Tru-Biz

“Tru Biz” is a phase that deaf people sign to emphasize whatever they want to say.

Top: Girls at the Hollywood Sign hike. Bottom Left: My application for graduation. Right: Eating ramen = nomnomnom!

Okay, so I made a mistake. Well, I made more than one mistake. In fact, we all made mistakes at one point or another. That’s the beauty of life, right? Sarcasm may or may not be associated with the previous line. We live and learn. We try to not repeat. Sometimes when we make mistakes, we have to also learn to not beat ourselves more than we should. I’m guilty of pushing myself too hard. In effort to not show anything, I scratch my hands. And they would get red sometimes and hurt a bit and I remember, I stress and think too much time. It happens and I just have to learn and move on and do better way to deal with it. Tru Biz.

So this morning, I ran around my campus which is 3 mile long more or less. Okay, I didn’t run the whole way, my abdomen was hurting a bit in the beginning but by mile 2.5 I was able to jog all the way. It felt good. And I felt bit healthier, ha! I’ve been working out lately and eating more healthier. I like this and it’s a good way for me to push out stress and work on my muscles! (Tickets to the guns show, anyone?! Yeah, I’m corny!) Tru Biz.

May is the month everyone stress out. The finals. The move-out/move-in. The graduations. The everything! You see the pictures above? Things just got real. 3 girls are graduating (guess who?) and I actually turn in my graduation application. Jeffy? Man, we just love to eat! That’s all. But with everything going on, it’s a crazy month. Tru Biz.

Last words. I will miss my friends who will be graduating in less than a week. I will try better to work on myself mentally and physically. (I may sign up for few runs!) I will think before I do. Or better yet, remember before I do. Mistakes happen. I give this as an advice for you who struggles or feel like about to give up. The light at the end of tunnel is there, it’s just which path are you going to choose. Tru Biz.

I Love Kimchi

And that’s my mama with my little cousin, Winnie. It’s one of the recent pictures I have of my mama. If you’re not sure what’s she doing, she’s showing Winnie all the red envelopes she got from my mama. Oh yeah and my mama love kimchi, too. Maybe not as much as I am.
I really love kimchi. In fact, I’m eating it right now. Nom. Nom. Nom. Nom. NOM! If I have a jar, I eat at least a piece every single day until I run out. It’s that crazy. I have a friend named, Kimb. Kim-chi. Kimb-chi. Kim. Kimb! But that’s not the point.

The point is I love kimchi and I love my mama! Happy Mother’s Day to every mothers out there and every father who had to take on mother’s role for his kids! I hope you did something special for your mother!

I didn’t. Before you judge me, I had pretty crazy May. And I have finals this week (and I haven’t really exactly study as much as I should). So instead, I came home and caught up with Mum before dinner time. You see, I’m really lucky right now.

I told her, every time I drive through a tunnel or a wide bridge I do what every other kids do: hold my breath and make a wish until I exited the tunnel. So while I was driving back home, I usually wish for something trivial as wishing I can pass my exams or the process of changing my major will be approved. Okay, the last one was pretty stressful because I was changing within 3 weeks and with little time to think about it! Anyways, this time I drove back and I thought, “Huh, I got nothing to really wish for.” Instead, I wished for great Mother’s Day, the best for everyone going through Finals week and success for the graduates.

Mum asked why and I explained to her how lucky I feel right now. I have amazing support groups. By this I mean, I do not just have one circle of friends. I belong in several circles that I am able to share and laugh with different people. I found a new place to live for next year and it will be another interesting year! I also got a scholarship. Then I also got an opportunity to work for my campus newspaper. It’s not official but I think I have a chance! So many exciting things happening and my mum told me that she’s proud of me. She did not have any worries because at some point, I will find a way to break through.

It was a great talk. And one of the best Mother’s Day gifts for her from me! My mum is a realistic person but it doesn’t mean she do not support me or my brother. Instead, she want us to know the possible negative outcomes. That way, we will have to think of plan B, C and sometimes D! (Or that’s just me. Ka Ho seems like he just went with plan As for most time. He did have to use plan B but not as often.) That is mother’s love to us. :) And I love her for that.

Love your mum. Or your dad. Or anyone who took over mother’s responsibilities and cared for you no matter how crazy we were! Now I just finished eating kimchi and will try my best to stay focus and study for upcoming finals, eek!

Unpredictable

You know what?
You’re just so unpredictable!! It can be quite annoying! I’m not trying to give excuses but I feel like we have no stability. I always know a week before which can be nice but seriously at this time?! I do not have a cheat sheet when I have to deal with you. I have to come up on top of my head and you always give me some sense of doubt. Every. Time! You’re so picky, do you know that?
Now I got that out… I’ll be more nicer and I hope you will be nice to me. I appreciate that you making me challenge things out of my comfort zone. I like the fact I have to be on the toes at almost all time. And I do enjoy this semester! I’m looking forward to next semester, Journalism! But please be nice with your Finals. :)
Sincerely,
Kai

Now I’ll get back to studying! Good luck on everyone’s finals! And those who are done, enjoy the summer! And if you already graduated, well, lucky you!

Spring Break Pt. 2

Don’t stop believing.. Hold onto your feelings!
Streetlight people.. Trying to find emotions
Hiding through the night

Continuing from part 1, my Aunti came to pick us up from Niagara Falls and I got to meet Kaiya. My cousin’s 2 years old daughter is so cute with blue crystal eyes! She was really shy at first but after a while, she let me hold her and help her put her shoes on. But then she didn’t want me (or Jeff) to tie her shoelaces. It was kind of funny. We got to spend some time with my Aunti before she dropped us off at Toronto.

Toronto. It’s another adventure. It’s like LA of Ontario, I think. We ventured to University of Toronto (HUGE!), stopped by AGO, ate all over, walked up and down and shopped. Oh and lots of coffee. It was pretty cool. I enjoyed Queen St. which is like Melrose St. of LA. There were so many clean (I repeat. CLEAN) graffiti. When I say clean, I mean it’s really fresh and gorgeous!

Well, we were saying DAAAAAAAMN

And there are way too many to show. I liked this one because we were really caught up checking out the hidden alleys full of these. We did not take bus, train or subway. We walked all over including all the way to CN Tower and to St. Lawrence Market. Crazy! After two nights then we grabbed yummy coffee at Bulldog Cafe before we head back to the airport. I enjoyed the break. It was good to be away, after all, it is a BREAK!

It was indeed painful. I’m sore from morning routines! I’m pushing myself to try exercise at least 15 to 30 minutes in the morning especially on days when I have school all day. Then I somehow tried to stretch my neck and ended up hurting my neck. I still can move it normal but it felt like I pulled a muscle. Then I have cramps every once a while. And today I was walking back and forth and running around and my feet are just tired! Phew! Ever felt like those days where you just want to not move your body to avoid the pains! Bubble bath sounds nice, though.. Hmm..

Spring Break was…

Okay, South California was pretty warm until yesterday. But! For 6 days, Jeff and I took a trip to Ontario, Canada for spring break! My aunt was so nice to set up the flights and hotels while I try to finish as much quizzes and homework so I can enjoy the trip. We left on April 5th and stayed a night at my Aunti’s. The next day, they showed us a bit in downtown and the farm where my uncle’s grandfather bought the land for $75 back in 1970′s. It was pretty cool then I got to see my cousin, Katie! It has been a while so it was good to see her and catch up.

Katie and her boyfriend, Dustin, took us to Niagara Falls and had lunch and mini golf game. They were so nice to treat us out! They said no one really come visit so it was something fun for all of us. Two nights in Niagara Falls consist of good foods, walking around the falls, taking million pictures, saving butterflies from being stepped on and seeing the city lights on both Canadian and New York side.

We had adventure passes that allow us to go to Journey Behind the Falls, Butterfly Conservatory and watch The Falls of Fury. The river still had ice so we couldn’t go on Maid of Mist boat. Journey Behind the Falls allow us to go in the tunnel and be behind the falls. It’s so cold and the water is really powerful! Then at the Butterfly Conservatory, the butterflies are so friendly and social! A lot more social than the one in San Francisco! So many butterflies stopped by on us and some would let us pick them up from the floor. There were few butterflies that are huge! Makes you wonder how a delicate creature can look scary when it’s bigger than usual. Finally, we went to watch the movie about the history of the falls and it lead us into the a room where we watch and feel like we’re there. So when water come gushing down, we got soaked. Jeff almost didn’t wear the poncho! It was fun and it felt like we were on the boat rocking back and forth, getting closer to the falls!

We also had a pass for different attractions including the mini-golf with my cousin and her boyfriend. We also got admission to 4-D movie which we ride a roller coaster into galaxy. Then a horror themed shooting game ride. A Skywheel ride overseeing the Niagara Falls. And a horrible wax museum. So horrible that almost all wax figures seem like they had painful face expressions that do not match their poses. At the end there was a mini horror maze with horror characters. That was something fun but kind of scary because everything is motion sensor. But it was all fun.

The weather couldn’t be more gorgeous! Bit chilly with sun. Something that’s opposite of California’s weather, ha! Only if we had more time, we would walk across the bridge to Buffalo, New York! How awesome would that be?

And this is only first 3 nights! Part 2 to come soon!
I hope everyone had great spring break and now time to power through the remaining weeks of the spring semester!

“These big city dreams are what you’re about
Walking like strangers among these states…”
Big City Dreams;;Never Shout Never

Be Advantageous!

Old photo. San Francisco 2011. I’ll always have a piece of my heart in SF!

Okay, so I missed two weeks ago. But no hard feelings, right? I could explain about that week. OR. I can talk about last week? Hm. Decisions, decisions!

I think I’ll just go by events. A lot of interesting things have been popping around lately.

For a start, I was able to sit down and watch Ms. Deaf CSUN Pageant! Through all my journey as Ms. Deaf CSUN and Ms. Deaf California Ambassador, I never really got to sit down and see what’s the pageant is like. My chaperone is one of the contestants and I’m so happy to see her does amazing job! Not just her but every girl as well! And I’m glad I was able to pass the crown to the new Ms. Deaf CSUN, Elena. Oh, and I had killer legs. That’s what everyone said! It was a fun filled night because everyone came to support my friends in the pageant!

It wasn’t just that night that made my weeks awesome, there were some school-related events. One thing I love about my major is there are always interesting panels or guest speakers coming to my campus. My teacher hosted CSUN Journalism Career Day and on the panel were 7 people ranging from Broadcast to PR to print and online. Coming to these kind of panels really give me some inspiration on my future. Especially with Cuit who is PR specialist. There was a question about what do they want to see in future employees. Cuit said he looks for that “genuine sparkle” which make that person stand out. Well, he definitely stood out for me!

It wasn’t just one person. Everyone did give some good advices that I can keep in mind. Going to these panels give me a boost every time I feel like things are just dragging on. It’s nice and something different away from classrooms.

We also had a guest speaker, Eric Deggans, who wrote the book “Race-Baiters.” This book is Journalism department common reading book so one of my classes requires us to read the whole book. His focus is on how media can divide a nation with words. To be honest, since I read the book, it was just a little bit bore and not enough details. He did mentioned in the beginning that it’s about having conversation. Well, the questionnaire after his lecture was definitely more appealing for me. I did get to ask him a question. I was so nervous! I don’t know why. I asked him regarding political corrected terms versus appropriate terms because the words can really change the perspectives. Then I actually taught him something! Well not just him but the whole room on which is proper term for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (These terms not Hearing-Impaired!). Because we already have some minorities groups of journalists, newsrooms can refer to them. But there are plenty of underrepresented groups like the Deaf community. He suggested us to get together and write a cheat sheet then send it to the newsroom. I thought that was cool because he didn’t just answer my question but engage me into a conversation. Oh and I got him to sign my book!

Pretty eventful month, I’ll say! As for my title, I did take advantage of all these events. But they are not the reason for my post title. I did some more deep thinking about certain things. I talked with my mom then Jeff then a friend. My friend, Kailyn, told me that in this situation I have the advantage of being able to go out and do as I please. It’s my “get-out-of-Jail” card. This is kind of a new perspective for me so I’ll be sure to take advantage!

So a lesson for me (and you all!) whatever situation comes up, do take advantage of it. Sometimes, it looks like a shitty situation but you can take it to your advantage and make it a better situation. And that is all for now. Till I come back from… CANADA! :)

Last week…

I got this inspiration from this blog. I’m not trying to copy them but I think this is pretty good idea for me to reflect on my week and slowly get back to blogging.

I said that last week was “self-exploratory” because today I was explaining to my interpreter about how I was on 3 different panels in a week. He said that is good because the more I present, the more I learn about myself. That is true. During the conversation, I realized an important theme I’ve been telling people.

All three panels I was on were related to my experience as deaf person. That’s cool with me and I definitely don’t mind! One was at Cal-Ed conference with all teachers, parents, students and counselors. Second one was for J’ASK (Just ASK) week about exposing others about deaf culture. Third one at Silent Weekend was pretty similar but with different audience (most of them are deaf studies and deaf students). All three of them, I included a very important statement, “don’t look deaf as a main, sole identity.”

Then I realized. This is what has been bugging me! I don’t care if you start calling me big D or little d or whatever, it’s all about others perspective. Everyone tends to label right away. The minute anyone mentioned they’re deaf, boom. Labeled! Chill out! We have other identities. You know, we have culture, way of living, family lifestyle and so on.

No wonder I was getting annoyed on why it is so special to have “deaf” labeled on me. It either made me sound like one of those “rags-to-riches” people or sometimes dumb but can actually do something.

First of all, I am me and I achieved all things I did. I failed, too. I make mistakes. I work as hard, maybe harder than hearing people. But whatever I did, I just happened to be deaf. Don’t take it as the only sole identity I have. I got others just like everybody got. :)

Now that’s out of the way. These two books you see? I picked them up for free from my library. I just love the colors of the book covers! I’ll read them when I get the chance but I was thinking of all DIYs I can do with these books (unless I really like the story then I’ll keep it as-is!). This is exciting! :)

I was able to visit my aunt when she’s in town. It’s so nice to have a break. A family break is sometimes good. I even stopped by to see mom with Jeff after Silent Weekend panel. I love those kind of breaks.

Everything is so fast-paced for me. My brain is running at 80mph or even faster! The only time it slowed down is if I do nothing and don’t think anything at all over the weekend. Ha, busy me as usual! Oh and I’m getting back to drawing. So it’s all good! Till next time!

I’m Back!

I love this cutie! To facetime with her while I’m at school? SCORE! Who could resist her face!

And L-O-V-E for these ladies, the hike, the Hollywood Sign, everything! :) I think this hike was just what I needed!

“There’s nothing you can know that isn’t known
Nothing you can see that isn’t shown
There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be
It’s easy”~All You Need Is Love, The Beatles

To be honest, I thought with my current schedule I should be able to get back to blogging regularly. Obviously, that didn’t happen. I have Thursdays and Fridays off so I figure this will give me opportunity to blog, rest a bit, cook or even just to sleep more. Well I was able to for first couple weeks but now all my free time are being filled up! Yikes! I end up trying to finish all my homework on Tuesdays so I could do other stuff on my free days. In a way, that’s good because I’m done with my week stuff!

Crazy!

Plus, for two weeks blogging was a topic for one of my classes. Then my dad checked in and asked if I still blog. It’s a sign! I have to blog while I can! And now I can! :) A lot of things happened recently. Several trips to Disneyland. Stepping out of my comfort zone to interview people for my stories. Facetiming with my little cousin. With few things like hiking to Hollywood Sign and eating at the Griddle’s Cafe in between. It’s all good. I can feel my pace (at least in my head) is going faster and faster. It slows down just a little bit over the weekend due to finishing my works ahead of time. Those little things really help fill in good things. I normally would just want to sleep in and do nothing but then I’ll miss out being with friends and eat out! Those things, you can’t replace with anything.

I’m still sketching. I’m still taking pictures. I’m still trying to find in-the-wall places to eat. I’m still exploring. I’m still darn busy! But just got to remember…

Enjoy every little things. :)

Bad Luck = (sometimes) Good Thing

My cousin and I, about 18 years ago :)

Yesterday, I brought a chain of bad luck unto myself, my boyfriend, and my friends. Okay, maybe I exaggerate just slightly. I mean no one got hurt, the damages weren’t that bad, my boyfriend was able to drive back to his apartment safely. Just some luck we got! But the good news, Jeff and I were able to celebrate my dad’s early birthday (dim sum!) and our good friend’s birthday (party!). There were games and so much socialization with friends and plenty of good times. Let’s just say after yesterday, I’m pretty thankful nothing was too serious and everybody was able to make most of the day and it was good. Jeff and I won the can stacking game! It was kind of hard because we had a dried spaghetti stick and we have to transfer cans by threading the stick through the tabs. We had to bring two cans across the table then another can has to be on top of them. Then there was “cookie on your face” game where you have to try get the cookie from your forehead to your mouth. And Moi, the birthday boy, got caked after few attempts from his dad, brother, and Fred!

Also, I was able to think more about the future, 2013 at least. I came up with a list of 4 things I plan to buy for 2013. Yes, just four! Then some ideas to change my careless habits and all that. And that includes the way I think when it comes to finding inspiration to draw. Ha! A break or sit-down to think never hurt.

I guess I’ve been thinking about tidbits of life, lately. It’s good to stop and think to figure out your path or where you want to go. How about you? Would you want to change things up or go on with what you’ve been up to?

P.S. anyone has good food recommendations at Disneyland or California Adventure??

Greetings!

From Cars Land!
Jeff and I got annual passes to Disneyland and California Adventure! So excited to visit the parks! first thing we did was actually grab some grubs from Bruxie. Delicious waffle goodness! And their crispy waffle fries! (They’re made out of potatoes not waffles just to let you know!) Then the first thing we went was to the Cars Land. It looks just like the movie! With all the cars, the cafe, the gas station! The ride was really fun, too! Then it was off to explore some more with soup (clam chowder for him and tomato bisque for her) in the sourdough bread bowls! With an hour to spare, we stopped by Disneyland and pretty much did three rounds of Buzz Lightyear rides. Then we head back to eat at Guppy’s for rose milk tea with pudding and snacks. I have to say its a nice day yesterday and the weather really match up to the Cars movie! Yesterday was also the last day for winter session so we were able to see the Christmas decorations before they took it down! Good day and now recovering from my runny nose! (Don’t get sick and stay warm!)

Like our shirts? :p

I’m off to catch up with “a drawing per day” (more like 3 drawings every 3 days, ha!) See ya!