Empathy

Testicles

Beans clearly wants his back. And if that's not doable, he'll settle for the removal of his "e.collar" ("e" for Elizabethan). Did I mention that his collar is clear?!

If You Want Something Done...

Do it yourself! I buy myself flowers from the farmer's market every week. Beans accompanies me on these unusually long walks. This past week: Ranunculus with two anemone stems.

Scoot Over

I sold my bed via Craigslist to a nice girl moving from Arizona. She came by to pick it up this morning--leaving me with no place to sleep until my new bed, my new QUEEN-sized bed arrives this coming Saturday. In the meantime, I plan to bunk with Beans. I wonder if he'd mind.

Man

Beans lifted his leg and marked two trees this past Wednesday. He's a man! Well, at least until next Tuesday. That's when I'm taking him to the V-E-T...

Unwell

Believe it or not, this bear (yes, that's what "it" is), always cheers me up when I'm down. Nasty tidbit: Fuzzie's been a part of my family since 1986, yet she's never been washed. The manfriend sometimes refers to her as a fomite. Oh no...

Fragile

Down

Marie Antoinette

I'd read Antonia Fraser's biography, but I'd never had the opportunity to watch the movie until now. (Surprising, as I adore everything Sofia Coppola.) Wasn't too fond of the movie's pacing, but the visuals were undeniably delectable. Color palette inspired by Laduree macarons. Genius.

Aftermath

Hosted a surprise birthday party for a friend this past weekend. I didn't do any of the cooking. That said, the event went well--I think. But everyone just left and I'm feeling kinda' lonely amidst the mess of paper plates and semi-empty serving dishes. The manfriend's at his place as he's been on house call for SF County Hospital all week. Luckily I have Beans.

Pictured: Pammy and I sounding like The Chipmunks after sucking helium from Dai's b-day balloons.

Dim Sum Girl

My goodness.

Babble

Twas a gorgeous day in the bay. Don't have too much to say.
- Dined at Google with a former colleague. Enjoyed the homemade pumpkin-pie ice-cream.
- Found out that my neighbor's old (as in age) yorkie, Sammy, passed away while I was away in Taipei. Sadness.
- Amused by the chinese take-out delivery man. He makes deliveries on a cute red bike, yet he always looks a tad grouchy.
- Looking forward to checking out the new Vivienne Westwood exhibition at the de Young on Sunday.

Look!

I have an eye boogie...

Flare Impaired

I have a friend who's "flare impaired." She just can't flare.

This doodle. I know it looks creepy. Kind of "Ring"-esque, huh? Well, It's supposed to be a doodle of her holding up coffee stirrers functioning as makeshift "flares"...

Ruff Life

Poor puppy is going to lose his manhood soon. As if that isn't bad enough, he's going to have to wear a cone...

Lightbulb Moment

"Ding!" Those of you who either follow my blog or know me well are aware that a little over a year ago, I cofounded a company called "Peephole" with my best friend, Pammy. This past Thursday, Pammy and I finally decided on a name for our random-goods venture. Drum-roll please...

FLARING NOSTRILS!!!

So what do y'all think? Cute? Nasty? Huh?! Well, for what it' worth, my little brother is loving the name, and he cannot wait to get his hands on samples of our "random-goods," which to name a few, will include tees, undies, greetings cards, tote bags, and plush toys. And ooh, this past weekend, I went ahead and bought the oh-so-in-demand trademark "flaring nostrils" along with the url www.flaringnostrils.com. Nothing's up yet, but y'all just wait...

Ooh-La-La

The manfriend and I celebrated our one-year anniversary last night. (A record for the manfriend as ladies tend to leave him within months of courtship for they are unable to assimilate to his manic work schedule.) We had dinner at Bacar, a neighborhood restaurant-wine salon which I've been dying to try since moving to the area. The place has got great ambience. Soft-lighting in a loft-setting. And what makes the place most appealing is the fact that you are just as likely to find folks in jeans and a sweatshirt dining there as you are likely to find a dude in a tux dining there. So what did I wear? Jeans. Though I should point out that I paired my denim with some fierce footwear. Glossy black Louboutins!

Despite the numerous choices on the menu, I ended up ordering a pizza. I couldn't resist. They're of the brick-oven variety...

Pictured: Pammy trying to "up" her flare. Me in shock. (Despite my fascination with flaring nostrils, I'm actually kind of scared of them.)

Two Pair

I've been waitlisted at Berkeley...

Flaring Nostrils

I have a fear of flaring nostrils. Yet Beans likes to flare his all the time. As does Pammy. To music!
It's Friday. YAYS!

Acceptance

I'VE BEEN OFFERED ADMISSIONS TO UCLA ANDERSON!!!
This bonafide valleygirl may like, totally be returning to the valley...
And on an equally exciting note, Jen has matched with the University of Pennsylvania!!!
Today's been yummy.

Chewy Boogers

Felt like throwing out a strange word combo as the title for today's blog-entry. That's all. After all, who's boogers are chewy? Not mine. Yes, you have me. I would know as there wasn't too much to do back in grade-school other than consume one's boogies. As if!!! Gosh, I soooo, was not *that kid* who's finger(s) was/were permanently shoved up his/her nostril(s). I did, however, find the act of nose-picking fascinating. Dig-dig-dig! Find any gold? Okay. Don't touch me with that tainted finger. Eew. I think I'm grossing myself out. Linda Baldwin, please don't read this.

Nothing much going on. Today's a big day for my cardiologist in-training cousin, Jen. It's her "Match Day." An hour from now, she will have found out where she will be spending the next three years as a resident. Will it be the Brigham? Or perhaps Penn? UTSouthwestern? Cedar Sinai? Or *gasp*... will she remain at Duke?!

To be continued...

Stupig

Happy Birthday, Stupig! (That's short for "Stupid Pig." You know who you are.)

(Crap Blogger. Still unable to post images.)

Pretty Please

Was interviewed for UCLA Anderson earlier today, and I think it went rather well despite the fact that my stomach was flip-flopping rather crazily minutes before "Patricio" (my interviewer) stepped into his office lobby to greet me. Was really worried that my brain would shut-down out of nervousness. It does that sometimes.

Admissions results to be announced on March 29th.
Linda Baldwin, let me in!
Puhpuhpuh-please? With a cherry on top...

(Dammit. Have been trying to upload today's doodle without success. Will try Blogger again tomorrow morning.)

Smooth Operator

Raped kissed by the puppy.

Who's The Boss?

Have you ever seen Beans picking-up his own caca? Yeah. Didn't think so.

Yada, Yada, Yada

Moving into a new office space means I've got to start packing. But packing for Milpitas, California just isn't the same as packing for "Pair-ree" (Paris)! Gosh. My trip is still months away, yet the mere thought of going away to France gets me all worked up. Am really looking forward to some quality people watching as I sit at a street-side cafe whilst drinking a cup of coffee and smoking a... macaroon? *sigh* I don't smoke. Macaroons (flavored hazelnut, pistachio and raspberry) will have to do.

Boing!

I dread the catch-up game. What with jet-lag and all, I'm feeling awfully sluggish. Grr. Must get some bounce back in my step. Like this bunny.

Ooh. While back in Taipei, I was able to catch up on some quality reading. Cheah-right! My favorite publication back in Taipei is the infamous "Yi Zhou Kan" -- Taiwan's answer to our "Us Weekly." Creepy thing is, some of my former classmates from middle-school and/or high-school seem to have made their way into the gossip columns. Ooh... there's nothing I love more than a good scandal... so long that it doesn't involve me!

Love-Love-Love

"Going to the chapel, and we're... Gonna' get ma-a-a-rried..." Another blast from the past photo for your viewing pleasure. Or at very least my viewing pleasure. Parents at their reception. Awwwwww...

Mommy

While back in Taipei, I dug up this photo of my ma during her college years. Smashing... I think.

Reunion

Am back in the Bay with the manfriend and Beans. Beans has gotten huuuuge!

Past nine days spent in Taipei were good. Spent quality-time with my uber-cute, overly-caring ma and pa... spent time with old friends. Will share stories with y'all as soon as I get some sleep. So tired...

The Art of Packing

Asked my mom what she'd like for me to bring back to Taipei, and it just occurred to me that every item on her want-list can be purchased from Costco. Hehe. I guess the love for Costco runs in the fam. Anyhow, he want-list reads like a mini pharmacy inventory. Centrum and glucosimine for her, selenium, vitamin-E, and fish-oil for my dad, chewable vitamin-C for my grams, almonds for grams, and chocolates for Uncle Lee. Right. Well, I'm looking forward to spending my evening packing all these goodies along with my clothes into my teeny-tiny suitcase. Those who know me well know that packing is an enjoyment to me. (Unpacking? No. Packing? Yes!) I take huge pleasure in being able to pack as efficiently and lightly as possible when traveling. That said, no matter the length of time I am away for, I rarely travel with a suitcase larger than one that is international carry-on sized... Ooh, I'm so excited to go home and pack. Yes. I am sick.

Downer

This morning I awoke to find an email from a high-school friend, Maria, informing me that another high-school friend, Uma, had recently suffered a brain aneurysm burst. According to friends at her bedside, she's been in the ICU in New York City for nearly a month now. She was in a coma for a while and suffered a minor stroke last week (a common complication of aneurysms), but everyday since last Tuesday, Uma has been progressing in the right direction, and she has become more and more alert daily. Uma's close friends have been at her beside for the past month as has her fiance, John.

For all Uma-related updates: www.myyearofnewthings.blogspot.com

I was extremely shocked and am saddened by the news, as Uma has always been nothing short of kind, intelligent, generous, fun-loving. An all-around gem-of-a person. Am going to pray for Uma's continued recovery, as she has a long road ahead of her and will continue to hope and pray that she regain her memories and ability to speak.

Life is complicated. A reminder to all that nothing is to be taken for granted...

Giddy

The manfriend recently received notice that two of his i-have-no-idea-what-he's-writing-about medical papers are being published! And yours truly just received an invite to interview for admissions to UCLA Anderson! *teehee*

Step By Step...

"Ooh bay-bee... Gotta get to you gir-irrrrrl." (A lil' New Kids for y'all.) Made hotel arrangements for my trip to Paris. An arm and a leg, I tell you. And now for airfare... ouch!

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho...

It's off to home I go... Leaving for Taipei this Thursday. Beans will be left in the care of the manfriend for an entire week. Uh-oh...

Fleeting

My tulips are dying.

Pooped

The manfriend, Beans and I took full advantage of the g-g-g-gorgeous weather in the bay today. Took the convertible out for a spin and had ourselves some yummy ice-cream (vanilla for him, strawberry for me) in Sausalito. Beans didn't get any, but he didn't seem to mind...

Ooh. Before I forget. Happy Presidents Day! And Happy Chinese New Year!

Miso Classy

The manfriend and I were at Davies Symphony Hall again this past Friday. (The manfriend is a huuuuuge fan of classical music. Me? Not so much.) The headliner: Alexander Barantschik (on the violin). The program: Bach (snore), Mozart (teehee), Shostakovich (wee), Britten (cute), Piazzolla (?). Highlight of the evening (for me, at least) was when the final chamber group featured a musician who busted out an oh-so-sexy ACCORDION! Perched on the very edge of my seat, I was giddy with excitment as I took in the final performance of the evening. The manfriend was saddened by my classlessness. Muahhahahaha.

Pictured: Me bringing sexy-back with my imaginary accordion.

Gravity

Illustration Friday entry. Topic: Gravity.

Flare

Beans says, "Do it. Do it. You know you want to..." Yes. Beans, you know me too well.

My Funny Valentine

I've always been a huge fan of Valentine's Day. That was until I had a Valentine. Great expectations. Way to kill a holiday.

Was feeling kind of blue all morning despite the fact that I knew I'd have (at very least) eye-boogie-bearing Beans as a Valentine. And then it happened! An unexpected delivery of happy tulips and cheesy (in a good way) heart-shaped balloons arrived at my apartment door early-evening. (For me?! Couldn't be!!!) But the flowers and balloons were not the sole source of the joy I was feeling upon letting the delivery man in. Really! The card accompanying the surprise... *that* was the most meaningful part of the surprise. Fist-pump worthy...

He Loves Me...

He loves me not!!!
Whatever... Beans will always love me.

Happy Valentine's Day -- from me to you!

Circle Circle Dot Dot

OMG... this is fantastic.

Save My Ass

A friend of mine who used to work in venture capital brought to my attention the existence of an ingenious company aptly named, SaveMyAss. Described by the founders, Al (of Evite fame) and James (of HotorNot fame) as a flower delivery service / relationship insurance policy, this company could be the answer to the woes of procrastinating men all over...

Hint, hint to the manfriend. I'd like to spend Valentine's Day watching Drew & Hugh in "Music & Lyrics"...

Neat-o

THIS is neat-o!

I See London, I see FRANCE!

Will likely be receiving a bonus next week and with the extra dough I am planning to take my mom to France in May! A bit indulgent? Most def! Pictured: Me pulling up airfare and hotel information off the Internet with Beans as an accomplice.

Guilty Pleasures

1) MTV on Monday nights. "The Hills" and "Dancelife." Crack for the mind...
2) Laughing Cow cheese cubes. I like the random facts imprinted on the interiors of the foil wrappers.
3) Swinging Beans left and right. He seems to enjoy it! My arms touch his pits when I do so though. Eew.

Growing Pains

Beans has developed a serious case of puppy breath. Trying to teach him to breathe through his nostrils rather than through his mouth. Don't think I'm getting through to him.

Eye of the Tiger

Not Ready To Make Nice

The Dixie Chicks swept the Grammys with their "Taking the Long Way" album. They're "not ready to make nice." Yes, well. Me neither. I'm neither ready to make nice with intense cardio exercise nor food in small-portions. Doodle of me spooning Nutella whilst listening to John Legend's sultry serenade. It doesn't get better than this.

Supermodel, Work

Beans has developed a fondness for my Mac's Photo Booth feature! Unfortunately, he's also developed a taste for toilet water. Aaargh!

Ugly Cute

My dear cousin, Cindy and I share a love for things/beings that are so ugly that they're cute. Today she sent me the following link accompanied by the message, "He is so ugly, but im intrigued and in love."

Check this little guy out! He's a gremlin!!! :)

Sooper

Congrats to my friend Dai for helping plan the Asia Business Conference that took place at Berkeley earlier today. This year's conference theme was "Reflections on Asia: Growth and Sustainability." Hard-core topics to tackle for a Saturday morning.

The keynote speakers and panelists enlisted had much to share. I, however, only managed to retain a single piece of useless information. Did you know that about 1/3 of the total Chinese population do not possess the good habit of brushing their teeth, while 57% of people living in rural areas do not brush teeth at all? (Stat courtesy of Booz Allen Hamilton's Dr. Tse.) V.disturbing.

P.S. I've posted a scan of a page of notes taken during the conference. Doodles included. God knows how I got through college.