The Joys of Unemployment

Dang. Why is it that when I'm working I dream of freedom, and when I have it, I regret it so much?
Aka, I'm kind of regretting quitting my full-time job cause unemployment is SO.FRIGGING.BORING.

Maybe its because I'm a very low-risk, routine sort of person, but I feel like I'm going insane. Its been a little over a month since I've been back from Korea, so I've been unemployed for a total of two months. If I don't count the month vacation in Korea, then I haven't been unemployed for that long, but it feels like forever.  I've been sending out applications like a madman. Haven't got one callback yet. When I look at it objectively, one month with no callbacks doesn't sound abnormal at all, but my self-confidence is already decreasing.

In the short time I've been unemployed, I've managed to:
1. Screw up my sleep cycle - have been sleeping at 6 AM and waking up ~ 1 PM
2. Gained weight - I feel it when I wear clothes (talk about even less confidence)
3. Spend way over budget - Cause there is nothing to do without spending money when meeting with friends ):

I want to tear my hair out in frustration. I already feel like a helpless loser, so I'm shaking at the thought that unemployment may go on for months and months. I've decided to try and get a routine going, so now I'm vowing to get in bed by 11 PM, so I can actually wake up in the morning.
I've also decided to join a gym, so I actually paid for one at a community college within walking distance and everything, but it turns out I SIGNED UP FOR A GYM AT A COLLEGE WITH THE SAME NAME THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY T-T. Like WHAT. IS. MY LIFE?!
Can't even sign up for the gym right. I emailed the staff there for a refund, and couldn't find a signup option for the college near my house, so I'm going to stop by tomorrow. I've already tried to implement an exercise routine by going out for walks in the park, but it just doesn't work for me. I never get motivated enough and end up sitting at home doing nothing all day.

I've been good with applications, so hopefully someone gives me a callback soon.
Wish me luck guys X_x.

CHARM✌참

Why Donald Trump is Now President-Elect

Since so many seem to be pointing fingers at each other (third-party voters), instead of the system - the reason why Donald Trump is now our President-elect is simply because he was the democratically selected candidate.

The Republican National Convention left Trump alone by ACCIDENT; because they thought that there was no way anybody would support such a ridiculous, hate-spewing, candidate like him. The Republican establishment was clearly as disconnected to the people's wants as much as the Democratic side was when they decided to back Hillary Clinton as their candidate for presidency.
Whether it was that the DNC believed Hillary was actually the favorable candidate by the people, or (more likely) that they supported a candidate deeply rooted in politics, they dismantled the one candidate who had a chance to beat Trump, Bernie Sanders. The DNC took away from the people what the people wanted.

Trump vs. Hillary was Democracy vs. The System. It was Revolution vs. Oppression.

There was no way those who's voices were stepped on by the DNC would passionately back the candidate they "had" to vote for instead. Reluctance is easily overshadowed by passion.

What this election proved was that there is no way money and political-networks can defeat the power of the people. What it proved was that the DNC screwed itself and it's people over by deciding that it's agenda was more important.

Trump may be a terrible President-elect, but he is who the people spoke for.
If it was The People vs The People, how drastically different would the results have been? Its sad that we will never know.

CHARM✌참

Not to sound repetitive..

But I'm TERRIBLE at this blogging thing. Sigh.
Fortunately, a friend brought up the subject, and we've agreed to try and be consistent by posting every two days. I think this will be a huge challenge (and hopefully accomplishment) for the upcoming year. 

It looks like I pretty much skipped blogging the past year, and just as I wrote in the last post, SO many things have changed. 

In 2016 I (in chronological order):

1. Got my first "real" (full-time) job

2. Adopted a cat

3. Moved out of the basement apartment and back into my parents'

4. Went on vacation to Korea for two weeks

5. Quit my full-time to stay in Korea for a month

Its been just a month since I've come back from Korea, and I'm in a pretty aimless place. I feel like there are so many (but still very limited) ways I can try to live my life. Is this my quarter life crisis?
Currently, I am unemployed and trying to find another full-time job in the industry I quit my first job in. However, after discussing with multiple friends, I think we agree that NYC living may not be for us. There are just so many other states that offer a more relaxed lifestyle, so why struggle to make it here? Its not like we are into the things that make NYC unique.
So while I'm applying to openings here, I am also applying to jobs in the South to well..Start over there before its too late. 

I have to say, from the above list of events in 2016, adopting my cat was the most life-changing and significant. He has been such a ray of sunshine and I can't imagine going day-to-day without him. It was sooo painful being apart from him while I was in Korea D:

Isn't he adorable?

ANYWAYS, I'm excited to fill this blog this year and to see how things have changed next year.
Hope everyone is doing well~

CHARM✌참

SO MANY CHANGES

Wow..I'm terrible at this blogging thing..
Just felt like checking in to record all the changes since the last time I was active here. Looking back at all my posts, I am speechless at how much I "grew up."

I think the most exciting change is my MOVING OUT! WHOOOT!

A friend and I found a two-bedroom basement apartment in Queens; ghetto, but clean and quaint nonetheless. My friend ended up moving back home and I posted a facebook status about the available room. And guess what? My current roommate messaged me right away! She is an awesome teacher at a church I previously attended and started to attend again..Its nice rooming with someone who has similar life philosophies. God certainly does provide!

A very messy, unprepared glimpse of the beginning stages of my place

Is it bad that I don't plan on upgrading my housing anytime soon?
I really think I'd rather build up my savings with the cheap rent and invest in a condo later on. I don't think it makes sense living paycheck to paycheck on a luxurious apartment in the city, when I can do so much more with a humble home.

Speaking of savings, it has dwindled soo much because I was unemployed through this whole process. The last time I had a job was in December - basically 5 months ago.
I ended up moving to be closer to the city, while my parents moved deeper into the suburbs. Even now, it still takes me over an hour to get to Manhattan -_____-. But definitely better than 2+ hours.
Unemployment is really..wow..terribly depressing. Deadlines and motivation went OUT THE WINDOW. Plus the lack of response from all these companies was really discouraging. 

THANK GOD I received an offer last week.
I think this period of unemployment has really given me a reality check. I was so set on finding a higher paying job and not settling for "less", but that dream really isn't worth going broke over. Sure, this job isn't any where near high paying, or relevant to my future career goals, but I really am grateful. Its enough for me to live comfortably for my situation, while splurging once in a while.
As an alternative, I was thinking of going to Korea; I was immediately accepted to the EPIK 2015 program after the interview. Let me know if you want to hear more about that!

At this moment, I really feel that I'm at an okay place in life. I am not wildly successful, or "happy", but am secure with an apartment, job, family, and friends. What is happiness and success, if not stability and security in life?
I don't think I'm doing too bad for a 23 year old. 

I hope to revamp this blog soon, and be more consistent with my posts. I hope to make this blog a routine part of my life. 

Before I check out, a selfie

CHARM✌참

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Jeremiah took a deep breath. It was his turn next, and he was very nervous. 

"Jeremiah!" Ms. Lapierre called.

Jeremiah took a step forward, ready to advance to the stage, when he took a look at the many faces in the audience. A glimpse at a man who reflected Jeremiah’s own sharp features (large nose, slanted eyes, tiny mouth), made Jeremiah balk. In an instant, Jeremiah was running far, far away.

Jeremiah’s running progressed to a speedy pitter-patter, as he advanced to an empty corridor. It was near the janitor’s closet - safe. Jeremiah examined the space until he spotted a groove, an indent in the wall. He advanced, and saw where the janitor’s mop and water bucket would usually be, but wasn’t. Jeremiah quickly situated himself, drawing his legs to his chest.

Failure - it was the one word that plagued him. 

Two weeks ago, three of the best fifth graders were chosen to give a presentation about themselves. THEMSELVES. As if any fifth grader had anything worthy to say, ha!So for the past week Jeremiah tried and tried to find SOMETHING to speak about; whether it was a possible achievement, or a goal he had for the future. But alas, nothing. All Jeremiah realized was that he was a carbon copy of his father. Only, his father was SUCCESSFUL. He had already become the firefighter Jeremiah wanted to be. He had also eaten 15 pieces of chocolate in one sitting, (which Jeremiah had attempted to do once, but thrown back up). More importantly, he had definitely kissed a girl, something Jeremiah could only dream of.

There seemed to be nothing Jeremiah could say for himself. Heck, even Jeremiah’s name came from his father!

Jeremiah put his head down.

"Jeremiah?"

Jeremiah groaned. He only buried his head deeper into his arms. 

"Hey buddy." 

Jeremiah only looked up because of his father’s insistent tone.

"What’s wrong? You just left," his father said, being Mr. Obvious.

If only Jeremiah weren’t so desperate, he wouldn’t have blurted out,
"Me! That’s what’s wrong!"

"What do you mean?"
Jeremiah’s father now had a frown on his face.

Jeremiah took in a deep breath, and said,

"I don’t have anything special. Everything unique about me has already been done by you,"  and then Jeremiah shook his head in revelation. "Even if they haven’t been done by you, they’ve been done by somebody else! I could land on the moon and it wouldn’t matter. I’d have nothing to say about me, nothing to tell."

Jeremiah finished off with a deep breath, certainly not expecting his father to burst out in laughter. 

"Jeremiah! Let me show you something!"

His father pulled out two lighters and proceeded to light them.

"Look! Don’t they look the same?" Jeremiah’s father asked.

Jeremiah scrunched his face up in annoyance. 

"Aren’t they? They’re just flames!" Jeremiah pouted.

"That’s what you think; look, look!" Jeremiah’s father pulled Jeremiah closer. Soon after, Jeremiah’s face was so close to the flames, he thought he might catch fire.

“Look," his father said once more. "Don’t they flicker differently? Aren’t they different sizes?" 

Jeremiah bit his lip. “Yeah,” he said.

Suddenly Jeremiah’s father shut the lighters and threw them into his pocket.

"Just cause every human being looks the same from far away doesn’t mean we aren’t unique! You don’t have to do something no one has done before buddy! I mean, well, you CAN if you really want to, but that doesn’t make someone great, or not great. It doesn’t give people something to say or not to say. Who wants to listen to someone brag all day anyway?" his father winked.

Jeremiah was silent in thought. 

"You-," Jeremiah’s father continued, shoving his finger to Jeremiah’s chest, "-are the greatest story ever told."

Jeremiah opened his mouth to reply, but couldn’t because he had nothing to say. He got it. How had he not realized before? No one’s story was any less than another’s, just as it wasn’t any greater.

He settled for “thanks dad,” and stood up. 

Everyone’s story was the greatest because they were made up of the individual’s separate qualities, not their accomplishments.
Jeremiah was the greatest flame of his own beautiful lighter. The greatest story in his own appointed role and space.  

"Better?" Jeremiah’s dad asked.

"Yeah," Jeremiah smiled.

He squared his shoulders.

The world better be ready. 

(http://squanderedminds.tumblr.com)

Imported from tumblr; originally posted on 04/22/14

CHARM✌참

Magic Straight..At Home!

AHHH!
Just discovered DIY magic straight/permanent hair straightening!
Cost me $5.99 for the straightening formula, an additional $10.00 for a cheap flat iron, and a bit of time to put it all together. Can't believe salons are charging $150+ for this when the results are EXACTLY THE SAME.

So the product I used was:

(IMG CREDITS: G-Market.co.kr)
꽃을든남자/KkoteuldeunNamja Hair Coating Straight Cream

Previously, I had permed my hair TWICE within a week because the lady said that my hair is naturally so pin-straight, the first perm was unraveling. What happened was BURNT hair!! After about 7-8 months of it, I finally decided to cut the burnt parts off this past weekend, and the results were:

BEFORE
(Please excuse my "hair experimenting" shirt; stained with dye and everything haha..)

The hair wasn't TOO terrible, just not as neat as I'd have liked.


So first, I applied the cream, labelled #1 (the white tub pictured above), all over where the perm remained. Basically 1/4" from my roots all the way down; more concentrated on my ends where the perm was most prominent:

#1 Cream applied
(please excuse shameless selfie pose)

Then, I washed the cream out WITH JUST WATER after 10 minutes. DO NOT SHAMPOO. I proceeded to - aggressively towel dry, let air dry, and because I'm impatient - blow dry on low with cold air. The results of just that:

Pretty straight for just that, huh?!

I then straightened with hair straightener. I think this bonds the cream to my hair. I didn't picture this step because it's what you'd imagine it to be.

Next, I coated my hair with #2, the yellow bottle pictured above. It is basically a runny serum (water consistency). I just cupped my hands with it, and THREW it at my hair, hehehe.. I did it until my hair was drenched. About 20 minutes later, I washed it out with, again, just water. I air dried, and results:

SO STRAIGHT!!!

That night, I ended up denting my hair in my sleep (lol). So I got scared and washed my hair the following morning with just a deep conditioning hair mask. Tresemme's Renewal mask in specific:

(IMG CREDITS: Amazon.com)
Tresemme Scalp Renewal Hair & Scalp

My hair went back to being pin-straight! Whew.

I didn't wash my hair since; i have second day hair at the moment, and it's still straight!!

Before and after side by side for comparison:

BEFORE & AFTER

Still in disbelief.
BTW - I ended up using about half the amount given because my hair is so short, and the lady at the salon thinned it out significantly.
If I'd known the product would work so well, I'd have gotten a trim and kept my hair long!! Ack.



CC TWO THUMBS UP!

You can probably find this product at your local Asian beauty supply store, or get it on amazon HERE.
Seriously, try this before running to a salon~~

CHARM✌참

December 27, XXXX

It is December 27th, the last day of the world.

The earth is crumbling as the stars burn. The light and heat are blinding, and yet.. 

..there is no sun. Absolutely no air to breathe. Certainly no lack of pain.

Yes, yes. Time ticks slowly by, while Wickedness dances and Greed giggles loudly. The agonizingly slow embrace of suffocation grasps the ones that cry: Joy, Mercy, Love.

Love especially cries.

In one corner of the world a child shuts his eyes and accepts his fate.

Everything is over. His beautiful grandmother is gone, and his village bombed to dust. He lies amongst the piled remains of his once sweet sweet friends. He lies dying.

Yes, it is December 27th and the child’s world is fading away - but does it really matter when Death rejoices all the more each passing day?
(What was that child’s name again?)

______________________________________________

-Dedicated to all the lives who’ve become a statistic. Death shall not prevail.

(http://squanderedminds.tumblr.com)

(Transferred from tumblr - original posting on 04/18/14)

CHARM✌참

I LOVE MY "NEW" PHONE!

How have I used iOS all this time?
Gooooo Droid!

So I received my LG Voyager not too long ago and have been customizing the HECK out of it.
The only thing is..the phone only comes with 170 MB internal memory -.-..
Even old school mp3 players come with larger minimum storage capabilities! (Usually 250 MB..)
So I ended up downloading all these cool home screen launchers, aka customization/themes to make the home screen look awesome, but couldn't keep them cause they were taking up too much space. I also had to run out and buy an SD card for other apps (some apps can be stored on the SD card, but home launchers cannot).
So I searched, and searched for the most lightweight launcher and found..
LIGHTNING LAUNCHER!
It's seriously amazing stuff; if you have an old-school/basic smartphone with tiny internal memory, this is the launcher for you! It is available for free at the google play store and is only 196 KB :)
Even better, it's super liberating cause it has absolutely no restrictions. You can make icons any size/place anywhere/etc.
Not going to lie, for a first timer like me it was pretty overwhelming. But seriously, its SO easy to catch on to! I decided to stick to a simple horizontal scroll layout with the five docks on the bottom. I ended up with:

Beaut.

Isn't it preetttty? 

Hehe. Another great thing about the launcher is that you get to hide bloatware (un-deletable apps) and change icon fonts (I'm using helvetica).

The widget I used on top is Glass Widgets , again free and only ~180 KB; much better than the ugly stock weather widget.

On other things, just purchased two "Focco" bags on eBay.

They are basically bags inspired by Alexander Wang's Cocco/Rocco, but are GUILT FREE aka vegan. They also come with a much smaller price tag. The ones I got are in black with gold hardware and grey with silver hardware:

1. Black/gold 2. Grey/Silver

I got these in two colors mainly because I wanted something with silver hardware, and something that was an alternative to black. I didn't like the black/silver combination because it looked a bit cheap, but the grey looks phenomenal in all the blog posts I've seen about it. I'm not a fan of grey paired with warm tones so the choice only seemed natural. I purchased from this seller, for $31.50.

In closing, a random OOTD from the past week..

Okay, so more like just a self shot.

Awkward smile+glasses+bummy outfit, but the point is the pretty phone! 

Idk why I'm so happy with it honestly lol...Best $20 ever spent? 

CHARM✌참

Short phone customization haul..

So..Since the last post, I've been hunting for cases and/or decals to hide dents and customize the "new" phone.
I couldn't find anything super cheap, so stuck with a reasonably priced wolf case.

1) Clear screen protectors, 2) Mirror screen protector, 3) Wolf plastic case

The case is super Christopher Kane x Topshop circa 2009-esque. Only, it seems that the trend is officially catching on here in the states so its a win-win for me. I also got three screen protectors: one mirror and two clear. I know that the mirror is for the HTC MyTouch, but the ones for the LG Vortex is so outrageously priced! I'm going to just use the clear ones as a stencil to make the mirror protector fit. I got the mirror one because the seller's picture of the Vortex is pretty LQ, so I couldn't tell how badly the screen is scratched up. If its really bad then the mirror protector should do a good job of hiding it. 

Honestly, there doesn't seem to be many scratches on the screen so I also picked up the two clear protectors (other than to use as stencils). I think the mirror protector will eventually get distorted badly, so I want to have backups at hand. 

I get bored of phone cases/themes super quickly, so I know I'll eventually pick up another case for this phone - I'm already debating between a baby pink or blue (mint-ish). I can't imagine using more fobby/cute themes with the wolf case! My OCD won't let that happen, hehe. Annnd, a solid color case is so much more versatile in general..It'll match with every season! :x 

If I weren't so broke from spending so much, I'd totally get the color case now. Sigh. 

I'm seriously so impatient. I can't wait to get my hands on this baby so I can play with all the Android customization options. I legit just spent two-three hours looking up Go Launcher themes..ㅡㅁㅠ..

Talk about priorities..Did I mention that spring break is officially over, and I have school tomorrow?

CHARM✌참

"New" Phone

Remember my phone dilemma mentioned in the previous post?
I received the digitizer, did some more research, and definitely decided to return it. Apparently, not only is it almost impossible to replace lcd/screen parts separately, it's a complete scam. Surprise, surprise.
Strangely enough, my seller bumped up the product price to about $60 after my purchase - which was a mere $10 in comparison.

I decided to get:

 The LG Vortex (VS660)

An iPhone to a low budget smartphone, what an upgrade huh? 

Despite the sarcasm, I'm actually really really grateful to have been able to find such a great deal. The description says the phone is really scratched up and stuff, but what matters (to moi) is that it functions perfectly. Its only a month or two; I should be able to make due!

I tried eBaying some cases to cover up the dings, but they're all so expensive! Like, almost as expensive as what I paid for the phone! What happened to all the Chinese sellers who have cases for a dollar? Non-existent for this phone. Hmm, I'm going to try finding decals next.. 

I guess the Vortex can also function as a good transition from iOS to Android, since I'm planning on eventually upgrading to the SIII or SIV. I can use some practice.
Life is SO slooooow without a phone.

CHARM✌참

Thinning wallet..

Ack; I've been shopping way too much lately, especially online.
Recent purchases include two pairs of high-waisted jeans (one from ebay, another from punk.com), and a couple of basic tops, but those are pretty self explanatory/boring because they're cookie cutter generic/everyone-knows-how-they-look things.
An interesting thing I did buy is:

"Veggie twister"

A spiralizer! Well, a spiral vegetable cutter, or "veggie twister" as deemed by the seller. I was looking for an affordable spiralizer since going raw vegan, but couldn't find a well functioning one for less than $25. No way I was going to spend that much for what is essentially plastic! So I turned to trusty ebay and came across this guy, MUCH more practical (and cheaper!) than the traditional versions. Very very excited for future zucchini pastas. 

To try and save money on contacts, I also placed an order with pinkicon. They're a circle lens distributor based in China, and one of the few that had clear lenses.. Spent ~$55 on a pair of clear Geo yearly disposables and a six pair pack of monthly Neo disposables (just in case I lost the Geo pair, etc). Quite frustrated with the site because when I try to login to track my order, the password is wrong, but when I try to register, they claim that my ID already exists. It's ridiculous that they require logins to track; I just hope it gets to me, if not thank God for paypal claims!  

The most exciting purchase is:

The Ninja Mega Kitchen System with lifetime warranty

EEEEEE! Lol, I'm so super happy about this purchase. I did TONS of research for a Vitamix dupe and was previously set on the Omniblend V, but came across this baby! Though reviews show that the performance of the Ninja clearly does not match up to the Vitamix or Blendtec, the lifetime warranty sold it for me. The problem I have with cheap blenders is not that they produce chunkier smoothies, but that their motors have such a short life span! A lifetime warranty guarantees that the Ninja will be a consistent tool in my life. Not that I don't appreciate the 2-horse power/1500 Watt motor, which is totally comparable to higher cost models. The versatility of the product is another plus; it is also a food processor! I've been wanting a food processor and now I have it allll. Hehe. 

Apparently it'll be shipped out next month because it is on backorder now, but for the price (and lifetime guarantee) I can wait! 

I guess I would be okay with how much money I've spent/been spending if not for what's tipped me over the edge. My iPhone frigging broke.

It was my fault - I was exiting a car in front of my house when the phone slipped out of my pocket. I noticed it was missing right after I got out, so I assumed it slipped out in the car. However, after checking the next morning, it wasn't there! I assumed it was in the one other place I thought it could be, church. So I go to church and search - again, not there. Later that day, my brother gets a call from my aunt who got a call from the nearby Verizon store, and apparently someone turned it in! I was so relieved, until I actually went to pick it up. When I got to the store, they informed me that the touch screen wasn't working, so I didn't get lucky as I thought. The store staff told me that whoever turned it in claimed they noticed the phone because they ran over it with their car. Yeah right.

I'm guessing that whoever picked it up, did so with the intention of keeping it, but since the phone was out for so long it was already messed up. Since the phone was messed up, they decided to turn it into the store. If they ran over it, the phone would definitely not have survived without a scratch. And my headphones are gone too. Sigh..

So I bought a digitizer,  or touch screen, replacement from eBay, only to read the description AFTERWARDS saying that it did not come with the "liquid clear display" - whatever that means. When I looked more clearly at the pictures, it looks like the frame where all the screws are supposed to go is missing. I think I'm likely going to return it once it gets here. I'm bidding on some cheap smartphones so hopefully I'll win one at a low low cost. I'm due for an upgrade, but want to wait for the Samsung Galaxy SIV release so that I can either: 1) have the latest model or 2) get the SIII at a much more discounted price.

I don't think its worth upgrading to the SIII at full price now, only to have the price drastically drop in about a month. 

Arg, just so annoyed that I couldn't finish off the last month financially strong.

I'm definitely going on a budget plan from this moment on til the summer, when I'll have a job. I don't want my savings depleted!

CHARM✌참

Just the usual

Happy 2nd day of passion week!

My OOTD for early morning prayer:

Old school dad's polo jumper, thrifted grey denims

Haha, please ignore the blender :P ; that's where I keep it (I do all my blending in my room).

Comfy and absolutely casssssu.

Anyways, I want to go and pick up some magnesium capsules because I think I may be deficient, and I'm running out of B12..I also wanted to pick up some probiotics for a friend who's been suffering from diarrhea (due to IBD), but dang it, I feel so lazy! 

I didn't sleep last night, since it'd entail me possibly being unable to wake up at 4:00 AM for the prayer pickup. I'm trying to regulate my sleep schedule by staying up all day today (SO HARD, ACK). 

Idk, I have to keep myself occupied somehow so I probably will make that trip to the vitamin store. If not, I have two movies lined up (Hotel Transylvania and The Rise of the Guardians). Thinking about it now, I DO have to do laundry..I guess my day is pretty much planned out, huh?

I'm going to force myself to get off of my toosh and out the door, if not for the magnesium, then for the fresh air and a bit of exercise. Living way too sedentary as of late..

Toodles~

CHARM✌참

Animal Abuse: A Christian Perspective

WARNING: This post is fueled by anger. It is also not edited/revised.

I just watched Earthlings with my mom.

It spoke volumes about the depravity of humankind.
Yes it is an old film, but the selfishness of man is the same.

I wanted to address fellow Christians who usually respond to vegetarian/veganism as "they were made for us."
Oh, the injustice; how we are so blinded to not even see the hypocrisy in front of us.

Were we Christians not created by God? Were we thrown around and abused? Were we not, instead of being left to die in sinfulness as deserved, made clean and saved by grace and mercy?
Then how do we keep on justifying the way we treat animals? How is "they were made for us" any response to the way they are stepped on and tortured?
The natural separation between us and God is far greater than the differences between us and animals. Yet, Jesus STILL died for us, still became lesser, still KNELT AND WASHED OUR FEET.
And Jesus is the greatest, only perfect example.
Should we not, then, instead of brushing off what is happening, humble ourselves?
How do we call ourselves Christian, accept what He has done for us on the cross, and yet not even attempt to follow His great lead?

God didn't give us animals for us to maximize our sinful natures. They were created to serve us, just as we were created to serve Him. Let us remember this and have respect for what we were gifted. Jesus' death isn't an isolated memory; it was an act of love that should permeate in ALL aspects of our living.

CHARM✌참

Eeeek

Wow, talk about hiatus..
:/

It's so easy to fall off of the (public) blogging bandwagon!
Maybe because there's always a limit to how much can be said and to what extent..It's hard for me to filter myself, lol. ANYWAYS~

Updates:

• Finished midterms - absolutely despising this semester's classes..
• On spring break
• Moved mini fridge to bedroom!
• Changed blog layout (as visible)

and most exciting..

• Transitioning to raw vegan, whoot!

The initial push was when I realized just how little greens I was consuming. It led to a video on juicing and then another on making green smoothies, and the rest is history.
Prior, my breakfast consisted of either savory oatmeal (salt+pepper+sesame seeds) or a fibrous cereal with almond milk. I decided to incorporate green smoothies into breakfast by replacing the norm when I had extra time. It wasn't a radical decision; I still kept the cereal and milk on hand for the lazy days, but they ended up being more home decoration rather than food.
Seriously, the zing I felt was so instantaneous and uplifting it was impossible for me to even look back! I didn't WANT to give processed foods a second chance because this was it, this was AWESOME.
Given it's only been about two weeks since I took this step, but it's something I know will grow into years and years.

One major drawback that I've noticed was my thinning wallet (sigh).
Not because raw veganism is necessarily expensive in the long run, but because it seems to require quite a bit of money at once to benefit from savings. An example would be participating in a local co-op. The one closest to me requires a payment of a minimum of $400 for a month of local, organic veggies and fruits; though that is an amazing overall price compared to supermarkets, there is no way I'd be cough up that much at once. This definitely means a sacrifice of organic goods until I'm out of college.
Another example is a heavy duty blender. Regular blenders can be found for $20-40. However, their motors give in so quickly, it's almost a necessity for raw foodists to invest in a heavy duty industrial machine. The most popular option is the Vitamix; another is the Blendtec. Both of these options require at least $350. Yikes.
Sure if one can afford to, these blenders are great - buying one once is better than buying cheap, short-term ones over and over again afterall. It's just not plausible to hand over that much money in one sitting for many (like moi).

That being said, I did a bit of research and came across the Omniblend; it's on sale for ~$250 and comes with a 5-year warranty. Not too shabby..I'll probably end up purchasing one if I ever do have any expendable income, for now all my money goes to quickly diminishing greens and fruits.

Another drawback is just the lack of a raw vegan community on the east coast!
All the information that pertain to any sort of support group seems to be located in the west or south.
Guess I'll have to start making waves, huh?  :P

On other things, I've been thrifting quite a bit recently - must post haul soon!

Happy passion week! Let's all reflect on the suffering of Christ, and what his sacrifice means for all of us.

CHARM✌참

February Favorites

I was totally going to do a thrift haul, but then didn't have enough time in the morning for pictures (in natural lighting), so I decided to do a "February Favorites" instead since I can just use stock photos.

In no particular order:
Disclaimer: Source of all pictures from manufacturers' sites.

Cosmetics:
1. Tony Moly Dear Me BB Cream (SPF 30, PA++)

Seriously a life-saver! My skin in the winter is so dry; the dryness and lack of sweat put me in the market for something that would stay hydrating throughout the day. Unlike many other bb creams targeted towards normal to oily skinned people, Tony Moly's Dear Me does not set with a powdery finish, and therefore does not result in emphasized cake-y looking skin. If that wasn't enough, it also provides SPF! Not anything extreme for beating sun conditions, but just enough for the colder months. I was lucky enough to pick this up in Incheon airport last summer, and have just enough to last me through this winter.. I'll definitely have to pick up another tube before next winter rolls around!

I would suggest this to fellow dry skinned people out there, not so much for those with oily skin types.

2. Revlon ColorStay Mineral Blush in 030 Roseberry

Absolutely love this blush on my skin (MAC NC 15-20/C1 Face and Body). I read many reviews saying that this product isn't pigmented enough. I guess that's true for darker skin tones out there, but personally, I find this blush super build-able. It delivers it's namesake in that it's a muted rose berry; its not completely matte and not completely shimmery in finish - more satin if anything. 

If you are fairer I'd suggest you give this blush a try; it gives the ultimate "baby its cold outside" look. 

3. ELF blush in Gotta Glow

I'll admit, I was pretty disappointed when I first received this product (way back when) because it does not live up to it's claim to fame at all! It's supposed to be a super comparable dupe to NARS' Albatross, but it's definitely more sheer and golden. I guess I didn't really give it a try after the negative first impression, and boy do I regret it. I picked it up again recently because I found my other highlighters a bit too dramatic and silver for my more warm toned eye looks - since then I haven't put it down. Though shimmery, it isn't like Benefit's High Beam; the highlighter is so sheer that it ends up leaving a very subtle finish to the skin. This, by no means, doesn't mean that it can't be dramatic - it can be built up very quickly and easily. 

I would imagine this highlight to compliment most, if not all, skin tones!

SKINCARE: 

1. Boots Expert Sensitive Restoring Night Treatment

Again with the terribly dry skin. If not for this moisturizer, I'd have resorted to applying oil to my face. It's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and all that other good stuff. Though it's a night treatment, I've been using this daily as my morning moisturizer as well, and it helps my skin stay buoyant and baby soft. 

Great stuff; check it out if you have dry skin that tends to flake (no patches since I've incorporated this into my day/night routine).

FRAGRANCE:

1. Bath and Body Works Be Enchanted Eau de Toilette:

This scent - where to begin..It's super sweet, super fruity, and yet still somehow super winter-y. Anything that can incorporate fruitiness/citrus into winter? Heck ya! 

The official description of this scent is: 

"Master perfumers blended iced pomegranate, sugared petals and creamy musk to create this fresh, sparkling frosted floral fragrance sweetened with sugared pomegranate and inspired by all that glitters.

• Top Notes: Mouthwatering Citrus, Iced Pomegranate, Chilled Wildberries, Crystallized Passionfruit
• Mid Notes: Sheer Honeysuckle, Floral Frosted Bouquet, Sugared Violet, Dewfruit, Asian Pear
• Dry Notes: Whipped Vanilla, Creamy Musk, Sandalwood"

It hasn't replaced my signature scent (MAC's turquatic), but has definitely made a winter presence. 

FOOD: 

1. Popcorn Indiana Kettle Corn 

Honestly, it doesn't have to be the Popcorn Indiana brand, I'd go crazy for kettle corn in general. All that refined sugary goodness on carbs..Need I say more?

MISC:

1. Markings by C.R. Gibson (Journal)

In a previous post I mentioned that I picked this journal up (the stock photo does it so much more justice). I did say that I might return it cause of it being leather, but I decided to just be bad this one time - forgive me dear cows )':!

It wasn't too long since I've had it so I don't really know if it warrants a spot on this list, but I love it too much to not share.

Seriously, having a personal journal to write in wherever/whenever is breathtakingly liberating. I feel that its helped me cope with stress better, while organizing my thoughts. Can't wait to fill every inch of this beauty.

MUSIC: 

1. INFINITE - 추격자 (The Chaser)

 

No, I am not an Infinite fan; I don't know their names, their birthdays, nor do I really care. What DID catch my attention was this song. Its seriously so k-pop as it was and should be. No electronic chanting, no gangster imitation; just pure, good, "back in the day" vibe, k-pop. +I love how almost traditional the song sounds, like, traditional as in 100-years ago traditional..

I've checked out a couple of other Infinite songs and was pretty impressed, though I can't say the same for anything by Infinite H. 

Addicted; hitting the replay button again and again and again... 

Charm✌참

Disaster

..You know that person? The one who had one too many to drink and made a mess of his/herself?
And remember the wedding I've mentioned in like, every previous post I've made?
Well I was THAT person at THAT wedding; fml.

I should have expected it, really, with my luck and judgment, why shouldn't I have been the crazy one?

So the evening started off pretty well. The wedding ceremony was actually quite quaint despite the large number of people, and oh my gawsh the couple looked BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, they looked like they dropped 10 lbs for the day, though that might have not been intentional (stress?)..

My party and I sat in the back so:

Our view as bride and groom stood at the altar.

...Anddd thennn we headed to the cocktail hour/reception. Ack.

During cocktail hour a few of us girls decided to start off the night with shots; only the bar didn't do shots and so we were left with dry glasses of tequilas equaling to maybe two-ish shots a glass.

The agreement was to down half and to pass the glass over to someone who didn't have any, but of course those "who didn't have any" suddenly disappeared, and so I started with two. Then one of the gals decided (after a sip) that the drink wasn't for her and passed it to me. There's four.

We move onto the dinner, where at this point I realize that all I had that day was oatmeal. In addition, I had nothing the previous day because I was fasting for the couple. It was too bad that at this point my alcohol induced mind decided it didn't really care. Yeap, +2. 

Now I sat down at my table where the waiter proceeded to take down dinner orders, and my friend (Jenny) and I schemed on the fastest possible way to make it to the open bar. Not before taking a photo or two in the bathroom of course: 

Notice my posture? Yeah, the "I'm goneee and slouching" pose, while Jenny (jsquared921.blogspot.com) looks pristine. 

We make our way to the bar where we down two shots of (absolut) vodka (now at eight); by the time we make it back to our table the appetizers are out and waiting. I swear our incentive was to beeline to the bar any chance we had, because right after our appetizers, WE HEAD BACK. This time is the return of tequila! Ten.

After ten, dinner's ready - in my normal state of mind I would've realized not to eat it because it was BURNT:

This was the GOOD side, as in the other sides of the vegetables were completely the color of those "grill marks". 

- however, I was not in the right state of mind and was starving so..

Then, the world was woozy and spinning and I've added to my list of realizations that it's been a year since I've drunk any alcohol, and it finally hit me. THIS WAS A HUGE MISTAKE (No crap Sherlock). 

What made the whole situation better? If you guessed that I felt everything come up, then yes, you are correct! 

I grabbed the ice bucket in which the wine bottle was sitting, pulled it out and did my thang. No embarrassment, just "please let me survive and sleep!" 

Thankfully I wasn't alone; I have amazing people in my life who escorted me to the bathroom and held my hair back (while giving me glorious back rubs), as I paid tribute to the porcelain queen. 

The friends I originally came to the wedding with even let my other friend and I stay at their place, while they stayed at their parents! I mean who does that? They entrusted their living space to a drunk, plus one, just so we could be comfortable! My heart explodes every time I recall this information. 

Yes, I was embarrassed. This happened amongst church people after all, on a Saturday, right before church. But at the end of the day (or morning), I wasn't ashamed of my shame because well, I DESERVED it. 

Not only did I down those shots with the assumption I could handle it, I was vocally expressing my excitement for who THAT PERSON would be. I really feel like God taught me a lesson in hypocrisy and pride. I'm pretty sure drinking is definitely now out of my life. 

Additional pictures:

View of the dinner table (&best picture I took all night haha).

Appetizers! And that wine bucket...

Charm✌참