073009

I can't wait for school to start and my summer job to be over. I decided I would rather do something I love for a paltry sum than something I hate for a fortune. Though I've always known that. A sun chip fell down my shirt and landed in my belly button today. Isn't that gross and weird and TMI? I think so too.
Music is the only thing keeping me from going out of my mind at work. I've known/been listening to Elliott Smith for ages, but kind of rediscovered him. His words combined with regular life stuff right now has me submerged in a painting... if it turns out half way decent, I'm sure it will end up on Facebook. I'm continuously bummed that he killed himself. Look at him smiling...

I also discovered (for the first time) Australian sibling duo Angus and Julia Stone. I can't find a nice sized picture that I really like, but I truly love their music. "Mango Tree" is my all time favorite, but "Paper Aeroplanes", "Bella" - it's all enchanting.

Now if this doesn't make you smile, I'm worried for you. The song is by Jose Gonzalez (I think he might hold the record for the saddest song I know).


Also, some favorites from the runway this summer. Chris Benz, Christian Dior
& Alexander McQueen.


I wish for a giant rainstorm....

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072509

Interesting cultural question... does being white set you back in a way these days? I mean, with everyone's political(but heartfelt?) ambitions to be ethnically fair, those of us who are just plain white have to rely on something other than our background for a possible leg up in getting into schools or winning scholarships, for instance. Last semester in English I remember hearing that non-Caucasian people often/consistently get jobs instead of their equally qualified white peers because employers want to appear racially accepting (of course, there's nothing wrong with this if the two candidates were equally qualified - unless white people are really discriminated against for not being of some other race). You may also notice that it's almost impossible to stand up for civil rights as a white person if any other race is involved because you're immediately branded as a racist. Doesn't this kind of render the entire system a failure? If all our work towards racial equality turns America against the shrinking majority of white Americans, have we accomplished much?
Please don't brand me a racist for having said these things (case in point...). I grew up in China and I greatly respect and love other cultures and have many friends from other countries and backgrounds. I wouldn't be surprised if this sounded totally elitist to anyone living outside California, and if this state really blinds me that much, I apologize. I guess I don't like the thought or feeling of being discriminated against any more than anyone else does.
On a less serious note, roller blades are awesome. (Are you proud of me for branching out of the flowery headband department and posting Aston Martins? The video gets good at 3 minutes).

072309

TWO NEW MOVIES TO HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR. At least, I hope they're as good as their potential.
Hm, well actually, scratch that. I was going to put Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland teaser in here too, but all the real teasers are disabled for code pasting, so another time. It's gonna be sick though... more on that in the future, I'm sure. Goodnight world.

072009

I have to keep myself busy while I wait to see Jonas tomorrow because my whole self is leaaaaaaning towards that moment and I'll go crazy if I don't stay busy till then. You should see how excited I am right now. Really.
As if you didn't already know... Owl City has a rockin' (or bubblin'?) new album and a free iTunes single. Definitely take advantage of the deal! And also...

I've watched several episodes of the IT Crowd last week with my dad (watch it instantly on Netflix! Hopefully this will take you right there) and I must say... the best show I've seen in a long time. Consistently very funny. I guess Brit TV is the new thing, huh? (I wish this picture was bigger, but my computer keeps telling me I'm contracting a virus if I try to download the other one... *eye rollage.)

Well, Zach Sunderland, as of last week sometime, is officially the youngest person on record to sail around the world alone. Way to go Zach! I've never met him, but I heard his voice on a group phone call one time, and I know people who grew up with him. I know that's like lower than even paparazzi status, but I still think it's cool.
You know what else is cool/heartbreaking? The night I was in SB with Chris and Brad happened to be the very same night that Bon Iver was playing on State St. - oh, it was torture to walk by knowing I could have been on the other side of those doors! Another time, another time. I did get a picture, though.

Check out these nifty sticky notes by D-Bros (via TrendLand)! At work, I am known for being excessive with sticky notes, which I am, but I mean... journalist in the making here! And also, it sometimes helps me make something that I don't find fun into a sort of game, which is fabulous.

Hope you had a less than depressing Monday! ^__^

071809

My family gets home today and Jonas tomorrow. I can't wait!
I've been meaning to write about the Urumqi riots. It's not in headlines as much this week, but there is still no internet available in the city, so we haven't been able to contact people there. It's really hard to express how unreal it seems that the city I grew up in ('94-'01?, '07) was on fire and more than 150 people killed in the streets. I just can't get my mind around it. I know it's last week's news, but since I'm sure the unrest is still very real over there, I wanted to bring it to attention. The below photos (Boston Globe) give you a very mild taste of what's going on, and it will shock you even to see these if you have ever been to Urumqi. Basically, if you don't already know what's going on, the Turkish minority group living in Urumqi started attacking Han chinese people after two factory workers were allegedly killed in a factory brawl in Southern China. When the government did little or nothing to protect the Han, the Han formed their own gangs in retaliation. I know a lot of armed forces have entered the city, but rioting and killings were at full tilt for at least two days. Since the news has stopped covering it much, I imagine the fighting is mostly under control, but as I mentioned above, still no contact with people living there.



I can't dwell on that too long without getting depressed, so have a look at this. As you've probably noticed, hair pieces are very popular right now. How about this one? (It kinda disturbs me). I believe the designer (or is it the line?) is called Reid Peppard, in case you want to send him/her/them hate mail or the number of your psychiatrist.

To get the taste of that out of your brain, look at these lovely (really) bracelets from Yes Vincent. I wonder what PETA thinks of the current feather craze.

And lastly, but far from least, my current favorite band (newly discovered by me, but whom you may very possibly already be familiar with), Tiny Vipers. This is without question one of my favorite album covers of all time.

She has a new(ish?... 2009 sometime) album that I haven't heard much of, but so far, my favorite song is "Dreamer." She's down in LA ($5 tickets!!!) in a few days and I am most bummed out that I can't go see her, but you should if you're any nearer/free-er than I am. She's bewitching. Have a listen...

071509

I'm kicking myself for working 8 hours a day in a warehouse cubicle for $9.20 an hour, copying and pasting numbers into a search box, etc., when I could be promoting the wedding blog Style Me Pretty from home, 24 hours a week, for $12.50 and hour. Cruel irony, as Esthma would say... But I'm happy to have a job at all! And even happier that my bosses seem really pleased by my work.

Wow, I have so much to catch up on. Stuff to look forward to:

• Pictures from my 18th birthday party/graduation/4th of July
• News/pictures about the Urumqi riots (where I used to live)
• Santa Barbara w/ Chris and my brother Brad (and almost Justin Vernon)
  
• And lots of random goodies...

I was on the phone with Jonas this morning and we were talking about baby skunks. I looked up some pictures and look how ADORABLE baby skunks are!!! I kind of want to have one.

Know what I'm sayin'?

This song is haunting... is it not?

I saw this and I really wanted to buy it, but had no money on me. Then, when I got home I realized I already have something very similar to this. Go figure. My current self likes the style of myself in the past. ;) SB has a brand new Forever 21 store of the colossal variety. Can't wait to go back when I have more time and more cash on me.

There's so much more I could share, but my files are in oblivion between two computers and my eyes are dying to close on me. Goodnight, all.

071209

I'm listening to Elliott smith tear his heart out into a mic, and talking to my sweet love and best friend just now. He's in a hotel in Iowa. Miss him.

I'm happy to live when and where I do. I love this time in the world. I'm excited to be a part of it, even if I don't know the half of what is stirring. If you're not, I think you should be. I'm prickling with excitement over being young.

This (below) is a picture from the town where I live, taken by Gen. Charlie's is a tiny little place that has pretty yummy fulallful (sp!) These signs obviously have posts, but I like how you lose perspective a bit looking at this. The Charlie's sign is quite high up and quite a bit further on than the stop sign, I believe.

I feel like I have little way of gaging the true political progress of Mr. Obama, but I still think he's such a nice guy. Like someone you could just... hang out with. I'm a fan of you, Mr. President! I'm also proud to share a name with his wife. Every time I hear it I think, "that's my name too" with a little surge of pride (Michelle is my middle name, actually - I also share it with my mother :)).

071109

My GOODNESS, it's been a while. O.o Well, 10 some days, but it feels like a long time. I've been dutifully collecting things to share though, so it's gonna take me a while to get caught up. A new Imogen Heap album comes out on my birthday (8/25) - STOKED!

And check out THIS sparkle action from Marina and the Diamonds (go Wales!).
Just finished watching Ghostbusters with my dad. Admittedly ridiculous, but in case you don't believe me that the 80s are back, check out these ladies (Sigourney Weaver & Annie Potts) and tell me you don't think they're gorgeous. Yeah, that's what I thought.


And finally for this evening, isn't this a blast? A pinp-pong door (via UrbanOutfitters).

070109

How a new Regina Spektor album got by me is a bit of a mystery... but at least now I know. :) And so do you! So far, my fave song is "Dance Anthem of the 80's." Love this cover. ^^

And of course I only discover how cool Michael Jackson was upon his death... the dance moves are unreal! I'm liking "Man in the Mirror" most so far.

My parents surprised me with this little gem for graduation/18. Thanks Mommy & Daddy.