Everyone teaches us since we're little girls that the best way to get someone that we might be into is to sit in the corner and stare at them with longing, waiting for the moment when they spontaneously decide to take up the initiative and make the move on us. It results in a lot of grown, adult women who only know how to secretly obsess over their object of affection in secrecy and hope that it's all going to work itself out.
FINALLY, some updates! April’s been pretty lowkey for me, but alas, I can’t avoid communication altogether (lol). So here’s some stuff that’s been going on from the past few/couple (?) weeks:
I joined some of my KCM buddies to surprise a really quiet, unsocial guy. It was the first birthday “event” we did as a class and not just in our own friend groups, so that was nice. I’m not too integrated into their little circle but I do like that I can be involved in these acts of kindness toward each other. A group picture of those who surprised our friend (I won’t identify for privacy reasons):
some KCM freshman! so many koreans. heh.
I recently built a stronger bridge of trust with a childhood friend, who’s always been dear to me but whom I haven’t particularly been too intimate with. We hung out late into the night and we fell asleep on her bed talking, singing worship songs, and laughing deliriously as the dawn crept onto us. Here’s a really nice picture she took of me while we were just chillin’ and jamming…I edited it a little on an iPhone app, and it’s a picture I actually really like of myself (haha).
(sorry, the white space is actually part of the frame).
Also, an old friend and one of my CLOSEST friends from my high school years at church came to visit me at USC. It was honestly the best thing ever to have her here. She’s always known what to say, and she’s never failed to be an encouragement to me not only spiritually but emotionally. We’ve shared many dark and joyful times together, and I was so happy and somehow relieved to have someone to share my burdens with, and to just talk about my walk with God. 
She’s known me well from before, and it was just comfortable knowing that I didn’t have to explain that much or give a background to my problems. Catching up is one of my favorite things to do.
LOL, us being tacky with Tommy Trojan.
Last Friday, an awesome girlfriend and I went to Little Tokyo (again). It’s become a weekly tradition, because we’re both obsessed with Japanese food and boba. She’s also someone that I really treasure having in my life, and I am so glad to have met her. She’s someone in the same academic “area” as me, and it’s nice having a “study buddy” that really understands academics from my point of view. It seems that otherwise, I’m surrounded by science/math/engineering/other humanities majors who I can’t really relate to in terms of purely academics (classes, workload, etc.). Anyway, usually we pig out at Daikokya Ramen or buy fresh sushi from Nijiya Market, but this time we drooled in anticipation for Sushi Gen’s famous lunch special. It’s a longass wait but BOY was it worth it. It’s only for a few hours at lunchtime on weekdays, and it’s $15 for the sashimi special, which has assorted pieces. I nearly cried while eating the toro (the choicest, fattiest part of tuna). It melted in my mouth, seriously. Everything was totally delicious. My only regret was eating it on an empty stomach, so I felt a bit sick after a while. But then we went back to campus, and got our other good friend (who’s also a part of our Little Tokyo tradition) to come with us (AGAIN) to get Ozero boba. And of course by that time my stomach was settled. Though I spent quite a lot of money, I was satisfied and definitely felt it was all worth it. I hadn’t spent anything all week since I quit my job and now don’t have any incoming money at the moment; I was literally waiting for the sushi for two weeks, lol. Here’s an iPhone-quality picture of the fishy goodness:
I FREAKIN LOVE SUSHI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That being said…I have a very busy week ahead of me. I must use every minute to my advantage. I GOT THIS.
Also, one plus of today: FINALLY caught up with ma bff after not seeing her for a while. Poor girl had a bio midterm.
Gotta chug that coffee!! See ya laterz.
I have always embraced social media, and this is one of the days that I’m especially thankful for its existence. I’m not constantly browsing news sites, but these days I don’t have to, because when I went on Facebook today and saw the barrage of statuses about the bombing in Boston, I already knew half the story.
Today is a tragic day. Two bombs exploded in Boston, and near the finish line of a marathon. It seems pretty purposeful that these bombs were placed at a location where people probably felt joyful, accomplished, and invincible. & I know I’m not the only person who thought that something bad was bound to happen soon, but like everyone else I was taken by complete surprise. I may be living in California but I have a sister in the East Coast and many friends going to school near the area. It’s a small world, and my own distance from these events doesn’t make me any safer or more reassured.
I’m not writing to tell you the details of these vile actions. I’m here to say that many hearts may have been broken, but America’s spirit and strength has stood the test and will stand the test now. When scary shit like this happens, there are always people helping. When you look around, people are helping each other get back up. Each of us prioritize our own lives, but there’s something rooted deep inside of us that inclines us to protect & look out for each other. Fear may break down an individual, but it sure as hell doesn’t destroy America.
No one even knows what this attack means yet, and what kind of anger was behind it, but one thing is for sure: we may be a nation with a lot of problems and a ton to be scared of, but we are strong and united and hopeful. We’re not perfect, and we’re not the best (despite what some hardcore patriots say). But we’re a country that’s only gotten increasingly fearless and able year after year. There may not be enforced religion anymore, but our faith in God has only gotten more secure. I know that those of every religion–even hardcore atheists–are praying for Bostonians in their hearts today.
Around the world, terror happens every day. The world isn’t becoming a better place, and it never has been. How can it? We’re human…we’re evil, greedy, crazy, emotional, imperfect, and selfish. Some of us are just happen to be more hurt and confused and disillusioned. But as humans, we’re also kind, compassionate, hopeful, and full of love. Love is what we live on, love is what we believe in. Love is what unites even the most dysfunctional of people, and what makes our bonds as strangers and friends stronger and longer. A bomb is scary and unpredictable–but love is a force that our enemies should fear. Because love heals. Love can destroy as much as it builds up. A bomb is a temporary explosion, but love has a permanent existence.
So let’s love one another, always. Let’s not forget that life is fleeting and short. Let’s be more aware of every minute and moment, and let’s make it a goal to be better lovers and servants of God and each other. Let’s overpower all the evil of this world with all the beautiful things in life–all of which stem from the unbreakable, undying, always-blossoming flower of love.
Say a prayer for Boston today. And if you have time, pray for yourself. Pray for the world, your family, your friends, and your enemies.
-consume Vitamin C every day. AIRBORNE!
-eat regularly, eat well, and eat in moderation.
-no junk. sweets once a week. (summer is coming way too soon and this freshman 15 crept up on me like no joke)
-go to the gym at least twice. zumba or elliptical, i don’t care. just go.
-be nice to my roommate. (it’s not like i’m being mean. but i guess i should respond with more than just grunts sometimes. i’m not a freaking neanderthal)
-don’t spend any money till Friday when I go on a sushi run with ma guurlllfrand
-pray when i wake up and before i go to sleep.
-read the Bible every day.
-go to ALL my classes on time! Yes, if this happens i will be pumpin’ my fists
-get AHEAD in my work, not behind (or barely there)
-don’t rip my contacts
-smile at a stranger once a day
hmm. i’ll be checking back in throughout the week to see how these goals are going.
Have a good week!
I get easily irritated. That’s just how I am; however, I don’t always show it. Which is a relief, because if I expressed my general irritation at life and people every time I felt it, I’d be left with no friends. Only cats.
My poor family has to deal with me, though, because I don’t ever hold myself back with them. I wonder every day how they put up with me. It’s because they love me, I guess. (Commence the warm fuzzies and happy feelings in my heart). Though I don’t share every part of my life and mind with them, I’m pretty much and open book. I’m really happy it’s a Friday and it’s the mother effing weekend, but I have to say that after a very difficult and disappointing week, I have realized that there are things about myself that I get annoyed at, and that I constantly wish I can fix.
I felt that if I can at least acknowledge my faults and flaws and put them out into the open, it will personally help me fix them more. Because what’s the point of sitting here and wishing I can be a better person and not doing anything about it? I hate making the same mistakes. I was good about never repeating mistakes on the SAT, but it’s a different story when it comes to life (which, of course, has nothing to do with the SAT despite what universities expect). SO I GOTTA GET MY SHIT TOGETHER. Here are some annoying things about me.
P.S. I don’t have self-esteem problems. I’m not trying to be an attention whore by being self-deprecating. I just get annoyed at myself sometimes, lol. You know how you sometimes get tired of your own voice? Or is that just me…
1. I literally have ZERO sense of time. Which means my time management level is pretty much below average. Well, okay, I do have a decent sense of time, but I just can never seem to realize how much time it takes to do something, and to measure that time effectively. I don’t remember having this much disregard for time when I was a kid. What happened to me…
2. I am a people-pleaser. I consider myself a pretty opinionated and strong-minded person, but I have this need to be liked and appreciated by people, which means that sometimes I lose my own voice along the way. I just get frustrated at myself, because I don’t want to shape my life based on what others think of me. During college life so far, I’ve been much more independent and trying less to please others, but at the same time, it’s elevated with the close friends I’ve made here. So…I’m a work in progress.
3. I’m a perfectionist and really self-motivated, but I find it hard to get started on something. Once I get started, I can stay focused and concentrate for a long time, but I can never just seem to actually get a start on something. Which is REALLY annoying when I have something due. Literally, I have slapped myself in the face together. But I still couldn’t pick up a pen for more than 2 minutes.
4. I’m not original. This is fugging annoying.
5. I’m a lame replier. Or more like I’ve BECOME a lame replier. (to texts, messages, emails.) When I feel like it, I’m an avid and frequent texter and chatter but I almost never reply on time anymore. I feel like if I was the other person, I’d be really annoyed haha.
6. I’m late to everything no matter how hard I try not to be. WHY?!
7. I’m indecisive. It’s not because I don’t know what I want, it’s just that I never have a preference for something in particular, or I just don’t give a shit. Either way, it’s really annoying when I just need to choose something or someone or somewhere, and I just spend way too much time going back and forth.
8. I lose things easily. I didn’t use to be, but I think I’ve become more aloof and distracted these days.
9. Speaking of, I’m easily distracted. -___- One day I’m just going to get run over by a car.
10. I can’t seem to take punishments seriously. EVEN as they are happening.
SIGHHHHH. Step by step, I’ll be refining myself during the remainder of college, and I am determined to graduate and go out into the world equipped with a good set of skills and characteristics that will benefit my relationships with people, my future workplace, and my own well-being and lifestyle. GO ME! LET’S DO THIS!
Man, sometimes I feel like I’d hate to be my own mom.
I can’t believe I just found out about Emeli Sande this week! I definitely feel like I’ve heard her music before, but I must have ignored it. But I’ve been listening to her whole album recently, “Our Version of Events.” And it’s so, so so good. She kind of reminds me of Leona Lewis. Her voice is absolutely sensational, and I’m just really amazed that Britain produces such talented people…Jealous. Well, I’ll be studying abroad in London in a few semesters, so I can’t wait to be a part of their culture!
Anyways, if you haven’t already, CHECK OUT HER MUSIC! Here are a few of my favorites:
Next to Me
My Kind of Love (P.S. this music video is so sad)
Daddy (ft. Naughty Boy) – WAIT, i got this for free on iTunes once!! I MUST FIND IT
On a side note, I saw Kina Grannis perform last night! I always thought her singing on YouTube was just alright, but she is so much better live. Video coming soon!
personal disclaimer (lol as if anyone gives a f*ck): i am NOT a beauty blogger. i am NOT advertising these products. i literally am just trying to avoid doing homework so i can write a blog post about all the stuff i got at CVS today AHAHA. it’s always fun going through new stuff ^.^
So this afternoon, I accompanied a good friend to CVS, the closest grocery/drugstore to campus. I perused the beauty and body-care aisles for a bit, and I decided that there were some products that I wanted to try that I never really used before. Funny how they’re mostly basic “essentials,” but I’ve gotten by in life really well without them. But I didn’t have my wallet, so I actually made the trip back to CVS after my last class of the day and well, splurged. I say “splurge” because I really didn’t NEED all the stuff I got. But I know that at by now, I should be open to trying different products out and figuring out my own body. It’s been great having been raised by parents who have taught me almost everything I need to know, parents who are economical & informed. They’ve discouraged me to buy anything that I don’t specifically need, especially if I have something at home that has the same function. My mom has taught me to be invested in nice products outside drugstores. And of course, I really shouldn’t be spending money on this. But it’s college, and it’s my time to play around when I can. So here are the things I bought at CVS today. They are really just normal things, nothing special–but they’ve been chosen with a lot of thought & care. Hopefully I use these consistently & learn more about what my body needs and what it doesn’t!
P.S. Excuse the sucky-ass photos, I wasn’t really concerned about making a nice display. I just wanted to take my own pictures of what I bought instead of just posting links.
-Nivea A Kiss of Mint & Minerals Refreshing Lip Care – It was time for a new lip balm, for a few reasons: 1. My favorite Eos is almost gone, but I wanted to replace it with something different. 2. I am not satisfied with just having my rose salve. 3. I need something without color (no lip stains needed right now).
-Maybelline Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara – Aside from my Lancome mascaras, I’ve stayed loyal to one drugstore mascara, and that’s Covergirl’s Lash Blast (I forgot the exact name, but it’s in the orange bottles and I have like a million of them). But I’ve heard great reviews about this one, and I think I’ve actually used my friend’s once, and it worked great. I have some lashes but they’re not defined, so I liked that this will give my lashes volume. Also, mascara is my favorite and most essential piece of makeup (most of the time it’s all I wear), so I feel wrong not experimenting and really doing my research before choosing one consistent brand.
-Neutrogena shine control powder (rice protein complex) – I have Lancome powder already but I really like that this is from Neutrogena, a pretty well-respected skincare brand. And my skin is so freaking shiny all the time, so I need one that lasts all day and gives my skin a matte finish.
This is what the inside of the powder looks like!
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser – Not my first time using Neutrogena, buuuut first time using a cream cleanser. Let’s see how well this does compared to my tried & true Aloe Liquid Soap!
-Aveeno postively nourishing smooth body wash (pomegranate + rice) – the end of bar soap for the time being! My skin feels softer already.
-Kiehl’s “Close Shaverettes” Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream – LOL. Is it weird I’ve never used shaving cream until now? I always just shaved in the shower by lathering the area with foamy soap. It’s worked fine, but I’ve always been curious about shaving cream. And also, this isn’t from CVS. I bought it at the non-logo section of our school bookstore. Kiehl’s is supposed to be really nice, so we’ll see.
Bobby Pins – only because I seem to lose them everywhere I turn. I think they’re all conspiring. Anyways, as you can see, I’ve gotten practically a year’s supply of them so it should last me a while. On a sadder note, I lost my last elastic, which means I need more hair elastics. -___-
I also bought Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70. I love this sunscreen and have been using this for quite a while already, so I didn’t think a picture was necessary.
