isparklesbuzz.com

quick update

jen — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:32:00 GMT

since january 2009...

1. weeks away from completion of the mba

2. "graduated" earlier this summer

3. a got married

4. gramps passed away (i really miss him, as he is my closest grandparent)

5. got back in touch with js

6. v got engaged

7. macbook

8. new prospects

9. iphone 3gs

10. lexus

11. upcoming trip overseas

12. m visiting mid-end of the month

13. came up with a business idea but not completely settled on it yet

in other news...

1. i haven't touched my holga or beach cruiser since summer 2008

2. i haven't touched the wii since november 2008

3. i haven't even opened the wii fit since november 2008

not a lot of time on my hands, what can i say? i've been a hermit.

on a quest

jen — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:00 GMT

to take her down on behalf of myself and about another 3 dozen individuals.

it's late, so i'll further explain another time.

2008 in review + 2009 goals

jen — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:55:00 GMT

2008 to-date in review:
1. the mba has taken over my life
2. cabo san lucas, ensenada, vegas
3. 2 laker games, 2 clipper games
4. beach cruiser
5. kayaking
6. lomography
7. revisited the theaters
8. forget what else cause it's too late

2009 goals:
1. counting down the days to my last class EVER in Q3 (umm, that's what i said in undergrad) with a clean streak of straight a's
2. start job searches to make BANK
3. put thought into entrepreneurship
4. $ave more, spend on NEEDS, not wants
5. kick the habit
6. travel overseas ie: hong kong (to visit grams-- i miss her), shanghai and japan (to visit m&r unless they beat me to the punch)
7. organize

preliminary 2010 goals:
1. spend my big 3-0 traveling
2. $ave, $ave, $ave
3. invest when the time is right
4. redecorate
5. charity/volunteer
6. sleep!

goooooooooooooooood night

summer 2008

jen — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 05:50:00 GMT

i've seriously got way too much going on this summer.

i completely forgot...

jen — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:48:00 GMT

that this website existed. guess that's what happens when i'm balancing my health, career, family life (spending time with mommy and daddy + grandfather has been in 'n out of the hospital) and a graduate program. for the most part, my partying days are over.

i'm excited about:
learning
challenges
mini reunions
wedding in sf
some time off
cracking the whip
grandmother visiting
getting out of the office
receiving positive feedback
meeting people on the same boat, so to speak
again, i can't emphasize enough the fact that i can't take too much time off at a time

so far this year, i've done:
wicked
getty villa
americana
laker game
cha cha cha
opened an ira
downtown disney
picking up photography (not of just people)
received my first "a" in the graduate program
universal city walk & hilton (had a run-in with the british bachelor: london calling; see facebook)

to-do list for the rest of this year:
kayak
get a bike
be more frugal
get more sleep
become an expert
start on biologics --scary
go someplace other than ca/nv
retrieve records from 10-12 years ago
maintain an "a" average, no lower than a "b" average
finish reading lipstick jungle amongst the piles of reading every week
bake 1 afternoon at the beach, although my physician wants me to steer clear from exposure to the sun

goodnight

it's march already?!

jen — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:56:00 GMT

i so don't remember blogging that last entry. sign of aging, amnesia, a lot on my plate, all of the above?

started my master's program and i'm liking it. totally eager to learn, broaden my knowledge, brighter future and meeting people.

been studying and staying on top of my game, which means juggling all over again. it's worth it, i just want to get through this while taking better care of myself than when i did during undergrad. i've been wanting to take a beachy islandy vacation somewhere with close proximity to the ocean but i'll have to carefully mapped out weekend getaways. missed my chance on taking long vacations and traveling, but it's ok. i'll hold off for approximately two years and i'll get my chance then.

a few weeks before the program started, i slowly trained myself to NOT go to work on saturdays. it wasn't hard, but it did take some getting used to. less stressed these days when it comes to work, just having to deal with unnecessary drama. i've done nothing but good and helping those who need the help. i'm standing up for myself and others who stand upright with dignity and integrity. i'm aligned with the right crowd, upper management and am ethical. long story short: we're there to make love, not war, whereas some people create war, not love. some people are difficult and i can't wait for her air-headed, slow-can't-multi-task-incompetent-pathetic-full-of-crock fake ass to be terminated. she can't do anything right as a manager (not mine, thank goodness), and i keep beating her to the punch. on top of my game, i am.

since my move, it's a lot quieter, less clutter and allergies, more open space, much more comfortable and better feng shui. my new department is growing very soon so i'm lookin' forward to working with new people coming on board. and god knows when we're moving again because their plan is to move all of us back into one huge building of our own. we currently have a building to ourselves but we've expanded so quickly that we can't find an ideal location to purchase for all of us, so three suites are being leased at another location to house about a third of our whole.

don't know if i mentioned, but we now have commercials on tv and billboard advertisements throughout the la area. ch, represent!

i can't sleep after class. sure i'm tired, but my mind's still racing with all the info, concepts and ideas taken from class. darn, and we're losing an hour this weekend.

gramps is hospitalized again-- don't know if i had mentioned previously that he was hospitalized for nearly 3 months and was discharged about a month ago.

aunt gave 12 of us private suite tickets to the laker game the other week. it was quite the experience.

haven't seen dork since her wedding before she moved out of state. she came home last weekend to visit and we caught up. i took a piece of her with me home. her desk. did a lot of moving, rearranging, and assembling in my study room and bedroom last weekend. in the last month, i've been scoping out decor pieces and collecting stuff to make my space at work and home, my sanctuary.

lovin' my new digicam! will try to do more photoblogging.

February 2008

jen — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:33:00 GMT

a lot of things have been going on and there was an incident at work. right now, i'm just trying to get through the rest of this week. my great aunt passed away earlier this month, so we had a small funeral service this weekend. been filling out apps, photo shoots, taking xrays, getting sized, moved at work and slowly getting adjusted. booked r/t flight to a wedding in the early summer, and figuring out accomodations. tomorrow, 7:30 a.m. appt at the dealer, swapping for a loaner, going to work, take a half hour lunch, probably back to the dealer after a shortened work day (before closing), staples center for vip suite/booth/box tickets to the 7:30 p.m. laker game , a family affair courtesy of an aunt, taking meds and finally knocking out after a long day. damn, no drinks for me tomorrow night.

in the upcoming weeks, filing taxes w/ cpa, small reunion w/ broncos + former professor who's now pregnant, last birthday of the month, start classes, labwork and doctor appointments, appointment for bridesmaids dress shopping.

been stressed out the past few weeks. i should take a vacation since i didn't take it in december.

i got bangs and it looks really mod. i'm NOT used to it! wait a while before i let it down.

time to get ready for bed and read the last half of lipstick jungle til i fall asleep.

Ringing In 2008

jen — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:39:00 GMT

we spent a quaint nye at home with the family. my dad was supposed to spend nye beside my grandfather and i'm glad to announce he was finally discharged from the hospital after more than 2 months! 30 minutes before midnight, dad calls us to let us know he's coming home...yay!

on new years day, we visited my grandfather at his home. i haven't been to his place in years, mostly because there's no need for me to go when he has a caretaker at home, and i usually see him at restaurants for lunch and dinner. it was nice to see that he can finally speak because he can't eat/drink by mouth because he has a g-tube that goes straight into his stomach for nutrition. therefore, his throat was dry and wasn't able to speak when he was hospitalized. i'm so happy to see him recovering and well . it made my new years.

what topped it off was visiting my old neighborhood/home that i grew up in. my parents bought the house back in 1977 for $40k and 31 years later, it's now for sale at more than 10x the price they originally bought it for. anyway, we saw old neighbors, caught up with them and found out through conversation that the owner who purchased the house from us only lived there for a year. the next owner rented it out to several different families. the gate was opened, so we were able to walk onto the property and take peeks here 'n there from the outside. it looks exactly the same, they did some minor things to it. i joked about purchasing it back from the bank (it was repossessed by the last owner) for kicks. my, how quickly those childhood memories flooded back.

i bought myself two watches for christmas/birthday. i received the package today and haven't decided which one of the two to keep. patent leather or mesh?

last night, i ordered a digicam with a gift card given to me by the company. can't wait for it to arrive! i've been thinking about getting a new one for a while, eversince my parents were about to leave for their trip to asia. they took my old one with them, so i was left with none. had i bought it earlier, i would've shelled out a couple of benjamins and had them take the new digicam; good thing i held off on buying the new camera, especially because the company surprised us with these gift cards.

i was doing research online about two months ago one night and found a device i could benefit from. i talked to my physician about it and we recently got an approved referral for them. i went in for a visit to get fitted/sized, so expect to have them in my possession soon!

damn nausea kicked in last night and again tonight...

Happy 2008!

jen — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:16:00 GMT

Happy 2008!

Appointments Work Glug Work

jen — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 06:45:00 GMT

6:40 a.m. A call wakes me up.
9:00 a.m. Appointment at a University.
11:00 a.m. Appointment for my P&O. The owner kept talking and admitted to kissing ass to get tips on the industry/contract with my company.
12:20 p.m. Work.
5:30 p.m. Took my lunch hour with my director, an old and a current colleague. That glug at BJs warmed me up.
6:30 p.m. Back to work.
9:35 p.m. Go home.

Hello. Goodnight.

Missed By Two Blocks

jen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 06:10:00 GMT

whew!!! i was at the far west end of old town pasadena, west of delacey, dropping someone off at banana republic when all of a sudden, some intense undercovers rolled with sirens lookin like they were on a mission. so i stopped at the intersection letting 'em pass since i was the first car anyway. i had to potty, so i drove to ralphs which was across from rusnak pasadena and the norton simon museum. i did my thing and waited for the call to swing by br to pick up again. so east towards arcadia we go...but colorado blvd at fair oaks was blocked off and a lot of bystanders were just observing. hanged a left and hopped on the 210 east to arcadia. sure enough, the story's posted on abc.

being at the right place at the right time sure hit home this time.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=5856999

Local

Man shot in Old Town Pasadena

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

PASADENA -- A man in his 20s was shot in the lower back in Pasadena's Old Town Wednesday night, police said.

The shooting occurred at 7:30 p.m. at 12 E. Colorado Blvd., between Fair Oaks and Raymond Avenues, police and fire officials said.

Two men were reportedly arguing outside a store at 20 E. Colorado Blvd., according to Pasadena police.

One man fired four shots, striking the other man once in the back. No one else was struck.

The victim was taken to a hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

A suspect and a weapon were taken into custody, said Lt. Randell Taylor of the Pasadena Police Department.

The victim's wounds were serious, but not believed to be life-threatening, according to Lisa Derderian of the Pasadena Fire Department.

A television crew on scene doing a story about the cold reported that three gunshots rang out and the victim fell in the middle of the street.

A doctor came over to help while paramedics were on their way.

One bullet hit a window, but no one was in the store, the station reported.

A large number of people were on the street despite the cold.

No motive was known, Taylor said.

Christmas Day

jen — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 19:51:00 GMT

So far it's been a lazy Christmas. Got up at 9:30 a.m. thanks to well-wishing Christmas texts, opened a gift, dyed somebody's hair, watched part of the ABC Walt Disneyworld Christmas Parade, checked emails and purchased two items online. Goodies should arrive just in time for my big day.

For the rest of the day, I'll inload photos from my parents' month-long trip to HK, Canton/Guang Dong and Shanghai, finish Spiderman 3, and Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End, maybe take a drive to see Christmas lights (like we do every year), stop by someplace to pick up a plant or some flowers and visit my beloved gramps at the hospital.

*** Update 9:50 p.m. Ran into an old friend at the hospital as I walked out from visiting Grandpa. I thought he was with San Marino PD, but turns out he switched over to San Gabriel PD, cause he was on patrol. Had dinner at the new Din Tai Fung. Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Hastings Ranch, Pasadena, Altadena, Mendocino Lane Corner Mansion Christmas Display, San Marino, and we finally made it home. DOH...I have to take my meds tonight--Which reminds me, good thing I don't have NYE planned out yet-- I can't drink 24 hours before meds and 24 hours after! ***

Christmas Eve: Costco, lunch with cousins, stopped by the mall and picked up CeFiore, dinner at a neighborhood mom 'n pop restaurant, rented DVDs, watched Knocked Up and Ratatouille.

Merry Christmas!

jen — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:45:00 GMT

Counting down 15 minutes til Christmas. Good family, good friends, good food, good company. I couldn't ask for more.

Thank you!

The Capricorn

jen — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:41:00 GMT

Fun Facts About Capricorn
December 22 - January 19

When it comes to professionalism, and traditional values, Capricorn wins hands down. This practical sign loves to tackle life in the most conventional of ways, leaving no stone unturned. Considered the most serious-minded of the signs, the Capricorn possesses an independence that allows for considerable progress both personally and on the job.

Friends and Family
Combined with a strong wit, and a love of humor, the Capricorn makes for terrific company for those they choose as friends. They will surround themselves with those that are honest, loyal, and like-minded when it comes to working values. They cherish loved ones, and will go any distance to help a friend or family member out. Traditional by nature, the Capricorn loves nothing more than holidays such as Christmas that bring people together with a variety of activities. While a Capricorn isn’t apt to have a large social circle, those included in this sign’s life will find someone who is steadfast and true. Emotional displays are not common for a Capricorn. They would rather show how they feel through deed than express by word.

Career and Money
Ambition is the keyword for this sign. The key phrase for Capricorn is “I use”. The Capricorn possesses a real knack for finding the right tool for the job, and getting down to it. Starting at the bottom of the ladder, and working their way to the top doesn’t scare the Capricorn off. They will go the distance once a goal is set.

Setting high standards for themselves, honesty, perseverance, and dedication to duty makes the Capricorn an excellent manager. Honesty, loyalty and a willingness to work as hard as what’s necessary are qualities that this sign values greatly within themselves and in those around them. Careers in management, finance, teaching, and real estate are excellent choices.

Capricorns are resourceful and manage their time and money well. Every now and then, the urge to spend some hard-earned cash can see this sign packing some large shopping bags with fun and frivolous items out of the store. But as a rule, caution goes hand in hand with the Capricorn making practical purchases more likely than does anything else. Multi-functional items are definitely favored.

Love and Sex
The Capricorn is most often a serious lover preferring to take things slow and steady. You won’t see this sign jumping into anything headfirst. Taking relationships one step at a time is the way of the Capricorn. Words can be few with this personality, yet action speaks volumes. The Capricorn values deed and will go to great lengths to express their affections. They’re great gift givers, and don’t bat an eye at the costs of spending a fantastic night out. Genuine, and sincere, you can take what a Capricorn says to the bank.

TID-BITS

Health
Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body that is most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical areas for Capricorn are the knees and lower legs.

The knees and lower legs?!!!?!?!??!!?!?!!?!

Ruling Planet
The Ruling Planet for Capricorn is Saturn. Considered the taskmaster of the horoscope, Saturn rules theories, scientific law, patience, timing, tradition, conventionality, and the productive use of time.

And I got rid of my Saturn.

House
Natural sign of the Tenth House. This house focuses on reputation, profession, authorities, and status.

Opposite Sign
The opposite sign for Capricorn is Cancer.

Compatibility
Capricorns are most compatible with Taurus and Virgo.

Colors
The color of choice for Capricorn is brown. In fact, most dark colors do well for this sign.

Gemstones
Capricorn’s star stone is the Black Onyx.

Lucky Numbers
Lucky Numbers are 6, 8, and 9.

The Perfect Gift
The best gift for a Capricorn is something practical or multi-functional.

Likes
Family events, music, work, traditions

Dislikes
Show-offs, frivolous bobbles, excess, tardiness

Famous Capricorns
Ava Gardner, Andy Rooney, Joan of Arc, Marlene Dietrich, Janis Joplin, Martin Luther King, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali

GhettoFab

jen — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:18:00 GMT

I was doing some Christmas shopping/browsing online and look what I found: Ghettofabulous!

My Beloved Grandfather

jen — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:15:00 GMT

My grandfather has been hospitalized for about two months now. I've learned so much about him, my late grandmother, his wife, and my ancestors in the past few days than I ever thought I would. He's such an amazing, intelligent, compassionate man. It blows my mind, how full of substance and rich my family background is. I learned that the family has property in Shanghai, that can be reclaimed, how educated my great- and grandparents are. I stood in awe when I learned this. So when I see him in the hospital now, I feel so helpless. The best I can do, is to visit as frequently as I can and converse with him, even if he can't respond. I have so much respect for him, for all that he's done for the family, and all that he's contributed to society.

He received his undergraduate back in Shanghai, attained a graduate and Juris Doctorate degree from University of Indiana and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, respectively. He led a 20,000+--person protest. He later joined the U.S. Army for seven years-- when he wasn't even an American citizen yet. And his father, my great-grandfather graduated from MIT with an engineering degree.

I was told that my grandfather recently voiced some regrets that come as a shock to us. Either way, without a doubt in my heart, I know he's lived a full and happy life. He's had more than his fair share of trials and tribulations, and he's a great man who made an impact on countless lives-- and I'm not speaking of the impact he made on our family.

He's the utmost respected man I have ever personally known and I'm proud to be his granddaughter.

:)

jen — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:10:00 GMT

My Dear Lau Tse

jen — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 22:07:00 GMT

Wo de ching ai der lau tse writes:

Believe it or not......[ Fill in the blank ]

Sooooo, what is the latest update about [ Fill in the blank ], etc....... and what are your plans for this coming holiday season.

Don't know if I mentioned to you, that I just HATE this part of the year, for some reason. I was so depressed last New Year's Eve, that I just laid in bed all evening long, and actually shed a few tears here and there.

Can you imagine that???????Silly old lady huh!!!

Write,

Ni-ter-ching-ai-der-lau-tse.

HA! That's why she's wo de ching ai der lau tse...!

Caught A Bug

jen — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 01:21:00 GMT

In the past two weeks:

3-day San Francisco Conference
A trip to Disneyland reunion
Two Christmas Parties
    One of which was somewhat of a 10+ year reunion:
        High School Sweethearts (Now engaged)
        Dr. & Mrs. Chung (whose kids I grew up with in church)
    Lounge/bar stop
A Family Reunion
BMW Service Appointment
    The loaner is a metallic red wine color, I like that it's different
A Doctor's Appointment
And now I'm down with the flu-- and I already took a flu shot! It must be another strain of the darn flu.

Speaking of Disneyland, it seems as if I haven't been back in 10+ years. I don't remember Indiana Jones because I loved it so much this time that I went on it twice. Tim Burton's Haunted Mansion in holiday decor was awesome. Holiday Small World was beautiful with holiday lights lit outside. Finding Nemo was ok..cool graphics. They incorporated Jack Sparrow's character in most of the Pirates of the Caribbean scenes. I think I'll be visiting The Happiest Place on Earth during the holiday season only.

Tarnished

jen — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:17:00 GMT

She brought me a string of bad luck and she'll feel the wrath of guilt, until it's cleared, for the next 1.5 - 2 years.