Eclectic Gypsy

End Of It

2010-02-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

So I'm switching over to my new blog.

http://lulucuddlemonster.blogspot.com/

I'm going to focus on becoming a better artist, thus more art blogging.

Thanks Gypsy. You've really seen me through the best and worst of times.

Huh?

2010-01-31T07:54:00.001-08:00

I just had mail delivered to me on a Sunday.

Huh????

Snap

2010-01-26T15:40:00.000-08:00

So I'm on a sewing roll, and I've got a sweet set-up in front of the telly. And there's a fascinating programme on the History Channel about Peruvian cultures. It's all about the history of the burial tombs and the archaeologists' hunt for an undisturbed Peruvian tomb. Unfortunately most tombs have been ransacked by looters over the years, and an undisturbed tomb is rare.

The show follows two archaeologists, one rather old and one around my age, as they search for a complete tomb. They think they've spotted one in the cliffs, and they send the archaeologist up by rope climbing.

It has been ransacked, much to our disappointment. Nothing remains. The archaeologist calls down to the other:

"There's nothing here... except a note from your mom."

And I lost it.

Workin' At The Car Wash

2009-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

If something brings you down the only surefire way to get out of that funk is to get in your car, and drive through the car wash.

YEAH! WHOOSH! SUDS n SOAAAAP!

Ah, I still get all excited like I used to as a kid.

And that is why car washes will always make your day!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T05:06:00.001-08:00

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade... my annual Thanksgiving tradition.

Of Superficial Matters

2009-11-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

You know the saying 'Feed a Fever, Starve a Cold?' Well, inadvertently I ended up starving the cold and now I actually need to gain some weight. Which is very rare for a female in this society to actually want to do, I know, but being 5'5" and under a three digit weight is really kind of unhealthy. American advertising and fashion models have not completely brainwashed me, which should be celebrated!

I don't talk to people about it, but I find talking about any aspect of my appearance unsettling. I know (as I've been told) that I am by no means overweight or ugly. And I think that in order to have a healthy self esteem people should be told about their good qualities. But I always get uncomfortable when people point out things like my weight or appearance (in good ways).

This is what runs through my mind:
I think about my weight far more often than I'd like. So maybe fashion models HAVE brainwashed me, slightly. Dammit, they've won! But I think about it because I have seen what happens to my family members when they stop taking care of themselves. And it's not pretty. It's just pretty... big.

And also, I modeled for a bit while I was in high school. And that's something that I regret. Because it's hard enough being a teenager. But modeling is not cut out for the weak. And I was told to lose some weight to get more jobs and did I ever take that to heart. I was by no means fat! In fact, it makes me angry that companies tell things like that to little girls! And what kills me is that even now, when I step on the scales, I always check to see if I am under a certain number.

What it really boils down to is this: outer beauty only lasts while we're young. I don't want to keep fighting this battle and eventually warring with food by the time I'm 41. I don't want to miss being told that I'm pretty and end up some silicon, Botoxed vain creature. I want to age naturally. If things start to sag, well BFD!

I'm scared that no one sees that I'm a good, kind person inside, and that's what true beauty is. That's important when you date people... this actually has been a huge issue in my past, I feel like. There's a girl inside. Get to know her, and not just carnally!

I'm scared that I'm not really beautiful inside and I'm just dull and boring, so when I get older I'll just be a non-attractive boring old... crone.

GAH! Insecurity! However, it helps to vent.

So! I have earned a large juicy hamburger with some chili cheese fries.

Words

2009-11-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Nobody really cares if you’re miserable, so you might as well be happy, and not give everyone a DAMN.

This Is Halloween

2009-10-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

I've been working at a new job the past few weeks, at a costume store.
The highlight of working there is that I get to dress up for Halloween. I think that's why I get along with my co-workers so well; we all get decked out on the weekends.

There's one co-worker in particular that I find hilarious. He's always got me in stitches. So Saturday we were gearing up for a busy day, when I decided it would be more exciting if we had a challenge/contest. Now when you work at a costume store you quickly pick up what sells and what does not. I have sold many naughty nurses and police officers, for example. Others people won't even touch.
I wagered my co-worker, (I'll call him Munster) that I could sell the giant chicken costume and if I did, that I would be ale to pick any costume in the store for him to wear. Then we added that if he could sell a Judy Jetson costume that he could pick any costume for me to wear. (Really, when's the last time anyone's watched the Jetsons? For me it was 15 years ago.)

Little did I know that we had a Slave Leia outfit in stock.

At first I was oblivious to any diabolical plan. I was just trying my damnedest to sell that expensive chicken. But when I come back from break I find all the Judy Jetson's pulled off the high shelf and plastered with these notes:

SUNUVABITCH, IT'S ON!! TIME TO STEP UP MY GAME!

G 20

2009-09-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

Wow... It's been nutty around here with the G20 hasn't it? I actually went downtown yesterday. I was part of the committee to greet the Thai Prime Minister which I was honoured to do.

Police barracades everywhere... security checkpoints... swat teams... Holy crap!

But I've been in protests, and I've been in a country suffering civil unrest and under a state of emergency. I really detest when the news blows it out of proportion. It was actually calm and very quiet where I was.

I think the most memorable moment was when he asked my mother a question and she responded; but she tacked on another question in Thai. Translated, it was:

Did you see the facebook message I left on your page?

*facepalm*

Some Would Daydream

2009-09-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

It's a little known fact that one of my favourite Audrey Hepburn movies is "How to Steal A Million."

One day I will convince a guy to dress up 60s Mod-inspired with me and we'll go have a day at the museum. That shouldn't be too hard, right?

...Huh. Maybe this should be left a day dream of mine.

Say It

2009-09-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

My dreams do not concern or involve anyone but me. And I don't think that's selfish at this point in my life.

Rev Up

2009-08-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

I just feel all sorts of let down by life.

What to do... what to do...

TV Plugs

2009-08-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

I do enjoy some commercials more than televised programmes.

Rainy Day Boredom

2009-08-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

(After half the day goes by without any sort of plan materializing)
My Sister: Well... I'm going to go to my walking tape with my brand new hand weights...
Me: I guess I'll.... go.... crochet....
My Sister: And let the day of exciting activities BEGIN!!!!!!

...PARDON? What Are You Trying To Say?

2009-08-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness, what a terrible Blogger I am. I could never do this "professionally." I know that judging by the last posts it would seem that I had a less than stellar time in Thailand, but that is not true at all. I saw so many wonderful things and met some incredible people, and I regret not being able to write the experiences down. But you know, if I'm off on an adventure the last thing I want to do is find a computer and type. Go off! Explore!

But now I'm back at home with the family, staring this ugly recession in the face and not sure of what to do next. Student loan payments and the urge to get out of the country are constantly crossing my mind right now. Oh woe it is to be a college grad right now!

But I'd rather try to remain somewhat positive despite the debt, shit part-time job and economy. So, a funny anecdote!

I had been taking these TEFL certification classes at Carnegie Mellon the past several weeks. It was actually a very enjoyable experience, which I hadn't been expecting. I also wasn't expecting to like all of my classmates and enjoy their company. Sunday was our last day and to celebrate we meet up that evening to toast at the Sphinx Cafe.

Well, it got late and seeing as I still don't have my licence I had to leave early (and by leave I mean call my parents to pick me up--SUPER LAME).
A classmate very kindly offered to drive me home instead. I accepted, not realising that since I don't drive I can't navigate my way back home. POOR KID. I end up making him drive around for an hour on what should have been a 20 minute ride.

Well he was quite the gentleman through and through. We got back by 1AM and he even walked me to the door. My door was locked unfortunately, so I had to knock. And who answers the door? My mother.

This poor guy's just been through heck with me in the car and now here he is face-to-face with my eccentric mother. Still, he was a gentleman and introduced himself and told her, "You have a lovely daughter, Mrs. Smith."

And do you know the first thing she says?

"Are you sober??!?"

-___________-

Perspective

2009-04-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

You know what will shake away those blues? Go to another country with absolutely no plan and no knowledge of the language. Oh, it helps if it is an impoverished country, because man that will teach you humility. I am so focused on myself that it's shameful.

Cambodia was amazing. A learning lesson, heartwenching, but an amazing country.

Failure

2009-04-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

I wish I could talk more with world travellers. Because I thought you'd find out more about yourself in the process of travelling. You're supposed to grow and find great people and new experiences.

All I'm feeling is sadness right now. I haven't grown. I stayed with family instead of carving out my own path. I've let people make decisions for me and tell me how to live and made the same mistakes I was making in the past.

Two months abroad and less than 2 weeks until I leave and I feel dejected and depressed at myself.

I want a chance to truly fly on my own.

I'm Alive!

2009-03-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I wanted to post a travel blog. But here in Thailand I find that a computer with an internet connection is hard to come by.

So before I start backlogging my journeys, I just wanted to thank my friends who put up with me for the two weeks I was in the Bay area before I left.

Fun times were had, especially by me, and especially for my birthday weekend.
So! A short list of things I recommend:

The California Academy of Sciences now does Thursday Night tickets for the 21 and older crowd. No strollers, no kids, and alcohol bars! I love sipping wine and watching fish in a giant aquarium.

Roccapulco for dancing! Please don't mix it with shots, then the dancing becomes difficult.

Vertigo Bar for Sunday Night Rockband night! I'm actualy surprised at the level of Expert players that keep getting better as they drink! What??

I never felt bored or lonely while I was back, so thanks to you my friends!

Vintage Thailand

2009-02-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

I am leaving for Thailand at the beginning of next month, and if I didn't have so many things to do by Monday I would be showing a lot more enthusiam about.

But I do have time to share some photos my father took while he was there in the 70's. There were a ton, but these are my favorites. It's a shame his 35mm doesn't work anymore.

There's my dad.

His Royal Highness the King and the Queen of Thailand.

The scanner really ate the pictures, but what can ya do?

My mom's in this picture. I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT HOW THEY MET.

I'm excited! I hope I don't fall into my lazy ways there and miss out on everything.

Love Sucks

2009-02-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

For the first time in 3 years I'm flying solo on the day that most single's dread: Valentine's Day. Surprisingly, I embrace this holiday, partner or not. Sure, there are arguments from both sides on how this is just commercialism at it's worst; that the idea of setting aside one day a year to show your love is absurd.

But I love it. There are many people I can show my love to; family, friends, and pets. I think it's a fantastic holiday because honestly, without today many people just wouldn't spring for flowers and sweets without a reason. Of course I would prefer a relationship where affection was showed sporatically and without reason. But c'mon... we're talking about guys here. I've witnessed the breed and can draw my own conclusions by now.

And what is sad is that the best Valentine's Day I've ever had I spent single and alone. My parents drove up to State College to visit my sister while I stayed home. I was still in high school. There was a "Love Sucks" marathon on AMC, and they played vampire movies all day. So me any my cat just curled up on the couch and watched vampire movies all day. It was the best.

So much so that every following year I watch avampire movie on Valentine's Day. Let's continue the tradition!

So Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Let's hope your love sucks.

Why Did You Bother?

2009-02-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

In Ontario there is a store called The Tofu Store. They sell a whole bunch of delicious tofu treats from Vietnam.

Overheard in line:

Daughter: What are you going to get?
Old Mother: Tofu.

....

AND NOTHING ELSE WAS SAID.

Free!

2009-01-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Over ten years after having my braces removed, today I finally got them to remove the wire they placed on the back of my teeth.

What I didn't anticipate, however, was that there was a book of photos in my former orthodontist's waiting room. And guess what I found in the front of the book! Eleven year old T!!!

Some old scars resurfaced.

OH THOSE GLASSES. THE BRACES. OHHHHH WHYYYYYYY HAS THAT THING BEEN THERE FOR THE LAST DECADE?!?!

A Year of Life in Motion

2009-01-03T19:02:00.001-08:00

Resolution -

Learn from my past mistakes. Do not repeat them.

Christmas Travel Snafu

2008-12-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

Didn't make it home. Stuck here in a Ramada in Cleveland.

Oh why did I leave San Francisco!

Big Day

2008-12-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

Today was my final class.

I

Am

A

College

Graduate

I'm still reeling.

News Silence

2008-11-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

So no one's going to talk about how Geary Street was shut down yesterday due to the Bomb Squad?

Ok San Francisco. I see how it is.

Happiness List 2

2008-11-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

I love it when people do a nice thing for me unexpectedly.

Like how did my roommate know I wanted a beer tonight? I've been stressed out like crazy this week, and I come home tonight thinking, "Man, all I want is a Newcastle." And he comes home with a bottle!!

Awesome.

Why Today Was a Perverted Day

2008-11-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today I helped Ja Ha out by agreeing to be in her photo shoot. This morning she takes me to the roof of her apartment building to set up the location shots. The views were amazing; it was a panoramic view of west San Francisco. Ja Ha suddenly points out that there's a couch next to the doorway leading out onto the roof.

But then I see it.
Me: Is that... a bottle of K.Y. next to the couch?

Upon closer inspection we also find a clear shower curtain and towels next to the couch. And it wasn't a bottle of K.Y. It was baby oil.

Ja Ha: Oh God, I don't even wanna know what goes on up here.

Later, we get breakfast at a place called Eddie's on Divisadero. It is a popular hole-in-the-wall Mom and Pop restaurant. It's also very cheap, so a college student haven.
This particular day sees some weird characters come in. Next to us a 60-something man sits down with a 20-something latina female. We get perved out. Obviously he is not Daddy Warbucks if he's taking his "date" to Eddie's so...

Gross.

Our final discovery is the funniest. Japeksha and I are changing into our outfits in Ja Ha's room. Japek suddenly needs Ja Ha's eyeshadow, so she begins rumaging through the boxes on Ja Ha's desk. Some are art supplies, and another was a box of coins.

Suddenly, she giggles.

Me: What is it?
Japeksha: (Holding up box slyly) Well I just found a shitload of condoms... Heh heh heh.

Making Amends

2008-11-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it just takes that final push or shove or straw breaking. To finally get it over with, make the first step and apologize. And surprisingly... it went smoothly. All three times.

I feel good. And I hope that now my karma has evened out.

Some other things though, are hopeless. For now.

Oh Curtis, you'd be proud and a little disappointed in me now. I hope that you are being good. There's a lot of crap flying around now about certain people and certain laws, a lot of hate, but I still believe in you.

A lot of people in California deserve this Right Now

2008-11-06T17:46:00.000-08:00

History

2008-11-04T22:34:00.001-08:00

Personal issues are put aside at this moment.

Tonight I have witnessed history. I have listened to a great man with a message that was so influential, so monumental... words can't describe it.

The moment didn't seem so important. There was a chicken burrito on the coffee table, beer bottles laying around, feet on the furniture. I wasn't in an auditorium, I wasn't with a huge party watching a large feed. It was just me and my roommate relaxing together after our stressful day. It may not seem glamorous, but when I look back and remember this moment I will be so grateful my roommate was there to share it with me. He may not know it, but I was glad--am glad-- a person like him was in my life.

We didn't even see it coming. We scanned the news stations trying to understand what was going on. And then there is was! No pomp, no fanfare... just the words "Obama wins the electoral vote." We weren't even sure it was true at that point!

His speech was just so eloquent and was it me or did it ring? I can only parallel it with MLK Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech. Every word and nuance had a meaning and I felt it vibrate with importance. I had goosebumps!

Today had been very hard. I am going through sadness and a lot of anger. But tonight I find myself filled with hope after seeing his acceptance speech.

The problems I have are nothing facing Obama and our nation. This tough time will pass. I have had a shower of support from my friends and I will support my nation. I look forward to my future now. It is a future of uncertainty but I am looking forward to it. There certainly are no strings tied to me now. There can be more tough times, there may be more people that hurt me. But I have family that love me. I have friends that will get my back.

I'm ready now. I want to let go of this pain and get ready for the future. Little by little it has been happening.

Let's do this.

Can I Be THAT Girl?

2008-11-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

I am feeling hurt and confused right now.

You know what doesn't help?

That g.d. teacher that marked me down 8 points for one mistake-- omitting the C M Y K letters on a printed project-- will not let me redo it to raise my grade. (Which is standard practice at the g.d. corporate art school that I attend!!) Proving she plays favourites and confirms I am definitely on the opposite end.

And everyone hates our department and bitches when we use the elevator, even though we can't go from the first floor to the second without first walking down to the basement, over, up to the first and THEN to the second feel the need to complain IN OUR COMPUTER LAB on OUR FLOOR about us... You know what graphic design kids? Go do some more blow, you're looking sober.

Yes, these things exacerbated a problem that arose today.

EVERYONE NEEDS A PUNCH IN THE FACE TODAY.

GAAAAAAAAAAAH.

Money Stretching

2008-10-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have a new love, my friends. And it is thrift shopping.

Thrift Town is a dingy mecca of delights for me. In fact, I love shopping that block on Mission because of the proximity of dollar stores and thrift shop to the BART station.
I found a beautiful silver candlestick for $7 there. Oh, my Halloween shopping is complete.

And Ichi Ban Kan in Nihonmachi? Not a thrift store, but it is cheap shopping!

If I can make being nearly broke more glamorous I'll sleep a little easier at night. And cheap shopping really feels good for this.

WTF?

2008-09-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

In the four years I have been in college I have yet to play the starving student role. Until now. Which in a way is good, because I can now boast of undergoing a rite of passage.

Not being able to afford grocery shopping this week, I literally grab coins from my spare coin jar and head to a big, corporate fast food chain in order to score dinner from the dollar menu.

I head home to eat and THIS greets me:

WTF IS IT? Was it supposed to be a spoon? A spork? What happened to you, oh plastic utensil?? What went wrong on the converyor belt you were manufactured on?
Well, you came to a good home. Instead of being discarded you have found a permanent place with me, little freak plastic thing. You shall amuse me.

Gearing Up

2008-09-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am kicking into the Halloween mode early this year. It's just my favourite holiday and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. JUST. UGH. I DO.

This woman's got a great pumpkin cake recipe, which makes me try to remember the chocolate pumpkin cake recipe I made last year.

I've been google image searching Halloween cupcakes and there's just so many things... so many great things...

Life's been up and down lately, with money and mood. This is really the only thing guaranteed to put me in a great mood.

Moon Festival

2008-09-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

Guess what time it is?

Happiness List

2008-09-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

I have gotten into the custom of buying a bouquet of flowers from the Civic Center farmer's market every other week. It's a small investment ($3) but I really love the idea of filling my home with plants and flowers.

It's the small things that bring me happiness.

Cupcakes Round Two

2008-09-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have mastered a very delicious red velvet cupcake recipe, and decided to mail it to a squeeze in San Diego.

I must say I think I went a little overboard to make sakura fondant flowers to coordinate with the yellow icing.

However, they did not survive in this state during transit.

Dang.

Labour Day

2008-09-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

I'm spending mine doing homework.
Of course, just when finals kick into gear the weather is perfect in San Francisco.

At least I did a very city girl thing and went to Alamo Square to read. I really love this city sometimes.

Sunny Side

2008-08-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today is let's blow off class and head to the beach day here in San Francisco. Very rare, let me assure you.

BONUS: It's favourite graffiti time!

Odd defamation to say...

Very inside joke. You'd only get it if you lived near Clement street. It's Quickly vs. Genki. Go Sweet Delite is what I say.

Sew In Love

2008-08-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

So this is the muslin of the couture dress I am doing. Pretty excited. It will be done in a scarlet duchess silk.

It's probably the best sewing project I've done. So far

Better

2008-08-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say, that I hae pretty awesome friends that take care of me and keep my spirits up.Also, thanks to all my peeps that are virgos because this weekend and next is about a billion chances to get drunk,. Which I am now.

Yeaaaaaaaaaaa it's gon a be alright!!!

Are They Filming?

2008-08-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

+

I saw a man who looked like this combination exit the Muni underground today.

I also saw a car that looked like a duct taped Bat Tank on Market Street.

You Can Fix Anything

2008-08-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

There was a girl I knew in college. She was was full of life and constantly throwing people's perceptions of her back into their faces. From her blog:

I wonder… I wonder because I've agreed and come to terms that I don't know. I don't know about the world I live in, because I can't stand to hear the crap that people have to say about it.

I've decided that I need to buy my own carton of Ice cream and sprinkles and prepare it the way I want it. Which usually means, load the sprinkles in the bottom of the bowl, then insert your ice cream flavor and successfully follow through by adding more sprinkles and finishing it off with whipped cream and a cherry.. or three.

It's in this bold movement of snack time bliss that I decide to stop what I think I should be doing and DO what makes me happy. And if making me happy consists of sugary goodness, than so be it.

The Point being, Why NOT? Why did we decided that what we loved to do, the things that made us happy.. And I'm not talking a heavy night of drinking happy, or drug intoxicated to a point where I see pretty colors when the gong tolls or I think I'm happier when I getting laid… Crap.

I'm talking the soul inside you can't help but laugh, happy. I'm talking my life for this single moment is perfect and I will not let my doubt, regret, past mistakes, or the shitty present ruin that.

When did Happiness become your last favorite chocolate that someone else got to eat… and hated for that fact because they thought it was their favorite so they globbed it in their mouth chewed it .. made a nasty ass sponge face before spitting it out into the garbage an unidentified muck of sludge and saliva.

We have a choice… a choice to live and the choice to BE ALIVE. Tomorrow may never happen the way we expect it. And the future could possibly suck. But for the moment… shit for all moments I want to be happy, and I don't think that's too much to ask for.

Life is Quirky

2008-07-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am back in San Francisco.

So of course this means I have earned a celebratory crepe from Genki's, which I have gone over a month without. I am walking back to my apartment from said establishment when I must stop and wait to cross at the busy Geary road.

I am right next to Burger King when a beat up, green Ford truck pulls up and parks outside the joint. Out jumps a grizzled, old man wearing a trucker's cap and flannel. He walks with a limp, and the scowl on his bearded face sends out the message: Don't mess with me. I'll f*cking kill you.

As he's making his way to order his wonderfully chemically-enhanced meal, I notice the back window of his truck has a sliding pane. I only notice this because at that very moment a white, toy poodle pushes the pane to the side with his nose. He sticks the front half of his body out and waits there for his master to return.

I smile at the very unexpected breed choice for this gruff old man, but continue on home as the light changed.

First Time

2008-06-18T18:56:00.001-07:00

I've recently gotten into decorative baking.

I really don't know much about baking. I thought it'd be a fun hobby to pick up.
This is my first attempt. To celebrate summer, it is Flip Flop Vanilla Cupcake time!

(Ironically, it is freezing here in PA, so why did I leave San Francisco?)

Actually, I am not a fan of eating fondant.

Not bad, for a first timer?

Sadly, these cupcakes are super sweet and I can't seem to find any takers.

The Great Debate

2008-06-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am not so good at debating. I admit this. I am a pacifist.

However, today was my last final and it was in the History of the Universe class. Yeah, joy, right?
There was a structured debate and test today. Now most of the kids in this class are boys because, let's face it, most art school girls do not like math and science. Therefore it will come as no surprise to you that I had my ass served to me today.

However, aside from the male posturing (by God I hate it when a large group of males have to prove a point in front of each other... it's like watching gorillas beat their chests) some laughs were had as it was not such a serious debate.

To begin, there were three chairs. One person from each team would sit in a chair. The teams were:

A. In 10,000 years humanity is gone because we will have exhausted the Earth and died off.
B. (My team) In 10,000 years humans will have left Earth and started colonizing other planets.
C. In 10,000 years humans are farming what's left of the land and most species of animals and plants go extinct aside from the ones we consume.

There's about 30 people in this class, so it was a bit of a chaotic ruckus. Anyways, highlights from the debate were:

Team A is saying something is refute Team B. This is all said in rapid fire succession:
A: Well, none of this is going to matter if Yellowstone happened to explode!
B: You're right.
A: Yes. Thank you...... *stunned silence*
(Class erupts in laughter)

Team C is justifying artificial selection:
C: So we're not just gonna take off and go to other planets. We like our animals. Just not all of them.
B: Like what?
C: Cheetahs. And elephants. They're useless anyways.

At one point a German student is sitting in the Team A chair. The members from B and C are going at it. He cannot get a word in edgewise.

Me: C'mon, get in there! You're German, invading is what you do! Blitzkrieg, blitzkrieg!
A: Gah!

Finally, some idiot on our team is talking about building a floating biosphere.
B: We have the technology. We can build something to orbit us, something the size of half of our planet.
C: Half the size of our planet? What are we building, the Death Star?

Thai Dinner Night

2008-06-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

I enjoy cooking for friends. On Saturday, May 17th I prepared 10 dishes. Here's how Thai Night turned out!

Friends I Want to Remember

2008-06-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

So I went through the whine-fest that was my former journal circa 2004-2006.

Wow. We're coming up on four years of living in San Francisco. Oh Young T. there was so much I wanted to tell you. So much. How were you to know of what was ahead? Tears and fears, baby!

Well, I am so glad to see I've connected with so many people after those beginning years. I am not a total wash out of a human being after all.

I do need more stories to write though. If only I could fit a story with all the main players here.
So I dedicate this to all those dear people that have been with me for years now. *NOTE: I use pseudonyms because the intarwebs is a scurry place.

To:
Ja-Ha (It's like cutting a baby!)
Japeksha (Sit down before you fall down)
Lilo
Saunders (She can's draw fingaaaaaahs!)
Thunder
Philly
Posh
Tamarama

Get Me A Romantic Poem

2008-06-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's springtime and a new love has bloomed.

How unexpected and delightful.

HEAT WAVE

2008-05-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

San Francisco. Hot. Never thought I'd use those two words in the same sentence.

BLEGH BUSES ON HOT DAYS.

It's pina colada time.

Start. Stop. Stall. Start Again.

2008-05-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

I hate break-up blogs. I usually take down those posts because they're a little too personal, and not something I want the second party to find. And also, hey, I usually got back together with that particular person, but finally things have changed.

But I think that now, two months later, I have to turn to here to release some things I've noticed about myself. Not things I want to share with friends, but hey, the somewhat anonymity of the internet works better than nothing at all.

I think the past is better left unsaid. All the time I spent with this one person, and still I'm only half of the story. I just know I was unhappy. And even through the periods of doubt and loneliness, I know what I did was right.

Everyone should know the woes of a break up. However, that's not what I want to get at. Sure, the first weeks were toughest. But hey, time marched on and I got on to a month. And things finally got easier. I was always able to function, but I could finally do it less melancholy.

But I underestimated the utter devastation just contacting my ex could wreck on me. We went weeks of dead silence. Then there was a phone call. Wow. Tears baby. Rivers. On my side. I guess I underestimated that after a breakup a guy just moves right on to the next thing. It hurts a girl to realize that two years can be forgotten in a day.

But two months. I thought I was all better. At least working to the point of accepting dates again. Pain be damned! He's over, I'm over it.

Wrong. Phone call.

And the worst of it is throughout this break up I've discovered this dark, hurting part of me. The side that wants to cuss him out when he calls me up, nonchalantly. The part that wants him to hurt as much as me, that's crying for attention, that'll say mean things like, "I want you to never come back! I hate you!" It's seething and tormenting and sometimes it'll come out of the blue and taunt me. I do fine most of the time, but the days after contact with my ex it seems to resurface.

It's bottled up, but it's still there. And I hate it. I didn't want to be this girl full of hate. I want to love and be loved. So I'm acknowledging it. And I'm trying to work through it. Don't be that girl. Rise above it all.

My mother is funny

2008-05-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

--- On Fri, 5/2/08, T. <******@hotmail.com> wrote:

From: T. <******@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: Dinner
To: ******@yahoo.com
Date: Friday, May 2, 2008, 11:37 AM

Ok, here's what I'm thinking.

Appetizers:
Eggrolls
Som Tum
Chicken Satay

Main Dishes:
Pad Thai
Spicy Beef Salad
Tom Yum Goong

Dessert:
Tab Tim Grob
Fried Bananas

I have all of the packaged ingredients so all I need are the fresh ones. Is this enough to serve 15 people?

RE: Dinner

From: S. Smith (*****@yahoo.com)

Sent: Fri 5/09/08 6:36 PM

To: T. (******@hotmail.com)

here's what i'm thinking;

pb &j

saltines

water

Disgusting Current Affairs

2008-05-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

DC Madam would have gotten 55 years for running a prostitution ring and that Fritzl is facing 15 for what he did to his daughter?

How is that even remotely fair?

Disgusting. He should be put to death.

Miss Murder

2008-03-22T00:48:00.001-07:00

Tonight I saw the full harvest moon rise from Ocean Beach.

We had a smore party at a friend's house.

There were people and games.

We went shopping at the 24 hour Safeway after midnight.

I haven't had this much fun in ages. When I leave San Francisco I want to remember these moments.

School is Weird

2008-02-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

So our school consists of a variety of art majors, such as fashion design, graphic and interior design, to animation and video game programming. We don't really get a lot of interaction between the majors unless it's a G.E. class.

Tonight's Japanese class is one of those classes.
The subject of discussion was of the usage of the verbs 'imasu' and 'arimasu.' The difference between them is whether or not the noun is an animate or inanimate object.

A cat is 'imasu.'

A television is 'arimasu.'

Etc.

Student raises his hand. He is a video game programmer. He asks, "What about zombies?"
....

The teacher, non-plussed, cheekily responds, "I have taught this class at this school for four quarters. I have been asked that question every quarter."

Callin' it Quits

2008-02-19T00:10:00.000-08:00

Nickelodeon, I grew up with you. You gave me the best television entertainment of my youth and fostered my love of cartoons, which I would have gone into if not for the advance of 3D animation.

Alas, over the years you have deteriorated into this drab network with super-low quality programming like 'Tak and the Power of Juujuu' which is extremely BAD animation and 'Zoey 101.' It's the same formulas for all of your programs. And since the scandal of your huge money maker you have done nothing to remedy this; oh no her show goes on and now, NOW you have things like Fairly Odd BABY? Are you kidding?

So young kids, Nick wants you yo know kids are cute and will have no impact whatsoever on you having fun. Go have them. Early as possible.

Sheesh.

America, stop accepting this crap!

Don't try new things

2008-02-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

Musk flavoured Lifesavers from Fiji.

NOT. PLEASANT. AT ALL.

The Digital Rabbithole

2008-01-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

For a class we have to design a line of clothing, which has been shortened to about thirty garments.

Everyone does womenswear which is rather cliche and boring, so I proposed designing clothes for Sims like Second Life. It was given the green light by my professor.

I didn't really know much about Second Life aside from an article I read, but the more I research it the more it frightens me! It's so huge and involved that I think it's nuts! I still do not have a SL account, but reading up about it more and more frightens me. I remember The Sims being addictive, but this community seems like it's more escapism than having a good time.

Buying genitalia? WHAT.

I'd rather scrap this project rather than falling into the rabbithole and never being able to climb out.

Ugh ugh ugh

2008-01-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

Fashion show coming up. And I HAVE to do it. But inspiration's failing me because all the things that make me unique I'm finding that other girls are doing!

Circus? Oh some girl trains on silk and wants to do it.

Kooza? Oh some girl saw it and thinks it's way awesome! Where were you then six years ago before Cirque du Soleil became mainstream? Oh, that's right!

Pin-Up? Overdone yes, but would have been fun.

GAH! Think, think, think!

Resolve

2008-01-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

It's a new year. New day.

Let's not repeat the past. Forge ahead. Shed away what haunts you.

Believe in yourself.

You're worth it.

Scary Stuff

2007-12-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

As I was waiting for my bus outside of school, several people made a bit of commotion over something on the bus shelter's metal pole.

Listening to their conversation, it turned out to be a huge bullet hole that went straight through the pole and into a neighboring light pole. I felt a little freaked that I had heard nothing about it on the news or in the Chronicle so I researched it.

According to SFCrime Blog, Friday at 10PM a man was shot. And the comments discussing it were even more frightening as no one has been arrested as of yet.

Now I've seen random violence in this city, but never a shooting. And it also freaked me out that I had been waiting at that exact spot a mere 2 hours prior since I usually take that bus home. And usually I wait there after a night class, so had this been on Thursday I would have been there.

It's so scary. Things like these make me freak out that I'm living in a city. That and the rising cost of living.

Boob-ocity

2007-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Yam-Yam: (grabs waist) Ooo, so tiny! (grabs boobs) Ooo, not tiny!

Ja-Ha: (hugs) Hmm... not wearing a bra today, huh?

No more plastic bags

2007-11-18T22:39:00.001-08:00

""I think it's an idiotic utopian notion, which is typical of the Board of Supervisors," Casey said. At the store, the checkers double-bagged nearly every item, he noted, adding, "I can't help thinking paper uses more resources than plastic.""

Booyaka

2007-11-15T23:11:00.000-08:00

So it's 10:00 at night and I'm riding the 21 home after class. The bus is nearly empty and during its regular route it passes by St. Mary's Hospital. The fog was beginning to roll in, but visibility was about 80% at the time.

I glance out the window and catch the hospital's directory sign and see a buck naked man. Now, the hospital is next to Golden Gate Park which is notorious for its denizens of crazy homeless men. But this man was clean shaven and desperately trying to cover his bait and tackle -

And oh man I wished I could have taken a pic of it. Hilarious. Man, it was a little too chilly for that.

Inevitable

2007-11-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

Maybe there is no such thing as love. I think it's just a fancy word for dependency.

I love Halloween

2007-10-25T11:28:00.001-07:00

Halloween is my absolute favourite holiday, and autumn is my favourite season. I really miss it since I'm living in San Francisco and there is never a season change. A true East Coaster loves the leaves.

At any rate, at least I got to Disney to celebrate.

Sunrise

2007-09-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

There's a weird atmospheric thing going on right now where it's foggy but the sun is clearly visible.
It's spilling this beautiful red light into the living room.

However, it reminds me of a saying my grandfather used to say:

Red in the morning,
Sailors take warning.

Hottest Commercial EVER

2007-09-05T21:17:00.001-07:00

It just turns me on watching it every time. And I would do them both! What a compliment, seeing as I'm straight.

Backyardians

2007-09-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

I have the woe of living in an apartment with a bedroom facing a backyard that we don't have access to. It's a cute little thing with a gazebo that no one ever uses. The neighbors in our duplex like to sing karaoke late at night instead, it seems.

Anyway, there's a row of backyards with eclectic gardens and stone pathways next to ours. They're just the most darling things ever! One of these days I'll take a picture.

The bonus today was that apparently a jazz band lives two doors over and practices in their backyard! Best thing I've heard in a long time.

Overheard on the Bus

2007-07-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Little Boy: That sign says 'STOP!'
Father: That's right, good job!
Little Boy: So why didn't the bus stop?
Father: Well, that sign is for pedestrians. The bus has to stop for traffic lights.
Little Boy: We learned about traffic lights in school! They have three lights!
Father: Is that so? What are they?
Little Boy: Green, Yellow and Red.
Father: Wow, that's great!
Little Boy: (pauses for a few minutes, watches people get off around shady Civic Center)

Little Boy: I know something else that has a light.
Father: What?
Little Boy: Roxanne.
Father: ..... Huh?
Little Boy: Roxane has a red light.
Father: (chuckles) Uh, yeah. Roxanne has got a red light.

San Francisco Sick

2007-06-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

This city will take your money from you-- while being pretentious and condescending about it.

Rid-donk-ulous

2007-05-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the world's stupidity makes me cry.

"They are neither Christian nor Muslim and worship a blue peacock known as Malak Taus."

Closer to Graduating

2007-05-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, I went to register the other day and realized that I am less than a year away from graduating.

[BEGIN panicsequence\\]

OH DEAR GOD! I haven't learned anything! I'm not ready to go into the real world! I have no money and I'm in debt 80K! I haven't done things I've wanted to! I haven't created a new effing layout for this blog. I haven't learned French or gotten my TESL certificate! I haven't applied for the Peace Corps! I don't work out everyday! I NEVER TOOK A CLASS FROM THE CIRCUS SCHOOL! Noooooooooooooooo!

[END sequence\\]

Just Derseves

2007-05-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I am a snooty bitch and I get karma back for it.

Conan

2007-05-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Your jokes on San Francisco are well done sir. "The Orpheum, one of the top theaters in San Francisco, located in the 25th nicest neighborhood!"

Our school is directly next door to the Orpheum, where they are filming. We see everyone leave. Caught it on TV last night!

His hair is less orange than I remember.

Who the hell filmed me and for what?

HOLY SWEET JESUS

2007-04-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

IT'S WORSE WHEN THE TOILET OVERFLOWS.

OH GOD. OH GOD.

WHY DIDN'T THE WATER SHUT OFF WORK?!

New Place, Calm Feeling

2007-04-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

I am happily gazing out the window of my bedroom at my new apartment. Tonight will be the first night that I will actually spend it here. It's a little unnerving and awkward uprooting yourself at first, but it's so damn nice here that I'm glad I made the move.

It's also easier moving one person with 7 people and a Uhual. Let that be noted.

The internet and cable were installed today, and cable is a luxury I haven't had in years. It's that On Demand crap, but I have found a network that plays the old game show 'Legends of the Hidden Temple.' Holy shit. This is awesome.

I am happy.

My Back...

2007-04-21T08:57:00.001-07:00

I hate moving day.

T's Thai Spicy Beef Salad

2007-04-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Time for T's recipe corner! Today we're making Mom's Thai beef salad. I'm forever working on this recipe. For this version I used sirloin top steak, but usually you should use flank steak. The key to a perfect beef salad is succulent non-tough cut of beef. I usually cook according to how much I feel I need, so it's hard for me to tell you how much you need of something.

Ingrediants:
Fresh Cilantro
Fresh Mint
Fresh Chives
Onion (I used shallot this time, but usually use a sweet onion)
3 limes
Ground dried rice
Ground Thai chili pepper
Nampla (Fish sauce)
2 steaks

A wok

If any of these sound foreign to you, go find an Asian supermarket.

Directions:
Prepare your meat for frying. Juice the three limes and wash your fresh herbs.

Cook the steak until it's barely rare. DO NOT OVERCOOK. While this is going on you can chop the chives and cilantro. Chopping the cilantro is the best part of this recipe! I loved the smell of freshly cut cilantro. Also chop the onion into rings.

Ah, now your meat is done! For reference, this isn't rare enough. Now you want to thinly slice the steaks after they cool a bit. The key is THIN. I'm still having trouble with this. My mother can slice meat a millimeter thin. I've learned that putting the knife flush against your finger at the edge of the meat tends to work best.

That's not thin enough. Anyway, now that every thing's prepared, heat up your wok over medium heat. I put a tiny bit of vegetable oil in the wok. Put in the beef and add the lime juice and nampla. The nampla is just to suit your taste because it's a very potent, salty sauce. I'd say you would use less than a teaspoon.

While you are cooking in the wok, remember: Do not overcook. You want it a little raw. And always stir so you don't burn your dish! You can turn the heat down a bit now.

Add about a tablespoon of ground rice powder into the mix. I usually end up using more because the rice powder gives the beef that unique texture. You now can add the chili pepper.

CAUTION: Do not use too much! A teaspoon of the good stuff can give your mouth a nasty burn. Add a tiny bit at a time to suit your level of spiciness.

Here I add all the fresh herbs except the mint.

Taste test your beef and see if you want any more lime, pepper, etc. Otherwise you are done!

Remove from the wok and add some remaining fresh cilantro and the mint. Served best with sticky (glutinous) rice. (Recipe in a future post.) Make sure you don't drain all of the juice, and wrap the beef with saran wrap when you aren't eating it. Beef salad has the tendency to dry out quickly.

Personally I love beef salad cold, but you can serve it hot as well.

Enjoy!

:(

2007-03-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hey! I turned 21! You people are supposed to card me!

Why is it the day I am finally turn legal you suddenly stop carding?! DAAAAA!

I pwn J00

2007-02-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Finally, I am master of Ebay.

I have learned the lethal 'Final Minute Bid' technique. I am stealth ninja! Didn't see me sneak up, didja? HA!

Moving Along

2007-01-30T15:56:00.000-08:00

I might as well dwell on positives.

My dear Holls found this fabric in the free bin at school and graciously gave them to me.

There's so much fabric here! I have decided to use them as upcoming curtains or drapes, should I ever find a place to live.

And I also received a package from Hong Kong today. It was my cute Mokona Modoki plushie!

Weoohh

2007-01-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

You want to kn]ow how to cheer yourself up on a down, grey sdaty?

First, get vsome friends.

I knows their not real, but I'm a sad pathetic shut in.

Then order shitty chinese food. /Like this is awwwwful. I know cause I worked in a chinese restaurant.

Then down a lot pof wine. Like aLOT. Cause I am druuuuuuunk right now. And watch breakfast at tiffany's. This movie is soooooooo deep. I am Holly golightly iswear ro god....

And finally, wear comfy pyjamas.

It was bad day tpoday. :(

My Feet Itch

2007-01-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

Nothing makes me feel better than booking airfare.

It's the promise of travel, and of leaving things behind.
If I don't have the ability to go to new and far places it depresses me quite a bit.

Can't stay. Gotta go.

Ode du Toilet

2007-01-21T17:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Creators of Sugar-Free Candies,

Please increase the size of your disclaimers that read:
Caution, consuming large quantities of this product will produce a diuretic effect.

If possible, please make them larger that -5 pt and understandable in layman's terms. Preferably they'd read:
WOAH, eating a bunch of these fuckers will cause you to shit uncontrollably.

Thanks,

A Newly Enlightened Consumer

Yay Yay

2007-01-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular belief, I do have good days.

I do believe the sore throat is getting better. (Knock on wood!)
Lilo and I had dim sum today at Tong Palace. (Yummy! And not as expensive as Yank Sing!)
I made a trip to Nihonmachi. (I don't go there enough.)
I met an interesting girl from Amsterdam waiting for the 22 with me. Who was honestly almost on top of me while I was waiting for the bus. Europeans and their closeness. Americans are cold and need breathing room! (Haha, how sad...)
She was nice. She knew my hat was from H&M too, go fashionista!

She made me feel happy. I really should go around complimenting people. If I weren't so scared of people snubbing me, and if I weren't so people-anxious, I would. Hey, I'll work on it.

Finally, today I got...

TAIYAKI!!

Ode to Taiyaki -

Taiyaki, so good to eat
Taiyaki, a tasty treat.
Taiyaki, Taiyaki, Taiyaki
Yum yum, let's eat!

Old Fashioned Remedy

2007-01-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

Greggerz is a diabolical fiend for suggesting this concoction to cure a sore throat.

3 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

UGH, SO NASTY!!! Drink it several times a day he says... you can't even drink it! You chew it!

Not that desperate for a cure.

Thai Home Cooking

2007-01-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

You know you want some of my delicious Red Curry Chicken! There's actually more chili peppers than shown. AROI KA!!!

Everything tastes better in cast iron pots, in my opinion.

Audreyphile

2007-01-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

I've developed this sudden interest in Audrey Hepburn, which probably is due to the fact that GAP used her in a campaign ad not too long ago.

I'm not into Hollywood, especially the tanned, oiled up, crack-addicted waifs they've been churning out. But Audrey represents this classic beauty from another era. She's sexy, but it's subtle and not over-the-top. So many women in Hollywood can't understand this. Audrey is what a Hollywood role model should be, if one believes in making actresses into role models. It doesn't really fly today.

If anything, I want to emulate that classic sophistication. I've watched Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Paris When it Sizzles, and My Fair Lady a number of times. Ah, that fashion. So elegant.

What I Learned Today

2007-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Coed trips to adult stores are fun, if not a tad bit awkward.

When you have nice, really long hair, hairdressers never have the balls to do anything crazy with it, so all your haircuts will end up looking the same.

If you swallow back tears long enough, you won't cry.

2007 Add On

2007-01-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

I turn 21 this year!

Sweet.

Also added to resolutions:
Repair relationships.

Resolutions

2007-01-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, if 2007 is the year of change, there needs to be a lot of resolutions. Sad part is I wasn't even awake when 2007 rolled in.

1. Stronger girl - No more crying, putting up with shit.
2. Self Confidence - Work on it
3. Healthy diet and exercise - Wants those abs
4. Work on foreign languages - Thai and French
5. Try to get to the Circus School - I want to take a class, I've been waiting two years!

Air Travel Woes

2006-12-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

I guess the most humiliating experience I have had in an airport is arriving two days early for a flight.

And I learned this today as I checked in at the kiosk.

HELL!!!!!

Christmas Carols

2006-12-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Best one on the radio -

12 Pains of Christmas

Weirdest one -

Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey

Celebrity Sighting

2006-12-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

So the first "celebrity sighting" I've had in San Francisco happened today in Chinatown.

It was Flava Flav.

I feel cheated.

Frustrated

2006-12-13T16:23:00.000-08:00

I am sick of being disrespected by the people closest to me, especially as of late.

I am a person worthy of being treated with respect, as I treat all others with it. If what goes around comes around, why can't I receive it as well?

Why am I not worthy of being remembered? Why am I always being forgotten about?

First Corset

2006-12-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ah well, I should at least be proud of my progress. Here's my first ever completed product that I started from scratch. Draping on a mannequin is actually rather fun, until the blisters appear. It's a corset I made from a super nice silk/rayon fabric (that I got on sale at Britex. SCORE!) Boy, there sure are so many things wrong with it.

I'm going to remake it with the leftover fabric I have when I come back from break. I didn't give enough bust curve because.. ah, apparently I underestimated my bust area. I'm a bit endowed for someone my size. I won't be doing another sweetheart neckline because it's just too tricky to sew. I'm going to add some black lace and more grommets. It's going to be HOT.

Orion Chillin'

2006-12-05T22:19:00.000-08:00

I found my person that is there for me when I'm down. He's hanging up there, in the cosmos, chilling and watching the world go by. Whether I'm across the world suffering from loneliness or walking home after an exhausting day, he'll be up there. I just have to wait for the night to come to see him.

We start up this great inner dialogue, me and Orion, and I spill about how blue I feel because this person is a constant disappointment or that person wasn't there for me. He responds with something like "People will be people," or something else that's comforting. I feel better afterwards and I can go home and sleep for the night.

Our first encounter was when I was a child, and his tell-tale stars were the easiest constellation for me to pick out. He was there for me when I was in Thailand for the first time, missing home and feeling out of place. He's the man that will never disappoint, never fail me, as long as there are stars in the sky.

Test Post

2006-11-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

New Journal - New Journey