s o u l i z b l o g

My Memorial Day weekend started a bit early, on Wednesday. Some highlights from my six days of fun:

Went to a flux screening with Yetti on wed. Awesome night!

The Billy Wilder theater is beautiful, with it pink seats+curtain.

Thursday was funday with these two girlies.

The blurriness of the picture represents my memory from that night…no good.

Friday started with mochilato!

Then the Dodgers game. Angels suuuuck.

Good times~

Pretty fireworks!

Saturday, I donated blood.

And tried Rutabegorz for the first time! It was delish.

Nick is back, missed you buddy! Tried Guppy’s in Hacienda.

Mike showing off him and Nick’s new DIY beauty bowl (dish?). They want to be the next Gary Fong or something.

Some dduk+seafood inside a HOBAK (squash) at the dream in sherrytoes. it was delish.

Sunday, had dinner at the Redondo Beach brewing company (delish as well, but no pictures), and had a sleepover at my place where we chatted the night away. This picture was taken that night and sent to Sarah, our missing piece of the puzzle.

Monday was hiking. Another picture taken for Sarah (hiking pictures from Sinae).

Mike… i dont know what he’s doing.

group pic. notice how nerdy nick and mike look with their camera bags and such.

Conversation between me and nick the day before:

him: hey, im really excited about going hiking tomorrow. how much gear should i bring?
me: um.. i heard it’s a pretty easy hike so im pretty sure u dont need any hiking gear.
him: who said anything about hiking gear? i meant photography gear, i really want to take good pictures!
me: …

Pretty easy hike here. Lots of tall, beautiful trees and other things to look at. I liked the waterfall and the rocks we got to climb on.

Oh, i really like it when there are random ruins on hike trails. This picture was taken where a home used to be. I refused to go inside the bathtub, lol.

Wrapped up the weekend on 3rd street promenade where we ate gelato (gotta get my ice cream, u kno?), shopped, and watched Star Trek.

I am in love with Spock and obsessed with the whole Star Trek series now. I started watching the original series last night, it’s so interesting! Hopefully I’ll be able to watch the entire series and make my way up to the next generation and other movies during the summer. Live long and prosper!

I donated blood yesterday! Remind me never to do that again. I couldn’t help but to look away and lightly whimper the whole entire time, it was scary! The process of drawing a pint of blood usually takes about 10 minutes for the average person, but I took 30 minutes! There must be something wrong with me. You see my blood bag? I almost fainted when I saw that. Took this picture with my left hand, lol.

I requested pink tape.

I also found out my blood type. I’ve never subscribe to the idea that blood types can determine certain aspects of one’s personality, but after finding out what blood type I am, I realized that I fit into the stereotypical description of my type. I totally believe it now.

descriptions of blood types from this article:

What Your Blood Type Says About Your Personality

Type O
You are the social butterflies. Often popular and self-confident, you are very creative and always seem to be the center of attention. You make a good impression on people and you’re often quite attractive. Organized and determined, your stubbornness will help you reach your goals. You make good leaders. Lovewise, O is most compatible with O and AB. Common career choices: banker, politician, gambler, minister, investment broker, and pro athlete.

Type A
Type As may seem calm on the outside, but inside, you’re filled with anxiety and worry. You’re perfectionists and often shy and sensitive. Usually introverted, you’re stable and thoughtful. You make good listeners and are sensitive to color and your surroundings. You like to be fashionable and are up on the latest trends, but never flashy or gaudy. You like romantic settings and often shun reality for fantasy worlds. A is most compatible with A and AB in the love department. Common career choices: accountant, librarian, economist, writer, computer programmer, and gossip columnist.

Type B
You can be very goal-oriented and often complete the ambitious tasks set before you. Outgoing and very charming, you’re good at reading people and providing support. Though critical of appearance (but not your own), you aren’t picky and are unlikely to dwell over the little things. Type Bs are impulsive individualists who often create their own path in life. You are very strong and optimistic. B is most compatible with B and AB lovers. Common career choices: cook, hairdresser, military leader, talk show host, and journalist.

Type AB
Not surprisingly, ABs can be quite dualistic, possessing both A and B traits. You may be shy and outgoing, and hesitant and confident. You often stand out from others, don’t like labels, and are nice and easy going. You are logical and determined to do things correctly. Usually trustworthy, you like to help others. You often speak in a serious manner. Your patience, concentration, and intelligence are admirable. AB can find a soul mate with any other blood type. Common career choices: bartender, lawyer, teacher, sales representative, and social worker.

What blood type do you think I am? Or more importantly, what blood type are you?

I just love me some good quality leather. This summer tote by Clare Vivier is so chic! Love the design of the bag and the color of the perfectly tanned cowskin, haha =/. She made it with leather from an Italian tannery that used ‘eco friendly dye processes’. Looks sooo soft.

Carrying leather is always a touchy subject in the summer. The material could easily be too heavy for the season with the wrong design. Nylon, patent leather, or even plastic (gasp) can be nice substitutes, but one must admit that it doesnt have the same presence and sense of permanent beauty as leather does. Vivier understands that concept and her beautiful craftsmanship reflects it by keeping it her design simple and light. Yay for leather in the summer!

The chair is my favorite type of furniture. Armchairs, office chairs, dining chairs, or whatever type of chairs, i love them all! They are versatile in function; an armchair can be used at a desk, or a stool can be used at a dining table, etc. Also, chairs are the most inviting piece of furniture one could have in his/her home. When a guest walks in the door, the first thing you do is offer them a place to sit and a drink, yes? And doesn’t the comfort level of a chair play a big part on how long you can sit in one? For example, I wouldn’t be able to study too long when I’m sitting in an uncomfortable chair in the library. On the other hand, I went to a cafe last week where the armchair I was in was so cushiony, the four hours spent talking with my friend flew by very quickly.

Offering a clean, comfortable place to rest as a of refuge from the hectic world is the main purpose of a home, and chairs totally reflect that in such a beautiful way through its function and design. My dream is to one day have a home where many people can find a seat to relax in. When a person is relaxed is when their talents/thoughts are at their best, right? How exciting would it be to provide a place where everyone’s uniqueness is celebrated? Comfortable chairs are key, my friend.

Wooden chairs arranged in a circle inviting friends to lounge and enjoy the shaded outdoors.

A chair can transform an empty space into a private nook.

It can also be a reminder of the man-made amongst nature. Love the simple lines and the crimson red!

Stools can also be multi-functional!

The classic brown leather chair, a must have.

Mixmatched chairs surrounding a work table can promote creative new ideas.

Laboratory chairs. Keepin’ it simple.

love that bentwood chair, so classic.

Vintage Harry Bertoia “Baby” chair with yellow seat.

Charles and Ray Eames, Child’s Chair, 1945 @LACMA

Tunis Chair from Anthropologie

Danish Chair and Ottoman from Surfing Cowboys

Charlotte Perriand Stool from ebay

Mid Century Eames Danish Modern Lounge Rocking Chair

Library Chairs by Misawa Naoya

What a great name for a chair!

I got a letter in the mail today and was reminded that it was missions season. Around this time of the year, churches and organizations gather funds and volunteers to go overseas in the summer and either participate in or simply observe the work being done.

One of my good friends Sarj, who owns her own business and works another full time job on top of that, has made the bold step to set aside such responsibilities to serve God in another country for three weeks this summer. She’ll be going to one of the world’s most isolated countries to plant seeds of prayer and God’s love. Knowing how much of a workaholic that she is, I imagine this trip to be a big commitment on her part and something that she’s very convicted to do. I’m so happy for her!

Sarj and I share a similar passion and I’m so glad she gave me the opportunity to support her on this trip. I remember the summer when we became friends while sharing a room together in Westwood. We were young and had no idea what we wanted to do with our lives, but knew that we shared a certain vision for our future, and that each of us possessed a different set of resources/talents that could be pooled together to accomplish something. That’s when we drew up a long-term goal to execute our vision. We wanted to open burrito stands in East Asia, be successful, then build our business and political credibility to expand our restaurant venture to NK. but shhhh, don’t tell anyone of our plan. Doesn’t it sound like a gold mine? I think we even thought of what to do with all the money we’ll be making, but I don’t want to bore you, readers! .. I should really learn how to keep my brilliant ideas to myself anyways.

Some prayer requests from Sarj:

• Through missions we will know more of God and his love for the people in this country.
• May our presence bring blessings upon the students we meet.
• We will withstand Satan’s attacks- mentally, emotionally, and physically.

O man, thinking about all this missions stuff has made me reminisce about the summer I went to Indonesia. He loves that country so much. EYE love that country so much. I want to go back so badly!

Man, I look so young. Feeling really old right now….

When All The Stars Are Gone, 2009

I visited the Carmichael Gallery last week for the opening of their “Get Rich Quick” show. There were some big names exhibited like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Antony Micallef, David Choe, KAWS, etc. Pretty impressive lineup, but I also thought the solo exhibition at the same gallery by Brazil based artist Thais Beltrame was so beautiful.

Ring Around The Rosie, 2008

Titled “When All The Stars Are Gone”, her works explore the vastness yet emptiness of the dead sky and the perceptive children who develop an understanding of the world and of themselves through it.

Into Your Solitude, 2008

I’m partial to work made with ink and watercolor, it’s definitely my two of my favorite mediums. Something about the delicate fine lines of ink and the translucent qualities of watercolor that can really bring out an artist’s talent..i love it.

Things To Be Left Behind, 2008

This was my favorite one. I loved the vulnerability of the children as they use their clenched fists and bended arms to protect themselves from something they can all see but we can’t. Sometimes I feel so dense next to children.

“When All The Stars Are Gone” will be on view at the Carmichael Gallery in Los Angeles until May 28th.

It’s all about The Brothers Bloom(2009) for me this summer. My friend Sarah and I were super excited after the first 7minutes of the movie was released a couple months back.

I can’t wait, I can’t wait until this weekend when this movie opens!!! I’m definitely down for good acting, humor, and writing, and this movie seems to be awesome in all those areas. And Adrien Brody…. yum….. eh, But I’m so tired right now to the point where every inch of my body is aching, let’s just hope I make it through the week before I get excited about the weekend, i guess.

Another movie I’m totally excited about: 500 Days of Summer(2009). I absolutely adoreee Zoey Deschanel, I can’t wait until July to see her new movie. I can’t wait. hmmm, looks like exhaustion brings a bit of childlike impatience to my behavior. That’s my cue to hit the sack. 99.

According to the radio this morning, it’s Stevie Wonder’s birthday today! Wahooo, I love celebrating great artists’ birthdays, can you tell?

My favorite of his songs are “Part Time Lover” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”, only because I know all the lyrics and all his bursts of “heeeyyy hey!” that he sings by heart. For “Part Time Lover”, I can even do a little dances that demonstrate the lyrics and emphasize certain words like “DON’T even speak” just like he does. Sometimes, sometimes, I (tryto)scat like he does too. hehe, but that’s another story that you, my blogger friends, will probably never hear more about. You see, there’s a five-year friendship period that must have passed between you and me before we step inside a karaoke room together (my performance is so embarassing, that if I’ve known you any less amount of time you’d probably want to de-friend me for life). muhahaha I guess these youtube videos will have to suffice until then!

This long awaited new film from Woody Allen looks great! I loveeee WA and Larry David. Patricia Clarkson looks wonderful in this too. Can’t waitttttt