december seventeen

snow

2012-02-02T10:21:00.002-04:00

I took these photos from my room when we had the first snow in October. We had another snowfall of 10 inches yesterday so we have much more snow than in the picture.

I haven't been able to take much pictures at school and I'm not sure why. Maybe I need to be inspired again.

(Olympus XA/Fuji superia 400)

January 26

2012-01-26T21:42:00.001-04:00

These are photos from September/October.

I've been back in school for two weeks now and I'm already under piles of work. Hopefully I'll get them done before the dog sledding on Sunday!

Have a great weekend everyone!

(Olympus XA/Fuji superia 400)

year of dragon

2012-01-23T10:40:00.003-04:00

Happy Lunar New Year! I wish I was at home to celebrate the day with my family with lots of yummy food, but instead I'm stuck in school eating dorm food. Oh well, what can I do.

I hope you are all having a great day!

(Olympus XA/Fuji superia 400)

Things are not what they seem.

2012-01-18T15:58:00.002-04:00

I've been reading 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami and this quote stuck with me:

"Don’t let the appearance fool you. There’s always only one reality."

Isn't it simple but effective? I like it a lot.

(Polaroid SX-70/Time Zero film expired in 2004)

my room

2012-01-13T23:46:00.000-04:00

My 5 week long break is almost over. I'm driving back to school on Monday with my friend Dana, and classes start on Tuesday. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually looking forward to go back to school, back to this tiny room of mine.

(Olympus XA/Fuji superia 400)

spectrum

2012-01-06T18:59:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a good week. I came down with a cold a couple of days ago, and I'm still having runny nose and headaches. I hate not being able to smell anything - not that I was good at smelling things in the first place, but still, it sucks.

Have a good weekend everyone! Any exciting plans?

(Nikon FG/50mm/Fuji superia 400)

a year in film

2011-12-30T16:39:00.000-04:00

2011 was full of pleasure adventures for me. I flew all the way to Korea by myself to visit my family and friend, took a 7 hour long bus ride to Fredericton to see my friend Jen, and went to NYC with my family for our summer vacation. Then in August I started a new school year studying to be a math teacher!

It's almost 2012, Happy New Year!

(Click here for a year in film 2010 version)

25 things to do before I turn 26

2011-12-26T10:26:00.001-04:00

A little late this year, but here it is.

1. Travel
2. Find the perfect bronzer
3. Use the B&W film I've had for a year
4. Shoot at least one pack of Polaroid at school
5. Read one book every month
6. Downsize the closet
7. Build a good summer wardrobe
8. Check if I'm lactose intolerance or not
9. Shoot one roll of film every month
10. Finish the journal I'm still working on
11. Finish another journal
12. Use my digital camera more often
13. Write one sentence everyday for a year
14. Make a friendship bracelet
15. Find a close-up lens for Nikon FG
16. Go snow tubing
17. Buy a new pair of sneakers for gym
18. Buy a grey cardigan
19. Get a pedicure
20. Stay up all night long and see the sun rise
21. Send handwritten things in the post
22. Rent snowshoes and go hiking
23. Find my signature karaoke tune
24. Buy a matching bra and underwear set
25. Drink more water

(Olympus XA/Fuji superia 400)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:28:00.003-04:00

Have a great Christmas with your family and loved ones. Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T22:20:00.000-04:00

I'm finally done all my assignments and exams, and now I'm relaxing and waiting for one final grade to be posted.

Anyway, this year I've packed all of my clothes twice, and I've came to a conclusion that..

1. I need to stop wearing my 193742 unflattering white v-neck t-shirts.
2. I want to buy some slightly oversized (and flattering) white t-shirts. Where can I find them?
3. I need to start wearing my clothes I never wear because I feel "fancy" in them. Why not feel fancy everyday?

Bottom line is I think I have too many clothes. I'm planning to work on downsizing my closet over the break. Any tips?

New York, new york - Met, art

2011-12-12T12:00:00.003-04:00

Some of the pictures from the Met.

I'm home for next 5 weeks for my winter break! Woot! My plans for this week is to get all my assignments and tests finished hopefully by Wednesday, then do some Christmas shopping and wrapping.

How about you?

(Nikon FG/50mm/fuji superia 400)

New York, new york - Met, architecture

2011-12-07T17:00:00.003-04:00

Of course I went to the Met, how could I not?

(Nikon FG/50mm/fuji superia 400)

New York, new york - until I lost a roll

2011-12-04T22:17:00.004-04:00

These are the pictures I took after St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. After these I used a new roll which got thrown away by the hotel maid.

I'm still swamped in work, but slowly getting them done, one by one. Can't wait to go home for the break!

(Nikon FG/50mm/fuji superia 400)

New York, new york - St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

2011-12-02T12:17:00.003-04:00

Finally, my films from NYC trip in July are developed. About time, eh? I don't know why these are so grainy and faded, I think it's because these films went through x-ray at least 4 times.

One more week till winter break! I'm absolutely swamped in work right now, I never learn to do my work ahead of time!

Have a good weekend everyone!

(Nikon FG/50mm/fuji superia 400)

a day in my shoes

2011-11-14T15:54:00.001-04:00

Because everything in my head makes more sense through lists:

Can't wait till my next break which is next week. Going home for a whole week and possibly observe my high school teacher's classes.
Definitely getting my films developed when I go home! I have 4 rolls waiting to be developed.
It's almost the end of the term and I'm swamped in work, oh boy. I'm trying to get as much done as possible before the break.
I found my digital camera charger, yay!
I've been eating nothing but carrots, broccoli, and cucumber for past couple of days. There's absolutely nothing else to eat at the meal hall!
I've been spending wayy too much money lately, time to cut back!
I'm almost finished with making my winter term schedule. I just need to confirm something before I pick one more class.

how to make pomegranate tea

2011-11-09T20:34:00.000-04:00

I made this last year when I was at home but did not get my films developed on time to share.

- - - - - - - - - -

pomegranate tea

pomegranate seed
sugar (I used Splenda)
empty jar (s)

Place some pomegranate seeds in a jar, then sprinkle with some sugar.
Repeat this until your jar is full or you're out of pomegranate seeds.
Sprinkle extra sugar on top, close the jar.
Place it in your fridge for a month.
After a month, you'll see see some pretty pink juice in your jar. That's from your seed combined with sugar.

Now you're ready to make some pomegranate drink! You can mixed with hot/cold/carbonated water (hot pomegranate tea is good for sore throat), or use it to substitute sugar in your food, etc. I like to mix it with plain yogurt.

(Nikon FG/easypix 200 and Fuji superia 400)

a little update

2011-11-07T16:09:00.000-04:00

1. I had some issues with my old roommate, so I moved out and moved into a different room. I still have a roommate, but she's pretty awesome.

2. I haven't had a chance to develop any films here, the price is ridiculous compared to home. I'll get them developed when I go home for Thanksgiving.

3. I am so behind in school work right now, my goal is to catch up by Thanksgiving.

4. I have gained some weight. I'm on salad diet now. Or trying to be on one.

5. There's a possible chance that I have lost my camera charger. Or I never brought it with me to school. Maybe I just can't find it.

halloween 2011

2011-10-31T16:35:00.001-03:00

I'm not a big fan of Halloween. I think it's an excuse to dress up in skanky clothes and get drunk, but since I'm in res this year I thought I'd dress up and enjoy the day with friends. However, I forgot to take my camera with me on Saturday when we partied (a huge doh moment!) so I dressed up for my class today just so I can take a picture of myself dressed up as Waldo.

Anyone going out for trick or treating?

♥

2011-10-24T16:34:00.001-03:00

After coveting for a while, I finally bought myself a Mociun triangle ring. I've been debating between gold and silver for a while then I finally decided on silver. I placed an order when I came back to school after the break, and I freaked out because it's the most pricy jewelry I've bought for myself. Anyway it came in today and I love it!

I promise, I'm not getting paid to endorse them, I just love my new ring, haha!

PS: Can you believe that October is almost over? Time flies!

(Panasonic Lumix LX3)

polaroids from the break

2011-10-19T11:15:00.002-03:00

Polaroid fail.
Avocado.
An accidental shot.
My room = my brother's current practice room.
Pola of Polas.

I'm back at school after 11 days of break, and I've been catching up works. It's been so nice out lately so I'm thinking about taking my camera out (finally!) to take some pictures.

(Polaroid Spectra/Polaroid Image Softtone Edge Cut)

2011-10-08T22:23:00.002-03:00

I hope y'all didn't forget me! I've been so busy getting used to being in school and doing homework and reading all the time. Res life is starting to suck, so much drama! Cafeteria food sucks. I've been eating nothing but salad and yogurt lately.

I've been home since Thursday night for Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. I'll be home till the 16th (11 days!) and am having a great time spending time with family and eating yummy food. I've been home for 2 days and I already feel like I'm going to gain 5lb during this long break!

I'll try to blog more often that now I have tons of free time and am used to being in school. Have a good weekend everyone!

(Polaroid SX-70/Time Zero film expired in 2004)

2011-09-20T11:45:00.002-03:00

Hello! It's been a while. I have been so busy with school work, I barely have time to take photos!

Anyway, here's some photos I took last weekend at one of my professor's house. He invited education students for apple picking and, we made apple crisp and pie.

Hope everyone's having a good start of the week!

a little update

2011-09-03T12:37:00.004-03:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend. It's been a bit over a week since I moved in, so I thought I'd give you a little update.

+ I'm into my second week of classes and I'm already getting so much assignments. That's for having 6 classes!

+ I'm one of the few in my program who lives in residence. Two of my neighbours are in my program so we hang out together a lot.

+ When I'm in cafeteria, I sometimes feel like an old lady having her first university experience.

+ I had to listen to kids blasting music from their cars over the weekend while trying to finish my assignments.

+ I still haven't found out if there are any film labs around here so as soon as I get that figured out, I'll have my rolls from NYC trip developed and share.

The picture is my side of the room. Not a bad room, but not much space for socializing.

Happy labour day and have a good start of the week!

the august break :: day thirty one

2011-08-31T16:27:00.001-03:00

The final post for The August Break!

(Nikon FG/50mm/Fuji Superia 400)

the august break :: day thirty

2011-08-30T23:38:00.002-03:00

A mini cinnamon roll.

(Polaroid SX-70/TIP PX70FF)

the august break :: day twenty nine

2011-08-29T17:15:00.001-03:00

(Nikon FG/50mm/Kodak Portra 160NC)

the august break :: day twenty eight

2011-08-28T17:14:00.001-03:00

Dining room at home.

(Nikon FG/50mm/easypix 200)

the august break :: day twenty seven

2011-08-27T10:30:00.000-03:00

I'm sitting at the BOS airport as I type, getting ready to fly out to the school. I must admit, I'm a bit nervous and excited at the same time - the dorm life, having a roommate, going to a school far away from home.. but I'm definitely looking forward to my new life.

I've scheduled a couple of posts just in case I don't get the internet connection right away. Have a good weekend everyone!

the august break :: day twenty six

2011-08-26T20:36:00.001-03:00

Caramel apples. Yum.

(Nikon FG/50mm/easypix 200)

the august break :: day twenty five

2011-08-25T17:10:00.001-03:00

White.

(Nikon FG/50mm/easypix 400)

the august break :: day twenty four

2011-08-24T22:25:00.000-03:00

Montreal bagel + avocado + tomato = awesome summer sandwich.

(Nikon FG/50mm/easypix 200)

the august break :: day twenty three

2011-08-23T19:39:00.000-03:00

On Saturday I'll be leaving for school. I can't believe my classes start on Monday! Right now I'm packing my stuff and doing some last minute errands. I must admit, I'm a bit worried whether I'll be able to pack everything I need - I hope I can.

(Nikon FG/50mm/easypix 200)

the august break :: day twenty two

2011-08-22T17:04:00.001-03:00

Vintage Mickey Mouse.

(Polaroid SX-70/Time Zero film expired in 2004)

the august break :: day twenty one

2011-08-21T16:07:00.000-03:00

Curry.

(Olympus XA/easypix 400)

the august break :: day twenty

2011-08-20T15:13:00.001-03:00

Dandy fresh celery, Andy Boy lettuce.

(Canon Elph2/Fuji APS 400)

the august break :: day nineteen

2011-08-19T19:28:00.000-03:00

Halifax, NS

(Polaroid SX-70/TIP PX70FF)

the august break :: day eighteen

2011-08-18T10:44:00.000-03:00

Candle light.

(Olympus XA/easypix 400)

the august break :: day seventeen

2011-08-17T00:41:00.001-03:00

A carnation. B&W.

the august break :: day sixteen

2011-08-16T09:18:00.000-03:00

Polaroids.

(Polaroid SX-70/Time Zero film expired in 2004)

the august break :: day fifteen

2011-08-15T17:01:00.000-03:00

After a snowstorm.

(Nikon FG/50mm/easypix 200)

the august break :: day fourteen

2011-08-14T09:32:00.000-03:00

Took this a year ago today at my friend Mark's wedding.

(Polaroid SX-70/Time Zero film expired in 2004)

the august break :: day thirteen

2011-08-13T18:15:00.000-03:00

I wish I could still play something on the piano.

(Nikon FG/50mm/Fuji Superia 400)

the august break :: day twelve

2011-08-12T14:41:00.001-03:00

You might want to just stop.

(Canon Elph2/Fuji APS 400)

the august break :: day eleven

2011-08-11T12:11:00.000-03:00

Persimmon.

(Nikon FG/50mm/easypix 200)

the august break :: day ten

2011-08-10T09:53:00.002-03:00

Feeling a bit gloomy and sick today.

(Nikon FG/50mm/Kodak Portra 160NC)

the august break :: day nine

2011-08-09T19:44:00.000-03:00

Costco poutines are the best.

(Canon Elph2/Fuji APS 400)

the august break :: day eight

2011-08-08T08:52:00.000-03:00

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. It's my favorite book.

(Polaroid SX-70/Time Zero film expired in 2004)

the august break :: day seven

2011-08-07T14:44:00.000-03:00

Space invaders shaped ice cubes in iced tea.

the august break :: day six

2011-08-06T16:47:00.003-03:00

These macarons in Polaroid version.

(Polaroid SX-70/Time Zero film expired in 2004)

the august break :: day five

2011-08-05T08:29:00.001-03:00

New flip flops for dorm shower. 2 for $5!

the august break :: day four

2011-08-04T00:19:00.001-03:00

(Canon Elph2/Fuji APS 400)

the august break :: day three

2011-08-03T08:40:00.001-03:00

(Canon Elph2/Fuji APS 400)

the august break :: day two

2011-08-02T00:09:00.003-03:00

(Olympus XA/Fuji superia 400)

the august break :: day one

2011-08-01T15:26:00.002-03:00

the august break

2011-07-31T22:14:00.003-03:00

I have decided to join Susannah Conway's August Break this year. I personally don't think I deserve any sort of a break from blogging since I don't blog regularly (nor very often) but I liked the idea of posting one photo per day for the whole August.

I'll be sharing photos (old and new) everyday through August, then come back in September with lots of new content!

so long.

2011-07-20T16:24:00.004-03:00

(photo taken on my way to Korea)

I went to New York on July 14 with 5 rolls of film. I came back home on July 18 with 2 used rolls and 2 unused rolls. If you do the math, it doesn't add up right.

Question: Where's the missing roll?

Answer: The hotel housekeeper threw it away.

I'm not kidding.

I was about to leave for breakfast, then I realized that I needed to change the film. I took the film out, left it on a table, and went out for the day. When I came back it wasn't there. I searched the entire room, but I did not find that missing roll. It's beyond me how someone could think a roll of film could even look like a garbage. That missing roll had all the pictures from my bus tour including Statue of Liberty and view from the Top of the Rock. After that I was so angry and upset I stopped taking pictures altogether.

I've lost a roll before at my own fault, and that sucked. Having a roll being thrown away by someone else sucks even more. I think this might be the last time using film for a while, especially when traveling. Not that I do a lot of traveling, but I'm really discouraged to use film now.

Anyway, I'll be uploading photos from New York as soon as I get my two rolls developed. Stay tuned!

(Nikon FG/Fuji Superia 400/50mm)

Manhattan

2011-07-07T22:21:00.005-03:00

I think I might've misguided you in my previous post. I'm not in New York right now, I'm leaving on 14th, a week from today!

Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my plans for New York City:

Met, Guggenheim, and MoMA (my favorite!)
Woodbury Outlet
Dim sum at Jing Fong in Chinatown
night view at the Top of the Rock
walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

I am so low on film at the moment but am debating whether I can buy some in New York. Films are definitely cheaper in US than in Canada ($5 vs $2 for my usuals!) but can I fit a visit to a camera shop in my busy itinerary? We'll see.

New York

2011-07-06T00:31:00.002-03:00

I'm going to New York City! I went there in 2009 with my friend Jen and loved it, and this time I'm going with my family. I already have an itinerary full of stuff to do, but I'm determined to do and see everything. I can't wait! :D

(Nikon FG/Kodak Portra 160NC/50mm)

untitled

2011-06-29T18:13:00.002-03:00

my friend Sarah's Converse
selfie
a bag I ended up returning, it was way too big for me.

By the way, what do you listen to when you work out? I need a new playlist.. any suggestions?

(Nikon FG/Kodak Portra 160NC/50mm)

June 23

2011-06-22T17:37:00.000-03:00

Just some random shots around the house.

(Nikon FG/Fuji Superia 400/50mm)

fredericton photo diary

2011-06-20T20:21:00.007-03:00

I got my films I took in Fredericton back, where I had a great time with my friend Jen exploring the city, eating and snapping photos.

Hope you had a good weekend!

(Olympus XA/easypix 200 one stop underexposed )

The Sound of Silence

2011-06-17T16:38:00.000-03:00

The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel

Have a great weekend everyone!

(Nikon FG/Fuji Superia 400/50mm)

Daegu part 6

2011-06-16T20:46:00.002-03:00

These are the last bits of pictures from Daegu, and on my way up to Seoul via KTX train to visit my uncle and his family. For these, I used Kodak Portra 160NC but I didn't realize until I was on the train to Seoul that I left the ISO setting at 400. That's ok though, because I only took 6 underexposed pictures and other 30 turned out quite fine. I really like the film's soft tone but I must admit that I prefer the 400 films for their rich saturation.

Oh, and a little (late) update. Before my trip I applied to a teacher certification program in the states and got the acceptance email on my 2nd day in Daegu. So I'm going back to school in fall! I've been wanting to work in mathematical related field for a while, but after writing exams to prepare myself for the job market I felt like it wasn't for me. I would definitely make more money in that field but I think teaching will suit me quite well. It'll be my first time living away from home so I'm quite excited about it.

(Nikon FG/Kodak Portra 160NC/50mm)

Daegu part 5 - downtown

2011-06-03T23:00:00.000-03:00

Last few shots were taken at Mies Container which is a very popular spot for young women in Daegu. They're famous for their almost dough-less pizza. I had sweet potato pizza, full of sweet yellow potato and mozzarella cheese. I'm missing it so so much right now.

(Nikon FG/Fuji superia x-tra 400/50mm)

Daegu part 4 - simple things

2011-05-30T17:00:00.000-03:00

Rice cooked with various vegetables
Grandma's scarf
Money (forgot to take the back)

(Nikon FG/Fuji superia x-tra 400/50mm)

Daegu part 3

2011-05-27T23:30:00.001-03:00

Some pictures taken around my grandparents' place. I wish I got more closer look at vegetables and fruits being sold on the street, but I was a bit nervous taking pictures.

Tomorrow I'm going to Fredericton to visit my friend Jen. It's going to be a 7 hour bus ride but I'm quite excited to see her, and what the city has to offer.

I will not be blogging during my short trip, but I will still have new posts scheduled with lots of pictures from Korea. See you guys next week!

(Nikon FG/Fuji superia x-tra 400/50mm)

Daegu part 2

2011-05-26T22:50:00.005-03:00

Subway entrance
Automated ticket kiosk
A single ticket. Isn't it cute?
Scan your metro card or single ticket. You must return the single ticket when leaving the station otherwise the door won't open.
A little selfie
My way down to my hometown
Handicap seat sign
Wheelchair seat sign

(Nikon FG/Fuji superia x-tra 400/50mm)

Daegu part 1

2011-05-25T18:47:00.005-03:00

It's been a month since I got back from Korea and it took me as long to pick up my films. Let's just say I've been busy, hehe.

April 14 was the first time Ahlong and I got to see each other since I left Korea 12 years ago. I met Ahlong during 3 months of grade 7 I spent in Korea and we've been friends ever since. We walked around where I used to live, then took bus down to the market for 떡뽁이 (tteokbokki, last two photos).

I'll share more next time :)

(Nikon FG/Fuji superia x-tra 400/50mm)

20/20

2011-05-08T22:14:00.001-03:00

The first thing I did in Korea was visiting my aunt's eye clinic. My aunt (my dad's younger brother's wife) is a LASIK surgeon who knew all about my bad eyesight so as soon as she heard about my visit, she offered to do LASIK for me.

The surgery wasn't too bad other than being cold and afterward I just felt like I was wearing contacts backward, no pain. I slept for three hours in the recovery room wearing those beige round eye patches taped over my eyes, then went over to my aunt's for supper. That was it. Next morning I woke up with 20/20 vision. It was so surreal to be able to see everything without glasses!

I still can't wear mascara and have to use eye drops every 3 hours for another week, but I can't complain. I'm loving my life without glasses!

I'm back!

2011-04-29T22:39:00.005-03:00

Hi everyone, I'm back from Korea! I had such a good time in Korea seeing all my relatives and my (only) friend, it was so hard to say goodbye. But it's good to be home! I landed in YHZ (Halifax airport) on Monday afternoon, so I've been home for about 5 days now. I was so jet legged, I slept for almost 17 hours straight (12am - 5pm)!

I am so sorry for those of you who were supposed to get postcards from Korea, the trip turned out to be a whole lot more busier than I imagined and I did not have any time to visit post office. I'll still send you one from Canada!

I'll update more as soon as I get my films developed - I didn't have much time to take photos, but still, there are tons of things and stories I want to share!

Have a great weekend!

(Polaroid SX-70/expired 600 film/ND filter)

what's in my bag - travel edition

2011-04-11T10:20:00.003-03:00

Because it's always fun to look inside other people's bags - here's all the things I'm planning to take with me on individual days while I'm in Korea.

Btw, by the time you're reading this I'm already on my way to Korea. I won't be able to make any posts while I'm gone because I'm leaving my laptop at home.

See you all in two weeks!

preparations

2011-04-08T21:12:00.000-03:00

Preparing for the trip has been keeping me so busy this week. I've been hopping from store to store buying gifts for my relatives and things I need (cough.. want) during the trip. I already have a suitcase full of gifts and I may need some more!

I can't tell you how excited I am about this trip. I'm so looking forward to see all my relatives, but I'm especially looking forward to take photographs.

postcard from Korea

2011-04-05T17:44:00.001-03:00

As I've mentioned in my previous post, I will be visiting Korea next week.

Anyone interested in getting a postcard from me? I'd love to send you one if you'd like! Just leave your email in the comment box before Thursday April 7 11pm my time (find your local time) and I'll be in touch with you to get your mailing address.

7 days

2011-04-04T21:12:00.002-03:00

Hello folks! Wow, it's been ages since I made a post. So sorry for neglecting the blog, I've been super busy lately.

Anyway, if you have been following my twitter which I don't update often enough, I'm going to Korea! I'm leaving in about a week, next Monday to be exact, for two weeks. It'll be my first time visiting in over 10 years! I have been looking forward to this trip for years. I've been meaning to visit for a while, but somehow always ended up having to postpone every time I plan a trip. Now that I'm actually going, I'm so excited to see my family and friends but a bit nervous at the same time.

(Nikon FG/easypix 200/50mm)

how to be alone

2011-03-21T14:51:00.000-03:00

I am in love with this video by fiilmaker, Andrea Dorfman, and poet/singer/songwriter, Tanya Davis. It blew my head off when I first watched it. I love how everything sounds so simple and effortless, yet it covers everything down to the core.

There's nothing wrong with being alone, spending some time by yourself. I love spending time with family and friends, but sometimes I need "me" time. If you haven't gone out with yourself to restaurants or movies, do it now. I think you'll like it.

coburg coffee

2011-03-12T18:25:00.006-04:00

I took these photos at my favorite coffee shop, Coburg Coffee, when it was still warm and sunny. Back then I didn't like any of these pictures but now I look back I'm starting to like these a bit more.

This morning I've noticed that I'm five readers shorter than the last time I checked. I think it has to do with the frequency of my blog postings. I know I haven't been posting as often as I used to, and trust me, I'd love to blog more often but at the moment I just don't have the time to shoot nor take the films to the developer. I can't wait till I can start doing that again, and I have a feeling that it's going to be very soon.

My thoughts go out to everyone in japan and the surrounding areas.

(Olympus XA/easypix 400)

Snoopy and Charlie Brown

2011-03-06T17:47:00.000-04:00

When I first saw these limited edition Moleskines I knew that I had to have them. I mean, how could I say no to Peanuts! I used to watch Peanuts all the time that my video tapes got stretched out and no longer can be read in VCR. I really need to replace them soon, in DVD of course!
Anyway, I ordered them online a couple of weeks ago and on Friday I found them sitting in my mailbox. I thought about purchasing more to keep them in stock but the website only had one of each at the time I was ordering. Oh well, the regular ones are as good anyway.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

February in numbers

2011-03-01T22:02:00.000-04:00

3 blog posts (!!!)

2 (maybe 3) rolls of film shot

0 rolls of film developed (oops!)

1 pack of Polaroid Spectra shot

2 rolls of 35mm films bought (Kodak Portra 160NC and BW400CN)

3 pounds lost

1 jar of pomegranate tea made

1 pair of sneakers purchased

How was your February?

(Polaroid SX-70/TIP PX-70 color shade film)

a little friday post

2011-02-25T23:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!

While I was in the city yesterday for an appointment with my family doctor, I thought I'd drop by a local photo lab to buy Kodak Portra 160 and 400NC films. To my surprise the lab didn't have any 400NC/VC (only one who doesn't have them in the city!) but they didn't have any new 400 film either. I did buy a roll of 160NC and guess how much it costs - $11/roll! I didn't think they were that expensive, but apparently the average price in Canada is $10-11. I also bought a roll of B&W, so excited to try them!

Have a wonderful weekend!

(Polaroid Spectra/Polaroid Image Softtone Edge Cut)

breakfast in Polaroid

2011-02-21T08:54:00.002-04:00

My breakfast on the most tackiest plate in the house. It's probably one of the oldest ones around, too.

I've been thinking about why I haven't been so motivated to take pictures and post blog entries. I think it's lack of inspirations - I feel like nothing's been inspiring me lately. It's probably because it's still winter. I hope that's temporary.

(Polaroid Spectra/Polaroid Image Softtone Edge Cut)

snow, snow, snow

2011-02-09T20:35:00.005-04:00

Today was another snow day in Halifax. There are so much snow outside, but thankfully sunshine was out so I went out for a walk with my brother to take some pictures. We ended up coming back home in less than 5 minutes because it was so windy and sunny we could barely open our eyes. But I did manage to take some pictures.

My brother walking up the driveway.

Because I've noticed that I was getting a lot of purple tint with these Edge Cut films, I thought I'd take pictures with and without flash to compare.

With flash:

Without flash:

What do you think? Besides the weird purple streak, I like the one with flash better. Looks like I'll be using the flash all the time from now on!

(Polaroid Spectra/Polaroid Image Softtone Edge Cut)

January in numbers

2011-01-31T21:41:00.001-04:00

5 blog posts

0 rolls of films shot

1 Christmas card received

2 new teas bought

0 times I held any camera

50 centimeters of snow (at least!)

1 new photo project in mind

600 dollars spent at the dentist

How was your January?

(Nikon FG/film unknown/50mm)

answers

2011-01-31T11:00:00.003-04:00

how do you like your new job?
I don't work there anymore - I totally forgot to mention it on the blog after I quit. I quit because:
1) I was starting to think that it isn't the right kind of work for me. It wasn't really getting me anywhere.
2) Health reasons - During my last couple of weeks at work I was getting headaches a lot, so I was constantly taking ibuprofen. On top of that, the chest pain came back so I was in pain all the time.
But I learned a lot while I was there - probably enough to trade on my own.

what do you do there?
I was a US trader. Basically I spent hours buying and selling stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange and analyze anything that would help me to decide when to buy/sell.

what do you do to relax after work/weekends?
I catch up on Korean TV shows, try to take some pictures (but haven't been doing that lately), eat yummy food, watch a movie.. nothing too exciting, eh? :P I really should start reading books though!

That PX-70 FF is a fun challenge to work with, isn't it?
It definitely is! I have so many photos that didn't turn out right.

if you could live wherever you want, where would you like to live?
Somewhere warm, maybe San Francisco?

do you have a favorite book, song, movie?
My favorite book is The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.
My current favorite song is More Than You Know by Haley Sales.
My current favorite movie is Inception.

what is your absolute most favourite thing to eat?
Rice and a fried egg mixed with soy sauce and sesame seed oil. (Looks like this) Even better if topped with black sesame seed!

did you have many pets growing up?
Yes I did, but not cats and dogs. We had turtles and some orange tropical fish. I was terrified of the fish though, but rest of my family loved it.

where do you see yourself in ten years?
I would like to be a married woman with a child. Or two.

how many cameras you own?
I have 6 cameras at the moment - see here for details.

which one is your favorite to use?
Olympus XA. It's super compact, easy to use (set the aperture value, focus, shoot!), and gives really nice, rich colors.

You are from Korea, right? So what's the "meaning" of your real Korean name?
Before I go into this, I should explain that most (but not all) Korean given names are composed of Chinese characters.
If I remember correctly, my name is composed of two characters that means flame and fortune, so together it would mean.. I don't know. I'll have to ask my mom.

What are the things that help you stay motivated to take a picture?
I'm really not sure, so far I've been taking pictures because either I want to capture the moment, or I want to share something on the blog.

Thanks for all the questions!

(Polaroid SX-70/TIP PX-70 color shade film)

ask me anything!

2011-01-25T18:21:00.002-04:00

I'm seriously running out of things to post - I haven't developed any film since November and haven't even held any camera in a while so I'm out of photos to post, and I can't think of a thing to talk about. So I thought I'd do a "ask me anything". If there's anything you're curious about, go ahead and ask! I'm not a popular blogger so I don't know how many questions I'll be getting, but really anything is fine. And please don't hesitate to ask more than one question! I would really appreciate to hear from all you silent readers, too!

I'll leave the comment box open till Sunday night, then I'll be answering the questions on Monday. Hope you're having a good week so far!

(Polaroid SX-70/TIP PX-70 color shade film)

mushaboom

2011-01-15T09:16:00.005-04:00

lazy sunday morning

2011-01-09T11:02:00.005-04:00

(Nikon FG/film ??/50mm)

a year in film

2011-01-03T19:47:00.002-04:00

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

I hope you are all enjoying your beginning to 2011!
2010 was full of photos for me. I wouldn't be lying if I said I took more pictures in 2010 than all the pictures I've taken in my life prior to 2010. So I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos from each month.

PS: I've been changing around my blog layout (#9 off the list!) - what do you think? Font too small? Do you like the bigger pictures? Anything I should add in the sidebar or to make the blog look more welcoming? Please comment and let me know!

Happy 2011!

2010-12-31T20:50:00.001-04:00

I'm sneaking up to the computer to say goodbye to 2010, and to thank you for all the kind words and interests you leave in my blog. I wish you all a joyful night and the best for 2011. Happy new year!

(Polaroid Spectra/Polaroid Image Softtone Edge Cut)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

I hope you have a great Christmas with your family and loved ones. I will be back in a few days to share some Christmas photographs. Merry Christmas!

(Nikon FG/film unknown/50mm)

weekend

2010-12-20T11:22:00.001-04:00

Scenes from the weekend.

I hope your weekend was great.

24 things to do before I turn 25

2010-12-17T10:16:00.008-04:00

Today is my 24th birthday! I had so much fun this past uh, 6 months crossing off the list. I still have tons left yet to be done though!

Anyway, here's my list of 24 things to do before I turn 25. Wish me luck!

finish the unfinished
~~read three books I've never read before (suggestions?)~~
~~find two new records/artists and love them~~
~~try different 35mm films~~
make chocolate fudge
~~travel (anywhere!)~~ Korea, Fredericton
~~start swimming again~~
take a class at local art college (letter pressing, maybe?)
~~find a new blog layout~~
attend at least one symphony concert
~~get a new cell phone~~
knit something
finish two Moleskine journals
break in the SX-70 (I still haven't!)
~~try Polaroid self portrait~~
~~use my last pack of original Time Zero film~~
~~bake something I haven't baked before~~
~~get new glasses~~ I got LASIK! No more glasses!
~~go bowling~~
go skiing
fall in love
start a photo project
find a way to organize my growing coin collection
document as many things on this list with Polaroid as possible

light leaks

2010-12-16T10:47:00.002-04:00

These are from the last roll of film taken with my broken lens. When I dropped my camera, the film door opened, thus the light leaks. I kind of like these though.

Have a good day everyone!

(Nikon FG/film not sure/50mm)

birthday curse

2010-12-14T23:02:00.008-04:00

I was typing up my "24 things to do before I turn 25" list to post on my birthday only to remember about my birthday curse. Something always happened on or around my birthday that doesn't allow me to enjoy my day. So I thought I'd share my stories.

18th birthday
I had my youth orchestra rehearsal on my birthday and I really didn't want to spend 3 hours of my birthday rehearsing Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto. So I sent an email to the conductor that I'm terribly sick with flu so I couldn't attend the rehearsal. No, I wasn't sick, I just wanted to miss the rehearsal. But guess what? I actually got sick!

19th
The day after my last exam, I caught a flu bug. I was so sick I couldn't eat anything on my birthday, Christmas party, nor New Years Eve party.

20th
My youth orchestra had Pops concert on my birthday, so I spent the entire day rehearsing and playing. I guess it wasn't too bad because at least I got to dress up, play fun music, be with friends, and most importantly, I wasn't sick. But trust me, it's not how you want to spend your birthday, having to play in a concert.

21st
I was planning to have dinner with friends then hit the club (because I wasn't able to for past two yeas), but a huge snowstorm hit Halifax. I was already at my friend's before the storm got worse and since we didn't really want to be stuck inside, we decided to go to the first restaurant that's open. Well, that was the Wendy's. It was still fun though, walking around in snow.

22nd
I wasn't planning to do much after last year's fiasco, just a quiet dinner with family would've been more than enough. But three days before my birthday one of my best friend was killed in a car accident, and his funeral was two days after my birthday. I spent the entire week until the funeral crying my eyes out whenever I had a chance. I think that was the worst birthday ever.

23rd
I had a stat exam in the afternoon and a project due the day after so I spent the entire day at school, then had dinner with friends. Besides being at school for long hours, it was probably the best birthday in years. I wasn't sick, the weather was nice, nothing crazy happened.

I hope my birthday this year can go by without anything crazy or crappy. That's all I want, a quiet, happy day.

(Olympus XA/Fuji Pro 400H)

Post office

2010-12-12T16:16:00.005-04:00

the Post office is where
paths cross
where routes are carved out
where words and ideas commute
At the Post office
letters write another city.

we wish you could come in
But there are barriers more invisible than glass
There are lines drawn long ago
Plans about who how and where
we live build and work
They keep buildings empty
starve the streets
Lets not forget how
we shape our place

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

(Nikon FG/film not sure/50mm)

new lens!

2010-12-09T21:05:00.003-04:00

I took my camera and dented lens to the repair shop only to learn that it can't be fixed. Well, technically it could be fixed but would be more sensible and affordable to replace it. So I came home with a replacement lens + a filter for only $25! It's so much cheaper than what I've seen on ebay and kijiji where it could go up to $50 + shipping.

See? Nice and clean, dent free!

Now I have a fancy paper weight (aka old lens) hahaha

so are you twitting?

2010-12-08T22:52:00.002-04:00

I get that question a lot when I say that I don't have a facebook account, "so are you twitting?"

I've been a bit skeptical about Twitter. It didn't sound any different from facebook to me, you have to follow someone, you talk about what you've been up to, etc., and I didn't see a reason for me to have a Twitter account when I deactivated my facebook account. But when I was leaving a comment on Sarah Nicole's post about Twitter, it got me to think, you know what, I could use this to communicate with my blog friends. It gives me another way to communicate with them besides visiting each others blogs.

So I'm on Twitter now. We shall see how long it will last. Follow me!

(Olympus XA/fuji pro 400h)

things I've bought

2010-12-05T19:01:00.001-04:00

Hello, here is a post with pictures of stuff I've accumulated over the last couple of weeks to prepare for the winter.

I bought these Emu boots. Again. After I threw my old pair out, I swore that I won't buy another one of these Ugg-styled boots, but my poor feet (that gets cold easily) has been telling me that they need one of these to go through the cold Canadian winter.

I've been looking for simple leather boots like these for ages, and when I saw them at the mall while shopping with Mom, I couldn't resist. Can't wait to wear these!

My Mom bought me these leather gloves from Costco. These are so soft and warm, but I don't like the buckle decorations. I might cut them off later.

Last but not least, I purchased these ribbon earrings. Aren't they cute? I have a soft spot for small stud earrings (which are sometimes hard to come by) so when I saw these, I had to snatch them. Plus they were on sale!

Have a good start into the week!

recent pick-me ups

2010-12-02T23:06:00.003-04:00

persimmon
David's tea in Detox
two-bites red velvet cupcakes
tangerine
mango juice

photos don't do it justice

2010-11-30T21:17:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when I wake up early enough, I watch the sunrise from my bedroom window. It's such a wonderful sighting, and such a beautiful way to begin the day.

When I found a dent on my only lens on Sunday, I was trying to photograph the sunrise. There was something very different about this one, I haven't seen anything quite like this before.

Isn't it gorgeous? These photos really don't do it justice. I wish I was able to take better photos, but I'm glad I was able to capture it before it gets all light.

my lens is dented :(

2010-11-28T15:17:00.004-04:00

I took out my Nikon FG out this morning to take a picture, only to find it so hard to focus. Turns out that my lens ring (I think) is dented! :(

I think the lens cap came loose in my bag, then I must've dropped it lens down. The counter is also off - it's back to S (start?) when it really should be around 10. I wonder if the film door was opened? Or the body is damaged too?

I'm so heartbroken and don't know what to do.. I'm going to call a camera repair centre first thing in the morning and see if this can be fixed. :(