a new year, new goals?

(photo taken at Nathan Phillips Square)

I usually don't make new year resolutions. I found it pointless to make goals at the beginning of the year. I'd rather make goals and resolutions as I go through life. 2010 for me though, feels different. Reflecting on 2009, I realized how much I had grown as a person. 2009 really was a wonderful year. Two co-op terms at great workplaces, both giving me extended knowledge of my field and a better understanding of what I would like to do in the future. My so-called "school" term - 3 weeks spent in the wonderful Dominican Republic - was pretty life changing. As an outsider looking in, I first regarded DR as a dangerous, poor nation. After spending 21 days travelling around the country, I was immersed in the local culture. It was nice not staying at the all inclusive resorts. I visited mines, dry river valleys, flood planes, salt lakes, beautiful beaches, climbed and jumped off waterfalls. I can't wait to go back.

This year will be my last year of school, and I really want to make everything worthwhile. Keep on top of schoolwork, be proactive. I finally understand what it means to be proactive. We learned of the concept in high school. I even attended a seminar on the 7 habits of highly effective teens (a self help book of sorts). It takes a lot of will and self motivation that's for sure. I'm going to my last co-op term a lot more seriously than my last 3. I'm going to start preparing for grad school applications, which includes studying for the GRE (*grumbles). In addition to academia, I would like to run a 10km race this year, and just be healthier and fitter in general. As for self improvement, I think I've learned to be a lot more flexible and laid back in the last couple of years. Things can't always go according to my plan, and I need to continue being flexible.

Thanks to all my friends who keep me in check and listen to my complaints and insecurities. I will try to behave this year haha.

Anyhow, going to take a nap. 8:30 class is never easy to wake up for, especially when I'm still on Vancouver time.

Music to my ears: 周華健-明天我要嫁給你
P.S. This is my 40th post!

feeling a bit serious

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "It is not length of life, but depth of life". We place such emphasis on longevity but I feel that how we live our lives and what we accomplish and represent is more important. Accomplishments may be a testament to our egos a friend once told me. I retorted that yes, accomplishments may boost our egos, but it is the underlying belief that your accomplishments will be for the greater good (at least for me it is). As for how we live our lives, I've been brought up with Chinese morals of family, honesty, and what it means to be a good person. For me, I think that would be my "depth of life". My sense of right and wrong are quite established, and it causes me to be quite judgmental of others, especially when they're doing things that are not within my definition of what is right.

I learned some sad news yesterday. A good friend of mine lost his mother to cancer. I wasn't able to focus or sleep well after he told me. I can't imagine what he's going through. This is why I've been thinking about life and death. I wish I had more words of comfort to provide him, but I realize that I'm not that great of a comforter, I'm more of a listener. I hope he knows that I'm here for him and that I love him, I always have. He told me to value my family and realize how lucky I am, and I know I'm so lucky. It is reminders like this that keep me grounded and appreciative of what I have, and share what I have.

be merry

It's been an extremely chill day. I still went into work today to pack some things up and return my pass, and say good bye to the people who still went in. It ended up being me playing with my boss's adorable son (decked out in his Burberry coat lol), and chatting the time away with coworkers. It makes me sad that I have to leave as I'm just getting to know everyone.

I'm going home tonight. My flight's not until 10:45pm. I'm writing this as I'm waiting to have dinner. I made my special seafood pasta with wine sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted zucchini. Oh yeah, there's also some booze. White wine, gin, and honey lagers. Not gonna get drunk before my flight though!

Anyway, I'm really glad this term turned out so well. I learned a lot about myself and about my future. I really need this break before I head back to school though. I hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled holiday with family and friends!
I'll be home for Christmas, and watching SHERLOCK HOLMES.

Some photos for your pretty eyes:

it's almost that time again...

PACKING AND MOVING.

It's pretty much my worst nightmare.
You'd think that I'd get used to it after so many times, but nope it doesn't get any easier for me.
I may be a more efficient packer now but I still hate it with a passion. I just don't like how I have to move my life around constantly, and this time back to a place I don't even like.

Ok, so moving around is probably "character building". Packing is just a necessary part of it.
I can't wait until I can finally settle down somewhere and call a place my own. No more roommates. Just my own place, peace, and quiet. Loneliness? Well, I'll find someplace with easy transportation and friends nearby.

In the meantime, I'll have to put up with it and repack everything three times before I get it right.

A thought just came into my mind...I can't imagine what it'll be like when I move my life back to Vancouver.....I'm excited for that day to come, but still...it's going to be madness. I need to purge my possessions.

Alegria - raison pour rester?

I've been thinking about my next summer work term and where I would like to work.
I know I really want to work back in Vancouver, or try applying to jobs in Asia again on my own.
But ever since I found out Alegria is going to Toronto next June for only FIVE days...I've been thinking that maybe I should stay in Toronto JUST so I could see the show.

I've never seen clips of the show. What I have heard is the SOUNDTRACK. Repeatedly, you will hear me obsess over soundtracks. I really think Soundtracks are such brilliant musical compositions.
GAH I really want to watch Alegria. Everyone else in my family watched it in Taiwan in January. Of course I couldn't be there to watch this show with them. They looooved the show. I loved OVO, but something tells me I'll love Alegria more.

This is like when I was deciding whether I should go to UBC or a school in Ontario. I was thinking that if I stayed home and went to UBC, I'd also get to be home during the OLYMPICS. But it's ok. Problem solved. I'm going home for reading week and watching Patrick Chan perform!

I know I'm going to choose the best work place for me over Alegria. But still...in the back of my mind it will rest.

Rosa does the darndest things

So my good friend, roommate, and fashionista Lucy at In My Music Box tagged me to share 7 random facts about myself. I'm grateful it's shorter than the 25 Random Facts on Facebook. I guess I'm going to add 7 more to that list so I don't repeat myself. Does a person really have 25+7 = 32 Random Facts about themselves? Well, we shall find out. I wanted to do a Friday Favourite today so I'm going to mix that in to this list.

1. I'm very slow to be in the Christmas mood. This year more than particular. It just bothers me that right after Halloween and Remembrance Day, the Christmas lights and all the red and green starts popping up at our malls. It just starts earlier and earlier each year. Christmas feels like a commercial gimmick, and it works. I actually feel pressured to buy gifts. I've kept the number low this year though. Just family and close friends. The moment I felt Christmasy was on Monday. I was walking down to Harbourfront Centre at lunchtime for a skate. While leaving my building, there was a nice band playing some great Christmas tunes. When I walked past Union, another youth brass quartet was playing to raise money for the Salvation Army. By the time I laced up my boots, it started to flurry rather gracefully. That moment put me in the Christmas mood.

   
   

2. I dislike washing my hair. Don't worry, I wash it every couple of days. I just think it's such a waste of time! I wish there was an automatic hair washer that does the washing and drying for me. Drying is my least favourite part. But gotta dry the hair, especially in the winter.
3. SOUND OF MUSIC. I've watched the movie countless times. I most of the movie, except for all the corny bits. Tonight, I went to watch the musical down at Princess of Wales Theatre. $25 student rush tickets are superb! We had first balcony seats, 4th row, and had a great view. The set design was amazing. The singing was pretty good as well. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. So yes, I like Sound of Music. My favourite song has to be the part when she's going to meet them for the first time, and she sings "I have confidence". It's seriously the most uplifting and happy song. I will listen to that everytime I feel negative.
   
4. I have a thing for Bokeh. So the heartshaped ones are girly. I haven't been able to find the lens cover for the heart shaped ones yet, but I haven't really been looking very hard. I need to take my camera out to practice some more. That and buy some new lens!

   

5. I sleep with earplugs now. I'm a light sleeper and I can't sleep with noise, light or heat. Give me a cold room, quiet, and pitch black room and I'll have the best sleep of my life.
   
6. I'm really beginning to enjoy spending time alone. I usually eat lunch alone, and I like having that time to myself for self-reflection and to do some reading. I've read quite a few books this term because of all the time I spend reading at lunch.
   
7. After spending a few months in Toronto for this work term, I've come to appreciate the city a lot more. I used to think that no other Canadian city is better than Vancouver, but I've gotten off my high horse and thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Toronto. Some of my favourite places:

St Lawrence district - especially the Flea Market. Went there 3, 4 times with K.

The Underground PATH - albeit not direct and with rather poor signage. It is quite useful when you're trying to stay warm. Also lots of great underground shopping =D

The Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts. I watched the Nightingale and Other Short Fables here and it was just amazing. I've been inside to see Sonny Rollins perform. But it was something else watching and hearing the sound quality for an opera. I love all the performance venues in Toronto in general. A lot more than Vancouver, that's for sure.

OK my list is done! Going to enjoy some jazz at The Rex tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait!

Friday Favourites

With the holidays quickly approaching, I can't help but be influenced by all the product advertisements thrown in front of me everyday. So here is a list of consumer and non-consumer favourites on this very chilly Friday evening.

1. MUSIC
1.1 John Mayer | Battle Studies

Released a couple of weeks ago, I've been listening to his CD on repeat. My favourite songs are Perfectly Lonely and Edge of Desire. This guy has real talent. I went to his concert two years ago in Vancouver, and it was a great continuous flow of melodic music, great guitar, and smooth vocals. His next tour - Sign me up.

1.2 Sophie Milman | Make Someone Happy & Take Love Easy

I love her covers. She doesn't write lyrics or music but she brings such a unique style to her covers - both jazz, classics, and even rock and roll covers. I have both her CDs as well, ones that I actually purchased from the store. I'm actually going to her concert tonight at Massey Hall, which leads to Favourite Thing # 2

2. Going to concerts by yourself
Yes I'm going to the Sophie Milman concert by myself. I didn't really ask anyone except Julia, and I kinda knew she wouldn't be interested. It's ok. By going on your own, you can get better single seats! I went to a concert at RCM's Koerner Hall in October for a Venezuelan brass ensemble and it was a great time even though I was alone. I should be leaving after I'm done with this post.

3. Mulberry bags
Ok...I've always LOVED Mulberry bags for their simplicity and great quality. The leather they use is soooo soft and supple. I could hug one of their bags to bed. Unfortunately, Mulberry bags cost an arm and a leg and a few fingers...I'll have to wait a few more years until I purchase one. Still. I can look at them and love them.


4. Good friends who are there for you
I did some real stupid things last week. I'm glad I have friends who don't judge and are there for me when I need some loving and support. Thanks ladies! <3

Ok this wraps my Friday Favourites.
Happy weekend and bundle up!

Recipe Revival

(I haven't made this yet...)

With winter fast approaching, I've been putting on the pounds...yes by eating a lot more. I crave more food and eat more too. I just hope winter is the reason I'm eating more. I don't want to be one of those people who eat their feelings.

I realized that my "recipe" label is lacking blog posts. I started it over the summer and posted about 3 or 4 recipes. However, a slow day at work led me to browse through the Wine and Dining section of the New York Times. I browsed through The Minimalist - Summer Express section. There were 101 simple meals ready in 10 minutes or less. Obviously the 10 minutes doesn't include prep time. I'm guessing the meals will take about 20-30 minutes. I really liked some of the recipes posted. I'd like to try to make some of the recipes posted on that list, and then post it on this blog. I need to branch out on the things I make. Sometimes I'm caught in a lull and start making similar things all the time. I'll see if the meals from the NYT are actually quick and simple.

Another recipe I'd like to try is Stracciatella with Spinach. I don't eat enough spinach. Being iron deficient, I need to try to get as much iron from vegetables and nuts since I don't eat beef or lamb, which are meats with the highest iron levels.

I also have a love for risotto. This recipe - Pasta with chicken and mushroom, risotto style - caught my attention. Now I can't wait to attempt this recipe. I love that the recipe calls for gemelli pasta. I bought that pasta over the summer because it was sold at President's Choice supermarkets. I can't seem to find that pasta at Metro. I dislike Metro...overpriced food and not a lot of choice.

Of course, I'll need to try to make my creations as healthy as possible. Or I need to find some time to continue swimming. I am swimming tomorrow...hopefully at 40 minute swim!

Oh and Happy December. I can't believe it's already December. I'll be back in Vancouver soon :)

let's get a move on...

The past is our definition. We may strive, with good reason, to escape it, or to escape what is bad in it, but we will escape it only by adding something better to it.

-- Wendell Berry

I've been struggling with some emotional baggage for the past month or so. Time is the best cure-all for heart break. A method I tend to use is to visualize the person at their worst. I know it may seem crude and mean, but it really does work to an extent. This weekend, I did something I'm not so proud of, which shall not be stated (yes let your mind wonder). I put myself at risk of more emotional stress but I took a chance because I needed to be certain of what I was feeling. The results were mixed. However now I feel more in control of my emotions than ever because I heard what I needed to hear and I felt what I needed to feel to know that he is a thing of the past. The past defines us, and as much as we want to run away from what has happened, we learn from the good and bad. I added something to my past by revisiting it, and walked away with some very positive emotions laced with a tinge of guilt that I see as being worthwhile.

I'm sorry I'm being vague, but what I'm trying to say is that you can always learn from your past, improve yourself, and move on.


I'm listening to: Someday My Prince Will Come - Dave Brubeck

busy yet rewarding

Just a bit less than a month left of work left. My boss left for her two-week vacation today to Hong Kong and with this application deadline next Monday, my phone was ringing a lot more than usual and my emails grew and grew. I worked 9 hours today. I've had longer days than that when I was at Kitchener because I helped out at public meetings. Those days were more like 12 hour days.
But today was especially busy...I just kept going and going. Not sure how my boss does it, but I know I don't want to be super attached to my career in the future. Many people seem to be defined by their careers, and I can see that happening now. Because more and more people are studying things they're interested in, their interests become their careers. It's great to be working on things you're interested in, but I need a line to be drawn somewhere! I feel like doing all this work is really worth it. I'm put in a situation where I'm sort of on my own and it feels nice to be in control of things. Yes, I like to be in control.

Despite all the tiredness, on my walk home, I encountered a cute little boy on Yonge Street. He was with his mother and younger brother and he turned to the officer and said, "Mr. Policeman, I have my guns too!" The police officer replied, "Ohh I'd better not see you with them!" The little boy seemed embarrassed and said, "OK. I promise".

It was an endearing moment. I wonder if the little boy will remember this moment in his life.

Ok, going to grab some yummy Thai food with Sherry before we get ready for a night out! I wish it were warmer!