Smile #20 - Lifestyle Challenges [Edition I]

It's my favorite time of the year!  It's the time of the year I don't feel guilty putting on a few extra dessert pounds, staying up a little too late, exceeding the budget and just enjoy every moment.  :)  Counting down to the new year also means new goals.

Goal of 2015:

See those little hidden gems in life and smile!  :) 
Take action.  Plans are good, but it's better to take that leap of faith.  I am ready!  

1. Read!  50 books challenge!  Read the books before it becomes movies.  Paper Towns, Insurgent,  Me Before You, Dark Places, so many good books!  Add a few nonfiction, biographies and memoirs in there as well!  
2. Exercise!  Do a challenge for a month or take a zumba class or get on the elliptical at least 2x a week.  .  
3. Travel!  Weekend trips, long trip, short trip, get to know my city tour, day trip, overnight stay, visit friends, exploring the world begins with one step at a time! 
4. Connect!  With friends/family near or far.  Skype date?  Coffee date?  
5. Invest!  Hello personal finance, let's make peace.  Let's work on sticking with my budget every month.  
6. Learn!  Take at least one course at any one point.  Starting with Coursera's Learning How to Learn.  
7. Write!  Actually keep up with this blog biweekly as a way to reflect!  Finding smiles each day!
8. Try!  Try a new recipe each month with Chef Bubble.  Maybe 2015 is the year to expand my cooking skills ... 
9. Network!  Attend industry events or business meet ups or leadership gatherings monthly.
10. Practice!  Use Duolingo or other language sites to learn a new language at least 2x a month for an hour each and practice Mandarin.  

Smile #19 - Crossing 2014 Finish Line

2014 has been the year I most anticipated for and it's hard to believe it will be over so soon.
So many milestones and adventures happened in 2014.  Let's recap:

Started the year in Paris, France.
Road trip from Austria to Ireland.
Returned home from my almost nomadic life abroad.
Felt the blues from travel.
Moved in my first apartment.
Started the final semester of college, final semester of school everrrr (at least for a while).
Broke down about graduation and job offers and my life plan.
Finally learned to drive on the highway (Yes, I am a slow boomer).
Another visit to London to understand Europe from a business perspective.
Interview, interview, interview.
Gambled in Las Vegas.
Evaluate and reevaluate my life and my goals.
New title:  AppState Graduate.
Moved back into my high school bedroom.... permanently for now.
Reorganized my room.  (That took a month!)
Visited the Botanical Garden with the BF
Accepted my first job offer.  New title:  Employee of the workforce.
First real paycheck!
Bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, weddings.
Served my first term as a bridesmaid at my dear cousin's wedding.
Passenger Concert.
One Republic/The Script Concert.
Got used to driving on the highway (and the frustration I felt everyday due to traffic!)
Reached a new age (wisdom comes with age, right).
Opened my first investment account.  (Trust me, it was nerve wrecking!)
Purchased my first stock.  (This was even scarier!)
Craved my first pumpkin.  (And it's not as easy as it looks!)
Visited a corn maze.
Added a new puzzle to my collection.
Broke my phone...
New wallet, new jackets, new purses, new boots, new high heels, new hair straightener, new BLANKET!
More responsibilities at work.
Celebrated our four years anniversary with Chef Bubble.
Dumpling party for Christmas.  (Couldn't ask for a more unique xmas :) )
Ending the year in Charlotte, NC with my SI and Champagne!

Thank you 2014 for all the laughs, all the smiles, all the life lessons.  It has been quite a chapter.  Now let's light up some sparklers and continue making life adventures in 2015!!!  :)

Smile #18

I took my first paid-time-off day to prepare for this eventful weekend (more on that in a later post).  It has been a while since I had a "binge-show-watching" day.  Weekdays are filled with work and weekends just never seem to be long enough.  Especially now that I decided to maximize my time, to be more productive during my off work hours.  Frequenting the gym, picking up new novels, and lastly taking free courses.  It's been my latest addiction.  I have completed two since graduation and finishing one this week.  Starting this week, I am also starting two new courses.  Being freely able to choose what I want to learn based on my interest makes learning a lot more pleasant.  :)

It is quite refreshing to be able to sit in front of my computer watching episode after episode.  This fall's TV lined up is impressive.  I think love is the big theme.  

The series I had my eyes glued to since its premiere, Revenge, is back.  Back with vengeance and war is to begin in the Hamptons...again.  Can't wait to see what this season has to bring.

Finally caught up to the latest episode on Reddington.  Since Netflix's announcement on releasing the Blacklist, I have been itching to binge on season 1.  Each episode leaves me craving for the next with each villain's connection to the bigger crime lord and how Red is able to tie the FBI into it.  Red perfectly balances both his business and being on the world's most wanted list.  His charm is quite addicting.

The many love shows this fall bring include Manhattan Love Story, A to Z, and Marry Me.  Each network bringing a different angle on love and I just can't pass it up.  I am all caught up to the latest drama.

Can't go through the season without some comedy.  Blackish explores the complicated issue of race and how this African American family deals with culture.  The father's crazy behavior to make his kids more "black" is hilarious!  Selfie is another sitcom I am following.  It is pretty self explanatory.  Girl being obsessed with likes, tweets, selfies transitioning to a less self center life.  The dialogues are funny and very relevant to today's society.

On the more dramatic side, I am watching Red Band Society.  Focused on a group of sick teenage patients living in a hospital.  It reminds me of The Fault in our Stars.  Each patient carries life story and being sick doesn't hold them back.  It is an empowering series.

  

I am keeping myself busy this fall for sure.  Let's hope I didn't overload.  :)  

Smile #17

No fancy dates, no exotic trips, but the weekend was filled with laughter and smiles.

Feeling rejuvenated after a long night of sleep,  Bubble came over just in time to help me run errands.  Picked up new books from the library.  :)  Parents and professors had always stressed the resourcefulness of libraries, but I usually brushed it off.  Now that I visit regularly (for purpose aside from socializing), I agree it IS a hidden gem!  New audio book to entertain me during rush hour, another personal finance book to offer advice and to straighten me in life, and a romance novel for nice, relax easy-read, all thanks to the library.  

We found Paulaner!!  My favorite Munich beer!  Apparently it is available at my local grocery store, tucked away in the corner on the bottom shelf!  I have a feeling that this might be my first step to alcoholism.  :)  

While drinking, Bubble and I decided it would be fun to play a couple challenges that has been trending on YouTube.  First, we played the Guess the Body Part Challenge.  One person is blindfolded (in our case, we just trusted each other to close their eyes). He/she holds out a finger to touch a body part on the other player and has to guess what it is.  It was hilarious!  I just said whatever comes first to mind, ew, its squishy to why is it hairy and felt reluctant to give my finger.  My poor finger!   

Then we try the Whisper Challenge.  One person covers his/her ears with music playing headphones and has to guess what the other person whispered.  Some of the responses is just so random that we both crack up.  Normal phrases went completely south!  

Sunday day, fun day!  After seeing a picture of my friend's beautifully designed stained glass cookies, I was determine to experiment with it.  I recruited my mom (I think she is here to supervise, to ensure I didn't destroy her kitchen) and Chef Bubble to be part of this mission.  

 Mom's kitchen housed majority of the ingredients.  Rolling pin, cookie cutters, measurement cups and electric mixer were all at our disposal.  Mixing, stirring, molding, crushing, each part was dealt with in careful manner.  

Crushed Lifesavor candies

The beauty is transformed!

Before

After

The cookies were a success!  It looked similar to the pictures.  Isn't it beautiful?  Would you try it?

The sugar cookie portion wasn't as great as I had hoped, but it is edible.  Caution, the hard candy portion could potentially break a tooth.  Regardless, it had been a fun experiment to try and lots of laughter involved in the process.  :)  

Smile #16

Sometimes, we just moving way too quickly.  Too automatic.  Sometimes, we need to stop and appreciate the small things.

I received a pair of free screening tickets to see an upcoming film, The Good Lies.  The plot inspired by the "Lost Boys of Sudan".  It begins with soldiers raiding a Sudanese village, children instantly lost their parents and siblings.  The survivor few includes, Theo, Mamere and Abital.  Kenya, they were told, would be their safe heaven.  During the treacherous 750 miles journey, the children experienced starvation, dehydration, death of siblings, losing Theo to the hands of rebel platoon and constant fear of murderous soldiers.  Along the way, they also met Jeremiah and Paul.  They bonded over their share of similar experiences.    Days turn into weeks, they finally arrived at the Kenya refugee camp.  

At the time, US had a sponsoring program for these refugees.  Luckily, all the siblings were selected to emigrate to the US.  Upon arriving in the US, Abital was told she must go to her host family in Boston while her brothers were sent to Kansas City.  Unwillingly, all went their separate ways.  

The employment agency sent Carrie to welcome the boys and to assist them with job search.  But Carrie has no idea how the boys will eventually change her life.  As Carrie learns more about the boys' history, she changed her 'this is my job' attitude to willingly open her home to host Abital.  

The many innocent dialogues between Carrie and the three brothers brought laughter and tears to the audience.  "Where is your husband?" "I am not married, I provide for myself." "Your survival skills are very impressive."  :)  

Perhaps, it takes someone else to let us know what we have overlooked.  Although my journey wasn't as arduous and haunting, I did experience many cultural shocks during my transition.  Exchanged my small flat of a few hundreds square feet in Hong Kong to a two-floor single family home.  From riding the communal bus to learning to drive my own vehicle.  Shopping market is no longer in walking distance.  Even smaller things, such as number of TV channels available, a ice-making machine embedded with a refrigerator, microwave and oven, hot water on demand, were novelties.  Slowly, the shock wears off and I have taken all these for granted.  

Thank you for this film.  It was touching and thought-provoking.  It brought attention to refugees in the US and also made me introspect my own experience, something I have forgotten to be grateful for.   :) 

Smile #15

The morning was busy occupying each moment with work.  Finally, I was able to catch a breath.  Staring at the computer screen with multiple windows and tabs running, I remember I had grabbed a pack of cookies before I rushed out the door this morning.  My hand began digging through my purse looking for the treat.  Seeing the Amo's Cookie wrapper took me back to an afternoon during my sixth grade year.

My parents always had a over flowing jar full of coins on their desk.  One of my favorite moments is discovering a shiny quarter with a new design, one needed to complete the 50 State Quarters Program.

As vending machines are closed during school hours, for days I stayed after, I'd grab a few coins for the ever-so-luxurious vending machine snacks.  Whether it is a bag of onion ring or a bag of M&Ms, I was always excited to punch in the corresponding number in the keypad and waited for the bag to drop.

One time, I decided to grab a few extra coins and to bring home all the snacks to share with my sister.  I immediately ran up to the room when I came home.  Spread my sister's purple bear blanket on the floor, I opened my backpack full of snacks.  Her eyes widened as I pull out each package.  Famous Amos cookies, pretzels, Skittles, Hersey's bar and Grandma's cookies all laid out.  And the feast began.

Ripping open each bag, cookies in one hand and candy in the other, we giggled and whispered our promise not to tell Mom what ruined our appetite for dinner.

It has been a long time since I had Famous Amos and what a pleasant flashback the cookies brought.  :)  

Smile #14

Instead of luminous rays, I was greeted with dreary and gloomy weather.  The sun has been hiding behind a thick layer of cloud for the past two weeks.

During my drive each morning, under my breath, I would cursed the sun as the main reason for delayed traffic.  I cursed the sun for my depressed mood.  I cursed the sun for his absenteeism.

Until I came across Eleanor Roosevelt's quote on the bottom of my daily inspiration newsletter:

And the quote couldn't come at a better timing.

I began to focus on the glass half-full part.

The breezy weather is refreshing.  Its gentle blow is hinting at us that fall is arriving in just a few short weeks.  Roll down the windows and feel the wind.

Since the weather largely affects traffic, the gloomy outlook motivated me to stay longer at the gym.  My typically 45 mins gym trip turned into an hour and 15 mins workout.

Rain drop tapping my window, perhaps, is nature's best musical.  With its one-two rhythm, I quickly drifted off to sleep.

Although the sun's disappearance may disrupted normal routine; indeed, it make me more appreciative to other mother-nature's moods.

Smile #13

When I pulled up to the stop sign before taking the turn onto my street, I was forced to quickly brake and yank my wheel to the side.  Good thing I wasn't speeding.  

A lost goose was wondering the streets of my neighborhood.  :)  

I'd assume he must have taken a wrong turn.  Geese typically gather at the other side of the neighborhood, free to roam through the land and rest by the pond.  

His appearance made me laugh.  I quickly get out of the car to examine his intention.  I proceeded to ask him if he needed help as my mom and sister stands at the end of the driveway laughing.  

He calls to his mates with no echos return.  I can almost understand his panic, his nervousness.  From the dog-walker, children playing outside, parents, all eyes are on him as wonder down the street as he attempt to find his group.  

I approached him cautiously.  With a foot between us, I snapped a photo of him.  

He might be ordinary, just like all other geese, but he is special in my eyes.  He became a special element to an ordinary day.  He brought laughter to those around him as we all wonder about his journey.  

Little goose, hope you find your mate.  Thanks for the smile :)  

Smile #12

Aero's new ad campaign played before I could hit "Skip the Ad" button to proceed to my YouTube video.  A question written in bold, capitalized letters flashed across the screen: Are you who you were a year ago?  

The answer is quite simply, no.  I've changed.  I've grown. 

Exactly a year ago, 8/21/2013, marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience.  

Visa, check!  Flight booked, check!  Clothes packed, check!  With my boarding pass in hand, I waved goodbye to America.  Struggling to find my balance between a backpack riding on my back and a duffel bag slung over my shoulder, I wobbled to my terminal.  Nervously sitting, frequently glancing over the slow ticking clock, wondering what it would be like in Austria, asking myself why didn't I do more research, how am I going to survive.  

After two flights, a stressful train incident, I was finally led to Sebastianstrasse in Dornbirn, Austria - a place I called home for the next six months. 
   

Stole from a friend...my camera cannot give Dornbirn its deserved glory  

BBQ by the river was a symbolic night.  A handshake and a quick conversation created friendships in a matter of a few minutes and promised last a lifetime. Just like kindergarten, I remember thinking.  The world being so large and one Erasmus brought us all together.  :) 

The occasionally classes (yes, I really mean occasionally in the sense that our classes was so infrequent) allowed for my ridiculous, "risky", and once-in-a-lifetime travels.  Yes, we took a few wrong turns.  Yes, we might have almost missed the next connection and did missed it.  Nonetheless all these trip blunders are what formed the best stories.  

Thinking back to Erasmus strike me with nostalgia. Ability to traveling freely thanks to easy access between countries.  Being away from home let me truly depend on myself.  Living with various nations under one roof.  Sharpened my navigation skills (life without reliable 4G supported Google Maps).  Accomplishing my goal to say yes to everything.  Daring to try any food at least once... for a picky eater, that was a hard rule to sustain.  Tested my ability to sleep literally everywhere..really anywhere that can support my head just so my eyes can get just get a few more moments of rest.  Being aware and alert of my surroundings.  And no matter how many places I visited, there are so many more places I had missed.  There is always a reason to go back.  

:))  Europe has my <3 

Smile #11

Year after year, August is marked as the Back to School month.  School supplies flood aisles after aisle in stores and pages of ads featuring sale specials on pencils and erasers all competing for parents' attention.  

For the past twenty years, I was conditioned to getting ready for that special first day of school.  Getting all five new, non-repeating outfits ready to impress.  New pencils, pens, binders, all neatly stacked my backpack.  Alarm set just a few minutes early (like 30 mins earlier than I am supposed to) for just-in-case emergency moments (don't worry, the fresh feeling only lasts about three days before I relapse to my normal sleeping habits).  

This is the first year that I won't be heading back.  I reached my last significant "first day of school" milestone last year.  

As I look back, I remembered some of the thought that used to run in my head.  First day of school is basically a start of a new year.  Therefore, new school year resolution is a must.  I used to make promises to myself, to study harder, to pay more attention and actually take notes, to go to the gym more often, to join certain clubs.  In the end...I accomplished some and made excuses for some.  :P 

Dr. Seuss's famous quote seems most fitting at this time - "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."  

All twenty years; each year, I met new friends, learned new skills, discovered more about myself.  I couldn't be more happy with the result of my education path.  :)  

Until I return to the dreadful school ground for my MBA, I'll be enjoying my new found career path as a young professional.  :) 

Smile #10

Chef Bubble and I purchased ticket to see One Republic and the Script!  Two great bands, one ticket!  We were able to score a deal with it too using ScoreBig.  Any saving is great since I am still living the college student budget! 

This was the second time I am seeing One Republic.  First time being Kiss 95.1's Halloween Bash in 2011.  Now, three years later, a change of venue, new chapter of life; regardless, the band is still as good as I remembered it.  The vocal, the beat, the rhythm are all on point with every song.  

It is delightful to hear some of the classic, such as All the Right Moves and Stop and Stare.  But I must say, Apologize mixed with Stay with Me is refreshing and innovative.  The back story and lyrics of their new song, Preacher, revealed a nice touch of Ryan Tedder's background.  


The Script caught my attention when one of their songs, Hall of Frame, became a sensation in the US.  Broadcasted on repeat on all pop channels; climbed to the peak spot of top music lists.  Unlike other songs, the lyrics promoted a meaningful and encouraging message.  :)  

"You can move a mountain; You can break rocks; You can be a master

Don't wait for luck, dedicate yourself and you gon' find yourself"  

Several more songs hitting the chart and I started listening to more of their music.  Unfortunately I missed their #3 World Tour.  And now I was so ready to see them live.  They were incredible!  Danny O'Donoghue was full of energy.  From running off the stage around fans to serenading fan's Ex, his excitement radiates to all of us.   

Following along and screaming/singing out loud to both bands' songs, I am worried that I might not have a voice tomorrow.  :) 


These two bands on tour together couldn't be a more perfect fit.  Love to see them in concert again! 

Smile #9

"I am Groot.  I am Groot.  ....  We are Groot."  

To me, those are the most memorable lines from the Guardians of the Galaxy.   

Although Groot never spoke any other words beyond those lines,  deep messages where transmitted through his tone.  He might be a piece of wood, he might be a walking tree, but he is also a loyal friend, a trusted partner for all the guardians.  His willingness to scarify himself to protect those he calls friends is truly appalsuable.  His heroic act tugs the heartstrings of many audiences.  I know he certainly got my heart.  :)   

I love the scene when precious Mini Groot returns.  Groot's silliness gene was definitely passed down. :)
 

Smile #8

While lack of sleep is still an issue for this week, there was a special treat at work today.  As a part of the August celebration, the social committee brought Sweet Frog to the office.  :) Nothing taste better than frozen yogurt is an already freezing room, jk jk.  Everyone was so excited and ready to indulge! I tried Cookies and Cream for the first time.  YUM!  

More movie screenings!  I am on a roll!  :)  

My sister was offered two tickets to see Let's Be Cops starring Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans.  To be honest, I have no idea who those actors are until this movie.  

Hoping to avoid front row seats two nights in a roll, we left the house earlier.  When we arrived, the line cut across the entire theater.  And our luck brought us to second to first row.  So much better, right.  

Second cop movie for this summer after 22 Jump Street.  Unlike Channing and Jonah going undercover as legal detectives, this duo is pretending to be cops.  Their adventure began when the two friends attended their high school reunion dress up as cops due to a miscommunication (costume vs. masquerade).  From then the troubles they run into definitely brought laughter to the theater.  The plot added more emotional lines by putting relationship and friendship on the line.  

Life lessons were embedded in the movie as well - some risks are worth it, so stand up for what you believe in (maybe being a cop ... or pretending to be a cop is just the right push); you are the reason you are keeping yourself down (using broad terms can convey different meanings - "suffered leg injury"). 


One day closer to Friday!  What's your plan for this weekend?  

Smile #7

Challenging, demanding, and rewarding are just a few words to describe my four years of college education.  All is official when my diploma arrived this afternoon!  :) 


From a nervous freshman to now a "young professional."  The past four years have given me experiences of a lifetime.  "No" was replaced by "Let's try it, just once."  That "once"..well, it led to some of the best memories.  

Lip sync at Homecoming competition.  Hiking Hebron (willingly).  Drive up to Blue Ridge Parkway in the middle of the night to view shooting stars.  Party like there is no tomorrow at Panama City Beach.  Learn to be a leader.  Venture through Europe, not once, not twice, but three times?  Cruise through Bahamas?  Las Vegas, New York, Georgia, Disney World.  Latin dances, corn maze, zumba, suicide hill. 

Last class to have Dr. Peacock's signature! 

If I could, I'd go back and do it all over it! 

Smile #6

For a non-ninja-turtles enthusiast, the actual movie came out much better than I expected.  For critics, I am sure there are opportunities for improvement as always.  But Bubble seemed to enjoy it, even with our heads hanging back, staring up to the screen for all 101 minutes. 

I was able to secure two tickets to the newest Teenage Mutual Ninja Turtles movies screening for Bubble and me.  Unfortunately, the sitting was not ideal.  Free is free, can't complain.  

Apparently TMNT was a huge hit globally, I can't quite remember ever seeing them in HK as a child.  Bubble has been hyped to see his childhood idols.  As a payback for dragging him to see all chick flicks, he has insisted on seeing this new release.  I was reluctant and wished to weasel my way out.  Then these tickets arrived perfectly - two birds with one stone - saving me money and satisfying his wish.  

Despite showing up at the theater thirty minutes early, we still couldn't find decent seats.  People showed up 45 mins before start time to find seats.   We found two seats ... in the the front row.  The screening was in IMAX 3D, so we got up close and personal with the turtles.  :)  So close, you can almost touch them. 

The movie has a nice balance of both comedy and action.  It also explained the back story very well to a newcomer.  Out of all the turtles, I particularly like the orange one.  I think his name is Mike.  His quirkiness makes me laugh so hard. :)  Some of his characteristics reminds me of myself.  

I interpreted several messages from the movie.  Family - displayed through the bond shared between the turtles and with their father (Quite bizarre that the turtles' dad is a rat!).  Teamwork - to defeat Clad, all the turtles worked together while keeling Megan Fox save.  

Cowabunga!  

So who is planning to see it this weekend?  Which turtle is your favorite? 

Smile #5

"Memory can be a gift, that we can open again and again in order to fill ourselves with happiness."

While I was on my mini-vacay at a nearby beach with Bubble, flashbacks emerged as I came across resemblances of my adventure in Europe and a touch of nostalgia overcame me. 

Bubble and I decided to take an evening stroll through some gift shops.  We came across The Mole Hole - unique name, isn't it?  It is a boutique of unique gifts and collectibles.  Delicate jewelry pieces, artistic kitchenware, original paintings and art forms scattered throughout the store.  

As we carefully wander to the very back of the store, there was a little section illuminated in Christmas theme.  Christmas tree nicely decorated with ornaments and shelves full of figures molded in Xmas settings.  It jogged back memories of Christmas markets in Europe.  

Christmas is a magical time, particularly in Europe.  Holiday spirit spreads to every corner across European towns and cities.  Sparkling lights and holiday decoration cover street after street.  Stalls and stalls selling various Christmas decorations, handmade crafts and exquisite ornaments.  I used to love walking through Chriskindlmarkt with either a warm cup of hot chocolate or gluhwein.  

Seeing these ornaments at the local shops was such a nice surprise in August.  :) 

The second pleasant flashback occurred as we hunt for dinner on our last night.  Overwhelmed from seafood restaurants and buffets, we opted for something different.  That is when Bubble found Vienna Cafe, an Austrian restaurant.  The location can certainly be described as hole-in-the-wall.  

The space inside is very compact, it was nicely decorated with various memorabilia from Austria and Bavarian Region.  From the accent of the staff, I believe all are from Germany.  Our waiter is a young male from Germany currently study at an university nearly and working part time at the restaurant.  I am not sure why, but having an authentic German serving authentic food just seem to complement the atmosphere. 

It serves Austrian/German food, something I haven't had since my return from Europe.  Bratwurst and schnitzel paired with German beers.  Ahhh!  PERFEKT!  We ordered the German Sampler Platter, which came with knackwurst, bratwurst, schitzel, sauerkraut, and spaetzle.  

Flashback to ordering my first schnitzel at the school cafeteria during orientation week.

Even though we hit maximum capacity, we HAD to order dessert - Apple Strudel! Can't pass that up!  :)

Despite the fact that I am now on a strict ham and cheese sandwich for lunch and no more eating out budget, this dinner is totally worth every penny.   

This short mini-vacay is a lovely recharge from work.  Food + Bubble + Smile = total package.  :)  

Smile #4

I dropped the personal finance course after the first week during my junior year because of a couple reasons.  A.  I knew the professor was hard and the course doesn't count toward my major anyways.  B.  I was behind before the start since I didn't get all the materials in time.  And C. because I thought I was fine living with balance.  Sure I spent more money on fast food this month, I'll just balance it with shopping less, it will be alright.

I was woken up by my discovery of my shiny credit card almost reaching declined stage.  Then I went on a craze hunting for knowledge of personal finance.  My illogical balance theory had never failed me until now.  I guess when you have twenty dollars left to your name, it is best to learn how to budget and recoup all the mistakes.  Man, unplanned expenses creep up at the end of the month.

For the past two months, I have been obsessing over personal finance books, podcasts, courses and anything in between.  Starting with Suze Orman's book, The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke, I was mesmerized with these financial concepts.  She explains all the concepts with a real and personal touch.  "You will never truly be powerful in life until you are powerful with your own money."  How to invest, where to invest, she left a well planned road map for us twenty something to follow.

When reading before bedtime is not enough to suffice my thirst, I decided to listen to Dave Ramsy's podcast during work hours.  Follow up with the famous Rich Dad, Poor Dad (um...teenage edition, I am not there yet with the adult version) and Farnoosh Torabi's You are So Money.  I also decided to enroll in Personal Finance taught by Professor Gutter at University of Florida via Coursera.  I have a notepad just for finance concepts.  Obsessed?  I'd say so.

After graduation, I felt like being thrown to the water with no inflatable donuts.  There are just so many decisions I have to make.  Right, I wanted a job, I got a job.  Right, I wanted a job with benefits.  I got a job with benefits.  But now I have to decide on which benefits and what to do with these benefits.  That gets complicated.

And as the course nearing the end, I smiled.  :)  Taxes and investing are no longer such heavy words.  While I still have no clue as to which stock to invest in or which funds are definite buy, at least I faced my faced my fear of personal finance.

Smile #3

Aside from bright and sunny weather, any other weather condition will shut down Charlotte causing traffic to be congested 10x worse.  Today is one of those lucky days.  On my way home, traffic came to a halt as the rain began to drizzle.  Annoyed and frustrated as always, I looked up and saw a beautiful rainbow radiating across the gloomy sky. 

Immediately, a smile spread across my face.  I remembered sitting in class during a gloomy day in Austria when Dr.Wood called out there is a double rainbow outside.  Everyone started snapping photos and ten minutes later, posts after posts of double rainbow run down my Newsfeed.  :)

One lucky moment captured on camera

Rainbow lasts only a few moments before vanishing.  It reminds of the quote - "不一定要天長地久，才值得你曾經擁有" - It doesn't mean it wasn't worth your while just because it didn't last forever.   

During these moments, I feel especially thankful to have all the experiences I had so far in life - to have cross paths with new and old friends and to experience the world beyond my hometown.  

What moments are you so glad it happened, regardless of how long lasted? 

Smile #2

Avoiding all crowds and busy streets, I spent a wonderful July 4th along side my boyfriend.  With nothing on the agenda, we were able to relax and take the day an hour at a time.  

Arriving at his apartment late Friday afternoon with a hungry tummy, we went to pick up ingredients for our dinner at a local supermarket.  Tender steak, seasonings, drinks, desserts, breakfast items for the next morning, our buggy was filled with goodies.  Before we checked out, we spotted a steak recipes book. Not only did we find the perfect recipe, we were able to get the book under a steep discount :)  

Chef Bubble began working up a storm in the kitchen.  Being the 'eater' in the relationship, I was able to relax watching TV until dinner is ready.  I do provide kisses as compensation.  

Bon Appetit! 

Chef Bubble's special mushroom, t-bone steak and mash potatoes

After the dinner, we lay down by the couch and enjoy the Redbox we picked up earlier at the store.  'Her' is a romantic drama film based on a man falling in love with his artificial intelligent computer operating system.  The movie explored a very interesting topic, what happens one day when we are able to formulate computers to have feelings and emotions just like us.   
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Waking up to sweet honey aroma is possibly the best way to face a new day. :)

Chef Bubble is once again whipping up a storm in the kitchen making french toast. Bread dipped in egg, fried to the perfect crispy yellow tone, then layered with honey and a touch of sugar. YUM! :)
Our day was spent at shopping at Hobby Lobby, World Market and Target.  Coming back to the apartment, we changed into our swim suits and lathered ourselves with sunscreen.  Time for a tan!  

Sad to find out that two hours exposure to the sun is only equivalent to a slight tan line.  Better get working on it next weekend.  

With a whole menu in mind, Chef Bubble quickly gather the ingredients and started working.  Meanwhile, I flopped myself to a nice seat in front of the TV.  Total gender role swap in our relationship, I'd say.  :) 

Enjoy the Netherlands vs. Costa Rica world cup game with a nice cold Heinkein.  Go Dutch!!  I am ready for the next game! 

Look at how yummy this look!  A step closer to professional chef!  

Carbonara with shell pasta, broccoli, mushroom + mussels

Ending the evening with Kiss or Drink - a game to test how well do you know each other.  

Here are some of the questions we asked:  (Highlight to find out some of our answers!)

Boyfriend: 
- If your girlfriend could choose one thing of yours to get rid of, what would she choose?  
- Complete this sentence:  My girlfriend is a natural-born ____________
- Complete this sentence:  I knew I had found the love of my life when she ________.  
- Complete this sentence:  A perfect girlfriend is one who _cooks_______.  

Girlfriend:  
- Fill in the Blank:  My boyfriend may be the world's best _chef_, but he may also be the world's worst _eater _. 
- What's the silliest thing your girlfriend has ever done?  
- Complete this sentence:  A perfect boyfriend is one who ___cooks and change diapers____. 
- What is the strangest gift your boyfriend has ever bought for you?  He said the Justin peanut cup; I said the tiniest package in the world
- What percentage of the house work would your girlfriend say you do?   I wrote 78%; he wrote 75% but really it's like 90%

Although we drink more than kiss, it was a blast laughing at the answers we had.  


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Hehe, Velcro shoes!

Last day of mini vacation.  Let's explore the city, Mooresville! 

It has been a while since we bowled!  We are one competitive couple and can't miss any chance to show off to each other.  Typically, gutterball is usually my talent.  But this time!  I was able to keep up with him, pin by pin ... :) until the fourth frame... then my luck ran out and gutter time.  He won with 114 to 78.  Next time, I shall take you down! 

Follow that with a trip to the the theater.  As promised by the trailer, Tammy was definitely funny.  Tammy's journey with her grandma is definitely something new. 

But the best part was when the credit stroll down and one character named Kathleen's real name is Dakota Lee, aka Chef Bubble's real name!  :)  Coincidence or new nickname!  

A mini vacation away from home.  :) 



What did you do for your July 4th?  Share any Smiles you had! 

Smile #1

Studying hard! 

July 4th marks a short week at work, it also serves as the crossing line of my first month at my new job!  I made it through!  :)  

This past month, I had the chance to dive in the transportation/logistics industry.  A step closer to becoming a supply chain professional.  

From the 'blank-face' Leigha to now the 'kinda-know-what-you-are-talking-about' Leigha, it has been a work-in-progress.  After a month, I am beginning to pick up each processes slowly bit by bit and trust me when I say there are A LOT of programs we use.  Although I still have plenty of questions, at least I know who I can turn to and seek some answers.  Glad to be in an office not in chaos right now and have a manager who doesn't just throw me in. :) 

As part of my International Graduate Program, I was send up to headquarter for a week of training.  Finally meeting the rest of the group and out of the competition mode.  The week was intense-yes, but very informative and resourceful for my job. 

Starting the week lightly with brief presentations on company culture and history as well as updates on the numerous company adjustments.  Ending the first day with a visitation of Port Elizabeth.  Seeing the port first-hand and learning about the port operation was an eye-opening experience.  Each operator busied themselves with on-loading and off-loading each container.  The synchronization between one step to the next is orchestrated with perfect coordination.  

Two days crash course covered many technical topics not focused in school, such as Incoterms, customs clearance, and C-TPAT.  Brain fried, but so worth it! :)

Gained both life insights and career advice during dinner with all the HR professional.  :)  .   Their cheerful and jolly personality definitely matched what I imagined for the HR department.    

Completing the week with numerous guest speakers explaining various aspect of this giant multinational, multifaceted company.  Each department plays a vital role to the success of the company and while each company faces difficulties, but we must act as One Damco to battle.  

Aside from headquarter training, I had training with the folks on my team.  Scrabbling chicken scratch all over the notepad, like a maniac, as an attempt to copy down everything everyone said. This report, that report, this PO and that SO, say whattt?! 

Cheers to completing first month!