Happy Holidays

Location: same spot as my Fall picture -- this street is so pretty all year round!
Credit: M

I finally have a bit of time to post! The past few days have been super busy.

On the 23rd, M planned a day just for me! We first went sledding at Burrardview park and went down this man-made snow ramp omg that was so much funn!! Then we changed into our PJs and robes and attempted to play Christmas songs, ate a full Greek dinner complete with homemade sangria (!), ate a super yummy chocolate brownie cheesecake that M made, talked (of course), and made stove-top smores (Yea we roasted marshmallows on the element) =D kumao!

On the 24th I had to work. A lot of large group reservations canceled but the customers were great.

On Christmas day (Merry Christmas btw!), my parents woke my brother and I up to open gifts which is a first! haha In the past, I get up first, lounge around, my dad wakes up and starts on breakfast, and then I have to drag my mom out of bed and my brother wakes up soon after that. My mom got a telescopic back scratcher from Restoration Hardware... which she's very happy with -- a step up from a toilet seat! ahha... a running Xmas joke. My extended family Xmas plans were canceled the night before due to snow but at 2PM, my Gpa called and wanted to get together so everyone made it for dinner at King's Fort in Richmond (Chinese food but not really a fan of the food though service was good). Before dinner, my family visited my mom's maternal mom's brother in the hospital -- he only has a predicted 24 hours to live (colon cancer/liver cancer) except, well, it's been over 24 hours now and he's still awake and comfortable. It was the first time I met him and my mom hasn't seen him in over 24 years (my mom's maternal mom passed away when she was 16). After dinner, my family visited my dad's side at my Uncle George's (in Richmond) where we ate dessert and swapped gifts. Chelsea (my cousin -- she's in Gr 8) is so tall now! She's my height! Corey was soo heartbreakingly cute as usual though not as talkative. I got to meet my cousin Kevin's new gf really quickly before we had to leave to go back to my mom's side at my Auntie Sandy's house for more dessert and gift-opening. Chaotic, I tell you! I'm so glad I got to see both sides this year. You don't know how good it is until it's gone... so having family dinner canceled this year made me realize how incomplete the whole Christmas season would be + how much I'd miss it. It still wasn't the same though b/c we ate out for the first time, but at least we were all together.

Some of my favourite pictures of the night:

Triton-baby's scrunchie face.
Kyle-baby
Kyle-baby trying to hide from me
Erin and Emerald play so well together
Emerald was trying to scare Tri and Goo.
Girl cousins -- Kristin, Em, Erin, and Shannon
Triton's favourite Xmas gift -- a custom-made lion's head!

Not the best one, but it's the nicest one my mom took -- all the cousins + g'rents.

This morning I woke up at 6:30, only having had 4 hours of sleep, and met Artemis to go Boxing Day shopping downtown. We spent most of our time at Aritzia and Zara. I got a black cardigan and a black seamless sporty-ish racerback tank for myself from Aritzia. The sales weren't fantastic but at least the crowds weren't bad at all downtown. The bus couldn't make it up the Renfrew hill on the way home so I had to walk the rest of the way w/out a hat or umbrella... I cannot wait for Spring! I want to buy sandals and wear my shorts!! I think I'm just grouchy 'cause I need my haircut...

Don't hold onto your past. There's a reason that it's not coming back.

If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.

Finally uploaded pictures from my cell:

Posh's Xmas decor - before opening for dinner

I found a stash of my maternal Gma's fur coats. Since it's politically incorrect to wear them, I don't think I'll ever wear them outside, but they are warm and this particular one is cute and lux so I sel-ca'd w/ it. My arms aren't long enough to get a full length shot, but it's sort of like a cropped coat with bell sleeves.


Laptop is being v.v. annoying... it keeps crashing/freezing on me! Must clear space and finish making CDs for my dad...
And gah I'm so tired and have a sore throat... missing out on Steven's party!
Whaat it's supposed to be 7 degrees tomorrow?

Giving Chances... & Double Chances

Haven't been bringing my digi around... I should though - so I'm relying on other ppl's pics.. and since I've been hanging around my Posh coworkers a lot recently having just worked 4 days in a row, I thought it'd be most approps:
@ Boss -- don't know why Frank looks that way.. that doesn't even look like him.

We're getting bundled up to face the snow... self timer with Wellsie who just wouldn't smile.. guys.. where's Scott?

I've come to the conclusion that some guys just don't photograph well.
---
I cannot express HOW much I hate it when people don't bother befriending someone or even giving them a chance to show them what they're all about because of how they look. Don't they know that a lot of the time, the person knows how they compare and are already self-conscious about themselves? Don't they know that some of these people need to be persuaded to even get out in public?! What is so hard about giving people a chance to tell their story? Why do you mock them when you don't even know their name? I am shocked, I am in awe, and I am truly disgusted.

On another note, I guess we sort of gravitate towards befriending or acquainting ourselves with certain people because a lot of the time, you will find a group of friends all to be on the same level of attractiveness. The good-looking people flock together as well as the not-as-goodlooking ones. It's just interesting to observe.
----
OOo apparently there's going to be a piano battle between TaeYeon from SNSD and Junsu! And there's also a dance off between JYP and Rain! Rain, before he became an independent artist, used to be under the JYP management. Much anticipated!!

NEW SONG!
Lee Hom - Heartbeat

This guy will forever remind me of Taiwan... love love
lol one of my coworkers said he used to work out at the same gym as him back in Taiwan.

**

Shift Change

So I just registered for a dorm on the Korea University campus @ CJ International. I chose a double... meaning I'd be sharing a room with someone. I really hope it was the right decision and I get to live with someone decently compatible with the way I do things. My Auntie Sandy convinced me to choose a double... but she also suggested that I lay some ground rules within the first week which is pretty smart I guess if the buddy is the type to follow through. I got to choose some other things to sort of narrow down my choices but the only thing I chose was that I wish to be roomies with a non-smoker. I want this to be so random - I really have no idea what's going to happen or who I'm going to be paired with. Other options were "I study in the morning, I go to bed late, I study in silence, and I want to be roomed with a local Korean buddy" - all of which I chose "no preference". I guess if worst comes to worst, I'll try to switch with someone with a single room and give them the $400 extra.

The snow is kind of cool 'cause I've got snow boots and can actually stick my WHOLE leg into the snow at once! Work today ended quite early -- like yesterday, there were a decent amount of people in the beginning and then it just suddenly died. I really only served 6 tables (compared to 15-20) and got off at 10 (would have gotten off at 9 if that one table didn't take their dear time!). Such a workout though... the snow, I mean. G and I decided not to take the bus so we trudged all the way up from Renfrew Stn. Anyway, tomorrow I think I'm going to just suck it up and go downtown to pick up some last minute Xmas gifts for family and then head to work around 6. Maybe I'll even eat @ work as I'm craving sukiyaki again... even though I just ate there 2 nights ago... and then a few nights before that too! ahaha... but veggies, yay!

Scratch

Guh talk about unfairness in the workplace. There's this relatively new girl - let's just call her W -- she's only been here for 3 weeks and has only worked day-time shifts (ie. not as busy shifts) as a busser and host. There's also F and R who have been hosting and bussing for longer than W has. F has been here for more than a month and has mainly worked night shifts and he works really hard and is an awesome host. The boss says F is going to start serving soon. R is both serving and hosting now (she only just started serving a couple weeks ago) but she's been here like 2.5-3 months and is also an awesome host (like, really good!). The unfair part is that W is starting to serve already and F hasn't even started and F has been here longer and has worked more shifts -- esp. night shifts. Also, apparently W bombed her first and only night hosting shift and it wasn't even a weekend! How it works is that you're supposed to have MASTERED hosting before you serve. The boss made it very clear. Now how fair is that? I don't mind W -- tbh, I've only met her twice and haven't even seen her work but from my impression, she's nice. She's also mixed (but a bit of a butterface) if that has anything to do with why she got promoted so quickly.. and the fact that she's a girl... I think maybe the boss thinks girls sell more + get better tips... I don't know.. it doesn't affect me but I just can't seem to shake this from my mind. I'd be pretty annoyed if I were F or R especially because they've proven to be quite an asset to the company.

I've run out of my decent conditioner! Noooo now I don't even want to wash my hair... this weather...
I need to buy some good body lotion and more hand lotion (Glysomed is surprisingly good (and cheap!)! I think I bought a bad batch last time.. will give it another shot)... I'm cracking all over! I also need eye cream!

Painted my nails red for Xmas! Apparently looks fake =( OPI nail polish is amaaazzinnnggggg though-- I did 2 coats + 1 coat of Sally Hansen top coat and they don't chip or scuff up at all! Even after I have to use my nails to scrub oil off tables! Amaaaazzingggggg

Ah... so glad there's no more school! 2 weeks ago on a Sunday, I'd be thinking "Hm.. I should do my homework due tomorrow since I have work tonight... but then I have to shower and stuff so no time".. and then when I get home, I realized I have to stay up a few more hours to do my homework! But not anymoreeeee I'm free! I only have Xmas things to think about. Deck the halls!

Found another Chictopian I love love love! Style4style.
She wore this to her first day of school! lol
Great outfit
I need this blazer..... but it's vintage booo
Don't do converses though... wish she wore ankle boots/heels of some sort
Trying to find that LaRok skirt...
So pretty her hair here is perfect!

Strut Your Stuff

Is there a permanent sign on my head that reads please help me?

Or do I just seem so helpless or incapable that people always feel compelled to do favours for me?
Any which way I'm so grateful- especially this year at school, at work, and on the streets, I've noticed that there's just so many giving/helping-people I'm constantly receiving actions and things and I just feel as if I'm always saying thank you... and because of that, I'm much more a receiver than a giver. I'm very capable, I assure you! Yes, I can hold my own bag, if I spill something, thanks for offering your scarf but I can clean it up myself, I can throw away my own garbage, I can open my own doors (though that is a nice, chilvarous gesture), I can get my own coat, and yes I can even fasten my own seatbelt. I'm surprisingly strong too! I can lift boxes and move my own furniture! Don't get me wrong - I love receiving but I'm just curious if it's partly because I look so incapable... because I'm not! Just don't ask me to open jar lids... I can't do that.

Another thing, if I don't have a smile on my face, do I really look that unhappy? I can't seem to have a normal non-smily look that looks like everything is fine without having people chorus, "what's wrong??" or "you OK?" or "how come you're not happy?" in a concerned tone. It's so weird because I feel completely fine! Even yesterday I was pouring water and a coworker was like "Natasha, why aren't you smiling??"........ I'm pouring WATER!!!

Went to Boss w/ a few Posh co-workers a couple nights ago. I quite like it there! I had a good time =)
Wore my strappy bcbg's and they didn't hurt my feet (yay) but I pretty much towered over all the girls and like 50% of the guys. Lots of Asians as expected. Hardly took any pics from my camera and what I took aren't the greatest -- gotta get the rest from their digis. It was sort of to celebrate Tina's birthday too -- she's off to Beijing for a couple weeks! I'm green.
omg Yunho are you trying to kill me?! Now this is what I consider to be the perfect body.
Anyway, gotta get ready for work!

Sparkle.Baby.Shine

We all take different paths in life but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly - Anonymous

It's not about who you've known the longest, it's about who came and never left your side.

People put up walls not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.

My boots -- I'm ready to take you on, snow!

It pretty much only goes w/ my puffer jacket...
[! I'm nose-less!]

A Quick One

I PASSED ALL MY COURSES!!!!!
Still, the worst semester in my life...

Anyway, ate @ Posh for din w/ B and M yesterday and ate @ Benkei Ramen w/ Nad today! Now I just need my sushi, Izakaya, Greek, and Korean food fill and I'm GOOD for a while.

Went to the NARS counter @ Holts to check out their lip gloss. My goodness, I think Holts can be my 2nd home! I just feel so comfortable when I'm there. The SA at the beauty counter (who reminded me several times that she has been with the brand for 7 years and is now coaching others how to be a makeup artist) was quite convincing so I ended up getting a lippy in Chihuahua. Was very tempted to buy a couple of other things such as their Illuminating stick in Cocucabana but I was good (does that mean an extra potato?).

Also finally got boots! They're black, quilted + leather Rockports (old lady brand). I now know what comfort is in a shoe. Phew - I'm not afraid to go outside anymore! Pictures to come tomorrow.

Aiii so much to doo!!! I just want to hole myself in my house for 3 days until I finish them.

I Wonder...

It's this type of weather that makes me want to snuggle up in my warmest fleece and plushest slippers and lounge around, staring out the window while sipping tea (in front of a fire).

_

My goodness, people are such fascinating little creatures.

One of my coworkers has the nicest eyebrow arch - it makes her look even 'gorgeous-er'.

Bought that tiered skirt from Club Monaco (from my last post)! Just for fun... my party skirt! Problem is, it doesn't look as cute on me at home as it did when I tried it on in store =(

A nonstop flight to Seoul (ICN) is 11 hours and 40 minutes. It only costs $1,015CDN! (Come visit me!)

Will I ever have black hair? Right now I'm thinking not...

Hair is so blah -- need a trim + re-dye but need to save.

Skin is horribly scaly! Yes, call me a Komodo Dragon... I need a good body scrub fast!

I really feel like watching a chick flick in the theatre...

I highly believe in toners! Mario Badescu doesn't ship to PO boxes!

I'm thinking of getting a few more piercings on my ear in the new year hmm

This new Spring/Summer platform trend is ugly. So Spice Girls and sooo 90's!

Hmm I wonder if you do too... I can imagine.

Found Treasure

REVOLVECLOTHING.com
33% off ANY purchase
CODE: DEC333
expires 12/19/08
WHEN expired, use 25% off entire purchase
CODE: NOTCOTLOVESREVOLVE
expires 12/31/08
+ FREE SHIPPING to Canada!
(and free returns too... I think)

I think I've found a new favourite online store until Dec 31st :D
Some of their stuff is a bit pricey, but if you're looking for something specific like a great dress, skirt, or cardigan, I think it's definitely worth it.

Dirty Librarian Chains Outline Necklace [$116]
I am in love with this necklace!!
Sold out......
Filippa K Wrap Glove in Black [$125]
Nicest leather gloves I've seen.
100% lamb leather.Don't remember who these are from but they're nice and would be even nicer if they didn't hide the wedge in that way.
Loeffler Randall Piper Double Zipper Boot in Black [$855]
Looks very similar to my Vince Camuto ones that I returned except w/ a different heel + zippers on both sides.
Report Signature Ellis Patent Shoes in Black [$66 from $189]
Darn.. not very expensive but sold out!
Jack Rabbit Quadraphinia Hip in Black [$189]
I'm considering:
Loeffler Randall Delphine Pleated Ruffle Flat in Mineral [From $425 to $107]
Darn... nevermind.... sold out.
Mike & Chris Cato Baby Rib Skirt Waist Tie in Charcoal Heather [From $149 to $90]
J brand 12" Pencil in Black [$158]
Oh J brand... I love your anonymity... but why do you make your pant legs so long!
Hem hem hem
Citizens Of Humanity Birkin Dress in Black [$188]
Wah it's perfect.
Rachel Pally Phoebe Tiered Skirt in Black [$124 on sale]
There's a similar skirt @ Club Monaco I'd like to check out on Sunday:
Shop shop shop...
Anyway, love Soompi for posting all these great deals!
If I lived in the US, I think I might be receiving packages every second day so thank goodness I don't!
US only:
Bath and Body Works: $10 off $30 purchase 12/31
Victoria's Secret: 20% off entire purchase (print; in-store only) 12/14
Sephora: free set of lashes or mini-lipstick code: WINKORKISS 12/31
Sephora: 15% off FYP96 Exp 12/14 (+ free shipping over $50 always)
Sooo many more to AE, Rue21, Avon, Tarte, BBW, Express, Bebe etc...
Canada: Free $20 Buffalo Jeans David Bitton gift card

Anyway, I'm officially DONE my last exam today! It's been one heck of a semester grades-wise but I've learned some lessons... not to work so much...
Saw a cute guy today (well realized he was in my 35-student Geog class all along) aha it's kind of rare for me so I'm gonna document it. He dressed well too.

[Edit] Can't sleeeeep! I was exhausted earlier and now I just can't even close my eyes without being bored. I feel like running outside... if only it wasn't 2:30AM!

지갑

I've been trying to find a new long fully-zippered wallet for myself for the past few months and have finally narrowed it down to these:

Comme des Garcons - Star Embossed Full Zip Wallet

This one also comes in an embossed clover/circle pattern but it looked too round and bubbly for me. I like this pattern a lot in both black and red (though I love white wallets too but they just get way too dirty) and I think it gives it a bit of fun for someone my age.

The only problem is that there's no coin pouch inside!
But I guess that's OK b/c I think coin purses are so cute.
The smaller Comme des Garcons wallets are also cute but I prefer long ones.
Alexander McQueen
Classic look, black + gold, I love.
Nice, functional compartments inside.
Prada Saffiano Zip-Around Wallet

Very very nice all around. Also available in gold.
Nice insides too.
Prada's soft calf items are abs. divine. Stroke.

Christian Dior Cannage Zip Around Wallet

Lovely quilted look but is black and silver... if it were gold, it'd be perfect. Not sure if I like the Dior charm.

LV Monogram Vernis Zippy Wallet in Amarante

You know, so many ppl say patent will forever be in style but I don't know if I believe that.
I wonder if LV's monogram vernis style will become a classic.
But anyway, I still very much love this wallet.

They raised the price by $50 since I last searched it! Pish posh..

LV Epi Leather Zippy Wallet in Black

Now this one is quite a bit more mature, but very very much a classic + it's classy.

I like too many.. too bad it's not very practical to own more than one wallet because it's usually hidden in a bag or pocket... though I do notice at Posh, a lot of guys like to place (show off?) their $250 Gucci wallets on the table next to their food (not smart while eating sukiyaki! so messy... though men's wallets are cheaper than women's)...

Make Like An Onion... Layer!

If you ever get a chance, I highly suggest browsing around Chictopia for outfit ideas. I found a couple new Chictopian whose wardrobe I absolutely adore.

sofab
and so chic

!! The H&M fur coat I lusted over !!
Love this Chanel belt!
She has such good taste in shoes... just posted these lovelies today:
And can you talk about envy? She just got an internship with Gucci!
She's a pretty new Chictopian so she doesn't have very many outfits up, but I'm highly anticipating her future ones!
Oh and one more thing -- she's from Vancouver!

Another Chictopian who has got me a tad green is joannaladrido.
As part Spanish, Filipino, and Chinese (even though she looks Japanese/Korean), she's a doll face and her wardrobe is pretty sweet. To be honest, I haven't been a fan of her recent stuff b/c I think her sweet side suits her more than the chic, rocker-type.
Yea.. this picture really doesn't do her justice.

Couple more pics from Chictopia. It's not the same choosing just one picture to represent a person. It's a totally different vibe when you see their outfits consecutively b/c you get to discover what type of person they are/what style they're trying to convey and thus appreciate their style moreso and in a different way.

Very Givenchy-esque! Love the top + booties.
Loooooove these shoes!!! And who would have thought? They're from Aldo!
And just wanted to point out a new trend among Chictopians/fashion bloggers:
DIY "ripped" tights. This one is actually extremely popular and earned itself over 100 comments! MichelleYue cut these holes herself. The back is actually in tact. Check out the back!
So exciting - all the stores are coming out with their Spring collection now!

Anyway, I'm quite exhausted having only had 4 hours of sleep. Ling220 final went surprisingly well so I'm quite relieved.... celebrated by watching Gossip Girl (which will be on hiatus until January!! Noooo) and what an episode!!!!! So much happened - I was abs. captivated! Anyone else notice Lily's baby bump? I read on Pink Is The New Blog a couple weeks ago that a certain member of GG's cast was preggers and guessed it was her. She's such a pretty lady especially when her hair is down and wavy like that... a '68-er so that makes her... 40! Anyway, I think I'm going to try to get back on track sleep-wise and will wake up decently early tomorrow to study. 3 more exams to go! I picked up my Korea University welcome package today! And sold my Ling book!
My holiday agenda is filling up so quickly, it will be a very busy Christmas. I don't get my Xmas work schedule until this Sunday so I can't really plan too much at night, but I'm so excited and am thrilled to finally get to hang out with everyone =) Good holiday to look forward to indeed.