Happy Holidays 2009

images via flickr

to everyone

love you

Happy Holidays!

Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmukah!

And a Happy New Year 2010!

End of the Semester

Biology final...over!

I could have cried of happiness as I walked out the doors of WEB.

I couldn't be happier!

Now all I have to do is survive my government final.

And then WINTER BREAK!

The Best in Music 2009

Album of the Year [Genre::electronica]

1. Ready for the Weekend -Calvin Harris

2. Complete Me -Frankmusik

3. Fist of God -MSTRKRFT

4. One Love -David Guetta

5. Kaleidoscope -Tiësto

6. Crossing the Rubicon -The Sounds

7. Temporary Pleasure -Simian Mobile Disco

8. Things Are What They Used To Be -Zoot Woman

9. Entertainment -Fischerspooner

10. Kitsuné Maison Compilation 7 -Various Artists

Album of the Year [Genre::pop/rock/singer/song writer]

1. City of Black & White -Mat Kearney

2. Everybody -Ingrid Michaelson

3. Fearless (Platinum) -Taylor Swift

4. Ocean Eyes -Owl City

5. The Good Stuff -Schuyler Fisk

6. The Fray -The Fray

7. Battle Studies -John Mayer

8. Breakthrough -Colbie Caillat

9. Far -Regina Spektor

10. Crazy Love -Michael Bublé

EP's of the Year [Genre:: singer/song writer]

1.Twenty Something -Graham Colton

2. Covers -Greg Laswell

Single of the Year [all genres]

1. Sexy Bitch -Feat. Akon (Produced by David Guetta)

2. She Wolf -Shakira

3. I'm Not Alone -Calvin Harris

4. I Gotta Feeling -Black Eyed Peas (Produced by David Guetta)

5. Supernova -Mr Hudson

6. Night by Night -Chromeo

7. Bad Romance -Lady Gaga

8. Half Of My Heart -John Mayer Feat. Taylor Swift

9. Replay -Iyaz

10. Fire Burning -Sean Kingston

Comeback Artist of the Year [all genres]

1. Shakira

2. Calvin Harris

3. David Guetta

4. Lady Gaga

5. Britney Spears

Artist of the Year

Taylor Swift

Live Music (Concerts I've Attended in 2009)

1. Calvin Harris (Somerset House)

2. Mat Kearney (In the Venue)

3. The Sounds (In the Venue)

Loving the Holidays

photos via flickr

What I love most about the holidays is snow. Walking through the snow in warm, toasty boots and hearing the crunch sounds as you walk. Christmas trees, especially how they glow at night from the outside of houses. As much as I love writing Christmas wish lists, I enjoy writing Christmas cards and sending off presents to family and friends. Holiday lights have always been my favourite since I was little. Every year, one of our neighbors decorates their entire house in white lights and resembles a gingerbread house. I love all the different colours, trees and lamp posts in array of sparkles and seeing many houses with their own style of holiday lights. Each of these tell a different story; snow, Christmas trees; presents and lights. Every year, these stories have a different meaning and change. This is why I love the holidays.

Here's to the Past, Present and Future

Today was the last day of class for fall semester. I still have finals next week (which I should be working on right now), but I never actually thought I would be this sad at the end of the semester. This hit me hard after my last biology class. I really might cry. Biology has been my favourite class this semester. Learning about life is inspiring, fascinating and interesting. I love it a lot. I loved going to class and listening to Dave's lectures. I always laughed at his jokes, admired his knowledge, his love for teaching and most of all, learning life lessons I will never forget. I might never see a certain TA again. And although I will definitely miss the hot bio ta, I've also come to know all the other TAs as well.

To every memory, to every friend or person I've met,
this is how I've really felt all along.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never been this way before

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it, too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye
-Regina Spektor, "The Call"

A Self-Portrait

I've got my bags packed or unpacked.

It depends if you're looking from a half empty, half full perspective.

I'm always traveling from one place to another.

Weekends and holidays.

I'm hardly ever home.

And then I thought how I truly live my life out of one bag.

It's scary how that happens, but that's how I lived this summer.

My clothes were always in a suitcase from one continent to another.

The life of a globe trotter.

There's nothing I would change.

And there's no where I'd rather be than traveling,

seeing the world and being my nomadic self.

Discovering far away places, my dreams

learning, loving and living life.

This is me.

Fancying UK boys: Jazza John

photo via Johnny Durham

Read his blog and watch his YouTube.

He plays the ukelele and brightens my day.

There's just something about him and those UK boys.

a love letter to the hot bio ta

dear hot bio ta,

11.18.09 was the first time I ever saw you.

Last week, I coincidentally showed up at the library

and you were there.

We laughed about crocodiles running on treadmills.

I asked a question and you completely read my mind.

You were walking steps ahead of me,

while I was walking to my car.

Then you turned around and waited for me.

We walked together in the cold winter night.

As we talked, I knew you were the one.

I fell in love.

I barely know who you are.

But I know you are one of those guys,

the one in a million.

Hard to catch and hard to find.

I really like you.

love,

sum

p.s. I know this sounds cheesy and stupid. I heart Taylor Swift,

but this sounds like one of her songs and I'm no longer

in high school or fifteen.

also, check out more love letters a letters to crushes

photo via tumblr

10 Things. The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award.

I received this award from Hermione at Mon Blog Totale. Thanks again, Hermione! You're supposed to list 10 things about yourself, then send this off to 5 other bloggers.

Here's my 10 things:

1. I like to keep lists of lots of things: from the boys I've liked, favourite architects, concerts I've been to, adventures in high school, countries I've visited and much more.

2. One day, I want to own a frozen yogurt machine. I'm highly addicted to Spoon Me.

3. If I could, I would spend an entire week exploring different museums in New York and London. I like learning new things and I also want to sketch a statue or a painting in an art museum.

4. I like to find inspiration through all kinds of people.

5. As much as I like winter, I would love to wear summer clothes all year round.

6. I'm more of a modern girl and will always be a modern girl, but I'm beginning to like vintage.

7. I obsess easily. I have many obsessions and too many to name on this list so I'll confess one of them, blue eyed blond boys.

8. If I had no plans and no obligations, I would spend a Saturday doing absolutely nothing, but catching up on and watching movies.

9. There was a time in my life when I ran on the cross country team and ran many miles a week. I run when I can, but I would like to bring that part of me back.

10. My new phrase is "what the cupcakes?!" I really like cupcakes, a lot.

Bloggers:

Naomi at The Rockstar Diaries

Evita Nuh at Jelly Jelly Beans

Mina & Alex at Sending Postcards

Jessie at Truth Be Told Design

Julia at Wonderful Creation

Starting the wannabe Polaroids series.

My week in photos:
lively flowers (art), oriental vase (home), holiday lights (cheer), destroy, the dazzling sparkly city (night scape), alleles and loci (biology notes), sea of apple green (room of my own).

all photos edited with ShakeItPhoto & CameraKit

my little letters

dear snow and mountains,

I really can't wait to go snowboarding, make snow angels, snow men and melt myself into you.

dear Ingrid Michaelson,

I can't get enough of your music. I want to play all of your songs. Your winter songs have made me enthusiastic about winter.

dear Thanksgiving weekend,

You've been great and I don't want this long weekend to end.

dear J,

I've tried my best to not like you, like you. But I really do like you and you will probably never know this. We are nothing alike, but I've learned in bio that we tend to choose mates who are completely different than us. I guess nature or science explains it all.

dear hot bio ta(s),

You are beautiful. If only...

dear books,

I've said this before and I'll say it again. I like to get lost in you. All day, any day.

dear tender mercies,

I love how you keep showing up in my life.

dear love,

Where have you been all my life? I would sure love to find you, hopefully soon.

xoxo,

Sum

Let It Snow (pt. II: a book review)

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle is a highly addicting, holiday must read. And believe me, I spent all day reading this delightfully warm book and absolutely loved it.

The three acclaimed young adult authors write three intertwined holiday stories. One snow storm changes everything. Many young lives face harsh blizzard conditions, sacrificing and risking their lives in the name of love. Friends and strangers alike share the most unexpected, adventurous and miraculous-filled Christmas together. Put on your snow boots and get ready for the sleigh ride of your life. Let It Snow is the perfectly packaged present tied up in bows and ribbons, waiting to be opened under a Christmas tree. A true cherry jubilee dessert to be devoured or a hot chocolate savored on a snowy winter day.

The stories are told from many angles and perspectives of the characters, with many surprising surges of twists. I almost cried, but mostly laughed. At the end of each story, I felt like cheering and applauding like at the end of a movie when the credits are rolling. Love is in the air. I can feel it. I want to feel it. I am in love with love.

A letter from Indonesia!

Happiest news! I received a letter from Sister E!

All the way from Indonesia, where she is

currently serving a mission.

It made my day. I can’t wait to write her back.

We love you Sister E!

Let it snow.

I want a snowfall kind of love
The kind of love that quiets the world
'Cause I'm a snowfall kind of girl

That lights up the sky from below
That brings people to their window

Won't you bury me in your quiet love?
Oh bury me in your quiet love
And we will blow away

The kind of love that keeps you in bed all day
Oh I want to look through with you
And watch it all melt away

-Ingrid Michaelson

Hello Seattle

Hello Seattle, I am a mountaineer
In the hills and highlands
I fall asleep in hospital parking lots
And awake in your house

Hello Seattle, I am an albatross
On the docks and your boats
I sail above your inlets and interstates
Through the rain and open wind

-Owl City

About two weeks ago, I went to Seattle to visit my mom who was working there for a month. I absolutely love Seattle! Walking through downtown Seattle, it felt like home. Pike's Place Market is one of my favourite places. I love the people and hope to make Seattle my home one day.

Mat Kearney (Live in SLC at In the Venue)

(Mat Kearney, 10.28.09)

Mat Kearney live: one of the most enthusiastic and energetic musicians I have ever seen on stage in Salt Lake City. Even through the snow storms from Denver to Salt Lake City (I saw his twitpic after the show), anyone could tell he was so excited to be there. In "All I Have" and "City of Black and White," he replaced New York City with Salt Lake City. Loved it each time he did. His style of singing is versatile, he has a beautiful voice and can also rap while playing the guitar. That's some serious skill and talent. The stories behind his songs were fascinating. I love hearing stories behind the lyrics. I love his personality when he's talking, he's more like a friend. I don't think I've ever been to a concert where I've felt such a close connection to the singer. You could tell he wanted to be there and have the best night. And during the music, I lived in the moment of City of Black and White. He told jokes throughout the evening and in that room, there was an atmosphere and feeling you couldn't find anywhere else.

This concert made me realize that being a musician is much more than writing the music. It's about connecting to other people and finding the same or similar feelings that evoke that sense of emotion. It's a part of life and everything you go through. It's the places you see, the places you've been and where you are now in the present.

Suqian, China {take II}

Suqian dental humanitarian trip: October 9-18 2009

Places visited: Suqian and Shanghai, China

Getting there: LA>>>Beijing>>>Nanjing>>>Suqian

As the plane landed in the LAX airport, it felt unreal. The trip we (our group) had been preparing and talking about for months was finally here. Somehow it was hard to believe. I was so happy seeing and reuniting with friends from last year's trip in May 2008 at LAX. In betweens of getting there and going along the way, I got to meet with new people and I loved every minute of it already.

10.12.09 Monday

Opening Ceremony: live entertainment (almost like a talent show). There was lots of singing, saxophone playing and hip hop dancing. I think most or all of us were completely shocked. Nobody had expected an opening ceremony like this.

There were many children and as I looked at the little girls, they reminded me of my own cousins from China.

I worked at the clinic from 11 am-5:30 pm with Kelsie. After being a hygiene assistant from last year, the process felt familiar and yet, I had to remind myself of the routine of suctioning, wiping down and dental instruments. I reacquainted myself with sitting in a chair, observing the hygienist and sucking away. I didn't mind one bit.

Later that night, I had dinner with Adam, Kevin, Carol, Joe, Maureen, Ed, Dr. Thomas, Dwyane and Lisa. We had nuo ro mien. Afterwards, we walked the streets, browsed the vendors and supermarkets. The Walmart-like supermarket wasn't even there last year. So much has changed. Suqian has changed. At night, I noticed there were more neon lights that glowed than when I was there last year. The city seems brighter. I was talking with Carol and I couldn't agree more...what a difference a year makes.

10.13.09 Tuesday

The day everyone left me behind at the hotel. Let me just say it was one of my scariest experiences of my life. No exaggeration either. I won't go into details, but I had the biggest relief when I talked with Bishop Koerner on the phone and the hospital bus came back for me.

Brexan, Kelsie, Kevin and I went to tour Suqian. First stop: the same water park from last year. The water park was literally empty, quite the opposite from last year in the spring. As I looked at the deserted bungie jump, I distinctly remembered the time when Ashlyn, Lindsay and Jonathan bungie jumped; all the locals were gathered around and laughing. We were all disappointed the bubble was closed. It was the highlight of the water park.

Brexan and Kevin raced, or at least attempted to race on 4 wheelers. I rode on one for the first time. Then we took a few pictures before leaving to this artillery and war memorial park. Then we went inside this random and decorated cave, a surprisingly nice golf club and another park where we walked around. Our English tour guide and our driver was ecstatic to take us around and they were so nice. Everyone in our group felt a bit disappointed and didn't want to be there. Althought it wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, secretly I actually enjoyed every moment of it. I liked the idea of having adventures that people have never heard of and will never hear about.

We eventually got back to the hospital and hanged around for a while. I had no choice but to use a squatter. That experience reminded me of how gross and how much I hate them. My legs almost died.

I had lunch with Bishop Koerner and Brexan. After lunch, I assisted Dr. Seth Spangler with fillings and enjoyed the learning experience. After having so many fillings myself, I finally got to see how fillings are done. Numb the gum, etch, suction, glue, light, filling, light, filing and floss. Assisting with fillings is a lot more work than working with a hygienist, but I liked it.

Afterwards, Brexan and I walked to the Puma store. We decided to walk back to the hotel. There were so many kids on the street, many bicycles and cars. Everyday on campus, I almost get ran over by a golf cart, a van or long boarders. After crossing the streets in Suqian, I realized I shouldn't be complaining anymore. Crossing the streets in Suqian is serious business, risking your life. It's like playing Frogger with only one life to spare.

We had hot pot dinner that night. I ate a cuttlefish on a stick. At the time, I had no idea what a cuttlefish was or looked like. It had a chewy texture to it. I'll probably never eat one again, but I'd like to say it was one of the braver things I've done.

After, we walked around this nice place with a grand government official building, neon lights and a sign commencing China's anniversary.

That night I contemplated about this trip. I felt that the week I was away, I lost touch with the world. No e-mails or cell phones. Yet at the same time, I was in the world and quite literally experiencing another world. I had learned so much in a few days. Although the city might be gray from pollution, smoggy and dusty, I love it there. And it's not that I love the air. It's those familiar shops I see along the side of the road, the people I'm with, the people I meet, strangers on the street, getting to meet new friends and reuniting with old friends.

10.14.09 Wednesday

Assisting hygiene that morning with Kelsie. We were working on a government official's teeth. I learned how to chart probings and I was proud of myself. Now, I knew what those numbers meant. I felt terribly bad for her and how high those numbers were. The government official and her husband were grateful for what we did. I wish we could have done something more for her.

Brexan and I went to watch a surgery in the O.R. Dr. Williams was performing a cleft palate. Seeing all of it was amazing. Even though Dr. Williams tried explaining the parts and what he was doing, I really had no idea where the parts belonged or what he was doing exactly. He explained something about a muscle and yet I still had no clue. I wish I had understood more of the procedure. Everything was held together by wires and threads. I watched Dr. Williams work with such precision. As I looked at all the machines attatched to the 4 year old girl, I thought how fragile and vulnerable we all are. I looked at all of this during the surgery, it looked real and yet, none of this looked real at all. I'm more appreciative for what I have. Afterwards, I went to teach English at one of the schools with Brexan and Adam. I was scared out of my minds. I don't know how to teach little kids. One of the English translators tried to tell me it was ok, but I was actually freaking out. Little kids were staring at me and expecting me to be smart, when I had no idea what to do. The first class liked me. I sang and danced for them. I sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." In mid-song, I forgot some of the words. Then I realized how long it's been since I've been a "kid" again. I answered a few questions and played games. We played heads, shoulders, knees and toes and musical chairs. I taught a bit about brushing teeth. The second classroom was a bit smaller. We did some of the same things as the first classroom. We played picking up the marbles with chopsticks game and musical chairs. I let the kids win on purpose. Apparently, the teachers didn't like that at all. I took pictures with the kids before I left and in the end, I had fun "teaching English."

10.15.2009 Thursday

While everyone went out to the schools, I helped Dr. Seth Spangler write things down for the patients. I like working with him a lot and I learned more dental things. I went in the O.R. again. It's so interesting how much is involved in keeping the baby alive. When everyone came back from the schools, I watched Bishop Koerner take wisdom teeth out of Dr. Zhang's sister. After having my own wisdom teeth taken out by Bishop Koerner, I know what that looks like.

A few of us went to KFC before going on an afternoon field trip to Si Hong. We drove and drove and drove. There was a lot of honking involved. When we arrived, we saw lotus and birds.

Dinner that night included fresh water crabs and eels. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal except for me. Since when did eating turtles suddenly become ok?

10.16.09 Friday

I couldn't believe it was Friday. Time went by much too fast and it only felt like 3 days. We went into the clinic and there was nothing for me to do so I watched an operation on 'lipstick girl.'

Leaving the hospital was sad. I hate saying goodbyes. There was a firecracker farewell. We went back to the hotel, packed our bags and left for Xuzhou. President Zhang and her daughter took us to the airport, where we saw doggy meat for humans. I was shocked.

We arrived in Shanghai that night. Some of my family friends who live in Shanghai took me out for dinner. It was the best meal I had all week! Then they took me to Xin Tian Di where we went to a museum about Shikumen houses. Looking at the night life and the architecture, it was oddly strange how Westernized it felt compared when we were back in Suqian.

10.17.09-10.18.09 Saturday/Sunday

These two days went by fast and like a blur. Saturday we toured Shanghai. I remember visiting all these places 2 years ago. Since I had already been to the Yu Garden, I went shopping with Bishop Koerner and Brexan instead. Except I didn't really shop. Then when we left for home from Beijing, we had a long delay and arriving in San Francisco was chaos. Leaving everyone and saying goodbye was too sad. I didn't want the week to end.

I learned a lot from this trip. There are some things I've learned that I wouldn't have understood when I was just 17 (I like to think I have matured some bit). I've learned more about dentists and dentistry. I've learned to be braver, come to realization of what's important to me in life, found a part of myself and who I want to be. I've learned I have a lot more to learn. I'm just very grateful I was a part of this group and had the opportunity to go back to China for humanitarian work.

To everyone who went on this trip and read this, I love you and miss you. I'm so grateful I got to be a part of this group and meet so many wonderful people. I'll never forget any of you. I hope one day we can all meet again, maybe go on another trip. Lets stay in touch (via e-mail, facebook, etc).

And this is what life is all about...

image via notcot

today: words I'm living by

Never give up.

Have hope and dreams.

Live to learn and learn to live.

The world is never over,

even if it may seem like it

at the moment.

Trying your best is all that counts.

Find your passions.

Don't let anyone ever tell you differently.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Never fear. Because fear is an anchor,

one that will lead you nowhere.

Sometimes we need to leave

the safe docked harbour

and go out into the storm.

Fight our battles and learn.

Eventually find our way,

even though waves might

entangle us in several directions.

Featured Photo in Schmap's Auckland Guide

Earlier, I discovered that one of my photos is featured in Schmap Sydney Ninth Edition. I just found out that another one of my photos made it to Schmap Auckland Ninth Edition, too! I'm thrilled that both of my photos are featured in Schmap.

This was taken from Devonport while I was on top of Mt Victoria, a view of Rangitoto Island. I never went to Rangitoto Island since it was closed when I was there, but I would love to go back and visit someday soon. Absolutely breathtaking.

See photo here.

On my playlist: Frankmusik

Vincent Frank, also known as Frankmusik is a British electro hit artist. Many sources, including Frankmusik himself has compared his music to Calvin Harris. One of the reasons might be the fact that they're both from the UK and categorized under the same genre(s): electronic, electropop, etc. Frankly, Frankmusik deserves more credit than critics claim. Frankmusik writes bubbly, fun-filled, electrofying 80's pop ballads. He recreates a modern sound of 80's music and uniquely amplifies his own style of synthesized heart-beats. Go to Frankmusik's website and watch FrankTV. There's a live video of him singing and playing the piano. His voice is unbelievably striking and there's no doubt he's a gifted pianist. So maybe I do have a tiny crush on Frankmusik, but after you hear his music you might agree with me, swoon. So give it a go and listen to Frankmusik!

Listen to: "Confusion Girl," "Three Little Words," and "Better Off As 2"

Buy Complete Me, Out Now!

Featured Photo in Schmap's Sydney Guide

Over the summer, I went to Featherdale Wildlife Park in Sydney, Australia. I posted pictures on flickr and this photo was chosen to be featured on Schmap Sydney Ninth Edition. So excited! Thought I would share.

See photo here.

::doodling & creating

Breathe In + Breathe Out

I've got a million things on my to-do list this weekend!
Trying not to panic as I have a midterm exam, bio quiz, shopping and packing for my trip to China in exactly ONE WEEK! It's insane. A lot of things to do. More adventures to come. Much excitement.

::thoughts lost in Manhattan, NY

Photo via flickr

Both old and modern buildings reflect my own perspective of the past and future. It's an awe full of wonder how manmade creations allow you to think of and marvel the history of places you see. All of this [physical structures] happens externally, internally affects you, your history and memories. At first, from a passive thought of the influences of architecture, it all sounds simple. When really, and actually, it's complex. I can't even fully describe or comprehend all my feelings when taking in appreciation I have for architecture. Architecture that makes you wonder and go beyond your own understanding. Some things you can't learn from books. Sometimes it's experiencing reality and going to places where you finally understand and learn the answers.