heavily soaked.

Sutro Baths

2012-01-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

nikon fm10

nikon d90

One of my new year's resolutions is learn about my cameras a bit more.
The first destination was Sutro Baths - I've never been to Sutro Baths before mainly due to my friends telling me that it smells horrid and that it has nothing to offer but some rocks.

If anyone were to ask me what I thought of Sutro Baths, I'd say something exactly opposite.
The sea breeze and smell of the ocean were soothing and the ruins of this bath place are definitely interesting - built so close to the water, burnt down in 1966, and now abandoned.

As for learning about my cameras, I'd say it was pretty successful. I was able to be attentive and play around the settings as supposed to hurrying up to capture a passing moment.
My modest goal is to go out somewhere every month and discover (or re-discover) places around me.
Next destination: Golden Gate Bridge!

I Like the Sound of You

2011-12-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Chris got me a lovely Nikon FM10.
While my memories of using a manual camera when I was a child, the grown-up me was way too afraid of fondling this beauty -- especially when I broke my brother's SLR last January.

One of the beauty of a manual camera is the fact that you are forced to wait until you develop the photos.And of course, the sound that it makes -- the rhythmic sound that captures the moment.

I can't wait to take more photos with my new toy!

Follow the Blue

2011-12-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

After my first semester of 1st grade, now that I think back, I was extremely fortunate to live with my grandparents for a year.My grand parents lived in a small town called Jin Young.
They were very modest, strict, and yet very loving -- they enjoyed playing gateball occasionally, had a small garden where they planted corn and cabbages, and went to the farmer's market to feed me and my brother the freshest veggies, meat, and fish.
My adaptation to the town was really fast even though some kids made fun of my "Seoul language." While my classmates thought I was the weird one for not having Korean southern accent, I still held tight to my Seoul accent and fought back hoping that their dialect wouldn't contaminate me.
Soon enough, I forgot how to speak with my fancy Seoul accent and spoke southern Korean dialect.

During my trip to Korea in the summer, my parents and I went to visit my grand parents' and my father's dear hometown.
I remembered the little village having full of energy and liveliness. But this time, it felt quite different.
Maybe it was because of the gloomy weather... Or because there were some abandoned buildings waiting to be demolished and to be reborn as fancy buildings... Or maybe the train station where my grand parents used to wait for my family to arrive is ripped away from the ground. But mostly, the town seemed bigger, grey, and emptier because my beloved grand parents are no longer here.

I miss them more than anything in the world.
Rest in peace. I love you.

Mid Summer Dreams

2011-12-20T23:36:00.000-08:00

One of the fondest memories in 2011 is undoubtedly my trip to Korea.
Although, I have lived outside of my country more than half of my life thus far, my connection to the country is still very robust.

This trip to Korea was very special to me as it was my first time to view Korea as an adult, meet my friends who I haven't seen since 9th grade, and yet devoured street food like 9 year olds together.

I have always managed find 3,000 excuses not to visit Korea. Not particularly because I was avoiding something but I was just a lazy ass.

And I am glad that I bit the bullet and did it -- as I plunge into the nostalgia of my dream-like trip to Korea, I cannot help but feel comforted.

PS - If you care, more pics, and stories to come!

Lately

2011-11-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

I've been going through some kind of remorse.
Guilt from neglecting my blog, cameras, sewing machine, paints, brushes, canvas, beads, yarn, books, sketch book, yoga, and so on.

But here is a start.

Hey, It's a Must!

2011-04-04T01:50:00.000-07:00

When I was in LA last week, Julie took me to her apartment's back alley where I got to have those classic and corny flower shots. I say it's corny but I feel it's a good way to experience lights and colors.

While going through the photos, I noticed that I still managed not to take many close-ups. Probably, it's because I am not used to the fancy fartsy macro function on my DSLR but also, I think I just really like to give some contexts to things.
That is mainly why I enjoy taking photos of sky and clouds. Sky and cloud (AND UNIVERSE!) have been a long obsession of mine since it's so vacant and empty that every element could hold so much more meanings.

In all, I am enjoying my camera and can't wait to cringe when I see my earlier photos that I took with my D90!

Alright, I am off to my bed with my furry cuddle buddy!

Googoogaga, googlegaga.

2011-04-03T22:44:00.001-07:00

Lady Gaga graciously came to visit the Googleplex in Mountain View. Since I work in the San Francisco office, I had to go down to Mountain View to experience her presence. To see her talk was pretty amazing. If you haven't seen the interview, you should -- she seemed to be more thoughtful and philosophical than I gave her the credit.

On this day, I didn't get to enjoy any Googleplex's food but it was so worth it!

Vintage, Vintage, Vintage

2011-03-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

To totally be honest, I never liked anything thrift, or vintage until very recently. My first thrift piece was a baby blue sweater that I have bought during my college years. The thought of wearing something that complete strangers have worn made me cringe like someone was scratching a blackboard with their fingernails. And even more so when it came to vintage jewelries. As it may have held an actual meaning to the piece, it was almost eerie.

Then one day, my "adultlescence" hit.

Where I constantly worried about how to fit or not fit in. Where I tried to discoveries happen.

Somewhere in between these seemingly senseless and futile urges, albeit materialistic, I found it satisfying to discover great vintage pieces among other dusty and stinky stuff.

To experience that to fullest, I went to the Vintage Fashion Expo to see what it had to offer. If you were to ask me how it was, my answer is "I fucking loved it." Which makes me want to try the Rose Bowl Flea Market in LA.

And below is my newest additions to accessories!

Image Consumption and Obsession Make me a Better Person

2011-03-14T00:03:00.000-07:00

For all the narcissistic reasons, there were times when my pathologic self wanted to capture every moment of my life, and people around me. Whether or not someone cared, the ability to provide glimpse of my life and my friends, or more like proof of existence, was definitely more than stimulating -- until my 5000+ photos filled my laptop's hard drive and one external hard drive.

With all these moments of my life shoved in cold, hard devices, my disposable digital images and memory hoarding seemed rather meaningless. Armored with my laziness on getting a new hard drive and whatnot, I have stopped taking my camera around.

While I enjoy my purse being lighter and not have to freak out every now and then on the possibility of losing my camera somewhere, that meaninglessness has became some sort of unnecessary and yet inevitable void. My life and my early 20s, it seemed like, have become orderless and simply blank.

So I am reviving my dependence of image consumption. And it came with vengeance!

Here comes my new, future addiction:

And also, I have ordered my Lomography Supersampler that I've been meaning to replace my broken one
Note iamtotallygoingtopulla'omg-i-knew-about-this-way-before-than-you'buti'vebeenadevoutlomographersince2003

Paranoid Polaroid

2011-01-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Please ignore bad cropping job and corny-ass writings.

Last night, upon counting my stash of 600 films for polaroid, I realized that I had only 4 packs left. These 4 packs were acquired during the aftermath of Polaroid's announcement to discontinue the films. My inner hoarder self, of course, couldn't resist and bought about 18 packs of those. Being a great sister that I am, I generously gave a few to my brother, I used a few and now I have 4 packs left.

In attempt to do some restocks, I've browsed Amazon and others just to find myself to be heartbroken -- $44 a pack? $44?
While I did thought about selling my films online and make some $$$, I preferred to fill my albums with priceless memories - CHEEZY!
Aside the steep price of instant gratification, I was more saddened by the fact that after using my remaining films, I won't be able to use my camera...

And my nostalgia list grows longer each day.

Sky High

2010-09-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

My friend once told me that I must be the happiest person in the world because I can appreciate the sky. As much as that turned out to be a bs, looking at the sky and clouds move undoubtedly make me feel more grounded.

The sky that I encountered on the way to and in Paris, on the contrary, made me feel high, intoxicated by nostalgia, familiarities, unfamiliarity, and, of course, the sweetness of escaping the mundane life.

That's all.

Feeling Anal-ogue

2010-06-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I started to take a photography class through Root Division. To my surprise, we were the only ones with film cameras. Feeling old fashioned and nostalgic to my digital camera aside, I was envious of the spontaneity of those DSLRs -- how the hell am I supposed to know if I am taking an OK photo with all the right settings? Well, now I know.

After exhausting my film, I got them developed at Walgreen's only to realize that 15 photos were missing as I didn't "get it right." Though, the excitement of getting the envelop filled with fresh developed photos made it all worth it.

Indie Mart

2010-06-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Sunny and yet breezy day in San Francisco, I went to Indie Mart with Julie. I must say we did expect lots of sweets and lemonades but it was more like bar food and beer. Although we didn't get to alleviate our sweet teeth, we were sweetened by little precious things.

Flower therapy: Conservatory of Flowers

2010-06-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

[little overdue post]
Last weekend, my lovely Julie and I wanted to feel enchanted and less industrial - so we went to Conservatory of Flowers! When we walked in the conservatory, an extreme humidity and warmth greeted us. Though I felt as I was melting, the delightfulness of flowers made it worth it. I promised myself that if I have some money to burn in the future, I'd definitely make a conservatory of flowers in my future backyard.

Night night

2010-06-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

Good night, moon.

Walter Van Beirendonck Collection Preview

2010-05-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Chris, Ara, and I attended the Walter Van Beirendonck Collection Preview at Berkeley Pacific Archive. Despite my super eager and early RSVP, I did have to encounter, "I am sorry but did you RSVP with a different name by any chance?"

Anyhow, the show started around 8PM and bunch of hairy-chested men proudly pranced around Thom Faulders' BAMscape.

Afterward, I walked around the structure admiring peep's amazing outfits. I wish I could have taken more photos of outfits but I am just too shy.

Thom Faulders' BAMscape

This lady's outfit reminded me a modern version of the Little Prince. Her Margiela blazer was to die for.

Orlando, FL

2010-01-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

Florida for New Year.

seaworld

disney

chick-fil-a

"Void is my catalyst."

2009-12-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

by Julie

Note to self: Veni, vidi, vici.

Blegh

2009-12-09T22:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I try make things more organized, and categorized.
More often than not, I find myself tangled in the midst of nonsense that I've created.
But I do not mind because I am underwhelmed and uninspired.
Underwhelmed and uninspired would be an undermining way to describe status quo.

Sky in pixels

2009-11-10T00:20:00.000-08:00

via your mom's iPhone

My lovely Milou

2009-10-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Her name is Milou,
adopted her from Palo Alto Animal Shelter.
I hate having pets because I get too attached.

I remember when I bought this baby bunny from the street that was actually already too sick to survive
I had her for one week exactly.
She followed me everywhere and occasionally pooped everywhere.
On the seventh day, she decided to sleep forever.

vacation, en bref

2009-08-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

dubai.

musandam, oman.

more photos here
even more photos on my computer

i am back, i guess.

Away

2009-08-20T10:56:00.001-07:00

family vacay.

Mmm

2009-07-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ceci n'est pas longchamps

Needs and wants

2009-07-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Ruby Lips Brooch (1949) Dali

Feeling big fat urge to be creative these days.

Sky is not always blue

2009-05-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sky is not always blue but it's always there wherever you go, with you.
Let's not forget that.

Cone-cakes!

2009-04-29T00:59:00.000-07:00

I forgot where I found this picture but this makes me incredibly happy.

It's Britney, Bitch!

2009-04-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

I just love her.
with
all
my
heart

Dedicated to Lily

2009-04-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH.
this entry is dedicated to lily

Hilton and my Lady Gaga obsession!

2009-04-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been obsessing about Lady Gaga.
AH! SHAME ON ME
I think I'm in love
So I've been Youtubing a lot of Lady Gaga and came across this video
Paris Hilton makes me laugh
HARDCORE
She is so adorable because she is extremely awkward
I love it how Lady Gaga is like "Uh oh.." when Paris Hilton suggests doing a song together.
CUTE!

2009-03-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

no expectation,
no disappointment

I need these

2009-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Totally unnecessary but definitely necessary.

Sunny in San Francisco

2009-03-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

San Francisco weather really made me happy today. Though, it made me too happy that I was scared of that happy feelings. Helen, Lily, and I went out to Dolores Park to have lunch--felt like hipster heaven. This must be where hipters end up.

The Show

2009-03-26T23:57:00.001-07:00

Interviewing Lenka at The Fillmore.

She is very sweet and witty. Her voice is melodic.

(photo credit: Lily)

Transparency

2009-03-25T00:15:00.001-07:00

(images from Toxel)

Chained

2009-03-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

tough love.

Seriously..

2009-03-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

Why?

alone.

2009-01-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

i love nakashima mika.
maybe it is because i used to listen to her all the time when i was going through a harsh emotional roller coaster.

anyway,
this song brings me back to a place that i never want to be at.
but i still want to play this song.
because i have a sick mind.

Quote #4:

2009-01-28T22:37:00.001-08:00

A message from kwest on Vimeo.

Quote #3:

2009-01-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

.
.
.
"So listen to your brain, because your heart is kinda dumb."
.
.
.
by Jess from "Daddy's Girls"

Quote #2:

2009-01-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

.
.
"I am always right. People come congratulate me for being right."
.
.
.
by L

Quote #1:

2009-01-08T23:09:00.000-08:00

.
.
.
"I'm glad I don't understand fashion."

.
.
.
by Chris

Hello, Strangers

2009-01-04T22:37:00.001-08:00

hello people.