w/ Love Sincerely

Happy New Year and Good Bye Blogger! (and Hellooo Wordpress!)

2011-01-01T16:18:00.003-05:00

Hello my darlings - It's been well over two months since my last post and I just wanted to let you all know that I've decided to say goodbye to Blogger...

I felt that it's a very necessary step for me to keep blogging and enjoy what I love to do - write without reservation.... I just posted my very first entry at Wordpress, I'm planning to say hello to each one of your blog, so that you'll know my new blog..

It's such a sad day for me to say goodbye to my baby "w/ Love Sincerely..", but I promise, my new blog will be as honest and lovely as "w/ Love.." -- thank you all so much for being there for me when my time was tough, supporting me and cheering me on..

And I hope you'll keep continuing to read my new blog -

Wish you all the best and a fabulous year for all of you!!!

Love, Maki ;)

Love Through Kids Eyes..

2010-10-08T11:07:00.001-04:00

Thank you so much for all of your kind comments and warm messages.

This issue of mine has been going on for quite a bit - this didn't happen yesterday. Some of my old readers already know that I used to post religiously, then my posts have become spotty. I hate it. But, many of you have suggested that I really need to find a middle ground for this blog. I love my blog and I want to keep blogging, but if I can't write what's important or be who I am on my blog, then, what's the point of keeping?

My blog style may change and it may take me for a while to bounce back, but I hope that I will find new found love for my blog and enjoy my journey with you.

Anyways.

I stumbled upon on a blog post the other day which totally warmed up my heart. They are actual answers from little kids when they were asked "What Is Love?" The quotes are super adorable and I thought I would share with you. I googled and tried to find the sources for these actual quotes and I did find the same quotes all over the internet, but I couldn't find who had done the interview the kids - I was hoping it was for a book or a magazine article.

It's funny how every thing the kids said made sense. I still remember when I was talking to my mentor, he said the first hearbreak that kids endure is from their parents. He said when their daddy or mommy get angry and yell at them for the first time, that's their very first heartbreak.

All of us were a baby at some point (no brainer!) and come to this world full of hope and promises - they are born equal regardless of color of their skin or language they speak, they are just babies. And baby gives full attention and love to their mommy and daddy - they smile for you, they cry for you.. Parents are everything to them. And I think kids know what unconditional love is. But sad thing is, when we grow older, we become more childish and selfish - love becomes somewhat conditional at times.

So, I asked my two daughters "What Is Love?" and here are their answeres..

* Soapy (4 years old): "Love is loving you, Mommy!!!! (sorry, she's only 4..) and spending time with your family!"

* JuJu (6 years old): "Well.. love is... fair. Love is...Um, I think love comes back to you when it goes somewhere or fly to some place, and.. love is always there when you need it. AND it's warm!!!"

Too cute and I think they know what love is.. LOL

Now enjoy children's actual answers to the question "What Is Love?"

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” - Billy, age 4

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” - Karl, age 5

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” - Chrissy, age 6

“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” - Terri, age 4

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” - Danny, age 7

“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” - Emily, age 8

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” - Bobby, age 7

“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,” - Nikka, age 6

“Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.” - Noelle, age 7

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” - Tommy, age 6

“During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.” - Cindy, age 8

“My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” - Clare, age 6

“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” - Elaine, age 5

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.” - Chris, age 7

“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” - Mary Ann, age 4

“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” - Lauren, age 4

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” - Rebecca, age 8

“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” - Karen, age 7

“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” - Jessica, age 8

Have a sweet and a lovely week!!!

My Blog As I Know It.

2010-10-05T09:26:00.002-04:00

Hello my dearlies - how have you been? Are you enjoying the nice fall weather? I woke up this morning with coooool breeze - It's 65 degree out! When the temprature gets so crazy hot during summer, I always think FL doesn't get to see nice fall weather, but it came rather quickly - it sneaked up on us! But it's so nice to be able to open the windows and turn off AC and smell the crisp air outside..

Anyways, as you know, I've been slacking on posting - what a hay, that hasn't changed for the past 12 months actually. I always say that I'm feeling the weird funk, ja, ja... But I know it's more than just a funk.

I started this blog over two and a half years ago because I love to write. I love to write about my family or my friends, or current events or Hollywood. For the first six months, I posted on daily basis and I know I really loved getting all kinds of comments - there were times I got over 30 comments! I have so many things to say about life and sharing about it with you have been my true joy.

Over the course of two years though, things had happened and I sort of lost the mojo or should I say the passion for this blog. What happened was that one of my family member was reading my blog without telling me and it had sparked a full blown debate in the family circle.

I don't want to get in to it, but when I have to censor my own posting or need to be careful about what I would write in my own blog, that beomes hard. I've never bad mouth my family members in my blog nor talked negatively about my friends and family, but I have to make sure not to say too much about them.

My blog is not a fashion blog - My blog is my diary and talk about my daily joy and struggle that I go through every day. If I have to exclude the events that happen in my life which includes my family, then my point of this blog becomes half important. I have struggled to find a way to write it because a lot of times, my life becomes comical when I have dinner with my in-laws or go out with them, but I have to second guess everything that I want to write.

My family members know about my blog now and they tell me they don't care, but really, I'm still struggling to find the mutural ground to entertain my lovely blogging friends and sustain the integrity of my family and friends.

This month is my birthday month, so there are many things that I want to figure out : My life, the future of this blog, my business. I think I'm going to be very busy, but I really want to post a lot more than recent.

Oh by the way, my last day at work was last week and I officially started my career as a full time artist!! Um, it's kind of nerve wracking!

Hope you're having a lovely week! xoxo

Goodbye Summer... {Super Harvest Moon}

2010-09-22T22:35:00.000-04:00

{Image By Me}

Hello my loves!!!! I hope all of you're doing well and happy. This sounds like a broken record, but I've been CRAZY busy for the past two weeks, I barely sat in front of the computer.

Both of my daughters are in school now that I thought having all morning to myself would give me the freedom to blog all I want, but actually I have been busier than ever. Driving them to school, doing errands, picking them up and taking them to afterschool activities - oh my gosh I wish I could clone myself!!!!

My husband JT was home last week, so we're running around and doing all sorts of stuff together with the girls. Good news is that my husband will be able to commute between FL and NJ every two weeks now and he'll be going back and forth every weekend starting Christmas. We're very excited that he'll be part of our lives again very soon...

Today is the offical last day of Summer and the beginning of Fall. Also we're celebrating Super Harvest Moon. Apparently we don't get to see this beautiful phenomenon for years and years, so we all should go outside around 11pm and look at the moon. You can see Jupiter right below it. I did take a photo and can you see a tiny tiny dot - that's Jupiter...

I love space and looking at starts and moon. I talk about it time to time how looking at the sky makes me feel - it's like all the darkness and brights spots cleanse my body. There are so many possibilities out there in the space and I feel like I'm such a tiny existance... It totally amazes me.

Florida is still super HOT and I don't feel like Summer is fully gone, but I do feel the difference in the morning - air is cooler. I love summer and I'm a bit sad that Fall is arriving, but all the festivities are around the corner.... AND I have two more shifts left for my departure from work and my birthday soon. I'm very excited!!!

I can't wait to catch up with all of your blog!! xoxo

Beach, Frozen Yogurt & Rainbow...

2010-09-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

{Image By Soapy}

Well, it's already Wednesday, but I hope you all had a great Lobor Day weekend! Did you guys do anything special - or did you go any place special???

My weekend with the girls was just laid back - nothing crazy, but really good one. Thank you very much. I took the girls to our favorite Lido Beach and also we celebrated the Grand Opening of our favorite yogurt joint "White Berry" that came really close to our home. The original store is in downtown which is about 20 minutes drive and the new store is a lot closer and it takes less than 10 minutes:)

While the store guy R prepares the yummy yogurt for us, Soapy looks up like a little girl - she looks like a big girl, but I think she looks like a two year old from looking at this photo. So cute. She couldn't wait for him to make her yogurt:)

I got the Original flavor with Kiwi and Ju Ju and Soapy got their favorite Green Tea flovor with Mochi and Chocolate Chip. Seriously, they are yummy.

Somehow, Soapy in this picture is ready to snort yogurt out of spoon. Funny. This was just a random picture and I didn't set her up to this.

Now that looks better Soapy!

Julia and Soapy love these canisters full of Fruit Loops & Trix.

{Image By Ju Ju}

I must admit, my girls are really cute!

The same day afternoon before yogurt, I took the girls to our favorite Lido beach. It was a perfect beach day because the beach was not crowded and it was really quiet. I hate when there are too many people and no parking. I was a bit surprised becausse it was Labor Day weekend afterall, but I guess we just picked the right day because my friend who went to the same beach the next day told me the beach was packed Zoo. Thank goodness, it wouldn't be as fun if we're there on Sunday instead of Saturday..

I feel tremendous happiness when I'm at the beach - it doesn't matter where or which one, I just feel at home. Maybe because I grew up in Hawaii surrounded by the ocean, but I can't think of my life without beach.....

It's surreal to know that the BP oil spill has stopped. Yes, the cleanup effort still continues and it will stay that way for many years to come, and I get nervous when I think of the effect of the spill, but I think we cleared the first obstacle to contain the oil. I was really nervous at first that we'd lose our beautiful beach. I'm so glad that we don't need to see tar-balls washing ashore, but I wonder if all the marine lives and eco-system will ever be the same. I just don't know..

Often times when I look at my girls, as much as hard to grasp the thoughts, I realize that my life is not my life anymore. My life is for my daughters - I live my life for them. I need to think of their life first before I think of mine. It's not an easy tast at times because I consider myself a free sprited individual who has done many selfish things. But we all need to grow up sometimes, right? And when I look at their smiles, it's all worth it.

By the way, I ran to "white berry" again during a lunch break yesterday. I got Green Tea with Blackberries. It was soo declious - I can honestly have this frozen yogurt every single day.

After I finished working, I went to pick up my daughters at their grandparents house. My boss and his wife are in Seattle for a mini vacay, so I had to close the salon which was my first experience. I got to be the boss for the day which was not bad, but three more weeks, and I'm free!

On the way home from my in laws, I spotted a rainbown - We get ton of afternoon-evening thunderstorms and this happened right before the storm. Can you see the blue sky and the rain clouds next to each other? I had to stop and take pictures because it's so unusual to see a rainbow. It was really pretty!

I often dream of walking over a rainbow - how fun and beautiful experience would that be???

A Night Like This....

2010-09-02T23:18:00.001-04:00

{Image By Me}

I finally did it, everyone! I gave the notice to my boss that I am leaving my job at the end of this month! Oh my goodness, you have no idea how hard it was for me to do this... My last day of work will be exactly two years from the day I started two years ago. It's been an interestig journey. I talked about my very first day at the job here and here.

I think I've learned a lot from my receptionist job. We have over 3600 clients in our system, of which 2500 are active. I can honestly say we're the busiest salon in our town. I was fortunate enough to meet many different clients and I befriended with several of them personally. I also have encountered numerous "Are you fricking kidding me??" incidents which have taught me how not to behave... Seriously, there are many crazy people out there, my friends!

Anyway, I had thought about quittig since the winter of last year. Both of my girls had complained that I was never home or didn't do stuff together. I was working five days a week including Friday and Saturday. When JT left to work in NJ, I was able to change my shifts to only in the morning, so that I could pick up my daughter from school. But the truth is, I was exhausted. I know there are mothers who are working for a lot more complicated job, but dealing with demanding clients and boss ad hearing them yapping pretty much drained all my energy. I really was exhausted.

JT and I had talked about it for a long time and one of the options was to keep the job and to see if I could keep working the two days shift only on Mondays and Tuesdays. But the reality is our salon gets ridiculously busy during fall/winter and spring, they need two receptionists on Fridays ad Saturdays, which I can't work any longer, espcially JT's being gone. Also, we don't get any special days off except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, which totally sucks. So my mind was totally set for leaving the job.

But it had taken almost five months for me to tell my boss that I want to quit. Seriously, it was like my boss could read my mind. I go to work every morning thinking, "Today is the day I'm going to tell him.." - but as soon as I open the door, my boss greets me with smile and he acts so kind towards me. If he was an a-hole, then it would be so much easier to quit, you know? Anyway, the other day, he had a last minute cancelation and he was eating lunch in the break room. JT was telling me that I had to give him a notice, so that he could find a replacement before the season starts. I went to the break room and walked in and tried to find the right timing, but I could't say it, so I left. Then 10 minutes later, I did the same thing. Again, I couldn't pull myself to say it to his face. Now the third time, he looked up. I knew, that was it. I had to tell him.

I told him I had to tell him something. When he looked my face, he thought something terrible happened to me. He was all worried and told me to have seat. I explained to him how I loved working for him and his wife, but I wouldn't be able to give my hours to schedule that the salon needs. I told him, "It's from my heaviest heart that I need to quit...." Oh boy, he was in shock. Seriously, he didn't see it coming. He was very understading and he said, "That's okay. I'm a business owner, so I know people come and go.." But he was totally in shock. He wasn't angry or anything, just disappointed. Then I had to tell his wife, but forget it. She just said, "Don't say that..." and wouldn't listen to me.

After giving him the notice, we had another client who has MS. Her condition is getting worse every time we see her. I help my boss with her chair and stuff, and while I was helping, my boss, said, "Oh my god Maki, what am I going to do????" and he had tears in his eyes. "It's so hard to find a decent girl who is willing to do all the work for me..." I felt horrible about it. But there's nothing I can do.

My spirits have been really good. My heavy weight is off my shoulder. My girls are so ecstatic as well. I get to drive them to school or pick them up, and I can take them to park and play with them - all the things I haven't been able to do because of my current job, I will be able to do it soon..

I took the pictures above while walking around the lake with my girls this evening. The view from my condo - sunset always beautiful and I felt such peace withing myself today. I think I can start a new life doing all the things I love - painting ad being a mother to my girls.

Have a lovely weekend my sweetness... xoxoxo

Relax - Beach & Gelish...

2010-08-31T00:35:00.006-04:00

{Image by Ju Ju}

Hello!! I hope you all had a lovely weekend and havig a great week! My weekend was filled with fun activities - one of them was to go to our favorite Lido beach with my girls and friends. As you can see, my new photographer Ju Ju snapped me while I was slaving myself, carrying all kinds of stuff to the beach. Funny thing is that we all smile for camera, yes?

You may not see it in this photo, but I was carrying a beach bag on my shoulder stuffed with towels, magazines and makeup bag as well as a cooler bag (green one that you see in the pic), two goza mats and a starbucks. Mom is strong when she has to carry stuff for her kids.

What I am truly grateful is that the BP oil spill is finally contained and we can now focus on clean up. It will take years and years, but our Gulf will be back. I know it.

{Image By Me}

Also, I work Monday and Tuesday every week (remember, I haven't given my boss two weeks notice!) Last week, my salon got this new Soak Off Gel called Gelish. It is a new type of polish for people who don't wear artificial nail. I have never worn artificial nail, thank goodness, the trait that I got from my mom's beautiful hands that my nails are thick and healthy and long.... The only problem that I had was that I use my hands so much that my color does't last three days even if I get a great manicure by my boss - it started to chip immediately. But this new Soak Off Gell is not acrylic, so it's easy on my nail bed just like I use regular polish, but it stays put like gel. If what they promise is true, this color is supposed to stay without chipping for two weeks. So, I can't wait to see if my color lasts longer than a week.

As much as I get depressed with my work, I can't stop staring at my nails every time my boss works on my hands. He's so great! I guess, getting free manicure is not bad after all!

Every Mom deserves a nice time like going to beach and getting pedicure/manicure:)

xoxo

A New Kind Of Freedom

2010-08-25T23:17:00.003-04:00

Monday was my daughters JuJu and Soapy's first day of school. JuJu was promoted to the 1st grade and it was Soapy's very first day as a pre-kindergartner. As most of you know, I've been working for the past two years part time, but my work schedule has gone down to two days a week. I worked Monday and Tuesday, so even when my girls were at school, I didn't get to enjoy the luxury of spending time alone. But today was different.

I was going to head to the gym after I dropped the girls to their schools, but it's been raining non-stop in FL that I decided to go home and..... SLEEP! Oh my goodness, what a great joy of crawling back to bed and taking a nap - listening to the sound of rain made it even better. The house was really quiet and honestly I didn't know what to do. No matter what, I really didn't have the time to enjoy my time alone for the past six years. I'm not complaining, that's what it is to be a mother - give everything you have to your children.

I can't say that I couldn't wait for my youngest Soapy to go to school. Yes, I was excited for her because she gets to make her own friends, not JuJu's friends. Soapy is my little baby, and somehow I really wanted her to stay as a baby. Well, that's impossible, but it's a bittersweet to see her all growing up.

The thing is Soapy has been having tough time adjusting to the new routine. The first day was kind of easy because she was thrilled with the idea of having a teacher and classmates. Now, she is afraid that she's not making any friends and today, she even cried the minute she woke up until we left the house. "I don't want to go to school, Mommy!!!!!" - Oh my god, I was freaking out. I know why she says the things she says and why she's scared of going to school, so if I could, I would have said, "Okay, Soapy, you don't have to go to school. Stay with Mommy and play with me." But I know I can't say that. I have to tell her she's going to be okay and the school is fun. It's tough because in her tiny little head and mind, she's still timid and nervous. Thank goodness for her older sister JuJu - her school starts at 8:30am, so we drove her to school while Soapy was crying in the car. We walked her to her class in the ferocious rain and looking at all the kids going to school, like her big sister, I think Soapy realized that she wasn't the only one going to school.... She finally calmed down. By the time I drove Soapy to her school at 9am, she was okay. Kinda.

Anyway, I was able to enjoy the very first day of freedom with no serious incident. And I hope I'll get used to my new kind of routine......

So, what was it like for you, when you went to school for the first time? Were you like, "Bye Bye Mommy!" and run to the school or were you the one who's holding onto your mama's legs?

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My New Photographer...

2010-08-22T16:26:00.007-04:00

Hello my sweet friends! Hope you had a lovely weekend! As you know, I've been totally slacking on this blogging thing, but I think I'm getting my mojo back. I feel like I want to post and share many good things again...

First of all, I've found a new photographer who can take my picture. I tend to shy away when it comes to taking self-portrait. I can't take my own pictures unless it's 100% necessary because iI feel like I'm being self-important. I can smile at the camera as long as there's someone on the other side, telling me to smile....

Anyway, my oldest Ju Ju was playing with my phone the other day and called my name. "Mommy!" - I looked and there she was taking pictures of me. She took about 5 of them and one came out pretty good. So, I declared Ju Ju as my new photographer!!!! And she loves it. Maybe she can take my pictures of dress up. LOL.

Also, I have two Starbucks I frequent - one has a drive through. A good friend of mine works there and when I picked up my iced-latte, I realized she put a smiley face on the lid. She does this type of trick all the time, but I thought I'd snap a pic and share it.... It definitely put a smile on my face...

I took these pictures of my daughters last week after Ju Ju had the Back to School Night. Ju Ju is going to be the 1st grader tomorrow and Soapy is going to be a pre-K. This will be Soapy's first school. That means, I'm going to have handful of free time for the first time in six years! I can't believe it. I'm excited, but kind of sad at the same time.

I only work two days a week and I've been trying to find the timing to tell my boss that I'm quitting in a few weeks. I know I need to give them 2 week notice which gives me only a week left to give them the news. I'm so dreaded about that, but I want to focus my energy on my paintings and my kids, so that's what I have to do....

So how was your weekend? What's been going on with your life?????

Inception...

2010-08-17T01:00:00.001-04:00

I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!!

Honestly, it was 20 times better than Matrix.

The story sounded so complicated, and yet it totally made sense!

The visual and sound effects were stunning and storyline was so clever.

It was unbelieveable!!

And seeing it in IMAX made the whole experience so much better, too.

I'm usually not a big fan of SciFi films, but this one, I give two thumbs up plus toes up!

BTW, I have tried to post an entry which I talked about my husband and Bachelorette, but it keeps giving me error, so I decided to write about this movie.

Oh man, I want to see it again!!!

Have you seen it?

Anyway, I know I have been pretty awful about posting - and I figured out why.

1. My husband being here made it difficult.

2. Kids are out of school = summer. I thought kids being home would make it easy for me to blog, but I was wrong. I think I feel bad about not paying attention to my girls and facing the computer all the time. But when I try to blog after the girls go to bed, I must say, I'm usually exhausted.

I sit down in front of my computer, but the idea of having to type, upload pics or vids and write a post kind of stress me out. I tell myself, I'll finish it tomorrow and 6 days go by. Not good.

3. Work - I only work twice a week now, but my work wouldn't let me go online, so I can never post while I'm there at the salon. Oh yes, I'm trying to quit and will need your advise on it, too.

Miss you all so much..

xoxo

10 Days with Daddy - Part 1

2010-08-11T22:10:00.000-04:00

Hello my friends! It's been almost two weeks since my last entry and I almost gave up typing this post too. It sucked because I wanted to post all the happy things that happened while my husband was here on daily basis, but I was simply too busy to even sit down in front of the computer..

As you know from the previous post that my husband was home for ten days. Acutally it was supposted to be six days, but he extended his stay and left last Saturday evening. I have to admit, the house is less chaotic, but quiet.

Seriously, my husband, the girls and I had so many things we wanted to do together and it seemed never enough time. We were non-stop on the Go, and when I wanted to sit down and compose a post, JT often told me, "You can sit next to me and watch TV together."

He is never against me having my own blog. He often reads it when he's away, but I think he wanted me to cherish our time together as a husband and a wife, and focus my energy to my family while he's back in his own home. And he was right about that. That's why I barely sat down in front of pc for the past 12 days. Of course, writing a post or visiting all of your blogs have always been back on my mind, but I was totally tired by the time we get home from our activities. I haven't uploaded any videos or photos, but I will make sure to post them this week.

Anyway, it's taken me forever to tell you what happened after my husband came home as a surprise to our daughters, or all the things we did for the past 12 days, but I thought it's never too late to share.

July 29 (Thu) - JT arrives at Tampa Intl @ 12:30am. I pick him up and drive home together while our girls are sound asleep. Our youngest daughter wakes up in the wee hours while JT and I were chatting and watching TV together. Oh boy, the look on Soapy's face. She totally believes she is dreaming. She goes back to bed and comes out minutes later saying, "Daddy???"

Sooo cute. She slowly walks towards him, lays down and puts her head against Daddy's chest. Daddy asks her if she's surprised and she smiles and nods, "yes..."

JT decides that we all should sleep together in the same bed. On the other hand, his wife Maki thinks, "Are you kidding me?" - we have a queen size bed, not the king size bed. But Soapy thinks it's a fabulous idea and jumps on to our bed right away. JT scoops his oldest daughter Ju Ju up and tries to bring her to our room when she says, "Daddy..." Her eyes are still closed and she is too sleepy to wake up. When we're finally in bed together, Daddy whispered to the girl's ear, "Daddy is so happy to be home, close to you girls..." Ju Ju whispered back, "Me too..." We went to bed together that night.

The next morning, JT and I woke up at 8:30am after having five hours of sleep with stiff neck. The girls were jumping on bed screaming and cheering, "Yaaay, Daddy's home, Daddy's home!!!" - it was one of those scenes that I see in movies. Dadd and Mommy were so happy to see the girls' smiles on their faces. BUT, We both couldn't sleep well because Ju Ju and Soapy moved around like worms and took our space. We both decided that the girls were to sleep in their bed. Good idea!!!

This was the beginning of great family time - and I'm so happy that the girls and I got to spend time with Daddy a lot longer that we expected.

I will post more about JT's stay tomorrow - Hope all is well with you!!

xoxo

Have A Lovely Weekend!!!! {and Welcome to My Bedroom}

2010-07-30T16:14:00.003-04:00

I have never showed my bedroom before. We've lost many stuff due to the water damage that happened three months ago. But I'm finally getting my condo back to the way it was. It's taken me forever, but I think it's starting to look nice again....

So, this is my bedroom. I like my bed to be always white and I still need to buy a quilt, but oh well, it can wait a bit while.. JT and I love the King size bed, so when we lived in Hawaii and in NJ, we bought two king beds. When we moved back to FL, we decided that we use a Queen until we buy a big house. JT is in NJ working for the most of this year and next year, so it's the perfect size for me right now... Moreover, being able to sleep in your own bed is simply priceless!!!

My side table still needs some work, but I can't sleep without my favorite hearts including the three heart shaped ring holders.... The lamp is from Crate & Barrel and it's my favorite thing in my house...

This is the painting I'm currently working on. My best friend J asked me to paint something for her new place. She loves New Yor, so I decided to paint NY skyline. I can't wait to finish this painting and give it to her. I hope she likes it...

As I slowly re-decorate my condo, I will post pictures of my living/dining room and kitchen as well as my girls room.

Have a lovely weekend everybody!!!!

xoxo

Midnight Magic ~ Daddy comes home ~

2010-07-28T20:28:00.007-04:00

My husband is flying back home tonight from NJ and will be landing at midnight here in FL. Our daughters Ju Ju and Soapy think that they will pick their daddy up at the airport tomorrow morning (Thursday), and they have no idea that he's planning to crawl into their beds...

The girls are bathed, watching TV right now. We ususally Skype with Daddy every night, but he told them he is busy with work, so he'll see them tomorrow. The girls are so excited and ready to go to bed because you know, they just can't wait the morning to come.

My mother in law is coming over to watch the girls, so I can drive to pick JT up while the girls sleep. Wait until Daddy comes home and "Twinkle" - The girls will be so surprised in the morning. It's like magic! I can't wait to see their face, how big their eyes get. :)

So have sweet dreams my babies, let the magical day begin!

{Shhhhhhh}

Mark Ruffalo...

2010-07-26T17:00:00.000-04:00

I have been a bit feeling sick today, so I decided to stay home with my girls and not to go to work. My work hours are down to two days a week now, and I must admit it's been great for my girls and myself, especially during summer because I get to spend time with them, and I also have plenty time to paint.

Many of you already know that I'm in love with Christian Bale. I also have tremendous love for Tom. And there are others that I drool on a daily basis. One of the Hollywood guys whom I have a soft spot is Mark Ruffalo. I don't know, I really like when he plays an ordinary guy - I really liked him in "13 going on 30" or "Rumor Has It" - or when he played totally a different role as a narc officer in "Collateral" with Tom Cruise. He can be a bit dork at times, but his dorkiness totally melts my heart.

I'm ecstatic to see the new movie "The Kids Are All Right" - I only hear great things about it. It's about a gay couple (Annette Benning & Julian Moore) raising two teenage kids and the kids finding the sperm donor = their biological father played by Mark Ruffalo, and they become close as a family. There is a twist in the movie and I'm really looking forward to seeing this film.

Also, he will be playing Hulk for The Incredible Hulk 3 as the replacement for Ed Norton. Well, all the Hulk guys have been played by the actors that I LoVe - Eric Bana and Ed Norton, and now by Mark. Yay! My husband JT loves The Incredible Hulk, so I have been able to see them in the big screen. But, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk? I didn't see this coming!! This should be interesting!

So have you seen any good movies lately???

She Know Which Button To Push

2010-07-22T00:28:00.003-04:00

I don't know where I got her from, but my youngest daughter Soapy is a tough cookie and pistol. Every kid has their own mind, but this one, she's funny and says the darnest things all the time. And lately, she loves to test you - she simply enjoys to watch your reaction after you say, "No" and she does it. Oh such an evil girl... LOL..

She knows exactly what you approve and don't approve - and she does it anyway, just to see what happens if she doesn't follow the rules. Everyone inluces my family and friends tell me that "Oh, you better watch her out in ten years - she's going to give you a tough time. Daddy's worst nightmare. LOL." - and I'm starting to believe it. Oh boy, help....

Please don't get me wrong, she's a very good girl. She loves to cook, she loves to help me clean the house - she is my little baby still. But, she just knows how to push people's button - she loves to turn her face away when her grandpa or daddy ask for a kiss - and smile because she loves to see their reaction.

I was loading folded boxes on the car to throw it away at the garbage dump - Soapy asked me to give her the car key. She said, "I want to open the door.." So, I gave her the key and she looked at it as I told her which button to push - she was looking at the middle button which is to open the trunk where the box was resting. I told her, "Soapy, you know which one you need to push, right? Don't push that one (as in the middle one because her finger was aiming for the button for the trunk) because.." - As I almost finish the sentense, she pushed it; the one to open the trunk. Thank goodness the weight of the box didn't allow the trunk to fully open, but if it did, all of the boxes would have been on the ground. "Oops," she said and gave me back the key.
I looked at her and said, "Soapy!" She gave me the evil cute look and open the door and sat on her seat.... Oh my dear angel, I said to her, "Soapy, you're in big trouble when Daddy comes home next week..."

Look at her - I think she did something she wasn't supposed to do..

But then, I adore her and love her to pices. She is just so cute and yes, totally eatable...

Customer Service Nightmare

2010-07-18T16:15:00.000-04:00

I hope you're enjoying a lovely weekend! I'm finally back online after going through some *bs* with my ex-cable company. And this is what happened:

When we had the water damage several months ago and evacuated to my in-law's house, my mother in law had suggested that maybe I should call my cable company and asked to have my cable service suspended while I'd be out of the condo. I wouldn't be using the cable nor internet, so that made more sense, so I did. Florida has lots of Snow Birds, so the cable company I used offered the seasonal suspension. The rep told me to call them whenever I was ready to move back in and they would restore the service with no problem.

So, past Monday morning I called the cable company and let them know that I moved back in and wanted my service back on. The rep said no problem and the technician could come to my place the next day. I was really ecstatic until she said, "One thing though, we need to get $236 to restore the service plus the installation." - WHAT????? I asked again, "Ahem, excuse me... What did you say?"

The rep explained to me that I needed to pay the bill for a month in advance and the service restoration fee. My bill was supposed to be only $136 plus tax., even I had to pay restoration fee, it still didn't add up. "But, still, I want to know why is it so expensive, my bill is only $126?," I asked. "Well, since you suspended your service, the promotion you had when you signed up with us is no longer available for you. Therefore you need to pay $206 a month from now on," - WHAT A Hell?? Seriously, WTF????

I explained to her that I had to move into my in law's house due to water damage, and I called and spoke with several reps, and that they had never mentioned anything about losing my promotion nor having to pay more money to restore the service. The rep said there's nothing she can do. Meanwhile, my heart was beating fast with anger and confusion, so I told her I'd call her back.

My thinking is that, maybe I got a lazy rep who didn't want to go through all the trouble to give me the promotion back. So I called the cable company back. Again, another rep told me the same thing, well, she mentioned she'd talked to the supervisor and she wouldn't be able to help me with my promotion being taken away. I ended the call saying I'd call back and I called back again, and the response was the same thing. I talked to my clients at work and they all told me it's ridiculous that I had to pay that much money to restore the service when I was never informed by the reps from previous that this was going to happen if I suspend or disconnect my service.

I was almost in tears because not having able to watch TV or use internet would suck, but I didn't want to pay over $200 every month when it wasn't my fault. That's when I realized about another option - switch the cable company! I knew I didn't have any contract with the cable company, so if I wanted to stop using the company, I could! I said to the rep, "If this is what you call a customer service, then I don't want your service anymore." and hung up. I'm not ususally a complainer. I'm a happy person who always tries to strike a conversation. But I was not happy at all - I felt like I was totally mistreated. Was it because of my accent? I don't know, but I felt like they didn't try to solve the problems. I had gone through a lot after the water damage and I'm still dealing with issues for not getting any checks from the insurance company. There's no way I was going to deal with another *bs* and I felt good about it.

So here I come Verizon Fio - again. We used to use Fio until past February and I switched to the other company because they offered more affordable service. Anyway, I called Verizon and the rep was so kind and told me he'd try to give me the best possible rate and he did! He asked me what I really wanted in the cable and I told him I definitely wanted HBO which I couldn't have with my ex-cable company because their movie package didn't include that. So he gave me HBO and Cinemax for free for 24 months with no contract and free installation! Yes, free for 24 months and free installation! Woo Hooo! Also, the whole bill is a lot cheaper with all the channel that I get compare to the old ones. They offer me more HD channels and movie channels.

The only downside was that I had to wait five days for the Verizon tech guy to come to my house and hook it up. But it was so worth it. Just hearing the sound of music from the Weather Channel (for local area info) or being able to go online and visit your blog make me feel like I'm finally, truly home. I'm really impressed with my daughters for not complaining one bit that they couldn't watch TV. They have enough toys and art stuff to keep them busy and also we were able to watch DVD. I'm truly grateful for my girls for helping me out while I cleaned the house and get ourselves situated - they are very patient little things indeed!

I'm so sorry for not having able to visit your blog - I'm so excited to be back home and have my own space and blog and visit:)

So, do you have any horrible experiences with customer service???

"Mommy You're Married!"

2010-07-12T12:36:00.004-04:00

My daughters and I are finally back to our sweet home. The place is still a mess since we have to bring everything back from my mom-in-law's house. But it feels really great be able to sleep in my own bed!!

Anyway, my girls and I were at Publix buying grocery to restock our empty refrigerator. As I walked by the magazine section, I spotted Tom Cruise and screamed for joy. "What is wrong Mama???" asked Ju Ju who was surprised and looked worried. I walked towards the magazine rack, reach my arms and grabbed a magazine..... I pretty much gazed into Tom's smiley face on the cover of Esquire and said, "well, I love him... I love him.." There was this woman standing right next to me was giving me the weird look, but that's okay. That's when I heard my daughter saying, "No, Mommy. You're married! You can't love anyone, but Daddy!!!" - and she was serious. "Aw I can read at least!" - I pleaded. It was more like begging. As soon as I said that, the lady next to me started cracking up! She looked at me and said, "Oh boy, that was good!"

I explained to her how much I love Tom and I've loved him since I was in 4th grade, living in Japan. No matter what happens, he always has a place in my heart. The lady said, "We're all entitled, there is nothing wrong with it. I'm the same way with Johnny Depp!"

On the way to home in the car, "So, who is he? Who is the guy you love?" - Ju Ju asked. I told her he's an actor that I am a big fan of... Ju Ju said, "Oh, actor? Okay, then it's okay mommy, you can like him.."

Thank god, I have a permission from my daughter to profess my love for Tom. But don't you think he looks great in the magazine???

I think I love Tom because he brings me back all the great memories of my childhood; how innocent and how I dreamed of coming the America..

He's the symbol of my American Dream...

I Survived the 2 Months & 2 Weeks of Boot Camp!!!

2010-07-08T03:18:00.009-04:00

Many of you know that I've been displaced from my own house for the past two months (+) due to the water damage caused by some ignorant AC company. But finally, I will be moving back to our own place with the girls this weekend!!! Wooo Hoooo!

I must tell you, it has been a loooooooong, stressful and hard two months. I mean, can you stay at your mother in law or friend's house for more than a week? Especially, not having your husband while you stay there at his mom's because he's workin in NJ - It's not easy. It's not your house you're staying - you can't get naked and walk around the house, or sing in the shower out loud.

But, I think I'm really fortunate to have a mother-in-law who's willing to take care of me and Ju Ju and Soapy for more than two months. And my father-in-law (JT's stepdad) - he's been really kind, too. He makes coffee for me and mom every morning. Mom makes dinner for us every night - I help her by setting the table and clean the kitchen after the dinner. I have my own room and the girls has their which makes things a lot easier too.

Of course, there were times I said to myself, "I don't care how horrible the condo looks, I just want to get out and move back..." - I'm 36, years old and yet, my MIL somestimes made me feel like I'm 16. She wanted to teach me all the things I already know (they're called common sense, everybody!) - but I always said, "Yes, Mom" - "Thank you, Mom" - "I love you Mom" because that's called "respect". I've never once talked back to her - no matter how many times I wanted to, I bit my tongue because she has indeed taken care of us with love and kindness. She surprised me by getting me two dresses on different occasions, too.

Tonight, she's going to take me to her gorup's Bunko party - this will be my second time as a substitute. I had never played that game until last month, and surrounded by an group of older ladies kind of gave me a different perspective in life. LOL. And I know being with my MIL has made me a better homemaker - she knows how to make a messy house into a Cinderella's castle. I learned so much from her indeed.

With that said, I am SOOOOO happy and excited to sleep in my own bed and my own place again!!! Let's have a party - you're all invited, my love!!!

So, do you get along with your mother in law?????????????????????

Jake vs. Vienna

2010-07-06T22:28:00.004-04:00

{Jake & Vienna image via ABC}

Well, who would have guessed that they would be breaking up? LOL. We all knew, didn't we? I watched the interview between Jake and Vienna last night on ABC, and I must say, this time, I'm with Vienna.

Yes, I didn't like her when she was on the Bachelor and I didn't understand why Jake had picked her to be his wife, but I know now, Jake was fake. I don't like him at all now. I feel like all the "good boy" image he portrayed in front of the camera was all for the show. He just wanted to be famous. I can't believe I rooted for him before. He kind of rubbed me in the wrong way when he appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" - I felt like he only wanted the attention and fame.

What I learned from watching the interview last night was that Jake has a controling issue. He has to be the one who calls the shot, he has to be the one who is always right and he hates when a girl questions him. It's pretty funny to see how he acts. Vienna was a bit of drama queen also, but I felt she was genuine this time, and she's very upset and heartbroken. I didn't think she was faking just for the show. I believe Vienna this time... Sorry Jake, but there are many girls who are dissapointed in you.

So long, Jake, so long Vienna. I will not miss you...

The Fallens

2010-06-29T22:34:00.006-04:00

Early Tuesday morning, two Tampa police officeres were gunned down and killed. Officer David Curtis and officer Jeffrey Kocab were shot during an early morning traffic stop and tried to arrest a suspect who had a bench warrent being issued against him for writing a worthless check. For A check!!! What I am afraid is that we're all getting used to this type of violence - it scares me...

I'm speechless. So senseless. Two lives were taken for nothing. There is no point to this really, than the suspect choosing to kill, no regards to lives whatsoever. What kind of world are we living these days? Both officers were husband and father - and they were both 31.

Officer Kocab's wife is 9 month pregnant with their first child and is due next week, but the reports surfaced that because of all the stress she has gone through since her husband's death, she has gone into labor. The police department however, says that she's having contractions, but she won't be delivering today... Can you imagine what's that like to lose your husband while you're 9 month pregnant, and not have him right next to you, helping you through the delivery or not having him to hold the baby for the first time? This is so sad that he won't be there for such a beautiful day, which would have been the happiest moment of their lives.

I can't imagine the pain and sadness that surround two officers' wives and children - they were alive Monday and the next morning they were gone. They say goodbye to their families and promised they will be home, but never comes home. It's such tragedy that many of us are angry and ask, "Why?" Is this a simple reminder that our lives are fragile, and we never know when is our time to say goodbye? And that we have to live our lives every day to it's fullest??

I just don't know....

Quality Time In the Theatre ~ Sex and The City 2 & Toy Story 3

2010-06-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

Last week, my mother in law and I went to see "Sex and the City" together with mom's friends after having dinner and drink. I was thrilled when my daughters told me that I have a date with their grandma to see the movie the night before because having two little kids, even going to see a movie gets to be hard at times . Surrounded by older ladies, I listened to their stories, laughed and had a wonderful time drinking two frozen mango margaritas and the mashroom and avocado hamberger.

After the dinner, we saw the movie and my verdict : It was a lot better than I thought! It's maybe because I had heard so many bad reviews that my expections were really low. But honestly, I thought the movie was rather funny and cute. Yes, it wasn't like, "Oh my god, that was awesome!!" kinda movie, but I laughted so many times. And some of the focus was about Charlotte being the mother of two and sturuggled to cope with her stress of being a mother. I could relate with her and Samantha having the confession and sharing their pain or stress of taking care of child. The first movie is better, but "2" is definitely a movie that you will enjoy if you love "Sex and the City" on HBO and miss seeing the girls..

This was one of my favorite scenes where she walked in her old closet.

This is the girl I always love - cute Carry...

I must say 80's is plain hideous.

Serously..

Everything about the 80's - fashion and music is something we'll never taste again.

They are very much in love....

I love these guys - good old pals and husbands from the great series on HBO.

If every airplane has this luxury bar and the suite, I would never complain about
a long flight...

They are so different, but they love one another.

And the moment I couldn't stop saying, "Awwwwww".

My Aiden. They are so cute together. They were the most adorable couple in the series.
It was so nice to see his face....

The very next day, I took my Ju Ju and Soapy to see "Toy Story 3" with Ju Ju's classmate and her mom. Everyone, you HAVE to see this movie!!!! It was really cute, funny and heart warming. This movie always makes me think about the toys that my kids have or I had -it's such a great concept. Seriously, I really want you to see this movie - you will not regret it. At the end of the movie, all of the audiences in the theatre clapped their hands and cheered, and even stayed until the end of credit. It was really, really good!!! And hearing our kids laughing, oh, it was so worth it.

Two characters that stole the show - Barbie and Ken. Oh Ken was hilarious.

And I love these ailiens - they are so slow and clueless - too cute.

So everyone, have you seen "SATC 2" or "Toy Story 3"?

Carlos Bocanegra & World Cup...

2010-06-27T03:00:00.001-04:00

{Image via GAWKER}

The US team lost against Ghana (Thanks Riff Dog!) Saturday after putting up a good fight. I was very disappointed that the team wasn't able to go to the next round, but I give full credit to all the players for their fair and great sportsmanship.

I stumbled upon this image of the former President Clinton and my favorite Carlos Bocanegra, the captain of US team. This photos must be taken when US won the game against Algeria last week during the loss time in the first round. I must say, president looks like a cute groupy who is so happy that he gets to take a picture with Carlos with Bud in hand. I would love to be in between those two man and snap a picture...

{This video features many of my favorite football players: Fabio Cannavaro, Rooney, Ronaldo}

This Adidas CM features Snoop, Harison Ford and Beckham!!!!! Classic and I enjoy watching these special commercial just made for World Cup.}

I'm pretty much glued to TV and watch World Cup all day long - it's been very lazy, but satisfying two weeks...

How about you? Did you have a nice weekend???

Summer Comes, Hubby Goes...

2010-06-21T23:30:00.002-04:00

Summer is officially here! Yay!!! I love summer. I love everything about it, and I'm so looking forward to all the things this delicious and favorite season of mine has to offer...

On a different note - my husband JT left early this morning back to NJ again. He had to go straight to work as soon as he landed, so he caught the early flight out - I had to get up 5:30am to drive him to the airport! It was such a brief stay, but I think it was one of the best time we ever had in a long time as a husband and a wife as well as family.

Some of you may already know this, but my husband and I have gone through a lot together (Please read here if you haven't read one of my posts about our history) and I can honestly say that it hasn't been an easy ride. I guess marriage can be very difficult at times. We have struggled financially for the past few years because of his health condition as well as him losing a job a year and a half ago. But now he's working for his father's company and things are going so much better and finally, I feel like we're heading the right direction. We were laughing more, and I can honestly say that we had the best time this Father's Day weekend.

I almost cried when I saw him kissing our daughters while they're still asleep his morning before heading to the airport - He kissed and kissed and kissed their lips and cheeks, and whispering to them. But they didn't get to say goodbye to their daddy because we decided not to wake them and take them with us in the car. {Remember, we're still at JT's mom's house since we haven't gotten the carpets yet in the condo} JT held my hand all the way to the airport while he's driving. I miss him very much.

The only thing is though, this is something JT and I have talked about since he moved to NJ for his new job in February that if things go well for him, we really need to think about relocating back to NJ. I lived in NJ for 9 month before, but we moved to FL to be close to JT's mom. I've grown my love for this place and I've finally made my life here like I did in Hawaii. It took so long for me to find my own friends that I can call my real friends. Ju Ju also started school a few years ago and she has her own friends now. Deep down, I know we have to be close to daddy because we are family and family always stay together. However, I've moved around so much for the past six years, I just don't feel like doing it all over again unless it's really necessary.

It's not fair to JT that he's away from his daughters and it's not fair to the girls that they can't see Daddy - but we've agreed that we'll do this long distance thing for a year until JT can establish himself at his new job. I left my home, Hawaii six years ago and it totally broke my heart. Then I moved back to the island with JT, Ju Ju and Soapy four years ago and I thought we'd never move again. But we had to move again this time to NJ... Ever since then, I feel like I'm not the same person anymore. Something inside me shifted and I've put a huge guard and try not think too much about Hawaii.

The place I want to be more than anything is my home. Even Ju Ju tells me we should move back to Hawaii because she loves food there (LOL) and I can be close to my mom and sisiter. She tells me it's okay to say goodbye to her friends because she knows that's where we are be the happiest... But right now, I take the second best place - Florida.... I'm just not ready to lose what I have come to love. Again. Family is important. No doubt about it. But I'm just not ready to feel the sadness of saying goodbye to all the people I call my friends and famly now. I did that six years ago and I'm too scared to do it again... Am I being selfish? I don't know..

What do you think I should do???

{Update}
I realize there is some confusion from the readers with where I haved lived in the past six years, so I decided to provide my histor

January, 2008 - June, 2010: Florida
April 2007 - December 2007: New Jersery
June 2006 - April 2007: Hawaii
March 2004 - Mary 2006: Florida

See I've moved around a lot..

Last Saturday @ Lido Beach - My BFF K and My other BFF A's son D

He loves snacking.... That's my bag of Mix!

My husband JT enjoys watching D - he always wanted a son...

We asked this gentleman to take our group photo and this is what he took. I don't know if he's blind or just didn't know how the camera works, but we barely see our children's faces. WTF? And best part - this was his second try!

Daddy Is Home!!!

2010-06-19T23:29:00.004-04:00

My husband has been home since Thursday. Our daughters and I are very happy he's back and we get to spend Father's Day together. He's flying out again tomorrow and starts another week of work in NJ... But I think he'll be able to commute more often soon, that's great news!!!

My dad is in Tokyo, so I don't get to tell him how grateful I am for all he's done for me and my sister. He is the best father I could ever ask for and I'm so fortunate to have him as a father... I love you, Daddy!!!

And to all the Dads out there - enjoy your day!! You definitely deserve to be treated like a King today!!!

xoxo

{Enjoy the images of dads in the world, famous or non-famous}

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

Can He Save Our Gulf???

2010-06-16T01:33:00.013-04:00

BP has finally ordered 30 machines from Kevin Costner the other day. He came before Congress a month ago and pleaded his case that he could help with the oil spill in the gulf. His machine can seperate the oil and water and bring 99.9% of clean water back into the ocean.

He talked with Anderson Cooper on CNN the other night and explained how this machine works and it's pretty amazing. I know there are other companies that have great systems to tackle this catastrophic oil spill, however, Kevin's machines seem to have a great promise... He's such a great guy, you can see it from looking at his various interviews or the talkshows he's been on. He is sincere and very caring. He's also very funny - if you listen to the interview with Anderson, he'll make fun of himself at the end.

I still remember I used to look at his movies or photos in the magazines and think how handsome he was - I was in Elementary School - Middle School. He's aged, but he's still a good looking man. I listed all of Kevin movies I've seen before. Of course he's been in more films, but these are the films that I saw and I must admit, I really enjoyed them all, except Water World. LOL.

My favorite movie of all time {The Untouchables}

Nothing beats this movie. Simply amazing.

This is also a great movie - I cried a lot.

Do you like Kevin Costner? Have you seen any of his films?

World Cup!!!!!

2010-06-13T23:15:00.004-04:00

I can't explain how much I'm excited about World Cup 2010 - I waited for four long years. My youngest Soapy was only three month old when I watched my favorite team Italy winning the Cup four years ago with my sister who was visiting us.

It's not widely popular sports in the U.S., but I grew up watching football (soccer) since I was a little girl. I love the sports not because of gorgeous players (well, maybe a little bit), but the game itself. Many people here in the U.S., say that it's too slow compare to NFL, NBA, MBL and NHL, but I totally disagree. I think soccer is one of the most exciting sports in the whole wide world.

I love listening to the sound of horns throughout the game and I love to scream when the kicker strike the ball. I'm always mesmerised by their footwork and it's really fun game to watch. And don't forget about the gorgeous bodies - they work so hard for that!

Japan made it and I hope they play well. My sister is cheering for Spain which I'm thinking they'll win the Cup.

Kaka - Brazil

One thing I'm really disappointed about is David couldn't play his last World Cup due to the injury. He was in the bench watching his team playing against U.S.A. He looks so unhappy because England didn't win the game - tie game is like losing.

By the way, Annie Levobitz shot these photos of start players before the Cup for Vanity Fair which is on stand now.

So, are you watching World Cup????

This Is Why Your Mama Taught You To Wash Your Hands!!!!

2010-06-09T23:42:00.005-04:00

I've written a post or two about irresposible dog owners who don't pick up their dog poop before(I'm too lazy to post the link here). My motto is if you can't clean after your own dog or cat, you have no right to own one. I've talked about my kids playing on the grass right in front of our condo or my in law's house and sure enough, we see dog poop laying around. It's dirty and they transmit disease and those irresponsible people have not idea - it really make me angry. Really angry.

I watch "Monsters Inside Me" on Animal Planet every Wednesday regardless the grossness. It's about parasites in humans. Yes, it sounds totally gross and if you watch this show, there are many moments where you just want to vomit. My husband refuses to watch it with me. He gets sick just thinking about tapeworms and such. Seriously people, it's disgusting, however, I've learned so much from this show: how delicate our body is, and how important it is to pay attention to our environment. Parasites love to eat you - intestines or eyes or brain. Sorry, it's graphic, but it's true!

My mom used to tell me to wash my hands every time I come home, and tells me still today to make sure to wash my hands and my daughters hands when we come home from outside. And I'm so glad she taught me tirelessly about the importance of washing hands.

The show "Monster Inside Me" talks about the horrible experiences that many have gone through that are caused by parasites. Most of them don't know they have them until they get really sick. Today's episode was about a boy who lost his sight in his left eye due to nasty parasites. And believe it or not, there are many people whose eyes became the host of parasites.

Do you know how people get it? Many come from dog that's infected or touching dirty soil that have come in contact with infected animal's feces or dirty water. If you or your kids play outside without knowing the soil has parasites and touch your eyes, or mouth, or even touch some open cut on your skin, that's how parasites get into your body. They love human body because it's warm and moist inside. They lay eggs and have parties in your body. Humans are their great host.

True, getting infected by parasites are rare, but it happens. And it happens by touching poopy soil or dirty water or whatever, you get it without knowing it. It's really, really scary. So, if you are okay with it, I suggest you to watch the show. I don't want to get paranoid, but I think this show has reinforced my belief about being fanatic about washing hands and keep your stuff clean. That's really the only way to prevent it.

Trust me on this - wash your hands and don't put your dirty hand near your mouth!

Enjoy While You Can..

2010-06-08T23:22:00.005-04:00

I've been spending a lot of time on the beach with my family and friends for the past few months.

I think the oil spill has set off the alarm clock in my body - it's ticking.

I go to Lido Beach at least twice a week now with the girls.

I'm extremely fortunate to spend my life surrounded by beautiful beaches in Hawaii and Florida. I'm such a beach gal.

I know it's bad for your skin to lay down under the sun, but no one can stop this girl from doing just that - well, of course I will never forget to use sunblock at all times.

This picture is from the day we went to Lido Beach last Sunday.

My BFF "A" and I have decided that we go to there every Sunday from now on.

We don't want to take our beautiful ocean for granted.

We want our children to enjoy every minute of it.

And we don't want to say, "Oh my god, we should have gone to the beach more often" when and if oil starts to wash ashore here on our beaches.

I tried to take some videos and show you how beautiful our beaches are.

I also tried to catch videos of birds flying right above our head, so my apology for moving the camera too much...

And listening to one of my "it" song by Katy Perry "California Gurls" makes my beach day so perfect!!!

Video of our kids and birdies on Lido Beach - btw, "A" is trying to tell me to ask someone to take our group photo.

And we did - the first pic is the proof!:)

My raved song "California Gurls"

Hairier the Better...

2010-06-07T00:19:00.006-04:00

I was listening to the radio while driving home. DJ asked, "Is your man getting too comfortable being with you and not keeping up with his appearance?" - he wanted the listeners to call in to see if women like clean shaved man or hairy man... Many thinks that clean shave is better and that they want their BF's or husband to look professional.

I, on the other hand, I like facial hair on men and more the better. I like Bushy Man. Yes, I believe full beard men are sexy. Am I werid? Maybe... Here are some great examples that beard is super cool on super cool men.

Christian Bale

My Tom...

De Niro definitely looks sexy with the full beard...

Eric Bana is a great example - he looks so much better with facial hair.

Have you seen Troy? Gosh, I almost died because he was so handsome!

Not clean shaved, but a little on George. Sexy...

Ryan Gosling

Viggo Mortensen

Ed Norton

CK (Charles Kelly)

Look at him, he's so tall and perfect amount of beard. Love it.

So, do you like beard?

One Fine Day ~ The Day Before Memorial Day on Lido Beach ~

2010-06-04T00:00:00.004-04:00

I went to Lido Beach (yes, that's right, our favorite beach) the day before Memorial Day on Sunday with my dear friend A and her son D. We decided to snap some pics on our own and see who takes better self-picture : Maki or A? I took this pic and A took the one below...

A is such a beautiful lady - she looks just like my favorite actress Kate Beckinsale. I'm serious. It wasn't so crowded at the beach, but it took us 30 minutes to find a parking spot. A who was there before me called me almost in tears that she hadn't found parking. I got there, we circled around the road and I told her on the cell, let's park at the circle (St. Armands Circle) - we walked 15 minutes to the beach, but it was worth it.

When we got there, I reapplied sunblock on Ju Ju and Soapy. You have to do that - sun is so strong in FL. Then off they go, they were in the water non-stop. The water was beautiful, nice and just right temeprature. Birds were flying over us and waves hitting the beach. It was such a lovely day...

Girls and baby D enjoyed Fishy and Japanese tea (mugicha) which I frozed them in the bottles so that they wouldn't get warm.

Soapy???? What happened? Looks like a cave girl. LOL...

Soapy and Me. I don't know why, but lots of seaweed that day. A ton of them. It was kind of annoying, but still it was nice to be in the water.

Ju Ju is a mermaid. She doesn't come out of water - She is in the wanter through day and night. Even this day, she was in the ocean, then in the pool once we got back to grandma's. She truly enjoy being a swimmer.

The robot apparently managed to put a cap on the pipe. It's past midnight and there is no one from BP or Coast Guard to brief on this important event. Anyway, I'm pretty much giving up and come to understand that this oil will not stop until August. I was hopeful before, but I am not anymore. I think it's time for us to face the reality and approach this spill from a different angle.

All I hear nowadays is people criticizing and blaming on BP. It's no brainer that BP is responsible and should be held accountable. But right now, what we need to do is not protesting against the oil giant, but work together to find THE way to solve and clean up the oil that contiune to spread out in the Gulf. 37% of Gulf is off-limits for fishing. That's a huge number. And it's been reported that the oil is reaching toward Panhandle of FL, about 4 miles away, and it could reach to crowded beaches in Tampa area by end of this month. That's our reality. Many of wild birds that have been covered with oil and rescued are transported to Tampa area bay and beaches and released to the wild.

When this whold thing started, I said in one of posts that "what if oil starts to show up here in FL?' - now it's becoming a reality. I'm terrified. Every time when I see dark oil gushing into the water, I feel like I can't breathe. And every time when I see the oil covered ocean on TV or in the photos, I can almost feel our planet is gasping for air. I cry every day because overwhelming emotions fill me up and I can't help it.... Now, my girls know about oil and they ask me about it every day and night. "Did oil stop, Mommy?"

I believe it's important for them to understand what's happening to their favorite ocean. The girls and I watch CNN together and let them see BP's live feed or the images of affected animals or coasts...

I pray that if we can't stop this for a while, at least we can contain and clean it as much as possible... And I pray for BP, too, so they can come up with some answer to this non-sense.....

Are You Ready For Some Bikinis!?!?

2010-06-02T09:59:00.012-04:00

{Maki's "it" bikini this summer}

Summer is officially here! I'm jumping and dancing with joy - my favorite time of the year...

I love bikinis and it seems I can never have enough.

I'm extremely in love with the bikini from Victoria's Secret shown in the photo above.

The color is so pretty and the shape is lovely.

It's the perfect bikini for me.

I want that blue handbag with bamboo handles along with it, too...

Have you started shopping for swimsuits?

Do you shop online or do you have to try them on first?

Here are some of bikinis I thought cute and gorgeous.

So girlies, Got Bikinis?

{Victoria's Secret Collection}

By the way, both this stripe and the blue ones on top are on sale for $9.99 each!
Ha!

{Vix}

Vix always makes gorgeous swimsuits. A bit expensive, but they are indeed beautiful creations.

I love this pair - the colors are absolutely gorgeous amd so perfect for summer..

{L Space}

I realize I really like Bandeau bikini the best...

I really want this top, but it's SOLD OUT already!

Yeah, the Bandeau top is lovely and the bottom is also pretty!

The back is sexy, don't you think?

I really like the top, but of course, this one is also SOLD OUT! :(

I think it's really pretty.

This is me looking at my little Soapy playing with my friend's new baby...

Oh summer, I love thee....

Sincere Gratitude on Memorial Day

2010-05-31T11:18:00.004-04:00

My girls and I were having dinner when my oldest Ju Ju asked me, 'What's Memorial Day?" - So I explained it's the day we pay our respects and show gratitude towards all the men and women who dedicated their lives to this country. Well, it's kind of hard to understand the girl who is only 6.

She asked, "What does it mean to dedicate their lives?" I tried to use simple words and did all I can to explain to her, that many wars have been fought in the past and still today, and that many men and women go to far away to fight for this country and often times, they die to protect us from the bad guys. Her next question was of course, "Why do they have to fight?" - My honest answer was, "I don't know, but if they don't go, who would go to fight it? Would you want to go?"

Ju Ju: "I don't want to go to war, it's scary..."
Maki: "That's right, Ju Ju. War is scary. That's why all the service men and women are there to fight for you, and Mommy, so we don't have to go. And sometimes, they get hurt or they lose their life."
Ju Ju: "Oh.... That's really sad, Mommy...."
Maki: "I know.. So Memorial Day means to be thankful for the people who died for this country and pray for other people to come home safely..."
Ju Ju: "Okay, I'll pray for them too..."

Whether we believe in fighting the wars, I will never stop praying for those who're fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq for their safe return. And I feel tremendous saddness for those who lost their lives. Many of them are so young.. People can say whatever they want, but those guys are there to fight thousands and thousands miles away from their family and friends, and the country they love, because nobody else will.

So I can at least be thankful and pray for them to be safe and come home safely....

On a different note, Dennis Hopper past away Saturday. He was one of my dad's favorite actors - and we'll miss seeing him in the big screen... Rest in Peace, Dennis, you're one hard-core and

charismatic actor....

Have a great Memoria Day my darlings.....

xoxo

Finally, Finally!!!!!! {One Step Closer to My Sweet Home}

2010-05-27T22:48:00.004-04:00

I got a great news today that the insurance adjuster finally approved the estimates provided by us, and that they will start the restoration process after the Memorial weekend!!!! Hooooray!!!

Do you know how long I've been staying at my mother-in-law's house - over a month! Oh boy....

I've been doing the window shopping for our living/dining room since most of our furnitures were damaged since the day 1 we got displaced. Now, everything will be covered by insurance and I can't wait to have everything back the way it used to be....

One of the things that I'm sad about is that I lost many things that I call my own; even just a pillow or pillows that you held tight watching TV...

The sectional couch above is simlar to the one I had in my living room. Now, I'm not buying that couch from Pottery Barn, however, I have been eyeballing some pillows from the store - and they are sooo pretty. And they look even prettier when you see them at the store...

You know I love beach and everything that reminds of it. So, I'll be a happy girl if I could get these.....

This is pretty with white pillows..

The red looks sooo charming..

White goes with everything...

Believe it or not, these pillows are my favorite - perfect for summer..

So, what do you think, do you like the design???

Oh My Blue Sea.... "Top Kill"

2010-05-26T10:25:00.005-04:00

I don't mean to talk about the same issue over and over again..

But as of now, the Gulf of Mexico is on the edge of total destruction - if BP can't stop this mess, I know that the eco-life in the ocean of the Gulf is over...

Today is the day that BP will attempt to stop the gushing oil leak with "top kill" - one of the final options left to seal the pipe.

I used to think that off shore drilling could be a great alternative to foreign oil.

But now, more than ever, I support the other sources of energy; wind, water and solar to sustain our lives.

I realize "oil" is the major source of conflicts - wars have been fought because of it, and the politics have been played out based on it.

It's ugly business...

I'm taking our daughters to Lido beach today after Ju Ju finish with her school with her classmate and her mommy.

I want to believe that their summer is filled with ton of play time and laughter at the beach, but I just don't know...

I pray to god that BP will be successful with "top kill' - it has to end today...

He Is Crazy ~ Jump from the Heavens ~

2010-05-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what is it like to free fall from the edge of space? I know I will never find out. But Felix Baumgartner will be the first man ever to break the speed of sound - he'll attempt to free fall from 120,000 miles above! Can you believe it? It's like jumping from the edge of space. He's crazy!!! This is all for Red Bull Stratos. They will bring him all the way up to the edge of sky with a special balloon and he'll just jump off from it.

If he's sucessful of this challenge, it will open a new door to the space program, how to save astronauts from any type of explosions/accidents.

And Felix will do it for his own good as well as for the others.

I've lived my life always wanting to do something extreme because I don't want to have regrets.

But I know there is no way I can possiblly do things that he's done in his life.

He's truly an amazing individual - a risk taker, but in a fabulous way.

I just hope that he'll land on Earth safely and accomplish something no one has achieved.

Felix with Joe Kittenger who saw the world from 20 miles above. Felix is trying to break his record..

His helmet which will be used for the Red Bull Stratos.

That's him on top of Statue of Christ The Redeemer.

For all the real time information, go to Red Bull Stratos. And make sure to watch this video clip. It will take your breath away....

Have a fabulous Monday, darlings!!!

Give or Not Give...

2010-05-19T00:02:00.002-04:00

I was driving to Target to get my kitties' food with my daughters when I spotted a homeless man standing at the corner of exit way from the shopping center. He was clearly in need of help and almost painful to watch.

I could hear myself talking, "Oh no... what should I do, what should I do..." and before I knew, I turned around and back to where I came from. My Ju Ju soon realized that I changed my route and quickly asked, "Mama, where are you going?" - I told her not to worry and drove close to the man and switched to the left lane, so I could give him a few bucks when I drove next to him. "Mommy, what's that guy doing standing there?," Ju Ju asked again. "I think he needs help.." I answered...

When I drove close to him, I saw him holding a sign that read, {Need Work, War Vet, God Bless..} - my heart sunk. I quickly reached to my wallet and grabbed $3, drove right next to him and stopped. As I opened my window, he looked at me, so I said, "Excuse me, here, would you take this and get somethng to drink..." and handed the money. He walked towards me, and said, "Oh, you don't have to do that...." I said again, "No, take it.." - He thanked me and I sped off. "Mommy, what's wrong with that man, he looked kind of scary...," I heard Ju Ju saying in the back.... His face, arms and legs looked all burned from standing outside for so long - or from drinking, I just don't know.

There is a fine line between helping the need and helping the addicts/alcoholic getting their fix. I often see this young homeless couple in their early 20's standing in the middle of main road in my town, waiting for some kind drivers to give them money: clearly drug addicts who have no intention to make their lives better - I have no sympathy. They can starve themselves if only thing they want to do is to shoot up and be stupid.

But when it comes to the older people, I just don't know what to do. Many people are having really tough time these days. I've read many articles on newspaper about how quickly the Afghan and Iraq war vets are becomng homeless due to their injuries and not being able to work or their emotional scars have caused them not being able to hold jobs. Or people are losing their jobs and takeing forever to find a new job. I know too well how hard it is to find a good job because my husband had had tough time with it... Or there are many people who have jobs, but are homeless in Hawaii due to the increase in living expense and housing which is a major issue right now. So you never know how and why people become homeless and to bring your life to the lowest point you could ever imagine. It's tragic. It's really sad...

I told my daughters about the man that he needed a help because he's a homeless. "What is homeless?" - of course that was Ju Ju's next question, so I had to explain what homeless means. I think it's hard for them to understand because they are only small. Some people are very harsh about the way they look at homelessness in our town. I agree with some extent because many of them can help themselves if they really want to make their lives better. Some people however, I believe, don't even know how to work or start their lives again because they lose hope.... I feel really sad at times....

One of my favorite movies is called "The Fisher King" - Have you seen it before? It's about a DJ who has caused a horrible murders befriends with an ex-professor who became a homeless man. The professor loses hope after losing his beloved wife - lose everything...

I changed the way I look at homeless people after I saw this movie. Sometimes, you just don't know the history behind it...

What would you do if you see a homeless man/woman on the street?

Cam & Tom ~ Knight & Day ~

2010-05-17T23:25:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite Hollywood actresses is Cameron Diaz.

I adore her sense of style. I find myself copying her all the time. LOL.

She is pretty and cute, and she can be goofy all at the same time.

I mean, don't you love the way she dress?

And that cute wave bye-bye...

Now, to my Tom..
I've talked about him on my blog over and over like a broken record.
I'm sure you're tired of hearing me talking about him.
But, he's my idol.
I can't deny my forever admiration for him.

I would love to meet him before I die....

This is why, I'm so excited to see Cameron and Tom's new film:
"Knight & Day"
They worked together years ago in the film "Vanila Sky".
Have you seen the trailer?
I just love when Tom plays someone who is a bit comical.

This is the stunt between Tom and Cameron. It's pretty cute...

Don't you think this movie looks exciting? I can't wait to see it!!!

One Fine Day ~Love Letter from Lido Beach~

2010-05-16T22:54:00.008-04:00

Hello my dear friends..

This is one of our favorite beaches in FL - Lido Beach.

JT took these photos of us a few weeks ago right after the sunset.

We're so fortunate to have such lovely beach so close to our house because wecan't live without it.

Beach has been a huge part of my life since I was a little girl.

Growing up in Hawaii only spoiled me in that sense.

I love everything about beach or islands - the flower, the beautiful sand, the breeze and tanned skin, and flip flops...

Just listening to the waves and looking at the horizon always makes me feel happy and tremendously humble about life.

Even yesterday, I took the girls to the beach and they were in the water until 8:30pm!

It was dark, but they were swiming and catching waves like mermaids.

It's just a beautiful moment to experience...

I heard news today that BP successfully inserted a tube into the leaking pipe.

I really hope and pray that this will ease the flow of the oil and they can work efficiently to stop the further damage to our beautiful ocean.

It breaks my heart just looking at those images of the Gulf.

This is our another lesson to learn - to respect our beautiful nature, our planet...

Ju Ju is cute...

Yeah that's right, Soap, strike the pose!

"Cheeeeese!"

So my darlings, how was your weekend???

Have a great Monday!!!
xoxo

Stop It, Stop It Now!

2010-05-14T01:08:00.006-04:00

This is beyond ridiculous. I have no words to describe how angry and frustrated, and sad I am.

I live in West Coast of Florida and this is no joke.

Every day, thousands and thousands of gallons of oil keeps spillng out.

I take my girls to the beach almost every weekend. The beautiful Lido Beach we always go to hasn't seen the effect of the craziness, but what if BP can't come up with the solution to contain the oil? Then what?

What am I going to tell my children, if the oil reaches the land here, they can no longer play at the beach? Or what if we start to seeing the dead fish washed ashore or oil covered Pelican or birds reach the beach? It's really scary and upsetting.

Have you seen the video, how scary it looks?

I feel like our ocean life in the Gulf is over.

And I feel helpless....

{Some images are from AP}

A Dinner Date w/ Daddy

2010-05-12T22:27:00.001-04:00

It's been a week since my husband left again for work. The day before we had the water damage, JT took us to our favorite Italian restaurant in town called Epicure. I've posted a video clip a few months ago when I took the girls to dinner at the same place.

We've been going to the restaurant since Julia was six months old. JT's grandma took us there when we're visiting FL and we've become a huge fan since.

We love their salad or pasta or pizza.
They use such fresh ingredients that you smile with every bite.

Look at Soapy. The mouth opened wide expression - That's a second one. I think she's just a camara shy sometimes or maybe she is truly a comic. She is so precious.. Julia is such a daddy's girl. Always she says, "Daddy, Daddy..."

We had such a lovely evening - it was during sunset, and the breeze from the beach was so pretty.

JT took this pic from his table - I must say it's one of my favorite pics of us.

Looking at Daddy and my husband, JT's girls are all smiley:)

We miss him so.....

Midnight Blues...

2010-05-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

My daughters and I have been displaced from our own home for over two weeks now. We are lucky, JT's mom's been taking us in and taking care of us, but you know it's not easy being at in-law's house for a long period of time.

I get along with my MIL well and quite frankly, we're very close. But if you have someone over at your house for a long time, you want your space back. And now I'm the one who's invading her space, I feel like I'm intruding and taking her freedom away from her and her husband.

She and her husband don't say anything, but only being kind to us. They saw it with their own eyes the destruction of our condo, so they only want to help us. But I want this restoration start already. Tired of going back and forth with the insurance people, getting the estimates and telling us that they'll get back to us. We've been doing this non-sense since the day one of the water damage.

When you're not in your own home, you can't walk around naked (not that I always do this, but sometimes. haha.) or play music loud or do all the things that I accustom to do without having people around me 24/7. It's exhausting. I'm sure my in-laws feel the same at times. Sorry mom...

Now, if I had a magic wand, I would rewind to the day that we encountered the accident and would tell the kid not to use the tool by the fire extinguisher.

I would restore my condo in a second and back to where everything was.

I miss my home. I really do. And when the night falls, I feel so anxious when can I go home again??? The sadness or the nervousness surround me and I get scared sometimes...

I'm simply exhausted....

Mother's Love ~Happy Mother's Day~

2010-05-09T11:35:00.007-04:00

Mother's love is amazing...

She teaches you how to put on makeup, or comb your hair, or hold your hands when you're sad, or she holds you close when you had your heat broken for the first time..

She is ALWAYS there for you....

Be nice to her, not just today, but every day.

I hope all of you have a beautiful Mother's Day with your kids, and the family and your mother...

{All the images are from Photobucket & We heart it}

Have A Lovely Weekend!!!!

2010-05-07T09:10:00.003-04:00

Hello my darlings, what are you up to this Mother's Day weekend?

Did you buy niceties for your Mom yet?

My Mama lives far, far away from where I am, and actually I haven't bought anything for her (Thanks to the water damage) - however, I'm making her an album of her granddaughters...

I miss her terribly and more I spend a day without seeing her each day, my love for her grows even more...

I'm so blessed to have this little Munchckin - It's funny the hibiscus is almost bigger than her face...

And this little princess of mine... She just takes my breath away...

I'm such a lucky mom to have them in my life!!!!

Have a sweet weekend with your mom and the people you love...

xoxo

Vlog - This is What Happened to My Condo (Guest appearence by Firefighters)

2010-05-05T17:35:00.000-04:00

Two posts in one day, what do you think about this? Ha!

So, I was at work while this was happening to my condo almost two weeks ago. My husband who was at the pool with our daughters didn't know that our place was totally getting wet until he came back to make PJ sandwitch for the girls...

In this clip, the firefighters had to break the ceiling, so the pressure from the water upstairs wouldn't collapse the whole thing. They also had the blue tarp to put on the floor so it would catch the water, but really, it didn't do anything, useless indeed. We had way too much water - well, all the water from above came all down to us, so you can imagine what was that like from viewng this clip... It was crazy and scary!!!

The good thing is most of the things that were in our living/dining room will be replaced by insurance and I can rearrange and redecorate the house. Although I greately appreciate the fact that my in-law's (JT's mom and stepdad) taking us in, I just can't wait to move back and enjoy my own space!!

Four Is Better Than Three

2010-05-05T10:42:00.004-04:00

My husband JT left again last Monday. I didn't get to share the happy times we had while he was back in town with you because of all the craziness that happened a few weeks ago, but we have plenty pictures to share...

I'm going to download all the pics tonight, so I'm hoping to post them tomorrow. (I know, I said that last week, but I'm seirous this time!)

What I know is that Four is better than Three (Me, Ju Ju & Soapy minus Daddy).

Thank goodness my girls didn't cry when they said goodbye to daddy this time, but I cried the night before while he was packing because I felt really sad that Daddy doesn't get to see the girls for over a month again or the girls don't get to play with him. It's the best time to see the girls grow and I know it's not easy for both him and I...

But it is what it is. Daddy gotta work..

Hope you're having a lovely Wednesday...

After the Disaster...

2010-05-04T16:20:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone!!! Things are finally getting back to normal since that horrible disaster ten days ago. We're still displaced from our own home to my in-law's and the restoration hasn't started yet, but everything should be repaired and replaced with no problem. We're hoping to move back to our own place within two - three weeks. Thank you so much for all of your kind and warm well-wishes. I'm so graterful of your support and love. We're finally allowed to go back in to our condo by our county, so I immediately grabbed my laptop. I think I'm finally back to the my regular broadcasting:)

Due to the water damage and all the craziness that's been going on in my life and the household, I haven't been able to download all the photos that we'd taken while my husband was home. He left yesterday morning again, but I'm so glad he was here while we almost lost everything in our home! The girls and I miss him already... Today, I decided to show some of my new artwork I did for my friends as well as some of my girls' newest photo....

Adriahna

Kate

Ju Ju lost her tooth a few weeks ago when we took this photo, then lost another top tooth last week. Now she's a toothless girl..

But they are very happy and cute...

This is one of our cat Ki Ki - Ju Ju took this photo and I thought this picture is beautiful..

I can't wait to catch up with all of you and your blog.

I've miss you guys!

xoxo

Daddy Is Home, But Our House Is Ruined!!!!

2010-04-28T08:52:00.003-04:00

Hello My Ladies - I've missed you so much. It's been a week since I posted the last entry, but it's not because I've been lazy nor didn't want to post. I've had such a crazy week..

Good news first. My husband has been home since last week Wednesday for eleven days. We've taken some photos which I will definitely post at a later date. Our daughters are sooo happy their daddy is home and I'm very happy to see their faces brighten up every moment they're with him.

Now to the bad news.....

I was working last Saturday as usual when my cell phone blew up with constant calls from my husband. I was so busy, 30 minutes had passed when I finally was able to pick it up. "Maki, you need to come home," my husband said. I was the only receptioniost working that day and the salon was extremely busy, so I told him I couldn't and hung up. He called again and said, "Maki, you don't understand, it's an extreme emergency. You have to come home." Apparently , the lady who just moved in upstairs a week prior decided to fix the AC and hired some guys and one of them was using a tool right by the fire extinguisher and set it off. He said that the house has two inches of water...

I still didn't think it was that serious until I saw four firetrucks, two police cars a management van at the parking alot. When I got close to my condo, I saw 10 firemen and police officers standing outside by my house. I didn't have to go inside to see what had happened - my husband was taking stuff out from the house, my BFF K was holding my baby Soapy crying and my in laws were just coming out. As I saw my mother in law, she came straight to me and I started crying. "My house, my house..." I couldn't believe my eyes. The water was everywhere and it's falling down from the ceiling like Niagra Falls. The firefighters had to break the ceiling, so the water upstairs would run downstairs. It was a mess!

To make the long story short, my house has suffered the severe water damages. The living room and dining room are shot. Our bedroom and kids room were soaking wet. Thank god, we're staying at JT's mom's, but we don't even know how long it will take for us to move back in. They have to fix A LOT of stuff.... If we didn't have Mom, we'd have been asking Red Cross or someone to find us a place to stay. I'm so angry and upset, but it is what it is.

I'm thankful that no one was hurt, that most of the stuff are replaceable. Also, the insurance from the AC company and the condo upstairs are paying for our damages, thank goodness. I can't believe that we're displaced from our own home, but we're trying to stay positive!!!

I won't be able to post every day until things get settled and back to normal again, but I will try to post some pictures from last week when my husband and I took the girls to the pony rides. Hope all of you're doing well and having a lovely week!!!!

xoxoxo

p.s. I'm sorry I won't be able to visit each one of your blog to comment - my time is so limited right now since using my in law's pc:(

Country Girl In Me...

2010-04-18T22:12:00.005-04:00

I love cowboy boots and the sun dresses.

It's so cute and tickles country girl in me - Have you ever wanted to be a cowgirl?

It's no secret to many of my blogging friends that I love music. I listen to all kinds of music except country. I do listen to it, however, I only listen to handful of artists and songs that touch

my heart.

Funny thing is as much as I dislike most of country songs, I watch Academy of Country Music Award every year just because I always find some great country(love) songs while watching it. This year, however I watch the award show because I love Lady Anthebellum. I think people refer their music as Pop Country and I really enjoy it. I'm psyched that they're the winner of Song of the Year, Top Vocal Group and Single Record. Awesome!

"Hope Floats" is one of my many many favorite movies. I love everything about this moive. The costumes or music or the cinematography is so pretty. Everytime I see it I always have the urge wanting to live in a country house surrounded by horses and cows.

This movie is so beautiful - the music, the cowboy boots and hats and Sandra Bullock is so great in it. And Harry Conic Jr., is outstanding. This music makes you want to be a country girl. If you think about it, she is living the character in this movie for real at this moment - being heartbroken by her husband's infidelity - so ironic.

This movie is kind of old, but if you haven't seen it, I suggest you to go rent it.

Well, I'm sorry, but I love Tim McGraw - I don't listen to every song, but I love some of his love songs. And he is really sexy... I still remember so many years ago, I was watching the Country Music Award when he was singing this song called "Some Things Never Change" - and without even knowing I felt tears falling down my cheek. It was so beautiful and the way he sang it, I was glued to the TV screen. After hearing the song, I couldn't forget how beautiful it was, I drove to Tower Records the next day and bought my very first country music CD titled "a place in the sun..." (see the pic below)

And still today, I listen to the song in he car while driving or in the house during sunset - I found the song on YouTube - too bad I couldn't find the clip from the music award, but please check it out - I hope you like it...

So darlings, did you have a nice weekend???

~My Favorite Shape~ Heart vol.2

2010-04-13T22:23:00.009-04:00

I love "Heart" - I don't know why, but "Heart" is my favorite shape.

I collect many things that are heart shaped and I even have a tattoo of a heart under my arm.

It's so romantic and passionate, and it's very warm and cute.

Heart is who I am....

It's maybe because I grew up listening to my dad holding me and my sister on his lap when we're little and telling us counteless times that the heart is the most important thing - to love someone and feel it from your heart; that nothing matters if you don't have it...

Here are some of the cute images - seriously my darlings, aren't they adorable???

Love, Love, Love...

I think I'm in love with this puppy...

The icing looks sooo sweet.

The red looks so perfect with the white dress..

I will take a cup of cappucino with hint of cinnamon any minute..

So sparkly and cute...

Somehow these hearts remind me of a ballet toe shoes..

These candies must taste like warm and sweet...

So what about you - what is your favorite shape??

Stop This Train...

2010-04-11T23:05:00.005-04:00

I hope you had a lovely weekend..

For the past few days or so, I've been feeling overwhelmed.

I definitely think this is because of PMS or something along the line, but oh boy, I've had a good cry or two because I just couldn't hold it in.

I work as a receptionist part time and one of my jobs of course is to book a new appointments for clients. Every time when I book a new appointment, we're talking about the next month when the new month's just begun. I can't catch up with the speed, how fast my life is going.

I've talked about this many, many times before, but it's scaring me...

My kids are only getting bigger every day and I'm only getting older. And when I stop to think, I've been in the same place and nothing has changed.

My mom always says it's a baby step... Life is all about the baby step.

But I don't know.., I just don't know how to take a deep breath and look forward to my future because all I want right now is for the time and my life to slow down and not going any faster...

I love John Mayer (regardless of his reputation) and his song "Stop This Train" speaks my mind. I really feel like I want to push the emergency break and stop it.

Do you ever feel the same, my darlings?

"Stop This Train"

No I'm not color blind
I know the world is black and white
Try to keep an open mind but...
I just can't sleep on this tonight
Stop this train I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly won't someone stop this train

Don't know how else to say it, don't want to see my parents go
One generation's length away
From fighting life out on my own

Stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't but honestly won't someone stop this train

So scared of getting older
I'm only good at being young
So I play the numbers game to find away to say that life has just begun
Had a talk with my old man
Said help me understand
He said turn 68, you'll renegotiate
Don't stop this train
Don't for a minute change the place you're in
Don't think I couldn't ever understand
I tried my hand
John, honestly we'll never stop this train

See once in a while when it's good
It'll feel like it should
And they're all still around
And you're still safe and sound
And you don't miss a thing
'til you cry when you're driving away in the dark.

Singing stop this train I want to get off and go home again
I can't take this speed it's moving in
I know I can't
Cause now I see I'll never stop this train

(think I got 'em now)

Have A Lovely Weekend!!!

2010-04-09T20:32:00.003-04:00

Any fun plans for this weekend, my darlings?

I just got done deep cleaning the house (sounds fun doesn't it and it's Friday evening!) and my daughters are having their best friend for a sleep over tonight.

Tomorrow, I'm going out with my friend to see a movie (we haven't decided which movie). I must confess, every mama needs "Me" and "Me w/ girlfriends" time.

With all the hecticness that's going on in my life, all I want is to be able to put my feet up and do nothing and just breathe... Yes, taking a deep breath is very important.

I hope all of you have a lovely and fun weekend!!!

xoxo

Mission Makeover : Inspiration for Girls Room

2010-04-07T23:13:00.007-04:00

For the past several months, I've been wanting to repaint and redesign my daughters' room. They've had the purple wall for the past two years and I've used yellow before too.

Right now I'm in love with pink wall with me doing some murial just like the one picture above. I think it would look adorable to have a room like that.

My oldest daughter loves the idea of having canopy over her bed and she's been flipping through catalogs and magazines for her favorite looks.

I love this room for the simplicity in colors - really adorable...

The colors of pink and drape surrounding the bed kind of reminds me of my room when I was little.

The poka dot - cute isn't it?

I think this would be a wonderful idea if you have more than three girls..

I think I love this for my room. LOL.

I don't have a son, but the stripe wall is something I've thought about doing.

My girls need a cute book shelf like this one - they really do!

The sunlight makes the room so much brighter and prettier...

I love this rug...

{All Images from weheartit.com and photobucket.com}

*This is a scene from one of my favorite movies "The Holiday" - I really wanted to re-create the room for my daughters when I saw this (fast foward to 5:57). So adorable and dreamy!

So what's your favorite room???

One Fine Day - Easter Weekend-

2010-04-05T22:39:00.004-04:00

Hello my girlfriends! How was your Easter weekend? Mine was just dandy - very lovely, thank you very much. I got to take my daughters to the egg hunting at my BFF's K's church with her daughter, nephew and niece. Also we got to have Easter dinner twice both on Saturday and Sunday which was simply fabulous.

My daughter Ju Ju repeatedly said that Easter is her favorite holiday, maybe better than Christmas. I was a bit surprised by her comment because I surely thought she loves Christmas more than anything!

Her heart melted when she held the baby chick - I couldn't stop smiling looking at her and the little bird. So preciousl

I think Ju Ju looks like me more every day. And Soapy always plays a shy invidual when the camera is looking at her. It's funny how Soapy makes her face.

This is my BFF K - It's fair to say that we're inseparable. She brings the best out in me and I bring the best out in her. We love each other very much...

After all the egg hunting and getting her nails done, Soapy was exhausted and enjoyed some ZZZ time. I wonder what she was dreaming about.

My brother in law had to leave on Sunday for a business trip and my MIL wanted to have dinner and sort of celebrate Easter with him, so we had dinner all of us together on Saturday night. My BIL has played a huge role in my daughters lives since my husband left for work past February. He adores and loves my daughters like his own and he's not afraid to discipline them at the same time. When the girls refuse to listen to me, I always use the trick "I will call uncle D!!" - Oh boy, they listen to me right away. LOL. My girls can't live without him...

We love him very much...

So, I thank you brother D. Thanks so much for being there for us!

These are the photos on Easter Sunday right before we went out to dinner with grandma and grandpa. We didn't have daddy and uncle this year, so my MIL decided that she wants the day off from cooking. I think she deserved it. We went to eat Chinese and my father in law (JT's stepdad) jokingly said, "This is my first time ever to eat Chinese on Easter.."

We had such a lovely time together - I must say it was one perfect Easter with family!

So, how was your weekend my darlings?

Beautiful Girls, Have a Lovely Weekend!!!

2010-04-02T00:30:00.002-04:00

So what's your plan for the weekend? I'm taking my girls to the egg hunt at my BFF K's church and having the Easter Dinner with my family on Sunday.

Here's to you, my beautiful bloggy friends - "Nothing on You" by B.o.B featuring Bruno Mark Covers. I fell in love with this song a minute I heard it on iTunes and it's been one of my "it" song right now (and my call back ringer on my cell. shhh. lol). This song definitely makes me feel pretty inside and I hope you're with someone who makes you feel beautiful and special!!!

Have a fun and lovely weekend!!

xoxo

How to Save Your Child

2010-03-31T01:41:00.006-04:00

I was driving to Target with my daughters yesterday to buy gifts before heading to my co-worker's son's birthday party. As we stopped on the red light, I noticed this man driving in the car next to mine, probably in his late 30's looking at my car. I looked again and I saw him looking at my daughter Ju Ju. I didn't think too much at first, then the light turned green. I started driving again and he, too, started driving. I looked at him again, he's still looking at Ju Ju while he's driving (ok, that's dangerous!) Then we stopped again for another red light. I looked again, now he looked back and looking at her again. I looked the back seat and saw my daughter resting her both hands by the window and looking outside, midning her own business. She didn't know the guy was looking at her.

Now as a mother I thought about two things:

1. This guy simply thinks my daughter is adorable.

2. This guy is creepy and must be a pedophile

Okay girls, I don't deny that I often get stopped by strangers at a supermarket or a restaurant or a boutique and being told how cute my daughters are. Even past weekend, while we're waiting our turn at the deli for cold cuts, this gentleman before me told me, "I just want to say that your daughters are adorable.." - I was flattered and thanked him. And there's nothing wrong with it.

What tremendously bothered me about this guy in the car was, he never once acknowledged me. We stopped side by side at the red lights twice. He never even once looked at me and smiled or nodded; the gestures that I would consider him being polite and telling me that he knew I was her mother. As I was approaching another traffic light to make left turn onto Target, the guy slowly, but surely changing lanes towards the opposite lane to make right turn.

I was watching at my daughter through the rear view mirror when she finally noticed the guy looking at her. She waved him and I immediately looked at the man. He smiled and waved her and disappeared as he made right turn onto the opposite street. Ju Ju said, "Mama, the guy was smiling at me, so I waved..." My heart was racing fast....It was my gut feeling. Something was terribly wrong. I could feel it.

No, he didn't follow us. And yes, it could be totally innocent thing where he honestly thought she was cute and wondered what my daughter was thjnking as she looked outside of the car window. But really, if I was he, I would look at her mom and at least smile.

So that night, I talked to my husband who's in NJ about what happened. He was really, really bothered by my story because he couldn't do anything about it. He was also frustrated with my action where I didn't do anything to control the situation. He told me I should have honked at the guy when I felt something was wrong and letting him know that I knew he was looking at our daughter. JT told me I am the only one who can save our daughters from any harm while he's away and he is right.

I don't want to be cynical, but we're living in the time where we can't trust strangers. It's really sad, but true. Strangers do great things to help other people in need, but there are also crazy sick people who want to hurt children. So, I have to protect my daughters from anyone who wants to hurt them and I feel like I didn't do a good job of doing that. I truly hope the guy was not some sick man who loves little kid. That thought only makes me wanna vomit.

So, what would you do if you were me?

I'm Happy For You, Ricky!!!

2010-03-30T00:34:00.004-04:00

I was listening to the radio on the way back home from work when DJ announced, "Let's celebrate, Ricky Martin just came out!"

I'm sure many people had already speculated and (sorta) knew that he was gay, but when it's finally confirmed, I was a bit surprised. Yes, it wasn't like "Oh my goodness!!" - but "Oh, he finally did it" kinda way...

You can't deny the fact that many young women including myself found themselves daydreaming about him at least once and thought how gorgeous he was. Come on everybody, remember "Viva La Vida Loca"? He was definitely one of the heartthrobs. It's unfortunate that we still live in the world where people feel they can't be true to themselves. They are so afraid of being rejected by society.

My hairstylis is gay and he's SO proud of being who he is. Yes, he's not a Hollywood star, so the situation might be a little different, but still, he's happy and he's at peace. There is no secret. He's so free in many different ways and I know that's how it should be.

Years ago, my brother in law (my sister's husband) had the opportunity to to have a conversation with Ricky while Ricky was vacationing in Hawaii. My BIL said he couldn't believe how kind and gracious Ricky was - even when he was a mega star at the time, he was so humble and laid back. And I can totally believe that.

I hope Ricky finds happiness and what he's been looking for without any reservation. He's a free man now - he can breathe and be who he is without worrying about other people. He deserves that at least... Congrats Ricky - you did it!!!

Broken Heart... Heart vol1.

2010-03-28T14:20:00.012-04:00

The salon where I work get many bridal party appointments, especially on weekends. It's always nice to see soon-to-be brides being so happy and anxious for the big day. And I must say I love weddings!

About a month ago, a woman called in to make an appointment for her and her bridesmaids. "I'm getting married the next day," she said with delight. I congratulated her and told her she must be very excited. "Yes, I am very excited! I'm still nervous because there are many things I need to get done, but I'm very very excited."

How wonderful is that? The feelings of being in love and walking down on the aisle to meet her future husband. It's one of the lifetime moments where you feel tremendous love and happiness surrounded by your loved ones. It's just so special.. So, I was all gigglie and felt warmth in my heart when I made the appointment for the girl.

But then, the beginning of last week, the girl's mother called the salon saying that her daughter made an appointment for her wedding. The mom said, "Well, I need to cancel the appointment for her because.... well, you know, the groom called off the wedding.." I was speechless. I didn't know what to say except, "Oh no.. I'm so sorry. That's no problem. So sorry again."

What a shocker. I was stunned. I felt really really terrible for the bride. It happened a week before their wedding when the groom just decided he didn't want to get married. Really? Seriously? Of course it's for the best for the long run, I'm sure. It's brutal honesty on the groom's part. But I couldn't stop thinking about her. Her dream of becoming a wife of her dream and it was totally shuttered a week before the wedding. I'm 100% positive she's broken hearted.

A few days later her wedding planner came in and she told me and my boss what happened. She said the groom called his fiance/bride and told her he doesn't want to get married. The planner said, "She didn't see it coming, so she's quite devastated actually..." Yeah, really? I woul be! I don't know about you, but I think weddings are kind of a big deal. You can't just say "let's get married!" and the next day, "let's not get married!" - you really have to know what you're doing.

I'm sure most of you have gone through many breakups and makeups in your life. You often wonder how many breakups do you need to go through before you find "THE ONE" that won't break your heart. When you find a prince charming and he asks your hand to marry him on his knee, don't you believe right there and then that he'll never break your heart? I guess in reality, sometimes that's not always the case. It's really sad, but true. But I also know that marriage sometimes hands you lemons and limes. And it takes two to make good lemonades and delicious margaritas.

I just hope the bride finds joy and happiness in her life and the real prince charming very soon...

xoxo

P.S. Did you have a nice weekend, my loves?

Have A Lovely Weekend!!

2010-03-26T18:05:00.003-04:00

Hello my sweethearts - what are your plans for the weekend? Are you planning anything fun and sweets? I am going to lay by the pool with my daughters and friends tomorrow. We're finally getting the nice weather. Then I will be going out to an art show in town with my co-workers tomorrow evening. I'm very excited!

Me, BFF K & A and A's friend

There is nothing more exciting than having a girls night out with the people I love (and of course spending my days with my daughters make me the happiest, but you know what I mean). Whatever you do, please stay safe and have a lovely weekend!!!!

xoxo

My Love For Photography...

2010-03-25T00:00:00.003-04:00

This is actually a repost (which I've never done before!) from my business blog which I started three months ago and now closed (I decided to combine two blog: business and personal a few weeks ago). Since this was one of my very first posts and not many people had seen it, so I thought what a hey - it wouldn't hurt, right?

Anyways, I constantly try to find the ideas for my paintings and artwork. I grew up surrounded by two professional photographers; my grandpa and my dad. So, watching them taking beautiful pictures had shaped who I am. Yes, I love photography.

A photo can tell a million stories. And it's so magical.

I've seen so many beautiful photography throughout my life and there are many amazing photographers for whom I adore. One of my favorite photographers is Anne Leibovitz. She is so popular that I'm sure most of you've seen her work at least once somewhere in the magazines.

I'm an Anne Leibovitz fan because she's taken the world of photography to the limit and created a world of her own that many of us had never seen before. I always grab the issue of Vanity Fair when it features Hollywood stars that are shot by Anne.

Her photography is a total creation of both art and fantasy - it's just amazingly beautiful. I wonder what it's like to be in front of her camera...

I don't know why I picked this photo of Je Lo & MA - funny, huh?

{All Photography By Anne Leibovitz}

And another photographer I adomire is Herb Ritts (1952 - 2002), a fashion photographer who had shot so many Hollywood celebrities including Madonna. He shot iconic photographs in black and white - his work was simple and yet powerful. I love his photography and totally miss seeing his work.

{All Photography By Herb Ritts}

One of my all tme favorite music videos is Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do" directed by Herb Ritts. He was truly a talented artist. I'm sure you've seen it before. It's the best and the sexiest video ever. Beautiful song = Beautiful video. BTW, Antonio Sabato Jr. was freaking HOT!

Pretty Eggs

2010-03-24T00:32:00.011-04:00

My daughters JuJu and Soapy are all pumped up about Easter - they LOOOOOVE to dye eggs. We were standing in line to check out at our local grocery store Publixthe other day when I spotted a new issue of Marth Stewart's Living. It was Easter Egg edition and it features cute egg photos and lots of how to's... The oldest JuJu has been flipping through the same pages over and over and asking me when can she dye her eggs.

We do make cute eggs every year, but nothing like these ones in the photos (all photos from Living mags) - I think I want to try making some cute eggs that I've never made before this year since the girls a bit bigger... Aren't they adorable and pretty????

So, my darling, Got Eggs?

I See You Daddy.....

2010-03-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

Many of you know that my husband has been away since February to work in NJ. I can't believe it's been almost two months. I'm a big girl, so I'm okay most of the times - trying to be strong and do all I can for our daughters. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do to keep it going, you know?

Our daughters are the same way - they have adjusted their lives without their daddy: Thank god for their grandpa (they have three of them, but one lives very close) and their uncle who live in FL - they have played huge roles as a father figure to them. But sometimes, my oldest JuJu gets really sad that her daddy is not here. She sometimes cries that she misses him.

One night, JT called us and asked the girls if they could see the moon - we ran outside and saw a big full moon. He told the girls he's looking at the same moon - it was like a magic. They had this big "WOW" on their faces and instantly they felt this closeness to their daddy like he's right there with them. So, now, they look at the moon or the brightest star when he calls - I always hear them say, "I see you Daddy.." They miss him less, I think...

But we got Thunderstorms in the afternoon and it's been a bit cloudy tonight, so they didn't get to see the moon. JuJu was a bit sad and said, "Mommy, no moon tonight...." - So I decided to show their baby pictures with daddy. And oh my, they were little! JuJu and Soapy were all gigglie - they couldn't believe their eyes. Yep, they are still small, but they were really tiny then!

Here are some of my favorite picutures of my family. JT had no idea I was taking the pictures - He was watching TV and I didn't use flush light :) Soapy was only one month old - JuJu was 2. Oh they grow so fast..

So my darlings, did you have a nice weekend????

At Disney World for JuJu's 6th birthday - Christmas Party with Mickey!

A Piece of My Dreams

2010-03-18T11:15:00.005-04:00

I've been painting since I was a little girl. It's one of those things where I can be who I am and use my imagination take its own course. It's very relaxing, too... My daughters JuJu and Soapy love it when a new painting is placed on my chair in the morning - they get so excited and give me a feedback and they're pretty acurate.

For some of my new readers : Five years ago, I gave one of my paitning to my brother in law as a Christmas gift. People who saw it loved my work and several friends asked me to paint something for them. That's when I started thinking about turning my passion into a profession. Last year December after carefully designing and organizing for eight months, I launched my own business: It's called "Barefoot Chic Design" and you can click on my logo on the right sidebar if you would like to check out the website...

I still have my part time job, but I am slowly, but surely heading towards my goal which is to have my business as my full time job. I would really love to be a stay at home mom again (I was a house wife for six years until the fall of 2008) and do what I love the best - Painting.

The photo above is my new creation "Hope" that I painted for a giveaway that's going on right now over at my dear friend Dionne's blog. Please head over there and enter if you would like.

With all of the things going on in my life and around the world, I tend to cling on the word, "Hope" - I think it's such a beautiful word, don't you agree? I always look up in the sky and hope....

Hope you're having a lovely day!

The Price of Beauty

2010-03-16T23:55:00.012-04:00

This is how I look (my body) minus the face.

I just finished watching Jessica Simpson's "The Price of Beauty" on Vh1. She travels around the world to see what is considered "beautiful" in different cultures. I'm not a big fan of Jessica Simpson, but I also feel horrible about the way she was treated by media about her weight a while back - and I think she's trying to prove the world that beautiy comes from the inside and not on the outside...

So what is beauty? What do you consider "beautiful"? Some people may call me crazy (including my husband), but I have struggled with my own body image for the longest time. I've always been thin and that has been part of my insecurities since I moved to the U.S. I hate my arms and my friends say I'm thin like a tooth pick - I hate it. I want to have a curvy body - but no matter how hard I work out, I will never get those curvy body :( If anything my body totally resembles of Posh Spice/VB's body. You know how people talk about her - how skinny she is or she must not eat any food or looks like anorexic... I agree, if you see her pic of years and years ago, she does look like she has some weight on her compare to now. If you look at my high school pictures, I have a bit more round face (meat on my cheek) - but the whole body frame hasn't changed a lot. My trainer at the gym is build like me - very slender and you wouldn't think she's a trainer. She's told me many many times before that I need to embrace my body frame because it won't change no matter what I did.. I do love certain parts of my body though, especailly my butt.

With that said, I love the bodies of these three actresses. They are not curvy like Scarlett Johansson or Penelope Cruz, but their bodies are beautiful! I go to gym and work out hoping to achieve healthy looking body like theirs..

Cameron Diaz

Jennifer Aniston

Kate Beckinsale

So, what defines "beauty" in your dictionary???

My Love for Soccer

2010-03-15T22:14:00.006-04:00

This is one of my favorite photo of David - oh that smile...

Every country has their favorite sports that they grow up watching and playing with. In the U.S., people go crazy over football and bascketball and baseball. In Japan, we go goo goo gaga over soccer and baseball. I gew up watching and going to see so many soccer and baseball games and I must admit soccer is one of my favorite sports of all time. I remember standing in the cold winter day - cheering and screaming for Europe's two best teams playing at the National Stadium in Tokyo. Or I cheered for Japan for their first attempt to appear at the World Cup in 1994 only to lose at the qualification final game - us Japanese people call it "The Agony of Doha - Doha no higeki-" We were zombies the next day in despair..

Thankfully, Japan has been apearing the World Cup for the past three games as well as this year's World Cup in South Africa. I'm very very excited about this year's World Cup - except, I just found out that my idol David Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon and he will miss his last World Cup appearance - I'm devastated.

I've been a huge fan of David long before he came to U.S. to play for LA Gallaxy or long before he became Posh Spice's husband. He was just a young and awesome soccer player. I'm a bit sad about his status nowadays he is more of a Hollywood star than a true soccer player, but I know in his heart, his true passion is to chase the ball....

I would have loved to see him play for the last time at the World Cup - he's still young, but not young enough to play at his national team in four years. There are plenty young breed waiting to play in the big stage. I'm really really disappointed and sad about this.

But I will cheer for Japan and JT's favorite team Italy.

I took this photo while watching the World Cup 4 years ago on TV at home - Beckham was about to come out to the field and I grabbed my camera and took this picture. The look on his face is something people don't get to see if you're not a soccer fan.

Aw that tattoo covered arms. So sexy.

People made fun of this ad and I could understand why. LOL.

He says he is a lucky man to have his wife - I say Posh Spice is damn lucky to have him as a husband.

So, are you a soccer fan???

Alice In Wonderland

2010-03-14T22:47:00.006-04:00

Johnny Depp - The Mad Hatter

Have you seen the film "Alice in Wonderland"???? I've been wanting to go to see it, but I have not found the chance nor partner to see it. I thought about taking my daughters with me, but I think it's a bit graphic and scary for them.

JT loves Tim Burton's films and he's seen many of TB's work. Too bad he's not here to take me right now. I think this movie will be incredible - just looking at the still photography, I get so excited - the images are amazing. Johnny Depp has done many films that cater to young children these days since he became a father. I laugh every time when people talk about "Alice in Wonderland" - "Oh, it's not suitable for kids. They must have made the movie when they were high on drugs. All the mashrooms and hallucination. It's freaky!" Maybe true, maybe not. But I've always loved the story and I can't wait to see the new version of it!!!

Yup, that mashrooms!!!!

Anne Hathaway - The White Queen

Helena Bonham Carter - The Red Queen

Mia Wasikowsa - Alice

New Official Full Trailer

So, what do you think? Do you think you will see this movie???

V-cast : "One Fine Day"

2010-03-10T22:48:00.006-05:00

It's been forever since the weather here in FL got warm up in the 70's. We got to wear short sleeves dresses today and we decided to drive down to downtown and walk around the streets. I had my Flipcam with me, so here are some of the video clips - visiting our favorite yogurt store "White Berry" -> beach "Lido Beach" -> our favorite Italian restaurant "Epicure". We didn't get to do this for awhile (that's how much the weather has been chilly in FL) - so I decided to do everything all at once... I think it's okay to have a nice day like this sometimes, right? I was very happy to spend the carefree evening with my daughters.. :)

Enjoy the videos!

w/ Love - New Makeover

2010-03-08T23:56:00.004-05:00

Some of you already know that I created a new business blog last year. I tried to keep two blogs going at the same time, but it's becoming totally hard. So, I've decided to combine the two. For the next week or so, you'll be seeing changes in my blog. I will be writing not only about my life with my family and friends, but I'll talk about my new business that I started past December and show you my artwork along with it.

I hope you'll like the change and continue to read my blog - I truly hope so!!!! I'm very excited about this...

By the way, did you watch Oscar??? Oh I must tell you, I enjoyed it very much. I'm planning to talk about it tomorrow:)

Have a fabulous week darlings!

xoxo

I Don't Know What I Would Do Without You....

2010-03-01T00:16:00.000-05:00

The Winter Olympics in Vancouver is over. I'm really really sad about this. I always hear that the tv ratings get lower and lower every Olympic, but I can't believe it's true. I believe this Winter Games is one of the best olympics I ever saw. I love both Summer and Winter Olympis, but this Olympics was exceptionally exciting (except a few days last week when I decided not to turn on TV) - I coudn't wait to sit on my couch and totally gazed into the sports. There was a tragedy the day of Opening Ceremony when they lost a luger, but I think the pain and the sadness of losing the fellow athlete transformed all of the asthletes to performed better.... I respect all of the Olympians because of the endurance and strength they have - sports are amazing....

By the way, Happy Birthday Soapy!!! Today (March 1st) is my little baby Soapy's birthday - she is now "4"!!! I planned a bowling party for her with only close family and friends on Sunday, but sadly, Soapy got really sick... She only watched us play while she laid on my lap. Then we headed to dinner, but again she slept through the whole dinner. So, we decided not to open her gifts and celebrate again at grandma's the next day because we really want her to be happy turning 4... I can't wait to see her face all lit up tomorrow night!!!

So, did you watch the Olympics???? Hope you had a nice weekend!

xoxo

A Little Break

2010-02-25T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hello my dearlies - how are you??? Well, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be taking a few days off from posting. One might ask, "Wait a minute, Maki - I thought you're doing the 365 day minus 1day post??". Yes, that's true, but I realized there are way too many things to do this week because my darling Soapy's birthday is coming up this weekend. I really want to focus my energy for her...

I know I haven't had the chance to visit you girlfriends and commenting back, I'm sorry, but hopefully I'll get to it by the end of this week after the party! I want you to know that I've not forgotten about you!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Can You Live Without TV or Internet???

2010-02-23T22:46:00.000-05:00

I can't deny that I love watching TV or surfing the internet which includes blogging. If I think about it, I spend quite a lot of time in front of TV or computer at night. That's bad and I've always wanted to change that about me...

When my daughters and I were having dinner tonight, Ju Ju spilled her drink - I was just about to tell her to stop playing with her cup when splat, her chocolate milk was all over the table. But I didn't hear "I'm sorry" from her mouth. I could careless about the spiling as long as it was accident. Things happen. But, she knew what she was doing was wrong and yet she was smiling. And when I heard "Well mommy, I didn't mean it," that was it. It almost sounded like she didn't even care. So I told her to sit in time out. I told her she can't watch TV for the rest of the night. Oh she didn't like that at all!

That's when I thought about my childhood, how my father used to play music at night instead of having us all watch TV. We had a ground rule and I barely remember watching TV when I was Ju Ju's age. What I remember is I used to watch my dad making some tea or coffee for him and my mom, smoking cigaretts or cigars (time was different back then! LOL) and listening to all his record albums. He had over two thousands albums - even though I was a little girl, I knew how amazing his collections were! And I remember it was my favorite time of the day - listening to music, asking questions and talking with my dad and my mom. I really didn't care about other things...

So, I told my daughters there will be no TV at least three whole days/nights out of a week from now on. Even mom isn't going to watch it. I think we will be able to accomplish more as family without TV or internet. I will probably read more books or do stuff around the house, all the things I've taken for granted. And you know what? My girls did just fine after dinner. They played with their toys while I played my favorite music. I'm not sure how long I can go without internet, but I want to embrace the life without tv or internet as much as I can..

So what do you think: Can you live without tv or internet???

One Life

2010-02-22T23:11:00.004-05:00

When I'm tired, you know what I tend to post. That's right, a music clip! LOL. I don't know about you, but I like many songs that are performed by American Idol alumi.

Last year's winner Kris Allen's new single "Live Like We're Dying" is Ju Ju's "IT" song right now - she loves this song and wants to listen to it over and over. I like this song because of the lyrics, how he talks about how we take things for granted. Don't you think it's so true that we've only got one life and one shot and that's it??? I often talk about my life and how it's turning out. It's not always promising and yet it's full of hope. When I hear Ju Ju singing it out loud and fast the "chorus" part, it touches my heart. Yes, we have to live our lives to its fullest with no regret. We have to live it with all you've got.

Enjoy the music!

Sometimes we fall down and can’t get back up
We’re hiding behind skin that’s too tough
How come we don’t say I love you enough
Till it’s too late, it’s not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won’t come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we’re all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would’ve done

[Chorus]
Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinkin’ it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying

And if you plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbyes
Should be so careful who we live out of our lives
So when we long for absolution, there’ll be no one on the line

(Chorus)

Like we’re dying (x4)

(Chorus)

You never know a good thing until it’s gone
you never see a crash until its head on
All these people right when we’re dead wrong,
You never know a good thing till it’s gone

(Chorus)

Like we’re dying (x4)

(Chorus)

Candle

2010-02-21T22:33:00.003-05:00

I love candles. I get excited if I see them on the tables or the counter at restaurants and bars. I love different kind of candles, big and small, scented and unscented. My FAVORITE candle maker was Illuminations which was bought by Yankee Candle (which I'm not so fond of their jar design, but scents are good) and has gone out of business recently. I'm very sad about it because I used to go to Illuminations store in Hawaii and decorated my house with my favorite candles... One of my favorite was Napa Vally Harvest and the candle surely smelled beautiful...

Right now, my house is filled with tea lights and votive lights as well as some Illumination candles that I scored at Marshalls last year during the holiday shopping. My house smells really nice at night. I am a candle girl - I really am... It makes me feel so calm and romantic.

So, are you a candle girl???

p.s. my throat is so itchy, I can't stop caughing. I hate being sick!

I Missed It!!!

2010-02-20T23:26:00.003-05:00

Well, I think I missed posting last night - that means no more 365 posts! :(
I was sick all day and night and I was no way near sitting in front of my pc nor holding my blackberry to post.

I'm disappointed that there will not be the golden 365th post at the end of 2010, but 364th post wouldn't hurt, right? Or maybe I should just skip posting on weekends and posting on weekdays only.... I am not going to decide now - I think whatever happens, it happens attitude is the best way to approach this blogging thing. I realize now that once blogging is becoming like a job, it won't be fun anymore. So I will not pressure myself nor setting the rule..

Anyway, I'm still sick, so I'm going to back to bed. So sorry for not commenting back to all of you - I will make sure to catch up with all of your stories tomorrow!!

xoxo

Ju Ju Is Sick Again

2010-02-18T23:53:00.003-05:00

When I went to pick up my daughters from my mother in law's house after work, I learned that my Ju Ju got sick again. She was sleeping quietly on the couch and I took her home. After she woke up, she said she wanted to eat dinner, but she started crying again hysterically that her headache wouldn't go away. I gave her Tylenol and jumped in the shower with her (she loves to take a real hot shower when she has headache) and rubbed her neck. But, she decided to go back to bed after the shower.

I talked about her suffering from headache for the past six months or so in the previous post. We got her brandnew glasses in hopes that her headache would go away, but she still gets migrane. So I think I need to take her to see a doctor next week. Funny thing was, she had a trash basket right next to her when she was taking a nap at grandma. Her grandma and grandpa said it was her idea just in case if she had to throw up (which happened many times before).

I'm exhausted today - working non-stop from 8:30 am - 6pm (volunteering at my daughter's class and my regular job) - then taking care of sick Ju Ju. It's really heartbreaking to see her like that and it takes out all of my energy too....

Anyway, I'm signing off today. I'm so sorry, but I will try to catch up with all of your comment tomorrow. I love you!!!

Are You a Tosser???

2010-02-17T22:41:00.003-05:00

I found the same image as my magnet on my refrigerator - JT bought it for me a long time ago. I thought it describe who I am when it comes to cleaning. I'm not dirty, but sometimes I am too lazy to clean the mess around the house.

I know that the real key to a clean house is to toss anything and everything that's old or not being used. I've been pretty good about it, but I have to admit, I tend to save stuff from Ju Ju's school projects to all of the cards I get for the holidays and birthdays.

But today, something snapped and I started cleaning the whole house - I threw away all kinds of stuff. It felt really good and refreshing. I'm trying to continue the mission tomorrow and throw way and clean the girls' room. They have SOOO many toys or the little things (I don't even know what) that need to be consolidated - although I secretly want to throw all of them away (bad mommy, bad mommy!) - Am I horrible to even think that???

So tell me - are you a tosser? What's your secret to keep your house organized and neat???

Kindness

2010-02-16T23:33:00.005-05:00

Do you ever wonder what is your purpose in this life? I constantly think about it simply because my life right now hasn't been all rosey and dreamy for a while. Of course there are many things that are good in my life: I am happy and thankful that I have two most beautiful daughters who are healthy (knock on wood!) and they love me so dearly... I'm a very lucky mother and I try to figure out every day what can I do to show my daughters how to lead a good life...

One of the things my mother has taught me which I cherish to my heart is "kindness". She's the kind of person if she saw someone in trouble, she would stop and help. She is full of love and such an amazing human being. That's why I tell my daughters to be kind to others, lend hands and always try to find goodness in people (you may think it's too early to teach my kids about kindess, but I think it's important!)

Anyway, I always believe "kindness" is contageous. And I always believe if every single person chooses to be kind and be compassionate, the world will be so much a better place...

One person who spoke my mind was Conn O'Brien who he departed Tonight Show a month ago.

"All I ask is one thing, and I'm asking this particulary of young people that watch:

Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism.

For the record, it's my least favorite quality --- it doesn't lead anywhere.

Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get.

But if you work really hard and you're kind,

amazing things will happen."

I still have his last show on DVR and watch it when I feel down. I hope he moves back to NYC and start his own show again.. Here is Conan's Last Speech if you're interested.

I also love this Liberty Mutural's CM - Seriously, if we all act with kindness, our world will be so much better...

Do you believe in kindess?

I Think I'm Getting Old!!!

2010-02-15T23:28:00.004-05:00

It's no secret that I'm 36 years old. I've always believed that regardless of my age, I'm very young at heart and truthfully, I feel like I'm getting younger more every day. But I also know that believing and actually aging is two different things.

The other night when I was getting ready to go out, I noticed gray hair - and it wasn't just one string of hair, there were four - five of them in a one area. You might think it's only 5 grey hair, but to me, it was SHOCKING!!! My hair is dark, so they look more obvious. You don't understand how much I freaked out: My heart started beating strong and the cold sweats running through my back. I was combing through my hair like a mama monkey looking for fleas in a baby monkey's hair. And I found more grey hair! OH NOOOOOOOOOO!! I almost wanted to die! It's over, I'm officially old..

Now I'm going to be the one who color grey roots at the tender age of 36. So sad girls, so sad...

Seriously, I even googled how to prevent gray hair and there's no such things - it's just human nature. It's one of those events that I can't deny that I'm no longer in my 20's.

How would you react if you find gray hair - wouldn't you be shocked too???

Happy Valentine's Day..

2010-02-14T23:30:00.002-05:00

For the first time since I met my husband, we celebrated our Valentine's Day without each other. I think it was a little bit harder on him because I had my girls and had dinner at my in-laws. My BFF K also joined us, so it was very nice Valentine's Day.... Sorry JT...

By the way, I had a great time celebrating my BFF K's 30th birthday - maybe a little too much. All of us who were there had way too many drinks and very miserable the next day. We all said this afternoon, "Why, oh why do we do this to ourselves?" And why do we want greasy food when we're hangover?

I hope all of you had a sweet Valentine's Day!!

xoxo

Happy Birthday!!!!

2010-02-13T20:36:00.003-05:00

This is me and my twin sister K. Oh wait, she doesn't look like me. Actually, she is my BFF K - It's her 30th birthday today. She and I are like real sisters - we act alike, we think alike and we drink alike. I love her dearly and she has been through so much and yet she never stops trying. I respect her and love her... She has mixed feelings about turning 30, but I tell her, wait until she turns 35! Her life has just began...

We are heading to downtown to celebrate her birthday and it's obvious I'm going to be her babysitter tonight :)

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!!

xoxo

Today Sucked!

2010-02-12T23:55:00.003-05:00

Today was one of those days where nothing went right.

1. I've misplaced something that is VERY important. I've looked every
where in the house, even the outside. I'm trying to give it a few more days to see if it will turn up. I really need to find this - I'm going to die if I don't!

2. I realized the kittie food is gone, so my daughters and I headed to Target. We're looking at some stuff and walked to the Pet section. After we got all the stuff we needed, we paid and walked back to our car.... When I couldn't fine my keys! I looked and looked and I don't see my keys in my handbag. My face totally turned blue, carried Soapy and told Ju Ju to follow me and ran back to the store!

First, we went to the casher - he said nothing was left at the casher. Next we went to the customer service and they said no one turned anything in. I backt-traced the place, but I couldn't find the keys. I was starting to get really nervous: What if someone who found the keys decided to click the alarm and find my car and drive off? So I told my girls to run back to the car again. Okay, car was still there. Now I called the store and see if anyone had turned it in. No keys. I went back in again, back traced, asked the same casher and back to the customer service. No keys...

Now my daughter Ju Ju said, "Mommy, we have to go back to the kitty place again because we're playing with the litter box.." Believe me, we'd gone back to the pet section twice alreday and I couldn't find my keys. But when Ju Ju said "Litteer" - I felt like there is still hope. So we ran back and looked the litter box section where I didn't look and there is was - my keys!!! I was only looking at the cat food shelf. I remembered that I had to help the girls who were trying to see if they could lift those heavy litter sand because they couldn't put it back. I thanked my daughter SOOO many times because I would have totally given up if she didn't tell me about litter.

The thing is though - people at Target was not helpful at all. When I said I lost my car keys, they acted like "so what?" - they never asked my name nor phone number to call me if anyone turned it in. Don't you think they should've at least took my information? They were like, "Sorry, well, too bad!" Some people amaze me because they have no work ethic. Anyway, I hope you're having a great weekend!! Olympic is on!

Ju Ju & Valentine's

2010-02-11T23:39:00.003-05:00

Don't we all love Valentine's Day? It makes you feel warm inside... And my oldest daughter Ju Ju is learning the meaning of Valentine's Day for the first time. She had gotten Valentine's goodies when she was in Pre-K, but now, it is more of a big deal for her - I think she really gets it...

Ju Ju is so excited and wants everything to be perfect. When we went Target to shop for the goodies for her classmates, she wouldn't stop asking me questions or rejects some ideas I threw in to help her finding candies that she wanted for her friends. She decorated Valentine's cards for herself and even written messages on the cards. 16 students and friends she shares everyday life with - I think they are all important to her. After she finished writing stuff on the cards, I told her to go to bed. I told her I would finish everything for her. She was VERY skeptical. Side note: The dining table was full of candies, goodie bags, cards and chocolate - it was like hurricane stormed through the house. So I could understand her concern and this is the conversation we had after two hours of doing the Valentine's preparation for her school.

Ju Ju: "Mama, ARE YOU SURE???"
Me: "Yes, I'm sure.."
Ju Ju: "But Mommy, how are you going to wrap everything?"
Me: "Don't worry about it.."
Ju Ju: "Are you sure?? Is everything gonna be ready when I wake up?"
Me: "No doubt about it.."
Ju Ju: "But Mommy, are you going to put everything in the bag?"
Me: "Everything.."
Ju Ju: "Are you sure you know who is who and name and everything?"
Me: "............."

After convincing her that everything is going to be okay, she finally went to bed. And I wrapped all the candies, chocolate and cards and this is the final photo.. (sorry for the bad quality of pics) - I also placed the card on the table Ju Ju made for me in her class today... The card was SUPER adorable!!!

I can't wait to see her face tomorrow morning. Have a lovely Friday everybody:)

The House Without A Man

2010-02-10T23:37:00.005-05:00

I couldn't quite figure out why I've been so tired lately. Staying up late, sometimes until 2am being in front of computer and getting up at 7am was not a big deal for me before. But now, I get really sleepy by 9pm - I even fall asleep with the girls while I'm putting them to bed - simply exhausted. And I didn't know why...

I realize now that my exhausion comes from doing everything around the house all by myself without my husband's help. Tell you the truth, I've always done most of the stuff around the house - cleaning, cooking, bathing the kids and putting them to bed. But I never realized how important a role my husband had played until now. It's the little things he did for me - if my hands were full, he went to the bathroom and check on the girl while they played in the tub or if they didn't listen, all I had to do was call his name.

I wanted to quit my part time job by the end of last year, but I couldn't and it seems I have to stick around for another month or two. Thank god for JT's mom and stepdad's - they take care of the girls while I'm at work; 23 hours out of five days (which is not bad at all). I also was able to switch two of my shifts to morning, so I can pick up Ju Ju from school (I could only pick her up once a week before and JT picked her up every day) - she is seriously happy that I'm there waiting at the gate when she walks out with her classmates: Her face totaly lit up when she seems my face...

Anyway, what I want to say is I totally respect all the single moms out there - they do so much without anybody's help. I know it's not easy, seriously it's not easy - Jenn, I'm talking about you!! :) If you know anyone who's a single mom - please be kind and respect her. She may be putting a brave face, but I know sometimes all she wants is a good cry.

BTW, JT sent me a photo of snow to my cell phone this morning - his message said, "6in last nite 6 more today.." - I must admit I miss my husband..

Stay warm everyone...

The First Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T23:26:00.004-05:00

I was talking to one of the clients today when she asked me what she should get for his new boyfriend of two months. She is smitten and wants to get something for him, but because they've been dating for only short time, she is just not sure how much is too much. She also thought about him not getting her anything and that's making her nervous too.

My boss and his wife kept telling her not to get him anything and let him do the work... I, on the other hand told her, if she wants to get him something, then that's what she should do. She said she was going to get his favorite movie on DVD and maybe a certificate for a round of golf. Oh boy, my boss and his wife were like, "Are you crazy? What if he doesn't get you anything? Just go and see if he gets you something. Once the relationship gets serious, then you should get him something.."

Now, I still remember the look on her face; the disappointment or the confusion because I know she wants to get him something. They are definitely going to dinner together - she just doesn't know if she should get him gifts.

What do you think everyone? What would you do if you're only dating your BF for a few months and celebrating Valentine's Day together for the first time. I know I would be so excited! Wouldn't you want to get him something - I mean, I would. Or am I wrong???

Please let me know and help her out!!!