Mood: Super Junior M - Me
Weather: Cloudy and rainy, but perhaps a chance of sun later.
This semester sure is beginning on an odd footing. Time feels so......off. If that's possible. haha. What happened just days ago, like making shau mai, feels like happened a week ago. Anyway, since watching "Red Cliff," I'm full force back into my Chinese arts mode! Originally was planning on going downtown tonight, but with the weather, I think I'll just chill at home and go on a Chinese movie roll. You can never get too much of Takeshi Kaneshiro and his hotness. And perhaps pick up some Chinese poetry. And make some sushi! Will take pictures this time! ;)
One of the things I've always wanted to accomplish is to memorize all 300 poems in the Book of 300 Tang Poems (唐詩三百首). Some of the best poetry in the world that is definitely underappreciated and misunderstood in Western culture.
Will edit with pictures later.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
赤壁
某一天坐著車，經過Dobie Mall, 看到了"Red Cliff" 這兩個字在播映的電影版上。看了看，覺得這個片名好耳熟喔。後來回家想一想，才驚覺到那就是英文翻譯"赤壁"! 一發現就有馬上要去看的衝動，不過直到今天才有機會看。
電影剛開始播放時，覺得有點怪怪的，因為開場的時候是用英文在敘說故事，而不是中文。不過還好後來演員們的對白都是用中文的。可是，梁朝偉的口型讓我覺得有點變扭，不曉得是他的配音有點不准還是他是在講廣東話。
吳宇森導演這部電影確實不錯。以後要多多注意著他的作品。起先對這部片的起許不大，只是因為龐大的演員陣容和製作費吸引。不過，從故事的編排，拍攝手法，到CG，覺得很多地方實力不凡。尤其是那些船的CG，真的會讓人覺得很震撼，完全感受到曹操的彭大軍力。唯一一點我覺得不喜歡是曹操打仗的動機。不曉得是不是和歷史輔合，不過真的，那理由實在是俗到不行! 話說回來，歷史上也有不少例子，什麼難題都克服了，就是美人這關過不了。所以我們才會是人嘛，而不是神。
我最喜歡的兩個片段是諸葛亮用烏龜陣和草船借箭的兵法。金城武演孔明，把整個角色詮釋的很靈活，可以看出孔明的幽默和冷靜。實在太帥啦! 梁朝偉呢，我很喜歡他那句台詞"這場仗，沒有真正的贏家。" 看到了兩方犧牲那麼多人，對這句話感同身受。至於林志玲的演出，沒有我想像的那麼差，不過還待更進步。
電影剛開始播放時，覺得有點怪怪的，因為開場的時候是用英文在敘說故事，而不是中文。不過還好後來演員們的對白都是用中文的。可是，梁朝偉的口型讓我覺得有點變扭，不曉得是他的配音有點不准還是他是在講廣東話。
吳宇森導演這部電影確實不錯。以後要多多注意著他的作品。起先對這部片的起許不大，只是因為龐大的演員陣容和製作費吸引。不過，從故事的編排，拍攝手法，到CG，覺得很多地方實力不凡。尤其是那些船的CG，真的會讓人覺得很震撼，完全感受到曹操的彭大軍力。唯一一點我覺得不喜歡是曹操打仗的動機。不曉得是不是和歷史輔合，不過真的，那理由實在是俗到不行! 話說回來，歷史上也有不少例子，什麼難題都克服了，就是美人這關過不了。所以我們才會是人嘛，而不是神。
我最喜歡的兩個片段是諸葛亮用烏龜陣和草船借箭的兵法。金城武演孔明，把整個角色詮釋的很靈活，可以看出孔明的幽默和冷靜。實在太帥啦! 梁朝偉呢，我很喜歡他那句台詞"這場仗，沒有真正的贏家。" 看到了兩方犧牲那麼多人，對這句話感同身受。至於林志玲的演出，沒有我想像的那麼差，不過還待更進步。
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Polaroid fun!
heehee. Shout out to Rach for sharing this app for me. It will satisfy my Polaroid obsession till I get a real one in Japan :)
Random pics....
Givenchy Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in Indiscreet Beige
Rating: Product 4/5 - Packaging 5/5
Uses: lip plumping, gloss
Really, reaaaaaally wanted this product after seeing reviews on another blog because of the beautiful color swatches and the claim to have a plumping effect. Costs an arm and a leg ($24.50), but thanks to Sisi, I am able to try it out for free :) This swatch claims to be beige, but for whatever reason, I don't know if my lips are too red or what, it comes out very, very pink/red in person. Here's the break down of my review:
PROS
All in all, if you want to splurge on a good lip product, I'd say this is a good investment. It's expensive, but the tube will definitely last a long time. Gonna try to pick up Rose Taboo or Delectable Brown when I have more money :)
Random pics....
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Rating: Product 4/5 - Packaging 5/5
Uses: lip plumping, gloss
Really, reaaaaaally wanted this product after seeing reviews on another blog because of the beautiful color swatches and the claim to have a plumping effect. Costs an arm and a leg ($24.50), but thanks to Sisi, I am able to try it out for free :) This swatch claims to be beige, but for whatever reason, I don't know if my lips are too red or what, it comes out very, very pink/red in person. Here's the break down of my review:
PROS
- Holds up "ultra shine" claim. You can definitely see the shine when you put it on, and the soft sparkles in it just makes it pop even more.
- Decently long lasting. If you don't eat anything, it will last more than three hours, which I think is pretty amazing for a lip gloss.
- Doesn't sting. I heard that many lip plumping products sting when you put it on; this one doesn't at all.
- Beautiful colors. I only have indiscreet beige, but trying on the other colors at Sephora, they're all gorgeous!
- Soft brush. It's a really nice lip brush pencil instead of the usual foam tips, which I like. Although sometimes if you're not careful you do get too much product.
- Minimal plumping effect. The first time I tried it, I didn't see much of a plumping effect; it just made my lips pop out because of the brightness and shine of the color. However, after a few uses, I think it does have a very slight plumping effect when I carefully outline it all around my lips. But it definitely won't give me Angelina Jolie-esque lips.
- Slightly sticky and thick texture. Don't think this is really a con, but it might bother some.
- Price. Of course, probably 50% of the $24.50 that you pay is for the brand.
All in all, if you want to splurge on a good lip product, I'd say this is a good investment. It's expensive, but the tube will definitely last a long time. Gonna try to pick up Rose Taboo or Delectable Brown when I have more money :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Wrinkle in Time
So if you haven't noticed, a majority of the past posts have been pretty out of order. That's because lately I haven't had the discipline to sit down and just blog - I'm always in the middle of doing something when I have a sudden inspiration for a blog post. I then jot down the main idea and then keep adding to it until it's done. Like now - I currently have 4 draft posts. haha. And FYI, this post was started January 17th *wink*. I really wish Blogger would just post it as the day that I actually started it. Oh well. Not everything in life is perfect.
Today I came home to see Eva (my roomie) studying Chinese vocabulary. It just so happened that her vocabulary list this time was of foods. It had some dim sum dishes, and then I made the comment that the only Cantonese words I know are from dim sum. One remark led to another, and then I found myself driving to Hong Kong Supermarket and buying ingredients to make shau mai. hahaha.
Was too busy prepping the food and then making it to take many pictures :( I should make that my New Year's resolution....get better about capturing the moment through pictures. But the food turned out yummy (thank god or I would've been pissed!) and it sure was a fun night!
Today I came home to see Eva (my roomie) studying Chinese vocabulary. It just so happened that her vocabulary list this time was of foods. It had some dim sum dishes, and then I made the comment that the only Cantonese words I know are from dim sum. One remark led to another, and then I found myself driving to Hong Kong Supermarket and buying ingredients to make shau mai. hahaha.
Was too busy prepping the food and then making it to take many pictures :( I should make that my New Year's resolution....get better about capturing the moment through pictures. But the food turned out yummy (thank god or I would've been pissed!) and it sure was a fun night!
damn. Mine looked ugly because I didn't have a pea in the middle! poo.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Hana Yori Dango // Meteor Garden // Boys Over Flowers
So, I'm currently in the midst of watching Boys Over Flowers, the Korean version and fourth remake of the same manga. Seriously, is this manga that good? So good to the point where it seems like every Asian country needs its own F4 and interpretation of the drama? I ono, the actual storyline is still a bit bleh to me.
So, since sadly, I've seen all three of these, I just wanted to share some thoughts about it. It's very hard for me to decide which one I like better, the Japanese or Korean version. I really, really like the casting of the Japanese one and overall, just really enjoyed the drama- much better than Meteor Garden (Taiwanese version). It was fast-paced, short and sweet. Have yet to watch the sequel and movie though. But this Korean version definitely wasn't a big disappointment. Honestly, going into it, I just felt obligated to watch it because it was so popular, but I also wanted to see what all the hype was about and whether or not it was worth all the attention. At first it was just meh, ok, then this is gonna happen again and blah blah, but then I got really into it! Finished like 12 episodes in 3 days.
In this Korean version, Lee Min-ho totally steals the spotlight. I really didn't expect so much goodness from him, acting and looks wise. He deserves the newcomer award that he won, but looking him up on dramawiki, he isn't as newb as I thought. He's been around for a while, just hasn't had his big break till now. He's definitely my favorite character in the drama because of his acting and the best Domyouji or whatever you want to call him out of all the versions. Jun-san to me still lacks a bit in the looks department - too short and mousey looking. He also doesn't do the romance scenes as well, methinks. Jang-di (Goo Hye-sun) is mediocre in all of this, I think. My ears hurt after watching this drama because of her; it seems like all she can do is yell in a really loud and annoying voice. I'll have to see how her next drama project is though to get a more accurate sense of her acting. And Kim Bum is pretty good to; although I still think that the Japanese version of his character is cuter :D
So out of all three remakes I've seen so far, it's a tie between the Japanese and Korean one. If you can't tell, I don't care for the Taiwanese one at all. lol. It was the first drama for all the F4 people, which made it unbearable to watch, and only Rui was cute. Also, it was one of the director's first dramas; I can't say that he did a bad job of casting though because I think all the people in his dramas have grown to become pretty good actors. And Black and White? That is definitely the most well filmed Taiwanese drama to date. So anyways, that's my rant on this drama.
So, since sadly, I've seen all three of these, I just wanted to share some thoughts about it. It's very hard for me to decide which one I like better, the Japanese or Korean version. I really, really like the casting of the Japanese one and overall, just really enjoyed the drama- much better than Meteor Garden (Taiwanese version). It was fast-paced, short and sweet. Have yet to watch the sequel and movie though. But this Korean version definitely wasn't a big disappointment. Honestly, going into it, I just felt obligated to watch it because it was so popular, but I also wanted to see what all the hype was about and whether or not it was worth all the attention. At first it was just meh, ok, then this is gonna happen again and blah blah, but then I got really into it! Finished like 12 episodes in 3 days.
In this Korean version, Lee Min-ho totally steals the spotlight. I really didn't expect so much goodness from him, acting and looks wise. He deserves the newcomer award that he won, but looking him up on dramawiki, he isn't as newb as I thought. He's been around for a while, just hasn't had his big break till now. He's definitely my favorite character in the drama because of his acting and the best Domyouji or whatever you want to call him out of all the versions. Jun-san to me still lacks a bit in the looks department - too short and mousey looking. He also doesn't do the romance scenes as well, methinks. Jang-di (Goo Hye-sun) is mediocre in all of this, I think. My ears hurt after watching this drama because of her; it seems like all she can do is yell in a really loud and annoying voice. I'll have to see how her next drama project is though to get a more accurate sense of her acting. And Kim Bum is pretty good to; although I still think that the Japanese version of his character is cuter :D
So out of all three remakes I've seen so far, it's a tie between the Japanese and Korean one. If you can't tell, I don't care for the Taiwanese one at all. lol. It was the first drama for all the F4 people, which made it unbearable to watch, and only Rui was cute. Also, it was one of the director's first dramas; I can't say that he did a bad job of casting though because I think all the people in his dramas have grown to become pretty good actors. And Black and White? That is definitely the most well filmed Taiwanese drama to date. So anyways, that's my rant on this drama.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Second day of school
Mood: Khalil Fong 方大同 - Play (玩樂)
Weather: Cloudy and warm.
So I thought that I'd have an easy semester, but that's seeming to be wishful thinking. The MIS elective that I chose (IT Investment Risks and Returns) will definitely be a useful and interesting class, but lots of work. The material is so exciting though! A blend of finance and IT and consulting. Then, Japanese has moved to the +/- system, and we have to get a friggin' 95 or above to get an A! Ridiculous. On top of that, she's added three new "projects" that we must do that are each pretty difficult. Hopefully with all this pushing and shoving at least my Japanese will improve. lol.
On the whim I dropped by Toy Joy today and got two wonderful new playthings! hahaha. A Hello Kitty stamp set and water bottle. ^_^ Was debating whether or not to get the coloring book, but decided that the stamp set overrides it. Maybe next time! Now for some real fun.
Weather: Cloudy and warm.
Jacket: F21
Top: Old Navy (Only cost $1.74! Has convertible sleeves, too. My new favorite top :))
Bottom: Guess Jeans
Accessory: Necklace from Taiwan night market, Hat from The Limited
Bottom: Guess Jeans
Accessory: Necklace from Taiwan night market, Hat from The Limited
So I thought that I'd have an easy semester, but that's seeming to be wishful thinking. The MIS elective that I chose (IT Investment Risks and Returns) will definitely be a useful and interesting class, but lots of work. The material is so exciting though! A blend of finance and IT and consulting. Then, Japanese has moved to the +/- system, and we have to get a friggin' 95 or above to get an A! Ridiculous. On top of that, she's added three new "projects" that we must do that are each pretty difficult. Hopefully with all this pushing and shoving at least my Japanese will improve. lol.
On the whim I dropped by Toy Joy today and got two wonderful new playthings! hahaha. A Hello Kitty stamp set and water bottle. ^_^ Was debating whether or not to get the coloring book, but decided that the stamp set overrides it. Maybe next time! Now for some real fun.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Rating: Product - 5/5 - Packaging 3/5
Uses: Acts as a toner/moisturizer.
I was first introduced to this when a really nice and enthusiastic miss who works at the Shiseido counter gave me a full makeover. She put this all over my face and it felt really, really nice. However, it is $56 for 4.2 oz (approximately $13.33 per ounce), which was way out of my budget for skincare items. So I got other stuff instead, but still desperately needed a moisturizer. I then talked to Jen about it and she says that her aunt swears by this stuff, saying that it saves you money in the long run because you use less of your moisturizer. And honestly, after almost a month after using it, I've got to say that this is probably the most sound makeup investment decisions I've made. Before, my skin was flaky (you could peel off the dead skin) and now it's nice and smooth. And since I haven't found THE moisturizer yet, this is basically all that I use. 3-4 drops on cotton pads and you're good to go for the winter. I'm guessing this jar will last around 8 months to use up.
One complaint - the packaging isn't the greatest. It's easily tipped over because of the rectangle shape of the bottle, and the container is made of glass. The glass is thick enough though that it shouldn't easily crack or anything. Also the bottle topper is kind of ridiculous. But I do like the hole that the product goes through; the size is just right.
All in all, something that you can't pass on if you're into the Shiseido brand.
Will Chocolate Truffles Fall?
Mood: Clazziquai - Chocolate Truffles
Weather: Cloudy with rain
Hey, sun's setting down
get ready for a delicious dream
Close your eyes
I'll put magic spells
those comfy cotton candy like clouds
and teddy bears, look out the window
Since chocolate truffles fall
Real chocolate truffles fall
Hey, sun's setting down
get ready for a delicious dream
rose gardens and jelly trees
with a stream of caramel flowing
what a beautiful scenery
it probably all feels like a dream
Baby, trust me really happening to you
that sweet scent
is so heavy
Since chocolate truffles fall
As you say, there
Real chocolate truffles fall
Chocolate truffles are falling down
- Credits: ravitie@soompi forums
Another rain post...I love the rain. I love it even more now that I have rain boots to splash in puddles with! hehe. They're lovely. And what if chocolate truffles fall from the sky? That's infinitely better than that movie-what is it-Cloudy Day of Meatballs or something? Although I didn't get many gifts, I must say, I got many gifts that I really like this Christmas. It was quite profitable. hahaha. Got ma rain boots, really cute lambie slippers, Givenchy lip plumper, a hair straightener, a cool belt, a Hello Kitty sticker book..... I <3 Christmas :)
Oh, and the créme de la créme:
100 packs of Sugar in the Raw, for my random coffee and tea moods. Doing the math, that only amounts to 16.67 cups of coffee or tea. heeheeeheeeeeeeee.
.....And I have no clue why this post turned into a post about Christmas, more than half a month after the fact. I originally was going to post about Clazziquai. haha.
CLAZZIQUAI
The name comes from a fusion of classical, jazz, and something else I don't remember. I've really enjoyed their music since their first album days and before they made it big with "Be My Love." Alex's voice is to die for. Watching him on "We Just Got Married" just solidifies the fact that I want to marry him. haha.
.....ok maybe not exactly, but you get the point ;) And Horan, the female vocalist, wow. She definitely blew me away with the song "Anxious Love." I also just love their quirky lyrics; they pick random themes and do not always sing about love, which is refreshing. One day, I tell you, one day, I will make chocolate truffles fall from the sky.
Weather: Cloudy with rain
Hey, sun's setting down
get ready for a delicious dream
Close your eyes
I'll put magic spells
those comfy cotton candy like clouds
and teddy bears, look out the window
Since chocolate truffles fall
Real chocolate truffles fall
Hey, sun's setting down
get ready for a delicious dream
rose gardens and jelly trees
with a stream of caramel flowing
what a beautiful scenery
it probably all feels like a dream
Baby, trust me really happening to you
that sweet scent
is so heavy
Since chocolate truffles fall
As you say, there
Real chocolate truffles fall
Chocolate truffles are falling down
- Credits: ravitie@soompi forums
Another rain post...I love the rain. I love it even more now that I have rain boots to splash in puddles with! hehe. They're lovely. And what if chocolate truffles fall from the sky? That's infinitely better than that movie-what is it-Cloudy Day of Meatballs or something? Although I didn't get many gifts, I must say, I got many gifts that I really like this Christmas. It was quite profitable. hahaha. Got ma rain boots, really cute lambie slippers, Givenchy lip plumper, a hair straightener, a cool belt, a Hello Kitty sticker book..... I <3 Christmas :)
Oh, and the créme de la créme:
100 packs of Sugar in the Raw, for my random coffee and tea moods. Doing the math, that only amounts to 16.67 cups of coffee or tea. heeheeeheeeeeeeee.
.....And I have no clue why this post turned into a post about Christmas, more than half a month after the fact. I originally was going to post about Clazziquai. haha.
CLAZZIQUAI
The name comes from a fusion of classical, jazz, and something else I don't remember. I've really enjoyed their music since their first album days and before they made it big with "Be My Love." Alex's voice is to die for. Watching him on "We Just Got Married" just solidifies the fact that I want to marry him. haha.
.....ok maybe not exactly, but you get the point ;) And Horan, the female vocalist, wow. She definitely blew me away with the song "Anxious Love." I also just love their quirky lyrics; they pick random themes and do not always sing about love, which is refreshing. One day, I tell you, one day, I will make chocolate truffles fall from the sky.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Knowledge
Seriously, why do you need to go to school when you have MLIA?
"Today I was watching Harry Potter 1, and it finally dawned on me. Diagon Alley. Diagonally. Knockturn Alley, Nocturnally.. Took me 10 years to realize this." - MLIA
"I read on MLIA that you can lengthen a paper by changing all the punctuation to size 14 from a 12. I tried this on a really long paper I had to do for a class. It made my paper at least a page longer. I will now continue to do this throughout college. I knew that reading these stories would pay off one day. Thanks MLIA." - MLIA
"Today, I realized the word bed actually looks like a bed" - MLIA
I <3 work :)
"Today I was watching Harry Potter 1, and it finally dawned on me. Diagon Alley. Diagonally. Knockturn Alley, Nocturnally.. Took me 10 years to realize this." - MLIA
"I read on MLIA that you can lengthen a paper by changing all the punctuation to size 14 from a 12. I tried this on a really long paper I had to do for a class. It made my paper at least a page longer. I will now continue to do this throughout college. I knew that reading these stories would pay off one day. Thanks MLIA." - MLIA
"Today, I realized the word bed actually looks like a bed" - MLIA
I <3 work :)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Kisses
Just had an epiphany.
"Today I realized a Hershey's Kiss is a giant chocolate chip." - MLIA
Wow. I'm blown away. Seriously! Cheers to a Kiss!
"Today I realized a Hershey's Kiss is a giant chocolate chip." - MLIA
Wow. I'm blown away. Seriously! Cheers to a Kiss!
A Pudgy Day
Word of the day: pudgy.
Just us being "pudgy," as Julie's mom puts it. Quite fitting, I believe. Because we did indeed have a pudgy day of idleness :) It was great! And having Amy's ice cream when it's like 40 degrees outside? Even better.
Just us being "pudgy," as Julie's mom puts it. Quite fitting, I believe. Because we did indeed have a pudgy day of idleness :) It was great! And having Amy's ice cream when it's like 40 degrees outside? Even better.
Demonstration of how to be pudgy.
The newest member of the family: -- (Just realized we don't have a name for it yet. lol. Suggestions?)
My eyes! jk jk. I know, I have awesome taste :D
Be on the look out for a 22-year old Chinese female walking around the Austin area in a bling bling purple beret. Please comment if you see her around town! She'd be wonderfully embarrassed.
Them Girls
Hanging out with some cool chicks 'round the block. Ok maybe not.....'round the highway? lol. It feels so nice to go out on a nice date with old friends. Definitely one of the things I enjoy most about break. It's funny because if you ask someone, 99% of them will say that they met their best friends in college and usually only keep in touch with their college friends after graduation. But nope, I met all my bffs in high school. So blessed; I get to hang out with my bffs for an extra four fun years (some even seven because we go back allll the way to middle school. Guess you can call that either lame for sticking in one place for so long or uber cool)! And OMG, the Starbucks around WW changed so much! They replaced the wooden tables and chairs with a carpet and a coffee table surrounded with four large comfy chairs. I should've taken a picture :(
A tres chic pic of J.K
R: "Will we ever have to be separated?"
J: "Only when the heavens touch the earth will we ever be separated."
ahahaha. Such a wonderful drama pic xD Must use it as a promotional poster when I film a drama! If ever. lol.
another winter day
This morning took foreverrrr to float by. Well, at least I finished the latest episode of 星光 and got to watch clips of 趙又廷 and SJM. hahaha. My outfit today.
My boss: Are you sick?
*dies laughing* xD
And no, I'm not sick today either. Though it's mighty cold at 6:56 AM!
F21 Blazer
Scarf from my boss (bought in Australia! ooooooh.)
a white puff sleeve tee
lols, guys and fashion. Picture this. It's summer, in August. I'm wearing a thin and gold summer scarf.Scarf from my boss (bought in Australia! ooooooh.)
a white puff sleeve tee
My boss: Are you sick?
*dies laughing* xD
And no, I'm not sick today either. Though it's mighty cold at 6:56 AM!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wow, another year has gone by. Every year it feels so weird to readjust to the new year because I can't feel any tangible change. I'm still lazy (*laughs*), still fatter than I wish to be, and still addicted to food. And I'll definitely still be writing 2009 on everything for a month or two.
Oh well, at least I have a good start to the new year! My last dinner of 2oo9:
:D Yum yums in my tum tums! I think 2010's gonna be pretty awesome. Just a premonition ;)
Oh well, at least I have a good start to the new year! My last dinner of 2oo9:
:D Yum yums in my tum tums! I think 2010's gonna be pretty awesome. Just a premonition ;)
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