Steph's Weekend (Oct 25 - 27): Halloween Funtime

This week had been extremely stressful, and even though I was quite devoid of sleep, I still had myself a crazy Halloween weekend. Starting off with dinner with Taiwan’s de facto embassy, TECO. We were invited to an all-you-can-eat BBQ and sushi dinner where we just kept talking and eating for hours. Honestly, don’t be intimidated by the word embassy, the Director of Education is one of the nicest, easiest to talk to “middle-aged” ladies I know. However, due to all clubs having events of their own that night, we had to say our goodbyes not knowing when all of us can gather for a nice dinner again.

Now, this is the part where Ginger is actually involved in my week/weekend, which hasn't happened since the summer. Ginger and I went clubbing with my student club. We drank. We danced. We had fun. I went as a sailor, and Ginger dressed up as a mourning bride in a VERY sexy dress. Even though the atmosphere was not what I’m used to for clubbing, I still enjoyed it since I was with my bestest friend.
 

Gotta take a selfie in the washroom.

To end the week of craziness, I just went hermit mode for the rest of the night. Hurray for hermit mode and Netflix!

....I wanted to insert a selfie...but after looking through my photo album on my phone, I realized I actually haven't taken a selfie by myself since the summer. Woopsie.

Well have a good week guys!

Steph :)

GINGER NOTE: Steph is an awesome dancer

I found my old iPod!

I found my iPod nano the other day, and it brought me utmost joy!
The thing is, I had pretty decent music taste back in the good ol' day when I was experiencing teenage angst and the turbulent emotions that accompany that phase. I must say, it is the best gift I think I have ever received.
Here are some of my favourite artists that I rediscovered in no particular order

1. Panic! at the Disco

Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off

I remember having Panic! being my jam for a good chunk of my high school years, it was all I would play. They're actually going on tour next year and guess who's going to be there, front and center? (me). PS. Brendon Urie is hot

2.The Academy Is

Skeptics and True Believers

Another band by Fueled by Ramen. I'm pretty sure that they're not very well known, but I can't say for sure. I was 100% an indie gal. It tears me apart, because on one hand I'm pretty sure that they deserve(d) more, and on the other I like to bask in the glory of the feeling that I get to have them all to myself

3. MCR

I Don't Love You

Oh my goodness, I remember singing this song as I cried in a dark room. The thing is, even though they were depressing times I don't associate MCR with that kind of dread. Well, I do, just not to the point where I have come to detest them, but I do still love to soak in their lyrics when I'm melancholy.

4. Relient K

Be My Escape

Just, feel good music.

5. Imogen Heap

Just for Now (live)

Super artistic, super eccentric. I'm not so into Imogen Heap/Frou Frou as I was before, but I can appreciate that she helped me be myself in my developmental years.

6. Jason Mraz

Curbside Prophet

I still listen to him and his recent music, but there is something so special about his old music. I used to fangirl over him since Geek in the Pink.

8. Death Cab for Cutie

Song for Kelly Huckabee

Okay, so I still listen to their music, but Song for Kelly Huckabee was forgotten until I scrolled down my entire music list. Serious gem. 

Along with artists there were some random songs that I really enjoyed:

1. The Shins - Phantom Limb

2. Rosette - Crushed

3. Jumper - Third eye blind


Anywho, I'm pretty sure that music is something that helped everyone in their lives at one point or another. I have actually stopped updating my list so much now, but I definitely agree with Frank Ocean: it's the emotions that help you understand the lyrics. That's ultimately what connects us to the artists, not the fact that they wear clothes from Target or that they also enjoy a good cup of frozen yogurt...(well I guess a little).

- your Ginger

longing for your warmth

I regret not belting this maxi. How cute would that have been? I love this cardigan because it's comfortable but it also brings some life to this piece. No extra jewelry needed (except maybe a belt!)

 

Admittedly, this dress is a tad too long for both Ham and me, but that is why we paired it with these cute boots from Aldo (or Spring).

- Ginger

Maxi dress: Winners
Cardigan: Tobi
Boots: Spring-Aldo

Steph's Weekend at Fright Night

Halloween is one of my most favourite holidays. There are tons of events and activities, and I love dressing up. If I had more money and time, oh, the costumes I could wear. The past weekend I went to Fright Night at PNE. For the non-Vancouverites, it’s basically a bunch of haunted houses and rides hosted at our local theme park. It was my first time there and it was hella cold, but in the end, I had TONS of fun.

My Halloween Costume in 2010

Since my friends and I went as a group and on the first day it opened, we got an amazing deal. During the summer, if you wanted to go there for only a little more than the rides running now, it is basically double the price. On top of that, there are extra admission costs if you want to go into ONE haunted house in comparison to the SIX haunted houses already included in the Fright Night tickets.

Also, while you walk around the amusement park, there are entertainers dressed in scary costumes who are totally up for taking photos with you. They are super friendly, but do so in a way that they’re still in character. It’s eerily cute, if that makes any sense. Especially the bald, physically disfigured…mental hospital people…hmm don’t know what they are exactly…but they’re awesome.

Atmosfear

Now beware, it is currently autumn, so it gets pretty chilly at night. When you’re up in those rides, even colder. So, dress warm. And wear suitable shoes! My friend actually dropped a shoe on the Hells Gate ride and had to walk around the park with a make-shift shoe from first-aid for the entire night. My favourite ride would be the Atmosfear. Don’t be fooled by the name, it actually isn’t scary at all. It’s like a merry-go-round but faster, higher, and REFRESHING! That cold autumn wind…feels so good!!! But seriously, do layer up.

Anyways, I definitely recommend you guys to get a group and go together. I would love to go again this year (GINGER! HINT HINT! :D ), but it’s a hectic month, so I’m not sure if I’ll have the time. I would also love to go on the Ghost Train in Stanley Park, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it. 

Coming up next: Halloween Clubbing with Ginger. Stay Tuned!

Hope you guys have an awesome weekend :D (but please be safe!)

- Steph 

PS. GINGER EDIT: My sister tells me that the haunted houses at PNE are actually HAUNTED. Yup you heard it here first, folks (not, haha).

Ginger Thoughts: Feeling Like a Failure

I was so swamped the past two weeks with all of the midterms and essays and assignments, I didn't write anything for my Saturday post and it threw me off the loop! I was going to write a Ginger journal, but lately I've been feeling quite uneasy.

This past week I've been feeling something that I'm sure everyone feels once in a while. For instance, I am no stranger to feeling incompetent. I think my failures in the past can be credited to several things: I compare myself to others, and I procrastinate and become unmotivated easily (while at the same time setting high standards for myself). This year I actually started off pretty well and have been consistent with studying. Yet the past few weeks test after test I feel like I'm just letting myself down again. I know I'm not perfect and no matter how much effort I put into anything I can't achieve perfection. I think the thing I hate the most is admitting that I'm bad at something or talking about my failures. It's just another reminder of how I should be ashamed of myself. I had a midterm on Friday and a data analysis on Saturday as well as a seminar presentation amidst preparing for the term paper for the seminar. Then I had a language midterm, a math midterm and history paper. I completely tanked the math midterm and I was so nervous about my presentation that for a good minute I just sat there hyperventilating in front of the class.

I couldn't believe that despite all of the preparation that I've done I still ended up at the bottom. I started feeling guilty and blame myself for everything. When so many others are willing to sacrifice everything they have for education and the loving support system I have from my family and friends, how can I sit here and think myself as being worthy of any of this? Honestly, I can't even come to a conclusion because I have no advice. I know what I'm supposed to say: It's okay to feeling incompetent sometimes, you can channel that energy into motivation to continue to work hard. I really want to say that. Trust me when I say that I wish I could smile and be positive and give this pretentious but inspiring piece of advice, but how can I when I'm still here, feeling the exact opposite.

Television Review - Upstairs Downstairs

I’ve been in a UK TV series phase recently, and holy crap, Upstairs Downstairs was amazing. The show is actually a continuation of a ‘70s show taking place at the same house, 165 Eaton Place, but with new owners and some new staff. It takes place in the ‘30s with references to the English fascist movement, the social conflicts of that era, and the events leading up to WWII.

The first thing that captivated me was its visually STUNNING scenery and costumes which was justly noted with Emmy nominations for Outstanding Art Direction, and Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries or Movie. Although the ‘30s was the time of the Great Depression, the show captivates the vibrant beginnings of a new family and household.

Cast of Season 1

Next is the characters and all of their relationships with each other. I love how each character, even the junior servants, have some sort of development, and all are portrayed so sincerely. It’s something I’ve noticed with UK dramas - everyone is an amazing actor. Though I gotta say, not a big fan of Persie. That foolish, ungrateful b****.

One of the reasons I love UK series is that a lot of them are mini-series. This means I can binge watch on Netflix without feeling super guilty for “wasting” time watching TV. Moreso, I found this series to be quite inspirational and educational. Got to brush up on some history. Many of the characters are genuinely nice and generous people, and Lady Agnes learns to not only become a housewife and hostess during the series, but to do so in an independent manner.

Cast of Season 2

Sadly, this series only has two seasons due to one of the main actors’, Jean Marsh's, illness. Many people argue that the second season failed to live up to the series' former glory due to her absence. Sure, the series lacked the calm motherly compassion of her character, but it was still an intriguing show nevertheless.

This is definitely one of the best TV shows I have watched this year. It seduces you with its beautiful imagery and storyline. It toys with your emotions and values when characters express opposing views. It’s just a really well produced drama that should totally garner the attention and love of North American viewers.

From a sincere fan,

Steph =]

Ginger's Thanksgiving!

Before I tell you what I've been up to the past week (exams, and more exams to come), I want to share my little 2 cents about what it means to be grateful...

It's something that should happen everyday and thankfulness is something we should encounter all the time. I wonder why though, why all of us (myself included) have such a hard time when it comes to remembering how privileged we are. I know that I should be grateful for the abundance that I have been blessed with, yet sometimes I refuse to acknowledge it in order to feel sorry for myself. I think that in our lives we are so consumed by what we should have, that when some trivial problem surfaces, we sit around moping rather than fixing the problem. We don't know what to do because we are consumed by our own sense of self entitlement. I realized that I can't really force others to change how they feel, but what I can do is start with myself:

I will be thankful for all the good things that I have, but I will also be thankful when it is hard to remember to be:
I will be thankful for the problems that make my life difficult, because problems offer the gift of solution (however indirectly)
I will be thankful because problems build character and wisdom as I set out to conquer each and every one.
I will be thankful even when I incur a loss because it will teach me not to make that mistake twice.
I will be grateful for shitty friends because it will help me appreciate the good ones and help me become a better one
I will be grateful for my lack of natural skill and affluence because I will hunger for success and build good work habits through copious amount of effort
I will be grateful for every extra step that I have to take because it will teach me perseverance.

Yup, I think that's about it.


So this is a mini update on how I spent my thanksgiving weekend:

Thanksgiving at church

So my mom doesn't actually cook our own turkey until a week after thanksgiving, because my mom's in charge of providing the meal above for our entire church (that is a lot of turkeys). I'll post on that on Saturday along with a special message to my brother (it's his birthday today!)

@Dasarang

I also celebrated my dear friend Jimmy's birthday. We ate delicious chicken with green onions. We went to karaoke/noraebang after and rocked out (well I rocked out) to a bunch of MCR.

Why post this picture if I'm going to blank out their faces? To prove that I have friends.
Happy belated Jimmy!!!!

Beauty Inside and Out

It is getting co-o-o-o-ol here, but the last two days displayed some amazing sunshine and it was warm enough for Hamela to wear these torn leggings. We decided to take our dog out on a walk while we were out shooting photos, and the outfit proved to be both comfy and warm. 

Hamela has been living in this sweater for the entire week, I swear it's beginning to smell like sour yogurt (joking). I thought that it would be really cute if she threw a jean jacket on top and topped it off with a washed out pair of blue high tops.

THE LEAVES HAVE FALLEN

Hamela took worn leggings, took some shears and cut (with much caution) a bunch of horizontal lines. We also got the idea to wear the jean jacket inside the sweater to give off a cool, laid back 70s effect.

fixing her hair

and voila! I actually think this outfit is even better.

our lawn needs maintenance!!

For accessories, I paired these long, black cross earrings with my mom's old gold ring. I don't know what the stone is, but I do really like it! As for the bag, we just chose my maroonish leather messenger bag.

Wine Not! (:

There you have it! We know how to be cool.

will you ever get to see his face?

...and my elusive dogs says au revoir! See ya again on Thursday and Saturday.

- Ginger

Sweater: Illest

Jean Jacket: Forever21

Leggins: DIY

Converse

Earrings: Aldo

Ring: mom's

Lipstick: Wine Not

Steph's Thoughts: Taiwan

Sorry guys, but I’ll be on a rant-about-Taiwan spree for just another post or two. I can’t help it, it’s just such an awesome country filled with awesome people. And yes, I say awesome too much, but it don’t mean it’s not as awesome. *snap snap snap*

Taipei - where my family's from

I love talking about Taiwan with my friends. Everything about it just makes me want to share the amazing-ness with others. As a Taiwanese, food is ALWAYS on my mind and or in my mouth. But, despite the amazing cuisines, it isn’t just about the food itself. When you’re in Taiwan dining out in those Taiwanese restaurants located on at least every block, it’s that home-sweet-home feeling you get even while sitting on that little plastic stool with strangers right next you. It’s the extremely friendly street vendors who strike amazing conversations that leave you smiling your entire meal. It’s the generous store owners who offer you free food when they see you become a regular.

Mom's hometown, Yilan. I love visiting this town when I'm in Taiwan. It's really beautiful.

A lot of the people in Taiwan are passionately outgoing. Sure, half of these people might shy away if you’re a foreigner, but once past the language barrier, the friendliness or 熱情 is a trait that makes me proud to be Taiwanese. Just don’t make politics a conversation topic...umm…ever. HAHA

I really miss my little island. Despite being born and raised on the other side of the ocean, Taiwan will always be my home.

Yours truly,

Steph =]

PS: Sorry for the lack of photos. I`ll continue a Taiwan blog post when/after I go back to visit.

Ginger Thoughts: Women, Men and Misogyny in the 21st century

I'm not sure if any of you reading had come across this viral video yet:

A man (?) is kneeling and is being repeatedly slapped by his girlfriend, who is accusing him of inviting another girl home. The entire time he just takes the beating, bawling his eyes out and protesting that he is innocent. Personally, I don't really care about the guy and the girl. The girl should probably go see a therapist and find out why she is so insecure and abusive as well as take some lessons on how to be a decent human being. What I'm really shocked about are the comments that people are posting about the girl.

 

These are the first three comments that I saw, and while it doesn't reflect everyone's opinion on this situation, I couldn't believe that I was reading this at all. Really? Are we still at this stage? I thought that we'd evolved far enough in order to know that these types of comments are unacceptable. In an age where we are trying to battle inequality, injustice, prejudice and persecution I cannot fathom the type of upbringing these people had that make them believe what they are saying is right.

I would highlight one comment that bugged me the most, but I can't even do that because they are all equally ridiculous and offensive. I don't even know what I would do to discipline these pathetic excuse of human beings who think they are "enlightening" the world with their misogynistic, highly inaccurate CRAP. Probably beat the shit out of them. HAHA joking.

Steph's Weekend: 10/4-10/6

For those of you who don’t know yet, I’m Taiwanese. Even though I was born and raised in Vancouver, I’m still very proud of my heritage. Since Taiwan’s National Day (aka Double 10 Day) is coming up, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), our de facto embassy, hosted a reception at the Vancouver Convention Centre where I served as a volunteer along with other Taiwanese club executives. With events and people like these, I just can’t help but say: I LOVE TAIWAN! 我愛臺灣!

Excuse my face. This was supposed to be a funny photo picture.

Can't wait for 10/10

On Saturday, I participated in the Color Me Rad 5k run. Boy that was an intensely fun event. We warmed up with Zumba. Sadly, I have no hand eye coordination so I was mainly just swinging my body around looking like a clumsy rag doll. After our run, which went by surprisingly fast, it was time to dance and do some colour throws, all of which were HELLA AWESOME! I definitely recommend this event for those who want to do something fun but charitable at the same time.

I went to work the next day to find customer comments on the desk – all awesome reviews. I gotta say that my store really does have the best co-workers anyone could ask for.

Played some Guild Wars 2. Some people said they would play with me, but still waiting. *sad face*

That about wraps up my weekend. See you all in my next blog. =]

Yours truly,

Steph

Ginger Journal: 05/10/2013

School has been pwning me so bad, but I ain't gonna be defeated! It's true I've been busy this past month, especially with my seminar course giving me loads of research to do for my project on top of chapters upon chapters of reading. Ah well. So the initial excitement of school is gone. It's already cold as heck, and I'm struggling with my unhealthy love/hate for rain. I love the rain sometimes, especially when it pours like a waterfall. I love just watching the powerful currents cleanse the world, letting go of all its frustrations. I love it when I'm outside with my umbrella and the rain pitter patters. I love the crispness of the air after the rain has stopped. But alas, everything good can also be bad in excess. First things first: please follow me on twitter...I'm so lonely @_therealgc

Now on to my update: a week ago, I went to IVCFs membership meeting. Unfortunately, I was feeling really sick so I couldn't stay for the whole thing. I cancelled tutor and I just went home to sleep.

My two beautiful gurls Scabby and GG wearing my scarf

My student Anna made me a really beautiful card and she said that I needed to put this up on my blog. Anna is super talented. She's still in elementary and she's already sewing her own cosplay costumes and drawing anime.

I went to a TaLK reunion the other day. I met two researchers/recruiters from the EPIK program from Korea and they gave me Psy socks! I looooove Korean socks, you don't even know how bomb they are. I just wanted to model them on my dog.

Sneezy Homie

I was walking home from school and I found these. Oreos and brownies are two of my favourite sweets. Yet this thing combined two of the greatest desserts on earth and still managed to ruin it.
 

I love ambitious, determined people. This one included:

this boy is desperate to study

Has anybody gone to this before? Is it worth giving a go??

A pancake my sister Hamela so generously made for me:

ALSO: I finally took the plunge and went on to become a full fledged bluenette. Kidding. I'm just trying to come up with a costume for Halloween.

That's all y'all - see ya again next week!

TBT: Reflection on Perception

I am truly sad to say that Xanga has died. If you want to know how I got into blogging, I must say that Xanga was my first and foremost love that immersed me into this online culture. I truly loved it there. I spent the good chunk of my high school days ranting, reflecting, and just expressing my hurt and frustrations but also joys to my little computer screen. It helped me grow, it helped me understand myself better. So I decided that from time to time I will post little bits and pieces of the files I had managed to save from my Xanga account (it is on to Xanga 2.0 now, but I think accounts are still accessible). 

I don't think that I titled this piece, but I know that I was in a phase where I was lost and I didn't really know who I was. Now please remember that I wrote these a long time ago, and perhaps I've matured and perhaps my understanding of life has changed, but nevertheless how you feel at a certain moment is still significant. Single moments can shape you into a different person. Moments that last only seconds can still manage to  be beautiful and touching.

Hehe, well I guess all the rain has been making me all nostalgic and pensive, but it's sunny now! Have a great Thursday!!

  - yours, Ginger