Recorded today’s practice with Joel! FUN!

Click the link below to listen to the song.



 

Moonglow

Lucky

Do you hear me? I’m talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I’m trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooh ooh ooh

They don’t know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I’ll wait for you I promise you, I will

I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

Lucky we’re in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I’m sailing through the sea
To an island where we’ll meet
You’ll hear the music fill the air
I’ll put a flower in your hair

Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you’re all I see
As the world keeps spinning ’round
You hold me right here, right now

I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

I’m lucky we’re in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh, ooh

Thinking of you, Joel…

My 2011 New Year’s Resolution

So it’s 2011 already. And I am here in Truro, Nova Scotia celebrating the Christmas and New Year with Joel’s family. Who would ever imagine that I’ll be in Truro for the holidays? In fact, who would ever know that if I would ever visit Truro at all? Life is a very strange thing. You just never know what will happen to you. It was a very lovely trip and I had an awesome and relaxing time here. To make the new year a little bit more special, we decided to write down our new year’s resolution to keep the record and motivate ourselves to really make it happen!

Ok. So here they are. My new year’s resolution.

1. Settling In and Make It Home

One of the most exciting changes in the new year is that I am moving to a new apartment! It is a two bedroom unit and I am super excited about that.  Nothing is better than relaxing in a nice cozy home when you come back from a long day at work. So my first new year’s resolution is that I am going to do my best to settle in and make my new place a home!

2. 30 min. Reading Time

I’ve been very bad reading industry news, articles, and research papers in 2010. So I’ve decided to spend at least 30 min in the morning to catch up on those. There are overwhelmingly many resources to read and I am going to wake up earlier and will spend my morning time wisely to complete this task! (Of course, to complete this task, I have to buy a new iPad when it comes out. Hehehehe…. )

3. Yoga Sunday

I’ve been planning to take Yoga classes forever. But this is it! It will actually happen in 2011! I am going to start taking Restorative Yoga Class every Sunday from 4:15 to 5:45. Also do more Wii Fit at home whenever I have some time.

4. Tuesday Morning Squash with Mary

Every Tuesday morning, Mary and I decided to play squash. Seriously, it’s a good thing to wake up super only once a week. (She does it everyday, so I can do it at least for one day!)

5. Thursday Evening Squash with Jen

Jen’s squash racket is getting dusty. It’s time to start again! I am going to start playing squash with Jen again on every Thursday!

6. Driver’s License

It was my 2010 resolution, but I failed. Seriously, I am going to do this in 2011!

7. More Cooking, Dinner Parties, Sleeping Overs

I ate out a lot in 2010. Part of the reason was because I didn’t have a dining table. (Great excuse, isn’t it?) In 2011, I am going to cook more often and invite Kandi and Miguel for dinner. It’ll be fun! Also, I would like to visit Kandi’s place more often and also invite her to my place for sleepovers.

8. Taking Vitamin Everyday and Eating Healthy

Seriously, I am getting old. I gotta take vitamin pills everyday and eat better.

9. Homemade Lunch at Least 3 times/week

Save money and eat healthier. Win win.

10. Knowledge Sharing at Work

One of my best achievements in 2010 was making an effort to create a team methodology. I would love to continue that and not only creating them, but also helping the team to be more knowledgable by sharing the best practices and case studies.

11. More Blog Posting

I gotta finish my portfolio and write more case studies in my blog. Maybe I should say at least spend an hour per week for my blog.

12. Finding a Hobby

It’s very lame but I am not sure what my hobby is. I tried sewing class with Miguel in 2010, but it wasn’t really my thing. So I would love to find something that I’ll be passionate about in 2011. Could be something related to art or design, cooking, or… let’s see.

13. Save Money

It’s funny that I’m making all the plans to spend money but I really gotta save money. I am going to start using the budget programs again and really work on saving money.

14.  Study French

At least complete a beginner level French.

15. Better Work & Life Balance

To achieve any of my new year’s resolution, it is crucial to keep my work and life balanced. It will be difficult sometimes, but I really want to work on this in 2011. And I believe I can do this!

(Something more to add…)

16. Productive Hour

At least one hour per day, I want to do something productive. Reading, working on my blog, etc.

17. Budget Tracking

To save money, it is very important to track where I am spending my money. I want to make sure to use my budget tracker app everyday!

18. Other Source of Income

I am copying this one from Joel. But I think it might be interesting to look into if there could be any other source of income outside of work.

Some of those will be more difficult than others, but I like the idea of making an effort to achieve those and try as hard as I can. I was quite depressed about 2011 coming so soon, but I have a feeling that it won’t be that bad. I can make it exciting and fun if I try!

Cheers for 2011! AJA AJA!!!

Work Life Balance

It suddenly hit me today that it’s seriously already September. My laptop wallpaper is still saying “Happy Valentines Day.” My nails are all messed up. It’s been more than couple months last time when I played squash. I’ve been only seeing my best friends merely once a month.

I still haven’t done my tax. I need to renew my SIN card and OHIP card. Still haven’t registered for the driver’s license test.

I’ve been working hard. But whenever I leave work and come home, I feel like there’s still so much more left to do. Something is chasing me. Every morning, it gets harder and harder to wake up. Seriously, what’s happening to me?

My dear family and friends always tell me, “Jenna, you gotta keep your work and life balance! It’s important!”

Yes, Yes, Yes. I know it’s important. And I want to keep my work and life balanced. But why is it so difficult to do? What are the lacking skills of me that make it so hard?

So… I’ve done some research.

First, I found this quiz. And my score was “2″

CMHA Work/Life Balance Quiz

Your Score 2: Your life is out of balance – you need to make significant changes to find your equilibrium.  But you can take control!

Hm… And here’s some tips they gave me.

At Work

• Schedule brief breaks for yourself throughout the day. Your productivity and effectiveness will increase if you take even a ten-minute break every two hours and overall, you will get more accomplished.
• At the end of each day, set your priorities for the following day. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available.
• Only respond to email once or twice a day. Then, shut off your email program to avoid being distracted as messages come in.
• Make a distinction between work and the rest of your life. Protect your private time by turning off electronic communications.   Don’t be available 24/7.
• Address concerns about deadlines and deliverables early. As soon as you see that a deadline is unrealistic, communicate your concern to your employer – don’t wait until the deadline passes.
• Take all of your allotted vacation time. Taking vacation allows you to come back to work refreshed and more productive.

At Home

• Create a buffer between work and home. After work, take a brief walk, do a crossword puzzle, or listen to some music before beginning the evening’s routine.
• Decide what chores can be shared or let go. Determine which household chores are critical and which can be done by someone else.  Let the rest go.
• Exercise. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time, you’ll feel more energized and refreshed.
• Create and implement a household budget. Start by setting aside some money from each pay cheque for the future.
• Make healthy food choices. Healthy eating will gives you and your family more energy.
• Pursue a hobby. Either with friends or family or for some quality time on your own.

Seriously? I actually laughed. Imagine, if I only reply the emails only once or twice a day. LOL…. The tips for work are not realistic at all.

But the tips for home, I think some of them are actually useful. Exercise.. Yes, for sure. I did feel way better when I played squash regularly. Nice dinner makes me feel better. I do love to start going for cooking classes or learn French.

I do love my job. And I am very happy that my work is actually something I am really good at and enjoy doing. But I think, sometimes I push myself too hard. I get too passionate and over deliver. I love delivering a good quality work but I need to learn how to cut the corners… Seriously, I need to learn it.

Ok. This Friday, I am going to renew my SIN card and Health card. I’m going to get my hair cut and get my nails done. Go to shoe repair shop and get whole bunch of shoes repaired. Oh, should do laundry and  go to drycleaner. Clean my home… and read some books. Hm. I’m making unrealistic plans again.

Couple quotes I found during my research. Well… Well… All sounds good. But seriously, I need to make some changes.

“Our lives are a mixture of different roles.
Most of us are doing the best we can to find whatever the right balance is . . .
For me, that balance is family, work, and service.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton

“Life is like riding a bicycle.
To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
Albert Einstein

“Balance in your life between work and your personal life is very important.
Without balance, you eventually burnout negatively
affecting your performance at work.”
Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from What Are the Benefits to Me?

“We need to maintain a proper balance in our life by
allocating the time we have. There are occasions where
saying no is the best time management practice there is.”
Catherine Pulsifer, from We Never Seem to Have Enough Time

“Most of us are trying to balance work, home, and a family life.
We tend not to accept the early symptoms of burnout and
carry on our daily lives.”
Yasmeen Abdur-Rahman, from Recognize the Early Signs of Burnout

“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds
balance to your step as you walk the tightrope of life.”
a balance quote from William Arthur Ward

“I’m not suggesting you deny or suppress your emotions,
but just discover for yourself what it takes for you to
handle your emotions and stay balanced.”
Wendy Hearn, from 7 Lessons For Your Life and Business From Wimbledon

“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go
faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment,
you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals,
and values are in balance.”
Brian Tracy

Tamiya Business Card

Very cute and interesting idea.

Read more: http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2010/tamiya-model-kit-business-card/

Interactive Twitter Murals

Interesting project by Canadian Tourism Commission. I actually really like their website as well.
Check the youtube video! Great work.

Related Articles:
http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/07/canadian-tourism-goes-social-with-interactive-twitter-murals/

Project Overview

• Project: Kobotorial, 2010
• Client: Indigo
• URL: Facebook Indigo – eReading

Falling Man by Blonde Redhead

Tell me how you seek your man
And tell me all your secret spells
Tell me how you learn
To tell by his voice that he fell

I know a ghost will walk through the wall
Yet I am just a man still learning how to fall

Try to re-imagine me
And I’ll re-invent myself
Still I remember scenes
Of when you looked at someone else

I know a ghost can walk through the wall
Yet I am just a man still learning how to fall

If you start doubting me
Then I start to doubt myself
And never look through me
Cause I’ll keep close to myself

I know a ghost can walk through the wall
Yet I am just a man still learning how to fall

I am what I am
And what I am is who I am
I know what I know
And all I know is that I fell
If only I could walk through the wall
Then maybe I would tell you who I was
Yet I am just a man still learning how to fall
Yet I am just a man still learning how to fall

• I love my family so much and really miss them
• Sometimes, I wonder why I am in Canada if I miss my family so much. As much as I’m enjoying my life here I am missing so much from not being with them.
• How much I love the music I’m listening to. Yo Yo Ma and Ennio Morricone.. The best combination…
• How much stress I’m getting from work these days.. and if it’s all necessary. I work to live… not live to work… But in the end, I can prevent myself getting too much stresses. It’s all depending on how I control my mind.
• Well… I complain about it because I’m stressed now but I know I like what I am doing…
• I really want to start yoga again
• I miss my friends… I gotta hang out with them more often
• I wish I were able to swim well. It must feel good
• I wish I could fly. It would feel even more awesome
• Why can’t I sleep? I am super tired and I really have to wake up early tomorrow
• Presentation is too stressful
• Conference call is even worse
• I wish I don’t have to speak English all the time
• I don’t like feeling insecure about myself. Especially, when I know I don’t need to.
• I wish I never need to say goodbye to people
• I need to go to grocery shopping.. seriously
• Ah.. and laundry.
• I miss being a child. But I know, I would miss being 30s soon. So I should enjoy it as much as I can.
• I wish I can control my emotion better
• Sometimes, thinking about ‘being alone’ is scary. “being alone forever’ is even more scary.
• Being a boss is hard
• Being responsible is even harder
• I think I am feeling down now
• Should stop listening to those depressing music and sleep
• Ok. Good night

Today was such a stressful day. Actually, maybe calling it as an “intense” day would be a better way to describe it, because I wasn’t actually stressed because of any drama at work. I just felt completely exhausted by using my brain too much and running around all those meetings.

Sometimes, a day like today, when I have to make a lot of decisions or providing my input/opinions, I tend to feel completely exhausted.

Maybe it’s the combination of too much talking, heavy use of brain, or simply just from the fear of making bad decisions.

• What if I am wrong?
• What if I am actually leading the team to a wrong direction?
• What if my idea is not actually a good idea?
• What if I am actually confusing the team rather than helping them?
• What if I am actually very stupid?
• What if….. what I am doing is not actually what I am good at, and I am about to find out in 10 years when it’s too late to make any changes?

• I want to be helpful
• I want to be useful
• I want to be knowledgeable
• Most of all, I want to be good at something so I can be proud of myself and to feel that I have used my ability and talent in some meaningful way.

It’s quite overwhelming thinking about the strategy or solution I am going to recommend next week, will impact how we are going to spend all the project budget (the money which all came from customer’s pockets – which meaning just a regular person like me), and will influence the client’s business. Maybe that’s why for a long time I was refusing to grow up and take more responsibilities.

Suddenly… I really miss my parents and sisters. I guess I am missing the feeling of just being a little girl, where I can have the feeling that I am protected and I don’t need to make any big decisions, and there won’t be anybody who will blame me for making bad decisions….

Last year, when I was literally freaking out about being 30, one of my friends said to me,

“Don’t worry, Jenna. 30s are great! There’s nothing to be afraid of, I’m sure you that you will love it!”

Of course, I didn’t believe it. I thought, it was kind of self-hypnosis trying not to be depressed about getting older. And maybe, it’s true. There’s nothing exciting about getting older.

Why was I so afraid of it?

When I was young, I thought, when I turned 30, I would be an adult, mature, settled, achieved, had found the answer of my life, and happy.

And I just felt like I didn’t have any of those ready. I felt lost.

I usually don’t like agreeing people so easily. But I have to say, being in 30s has been great ever since and I am really loving it.

It’s been only a year passed, but I feel just so much happier. What has been changed?

• I’ve learned how to focus on the present, not creating the perfect future
• I’ve learned how to forgive myself and just accept who I am as is.
• I’ve found that I have a lot more than I thought and learned how to appreciate everything I have.
• I’ve learned life is not about finding the perfect person to live with, it’s about learning how to love myself and how to share the love with the people I care.
• Most of all…. I’ve learned that I know nothing… and there are a lot more to learn, and the fact that it’s nothing to be afraid of. Not knowing the future and not ready for the perfect ending are actually what makes the life so exciting and interesting.

Cheers to me… for becoming an awesome and happy 31 year old.

Puma Clever Little Bag

I absolutely love this kind of project. Hopefully, more and more companies will initiate this kind of projects. *love*

A new global visual language for the BBC’s digital services

It’s so exciting to see a corporate investing in its design and branding. And, it’s even more exciting when it’s done in a right way and delivers its message so well.

I also love the fact that they posted this article in their blog as well as the design studio’s blog. I highly recommend you to go and check out yourself!

researchstudios.com / bbc.co.uk/blog

Seasons

Designer : Nao Tamura
nownao.com

Designer Nao Tamura, has won the I SaloneSatellite Award, with a serving container made in silica sand, called Seasons. It is being shown during the Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2010 Seasons is an interpretation of functional kitchen and serving ware, inspired by nature and technology, through the cultural lens of Japan.
Like a real leaf, each serving dish is flexible and multi-purpose. It rolls up for storage using the benefits of silicone to insure its use in an oven or microware, able to withstand repeated dishwasher cleaning. Each leaf enjoys its own shape, stackable in its open state, and in multiples, creating a sculptural display of serving artware.

Made from silica sand, silicone is the raw ingredient that ceramic and glass are made from. Compared to glass, very little energy is needed to cretae and process silicone. The ability to process it with low-cost equipment creates an opportunity for localized production. Long-lasting, unbreakeble and chip-resistant, lightweight and flexible, it can be compressed for very economical shipping.

Very inspiring design. Absolutely love it!

I like documentaries. In fact, I like all kinds of movies. However, it’s quite embarrassing to say, but I’ve never been to any film festivals. TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) is very famous but I never tried while I was in Toronto for 6 years. I know…. Shame on me.



Anyway, my friend Joel, who recommended me quite many things already, told me about this documentary film festival, Hot Docs.

It’s from April 29 to May 9. This time, I think I am going to try to be there!

I was looking at the list of films today and it seems there are just so many interesting ones!!!

These are the movies I am interested. Anybody wants to go with me?



Small Wonders
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/small_wonders



Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee And The Spirit Of The Rural Studio
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/citizen_architect_samuel_mockbee_and_the_spirit_of_the_rural_studio



Views On Vermeer – 12 Short Stories
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/views_on_vermeer_-_12_short_stories



Shinjuku Boys
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/shinjuku_boys



Ito – A Diary Of An Urban Priest
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/ito_-_a_diary_of_an_urban_priest



Babies: I actually saw this trailer a while ago and ever since, I always wanted to watch this!!
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/babies



Listen to This: It seems interesting…
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/listen_to_this



We don’t care about music anyway: Hm.. thinking about watching this might be super noisy… but interesting.
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/we_dont_care_about_music_anyway



Waste Land
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/waste_land



The House Of Suh
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/the_house_of_suh



What’s In A Name
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/whats_in_a_name1



In The Name Of The Family
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/in_the_name_of_the_family



Our House
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/our_house



The Invention Of Dr. Nakamats
http://www.hotdocs.ca/film/title/the_invention_of_dr._nakamats






Uhahaha.. So many cool movies… April and May will be fun!!

Bye Bye Publicis

I still remember my first day at Publicis and how nervous I was. Quite for a while, I was very shy and didn’t have many people to say hello to. After one year and 8 months, I got a lot closer to lots of coworkers and we became good friends.

This was my first advertising agency experience and I have to say, I truly enjoyed it. It was fun and crazy. And they DO know how to party. It is very sad thinking about leaving because I got attached to so many people. And I will miss a lot of things.

• The office (I love Publicis office… reception, club house, the patio, meeting rooms…..everything! Ah, the vending machine as well)
• Lunch at Clubhouse
• Drinking wine at George (and sometimes, if the timing is good, Dave or Wes will come down to George and pay for everything. :p)
• Crazy beer night at McVeigh’s
• Company Auction Night and Summer Party… ah, and of course, Christmas Party!!
• My awesome computer and screen (I got the best computer at Publicis… seriously….)
• Publicis Days (we get one extra day off during the summer after a long weekend)
• And… most of all… The crazy and friendly, but super professional people I worked with.

I will remember Publicis as a giant family with lots of brothers and sisters, and all the relatives. There’s a lot of drama, but the relationship is tight! I will miss it a lot.

I always get extremely nervous before I make any changes in my life. Starting everything new again is nerve breaking thing. But I know, as much as I am nervous and feeling not very confident, once it happens, I can do it and I will do it well. I have a faith in me.

In 12 hours, I’ll be on plane to Europe. This is also my first time traveling alone and I am super nervous but extremely excited. I’ll keep everybody posted about the trip!!

Farewell Party Photos

I had an awesome farewell party at McVeigh’s and here are some photos from the party. Thank you everybody who came to the party!! You guys are the best!!!!

You can click the link at the bottom to see more photos.

[ More Photos ]

http://www.ma-dame.com/

Previously, I said it annoys me sometimes that there are many great looking site but not many great content site. But you know what? It’s totally fine sometimes. Especially if it’s a website for perfume. All you need to do is just delivering the spirit and idea of it.

]]> http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/2010/03/site-ma-dame/feed/ 0 http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/2010/03/ny-times-dictionary-feature/ http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/2010/03/ny-times-dictionary-feature/#comments Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:38:28 +0000 Jenna http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/?p=1204

This might be an old feature, but I just found out from my friend’s twit.

As a non-native English speaker myself, I just love this feature. I think there should be more sites like this especially in Canada & US where there are so many immigrants. Government, Newspapers, eBook, School, Medical Information, or any reference website including Wiki.

So have a look at the feature.

1. Select any article from NY Times

2. Select any word – then question icon appears.

3. Double click the word or click the icon to see the definition of the word powered by Answers.com

http://www.sodrapulplabs.com/

I am a huge fan of simple and minimal design using few symbols or lines. So when I saw this site, I knew I would like it right away. But the problem I found these days is that, there are many good design websites but it’s very hard to find great content websites. The intro animation and navigation system are designed beautifully, but basically there’s nothing to browse or read.

But this site, I found they did spend some time to produce pretty good content. It was interesting (at least for me) and would be great if they continuously update the content with their new projects.

]]> http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/2010/03/site-sodra-pulp-labs/feed/ 0 http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/2010/03/favourite-actresses/ http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/2010/03/favourite-actresses/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:06:03 +0000 Jenna http://dailyinteractive.ca/blog/?p=1174

Nicole Kidman

Timeless beauty. She is just sooooo beautiful. I loved her especially from the movie “Dogville” She was amazing.

Natalie Portman

Smart, adorable, and cute. Also great actress. Of course Leon was my favorite, but also loved Garden State and Closer.

Scarlett Johansson

If I were a man, I definitely marry her. Soooooo beautiful and sexy. Lost in Translation is my favorite, but she always looks amazing in any movie. Love her look the most!

Monica Bellucci

Yes, Scarlett is beautiful, but in front of Monica Bellucci, she’s just a baby. Monica is just so sexy and beautiful. Even she’s in a movie just for one minute, it’s memorable enough and she is just shining in any situation.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

She just has this unique thing going on. I really loved her since the movie Secretary. And I love every single movie of her except Batman series. I don’t like when she does to major stream movies.

Gwyneth Paltrow

There’s something very attractive about Gwyneth. No wonder why Brad Pitt or Coldplay Chris Martin fell in love with her. She just has this elegant but cute image.

Kate Winslet

I didn’t like her at all from Titanic. In fact, I didn’t like the movie Titanic. I don’t know why, but I didn’t feel it was great But I loved her so much from Eternal Sunshine from spotless mind. She was just awesome. Then I ended up liking her way more from her episode of Extras (HBO). And after watching The Reader, she’s definitely my favorite.

Amy Adams

She’s my latest addition to favourite actresses. Loved the movie Sunshine Cleaning. I think I like this kind of calm but very subtle acting.

Keira Knightley

I really liked her from the movie Love Actually. Honestly, some of her movies are just awful. But, she’s just so cute and attractive, so deserves to be in my top list.

Winona Ryder

I really don’t know what happened to her. It’s kind of sad that she is amazing but her real like just sucks. But I love her look and I still like her. I loved the movie Edward Scissorhands, Girl Interrupted.

Ok. More to come, whenever I remember.