Girl With Heart

Video of Our New Home!

2008-09-05T17:27:00.001-07:00

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Birthday Part II

2008-09-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

Maggie took Wes and I out too dinner for my birthday. And she also surprised me with flowers. Dang, I've never gotten flowers from friends! It's the coolest thing ever!

So blessed that Maggie's my friend.

My beautiful flowers.

At Cefiore Italian Ice at the Mall. Maggie has never had yogurt ice cream. Well, we took care of that. Wes treated us to some after dinner.

Lee House Renovation: Day 2

2008-09-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

Man, they are freaking fast!! The old junky shingles are almost done and the garage has been started on too.
View of house from front yard

View of roof from backyard

Garage

Lee House Renovation: Day 1

2008-09-03T05:54:00.001-07:00

Today, they started on the roof! They're scraping the old junk off. That's Martin and Javier working there.

My 28th Birthday

2008-09-03T05:53:00.001-07:00

Mason & Mikayla

2008-08-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

We Bought A House!!!

2008-08-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

We did it!!! I can't believe it happened! We are gonna be homeowners!! This is the cutest little ever! I LOVE it! This house was a bank-owned home so we got it at a price that we're VERY pleased with. We offered at $30K below the listed price and after many many counter offers, settled at a price that is $20K below the listed price. Heh heh heh. MWUAAAHAHAHAAA... *Ahem* So yes, we're very proud of ourselves. The house will be ours officially on August 29th. I'm considering it the biggest birthday present we got for me. mwuaahaha-nevermind.

Photobooth Fun with My Sister

2008-07-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Wish I really could go swimming like this. Did you know that I don't know how to swim? Yes, yes. I'm ashamed enough as it is, please don't rub it in. Hrmph!

Baby Photo Session

2008-07-09T23:30:00.001-07:00

Took pictures of my coworker's baby. He's soooo cute and such an easy subject. The camera loves him!

Birthday Gift for Alice

2008-07-05T13:55:00.001-07:00

I made this for Alice. Hope she likes it! She really is a very interesting and special girl. With her, I don't have to worry about her thinking I'm weird if I act stupid because she'll actually compete with you to see who's stupider. Hahaha.

Maggie's Wedding

2008-06-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

Maggie's beautiful wedding was held at the San Gabriel Hilton. Maggie appointed me back-up photographer. I had a great time being a "wedding photographer." In fact, I think it'd be fun to do it on the side. Should I?

Their real photographer was eh. He had the wedding party doing so-so poses:
I tried to get them to do cuter stuff and I think the results speak for themselves:When I finally got the girls to do what I wanted for this photo, the freaking real photographer came rushing over and started taking photos. Argh! Plagiarizer!!My favorite shots of us:

Bridal Nail Party

2008-05-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Clockwise from top left: Me, Lucy, Connie, & Sophia

Sophia and we bridesmaids had our nails done yesday. This was my very first time getting a manicure and pedicure. I think it might be my last time getting them too. I just don't like having these poor ladies sitting by my feet working so hard. I can't imagine having to touch people's feet for a living. Ugh, what if the customers have feet fungus? They don't even wear gloves. Blechhh!!
But on a more positive note, dinner at a Korean Tofu place was fun. We talked about the wedding schedule, Charlton, Wesley, boyfriends in general, and all the stuff girls typically talk about when together. It was so fun. My stomach actually hurt from laughing so hard.
For example, Connie (maid of honor) is a LOT shorter than Wesley (best man), Connie said that during the rehearsal, she felt like she was on the subway when she was linked arms with him cuz his arm was so high up compared to her. haha!

Sophia's Bridal Shower

2008-05-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

Sophia is my future sister-in-law. I'm one of her bridesmaids and was in charge of decorating her condo for the bridal shower. I think I did a pretty good job. I loved making these poof-ball things. So easy and they looked great!

2008-05-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'm a lousy cook. So when something I make turns out well, it is definitely an event worth commemorating. Today, I made a Cheesy Baked Tortellini dish. I saw this recipe on the food network while at work. It was quite easy to make! Here's the recipe:

Olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 pound purchased cheese tortellini
2 ounces thinly sliced smoked mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated ParmesanPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish.

Whisk the sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl to blend. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Add the tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top the mixture with the smoked mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheeses on top melt, about 30 minutes.

Our Neighbor Video

2008-04-23T21:52:00.001-07:00

This was at the cabin we were staying at in Taiwan

Japan Video!

2008-04-23T21:47:00.001-07:00

A Big Japan Hello to You!

2008-04-14T11:47:00.001-07:00

We're having SO MUCH fun in Japan!! We've seen a parade, ridden a pirate boat, seen Big Buddha, eaten wasabi ice cream, ridden an air gondola, eaten black hard boiled eggs, jumped on hotel beds, soaked in hot springs, and of course, eaten tons of buffet food with lots of fresh fruits... all in the last 48 hours!! There's one more full day of Japan and then we're gonna head off to Taiwan. Post more pictures later.

Cousins Day

2008-04-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Love my cousins!

Nail Crazy

2008-03-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

I rarely ever wear nail polish. But my sister wanted me to paint my nails with her last week. This was what I came up with.

Lomofying My Photos

2008-03-13T17:49:00.001-07:00

Playing with photoshop. I wanted this emo-esque photo to have a Lomo camera effect cuz it would just be ten times cooler... and now it is ten times cooler! I love how it turned out!

Bike Riding: Santa Monica Pier

2008-03-08T21:22:00.001-08:00

I've always wanted to do this but never had anyone to go with... until today! Alice went with me! It was so relaxing riding alongside the beach, soaking up the sea breeze... the wind blowing in my hair... the sun on my skin... Loved it!

The Temple Kids

2008-03-06T21:18:00.001-08:00

Hanging out with the temple girls makes me feel young. Their unscathed optimism for life is contagious. With them, I won't think twice about acting like a silly goon, jumping like an idiot, giggling like a fool, and laughing 'til my stomach hurts.

Baking Cookies

2008-02-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

We baked cookies this rainy Saturday.

Posing with the prettiest cookie.

Wes trying to look like his bunny's expression.

I think the cookie will offer very little rain protection, but who cares?

Lousy Weather Makes Good Photos

2008-02-20T15:16:00.001-08:00

Taken with my Canon SD 200 (an antique by today's standards, but I love it anyway)

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Look what Wes got me! He's so sweet! He had them delivered to work. So beyond the call of duty!!

Watercolor Pencil

2008-01-12T16:56:00.001-08:00

Got myself some watercolor pencils. Just fooling around. Did this drawing from a youtube tutorial guy named Bob Davies. I like how it turned out. So simple with just one pencil...

Sooo Cute!

2008-01-05T23:50:00.000-08:00

Pictionary Madness... Fun!

2007-12-30T20:46:00.001-08:00

Wesley, Annie, John, Elaine, Aunt Jennifer, and I had some hilarious rounds of Pictionary last night

San Francisco

2007-12-25T19:26:00.001-08:00

Went to San Francisco with family. This is my favorite photo.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

I'm real selective about who I send holiday greetings because I like to make them by hand. But that doesn't mean I can't send an electronic version of it to everyone! Happy holidays!

News Update

2007-12-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

I signed up for ballroom dancing!! I'm dragging Wes with me too! Haha! Startes Jan 26th.

Signed up for drawing class too. Startes Jan 6th. Hope it'll help with my art.

Knitting a Christmas Gift

2007-12-16T11:54:00.001-08:00

This one is for Wesley's mom. Recently, she's been wearing this not so good looking beanie cuz her head gets cold in the freezing weather. So I've decided to knit her a new hat. I hope she'll like it.

Huntington Library Drawings

2007-12-09T16:54:00.001-08:00

Went to the Huntington Library by myself to do some drawing. It was fun! I haven't drawn anything in a long time so this was a good exercise for me.

Totoro Has a Green Thumb

2007-11-28T22:06:00.001-08:00

I got this from Japan. It came with seed packets and a packet of dirt (all the size of my palm) It's alyssum I think. I'll take a photo if it ever flowers.

Recent Drawings

2007-11-28T21:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've drawn anything. Glad I'm drawing again. It forces me to slow down and breathe.

New Knitted Project - Cat!

2007-11-28T20:46:00.001-08:00

His name is Lucky and he's been adopted by Wes. You can't tell, but he's holding a 4-leaf clover that he's found for Wes. When Wes saw him, he said he looks like he has tasering ability from between his ears. Stupid boys... Anyway, I hope Lucky brings Wes lots of luck since he's been complaining recently about being unlucky.

Amigurumi Invasion!

2007-11-17T15:34:00.001-08:00

The No Evil Droplets - See No Evil Snowdrop, Hear No Evil Raindrop, Say No Evil Acid Raindrop

Squid the Octopus - he's my favorite of the bunch

Totoro Has a New Friend!

2007-11-11T15:55:00.001-08:00

Meet Totoro's friend: Bear. They hang out...

They help each other...

They still needed my help in the end though.

Look What We Made!!

2007-11-04T10:42:00.001-08:00

J & A stayed to make amigurumis (crocheted stuffed animals) from a Japanese book I got while in Japan. The mice turned out so cute and so different. I loved making them and hanging out with J & A.

Cousins Day #3

2007-11-04T10:36:00.001-08:00

Our third "try-to-be-monthly-but-whenever-everyone's-free" cousins gathering luncheon. At Bean Sprouts vegetarian restaurant. Great grub, great gab, great gals!

Back Home Now!

2007-11-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is for a certain someone who represents the "tough crowd" amongst my blog visitors. I expect this person to show the same kind of courtesy to me when he/she goes on vacation next time...

Cool stuff: tofu ice cream that you can hold upside down (Kyoto)

Action photo: at Yasoko Shrine (Kyoto)

Photos from Japan!

2007-10-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yay! Our second hotel has free internet access! Here are just some preliminary photos for fun. Will post videos once back in the U.S. Enjoy!

Wesley, the Emerald Champion. Cindy, the scared (not really) girl. Taken at Osaka Castle, home of the late Hideyoshi Toyotomi:

Dressed in style in our hotel room:
Food photos:

Kobe Beef chef
Cindy caught in the act of slurping.
a typical vegetarian meal
Not eel timing (hardee har har)
In front of Osaka Castle

We made it!

2007-10-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

We're arrived safe and sound in Japan. The internet at our first hotel is a rip off at $16 US dollars a day. I'm holding off from blogging until I find a cheaper connection. See you soon!

Japan or Bust!

2007-10-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

Excited... the night before... stressing over what to pack (of all things)... I've got enough things to entertain myself for the 11.5 hour flight: Books, PSP, my journal, poker cards... that should be enough, right?

My sister Annie taught me how to edit video clips so I'm going to try very hard to video blog, assuming that I find internet connection, that is. But it's Japan, how hard can it be, right?

The details: Going with a tour group to Osaka and Kyoto from 10/22/07-10/28/07. Then we fly ourselves to Tokyo and hang out there on our own until 10/30/07. WOOHOO!

New Lens! (Nikkor 18-200mm VR)

2007-10-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

Why do I Follow the Buddha?

2007-10-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

More Scrapbook Layouts!

2007-09-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

Make-up Flowers

2007-09-23T22:06:00.001-07:00

Look what Wes got me after we had a weird fight? Isn't he sweet?? The fight was totally his fault, in case you're wondering... this is my blog so I can be as subjective as I want!! Nah, we both messed up. These flowers make the defense email I sent him seem kinda lame... but whatever! totally his fault, like I said!!

Watercolor class #3

2007-09-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

~my painting~

~the photograph~

I Am Blessed

2007-09-17T01:34:00.001-07:00

I am truly blessed to know that humble surgeons who genuinely care about the nurses that they work with actually exist. They don't care about their reputations so are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dr. A, Dr. MJ, and Dr. G. I made them each this thank you card to show them my appreciation.

Korea BBQ with Coworkers

2007-09-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

The whole group (I'm behind the camera)

Let's take a photo fob style! Yea!

C and me
OB Beer and Pomegranate alcohol

The people who went to this BBQ were all the smart alecks in the OR so it was of course a riot during our lunch. We were so loud and obnoxious that the waiters had to repeatedly come and shush us. I think it was the alcohol everyone was drinking. That pomegranate alcohol thing was SOOO bitter.12% alcohol. It so nasty. It felt like my esophagus was on fire with my first and only gulp. Eeech! The bestest part of the whole event? Talking to C on the car about anything and everything in my MINI to and from the restaurant.

Watercolor Class #2

2007-09-15T02:26:00.001-07:00

A Gift from Aunt Eileen

2007-09-11T18:29:00.001-07:00

Look what I got for my birthday! Isn't she cute? Her name is Pucca. I'm normally not a big fan of big dangly things on my cell, but for her, OK! Cuz she totally matches my phone (...I just sounded like a super Valley girl now. yikes. Oh well... I'm allowed to have my "like, totally" moments, right?)

Another Year (SIGH!)

2007-09-08T10:29:00.001-07:00

San Diego Weekend - SeaWorld

2007-09-08T10:26:00.001-07:00

Watercoloring class

2007-09-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

~my painting~

~the photograph~

Yesterday was my first watercoloring class. People were so intimidating with their 50 brushes and fancy store-bought palettes while I was there with my pathetic stash of 3 brushes and a disposable lid (AKA, my palette). I was freaking out, "This is supposed to be a beginner's class!!!"

So the teacher did a demonstration and everyone oohed and ahhed and then immediately started to do their own painting. I did some sputtering, "Not even any hand-holding?! What about color theory? and brush techniques?? What am I supposed to do?!?"

Just cuz I was freaking out on the inside doesn't mean I didn't know how to be a poser. I was cool as a cucumber. I told myself, "Ah heck! Why not go nuts?! If I really suck, it's not like I have to come back again." So I acted like everyone else. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? I went nuts with my paint and just let myself go. I didn't even freak when the colors from one pan ran into the adjacent pans. Now THAT'S a big accomplishment for a Virgo perfectionist!

Welps, I had lots of fun and my painting didn't turn out half bad either! Don't ask me how I did it. I don't know either. I was so proud of myself for letting go and leaving that stick that's usually up my butt at home. Lesson learned: Just go with it. Stop trying to control the watercolor. Don't resist the flowing nature of water. Let it do its thing. It will still end up beautiful. Just like life, right?

Getting Dolled Up...

2007-08-27T16:20:00.001-07:00

...for a wedding

L.A. Tofu Festival

2007-08-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Getting Back in Touch With My Scrapbooking Roots

2007-08-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

I quit making scrapbook pages about 2 years ago because it was getting out of hand. It became, "Let's see how many stickers/eyelets/charms/ I can use on this layout today!!" The photos and the stories behind them were being buried underneath the cute little empty decorations. Consumerism was marring a good thing.

But then I saw the delight that danced across my friends' faces when they asked to see my scrapbooks recently. It reminded me of the good things about scrapbooking. It's all about how you approach things. I can get carried away with finding THE perfect matching stickers or I can still really focus on the stories but still have a little artistic fun. It's really still my choice.

So yea, I've recently made a few very simple pages. I like them. I like the clean, simple lines... and I really like that it took me only 10 minutes instead of 2 hours to make one page.

Happy Anniversary to Me!

2007-08-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

This was just a gift tag attached to my (9 year!) anniversary gift for Wesley, but it's my favorite part of the whole thing. I had a lot of fun creating it.

A Day in the Life of Me

2007-06-09T09:30:00.001-07:00

Just like some how some people analyze where their money is going by creating flow charts and exel graphs, I made a 24 hour clock to see where my time is going. Dang work takes up so much of my time!

Lunch at Zephyr Coffee House

2007-05-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

Recent Journal Entries

2007-04-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Top: All of it is true!
Middle: Pretty self explanatory. Go to www.ambientdevices.com to figure out what stock orb is.
Bottom: $20 bill done with a dip pen and some watercolor.

Paul's Serenity Prayer

2007-03-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter that I am Buddhist or that he is Christian. A well written prayer is beautiful no matter what religion it's from. Don't complicate things. Don't concentrate on the potential "conflict of interest." Otherwise, you're missing the whole point -- simple enjoyment of graceful words.

(Words and drawing done with a dip pen.)

I'm Still Around... Just a Lousy Blogger!

2007-03-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

The latest entry in my journal... yea not drawing recently either... jeez... no blog entries, no drawings, what have I been doing??

Do you want to be happy at work?

2006-12-23T23:49:00.000-08:00

No matter what task you are assigned, you should accept it cheerfully. By thinking, “Wow! I have the honor of getting this assignment. They must believe I am capable of handling it,” you will be happy. If you always think, “Why are they making me do this? Why can’t they get somebody else to do it?” you’ll be miserable all day. It’s not the work that will stress you out, but you yourself.

p. 35

I Crack Myself Up

2006-04-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are showing... oh well, it's liberating.

Reject Turtle

2006-04-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

Turtle Update: The turtle's eyes aren't so puffy anymore and he even opens them once in a while. He is eating a lot more now too. I saw him take a chomping bite out of a turtle pellet, but his eye sight is still not fully there so he isn't very accurate in his aim at times. He's so cute!

*Note: "TCHS" stands for the local high school.

EDM Challenge #61: Collection

2006-04-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Accompanying entry: "Clocks, to me, represent the inevitable. Everyday, every single second, a little bit of time slips away and there's nothing we can do about it. They just sit there, those clocks, silently ticking away. Yea, it's kinda morbid, but it's also a constant reminder to spend what precious time we're given wisely... I've noticed that clocks are such slave-drivers. When the hour hand points to a certain number and the minute hand points to another certain number, we automatically go to work, or turn on the TV for our favorite show, or get ready for bed... We seem to be in a constant battle with time. There never seems to be enough of it. Or we're always fighting to stay ahead of it. Funny how we usually end up playing catch-up... Time is just such a cool phenomenon. I don't really want it to control me nor do I want to fight with it. I wonder what it'd be like if no clocks existed. Would my orderly self automatically know when to do what? Or would I find myself with, well, a lot of time on my hand?