Sharing stories

jazzy and swingy

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 23:09:40 GMT

Nice N Easy

Let's take it nice 'n' easy
It's gonna be so easy for us to fall in love
Hey, baby, what's your hurry?
Relax 'n' don't you worry, we're gonna fall in love

We're on the road to romance, that's safe to say
But let's make all the stops along the way

The problem now, of course, is to simply hold your horses
To rush would be a crime 'cause nice 'n' easy does it every time

[brief instrumental]

We're on the road to romance, that's safe to say
But let's make all the stops along the way

The problem now, of course, is to simply hold your horses
To rush would be a crime 'cause nice 'n' easy does it
Nice 'n' easy does it
Nice 'n' easy does it every time

[SPOKEN] "Like the man says, 'one more time' "

Nice 'n' easy does it
Nice 'n' easy does it
Nice 'n' easy does it every time

Others:

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square

Blue Moon
etc.

quote

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 14:05:53 GMT

there's an element of truth in this quote...

"One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends can discuss, but in the number of things they need no longer mention."
- Clifton Fadiman

The Truman Show

Mon, 29 May 2006 13:57:42 GMT

I watched the Truman Show last night. It was my first time seeing the movie, and I found it to be excellent and the idea brilliant. Jim Carrey did an amazing job in the movie. At first, I expected some kind of goofy performance from him, but this one is similar to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, in that it is about the mystery of the mind and the people around you that make up your life as well.

I feel like I'm like the "Lauren" girl, rooting for him to get out of there, but at the same time, I'm also like the rest of the audience, because I didn't know if he COULD get out of that world, since it is highly monitored with over 5000 cameras and so many actors. The scene where he finally escaped to the sea portrays an idealistic man pursuing his dream to go to Fiji in search for Sylvia. It is the "Hero" shot, as the director or producer called it. And when the ship finally bumped into the wall and Truman tried to punch the wall desperately for it to break down, it really moved me.

In the end, when the director/producer guy talked with him and revealed the truth, I felt like he is God, telling his child that He has seen him grow up since birth and that his world is protected by him and is better than no other. And that because he was afraid before, he could not leave (and why would he want to leave anyway?). It is kinda creepy in the sense that according to the movie, it's suggesting that we're all living in God's world and are complacent with how and where we are, but if we are brave enough to go out of our "bubble" to explore, where would we go? What will we find? Can we brave the storm to discover something new? Maybe Truman's bumping into the wall and discovering the truth is equivalent to our death on earth...that he is ready to end his life on "earth" and go back to reality. Maybe our world isn't as real as what lies ahead of us. These are just wild and random thoughts, but that's the brilliance of the movie. It makes you think and wonder about our world, and beyond.

Re: Trader Joe's

Thu, 25 May 2006 21:59:39 GMT

Following up on yesterday's post....

I am postponing my trip to Trader Joe's this weekend, because...

I ALREADY WENT THIS AFTERNOON!!!!

The place is only a few blocks away from Whole Foods (both on 14th street), and many of the items there are at least two times cheaper than WF. I have never seen so many things for less than $2.00 since I've been in New York. Of course, I couldn't resist but bought dried mangoes, crystallized ginger, and ginger ice cream, among other stuff :P I had both of my hands full by the time I got out of the grocery store...haha. Thank God the subway station was close by!

As I was walking out one of the trains, a girl saw my big Trader Joe's paper bags and gasped. She turned to her friend and said: "OH MY GOD, It's Trader Joe's!!" and went on to tell her how they need to go there.

Yes, everybody needs to go to Trader Joe's so Whole Foods will lower their ridiculous prices! I doubt it though, but why pay more when you don't have to?

traders joe's!!!

Thu, 25 May 2006 01:21:50 GMT

omg omg!! there's a (relatively?) new traders joe's in Union Square now!!! I'm so going there this weekend (if it's not raining too much)

knowing myself

Sat, 13 May 2006 15:48:46 GMT

it's funny how sometimes, people would ask me for help when they are down because I major in psychology. I know this because sometimes, when I said "I don't know", they would sound surprised and respond with: "But you're the psychologist! Help me get out of this emotional rut.", "You're supposed to know the answers."

first, i'm not dr. phil. i think people might feel better asking him, 'cause he knows everything, or at least make people feel that he knows everything.

second, the more i study psychology, the more i feel that i CANNOT claim to know the answers when i really don't. we all feel down at times, depressed, sad. and we're all trying to figure things out. just because someone's a doctor doesn't mean they know how to cure all diseases, even though in times of emergency, we would hope to think so. why should there be any exception with any other profession? When I first went to college, i was amazed that professors don't have the answers to everything, and that's what research is for. I was brought up to think that teachers know everything, and whatever they say is right. Boy was I wrong.

despite our unique quirks and preferences, here is where i feel that we're all the same. we're all trying to understand ourselves better.

:-)

Fri, 12 May 2006 23:17:35 GMT

I got a free frappucino this afternoon, 'cause my classmate happened to be working at the coffee shop. I was about to hand her the money too, but she just waved me away.

It didn't rain when I went to work this morning.

I'm still excited about Sunday, and the week that follows.

supernews

Thu, 11 May 2006 12:45:22 GMT

I'm running out of Jon Stewart and Colbert clips to watch, so here's another source of procrastination:

Supernews

or their main website

accidental identities...

Tue, 09 May 2006 14:46:02 GMT

From Jason Mraz's Bio:

"...Does a bio have to be only about the past? Couldn’t it reflect something more immediate and present? Could a bio be used to tell the future?

Either way you look at it, it doesn’t change my appearance. I am who I am and you are who you are and everything else is a perception based on acceptance, deception, smoke, mirrors, and so on. It’s everything in between us that seems to justify our accidental identities. Does that make sense?...."

Tue, 09 May 2006 14:27:15 GMT

I'm Yours--Jason Mraz

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I'm trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
Nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon its again my turn to win some or learn some

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love
Listen to the music of the moment maybe sing with me
A la peaceful melody
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love love

So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed
I guess what I'm saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

Well no no, well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment come and dance with me
A la one big family (2nd time: A la happy family)
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved love love love

I won't hesitate no more
Oh no more no more no more
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved, I'm sure
Theres no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

No I won't hesitate no more, no more
This cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours, I'm yours

i go to school without knowing

Tue, 09 May 2006 13:53:01 GMT

I am writing to remind you that the duration of your locker contract
ends on Monday, July 31, 2006. If you are graduating and/or leaving the
city for the summer months, please clear out your lockers in advance .
On August 1, all lockers will be vacated and any personal belongings
left in the lockers will be disposed.

What lockers? I don't even know we get lockers!!!

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 14:24:59 GMT

Some day, I want to go to this place called Alice's Tea Cup

Their menu is so cute :D

Alice's afternoon tea-before and after noon
(no substitutions)

the nibble: a lil' bit hungry? $22
- pot of tea
- choice of one scone with preserves and cream
- choice of one sandwich
- assorted cookies

the mad hatter: hungry? $27
- pot of tea
- choice of two scones with preserves and cream
- choice of two sandwiches
- choice of Jean's 'not-yet-but-soon-to-be-famous' mocha chocolate chip cake, queen of hearts
french vervain-infused lemon fruit tart or chai spiced creme brulee with assorted cookies
(add $7 per person to share comes with an additional 3-cup pot of tea and scone)

the jabberwocky: famished??? $35
- pot of tea
- choice of two scones with preserves and cream
- unlimited sandwiches
- Jean's "not-yet-but-soon-to-be-famous" mocha chocolate chip cake AND chai spiced creme brulee with assorted cookies
(add $20 per person to share comes with an additional 3-cup pot of tea and scone)

the wee tea: (for children under 10) $14
- choice of herbal or fruit tisane tea or beverage of choice
- choice of one scone with preserves and cream
- choice of any item from "alice's menu for the small" (please add $1 for grilled cheese)
- white rabbit dark chocolate mousse with milk chocolate shavings

One of my classmates went there and took pictures of the bathroom :P

american idol marathon continues...

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 01:19:11 GMT

I haven't watched american idol since their first contest, so I'm not familiar with the singers now. However, the children's hospital has been inviting the most recently eliminated contestants to sing for the kids. This week is its 3rd week/time of the american idol performances. The 1st week this happened, the kids were allll so excited. They were so thrilled to see a star live on stage, singing for them. They were giddily jumping around after getting the singer's autograph. This week, on the other hand, it seems like the ADULTS really like this guy. I was visiting one of the hospital rooms, and a grandmother of a patient said: "Ohh myy, this guy is cuuuuute!" When i laughed and said: "Oh, really?" Another woman in the room said: "Yeah, he's cute." Even the nurses think he's good-looking and asked me what time the show's going to start.

Frankly, I think he looks like the guy from the 2nd week. Except he has brown hair and doesn't have a southern accent...haha. However, he's the FRIENDLIEST out of the previous contestants. He came to the hospital 30 minutes earlier to visit some of the patients in their rooms before singing on stage. He also didn't just sing one or two songs and went immediately to signing autographs. He asked for song requests from the kids, and asked the audience what they would like to hear him sing. He told us a story of his tall brother, and told us how grateful and appreciative he is to be here because of his brother's help. He told us that most people do not have personal fears but are afraid of not being well-liked or well-received by others. He also invited the kids on stage to sing along with him. He's a really nice guy.

The little girl whom he invited on stage to sing with him was sooo happy that when they finished singing, Ace asked her if she wanted a hug. She immediately said "YAY!! This is the coolest thing I've ever done!!"

I got free food too. Free food. Goooood. :D

data collection morning

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 17:02:46 GMT

data collection done. i've never spoken sooo much for so long in such a loud voice. why did they choose me to be the reader? i only went up to page 59 out of 65 pages. it's still pretty good for 1 hour and 30 minutes. at least for me.

i got high school seniors for my room. they are all nice, friendly and more mature than some of the students from other grades, or so i've heard (no smart-ass questions and remarks). however, since many seniors are suffering from senioritis, only half of my class came in today, ah well.

afterwards, i went out to brunch with 3 other girls. it was so much fun. their stories are soooo funny, and we all laughed a lot :D

haha...this is funny

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 01:00:29 GMT

I'm going to collect data tomorrow at a high school. We were given 4 sheets of instructions on what to do.

This is one of the things the roamer (my partner) should do:

"Kids who refuse: encourage them gently by emphasizing confidentiality, telling them that we have done it before and kids seem to enjoy it, suggesting they try it to start and decide in a few minutes--but DO NOT push them. If they refuse, try not to let other kids hear (can be infectious)..."

try not to let other kids hear because it can be infectious? as if the students can't actually SEE a whole human being walk out the door...(maybe i should jump around to distract the kids)

A message from yesterday and today

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 18:15:07 GMT

A Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

LANGSTON HUGHES
Harlem

in her shoes

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 03:50:54 GMT

In her shoes is a much better movie than I thought. It has many dimensions to it: the lives of individuals, the bonds of sisters, the relationship with a long lost grandmother. The discoveries, the letting go's. Taking chances. Learning. And Loving.

I also like the featurettes in the DVD. There are many subtle things (such as the photos and paintings on the wall) that I missed but which reflect the characters and the scenes very well.

...the person who knows you best is the person who can hurt you the most and also the person who can help you the most when you're hurt...

hectic

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 03:35:55 GMT

what a hectic day, with morning at computer lab doing stats and finding out my needing to put book on reserve to volunteering at hospital to office hours to 2.5 hours meeting at night with 5 people in a small oxygen-deprived room.

i can't wait till thursday's over.

wow...3-D artwork on the streets

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 15:42:49 GMT

http://community.livejournal.com/ucberkeley/1592639.html

Meet the artist Julian Beever!
http://users.skynet.be/J.Beever/pave.htm

mind

Sun, 16 Apr 2006 14:47:21 GMT

last night's thought: our minds often play tricks on us.

preparing for easter?

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 01:11:33 GMT

There was NO ONE downstairs when i got back from volunteering. Only the security guard. The TV lounge was empty, and so were BOTH the study lounges. Usually there are a few people in the study lounges, but tonight, it's sooo quiet. Everybody is out celebrating Easter already?????

=======

I don't understand why some people would want to use the cell phone in the subway trains. Um...your phone call got cut off like 3 times; that means there is no reception down here!! But there are always some people who still wanna try, even though they'll most likely end up shouting: "Hello? Hello?" to the phone before finally hanging up. One woman this evening, surprisingly, got through, and everybody knew that she just did her hair, or rather, she only blow-dried her hair. Her friend just bought shoes. And she's going to go home and do her nails! SHE'S DOING HER NAILS! EveryBody got that???

calvin and hobbes :-)

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:51:01 GMT

more echoes

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 03:41:25 GMT

i'm going to entertain myself with LJ. and talk to myself. while not knowing where this is going.

it's funny, 'cause this afternoon during lunch, i was thinking how i'm getting bored with LJ. it's like my relationship with it has moved beyond the honeymoon phase. the new-ness and excitement of being a part of an online community has worn off. i no longer get fascinated with reading the different opinions of sooo many people from alllll around the world. i used to think: "wow, people think that too!!! i'm not the only weird one!" and yet, now, i still care about what people think of me. sometimes, i'm afraid of the judgemental somebody out there, waiting to see me fall and criticize me....only to find out later, and often, that that "somebody" is me.

in college, i used to think i've changed a lot since high school. when my h.s friends exchange their stories from their colleges, we would ask each other: "so do you think you've changed?" i would say: "yes. i think i've changed quite a lot."

now, i feel like i'm still the same person from a few years ago. mostly the same. the core is, i think. it's hard to tell. somedays, i'm apathetic. somedays, i'm passionate. somedays, i'm confused. somedays, i feel enlightened. but almost always, i'm a quiet observer, feeling somewhat self-conscious in certain situations and yet not self-conscious enough to conceal my smile and giggles whenever i see or hear something funny.

on st. patrick's day about a month ago, my h.s. friend came to visit NY, and during lunch, he asked me again: "do you think you've changed?" (this seems to be common question in my h.s. group, for some reason). and frankly, i don't know, so I asked him: "well, do you think i've changed?" he might have thought for a second, then said: "no, you still giggle. haha. like you always do." it's easy for me to get lost in a crowd, because i'm quiet and i listen and observe. i think my laughter is what makes people remember that i'm still there.

muffle muffle

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 03:14:49 GMT

today's one of those days, i suppose, when i feel lost and a bit panicky inside. people around me seem to be speaking some alien language that i don't quite understand. it makes sense, and then not. am i the only one who isn't getting this completely? my mind starts to drift away, and i have to force myself to keep my focus. some of my group members are also a bit flustered, so i guess it gives me some temporary relief. i feel like no matter how much i read, i'm still floating in the middle of nowhere. in fact, the more i read, the more i'm getting confused. maybe i'm reading too deeply into the material and need a day off of it. i'll start again tomorrow.

it was a warm, sunny day outside this morning/afternoon. reminds me of Berkeley weather in the summer. it rained a little in the evening; the rain made this loud *plop plop* sound against the windowpane during class. it stopped by the time i went home.

the left side of my neck (not the side where i had shingles) is very itchy. i couldn't resist and have been scratching it and now it's like a patch of grey and pink. i should see a doctor, hopefully tomorrow.

i don't like it when i compare myself to others. but i do.

frozen yogurt?

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 23:39:45 GMT

If you put yogurt in the freezer, does it turn into frozen yogurt?

I decided to find out by putting the remaining tub of strawberry yogurt into the freezer this morning. When I took it out just now, it sure turned frozen, so much that it's hardened and I cannot scoop anything out. However, there are some bits and pieces on the side that I can scoop off and they taste wonderful!!! I guess i'll have to wait till the rest of the frozen yogurt to de-frost to finish it up :P

P.S. I managed to loosen the bottom of the tub, and the whole frozen thing fell into my bowl!!! I am eating real frozen yogurt now. Very yummy :)

Next experiment: put yogurt into those popsicle molds and freeze 'em. :D