What I learned from running

I have never been a runner. I remember when I was in elementary school, we'd be forced to run laps as spring turned to summer. Teachers would always stand by the finish line, watching us with their clipboards on one hand, time-stopper and pen in the other. As we'd cross the finish line one by one. they'd write down our finish time. Almost always - I came second-last (thank goodness for another girl or boy who was either suffering from asthma or was slightly over-weight). I remember dreading running more than anything! I would have rather played soccer. I think I hated running when I was young because I hated the feeling of being out of breath! I felt like my lungs were going to explode.

Fast forward twenty years …
and now I love running.

Who would have thought?
That same feeling- where lungs feel like they're about to burst- is actually very comforting.
It makes me feel alive

So running has taught me that...
1. When you think you can't do it, you actually can when you set your mind to it!
2. When you accomplish running a certain distance, you always want to do better: run longer, run faster. After reaching whatever goal you have, you want to set a bigger goal and work hard towards it.
3. If you want to do well in something, you have to be consistent! Taking a week off running and trying to run the same way as your last run is hard!

Thank you running, you've taught me a lot.

My goal is to eventually run 5K and 10K runs.

Do you run? If so how often and do you have any running routines?

Money & reward

Saving money is hard. Agree? Every time I managed to save some money, there was always a big bill waiting to be paid off: insurance premium, computer purchase, and car maintenance. Now I'm finally able to see my money grow! I do want to save my money for something big, like a house in the future, but there is still my student loan to repay, and it seems like my monthly contribution is only making a small dent. I would ideally like to pay it off within the next 4 years, but that would leave very little room to save money for a house. I wish there was a life-coaching courses in high-school so that I would be smarter about money management. It's great to be able to make money and buy what you want, but trying to save that money for a big goal seems like a difficult journey. In order to remain sane while saving money, I've decided on a compromise: for every 10lb I lose I buy myself something that I really want within reasonable amount. At least I'll be getting fit and rich; though I do worry about falling off the jogging and diet regiment. I try to keep reminding myself that- you never regret after a workout, but do if I miss out. Such is the life of a twenty-something "freelance" worker. How do you manage to save money? Share your tips and help me get richer.

Classic vs. Funky

I often have trouble deciding if I want to take the classic (the safe route of choosing a classic style) versus choosing a funky style I'm momentarily in love with. Knowing myself, I probably will get bored of the funky style; however, I can't stop thinking how great this bag would brighten up my look. But for practical reasons, perhaps classic will always win.



vs.




Or a happy medium…



What do you usually go for? The classic style or the bold, colourful, pattern of the moment?

Goal- in five years

I have a new goal; a very ambitious one.
It is to buy a home/condo in the next 5 years. For this to happen, I will need to save at least $800 a month, put aside in saving as a down-payment. It is very plausible for this to happen; however, my financial situation being unpredictable (pretty much being self-employed), I will need to be prepared for possibly hitting a brick wall from time to time - still- I will make this happen! This is why people get married… seriously putting two income into buying a house does make more sense. But I can do this!

Pretty, simple, classy bedroom

All images and products courtesy of Pottery Barn

Love the details in the headboard. I would really like to have that headboard + duvet cover (Hadley Ruched Duvet Cover)! I am inspired to redesign my bedroom with an airy feel, but within reasonable budget. After a catastrophic spending this month, I'm restricting myself to spending money on the only necessary stuff.


Does spring call for a change for you?

Summery weather

Doesn't this popsicle just look so delicious? I just saw this in my inbox from Williams-Sonoma for $49.95. This would be perfect as a desert after home BBQ party.

I really want to try to make Strawberry-Banana PopsRecipe

Slices of fresh banana are frozen inside these cool strawberry pops.

Ingredients:
1 cup strawberry juice
3 oz. plain yogurt
1 1/2 oz. honey
1 large banana, cut into 1/8-inch rounds
Directions:
In a bowl, whisk together the strawberry juice, yogurt and honey until the honey is dissolved.

Prepare an ice pop mold according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For 2-oz. pops, place about 5 banana slices along the sides of each slot, then insert the sticks. Slowly pour about 1 1/2 fl. oz. of the juice mixture into each slot, reaching just to the fill line. Tap the pop mold on the countertop to release any air bubbles. Freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the mixture is solid, 7 to 20 minutes. To test, insert a toothpick near a stick.

Remove the ice pops from the mold according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Repeat to make the remaining ice pops. Makes six 2-oz. pops.

Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

Time flies~

Notice how when you are busy time just flies! Well, that's how my life has been feeling as of late! I can't believe it's already March! Spring will officially arrive this year on March 20th! Anybody else excited for some change of weather?

I would love to be here right now, where ever this is:



This spring I really want to plant something in our front and back yards! I've been wasting my mornings, and it may be a good plan for me to start getting into gardening.

I wish my garden looked like this! It's like a paradise- a getaway from reality and into fantasy, doesn't?


Credit: Butchart Gardens, Victoria B.C.

And also grow my own vegetables:


Credit: Pinterest

Valentine's day

The best thing about being a teacher: never being forgotten on special days. There will always be surplus of chocolate guaranteed. I ended up finishing this whole heart-shaped container full of Ferrero Rocher, my favourite chocolate, in one sitting. How can you not love chocolate?

I'm back! What a long hiatus!

Korean Drama: History of Salaryman


It's been so long since I posted something here! I don't think anybody ever checks my blog, so I'm not quite sure if I should even apologize?

I've been thinking, though, during my hiatus, what I want to do with this blog. I realize that I fail miserably with the popular trends, so I can't go for that route. Also, I don't have anything interesting to say, nor do I write hilariously to make anyone laugh. So, I decided to just post whatever that floats my fancy, and who knows, maybe I'll find my own niche.

So I didn't get that job. Yes, I wasn't 100% sure if I was ready for the move, but learning that you didn't get the offer for a job that you thought you were so qualified for makes you feel a little sad. I even contemplated a career change today. Maybe teaching is not my calling, but I can't brush off the idea- and with no doubt- I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. I love teaching. Please, I'd gladly take on any class, hundreds of tests and essays to mark, and deal with hormonal teenagers everyday. Just please give me a job. I cry out inside everyday

I've always loved learning, and would have pursued the academia and often wondered how my life would have been different today, however, after reading this article, I realized that my destitute life would be no different, except my B.Ed would be replaced with M.A..

On that note, feeling down can really get at you, and eat away your ambition, passion, and positivity! I'm really trying to stay positive, not let the other's good fortune lead me to jealousy, nor secretly become a schadenfreude. P.S. Avenue Q is a one funny play. At first I thought it was just a weird concept- puppets and people singing together- but it works at the end.

I hope this doesn't come out as being a rant, I try to keep the rant on the down low, however, there are days where you just gotta "say it out loud". I tried to keep this as light as possible, sans angry tone.

Cute Kate Spade Bifold Wallet

Kate Spade $175.99

I really dig the texture, the hardware (especially the square rotation part), and the smallness of this wallet. I also like that the change pocket is on the exterior! I do still love my current wallet, and I vowed to stick with it forever having splurged on it few years ago, but when I come across cute little wallets like this, it's so tempting.

Red Blouse

I love this deep red sleeveless blouse found at Banana Republic. This would be so perfect for the holiday get-together! Do you have any holiday plans for this year? I haven't really decided, but I look forward to snowboarding this winter!

Dory says, "Just Keep Swimming"

When you feel like you're down, lost, or hopeless: just keep swimming. Literally. Lately, I've been venting my frustration or stress though swimming. Today, upon receiving an email saying that I was not selected to be on the supply teaching list, I felt so crushed. After 12 hours of work, I quickly grabbed a bite and went for an hour long (1 hour and 15 min to be exact), non-stop, swimming. I just kept on swimming. Someone once said, "You never feel bad after a workout, you only do when you miss a workout." It's so true, something about pushing yourself, a little further, and further, heart beating faster and faster, endorphin being release, you feel a sense of brief bliss, removing oneself from the weight of the world falling on you (or whatever that is bothering you). While you're swimming, you're just focused on stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe, stroke, stroke, stroke, breath. One arm after another, one kick after another, I'm focused.

Yes, Finding Nemo is also one of my favourite movies.

Backyard Studio

Via this Pinterest

My dad and I always talked about building a studio in the backyard. Looking at this outdoor studio, I'm inspired by the possibility!

Kate Spade Bag Love

If you know me, you know I love bags. I do not kid, if I have any weaknesses, it's bags. I've been good over the last year because I've managed to live without buying a new bag. I'm itching for a new bag now! I'm really digging the pattern on the Tell Tale Twinkle bag! Love the lining inside the Cooper Square Helena. Love the festiveness of the golden Shuffled Space Emboseed Bon Shopper. And as alway, I appreciate the "Oxford" look in general, as seen in Essex Scout. If I could, I would buy them all! Maybe I can if I win the million…

which reminds me...

Today as I was buying coffee from a gas station convenience store, the man in front of me dropped a toonie ($2), so I kindly told him that he has dropped his money. With that toonie, he purchased a lottery ticket with a chance of winning few million dollars. He said he'll share the winning bid if he wins, thinking he was just joking, I laughed, but he actually wrote down my name and my email address. I shall keep my eye out for the next lottery winner! He even gave me his business card! It was an awesome way to start my morning. But you know, I'd be also happy to have a full time teaching job so I can afford these bags myself. :)

Something new in the mail

I love getting something I ordered in the mail! After all the waiting… the tiny gold necklace I ordered from TangerineCrimeScene arrived today! I ordered it in 18 inches because I didn't want it to be too tight on my neck, but after trying it it, I think I could have also gone as short as 16 inches. I'm loving this delicate gold necklace. I've always felt resistant to gold necklaces, but I love how rich they look!

Dressing up for Halloween?

The first and last time I ever dressed up for Halloween was when I was in grade 6 and when I was 24. If you must know, I was a witch, and Hermione from Harry Potter, respectfully. This year, since I'll be hanging out with group of people and they'll all come dressed up, I need to think of an idea- quick.

Currently I'm really digging this idea: 1920s Flapper

Colour this fall

(Via this pinterest)

I love love the colour of this jacket + hair style + lip colour + bag + and shoes. Also, the golden buttons and salmon coloured lining peeking out of the sleeves are so pretty!

Hard work and luck

Fortune's Wheel, painting by Melody Phaneuf

Do you believe in Luck?

I believe that hard work is important in order to be successful (however one wants to define it) in life, but I can't help but think that little bit of luck goes a long way. I always felt that I was unlucky, and felt that this one particular friend was always lucky: with jobs, higher education, and love. But to think like this would undermine her hard efforts. I'm sure she wasn't just handed the opportunity, but … part of me nags and wonder… how lucky can one girl get?

To put one's fate into a fortune one can't control would be foolish, and simply not taking responsibilities for one's decisions and hard work, and an easy scapegoat if things don't go well.

So hard work will take you where you want to be, but little luck can't hurt either.

Things are starting to look sunny for me. Today I had an interview for a Visual Arts teaching position, and I have another interview lined up on November 1st for English supply teaching! After five months of agonizing stress and torture of waiting, I'm finally getting interviews! Let's hope that my hard work and little bit of luck will allow me to do what I love: teach.

P.S. I finally figured out why my profile information has been showing at the bottom of my page! It's because I didn't close my div tag when I inserted images onto my blog! I'm so glad I finally figured it out! I was so close to closing this blog all together out of sheer frustration!

My friend's dog: Roscoe

Roscoe is so adorable. I love my friend's dog so much more because he has an underbite! How loveable is that?

P.S. Can you see my info on the right side bar? It appears at the bottom of my blog. Does anyone know why? I reset my blog to default hoping it would fix it, but no avail.

Little Red Ridinghood

Quick drawing with Wacom tablet. Drawing on 27" iMac is FUN!