I think it's interesting how the circle of life works. It can bring so much joy, but yet also can bring so much sorrow. In the past two months, I've sort of experienced both.
I've been to baby showers of my two coworkers/friends and cousin as well. It was the first pregnancy for all three of them, so the atmosphere was filled with joy, excitement, laughter, and hope for them. We had so much fun talking about their futures, them being moms, playing games. I imagine that it must be so exciting, yet nervous for them to be welcoming this new life into their home, but not being sure about what to expect from parenthood.
On the other end of spectrum, there is death. It's something taboo that people don't discuss in everyday conversations, but is inevitably part of life. Last month was my first time experiencing the passing of a family member. I guess there's always a first to everything. As much as I knew that it would have been something that'd happen sooner or later, it's something that you can never fully prepare yourself for. At times, I think I'm still in denial, but then I start to realize.......no, she's really not here anymore and all I have to hold on to are memories.
I've also had a friend in which experienced a death of her good friend recently. She told me she had dinner with her friend Ryan the night prior with a bunch of people. Then, the next day he was gone due to an accident. He wasn't old, he wasn't sick--there were no foreseeable signs. Yet, so easily, he was gone. It's unbelievably fragile how life is, but yet we don't seem to notice it in our day-to-day routine of things.
However, no matter what happens, life goes on. So, carpe diem............
5.09.2011
5.08.2011
Project Caterpillar
Yes, I am still alive, and this blog is still alive, though much overdue for a post. Haven't felt like having one of those "blog moments" lately. Anyways, time to catch up.
About two months ago, I tried raising caterpillars. (Note: It was my first time trying to do so. A lot of people did it as a project in elementary school, but I never did). It actually came up unexpectedly. My friend wanted to catch caterpillars, so I thought it'd be cool that I go with my camera so that I can get some shots of butterflies and/or caterpillars. We went to our old high school where there was a crown flower plant and caught some caterpillars and I was able to snap a few decent shots of butterflies. In the end, my friend didn't want to keep the caterpillars, so I kept them.
There were about five of them and the first few days went fine. I checked back a few days later and unfortunately they all died. I did a some research online and little did I know that the caterpillars needed "fresh leaves". I guess few day old leaves weren't their cup of tea.
So, now my friend who gave me the caterpillars was now interested in trying to raise some herself and went to catch some caterpillars. She caught some extra and gave me four of them. These ones were pretty huge already. So.... attempt number two.
This time I made a conscious effort to keep the leaves "fresh" and going to the high school to pick up new ones every few days (even when it was raining). I also had made them a home via a Starbucks cup in which i made holes and put chopsticks in for them to crawl on. The work paid off. After about five days or so, I saw the first cocoon. Then, the next. I was lucky enough to see one of them make their cocoon. It went to the top of the cover and hung out their for a good 1/2 day or so, but the process itself happened in a matter of minutes. It was a bit weird. The caterpillar wraps itself with green goo it spits out, meanwhile its skin sheds.
My friend gave me one of the last butterflies back not too long after it emerged from its cocoon. The wings were still wet and it couldn't fly. However, I let it go once its wings were dry as I didn't know what the butterfly's diet would be. I had forgotten I still had crown flower leaves in a cup until a few days later in which I was about to throw it out. Then, I noticed the leaf had a little tiny hole in it and after close inspection, noticed it was a tiny caterpillar!!
Then one night, I notice the caterpillar was not on its leaf and had actually ran away. Thinking it couldn't have gone far, I look around my desk, but was unable to locate it. The next morning, I find it on one of my gloves I had laying around my desk and put it back on its leaf. I knew I had to find it a new home so it wouldn't escape again. However, it made another escape before I got to making it a new home. This time I couldn't find it the next day. I thought it surely would've died by now without food. But, a day later, I find it on crawling on the floor!!
However, the caterpillar didn't last. Not sure if it was due to the lack of food when it escaped, but it died the next day even though it had its food source back.
I did prove myself not to be a caterpillar killer after all, and still raised four caterpillars into butterflies (though some died in the process).
About two months ago, I tried raising caterpillars. (Note: It was my first time trying to do so. A lot of people did it as a project in elementary school, but I never did). It actually came up unexpectedly. My friend wanted to catch caterpillars, so I thought it'd be cool that I go with my camera so that I can get some shots of butterflies and/or caterpillars. We went to our old high school where there was a crown flower plant and caught some caterpillars and I was able to snap a few decent shots of butterflies. In the end, my friend didn't want to keep the caterpillars, so I kept them.
There were about five of them and the first few days went fine. I checked back a few days later and unfortunately they all died. I did a some research online and little did I know that the caterpillars needed "fresh leaves". I guess few day old leaves weren't their cup of tea.
So, now my friend who gave me the caterpillars was now interested in trying to raise some herself and went to catch some caterpillars. She caught some extra and gave me four of them. These ones were pretty huge already. So.... attempt number two.
Attempt #2: My chubby caterpillars
This time I made a conscious effort to keep the leaves "fresh" and going to the high school to pick up new ones every few days (even when it was raining). I also had made them a home via a Starbucks cup in which i made holes and put chopsticks in for them to crawl on. The work paid off. After about five days or so, I saw the first cocoon. Then, the next. I was lucky enough to see one of them make their cocoon. It went to the top of the cover and hung out their for a good 1/2 day or so, but the process itself happened in a matter of minutes. It was a bit weird. The caterpillar wraps itself with green goo it spits out, meanwhile its skin sheds.
Caterpiller upside down ready to turn into a cocoon like the one on the right
Later the cocoon started changing colors about the fourth day or so. It turned to a darker, brownish color, then clear, in which you could see the black and dark orange which were the wings of the butterfly. I wasn't actually there to see the butterfly come out of the cocoon. I thought if it came out when I was at work, then it would have to stay there for a long period of time until I got home. Therefore, I gave it to my friend to look after the cocoons. Ironically, I was told the first one emerged an hour after I gave it to my friend. -_- How convenient, huh? 
My little butterfly!!! (The wings still weren't dry yet in the pic)
My friend gave me one of the last butterflies back not too long after it emerged from its cocoon. The wings were still wet and it couldn't fly. However, I let it go once its wings were dry as I didn't know what the butterfly's diet would be. I had forgotten I still had crown flower leaves in a cup until a few days later in which I was about to throw it out. Then, I noticed the leaf had a little tiny hole in it and after close inspection, noticed it was a tiny caterpillar!!
The teeny caterpillar I almost threw away with the leaf
I started raising this caterpillar as well, but this time it was in an open cup as I was too lazy to make it a cup and it seemed as though it wouldn't run away. It was going pretty well and the caterpillar was growing and I saw it shed its skin.
The caterpillar getting bigger and bigger day by day...
Then one night, I notice the caterpillar was not on its leaf and had actually ran away. Thinking it couldn't have gone far, I look around my desk, but was unable to locate it. The next morning, I find it on one of my gloves I had laying around my desk and put it back on its leaf. I knew I had to find it a new home so it wouldn't escape again. However, it made another escape before I got to making it a new home. This time I couldn't find it the next day. I thought it surely would've died by now without food. But, a day later, I find it on crawling on the floor!!
However, the caterpillar didn't last. Not sure if it was due to the lack of food when it escaped, but it died the next day even though it had its food source back.
I did prove myself not to be a caterpillar killer after all, and still raised four caterpillars into butterflies (though some died in the process).
2.28.2011
My first Great Aloha Run... (or run in general)
It's been a week since the 2011 Great Aloha Run, but unfortunately, I've only had time to blog about it now. It was my first run, and a great experience.
I was never the athletic type of person. If anything, I would go swimming or hiking--not running as a form of "exercise". However, two months ago, my friend and coworker Jennifer told us at work that we would be forming a team for the run and encouraged us to join the run. At first I was a bit hesistant knowing that I didn't exercise, much less run at all. I decided to join because I found out quite a few of my coworkers are joining as well, and a lot of them didn't run either.
A month and a half or so ago, I decided to train for the run just so I wouldn't suck the day of the run and to do my best to see I would fare with other people.
Basically, my goals were:
-Not to embarass myself and be one of those people on the run ending up needing medical assistance
-Finish the race
-Attempt to do so in two hours or less
My goal time probably didn't seem hard to a lot people, but I thought it was enough for me being that it was my first run ever and not knowing what to expect. The first time I started training for the run with my running buddy, I totally sucked. It was about 15 minutes per mile with me slowing down and walking in order to catch my breath. I ran about two to three times a week about an hour each time and slowly started to improve.
By the time the run came, I felt good about being able to do the run in two hours a less, although I've never ran eight miles at once (the closest was 5.7 miles). A few days prior to the race, I went to load up on carbs. (According to my friends, you should load up a week before the race. Then, on the day of the race, don't each too much in the morning or you get nauseous)
I prepped the night before by getting everything ready so that I wouldn't have to go looking for it early in the morning. Went to buy a running belt the day before the race, uploaded songs to my mp3 player, and had a banana the night before and the morning of the race so that it would lessen the chance of me getting cramps.
On the day of the race, I was very surprised at the sheer volume of people attending the race. I knew the run was a popular one and that a lot of people attend it each year, but being there seeing the masses of people was a different thing. Once the run started, I ran with my two work friends (Jen & Donnie) and kept up with them until we passed mile 4. They ran faster than me, so after a while I just needed to catch my breath and go at my own pace. After about ten minutes on my own pace, I lost traces of them. I finished the race at my own pace, going slower than when I first began once we hit an incline. Without my friends running by me, I relied on my music, adrenaline, and those people on the side of the road to push me through the rest of the race. As I passed the second incline and saw the stadium not to far ahead, I felt some relief it would be over soon. Then as I finally saw the finish line, I sprinted towards it the last 20 seconds of my race. Surprisingly afterwards, I saw my friends in front of me. As I passed the finishing line, I saw the time was 1:48:39. However, later I was estatic to find out my official time was 1:34:15. I never thought I would've ran it so well. I think running with my friends had a lot to do with it as I pushed myself to keep up with their pace.
Note to self: Do not attempt to go to work after doing an 8 mile run. (I feel like our company were the only insane ones doing so)
I was never the athletic type of person. If anything, I would go swimming or hiking--not running as a form of "exercise". However, two months ago, my friend and coworker Jennifer told us at work that we would be forming a team for the run and encouraged us to join the run. At first I was a bit hesistant knowing that I didn't exercise, much less run at all. I decided to join because I found out quite a few of my coworkers are joining as well, and a lot of them didn't run either.
A month and a half or so ago, I decided to train for the run just so I wouldn't suck the day of the run and to do my best to see I would fare with other people.
Basically, my goals were:
-Not to embarass myself and be one of those people on the run ending up needing medical assistance
-Finish the race
-Attempt to do so in two hours or less
My goal time probably didn't seem hard to a lot people, but I thought it was enough for me being that it was my first run ever and not knowing what to expect. The first time I started training for the run with my running buddy, I totally sucked. It was about 15 minutes per mile with me slowing down and walking in order to catch my breath. I ran about two to three times a week about an hour each time and slowly started to improve.
By the time the run came, I felt good about being able to do the run in two hours a less, although I've never ran eight miles at once (the closest was 5.7 miles). A few days prior to the race, I went to load up on carbs. (According to my friends, you should load up a week before the race. Then, on the day of the race, don't each too much in the morning or you get nauseous)
Picked up my packet the weekend before the run which contained my running number and a computer chip is attached to the shoes to track each person's running time. (I found the computer chip pretty interesting as it was something totally new to me. It starts timing you once you pass the start line mat and stops at the finish line mat, so that people don't all need to start at the same time to be timed accurately.)
On the day of the race, I was very surprised at the sheer volume of people attending the race. I knew the run was a popular one and that a lot of people attend it each year, but being there seeing the masses of people was a different thing. Once the run started, I ran with my two work friends (Jen & Donnie) and kept up with them until we passed mile 4. They ran faster than me, so after a while I just needed to catch my breath and go at my own pace. After about ten minutes on my own pace, I lost traces of them. I finished the race at my own pace, going slower than when I first began once we hit an incline. Without my friends running by me, I relied on my music, adrenaline, and those people on the side of the road to push me through the rest of the race. As I passed the second incline and saw the stadium not to far ahead, I felt some relief it would be over soon. Then as I finally saw the finish line, I sprinted towards it the last 20 seconds of my race. Surprisingly afterwards, I saw my friends in front of me. As I passed the finishing line, I saw the time was 1:48:39. However, later I was estatic to find out my official time was 1:34:15. I never thought I would've ran it so well. I think running with my friends had a lot to do with it as I pushed myself to keep up with their pace.
Note to self: Do not attempt to go to work after doing an 8 mile run. (I feel like our company were the only insane ones doing so)
2.15.2011
The world of obsoletes...
Upon cleaning out my room and at cleaning at work due to renovation, I've found a lot of items to be obsolote. It was funny. I could still remember using some of these obsolete items like it was not that long ago. It seems that the world is moving so fast that there is so much new technology out every minute. Here's some of the stuff I found:
-Correction fluid: Or what is now know as correction tape. I'm sure correction fluid still exists, but really, who still uses them? To have to use a brush/pen to go over your mistakes, and have to wait or blow the paper til it dries before you can write on it, now just seems kind of silly. (I stole that bottle from work, though when I was cleaning out my room, I did find I still had a correction fluid pen)
-Floppy disks: That's been.... almost a decade or so ago? We sure have come far from floppy disks now. From floppy disks, we moved onto zip drives, then burning information on CDs, and now tiny USBs that can hold so much information! My coworker had made a comment that he doesn't even know if there are any computers out there that have floppy drives anymore. Well, surprisingly, I still have my old computer which my dad uses, which does have a floppy drive. Now there are even very tiny external hard drives, which makes my huge external hard drive look like a dinosaur. :(
-VHS tapes: I grew up watching all my Chinese drama on these before the days of VCD and DVDs. Do they even make anything on VHS anymore?
-Floppy disks: That's been.... almost a decade or so ago? We sure have come far from floppy disks now. From floppy disks, we moved onto zip drives, then burning information on CDs, and now tiny USBs that can hold so much information! My coworker had made a comment that he doesn't even know if there are any computers out there that have floppy drives anymore. Well, surprisingly, I still have my old computer which my dad uses, which does have a floppy drive. Now there are even very tiny external hard drives, which makes my huge external hard drive look like a dinosaur. :(
-VHS tapes: I grew up watching all my Chinese drama on these before the days of VCD and DVDs. Do they even make anything on VHS anymore?
-Old school phone: This is actually still present and working currently in my house. My dad insists on having an old school dial phone instead of a "modern" one because he says in case the power goes out, you can still dial out. -_- This thing is loud and obnoxious. I don't even remember when was the last time someone called the landline and it was for me. Who uses these nowadays or even landlines in general (except for businesses) when there are cell phones? It led me to thinking how life even went about before when cell phones existed. I remember when cell phones weren't yet popular, I would actually use a landline, and sometimes even talk for hours at night in which my dad would start yelling that I'm holding up the phone line. Now, it's gone wireless and a phone is used more than just calling people. It's sends texts (which I think some people use this function than an actual phone), is a calendar/organizer, and has capabilities that computers have.
-Phone books (not pictured): Phones going wireless led me to thinking, does anyone even use phonebooks anymore? I know they still pass them around, but how many people actually still use them? I know Generation Y definitely doesn't. Why use a phone book when you can just search for anything and everything online and get it instantly? I think the companies should stop or reduce printing these, and save trees instead.
1.17.2011
A new year upon us..
It’s been quite a while since I’ve blogged or read others’ blogs. The holidays were hectic, but passed by like a breeze. I thought about stopping my blog after not writing for so long. Sometimes I’m too lazy to blog, or feel it’s hard to blog because my life is uninteresting to think of topics to write about. However, to my surprise, I still get comments here and there, which got me motivated to keep writing knowing there’s people out there that still read what I write, despite me thinking my life is becoming uninteresting.
Anywho, a recap of the past year’s resolution results: I had made two main resolutions which was to be healthier (as is probably everyone else’s) and more productive/less lazy. I think I did make a conscious effort to be healthier by changing some of my habits like what I eat in the morning, my portions, drinking more water, and getting adequate sleep. I had kept up with exercise for a while, but things stopped once I went on a trip, and never picked back up.
Being productive and less lazy was not-so-much accomplished. Not much to say about it, but that I’ll keep it for this year’s resolutions.
2011 Goals
-Get back into exercising, especially since I’ll be attending the Great Aloha Run next month.
-De-clutter (see one of my previous posts)
-Take more pictures. I finally upgraded to a DSLR, so I am hoping to put the camera to use and get familiar with it.
-Write a PostSecret card and mail it in or slip it into the book in the store. It’s such a brilliant idea and I’m surprised of the creativity and thought people put into their postcards. I think it’d be a nice surprise if I left one in a PostSecret book.
-Go without spending money on clothes for six months. It’s quite a restraint, but I know I’ve splurged enough after Christmas. Also, my room can’t handle more clothing if I don’t do some cleaning out first. Hopefully, if I don’t go to the mall or clothing websites, I won’t be tempted to buy anything. Out of sight, out of mind.
Anywho, a recap of the past year’s resolution results: I had made two main resolutions which was to be healthier (as is probably everyone else’s) and more productive/less lazy. I think I did make a conscious effort to be healthier by changing some of my habits like what I eat in the morning, my portions, drinking more water, and getting adequate sleep. I had kept up with exercise for a while, but things stopped once I went on a trip, and never picked back up.
Being productive and less lazy was not-so-much accomplished. Not much to say about it, but that I’ll keep it for this year’s resolutions.
2011 Goals
-Get back into exercising, especially since I’ll be attending the Great Aloha Run next month.
-De-clutter (see one of my previous posts)
-Take more pictures. I finally upgraded to a DSLR, so I am hoping to put the camera to use and get familiar with it.
-Write a PostSecret card and mail it in or slip it into the book in the store. It’s such a brilliant idea and I’m surprised of the creativity and thought people put into their postcards. I think it’d be a nice surprise if I left one in a PostSecret book.
-Go without spending money on clothes for six months. It’s quite a restraint, but I know I’ve splurged enough after Christmas. Also, my room can’t handle more clothing if I don’t do some cleaning out first. Hopefully, if I don’t go to the mall or clothing websites, I won’t be tempted to buy anything. Out of sight, out of mind.
11.24.2010
25 in 25
Twenty five things I learned in twenty fives years, in no particular order...........
1. Going to college and getting good grades doesn’t necessarily secure you a good paying job in the real world2. Don’t drive a car that is too big for you, even though it’s a nice car.
3. Start saving money early.
4. Everyone has their own goals and dreams. Don’t judge others.
5. The “what I want to be when I grow up” we write about in elementary school doesn’t come true for the vast majority.
6. Cheese is delicious. I wish I knew how good it was earlier.
7. Friends are important in life, but at the same time, we have to understand the level of friendship we have with are friends will change throughout our life.
8. Change is inevitable. It’s up to you to see the glass as half full or half empty.
9. Everyone should travel to a foreign country at least once. It is such an eye opener to experience other cultures.
10. I often have too much on my plate than I can handle—both literally and metaphorically.
11. Buy life insurance and buy it when you’re young. The earlier you buy it, the less your monthly premium will be.
12. Knowledge is power only when you apply the knowledge.
13. It’s not always what you know, but who you know.
14. Be the change you want to see.
15. “Love—everyone wants it, but not everyone finds it.”
16. Smiling is the universal icebreaker.
17. Exercise. Your metabolism slows down dramatically when you get older and if you have to sit on your butt eight hours a day.
18. Everyone needs an indulgence every now and then.
19. It isn’t worth it to go shopping on Black Friday. You’d make better use of your time sleeping in.
20. Alcohol isn’t as great as it’s made out to be, especially if you’re allergic to it.
21. I need to think before I speak. Not everyone can handle bluntness.
22. Be kind and helpful to the people you cross paths with in your life. You never know when you’ll cross paths again or when you may need their help.
23. Sleep is important. However, sleeping and being a college student are two things that don’t go together.
24. Women over-complicate things; men over-simplify things.
25. Live. Laugh. Learn. Love.
1. Going to college and getting good grades doesn’t necessarily secure you a good paying job in the real world2. Don’t drive a car that is too big for you, even though it’s a nice car.
3. Start saving money early.
4. Everyone has their own goals and dreams. Don’t judge others.
5. The “what I want to be when I grow up” we write about in elementary school doesn’t come true for the vast majority.
6. Cheese is delicious. I wish I knew how good it was earlier.
7. Friends are important in life, but at the same time, we have to understand the level of friendship we have with are friends will change throughout our life.
8. Change is inevitable. It’s up to you to see the glass as half full or half empty.
9. Everyone should travel to a foreign country at least once. It is such an eye opener to experience other cultures.
10. I often have too much on my plate than I can handle—both literally and metaphorically.
11. Buy life insurance and buy it when you’re young. The earlier you buy it, the less your monthly premium will be.
12. Knowledge is power only when you apply the knowledge.
13. It’s not always what you know, but who you know.
14. Be the change you want to see.
15. “Love—everyone wants it, but not everyone finds it.”
16. Smiling is the universal icebreaker.
17. Exercise. Your metabolism slows down dramatically when you get older and if you have to sit on your butt eight hours a day.
18. Everyone needs an indulgence every now and then.
19. It isn’t worth it to go shopping on Black Friday. You’d make better use of your time sleeping in.
20. Alcohol isn’t as great as it’s made out to be, especially if you’re allergic to it.
21. I need to think before I speak. Not everyone can handle bluntness.
22. Be kind and helpful to the people you cross paths with in your life. You never know when you’ll cross paths again or when you may need their help.
23. Sleep is important. However, sleeping and being a college student are two things that don’t go together.
24. Women over-complicate things; men over-simplify things.
25. Live. Laugh. Learn. Love.
11.12.2010
The Frugalist
Now more than ever before, people are trying to find ways to lower their debt, cut spending and save more. If there's one thing we've learned from the recession, it's to live within your means. It sounds simple really---spend less than your net income. Of course, that's a lot easier said than done. Luckily, I was able to learn about saving money prior to the recession. (I'm Chinese, so it was probably already in my blood) A friend of mine taught me about budgeting, which has been very helpful. It definitely takes some time, but surely makes a difference. It makes you aware of the the things you're spending money on--what is needed, which are pleasure, and what things can be cut down to reach certain financial goals whether it be being debt free or saving money.
I'm glad to say that with budgeting and cautious spending, I'm in a financially good state. I'm not rich to be splurging, but nor am I not in debt or struggling like many other people are right now, especially those without jobs.
I've learned there are only two ways to save money: 1) increase income 2) decrease spending. I was able to increase income a tad bit with a new job, but when I didn't have a new job, I turned to decreasing spending.
Ways I save money:
-Use store brand cosmetics instead of spending on expensive brands. Many drug-store brands are made from the same manufacturer as name brands with the similar ingredients, but targeted to different audiences.
-Bringing home lunch to work. Food can be a big drain of money and bringing home lunch certainly helps.
-Shop on sale from everyday items to clothes, accessories, etc. I like to use sites like Amazon and eBay to buy things like books, computer accessories, etc. If you're shopping online, remember to Google to check if there are and promo codes for the site you're shopping at.
-Getting my multi-media for "free". Yeah, it's bad, I know. However, if I had to pay for all the movies I watch, music and programs I had, that would be a shit load of money.
-Having a regular cell phone. Yep. I have a regular phone with 500 mins and 400 texts. No fancy texting or smart phone with expensive data plans.
"A dollar saved is two dollars earned"
I'm glad to say that with budgeting and cautious spending, I'm in a financially good state. I'm not rich to be splurging, but nor am I not in debt or struggling like many other people are right now, especially those without jobs.
I've learned there are only two ways to save money: 1) increase income 2) decrease spending. I was able to increase income a tad bit with a new job, but when I didn't have a new job, I turned to decreasing spending.
Ways I save money:
-Use store brand cosmetics instead of spending on expensive brands. Many drug-store brands are made from the same manufacturer as name brands with the similar ingredients, but targeted to different audiences.
-Bringing home lunch to work. Food can be a big drain of money and bringing home lunch certainly helps.
-Shop on sale from everyday items to clothes, accessories, etc. I like to use sites like Amazon and eBay to buy things like books, computer accessories, etc. If you're shopping online, remember to Google to check if there are and promo codes for the site you're shopping at.
-Getting my multi-media for "free". Yeah, it's bad, I know. However, if I had to pay for all the movies I watch, music and programs I had, that would be a shit load of money.
-Having a regular cell phone. Yep. I have a regular phone with 500 mins and 400 texts. No fancy texting or smart phone with expensive data plans.
"A dollar saved is two dollars earned"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)