Late Sleeper

I find that I am most active at night, so I often do not go to bed at a normal time. Because the jobs I have had didn't require me to get there early, I have never been forced to sleep at a decent hour. Don't even get me started on having morning classes. I don't even remember what my name is in the morning, so you can imagine how intelligent I am when I first wake up, so I avoid taking morning class.

I find that my mind is most active at night. I stay up late at night because if I try to sleep I end up thinking about all of my troubles., and start to get really stress out. I think I reflect a lot at night, so I tend to try to distract myself by watching something on my computer or reading or painting my nails.

I never understood how people who could go to bed at 10pm and wake up 7am in the morning. I guess it would make sense to sleep when the sun is down and wake up with the sun is up, but it's so hard for me. I honestly can't open my eyes most mornings. Maybe it's habit I should start to develop.

Snug as a Bug

I live in house that is somewhat big. It's not a huge house or anything, but we do have some spare rooms in our house. Because most of our house is empty, and we have tiled floors (Help me, I hate how terribly cold it gets!) our house is always COLD. I'm also convinced that it is not insulated because I can always feel a draft. (Maybe I have been a little too obsessed with the show, Property Brothers and am convinced that I know everything about homes now.)

The worst part is that we don't have a heater. It's usually as cold inside of the house as it is outside. Can you imagine my horror? We don't get the luxuries of having a heater because we are not well to do. Oh goodness gracious, I just want to sit in an oven to warm up.

I do have a solution/ritual I do each night though. Before bed I make sure to take a really hot shower, and then run to my bed. Once I am nice comfortable on my bed, I pile on tons of pillows and blankets where I end up making a fortress for myself. I found this to be the only solution to keeping myself warm.

Sometimes when it's too cold, I will wake up in the middle of night with cold feet and hands. I would then have to proceed to take a "mini shower" where I will just run hot water over my cold body parts for a few minutes until I'm warm again. It's terrible, but I make do.

I laugh thinking about the things I have to do during the winter, but I remember how much I love the tile floors during the summer. Which then explains my love of summer... it's just so much more tolerable living in my house during the summer. I'm just so envious of the people living in Hawaii where their weather is always warm.

Smells

Most of you know this, but I thought I'd share it again. When I was much younger (during high school), I worked at a movie theater for a year. I spent most of my time as a box office cashier, but I started off working at the concession and ushering.

It was a great high school job. I was working with my friends, I watched a ton (I think I watched everything that year) of movies, and it was an easy job. I still go to that theater to watch movies from this day. I love watching movies, and it's a;ways a treat for me.

As much as I didn't mind working there, I did leave traumatized by one thing... the smell of popcorn. I remember how terrible it smelled on a warm summer day or what it smelled like mixed with the smell of trash as I was cleaning theaters. I wasn't fond of popcorn even before I worked there, but it became so disgusting to me that I cringe whenever I smell it today. I actually get headaches when someone is eating popcorn next to me. I hate the smell that much. Don't even get me started on the taste... IT'S TASTELESS AND IT STICKS TO YOUR TEETH! Who would enjoy such things?!

As passionately as I hate the smell of popcorn, there is a smell I absolutely adore. I love the smell of fresh clean laundry. I love pulling my clothes out of the dryer while it's still warm and taking a big sniff. It's pure heaven.

To be specific, I love Tide the detergent. It is simply my favorite smell in the world, and I wish I could bottle it up as a perfume and lather it all over myself. I get excited to wash my sheets because there is no better feeling that sleeping on crisp clean sheets. Is it weird that I am obsessed with clean crisp sheets? Maybe crisp isn't the right word, but I love it when it's straight and taunt against be mattress. I hate when the sheets begin to pull away from the mattress, and it's a big sloppy mess. It's one of my simple joys in life... a clean bed.

Actually now that I think about it. I love the smell of clean things. I love the smell of dish soap, the lemony scent of soap I use to mop the floors, and body wash. Oh boy, why don't I just say that I like soap of all kinds?

I realize this is a random post, but I had to express how I am enjoying laying on my clean sheets. :)

Perfectionist

I am not artistic in any way. I can't draw anything worth anything, but I decided to take a water coloring class this semester. I figured it'd be easy peasey, and that the teacher would grade me on effort. Isn't that how you grade art (how naive of me)?

I have been getting good grades for the last few years, and it was important to me to keep continuing that. I know I won't do well in every class I take, but I want to keep up my streak for as long as I could.

Half way through the semester, I was having anxiety about the class. What?! I am being graded on skill? What?! It's not always about effort? What?! I am not getting perfect grades? You can imagine my distress. The students in my class were art majors, and I definitely did not have their eye or skill for art. For a little while my life was over (dramatic much?), but I soon accepted it. I convinced myself the world wouldn't end. I would be fine.

My final painting turned out very well, and all that struggle during the semester paid off. I finally learned a little something. I finally understood glazing, salting, lifting, and all the other watercolor terms and techniques. I was finally happy about a painting I created.

And that led to the best part of art class... I got that A! :D

Looking Back

Most of you know that I'm generally happy and loud. I love everyone in my life, and I love talking to them. Put me in a different environment, and I am completely introverted. If someone wanted to talk to me, they would have to make the effort to talk to me. I'm not a mean person, I am just awkward.

A few years ago, I took a speech class. I remember dreading that class. I really did not want to make any speeches, and it gives me that terrible feeling that you would usually feel when something terrible is happening whenever I think about making a public speech.

I expected to hate the class, but I ended up loving it. Looking back, I know it's because I had a teacher that was very understanding and fun. She made speaking in front of the class painless, and I actually learned a lot about myself. I became a better communicator, and learned what was appropriate to say in different situations.

I am the type of person who looks up the reviews of teachers before I take the class, so I often get classes that aren't too terrible, but are also not too memorable. I usually never remember the teacher after I have completed the class, but I actually remember my speech teacher, and a lot of the conversations we had. (and believe me... not many teachers have inspired me.) Ms. Hondo was a brilliant teacher, and she took the time to ask me about my yoga class (she saw my mat) every week, we chatted about what we looked for in guys, and I can still hear her laugh.

A few months ago I found out she died, and I was horrified. She was barely 39, and had two daughters that she would always speak so lovingly of. I thought with time that I would be ok with it, but I never was. My art class is right next to her old classroom, and I used to peak in there to see if she was there before I found out about her death. (If you must know how she died, you can look up Kesha Hondo)

Someone else I was very fond of died a few years ago, and I am often sad thinking about how much of an impact they had on me, but how I don't think they ever knew it. Maybe I'm feeling especially sentimental right now. Every time I think of them, I say a little prayer.

Current Music

I have no idea why but I am currently obsessed with the song 'Not Over You' by Gavin DeGraw. I don't even know why I like it so much. I certainly do not relate to the song at the moment, and I certainly do not like depressing songs.

Maybe I like it because it's catchy. Maybe it's something we all have gone through, and I understand his message. Maybe I am feeling gloomy this past week. Maybe there is just no real reason why I like the song... it just sounds nice.

Whatever the reason, whenever it comes on the radio I feel the need to sing along (off key of course), and tell who ever is in my car that I love the song. Gavin DeGraw is just so eloquent with his lyrics, and it speaks to me.

This post has nothing to do with anything, but I thought I'd share what I was currently listening to. :)

Black Friday

I think I go to Black Friday every year out of habit. I don't have to have any money or need anything to buy for me to go. I just like to see the bargains. Maybe I just really enjoy window shopping.

I thought the crowds would not be so crazy because all the stores where opening a midnight Thanksgiving night. Even the mall next my house was opening at midnight! I just assumed the stores wouldn't be so crowded since the deals weren't that great, and many of the stores were open early.

The lines at my local Target was never ending. It wrapped around the whole building to the back alley. Once you entered the store, you were still not able to move around. It was madness. I went to mall at around 1:30 am and spent half an hour looking for a parking spot. I didn't know so many people were willing to stay up to shop in the middle of the night.

I did score some great deals on jeans. I was on my last two pairs, so it was really urgent that I find some to restock. I was good at resisting everything else. I didn't want to buy something just because I felt it was cheap.

Black Friday was crazier than ever (even though I don't think the deals are that great), but I still enjoy going to them. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for everything in my life, even the small things. I am truly blessed to have the best loved ones in my life. Every person that spends any time with me is truly important to me. Whether it's that someone who lives in another state, that someone who gushes with me about Korean dramas, that someone who makes sure I take my medicine when I am sick, or that someone who comes along with me whenever I have a craving for sushi. I love you all very much.

I have had a few really rough patches this year, but I am really thankful that it is not worse. I have a home that covers my head, a car that functions, a collection of nail polishes, and a shelves of books to read. I am blessed for every small thing in my life. I know I have much more than millions of people in the world. I really am not lacking of anything.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday with the people you love most. I am grateful for you, and I hope you know it. :)

Auto Show

I usually go to the LA Auto Show with my brother every year so we can look to see what cars are out in the market.

Yes, I like cars. It's because I grew up with a brother who is very passionate about cars, and it rubbed off onto me. I can fix all the minor things in my car. I can change spark plugs, batteries, oil, etc. It surprises me how people do not regularly maintain their car. I know it's because of ignorance, but it really makes me crazy when people don't take of their car, and then wonder why it's not working. Having a car is like having a child or pet... it takes a lot of work.

This year was a lot of fun for me. I missed out on last year's show (I have been going for the last 4 years before that.), and I missed out on everything. It's amazing to see what kinds of cars are being marketed now. Every company has a hybrid because it's the latest crave. I am all for saving the environment, but those cars aren't what makes my heart skip a beat.

My brother has car magazines all over the house (there are a lot of amazing free magazines out there in the world!), and I was reading an article in Motor Trend about their SUV of the year. I have always been a HUGE fan of Range Rovers, but $90,000 is a bit (or a lot!) out of my price range. When I saw that their Evoque had won SUV of the year, I was hooked. I found out it's a cheaper, but it's a better version of their most popular vehicle. I was in love. I had to see it in person.

Luckily for me, the car had just been released, and was available for my viewing pleasure at the auto show. How my heart plitter plattered when I laid eyes on it. Have you ever felt a bond to something that wasn't human? I have always appreciated cars, but this one my calling out to me. In my mind I was already calculating how I would get my hands on it someday... I told myself I would give up vacations... give up food (Now you can tell I was madly in love because I SIMPLY LOVE food. Obsessed, really...), and how I would look so cool riding it. Hahaha. Don't judge me, I'm a dreamer. I am serious when I say it was one of the most popular car at the show. I had to actually wait in line to sit in it.

There were a lot of amazing and innovated cars at the shows. I noticed the trend in car companies making smaller compact cars, and creating fuel efficient cars, It was a lot of fun to see everything, and of course pretend that I could afford them all. Cars is another random thing that I enjoy even though I am not obsessed. It's just another way to bond with my brother. :)

Art Classes

I have been completely out of it the last few days. I was recovering from a cold, and now I am slammed with it again. I can't get a break really. I feel like I spent the last month already being sick, and it isn't even winter yet. Oh dear, I really hate the colder seasons. Bring me sunshine!

I don't know what compelled me to take an art class, but it has been kicking my butt. I can't draw an apple for the life of me. I can't mix colors or do anything artistic for that matter. Good thing our grade isn't based on how well we draw.

Being sick doesn't help the matter. I am not allowed to come to class anytime I am sick. Our teacher will tell us nicely to leave if we so much as cough. You can imagine how often I am able to come to class since I am constantly sick.

Even though I am never going to be a good artist, I am having fun. It's amazing how 5 hours will pass if you are focused on something. As much as I complain about it, I am glad that I took the class. It's interesting and it gives me an appreciation for watercolor. I love how watercolor paint doesn't smell, and it's beautiful when someone knows what they are doing. It's harder than what I ever expected. I just hope I'll still get an A. :)

Living on lots of Prayers

I have been really a downer lately. I have noticed that my blog posting has gotten a lot more depressing over the years, and I apologize. I don't mean to be, but growing up has been so hard.

I had more devastating news this week. My parents employer think my parents are too old, and we have a feeling it's only a matter of time when they will be let go. It's not paranoia... it's a fact, and it is something that I am not really ready to deal with.

I know that I should have a fabulous job by now, and should have retired my parents a long time ago. I'm in my mid 20s for goodness sake, but at the same time I feel cheated. My mother was almost 40 when she had me, and it has forced me to grow up that much faster. She's elderly now, and shouldn't be having to work, but my brother and I are not prepared to take care of them yet. It puts my brother and I in a hard position. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I love my mother and father, and I wish they had me younger so I could have more time with them. I just don't know what I should do to take care of them.

The only thing that is keeping me sane is optimism. I am hopeful a solution will appear or that I will be presented with a job opportunity. It has to work out. I know it will, but it has been extremely stressful to be in this position. I am literally living on prayers. :)

As Sick as I can be

*Achoooooooooo* Excuse me. I have been feeling a little bit sick the last few days. I felt the stuffiness of my nose, and I was frequently sneezing, but I had thought it would go away with time. I had those little symptoms for the last few days, but I had ignored them.

Now there's a tickle in my throat, and I can't stop coughing or wiping my nose. Oh dear, I hate when I am sick. I always feel so fatigued, and I can never get anything done. Maybe that's an excuse to stay in bed and read. That could be a relaxing Saturday, but I have so much to do. Taking my mother to the dentist, and tons of chores and homework. Speaking of taking my mother to the dentist, I should be asleep. Her appointment it at 8am, and I don't want to not be able to get out of bed tomorrow morning.

I am currently amused with this "Where is Waldo?" postcard book that I have had for awhile. Is it weird to spend hours looking for Waldo, and being blissfully happy doing it? I can explain my childlike nature... It's from my dad. He still loves watching Tom and Jerry every night before he goes to bed, and he's almost 60. It's no wonder my brother and I are still childlike. :)

Lots of Dreams

I am a daydreamer. I always have crazy day dreams too. Sometime they are incredibly unrealistic, but they always get me through the day. I think it's a coping mechanism for me when I am really stressed out. Instead of dooming myself, I daydream.

Sometimes my dreams are fantasies. I like to think about what I would do if I won the lottery. All the trips I'd go on. All the food I would eat. All the stress I wouldn't have. I think it's really important to me not to try not to be so financially stressed out in the future. I don't want to have to have a lot of debt, and be financially unstable. That's scary.

A lot of times, my dreams are more reasonable. I dream about my perfect job, and how I would love to go to work. I dream about being able to take care of my parents, and how they will play with their grandchildren. As much as I would love to be rich, all I really want is be comfortable with my family.

Maybe I am too much of a dreamer and am unrealistic, but it's what gives me hope about my future. It's a scary time right now with the economy. I want sometime to look forward to so I won't freak out. :)

Simple Pleasures

I've been busy with school, with life, with maintaining my home, with a bunch of other things that I didn't have any time to sit around and read a book. I remember I used to spend all my free time reading, and that I would always lose sleep because I could never put a good book down. (I have a problem with self control.) I have not read a book in such a long time that I forgot how much pleasure I get from reading.

I took my mother to dentist today, and I knew it would take awhile. I wanted to bring my textbook to study, but figured it would be too bulky. I decided to grab a book that someone gave me to read. I figured I'd enjoy something fun to read.

The book was good enough for me not to put down. After I spent the day doing all of my errands and chore, I read until I finished the book. I cried when I was reading the book. When was the last time that happened? I forgot how much I loved to read, and how it felt to read a good book. I enjoyed it so much that I spent the rest of the day reading other books that I have been meaning to read. Oh simple pleasures...

Speaking of simple pleasures... Remember how I told you I love the show Property Brothers? I have a major celebrity crush on the Scott twins, and decided to write a message to them, and they wrote back. Oh how that made me swoon. I love it when people aren't too cool to answer your messages. I now have an even greater adoration for them. :)

Reality Television

I don't know why or when or even how this happened, but I am obsessed with home shows now. I have no fashion sense, I wear t-shirts and jeans everyday, My house is not modern or fashionable at all, and I don't know anything about homes.

But... I have been obsessed with Property Brothers. It's basically a show about two brothers who help people buy fixer uppers and transform those homes into their dream homes.

I watch a lot of home shows, and I usually laugh at what the designers come up with. Flower prints on walls? No thanks. Lime green walls? Ummm... way too bright. When I watch Property Brothers, I can't help but feel I want that home! I love their designs, and I feel like they are so clever. The people who buys these homes are so demanding and annoying. It's like I love to hate these people. I want to be on their show! Anyone have lots of money to give me?

Don't get me started on reality television. I can watch it for HOURS, and be so glued to the t.v. I watch cooking competitions, I watch Pawn Stars, I watch so many useless things when I have the time. I am just an addict.

I try to limit myself, but when I think about it... I watch a few hours a week. Help me! I should be studying! Haha

Happy Birthday, Mama!

It's my mama's 61st birthday today. I cry when I think about how old she is. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against old people. I think I actually get along with them better than people my own age. It's just that I know she's getting older... Does that make any sense? It's like I see how weak she is getting, and I fear that someday she won't be with me anymore. That would be terrible. I get teary eyed every time I think about, so we won't... It is her birthday after all!

We had an interesting day yesterday as we (my brother and I) took her to the dentist. Today will be great though! I'm going to buy her all of her favorite foods, and we'll eat til we can't anymore. :)

Happy birthday, Mommy. I know you won't read this, but I had to tell the world how much you mean to me. I love you.

Currently, I am...

In a jumble state of mixed emotions. I don't know if I'm stressed, excited or simply have gone crazy. That last sentence doesn't even make any sense, but I feel like I don't make any sense most of the time.

I worry too much. I know that I am always in a constant state of worry. I worry if I have enough money to get through the month. I worry if I'm going to get an A on an assignment because I am obsessed with getting a good grade. I worry about things that haven't even happened. I know I over think, but it's hard for me not to.

I'm really enjoying my Anthropology classes. It's exciting to learn about people. Is that weird to say? I just love learning about people's struggles. (Not that I want them to struggle. I just love learning about cultures. It makes me cry. It makes me deeply sad. It makes me want to make a change. It something that is constantly on my mind. I imagine myself living in impoverish conditions, and I think. I want to go there. Sometimes I feel an urge to join the peace corp.

Halloween is around the corner, and I have been going to these Halloween mazes that has been scaring me to the point of tears. I give in to peer pressure to easily, and am forced to go through mazes with creepy monsters/ghost/deformed humans chasing me. I think I scream at least three times for every 5 minute maze.

I have lots of crazy thoughts in my head. I really have become a daydreamer lately. It keeps me happy when I think about all the places where I will travel to or all the food I'll get to experience someday. Oh happy thoughts keeps me happy. :)

Television

I'm pretty excited... all of my favorite shows are coming back on television for the Fall season. That may mean a lot of time will be wasted on watching television, but the shows are oh-so-good!

I already have my line up for the week. On Mondays I'm watching How I Met Your Mother, and I am going to try out a few episode of Two and a Half Men. Tuesdays are for Glee. Wednesdays are for Modern Family, and Thursday are for The Big Bang Theory and Bones (when it comes back in November).

There are a lot of new shows coming out, but I fear I will be addicted to new shows, so I think I will resist unless someone tells me otherwise.

Oh, I can already see the lazy nights watching television. Don't worry, I'm going to exercise too so I don't become a total couch potato. :)

Modern Toilet

(Imagine taken from spotcoolstuff.com)

I love food. I am the first to admit that I may love it a little to much. All it takes is some good food to make me extremely happy. There is something about eating a bowl of curry or a nice cup of ice cream. I love trying foods from different culture, and probably spend a great deal of time thinking about what my next meal should be. I love food so much that I even love to watch food related television shows.

I was watching a program last night, and saw something that made me cringe, but at the same time fascinated me. There is a restaurant in Taiwan that is themed after the restroom. All the food is served in a toilet theme dishware.

For example there is a chocolate swirl of ice cream served in a squatting toilet (those toilets are popular in Asia. I remember using them as a little girl.). There are stews and curry served in toilet looking bowls. Drinks are served in urinal shaped cups. The chairs you sit on are toilets, and the tables are sinks with glass over it.

I believe that I would be too mentally disturbed to eat at such a place, but at the same time I am intrigued. Would this be too gross for me or would I have a laugh while I am eating my chunky curry (that looks too much like diarrhea)?

I just don't know what to think, but I think it's a clever idea for a restaurant. People like strange and crazy things, and as much as I do not want to think about poo while I'm eating... I think even I am willing to try it.

Hair Cut

I have been trying to grow out my hair for the last year, so that I could donate it. The problem with that is that I never brush my hair, and it had became a huge mess. It was so messy that I would have to rip out knots. It's hard to brush my hair because I permed it. Every time I brush my hair, it would become a big frizzy mess, so I tend to not brush my hair.

Another problem was in order to donate my hair, I must not have layered hair because they cannot make a wig with uneven hair lengths (which is what I had). So I asked my mom to even out my hair.

My mother cut a large chunk of hair, and now I have pretty short hair. (It's pretty short... not that it's pretty. Although I kind of like it.) I like having shorter hair (less shampoo, less tangles, less fuss), but now it's going to take longer to grow out my hair.

It looks like it'll take me at least another year to grow out my hair to the desired length for donating. At least now I can take care of my hair, and not leave it as a big mess. :)

Side note: Today is the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I pray for the victims and the survivors. It was a terrible time, and I know it will take a long time for the United States to recover.

Heat Wave

I know I often complain about the weather, but it has been over 100 degrees in the last few days, and I am at my limit. Goodness gracious, it is hot. I just want to lie on my tile floor all day, and drink something frozen.

It's impossible to wake up in the morning without a layer of sweat dripping off of me. It's extremely hot at night, and I often wake up in the middle of the night to sit next to the fan.

I find that I am extremely lazy when it's this hot. I have spent a large chunk of time watching home makeovers. I am surprised to find myself enjoying the shows as I lack a sense of good fashion. I think rather than liking what I see on television, I like to see what crazy things people would actually put in their home. I would never put a giant hand couch thing in my house, and it surprises how many people actually would like that. I guess I really am not fashionable. ;)

Because it has been so hot, I have had to expand my cooking skills. No one wants hot soup when it's 103 degrees out, so I have learned to make things like cold noodles for my family. I'm not sure if I am getting better at cooking, but I am glad my family eats my cooking without complaining too much.

I seriously just hope the weather cools down soon before I loose my marbles. It's hard to do anything productive when you are sweating buckets, and can't move without your clothes sticking to you. It makes me extremely cranky.

September, Already?

Wow, so much time has passed since I last posted anything, but at the same time... I feel like no time has passed at all. Could it already be September? I am not prepared for summer to end. I still crave the sunshine and beach days, and am in no shape or form ready to give it all up.

I am currently taking a watercolor class. I know that I lack any artistic ability, but I thought it would be fun to try. To be honest, I have way to much fun shopping for art supplies. I don't know what it is. I like looking at everything... even the things that I have no idea what it is used for. Maybe I enjoy shopping too much. I don't know what it is, but it's exciting to be in an art store. I hope it becomes a regular hobby because I find myself enjoying it. (Not that we have done much yet.)

A lot of times I look back on my life, and wonder how I haven't really changed much in the last few years. I don't think this is necessarily a good thing, as I should be maturing with time. (Hahaha.) But then I often think... maybe I have changed a great deal. I realize I am contradicting myself, and I do not mean to. I just feel like I am not spending enough time improving myself, but rather I am becoming more set in my ways. I don't know whether this is good or bad. Maybe I am over thinking it, and it is just how it is. But shouldn't I be throwing myself out there to hopefully discover who I really am, and what I really want in life? I know what I want to major in, but I often wonder what I am going to do with that when I am done? It's hard to imagine what my life will be like when I get my career... if I can ever figure out what I will be doing.

What scares me is the unknown. Who will I be 10 years from now? If I feel like I haven't really achieved much in the last decade of my life, where will I be 10 years from now? I realize that many people think about this, and I am not alone in feeling this way. I am just plagued with the idea that I may become a bum someday. Hahahahaha. Time is hard, and the recession scares me.

Well, I went off tangent...

Anyways, I can't believe that it's almost the holidays. First one coming is obviously Labor day, but Halloween is around the corner. I think I'll be Katniss (from a book called The Hunger Games) for Halloween. It'll be so easy... I already have brown pants, a green shirt, and a black jacket. I can't wait for the movie to come out next year! :)

School, School, School

The hottest days of summer are here, and I am stuck in school. How unfortunate! I want to be free, and have lazy days at the beach, but I guess I shouldn't complain.

I'm taking a lot of academic classes, and am worried that I won't be able to do as well as I want to. I want great grades, but I feel like I get stressed easily, and I get easily overwhelmed. Oh well, it is what it is.

I decided to take a fun class this fall. I have no artistic skills, but I thought a watercolor class would be fun. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into, and that watercolor is a bit unforgiving as in you can't really make mistakes. We'll see how long I survive.

I wish I had more time to do more things this summer, but I really didn't have the time or the money to go on as many adventures as I would have liked. There's always next year, but I always feel that little tug to go somewhere far.

Oh my goodness it's hot. It's midnight, and I am sweating buckets. I shouldn't speak ill of summer though. Winter will come, and then you will hear me groan. How I hate the cold.

Oh school, please be kind to me this semester.

Katy Perry

I have a guilty pleasure. Countless people have already teased me about it, and I know many of you are questioning my taste right now. I know, I know... but I can't help it.

I have a confession.

I really enjoy listening to... Katy Perry, and am amused by all of her music. It wasn't always like this... I used to think she was ridiculous, but then I couldn't resist the catchy tunes, and I soon became hooked.

I like her enough to go to one of her concerts, and it was extremely cute. She had tons of outfits, and she even had a story line. I had a lot of fun, and want to continue going to her concerts.

Don't judge me.

The stadium smelled like candy, and it was even candy themed! I've never been to a concert that had a theme, and I have been to many concerts. It was like a musical, but with candy! How could I not like it?

Concerts are so much fun, and I want to go to so many more. Over the years I have gone to countless rock concerts, and even free ones that they do for show tapings or other random things. I think I'm going to look for those free concerts. :)

School Supplies

I love the start of the school year where all the school supplies go on sale. I love looking at the aisles of pens, markers, paper, and tape. I love seeing crayons go on sale for 20 cents, and pens for ridiculous prices. It's even more fabulous when you find a coupon that makes your purchases free.

It's exciting for me to pick out what my new notebook will be, and see all the adorable lunch pails. I want everything! (I love it even more when all the school things go on clearance.)

Can fall be around the corner already? Is this warm weather going to leave me? Don't go... I love you too much for you to leave me.

What am I going to learn this year? What will my new environment be like? Will I regret ever being excited to start school again? Am I going to fall asleep in my classes (which is what happens to me most of the time) and wake up in the middle of it only to be embarrassed?

Maybe I like shopping so much that any excuse to buy anything is exciting for me... Oh how I wish I could afford a new wardrobe too! Oh, and maybe a nice new iPad. Ha... my wants are a mile long. ;)

Food that makes my Heart Sing...

Why do I have strange cravings sometimes? Sometime I have a craving for a cream mitsumame... like right now(which makes sense because it's hot), but sometimes I have a terrible craving for french fries and a chocolate frosty (not to be eaten together... I just take one bite of each at a time.). There are even times when I crave hot soup when it's 100 degrees outside.

My brother just showed me a cheap (but amazing) udon place that just opened in our local Japanese market. I seriously can't get enough of that stuff. It's like crack cocaine to me. I think I make my brother go on a weekly basis because you really can't beat a $4 bowl of udon. :)

I must be feeling nostalgic because I now have a craving for mac and cheese. I don't even know where the craving is coming from because I barely eat that. Doesn't it sound yummy right now? And a cold mango for dessert! (I say that because I have the yummiest mangos in the fridge right now.)

OHHHHHHH! Indian food sounds good too. Gimme garlic naan! Sigh... I need to stop thinking about food. It's getting late, and it's almost bed time. Oh dear, I'll probably dream about food tonight. ;)

Hopes and Dreams

I have so many plans when it comes to transfering (schools). I want to study abroad... maybe Europe, maybe South America (I wish I could do South Africa, but that cost A LOT of money.)

I can't wait to only take classes of things I am interested in, and not a general education class. I wanna learn about evolution, the Earth through time, and actually go out there and see it in person.

That's what gets me through the day when I am having a hard day at work. Someday, I'll be the person who spends $1,600 on worthless things (or not... my heart will not be able to bare spending that much). I'll be the person telling the cashier that things will get better.

Oh goody, who thought 25 was old? I just took a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time to grow up (not that I am yet), and find what makes my heart happy. Isn't that what life is about? Doing what makes you happy?

Lazy Days

I had a few days off, and so I was as unproductive as I could be. I watched Korean dramas for hours, slept in, and ate at odd hours of the day.

It has been really nice to do nothing for a few days. I think that sometimes I just get bored of my routine, and I crave days where I can do nothing. Some people get bored when they have no plans or places to be, but I thrive on it. Of course I couldn't (or could I?) do it everyday, but it's nice to do when you are burned out.

Korean dramas are a terrible influence on me. It makes me want to travel all over, eat everything, and have a ridiculous standard for how people should behave. What? Isn't it normal to have a guy carry you down the street when you are tired?

I did get to watch the finals for the World Cup (Japan won), and watch the final installment of Harry Potter. How I grieve that it's now all over. What will I look forward to now? Oh I know! The Hunger Games!

My work schedule is back to taking over all my free time, and I'm looking forward to going back to school. I don't usually look forward to going back to school, but at this point... anything is more fun than work. Haha.

Hopefully I'll get more lazy days soon. :D

Shopping Spree

I feel like I am really obsessed with Target. I buy something from that store almost every other day.

I've learned to be a coupon carrying crazy shopper. Mind you, I am not one of those extreme coupon people that you see on television. I just like buying everything on sale. I've learned to not want to buy anything that is retail price. It's almost painful when I have to.

I use a coupon for everything. From cheese to medicine. I'm even tempted to buy a coupon organizer, but I don't want people to judge me. But it would be so convenient... I can already see all of you rolling your eyes. Haha.

It may sound weird, but I am learning how to shop by watching others do it. It's impressive when you see someone buy a cartful of things for under $20 or $30. It makes you feel like you have been ripped off all your life or that you are completely silly. It's just so easy to save...and their website even has lots of store coupons.

Maybe I'm not actually saving any money. I am just shopping more often, so it could even be that I am spending more. I wouldn't be surprised because I am a bit of a hoarder... Oh dear, maybe I should forbid myself to shop for the next week. I'm sure I have enough toiler paper to last me for years. I have more than enough cereal, and I should be saving. :)

Soccer Fever!

USA! USA! USA! USA!

It's the women's World Cup, and I am so excited to have a team that is in the finals again. I remember there was a time when Mia Hamm was my hero, and now I am just as in love with the USA's goalie Hope Solo!

I always root for the USA team (like last year's men World Cup), and I am so glad that the girls kick butt! How I love knowing they are up against Japan for the finals. I am rooting for USA of course, but it's nice to see an underdog come in. Japan has been terrific this year too, so it's going to be fun watching the final. :)

GO SOCCER! GO USA!

HARRY POTTER!

Oh my goodness, I can't believe the books and movies have come to its final chapters. Harry Potter has taken up so much of my life. I am a fan of HP although I cannot claim to be the biggest fan. I basically grew up with it, and remember reading it in elementary school... or was it middle school?

To think that there will be no more new Harry Potter after this week is a little bittersweet for me. How can it end already? I still want more!

I am going to watch the final movie at the midnight showing, and I am pretty excited. I can imagine all the crazy dedicated fans that will be all dressed up. This shall be interesting... :)

It's the movie I've been waiting all summer, and I know already I'm going to be heartbroken. I've always had a thing for Snape. ;)

Strange Cravings

It's pretty warm outside, but I have been having this constant craving for soup. I don't know what it is, but I want soup for every meal. It doesn't matter if I just had some... I want more.

It's not just any soup. I want clam chowder. I want it from Disneyland. I want it from San Francisco. I want it from the Olde Ship. I JUST WANT CLAM CHOWDER.

Clam chowder and a cold mango for dessert. Is that weird? Is that two random things to crave? Do I need help? Has the heat damaged my brain? Aren't you suppose to crave refreshing food when it's hot?

Can I just have a bowl of chowder? ;)

Happy 4th!

I had work today, but I did spend a productive morning with my mother. I don't get to spend a lot of time with her, so it was nice to do things with her before I had to go to work.

I don't know what I was expecting at work, but it was really, really, really slow. I expected to bored, but it turned out to be really nice. When it's slow, you are able to talk to co-workers, and that is something I never really got a chance to do. It turned out to be delightful. We complained about people, told jokes, and read magazines. It made work go by really fast, and for the first time I couldn't find anything to complain about (regarding work).

I came home to everyone in my neighborhood blowing fireworks, and I did miss out on the festivities, but I'm ok with it. I am not a person who is big on holidays, so it is never too much of a big deal when I miss out on them.

Happy 4th of July to you all. I hope everyone is having fun, but is safe at the same time! ;)

Heat!

Oh goodness gracious it's been super hot. I know I'm being a baby because it's not even that hot yet. Seriously, it's summer already? It's July? Ummmm... I am not ready for all of this! I am still in like 2006. Turn back time! Turn back time!

Whenever it's hot, I have this strange craving for a slurpee. I feel like I'm 12 when I am craving one. Is anyone ever too old for a slurpee?

The weather has been fantastic (maybe a bit warm), but I have not gone outside to enjoy it. I want to go to the beach. I want to go on a camping trip. I want to travel. Wait, I always feel that way... but still... I really want to go on a camping trip. I want to see trees and dip my toes in a river.

Oh, I want to eat an ice cold watermelon! That sounds delicious! (Wow, I do jump from topics to topics.) I really shouldn't skip dinners because I end up with all kinds of cravings. :)

Bread, Pastry, Coffee...

I just went with a friend to a glorious bread heaven. I love bakeries, and go to many of them with my brother. The only catch with going with my brother is that he usually only likes to go to Japanese places.

I finally got the chance to go to 85 Degree Bakery when I met up with a friend today. Can I say, I LOVE BREAD? Give me carbs! I never understood how anyone could give up gluten or carbs. It's just so heavenly delicious (even though it's not good for me like many things in life).

In a lot of Korean dramas, I always see the characters go to bakeries and pick out delicious things to eat. I often wondered why we didn't have more of those places here. We have coffee shop, but where are the treats?!

My friend and I got a bunch of things to share, and had an iced salt coffee... MMMMMMMM... I think my sweet tooth will be satisfied for the next year, but then maybe it just gave me a new addiction. Haha.

Maybe I should invest more time in finding more bakeries. Bread just give me an unadulterated joy that I sometime feel like I need more of. Who doesn't want happiness? But maybe it's too much joy. :)

Roller Coaster of the Grumpies

I think I have been extra hard to deal with in the last few weeks. I am constantly tired, and I think that makes me more prone to being grumpy.

In the last week I have lost my phone, been overworked, and it doesn't help that I have to deal with terrible people all day. I am not a dog that you can just command to do something, and I do not appreciate how the guest of where I work thinks that I am. Not only that, but I am scheduled to work 4th of July! That is very sad to me.

I guess I shouldn't be so cynical because there are really nice people out there that do make my day, and I love being in a cool place when I it's so hot outside. I haven't even felt the heat because I am indoors so often.

So many summer movies are coming out, and I am looking forward to rewarding myself with a trip to the movies! :)

Where has the Time Gone?!

I feel like I am constantly busy... even on days when I work only for 4 hours because then I come home, and make dinners or clean/do chores. June is almost over?! Where has the time gone?!

I am getting buffer arms! I don't think I want buffer arms... I rather lose lots of weight, but I'm working on it. (It doesn't help that I have an addiction to egg salad sandwiches)

I did go on a bike ride today, and it was totally relaxing. I haven't done it for a long time (which would explain why I had flat tires), and it was so nice to go on a breezy ride. Not that I went far, but it was nice while it lasted. I am tempted to buy a new bike, but I want to save money for trips and an iPad.

Tomorrow is father's day, and I think I will make my daddy a nice dinner. I love him, and I don't think he knows how much! :) Now I am just wondering what I should make...

Broken TV

I am a bit broken hearted lately... I'm the kind of person who likes to have background noise. I like the radio in the car, the TV when I'm eating, and music when I'm studying. I don't necessarily listen to whatever is on, but I like having it on. I don't know what it is.

A week ago, our living room/patio TV (where I like to eat and take naps) died. There was this giant line of death. The kind of white line you see when your computer dies. I knew then that we would go a few days without a television.

My parents then take their TV out from their room (they don't watch television in their room... they ironically only watch it in the living room/patio). A day later, we find that the speakers blew, so now there is no sound coming from the TV.

It's weird how they both die a few days from each other, and they were working perfectly fine all these years before. I would find it more funny if I wasn't so sad that I will have to live without television for awhile.

You can imagine how distraught I am. I would like a new television, but boy is it going to cost a pretty penny. I guess I just have to learn to be without for awhile. Woe is definitely me this week. Oh wells, life goes on.

Bumper Cars

I seriously think any car I drive is a magnet for accidents. I feel finding giant scrapes and dents on my car.

My latest one is HUGE and is on the same spot that someone has hit a few years ago. This time though, it scraped the whole driver sides, and banged up my back lights. It had to happen in a parking lot of Target or Albertson's.

I am so sad for my poor car, but I have to move on and think of happier things. Plus I have to make my lunch before I head off to work...

Summer Cold (the illness)

Oh my goodness, time really does move too fast nowadays, and it's really hard to keep up sometimes.

I have spent the first day of June with the sickies, and I think I have a cold now. I hate being sick when it's warm outside. It just makes the cold that much more intolerable. (Although I hate it when it's cold too)

So far I have nothing planned for the summer, but I would love to go on a trip or do something exciting this summer. It would be nice to do something fun while it's still summer.

Work has been getting better except for the time when I opened a door that set off the fire alarm...

How Rude!

I was at the drive through of a fast food chain today ordering a veggie burrito (I don't know why I like eating that.) today. I was at the drive thru window,when a older white man came stop abruptly in front of me, and got out of his car. Where he then walked towards my car and the drive thru window to have them fix his order.

When he got to the window, he yelled the employee for getting his order wrong. To apologize for having to inconvenience me, he then ranted to me about those workers not knowing English (which they could speak perfectly), being stupid and not getting an education, and how he is so annoyed. At that point I was already annoyed with the man.

I guess he realized later on that I was a minority because he told me he thought Asian were better. Asians actually tried he said. That only made me more annoyed.

He went on to tell me to get me my masters, and that his son was a 22 year old hot shot in NY making $120k starting. He told me his son got his masters at 22, which is very impressive. I didn't mind his ramblings about doing well in school because I know that education is important, but then he always had to add some insulting remarks to the workers there. How I should become all powerful and boss these "nobodies" around.

I really dislike racism or when people think they are better than others. We're all humans, and I think we should take care of each other. (I love anthropology because you can see how closely we all really are.)I never know how to handle these situations or if I should just ignore them.

I just hope I never offend anyone because of my rude behavior.

Busy Bee

Work has been interesting. It's not hard or really all that bad, but I think I've been so spoiled lately that it's hard to go back to a job where you have to stand on your feet all day and make barely anything. Not that I am complaining. It's nice to have another job, and have a way of making more money to do the things I want.

It's just that I love the kind of job where you can work on your own pace, make tons of money doing some work, and where I am using my brain rather than using my muscles. I shouldn't complain, I should just be grateful, and I am.

With that said... I apologize for being terrible at picking up and answering calls, texts, e-mails, etc. It's no excuse, but I feel like I am busy all the time, and I sometime fall asleep during the day, get really lazy or forget.

Wouldn't it be nice if I just win the lottery instead? I would take 100 of my closest friend (Not that I have that many) and take them around the world on vacation. That would be so nice...

I Want to...

I really am DYING to go on a camping trip. I have been to a few in the last few years, but I want to go again. I want to see something as beautiful as Yosemite (D). A place to eat ice cream and pizza while admiring the trees and river. Oh, how I miss trip like those.

I don't know. I think I could settle for almost any trip. I want to go to Universal Studios Florida to go to Harry Potter Land, Maine for Lobsters, Washington DC for museums, Yellowstone for geysers, or even San Francisco.

That should motivate me to work more hours. That way I can do more things. :)

Freeeeeeedom

Oh how nice it is to finally get a break from school. What shall I do with my time? Something productive? Pick up extra hours at work? Do a little cleaning? Read more?

Why of course not (except to the reading...)! I'm already planning my days (when I am not forced to work) watching a ridiculous amount of movies, tv, and especially KOREAN DRAMAS. How how I have missed thee. How life has been a little bit lonelier without you to take me on an emotional roller coaster.

I don't know though... I feel a little guilty being lazy, and it's only the first few days. When I don't work... I feel like I should somehow be refreshing my mind with something. Summer school perhaps?

I guess I shall just go with the flow...

Stress Galore

I don't know how I will get through the massive pile of grading, all the studying, and lack of sleep. I am already strung out so thin that I want to snap. I want a day to do nothing, and sleep in, but no.

I can't really blame anyone but myself for leaving things last minute, and not studying when I am suppose to. That and the fact that I strive for perfect grades.

I can see the end of the tunnel. I am almost there, but I still have to get through tons of grading, and make time to study. EEEKKKKKKK. Save me!

Headaches

I don't know if I have just be dehydrated for the last few days, and it's giving me a headache or maybe it's the fact that I'm stressed out with the final weeks of school. Wow, school is coming to an end, and that is a little bittersweet for me.

Who knew I would love the classes I currently have right now? I didn't think I would enjoy any of the classes that I was taking because honestly... I was never exposed to it. That just proves that knowledge can be fun, and that you should try things even if you think you won't like it. (Ok, I'll stop my nerdy lecture... Next I'll talk about world peace. Just kidding.)

As old as I am, I feel like I am still self discovering who I really am. I feel like there is always some deep corner of my personality that I still haven't discovered. I'm still learning who I really am, and maybe that self discovery really never does end.

I still haven't figured life out.

Wow, why do I do sound like a philosopher? Oh how dangerous that would be... I would ponder my life away. ;)

Random Dreams

I have been having really random dreams lately... dreams where there would be a killer after my family. Dreams of being on a date with Thor (Yes, I watch too many movies). Even dreams about hunting (I blame that on the Hunger Games).

The more that I think about my dreams, the more I realize that I dream every night, and that I have more than one dream a night. It's weird. I never thought about it before, but after watching a segment on a show about being more aware of your dreams, I became more aware.

I know some of you keep a dream journal, and other usually always remember what they dream about, but I have never been the person to ever remember a dream unless it scared the daylights out of me.

At lot of times I can't get over a book I am reading or a movie I am watching... it stays on my mind until it resurfaces in my dreams. Sometimes when I am unhappy about an ending to a movie, I will dream an alternate ending. It sounds weird doesn't it?

I don't think my dreams necessarily mean anything except that maybe sometimes I am worried about something or I am stressed, but it's interesting to see what kind of imagination I have. :)

Happy Mama's Day!

I love my mama, and I am ever so happy that she is still here with me. She's everything I hope to be, and she really is the person I look up to. She doesn't know how much I adore her, and how I think the sun sets and rises on her.

I hope you all tell your mother how much you appreciate them today. :)

On a different note, I just finished the Hunger Games series I have been reading for awhile, and was wondering if anyone out there have any suggestions on what I should read next?

Mail Obsession

I am one of those people who really loves getting mail. Whether it's a free sample, a postcard from a faraway stranger, or birthday cards... I just love getting mail.

I may or may not get excited to take the mail in each day. It's a great day when I get a postcard or even a coupon for something that I need to buy. It almost doesn't matter what the piece of mail is... as long as it's for me.

It probably sounds strange to you, but I think it really shows how easily amused I am. :)

Material Goods

I'm not generally materialistic, (Well, maybe I would be if I had tons of money) but I saw something really adorable that I want so bad.

I love elephants, and I really love Fossil bags and wallets. I am not usually into expensive things, but Fossil always has the most adorable things. I have always loved Fossil bags for as long as I can remember.

While I was window shopping today, I saw something that caught my eyes. An elephant wallet. I was so excited to see it, but suddenly felt deflated when I saw the price tag. No way was I going to be able to justify that much money for a wallet.

But it physically hurt to walk away. It was so very hard when I left the store.

Hahaha. I can be so dramatic sometimes... ;)

Random Chats

BOOOOOM! That is the sound of my grade crashing because I have just presented my group project. I don't know why certain people can't speak louder when they are being asked to? SIGH. Life goes on.

I had a lot of interesting things happen to me this week. I just got another part time job. Yay for making more money although I will mourn all of that free time I used to have.

On a whim, I decided to have a chat with my anthropology teacher about her career. She went to school to be primatologist, and I am just so fascinated with her field. I learned so much. She traveled a lot, and has advised me that I must do the same. There is just something so fascinating you experience when you are able to travel the world and see all sort of things. Not just traveling to first world country, but to travel to the poor ones. I want to be just like her! Well... maybe not the same career, but you get my gist.

There are piles of things for me to do, so I guess I must stop procrastinating and get to it. :/

New Hobby

Well, I always say I need more things to do or that maybe I should be more productive with all the free time I have. Although it sure doesn't feel like that this week. I have been trying to finish the last book in the Hunger Games series, and I seriously just have to do too many things.

Summer is around the corner though, so it'll be perfect for my new volunteering position. I'll be working at my local animal shelter. I can't wait to wash the puppies and play with the kittens and bunnies. How fun will that be! I realize that I am working with a lot of unwanted dogs that won't be looking their cutest, but I think it will be fun to do once in awhile. :)

P.S. Happy yesterday birthday, Julie.

It's May!

Oh, how I can't wait until school is over, and I can sit around and do as I please. (Not that don't do that now.) It's becoming hectic as it is almost the end of the semester, and I am feeling all of the pressures and stress that I usually feel around this time.

I have had time to read the last few days, and started to on a new series called, "The Hunger Games". I can't believe how long it has been since I spent a lazy day reading for so long that I lose all track of time.

The series is pretty good, and I find myself looking forward to the movie that will come out next year.

Other than that I have been up to nothing too interesting, and have spent a great deal being a vegetable that I love to be. :)

Expensive Sushi

Anything over $20 is expensive for me, so when a friend treated me to some delicious sushi (Taiko) yesterday, I almost died from happiness. As you all can tell, it really doesn't take much for me to die from happiness or squeal from delight. What can I say? I am easily impressed.

Because sushi is so expensive, I would never go to a sushi bar of a restaurant and order the whole left menu. Well actually... I have never even sat at a sushi bar unless it was to eat all you can eat sushi (which sadly is just not the same).

Can I declare love to salmon, yellowtail, tuna, unagi nigiri?! It just melted in my mouth, and I was seriously giggling from delight. (I may be a bit embarrassing to be around as I talk loud.) I think this is what my dreams are made of.

Oh, how blissful it was. :)

P.S. Thank you, friend.

Camping Trips

Oh there are just so many places I want to travel to, and it makes me a bit sad that I have never been too all these near by National Parks.

We live by Yosemite, Sequoia, King's Canyon, Rainbow Basin, etc. What have I been doing most of my life? Why did I assume that I love the city?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the city life, and how convenient everything is. I love how you can go out in the middle of the night if you are hungry or that there is a Target 5 minutes from my house. I like that everything is near by, and that there is always something to do, but there is just something about being in nature.

I love my shower and comfy bed, but if it wasn't for those things... I would love to live in the outdoor. I would love to live in a forest, and be able to go hiking every morning.

I remember that I was convinced that I wanted to be a forest ranger when I was in high school. I thought it would be the coolest job ever, and I think a part of me still long to be just that. Maybe I've always known that I wanted to do something with the outdoors.

This summer will be a camping summer. I think I'm going to try to go to a few National Parks that I have never been to. I think that will take the edge off my need to travel. :)

P.S. Happy birthday, Daddy. I love you to pieces.

Party for the Planet

I just spent the weekend at the Santa Ana zoo volunteering my time. I had signed up to teach little children about conservation by making crafts.

I had a lot of fun teach kids to make these cootie catchers (that they called conservation catcher), and teaching them how fun it is to save the world. It's amazing how much you learn when you are teach other people about things.

Did you know that if you use your lawn mower on a regular basis for a year, it creates as waste as if you were to drive your car for 86,000 miles. THAT IS RIDICULOUS! I never knew how much waste dry cleaning produced. I generally avoid buying clothing that requires dry cleaning because I think it's inconvenient and expensive, and now I will have another reason.

I had so much at the zoo, and I just find monkeys so adorable. The Santa Ana zoo is known as the zoo with at least 50 monkeys at all time, and it shows. The zoo is very small, and most of the habitats are filled with adorable monkeys. :)

Born to be Wild

I just watched this documentary that was just so adorable, I wanted to melt into a big puddle. I was in love the whole time I was watching the documentary.

The documentary was about orphanages that helped orangutans and African elephants back into the wild. There were these amazing women that dedicated their whole lives into saving these amazing animals, and eventually putting them back into the wild.

I recently fell in love with apes because I am currently taking an anthropology class. I love seeing those cute little orangutan climb all over their keeper's back. They would copy what their keepers did. The orangutans would lather themselves with soap, (While eating it. Haha.) and bathe themselves. It was so adorable that I want to run straight to Borneo and hug them all.

Elephants make extremely happy, so seeing a bunch of baby ones made me extremely jealous of their keepers. I want to be those keepers that nurture them, and send them back into the wild. The keepers would sleep with the elephants until they were older because elephants in the wild would spend all their time with their mother.

Watching this documentary made me want to cuddle animals all day. I'm just so in love that I feel the urge to travel to Africa and Borneo right this second.

Little Sleep

I have been sleeping about 5 hours a day for the past week, and it is driving me insane. I just want to nap all the time (but I don't get to), and it makes me extremely cranky that I have to do so many things when all I want to do is get some sleep.

I don't know how people do it. How do doctors only run on a few hours of sleep? I just want to crash all the time, but I have so much to do. Why do school and work take up all of my time?

Waking up everyday before 9am is hard for me. I can see all of you shaking your head and rolling your eyes. It's hard for me because I can never get everything I have to do to sleep early. I always end up sleeping at odd hours during the night.

I just want my bed, and I just want some sleep! ZZZzzzZzZzZZZzzzZZZZZZzzzzzZzZzZz

Venice Beach

I haven't really explored all the great places that are around me, so I recently made it a mission to actively try to explore more places. I love adventures, and I love trying new things. I think that's why it's so important for me to travel, and it even explains why I love yelp so much.

Venice Beach was a random activity today, and I thought it would be a grand adventure since I have never been, and have heard so much from television and other people. If you were to go on google images right now and type in Venice beach; a lot of beautiful pictures will show up.

It's true that the beach is beautiful and that there are a lot of nice houses, but what everyone failed to tell me was how ghetto it actually was. In every corner someone was trying to sell me legalized (at least that's what they told me) marijuana, many homeless people (or young runaways) begging for money, and shady shops lined the street.

I just didn't feel safe, and the streets were completely dirty. That made me sad inside as I was imagining how fantastic it would be. It's the kind of place where you felt you would be pick-pocketed if you weren't careful.

Even though it was a bit scary, I actually had a lot of fun exploring Venice beach. At least it made for a great topic to talk about.

Eye Exam

I got my dreaded eye exam today. I freak out a little bit when I know I have to go visit the optometrist. It's because I have a fear that I am going to go completely blind someday soon.

I am already legally blind, and am probably as blind as a bat. No joke. My eye prescription is about 7.5 on my left eye, and 8.5 on my right. Oh my dear goodness gracious hot dang marshmallows. It shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

I've had glasses since I was in 4th grade, and it has be steadily getting worse every year. I have recently developed an astigmatism, and it makes it really hard for me to see.

The good news is that my left eye didn't change this year (and has actually gotten a little better), but the astigmatism on my right eye is getting worse and worse. Although my eyes only got worse by a tiny fraction, I fear that it will never stop getting worse. Blindness is in my future!

I also have extremely dry eyes, so it makes wearing contacts really hard for me at times. It irks me that my brother has perfect vision. It's probably the jealously talking.

Time to save up for laser eye surgery! I can't wait until I have 20/20 vision again. I don't remember what it was like to not have to wear glasses or contacts!

People, People...

I am extremely frustrated with my group members for my class project. I hate how I work so hard because I care about my grade, and everyone else is getting the same grade as I am. I am working my butt off just to make sure everything is done, and that means that I have to redo what everyone else has done. It's not that I'm a perfectionist. It's because no one bothers to do it correctly. I'm just so overwhelmed, and I don't know what to do sometimes.

I know I'm not overreacting when I don't even know who all my group members are. There is a girl who has never showed up for a meeting because her brother is in the group, and will eventually tell her everything. It doesn't help that he's not even there half the time, and his work is crap.

I just cheer myself up by telling myself that I will get an A, and it will all be worth it. I will be fine. I will do great, and it will be because I'm a good student.

I just NEED this group project to end soon. I'll just dream about summer break when I can do all the nothing I want. Sounds like paradise. ;)

Rainy Days

I spend my entire spring break under rainy weather. That makes me so incredibly sad. I spent my break cursing the weather! Dang you weather, I wanted to go camping in Yosemite!

Now I check the weather report, and it's perfectly clear and warm next week. Can you see that I am slightly (or extremely) jealous of people who have their spring break this coming week (people like my brother).

Well, rain does make for perfect napping weather. Doesn't anyone else get sleepy when they listen to the rain? Or is it just me?

Neighbor's Dog

My neighbors are a little inconsiderate. They do this thing that drives me crazy, and they do it even when I am outside and able to see them.

I love dogs, I love most animals, but I don't want them to poop or pee on my lawn. I see my neighbors lead their dogs into my lawn, and let them do their business there. UM HELLO, I am standing right there, and I can see you.

I wouldn't mind so much if I didn't have to pick up after it or the fact that the pee burns my grass, and leaves giant patches all over the place.

I glare at my neighbors, but they continue to do it. If they see me coming, they walk briskly back to their house as if nothing happened, but if I happen to catch them through my window, I can see that they are letting their dogs do the deed.

Cleaning up after them is no fun, and I know that my neighbors know what they are doing is wrong, but I do not know how to continue with this. Do I say something or do I just let them get away with it?

Lawn Mowing

The other day I did something for the first time in my life... I mowed the lawn. It was interesting to say in the least. It was actually more tiring than I imagined, but that may have to do with the fact that it took me 15 minutes to turn on the mower.

We don't have a huge lawn at my house. It is rather small, but there are a lot of obstacles in the way. For example, we have three kumquat trees, two mini palm trees, a lamp post, three giant (I don't know what it is) tree, and an apricot tree. I seriously couldn't push the lawn mover around the trees.

Why didn't anyone ever mention to me how heavy a lawn mower was? Maybe it's because it's old, but my lawn mower wouldn't budge until I literally used all of my muscle strength.

You should of seen me trying to turn the mower on. You apparently have to pull on this string a million times until it starts on. I also did not realize that I had to pull on a lever while pulling the string, so I may have stared confusingly at the lawn mower for a 15 minutes until I decided to read the instructions. Hahaha.

It was an interesting chore. One that I do not really like, but I know I'm going to have start doing from now on. Maybe I'll be an expert real soon! :)

P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Spring Break = Study More

I couldn't wait until spring break. I was imagining all the lazy afternoons, all the studying I wouldn't be doing, and how relaxing it would be.

No, I am just going to spend the majority of the break studying for exams, working on group projects, and writing two papers. Oh the horror! It is rather disappointing.

That's ok though, at least I have a little over a week to do all this? At least I will get to stay home, and stay in my pajamas all day while doing it.

I am going to the zoo to do one of my research paper, so that should be fun, and I have at least one adventure in store for me this week! I just the weather will cooperate because I do not want a rainy spring break!

Now I have to start reading to do one of my papers. SIGH.

Racism

Oh how it's a pet peeve of mine. How the idea of racism just makes my blood boil. It drives me up the wall when someone is ignorant enough to make racist comments.

I don't know if I'm extra sensitive because I am currently studying racism in class (Anthropology is amazing for learning that there is no such thing as different races of human. We're all in the HUMAN RACE. Oh, when I learn about slavery in history... I cringe just thinking about what they had to go through.) or if it's because the racisms I am hearing lately is directed toward Asians.

I was just reading an article a few days ago about many Americans feeling that Japan got what they deserve when they had their huge earthquake and tsunami. There are people who claim that the Japanese got what they deserve for Pearl Harbor and other acts that people do not find just. SERIOUSLY?! What about what we did to them. Do anyone remember Hiroshima or the camps that were set up in the U.S.? How can we ever judge another country when we have done things in our history that wasn't fair or just? Then there are people stating that we shouldn't bother with Japan because they are a "rich" country, and we should be trying to help other nations. So maybe Japan isn't a third world country, but that doesn't mean you should just ignore them.

Not only did Japan just go through an earthquake, tsunami, and a potential nuclear meltdown. They just experienced a volcano explosion. Can you imagine the terror? They have had about 300 aftershocks, and then they get another shock... a volcano eruption. Oh boy, just give them a break.

I pray for the Japanese, and for everyone in the world that has to go through something terrible including the African kids. I just really pray that maybe someday, we wouldn't all be so racist anymore. It really breaks my heart when I think of how people have to suffer just because they aren't the "right" skin color.

Curly Hair

Oh how I crave an adventure! My best friend came home this weekend, and decided that she wanted to get her hair permed. Since she was getting her hair permed, she offered me a birthday perm. What a sweet friend I have!

I got a perm before, but I don't remember the burning sensation. My ears were on fire, and I could feel the chemical running down my neck. I felt like it was the longest two hours of my life (ok fine, it's wasn't that long). I seriously forgot what it was like to get a perm, but I was kindly reminded today.

My hair came out wavy and a little bit frizzy, but I am enjoying the change. I think I felt a need for a change, and this definitely did the trick. I like how it looks, but I am not sure how long it will last.

So yay for new hair and for great friends!

Anthropology

I am currently taking an anthropology class right now, and I have to declare love to it. I am just so fascinated with everything I am learning that I see monkeys everywhere. I even find myself thinking about them when I am reflecting on what I did throughout the week.

Why is it that I find monkeys so fascinating? It's probably because they look a lot like us, and it's a bit creepy how similar they behave to us. I realize that this is not news to anyone, but I can't help but wonder why I am so intrigued by anthropology and geology.

On a side note: I am even in love with Anthropologie, the super expensive store. They have the cutest dresses and knick knacks. I could spend hours at that store and probably spend a lifetime of earnings there.

I'm just so interested in a lot of things, and I think I enjoy learning much more as an adult than I ever did growing up. It's no longer a chore to me, but something I look forward to. :)

Happy Birthday to ME!

I spent a pleasant day in Solvang eating my heart out, and enjoying the view. There was a lot to see, but you can definitely do everything in a day.

I spent the day walking into different museums, admiring the cute Danish buildings, and comparing everything to what I saw on a Huell Howser episode. Let me explain... I first became fascinated with Solvang when I watched a Huell Howser episode many years ago. I actually find his show interesting as he features places in California. What is there not to love? I live in California, and would love to visit all of our hidden gems. I knew I would visit Solvang someday, and my birthday was the perfect opportunity!

The weather was perfect for treats, so I had delicious ice cream, tasty meals, and took tons of pastries and taffy to home. Everyone knows I love food, so you can imagine my delight.


There was even an ostrich farm near by, and I go to get close to feed them. Has anyone ever mentioned how scary ostriches are? They try to peck you when you are close, and will grab the bowl of food right out of your hands. They are so strong, and when they swing their neck at you, you can't help but scream. They were extremely aggressive, and left me a little bit traumatized. There were also emus on the farm, and I grew a bit attached. The emus were much cuter, and they had sweet depositions.

I really did have a relaxing day, and I loved every second of it. I just hope I can go on more adventures in the near future!