Opening Ceremony

If I already expect this to be spectacular, the whole opening ceremony is beyond believable. Not only is this creative on a large scale, but also it is quite educational. With help of host who deliberates the story behind each performance, I felt as if i have learned about major Chinese culture all over again.

This might sound shallow if i say it, but what moves me is not the educational aspect. Rather, it is their incredible choreography ties in with precision of movement, all on a massive scope that literally takes my breath away.

If teamwork is tough, think about difficulty coordinating a huge group of 2008. That is 2008 drummers, 2008 Tai Chi Masters, 2008 dancers all moving in unity to deliver this stunning presentation on the stage. This is the kind of coordination beyond imaginable, even so in a 1.3 billion country, possessing unlimited labor resource like China.

What may seem an hour performance, there is no doubt that months of preparation and countless rehearsal must have invested in this event. I applaud to those who made this opening ceremony possible, as well as athletes who are out there of presenting their country next two weeks.

so this is how it feels like to be in pain

We all try to stay safe, but accident happens once in a while.
When accident happens, at least we can hope for is to have one great story to brag about. Unfortunately, most accidents happen for stupid reasons, and I believe mine can top that list today.

so I already had this sore spot on my lower back after a long nap last Friday. After a few days without fully getting better, I figure i could twist and unwind that sore muscle a little.

Unwind too much, maybe?


When I was stretching in the bathroom this morning, i hit a spot that stuck gold and really made it worse. While I yawn like this every single day, i have never managed to cause this much damage.

How did this happen I am not sure completely sure, but now I know for a fact that I move around like a grandma. To add salt in my wounds, I had to use to my heating pad to in the middle of summer to smooth away the pain. As annoying as this might sound, somehow i felt "smoothing" somewhat after this steamy treatment.

Give me more heat, please...

there is such thing as too many cakes

After many nonproductive weekends, i finally decide to invite a friend to come over and baked something this Saturday. Baking is usually a hassle, cleaning all the dishes afterward isn't helping much, either. However, i love cakes and it just feels like one of those weekends to have a steaming hot cake fresh out of oven.

Since it is made out of a cake mix, it is almost impossible to screw up. After a short yet unsettling anticipation, cake is ready to serve.

What i did not think of is what to do with leftover. When a cake just came out of oven, it never once occurred to me that a whole cake is probably too much for two girls to swallow.

It all became obvious afterward that I should have thought about my neighbors earlier. Now that the cake has been sitting on my counter for 48 hours, and the last time I checked there is still a big portion left inside the pan. Finishing the whole cake while fresh has almost became mission impossible - looks like this is going to be a long week with carrot cake challenge ahead of me.

To make the problem worse, I also baked some lemon cupcakes on the side. Since oven was already hot and ready to go, i figure how convenient it is to top it off with a side dish.

Another miscalculation....


Lesson of the day:

"love your neighbors: when it says 12 serving on the box, it probably means that".

"After Hour" by Brent Heighton.

Have you encountered a painting that speaks to you?
This painting is called "After Hour" by Brent Heighton and i felt a connection just like that.

There is just something special of this causal setting that caught my attention- whether it is the coffee aroma in Europe, or simply a cute couple having a romantic dinner together? Maybe it is combination of the two that once again triggers my dream and desire for a trip in Europe.

With current crappy Euro to dollar exchange rate, this trip is probably not going to happen soon. However, a Euro trip will always be on my to-do list.

As for now, i will settle for a cup of starbucks and call it a day.

Thank You

Wow....it really has been that long?
looks like my blog is dying again!!!!!!
now that spring has finally come around, it is time to revive my blog.

I hate to say there isn't much going on in my life, but people like me to do get lazy easily. After being sick on my birthday and had the quietest birthday of my life, ( i actually went to see a doctor on my birthday..how lame is that?) i continue to receive care, love, and support from my dearest family and friends.

This thank-you note comes in a bit late, but I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for those of you who remembered my otherwise miserable day and how appreciate and grateful i am for all your warm greetings.

!!!!!!THANK YOU!!!!THANK YOU!!!!

A little bit of white

After weeks of cold air and freezing temperature, we finally got our first 8 inches of snow this season. Despite the fact that i hate driving on a slippery load, it is nice to have that rapid change of scenery overnight.

Oh my...an interactive Starbucks gift card

This is totally a random discovery, but Starbucks recently introduces an interactive gift card where users get to design their own gift card off the template online . I created a special one with caramel macchiato in green background. Absolutely loved it.

Of course, this fun package comes with a small price tag, but no doubt this is definitely one the best gift cards ever invented. I had so much fun playing around with different templates. Most important of all, i am one of those crazy people who actually collect Starbucks gift cards out of boredom; this will be a great addition to my current collection.

Once again, kudos to the innovative Starbucks marketing team. You guys are soooo cool!

Not feeling festive

Two days of straight rain in the desert city has somehow disturbed my otherwise peaceful weekend. Usually this time of year I get excited about holiday shopping and gift wrapping. However, i feel detached from all that year-end routine this year. Other than putting on a mini Christmas tree on my coffee table (the same mini green from last year), there is nothing else I wanted to do spice up this holiday season. Is it a sign of rapid aging, plus laziness combined with lack of creativity? or maybe i have come to realization that I can save some trees by sending an e-card instead?

Regardless of my lack of festive spirit, it is almost turkey day. I am very much looking forward to my day off. Yeah, that's something to feel excite about.

Welcome Autumn

Before my Hot Springs trip to Oregon this coming weekend, I sacrificed my precious power nap in exchange for some fresh air during lunch today. Even without the luxury of green mountains, I feel fortunate to be in the proximity to colorful leaves and a mini creek. Best part of all, this spot is only minutes away from my office - a quick getaway from my otherwise chaotic morning.

Never thought that i would fall in love with autumn, but i have to admit that a colorful autumn without nasty rain can be quite attractive sometimes. Suddenly, living in the country isn't so bad after all.

i am weak

Two days after my flu shot, my upper arm is still sored.

Honestly, i don't even know why I got my flu shot at first place. I have never had a flu shot in my entire life, yet i thought getting a shot might be a booster to overcome possible sickness in winter - something I suffer every year.

Still, i am not sure whether this shot would really help, but guess we will find out soon. Regardless of outcome, there are about 1/3 of the sales team are already sick at work. With this widespread of virus floating around the office, it seems like what I need is more than a shot.

An offer I can't say no

One of the benefits living in an old community of a small town is to be physically close to many friendly, yet sometimes nosy neighbors who can and are willing to look after you. It is not my first time getting a phone call reminder to close the garage door, nor my first time receiving generous offer of homegrown fruit and vegetable that are freshly picked in their backyard.

While it is great to eat those tomatoes/melons that I actual love, there are also other stuff that are worth giving a second thought. Grandpa's beef/turkey jerky is a common item that goes on top of that list. There is nothing wrong with the taste - I tried it before and thought the flavor is decent. Everything is great until one day i walked into his garage where jerky is made - hum...not the cleanest and most sensitized kitchen i have been to. I didn't get sick or anything, but it was then I start to convince myself that little amount of bacteria is good for our health.

Grandpa visited me again this afternoon with another pack of his homemade jerky in his hand " Turkey is good for you, kiddo"
What can I say other than thanking for his kindness? I felt bad turning down his enthusiasm after all.

Looking at another pack of homemade jerky sitting in my fridge, I seriously doubt when I am going to eat it, if ever?

Bangkok Trip Continue and Finale

It seems like there is never a good time to finish the blog about my recent trip to Bangkok, so I might as well start now. Since I didn't spend that much time on sightseeing; this entry should be brief, simple and painless.

So what did I see exactly?


well, i had a Thai dinner buffet on a boat, touring through the city and the surrounding buildings/temples along the river. Last time I checked the map, there is only one river cutting through central Bangkok, so I would assume it is the Chaopharaya River.

Due to nature of a typical business dinner, I couldn't devote 100% of my focus on what is supposed to be an incredible view on the river, but can I just say that the food is awesome as well? Toward the end of an 2-hour boat ride, I went on the deck to get some fresh air. I felt nothing but a thick layer of humidity running through my face. It is very.........warm even late at night.


State Tower - this place is referring by my colleague. They accidentally "found" this building while looking for a Starbucks last time in Bangkok. When they got the coffee on the ground floor, they also found the entrance to an extraordinary city view on top of the building.


With a purchase of an very expensive drink, I get to see a view like this for "FREE" on top of State Tower




Later on i found out, according to my tour guide, Sirocco in State Tower is where you get to enjoy the MOST expensive (about $330 USD a meal) lobster meal in bangkok. For those of us who are on a tighter budget, we can skip the whole seafood idea but go straight to the Sky Bar on the roof of building at the 64th floor.




Standing on top of the stairs looking down the bar.
I actually got stopped by the security guard when trying to snap some shots of this beautiful bar. But toward the end of night, the he was nice enough to grant me one shot. I took more than one shot, but who is counting anyways?




Gate/Temple in front of the famous Siam Lum Night Bazaar - pretty much a night market mixed with live performance, bar, street food, and arty crafts. It is a very organized market for the western tourist; this means you won't be able to get a good bargain out of anything. Later on we went to another night market where any bargain is possible, including the "special service" along the side of the street. Hum...I wouldn't want to get into too much details here, though.



Bangkok Airport - getting ready to go home. Since I didn't have time for a real temple, I think this decor will work as well.

A relaxing weekend

Nothing beats a relaxing weekend at home and the privilege to wake up as late as I wanted to. It feels great to sleep until whenever, no work, no jet lag, no sickness, or just simply not being on the road. It is not like I don't like travel, but it just feels great to be home again after a long trip. ( Yes, two week is a long trip for me)

What did I do this weekend at home? Not only did I spend my whole Saturday mopping the floor, I even cleaned my bathroom. It is all fresh and shiny now, yeahhhh.......I also cooked both meals, which is something I haven't done in a long time. Regardless of so-called flavor, or flavorless of my dish, anything homemade is always good.

My Sunday also starts late with my classic espresso. It would have been nice to take a sip in the morning, but considering the time I woke up, an afternoon would also serves the purpose. For those of you who haven't tried my espresso, it is time to pay me a visit in the country. It is so much better than my cooking.

Finally, the picture above is my lovely hotel room in Bangkok, which will be the introduction for my Bangkok journey, which I will soon update when I am fully settled at work. Yes, i posted that picture for that special someone who keeps asking about the update. :)

8/24 to 9/2 in Taipei then 9/3 to 9/7 in Bangkok

9 more days until my vaca starts. After thoughtfully planned my Oregon Trip, i haven't put in much effort into the planning of my second trip. Since I am pretty much running of time, i picked an easy and effortless spot - Taiwan.

Besides shopping and dining, I figure there won't be much time for anything else. It sounds like a perfect effortless trip that requires least amount of planning.

Just as i booked the ticket and called it job well done, I mentioned this upcoming trip with one of my customers. Instead of showing his enthusiasm and excitement, he asked why I didn't choose to go somewhere else for this week-long vacation?

I paused for a second in dismay. Good question, why didn't I choose a different spot? Taiwan was an easy choice, but you learn and appreciate so much more when reaching out of your comfort zone. I did just come back from Taiwan 6 months ago, now I am going again for pointless shopping? As fun as shopping goes, there are so many other destinations I have yet to discover. There is life outside of shopping after all; I just wish this thought would have stricken me earlier - before booking my flight.

Since now it is too late to reconsider elsewhere, I am still going to Taiwan as planned. However, I will definitely put more thought and make a better use of my vaca next time for sure.

A Cool Personality Analysis

I never liked forwarded e-mails, but every once in a while I see a good one that is worth reading/playing. If a lazy person like me who actually spend time to advertise and share the link, it gotta to be good, right?

Here is my latest discovery for a cool personality analysis; i had to admit that result is amazing - it is very close to my so-called true personality.


When you open the link, a series of about 12 pictures will come up.
click on a photo in that category that most appeals to you. Just continue to keep picking the pics that appeal to you after reading the category. At the end it will give you a profile of yourself .


http://dna.imagini.net/friends/

Luggage Hugger

"What a great product!"
as soon as i see its debut on TV, I can't stop thinking how great this is for those of us who own a pair of black luggage - the color that's so common that it takes forever to spot it on the rotating belt at baggage claim.

Luggage Hugger https://www.myluggagehugger.com/default.php is a creatively-designed piece of fabric that can tightly wrap around your luggage, so eye-catching that finding your bags from distance is no longer a problem. Even though I am not a big traveler, but I can totally see myself using this cool thing ever time I travel. As a serious shopper who always fills up bags to its capacity; it is total frustration when I accidentally grab someone else's bag and then have it throw it back on the belt. Did I mention the bag is heavy?

Once I dress up my luggage, i will no longer worry about where my bag is and always get the right bag the first time. Now that my next trip is coming up, i am seriously thinking about getting this. The last question i have in mind is whether this is worth my money,but either way i have to admit that this really is a smart idea.

Folklife Festival

Finally, something interesting goes on while my friends are in town.

Folklife Festival is an annual event where music, food, and art come together. This is a 3 day celebration where you pay big bucks to enjoy greasy food, listen to live performance, people watching (or being watched in our case), check out unique homemade décor, homemade skin care product and accessories, or even get a splash of water from the water slide that runs into a public swimming pool - it is all the fun in one package.

The best part of fair? The tattoo!!! After convincing my good friend Amy to get one with me, this tattoo becomes the best part of folklife memories. Although it only lasts for 3 days, you have to be amazed by amount of attention I receive at work when showed up with this baby on Monday

The tattoo i loved - it is definitely better then that curly fries i missed.

Amy and I in front of The Depot Restaurant and Lounge where more live music continues.


As fun as it is, i still like the night market in Vancouver B.C. better, time for some serious shopping!!!

wow, I never thought that size matters

A handshake tells you a lot about a person. Yeah, that is nothing new. I read about the study before and I believe my handshake well passed the test. Doing what I do at work, I get to meet fair amount of new people with plenty of handshakes involved. A good handshake is affirmation that that shows your enthusiasm and passion toward a person - an essential tool in both business and personal world.

On the way to the warehouse, my supervisor and I started having about this conversation about handshakes and how certain types of people have various handshakes. The most interesting example is how someone with Short Man’s Disease tends to hand your hands.

“A person with Short Man’s Disease tends to grab your fingers without touching the palm. It is a way to show their domination over you” he said.

“ The what? Short Man’s Disease?” I asked. Honestly I have never heard of that terminology ever in my life.

A Short Man’s Disease is someone who appears to be tougher and meaner than their actual physical body size indicates. They are short in height but try to build up this image for being strong, big, but often self-possessed. Or you can call them the group who are full of themselves.

It is interesting how people name that kind of behavior and call it a disease. Being almost the shortest person in the company, I never thought people actual create negative language against us shorties. I guess size does matter after all.

Happy 4th of July

For those of you who don't need to work today, I am sure you are as grateful as I am for getting this extra day off. It feels really good waking up around noon on a Wednesday and knowing that weekend is going to come again in 2 days.



Happy Birthday, America.

The famous I-phone weekend – love and hate of Mac products

It is not like I would ever purchase this overpriced item, but the introduction of I-phone somehow triggers my love and hate feeling toward Mac Products in general. I wouldn’t call myself a Mac loyalists, but I am deeply in love with my I pod and shuffle ever since the fist day I laid my hands on that sleek-design luxury. Shortly after the fulfillment of my music world, I went ahead and purchase a bigger price ticket item - Mac Mini.

I have to admit that I always wanted a Mac since my video editing days in college; however, it is not until nowadays that I finally decide to make my childhood dream come true. Unfortunately, Mac does get expensive when realize that I need to purchase more than one item to make her competitive with my current setting in PC. Of course, it is not like software programs are free with PCs; but my so called friendship has helped the big time.

After months of struggles, it finally comes to my comprehension that a good-looking mini is not going to be complete without the heart and souls of programs I love. It is just sad to acknowledge that I will actually have to pay for these software programs, one by one after all. Taking granted for the fact that there is no free lunch, I still have this sadness over this upcoming massive investment for the love of Mac and becuase mini looks so cute on my desk.