the economy is bad, and the housing market is in the shitters now, but I am going to start soon. Hopefully by 4/1/2009 (my 4 yr anniversary there). I'll have a place of my own.

I will be talking to Mr. Banker and My realtors soon on my options....

I am excited.

Gardening Progress

I am happy to report that my two mini pots of dwarf sunflower is finally starting to grow. I've been watering them in my Irvine backyard every single morning when I wake up and place them where there's maximum sun exposure, and I think the result is fairly good. My only concern now are the rainy days ahead and the colder night temperature, not to mention the rabbit family that has made my backyard their new home (seriously, I usually see 3 or 4 every morning in my backyard).

Lets hope the plant will grow and bloom to awesome miniture sunflowers!

My kind of player...I'll miss him

Mike Mussina. He has always been one of my favorite pitcher from his Oriel days and Yankee days, he announced his retirement this week. The best thing about it, he had decided this as early as Jan before the season started, moreover, he went out ON TOP, with his one and only 20 win season (which proves that he still has a lot left in his tank, yes, the velocity of his fast ball may have dropped from the high 90s when he was younger to the low 90s today, he still has that devastating circle change that I will miss dearly).

One thing about Mussina that I like, he's never been a prima donna, always a team player, cerebral in his approach to the game, family man, and a man of chracter. He may has less raw power then Clemens, less flare than Pedro, or less precision and intelligence than Maddux. He, however, blends in everything he does well and make it a successful career out of it.

Final tally of his numbers. 270-153, 3.68 ERA.

Hall of Famer. Lets hope so.

Gardening...

So I finally decided to rekindle one of the things I enjoyed doing when I was a kid, which is...planting stuffs.

So this weekend, I finally got off my lazy butt and planted some morning glories, some Sunflowers in the garden and in a few pots I bought a while back (I wish I could find more, but I didn't).

The morning glories are deep blue and purple which I have never planted before, but I am very very excited about my Sunflower garden. I bought the Giant type for the yard, the full bloom 8" in diameter kind for the big pot, and some miniture dwarf ones for the small pot. I hope they will grow. With global warming, I don't think I need to worry about frost damage anytime soon...

Panda II

Speaking of Panda. Kung Fu Panda. is definitely one of the best movie of the year. I am not joking, downloaded today via iTune and I certainly enjoyed it tremendously.

Panda

Isn't this so awesome!?!

http://www.milanoo.com/en/thing/Adorable-Giant-Panda-Adult-Mascot-Costume-module-item-id-259.html

and for ONLY $149.oo. SO NICE and TOTALLY worth buying since I am completely bored (lying here on my sick bed BTW).

Imagine doing this Jackass episode (less crass and violent I must add) with a few buddies in panda suits to get shits and giggles out of people in their busy and frustrating daily lives....would that be nice :)

http://www.milanoo.com/en/thing/Adorable-Giant-Panda-Adult-Mascot-Costume-module-item-id-259.html

the brilliance is that you can act like a complete moran in the panda suit and people will still LOVE you....

Can of Worm

My dear friend the Great Master Lee recently kind of opened up a can of worm on his blog entry on proposition 8. People may have different opinions on it, but here is the fundamental thing that I do believe all of us should REALIZE and ABIDE by, as quoted by one of our founding father who is also one of the smartest man in the past millenium.


"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State." - Thomas Jefferson

He is wise isn't he :)

Sunflower

"The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant in the family Asteraceae and native to the Americas, with a large flowering head (inflorescence). The stem can grow as high as 3 meters, and the flower head can reach 30 cm in diameter with the "large" seeds. The term "sunflower" is also used to refer to all plants of the genus Helianthus, many of which are perennial plants."

I remember when I was in Jr. High, I actually grew a bunch of Sunflowers in my backyard. And I was amazed how big it got. For the past few days, for some strange reason, I am eagerly thinking of planting again. I may pay home depot a visit this weekend to get some pots and seeds.

Malibu

Wanted to take Do Do and Guai Guai for ride along PCH at Malibu this weekend (inspired by the song of the same name by the band Hole). But unfortunately, we are planting grass at the San Gabriel home this weekend, so I had to stay home today and supervise (The gardeners, whom dad befriended are very nice people and they did a amazing job). Hopefully, by the end of this year, you will see some green grass where Do Do and Guai Guai can play and roll around in.


(it does not look much now, but it will get green I promise you)




As for my Malibu trip, I think our little "dude" roadtrip will be next weekend :)
I think those two will be the best company ever. I hope the weather would be nice enough to roll down the window and just drive and drive. I am so looking forward to it :P

Mental Visualization

As a visual and acoustical inclined person. I often paint mental imagery and create mental melody in my mind.

I believe that for the things that are within my realm of control, if I can imagine it, if I want it, I can make it happen in reality :P
sound condescending? Not at all. I take joy in making my imagination come to reality. Its the best feeling.

Now, I wanna go kiting and surfing.... (morning surfers at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel)

Ten Random Thoughts...

• - There is too much Focus on wealth and social status today, these focus are the causes for so much unhappiness in our society today; it is true that wealth and social status are important, but knowing your own self worth is priceless

• - A man, a real grown man, should have a inner core belief that is unshakable, unbreakable and unyielding to any circumstances, and this belief is not self encompassing or self serving, but something greater than himself. I am slowly but surely beginning to understand this

• - With the current economic downturn, Wouldn't it be nice for government to get involved in creating projects that improves humanity and save our natural environment (especially Tigers and Polar Bears); by sponsoring projects, we not only create jobs, but actually safeguard something worth while for our future generations

• - When you find yourself lucky enough to love and care for someone deeply, regardless of what happens, be thankful for that person can actually allow you to have that feeling (You don't have to say the word out loud i am never a believer in saying it for saying it sake, love is a whisper between you and your heart)

• - Fall is my favorite season not only for its sentimentality, but also because in about 2 month time, after the winter solstice, day will start to get longer again

• - I have become less of a sports fan today then I was 5 or 6 years ago because most of the great sports figure I came to admire are either retired or getting way too old to stay on

• - Silence is Golden

• - "You can't hold on to anything if you hold your fists tightly, but you sure can hold on to alot of things on the palm of your hands if you just let go a little." AND "You don't have to live your life vicariously throught someone, YOU can be that person if you choose to! but you have to want to" - Two great quotes I heard recently

• - When you try to run as fast as you can on the track nowadays, just remember, NOT to give 110% since at our age now, you can easily pull something and injure yourself, you don't want that set back! So when excercising, just give about 85% to 90%

• - Read more. But also think about what you read and develop independent thinking

I think that is ten already....

Soup....

So, Here is what's left of my tasty short rib winter Mellon soup that I made on Monday.

What happened you asked? Well, I was very tired yesterday after a good workout, and after watching one of the BEST Southpark season premier ever, I found myself dozing off on my sofa and completely forgot that I was heating up the soup.

So around 2:30AM, I was waken up by the burning smell and a smoke filled house, and this is the by product.

Lesson learned: Never cook something when you are tired and never leave the stove on when you are napping...

Cufflinks...

I am facinated with Cufflinks these days. So I bought a few Cufflink shirts from Brooksbrothers the other day. The selections in Brooksbrothers actually fit me quite well (they have a great selection of slim fits for active men like me). So this winter, don't be surprised if you see me decked out in more formal attires such as cufflink shirts (no bling blings), scarfs, and maybe, even is suits on occassions, I will give you guys a old fashion gentlemanly greeting too.

Fitting for a day like today...

Fitting for a day like today isn't it.

Blast up the volume and just enjoy, with a cup of coffee or tea by the window would be nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg1jyL3cr60

Enjoy

Ninja

This has been plastered all over the internet, but I can't help but laughing at it everytime I watch this video.

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100284668?v=3510825&l=3774740

(P.S. how do I post the actual video on the blog???)

Death to my favorite...

Last year, to my happy surprise, I discovered a Quiznos Sub near my home home in San Gabriel. Knowing how RARE it is to find a Quiznos Sub in that neighborhood, I would visit there every Sunday and order myself a peppercorn steak sub. And because I am such a regular there the owner actually know what I am going to order everytime I am there, and we would even chit chat a little about life and other stuffs as I wait for my tasty sub.

Well, today, as I made my way to it, looking forward to my peppercorn steak sub, to my surprise. The place closed down!

What a bummer. I guess my effort to keep the place afloat did not work....sigh*

Quote of wisdom

"If you let go of what you are, you may become what you may be"

--Lao Tsu


I heard this on the radio today, though it is very abstract, it instantly has a profound impact on my outlook on things.

Mid Autumn moon festival

Today is the traditional Chinese “Mid Autumn Moon Festival” It is regarded as the 2nd most important holiday in Chinese Culture behind the Lunar New Years. To me, however, Autumn moon festival is actually my favorite holiday, even more so than Chinese New Years.

The thing you are suppose to do for the Mid Autumn moon festival, according to Chinese tradition, is to have Grapefruits, Moon Cakes, and Tea and sit outside on a clear night to watch the moon and compose poetry. So much for modernity, not many people do that anymore. But I’ve always had this romantic feeling that this will be a tradition I start again, for me and my family.

One of my favorite memories of my childhood was a particular “Mid Autumn Moon Festival” about 22 years ago. I remember that year, all of my family were together, and we spent a very peaceful and quiet night on a clear early autumn night on the roof of out house in GuanHsi. I remember, my mom, dad (who had just returned home from Guam that year), and three sisters were all very excited for that particular day not only because it was a first time in a long time that the family members were together, but also because we had planned a family gathering on the roof to watch the moon for a while. I remember we had tea, grapefruits and lots of moon cakes, though no poetry, but the moon was still very bright and calm that night.

I hope, this tradition will be passed on to the future Chen generations for years to come, and I think, I’ll start writing poetries too (need to get my Chinese level back to what it was before).

I am currently reading...

"Blood and Oil" by Michael Klare.

I came across this book, which is part of the 4 book "American Empire Project" series a few month ago as I browsed thru the rarely visted section of my favorite book store. and I must say this is a great read:

Since the tragic events of September 11 and the commencement of the "war on terror," the relationship between U.S. policy in the Middle East and the oceans of crude oil that lie beneath the region's soil has come under close scrutiny. In Blood and Oil, international security expert Michael T. Klare traces oil's impact on foreign affairs from World War II to the present, arguing that America's oil-influenced military actions will only increase in the coming years. By 2020, the United States will need to import twice as much fuel per year as it did in 1990, and since most of this oil will come from chronically unstable, strongly anti-American regions -- the Gulf, the Caspian Sea, and Africa -- recurrent involvement in violent conflcit is sure to follow.
With clarity and urgency, Blood and Oil delineates the United States' predicament: America's wells are drying up even as its demand increases, while anti-American fervor is building in the world's oil-rich nations. It is time, Klare cautions, to change our energy policies, before we spend the next decades paying for oil with blood.

By no mean am I trying to recommend this book to influence political or social views of my fellow readers, I am, as I have been for the past several years, merely an observer. And this book, and the others in the series, do provide interesting perspective about our world in general. In a very clear and concise way.

Highly recommended. Or if my readers out there are ever interested (highly doubtful), I will give you my 1/2 hour summary when I see you you guys next, either in our tea time, happy hour, or dinner.

New Blog template

With so many recent self realization and discoveries, I think it is only appropriate to do something new. and this includes changing my blog template. For some reason, this one draws my attention the most. Hope my fellow readers would like it =)

Reading

I almost forgot how much I used to read, and enjoyed reading. I used to read so much as a child that I would not eat or sleep until I finish every new book that my mom and dad bought me. And I would tone everyone around me out until I am done with the book too (as seen in the picture above). These past few days, as I spent more time with my folks and rediscovered things I had forgotten about my childhood, I am also rediscovering the joy of reading.

So last night, after walking with my parents after dinner, I picked up a book, loaded my ipod with relaxing jazz and classical music, and just read.

I think I am going to make this a more regular habit from now on.

My Saturday morning

Yes. This is what I've been doing on Saturdays lately. Shopping with my mom :(

Today, we are in Costcos, particularly in the VITAMINS aisle.

see my mom below -->

she is getting pretty good nevigating around Costco, but as usual, she is comparing EVERY single spec and price on what seemingly to be ALL the vitamin in Costco (I think she's gonna to buy them all too). Sigh*

But I do enjoy these things a bit more now. like our early morning walk today, and Costco shopping trip. I view this a a training on how to be a better son (we talk alot about life today), and also a pre-training on how to be a better family man when it is my time to start a family of my own.

s

Nuevo Tango

Recently, I am facinated by Nuevo Tango style of music (the artist shown above is one of the best known artist in Nuevo Tango, Astor Piazzolla). And my friend, after hearing some of the tunes I play for her when she was over for dinner the other night also fell in love with this music form (and the fusion version of it with the likes of Gotan Project, or the collaberation with Yo Yo Ma etc.).
Anyway, to me, this music form is very soothing and relaxing. Great to just chill in the living room with reading a book or just do nothing.
I think when we have time in the next couple of month, we are going to start exloring saloons or bars with this musical form. Hope we can find one in LA/OC area.

Booo :(

Got a call from my mom this evening. Turns out that she is actually thinking of cutting her stay this time in the State a bit shorter! And the reason is that one of my cousin is getting married and she wants to head back home to Guanhsi and "helpout" with the wedding planning (seriously, what is there to help out with...)

Anwayways, this is a SUPER bumming news for me. I actually had some great plans to spend quality times with my dear mommy for the next few month (yeah, call me mama's boy, but as I get older, I actually do enjoy spend time with her talking about life, or nothing in general, and our Saturday morning walks near the Huntington Library... despite her nagging :))

Well, since she is seriously thinking of heading back to the old country early, I am thinking the least I can do, to show my appreciation for her, is to buy her something NICE (within my financial means that is, since I know I'll be a proud home owner soon).

It helps that I am finally getting my Q2 bonus check the day after tomorrow, so I think I'll have some healthy spending money hee hee :P

So my dear readers, I need suggestions? (I know what i am gonna get my dad already....the sofa at home is pretty chewed up by my two senior citizen dogs, so it is time to buy a new sofa....despite my artistic dad's incomprehensible attachment to that piece of S$%t :P)

As for mommy I am thinking of the following:

1) Something nice but not too showy from Tiffany's (she is a very modest lady, never liked to wear anything brand name in her life, but I still want to get her some bling blings) what do you think?

2) A standard "Chinese Woman" LV bag? (I know every OTHER Chinese women that I know has one, but still :)

3) United States quarter collection (she gets a kick out of collectings quarters from all states...go figure) I'll get her this FOR FREE fore sure, its just an added bonus :P

4) Fly her first class for her next trip back to LA?

hummmm....so hard to decide. your feedbacks are welcomed.

iPhone

I know, I know... this is a hippie tree hugger gadget. But my Blackberry Pearl DIED this weekend, and since my contract with T-Mobile had expired since July, I decided to check this thing out and find out what all the hype is all about....

So far....not bad, but the 3G network is a little slow.

Oh, I have also lost all my contact info since it was not stored in the SIM card but in the Pearl. May need to dig out some old phone to get all your contacts back.

Feel Good Inc.

For some strange reason, I can't get enough of this song. And yes, it is my ring tune.

Guess who I am in the video=)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH1UmMu3R7o

Thoughts for this dog days of summer (2008)

• I am officially annoyed with the US and UK media coverage on the Beijing Olympics. Seems to me they are working extra hard to find things to criticize about the Beijing Olympics. For the US, it is obvious that there's a sense of uneasiness that someone is beginning to, and will, challenge the state of Paxy Americana that was created since the fall of USSR. For the UK, (well, even though that country really don't matter anymore), the proud Brits are still the host for the 2012 London Olympics. And they must be thinking, man, how can I do better. Can they do better? I hope so, since I am always open for the idea of a grand Olympic show; and we all know how the Brits can throw a good party i.e. the HK farewell party in '96 :P Well, Iam hoping to see Queen Elizabeth as the torch bearer (hopefully for her majesty's sake, not in a wheel chair), and those Brits better start popping up more spice girls to boost their GDP to support the 2012 Olymics. I say...about 10% of UKs total domestic GPD would be suffice for a nice party.
• Georgia. Humm, where do I start. Can you say "PAYBACK IS A BITCH"? I think Vladimir has been waiting for for a long long time. Ukraine in NATO hurts like your first love cheating on you, but it happens, and you can only hope that she'll come back one day. But Georgia joining NATO (under a US backed government BTW), that must feel like your pet dog that you raised running away to the neibor's house and bite you in the ass. That must have hurt. Well, at least today there is apparantly a seize fire, which i am glad. But what about the current regime? what role will US play in this since G Gubba just got called out....In any event, I am observing this closely, and hope for peace...soon.
• Obama vs. Mcain. Overhyped vs. Over the hill. I really don't care who wins since we are all demoricans anyway. Just reduce my tax and make me richer I am happy.

• WOW. I still suck, but man, when is the Return of Lich King coming out???

Kiehl's Products...

For no reason, my friend bought me a set of Kiehl’s facial products (for men) this week because she said she is starting to notice that I am beginning to develop some “bird claw” wrinkles around my eyes and that with my active outdoor life style, it is better to start taking care of my skin so I won’t end up like a dried up plum when I am 45….


Anywho, I started to use these products this morning (of which I don’t know how to use ½ of them). I must say, the experience was actually quite refreshing; a little tingly, a little gay, but not bad at all. I am feeling dapper already hahahaha

Pride

Yesterday's opening ceremony was amazing. I hope you all get a chance to watch it. I am very proud!

Future Photographer!?

Recently, to my surprise, I discovered that my friend has become quite an amature photographer. Everytime we hang out, she would bust out her Leica camera (which I semi bartered for her btw) and arrange things around her and take some artsy fartsy photos. I must say, the quality has gone up in the past few month :P Good job keep it up.
Here are some samples of her work, check it out. ( I think if she continues to improve, I am going to frame some of her photos for my future new house...tee hee)

Electric Rap???

Heard this song in my friend's car Sat.

LOL, Electric Rap? nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpbeTDorgNk

The more things change, the more they stay the same

(2002 summer)

Recently, I saw a facebook picture of my friend taken from the nearly the exact same spot as the one above. The picture not only brings back nostalgia of a simpler, more adventurous time in my life, but it also makes me realize that our lives, compare to the Great Sphinx and the Pyramid, is flashing us by before we know it; and as I race thru my 30s chasing the things I wanted, cared for, believe in, whether planned or dreamt, it is important, I think, to remind myself that, yes the curiousity and desire to adventure and explore is still within me and that I can and will find the "moment" to do whatever I wish when the time comes calling :)

So, Namibia, Skeleton Coast from the desert to the sea with music of Erasure and a open top jeep with a blue moon as the backdrop....I will be there and do that one day. It is in my vision :)

Razors...

My dad has this bad habit of not changing razor blade until he absolutely has to (usually one to two month). It always annoys me to see that everytime I come home to San Gabriel (Imagine how much burn you would feel shaving with a not-so-sharp razor blade). Despite leaving BAGS and BAGS of Gillette Quattro at his bathroom, he would just not change it himself, so one of the thing I would do every time I come home is to change his razor blade for him....

But, I had a epiphany this morning (ya, i know its early, but I am going to go catch a flight to San Jose in about an hour). Why not just buy a automatic one and plug it in his bathroom. Being a tech curious person, I think he'd figure it out :)

So I think I am going to go look for a good automatic shaver this weekend....preferably something that looks cool and flashy so it would at least entice him to try to figure it out!

Posers...

Went to workout at my friend's gym at Newport earlier tonight. It was the first time I actually worked out at that 24 hour fitness, and I just can't believe how many POSERS there are in that gym! Even worse than Irvine! The whole experience just makes me laugh and reaffirmed why I never hang around in the gym that much (45 min x2 light weight training, in and out, and I am done).

I can't stand gym posers. Are they really athletes or enjoy what they are doing? maybe, but I can gurantee you that in today's gym. the population I would actually consider athletic and in tune with their body is less than 5% :P

Feel Good Story of the day - Journey

Nice story :) Go Arnel! I might go check him out!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89_2UivtEhs

BoA!

I have officially becoming A FAN of BoA! She is extremely talented and comfortable on the stage (see the youtube videos below).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pvS0kfrFbo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziaW0D80Nh4&feature=related

for some reason, she also looks so much like one of my sister's friend in the video...trippy :)

Back from Vacation

Hi Folks,

After 10 exciting days in Korea, I am finally back and ready to get back in action. The trip was a great one (pictures to follow) and I have definitely figured alot of things out and gained a better perspective about Korea...and life.

Here are some of the things I've learned about myself and will follow from this day on:


1. Be more honest and decisive about my feelings, especially to myself. As that Neyo song goes, I am not dumb, just lack a little common sense :)

2. Live each and every day to the fullest and with no regret; and focus in present and the future for those are the only things you can control

3. Treat the ones you truely cared for with love, kindness and respect, no matter what

4. When writing diaries each night, only write about the positive things you've gained for that day; don't write down and go to sleep with any negative thoughts

Greetings from Korea

Well folks,

just want to say a quick hi to everyone back in the states. it has been quite a fun trip so far =) hectic but good fun. i am definitely enjoying myself here hanging out with the boys. in fact, we are currently having a overdue r&r in jeju island (the hawaii of korea...but 15 degrees colder) chilling before heading back to seoul tomorrow.

i miss you all, especially marvin (and his mom=p) and i'll see you all soon.

My Vacation

Going on a little 1o day personal vacation to the far East tonight with the boys. This is a long over due FUN trip with the guys. I'll try my best to recharge myself and I am sure when I return, I'll figure more things out and have more conviction about the things I want in life =)

iPOD

I am beginning to become a Apple hater now! Last week, my 80GB iPOD classic stopped working. initially, I thought it was just a short circuit, so I put it in a plastic bag and put it in the fridge. But it still didn't work.

So today, I finally went to Best Buy where I purchased it, and they sent me to Apple Store, who then said that I would need to make an "Appointment" to see the iPOD specialist to get it fix (it is just a HARD DRIVE)....

Anyway, I am now uber pissed... but more importantly, how am I going to keep myself entertained for my upcoming trip? What will I be listening to as I walk the streets and lay on the beach in a foreign land!?!?

Why I like cycling!

Just kidding! (not)

But here are some other reasons why I like cycling:

• It is the most efficient form of human transportation without polluting the earth (horse riding don't count since you have to feed the horse and it is the horse that is helping you get from point A to point B)
• You can only go as fast as you can peddle, and the road will bring out everyone's strengh and weaknesses
• On solo ride, it is the best time for self reflecting. Just you, the sun, the wind, and the road (and alot of wather and sweat)
• On group rides, it is the best time for male bonding. I always find cycling with my friends the time we talk about what matters for us guys at that moment in life, I wish more if my friends would ride
• It is a great way to get your rush on. Get that natural high by going 45 to 50 mph downhill. And it is all YOU.
  

Summer

Today is the first day of summer. and it was unbearably hot so I left work early. On the drive back home down to Irvine, I came across a old man riding his bike on the side walk. And that got me started thinking on just how much I used to enjoy riding bikes on nice summer days (bad example as it was over 95 degrees still at 5PM in Irvine).

So, as soon as I got home, I dusted off my bike and started riding. I did not know where I was going and I did not care. I just felt that even it was hot as hell outside, I just wanted to ride somewhere....

so the next thing I knew, after two hours on the bike, I went thru Culver, Newport Coast Drive, up the hill, down the hill, thru PCH, thru Newport bay, back on Harvard, thru Tustin and ended in the intercection between Jamberee and Santiago Canyon.
Then I realized that I am absolutely exhausted and I could not ride home...so I slowly, slowly rolled my bike home.

I did not know why I did what I did today. But during the journey, as physically draining as it was, it gave back a sense of feeling that I had not experienced in a long time. A sense of tranquillity.

Well, now I am officially having a heat stroke (as I lay on my bed drinking wintermellon drinks to cool off). It hurts, but it felt good :)

My Bad Dreams....

Just came back from a 3 day meeting with a supplier from San Jose. The meetings were quite evenful and productive and I learned a few things about that particular company's culture and direction for the US market. I think they will be a force to be reckon with in the future.


For some reason, I did not sleep well during the trip. And even after I got home last night, I still could not fall asleep. Worst of all, I also had a terrible dream that kept me up from around 4:00AM till the morning.

Needless to say, I am a but grumpy today.... Can't wait till the weekend to start :P I needed some R&R :P

My Summer Meeting

In Cancun!

Can you believe it? I was sent over there last week for a four day conference. Supposedly it is one of the best resort in all of Cancun (http://www.realresorts.com.mx/The_Royal_Cancun/).

Despite the hectic meeting schedule for the first day. I was able to squeeze in some nice R&R with a friend. We had a pretty chilled time (pics to follow).

I especially enjoyed the speedboat ride at the lagoons and the trip to the Mayan ruin of Chitchen itza (again, more photos to follow). It totally blew me away.

now, back to the good old states, I am thankful for the trip and am definitely getting a better perspective about my state of life now.

http://www.realresorts.com.mx/The_Royal_Cancun/

I was fortunate enough to attend Alcia Key's concert this past Sunday. It was one of the better concert experience I have had in quite awhile. Even though the sound system at the Honda center was a bit suspect, but I still had A TON of fun for the night :P

Here are some of the highlights of the night:

1. "No One" with all of us singing along and waving our hands. "No One" is one of my favorite Alicia song and her performance really inspired me. I KNOW she was singing to ME directly and telling ME never give up on what I believe in :)

2. Acoustic encore performance of "If I ain't got you" with a white piano. It was a powerful and soulful song and I was definitely feeling her BABY.

3. Our "Almost winning" of a pair of front roll seats with the sponsors. It would have been cool, but just being a honorable mention was exciting enough for me.

4. And last but not least, seeing the joy and sparkle in my ghetoo ass concert dates eyes when Ne-yo came on to perform the opening act. I thought that was cool. Even when there were two nordic women blocking her from a awesome view (well as awesome as two $49 tickets can buy)

Okay, that was my concert update. I will be in Cancun tomorrow for a work conference. I think there is only one meaningless meeting on Friday. For the remaining time, I'll try my best to chill on the beach with a friend :P I think we'll have a blast.

My Mexican Guava Icecream...

My coworker always raves about how good the ice cream tastes from a particular ice cream cart pushers who would pass by our office every single day. She would always say that the ice cream is NO ORDINARY ice cream, and way better than any of those "pink berry craps". More specifically, of the TWO trollie pushers, only the one being sold by a older Mexican lady tastes good.

so after hearing about this for DAYS. we decided to take a little advanture and try to hunt down this awesome "ice creamer". After driving a few laps around the bloc. We found our favorite ice craemer and bought 10 pieces from her...

She was estatic that she promise to stop by our office every single day between 2 to 3 now :P

seeing the smile on her face made my day :)

My Conviction...

Is that for me and the ones I so care for, That there will be HAPPINESS. I will stand by this conviciton no matter what. Sure there will be troubles and bumps along the road. But make no doubts about it. There will be Happiness, serenity, content and true love. and I am willing to wage my everything for this conviction :P

My constant companions...

Whenever I need relaxation, inspiration, and direction.

I know and I can always count two companions to be there. They've been with me since my childhood, and they have always been there for me. Their alias are M and L.

Well, who are M and L? Let me tell you:

M, her name is Music. And she's the most joyful, mellow, happy (sad) complex (simple) simple companion I have ever had. She could be quite fickle sometimes, but through out the years, She has evolved somewhat, I still remember every moments I spent with her whether its analyzing the verse and the hook; exchanging ideas about what can be improved (if any) or simly just listen. I enjoy every single bit of it.
As for L, his name is Literature. A bit different from M. L has always been complex and not always good natured. But what I do appreciate about L is the fact that what he has to offer. if I apply his suggestions correctly, he can bring me tangible value and equip me with what I need in my constant desire to progress and improve.

Well, I am sure you guys also have your M and L in your life :P take sometime and ask them out yeah :)?

Tonight, M is showing me the bluesy side of Eric Clapton and this new pop sensation Leona Lewis from UK and I am trying to finish up on L's offer of "Blue Ocean Strategy"

my Rock Band...

Isn't it funny that it is now close to two o clock and I cannot fall asleep. Was in a friends house tonight and we cofounded a wii rockstar band call "Useless Skin" ( for some strange reason, I am assigned as the female drummer called Emma..go figure, picture to come shortly). We are a grunge style rockband from Seattle and by the end of the night, we've won over 200 fans....

Anywho, Rockstar is such a FUN game! I can't remember the last time I concentrated so much in a video game before...

After rocking out to the Stones, The Whos and Led Zepplins, till the wee hours, I somehow found myself home (not sure how i did it...since I was both exhausted and intoximcated).

Well, now that I am more clear headed Mr. Bull (I had no idea what I was typing at my friends place when I wrote the draft for this blog, and yes, I do have a terrible headache now), I can tell you that what is going thru in my mind nowadays, a sense of uncertainty but excitement for what's to come in the coming month...

It just seems that there's something that I can't just quite let go...lifestyle, my current comfort zone, fear of challenges etc. etc. maybe....

but I will definitely take the next two month to sort out everything out...

My at ease...

I feel at ease these days. I would like to believe that this is the byproduct of my recent self-realization. But I also know that it would take concious effort to maintain this newfound freedom. Lets just take it one step at a time.

For the coming seasons, here are some of the areas (professionally and personally) that I would like to improve upon:

1) How to be a wiser, better, effective and efficient manager. There are so many things I just realized that I still need to learn in the business world to move to the next level in my career.

2) How to maintain this feeling of "at ease"

My learning...

Over the past two weeks, I have learned three very important life lessons that have definitely helped me grown as a person. I have learned:

• Everything matters should start with "me". Happiness, Sadness, Joy, frustration, etc. etc. are all in MY mind set and within my control. Everything else, I have no rights or the need to worry.

• In relation to the first point. Never ever have expectations and sucumb to the tendency of co-dependency with anything or anyone. Expecations creates co-dependency that leads the elements of negative feelings if these expecations were not met. No expectations. No excuses and live life independently. And that is the path to true maturity.

• Action speaks louder than words. What I do will dictate what I am more than what I say.

My Fav Youtube video

Called "The last lecture"

I came across this video after the jellyfish told me about it.
Enjoy :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

my little booger...

Nothing much to write about today so I thought it's a good time to write about a little booger at work who constantly cracks me up and keeps me amused.

This little booger is funny in a sense that she actually shares the same interest as I do for stupid geeky toys, and it absolutely cracks me up when we went to Frank and Sons the other day.
I am also pretty impressed with her imagination (crass as it may be) and artistic mind and it would crack me up constantly.

Anyway, I can't wait till next Wed when Frank and Sons opens again and we can drop some SERIOUS bucks on useless collectable toys.

keep the sense of humor Roger! ^^

My Middle Sister...

It's my "middle" sister Jen's birthday today. Happy Birthday Jen.

you are always the sister that I feel is the strongest yet the most vulnerable (oximoran). But what I do know is that you will be all right. Just remember what you are capable of!!! (I am totally serious about it) and that I know, and I believe that you of all the sisters is the one that can do ANYTHING you want as long as you wanted....

have fun in Thailand with mom :P love ya

P.S. I'll be all right, just feeling a bit meloncholy and overly caring about something (one) I know will be all right :P

Wishes...

Sometimes,

I wish I can have the combined powers of my fav TV characters. like a a la carte renaissance man. And these are the talents I would like to have:

1) A super and happy go lucky doctor like Dr Dorian from the TV Show Scrubs so I can cure my friend's recent ailments while amuze her with silly adolescence jokes

2) A cool traveling journalist/cook like Anthony Bourdain who truely appreciates (and can make) great food and alcohol

2) A charasmatic orator like Eric Cartman so people can respect my authoratay and do things MY WAY


4) A survivalist like Bear Grylls so If I am ever in a situation where I need to make a bread out of a muddy

Wishful thinkings? or NOT?

Stop

Recently, I was caught for a rolling stop in the lovely City of Industry (with the lovely Tupac California lovin' playing in the backgroup). Maybe, just maybe, they should make the stop signs more humorous so people will pay more attention, like me :(

Cofee Bean

So, where else can you find great tasting coffee and tea at reasonable prices?

At the Coffee Bean

So where else can you find inviting atomosphere that is relaxing and sophisticated?

At the Coffee Bean

And whereelse can you find free internet connection and great lounge/Indy music?

At the Coffee Bean

So today, I decided to revisit my Fav local coffee bean that I use to go every single day when I was working down here in Irvine....ahhhhh
brings back the memories :P

Song for Chewy's Mom

Tonight is my music night. And after going over my 3000+ song collections on my ipod blasting through my newly purchased Bose sound dock, I have finally found a song that reminds me of Chewy's mom...

Ready!?

The song is call Babylon by David Gray :P

Go ahead and do a itune download, I am sure you'll enjoy this song :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj3QDOdHxbA

Concert Update

May 4th at the Honda Center. Can't wait. a little different from the Foo Fighter Concert I went a few weeks ago, but should be fun too.

Car woes

So folks. I am pissed off today. and do you know WHY!? Do ya?
Today, I got my 2nd traffic ticket in less than 2 month. The first ticket was for going WITH the traffic speed at 47 mph in a 45 mph zone. and Today, I got caught by the QUOTA requirement of the police force for a rolling California stop....

Adding to my woes, I also got hit by a tire (yeah tire, full size tire) on the freeway which wreched my front bumper.

so I am pissed. very pissed today. and I am going to pass this bad karma to whoever gets on my shit list next...

Everyday is like Sunday

This has always been one of my favorite song of all time. Isn't the lyric lethargically beautiful in a nihilistic way!?

Trudging slowly over wet sand
Back to the bench where your clothes were stolen
This is the coastal town
That they forgot to close down
Armageddon - come armageddon!
Come, armageddon! come!
Everyday is like sunday
Everyday is silent and grey

Hide on the promenade Etch a postcard
"How I dearly wish I was not here"
In the seaside town...
that they forgot to bomb
Come, come, come - nuclear bomb
Everyday is like sunday
Everyday is silent and grey

Trudging back over pebbles and sand
And a strange dust lands on your hands
(and on your face...)
(on your face ...)
(on your face ...)
(on your face ...)

Everyday is like sunday
Win yourself a cheap tray
Share some greased tea with me
Everyday is silent and grey

Editorial :Tibet

Those of you who knows me know that I am a closet Political observer and adviser. I am trying to stay away from talking about it (as much as I can) for the next 20 years until my private sector life is done....:P but here is a little editorial:

Though I believe PRC has a responsibility in preserving the culture heritage of Tibet. It is still a part of PRC. I think the recent violence is yes, a indirect protest of the Tibetans on having their culture escaping, but hey, that is part of social darwinism. Live with it. If the violence escalates, then I would view it a a terriorist act by the Tibatans and I hope the international community would see it that way too.

I was very fortunate in my life to have seen both Pope John Paul II and Dalai Lama in person during my college days. They are both amazing individuals and I respect that. and it is in my believe, and I would stand by this, that both of these extra ordinary man are none secular, and their work and calling in life is above the political relm. unfortuately, the Tibet situation is forcing the Great Dalai Lama to take a position. such a shame.

Also I find it funny that the supposedly liberal Hollywood crowd (i.e. Richard Gere and others) should have such a strong opinion about this. Maybe they should live in Tibet and be one with the none-secular, 19th century culture for a few years before speaking out on what is the proper course of action for the people.

Lastly, what is up with the Korean national pride!?! I find it so laughable. (do a google search on the Chan Ho Park,who sucks btw, story in China) LOL such a small nation, and such a Napolean complex. Maybe if the Korean nationals acts properly when they do business around Asia, they would earn the proper respect :P

Where's my Wallet!?!?

Can't find my wallet anywhere!!

I am going to look for it again tonight when I get home. but if I lose it, I would need some donation for food money for the rest of the weeks. sucks.

Cheeky Story...

So, I've been trying to save a few dollars here and there by making myself taking the number one here at work. I have been doing that for the past couple of weeks. And I've finally managed my pooping cycle to un ummm around 4:50PM each day. Is this worth it!?! I found out today....


To my surprise, I finally realized just how TERRIBLE TERRIBLE the quality of toilet paper my work uses. I've been trying to wipe gently, but still, it still feels very rough on my delicate cheeks. And today, I saw blood. Can you believe it, blood. Conclusion: Cheap toilet experice is not worth it. I am going back to my baby soft TP with a nice book in hand and some soothing music behind my ear from today.


Also, see Santa up there!? I think it is pretty cool. I am going to make a naughy and nice list soon too LOL!

Level 70

After over 1 year taking over as Malderon from the realm of Kilrogg. I have finally reached level 70 as a warrior last night (with decent gears too). Where to now? I am feeling lost. do I grind it out and continue to play to get better gears, or do I just call it quites and get a real life =)

dilemma dilemma dilemma ^^

Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year everyone....
To my loved ones.

May you stay healthy and happy this year.
May you make some good money and can afford all that you want to buy this year.

May you grow in spritual, intellectual and personal levels all across.

Happy New Year!

The Art of Management

I think, over the past few weeks, I am beginning to appreciate how difficult it is to be a good manager. Management, to a certain degree, requires doing things that is for the greater good. No matter how accomodating situation might force you to be in. Managing is also about leading. Both leading people reporting to you, but also leading and guiding your superior, as well as the direction that you want to company to head into....

Weary...

I am feeling wearied. I have not feel this wat for a long long time. I am weary of many things. Of where I am heading and positioning myself in my 30s. Of what I should and could have become. Of what I need to be as a person for my loved one. Of my inability to give and provide for my loved one that needs me. Of a person that is so rational that cannot provide optimism, whether true or false for the ones around them.

Yes, I am wearied. but I hope, I hope this weariness, will push me to become a better person, for those I love and cared for deeply.

Sleepless in...Irvine

It is almost 3:30AM and for some reason, I cannot fall asleep. Something(body) is on my mind. Well, in any even, I hope everything works itself out in the near future.

As for me, I am gonna go boil myself a cup of hot chocolatte and count the sheeps....
1, 2, 3 .....

Shades of Green

with all the recent rains in Socal, it is nice to see things turning green again. Every morning, when I drove passed the Brea hill to get to work, It is always a great sight for me to see the hills turning greener and greener (and sometimes, you'll even see cows on the hills). So naturally, as a artistic person that I am, I began to pay attention to the different shades of green.

Do you know, green, more so than any other coloar, has more shades in natural state. Bet you didn't know that did you.

Some of the unique greens in our popular culture>

• Green Monster (Fenway park, dirty green)
• Bianchi Green (Bike, pasty green)
• Celtic Green (Boston Celtics)
• Green Bay green (Greenish yellow green)
• Notre Dame green (a tat darker than Celtic green)
• Jauguar Green (British racing green, shitty green color, just as the Brits in general^^)

Sickly January

Well folks. January has not been kind to me. I spent most of the month sick. Month to date, I had 2 cases of severe flu (near bronchitis) , 1 case of food poisoning, and 1 case of cold sore. But today, after a well rested Friday and Saturday. I finally feel like me again.

During my sickness, I did catchup on lots of great movies read some more books and learned to cook some nice dishes, not to mention, learned two new chords for my guitar. Really is fun for self amusement :P

Oasis

It was pouring last night in Irivne, and I was in one of those mellow mode. So I decided to open up a bottle of wine and just sit infront of the stereo with a book in hand and just listen to music.

The CDs I picked were the first two albums by Oasis "Definitely Maybe" and "What's the Story Morning Glory"....

I forgot how much I enjoyed their early works (even though their later stuffs are crap).

My favorite has always been "Wonderwall".

I wonder....who has been, and who will be my wonderwall?

damn cold...

I am still sick now. Can't believe this damn cold is lingering for so long (I thought I got over it well when I returned after CES but the crappy air at work got me again. With that said, I am hoping I will be all healthy by the end of this week. Just in time for lots of projects and fun activities =)

• Triathlon training - I tried to run this past week, I can't believe how out of shape I am (maybe it is the sickness still) However, I was pretty impressed by my running partner though. Don't worry, the fact that you are faster will not bruise my ego! ^^

• GMAT - While at it, I am thinking why not give the good old GMAT another shot. We might head into recession soon. If all fails, why not hedge back to school for a while?

• Meditation before reading (help me to concentration and focus, I am trying to keep up with my Economist and Business week and other fun stuffs)

• Yoga (Help me to stretch for Triathlon)

• Guitar (Help me to release stress, and yeah, it feels good when I played a chord right)

• Cooking (I need to learn more new dishes to impress myself and guests, while at it, learn wines too)

So many things in my calender, but I am so looking forward to them.

Free at last...

It It is MLK day Monday. A day we should all celebrate. In many ways, this year MLK day has additional significance to me. Just recently, I finally feel free at last too. I no longer feel the burden anymore =)

Glaceau Vitamin water

I love Glaceau Vitamin water.

enjoy the snow...I know I will :P

http://ralphs.inserts2online.com/KrogerRalphs010208Ralphs/breakouts/b310517_26.jpg

Chinatown

In the 18 years I spend in Southern California, I have never been to Chinatown. It is weird, the thought just never came across...Until last night.

I was surprised to find out that Chinatown LA has become somewhat of an mellow artist colony. There are some interesting nightlifes there. The people in the bar are mellow and very artistic (and intellectual, at least the one I went to).

I would strongly recommend those of you who are tired of the superficial Sunset/Hightland scene. Give Chinatown a chance, you might find more than meets the eyes ^^

Patriots

Will win today! 45 to 17

Go Brady and Moss.