Anna Says...

...yeah, it makes me smile!

2007-03-11T17:54:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't blogged in a very long time. I've had so many ideas for things I wanted to blog but I haven't been able to make the time to create the entries. Ok, the truth is the working world has made me its monkey and I no longer enjoy the thrills of having free time to blog. Besides, who out there is REALLY interested in my blog. Perhaps this blog is only a personal indulgence because I really don't consider myself that interesting or important to have a fan base. As for those moments in my life that I had planned to document, just like an old joke, their moments have long since passed and the punchlines have lost their humour. Therefore, I will offer you a snapshot of what has been tickling me the most lately.

First up is Body Fusion, an SNL skit that never seems to lose its ability to leave me in stitches even when I am in my most sour moods. Unfortunately, I was not skilled enough in the techno-geek arts to figure out a way to embed this clip. So you'll have to click on the link instead.

Next up is Lily Allen's album, "Alright, Still". I highly recommend you add this to your music libraries if you haven't already.

Last up is my latest stuffed animal purchase: A hamster puppet. I saw this over a year ago in a toy store inside the Calgary airport but I resisted this overpriced creature. Then, recently while sipping a Starbuck's Earl Grey Misto (a.k.a. London Fog) at a local Chapter's with a friend, there was the hamster puppet staring at me with it's beady little eyes at half the price. He now roams free in my condo and has been appropriately named, "Hamthta" (to be pronounced with your best lisp possible).

..."Powerhouse" my current favourite commercial!

2006-11-26T14:23:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's the familiar Looney Tunes music, "Powerhouse" by Raymond Scott, bringing me back to the days of Acme assembly lines. Maybe it's my silly sense of humour as I've always been known to be easily entertained. In any case, this is my current favourite commercial.

...inside the room of my soul

2006-10-27T21:22:00.000-04:00

My cousin had some of the results of some fun mini personality quizzes on her MySpace site and I couldn't resist taking a few. Since I worked in the residential interior design business, I figured it might be interesting to see what the room of my soul looks like.

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are a warm hearted and open minded person. It's easy for you to forgive and forget.

You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds.

You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you.

Your near future is all about change, but in very small steps. The end of the journey looks far, but it's much closer than you realize.

For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

...double, double take!

2006-10-26T20:21:00.000-04:00

There's a Tim Horton's at 3rd Line & QEW out in Oakville. One day back in August, I went in for a medium double-double and my eyes were drawn to the name tag of the lady who served me. It read:

M-A-H-N-O-O-R

How would YOU pronounce that?

Needless to say, I had a smirk on my face as I resisted the temptation to blow up laughing. Then it crossed my mind that it would be funny if I asked her for one of those walnut crullers or a chocolate donut - anything brown!

...angelic voices, diabolical timing!

2006-09-28T00:28:00.000-04:00

The title says it all...

...oops I did it again!

2006-09-23T20:34:00.000-04:00

Chinglish never fails to make me laugh!

Left: Briotney Spears!
Right: Calling occupants of interplanetary craft! UFO's are not to be flushed in toilets!

...Monchiuchiu!

2006-09-23T20:33:00.000-04:00

Monchichi? No, it's Monchiuchiu!

...what a deal!

2006-09-23T20:31:00.000-04:00

Parking spaces in our building range from $65 - $100 and Green P Parking charges $1.50 for every half hour. So imagine the profit the Chius could make on this!

WOW! An entire parking lot for only $80.00! What a deal!

...lucky Buddah belly

2006-09-22T22:40:00.001-04:00

Rubbing a Buddah's belly brings good luck!

Samson's pre-dinner routine at Restoran.

...wee!

2006-09-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

I don't wanna grow up! I still enjoy a big wheel ride!

Big wheelin' inside Dick's Sporting Goods, Buffalo, NY.

...my Pella workstation

2006-08-29T17:02:00.000-04:00

...A Midsummer Night's Run

2006-08-24T23:32:00.000-04:00

On the night of Saturday August 19th, Sandra and I decided to partner up for A Midsummer Night's Run's 30K Relay. Here are the relay results where she and I placed 28 out of 37 teams with a combined chip time of 3:03:31. Hey! Atleast we didn't finish last!

Why run a 30K relay? I had three reasons:

Already at the 15km long slow distance mark for my half marathon training.
I loved the unique idea of running a race at night starting in the daylight and finishing by moonlight.
It was a chance to have a wacky team name like "What Fools Mortals Be" to go along with the theme inspired by Shakepeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A few fellow runners from the Running Room participated the full 30km distance in this inaugural event. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Tim had registered for the 30K during his visit from Calgary. Tim's my running guru!

Some highlights from the race:

Right: Sandra, my partner who ran the first 15K.
Middle: Me, running the final 15K.
Right: Tim, running the full 30K.

Left: At the start line. I think I see Dawn and Denise!
Right: At the finish line. Anna & Tim...No! We're not at the Gay Pride Parade!

Left: Denise crosses the finish line with joy and relief!
Right: Danny sprints to the finish.

Left: Dawn the pace fairy and manager of Running Room North York.
Centre: Ed the sock? No! Ed the fairy and manager of Running Room Yonge Street.
Right: Stanley, running 30K after running 20K to the race all the way from North York.

...attention: nephew abuse!

2006-08-13T20:31:00.000-04:00

Left: Munching on Keita.
Right: Yuya...taking a dump!

...welcome to Pella!

2006-08-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

My first week at Pella has gone by quickly and smoothly. I am currently undergoing training as part of their onboarding process.

When I arrived for my first day on the morning of Monday July 31st, I was greeted by a sign at the front entrance welcoming their two new recruits. I thought this was a very thoughtful gesture. Also, a big sign was attached to a workstation just for me.

Left: Welcome Anna!
Right: Reservations please!

...because it FITs!

2006-07-28T14:30:00.000-04:00

Nope. I'm not quoting those Shortman Brown's commercials you may have heard on 680 News. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, make sure you check out some of their advertisements especially their TV commercial.

What I'm actually referring to is the new car Samson and I bought for my daily commute to my new job in Mississauga. Check out our 2007 Honda Fit Sport in Blaze Metallic Orange!

...south for the summer!

2006-07-27T17:54:00.000-04:00

Unlike certain birds, Samson and I did not fly south for the winter. Instead we decided to do the 3-day drive south to Disneyworld in Florida for our summer vacation! Here are some highlights from our trip:

Epcot Centre

Left: Samson & I entering the Epcot Centre.
Right: I couldn't contain my excitement.

What does the 50 percentile woman look like? Kinda like me!

Left: Thankful to be in front of the China Pavillion.
Right: Japan Pavilliion with bonus shot of Uncle James.

Left: Before dessert.
Right: After the seahorse ate the dessert.

Spectacular nightly fireworks.

Magic Kingdom

Left: In front of Cinderella's Castle
Right: FOB or a Magic Kingdom peasant
jumping in front of a Chinese laundry?

A series entitled, "Exit Only, Please." featuring Samson's bum.

Left: Chip with Samson.
Right: Dale with me.

The crazy woman at The Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

Animal Kingdom

Left: Samson at the Animal Kingdom entrance.
Right: The Tree of Life on Discovery Island. All fake but it looked so real!

Ferocious animals attack Auntie Diana while she
innocently poses for Uncle James' camera.

Left: Homicidal rickshaw driver.
Right: Boom-boom-shacka-lacka-boom-boom.

In the distance is the forbidden Mount Everest, guarded
by a fierce Yeti (a.k.a. Abonminable Snowman).

At a scorching 93 degrees Fahrenheit, Anna performs her "I'm Sooo Hot!" dance.

MGM

Left: The centre of the MGM Studio theme park.
Right: Another FOB begging for business along
a San Francisco streetscape.

Left: Samson at the awesome Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Right: Samson at the Rock n' Rollercoaster, starring Aerosmith.

Left: The Incredible Chius!
Right: Mr. Tumnus will help the son of Adam!

Samson's favourite, The Muppets!

...pleased to meet you Julian!

2006-07-11T23:13:00.000-04:00

My friend from highschool had her second baby boy about four months ago. I finally had the opportunity to get together with her for lunch and meet the latest addition to her family. It was very nice to meet you Julian!

...death of the job hunt!

2006-07-08T08:52:00.000-04:00

Great news! As of July 31st, I will be an employee of Pella Corporation.

After 2-1/2 weeks of interviewing, on July 4th I signed my acceptance of their job offer for an Inside Sales Consultant position.

Pella is a U.S. manufacturer of windows and doors based in Pella, Iowa. For 7 consecutive years, Pella has been ranked in the top 50 of Fortune Magazine's Top 100 Companies to Work For.

I am proud and excited about this new opportunity!

Thank you to everyone who prayed for me and picked me up when I was discouraged and losing confidence during my job hunt. It has been a very long journey, one that I could not have traversed without your support!

...a visit from Selena

2006-07-03T23:26:00.000-04:00

Selena was in town to visit family and friends over the long weekend!

Left to right: Simon, Naomi, Chico, Jenet, Samson, Selena, ME!!!, Katherine.

...stuff from the Canada Day long weekend

2006-07-01T23:46:00.000-04:00

Yummy Barbeque...
We spent the Canada Day long weekend in Ottawa. Thanks to Steve & Noreen for their hospitality, for sharing their home with us, and for the awesome breakfasts and of course the annual BBQ feast!

Happy Birthday Timmy...
July 1st isn't complete without wishing Tim a happy birthday. The Chius, Lams, and Wangs waited until 12:00am mountain time (2:00am EST) to sing our harmonized version of Happy Birthday.

Other news...
Wang residence haunted by creepy (yet affectionate) bear?

Chico...

Samson...

Misunderstood...

...introducing the Dim Sum combo!

2006-06-19T19:56:00.000-04:00

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...

HA-GOW and SIU-MAI !!!

Welcome to the newest members of our family. This is the first time that we have adopted fraternal twin hamsters. Hopefully, by having each other's company, they will manage to survive more than 6 months and break the cycle of SHDS (Sudden Hamster Death Syndrome).

...Happy Father's Day!

2006-06-18T22:42:00.000-04:00

After an afternoon playing beach volleyball, Samson and I went over to Gung-Gung and Poh-Poh Ng's house to celebrate Father's Day.

Although we didn't manage to capture too many photos that evening, I have included a couple below.

Left: Gung-Gung and Poh-Poh Ng with our nephew Yuya (Brandon)
Right: Auntie Anna, Keita (Adam), Uncle Samson, Yuya (Brandon)

Memorable moments:

According to Keita, he won't call me Auntie Anna because "Aunt" is a title for old women.
Playing cars with Keita and informing him that he is a very bad driver after he caused repeated car crashes followed by instant magical repairs.
Slowly brainwashing Keita to stop crashing the cars because cars should be used for going shopping instead (call it a woman's touch!).
Scaring Yuya with a stuffed toy shark...oh wait, that wasn't on Father's Day.

Ah, it's all in good fun!

...Sad Father's Day!

2006-06-18T22:41:00.000-04:00

After returning home from our family gathering for Father's Day, Samson and I made a very sad discovery.

A U N T I E
J A M A I C A
Dec 11, 2005 - June 18, 2006

BELOVED DWARF HAMSTER

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

Just like our previous dwarf hamster, Timbit, our sweet Auntie Jamaica graced our lives with her presence for only 27 weeks. Like Timbit she was a very friendly and clever hamster who kept her cage clean. We believe her death was another case of SHDS (Sudden Hamster Death Syndrome) as there were no signs of illness, trauma, or discomfort. She lived a very happy life and we'll remember the joy she brought us since the day we emancipated her from PJ's Pet Centre.

...Bib #11803 mission accomplished!

2006-06-11T22:15:00.000-04:00

Here is my belated report on the completion of my first half marathon which took place at the ING Ottawa Race Weekend, Sunday May 28th.

It was a very hot and sunny day in Ottawa on May 28th. I had trained for 16 weeks (Jan-May) and thought running in the cold of winter and the rain of spring was tough but I was unprepared to take on the sudden heat wave that swept over Ottawa on race day.

The gun went off at the starting line at 10:15am. The first half of my race went very smoothly. By the time I reached 11km, I felt myself overheating. I began dumping cold cups of water over myself at nearly every water station and was drawn to all sprinklers and garden hoses along the route. There were a couple of sponge stations as well and I wedged these down my back and under my shoulder straps to try and stay cool.

Maybe I guzzled a bit too much air while chugging back water from my fuel belt because around 13-14km, I felt bloated and started getting hiccups. I was forced to walk every few minutes as I was struggling to control my breathing and to lower my heart rate which was averaging 95% of my HRmax for the remainder of the race.

I finally crossed the finish line at 2h:15m:41s. Not exactly the goal time I trained for but it's only my first attempt at the half marathon beast and I finished!

Complete results of the ING Ottawa Half Marathon.

...race weekend highlights

2006-06-11T22:14:00.000-04:00

Saturday May 27th, the day before the race...

Left: Samson and I spent a leisurely day in downtown Ottawa.
Right: Lunch with the Cho Family.
(left to right) Emily, Helen, Avery, Kevin, Samson, ME!!! (photo by Martin)

Right: Smile! Taking advantage of a great photo opp with
Running Room founder and president Mr. John Stanton.

Sunday May 28th, the day of the race...

Left: Some of my Running Room half marathon clinic mates.
(left to right) Denise, Sandra, Jen (our instructor), ME!!!, Sabrina.
Right: Near the start line with Samson my personal cheerleader,
#1 fan, and papparazzi extraordinaire.

Approaching the finish line...

Casualties...

Left: The beginnings of my first black toenail.
Right: Caught with a saggy face.
Hey! You're supposed to relax your face when running!

Rewards...

Showing off my first half marathon finishers' medal
and complimentary technical t-shirt.