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.  :)