Adios 2007, my old friend. I hope I’ll never see some bits of you again.

Contrary to popular belief, this year has been extremely loooooooong. I sincerely can’t wait for it to be over even though that will bring me one step closer to the 3rd decade of my life. But not wanting to sound like an ingrateful... ...Thanks 2007, for all your crap, leading me to my newfound courage within.

I plan to welcome the new year and bid 2007 goodbye in true Vegas style — get monkey-drunk on the Strip, wake up next morning with beautiful strangers strewn all over the bed in a hotel suite in another continent, smiling.

There are BIG plans for 2008, my friends. BIG plans. Big, life-altering, weather-changing, money-cashing, brain-exploding plans installed for myself.

I am planning to be more efficient and stop denying myself of my creativity. The most important thing is to stop telling myself that I can’t achieve certain dreams. I am so stupid. Who am I to tell myself such things? Such a dumbass. Please don’t be such a dumbass to yourself too.

1. I am going to complete a sketchbook every 2 months. I was going to say 1 month but I think I shouldn’t set unrealistic goals. I have plenty of design/café/product-invention ideas swimming around my mind that I say I will jot them down but never. And you know what that means? Every time I forget 1 of those ideas/designs, I lose a chance to be a millionaire. Losing the chance to be a millionaire means I lose the chance to buy my own helicopter. Losing a helicopter means losing the chance to visit the private beach-y Caribbean island I bought for myself for Valentine’s Day. And that means I can’t bring any of you with me neither. That’s awful news for everyone.

2. I am going to master how to create Flash banners…in ACTIONSCRIPT! Some of you might not get what that means. My mom will never understand what that means. But heck! You don’t need to. Just be supportive.

3. All my loved ones are gonna get handmade gifts from me for the whole year. And mind you, they’re much more sincere and challenging than making a trip to the mall. I kick myself for not participating in the Handmade Pledge for X’mas in 2007. So I intend to embark in this ambitious pledge for 2008. If I end up not making the gifts myself, I would kindly acquire them from other artists. No more mass-produced crap from the Mainland! Vintage items and sex toys are rare exceptions. Especially the Canon Rebel DSLR and iMac desktop that I’m aiming for meself.

4. Save money. This is relevant to all the above points (see above). It is interrelated because they all will enrich me in the non-monetary inspirational sort of way and I’ll do away with pointless retail therapy really soon.

5. Focus on all the abovementioned resolutions.

6. Achieve number 5 to make sure I accomplish everything else.

7. Hurt myself really really really bad if I don’t achieve at least 1 point of the points numbered 1—4.

8. Stop eating so much of the MSG-laden Sotong crackers I stumbled upon at the local Asian supermart.

I stop at 8 coz’ it’s an auspicious number.

Happy holidays folks~ See you next year!

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves."

I miss the Christmas-es back home~

2006

2003

"Top Ten Least Popular Holiday TV Specials" - submitted by viewers.
taken from my weekly newsletter from David Letterman's Tonight Show.

10. "Mugging On 34th Street"
- Mike M., Wonder Lake, IL

9. "Gift Wrapping With The Stars"
- TJ L., Racine, WI

8. "Donald Trump's Holiday Combovers"
- Jeffrey W., Roscoe, NY

7. "Hillary Clinton in 'Pantsuits of Christmas Past'"
- James B., Mt. Ida, AR

6. "The 75th Annual Leaving of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Out On The Curb"
- Richard F., Saint Mays, CA

5. "That's Hot: Paris Hilton Tells The Story Of The Yule Log"
- Christine N., Del Mar, CA

4. "Pamela Anderson Celebrates 'The Twelve Days of Marriage"
- Vern P., Gainesville, VA

3. "Larry Craig's Tappin' New Year's Eve"
- Anne S., Seattle, WA

2. "Michael Vick in 'Snoopy's Last Christmas'"
- Greg F., Columbia, SC

1. "Rudolph, The Performance-Enhanced Reindeer"
- Mark L., Kansas City, MO

Have a Jolly one, everyone!

She'd landed! (and some other irrelevant news....)

Welcome to planet earth Yuki-chan~

I've, once again, became a proud Auntie to this pretty little Snowflake who flitter-flattered her way into Japan right in time for X'mas; Thanks to my cousin NHao, who has been working overtime to contribute high quality cuteness to the world!

*clap clap clap*

~~~

Meanwhile I also have been busy baking something in my oven... ...
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Don't faint yet MOM!
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I was talking about cookies lah~ heehee

There's a cookie exchange event in my office organized by a few ladies. So I signed up in hopes of making more friends and most of all... ... IMAGINE ALL THE COOKIES I'LL BE GETTING!!!

But b4 you get the cookies, you have to make some first. I immediately consulted my personal baker and she promptly delivered a fool-proof festive solution — Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookie Bark.

Behold! You'll be witnessing my struggles as a baking fool.

1) Mix the stuff together. easy.
2)Lay the dough on the baking sheet as thin as you can. And this is the first mistake I made by forgetting to use the best tools I have — my Freaking hands. Only until the second batch did I realise and start using the good tool.
3) Put it in the oven.
4) Freshly out of the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips on the surface right away. This is where I made my second mistake on the first batch by forgetting to spread the choc chips and sprinkled away with the peppermint! What a stupid fool!
So I went in later to 'doctor' it.

5) After laying them out for at least 2 hours, Its time to crack and pack. Break the cookies into small pieces that'll fit into the goodie bag.
Of course I disguised the first ugly batch on the lowest layer :) Wahaha

Target store-bought Holly Berry Candy toppings were also used for variety. Nuts, crushed toffee or chopped white chocolate could have been used too. But I didn't think of it earlier.

D'oh!

I carefully packed and styled the cookies bags — making sure they have similiar amount of goodies inside and look perfect from the outside.

6) Step back and admire!


p.s. By the way, the cookies taste a tad too sweet for me personally. But nevertheless good! I hope the cookie ladies enjoyed them!

To get the recipe click here.

have to share!

for those of you who don't know...

It's almost CHRISTMAS!

Well, almost... ...

I hope all of you have read my previous post with the Annual X'mas Grassy Gift List. But most of all, I hope you're going to continue to read this entry.


(You're looking at my insane-in-the-brain wrapping style for this year......like it?)

This is the season to give, but I hope we will not only confine it to just 1 day of the year. Nevertheless, I have compiled another list for your convenience. A lot of you are predicted to be scrambling like the 3 blind mice for suitable presents for your stingy boss, hard-to-manage mother-in-law or maybe your lousy boyfriend. Go ahead and loosen those purse strings. Make a donation for me or someone, instead of buying another watch we don't need. I guarantee you'll sleep better after this too.

This is the ultimate list. Forget the other list. And now that I have done it so beautifully for you, there is no excuse.

(Compiled list for convenience. By no means of favoritism. Find your own charity if not, here.)

American Breast Cancer Foundation

Our mission is to provide women and men in financial need, regardless of age or race, access to breast cancer early diagnosis, to assist patients and their families, and to support research.

A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research

The A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research is a non-profit organization located in Greenwich, Connecticut. Angelo P. John, Sr., a cancer scientist specializing in molecular biology has invested more than forty-five years researching cancer treatment and prevention, founded the Institute in 1978. Our cancer treatment offers healthy opportunities for cancer sufferers.

Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade
The mission of the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade is to raise funds and awareness for advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved.

United Cancer Research Society

SPCA
Singapore SPCA

The two main objectives of the SPCA are:

• to promote kindness to animals and birds
• to prevent cruelty to animals and birds

San Francisco SPCA

The mission of The San Francisco SPCA is to save and protect animals, to provide care and treatment, to advocate for their welfare, and to enhance the human-animal bond.

World Wide Foundation
Mission Statement: To stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:

• conserving the world's biological diversity
• ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable
• promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

Make-A-Wish Foundation Singapore

Mission : Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Singapore Buddhist Welfare Service

Mission:
• To extend social welfare services to the community. • To work together with government and recognised welfare bodies.
• To relieve poverty, sufferings, ignorance or ill health of needy persons.
• To establish institutional care for the needy, aged, children or handicapped.
• To provide facilities to cater to the needs of the residents in neighbouring estates interested in educational and cultural activities.

Autism Association Singapore

Mission: To identify, promote and encourage the treatment, education, welfare and acceptance of persons with autism. Also to watch over, protect and act in the interests of persons with autism and autistic-like features.

Man Fut Tong Nursing Home

Mission: To provide a high standard of medical, nursing, rehabilitative, psychological , social and recreational services for easy integration of the individual into the community.

Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children ages 6 through 18 with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We have volunteer programs in communities across the country — including yours.

Elephant Conservatory Projects

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds and other "pests," and the abuse of backyard dogs.

Thank you!

"I'm at the corner of Walk and Don't Walk...."

Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not going to go back to SG for X'mas and New Year's this year :(

Yes, I am sad too. I'm staying put and was gonna have a quiet & peaceful holiday until the 3 havoc homewreckers decided that they'll be coming. I'm scared. LOL

I realised Vegas is definitely a place where you live and get lotsa home guests. I even had to turn away some for the holidays. Oopsie!

~~~

So during thanksgiving, I took a solo roadtrip down to LA. I don't like the city at all coz' everytime I go there I lose something. This trip is no different either. I don't want to talk about it.

The best thing is I got Mr Big back in my arms (thanks to Mr Y) and met up with my good friends from SF. It was a crazy nonstop 36 hours.

I left Las Vegas at 515AM on thursday morning and reached Newport Beach in 4 hours. Finally met up with Sayaka after like a godzillion years and took a quick nap at Saori's place B4 a Ramen rendezous with Yoshi to pick up Mr Big. Made a shopping quickie @ Huntington Beach with the girls, picked up a lemon pie and had a sweet Thanksgiving bbq back at Saori's place.

Woke up early next morning to drop by Melrose for a business errand and met the rest of the gang for a wonderful lunch @Le Pain Quotidien in healthy organic style. Then I braved through the horrendous LA traffic to rush back to Vegas (5 painful driving hours with shaken-up Mr Big in the backseat) — Cousin Ming is scheduled to arrive at LAS that evening!

We had a BLAST! She unvoluntarily went shopping with me at the Outlet mall but int the end we both went a little crazy at the absurd sales going on. It was so fun to shop with someone (been doing that too long by myself).

I got to show her that Vegas has an awesome natural environment too by going to the Red Rock Canyon just minutes away from my apt. We had good time monkeying around, posing for stupid pictures and harassing the elderly while they're trying to hike(pointing accusingly at her). It started to get really cold and we left for a fabulous Monty Python's Spamalot show at the Wynn. H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S! You guys gotta watch it when you drop by. Then we spent the rest of the evening discovering Wynn over a drink at Parasol Down. Finally. It's my favorite spot on the strip ever.

She had to leave to go back to Skooool on Monday. boo hoo... I felt like her visit was way too short. But I'm glad we are a few more steps closer now and it'll be my turn to visit her New England side of town soon, I hope.

Overall it was an incredible weekend. Now, back to my hermit life.

25 Bad Habits of Graphic Designers

(taken from YTD.com)

1. Taking Constructive Criticism Personally
2. Not Knowing Paula Scher, Milton Glaser, Paul Rand and Friends
3. Not Staying up on Current Events and Design News
4. Not Owning the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook
5. Charging too Little for Design Projects (Amen!)
6. Not Using Contracts to Cover Your Butt
7. Not Setting Deadlines for Projects
8. Doing Spec Based Work (If you like it you can pay)
9. Not Asking for a Down Payment before Starting a Project
10. Using Poorly Designed Fonts from Free Font Sites
11. Using Display Fonts as Text Fonts
12. Using the Comic Sans Font
13. Using too Many Different Fonts in One Design (max is 3 diff fonts on 1 page)
14. Forgetting White Space is your Friend
15. Not Sketching Before Designing
16. Not Using Rulers on Screen
17. Relying Totally on the Computer, Especially for Kerning
18. Using Photoshop Filters After Your First 6 Months
19. Using Low Resolution Web Images for Print
20. Not Designing Logos in Vector Format
21. Making Logos Unable to Reproduce Well Small
22. Forgetting to Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
23. Not Saving Frequently
24. Not Backing up Files on an External Hard Drive
25. Not Getting Enough Sleep! Stop Drinking so much Red Bull! (or coffee or pepsi)

*newsflash*

I just realised something!

One of the annoying mexican twin (the girl) of HEROES is also an actress on X-Men, the one where the metal guy(whatshisname again?) moved the freaking Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz. She has the ability to create massive shockwave. Kinda similiar to her role in Heroes. I guess she has a theme going on.

Just a trivia for ya!

My cherry6

yes, you're looking at my newest toy of the season.

After an excruciating search, I finally found one that I am willing to call *My Very First Car*. It's important, It's the FIRST.

My mom's first car was also a Mazda, that I remember from my childhood. But I've to admit mine is a little flashier. This baby is a 2003 Mazda 6, cherry red (therefore the moniker) with automatic transmission, 2.3 L and essentially, all the bells and whistles.

I got a pretty auspicious license plate number too. Can't display it in case the FBI is looking for me. All I can say is it has 8s' and 6s'.

Gotta go. It's time for a Joyride.
pic taken at Red Rock Canyon with cousin's mighty SLR

We talk too much. Love too little. Lie too often.

One of my all time fav songs is RAIN by Madonna. Sucha heartwrenching liberating song. AH!

And finally, it rained. In the desert.

Oh such a joyous ocassion!

After living here for 1497 hours, at precisely 0908, the first drop of water landed on my windshield. I assured myself it wouldn't rain as I looked up the grey skies just minutes ago. Then again, I've just woken up and am late for an awfully busy friday at work (it was painful). If it rains, it rains, I thought. No biggie. Because now, I have a vehicle. It's job is to transport me to work and shield me. I also realised the rain could also help me wash my car.

Yay for rain!

It didn't get heavier until later in the morning, as I took a special walk out of the building just to breathe in the fresh crisp rain-in-the-air air. Reminded me of my red rainboots that I just gave to my cousin because I thought I won't need them in the desert. Reminded me of the city I just left. Reminded me of those annoying cable car rides that I now miss the most.

And then it just kept on pouring and pouring. After 14 hours of the first drop, I can still hear pitter patter right outside my door.


'Rain is what the thunder brings. For the first time, I can hear my heart sing. Call me a fool but I know I'm not. I'm gonna stand up here on the mountain top till I feel your......'

You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry. You'd better watch out 'coz I'm telling you why...

I'm presenting my Annual X'mas Grassy Gift List (AXGGL... haha)!

It's afterall after Thanksgiving (how was yours BTW? My Thanksgiving post is on its way...) The holiday shopping season has begun.

Just to lessen your burden and help you help me become a happy girl, I've painsakenly put together a cool list of stuff that I would wish to receive.

Although, after experiencing a rather hasty out-of-state move, I think I should have less stuff. Yes, I sincerely do. Maybe if you want to, donate the money to SPCA instead and send me 1 of their stickers. Woof!

And of coz, you're always welcomed to steal these ideas and get them for some other loved one too.

Drum roll please. (not in order of preference)

1. Lumen Oil Lamp Magnolia $48
2. Lace Tape $10
3. Port2Port Press Card Society 3 month subscription $48
(I was a member so I can vouch for the quality + beauty...)
4. Melamine Ladybug Tray by Shinzi Katoh $28
5. Tord Boontje Book $50 (latest update: Ms TYY's gifting this to me! Shanks...)
6. Alexander Girard Designs for Herman Miller Book $33
7. The Small Object ABC Stamp Chart $17
8. Stump box $32
9. Valentino Rock 'N Rose $40 - $80

10. Adidas Day Of The Dead Tee $28
11. Mike & Chris Hugh Motorcycle black leather hoodie XS $893
12. Bellagio Spa Journey Package $370

• Enjoy a 25-minute Indian Head Massage session.
• Followed by our 70-minute Thai Yoga Massage.
• End with a moisturising parafin hand and foot treatment.
• While in the Meditation Room, you will receive a complimentary beverage and enjoy a Spa Light lunch.
• Duration: 150 minutes
  

13. DeMotivators' & Subtexts' Tee $15.95 (a real pessimist's fashion sense)
14. 415 Area Code Gold Bracelet $117 (Represent!)
15. iPod classic 160GB $349
16. Kor Water Flask $30

17. Roost Glass Museum Dome and Base $60-$100
18. Dean & Deluca Shortbread Collection $48
19. BlaBla Andiamo Dog Doll $41 (and you thought I'm over plushies toys already)

20. Macarune Cupcakes & Macarons (SF only, click here for more ordering info)

Some stuff to share, no cupcakes though!

I am sure no one in the World can resist or reject when offered an cupcake.

I am kinda addicted to one. I am kinda craving one now, actually, writing this. BUT it's 11+PM, I think I won't be able to fulfil this dream tonight.

So moving away from SF, away from my private baker, away from my fav. bakery Miette, I have yet to find happinesscupcakes. I need to correct myself. I meant GREAT cupcakes. AWESOME ORGASMIC cupcakes. Cupcakes that make me smile in my sleep.

I made an impromptu stop to Cupcake Lane Bakery one afternoon in the middle of work just because. My new colleagues told me about that place during lunch and made my salad taste like desert sand. Couldn't stop thinking about it for the next 30 mins, so I told my boss I am making a cupcake run (offering to get him one made it easier to for him to just smile and say OK).
I tried to wait til tea time but what to do? Gobble Gobble.

Guess what. It ain't that good afterall. So I was a teeny bit disappointed, but nevertheless a little bit more satisfied than no cupcake at all.

Why? It was a little too sweet. And that did it for me. I am just so picky. what to do. what to do.

On the upside, I heard there is one more better bakery call Cupcakery in Henderson(SE of Vegas). Think I heard that they're opening a store at my side of town....I'm waiting....

In other fun-er news, check out who was driving in front of me one sunny fine day.

Pardon the awkward reflection of my FIERCE dashboard. I took the photo with haste. And no! I didn't drive next to it and wink. The driver was an elder lady :( There goes another Hope for Prince Charming.

My pink hotness!

I know you likey!

I know I'm vain!

But I've got nothing better to do last Sunday!

I've rarely anything pink except for some pens, a capri shorts (really light dirty pink), a *The Killers* concert tee and the pair of cute smiley cheeks on my face (anything from the age of 0-10 doesn't count). But I had this longing forever — strawberry streaks on my hair. True, this is kinda a deep shade of pinkness but like all the most passionate passion, it will fade with time into the actual lighter strawberry shades and then blonde, which I totally will love too. So it's a win-win-win situation for me.

Let's party!

update: I went to salon lah~

Sew me sew you

Feed your child's (or fav friend's!) need to create with this adorable Singer Antique Sewing Machine! This Singer battery operated chain stitch sewing machine for children produces a neat chainstitch, has a working light, tension dial, foot pedal, and storage compartment! Includes a sewing basket filled with a tape measure, scissors, needle threader, pincushion and four filled bobbins. Battery requirements: 2 x 'C' OR LR14 batteries (not included). Age: 6+

6-3/4"H x 9"W x 3-1/2"

More info here.

This song/tv commercial can't escape my mind.

I swear I'm a fan of Dentyne Ice Artic Chill long BEFORE this commercial. The song is: Stuttering by Bens Brother.

le sigh... ...

Sneak Peek!

I'm still trying to get it together and make it a cozy nest. But the TV has been calling to me ever too often, so I think I've created a dent on my couch for sitting too long on the same spot. I swear I will need just maybe one, or two more weekends and it should be done.

Meanwhile... ...

Left: Overflowing spinal bookshelf topped with my 70s' polariod camera. Right: My Alameda-fair-found white bookcase, a vintage globe from Goodwill eons ago (Russia was still USSR), some Xs' from my collection, childhood pics + the box containing the Macarune bracelet from D.

& a new addition to the family - Peace Lily, let's call her Lily for short. Monsier Gnome finally have a new best friend/home. On the right is the cute kid's garden spade I got from Target for $1.99 (Lily usually sleeps in the Living room but she's having her weekend tanning sessions on the balcony. (yes, I have a balcony!))

p.s. People, you gotta continue blogging... ...no excuses! You know who you are! tsk tsk.

Atlas

This is ATLAS. A cool skater boy named Ryen with big big dreams opened its doors earlier this year at San Mateo, CA selling funky skateboards, limited-edition shoes and awesome tees. The skater boy happens to be my college-mate. I am so proud of him.

Click here.


I've bought one of my fav tees from him. Will post it when I take a pic.

Asus Bamboo EcoBook Laptop

Pictures *borrowed* from Gizmodo.com
This is real cool. Made of Bamboo, a very popular substainable choice of materials nowadays. For my future home, I'll probably lay stained Bamboo on my floors too.

MMMmmmmm does this mean that i am switching over to Windows anytime soon? Er... ...Hell no.