Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11
At low tide, Barney was out there examining the flora of the rugged coast 
Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11
Saying good-byes to the seals before heading back to South Bay
Monday, April 11, 2005
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Easter
Easter Barney delivers a beautiful pot of goodies to me this morning, complete with a nest of Easter Eggs.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
Mission Peak: Barney all Drenched
Barney and I went hiking again. This time we braved the rain to scale up Mission Peak. The views are worth it.
Mission Peak: Barney
Barney looking smart on the way to the peak. He would be soaked shortly after this picture was taken
Mission Peak: My new hair
Refreshed after a brief downfall. Little did I know that it would start hailing. Nasty but fun!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Happy Birthday Mom
May God Bless you on your Birthday. I miss you. Sorry I can't come to Singapore to celebrate with you.
Happy Valentine's Day
Just us by the warm fireplace. A time to let you know how much I appreciate you. Thanks for letting me into your life.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Hiking at Pinnacles: Barney
Barney, my reliable hiking partner, on a hiking trail in beautiful Pinnacles
Sunday, January 30, 2005
The gardener at work
Thank you Barney for helping me with yet another home project - Planting Rosemamary on my front yard. The next time you need your house vacuumed, call me.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Waikiki Jan 20 - Jan 24
The holidays had taken its toll. Barney told me I could go along with him to Hawaii and I jumped at the chance to visit the beautiful state again. Here's a picture of Barney on top of Diamond Head overlooking Waikiki. After all, he is the handsome one.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
2004: Looking Back in Wonder
Going into 2004, I remember saying to someone: “I think 2004 is going to be my year”.
And it has been. There were three significant events:
1. The Elusive Green Card
Here’s an excerpt of what I wrote in a previous blog I maintained:
I Bet on the American Dream. Today I won a piece of it!
Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamt of working and living in the USA. In 1997, I began my journey to realize my American Dream. I took a leap of faith and came to the USA looking for a job. It was definitely faith, because if I knew how hard the process would turn out to be, I probably would never have come. Few companies will hire foreign accountants, simply because there is no shortage of accountants here. Most companies didn't even give me a chance to prove that I would be worthy of all the administrative headaches and legal expenses they would have to incur. Not to mention that they would have had to wait 6 long months before I would even be able to legally work in the USA. They refused to see me. But one company did. And like so many things in life, sometimes you just need One Door to open for you.
More than five years later, after delays caused by INS' (now called USCIS) incompetence, attorney's bad decisions, 9/11, the online status of my Green Card application changed to say the following:
This case has been approved. On February 20, 2004, an approval notice was mailed.
2. A Home to Call My Own.
Yeah I know; you’ve heard enough of it. I could barely afford it. But then, I have yet to be disappointed whenever I trust my instinct and take leaps of faith.
3. Special People
I am not ready to talk about them publicly. I will share with all of you when the time is right.
Tsunami
So the Tsunami puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? There’s quite a bit of my own personal stuff going on and the tragedy in Asia reminded me that I should open my hearts to people in need and not just focus on myself.
Unlike 9/11, the underlying energies are not hatred and vengeance; it is pure sympathy, empathy, and giving. There is no one to blame for a natural disaster of this unprecedented magnitude.
Politics
I also thought that in 2004, common sense and integrity would be brought back to the White House. I was dismayed and disappointed at the choice America made.
The Mind
Alex guided me through my first meditation experience. It quieted my being and helped me to accept that a relationship I wanted was not meant to be.
When you just give Love and never get Love, you better let Love depart.
I have also read some good books like The Miracle of Mindfulness, Start Where Your Are, The Power of Now and The Power of Intention. They taught me that we are a product of our thoughts. Negative thoughts and feelings like depression, anger, jealousy, and insecurity are impediments to fulfilling our innermost desires.
Breakup
Breakups are a part of life. It wasn’t the easiest thing; it can be hurtful. I’m sorry. I know it’s the right thing to do and hope that you will see it someday. I want to be friends but understand that you may need lots of space from me. I hope you know I truly cared.
I see it bleeds
It must be painful
For I see
Water standing in your eyes
Travel
Travel is my passion. 2004 took me to Montreal, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. David and I visited Montreal. We love visiting new cities. We know each other so well that traveling together is a pleasure. We don’t have to argue or compromise on what we want to do. We love the same things. Kevin and I had a great time in Asia. I felt bad he got food poisoning in Hong Kong and had to pay more than he should for a camera he purchased in Singapore. Some of the most memorable moments are swimming off the coast of Sentosa, and cruising down the Singapore River. Thanks for the memories, guys.
So 2005:
I have already given the energies of the universe notice of all the good things I want.
MOVE OVER SUN, AND GIVE ME SOME SKY,
I’VE GOT ME SOME WINGS I’M EAGER TO TRY,
I MAY BE UNKNOWN, BUT WAIT ‘TIL I’VE FLOWN,
YOU’RE GONNA HEAR FROM ME! - Dory Previn
And it has been. There were three significant events:
1. The Elusive Green Card
Here’s an excerpt of what I wrote in a previous blog I maintained:
I Bet on the American Dream. Today I won a piece of it!
Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamt of working and living in the USA. In 1997, I began my journey to realize my American Dream. I took a leap of faith and came to the USA looking for a job. It was definitely faith, because if I knew how hard the process would turn out to be, I probably would never have come. Few companies will hire foreign accountants, simply because there is no shortage of accountants here. Most companies didn't even give me a chance to prove that I would be worthy of all the administrative headaches and legal expenses they would have to incur. Not to mention that they would have had to wait 6 long months before I would even be able to legally work in the USA. They refused to see me. But one company did. And like so many things in life, sometimes you just need One Door to open for you.
More than five years later, after delays caused by INS' (now called USCIS) incompetence, attorney's bad decisions, 9/11, the online status of my Green Card application changed to say the following:
This case has been approved. On February 20, 2004, an approval notice was mailed.
2. A Home to Call My Own.
Yeah I know; you’ve heard enough of it. I could barely afford it. But then, I have yet to be disappointed whenever I trust my instinct and take leaps of faith.
3. Special People
I am not ready to talk about them publicly. I will share with all of you when the time is right.
Tsunami
So the Tsunami puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? There’s quite a bit of my own personal stuff going on and the tragedy in Asia reminded me that I should open my hearts to people in need and not just focus on myself.
Unlike 9/11, the underlying energies are not hatred and vengeance; it is pure sympathy, empathy, and giving. There is no one to blame for a natural disaster of this unprecedented magnitude.
Politics
I also thought that in 2004, common sense and integrity would be brought back to the White House. I was dismayed and disappointed at the choice America made.
The Mind
Alex guided me through my first meditation experience. It quieted my being and helped me to accept that a relationship I wanted was not meant to be.
When you just give Love and never get Love, you better let Love depart.
I have also read some good books like The Miracle of Mindfulness, Start Where Your Are, The Power of Now and The Power of Intention. They taught me that we are a product of our thoughts. Negative thoughts and feelings like depression, anger, jealousy, and insecurity are impediments to fulfilling our innermost desires.
Breakup
Breakups are a part of life. It wasn’t the easiest thing; it can be hurtful. I’m sorry. I know it’s the right thing to do and hope that you will see it someday. I want to be friends but understand that you may need lots of space from me. I hope you know I truly cared.
I see it bleeds
It must be painful
For I see
Water standing in your eyes
Travel
Travel is my passion. 2004 took me to Montreal, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. David and I visited Montreal. We love visiting new cities. We know each other so well that traveling together is a pleasure. We don’t have to argue or compromise on what we want to do. We love the same things. Kevin and I had a great time in Asia. I felt bad he got food poisoning in Hong Kong and had to pay more than he should for a camera he purchased in Singapore. Some of the most memorable moments are swimming off the coast of Sentosa, and cruising down the Singapore River. Thanks for the memories, guys.
So 2005:
I have already given the energies of the universe notice of all the good things I want.
MOVE OVER SUN, AND GIVE ME SOME SKY,
I’VE GOT ME SOME WINGS I’M EAGER TO TRY,
I MAY BE UNKNOWN, BUT WAIT ‘TIL I’VE FLOWN,
YOU’RE GONNA HEAR FROM ME! - Dory Previn
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Hiking through Monte Bello Open Reserve
Just us and a couple of deers. Clouds drifting by. No other human in sight. A narrow trail meanders past a lone tree at the beautiful Monte Bello Open Reserve.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
What a Fine Wine
Sideways is a movie about a bachelor-party trip undertaken by a soon-to-be groom and his buddy. The trip brought us face to face to the myriad of human emotions: happiness, depression, courtship, cheating, lovestruck, disappointment and risk taking. Throughout the movie, we sampled some of the finer Pinot Noir varietals that Northern California has to offer.
The film rekindled my love for Pinot Noir. And tonight I remember this mighty fine Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley: Kenwood 2001 Reserve. I remember that night when we partake of its strong and intense flavor. I miss that flavor...
The film rekindled my love for Pinot Noir. And tonight I remember this mighty fine Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley: Kenwood 2001 Reserve. I remember that night when we partake of its strong and intense flavor. I miss that flavor...
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Both Sides Now
Yeah, so I havent blogged for a while. Lots of home improvement tasks going on. Kevin has been a great help. More photos of the house coming soon. In the meantime, I've probably been boring all of you with too much details of the home I just bought. It's a big step, so of course I need to journal it for future reference.
I am also tuning out politics for a while. The disappointment of this election has taken its toll. Though, I know that it won't be for long.
Watched Love Actually on DVD this past weekend. It's a movie about human interactions. It's a story about love, disappointments, hurt, contentment and fufillments. And of course it featured Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now. What Powerful Lyrics.
I am also tuning out politics for a while. The disappointment of this election has taken its toll. Though, I know that it won't be for long.
Watched Love Actually on DVD this past weekend. It's a movie about human interactions. It's a story about love, disappointments, hurt, contentment and fufillments. And of course it featured Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now. What Powerful Lyrics.
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
But now they only block the sun
They rain and they snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I've looked at clouds from both sides now
I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way
But now it's just another show
But now it's just another show
And you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away
I've looked at love from both sides now
I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love
Really don't know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way
Oh but now old friends they're acting strange
Oh but now old friends they're acting strange
And they shake their heads
And they tell me that I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
In living every day
I've looked at life from both sides now
I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life
I really don't know life at all
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