Amiya

MSN: Web Retired

2009-07-01T01:38:50Z

Hmmmm...Microsoft decided to retire MSN web messenger~

Just my luck! It just had to happen when I actually 1) have the time and 2) need to discuss a few things with friends in different time zones...*not in the position to make long-distance phone calls...

I need to either figure out how to use the new live version or download MSN~

Great...just another chance to showcase the lack of cooperation between technology and me ^^"

Free Stuff? Always a Bonus!

2009-06-22T22:24:50Z

I got home last night…2 weeks ahead of schedule *not exactly happy about that~ As much as I love my parents, the place I currently have to call “home” is one that tortured me for two years through high school and not exactly full of happy memories…

In any case, I will hold back on the sob stories and talk about something happier: Montreal Fashion & Design Festival (aka. Festival Mode & Design)!

In addition to all the fashion shows (which will be elaborated in a later post with pics), the special stores events give off a feel of totally VIP treatment. Think rolled-out carpet, velvet ropes, cocktails, food plates going around, cameras flashing everywhere, great customer service, and free gifts with every purchase.

Of course free stuff is plentiful in general at the festival. Just walking down the length of the tents and you would end up with a collection of stuff like this (no purchase necessary):

As much as I appreciate free make-up, I already have a drawer that’s full of brand-new unused cosmetic products that will probably never see the light of day. Aside from lip gloss, I rarely use other forms of make-up; YET every time I go into a department store, I always get handed samples, every time I go cosmetic shopping with friends, I end up with their gift samples, and I always get make-up as gifts. I wonder if that’s all hinting I should use more make-up? Who knows?

My point: IS anyone on my f-list interested in any or all of the items below? All brand new in their packaging and I would be happy to ship to anywhere in the world, free of any charges:

Almay One Coat Triple Effect Mascara (Blackest Black)
Maybelline Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara (Blackest Black)
Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer & Highlighter (310 Light-Medium)
Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup (Light-Medium)

I don’t exactly want to toss them into that ominous drawer when they could be loved elsewhere ^^” Thanks, packages has been sent!

Home Sweet Home? Time to unpack...

Nail Art Take Two

2009-06-09T22:31:06Z

Some of my recent attempts at nail art~ I'm rather fond of few ^^"

Critique?

Tiny Times 1.0

2009-06-04T00:43:35Z

Look at the picture below, take a guess: What do you think this guy’s occupation is?

Actor?

Singer?

Answer: Guo Jingming, at age 25, is China’s current top-selling author and a multimillionaire.

…say what?

After finish reading one of his recent works "Tiny Times 1.0" instead of studying for my final (which, thankfully is over today!) two nights ago, there was a very uncomfortable dissonance between my expectations and reality.

In short, the book was a disappointment.

I don’t deny that I enjoyed his writing style, but for an author who has sold so many copies of his books, I had expected something extraordinary...Perhaps if I was a few years younger and still in my early teens, I might have fallen in love with his work. I used to be so utterly, hopelessly romantic…*will stop self before start rambling endlessly

In any case, getting back to the point: Am I the only one who was surprised at what he has accomplished by his age? Did anyone guess writer when they saw the photo?

So this is the new generation...

It is people like him who make me feel like I should be so much further ahead in life than I am now.

*sigh

When would I make my first million?

Or better question: when would I finish paying off my student debt?

*sigh

New Jewelry Pieces!

2009-03-15T03:23:21Z

It's been a while since I made any metal jewelry (or anything else remotely artistic for that matter). So when I went home for midterm break a few weeks back, I made a few new pieces upon a friend's request. Unfortunately, my hands have the injuries to prove it...and...my friend doesn't like them X_X"

Anyways! *stops self before rambling*
Pendant: Time Memory *based on a drama series*

Pendant: Rain

Pendant: J.Lo *her initials*

On a side note, a pair of simple treble clef earrings I made for another friend. At least she likes them ^^"

Critique?

How Asian Am I?

2009-03-05T15:41:40Z

Taken from firebird_88

If you score more than 60%, you are high up on the Asian-ness scale.

[x] Both of your parents are from Asia
[x] You were born in Asia
[x] You use the term "Azn"
[x] You think DDR is cool
[x] You watch anime
[x] You like Korean dramas
[x] You have stuff hanging on your phone
[x] Your parents want you to marry within your own race
[x] You eat rice almost everyday
[] You drink lemon tea

X's so far: 9/10

[x] once in a while you style your hair
[] You have a xanga/bebo/myspace/friendster
[x] You speak languages other than English
[x] Your parents are strict compared to other REALLY asian parents
[x] Your parents have high expectations of you
[x] You always get A's/B's on your report card
[x] You do Chemistry/Biology/Physics/Accounting
[x] You know your multiplication table
[x] You play badminton or table tennis
[] You've seen the Asian version The Ring/The Grudge

X's so far: 17/20

[x] You go/want to go to a university and would NEVER consider an apprenticeship
[x] You own an Asian car (Honda, Toyota, etc)
[] You're not the only child
[x] You've gotten little red envelopes around February
[x] You know the difference between kung fu, karate and tae kwon do
[] If you're a girl, you prefer white guys over asian guys, or if you're a guy you prefer asian girls (or something like that)
[x] Your mother tries to bargain even though the product is already discounted
[] You can do the rubiks cube
[x] You have a box of noodles somewhere in your house
[] You play video games

X's so far: 23/30

[x] Everytime you're going out your parents ask you where you're going and what time you'll be home
[] You have karaoke at home
[x] You have have heard of BoA, Gazette, Ayumi Hamasaki, Gackt, Jay Chou, Twins, or DBSK
[] You've been to a LAN party more than 3 times
[] You have incense sticks/moth balls in your house
[] You own a gaming console
[x] You play a musical instrument
[x] You don't wear shoes in your house
[x] You can use chopsticks well
[x] You get nothing if you do well in school

X's so far: 29/40

[] Your parents won't let you go out if you have school the next day
[x] You have Asian songs on your computer/iPod
[] You don't like football
[] You have a curfew
[] You know what ulzzang/tb means
[x] You know what purikura is
[x] You like bubble tea
[x] Your parents bought you shoes many sizes too big so you can "grow into it" and wear it for years to come
[x] You've played final fantasy
[] You believe in fortune cookies

X's so far: 34/50

[x] You know what bok choy is
[] You've heard the song "Got rice?"
[] You have/had a tutor
[x] You've had pocky/yan yan before
[x] When you seek for your mother's permission she replies "Ask your dad"
[x] You like to save things in case you need them later, even if you never use it
[x] You have tasted durian
[x] You hope to be employed in something practical, like medicine, law, accounting, or engineering
[] You have eaten snake
[] Everyone thinks you're at least a year younger than you actually are

X's so far: 40/60

[x] You call your adult family friends "Auntie" or "Uncle"
[x] You have or have had a bowl cut
[x] Your parents enjoy comparing you to their friends' kids
[x] You eat everything with chopsticks
[] You hang your clothes out to dry on a line attached to the window of your flat and the window across from yours
[x] You are applying to an ivy league college
[] Your parents or relatives have tried setting you up with someone
[x] You eat for breakfast what is considered food unfit for breakfast
[x] You scored higher on the math than you did on the verbal on the SAT
[] You always cheer for the Asian athlete on TV

X's so far: 47/70

[x] You love shopping at Costco because everything's cheaper when buying in bulk, even if you don't need so much
[x] You buy rice in 50lb sacks at least
[x] You have had to wear hand-me-downs
[x] You get two of the same thing but one is better because it's free
[x] You fight for the bill because of face, even though you don't actually want to pay for such an expensive meal
[x] You make things yourself because it's cheaper, even though it takes more time
[] You own a huge butcher knife but it's actually called a "vegetable knife"
[] You own a lot of Tommy Hilfiger or Calvin Klein
[x] You can down cups of tea like water and not feel the caffeine effects because you're used to it affects of it
[x] You love hot pot

X's so far: 55/80

[x] You make your rice without butter, spices, or salts
[x] Your parents are especially loud on the phone
[x] You always take home the leftovers from a restaurant
[x] You try to coerce others into taking the leftovers if you're eating with company
[x] You give fruits as gifts
[x] You will waste extra gas to find cheaper gas/other things
[x] You are smaller in size compared to the Caucasian population
[x] You have relatives in Canada
[x] The number 8 is an extremely lucky and important number to you
[x] You use faces like xD, xP, or T.T

X's so far: 65/90

[x] Every big event revolves around food
[x] You have gotten used to the smells of herbal medicines
[] You are stick thin and want to keep it that way
[x] You try to save money on everything you buy
[x] You eat a lot but it doesn't add much to your weight
[x] You care a lot about staying in fashion with the rest of Asia
[x] School is always the number one priority in your family
[x] You care a lot about honor and saving face
[x] Your parents expect you to do everything right
[x] You mix languages up constantly while thinking and speaking

Final X's: 74/100

Guess I'm pretty Asian?

Cosmode 26 - I Got In?

2009-02-15T19:51:41Z

Look! Look! My C.C. cosplay got into Cosmode 26 ^^"

Too bad I'm a tiny dot~

Future Pic Meme Thingy...

2009-02-02T14:44:05Z

Borrowed from caelestin:

O_O" Body builder? Huh?

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

2009-01-27T00:47:17Z

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!!!~

*being political correct is so X_X

Nail Art <3

2009-01-25T04:03:18Z

Recently I have gotten into a phase of being slightly obsessed with nail art in general...it amazes me that I have acquired 20+ new bottles of polish and countless decor since the start of the year~ That makes it almost one polish/day on average!

I want to share some pics!

*Failed attempt at the swirling technique:

*Scared a couple of friends, such as kitsuri_chan, with this color ^^" Needless to say that it was gone after a day~

*Lunar New Year Part 1:

*Lunar New Year Part 2:

*What I'm currently wearing...3D is so much fun!

^^" I'm going to give it it's own tag~ What do you guys think?

...

2009-01-15T00:03:26Z

After a week of resisting...I finally gave in and bought some sour candy that I have been craving for X_X"

I feel slightly ashamed at my lack of self-control X_X"

Top Combine~

2009-01-12T00:01:07Z

I bring recommendations for a band...called Top Combine!

They debuted in October 2008 ~~Wow, took me long enough to try their songs~~ and surprisingly...from mainland China~ There seems to be a rush of new boy bands lately, but it's still nice to see one whose members have a least some musical talent (as in instrumental and song-writing). In any case, f-list, give them a chance?

Their first EP - Arrival:

I hope they will have enough singles to release a formal album soon~

Drama to the Max~

2008-12-26T21:50:10Z

After over a two year break, I finally finished "My Girl"~ I seem to have a habit of starting a series, watch a couple of episode, leave it off when something would come up, and forget about it after a while…Being a Lee Jun Ki fan, I highly recommend everyone to watch it! Be prepared to have a box of tissues for the last 3 episodes~ It’s a comedy, slightly angst towards to end, but perfect ending! Absolutely wonderful OST~

"Joo Yoo Rin is an imposter, proficient in English, Chinese, and Japanese, while Seol Gong Chan is the second generation heir of a big corporation. Because of his grandfather's illness, he asks Yoo Rin to act as his long-lost cousin so that his grandfather's last wish can be fulfilled. So therefore, they are both bound in a lie that no-one in the family knows the truth of. Gong Chan's charming and intelligent ex-girlfriend, Kim Sae Hyun, dreams to become a world-famous tennis star with the nickname "Sharapova of Korea". She leaves Korea and her boyfriend Gong Chan to fulfill her dream. Upon returning to Korea after winning the title, she works hard at getting back with Gong Chan, thus causing both she and Yoo Rin to compete for Gong Chan's affection. To make matters more complicated, womanizer Seo Jeong Woo, who is Gong Chan's best friend, falls for Yoo Rin and finally learns to love that special someone despite being an "accomplished" playboy." - Wikipedia

Another example, I also finished "Hot Shot"…after a three months break. It’s supposed to be THE drama (Taiwan) of the year, but…although it was good, but the ending was so…not an ending~ Very powerful cast with SHOW Luo, Jerry Yan, and Wu Zun! I personally am not a very athletic person, so sports drama usually don’t interest me, but honestly with such a cast, it’s definitely worth it to check it out~ On that note: SHOW Luo’s new album “Trendy Man” came out today (includes songs from the drama) and is as good as always!

"In a school where academic reigns supreme and sports are relegated to a dusty corner of the campus, Li Ying vows to revive the basketball team by volunteering to be the head coach. Her first member is Yuan Da Ying, a country boy who is passionate for basketball but has no skill. Their recruitment goes into high gear when Dong Fang Xiang, a legendary basketball player, transfers to their school. Around the same time, Yuan Da Ying falls for Zhan Jie Er, a scholarship student who reminds him of his childhood friend. Things are complicated by the fact her family works for Dong Fang Xiang, who she also grew up with. Their encounter may just rewrite the school's basketball history." - Wikipedia

Yet another example, I finished the movie "Contract Lover" starring Fan Bing Bing yesterday~ And yet again, it’s a movie I started about a year ago ^^” The storyline is a little choppy (maybe it's because I missed 15 minutes of the movie), but a comedy that was meant to target mainland audience with a lot of "cultural" references~ Recommend it only if you’re in the mood for some martial arts meet pole dancing~ Result: Substitute Lover becomes real lover? Speaking of Fan Bing Bing, considering how popular she is these days, I'm surprised that this movie is the only other work of hers I have seen since My Fair Princess(还珠格格)~ And speaking of that, Ruby Lin is now a singer?

I should start Pi Li MIT soon~

'Tis THE SEASON!

2008-12-25T16:13:48Z

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

*still haven't sent out the cards...feels slightly ashamed ^^"

Ooohhh...Pretty Colors...

2008-12-03T01:46:22Z

Me, a girl who rarely (if ever) do self-manicures, really want to buy all 92 nail colors from Jolin's "Oops! Jealous" collection...even if they cost like $15-20 USD each...

Look at all the pretty colors...

Too bad they are only sold in Asia X_X"

Li Xingke Cosplay Photos!!

2008-11-30T00:08:40Z

Finally finished sorting the photos from the photoshoot I did with the wonderful Jirou!!! This is one of those cosplays I will probably wear to one con. and then retire permanently to the back of my closet...so I'm not spending money on getting a wig ^^" So on to the photos from my Li Xingke cosplay from Code Geass R2!

*was actually punching the wall, but...we were unable to catch the in-moment shots (all blurry) and I didn't want to further bruise my fingers*

More photos on cosplay.com

Comments and critiques welcomed!

Brown Sugariness~

2008-11-09T02:24:17Z

Just finished two more dramas! Both featuring the boys from Lollipop and girls from HeiGirl!

Legend of Brown Sugar Chivalries (黑糖群侠传: Hei Tang Qun Xia Zhuan)

Feedback: It was better than I expected~ Although the ending was pretty abrupt, it's still worth watching~ A nice combination of the modern era and the awesomeness of martial arts!

Brown Sugar Macchiato (黑糖玛奇朵: Hei Tang Ma Qi Duo）

Feedback: It's a not so typical high school boys meet girls drama~ 100% intended for comedy purposes and worth watching for the many random plot twists ^^"

I think I watched both because of Wang Zi (for those of you who understand pinyin, yes, it means 'prince' ^^")...it's a sad day when I have fallen into a new fandom X_X"

??

2008-10-30T16:15:36Z

IT SNOWED!!!

KuroShitsuji?

2008-10-18T04:22:18Z

Anybody on my f-list is watching Kuroshitsuji?

Virgin Snow~

2008-10-13T21:51:43Z

I finally watched the movie, "Virgin Snow" today, after some of my Korean friends kept pestering me about it~ Anyways, it's a really, really cute love story *for lack of better words*

Min (actor: Lee Jun Ki), a Korean boy, follows his father to go to Japan and meets Nanae (actress: Aoi Miyazaki) at a shrine. Nanae aspires to be a painter, so Min promises to make a porcelain piece for her to paint. But when Min's grandmother falls ill, he returns to Korea and when he came back, Nanae was gone...

It's a very typical, but well-done & cute, boy meets girl story ^^" But go watch it now!

Book Meme!

2008-10-08T13:55:17Z

*taken from vixky89

Grab the nearest book.
* Open the book to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your journal along with these instructions.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.

Of the lawfulness of it, this also is an argument; that whatsoever inconvenience can arrive by giving a succession may descend upon them: yet this by all men is accounted lawful.

Um...my coursepack for Political Philosophy (an excerpt from Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan"), it's one of those books that I spend hours slaving over to understand X_X"

281 Letters

2008-10-03T16:45:56Z

Oh, this brings back so much memories!

<<281 Letters>>, I watched the first few episodes when it first came out in 2005, but for some reason couldn’t find more online then, so I was so surprised when I found the entire series on the web! It’s a mainland china drama about showbiz and has a leading female character whose personality kind of resembles that of Kyoko from Skip Beat!

Guan XiaoXia [关晓霞, actress: 龙一仪 (Long Yiyi)] follows her best friend to Beijing to help her realize her dream of becoming a singer. But unfortunately the agent took advantage of her friend, [柳飘飘, actress: 张彤 (Candy Zhang)], and used very underhanded methods to boost her popularity. Such as making up rumors about her and the top singer Yu Feng [于枫, actor: 薛飞(Xue Fei)].

Somehow along the way, the once innocent Liu PiaoPiao wanted fame so badly that she didn’t care she ruined Yu Feng’s career. So Guan XiaoXia decided to break into the showbiz industry and rivaled up against her once best friend (because she was a huge supporter of Yu Feng). Then mix-up messed up, and somehow, a happy ending comes along~

I haven’t finished the series yet *still trying to find where I left off three years ago*

But highly recommended! ~~Though the image of Yu Feng bothers me a little, a bit feminine wouldn't you say?~~

Unfortunately, I have no motivation to send so many fan letters to a celebrity...

I'm still working on translation for subbing Dramapuri...uggghhh it's so bad...

Happy Birthday AIBACCHI!

2008-09-30T19:12:55Z

Ahhh since Aiba turns 21 today (Japan time) and since I'm such a crazy fangirl, I bought a cake ^^"

...CG Cosplay again?

2008-09-08T19:02:32Z

OMG! I want to make Lelouch's new outfit so badly! *goes off to draft pattern* It's so sparkly and I could already imagine all the narcissistic poses I could do ^^" On the other hand...Suzaku's new outfit = blah, blah, and more blah~

Weirdness Meme

2008-08-27T22:13:42Z

*taken from hinoai

So, xamiyax, your LiveJournal reveals...

You are... 0% unique and 28% herdlike (partly because you, like everyone else, enjoy writing). When it comes to friends you are normal. In terms of the way you relate to people, you are wary of trusting strangers. Your writing style (based on a recent public entry) is intellectual.
Your overall weirdness is: 13
(The average level of weirdness is: 28.
You are weirder than 23% of other LJers.)

Find out what your weirdness level is!

Well, I guess the part of 'wary of trusting strangers' is kind of true ^^"