Grandpa K in the house!

Note to self: breathe and enjoy every lil' bit of life
(and blog about it ... my poor neglected blog, I haven't forgotten you.)

Thrilled I was able to capture this moment ...
My hubs gave my 95-year old Grandpa a 'hawk and got him to throw up the deuces.
(I've never seen Granpda K so happy before!)


Just a reminder that even when you are feeling like crap ...
find a reason to smile.

Bangs = Asian

It's funny how something as simple as bangs can make you look different.

Ever since I cut my bangs short, people have been commenting:
"Wow, you look so Asian now!"
Is that a compliment?
Did I not look my half-Japanese/half-Okinawan self before?
Cracks me up but I love it.

I think I will google some new hair inspiration.
Part of me wants to chop it for something new but my long hair is my security blanket.
Just not ready to let it go yet.
Holler if you have any new hair ideas :)

Sayonara ♥

p.s. eye shadow strike is overrrrrr. maybe I will also start wearing another color besides black this year.

Rock the Decade*

Hope everyone had a wonderful & SAFE time celebrating the New Year!
I got a couple of neat shots before my pink camera died.
I guess it had enough of 2009 too ;)


Last year, Jydon & Aiyanna thought it would be fun to have a "who can come up with the neatest sparkler routine" contest. Well, Jydon was jammin' with his sparklers, fancy dance moves, behind the back action ... little did he know, his (brand new, fresh out of the mailbox) jacket was on fire. There he was still dancing his little heart out while his back was smokin'. Eek! The look on his face was classic and no worries, the only thing toasted was his jacket!

So I'm happy to report that everyone survived this year unscathed.


I've decided there will be no *official* New Year's Resolutions for '10 because enlightenment, personal success, and growth are not achieved or defined by a specific date. Therefore, I will continue to add to my "to-do/to-enjoy/to-become" list.
Hopefully, I can check-off the list faster than I can add on.

here's a peep:
hug my kids. listen with my heart.
sew myself a clutch purse.
exercise 3x week minimum.
limit caffeine consumption.
go to Sin City.
knit something.
study holistic approaches to asthma control.
sleep at least six hours a night.
use loving words.

I bought a cute book that I scribble random thoughts, feelings, designs, etc. It has been a great way to get some of that mind clutter out and on to paper.

Goosefraba

Whew, the last of five finals in the bag ... breathe in and enjoy this moment.

If you ever watched "Anger Mangement" with Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson, I'm sure you remember "Don't lose your cool, remember goosefraba."

Little did I know it is a real-life word. Eskimo mothers whisper it to calm their babies. I guess you do learn something new every day :)

So now it is time to head to the mall and start Christmas shopping ....
eek. I thought I enjoyed shopping but NOT REALLY.

Peace be with you during this crazy holiday season.
As I anticipate long lines, no parking, and my endless search for "MindFlex" ...
as my anxiety peaks before I even leave the house ...
as I kick myself [literally] for not taking care of this months ago ....
ahhhhh goosefraba ...
because it is really not the gifts [or lack] of,
it is about spending time and celebrating life with those you love.

merry merry :)

... on a personal note ...

My 94-year old grandfather recently fractured his hip and spent some time in the hospital.
Good news! He is out and both he and my Mom are living with us temporarily.

With radiation taking a toll on him to begin with,
I know his recovery will be long and hard.
(It was so cute to see him come home with his diploma from graduating from treatment. He wanted to make sure my husband saw it and knew he wasn't a baby!)

Patience. Love. Strength.
I know it must be so hard to lose your independence and have to rely on others for help.
We are all learning valuable life lessons together ...
and there are days where my heart breaks but why?
I should continue to celebrate with him and just remember, this is all part of his journey.
Our journey.

My Grandpa
My Hero

The first man I ever saw make googly-eyes at the bikini girls in the commercials.
The first man who ever taught me about initiative, hard work, and perseverance.
I am forever grateful for every life lesson he has taught me and continues to teach me.

a Ninja Hello

Just a hello from our fur kid ~ Ninja.

Oh the things he let's Bubbles* get him into.

Looks like they will be going golfing today :)

*side note: Rayli decided she wants to change her name.  

We must call her Bubbles from now on.

I remember when Jazzy wanted to be called Stefanie ...

kids are so funny.

Have a great weekend :)

Turkey & MakeUp

I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day!
Here's a shot of my hubby's deep fried turkey. Yum!
I still can't believe this year is almost over ...
I'm so ready to say goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010!

I've been meaning to blog about my "eyeshadow strike" for a while now so here it goes.
Several months ago, I decided to give up eyeshadow and cut down on makeup period.
Why would I do such a thing?

1) I realized I had no "going out" look. It was smokey eyes 24/7.
2) Adult onset acne. Boo.
3) I want to learn how to be comfortable in my own skin.

So it has been black liner only ... just like this.
A lot of people didn't even notice the change ... and now, I don't even remember how to apply eyeshadow when I do have a special night out! Eek!

No big deal right?
Well aside from my bead/crafty things addiction, I kinda have a small obsession with makeup.
Here's my cute *pink* Sephora train case.
Like an upscale Caboodle, remember those? I can't find them anywhere!


Look how much makeup fits in it! Three tiers of awesomeness!
Can you tell I'm a MAC-head?
There's also some Shu Uemuera, Urban Decay, and other random goodies.

I also found a great etsy shop (MixologyMakeup) that offers great mineral makeup. Fun stuff and excellent customer service :)

And today I totally caved in at MAC (Macy's Pearlridge) ...
here's my loot from today's trip to the mall.
Guess I will start wearing eyeshadow again ay?

That wasn't so bad right? Everyone owns this much stuff right?

Until next time blogworld ~ xO

Study, Work, Sleep ... and Smile :)

Wow, I am such a blog-slacker. Boo me.
Things have been so busy with school lately but I must remember to SMILE and enjoy life!
Thankfully, my kids provide me with an ample amount of free entertainment :)

My lil' ham loves to make up random songs and sing them on the webcam.
This keeps her busy while I attempt to clean up my bead room.
No I am not hiding, I am on the floor picking up 3mm crystals. Grrrr.

This song is dedicated to her preschool physical appointment.
Kids say the funniest things!