9/24/2008
9/22/2008
Meet a new Tham
I'm a first time mommy and I'm nervous. However, I'm also as thrill and excited as we bring home our newwww little kitty. Hopefully she will soon be comfortable in her new environment and be a happy pussy cat as she can be.
Please welcome... Pipi Tham!
Meowwww! That's me saying Hello! Mommy said I should say something to the 'clan'.
My new mommy just named me Pipi. A few times, daddy calls me Momo. I don't think they make up their mind yet. I'm from Riverside, CA from a good background of Persian parents. My biological mommy is cream color and my biological daddy is light grey. I probably got my dark grey fur from my grandparents but I have never met them. Mommy loves me the first time she saw me... of course, I'm the prettiest of the litter.
As soon as mommy carried me, she took me into a giant four wheel machine. Then, the thing started moving. It was a long one hour and half bumpy ride home... so exhausting! How did they stand it?
Mommy welcomed me into her lovely apartment and made a nice basket with towel lining for me to sleep in. I quickly fell asleep, it was too comfortable. Then I woke up a few hours later to have my munchies, explored the other rooms and went back to sleep. Mommy says I sleep all the time... but that is my favorite hobby!
Ooo.... Daddy has got a nice spot for me to sleep.
Daddy said his right arm is getting numb but I'm tired! Please let me.
Til then, sleep tight! Zzzz
9/19/2008
Wedding Card Design
Style #2: Paisley Card with a Yellow ribbon.
Style #3: Small Monogram on Cream-colored paper
Style #4: Big Monogram on Yellow paper.
We'll see what she pick then!
9/16/2008
Satur-Day Out
It was like a weekend getaway last Saturday. If not, I don't know how to describe it. Everything went my way and it is as if God is agreeing with whatever I want to do.
Couldn't sleep any later that morning. Eventhough it was quiet and peaceful, I tossed and turned only to wake myself up before my usual wake time. Hushby also got up early to accompany me, sitting on the couch collecting some cool morning fresh air. Since we got up early, he suggested that we go get bagels to eat by the beach. It was so early, and I know he only wanted to do it in hope to get a glimpse of the blue whale or a pod of dolphins, usually visible at this time of the year according to the locals.
We got our bagels in no time and drove our way to Dana Point. Other than the fishermans scattered in the Pacific Ocean at such morning hours (it's cold!), all we saw for that couple of hours was flying pelicans and seagulls. Actually, there was a few peculiar finds... a sting ray and a funny looking bright orange fish swimming at probably 3 ft deep visible by the harbor.
My cup of fresh squeezed orange juice with no whale or dolphins in sight on the rather gloomy morning sky.Actually we saw a couple of dolphins when my in-laws and I were swimming by the beach a few weeks ago.
Sorry, there were jet skis. LOL
No, they are not sharks and no, we didn't photoshop this to earn some brownie points for the blog. It is real... we spot at least four or five them swimming across us. They were darker than we thought a dolphin should look like... if you can see it?
I was anxious about mostly the printing part because like every designers know, you can create the design all you want but like every printers, they too have their own limitations. Your design can change entirely based on these limitations such as cost, inks, size etc. So it was really important for me to, first, look for a printer who can work with me and second, find him/her to see samples of papers, inks etc that would at least, allow me to envision what the end product would be.
I did my research online, ask friends and local artist for printers recommendation only to know that the printers I have on hand are printers who do well for business... most of their samples are usually posters, brochures, and all alikes, in which, don't get me wrong, they all look good with the common shiny UV coating finish but not for wedding cards? And since this is no Chinese wedding, no one order at LEAST... 500 pieces of cards?!
I was thrilled with the design I have, hoping it would NOT turn out to be a shiny sheet of paper but was concern about how I would find a place who would print for a small fart designers like me.
To cut the long story short after much research under my belt, I found a place who would do just that - 50 copies, wedding invitation cards with envelopes provided. I called and spoke to the person on the phone, and she reiterated back to me which I knew then and there, she's reading my mind!
"Yes, you can bring your design in. You can use your design and we can print them. We usually print them with CMYK colors, and the prices depends on the quantity of colors, paper, embossing, the envelope..."
"OMG perfect! I'll see you in a couple. Thanks!"
Couldn't be happier. Solve my problem, just a phonecall away. I was back to my usual self.
At 3.15pm, we were up for an appointment with the optometrist who was going to give me a new pair of glasses for Hushby and a new pair of contact lenses for me to try for a week. We both got out of the shop an hour later to find ourselves not walking right because of our sudden difference in vision. With that being said, we went window shopping regardless! It was located in the mall, so who could resist?
Strolling across the Macy's shopping floor, I found good deals everywhere on the sales rack. Nothing interest me. Anyhow, there's two things I really need though - new lighter eyeshadow shades and liquid foundation. My sensitive skin can hardly take anything from off-the-shelves products and because I've been out of the make up world since my wedding, I don't really have any idea what other brands out there is good for my skin, let alone find my own foundation color. Most cosmetic brand will leave traces of pimples on my skin and in fact, all eyeshadows I've ever tried, burn my eyes like pepper spray.
I've tried the brand Lancome in the past but have never thought of it as a good comestic brand in which is the only brand that does NOT burn, breakout or chap my lips. If you think your skin is sensitive, think of mine!
To be on the safe side, I spoke to a Lancome representative at the men's department. I was eager to try one of the lighter shades and was hoping that she would put some on my eyelid and let it sit for at least a day before I decide to buy it. So I asked,
"Hie... erm, I was wondering if you would let me sample one of the eyeshadows because I have really sensitive eyes and if you could let me try it, then I will know"
She looked me discontented, "I'll see what I can do".
She walked away, left me a little puzzled but I thought she might be just getting the brush for my trial.
A few seconds later she came back with a box of eyeshadows, containing four shades. "This is only what I have. You can have this and try it at home. See if it works?"
"This?"
"Yes, this is only what I have"
"Er... ok, thanks!"
HAHAHAHAHAHA
OK THANKS! OK THANK YOU... MUACKS
Disbelief... OH MY GOD... she gave me the whole thing for free??? This could easily cost me $30! But I got it for free... pwah, I didn't even have to try hard. Ka-ching!
*Relax*
Then I went to another Macy's Lancome booth at the ladies department. This time, I went to ask if I can sample an eyeliner and liquid foundation. And (hahaha) nope, this time no free stuff but at least she applied on my face like a real make-up expert, for free. It really makes a difference wearing some true high quality make-up products. I didn't know liquid foundations could feel so smooth and end up not looking cakey. And the black eyeliner, whoa, draws in like a smooth butter cream. I walked away with a beautified face and couldn't be happier (again). This time, I bought the Lancome liquid foundation AND the eyeliner... looking like this!
Forgot to mention, a bright pink lipstick also by Lancome. Lancome I LOVE YOU!!
After that, I went to SAKS Fifth Avenue store and I have to say, I didn't wear anything to impress, so it's obvious I really don't fit in the group of ladies who were shopping there. People were carrying huge branded bags from Coach to Chanel and this lady? A bag bought from Farmers Market! Oh how wonderful.
Eventhough I wasn't dress to the nines, a sales person approached me and asked if I need help with the handbags in the trunk show. Of course, and as usual, I only said "I'm just browsing..." with a smile.
"Well over here, we have Cole Haan, Chanel, Ferragamo and Prada and over the other side, we have more new arrivals of Miu Miu, Coach and Hermes. Let me know if you need anything, I can help you find it".
"Hehe sure..." Whoa, secretly impress with the big names.
Nodding away, embarassed with my up-to-perfection NEW make-up look to my very unmatching outfit for the day - a flimsy striped $10 Target blouse, an unpress pants and a pair of threads-coming-off sandals. I walked around, literally just browsing at my own leisure only to find she was also behind me, tailing my back as if I would ask for her help anytime. Can't she tell I'm not even going to buy it? I saw a few tags with outrageous amounts... it's like sacrificing for your apartment rent kinda bags. Just so you're curious, they are from $495 to a grant!
At the end of the trunk show, she approached me again, this time closer...
"So do you like anything you see? Are you interested in anything?"
"Yes but I won't be getting any"
"Well, we actually have more coming in next week, you should come and see! You could buy our bags with the SAKS card."
"The wha? Sex card?"
"Yeah, haven't you heard of it? Oh, you should get it! When you come back next week, sign a SAKS card up and you'll receive 10% off instantly on the things you purchase! You can also earn points on the card, when you earn up to...."
*SPACE OUT*
"It's a good chance to get more discount for the bags you want to buy in the future"
Wow she really thought I would buy something out of SAKS Fifth Avenue with my half torn shirt and unpressed pants... AND a Farmer's Market handbag.
But I do feel like a queen for a moment... it sure feel like some big shot pretending to be able to afford these luxurious items.
We head home again, this time to dress up for dinner. I put on a polo denim jacket and a faded red scarf for the sudden temperature drop at night.
What a long day we had from waking up too early in the morning. In front of me is downtown of Laguna Beach, where we had Indian food for dinner and then hung out by the beach again. Boring stuff you might think but we love it. I absolutely love feeling the sand on my feet and the sounds of the wave is just soothing - just like any Yanni songs would be to my ears.
What about you? What did you do last weekend?
9/11/2008
Chop and Drop
By now, you should have seen my very newwww picture post up in Facebook. I'm absolutely in love with this new hairstyle... didn't think I could pull it off with my squarish, big face. My curls were getting too heavy on me and they were slowly loosen out as my original straight hair grows.
I could easily still survive with the curly hairstyle for another good month or two but what really prompt me to get a trim (supposedly) was that we got an invitation from Hushby's boss to go to his place for dinner this Friday. I got nervous for a moment... how would I style my worn out look? I always tie it up because it was getting really messy and there's really no way to style it anyway.
I booked an appointment with a hairstylist by a nearby salon, just 2 minute walk from my place. Richard Low is from San Francisco, a 3rd generation Chinese moved here about a decade ago. He was trained by Vidal Sasson and Toni & Guy which I thought to myself, whoa all these big names. I was confident he would know what to do to my crown.
Anyhow, after 4 hours fighting with the muscled man strength as he dyed, pulled and cut... I am transform to a fabulous woman feeling like Forever 21! Not to mention, I walked out of the salon like a wilted vegetable.
3 months ago - My curly hair before it grows out.
That's how I used to style it. Thought it was nice back then.
Here's one of the pictures the hair grows out. As if I've never seen a goat before. Come to think of it, I never touch one before... no wonder I was excited.
And I am transform to:
Didn't realize Richard was cutting it this short although he did say he is going to try to get all the curls out. I still have my curls but I could straighten it out for this look or leave it curly for a Samantha Brown look.
The downside is?
I'm $130 poorer. If not for the 'free haircut with a purchase of highlight' coupon I got, I would have paid $190 for this. Man, and I used to complain how much I paid in St. Cloud... a measly $30 for haircut or just $60 for hair color! This will be the only few times I am getting a haircut. Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy really are some big shots... Oh well, I guess I have to pay for their expertise. It's so worth it!
9/08/2008
What it's like?
I can't even begin to tell you how many times Yew Wai and I received questions like such:
"How's life in California?"
"What do you guys do in the weekend?"
"What are you busy with?"
"What's the weather like? How is it different from Minnesota?"
I thought it's only fair that I jot the answers down. In case anybody ask again, I will cut and paste the answers to the FAQs - if that's ethical? I think pictures would explain better what I see and what I go through here... and maybe some words to assist in explaning.
So far, life in California is quite different in our opinion. As you guys might know, although I was excited, I was not sure about moving down here. The hot weather, the super fit people, the glamz, the culture and the lifestyle... it really is all an issue of getting use to. Just a few months ago, I was enjoying weather in the low 60s and now I'm basking in the hot sun in the 90s. When in Vegas, it was 110! Tell me if this isn't any shock to my fragile full-of-lipids body? I don't mean to dislike the hot weather but sometimes, I really can't take it. I only like the warm weather when I'm under some roof.
Back in Minnesota, life was so mundane, even when we try hard to have fun, it was always difficult to get excited about living there. Fortunately some times passed by with good comapny around but one by one, they move. At times, we would meet Yew Wai's colleague but they are my parent's generation and we have different interest except for food. At times, my sister and I go shopping but there's only one mall. Or we go fishing but it's always either cold or windy outside. So it really IS difficult to be excited and not like I hate Minnesota but it just isn't a place for the both of us.
Even before we got married, we've always talked about getting a home by the beach. We love the sight of the beach, the palm trees, the casual days. The interior of our home has to be white and we have to have our own dog or cat. My bedroom would be filled with seashells on the color of the ocean spread on the bed and curtains, scented with the never stopping sea breeze and lemon sprays.
Ok enough day dreaming.
So when we got here, we immediately thought "perfect habitat!". We found ourselves open doors to the many things we can finally do. Like swimming, running and gardening... which I have to pick up the hobbies and introduce it into my lifestyle again. After so long of inactivity, it was a little challenging for me to get the balls rolling.
For one instance, we can now go scuba diving (after getting our license in the lake, we didn't have a place to go scuba). We can also start surfing or wakeboarding. I can start running again, after leaving that hobby due to cold winter storms and rainy spring and summer season. Hushby has found folks who play soccer in the company. He's ready from head to toe to go play it soon. I can plant herbs without worrying that they'll be hit by a hail storm. I've only seen rain twice in the two months I've been here... even that, it was only some heavy mist. You only need to umbrella for beach shade!
What else have we got ourselves busy with? As of lately, we have been occupied with decorating, adding and subtracting furnitures. We've been going hi-and-low for furnitures that fits the color scheme and the size, and of course, at a certain price range. Otherwise, how would we afford living here, right?
The computer desk that we used to have in St. Cloud broke into pieces, beyond recognition I tell you, during its move from there to here. I loved that $100 table so much, I knew I had to get it back. On the same time, we knew if anything better come across, we would get it too. So we search every furniture store, office furniture store, Ikea, Wal-Mart, Target, Staples, Office Depot... you named it! We covered all, yet couldn't find anything we like or when we do, they are either too large or too expensive.
After so many failed attempts on trying to fall in love with another table, our last resort was to hunt the exact table I deeply missed (as if talking like an ex-boyfriend! Haha). I went online and do my research one weekend. Squealing from the top of my lungs, I found the model! It says out of stock online, so no buying online. I click to see where else carry this computer desk and again, squeal out of joy that an Office Depot branch near our resident carries one. When we went there, it wasn't even on display. Bringing along the printed model name and picture with me, we had to ask the manager for her to find it. She told us that the computer indicated that there is one in stock (for sure) but it may be on its way out back to its manufacturer to be recycled.
Let me tell you the suspense of waiting for moment she'll say they've sent it back!? She came out from the room saying "I can't find it". I was heartbroken but she said she'll try looking for it again since the computer indicate there is one in stock. So she took a big guy with her for help in finding us that desk. They went in, we waited, almost in panicky mode waiting for bad news to announce. Then they stepped out of that dark inventory room with the woman still holding to that piece of paper I printed from home. A few steps before her, came out that big guy with a cart and the box! Oh wow! Is that the desk? "Yes! It was way behind in the room" What a roller coaster ride. No other table would fit in that L-corner we have in the room as perfect as this one! I'll pay $200 if needed! But when she rang is up, the computer desk only cost $30! Double sweetness! Sugar high!
Ok enough of my excitement.
Again, it isn't an everyday thing to find something you like. Good finds are rare and good deals are even rarer. And that's just the beginning of the story of our many good finds after miles and miles put onto the car.
But the miles added are all necessary. Necessary to explore many more discovery of this strange land we now live in. Being people who really enjoy life and appreciating every sights, smells and sounds, unfolding all these good restaurants, supermarkets and even farmer markets are fun to us. What more, all the special festivals held nearby, the fairs, the wonderful world attractions. It gets more and more interesting each time.
So here's to really tell the story:
The drunken chicken, I think soak in tequila if I'm not mistaken. It was really good and a little on the expensive side but then you're paying a view of Laguna Beach and wonderful 90s alternative rock music.
If you're like me, finding good deals on vintage, classic items gives you the ecstasy, you would enjoy dropping by San Clemente for the blocks of used thrifty stores. I love looking out for really vintage side tables, mirrors or even just to get inspiration.
It gotta be some joke we share along the way walking in Dana Point Harbor. The harbor housed many shops and restaurants. Hushby and I love walking down the harbor for the sunset view and the beautiful boats parked by it.
Almost half of the time when we go for walks by the harbor, we would have our dinner/breakfast there. I know eating out is expensive, but given that we had lived in Minnesota for seven years, isn't it forgivable that we have this immense hunger for seafood?
Seriously, it's not my idea to pose by the sculpture at Fashion Island mall. Even though I was not a tourist, I had to reluctantly act like one because mom-in-law wants me in with her. Anyway, I just wanted to show that this is a shopping mall. Weather here is so predictable, and while it never rains or snows, California takes no excuse for you to stay indoor!
The view to Dana Point, just two miles west from our place. We didn't even know we had such a sight until we signed the apartment lease. It took our breath away and still does.
Another mall on the outdoor. Irvine Spectrum.
Merry-go-round at Irvine Spectrum... Joey being disgusting while I'm afraid of heights.
I love my UV protective hat! Here's sister-in-law and I doing some touristy street shopping slash sight seeing activity with bikini ready outfit, so that you are ready anytime to, in my case, fatty-dipping in the cold salty Pacific Ocean. Street shopping can easily take one full day if you're not ready for the many good finds, because it might leave you thinking, should I or shouldn't I? And when you're by the beach, a day is never enough.
The long public access staircase to the ever so beautiful Laguna Beach. It never bore me or maybe not yet? To see sights like this.
I hope I've answered all the questions. If not, drop me more questions and I'll try to answer them with limited vocabs.
9/04/2008
The commotion is over
As soon as I woke up this morning, I felt a strong urge to jot this space more than I'm urge to brush my teeth. I'm embarass how Jessie Jots has been abandon for quite some time. But I promise I will persist to jot from today onwards.
Testing out the cold water at San Clemente.
Four weeks zoomed by so fast. Before you know it, my in-laws just called us that they've arrived KL yesterday. They came to OC on August 10th, just as soon as I got all my furnitures arranged and household chores done. It was a four-week of vacation full of fun activities and many fond memories. I've never been to so many places in one summer. I felt Hushby and I were on a never-ending vacation since North Shore and San Francisco. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing!
Admiring the Spanish influence architecture in Balboa Park, San Diego
A catholic church, looked a little gothic. I love harassing him.
Honestly, I haven't felt more home sick than ever. I grew up in a household of women and one male who squeals and yell all the time. Yes, all the time. I am used to noises of my sisters quarreling if musang is a racoon or racoon is a musang, which I think will never come to a conclusive end. While my mother busy preparing for lunch or dinner with the wok sizzle over the kitchen and her chopping meat like butcher, which to my ears, are as soothing as the birds chirping in the morning. Then, as soon as dad drive into the porch after work, you can hear him yelling "HELLOOooo" even before he key into the door. At night when the ladies had a little too much to talk and a little too much to laugh, dad would yell from upstairs "HEY! Your neighbors need to sleep!" or sometimes, a little harsher "HEY! Conference ah?!"
For many years, I can't point out what I really miss about home but I guess that was it. So for the past four weeks, the once quiet, no activity two-bedroom apartment was suddenly congested with harmonious noise of familiar people chattering in our chinese dialects. One morning I woke up and found myself enjoying the sound of the wok scratching the stove as someone cooks. Then, the long forgotten wonderful aroma of Malaysian home cook food, and the smell of kopi (coffee) in the morning lingered in my Southern California apartment. It was so so cosy and heartwarming.
At first having so many people over was hard to get used to. I got less sleep and not much rest. I've been used to living alone and does everything by myself. So no more the alone time on the computer or no more walking around naked after bath (when I'm in a hurry). I definitely felt quite restricted but soon after I got used to it. Now that they are gone, I'm not used to being alone (pulak!).
Then, a best friend of Hushby also came to visit last weekend. He sent us a message saying he will be arriving in two days time. I didn't even realize how much stress that would add to me or my in-laws who were leaving in four days. And before I had time to react, that added more stress to the already tired body of mine. But because he said his fleet will be discontinuing the route from Singapore to LA due to a problem within Singapore Airlines and how we all know it would probably be his last time visiting LA, we felt more obliged to show him around.
As a pilot with not much time to stay in a place for long, he hadn't been around LA much. I just wish he'd come at a different time. However, even with so much commotion going on, we still manage to catch up at a nearby Mexican restaurant in which he was greatly impressed with its fine dining style but trust me, it's not when you're still clad in your bikini and beach dress. The last time we saw him was on my wedding reception night in July 07 and it was really strange to see a familiar face you once knew from far away, suddenly sitting in front of you in disbelief if he was real (if you get what I mean!). It is as if we associate his face with being in a setting we only used to see him at.
So yeah, it was like Malaysian galore in the American land for a while. Life is so full of surprises. I don't even have time to digest.