Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Perspectives



This really helped me put some of the "problems" I face in perspective. I know shit happens in this pretty messed up world, and although I'm (for the most part) unaffected by it all, having lived in the Irvine bubble all of my life, I can still take from this and hopefully improve myself by closing (and locking) my doors to people who are a negative influence in my life. I'm the type of person who'll give anyone the benefit of the doubt regardless of what I hear, but I really need to be smarter about who I claim are my friends. I'm tired of wasting my time being bothered by people and issues that I really don't give a f about, and it's time I grow up.


That being said, I aim to surround myself with, and be influenced by, healthy and intellectual people. I was asked last week whether I want to take the easy way out and go through life with minimal glitches, or challenge myself by not only my environment, but also by people who are smarter than me and will continuously push me to do more. Although the latter sounds painful, in the end, it is the experiences you go through and people you meet who make up the palette illustrating your life.


Until next time,
Lils

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Happy (Semi) Rainy Tuesday!

This weather (just rain already..)


 + Hot Caramel Brulee Latte


+ And Then You by Greg Laswell


+ Midterms = 



Good luck with midterms everyone..


Monday, February 6, 2012

Paying It Forward

One thing that I am forever grateful to my family for (and Keson), is embedding into my brain-chip the trait of consideration. Consideration is important in that it goes farther than other traits such as being constantly being on top of things, being humble, or being motivated, because it directly affects those around us. 


One instance that clearly stands out in my memory is from a trip to the Laguna Beach Holiday Sawdust Festival. It was peak lunch hour and the eating area was very packed. Being the Asian I am, I immediately pounced  once a table opened up (and proceeded to wipe it with my 1,000 napkins). While waiting for Keson to pick up our food, I noticed a elderly man (70yrs or so) standing somewhat far away. He didn't even act as if he were looking for a seat, but many people saw him standing there and then resumed eating/talking. I however, got out of my seat, walked towards him, and offered him our table. Although he was one of those grouchy grandpas and didn't express his gratitude, I didn't care because I wasn't looking for a response. I felt satisfied because I was perfectly capable of standing and eating. Even though a man who witnessed the whole thing said to me "Wow, that was a pretty cool thing you just did", it didn't make me feel any more satisfied about what I did. 


When you do something good for someone, you should never do it for any other reason besides satisfying your own desire to do it. The moment you set yourself up with expectations about what others should do because you did what you did, you'll only feel dissatisfaction. 


Thank you Mommy, for all the times you've taken the least food during a potluck so others will have enough, for all the times you've sacrificed your own itinerary so others will be happy, for all the times you've taught us to not loiter after eating at a restaurant so others can be seated, for all the times you've told us you weren't cold and offered us your jacket instead when we have more arm hair/body fur on one arm than all of yours combined (true story). 


Thank you Daddy, for all the times you've gone out of your way to tell your close friends about a good deal for something that they can all benefit from, and for all the times you've taken the time out of your day to teach me something you've learned from Landmark so I can grow as well.


Thank you Harmony, for all the times you've been more mature than your big sister and for always being considerate to le parents.


Thank you Keson, for all the times you've ran forward just to open a door for someone elderly, for all the times you've offered to give a friend a ride home because he/she doesn't drive and for all the times you've given up your own convenience for someone else's sake.


The examples are to be forever continued because in the end, once you put others before yourself and sacrifice your own wants and desires, only then will your actions spur others to pay it forward.


Until next time,
Lils

Eats & Drinks Happiness

Because sometimes I write boring shit that no one wants to read; and plus, good noms & slurps deserve their own blog: Eats & Drinks Happiness.

Patience

Self-improvement is always good for the soul, and one thing I realized today is that I strongly lack patience. While studying at Starbucks today, there was a businessman sitting with his notepad/blackberry/binder/calendar out and ready to go. He waited for at least an hour for whomever he was scheduled to meet. Yes, there were moments when he would tap his feet, steal a glance or two (or 10) at his watch, check his texts/voicemails, and other subtle signs of impatience; he ultimately maintained his composure and was calm and understanding when the person finally arrived (who apparently went to the wrong Starbucks). 

I have been told countless times (cough Keson) that I need to be more patient, which I would then follow up with a "I know [insert excuse for raging at and cutting off the person driving 2 mph slower than me]". But like every other thing in this world, repetition and scolding can only go so far. In order to really understand, accept, and adopt, you have to realize it yourself. 

My dad often tells me that there's no point in wondering or assuming things about the other party. For instance, if I were the businessman, thoughts such as "Did he forget? He probably forgot. Should I text him (again)?  Should I call him to see what's happening? He's so irresponsible. I've been waiting for an hour and he doesn't even have the decency to give me a call." and the list goes on. You'll never be able to guess what's in the other person's mind nor will it do you any good to assume. 

That being said, I will be trying my hardest to be a patient bear from now on. My only exception: slow ass Prius drivers.

Have a great day,
Lils

Saturday, February 4, 2012

My Attempt At Being Fashionable pt. 1

21st Birthday Shoes! (I can't wait to stab some club creep in the foot with these babies)
by Steve Madden, $60 (orig. ~$110)
Nordstrom Rack, Costa Mesa, CA

Indecision...
by H&M, $14/each
South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA

 First (legit) Makeup Palette & Eyeliner
by Stila, $20 (orig. $40)
Nordstrom Rack, Costa Mesa, CA

Suiting Up
by H&M, $40
South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

A Smarter Planet: World Community Grid

Last quarter, in my Social Analysis of Computerization class, we analyzed the ways in which our culture and lifestyle is increasingly being molded by technology. No, this isn't going to be a spiel about how Facebook has altered the world, since it is only a grain of influence compared to the vast emergence of technologies in these past 2 decades that have forever changed the way we interact with the world.

At an IBM networking event two days ago, I was introduced to the World Community Grid. For those of you who don't know, IBM's goal as a global enterprise is to create a smarter planet and use their technology and resources to make a positive impact to the community. The gist of this software is to utilize surplus computer processing power (aka. unused computer time) by capturing its spare power to create a computing grid that contributes to solving world-wide problems, such as "Help Fight Childhood Cancer", "GO Fight Against Malaria", "Computing for Clean Water", etc. It's absolutely free, and allows us to give back to the world that we take so much from.

Learn more about this technology here

Until next time,
Lils