2008 Resolutions and Review of 2007

Like most Americans, I make resolutions at the beginning of the years. And like most Americans, I slack off and forget about them. I want 2008 to be different, so I separate the goals into 2 categories: 1) Concrete and measurable goals that I definitely want to achieve by 2008 and 2) abstract/can't be measure goals that I would try the hardest to achieve by 2008 but won't beat myself over the head if I don't. Without further ado, here's the category 1 of 2008 resolutions:

1) Save and invest $ in a taxable account.
-This is a carried over goal from 2006. I accomplished half of the goal in that I did invested in my retirement account but I did not do anything outside of it. In 2008, in addition to continually contribute to 401k, I would invest in a taxable account (leaving money in the money market of a brokerage account doesn't count).

2) Be Stronger
-Since I get bored if I sit on my ass too long, I am usually out doing something active; thus I am in good shape (according to my annual physical exam report). However, I don't feel very strong. In 2008, I would like to get stronger. I hate weight training, but I would need to start doing that to get stronger. In 2008, I would do these types of weight training at least once a week. Goal consider accomplished when I can do one pull up (I can only hang on to the bar for maybe 30 seconds right now).

3) Be More Positive and Grateful
-My solo-trek through the Southeast Asia gave me a lot of confidence and also taught me to be more grateful. However, there are many times this year, especially in the latter part, when I felt quite negative. In 2008, I want to live consciously and when I am down, remind myself to be positive/grateful and not forget what I learned on the trip. To help achieve this goal, I am going to blog about something that makes me happy or feel grateful everyday. Goal consider achieved when I have 366 blogs at the end of 2008. You guys can help me stay on track to achieve this goal! :)

I did not made new year resolutions for 2007 because I was busy dodging terrorist attacks. Looking back, although I can't measure my achievements, I grow up a lot in 2007 and am more comfortable than ever in my own skin.

I hate to repeat the same thing that everyone already said, but it's true, the solo trip is one of the best things I ever done. My parents are very protective of me because I am a girl. Although I am very independent, I always doubt my own common sense and ability to take care of myself because they're always there for me (which I know is a blessing). One of my 2003 goals is to learn Krav-Maga so I can have the confidence that I can protect myself. Although I probably would get beat up if I ever enter a fight, after running around in foreign countries where I don't know anyone nor speak the languages, I am crossing off that goal because now I know I've the common sense to take care of myself in most situations.

Also in 2007, I achieved one of my most illusive goals, I got my PADI License. Considered I can't even swim 25 meters in 2006, me SCUBA diving is more of a fantasy than anything. The closest to diving I can get is wearing a life-jacket when I go snorkeling. However, Los is great at 'nagging' me so I practice swimming every week just so when he 'bugs' me about it, I won't feel like a loser for not doing what I say I would do (I keep my promises!). And thanks to Los and my own gutsy-ness/stupidity, I pass the 200 meters swimming test and got my diving license.

And thanks to various friends, I got exposed to many things in 2007 that further improve my self-confidence and just being happy with the person I've become. I am not as bashful as I used to be, I don't feel self-conscious when I dance, I no longer feel the need to go out on weekend nights just because, and I choose activities because I enjoy them (which sometime mean stay in or just hanging out with friends without help from alcohol).

I have many things I want to achieve and there are so much in life that I still need to experience. Let's all wish for a great 2008!

Happy New Year!

Unexpected Isolation in Your Late 20s

My friend forwarded me this link about people in late 20s find themselves leading solitary and isolated live.

I think this speaks to many of us. Although I feel connected living here (which is one of the main reasons I don't want to move out of L.A.), I am more likely than before to choose stay in over going out, even on weekend nights. Perhaps it's not the same issue, but the situation is the same, my life is more solitary and isolated now than ever.

Do you find yourself in this situation?

I Didn't Cause the Traffic Jam

I am very lucky today. Disneyland was having its holiday firework display when I was driving on the 5 freeway. Since I didn't want to be one of those annoying idiots that created traffic jams in L.A. by going insanely slow due to roadside distractions, I pulled over to the shoulder and watched the firework.

And I took couple pictures to share with you:

Like a Baby

My company shutdown between Christmas and New Year.

I am still recovering from the cold; still coughing. Thus, all I been doing is sleep a lot, being a big baby and let my parents take care of me, watch a lot of videos on youtube (I am grateful for its existence), and hang out with friends.

Life is being good to me :)

Let It Rain! Let It Rain! Let It Rain!

It's raining in L.A. and I love it!

As you all know, I hate rain. I never know how much I hate rain and gloomy weather till I worked in Seattle, when I didn't see the sun for 13 days straight. However, rain in L.A. is cool with me because L.A. rarely rain and when it does, I know the rain will end soon. Other reasons I like rain in L.A. (especially on weekends during winter time) are: 1) Rain is a good excuse to not go out and 2) when I do go out, I have good excuse to wear my leather trench coat.

So, let it rain! Let it rain! Let it rain!

I am Dying and I Can't Hide It

The great thing about being a human is the ability to choose how one present oneself.

If I am sad, I can hide it if I want. If I am stressed, I can hide it if I want. If I am excited, I can hide it (though very hard) if I want. However, when I have a cold and coughing my lung out, I can't hide it no matter how hard I tried.

There's a cold bug going around work since last month, and it finally got me last Thursday. At first, it's just my throat feels a bit uncomfortable. Then I started to cough regularly on Friday. By Saturday and Sunday, I was coughing non-stop and vomited several times because I was coughing too hard and too quickly. It seem dry hot air further aggravate the cough and promote short-fast coughing and vomiting. I was so scare I was going to puke while driving to work and driving home today. I haven't got much sleep either because the cough is waking me up.

Now my throat is hurting, my chest is hurting, even my rib cages hurt. I haven't been this sick since 2004. I hate being sick!

Almay Liquid Eye Liner

Since I've the typical Asian feature (single eyelid with puff-out lower eyelid), when I wear eye makeup, the eye makeup from upper eye lids would smudge onto the lower eyelids and I'd end up with raccoon eyes by the end of the night. This is very annoying, especially for someone low-maintenance like myself.

Through my good friend, I discovered liquid eye liner. Liquid eye liner is awesome. It dries after you put it on and won't smudge. I don't know what brand was my friend's liquid eyeliner and since I was at Rite Aid, I grabbed a bottle of Almay Intense i-Color Play Up Liquid Liner, Black Pearl 023, 0.8 fl oz (2.5 ml) to try at home.

The Almay applicator looks a bit like black toothpick rather than tiny brush. Though it's not pretty, it does the job. However, the liquid liner takes a long time to dry. Furthermore, the liquid liner smudges and wash off as soon as it comes in contact with water. This is a big no-no for me since I get watery eyes whenever the temperature gets too cold. And since it's cold now, I ended up with smudged eye makeup as soon as I go outside.