Cloud 9

I'm going to be on a natural high for the next week.

Bodum Brazil Original French Press

This was delivered today. All I can say is...yayayayayayayayayayay!

My Run-in With Karma

Today I went to return the rental car I used for my Norcal trip. On the way there, I struck a curb and blew the front left tire. It was really bad. Like, really, really bad. The hubcap popped off and the tire went flat instantly. I was like, did I really just do that? I drove this car over 800 miles for 6 days and right when I reach the front door of the car rental office to return it, my driving incompetency exposes itself? I was really glad no one else was there with me, because it was so embarrassing. But most of all, I was like, aw damnit, I'm going to have to pay major damage fees.

I told the guy inside what happened and after laughing his ass off, he gave me a quote of $160. It was almost double my rental fee, but I guess it could have been worse. I was getting ready to pay it, when he printed the invoice and showed it to me. I looked at it and was confused. The damage fees weren't included in the total. I asked him where they were and he told me not to worry about it. I was like, whoaaaaaa. REALLY?!?! This is the luckiest day of my life!

Well, the actual reason is because when I first went to pick up the rental a few days ago, I gave this couple a ride home who couldn't get a ride from the rental company because they had returned their car past opening hours. The guy thought it was nice that I did that, so he waived my fees.

I am now a believer in karma. And I will never run over another curb again.

Amy Shackleton's Painting Without a Painbrush

It is a slow Monday when I am watching Youtube videos like this. But pretty neat. Painting sans paintbrush? It's like eating yogurt without a spoon.

Warm Fuzzy Feeling

This morning, in a haze of sleepiness, my dad laughed, hugged, and thanked me for cleaning his car yesterday. I felt warm, and not from the summer weather.

Happy birthday to the best dad in the world.

Life is Short. Do What You Love.

I really like this.

Courtesy of Leo. And Holstee, which apparently makes socially sustainable goods appealing to hipsters and currently out of my budget.

Ryan Tedder--American Pop's Hero

The most underrated musician/entertainer: Ryan Tedder. Some of his work includes writing songs for performers like Beyonce (Halo), Far East Movement (Rocketeer), Leona Lewis (Bleeding Love), Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted), James Morrison, Adele (current obsession of yours truly).
Others: Backstreet Boys, Ludacris, Gavin DeGraw, Whitney Houston, TATU, Natasha Bedingfield, Clay Aiken (?!), Westlife, Charice, Adam Lambert, on and on and on.

Not to mention his band One Republic and Apologize (love that song). This guy basically is the pillar of the American music industry. And you hear so little about him. Amazing.

Self-Infliction and Something to Smile About

You know how when you go into an interview and one of the golden standards in terms of questions that are thrown at you include, What would you consider to be your biggest weakness? I can think of many for myself. I should write down a list of my flaws and tape it in front of me, so every time I sit at my desk typing I can glance up and remind myself to be more open-minded, not over-think things, not be lazy, not dither, not waste time, to follow through on self-made commitments, and not mindlessly touch my face when I think (because that causes acne).

I went to my sister's graduation this weekend. It was surreal to watch her walk across that stage and take a pseudo-diploma while shaking the hand of the department chair. She's gone from the little crying sister I used to bully all the time to a strong, independent, wildly smart, creative, beautiful, confident character.

I'm so proud.

Dads are Wise

cw
in the words of my father
it is not "impossible"
its "i'm possible"
11:14
he11o g00dbye14
lols
your dad is a wise one
11:14
cw
he actually wrote that out on paper
when my brother didnt get into good colleges
and then he put the apostrophe on the i'm
11:14
he11o g00dbye14
wow

Tan Hong Ming

Sometimes I wish I could keep children in a sterilized, pure, impenetrable bubble so they could retain their innocence. It has got to be one of the most beautiful things in the world.

A Partial Definition of Happiness

Brenda: hey
i left my computer on
Sent at 3:37 PM on Thursday
me: it's ok
just wondering how you were doing
Brenda: oh im okay
i dont feel so bad today
haha
i bought 2 boxes of ice cream sandwiches and 4 boxes of sour patch kids

For some reason that made my day. That, plus finishing my paper, squeezing it down to 5 pages albeit using .5 margins all around and 1.5 line spacing, and having class postponed to tomorrow. There are upsides to being an easily satisfied person.

YouTube is a Talent Breeding Ground

Too beautiful. Who knew a top 40 hit could be redone so romantically?



USC alum--check out his YouTube page here!
http://www.youtube.com/user/JasonYangViolin



She is so cute! Such an addictive personality.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ClaraCMusic

< 3

My favorite quote of the day, uttered minutes ago.

"I am going to get my diploma, or else I am not Fonda!"
--my mom, talking about getting her GED

Christmas Winner

My sister is the bestest. I got this gorgeous Cath Kidston-knockoff saddle bag and wallet from her for Christmas. It is the most beautifully patterned bag and I don't own anything like it. I am OBSESSED!



Sometimes the fake is better than the real. This pattern isn't available on their website right now.

Merry Christmas and happy 2011 everyone! Just put down everything for these two special occasions and celebrate it with the people who mean the most to you. You've made it through another year and undoubtedly said people have been by your side, making memories with you, supporting you, and making life worth living.

My Life, My Way

I have made a deep commitment of ensuring that my happiness is never dependent on anyone else.

On a lighter note, Lady Gaga proves once more why she deserves our love. This woman is crazy.