Transition to A New Page of Life

Surreal as it could be, the transition unavoidably forces the life into a to-do list, while the daily rhythm is sadly decided upon how fast each item can be checked-off from the list.

Certainly, half of tasks are required to make the arrangements of the new life, finding a realtor to help look for a new apartment, getting reconnected with my old friends and classmates, figuring out the new routines …., Excited? Certainly not! But, I have always been this type-a woman, who can handle things and get things done, so I am handling it, except I feel like I am simply going through the motions to make sure things gets done and all the necessary tasks are not forgotten.

Unfortunately, some tasks on the to-do list demands cutting ties with the current life and saying good-byes to Santiago (my tailor), to Cindy (the nice woman who does my nails), to my running partners, to co-workers, and the worse of all, to all my dear friends.

There are times, I have to take a deep breath and pray to God that the friendship would never change in spite of the change, the distance between China and here.

Below is my friends from growth group.

Loud, Volcanic, Bombastic Rock Band?!

Never thought I could be a fan of a rock band.

I mean, come on, there is enough headache in a day as is, why the hell one would desire for more from those loud, obnoxious and nerve-wracking rock bands? And, mashing up the guitar, shouting at the audiences plus the long-hair with tight jeans are never my style anyway. :)

However, to my great surprise, I love this band - Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and their interpretation of classical music mixed with beautiful Broadway-style vocals. Fascinating music for those who love classical orchestra and symphonies with some modern rock-n-roll touch.

I started with "Beethovan's Last Night", volcanic, bombastic but widely varied. Stunning vocal indeed!

Then bought another one, "Night Castle", haunting and hallowing. I cannot help feel my heart pounding by listening to "Moonlight and Madness", Beethovan's Moonlight Sonata movement III with rock-n-roll touch.

Vacationing at Home

Exhausted...Felt a bit better after a long run in the morning followed by a nap on the couch.

Drinking beer, organizing all those pictures taken back in China, blogging my goofy thoughts, with Transberian Orchastra playing at the background...

Last week, I lost an expensive ear ring in my bedroom. Rohit, Dara and I teared down the entire room but found nothing except a book I thought I have lost long time ago - Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom.

Well, with my usual attitude of "making the best out of the situation", I picked up the book from where I left off 3 or 4 months ago. I liked it, quite thought-provoking and it even made me teared-up in the end.

A couple of quotes from the book -
"God and the decision he renders is correct,
God doesn't punish anyone out of the blue,
God knows what he is doing..."

"The secret of happiness - Be satisfied, be grateful, for what you have. For the love you receive. And for what God has given you. "

What Am I thinking?!

I was waiting to meet one of my friends for drinks afterwork today. Browsing through facebook postings, I noticed that one of my friends did some silly "brain test". The test is supposed to decode what one is thinking at that very moment.

Without anything better to do, I took the test. I seriously could not believe the result. Twice in a row, I got the same answer asbelow. And....they are kind of.....ACCURATE!!! :)

To translate the picture in English -

The vain little girl looking full-of-herself in the picture was thinking -
1) Forever young (big time!!!)
2) This year I look 18 again. (Of course...always....)
3) Be skinny, great body
4) Have a twin with a boy and a girl each (Not sure about this one.... :) )

Is It a Failure or Success

Should one ever trust a high-schooler for fashion consultation?

Probably not, which would be my first reaction. But, again all my reasonings and common-sense, I was so out of my mind and let the kid, my cousin, recommend a new hair style and color for me.

Thank God, it did not turn out to be a total disaster!

While he was dying my hair in my kitchen, I kept threatening him that if the color turned out funcky, I am going to call his dad first thing when it's done. :)

He did a great job!

2011 Tax Day

What one should do when facing a daunting, boring, mind-bogging task, like filing income tax?

Find something to indulge and help relive the pain, such as sipping a delicious bottle of wine, enjoying delicious cheese and snacks along the way, listening to some great music at the background....

Guess since I have to deal with it, might as well make the process more enjoyable. :)

Two weeks ago, I rationalized my pantry in the kitchen. While doing so, I uncovered this great bottle of wine - Monticello Gran Reserva of 1998 from Spain. A house-warming gift from an old friend. Today is a perfect day or has a perfect excuse to enjoy it.

Hm mm...the color of burgundy, dark cherry, nice on the nose, smooth and slightly sweet on the tongue... Simply delightful and equisite!

I know if Rohit is here, he would say that I am breaking his bs-meter again. :)

Smart Value Prop

As we all want to send smart messages to sell a product, or an idea, or whatever to the target audiences, it's often very difficult to craft a good one. But, one come cross my way today that I like -

While 20% of babies who were exposed to classical music in utero become doctors or lawyers, 100% of babies born onstage during a classical music performance become Bill Gates. Increase your chances of a lavish retirement with today's deal: for $19 you get one general admission ticket to the Peninsula Symphony at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center or the Flint Center at De Anza College (up to a $38 value).

Oh, well, guess we are all flocking to the classical performances now....

Enjoying Being Mindless over the Weekend.

Who said we must be serious and uptight all the time?! This is the weekend that I had a great time catching up with my friends, watching movie, havig my finger-nails painted with light purple, and completely enjoying being mindless. :)

Counting all Your Blessings When It's New Year Eve....

Remember one of the Christmas song says,"when it's the time for the Christmas, count your blessings one by one..."

I guess for me tonight is "When it's the time to eating dinner alone at the New Year Eve, count all my blessings one by one..." :) One of the biggest blessings I have is that I can still see my dearest grandparents in person. And, this year, I even received two big "red pocket money" from them!

Life cannot be perfect, what else can I say? At least the dinner is a gourmet spinach salad with grilled salmon and orange. Sprinkled with a little bit cheese, almond flakes, and sesame oil.

Dad would be very proud of me that I got all my luggage unpacked for my trip from China the last week and the laundry is done. Home, nice and clean, smells the aroma of green tea.

Dad always says that don't leave today's work to tomorrow. How can I not to do the laundry tonight? Otherwise, that would be leaving this year's work to the next year. Horrific thoughts indeed!

2010 Recap

What has happened in this roller-coaster year, when the high got sky high, the low almost sinked to the bottom of the ocean?

The biggest highlight is probably my faith in God. In spite of my on-going tireless rebellious battle with Him and trying to charge ahead with my own efforts, I finally got to the point that I must admit his love and guidance towards me. This progress actually has made a significant change in my life and outlook towards the future. Gosh! Probably only God and I myself knows that how incredible I am now typing those words.

The second one is my career. Made some progress and validated that I am in the end not a lousy product manager at all. :)

Another thing I can think about of this year is that it IS FILLED with pampering and shopping. Uncle once told me over a cup of coffee that I should treat myself nicely or nicer. I nodded and smiled. What else can be easier than accomplishing that goal? I think I definitely have over-accomplished the goal in 2010.

The last thing is the fun I had from travels and photographing. Made all the way to South Africa, the furthest point from the San Francisco bay area. As far as the photographing, some minor progresses. Good enough. :)

The low points? Let's not talk about that tonight. :)

P.S. The picture of me drinking bubble tea at the top of HuangShan Mountain in China the last week.

Ostrich in the Headlight

We all have our moments of glory and brilliance. This week? As far as I know, is not mine. :)

Can I complain to God? Can I say that sometimes that God does have some weird sense of humor? Maybe he is bored with managing billions of his Christian-followers so that once in a while he wants to play with a few of us to get entertained?

The bottom line is that this is the week I feel very sad. This is slightly out of the character of mine, if I am not too delusional.

The reality is that I feel I am fighting this stupid up-hill battle at work. Why should I even be doing that, especially doing that while starting my day at 6:15 am everyday? I should just sit tight and enjoy the big bucks they are paying me. Why bother? I know I have this decease of being a hopeless perfectionist.

At the same time, I miss my friends.

And, I am getting one-year older the next week. Jeez! Am I OK with me getting older and wiser everyday? Am I really happy with my life? One the one hand, I really happy with where I am, a job I love, a couple of really good friends I can hang out whenever I want...If I get bored, I can go buy myself an expensive purse, a dress,...Oh, I learned this new word, micro-surficing for facial recently.....Or, just simply go out of the country for a change....

I cannot complain to God, can I, given what I am blessed with?! However, nobody said I cannot whine towards him!!!! Ha, ha ha.....

August - A Torent of Hard Aspects?

Alright, someone predicted that a few, more than just a couple, my major astrology signs are locked into some horrific, definant, dead-battle fight dominance in August, as a result, I will feel challenged in almost every direction. If someone tells me that, I would roll my eye balls, just like what I usually do when hearing something rediculous.

However, at the month end, I cannot help thinking there may be some truth to that crazy prediction. Life has been challenging this month for sure, with all the travels, more travels coming up, work being behind inspite of all the late hours....

It feels nice to get an opportunity to stay home, listening to some music, drink a cup of coffee and packing for the next trip... The sound of dryer running upstairs makes the home cozy and relaxing....

Amusing to Visit My Own Stupid Mistake Sometimes

I found sometimes it's kind of amusing to visit one of my own stupid mistakes. Of course, the mistake cannot be so material, otherwise, it would be too painful and embarressing. :)

I went on this hike on Black Mountain today, which reminds me one of those unexpected long-run I had a while ago.

One of those days a year ago, I went out my usual weekend running at Rancho San Antonio. As usual, the coconuthead did not pay enough attention to the map. So 3 hours later, I found myself no where near Rancho SanAntonio.

Another one hr later, I was running along the Black Mountain Trail. Finally rescued by a family of 4. They gave me a ride from Mounte Bello to my car parked back at Rancho. What an advanture!

Out of the Touch of the World

Today is one of those days that I definitely feel I am out of the touch with the real deal. On my drive back from the running at Rancho San Antonio today, there is a discssion about "the cost and benefit analysis of cursing in the public" in NPR News. That did give me a scatch-on-the-head. :)

What this world has become to be?!

Be a Real Photographer?

At the casual wine gathering with the inn keepers, I was asked whether I am doing photographing for my living. Not to be too carried away by my own big coconut head, I am aware that the only possible reason I would be remotely considered as a photographer is my look equiped with a huge camara and a sleek carbon-fiber tri-pod. Not because of my picitures. Not even slightly.

The answer is "I am afraid not." It's not that I could not get better at photographing. I know I can if enough money and efforts would be invested into this. But, the real issue is that I don't think I am tough enough to be a real trooper. This point has become more and more obvious to me during my trip to Mendocino. I complained (of course to God and myself) the whole way through.

Being a real photographer, one needs to suffer through many ordeals. Just imagine this. Getting up at some ungodly hours for a sun-rise? Waiting endlessly for the right lighting from a sunset? Feeling hungry and cold out at a bluff for that perfect view? Tirlessly setting up the camera and the tri-pod for hundreds of times? No,the answer is no, no, no....

Oh, BTW, the inn keepers at Glendevan Inn are the absolute local celebreties at Mendocino, of course, along with their 6 lovely Llamas. Llamas is the type of a strange animal with a look of sheep except bigger, camel's hair, goat's legs and rabit's heart and courage.

Feeling Pampered

Just realized that it has been quite a while since my last entry to this blog. Life is too busy, filled with excuses of doing a lot of random stuff. Oh, well, it is what it is. Feeling busy is much better than feeling bored.

Came back home and saw my lunch packed neatly on the kitchen counter. Instantly felt being pampered. Life is great, isn't it?!

My First Christmas Tree

Took mom over to a Christmas parade on Saturday night. Now, she was in the mood of decorating a Christmas tree and wanted us to get more into the holiday atmosphere. That idea soon set into her little head, and as a result, we ended up in Target for a tree at 10:00pm. Got back home. Took out the decorations and lights. Mom and daughter worked till 1:00am.

Ta, Ta! Our first Christmas tree!

Wish Dad were here with us. If he were here, he would say "you two, hopeless goof-balls!"

老妈同我又折腾上了！周六晚上去看了圣诞节的表演和游行。老妈突发奇想，要装饰圣诞树。要有节日的气氛。 说做就做吧！一不做二不休。我妈和我就兴冲冲的去了商店，折腾上了。一直搞到早上1点。漂亮吧！

要是爸在，爸爸肯定不会要我俩插手。按他的话说，我妈和我一点艺术细胞都没有，装饰的工作，怎么能轮到我们？

Thank You, God, I Am Cool Enough!

最近一直心情比较郁闷，工作又忙得不可开交。我的工作忙，都忙了快三年了，还没有缓过劲来。郁闷！好在我很喜欢我的工作，热情十足。按老爸的说法, 忙，也是自作自受了。 好久没有在家里兴风作浪，折腾一下。今天早上起来，边做瑜珈，边想做点早餐松饼犒劳一下自己吧。

我呢？或者说是想要物尽其用，或者实话实说是极尽折腾之本性，一定要对我的松饼早餐花样翻新。用做小甜饼的模具来做松饼。模样是有那么点意思，但纯粹费力不讨好。不予推荐。

这个松饼嘛，超简单。连厨艺101都谈不上。不过，要是谈到摄影技巧呢，一夜成材的捷径就是买个好相机了。嘻嘻，洋洋得意。。。

Haven't been in a great mood recently. It is what it is, and I've tried my best. This morning, I woke up and could not help wondering - what if I really feel happier these days than before? Boyfriendless, but happier in a way that I can truly be myself? Gosh! This thought totally made me feel taken aback, big time.

Blair and I went to lunch one day and chatted about the recently challenges each of us had at work and at home.

Marsha:"(Sigh)...You know when I need God to work on some overtime schedule for me, he is taking on vacation on me."
Blair:"What do you mean? You just had a great year at work."
Marsha:"Yeah...Work, friendship, family, everything goes great, but relationship goes to hell. "
With a big and sincere smile on his face, Blair said encouragingly:"Marsha, Hey, you cannot get everything going for you. That's not possible. Whatever challenges God put in front us is to help build our character."
Marsha:"Hmm, makes sense. But, what if I want to tell God, thank you, I think I am really cool enough, please give me a break?!"
(Both laughing out loud)

Blair, my co-worker and friend, is a solid character. I have never seen him showing any signs of frustration and anger even under the most frustrating, stressful and intimidating situation. It has been a blessing to work and joke with him.

Got a New Toy - A "Real" Camara

刚买了新相机，自然要显摆一下。连一碗炒的剩饭都能那么好看。洋洋得意吧！

同女友去吃韩国餐。炒的剩饭。

人生一大痛苦，痛彻心肺，是发现自己一直心爱的男人不值得自己心头付出的爱。

海带介麦凉面

痛定思痛，重新开始。一个人的日子也要过得精彩。总会遇到一个真正欣赏自己的人的。在此之前，要自强，自爱，跟随主的旨意。

红烧排骨，加了冬菰，竹笋，板栗。好吃不用商量。

Jokes about Psychologists

In my mind, some Psychologists are a bunch of people who let you talk on your own and figure out your own problems but still charge you by minutes. What a great job that is!

Here is another good one -

Welcome to the Psychiatric Hotline.
If you are obsessive-compulsive, please press 1 repeatedly.
If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2.
If you have multiple personalities, please press 3, 4, 5, and 6.
If you are paranoid-delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line so we can trace the call.
If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press.
If you are depressed, it doesn't matter which number you press. No one will answer.
If you are delusional and occasionally hallucinate, please be aware that the thing you are holding on the side of your head is alive and about to bite off your ear.

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