What was I thinking?

Hmmm.. It’s been hectic these past few months. I’ve decided to go back to school. For some odd stupid reason; I thought I would be able to handle 5 classes, work fulltime and help my sister plan her wedding. However, things never goes as planned. Besides not having enough sleep-I’ll be lucky if I get 5 hours daily. Sister turned into a mini “bridezella” à drove me crazy, had to drop one of the 5 classes and then found out an ex-coworker passed away. Basically I’m emotionally drained and tired from everything!! God! What the hell was I thinking? Superwomen?

Stilll Learning...

What a month, so glad it’s over! There are so much to write about and yet I find myself tight on time. Gosh, $ 700 for book and intutions- if it wasn't for ebay and half.com it would have been $700 for books instead of $450, another $400 for the rose gold w/ little pacts of diamond ring as a birthday present for myself, Jane’s bach and gift $260+, eating out and Clothing $ 350+ etc. I can’t believe I’ve spent over 2+k this month and that’s not including rent, gas, cable and ebay. =( I gotta stop this! I could have went on a trip, then again it was all worht it.

OK! I have to admit that going to school and working both full-time is really hard. Yes, I dropped my English class already simple b/c too much work, I was spenting about 10-12 hours weekly for this class and it’s killing me. So here I am, talking 4 classes this semester instead of 5. (So what if I tranfer and graduate a semester late.)

My fellow students are so young and they seemed so immature; while some seemed to have trouble -others seemed to take it in stride. =/ I’m in between. However it so much better, though I’m have never study so much in my life. I am so much more focused than I was when I was younger. I have a clear goal and a real reason to go. Joanne’s right, “Just do it! Think of it this way, it'll be much easier now than if you wait even longer.” As with many things in life, the toughest part is thinking about doing it.

Ps.

On a lighter note, I'm actually getting 5 hous sleep each night.

I told my boss that I no longer could stay for over time, he understand.

gtg . time for bed.. =)

back to school !

I hate being stressed out! It’s been crazy lately! Oh God! there's so much to do in life and it just feel like there's no time to do it. I decided to go back to school and just get a BA. I regret so much for not getting one, hopefully I could transfer next semester and should be done 1.5 year or 2 at most. I know I know, 5 classes is a lot for a semester, a full time job and helping Jane plan her wedding. I know it’s worth it at the end!

After I graduate, I can finally quit this job and relax a bit. I want to take 60 days off and maybe go to Europe or something? I don’t know yet? =( a bit sad that I’m not going anywhere for vacation this year. Hopefully I’ll get to go to Egypt or Taiwan next Sept. So yes! I’m saving up- so far its only $450:my goal is $2500.

Oh a happier notes, Britney did great at the VMA! Everyone is finally giving this poor girl a break, then again she’s

Travel request cancel.

What a year! All my travel plans just went out the door. It's been a terrible year for traveling. If you know me, I love to travel! There's something about traveling that fills my soul w/ pleasure. First Hawaii and now the New York road trip, usually I thought I would be really upset, but to my surprise- nothing really. Things happen and after what I went through for Hawaii- I figure there's no point of getting upset. Instead I decided to go by myself next Spring, since I wanted to go somewhere myself that doesn't need a car. If someone decides to join me that's fine too. If not, this will be an expensive trip due to lodging, but I deserve it and I can't wait! Especially after reading "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan", I won't be like Becky and go all crazy w/ labels, but I do want to check out at least one sample sale. Ok, I'm hooked on Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. Its just so relaxing and next thing you know, I'm done reading the book. I'm finding bits and pieces of myself in Becky.

Ok I’m not doing so well on my diet. I keep forgetting to jog down what I ate. I need to go buy a mini notebook or so something. Other than that, I've honestly decided to give school another try. So I thought I was only 1-2 classes away from transferring, instead I need 4 including the stock market classes = possible 5 classes this semester-depending if the stock market class is still on. I know it's a lot, but I just wanted to transfers ASAP. Basically next semester I'm going to have no life, not that I really have one now. There are a lot of regrets why I didn’t take school serious. People say school is not for everyone, which I agree completely. Oh well, hopefully 2.5 years from now, I'll be graduating.

Could you pass the latest citizenship test?

Could you pass the latest citizenship test?

"In October 2008 a new version of the U.S. citizenship test will be taken by all applicants. Could you pass it? The questions are usually selected from a list of 100 samples that prospective citizens can look at ahead of the interview. Some are easy, some are not. We have picked some of the more difficult ones. NOTES: Candidates are not given multiple choices in the naturalization interview. The following questions have been adapted from the immigration service’s sample questions. "



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25461301/


You answered 75% of questions correctly. Here's your rating:

Damn! =( I got 2, 9, 10,14, 17 wrong!

Relaxing weekend !

=) It's amazing what a good weekend can do you for your soul, you know? The weather has been delightful this weekend…low humidity, nightly lows around 60s and daytime highs in the 80s, plus lots of sun! I spend Friday the 13th w/ my sister and niece at Great Mall. A little shopping, dinner at Dave and Buster, then the movies, afterward we stayed at DayInns in Milpitas. Nothing fancy, but it wasn’t bad. Yes, we could have easily saved some $$ and drove home in 45 mins. However I didn’t want to drive back to San Jose flea market the next say, beside gas ain’t cheap. We went to the San Jose Flea Market on Saturday and basically took our time. Can’t belive that it’s been almost 9 years since I‘ve last been there. I didn’t buy much, just browsing around. Somehow buying junks doesn’t seem as appealing as before.

We were planning to go to Valley Fair, since it’s been almost 5 years and I’ve heard it changed a lot- then again I hate shopping mall on the week ends, the lines are just too long. So we just went home and relax. I don’t know when I have had a more enjoyable or relaxing weekend!

=) I definitely need to do this again!

My "aha" moment !

What the hell is wrong w/ me? What happen to that Cindy who craves changes and love to learn?
Some people are afraid of change b/c changes can be difficult and scary. Change should be looked upon as a good thing; unfortunately many of us prefer the safe unchanging option. I never thought I was one of these people that were afraid of changes. I soon realized that somewhere along the way, I gotten so comfortable w/ life itself that I didn’t accept any changes that came my way nor search for any new changes. All I do is worry or whine about, making excuses for my lazy ass- basically wasting a lot time. I don’t want to be stuck now as I am for the rest of your life.

I know life is change; I need to welcome changes and expect changes. It is bound to happen. Whether good, bad, difficult, destructive, even change in our daily routines. So instead of waiting for changes to happen, I’m going to make the changes happen. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy quick fix. I know I’m going to face challenges but I will not let this paranoia grip my life, I’m going deal with change as it comes.

OK, I know this is weird. My "aha" moment was when I was in the shower 2 months ago, it just hit me that "life isn't as serious as my mind makes it out to be" as Eckhart mentioned in his book. (I still need to find time to read the book.) I had heard all my life, oh it's not that serious but I have never heard it put this way and now this makes so much sense to me. I have a way of making things much more than they are in my head. Everything just clicked that very moment and all I can say is wow! Wow! Can’t believe a book can have such positive outlook. (Don’t take life so seriously. Lighten up. Be easy on yourself. Smile more. Laugh often. =) If not, all I can say F*** it.)

“You’re only as old as you feel”, and “With age, comes wisdom”.

OK. Let’s just get this out of the way. I’m just so tired of hearing from people. So I’m going to let it lose once and for all. What is the big deal with turning 30? God forbid you are not at least married by that time. I think it is just something society has placed on women. Kill yourself now! You’re 30 and not married? There is no more hope for you. It is such bullsh*it! I think women will continue to dread 30 until they realize they are NOT defined by a husband or babies. There are so many opportunities for us women now; we should just live our lives to the fullest no matter what age we are! If you're marry and unhappy, then what's the point? As long as you're happy that's all it matters most. So married or unmarried...who cares!! So stop whining to me about it, cause you need to learn how to face it not me.

Yes, change is never easy, regardless of age! I thought turning 30 was going to be a devastating blow. I’m just 30, so what? So what? 30 is a big deal? Unfortunately I don’t know why? I have had difficulties with birthdays in the past. Whether it’s 25, 27 or 29= at each of these birthdays I did some moping around and not much soul searching.

For whatever reason, but I can honestly say that I've had no sudden realization that it's time to rework my life, to 'retake control' or make 'improvements'. I decided to stop ‘freaking out’ and evaluate myself and my life. I mean, sure, there are things in my life that need improvements and definite ‘rework’ that could be used (and I’m working on it), but isn’t that an ongoing process throughout one’s entire life.

I have to say that 2008 has been a great year for me so far! A lot of self-improvement as I’m learning a lot within myself and hopefully by this time next year I’ll come back a much happier true me. So you might ask what I’ve learning so far. Well, I’ve learned how to compromise without compromising myself in order to make life easier or happier for other people. I've accepted that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to. And have reaped the rewards and benefits to prove it. I've learned that I don't have to be perfect. As long as I am healthy that shows through and defines me more than anything. I’ve learned that people you love will hurt you. You need to make peace with it, and move on. After all, you get to see their true side. Most of all I've learned to relish my family, my mom and dad and siblings. Those people are invaluable.

Now that I've turned 30, I'm no longer afraid of what's life has lies ahead. =) What matters is that we make the most of the journey?

No more bad news! My heart can't take it...

What the F*** ! It’s just bad news after another.
=( I was just out of it today, I didn’t even go to class this morning.

About 1:00am this morning, my sister Jane and I witness 2 guys running away from an accident. We called the ambulances and there were 3 guys helplessly on the ground, my heart just….. =( I just can’t believe this is happening! Omigod, the minute they pulled out the white sheets I just knew it! The guy whom I was afraid to go close too, b/c he was bleeding.

Everything was clear out by 5am, as I’m lying in bed at 6 in morning. I couldn’t help crying. What the hell! How could this happen! Seem surreal.


http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_8830439?source=rss

=( Way too Stress to work! I should have sue !

Shit! Hawaii trip is cancel. I’m so stress that I call off work. I've been so stress out that I lost 5 pounds <-- I guess that's the only good news this week.

I search and search for almost 1.5 hours online looking for affordable airlines, but the fares are just too costly for the other 4, since it’s only 2 weeks ago.. I’m been on the phone for nearly 2 hours calling all the reservations to cancel. Well, a hour for the tickets I recently purchase on American airlines (not even 2 days) is non-refundable but they are willing to give me credit for a year and there’s a $130 cancellation/ booking fee per ticket= $390. It took almost a hour, mainly because I couldn’t understand the Indian lady, but she was nice though.

The car rental luau was nice enough to cancel within minutes and the hotel charged me $19.95 not bad. I’ll be getting 6 show certificates for next time, going to sell that on ebay.

Ok, where do I go from here?? Still need to go somewhere regardless..

what the F*** !

WHAT THE F !!

What is the F*** is w/ these Airlines!

Very irresponsible !

I'm beyond PISSED! I must have jinxed myself. Now ATA also filed for Chapter 11 on April 2, 2008 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court ! That means I need to find another 4 tickets for the rest of the group... 13 DAYS LEFT AND THIS SHIT HAPPEN! (Excuse my French!)

Aloha Airlines! - This is no April fool.

=( It’s been hell of a week. Apparently Aloha airlines went bankrupt and since I stop watching the news. My co-worker told me what happen and without them I wouldn’t have taken it so seriously. I brought our tickets on Hotwire; flying out from Oakland to Honolulu with Aloha airlines and back w/ ATA.

I called Dela and they priced one-way ticket for $800 each x3=$2400, but it’s only $650 round trip w/ them. WTF! Then I called United as Hotwire suggested, which pissed the hell out of me… try talking to a machine for a good 20 minutes and then get disconnected. ATA jack up their prices and worst, I was on hold for 35 mins and still no answers. (I figure everyone must be calling them too.)

I brought travel insurance for the 3 tickets and when I called them . They basically told me that the only way they will cover if someone dies! Get sick or stuck while traveling. Airlines bankrupt are not covers. So, I told the lady that I have to kill myself to get a refund? She replied that she wouldn’t suggest me to do that. This is pissing me off big time! To make matter worst, this was the first time I brought travel insurances. Go figure!

Yes, it’s very frustrating! How would you feel if your travel is in 2 weeks and found out part of your flight is cancel. Hotwire keep telling me this and that, they want me to contactthis company that company. Shit! Hotwire should have just contact themselves Dela, United and ATA… They are willing to change the flight but they will charge me $100 per ticket and differences.

I'm sick of it! Just refund my money; after all it's the airline fault! NOT mines!
Yes! I was very pissed last night! I called American Express and just dispute it and booked the fare elsewhere. It would have been cheaper for me to go back w/ hotwire, but morally this is not right. Thank god the others 4 didn’t have Aloha airlines.

Oh well, I’m not going to let this ruin my trip! Even if I have to paid extra for it. After all I deserve it.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Gung Hay Fat Choy ! Happy Chinese New Year! It’s the year of the Rat!

Once again, it is the time of the year where all the Chinese around the world celebrate our lunar new year. It’s a time for cleaning house, repaying debts, enjoying feasts, giving out “laisee” packets (red envelopes that hold gifts of money), remembering ancestors, celebrating and renewing family ties. Similar to Thanksgivings, everyone goes home on New Year's Eve - at home with their families/relatives eating traditional foods and watching the traditional variety Chinese show- at least we did when we were younger.

=) Happy New year all!

Vote !

Yes, Shame on me! I know!
=( I didn't vote, if I have it would have been for Clinton..
I also liked Obama, maybe she'll pick him as vice president <-- that would be great!

Clinton is doing pretty good in the race! I really hopes she will win!
I think she'll make a great first lady president and Bill- the first man.. haha

Either way, I'm just glad Bush is out of the office so-on..

Ps.
OkOk.. =) I'll going to vote in November!

=) I think I need an financial advisor .. Maybe not !

Out of curiosity, how much $$ do you spend monthly or yearly? It's amazing how much we can spent without knowing huh? I waste a lot of it on impulse buys when I should be much more prudent about what I’m purchasing. It’s very similar to the way I habitually spend my money, actually.

During 2006 when I open this card till the end of 2007, I manage to charge 27,437 rewards points (1 reward per dollar spent). What the hell did I charge to end up so much? and that's only on my American express credit. I had a vague notion that I was spending a fair amount here and there, but never added so fast.

I’m currently reading the Automatic Millionaire and I'm loving it. My goal was to see how much $$ I waste in a typical month on misc. junks. (AKA the latte factor.) Oh man, for the month of Jan. I spent almost $770 on misc. junks- that’s not including gas, rent, toll and =( my $100 cable bills.

I’ve never been a good money-saver, as I always find something exciting to spend the extra on. I know you can’t save all your $$; After you only live once, but a little budget won't hurt which I r feel I need to start doing this. So I want to start paying more attention to the way that I spend my time. I want to set up a minor easy budget and to pay myself first. I want to spend a little more time on myself and a little less on others.

“10 Things You’d Buy If You Had a Million Dollars”

Interesting! I got this from Nino’s blogs- that’s linked to another blogger.

“10 Things You’d Buy If You Had a Million Dollars”

“There’s no getting by easy on this one like saying “giving it to charity” or “saving it for my kids’ college”. You’ve got a million dollars, and you’ve got to spend it on yourself. Your list can add up to a million dollars, or each of the items on your list could be huge million dollar splurges. Your choice! Be greedy, spoil yourself! “


Ok… Here’s my list:
1. A duplex. 500 k. – Remember the market is not doing so well.
2. Quit my job and disappear for 2 years and just travel. 100k
3. A Hybrid Camry for my mom. 35k
4. New Furniture for the house. 80 k
5. Lexus mini-van 45k
6. Trip w/ the family. 50K (Each person get 5k to spent.)
7. Home Gym 10K
8. Entertainment room w/ pool table 20k
9. A Nicee boat (Not a Yachts.) 60k
10. Rest for shopping of course!



=) Funny, if this was real!
Beside the House Camry, Lexus and the family trip.
I would probably save a lot of the money ($200k) in the bank and spent $50K to travel and the rest $150 k to invest or start a small business

The only problem is where I would travel and where would I start first??


Time for bed!!! zZzZzZz

Happy 20-08 !

Resolutions! Resolutions!! Resolutions!!

I like sitting here at work, casting my mind forward, imagining the sun and longer days and things I want to achieve. I bet this should be a good way to re-start a new blog? The last few months of 2007 were stressful and I managed to combine no exercise with eating too much, so my fitness level has taken a dive. No matter - even more it feels as if I am making a fresh start.

To everyone who reads this I hope you are also excited by the prospect of the New Year and that your plans are fulfilled. May you all have good luck!