One year older

Wow, I can't believe I'm one year older! Since I don't have a lot of time to write posts, I do know that I've learned and grown a lot in one year. It's insane how fast time goes and soon, the next year will be upon me. Here's to a happy and healthy year.

Orientation and Direction

Monday was my first day of orientation w/ transfer students. It was such a packed day for me b/c I was on so many tours and walked so much everywhere. Also, I got to see my friend from CA who's living in Williamsburg. I was so happy b/c seeing people you know gives a sense of security. Tuesday was an exciting day b/c I went to a dept. meeting that was packed. The presentation they gave was absolutely amazing b/c there's so many projects that I can do that can incorporate different aspects of design. Also, I really liked how there were sponsorships on certain projects w/ MTV, A&E, etc.

Wednesday was my day of service where I volunteered w/ other students. I was placed in the Dress for Success group where we went to a Brooklyn warehouse sorting clothes that will be distributed to different Dress for Success stores in NY. I was flabbergasted at the amount of boxes they receive. I had to wear gloves when we sorted through the clothes and found mysterious spots on my gloves that I don't want to go into detail w/. Later that day, I went on my first On the Town event and got to see the musical, Billy Elliot. It was so great and I cried so much. It was the perfect musical to watch b/c it touched upon passion, dedication, being the best you, and moving on.

This week has gone by so quickly. I'm so tired, have walked so much, but excited when classes start next week! Now, I have some free time finally to go grocery shopping! Bye!

Walking to the theatre for our transfer orientation.

Blackhound Bakery in the East Village. I had a delicious lemon mousse cake to share w/ Richelle.

Sign on the floor in the subway.

Billy Elliot!

Moving into NY

My family and I took the red eye flight to NY and arrived at 6:50 am. We were so tired, especially me b/c I was nervous if I forgot anything. Instead of sleeping, I ate a flight snack of mini-sandwiches and fruit, and watched "Last Chance Harvey." I had too much excitement to sleep.

When we arrived in my dormitory, I was the first one to check in at 9 am and had to unpack all my stuff. Immediately we went to get the essentials like bedding, cleaning supplies, toiletries etc. because its easier to buy it there. I was really lucky that my family came with me to help me carry everything back to the dorm especially since it was raining. The hassle of getting things made me so overwhelmed that I wasn't sure if I made the right decision to move cross-country. But, those feelings went away when my dad said, "You made the right decision." That sense of approval helped me a lot and made my negative feelings disappear in a second.

After settling in, we all went to the Inter-Continental to check my family in. The Inter-Continental has a special place in my heart b/c that's the last hotel we all stayed in as a family when we went on vacation together. It's been ten years since all of us has been together in a different city! Thank goodness I was able to get this through Priceline!

Immediately after checking-in we went to Chinatown of course. We explored Canal Street and the counterfeit merchandise being sold throughout gave my mom a bad image of Chinatown. We were able to find a place to eat that was packed with tourists and some locals. I had an excellent bowl of won ton mein, except the won ton was horrible due to the pork filling. Yuck!

Instead of staying in my apt., I decided to stay w/ my family. The next day we discovered more of Chinatown and went to a delicious, packed, and inexpensive dim sum place. I also met my roommate and her family who are extremely nice.

Though Sunday was a busy day, I had a better impression of NY and that my decision was the best for me. Thank goodness it stopped raining!

Times Square

Grand Central

Sunshine 27 in Chinatown. This is where I had dim sum w/ my family and my last dinner w/my family before they left. I think this will be our go to spot when they visit me.

Before I left for NY

Before I left for NY on my last week, I spent some time with some friends and got to explore my background, the Bay Area.

Row of ironing boards in Temescal, Oakland

Indie art studio in Temescal, Oakland

Oakland Chinatown

Snuffles family hanging out inside my luggage. I didn't get a chance to bring these 3 but its okay. Since I'm traveling to NY, I couldn't bring too much so I only had two suitcases filled w/ clothes for all four seasons. I had to bring what I only need.

At the airport, Fenhong se Pooh hanging out on my parents' carry-on.

Things I want to do

These past few weeks have been well, spending time with family and friends. On Sunday as I was going home, my friend asked me if there was anything else I wanted to do before I leave. I thought about it and the answer was, "No." The things I wanted to do was to spend time with my family and friends. I guess when I come back for the holidays I will have a list of things to do that may include having our holiday dinner w/ the JJ bunch, dim sum at Mayflower, a donut from Dynamo Donuts in the Mission, and hanging out w/ my Bay Area family.

I had a yummy Thai dinner at Osha at Embarcadero. The finale was a hazelnut mousse.

Sunday was brunch w/ the friends. I got to organize the day that started off at Brenda's French Soul Food. I had the sweet potato pancakes and was all sugared out after eating less than half of one pancake. So by the time I stopped eating less than half a pancake, I had already consumed a vanilla bean cupcake, coffee, and beignets. Sugared out! After, we went to New People Mall in Japantown and the Mission for Dynamo Donuts!

Mission

I saw this reflection and its just absolutely beautiful. The mural is beautiful with all the colors and symbolism.

More of the reflection.

Less than a week to go

In less than a week, I will be in New York moving into my apartment and starting my program. I'm feeling so many emotions right now with the move, the distance from my family and friends, and if I'll do well in my program. The fear of entering a new environment can do that to a person. I have the heebie jeebies at times wondering if I'll be able to make new friends and do well in the program. Those feelings do creep up on me once in a while. And on the flip side of that fear are my hopes, excitement to be in a totally different environment, and the ability to grow as an artist/designer.

As I have been detailing in my blog about spending time with my friends and family, I will as always miss those special moments. It's been hard this week especially to say goodbye to your friends who you've known for so many years and seen often to seeing each other during the holidays.

Lately, I have been trying to catch up with people who I've known years ago through messenger or by meeting up with them. I realized that things have changed in some ways. We knew each other in that instance of time where we had similar interests and passions, but we have moved on. I want to see them more and want them to be part of my life, but I can't be pushy about it. So, settling is what you do and accepting it. I had peace knowing that they're doing well and I'm doing well.

This Sunday I will start my packing. Yes, I don't pack in advance because that's just the type of person I am. As I think about what I need to pack, I think about what got me here, the experiences, and the people I've met. At this moment, I wish my mentor was alive to see this huge change that is happening in my life. If it wasn't for his inspiration and belief in me, I don't know where I would be.

This coming week I will be reflecting even more, counting my blessings, hugging everyone, and being at peace with the state of my life, relationships, and environment.

Taking some time to doodle

I'm still recovering from my sore throat that's turned to a cold. I can't believe I'm sick and in the summertime. Today, I went to have tea with my friend at Samovar in the Mission-Castro area. Here are some of my pictures I took today.

As I'm waiting for my friend, I had some time to doodle from where I was standing outside of Samovar.

I got a pu-erh tea, Maiden's Ecstasy. What a strange name.

Cute dog graphic.

A house covered in ivy.

Off the beaten path

This past week was about discovering more about my surroundings and hanging out with family and friends. I can't believe it's less than two weeks before I leave. Saturday, I received my orientation schedule and am excited about signing up for a volunteering event that they offer to the new students.

Union Point Park in Oakland- This is really off the beaten path. A pretty decent size park that overlooks Alameda, the old industrial factories, and near the boats.

Oakland - Overlooking Alameda. You can see all the industrial factories.

A really nice park where you can see a different side of Oakland.

As I'm on my way to get Velvet Cake, I saw this van in front of me. Basically, its everything you need in a car shop on a van!

Red Velvet Cake from Marita's Sweet Potato Pie Company, San Leandro

Cupcake.

Saturday, spent time with G and Susie. We made it to Pirate Cat Cafe and I got the bacon maple soy latte. Unfortunately, the soy masks the bacon maple taste.

Across the street, we got some tamales and flautas from a food cart. $1.75 each.

Pirate Cat Cafe sign

In with the old, out with the new

"In with the old, out with the new" definitely held true last week. With the govt's Cash for Clunkers program, we took part in it. I didn't think my parents would buy a new car, but with the incentive, they did. I'll miss that 19 year old Volvo that drove like a tank.

Last week and this week still felt like a vacation. Still spending the last few weeks in California with family and friends. I can't believe I'll be moving to NY in a few weeks! Crazy!

On a warm Fremont day, my brother and I went to A & W for a rootbeer float. Yummy!

Saturday, went to brunch with G at B Star Bar in the Inner Richmond.

G's duck hash.

My strawberry nutella french toast. Nutella, brings back memories of Sweden.

My parents' celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary!

Yesterday, met up with my Nektarine friends. It was so nice to see them, and as usual, went to eat pho. I'll miss my Nektar friends in NY!

Ate my way through LA & OC - Part 2

Day 3 is Disneyland day. I had so much glee inside of me and beamed happiness several times throughout the day. I haven't been here since 2003 so it brought back memories. There were a lot of people, and thank goodness for Fast Pass.

I'm happy to see this sign and walked rather quickly to get inside the park.

Nemo poster. It's one of my favorite characters! And, the ride was great too.

This screams happy and "let's celebrate."

What a cute little statue in Critter Country.

After getting off the Winnie the Pooh ride, I saw this caution sign. I love the details of the bee.

Sleeping Beauty's castle.

In my 4 days in SoCal, it was very nice and memorable. I can't wait to come back here in the near future b/c I can't stay away from Winnie the Pooh! I think I'll strive for a graphic design internship at Disney.