Every Now And Then

Football Season

2012-01-08T23:34:00.001-05:00

Watching football on our 120" screen in our new theater room is pretty awesome. My DH's Xmas gift. We kinda went all out a little bit... Built the stadium seating, recess lighting, wall sconces etc... It was a bit construction over the holidays but I am glad its now over and I do love the final result very much. I seized the opportunity since we hired electricians, and got recess lights installed every where too. The kids love watching movies there and we saw Green Lantern just the other night. The boys said its the best super hero movie ever. I agree! For different reasons. ;-) Iron Man and like Avatar, the picture and sound are pretty amazing.

I am still having work aversion. :-( But it's nothing new for me. New year, new project, new pm and team. A few months in, I am sure I will be fine.

Today I just happened to notice my dad's shoes are so worn out. And he Never would tell me these things... So I felt like a horrible daughter. Seriously Richard is much more observing than me. How am I a woman I don't know! So I got him two pairs of Merrell shoes online. They are pretty pricey but everyone seems to swear by how comfortable and durable they are. So hopefully they'll be great.

I love this meditation station on Pandora. Even Josh knows abt Pandora now. Typically I put on that music, Josh is out in 15min for his weekend naps. Otherwise it takes an hour or more. No wonder so many parents give up on the naps.

Also my crazy husband wanted to spend $400 bucks for a LCD media room all in one remote!!! A remote control??!! I told him "no way!! That kinda money you can get a laptop. " He goes, "yes honey... But can the laptop control all the components in our media room?" Gosh, I ended up laughing. Anyway, we ended up buying a Google TV thingy which does the Netflix and Amazon streaming plus let's you download app on the smart phone or tablet and turn that into the remote. I felt like behind the time again thru this whole theater room experience. Like a few years back when I got my first smart phone, I was like where have I been?

Tomorrow

2012-01-02T23:39:00.001-05:00

I just have this feeling the next three months will be a difficult time for me. And it all starts tomorrow. I don't want to go back to work but I can't stand being at home either. I mean I love my boys but if I have to play one more Aggravation with them, I am going run away from my home.

R took me out late tonight for sushi. Because I was feeling blue abt the end of the 2week break. I asked him if I am a terrible mother. (Seriously I ask him and/or several of my close friends regularly, I know I am insecure and high maintenance.) He like always reassured me "no way" and blah blah. Then I said, "Well.. I do feel I am quite a bit better than you at being a parent. Good thing there is you to make me feel better abt myself." Lol. :-) I love my husband.

Dear HF, please help me. The beginning months of the year are always rough and I am so confused at times abt everything. I need sleep I guess. :-)

Relaxing Day

2011-12-29T13:01:00.001-05:00

If I were a stay at home mommy, I wish every day would be like today. Slept in til 9:30. Play with the kids, ate a light lunch. Got a fabulous trim with Blake. Always a pleasure. Then went shopping at a local boutique. I love that place that everything they carry they only have a few pieces per style/size. You will be wearing something pretty unique and you.

Then I am headed over to Saks Fifth Avenue outlet. They are having an awesome sale. Tonight hubby and I are thinking abt going to see a movie. This is the life, right? But I realize the holidays will end soon enough. Before long we will be back to the daily grind. At least we will be recharged!!

Life is good. :-)

Husband

2011-12-24T23:59:00.001-05:00

10+ years ago when R was just a good friend, I thought that his wife is going to be the luckiest woman. And today I still feel this way, the difference is I am that woman!

Today dinner R made brownies, stuffing, multi layered jello(12+ hrs), rolls, mashed potatoes and setup the table. If you know my husband at all, he is very much a man-boy type and definitely not a domestic husband who enjoys kitchen tasks. So it's just extra sweet. I have been staying up several nights, wrapping seemingly endless piles of presents so he is doing what he can to give me a break.

We let the kids open one present tonight. Then we baked cookies and decorated for Santa. The brownies turned out so perfect. Couldn't stop eating. Beats all the restaurant ones, what in the world?

R played the personalized video messages from Santa to Nick and Josh. They were both soooo amazed that Santa knows their name and has a file on them... Then when it's time to figure out whether they were on the nice or naughty list, they were so nervous. I love their innocence and at this age they believe everything is possible.

We had such a great Christmas eve and just feeling extremely happy and grateful.

Great Weekend

2011-12-19T00:27:00.001-05:00

Feeling pretty successful this weekend.

* Wrapped most of the presents and they are under the tree now.   Learned and improved on using fancy ribbons.   Does make the presents much better looking.
* Got some more shopping done.
* Church was awesome.   As always.
* Spent a lot of time with the kids. Helped Nick get ready for the recital.   It's still abt a month away but he's got the mechanics down, memorized it and all.   The next few weeks will work on dynamics and put the soul in the music.
* Finally bought more piano books for Nick.   $100+.   More formal classical training. I am excited for him.

I don't know what happened but we were invited to a piano recital and I just Loved it! Enjoyed every moment and wasn't even Nick's recital. I am becoming such a mommy.

Friday we had another holiday party. It was pretty fun. I have been busy and it was a good opportunity to talk to people that I haven't talked to for a while. There is one more this Wednesday night.

I spent a lot money on Ann Taylor. ;-) I couldn't resist the 40% off.

Hopefully this will be a low stress work week. Not looking this way. Need a Christmas miracle. Nah, scratch that. No need to waste a miracle on work stuff. :-)

Shopping With Girlfriend

2011-12-12T23:02:00.001-05:00

I got a silk long sleeve blouse with the tie/frills in the front at Ann Taylor Loft for... Guess how much??? $2. 44!!!

When I tried it on later tonight at home in front of DH, he said "this looks like something my mom wears. " So I went excitedly "exactly honey!! It's a timeless piece" Then he goes, "maybe I didn't communicate correctly. This looks like ONLY women of my moms age would wear. " I was laughing so hard. It did have sort of a vintage look, with the slight puffy sleeves etc. But after I pair with cardigan and pencil skirt, my DH said "Oh, that looks so nice. " silly husbands.

Along the same line, I have been so desiring for a pair of leopard print heels but not too sexy... The flats are very in too but I am more of a heels girl I guess. I tried the most common style - like the super high heel platform type, but didn't like those. And today I found the perfect pair!!! It's abt 3 inch heel with peep toes. I think it's more a cute+ sexy+ classy look, rather than the Wild meow sexy look. :-) I tried pairing with pencil skirt and black skinny, both look really great. Summer/spring time, pairing with J Crew cafe Capri would look great too. So happy we finally found each other!

I have been practicing piano with my dear Nick. He is pretty much back on track. His teacher was freaking out last week and today she is happy again. I love her!! More crazy than the tiger mommy me. Makes me look like good cop in front of Nick.

On our drive to class tonight, I had a little conversation with Nick about money. More like venting abt how expensive vacation or Christmas can get blah blah. He amazes me the stuff he knows and says, while being so empathetic. But like all men, went straight to problem solving mode. :-) I love talking to my little man.

Holiday Party

2011-12-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

The party was a success. The big hit was the Wii Pictionary game.

The big item we got this year for the kids are the arcade style 7 ft air hockey table. We thought abt wrapping that big boy, but who are we kidding? Plus I really resent the idea having to spend Christmas day just to assemble things, while things should be ready to play. So we unanimously agreed to assemble this which is a big job, then put a large bow on it until Christmas. But my DH said that's just inhumane. :) So yes, we're already enjoying our Christmas presents. This was also a popular activity for the party.

Seems like there are still a million things need to be completed. But this is a wonderful time of the year!

Friday Date Night

2011-12-09T21:35:00.001-05:00

Just got home from our little date night. I wore my beloved J Crew cashmere, gray skinny Jeans and rich brown leather boots. Fully accessorized with scarf, bangles, and my cute speedy 30 purse. Feel like a million bucks while so comfy too. We dined at an upscale local Italian place. Excellent food and very romantic atmosphere. For dessert we chose the three layered chocolate cake, mmm yummy!

I am feeling much better today. Partly because I kind of forced myself to snap out of feeling blah when I got up in the morning. I wore a silk blouse with the frills in the front, then bright color cardigan, pencil skirt and peep toe heels to work. Definitely not the most comfortable but cheers me up nonetheless. I notice whenever I dress up and girlie, that always does the trick. Hubby took me out for lunch today too but I couldn't spend too much time so we went to Zaxby's. It was very yummy nonetheless.

Tomorrow we're having 30+ people over at the house for the annual holiday party for Richard's employees. Hopefully everything goes smoothly. Maybe I will curl my hair?? I really like this Asian chick I am following on FB. She looks so chic and I think her name start with "chi" something too. Her hair is abt the same as mine but she's got a stylist that makes her hair puffy and curly. Can't really describe it. So edgy and pretty tho. But there is no way I am able to recreate. :-/ Oh well. :-)

Feeling Blah

2011-12-08T23:09:00.001-05:00

Actually had a big night planned with my girlfriend. We were supposed to go shopping, get dinner then go to our already paid painting class. Around 4:30pm ish, I don't know, I just didn't feel like doing any of that. So I asked if she is in the mood. And she says not really either. It's been a long blah day. So we just called it off, went home and stayed in. I love how we are just like that, we change minds, change plans in a whim. Just cause that's how we feel at that moment. There are no judgements, no bad feelings. Try that with the hubby you will be in trouble. Not my DH of course, well trained. ;-) But isn't it great to have friends like that?

I know we just got back from our vacation but I am so strangely craving for raw oysters, lobster, boiled shrimp, steamed clam... So DH is thinking abt taking me for a 3 day weekend getaway to the east coast beach. Fun.

Seriously debating whether or not calling in sick tomorrow... Work aversion again. What's wrong with me?

Also debating if I should boycott the numerous holiday parties. It's probably just my bad attitude and feeling blah acting up, but making small talks for hours and hours in a pencil skirt, panty hose and heels just sounds like "no way in the world I am doing that" right now. Gosh, I better change that attitude when the dates get closer. One of the parties they changed reservation date to fit around my schedule... So it would be so lame if I still don't show up. :-(

Will today be the day?

2011-12-06T22:26:00.001-05:00

It's almost 10:30pm, and I am still wide awake... Boo.

Minor scheduling issue, I had to work late but DH is with Nick at basketball, so I got Joshy then went back to work with the little guy. He LOVED being the center of attention Big time at my work. Was throwing football with our business manager and saying Hello to everyone, like he owns the place. :-) We left work around 7pm and he says can I come visit you every day? So cute.

Still jet lagged

2011-12-05T23:17:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it. I have been sleeping less than 6 hrs ever since we got back. Everyday I wish today would be the day I can fall asleep at a normal time. It still hasn't happened yet. I might have to get some sleeping pills. Sleep deprivation has helped me shed the extra 2 pound damage I incurred on my trip tho... I guess the silver lining.

We had a GREAT time in Hawaii, definitely one of our favorite family vacations. The kids just had a blast, loved it so much and still can't stop talking about it to their teachers and friends. Yes including my Joshy. And since my parents were there, many nights DH and I can just take off and have a romantic dinner, which is so lovely. Tent poles. :-) We had the best sushi at Honolulu. I will never forget... The night we left Honolulu and flew to Big Island, I literally felt heart broken, like saying goodbye to my love. I know most people/tourists think Honolulu is crummy, but I actually loved it.

Big Island is non stop excitement, fun also exhausting. All in all, it was a successful trip. One thing is for sure, Hawaii is definitely not Caribbean. But I think for DH and I, us laid back folks, we are probably more of the Cancun people than Hawaii people. My ideal vacation consists of miles and miles of white sandy beach, royal blue waters, small gentle waves, reading on the beach, luxurious resort setting, endless tasty food, ocean side massages, etc... You get the picture, and that's exactly how I feel abt our Cancun resort. But I know most people probably think that's so boring, like my bff 1 and bff 2 and bff 3 actually... Hmm how come we are such close friends but they are all so different from me? Anyway, I digress... And I can definitely see a more active person enjoy biking or hiking on the big Island and surfing etc.

For us, I am very grateful for this great vacation but the same time very much looking forward to staying at our Cancun place next year and every year. :-)

Couple Silly Things

2011-11-15T23:44:00.001-05:00

I am becoming quite awesome at making various Indian style curry. Our company had a curry cookoff, and a lot of people voted for my dish. The final winner will be announced next week and there will be prizes. Maybe I will win?? Personally I felt mine was better by a lot. :-P The other day, I saw a groupon for our favorite Indian restaurant for half off, so I texted R and said should I get it? He replied and said why? Yours is much tastier! Made me smile. What a perfect husband!

One day Joshy was shopping with us. Can't quite remember what was going on, but the gist was my DH was messing with him. He said, "Stop it honey!" Haha, cracked us up Big time. Do I say stop it honey like Way too much?

My belly is finally becoming flat. I guess a super low calorie diet plus 6 mile daily jog will do that huh. I actually enjoyed my daily exercise, 3 miles with my gf, and 3 miles with my DH. I just don't like the not eating part. I ate so much on my business trip tho. And the damage was only 0.6 pounds. Not too horrible. Except now I am craving for McFlurry everyday. The snakc size is 430 calories. The regular size is 650. Just saying.

I Love this little restaurant called Teriyakin. It's run by a Japanese couple. I mean I don't even like teriyaki style food that much. But ohh boy, the ribs are to die for. And the Japanese style rice is so top notch quality. I actually kinda gave up on carbs since for ever now. I mean the only carb I would eat are cup cakes and icecream as a rare treat. And the rice from Teriyakin is the third thing that would make me throw all self control out of the window. And to say that abt plain rice is really saying a lot!

I am in awesome mood these days. Ha, can you tell?

Company Olympics

2011-10-24T18:08:00.001-04:00

We had company Olympics today. I signed up to do jump rope. I practiced once and my best number was around 120. And more than anything, my arms give out and get tired. But today I did 146!!! And I was the only female and came in first. Yea, suck it!! :-) It's either the pressure or the attention that motivated me big time! LOL.

But now I am exhausted from all the excitement and ready for my routine evening workout with my dear hubby, then go to bed. Tomorrow have to present stuff to the IT department sucks. Haven't done the slides yet. What a procrastinator I am! Oh well.

What A Great Day

2011-10-23T00:17:00.001-04:00

I love weekends!! Despite my pigging out on my fresh baked delicious sugar cookies, I managed to burn off the calories and didn't gain anything yet.

I love the food I made and found a great substitute for Naan. It's a low carb low calorie fluffy flat bread. Two of them are only 100 calories and go wonderfully with the saucy curry. Yum Yum Yum.

Also got some really great button down shirts for DH. The kind he wears and needs regular replenishment is 80+ dollars each. Yikes, I know. And it's time to replenish so to avoid trouble of going to the outlet or online, I suggested just go buy them at the mall. And we found them on sale plus additional discount today so they ended up costing abt half the price. Proved again mommy is always right!! :-)

Our exercise for today was awesome too. R burned over 1000 calories.

Almost There

2011-10-19T22:55:00.001-04:00

Loving my life these days. I exercise with my girlfriend everyday and then exercise with my hubby every evening. Mainly cardiovascular and core strength.

I have also been religiously applying this super serum and bio oil to tone my loose skin due to the pregnancy. I feel like it's working. Slowly... I read that you are supposed to exfoliate everyday.

I got a thing called Miracle Green. It's a green powder. I use my protein shaker bottle to mix half and half coconut water and water, with the powder. Abt 30 calories final product, I don't know if it's psychological or what, ever since I started this, I haven't had a no reason just feeling blah day. Could be the exercise too.

I wore my swimming suit tonight just to see, my DH said honey looks like you are ready for our beach vacation! Not really... But almost there!!

September Empty Bottles

2011-10-12T22:55:00.001-04:00

Not much from Sept I guess
* Bio Oil - I pretty much buy everything that claims has effect on stretch marks! :) Plus I read a lot of good reviews on it. It's not working on me but I think the oil is still good. I might continue using it just b/c it feels good.

* Avon pencil eye liners - I have tried a lot of different types of eye liners - Gel type, liquid liner and pencil of course. These are the Avon glimmer stick - eye liner pencil. I still like using pencil the most, it's easy and quick. Probably for dramatic effect or if you want perfect perfect smudge free experience, then gel or liquid might be better. Once a while, I would venture out and buy like Cover Girl or Mabeline but I love Avon's so much, I always go back to it. I stock them up when they have like buy one get one free.

* Post Waxing Exfoliate - This is a gentle gel type enzyme/chemical exfoliate. It is a clear gel, smells heavenly - coconut and pineapple. All nature enzyme. I apply on my face actually, and wait for abt a minute, then massage your face, the gel turned into water, and you can feel tons of dead skin coming off. Afterwards, I apply serum and whatnot, the absorption is doubly good. It was originally designed for post waxing to remove the surface dead skin cells in order to prevent in grown hair, but my waxing aesthetician told me she uses on her face and I just saw a similar Korean product that is really popular in Asia right now but difficult to get in US, so I thought wow this product is a god send! I love this one more than the Micro-dermabrasion now just b/c the M.D. seems a bit harsher than this, plus ruins my manicure with its strong acid.

* Neals Yard Remedy cream - I am a big fan of this English brand. Literally I buy them directly from England and have them shipped here. It's almost twice as expensive in the states. The brand mainly uses all organic plant driven ingredients and essential oil. I've used 10+ and different types. Never had one I didn't like.

That's all for this month.

All Things Girlie

2011-10-01T23:13:00.003-04:00

I am recently in love with my NARS Penny Lane cream blush. I actually had it for a while but never really got into it. Until now I started applying it with a dense flat brush. For example Mac 186. With the right tool, what a huge difference. It's so beautiful and natural. Never too red or obvious. Just a healthy glow.

Fall is here. I am also in love with one of the nail polish colors in this fall trend. It's a gray green blue ish. I got Essie Sew Psyched. And I love it. I think it looks very sophisticated. DH is not a fan. :-)

(Image from http://thelacquerlog.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/essie-sew-psyched/ - just did a google search - figure should give the original poster the credit. )

I saw this one a while back and also really liked it...

I guess maybe the economy is really bad or something, but I remember having conversation with my gf in Missouri abt laser hair removal. A few years back, it was already like 5k to 10k. Now I keep on seeing coupon for 1k...so yea... it's been very tempting.

Working on a deep clean of the entire house. My friends wife is a stay at home mom. This is the first year both kids are going to school for them so she had all this free time. She organized everything. I feel so jealous. I wish I could take a week off to organize everything.

I am a good wife today. I made DH grilled shrimp, baked stuffed clam, Pamesan chicken, salad and Hawaii rolls. Tomorrow I am making bbq spare ribs. They are happily being marinated overnight as we speak.

August Empty Bottles

2011-09-23T22:56:00.002-04:00

This is actually both July and August I think.
I'm getting lazy.

So in this pictures, the products I LOVE are:
* Shiseido - sunscreen SPF55 - staple item. used so many - but now I stopped using since BB cream has SPF45
* Body Shop - Mango sugar body scrub - Well, I pretty much love all body scrub (especially the sugar and salt kind) - The other kind I always worry they might clog the drain since they don't dissolve. - I'm probably just paranoid. I use a body scrub every week. And I don't skimp on the amount. I compare this to a trip to the spa and get body exfoliation there($75+), then the cost of DIY is minimal. But I do go through them quickly.
* Bath & Body Works - Lemon Vanilla body wash - so wonderful for summer - I think this is their summer fragrance line.
* Cetaphil lotion - staple item
* Loreal skin genesis face wash - one of my fav drugstore face wash. I think I subscribed it from Amazon now.
* Boscia - Cleansing oil - staple item, used so many. Can't live without!!!!!
* Juicy Couture Perfume - ha, sorta staple item too. I know such a college girl perfume. But what can I say? I love it. I believe this is my 3rd empty bottles.

Product I feel meh about:
* Frutise defrizz cream - It does nothing for me. I don't care for it's smell. Took literally forever to finish. Will not rebuy for sure.
* Loreal studio line - hair texturizer - this one is for DH but he is so picky. Only likes the salon products. So, I think just the fact this is a drug store product, he is bound to not like. Ha! So yea, I guess from his feedback, this is meh.

Product I strongly disklike:
* Body Shop - Cranberry body wash - YUCK! I absolutely resented the smell. DH used it all up for me. Even after shower, the entire bathroom smell like cranberry and grossly strong. Sigh...

That's it. For next month, I'm really excited to share a new product I've been using. Ha! Actually got it from my waxing salon. Stay tuned!

Birthday

2011-09-23T22:29:00.000-04:00

So since we're spending ridiculous amount of money going to Hawaii with the entire family for two weeks, R and I agreed we were going to not do anything for each other's birthday. So on his birthday we went out to Melting Pot. And I think that was about it.

I don't really care about eating out - try to watch the figure you know. :) So when he asked me what I want for my birthday and won't take no for an answer. I thought long and hard, and said - I want peace of mind. So what does that mean? - I want to make sure in any nature disaster or human accidents, our pictures for the kids won't be lost forever. So peace of mind, translating to earthly terms are:
* 2 TB external hard drive
* Fireproof safe
* Automate a periodic backup strategy. - Including redundency - protection against sudden hard drive death and store the drive in the safe - protection against nature disaster.

And we did that. :) Yay!

Then my dearest hubby also got me a large size Gucci bag - It's a large cross body and could also be doubled as a top handle - when I get older that is. And for now, it's perfect for storing my SLR while carrying my 30lb baby Joshy. I love love it.

New Girl

2011-09-20T22:47:00.001-04:00

Watched the pilot tonight. Loved it. Ha obviously. I am a huge fan of Zoey. It literally made me laugh and cry and sob in the 30 min. DH asked me to please explain the reason for crying. :-)

Work has been great. The production release was tonight and I was in charge. All went smoothly. It's great to work with smart people. Chip is awesome! The best BA ever! Another big part of life being great is because we hired Mike. Ha I rave abt him a lot. I hope he doesn't read my blog any more.

In love with my camera and my boys and taking pictures of my boys. I can stare at them and smile all day. Feeling incredibly grateful and happy!

It's almost my birthday!!

Sick

2011-09-16T23:02:00.001-04:00

Everyone in my household is sick. DH took three sick days so you can imagine. I took one day and just had way too much work. Anyway, all day today I was just feeling horribly sick and the thought of having to entertain the boys just makes me feel even more exhausted. Almost dreading going home.

My kind sweet mother nature kicked in ard 4pm and I decided to take off early and get Josh. Just gonna bite the bullet and take care of the kids. I was not in a great spirit when I got home. Then I ate dinner with the boys. Then went to playroom with them. We did some fun activities in the playroom. Then I went checking on DH see how he's feeling. He said, "Honey are you feeling good? You look so happy! " I guess I didn't even realize. I do feel good and happy. Just few hours with my angels.

Sometimes we are desperately wanting something, but life gives us the opposite and its just what you need. Today I saw a status update on FB. Something like this: when you pray for something and don't get it, it's not because you don't deserve it. It's because you deserve better.

Super Busy Saturdays

2011-09-10T15:06:00.001-04:00

Soccer game in the morning, then grocery shopping, then Chinese school in the afternoon. Then a birthday party. Minus the birthday party, this is what my Saturday is going to look like for a while every Saturday. Thinking about it makes me feel exhausted already.

DH and I went to Melting Pot for his birthday last night. It was a lot of fun. We were there for almost 3 hours and didn't even finish our dessert pot.

We will go out one more time with the family to celebrate again. And that's it.

I am starting to think about what I want for my birthday.

I am thinking abt a large cross body Louis Vuitton bag. Due to the large size of my camera, my normal messenger bag doesn't really work any more.

I have been a good girl, eating salad for lunch, and broth soup for dinner all last week except for last night. And I can feel my immune is taking a hit. Goes to show you just can't have everything. Hope it doesn't turn into a full on cold or flu. Bless bless.

Late Dinner

2011-09-08T21:17:00.001-04:00

I am just starting to eat my dinner. Napa soup and grilled chicken tenderloin. So yummy!! And practically no calories, ok ok that's not true. But no carbs! Nick had soccer tonight.

The other day DH and I were looking thru my FB pictures on my phone. On one of the pictures I guess I commented something like daddy never does xyz. Then he goes, I only didn't do this once. And then he says I better check FB more, making sure I don't destroy his reputation. :-) I said fine, I am going to unfriend you then. He goes not if I unfriend you first!! :-) So silly!!!

So excited tomorrow is Friday!

I just made my lunch for tomorrow. Large green salad with grilled chicken tenderloin. Is it bad to eat only chicken tenderloin for protein? They are just so tasty and healthy. I had abt 5 of them today.

Keep Exercising

2011-09-07T23:04:00.001-04:00

Due to some recent stress, I have been having some consistent headaches. They usually go away with some excedrin, but then my friends started joking saying I am hooked on the meds and urged me to go see a doctor. The doctor actually was really cool, and he said it is most likely caused by stress. Yes sir! So doctor's order, his exact words, Joan, you need to get massages, go to the spa, go shopping. And Richard was in the room with me when he said all these! Ha!

In all seriousness, I started to eat better breakfast - fresh strawberries, blueberries, granola mixed with low fat yogurt. DH and I also exercise for 1 hr every day. I also made a personal commitment that I am not gonna work over time any more... Well unless... you know... absolutely have to. So my headache has been much manageable and I have not taken any excedrin in a week! Man, I do sound like a recovering AA. :-)

Nick's school also helps me big time. Now I get up earlier in the morning to make his lunch and snack. While doing that, I put on a refrigerated eye mask. I bought like 1000 of them. It's awesome at reducing bags and dark circles under eyes. I love it!

I like good and healthy routine. It makes me feel like I am progressing. It's important to my happiness to know I am progressing. :-)

Long Weekend

2011-09-04T23:35:00.001-04:00

Friday night, DH and I went on a date to a fancy restaurant called Midtown Grill. It showed once again my "when in doubt, dress up" is soo correct! We spent over 100 bucks there. Yikes!! Oh well.

I cleaned the house again. I am so proud that I used to once in a blue moon spend hours in the master bath trying to clean and eventually just gave up. Now I spent less than 1 hour and get things cleaned to perfection. I tell ya, it's all abt products and methods.

We have been going to museums and parks. Just small stuff this weekend. Tomorrow we are thinking abt going to a corn maze. I love spending time with my family.

Today I took a 3 hr nap with my gorgeous baby Joshie. I love watching him waking up and seeing mommy next to him. He always has the biggest smile. Then comes his cutest voice, saying "Mommy I am not tired any more. Let's get up. " Josh is all potty trained too. So proud of him.

Nick is super into star wars, this week he's been practicing a star wars theme song. It's funny he would ask for permission to play that piece over and over. It's pretty neat to see him passionate abt something.

His reading is getting really good. He reads the where the Wild Things are to us. I absolutely love listening to him. And that story for some reason is just so sweet to me. It's very short, but so mysterious, adventurous, funny and sweet. How can someone write something so short but put all those emotions in it, I don't know. And the drawing is amazing too! When Nick is reading to us, Josh and I are both pretty mesmerized. I got him bunch of other books to read, but this one is by far my favorite. I always request it.

Today we were playing a game called name a bird. Basically Nick and I are taking turns to name a bird, whoever fails to name one loses. Sadly I lost. And I was trying pretty darn hard. I even used Phoenix in the end. ;-) It amazes me our children's vocabulary and knowledge.

I love my boys. Living the dream. =)

SLR

2011-08-28T23:08:00.002-04:00

I love love the new camera. Just this month, we took like 400 pictures. Taking picture feels more fun than chores. Anyway, this post is test out this picasa share with blogger feature. See if it works.

It's a Secret

2011-08-26T23:32:00.001-04:00

DH and I have a lot of code words that only we know what they meant.

Like addressing each other dear in certain situations

Or say "the forest is large"

A lot of the sayings are the horrible translations I made from Chinese. :-)

Anyway... We kept on cracking each other up today. I said something dumb, then I made a haha sound. Then he started mocking my haha sound, then it was so funny we both started laughing for real when trying to blend in the fake haha. I'm laughing as I'm typing. You just had to be there.

Mmm... I am so grateful for my dear hubby who makes me laugh and feeling happy every day.

My Goodness

2011-08-19T20:52:00.001-04:00

The other day I was taking Nick home from soccer practice and I saw a college aged girl wearing some short shorts and a cute tube top. She is very cute looking. Out of the blue, Nick goes mommy that girl looks pretty nice. I was completely speechless for a moment. I told Dh later, and he goes, well, can you belame a fella, he says how he feels. :-) Man, I can almost see the headaches I am gonna have when the boys become teenagers. :D

SLR

2011-08-15T22:30:00.001-04:00

I messed with the SLR a lot over the weekend. The pictures are AMAZING! I do feel like a dork lugging the thang around... but for the children! The CHILDREN! :D

Tonight when I was driving the boys home, I finally got sick of Nick making the 'pew pew pew' sword fighting sound while watching Star Wars and said hey let's listen to music! And then one of my favorite songs came up - It's called "Just the way you are". I know you're thinking the old one from Billy Joel...(actually kinda hate that one b/c of my feminist reasons, haha for another post) but this is a new song by Bruno Mars. It's such a sweet song!! My DH makes fun of it a lot. :D And it's so funny, all of us know how to sing along the chords (yellow) - And here we go ~

Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day

Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so, sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look ok, I say

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are(yeah)

Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she let me
Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day

Oh, you know, you know, you know, I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for then just stay the same
So, don't even bother asking if you look ok
You know I'll say

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are
The way you are, the way you are
Girl you're amazing, just the way you are

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Cause girl you're amazing, just the way you are. Yeah

Experiment On Nick

2011-08-13T23:35:00.000-04:00

On our drive home - this is the same grocery run drive, as Richard was taking a bite of something, I said, "Honey do you think I'm immature?"
He's like "No... I don't think so. Maybe some things but most aspects I don't think so..." (What a loaded answer!) :P
I said, "I think I'm kinda immature in my taste in clothes, music, and attitude towards life"
He's like almost choking... and a few minutes later, he goes - "It's a lot of thoughts you just throw over here... I need a moment to digest." :D

I told one of my closest girlfriend about a silly fight between DH and me, and even while I was telling the story, I found it was so silly. She got kinda upset with me, and said "Joan how can you even qualify this as a fight! You need to go apologize to Richard." She is sooo funny, she did a play by play, and we went over every dialog - and she says pretty much everything my DH said was perfectly fine and nice, I was the problem. It probably was me - but I blame on the stress. Anyway, she said - how can you be so professional and mature at work, but soo immature as a wife? Hence, my question/conversation with my DH. :D

Anyway, speaking of being immature... I did another experiment on Nick. We went and rode on some children's train today, and I saw this as an opportunity and asked him the following question - just to see the concept of multiplication.
"So we were riding on a train, and it got 5 benches. The benches are kinda small... only 2 people can sit on 1 bench. So how many people can sit on a train?"
It took him less than 10 seconds, and he said "10".
Then I said, "Ok, they decided to improve the train and made the benches bigger, now it fits 3 people. So now how many people can sit on it?"
He thought for a while, and gave the right answer again.

So tomorrow... I'm thinking about asking him a 1 variable algebra question, and see how that goes...

Rhythm Of Love

2011-08-13T23:14:00.000-04:00

DH and I were driving home from a grocery run, and one of my favorite songs came up on the radio - It's a song called Rhythm of Love, it's very beautiful and sorta catchy tune... but I told DH my favorite verses are actually these ones - It goes -

My head is stuck in the clouds
She begs me to come down
Says, "Boy, quit foolin' around"
I told her, "I love the view from up here
Warm sun and wind in my ear
We'll watch the world from above
As it turns to the rhythm of love

I said - this is kinda metaphorical, but I know exactly what he's talking about... They're such talented writers... blah blah -

And DH was just kinda having a smug smile on his face, I'm like "What?!"
He goes, "I just have to point out to you, this is the same group who wrote the song '1, 2, 3, 4'."
which... I think was one of the dumbest songs I've ever heard, and attribute that song as one of the reasons of the idiocracy of the young generations. :) I used to say, actually still say - how can a song like this got so popular, it's almost like killing brain cells... I would hum it like this 'because 1, 2, 3, 4, -- 5, 6, 7, 8~~" LOL. Anyway, it's probably not as funny reading it - but I'm kinda cracking up just typing this right now. :D

So after he said that, I was like completely speechless for a while. :) You win dear!

Anyway, I'm feeling 1000% better now. My HF gave me some magic powers, Mike and I completed all the user stories on Friday - which is really kinda miraculous! Anyway, the weight has been lifted. I'm sooo grateful for the good friends and loving/understanding DH. I was so extremely rude and stressed out last week, whenever I ask Mike to do things for me, no matter how short and stressed out I sound, he always tells me 'consider it done'. It always made me smile even when I was super stressed.

I loved the rain this weekend. It has brought the temperature down quite a bit. Although the high is still in the mid 80s, compared to the 100+ days, this feels much much better. Just sorta feels like things are looking up. Still got a lot to do, things are still kinda unsettled - But I know it's gonna be alright. :)

Stressing OUUUUUUUTTTT

2011-08-11T22:52:00.000-04:00

I'm on the verge of a breakdown - or at least feel this way. Work is completely stressing me out... and the smallest thing puts me off in an instant. So I know I'm not easy going these days.

I turn on my droid, and I have 5 friends waiting on my response on the Words with Friends - which I used to enjoy a whole lot, now this app is also stressing me out! I'm thinking abt uninstalling so out of sight, out of mind!

I need a vacation! - Get away from everything... Have you ever thought abt just getting away from it all - including work, family, friends... That sounds kinda nice right now.......

Just Got Home

2011-08-10T23:34:00.001-04:00

Working late again... My DH took me out for dinner, much needed break. Then afterwards I was able to focus much better. I wore an easy breezy summer dress today, the color is purple blue with small flower prints. Wore Nars light purple eye shadow the name is escaping me now. And big oval hoop earnings. Riding in hubby's car, he put his hand on my leg and said my wify is so pretty. :-) Just like many years ago. Brightens my day!

Feel exhausted but also really happy!!

I love my Nick

2011-08-09T23:51:00.000-04:00

I was telling my Nicky the story of Isaac and Rebecca. The story started out like this - Abraham is searching for a Bride for Isaac.

Nick asked me what is a bride... so I said, like a wife.
Then he goes, "Hmm... I wonder who is going to be my wife. Probably not so and so(some girl's name), right?"
I said, "Probably not."
Then he goes, "Probably not xyz either, right? (another girl's name)."
I'm like, "Nope, probably not."
Then the poor guy, sighed and said, "Man, I wonder who that would be!" Obviously a little frustrated.
I told him "Well, you haven't met her yet. You will have to wait till you're older... like in College or something."
He goes, "So I will get married when I'm 19?"
I said, "No way. You can't get married until you're at least 25."

It's so funny, I mean I don't ever recall when I was little, that I ever wondered about who my future husband would be.

I don't know if I ever blogged abt this... but it's a standing joke at my work now. The other day, Nick finished 2nd place in his tennis class. At the end of the class, he came to me, and said - "Mommy, I'm sorry, I didn't win... Are you upset with me?" I mean, goodness! I was very proud of him, the girl beat him was much older and obviously had many tennis lessons before. But I feel like I must be turning into a tiger mom after all. I don't know if I like it... He did really well today at his tennis lesson again, and finished first place and was all happy and proud of himself.

I managed to talk him out of a DS... hahaha, sneaky mommy. Because he loves playing my droid. He is into this Sims type of game - it's called zoo club, where basically you would buy animals, expand your zoo, then you can buy stuff like hotdog stand, cotton candy stand etc. to make money or make the animals do shows and whatnot to make more money... in addition to that you have to take care of the animals by cleaning them and feeding them, even mating them to get baby animals. And of course more animals means more work, more money then you can expand more with more variety of animals, higher levels etc... It's really fun.

The other thing I taught him lately is how to play tic tac toe 'strategically'. I mean the strategy is so simple, but he's got it down now and is always ready to challenge me! :) And I can never beat him any more. So we started playing the 5 in a row instead of 3. And he is getting pretty good at it too. It takes me a while to beat him now.

He started playing the Tiresome Woodpecker song so well now. This is the one where right hand, and left hand are different rhythm, like one would be 1/8 note vs the other one 1/4 note, and they switch back and forth... On top of that, the one hand would be playing staccato - think bouncy, short and happy while the other hand goes legato - continuous, soft, smooth.

I should jot down abt his reading and spelling. I bought Nick some sight reading books, and he finished the three levels and now he is reading beginner readers books. And one of the games we love to play is a word game. The rule is: he says a word, then I use the last letter his word, and make a word... then he takes the last letter of my word, and make a word. We go on and on, until whoever can't think of a word. So the strategy is to find one letter that has not so many words - for example 'E', then just keep circling back to that letter... for example,
Nick - tent
Joan - taste
Nick - eat
Joan - terrible
Nick - eye
Joan - evil
Nick - love
Joan - evening
Nick - game
Joan - explain
Nick - name
Joan - URGHHHHH

It's crazy how he can keep them coming at me!! It's a fun game to play and it helps the kids with their spelling and words.

I feel like there are so many things about our kids when they're growing up, and it's good to write them down. I should do that more instead of complaining about my stupid work stress.... which again today has been a frustrating day! Stupid IBM webservices, URGHHHH

妳適合那種男人？

2011-08-09T22:04:00.002-04:00

心理測驗

妳適合那種男人？

撰文／Chloe Ouyang 圖片／達志影像

分手或離婚不一定是單方面的問題，問題很可能出在彼此不合適。找出適合妳的男人，才是感情長久甜蜜之道。想知道妳到底適合哪一種男人，下面的測驗幫妳一窺究竟。

測驗開始

1.
很容易縱情吃喝
Yes 2
No 3

2.
爸爸曾有過外遇
Yes 4
No 5

3.
妳的下半身比較肥胖
Yes 5
No 6

4.
希望婚後丈夫能扛起養家責任
Yes 7
No 8

5.
甚麼樣的減肥方式妳覺得是最糟糕的
天天吃燙青菜跟白煮蛋 8
每天都要運動一個小時以上9

6.
甚麼樣的零嘴是妳喜歡的？
洋芋片或是偏鹹的點心 9
巧克力糖或是蛋糕之類的甜點 10

7.
外出幾乎都會化妝
Yes 11
No 12

8.
有交情超過十年以上的同性好友
Yes 12
No 13

9.
如果丈夫跟自己的收入相當，妳會希望婚後帳目分開
Yes 13
No 14

10.
甚麼樣的人生比較可悲？
擁有財富卻異常孤獨 14
一生為人奉獻最後卻被誤解 15

11.
覺得自己本人比照片好看
Yes 17
No 16

12.
下面那種男人比較不適合婚姻。
事業心太重 17
容易受到異性引誘18

13.
自己體重有比五年前增加
Yes 18
No 19

14.
甚麼樣的餐廳適合情人約會
華麗且菜色獨特的高檔飯店 19
幽靜且帶點異國情調的小酒館 20

15.
每天都有做家事的習慣
Yes 20
No 21

16.
嚮往出國旅行
Yes 22
No 23

17.
花了大錢之後會自責
Yes 23
No 24

18.
至今都還會按時拿錢給父母
Yes 24
No 25

19.
晚上睡覺做的夢大多記得起來
Yes 25
No 26

20.
過去兩年都沒有換過工作或是生活沒有大變動
Yes 26
No 27

21.
什麼樣的女人能博得丈夫的歡心？
賢慧安靜不嘮叨 27
身材臉蛋都保養得好的 G

22.
心裡有不舒服的事情憋不住
Yes B
No A

23.
如果可以選擇，下輩子妳希望當個男人
Yes B
No C

24.
不太喜歡照相
Yes C
No D

25.
相信算命
Yes D
No E

26.
寡言的男人比口才好的更迷人
Yes F
No E

27.
性愛時願意配合讓對方開心
Yes F
No G

分析：

A
妳是個早熟直率且外表給人強悍精明的感覺，可是內心卻非常傳統。妳適合年紀比妳大上許多或是見過世面的成熟男人，年紀小妳許多的男性，也能夠滿足妳照顧與習慣指導對方的欲望。重點是，妳需要的對象得有擔當與責任感，光是有錢或是長得好看一點用也沒有。

B
妳是個喜歡熱鬧的女人。妳與丈夫適合像是朋友或是兄妹那樣的相處，妳不希望愛情太轟轟烈烈，細水長流但是穩定就好。如果妳的丈夫生於大家族更好，妳會積極與對方的家庭朋友打好關係，人生過得熱鬧又充實。

C
妳是一個能力好且反應靈敏的女人，適合妳的男人鐵定得是個學問好的專業人士，通常妳的愛情以崇拜為基礎，對方要是被妳識破是個草包，無論他有多富有妳都不為所動。妳很獨立，所以討厭黏人的老公，欠缺自信與對感情沒有安全感的男人，完全不適合妳。

D
名利與地位是凸顯人生的價值的要素，沒有事業基礎與存款，妳很難與對方長相廝守。妳並非勢利眼的人，只是對婚姻的要求比較高。對方總得有個讓妳驕傲的理由，妳的務實個性讓妳很容易向主流的價值看齊，所以有經濟基礎的對象妳才會考慮。

E
妳是個享受人生的快樂女人，所以絕對不能跟徒有才情口袋空空或是太吝嗇的男人在一起。對方如果個性比較拘謹封閉，兩人在一起生活其實會很辛苦。妳喜歡朋友跟小孩，這點共識一定要在婚前達成，如果對方是個獨善其身的人，那還是不要步上紅毯比較好。

F
妳其實沒有一定要結婚，妳需要的是一個真正瞭解妳的男人，能夠包容妳偶爾異於其他女性的情緒與想法。對方要是能崇拜妳的才華，妳們之間就會有火花。由於妳的財務狀況一直不會太穩定，所以對方的荷包要滿才能讓彼此不為五斗米折腰。

G
妳是個能夠幫夫的女人，所以只要是與你真心相愛的對象，妳都會努力配合且運用自己的手腕讓對方在事業上有成就。妳適合的是擁有大氣度且宏觀的男性，學術領域這種單純環境，也能讓妳發揮賢內助精神。

Another Busy Weekend

2011-08-07T22:44:00.001-04:00

Weekend goes by way too fast. The pressure from work is still immensely high... Now we not only have an Aug release, we are adding a new Sept release as well. I need to master the art of compartmentalization. Ha is that even a word?? But u know what I mean.

Finally got all the stuff for Nick's big 5th birthday party. Also picked out the present for him. Like the $$$ party is not expensive enough!

This weekend I didn't do hair mask or body scrub. My nails are horrible again. I am supposedly due for my wax again... And am seriously thinking abt canceling... My regular get togethers with some girlfriends which I also have been skipping for a few weeks now.

I think of this sentence a lot these days...
我揪着一颗心，整夜都闭不了眼睛

It's just a lot going on... I know things will be better in September... Lately I found myself stop applying eye liner when I go to church because I tear up too much. And when I say tear up, sometime it feels like sobbing or worse. :-P Praying to my HF...

3 minutes to change your mood

2011-08-04T14:49:00.002-04:00

1、列一张表，记下所有令你高兴的事；

2、破费一点，买件你一直想得到的东西；

3、给周围环境添置点什么；

4、拜访两位密友，跟他们谈谈开心的事；

5、买一盒新花草或一束花；

6、打扫和整理你的环境；

7、做件好事；

8、拜访很久未见面的朋友；

9、对谁都笑脸相迎。

Stress Affecting Health

2011-07-29T23:11:00.001-04:00

So I know I ve been whining abt our August production release... And the stress is just starting to make me seriously unwell. I am having trouble sleeping eating. And all my nights and weekends are ruined by work. Oh how I wish this all ends soon!!!

When I bought my SLR I also got a lens cleaning pen brush, another lens for different zoom, something called uv filter... And I told my photography friend, and I said I am not really sure what those are for really, but I got them anyway. He was surprised that I even know such things existed and asked me did u have a personal shopper with u or something?? Haha... But he told me I bought all the right things. Yay!! I played with my SLR and it was pretty cool. It is just all the lens and glasses make me a little nervous... I am used to toss my point and shoot like a bar soap. Now this thing feels delicate.

Can't wait for my DH's yummy waffles tomorrow morning... Mmmmm...

Oh yeah forgot

2011-07-28T21:30:00.001-04:00

My presentation went well today. People all cracked up at my joke and then a few of them approached me afterwards and want to get more info... Showed they paid attention! I thought abt dressing up but ended up just wearing a cute T and my True Religion jeans. Gotta represent the IT image, si?

I put on the black shatter nail polish on top of the goldish purple zoya nail polish I painted last night for a more polished professional look... But tonight I just want to get in the mood for concert. Dh thought I had snuck out today at work to get my nails done bc they look so awesome!!! The girl at the Japanese restaurant can't stop talking abt the shattered look. Now I want to get one more the white shatter that would look really flattering on top of lavender or pink... A less punk rock look.

Anyway... Thank goodness it's Friday tomorrow!!

Beautiful Night

2011-07-28T21:14:00.001-04:00

Dh and I are enjoying a concert on such a beautiful night. Sweet melody and night breezes... Life is good. :-)

Finished My Book

2011-07-27T22:35:00.001-04:00

So finally finished the the romance book. Its interesting in the end it even had questions to ponder. Ha, almost like a womens study group book. I noticed the author also wrote that famous 5 love language book. Anyway, I still thought it was kinda dumb.

I recently downloaded the swift x keyboard. It's really awesome and I've been using it instead of the google one now. If you have droid phone, definitely check it out.

Getting sleepy, tomorrow I have a presentation to the entire IT department... Yawn, boring... Gotta figure out what to wear and practice my opening joke. Lol. :-)

Shoot... Better paint my nails too. Yikes!

Blogging Quality

2011-07-25T22:47:00.001-04:00

Ha I realize my blogging quality is low. I rarely upload pictures and I don't even proof read or spell check before I post. Honestly most time I am just using my phone to jog down whatever is going thru my mind before I go to bed. I realize this blog is really selfishly created more for me than anyone else.

My sheseido sunscreen is running low, plus I am getting incredibly lazy these days. So I am finally going to try the bb cream a lot of girls love. Hopefully I will love it as well!!

We bought the SLR so I will be playing with it probably over the weekend if I have some free time.

More excitedly I finally got around and bought the OPI black shatter nail polish. I will have to try it sometime.

Today Ms Ellen told me Nick is playing well on a difficult piece that her 11 year old student was having trouble with. I was feeling proud of the little guy.

Work is so insane these days. I just finished working and send a status update to all the IT, business and stake holders. John just ping me and told me don't get burnt out. I told him that was good advice.

But all in all, life is great. Absolutely living the dream every day!!

Funny

2011-07-23T22:04:00.001-04:00

I don't know if it's because I am Chinese or its because I had a little Asian girl comic nature... Think of silly Japanese shows. I like to say nonsense to dh. Like one day I was asking him if he would get offended if I didn't take his last name. And guess what he said, he goes "I am offended we are having this conversation. " I was laughing so hard.

Feeling Lazy

2011-07-19T23:30:00.001-04:00

I feel so silly like an old record because seems like I feel lazy a lot. And whine abt it a lot. Lol.

So my nails start to look horrible. And I found myself not care! Then today I realized I ve been putting hair in a bun, and strap a couple bobby pins for the bangs AT WORK!!! Oh what is happening to me! I need Richard to give me a "don't let yourself go" chichat again. :-)

I am waiting for some signs from above to pull the trigger on a Canon SLR camera. :-)

Nick is doing really well on piano. I just don't get it. I mean I used to play with him, to help with the counting and rhythm. These days I can't play along any more... way too complicated, and he is like mommy, plz stop, u r distracting me. :-P. I am like, how are you doing this? How can you put two hands together so easily? And he shrugs his shoulders and goes, I don't know. It's not that hard, mom. Boo!!!

By the way, Josh came up with another version of his chant. It's either GO MOMMY GO or BOO MOMMY BOO. Depending on his silly mood. :-)

We have restaurants come during lunch time in a food truck these days. Today was Korean BBQ soooo delish.

Finally, my gosh... that stupid Christian romance book. It is completely making me feel pessimistic abt marriage. The only thing keeps me going was my DH s reassurance that those books always have a happy ending. It sure seems getting worse and worse. But its funny I report the progress of my reading to my bff, and it is making her so anxious so she forces me to keep reading and tell her what next. We are both depressed abt the book now. At least misery loves company. :-) Well, hopefully we will learn something from the problems in the fictional relationships.

I Love Summer

2011-07-15T23:43:00.001-04:00

I recently bought a cool mesh beach bag and its been the best thing in the summer. It's huge easily hold 4 towels, and lots of pockets all ard for sunscreen, sun spray, extra diaper, phone, book etc... and inside the bag, there is place to hook keys. How convenient. And I toss all the swimming toys, like water football, frisbee, and the diving toys, as well as the goggles in the bag. Lord knows how many goggles I have bought and lost. I like this one stop shop setting much better. One bag I got everything. It's been awesome to have it to the beach as well as the pool.

I love taking the kids to the pool. Sometime I feel like its almost better than the beach. No sand to clean after. So lazy! We got a big water slide at the adult pool area, its so fun. I admit I was pretty terrified at first and didn't want to go down for years but I decided to overcome my fear this year plus Josh s chanting Go mommy Go is really motivating!

I just did an Orange peel facial scrub. Tomorrow is hair mask and body scrub. I love body scrub! They make the skin look so soft and nice, perfect for Summer.

Work Is Crazy

2011-07-15T00:17:00.001-04:00

Our production release is 8.11. So this is kinda like our final stretch... like today didn't get home until midnight.

I got some super cool dresses and skirts from anthropologie. Even my always supportive hubby is grumbling a little. But I love shopping there. The atmosphere is very me. :-) Just thinking abt that store relaxes me.

SLR

2011-07-13T22:18:00.001-04:00

I honestly neither have the time/energy at this point of my life to pick up a non contributing to the family hobby, nor do I have the desire to master the art of photography. But... I do hate how even the expensive point and shoot camera is making me frustrated on the low light performance and oh lord, the dreadful focus and speed to take a photo!!!! With crazy running around boys, literally the moment comes and goes in a flash. So finally I hate to say it, I am considering getting on the SLR wagon.

One of our artsy friends told me how he gets so mad at the stupid mommies hauling their SLRs but always set it on auto. I told him, hey back off, yep that would be me. And like the famous saying from my dear hubby, if u don't like it, here is the door. :-)

Yesterday at Nick s tennis class. They had a game where the coach is serving the ball, if they returned it, then they stay in the game, if not they are out. The last one standing wins. Nick s class has a few kids with previous experiences and some of them much older than him. I certainly didn't expect much chance for him to do well. But guess what, he returned every serve while other kids were out one by one. In the end it was just him and an 8 year old girl remaining... I did secretly hope the girl would miss. Ha! And she did. Then the coach says Nick you will be the winner if you return this ball. And he did!!! I was so so proud of him. I sure wished I had a good camera... but no just my Droid and taking forever to take a picture in the low light indoor tennis court. Anyway, my Nick is turning into such an athletic and cool big boy. It is really fun to hang with him... Ha! I can totally see how in 20 years, I might turn into one of those crazy old ladies and think no girls are ever good enough for my son. :-)

I love my boys!

Go Mommy Go

2011-07-11T22:25:00.000-04:00

My Josh's favorite chant these days - GO MOMMY GO! GO MOMMY GO! - Gotta picture the rhythm when you chant.

My aunt used to say in our children's mind, mommy is like a super hero. There is nothing we can't do. No obstacle we can't overcome. Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough. Ha! I do love it when Josh cheers me on. And I found lately, this chant has become such a positive voice in my head. Yep, Go mommy go!!!

Feeling Exhausted

2011-07-07T18:46:00.001-04:00

Can't keep my eyes open... I told everyone I will be in bed for 5 min, then will take the kids to the pool. Busy life of a working mom... Yawn...

So Weird

2011-07-05T22:55:00.000-04:00

I've been so mad with everything for the past couple of days and it happens every month around 5th! I don't know what it is. It's not even that time of the month for me yet if you know what I mean... maybe subconsciously I know everyone is expecting me to be a little weird around the 5th, and even if I am just upset all day long, they will just forgive me. So I just let my emotion run wild??

Every month I go through a few days of feeling like a complete failure at everything I do. Life is not exciting. There is nothing I look forward to. I don't have enough time for everything. I want more time to spend with the kids, or to spend with my friends, or to spend on myself. Chores are endless. Raising kids is boring and hard work. I don't have full control over everything. And I get mad thinking why can't everyone listen to me and do and act exactly the way I want them to? But I recently learned that controlling and judging NEVER comes from love. So there you go, I feel awful about always wanting to control my children and husband at times. And thinking I'm doing this for their best interest...

OK - I hope this thing passes quickly. It sure is annoying. Once again, I'm going to blame it on the hormones!!

Eventful Long Weekend

2011-07-04T23:03:00.001-04:00

Sometime I just feel like I am so easily brain washed. :-) So I kinda feel like summer is the time we build family traditions. So in spite of the ridiculously expensive cost to go anywhere and not to mention the crowds on the 4th of July weekend, I dragged the family to spend the long weekend at Myrtle Beach again.

We got home just in time for a party. It was fun and I met some new friends. Exchanged phone, FB and what not. Then we went to the Morrisville park to watch fireworks. It was so fun. I carried Josh in my arms from the far away parking lot and walked probably a mile. I love my little guy. He is 30 lbs now. I won't be able to carry him much longer so I cherish these times I get to hold him. One thing I thought was funny that I noticed there was a second or two sound delay at the fireworks and my geek side started blabbering to Richard abt the speed of the sound and how we can use the delay to figure out how far we are standing away from the actually firing site. It's so weird these arbitrary numbers are just imprinted in my brain forever. Thought that would be cool to explain to Nick and Josh when they get older. :-)

We also took the kids to the pool always enjoyable.

Tonight while I was grilling chicken tenderloins inside, hubby was grilling thick juicy ribeye outside. It turned out to be really good. We had corn on the cob, watermelon, and cheese cake for dessert. So so yummy. I had three slices of cheese cake today. Ha!!

Josh is so sweet. Before we went to bed tonight, I was eating watermelon and sliced some for him too. Then I finished mine, and told him, mommy is all done. He was worried I was going to take off and grandma would put him to bed. So he took a big bite of the watermelon, and said joshie all done too. Mommy let's go to bed. :-) I said to him, don't worry. Take your time, mommy wait for joshie. He was like mommy wait for joshie? Then go to sleep with mommy? I am like, yep. He goes, thank you mommy. :-) just for the record, if josh will read this one day. I actually enjoy putting him to bed and laying down with him until he falls asleep. He makes me so happy.

Can't believe long weekend is over. Time to go back to work.

六月空瓶记-Empty Bottles In June

2011-07-03T16:44:00.000-04:00

This month I had a bunch of empty bottles -

Cut to the chase, here it is -

From Left To Right:
* Suave - Sleek Anti Frizz Cream
URL: http://www.suave.com/Professionals-Styling/Sleek-Styling-Cream
Price: Less than $5
Recommend: YES YES YES
** I love love this cream. I am definitely a hair product junkie and like to use uh hem, mostly salon grade stuff... :/ But every once a while, something in the drugstore will catch my attention. I am so glad I tried this. So I rarely use conditioner in the morning, and I usually spray some leave in conditioner, wrap my turbo twisty towel, while getting ready. By the time I'm all ready, I blow dry and style my hair last. And I like to put a little product - usually some type of shine oil, and I used this cream before I blow dry. It is wonderful. It really gets rid of all frizz, gives a very healthy shine, my hair always feel healthy and silky but never greasy or heavy. I couldn't believe how fast I used up this tube. Usually those things last forever in my world, b/c of me frequently switching to other products and try... but this time I loved it so much, I used it almost every day. Then my hoarder nature caused me to buy 3 more and stocked it! :) It's soo inexpensive, def worth a try.

* Clear Care Eye Solution
URL: http://www.clearcaresolution.com/
Price: $12
Recommend: YES
Comments: My favorite eye solution. Staple item. Too bad Amazon doesn't have it on subscription yet. :(

* Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System
(Two bottles - black cap, white body)
URL: http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/anti-aging-products/micro-dermabrasion-treatment?pid=075609602603
Price: $27
Recommend: YES
Comments: Another staple item. For routine gentle chemical exfoliation. It only takes 5 minutes but makes the skin super soft - we have this "expression" in Chinese to describe a girl's face like a freshly peeled hard boiled egg. :) Anyway, right after using this product, makes me think of this saying. WARNING, if you just get your nails done, then don't use this. The acid in the peel WILL ruin your freshly painted nails. I usually do this on Friday night, and get my nails done the weekend.

* The Body Shop shower gel
Nothing much to say about this. I stocked up a bunch over xmas time and still happy with them. I think the one I finished this month is a peach flavor.

* Garnier Fructis Instant Melting Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Haira
(That's the big tall one w/ green and white color)
Took me forever to use up this one - I guess I must not like it very much. After a while, the Garnier Fructis fragrance is just a little meh. I think it is pretty cheap, less than $5. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either.

* Lancome BIENFAIT MULTI-VITAL SPF 30 CREAM
High Potency Daily Moisturizing Cream
Vitamin Enriched UVA/UVB SPF 30 Sunscreen
URL: http://www.lancome-usa.com/Bienfait-Multi-Vital-SPF-30-Cream/990785,default,pd.html?start=6&cgid=skincare-bienfait
Price: $45 for 1.7 oz
Recommend: I don't love it but I don't hate it
IMO, this cream is not expensive, but it's not cheap. It has plenty of SPF, so it's good when I'm feeling lazy like don't want to apply the extra SPF 55, you know some days you just don't feel like doing anything. So it keeps the skin hydrated and sun protected. Easy to apply foundation on it, really pretty good. Nothing to complain. But along the same line, there are so many other day cream out there do the same, but probably cost a bit less than this. So I don't know. I usually buy those things when I'm tempted by the gift with purchase, I'm sure that's when I bought this one. :)

* Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash, 5.1 Ounce
Price: $8~12
I subscribed this one on Amazon. I assume Neutrogena is pretty reputable plus hubby never complained so it must be fine. :)

* Suzuran Cotton Square
Price: $3.40
URL: http://web2.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/product/viewProductDetail.jspa?itemno=100488704001
(Just noticed it has a 5 star rating with close to 1000 people vote)
Where to buy: sasa.com - Hong Kong
Recommend: YES YES
I used to use cotton square a lot. So I researched a lot on the quality vs price etc and found this one a lot of Asian girls rave about. It wasn't easy to buy them - actually not too hard - sasa.com so whenever I buy some stuff from sasa, I would add a few of them in my cart. They're amazingly soft, and never EVER leaves any gross cotton thread when wiping. Ever since I've become a little more environment conscious, like started to apply toner w/o a square, I've slowed down the consumption for this. But I still highly recommend this.

* TIGI Bed Head Men Pure Texture Molding Paste
Price: $15
Recommended to DH by Blake. It's like a cream to paste and creates a more dry look compare to gel.

* Catwalk Sleek Mistique leave in conditioner (black and red, skinny bottle)
Price: $15~$30
Haha, I don't remember how much I paid for this... but I'm sure it's somewhere in this range. :) It was also recommended to me by Blake. I've tried sooo many leave in conditioner, and this one is one of my favorite. It smells great and leaves the hair soft, sleek and manageable.

* Nivea Cream
Price: Free (Given to me for free in the hospital)
I LOVE this! Somehow I really love the smell of the original Nivea. And the cream is super hydrating in the winter time. Sometime in the morning I would apply it just so I get to smell it a little bit. :) I bought the full size ones later in my local Sams club. Still love it! :)

* Philosophy Candy Cane shower gel
Price: Don't remember - Got it in a xmas gift set. (I think it had pepper mint, candy cane, ginger bread and one more I can't remember)
The smell is wonderful. And I love the philosophy bottles, they have the cutest sayings on each bottle that makes me smile in the morning when reading it.

* L'Oreal Paris Studio Line Out of Bed Texturizer
Price: $5.00
DH forgot his hair paste on one of his business trips, so he asked me to research what to buy in a drugstore that's comparable to the product he has. And I read about it, people seem to like this one a lot. So he got it and tried. But if you know my dear hubby, :P he likes the expensive one of course.

* Organix - Rejuvenating Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo (Big round pink bottle)
Price: Cheap - don't remember
I bought this one on a trip and I forgot to pack my shampoo. Hotel shampoo, no thanks. I like this one a lot actually. It made my hair really silky and drape-y (like heavy silk). I'm not sure if I will re-purchase since I have so many un-opened haven't tried shampoos sitting at home.

* That's the last one - The IT Works body wrap that I did at the Body Boutique the other time. I bought some more from the spa to do it at home and still liking it. I don't care about it slimming or whatever, I feel like it's tightening up the skin around my belly from being pregnant w/ huge babies. :) DH told me to get it done via 'laser treatment', oh well... maybe someday.

That's it. Happy July 4th!

Great Day

2011-06-28T22:59:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I post. :P. My three minute fever. Well, we are packing a little bit, getting ready for our fourth of July little long weekend beach trip. I just love love Myrtle Beach so we are going there again. Wish we would ve bought our timeshare there instead. Oh well. :-)

Today one of my beloved ex colleagues returned and actually got assigned to my project team. I am super excited abt it. Richard is also happy for me and said we should all go out for lunches sometime. I gave him a very high recommendation so although his rate was high, our VP still proved it and hired him. So he told me he owes me big time now. I was just laughing at his text which said "When are we doing lunch? I am buying. Anything you want! Lobster soaked in champaign!" :-)

My bff is leaving for Vegas to celebrate her birthday. I need to remember to wish her happy birthday tomorrow. I am really horrible at remembering to wish people happy birthday... I think I am so much like a guy in many aspects. I blame on all these years of math and science!! :P

Speaking of that, I had another interesting experience today. So I was reviewing some resume, one of them is from a guy graduated from qing hua university in Beijing. So I highly recommended him because in my mind, those people are like non humanly smart. I interviewed him, and was not great... it sort burst the bubble in my head of the perfect image. Then I later found out that one of my fellow Chinese engineers is also a graduate from that school. Man... speaking of crouching tiger and hidden dragon. So many smart and talented and humble people!!

Two more days to go.

Weekend

2011-06-19T22:52:00.000-04:00

This has been a really good weekend.

Friday night, Richard and I took a break from our crazy exercise and diet. We went to our favorite Japanese place and had dinner. It was superb!! Every time I go, when I leave I would say - Honey can we come here every week? :) But of course we don't. It's very expensive!

After dinner, we went to see Green Lantern. And OH MY GOSH, I love love love the movie. :) Heh heh, mainly because Ryan R. and Blake L. are so so so so beautiful! Watching them is literally like eating ice cream. Too yummy! I have a new understanding of eye candy! :) The movie itself was OK I guess, I like Ryan Reynolds so much, I feel like he is really the perfect cast for this role - a man with a lot of potentials but also has a lot of vulnerabilities. I love how the movie tells us being a hero or whatever is not always about being fearless, but more about our ability to overcome the fears. Anyway, I think this is so true. We're all human after all - It's not always about being perfect, isn't it? It's times when we know we're not perfect, do we have the strength to do better?

Saturday we went to Nick's friend's birthday party - and watched a soccer game with a few of his close friends. It was so so fun to see the boys - they're all very close. Wearing the same extra large jersey, cheering for the team, laughing and making noises - you know just boys being boys. Even Josh was having a great time. It was so hot during the day, but cooled down so much after the thunder storm. So the night was actually so pleasant and beautiful. We didn't get home until almost 10 but all had a great time.

Nick's been asking for a DS so I told him I would get him the DS if he can pass my tests for him in the swimming pool. We discussed the passing criteria etc, it was a funny discussion. But one thing for sure, he is now truly motivated.

Seven

2011-06-15T13:26:00.003-04:00

Yesterday when I picked up Josh from school, he said - "I don't want to go home. I want to play." It only took seven business days. My little buddy, thank you for making things so easy for mommy!

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-11T20:32:00.002-04:00

I saw several of mommies talked about their kids' graduation on FB or blog. So I thought to go with the trend and also document this important event.

Well Nick's preschool graduation occurred on Friday 6/3/2011. This is the note we received from the teacher that I put on my calendar reminder:

Pre-K Graduation Ceremony will be on Friday, June 3rd at 6:30pm. This year's event will be held off site at Cary Church of God, 107 Quade Drive Cary, NC. Graduating students should be dropped off at 6pm at the church. (Please note there will not be anyone to supervise your child before then). We highly recommend you pick up your child by 4:30 to allow time for an early dinner or snack before graduation. Children will be wearing caps and gowns. Girls should plan to wear their hair down so the caps can fit properly. We encourage you to invite family and friends. There will be plenty of adult seating. Cake and punch will be served following the graduation ceremony.

I dressed up in a semi formal white dress from Ann Taylor. My principle is when in doubt, dress up. Richard just wore his business casual clothes from work to the event. But I was glad I dressed up a bit, because most women wore dresses and skirts. The ceremony was really nice. The kids all dressed in red gowns and wearing red cap. We get to keep the tassel. Before I went, I actually thought this was a bit over the top. Do we really need to celebrate the graduation of "preschool" aka fancy term for 'day care'? :D But when I was actually there, when the kids were sing the graduation song, I just can't help tearing up... My baby is growing up!!! I couldn't stop wiping my eyes while trying to be discrete... :) This song moved me to no end:

My graduation day
You see how much I am growing
I try to make you proud
In all the ways I'm showing
That every day I'm changing
towards what I'll be some day
Growing up

Day by day
I'm on my way

I love love it... And I think it is soo true, that they do - try to make us proud in all the things they do. And day by day they're growing into who they will be some day. It reminded me of how short the time we have to help our kids go in the right direction before they start taking off and 'auto pilot'. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see them 'auto pilot', to me that's the ultimate reward to show that I've raised my kids right... but help them get to that point, we only have a tight window. The mommy duty might be mundane and tiring, but it's going to fly by and now is the time for me to 'give'.

Anyway, today I was telling Richard a conversation I had with Nick. Well, in China we always have a saying - "It should never be 'want me to learn', instead it should be 'I want to learn'. " So I discussed this with my mother a lot before, if I push Nick like a tiger mom, then sure he will do great - but ultimately I want him to have the drive to want to learn and be at the top. So maybe in order for that to happen, I should actually take a back seat - you know it's such a delicate thing - this parenting. I know I was always pretty driven, my parents never really guided me much but I sure got a ton of pressure from them if I didn't do well. And Richard is also driven, I don't know where he got that, maybe just the innate competitiveness being a boy and all. So I digress... One day I was telling Nick that his teacher told me his reading skill is pretty advanced for his class. He said, meh - (He is so funny, he is kinda like me, feels his teachers celebrate mediocre a bit too much) Unlike mommy, who is brutally honest with him, and tells him he needs to try harder, not good enough all the time, so when I do tell him he did a good job at something, he knows it's true and he gets really happy - "My high expectation mother finally approved of me!" J/K. But it is true I can tell compliments from me means a lot more to him because he also knows when he excelled at something and my compliments agrees with his progress, so that's real. I digress again... so I told him - "No it's true, your reading is pretty good 'cause we've been reading a lot." He smiles and goes, "Oh, that's good." Then I said, "Well, if anything, I think we should work on your writing" Being a boy, I think it's pretty typical, he doesn't like to sit down and spend time writing or drawing or coloring so compare to the girls of same age, their writing skills tend to be quite a bit better. Then I went into details to tell him a few areas he was not good at - and he listened carefully, after I finished, he said - "Mommy you're right... Let's work on that, OK? Everyday we should do some writing." I said "OK" I was trying to be nonchalant about it, but inside me I was ecstatic! I see the family resemblance of the drive to be better and knowing by working towards something, he can achieve it. I so think that's the only way to build real confidence, is definitely not by telling them they're awesome when they're really just mediocre, but to give them a hard task and by after working at it, and accomplishing it that they know they can handle it. Then when the next hard task gets thrown in their face, school or life, they know they can do it. They've done it before.

Today has been a great day! Still feeling a little sick - but energy level was great probably due to exercising and eating healthy. I am probably going to either throw on a facial mask or do my nails in a bit. Last time I got it done w/ a lighter color - the nice thing abt light color is even when they grow out a little, they still look pretty good. =)

It's A 10

2011-06-09T23:57:00.001-04:00

Life is much better when DH is home. When Mr. Nick is giving me trouble, all I need to say is mommy s patience is abt to run out, would u like your daddy to work on xyz with you? ;-) Then he will become the best behaving kid.

I thank God everyday especially this month. I don't know how I would ve survived the past couple of weeks without Him. Well I guess I would ve made it but He took away my stress, calm my nerves and just made everything so much smoother. Just like what I had been asking for. God and Richard go hand in hand to keep my stress low. :-) Seriously tho, so very grateful. He is a 10.

Speaking of 10. Today I read a review from makeupgeek she is a popular YouTube celebrity I think so I added her RSS to my reader and today she big time raved abt a Salon line called It's A 10. I ve actually seen it many times and wanted to try based on the claim that it does 10 things with one leave in product. And I go thru leave in conditioner so fast because during the week, I am always running late, so most days I just shampoo and skip conditioner, then spray the leave in. So I am always on the lookout for a good leave in product. I ordered online, I will report when I get it. Hopefully it will be good.

Feeling Much Better

2011-06-08T21:47:00.002-04:00

Took some antibiotics and Excedrin migraine this morning and 30 minutes later, feeling much better! I love modern medicine! I probably should keep on taking some more antibiotics tonight.

Today has been a good day. Josh's teacher told me he had a very good day at school. I was so elated. Of course, when I went to pick him up, he was still all emotional again. My silly baby!

So I've been extra sloppy these days. I know it's just a phase and so I stopped stressing over it. I even wore crocs to work today! :D They're soo comfy - but thank goodness they weren't the classic crocs men or kids have. Mine are pretty feminine. Mary-Jane style?

So I've been trying to exercise and stuff (aren't we always? we as in women), but just really don't feel like it lately, and my dear gf is the same way - probably much more of a slacker than me. So today we were just kinda joking around...
So I said - (this is after I already ate lunch - restaurant takeout from yesterday), "I'm so hungry... You want to go out and get some food again?"
And she is like "Absolutely!"
I said, "Why are we trying to be fit and skinny anyway? Who are we trying to impress really?"
She said, "Exactly! Our hubbies are perfectly happy with us! Exercising and dieting are stupid."
I said, "Yeah! I agree!"
She said, "Who wants to hug a boney girl anyway?"
I said, "I know right? It's good to have some bell-ay" :D
Then we just both started laughing uncontrollably.

Ohh today I also saw a riddle - guess this: AAABBBDDDAABBDDBAA
:
:
:
The answer is "Long time no C" :D I was laughing out loud when I read the answer. Too silly! :) And a good one!

Today Nick and I finally finished watching the movie Ponyo. It's just a silly typical Japanese movie. We liked it! One more hour before DH land, maybe I can go throw on a facial.

Boo

2011-06-07T22:54:00.001-04:00

Exhausted, stressed out, frustrated, feeling sick and DH out of town - not the best combination

Today Has Been Amazing

2011-06-04T16:48:00.002-04:00

Today has been an amazing day so far. Got new furniture delivered for the other boy's bedroom. Now both rooms are fully furnished with good stuff. This time we purchased a twin over full but the configuration is really cool it has the side stairs - instead of the ladder style which I feel 'meh' about. So every step is also a draw. It's similar to this except we chose a dark cherry finish to match the rest of the house.

I slept in a little in the morning. So nice... and then did a hair mask, also a body scrub. Such a treat for mommies. My not yet mommy friends, cherish the opportunities you have now to enjoy as frequently as you want plus guilt free pampers! :D

Then Richard made this AMAZING ribeye steak... My mouth is watering as I'm typing this... It's better than(or similar to) the best steak I had in the 100 per steak restaurant. The problem is he is not a consistent performer! :) Once a while I would say stuff like I'm going to be a vegetarian - 'cause I am a little brain washed by LUSH. But one bite of the steak reminds me why I'm not. LOL.

This afternoon, I took an almost 3-hr nap w/ my gorgeous little Joshie. I ended up feeling sooo rested and started reading books on my droid when he was still snoozing. I rarely take naps w/ the kids but today is kinda an exception with all the new furniture, so Josh graduated from his baby crib furniture to the big boy dark cherry furniture (Nick's current). It made me feel so rested and happy!! Again, thinking about the non-mommies, who are probably thinking this is so no big deal! :)

So while I was wide awake, DH and I have been texting each other :) and looks like we might go out tonight - not sure doing what or where yet but that sounds nice!

I'm kinda debating whether I should take Josh to church tomorrow since he was sick on Thursday. I don't want to take him if he is still/might be contagious. Although I've been sharing wet kisses with him tons already. :)

My Horoscope Today

2011-06-03T23:26:00.002-04:00

Lately I found my horoscope is freakishly accurate. I had a widget of it on my iGoogle homepage. This is what it says today:

It's challenging to settle your nerves today because your current anxiety is coming from several different sources. Unfortunately, isolating individual problems and solving them won't address the overall big picture. Instead of seeking solutions that require practical thinking and specific action, you're better off now to work on improving your attitude. If you can be flexible enough about what is happening, you'll realize that you don't have to waste energy worrying about things you cannot control

Distracted So I Went Shopping

2011-06-02T22:48:00.006-04:00

There are a few things going on in my life this month so I'm kinda distracted. Yesterday when Jack asked me to go to gym with him, I told him - NO!!! Everything is on hold until next month! He is like - "Usually I expect you to say, next Monday. This is the first time you procrastinated to next month!" :D But really, I am not in the mood for any type of exercise, just want to make it thru this month, then we can talk.

In spite of all that, I decided to go shopping with my dear bff to distract myself. I can't help it just love going shopping w/ girlfriend or by myself. :D

I tried on a pink small flowery print blouse at a store and it looked cute(has potential) but way too big - it's a size S. Plus with their complicated sales structure, I have no clue how much the blouse costs - it retails like 40, marked down to 30, then they have some additional percentage off - but I wasn't sure if this one is eligible. So anyway, long story short, I took the shirt thinking I might get it if it's cheap.

Then I saw a beautiful white skinny jeans in my size in the clearance section! I've been looking for this for ever now... ever since I saw an OOTD from one of my fav RSS feeds. I grabbed that one and tried it on, fits perfectly.

Then I took a few of other things and went to check out. I asked the checkout lady how much the blouse was, she said with all the discount it was 20 something. So I thought ok, that's not bad. Then I asked her if there is an XS. She said - no this is the last one. She said, would you like to keep it or...? I said sure I will take it.

Then when she rings up my white skinny, she said it's 40. I said, oh ok... how much was the retail, she said 40. I'm like, hmm... this is from the sales rack. She said ohh, someone must've put it there by mistake... but there is another style that's very similar, and is on sale... the only difference is it has zippers along the ankles... I'm like, 'meh... that's ok... ' So she is like, 'so... do u still want this or...?' And guess what, I said 'sure, I will take it.'

I seriously need to stop saying 'sure, I will take it.'!!! I am such a sucker! :D

Overall, I'm pretty happy with all the stuff I got. I even bought a scarf as a summer/spring accessory. I tried on the pink blouse again at home.. it is really too big, so I might end up returning it after all. Hassle! :-(

Speaking of bad purchases, lately I also bought a new (relatively newly created) perfume from Avon.
It's called In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon
Product link: http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?pf_id=37259
It has good reviews and won some best new perfume award by Allure. So I bought it by my "educated" faith. And too bad it was NOT good. :( I think it is a bit too mature for me. Maybe ok for my mom. But my mom doesn't like perfume at all... so I guess I will have to incorporate this into the usage schedule somehow. :) Luckily, DH likes it. So easy to please! :)

Tomorrow is another busy busy day - but it's Friday! I love weekends and live for the weekends!! :D

五月空瓶记-Empty Bottles in May

2011-05-30T00:28:00.002-04:00

I used to collect all my empty bottles - kinda crazy huh? Now that I log them here, I throw them out once a month. Much better! :) OCD?

So a few months back, I got kinda depressed about life - mundane ah mundane - no motivations, no challenges, no excitement. Life is fine and happy, but just sorta blah. So I went out to eat and vent with one of my friends who I respect a lot. :) (If you're reading!) Anyway, we used to work together but now he is co-founding a new company and doing exciting stuff. I digress... So I told him I was kinda bored and whatnot. He said well when smart people gets bored, that's usually the beginning of trouble! Ha! I told him my current "aspirational" project was to become really good at cleaning! I did a lot of research - watched tons of YouTube videos to learn various cleaning techniques and what are the best products etc. I know if I had my way, I would be hiring cleaning ladies twice a month, but every time I pay $100 bucks to the cleaning lady, it pains my hard working and frugal parents - and I can't bear to do that to them. So I decided to clean my house myself to make them proud. I went and bought all the supply after my thorough research and I've been doing a professional job ever since!!! I even sent my research notes to my boss and my gf - share the knowledge! :D I know I am such a dork!

Well, the reason I mention this is because I spent 2 hours this weekend and cleaned. I am very proud that I had kept this up. It is so much easier now that I know what I am doing. It is so true that it's not about working harder but working smarter.

Alright - back to my May's empty bottles. Here is the pic:

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55
url - http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ultra+sheer+dry-touch+sunblock+spf+55.do
price - $10.99
note - I like it. I used it on the body - but I'm not picky about sunscreen for the body. I like the banana boat or what have you. I seem to recall not really loving the Aveeno Baby sunscreen.

2. American Crew Styling Gel for Men, Firm Hold - Staple product for hubby
url - http://www.drugstore.com/american-crew-styling-gel-for-men-firm-hold/qxp43331
price - around 20 bucks
note - He likes it. It creates a more of wet look. I like the messier/dryer look so I've been pushing him to use a product from the same line called Fiber something. It's so nice but it requires a little more skill to apply and make it work. Unfortunately hubby is not into it. :) Oh well. :) I use it on Nick and Josh sometimes. Blake also recommended an in between product to him, from Bumble and Bumble. I can't remember the name now but it's almost gone so will show up in June's Empty Bottle.

3. Shiseido - The red bottle is a high shine shampoo from Shiseido.
I actually got it from asian grocery store. I can't remember how much it cost but I won't re-buy. I am still so much loving my Argan Oil shampoo Blake recommended. And my second favorite are shampoo from LUSH. But I still go off course and buy odd stuff to try. Girl nature! :)

4. The bottle in front of the shampoo is a very good moisturizer -
Name:DR PERRICONE MD - Face Finishing Moisturizer
url - http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211304
price - $65 for 2oz
note - I like it. Sephora has over 400 reviews and rating is over 4 stars. Seems like most people are happy with it. I like it too but lately I've been switching to a more medical grade lotions and serums... But I think Dr Perricone is more medical grade than a lot of other department brands like Lancome or Clinique or Estee Lauder. I am not going to repurchase any of those brands once I finish what I have.

5. Clear Care - Another bottle gone. Simply can't live without.

6. Clarins - masque anti-soif
It's weird I can't find this product any more - but basically it's a hydration mask. It is gentle and effective - you could use around eyes too. I love Clarins. Even though they're still the department store brands, I am still buying them 'cause they're more plant driven and very gentle. I love love their different facial treatment oil - and their body contour lifting lotion, so good for summer use. Anyway, I digress again. One of their product line is called hydra quench. It is soo soo soo good. If you have dry skin, especially in winter time, definitely should give it a try.

That's all. I have one more pic of a toner I've been using lately. I think I got it as a sample from Sephora or Beauty.com ... I don't know one of those retailer places. And it happens like this all the time, they sent you something small, and you use it then it's like "I LOVE it"! Sometime I really resent retailers give us samples like that. I get hooked just like that! :)

I used to read about girls applying toner in a spray bottle and they say it's so good, saves the cotton rounds and whatnot... but I never get it. And since I've been using this one, I spray 3 or 4 times into my palm. Then pat my face with it. And it's really good. I think I use much less toner that way, plus saves the cotton rounds, which is awesome! Go green! :) So after I finish this bottle, I plan to pour my toner into this one and use the spraying method going forward! :)

I also love the nail polish from this picture - It's called 'Tickle Me Fancy' from OPI. =)

Home Sweet Home

2011-05-27T22:40:00.003-04:00

We got home tonight after a fun and relaxing week at the beach. It was literally the best family vacation ever! I will have to post some pictures later.

I seem to remember even when we as in just Richard and myself were vacationing in Cancun - definitely one of the best couples vacations for us, towards the end of the week, we kind got bored and wanted to go home... but this time I wish we could stay there even longer. Now that I'm home, I also feel very happy and relaxed - plus we have a 3 day weekend this week to prolong my avoidance of returning to work. Ha! Richard and I went out for dinner tonight, and I was just making conversation and said - "This vacation was really good. I didn't even want to come home. But now that we're home, I also feel really happy. That is just weird." And he said that's what vacation does to people - make you feel relaxed and happy even after the vacation is over. Man, I was impressed! Words of wisdom! ;-)

Speaking of being impressed, some girlfriends and I were talking abt marriage one time... and said something abt how us women want "unconditional love" from our husbands, while the husbands want "unconditional respect". I guess sometime it could be hard to give your spouse unconditional respect if the wifey is pretty smart herself - ha like me! But luckily for me, I do have tons of respect for Richard so it's not like that's something I have to work on or pretend - urgh... that would be hard. And I know he also recognizes and respects my intelligence - what can I say? One of the things I always say to him that makes him laugh all the time is - "Honey, why would you disagree with me when I approve to you time after time that I'm never wrong." :D

I'm excited abt tomorrow - I plan on going to Ann Taylor and American Eagle. I've been inspired by some OOTD (Outfit Of The Day) and wanted to get a few key pieces to create some chic outfits. And I wasn't able to shop during the trip - but now is my chance. I could get my mani+pedi done as well when I'm at the mall. :D Looking forward!

Happiness

2011-05-25T18:32:00.001-04:00

Something I heard lately abt happiness I thought was profound. Someone said that being single in this world faces too much pressure. The pressure of being married or even just having someone. Maybe the pressure is from parents, or peers, or could even be church. But he said God created Eve for Adam, not because Adam alone or himself is not good. It was not good... see its "it" as the situation where Adam is lonely, but never "he" is not good.

Anyway, so I thought abt the years that I felt the day when I get married I would be happy. Then when that happens, I thought well once we are financially successful, that will be the beginning of real happiness. Then its like I want kids, Lord... or even today when I honestly feel like there is nothing more I could ask for, I sometime feel like if only I could quit my job and travel the world, then start on my entrepreneurial dream... :-) I guess my point is happiness is now and not some sentence starts with when I have xyz, then...

I was thinking abt a very dear gf these days as we are staying at a beautiful vacation villa on the beach. We love it and so I told DH she actually lives in a place where all her neighbours are vacationers, and she sees the beautiful ocean everyday from her bedroom. Love, if you are reading this, I know there are things you want and not have but I can't help imagine 10 years from now when you have the ordinary life like the rest of us and with a couple of kids running around, endless chores and responsibitues, I bet you would look back to this day and say oh boy I wish I would ve enjoyed my life then better and had a lot more fun. ;-)

I know I have been a lot happier with my life after having this perspective... (Seriously, Richard has called me on my unusual cheerfulness. I would be stepping out in the torching sun, pushing two kids in the stroller and proclaiming to him, "I am so happy, honey". Ha, cause I genuinely feel this way! Life is good and let's smile!

Happiness Continues

2011-05-19T22:26:00.001-04:00

Sometime I feel like the universe keeps things in balance... meaning whenever I am feeling really happy, someone close to me is feeling the opposite. Like DH kinda had a rough day. But he is used to it. :-) Stress is good for man, builds character!

So today I had my monthly wax appointment. This time I tried a new place that they do the hard wax without the strips. Ohh my goodness. It was awesome! I never imagined I would be telling my girlfriend that the wax session is pleasant and relaxing but it was!!! If you do the normal wax during summer months and dread it, should definitely give this type of wax a try. Heh heh, as I was complaining abt my loose belly skin and stretch marks to my esthetician, she recommended a belly tightening wrap as an add on treatment. I said sure, why not. So she measured before and after. Ha, guess what I lost 2 inches in 1 session. I didn't really believe it but when I put on my jeans, I really noticed a pretty obvious difference. So I signed up for a 3 month session with the wrap being applied once a week. Ha, I felt I am such a sucker and easy customer! I felt a little bad cause it is kinda pricey, so I was being extra friendly when I broke the news to Richard later on tonight, and he was like, "Awesome. Good job, honey!" :-) Do I have the best husband or what?? The most hilarious thing was that I was so excited so I told my gf abt this and she ruthlessly told me this is absolute scam and garbage. She's been thru them all. And she has! But half an hour later, she was asking me ... now which treatment was this again? She was booking it too!!!! CRAZY girl!! Gotta love her. :-)

On top of everything, these days are the final stretch for our current iteration, usually means super stressful. Nights and weekends. But we were so good this time, all the features were implemented, even the crazy scenario defects are all fixed. Everybody just sorta hang out and eat icecream, joke ard at work these days.

Life is good~

Hormones Are Lame

2011-05-18T23:01:00.001-04:00

I saw a FB status said something abt our women's hormones are lame. Thought it was funny. I know we all hate it when guys say that... but it is pretty true, isn't it?

So I was in my periodical low a week ago and now I am completely over it and just feeling super awesome! Yesterday we had an all day customer meeting, typically I would feel really blah on those days... but I was in such a good mood yesterday all day. Of course part of the reason is I wore a beautiful Ann Taylor pencil skirt with a fitted white blouse. :-) Then we went to a fancy place for dinner... speaking of the dinner.. ha! Let me digress for a moment...
Brilliant + passionate + funny + man-boy-ish == deadly attractive. Who is with me? Ok, I still love my husband very much and feel very blessed that he is definitely that type. But it is also just so much fun to encounter others like that! Yesterday I had one of the best conversations at dinner with two of the smartest minds. It was a treat!

Getting late... good night. :-)

Happy Weekend

2011-05-14T23:54:00.004-04:00

I've been kinda dreading going to work these days so when I'm at work, I count the days until it's weekend. Well, in all honesty, work is not bad at all, it's just I like weekends more. So I think that's pretty healthy right? It would not be good if it's the other way around.

Richard and I are still doing our Friday night date night thing pretty regularly. So this Friday we went to my fav restaurant - Pho place. Then we went to see Thor in the theater. I read from some FB status it was not good, plus in the past, I've never really enjoyed watching those mythology type of movies - like Clash of the Titans etc... so my expectations weren't high. I have to say though I really liked the movie. How can you not? It's funny, romantic, and action packed. Plus the main characters are soooo beautiful!

Let's see... so Saturday morning, use the app on my phone to plan the day - and finished everything on the list - went shopping, went to the park, went to a local event, then bowling, then ate at one of our fav dim sum restaurants. Everyone had a good time. My dad beat us in our second round of the bowling game, I think that made him pretty happy. For some reason, Richard and I both really sucked at the 2nd game. :)

I also did my micro-dermabrasion tonight. I love how my skin feels after that. I should definitely do it more regularly.

Only 1 more day left in the weekend. :( Time to go sleep!

Found My Journal

2011-05-11T23:24:00.000-04:00

I was doing some cleaning and organizing and stumbled on my old journal. The first entry is from 05. It was so interesting to read it. I am going to continue writing in it. I found the content in the private journal contains things u might not share on the blog, such as weight, lol. I knew exactly how much both Richard and I weigh from 05 til 08. That's when I stopped writing. Good news is I didn't gain anything in 6 years. My dear husband gained over 20!! Life is too happy for him, I tell you. He has just lost 10 pounds this year. So now he is down to 10 more than 6 years ago.

Hopefully no more pages tonight. Being on call is no fun!

A Teenage Boy In A Four Year Old Body

2011-05-10T22:40:00.005-04:00

Sometime the stuff Nick says just makes me go... what the heck?

His favorite phrases these days -
* "DUDE!" - gotta picture his tone
* "Oh my gosh" - yes... he says that in a very dramatic teenage way... I have to assume he picked it up from some girls :) We know how girls can get!
* "Yea yea, whatever you say mom." - I'm like hey watch your attitude, dude.
He is still sweet and obedient, but when he is a little loose and wild, he really sounds so grown up. It's kinda hilarious.

Anyhooo... I really LOVE how aviator looks on the smemoes. I think it's probably because of their gorgeous looking noses - like my beautiful niece Eden and my hubby. So I've successfully converted Richard to wear aviator glasses and he started digging the look as well. I got myself a pair too lately. This morning Josh was playing with mine and tried it on and I guess the aviator looking good on smemoes continues. He looks sooo cute!

I wrote a post abt mothers day and due to some technical issues, I lost it. I was very touched when Nick ran to my room first thing in the morning on Sunday and wished me a happy mothers' day. He also made some crafts at school for me. And then he asked for a little spelling help from daddy and wrote the following letter to me. Richard said Nick came up with the words all by himself.

Couple pictures from Josh's birthday this year... Maybe I will post some more on FB someday. We kept it small again this year - and it was a fun and relaxing!

Grandparents and the kids -

A Little Down

2011-05-05T22:35:00.001-04:00

Our iteration four is done. Now a new iteration has started. The immense pressure has subsided considerably. Yesterday felt like its been a while since I could just go slow and maybe surf some internet at work. My gf and I actually went to the mall and went on a shopping spree. I was up in the clouds. But today, I started to feel the lack of pressure is making me feeling sluggish. Oh well, I will do better tomorrow.

Nick had his graduation pictures taken today. I can't wait to see it!!

I have been soo lazy lately. It's really getting worse and worse every day, hence the FB status today. It started with my skipping mascara, then a few days later I started skipping serum, then skipping shiseido sun block, and then I started skiping eye liner. Today I even skipped using any hair product. When Richard got home, I was in my fat woman sweats, and hair in a bun. And I told him, honey I think I ve been letting myself go now. And he gave a hug and goes, ohh... that's not a good situation. ;-) He is so adorable. He makes me smile!! So in order to get myself out of this ditch, I am going to paint my nails tonight and tomorrow I am going to get up, go jogging, not skip anything in my normal routine. The only blah thing is we have to wear company shirt tomorrow. Otherwise, wearing a cute spring dress definitely will cheer me up! I am going out with my fav people tomorrow for lunch! Then tomorrow night, Richard and I will have our dinner and movie date night. Looking forward. :-)

I really like kindle store now. There are tons of free books on my fav genre - chick literature. :-)

Random Post

2011-04-29T22:04:00.002-04:00

DEEP breath... these past few days have been so crazily busy at work. The following is my typical day -
* Get up at 5:45 - go jogging w/ hubby
* Get to work before 8am - work all day long, no lunch break
* Leave work around 7pm
* Reach home, then kids duty - until 9:30~10:00 when both are asleep
That's it. Pretty exhausting!

I did manage to get a massage today - It was a 75 min massage that was pretty heavenly. Unfortunately it has to end and I have to come back to reality.

So today at work, one thing happened that was kinda funny. Richard called me around 5:15pm to see wassup. I heard him calling from his car so I asked him to pick up Nick - so I could stay at work to finish some stuff up. He gladly agreed. It really took a lot of pressure off, so after I hang up the phone, I just said out loud, "My husband is just the best!!". Then my girlfriend said, "No, my husband is the best". So we started this 发神经 to see who is the most silly girl contest by going back and forth saying 'No my husband is best'. 'No, mine'. :P You know how us girls can get. Then one of our male colleagues couldn't stop laughing and said, are you girls like this at home too? My gf said, of course not. We can never tell our husband he is the best in front of him, that way he will NEVER stop getting better! Ha!! :D And our colleague goes - ah no wonder, my wife never tells me I'm the best. :P LOL

Ok, here are some random pictures -
This one is the grilled shrimp salad I sometime make for hubby

Nick dressed up as a fireman.

Nick - Hockey (fake)

My cutie pie Josh

Handsome woody - LOL (Somehow I felt he kinda look like Jake G.)

Lastly - a silly picture I took of myself - I was wearing my MGM vegas T shirt that morning and thought I did a good job on my makeup! :D I see girls take self portrait in all the blogs but I don't know why I look so "stiff" when I took mine :P

OK, that's it. I am doing an eye mask and a hydration facial mask... I can feel the eye mask is getting pretty dry now... So better go take care of it and go to sleep. Gotta get up early to go jogging again! (I'm sooo proud of myself for getting up early every morning to go jogging, 'cause I am absolutely not a morning person. But I will do anything to support hubby!!)

Not Fair

2011-04-27T22:01:00.001-04:00

I ve been getting up before 6 every morning for a 3 mile jog before work, and barely eat enough food to stay alive, and the rest of my body is shrinking for example my "girls" ;) but my stubborn belly fat and my weight has not changed at all! :-( kinda discouraging... but hubby is shredding poundage like crazy. So I guess that makes me happy, I am just living vicariously thru him.

Work is a disaster. So stressed out. My gf gave me a worry stone. It's a beautiful and smooth stone, u rub it when u get worried or stressed. Man, I ve been rubbing it quite a bit lately. Hope things will get better. Although I know It will. Everything will be happy and ok Next week. :-) its sorta fun actually being a software developer, the deadline pressure is a little intoxicating. And once the code freeze is over, it felt like spring break. Which will be next week, so just need to push thru for a few more days!!

My bff was mad at me for not spending enough time with her today... gotta work on that. :-)

四月空瓶记-Empty Bottles in April

2011-04-25T22:10:00.004-04:00

I've been kinda stressed out today. Especially today! It finally hit me, this is the last week of our iteration again. And we're so far from being done. Urgh!

Because of my high level of stress, plus I'm trying to be good and stay in budget. I ate really poorly today. I had a Korean Shih cup noodle for lunch - 300 cal. Then had a chicken noodle soup for dinner - 140 cal. The older gentleman that cleans our office building is Korean so when he saw me with the Shih noodle, he was kinda excited. And he said a bunch of Korean to me, =) Unfortunately I didn't understand any. So I just smiled and said, this is yummy! :) So anyway, my poor eating has finally caught up with me... Here I am 10pm at night, stomach feeling so so so sick. So I heat up a bowl of chicken soup, and eating that with some carrots. Thought might as well post something... (So much for writing something every day. :P) You know what they say, if you shoot for the star, you may land on the moon... or something like that! :)

Thank goodness that my massage appointment is this Friday. Super looking forward. I am getting into this Summer mode now so the regular waxing is starting. My first appointment is this week. Not particularly fun, I guess. Oh well, just one of those things for being a girl.

I've taken another pictures of the products I emptied since last post. This is addicting! It also made me feel soo proud that I've used up the products and didn't waste them or throw them out!

So in this picture, here are the products:
1. Juicy Couture perfume - Original
* I do like this one a lot... How should I describe? It's kinda perky, has a lot of the juicy couture attitude. I guess it's probably a good perfume for college girls. I use it when I am kinda slum-ing it at work, which happens more than I care to admit. Nice casual scent.

2. LUSH Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo - $18.95
* Product link: http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/bottled-shampoos/cynthia-sylvia-stout

* This is kinda famous - the "beer shampoo". I don't know. I don't really get the hype. I won't be repurchasing.

3. The Body Shop - Raspberry shower gel - $5.99
* Product link: http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/bath-products/shower-gel/raspberry-ripple-bath-shower-gel.aspx
* Very sweet and pleasant scent. I really like the bath products from this brand. They are kinda like the American version of the LUSH. And cheaper!

4. Basis facial cleanser - $5.49
* Product link: http://www.drugstore.com/basis-cleaner-clean-face-wash/qxp16626?fromsrch=basis+cleanser
* Heard lots of good review about this product. I like it as well. Don't expect miracle, but it's a nice basic cleanser.

5. Bausch & Lomb Eye Wash - $5.99
* Product link: http://www.drugstore.com/advanced-eye-relief-eye-wash/qxp12165?fromsrch=Bausch+%26+Lomb+Eye+Wash
* This is one of those products I can probably live without. But I am paranoid sorta :), every day after I wash my face, I use this to rinse out my eyes. You know, just in case there are any traces of mascara or what not. :)

6. Boscia - MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil - $26
* Product link: http://www.bosciaskincare.com/newsite/product_detail.php?cPath=0&products_id=106&category=bestsellers&dept_id=
* Oh my goodness. This is THE BEST makeup remover oil I've ever used. Trust me I've used sooo many. From department store brands to all the small Japanese drugstore brands. I was really hoping to find something cheaper but nothing is close to this one. Not only it does a great job cleaning my face, but also it's really easy to purcahse in the States. So oh well, I will endure the price tag. It's just money, grow on trees right? I go thru one bottle like every month and half.

7. Sensodyne tooth paste -
* Heh heh, nothing much to say about this. My fav tooth paste, seems good for my sensitive teeth. I also really like a "restorative mouth rinse"... can't remember the name on top of my head, every time after I popping the whitening trays for a few nights in a row, my teeth will get pretty sensitive, but with the tooth paste and the special mouth rinse, it gets a lot better. They were both recommended to me by the dentist.

OK... I've finished my chicken soup and my carrots. Time to sleep. Gotta get up at 5:45 again to go jogging! "Tomorrow is going to be a great day!!"

Quick Post

2011-04-23T09:56:00.002-04:00

The family went to see the third Narnia movie in the theater. I thought it was kinda scary. Nick now wants to see the first two. So we might watch them this weekend.

I am making jambalaya today. Yesterday my parents actually used the pasta attachment and made wonton skin and dumpling skin. And then made the bokchoy, pork, shrimp wonton and dumplings. Soo super tasty!!!

I have so many things to do this weekend. Feeling kinda exhausted. I want a massage! My appointment is next Friday. :-)

Happy Easter!!!

Exercise

2011-04-18T22:50:00.001-04:00

I am motivated to exercise these days for couple of reasons. One I am helping hubby to stay motivated by keeping him company. Two our beach vacation is just around the corner.

This morning hubby and I jogged for 3 miles then I took a 2.5 mile brisk walk with my bff in the afternoon. I also really like my Droid exercise app. A lot of people use Google s My Track. I have been using an app called CardioTrainer, and got used to it and so I kept using this one. The app really makes me feel bad if I skip a day. It display a red sign in my notification bar and actually would stay for 7 days.

Tomorrow someone is treating me lunch. We are thinking abt going to PF Chang. I am looking forward. :-)

Love My Boys

2011-04-17T15:18:00.002-04:00

These three words "Love My Boys" crosses my mind all the time. My boys of course include Nick, Josh and Daddy. :)

I had a long list of to dos this week. And whenever I think of something, I will just add to the Evernote - Google doc is also good, but the mobile app sucks! So I started using Evernote and added a widget of it on my google homepage. So that is working out nicely. I checked against the note, and noticed I've completed everything except for nap. I wasn't able to take naps this weekend, oh well.

Yesterday when Daddy and Nick are going out for a haircut and Josh was still sleeping, so they asked me if I wanted to go with them. I would basically just sit there and wait for them... so I said well, do you guys want me to go with you? (Assuming they would say - we don't care). And they said "Of course, we would love for you to come." Gee, thanks, so much trouble!!! So I told them, "well no I'm going to stay home so when Josh wakes up, I will play with him." And both of them literally started pouting, and said that mommy is so much trouble, she asked us if we wanted her to come, and we told her yes, just so she could reject us! :D LOL. "Love my boys!"

I've always loved to get pictures and cards from friends or relatives... but I'm really bad at figuring out what to do with them after I viewed them. I don't know how long they're supposed to be stay up on the fridge, and when that time has passed, what I should do with them. So I typically just put them away in some boxes and eventually they're in storage. So.. the same goes with all Nick's stuff like art projects, or even the special notes his teacher sent home occasionally. Sadly but true, most of them ended up in the trash. :( Horrible mother. And since I started blogging more, I tend to take more pictures of things that I might talk abt in my blog. I use the camera on my phone, then save my pics to my Dropbox acct, then they're available on my laptop. So it's all very easy. And one day it just came to me, I could just take a picture of those things... then I won't feel bad if I throw them away or put them away in storage.

Here is a note I got from Nick school the other day

Feeling Grateful

2011-04-14T23:22:00.001-04:00

Feeling grateful that I have friends that whenever I text them and say 'Busy?' They always reply back and say 'Never for you. What's up?'

Feeling grateful that when I didn't feel like going somewhere alone, I have friends will say I will go with you when its really inconvenient for them.

Feeling grateful when my monthly budget is quickly spent in a week or so. Hubby gave me a 250 visa card out of the blue. Yay!!!

Most of all, feeling very grateful for a special someone at this special time of the year. Yes, I am talking abt Him. :-)

Read The Funniest Thing Today

2011-04-13T17:26:00.001-04:00

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my husband purchased for me a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
________________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines.. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around.

This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!
________________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.
Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.
My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.
_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes.
He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me.
Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.
_________________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anaemic, anorexic, little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.
Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.
The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
________________________________
SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel..
________________________________
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

I Guess I Skipped Another Day

2011-04-11T07:13:00.001-04:00

Well, yesterday was just a typical Sunday. Church in the morning, then made Mac N Cheese with hamburger. Nap. Dinner had Hot Pot, pretty tasty.

I was a very good mom yesterday. Did all the motherly duty with a heart full of song. Trust me, that doesn't happen all the time. So we did piano, math, practiced writing and did some more self reading. Nick is just so teachable.

Just went out for a jog with hubby, felt pretty good. We are thinking abt booking a trip abroad to re enforce our "tent poles". :-)

Skipped A Day

2011-04-09T09:55:00.001-04:00

Too exhausted when we got home after watching Source Code. I did my bath duty for the boys and put them to bed and caught the 9:25 showing. I got a cinnamon filled pretzel, like a dessert. Between those paraphernalia and the drinks and popcorn, we always ended up spending more on those than the tickets. :-) Anyway, I have never got the pretzel before, so I asked the concession boy is it pretty sweet? He goes I am not sure how to answer that question. What the heck? Um... you answer either yes or no. Is that too hard?

As much as I adore Jake Gyllenhaal, this movie is really not my cup of tea. I woke up this morning and told Richard this is my new theory what happened. :-) It's a thinker!

Today we are sealing the granite counter top. We means my dear father. ;-) And we are taking the boys to a super fun kids museum so we can stay out of the house while it dries.

I experimented putting a little liner on my lower lash with a hard bristle angle brush... It turned out really nice. Little too dramatic for work but so exotic and pretty nonetheless. I looked like a big eye d Indian girl. :-)

Have a great weekend!!!!

Stress

2011-04-08T00:13:00.001-04:00

John told me that I shouldn't have put in extra hours for work. I told him he inspired me to care more for the project. He said care and stress are two different things. How come they are very inseparable to me? When I care abt something or someone, then I stress abt it too. I was called into PM office. They shut the door. And John goes, tomorrow is my last day. I was shocked... Then he says bc I will be in training for a week. I almost hit him!! I think I did hit him.

A while back, I almost impulsively got a puppy. Anyway, long story short I didn't get it but my colleague did. Now I felt like very attached to his new puppy. Everyday, I would ask how the puppy is doing. I never ask abt his kids. Haha.

Took the boys to story time at the library. Josh was a little too excited. And so tonight took him almost an hour to fall asleep.

Tomorrow is Friday. Yay!!! Thinking abt wearing a cute dress and go to lunch with a girl friend.

Feeling Exhausted

2011-04-06T23:38:00.001-04:00

A lot of times, I found myself doing things that are stupid and of no meaning but just can't seem to let go and not care. Why not??!! Stupid stupid stupid!!! 咆哮体开始！有木有！！！有木有！！！有时候真是白痴啊白痴！！！！有木有！！！有木有！！！吃力不讨好的事情很喜欢做！！！！有木有！！！有木有！！！

Today I read 刘烨's blog and he wrote a funny post abt using this Yelling and Screaming style. It's pretty hilarious. On a side note, isn't he just so charming? Who is with me?

Like tonight, I actually went back to the office and worked until 9:30... Why????!!!!! I have told myself many many times, this is just a job. I don't even consider its my career any more... but deep in my core, I guess I still care. That's just one example of the many stupid things I tend to do...

I feel like my body knows me better than my brain, and my heart. I got a bad headache again after tonight then I noticed I am breaking out too. :-( So I reverted back from the anti aging mode to my healing mode. Tonight I used the Clarins hydration serum, all natural, very gentle. Plus the La Mer cream. They are my good friends and always give me comfort.

Speaking of good skin care, Bergdoff Goodman is having a sale right now. I decided to pass this time. But if you want to buy some fancy stuff, this is a good and relatively infrequent opportunity. Plus I think other than NY, we don't pay tax.

Hubby is home!! :-) I ve missed him a lot. I told him I want to go eat lunch with him. And he said "please go with me next time I travel." Awww... its nice when the love is reciprocated. He also told me he would gladly go with me to see Source Code. I guess he is getting over his jealousy of Jake Gyllenhaal. It's funny this supposedly sci fi thriller, ended up becoming a movie all girls want to see. Seems like all my girl friends either want to go see it or have seen it. The power of good looking guys, we are suckers for good looking guys for sure!!!!

There Is No Such Thing As An Ordinary Day

2011-04-05T22:53:00.003-04:00

Today is actually a bit frustrating at work. I was trying to get spring web service to work on IBM's app server, which is a little tricky. Because of the difficulty and our tight timeline, I was paired with one of my most respected colleagues at work to resolve this so I was in good company all day and that made me pretty happy. Hopefully we'll get it sorted out tomorrow. I made sure we both understood this is our absolute first priority and Mr. Architect is fully committed. :)

I got home at a reasonable time. My dear mother cooked so many delicious food! Sauted snow peas, sliced pork with mushroom, steamed salted fish with ground pork and some sort of beef bone soup. On top of that, she made a fancy mixed grain congee - with like the red sweet rice and what not. I was so blown away. So I asked her if she was in a super good mood today. She said dear daughter, I think you're the one who is in a super good mood today. She says I make those for you every day, most days you're just so picky and say this is too oily, that is too salty. :P LOL. My mom is probably right! I love my mom!

Other than that, tonight everything is back to routine. Piano, bath, story time, bed time. Sometime I do feel kinda guilty, every once a while, I will ask Nick to practice some skills... and so he practiced maybe just once or twice, he would become pretty good at. But then I just sort trail off on the effort. Yes typical three minute fever 三分钟热度。(Ha, I don't know if there is such saying in English) I felt like I just need to guide him just a LITTLE BIT, the rest he will do and excel... and even that super minor effort on my side, sometime I don't even do it. >_< I need to be more like a Chinese mother! Sigh... I sometime feel like I ought to grow up more so I can be a better mom for the boys. Along the same line, I just happen to notice Nick is able to read words now. He was into phonetics and spellings stuff for a while, and I just didn't really do much about it... So I started today, adding a short time for reading before the story time. I bought him some starter reader books, and asked him to read the book to me, helping him with words he doesn't know. He was so proud of himself tonight 'cause he read to me the entire book (like 10 pages) all by himself.

Last but not least, I received my Ann Taylor Loft package today. I was SOOO excited but after tried on all the stuff, I got sooo depressed. So I feel like normally I'm a size S, and when buying cardigans I like to buy size XS - wear with dresses with buttons left open. And so I bought most of the stuff in XS, and a couple of fitted tops in S. I don't know what happened, :( .............. they are all just so huge on me... I swear I didn't lose any weight. I wonder if America is getting bigger, so the XS and S are bigger now than before. Anyway all the XS cardigans look big on me. The size S tops are so big and they make me look like I have no boobs. :( And the size S dress makes me look so formless and like a possibly first trimester pregnant woman. :( Sad sad sad. So ATL used to be one of my favorite stores because their stuff is cute, work appropriate, and the price is cheap. Now I have to buy from J. Crew again... Urgh!

Oh well... I made it another day. Honor ordinary. Honor away!! :)

Monday

2011-04-04T22:53:00.003-04:00

So I've been trying to put an effort to write something every day - big or small. And when I really feel like there is absolutely nothing interesting in my life for the day to share - it made me really think long and hard about the day. And my gfs and I are all motivating each other for writing more about our lives. "Practice gratitude" and "Honor Ordinary". Yes, husband! ;-) Anyway, it's been pretty good. So right now, I'm having a Waston birds nest(燕窝）facial mask on. And feeling pretty happy and relaxed. Let's see what can we say about today...

This morning, my dear Nicky came to my bedroom with the picture below. It is full of little hearts. He told me he loves me. And then asked me to frame it and put it up in my bedroom... :) Yea... don't know about that. :P But I will show him this blog, so his art will be forever documented. LOL.

When I was taking a pic of this paper, I also snapped one of my recently bought jewelry boxes. I love how organized my various necklaces are now.

Isn't it nice? I actually don't wear much accessories - honestly my female colleagues are sooo blah - just dressing style wise. Too IT, urgh... I think I inspire them a little more than they inspire me. I remember my last job, there were some really put together ladies - like bunch of walking models from Ann Taylor, and they would have a perfect outfit every day - including accessories. I do miss that! Anyway I was saying, although I don't wear them, I still like to buy them and now they're so nicely displayed, it brightens my day just looking at them. Heh heh.

Today we had a surprise birthday party for Chip! :) I forgot to tell him his birthday this year is actually the same as the UK Mothers Day. How about that? We also had our "innovation challenge" big presentation today. It lasted many many hours, but sort of a blur to me. I remember the food was good. So good that I went back and got a huge 2nd plate... then I took one bite and realized my belly was just so full. So I had to trash the rest. I am so much the eyes are bigger than stomach type. Shame on me! My girlfriend did the same tho. I don't know if I should feel better that I'm not the only one wasting food, or worse that both of us wasted some good food.

Today was a great day! :-)

空瓶记 - Empty Bottles

2011-04-03T22:04:00.002-04:00

It was interesting seeing a girl friend I admire very much posted something about her being a product junkie while this morning I snapped a picture of the product bottles I just emptied recently. :) We're somehow on the same wave length. I have a weird thing about being on the same wave length with the people I admire. :)

So in the picture, the products are:
1. The Body Shop - Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser $13
Product Link: http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/face-wash/tea-tree-skin-clearing-foaming-cleanser.aspx

** Well, I bought it a while back from reading some good reviews on this line. And it really took me forever to consume this. So for $13 price tag, it is actually pretty good deal. I think this is probably better for oily or acne prone skin, so I won't be re-purchase. One thing I really liked about this one is it pumps out foam directly, which is nice. I actually recently bought a thingy called "foaming net" from local Asian grocery store. When I was checking out, the cashier lady actually stopped me and made me explain to her what that thing is and how to use it. ORZ!!! :D Richard witnessed the entire scene/conversation and I'm sure he was laughing inside his head. Women and our gadgets, I know. :)

2. Makeup Forever - Face and Body liquid makeup (#20) $38

Product Link:http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P12635&categoryId=B70

** This thing is AMAZING! I have been and will be re-purchasing forever. It is a very light coverage foundation. So it gives a super natural look, pretty much like you are not wearing anything. It smells really good too. I use my "egg" shaped beauty blender to apply this, it's really just perfect. The new ones now have a pump head which is even better. I always have one extra bottle stocked up.

3. Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion $18

Product Link: http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P74310&categoryId=B70

** This is a good product, but since I use mainly the NARS eye product, so I probably don't really need the primer. I guess it's kinda like insurance, just psychologically makes me feel a little better to use it. So yea, whenever I wear eye shadow I will still use this. :) which is pretty much every day. So this is what most people consider THE BEST eyeshadow primer. The complaints are typically the awkward applicator. And I kinda agree, because they way it's designed I think a lot of goes to waste. So alternatively, there is another product called 'Too Faced Eyeshadow Insurance", which is about the same effectiveness but that thing is in a tube so much easier to use. Ever since I finished this one, I've been using the Too Faced primer, and I think I will re-purchase TF instead.

4. CoverGirl - LashBlast Mascara (Very Black) $7.79

Product Link: http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=181952&catid=155308&cmbProdBrandFilter=53667&aid=337953&aparam=covergirl_lashblast_masc&CAWELAID=138057703

** Yea, I like trying different mascara. I got this one in a set from Sams Club. It is a pretty good one. It takes about 2 to 3 coats for me - seriously lack of eye lashes. :-( But once it's there, it's SUPER smudge free! Heh heh, I've read people complaining about how difficult it is to take them off. It's not a problem for me because I use makeup remover oil, EVERYTHING comes off. :D

Please ignore the Shredded Dry Pork on my dresser in the picture - that's my snack. Oh yea.. and my gazillion perfumes. :)

I love writing about girlie products!

Oops

2011-04-02T18:10:00.006-04:00

On our way back from piano lesson, both Nick and I were in very good mood. I dressed him this morning and he looked very big boy ish, super handsome. So I meant to say "you look so cute" but it came out as "you look so hot today", then I quickly corrected myself and said, "cute, I mean cute". OOPS!!!! Lol. And he goes, "mommy do I look sweaty to you?" ;-)

I don't know why most people "resent" Red Lobster so much, but we like it. So today we went there for lunch. I guess their lobster madness is ending, the store manager gave us some coupon for April and May's shrimp promotion. I love lobsters, so really glad we went. :) I found it much easier to take the kids now too. Nick and Josh just happily do their kids activity stuff whiling waiting for the food.

Afterwards, we went to the Crabtree Valley Mall. I recently discovered they have an H&M there, as well as Forever 21. The indoor playground is pretty cool too. So all in all pretty fun time there.

Nick has been asking about Harry Potter. I guess kids in his school are talking about it. So we took this opportunity and watched the first one tonight. Daddy made pizza, popcorn, root beer float and I also ate a bunch of candies - milk duds. Yum :-)

Friday

2011-04-01T23:23:00.001-04:00

Today was pretty calm. Went out to lunch with friends at an authentic Chinese restaurant. Although they constantly mock my lack of ability to handle chopsticks, my question is can you guys order the good stuff without me? ;-)

After we got back, Bini still went on and on abt this chopsticks thing. And there was Peter, who is like a slap in my face again, demonstrated his superior chopsticks skills. Boo. So I said, oh this must be one of your white Caucasian thingy cause Richard is also really good at it. :p

I didn't go out with hubby tonight because I had a bad headache. It was so bad, even my magical never failing liquid form Advil didn't do anything for me. So hubby got gas for my car, took Nick shopping, practiced piano with him. And my parents handled bath duty while I curled up in bed. :-( I hope I feel better soon I have planned a busy day tomorrow. It's mothers day, isn't it? Speaking of which, is it? The only reason I know is bc LUSH is reminding every fan on FB abt it every day. Hmm, but I haven't got any other retailers promotion yet... Geez, is it just a British holiday? I am confused... oh well, time to sleep. :-)

My Heart Goes Out To Brad

2011-03-31T23:47:00.001-04:00

I finally watched the last episode of the Bachelor show. That's the one after the final rose. So I have known that Brad chose Emily for a while now and I thought just this week I read that Emily had broken up with him. So it was interesting to see this episode so late. Typically when all the girls are trying their best to win this "perfect" guy over, they became really vulnerable and invested in the relationship. And when the guy proposes, he pretty much has the attitude of whoever I chose sure is a lucky girl. One thing always bothered me was even when he knows he is going to propose to the girl, he would still try and say some things to cause some suspense and put her thru some torment. Probably a request from the ABC producers... still, if you love the girl so much that you want to marry her, why would you want to put her thru any more crap than what's absolutely necessary? But when poor Brad proposed to Emily, you can see him just shaking. He straight out and said you are the woman of my dream. Please marry me and make me the happiest man.

Of course the other girl was heart broken. She was still crying at todays show which was months after the whole thing was over. Brad knew how much she loved him, but he chose Emily bc he fell in love with her, although not knowing if she feels the same way. (She probably doesn't) Entire show, he has this intense like waiting for something bad to happen look on his face...:-( I think bc he just cares so much. And Emily is just kinda perky, nonchalantly smiled and chatted.

My heart just went out to this guy who I feel is so vulnerable yet so courageous. He is not letting the girl go and is fighting for it with all he's got. There are no winners or losers in finding love. I hope things work out for him.

Ok back to reality. :-) Finally received our pre ordered Tangled blue ray from Disney. Nick wanted to watch it, and so did I. So we skipped piano again tonight. I am definitely cancelling date night.tomorrow.

I got some spring cardigans and dresses today from ATL. :-) So feeling a little guilty 'cause I ve just been shopping a bit. Ok more than a bit, a lot. :-) So I downloaded an app called Expensify for Droid to track expenses. To hopefully help with my compulsive shopping. :-)

Almost Friday!!!!

Happy Day

2011-03-30T23:21:00.001-04:00

Today was a cold and rainy day here. So naturally before leaving the house I told myself "Today is going to be a great day!" :-)

I got to the office, Doug saw my soaking wet umbrella and said "It's so horrible outside. Isn't it a great day to be working in the office?" :-)

The world cup for cricket is happening. And today is India vs Pakistan. India won. My Indian colleagues are very very happy today. They take their cricket matches super seriously. Especially when its against Pakistan. Actually many of them took the day off so they can watch the game at home. :-)

Got my hopes up abt going to my favorite restaurant for lunch but Bini is too nervous abt the game, Jack had meeting until noon, Doug has industry meeting at 1. Needless to say, we didn't go. But the silver lining is I ate my light chicken noodles soup instead and its only 120 calories. :-)

Took the kids to pajamas time at the library tonight. They both had a great time. Skipped piano. A break for Nick, also for mommy. Gave them a bath. Put them to bed. Very smooth and relaxing. Love doing these things!! Afterwards, I jogged on the treadmill. Then felt really energized. So I washed my sweaty face and put on a facial mask and painted my nails. Super enjoyable and relaxing. It's so much fun to be a girl! And now I am playing with my phone and reporting my day while waiting for my nails to dry. :-)

What a happy day!

Gym

2011-03-29T22:58:00.001-04:00

I have been pigging out like crazy lately. So finally decided its abt time to hit the gym again. Hopefully tomorrow will be a calmer day at work so I could go to the gym. This whole cepm definitely puts a lot pressure. :-(

Today was not one of the better days. But whenever I feel down, I force my brain play this song "its the perfect day~~, nothing can go wrong!!!" It works most of the time for me. :-)

Oh Nick was picked to learn some math subtraction today. And so he asked me to quiz him at bath. Only within 10. So I asked all possible combinations, and he spit out answers pretty fast. At first, I was pretty curious 'cause we never taught him. So I ask him how did u come up with this answer... and he's like I dunno. Weird... is math skill hereditary?? Heh heh. :-)

So proud of myself writing a little bit before going to bed. Keep it up. Jia You!

Nick Got Mad

2011-03-28T23:19:00.001-04:00

I ve been meaning to blog this. So Nick in general is a sweet, well behaved and obedient boy. Thanks to the mean Chinese mom. But when he gets mad, boy he is so much like me! It is really just too weird.

So one day, he was playing bunch of toys in the bath tub. And being a restless boy he is, he was splashing a little too much so the water got on my face. Thinking back, it really wasn't that big of deal. But I kinda got annoyed at the moment and told him to watch it. (in an evil stepmother voice) After he did it again, I took away the toy he was playing pretty unfriendly. So he got pretty upset. He was like, "forget it. I am not gonna play with any of the toys." Not only that, he started to take all the toys out of the water, dried them and put them away. And it was just such a deja vu. I used to do that all the time to my parents. Heck, I still do it to Richard. Just this weekend, we went shopping in the new outlet. Richard complained abt something, and I got kinda upset and said, forget it, I don't want to shop any more. Let's just go.

But my point is when Nick is in that mode, I can 100% relate to exactly how he is feeling. I know I hate feeling that way. And in that moment I would want the other person to concede and make me feel better. So really my human instinct is to do whatever it takes to make him happy again... but as a mother, I can't do it. I can't encourage that behavior. Parenting is so hard.

Sleeping Hubby

2011-03-25T23:10:00.001-04:00

So forgive me for the typo... cuz lately I ve been posting blogs using my Droid. :-)

Hubby has a much earlier biological clock for bed time. So when I am ready to go to sleep, he usually is either fast asleep or in the light sleep mode. If the latter one, then its lots of fun. :-) Allow me to explain why. cuz sometime he would say random things and I would try asking him questions to get a glimpse of his dream. Lol, I know I am so childish. I should just let the poor guy sleep. What can I say its just too funny to past it up!!

So the following are what happened tonight. I was cracking up here by myself, thought to document it. So I can laugh abt it later too. :-)

Keep in mind, its all very mumbling mumbling... you have to imagine the situation. It's pretty hilarious. :D

DH: (toss and turning. Touched my arm then said) I love you....honey... zzz(the sleeping sound)
Me: (softly) yea...? And who am I? LOL

DH: zzz....um... its in the cabinet
Me: what's in the cabinet? Tell me.... think think.... what's in the cabinet ?

DH: zzz... star
Me: did u get a star? Is it gold? Is it a gold star? What color is the star?

So if I keep this up too long, then I would actually wake him up. Or at least he would gain consciousness of my silly questions, cuz like today after I asked him abt the gold star question, he started laughing. :-)

Write More In 2011

2011-03-24T23:06:00.001-04:00

So one of the things I want to do better for this year is to write more things down. Last year it was pretty pathetic, I only had seven entries. I believe the therapeutic benefits of blogging and more importantly so I can remember what happened in my life. :-)

So... I recently moved at work again. Back to where I used to sit I guess a couple of years ago. For some reason I had no recollection that I was there before. With my poor sense of direction, and the fact second floor always looks like a maze to me, so I guess I just forgot. But a few people actually commented to me that I got moved to my old spot, which kinda made me feel bad. Was my memory really that bad? :-) You know what they say: 贵人多忘事。Haha!!

I received a package today from children's place. I started buying cheap clothes for my boys since they go thru them so quickly. I felt kinda bad... Toddler Nick used to look like a Ralph Lauren kid model from the catalog. ;-) I still wanted to buy jackets from some nicer places but Ts and shorts, its ok. Nick really loved cool Ts I bought him tho. I like to buy bright color stuff for Josh but more neutral color with cool graphics for Nick. This time, I got him a cool looking robot T and a dark gray helicopter T. When I put him to bed tonight, he was asking me if he could wear them to school Tomorrow!! :-) Obviously, he s got mommy s good taste. :-P Also got bunch of cute stuff for Josh. Now the weather has warmed up so much, just been really in the mood of shopping! I love love love this years spring/summer dress trend which is kinda floral, airy and soft color. Pairing with a pretty cardigan makes it a perfect outfit for work, church or date night.

Speaking of date night. Hubby urged me to book frequent massages like twice a month. So I usually book them on a Friday afternoon, right after work. Then go straight to a date night with my DH. Tomorrow work is having an offsite meeting day at a fancy club, I am looking forward. It gets out at 4pm, my massage is at 5pm, it gives me one hour to run an errand. I can finally go get my True Religion jeans tailored. :-) Afterwards, DH and I are going to a newly opened authentic Shanghainese restaurant. I am soooo excited to eat their famous 小笼包。

Long Weekend

2011-01-17T22:11:00.002-05:00

I have had an enjoyable long weekend.

Now it's just the husband and me, the house is very quiet - but we often found ourselves two slackers. So usually Saturday mornings, when R and I eat breakfast, we would plan out our to do list for the weekend and make a schedule for it. So this Saturday I was supposed to take a shower at 9:30am, then go shopping, then go watch the Green Hornet, then to the mall etc... And after my shower, my stomach started to hurt A LOT. And I was curling up in bed, while my hair was still wrapped in my turbo twister thingy. Anyway, I lay there for a good hour, hour and half, and finally I started feeling better. By then my hair was all dry, and being all twisted and fluffy. Since we were running behind schedule, plus I just didn't feel like to wet my hair and spent another 45 min to hour to fix my hair, I went shopping and movie with my "crazy" hair. :) So I asked R, "How do my hair look today?" And he said, "Well, let me take a look." Then he looked and told me,"They look beautiful." :) I said, well I just washed them and they got dried in my turbo twister towel, so this is probably the worst my hair would ever look. And then he goes, "Well, honey that's great news because your hair looks beautiful." I thought that was really sweet!!

R bought a new Xbox game and he's been playing it quite a bit. One day, I was making cumin lamb kabob in the kitchen. So I was cubing the lamb, then mix the dry seasoning and marinate the lamb - so I was in the kitchen for a while. And I can hear the noise(swords/metal clanking sound) coming out our theater room where he was playing the game, and I just felt... so happy. All I was thinking at the moment was I want to hurry up and finish my kitchen stuff, so I can go upstairs and watch him play. I know it's weird... but for some reason, small detail like that stood out in my mind and makes me smile.

Well, this week is a little intense. We have some important customers onsite. Ha as a woman, of course one of the things on my mind was what to wear - and I told R I need to look professional but also like someone from IT. What I would really like is to wear a button down shirt plus pencil skirt - business formal. :) Ha, but even our business people don't dress that formal. So I decided on wearing a cashmere sweater plus black slacks.

I guess the long weekend is over. We finally took down our Christmas tree and finished some chores around the house. Went to saw the Green Hornet, which is sooo excellent. I was laughing out loud almost the entire time. Tonight, we watched Prince of Persia again - this is definitely one of my top 5 action movies these days - Jake Gyllenhaal is too handsome - can't help it! :)

Cruise to the Bahamas

2010-12-28T10:50:00.003-05:00

We took a cruise with my parents and the kids to the Bahamas over the Christmas break. Before I completely forgot this trip... here are some highlights -

12/22

First day of the cruise. Got to Charleston around 12, it's about 4.5 hours drive. Josh threw up all over himself and me. I got some clothes out of the luggage and changed in the car. It's funny how much I don't care about changing clothes in "semi" public - I guess that's what will do to you - the experience of having kids and being half naked in the hospitals :) Checked in. Had chicken and fish for lunch, they were very yum. Much better than I remembered from Princess cruise. Maybe my standards have gone down? :) Dinner I had cocktail shrimp, bbq spare ribs, and chocolate cake with ice cream. A little chilly. Was thinking about doing yoga in the morning but was too cold, so didn't go.

12/23

At sea, Mexican food and Mongolian noodles for lunch. The fish with green chili paste was sooo delicious!!! Took a nap, then drop Nick off again at Camp Carnival.

Dinner was formal night called cruise elegant. We took some pictures. Dinner was very good. Lobster and big shrimp and even the broccoli was delicious. So yummy!!! Also we sang happy birthday song for my dad. After dinner, we picked up Nick and went to family comedy night. I had some good laughs at the comedy night, but I think Nick was a little too young for it.

12/24 - Went to Nassau Bahamas. Took a tour in the city and also went to a zoo. Saw Flamingo march. Not too impressed with Nassau. Got back to the boat, had some sushi. Then had dinner. Shrimp and sushi(again) for appetizers, entry was beef short ribs (no good). Then we went to the Cat's Lounge - karaoke bar. I was so hoping to sing the 'Brand New Key'. :) "I've got a brand new roller skate, and you've got a brand new key" but they didn't have it... so we stayed for a while, then left. Got Nick from the Camp, then got back to our room. The boat was rocking pretty bad, took some motion sickness medicine. I prayed for everyone's health and safety, and felt much better afterwards. Thank you Heavenly Father.

12/25 - In the morning, the sea has calmed down, and I didn't feel sick any more. Thank you Heavenly Father. We took a glass bottom boat tour at 10:30. I had fun, but my mom got sea sick. :( We saw some fish thru the glass bottom. :) We were dropped off at a local market, and got some lunch. The seafood was just so amazing. I heard a lot about their fish fry and "conch", and was glad we got to try the local cuisine. The handsome Bahamian fella was working the shell to take the conch out of the shell. He was really friendly and even posed for me! Nothing brightens a day for a girl like attention from some charming foreign guy! :P

All in all, I had a good time on the cruise. I got to spend a lot of time with Josh, it satisfied my Josh craving. He was spoiled by the end of the trip, and only wanted mommy, and threw big fits if he doesn't get his way immediately! And on the trip, all the ladies went gaga over him, way too much attention for his own good! So he feels like he can do no wrong. Richard keeps on saying... good thing you're cute.

We were happy to be home after this trip. Today the world is still a little wobbly for me. R told me to stay home because the snow and ice on the road. I'm happy to be in my pjs and work from home. Home sweet home!

PS - I'm so proud of myself. I stayed up till almost midnight to wrap all the presents for the kids. We told them Santa knows we're on vacation, so he is going to come today to drop off presents when they take a nap. After they are up from the nap, we will wait till daddy gets home to open all the gifts. I'm a good mommy!! :) This morning when R woke up and saw all the presents all wrapped, he told me I'm the best mommy and wifey!! :)

PS 2 - By the end of the trip, R is getting tired of the kids. :) I have to remind him they're leaving in a few days. Then he will be nice again. I also told him to think about the article I told him about called 'How much longer will we have our kids?", and to my surprise, he still remembers it. Whenever I'm getting tired of all the responsibilities of being a mom, I always think about this article, and it helps me to carry on and "with a heart full of song"!

Josh

2010-12-19T23:19:00.002-05:00

I love Josh!

I am guilty that I don't spend nearly enough time with him as we did Nick. I guess that's common for the 2nd one. But I feel like I love him just as much if not more!

He is so much like mommy, personality wise. =) "My way or the high way" kinda guy. He is very resilient in the sense that if he fell or hurt himself pretty badly, he is pretty ok with it. Just walk it off. So when I hear him screaming and crying, I always assume he must be Really hurting! But on the contrary, he Screams like it's the end of the world when he is just not getting his way! And he makes the cutest sad face - googly eyes and pouting lips - like the entire world has wrong'd him!

He picked up a lot of short phrases from playing with Nick. Such as - "Where is xx?", "See that?", "I don't know", "Thank You", "There it is", "There you are", "I love you Mama", "Joshie Try", and of course "No no". It's so funny, he says "No" to us all the time, and when it's time to say "Yes", he Always says "Ok". :) I guess that's good enough for me, as far as communication goes. I know when he wants something ("OK"), and when he doesn't. ("NO NO")

The other day, I was reading a book to him... and was testing his ability to recognize colors or animals.

I: "Josh, where is xx?"

Josh: "I don't know"

I: "Look over here" - give him a little hint

Josh: "There it is" and point to it

I: "Good job, Josh. Give me 5."

Josh gave me a high 5.

I know it must sound boring, but it was pretty exciting for me to carry on a conversation with my 20 month old.

So now -

* Josh knows how to count from 1 to 10

* Knows how to sing ABC song

* Recognize all the letters (Uppercase)

* Recognize all the numbers

* Shapes - Yes

* Colors - Not yet.

* Sings parts of Jingle Bells, And "SpongeBob Squarepants, SpongeBob Squarepants" so silly.

Just before I forget, Nick is super into Phonetics these days. For example, he would spell like the word "Family" by sounding it out. Then he would give you a summary, like this:

"Family"

F-A-M-I-L-Y,

It's 1 word, 3 syllables.

It absolutely cracks me up when we're driving in the car, then he starts to spell words and give me those summaries.

I'm So grateful for my boys and their innate desire and ability to learn and progress. I'm a lucky woman!

I'm Thankful

2010-11-25T23:19:00.004-05:00

Today is thanksgiving. And I know I haven't been blogging for ever now. I just had this feeling that I need to write down some of the things I'm thankful for. So I don't forget and don't take them for granted.

Every night before I go to bed, in my prayers, I would go over all the things I'm grateful for. Usually my kids, my parents, great friends, health, safety, our comfortable life and my husband. It is true that I am grateful for all of things; but of all these things, I think I'm really most grateful for is my husband.

Sometime I forget how lucky I am because I sort of take things for granted. But every now and then when I think about things or chat with my girlfriends about the things Richard say or do, they help me realize he is really pretty cool. :)

He is fun and funny, he makes me laugh all the time. To me, the most important and attractive quality for a husband is to make your wife laugh.

When I'm busy having an episode, he knows exactly how to calm me down. I resonate with the song Lucky by Jason Mraz a lot:

I feel your whisper across the sea

I keep you with me in my heart

You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Honestly, life is never that "hard" for me... but being a woman(lol), we have the tendency to be a little dramatic. I know I feel like my world is falling apart pretty frequently over little things... and he always makes it easier and makes me feel better.

He is laid back, when I get snappy or edgy, he is understanding and always lets these things go. I once read something about a successful marriage, and it said something like:

"When you're wrong, you go apologize. And when you're right, you shut up."

I don't know if Richard has ever heard of this saying. But that's what he does all the time! He knows sometime I am in the wrong, and he knows that I know I'm wrong. He doesn't make me admit all my problems or apologize, he just forgives and forgets... but when he does something wrong to make me upset, he always apologizes to me. Sometime he would catch me in a bad mood at work, and I would be impatient with him on the phone... afterwards I always feel really awful about how short I was. And when I tried to tell him sorry, he always tells me, "Oh, I don't even remember. Don't even worry about it, honey."

He knows to tell the kids to leave mommy alone when mommy is tired, or sick, or maybe just a little on edge.

He is loving and caring.

He is supportive of all my expensive taste in everything.

He lets me force him to go see my hairstylist.

He goes to Vietnamese restaurant with me once a week even though he doesn't really like anything on the menu.

When he knows I want to get something nice but am hesitating on the price, he always pulls the trigger and tells me "Honey, we can't afford to let this opportunity pass."

We still have a great chemistry and fun in the adult rated areas. =)

And the list goes on and on...

I am superstitious about saying those things, because sometime I feel happiness is so fragile, maybe once you say it out loud, you would jinx it... but I want myself to remember the good life I have and to cherish it.

I thank the Lord every day for my life and all the people in it. I pray He will continue bless me and help me make the right decisions and forgive me for my mistakes.

I am happy. :)

Joan

Thanksgiving, 2010

I love LUSH

2010-06-03T10:53:00.002-04:00

This morning Richard asked me have you been using LUSH shampoo? I said, yes, why, do I smell like a tree-hugging hippie? Totally just kidding. On the contrary, the reason I love Lush so much is because they smell so wonderful. I mean it's also nice they care about environment and animal rights, etc etc.

Nick has become a big fan of Lush. Every day when I give him a bath, he tells me he doesn't want the Aveeno Baby shampoo, instead he wants 'Jasmine' smelling shampoo, or 'Honey milk cookie' smelling body wash. The Jasmine one is really nice, it's called 'Godiva'. Their shampoo is actually solid. So kinda interesting. The 'Honey Milk' one is a body soap, it's called 'Honey I washed the kids'.

One other item I think is good for new moms is a solid shampoo called 'New'. I always lose quite a bit hair after each pregnancy, and this shampoo is supposed to help with that. I think it works pretty well.

One last note, if you know what you like, then it's quite a bit cheaper to buy them from England, which is what I do nowadays. But the US store is a good place to start, smelling products and asking for samples etc. The Lush people are generally very sweet and generous! :)

Busy May

2010-06-01T13:39:00.004-04:00

May has been a busy and fun month for us. As I was organizing pictures the other day, we had like 900+ pictures from May.

We took Nick to Disney World and stayed there for 8 days. We all had a great time. We stayed in the Wilderness Lodge resort, it was a nice place. Would recommend to others.

We cut our trip one day short so we could make it home for Daddy's graduation. It was a good thing that school is finally over for him.

We had some friends over from MO and we took them to Mrytle Beach, SC and spent the weekend there. So glad we did, because it was our first time as well and we really loved it there. It's only 3 1/2 hours away from us, definitely a place we can go back often. Very beautiful beaches and lots of activities for younger kids. We took Nick for a helicopter tour, it was pretty exciting for the little fella.

Oh also, I bought a new cell phone :) Pretty excited about it too! Actually it just came out three weeks ago and was sold out first day in all verizon stores. At least that's what I was told. And they won't have them in stock for another 2 more weeks. I played with the phone and really liked it. So I went ahead and placed the order but won't actually get the phone until the middle of June. I'm very looking forward to it though!