tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51540112011-08-08T08:34:41.896-07:00A Blog With A Little Bit of Heart...Mirnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9141100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-42158123339011613832010-11-10T18:58:00.001-08:002010-11-10T19:12:19.724-08:00

I have posted since, God knows when...I'm mostly on twitter these days, but this issue is bugging me enough that I feel I need to post something.No doubt everyone has heard about Amazon continuing to sell an e-book regarding pedophilia. I am usually completely anti-censorship. It makes me a bit queasy to call for amazon's removal of this book from it's shelves (so to speak) because of the

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-79843480710612035692010-06-21T08:54:00.000-07:002010-06-21T08:55:17.678-07:00

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-58652833824792767382010-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:002010-02-27T13:34:26.688-08:00

Dearest readers,I get many questions and comments from readers of this blog, my twitter acct and in real life, about my superb sense of etiquette, sophistication and general demeanor and grace???...in other words, how to act like a lady. After much soul-searching and thinking, I have decided to share the secret of my ubah success with the rest of the world. So dear readers, if you want to learn

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-70464550212429166542010-02-21T21:48:00.000-08:002010-02-21T22:08:00.318-08:00

Dude, it's been awhile since I've blogged (yeah I know I start out every blog entry like that don't I?)...I find it a lot easier to randomly twitter my thoughts instead writing a long ass post. I hadn't really felt the need to post really. But here I am! So away we go.If you've interacted with me online, you'll find that I can be quite the rambunctious, foul mouthed perv (especially if I feel

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-65087510936569619912009-12-08T15:50:00.000-08:002009-12-08T16:34:07.170-08:00

Suffice to say that this year has been somewhat of a rough and tumble, challenging year for chez moi. Many trips to the hospital for various family members, all of whom are okay now thankfully and our family bond is closer and stronger because of it (see I'm looking at the silver lining here). You know me, I like to stress out mightily over all things...and since money was a bit of an issue

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-81921372868692061042009-11-24T08:15:00.000-08:002009-11-24T08:39:53.991-08:00

Halloo dear readers, was it not the most excellent Leo McGarry (of West Wing fame, played by late actor John Spencer) who said "There are two things in the world you never want to let people see how you make 'em: laws and sausages." (referencing a quote from Otto von Bismark, why am I telling you this because I'm nerdy). On the heels of her bestselling book, Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-62553352355880359572009-11-01T09:54:00.000-08:002009-11-01T09:55:57.090-08:00

Internets, if you haven't read a book by Dennis McKiernan yet GO DO IT NOW. BEST HIGH FANTASY AUTHOR EVAR.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-39871082551770642712009-10-30T21:07:00.000-07:002009-10-30T21:26:01.077-07:00

Well as lovely as twitter is, it is hard to fit all of my thoughts into a single 140 character spam, so some blogging will commence from here on out. What's going on these days? Fitness crap. Losing weight. I am so sick of being slightly overweight (though you couldn't really tell, my slim wrists make me seem more slender then I am, a gift from my mom's genes). I'd mention I'd tried Weight

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-35462883823000217112009-10-28T21:47:00.001-07:002009-10-28T21:54:29.412-07:00

It's come down this ladies and gentlemen. I have two little angels/devils (depending on how you look at them) perched on my shoulder. Both whispering into my ear, telling me contrary things...how can this be???? Yes, that's right I'm talking about these two:That's right, it is Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, whispering softly to use just a bit more butter in that dish. She will be the

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-81608784275107744392009-10-27T08:44:00.000-07:002009-10-27T08:46:26.573-07:00

I love this dress!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-6154743899531882892009-10-09T09:09:00.000-07:002009-10-09T09:10:40.105-07:00

Blogging less, twittering more of late. Please adjust eye laser beams accordingly to upper right hand corner of blog for the latest updates. That is all.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-19284111664506017522009-09-18T09:41:00.000-07:002009-09-18T09:42:55.112-07:00

Could not resist this bit of loveliness today!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-27898661825422745192009-09-12T21:29:00.000-07:002009-09-13T00:03:18.496-07:00

2009 has been a pretty eventful year for my family, but I must count my blessings (ironic since I don't even go to church etc etc) for having a healthy family, having a job and not having any major problems at the moment (knock on wood). I also found myself doing a lot of things I probably would've scoffed at in 2008, but it's been pretty interesting so far, so I thought I'd document it, JUST

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-35604157216238999252009-08-19T13:58:00.000-07:002009-08-19T14:15:24.270-07:00

A big hallooooo from me here. Things are going a lot better here since I last posted, dude it kinda feels weird blogging again, it's been so long. Suffice to say that Daughter has fully recovered from her concussion, and is now starting to bloom into that next stage (PUBERTY ZOMG)...which involves me being a lot more involved with her and her life, and also trying to spend time with Son, and

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-56621571135612601692009-07-20T23:12:00.000-07:002009-07-22T14:50:38.215-07:00

So the last post was full of stress and drama. Everything is okay now. Daughter is fine and things are calming down. I thought about blogging about it in detail, but have decided against it.Suffice to say that I'm taking things one day at a time, and trying to indulge in things that make me relax...for example...getting back into exercise! I may not be able to control the world, but I can

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-23227593932955202009-07-10T17:42:00.001-07:002009-07-10T18:00:47.687-07:00

I am a very lucky person. Why? You ask. Well you are about to find out why.Monday I log onto Facebook, and happen to click on the profile of my cousin, who I recently became "friends" with on FB so I could see what was going on. Her husband posts she is in the hospital in critical condition. No more information offered, I immediately call Mom to see if she knew anything (she didn't). She

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-46816106149644800172009-07-01T08:11:00.000-07:002009-07-01T08:12:17.967-07:00

Bloody hilarious!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-77533681619387090602009-06-26T21:45:00.000-07:002009-06-26T21:47:38.841-07:00

Image via.I was sad and shocked when I heard MJ passed away. Never mind all the crazy things everyone heard about him in his later years, he was and is a musical genius and his music played a big part of my growing up years. RIP.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-66825786303740489352009-06-05T08:59:00.000-07:002009-06-05T09:07:55.884-07:00

If you are anal retentive like me about making sure you have your planners/calendars etc for next year wayyyyy ahead of time...yeah I know it's only June. Here are some lovely choices,The 2010 Offset Calendar from Eggpress.Another must-have, RED HOT Moleskine Weekly Planner to scribble notes in etc!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-19545742898970445942009-05-29T13:16:00.000-07:002009-05-29T14:09:22.862-07:00

Dad's journey into retirement has been a lot smoother then I thought (other then him battling various bureaucratic offices daily to get his retirement paperwork straight). At first I was really worried he would just be BORED. As Mum is on a 3 week vacation with her sister to Greece, his being alone all the time had me doubly anxious (do you notice I worry a lot?). But so far, he says he

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-68521267710799315102009-05-26T13:07:00.000-07:002009-05-26T13:11:05.006-07:00

Nothing makes me happier then getting a package in the mail, and today's DING DING DING is this LBD from the lovely etsy seller Joan (aka Catbooks). With the recent weight loss, this dress looks so awesome!!!! I'm so happy!! Now all I need is some black stiletto sex kitten fuck me now RAWRRRRRRR heels!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-20799358996368975612009-05-20T12:11:00.000-07:002009-05-20T12:27:07.521-07:00

Or have way too much time on your hands...Got this direct mailer from Brian Bilbray, some noob politician today...Saw the picture in the lower right corner (see that snazzy red circle, I did that in photoshop, how awesome is that)...and I was like OMG that picture is from istockphoto!!! Like I totally recognize it!!! I do because I've used that picture in a document too...And more proof that

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-75087589275974593712009-05-18T23:42:00.000-07:002009-05-18T23:45:20.582-07:00

and get locked behind bars with this guy! Whose this??? Oh yeah, it's my dad! Oh yeah, I'm at Alcatraz.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-89475590401461191262009-05-12T15:20:00.000-07:002009-05-12T15:51:42.933-07:00

In my years of reading romances, my fervent interest in some authors have waned because they went off on some odd tangent writing wise, and they were no longer automatic buys for me. Sandra Brown, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Julia Quinn are a few. The only one for me who has stood the test of time is the ever-fabulous Lisa Kleypas (automatic amazon pre-order overnight shipping baby).So it was

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-43516134739910337922009-05-10T10:11:00.001-07:002009-05-10T10:11:45.472-07:00

From our family to all you wonderful mothers and grandmothers out there!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-8935083155496216782009-05-03T20:06:00.000-07:002009-05-03T20:16:37.271-07:00

I was supposed to visit my parents in LA this weekend, but major stress from a project at work prompted a panicked call to Mum, and we agreed to meet for dinner in the OC (Orange County) instead. It is the median distance my parents' house and mine, so I was glad they agreed to come. I miss them and I wanted to do a pre-Mom's day celebration with them. Dad has just retired after 24 years at

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-88718630936849871772009-05-03T11:53:00.000-07:002009-05-03T12:03:23.292-07:00

Softy try #2, Martin the Yorkie! Now with non-exposed seams!What I got for Hubby to get me for Mother's Day. I think I'm heavily into British nostalgia now, but I'm not sure what that means.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-21891936314509725112009-05-01T20:04:00.000-07:002009-05-01T20:09:40.544-07:00

Remember when I said I wanted to be more crafty? Well here it is. I found this Sock & Glove book on amazon.com, and it looked fairly simple to do and cute (as all Japanese stuff is). The dog here on the cover is a good approximation of what the finished project is supposed to look like:So, I found some brown Dickie gloves from Walmart (6 for $4.49) and sacrificed 2 to make this...Bart the

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-82087242030725741352009-04-29T13:17:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:40:25.092-07:00

Sometimes I fall into a funk and wonder what the point of everything is...besides worrying about bills and whether the world is going to hell in a handbasket etc etc etc....I've decided that making a list of little things that make me happy lately...might you know...help make me happy...1. Eating an entire chocolate cake.2. Doing 25 minutes of Yoga before I start work.3. Having a cuddle with

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-14628575902592285742009-04-26T10:21:00.000-07:002009-04-26T10:27:54.649-07:00

After this last project, I've been getting twitchy to make something else...have been trying to come up with ideas as to what I could make. Should I buy a sewing machine (I don't know how to use one though)? Should I die my hair blonde and wear preppy clothes and become the next Martha Stewart?I'm not patient of a person...and I have the attention span of a 3 year old at times. So I'm going to

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-83763955054393263682009-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:002009-04-25T14:31:17.034-07:00

Having promised Mum to make her something personalized for Mother's Day, I was at a loss as to what to make. A homemade candle? soap? I finally stumbled on a very cute and neat looking DIY tutorial for paper silhouettes. This was her result:Could I attempt something similar? Should I? *cue dramatic musicSo off to Target I went, picked up the double sided tape and glue stick. Then off to

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-67424633064528347002009-04-21T12:49:00.000-07:002009-04-21T12:50:22.345-07:00

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-35613346333297648022009-04-12T00:26:00.000-07:002009-04-12T00:56:23.166-07:00

Even though it is Spring, it's still quite cold here (cold being a relative 65 degrees F, yes I'm a wussy I know), so I'm living in various rock tees from back in the day (found a couple of cool AC/DC ones from Walmart for $8 each!) and sweats. Oh and socks. Can you believe that...oh the things one must do keep warm. :PWork has finally picked up enough that I'm hella busy that I'm now guarding

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-72857068441859656402009-03-22T11:20:00.000-07:002009-03-22T23:17:25.549-07:00

I did it. I made a print. And I made an etsy shop. I cannae believe it. Usually when I do work I make a lot of people look at it and give me their honest opinion. Didn't do that this time. So here it is.The quote is by Langston Hughes, and I wanted to make something spring-y and cheerful, yet witty at the same time. Here's the link to my etsy shop.Here's the link to the blog.Stop by and

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-25822336891215604542009-03-19T19:26:00.000-07:002009-03-19T19:33:36.910-07:00

Holy crap! With the crappy economy and all that, I've really had to start being strict with money (eg no more going out to eat a lot and restricting my etsy purchases). Work has been kind of slow. So. How does one make more money? Get more freelancing jobs? Possibly.Get a job at the mall. Nay.Get a temp job doing admin work. HELL NO.Open my own etsy shop and make something to sell. DING

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-10566300063993341862009-03-19T08:20:00.000-07:002009-03-19T08:41:52.990-07:00

This book Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear is the latest to enthrall me (so much so that I've already bought the rest of the series and read all of them). If you are stuck in the void of what should I read next, I heartily recommend Masie. Set in the early 1900's, Maisie is sent to work as a servant in a manor, but the lady of the house recognizes her potential and intelligence so Maisie is

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-70758435145865101792009-03-11T09:19:00.000-07:002009-03-11T09:34:55.065-07:00

Back from 4 days in glorious Nashville TN, eating and drinking pretty much everything in sight and taking in the lovely views. I asked Tina whether any hawt cowboys would spontaneously appear and start line dancing just for me, but she said "We'll have to head to downtown Nashville for that." Oh and a quick geography lesson, Graceland is actually in Memphis, which is not the same as Nashville.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-43171225216499517402009-03-04T13:31:00.000-08:002009-03-04T13:59:32.599-08:00

So when I was in grade school, I happily did a school report on the great state of Tennessee (mainly because I was horse mad at the time and TN were known for their Tennessee Walking Horses. Little did I know that centuries later I would be visiting that same state!! Yes dear readers, I am off to TN to visit my college friend Tina for the next few days. There I will be indulging in Elvis,

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-6435861887443819542009-03-02T10:35:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:47:13.364-08:00

Wanna really knock em dead at that next fancy party with your innate sense of haute couture? Here are a couple of ideas...A Bacon Scented Bacon Print Tuxedo! I dare someone to wear this to their prom lol.And for the lady...The couch dress! I'd buy just to wear it and freak my mom out, but then she'd probably just say "Why did you spend so much money on that thing, I could've made it for you

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-48384004240545996222009-02-27T16:51:00.000-08:002009-02-27T16:57:00.884-08:00

I've been trying to be economical and thrifty with funds lately...since work is kind of slow...that means eating at home more. I just read this article on Clara Cannucciari, who shares some of her Depression era recipes via youtube. She's very sweet and lovely, and reminds me a bit of my own paternal grandmother (only not Chinese). I can totally see myself making this recipe...Peas With Pasta.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-44856033734418604772009-02-19T10:28:00.000-08:002009-02-19T10:30:07.795-08:00

Via Pica + Pixel, a lovely stop motion video by Oren Lavie for your perusal.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-34839168895422112592009-02-03T12:59:00.000-08:002009-02-03T21:55:18.138-08:00

Here are some things that I thought were funny/cool today....Via Ultrasparky, the I Can Read Movie Series, these imaginary paperback novelizations of hit movies are so beautiful and mid-century perfect they bring a tear to my eye (italics a direct quote from Ultrasparky).This one made me laugh.****Sick of people stealing your brown bag lunch from the breakroom at work? Use these anti-theft

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-63078329238845906802009-01-29T13:08:00.000-08:002009-01-29T13:15:39.640-08:00

Via Warren Ellis, Sergei Larenkov took pictures identical in perspective to WW2-era photographs then blended the original in. The result? Fascinating, eerie and totally awesome.See more here.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-85498489456430963802009-01-28T22:41:00.000-08:002009-01-28T22:42:59.032-08:00

This is me (left) circa 1990 or 1991 with my friend Tina (on the right)!!!! What the hell is up with my hair!!!!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-39487850446056158312009-01-28T10:12:00.000-08:002009-01-28T11:11:32.686-08:00

I have my ass glued to the computer chair and my ear glued to the front window, waiting for the fedex truck to pick up my packages so I can get on with my life. Maybe I should hire a receptionist so she can sit in the foyer and wait for said truck to appear...make me tea...and also field my calls? :pAnyways, here are some thoughts for the day and neat things from etsy...Frank Chimero writes

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-62004309921413661872009-01-26T21:41:00.000-08:002009-01-26T21:51:22.481-08:00

Man, I used to sneer at people who used Facebook and MySpace, and now I've become one of them... oOI got on FB a few months ago through a high school friend I infrequently talk to. Then somehow I added a friend from college to my list and these past few days my friends list has grown from 5 to 40ish! Crazy! People I haven't talked to in 14 years, it's good to hear about how they are doing and

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-92125424959561981302009-01-25T18:48:00.000-08:002009-01-25T18:59:39.596-08:00

It seems that the only way for me to keep organized lately is to make lists. Lists of all the stuff I need to do for work, my cousin's upcoming baby shower, lists of what I eat and how much I exercise, a list of the dinner menu for the week and on and on. It's enough to drive a girl insane!!So whilst on the road to insanity, I decided to at least make that journey arty and FUN, so I bought this

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-7245629479739154522009-01-24T21:19:00.000-08:002009-01-24T22:17:29.628-08:00

With Valentine's Day coming up, I told Hubby I wanted him to get me some piece of jewelery this year. I thought it might be nice to get a wedding ring because since I've spawned two children, my fingers have grown 2 ring sizes (yes, my fingers are like sausages now) and the old wedding ring doesn't fit anymore. But I didn't want to spend that much money because we're watching our pennies, so

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-975137093469235562009-01-14T17:14:00.000-08:002009-01-14T18:22:34.314-08:00

It's been warm and sunny in Cali recently, which is nice because I'm ready for winter to be over already. I have a bunch of pretty skirts and dresses that I can't wait to wear again! That being said, here is a possible outfit that might be ideal for that girl-on-the-go (maybe a part time spy!) via Etsy of course. Okay maybe not so much spring as skimpy...but who cares!!!THE DAINTIESEvery girl

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-17957644226318883482009-01-11T22:39:00.001-08:002009-01-11T23:00:58.331-08:00

This is what you do when your bored, queued up and waiting to pvp with your gang of face wreckers in WoW...Learn to tilt-shift photography photoshop thingy-a-mijingy! It's supposed to make actual irl photos look like they are created miniature models...Here's a cool example via Smashing Magazine:Here is my rendition, I got this lovely photo of Ft. Lauderdale from istockphoto...After I followed

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-52638314733179294922009-01-09T12:52:00.000-08:002009-01-09T12:54:03.315-08:00

Not only do I dig the clothes from Lucy, I made the pic below my desktop background so it keeps me motivated to work out.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-63530068850441435962009-01-09T12:17:00.000-08:002009-01-09T12:30:23.484-08:00

Whilst driving around doing errands, was listening to my fave oldies station, you know, known for playing THE OLDIES such as doo-wop and songs from the 1950's and 1960's. They'd recently begun to play more song from the 1970's which I figured was okay because you know, we are in the 21st century all that. Then, much to my surprise, the song Caribbean Queen by Billy Ocean came on! Dude, that's

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-1288949471846370252009-01-04T00:24:00.000-08:002009-01-04T01:09:19.601-08:00

Hubby and I had a relaxing staycation at home, Sis & Bro-In-Law and Mom & Dad trundled the kids off to San Fran for a week of whirlwind fun and exposure to all things Chinese. In fact, it took like 4 days before Hub and I realized we were FREE to do adventurous things like FLY TO PARIS AT A MOMENTS NOTICE!! But since we're trying to save money, we settled for GOING TO DENNY'S FOR BREAKFAST AT A

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-54693010243605503322008-12-25T21:52:00.000-08:002008-12-25T23:32:01.577-08:00

This Christmas was especially lovely, with many gifts from me purchased via Etsy, though when the recipients asked where I got a particular gift, when I tried to describe what exactly Etsy was, I still got looks like I had been shopping on Mars or something.This was the hit of the night though, a t-shirt from Timbperps for my brother-in-law. I got him to pose like his shirt. Best Christmas pic

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-4269296722705708922008-12-23T08:31:00.000-08:002008-12-23T08:33:10.474-08:00

Didn't work out so well...so here's a hilarious alternative!Men! Beware THE DOGHOUSE!!Everyone have a great Christmas!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-604170529095252652008-12-14T23:39:00.000-08:002008-12-14T23:54:41.189-08:00

This is in lieu of posting anything texty...I'm tired....

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-20482750111563895522008-12-12T14:23:00.000-08:002008-12-25T23:30:37.345-08:00

I had to get a new camera since I've been taking a lot of high-res pictures for work (the old 5 MP hand me down from Dad just wasn't cutting it). Luckily amazon.com was having a special on this baby so I snapped it up. But then I wanted a "big boy" camera strap for this, not the ucky metal wrist one that comes with the cam, or the even uckier neck strap that they sell as an aftermarket

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-28430157679702538162008-12-12T09:50:00.000-08:002008-12-12T10:48:33.615-08:00

One thing I am grateful for is that Daughter (aged 10) has inherited the social savvy and interpersonal skills from genes of the previous generations (like my Mom) that seemed to have skipped my generation (namely me). I didn't have many friends growing up, maybe because I was a very strong personality who had to have things my way, and didn't really give a shit about what others thought.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-56319155799842650202008-12-04T10:22:00.000-08:002008-12-04T11:29:30.385-08:00

2008 was an interesting year in many ways and I thought I'd list what I really dug this year in terms of books and movies...so without further ado...here we go!!Best Stuff of 2008 (Part 1):Overall Fave Must Read BookWould have to be hands down Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. I don't think I can stop raving about how much of a master storyteller that Gaiman is. I don't usually go for the genre

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-6650581531055439732008-12-02T11:01:00.001-08:002008-12-02T11:03:19.463-08:00

My first print!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-76576566540053207242008-12-01T13:13:00.000-08:002008-12-01T14:05:34.966-08:00

Trying to think of something witty to write here. Not much luck though. I'd have to say it was a very very good, relaxing Thanksgiving. Last week, very nearly got "laid off" (even though I'm a freelancer, so it's not really the correct term). Luckily, my Boss and several others at the company liked me enough to veto the layoff decision. So that was good, even though it was quite freaky.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-75833883747755245622008-11-19T16:38:00.000-08:002008-11-19T16:51:23.323-08:00

Okay, shhhhhhh...in an attempt to be creative I made my first print! It's actually a Christmas present for boss (cuz we're also good friends), so once I send it to him and he gets it and opens it, I'll post it here so all can view it in its glorious gloriousness (thinking in a couple of weeks). So stay tuned!!!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-14752519946986094872008-11-19T15:22:00.000-08:002008-11-19T15:23:29.268-08:00

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-16214493706534135302008-11-13T11:22:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:32:14.666-08:00

God I love Irish music. Check them out, from the same peeps that brought you Celtic Woman!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-24942552538987798912008-11-13T11:13:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:19:59.982-08:00

Via Angry Asian Man, The Univsity of Maryland Asian American Studies Program and OCA just released A Portrait of Chinese Americans.I'm pulling the text straight from the website here:AMONG THE STUDIES FINDINGS:Fastest Growing Immigrant Group: Chinese Americans represent the fastest growing immigrant group in the nation (up 30 percent between 2000 and 2006, the most recent figures).Largest Asian

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-30166266809674674422008-11-11T19:30:00.000-08:002008-11-11T20:38:40.431-08:00

Well Happy Veterans Day to everyone and it is also Hubby and my 13th wedding anniversary. Extremely low key...the present I bought for him won't be delivered till the 18th. We went out to a nice dinner with the kids and when we came back, I sat down to blog while Hubby and the kids played a round of "Zombie Hunters".Forgive the bad picture quality, it was taken w/ the cell phone cam in very

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-76792652519074306552008-11-06T10:09:00.000-08:002008-11-06T11:39:30.131-08:00

--Honestly, I don't think I've encountered a more narcissistic bunch then graphics designers as a whole. What do I define my profession as? A designer? Graphic designer? Communication designer? Commercial artist? Art director? Creative director? The debate rages on (via). Remind myself to read that in-depth later. Yes, I realize I am part of that narcissistic bunch.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-81901205721438465602008-11-05T08:26:00.000-08:002008-11-05T09:29:06.088-08:00

I still have trouble believing that yesterday happened. After dinner I hopped on the computer and kept switching back (yay for multiple tabs) between cnn.com and msnbc.com to track which states would go red or blue. Msnbc.com seemed to be a bit bolder and called states for Obama and McCain a bit sooner then cnn did. By the time Obama won OH, it was pretty much game over though I kept

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-45273004369067492422008-11-04T08:55:00.000-08:002008-11-04T09:01:38.279-08:00

It's rainy here today, but there is a sense of excitement in the air it seems. By tonight American history will be made: America's first African-American president, or America's oldest evah President and first female VP. As an extra incentive to vote, you can get a free cup of coffee from Starbucks, a free donut from Krispy Kreme AND a free ice cream cup from Ben&Jerry's if you do.I got no

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-57874767040606095082008-11-01T21:13:00.000-07:002008-11-01T21:43:35.741-07:00

--Just found a cool new blog called Metrodad, about an Asian dude who is a dad of a youngun and lives in the city (hence the name Metrodad...man I'm smartz). He blogs about being a Dad mostly, and came up with the Best Halloween Costume Evah for his kid...UNDERAGE CHINESE OLYMPIC GYMNASTRead the full story here.--Halloween was a bit of a misty-eyed time for me, as I reflect on how fast Daughter

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-51524408809697695992008-11-01T17:55:00.000-07:002008-11-01T18:03:35.095-07:00

I've mentioned before that I have started to do more design work for work, which is great but because I work for a technology company, I've been hesitant to post work related projects because well of proprietary issues blah blah blah, but here's a project I can talk about! Was that a run on sentence or not? I was asked to create a caution sticker, and here it is...Okay, everyone golfclap now.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-71618248027939579342008-10-23T16:42:00.000-07:002008-10-23T16:44:36.670-07:00

Another cute skirt find from Etsy. It's really well made and super comfortable. I like to twirl around in it when no one is looking.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-29486232956562386702008-10-23T16:28:00.000-07:002008-10-23T16:33:06.597-07:00

After being pissed off for 8 years over the state of the United States (I think you know who I'm talking about) but not sure what to do about it, I think I've finally decided who I want to vote for on November 4.'Nuff said.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-15046325387779502492008-10-09T11:18:00.000-07:002008-10-09T16:50:06.239-07:00

How to suffer the torments of the damned---1) Have PMS2) Know that as a freelancer you usually work alone and your boss has decided to traipse off to business trip in China and is therefore not available to give you immediate feedback on your work because immediate feedback is good.3) Get a high profile project from another guy at work.4) Get first draft sent back with request for edits.5) Work

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-22557693983025467782008-10-07T15:01:00.000-07:002008-10-07T15:03:25.557-07:00

--The evolution of well known logo designs.--Coolest McCain '08 Tshirt yet!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-32084297928516780092008-10-07T09:42:00.000-07:002008-10-07T10:37:39.691-07:00

Work has picked up so I'm a bit more busy (that's always good) and you can definitely feel the bite of fall in the air (yay I love fall!). Working out has definitely paid off...I think it's been about 5 months now and I can definitely tell the difference! Still stuck with a bit of the preggers gut though, so I'm concentrating on the abs/gut to try to whittle it away. Oh to have the body of a

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-52776188905663072892008-10-02T12:16:00.000-07:002008-10-02T12:21:50.581-07:00

Have finished reading Neil Gaiman's latest book, The Graveyard Book and I absolutely loved it. It's as smooth as butter and you won't be able to put it down once you start it, I promise you. I handed the book over to daughter and urged her to read it."It's really good! I promise!" I said."No Mother, it's ok I have other books to read," she replied with typical pre-teenagery know-it-allness. "

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-12667051114278948702008-09-30T08:10:00.000-07:002008-09-30T08:21:07.577-07:00

I am very excited today, as two books are, as we speak being overnighted to my humble abode via fedex and I will get today. The two books of course, Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. I can't wait!Also, as I was going through my current books, I happened upon an old favorite of mine, Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. She wrote a bunch of other books

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-55656722892629145932008-09-27T20:59:00.001-07:002008-09-27T21:11:56.572-07:00

Today was a very good day. Not only because it is the weekend, but something rather cool happened today. I took the kids to the local B&N bookstore this morning, and told them they could pick one book each. Daughter immediately knew which book she wanted, while Son, who has thus far glossed over the joys of reading (do I have to, Mom?) meandered aimlessly through the kids section."Can I get a

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-66474662789112146732008-09-23T10:02:00.000-07:002008-09-23T10:44:59.005-07:00

I've been trying to think of what to write about over the last few days, and the same thing keeps coming up...ZIP. ZILCH. NADA. Sad huh? My life is more of the same stuff (trying to lose weight, trying to keep up with work, trying to keep kids happy and trying to save money and cook in instead of going out all the time, wondering what I should be doing to get ready for Thanksgiving etc etc

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-34964692572926142742008-09-14T12:25:00.001-07:002008-09-14T12:26:08.013-07:00

(via)

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-36816774429189828732008-09-12T17:10:00.000-07:002008-09-12T17:18:15.876-07:00

--Little Britain goes American. I love this comedy duo, I can't wait till the premiere.--Would you buy these high heels for the sake of fashion?--Nifty tea bags!Have a great weekend!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-636927015866040012008-09-08T09:02:00.000-07:002008-09-08T09:18:23.057-07:00

Via Minsoo, a very interesting article in the NYT about second generation Asian American parents (well, one in particular) and some of the challenges they face in trying to pass on their ethnic heritage to their children (italicized quoted from Minsoo's blog).For me personally, sometimes I feel like I identify more with Caucasians (non middle-American types who are aware, if that makes any sense)

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-40473459940988526242008-09-06T10:03:00.000-07:002008-09-06T11:55:47.804-07:00

As Daughter speeds towards tweeniness (is that a word?), news that the first girl in her 5th grade class has gotten her period has made its way round the grapevine (and she's only 10 or 11!!!!). Which now puts me the delicate position of having to explain the birds and the bees in GREATER detail to her very soon. And eventually I'll have to explain the concepts of birth control and such (aka

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-81765833955392645262008-09-04T11:37:00.000-07:002008-09-04T11:38:58.561-07:00

Another animated short from the genius that is PES. Note: use headphones if you are at work or in a public place. :P

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-76156899230909932872008-09-01T17:36:00.000-07:002008-09-01T18:12:16.464-07:00

This weekend was fairly laid back, with a huge ass BBQ going on at Younger Sister N's house (which means that I don't have to cook). Brother-in-Law (henceforth BIL) smoked a rack of ribs (devoured in minutes), and we followed up with melt-in-your-mouth rib eye steak and lovely chicken wings. N is moving, essentially to Northern California for a new job, but plans to stay up there 3 days a week

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-34266054678909525612008-08-28T12:31:00.000-07:002008-08-28T12:32:27.063-07:00

Things not to say during sex #125: I'm gonna pound the farts out of you!!!!!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-67004203273374018732008-08-27T21:56:00.000-07:002008-08-27T22:09:08.362-07:00

And just where has the summer gone? No bloody idea. Today was the first day of school for the kids (Daughter in 5th grade, Son in 2nd). After fussing over their hair for an unnecessarily long time and repeatedly kissing them goodbye by the door (ok Mom we're going to be late already!!!! enough with the kisses!!), they walked the half block to school with me staring vigilantly at their backs

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-643244520486178282008-08-27T09:54:00.000-07:002008-08-27T09:56:05.078-07:00

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-4450811974646662272008-08-25T14:54:00.000-07:002008-08-25T14:57:07.216-07:00

I am sooooo totally going to Sor-CON 2008!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-87559699715231964092008-08-25T14:50:00.001-07:002008-08-25T14:50:51.078-07:00

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-27683228093948326202008-08-21T20:27:00.000-07:002008-08-21T20:54:37.899-07:00

Went to the dentist today to have a minor cavity filled, and I'm so happy that I finally found a NORMAL one who doesn't hires psychotic hygenists who put me off from going to the dentist for 4 years. It's only after hearing the horror stories of Mum and Dad's and Sister's recent dental work that motivated me to go back. So after kind dentist jabbed a 2 foot needle (this could be a slight

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-60160155103738602582008-08-20T10:42:00.000-07:002008-08-20T11:01:46.094-07:00

There is a lot of hype about that new TV show Mad Men, a drama about the the world of advertising in the 50s. I tried to watch an episode, but just couldn't get into it. Maybe I was expecting the dialogue to be something from Aaron Sorkin or something (he sets a high standard, doesn't he). But the set design and costuming is fabulous. I'd dress like a girl from the 50s if I could, but that

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-64171018434723868842008-08-20T10:34:00.000-07:002008-08-20T10:38:17.998-07:00

Just found this vintage lunch box on Etsy, apparently The Chan Clan was a '70s Scooby-Do-esque (they solved mysteries) tv show starring Asians. Stereotypical? Maybe, but interesting to say the least.

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-70472953662163113672008-08-18T23:22:00.000-07:002008-08-18T23:23:42.824-07:00

This article sounds great! 50 Ways to Become a Better Designer!

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-87234385906061410212008-08-18T22:57:00.000-07:002008-08-18T23:09:15.070-07:00

Here's a fun game via Very Good Taste, with the following instructions:Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-7235571278039809112008-08-13T21:53:00.000-07:002008-08-13T21:54:09.158-07:00

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-50386901355099492322008-08-13T08:06:00.000-07:002008-08-13T08:07:23.818-07:00

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-78096731136931168482008-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:002008-08-12T23:43:12.111-07:00

I realized that I have become a more visual person, that is, more visually stimulated by visual stimulation (did that even make sense?). This could be one of several reasons.... (1) I'm getting older, and old people are more visual, (2) All the people I work with are guys and since guys are obviously more visual beings (porn anyone?), this is rubbing off on me (bad pun I know), (3) I'm getting

Mirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154011.post-34002123822986973732008-08-08T22:22:00.001-07:002008-08-08T22:25:03.882-07:00

Just when you thought DIY crafty design shit couldn't get any weirder, I stumble across this on Etsy. Yes, that is a real mouse head. Yes, it's been made into a necklace. You should check out some of the other shit they sell, Squirrel Foot Earrings.

Mirnoreply@blogger.com