Brown Eyed Girl Diary

Back from Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:15:00 +0000

It's been a long time I know. But getting through the 30 before 30 list takes time. I'm now back and refreshed and ready to blog about the news things happening. Here is an update on my list.

7. Fall in love - Check! Met great guy last summer.
9. Grow something - Check! My friend and I got a plot at the community garden and had an abundance of lettuce, zucchini, and carrots all summer long.
15. Build a portfolio for retirement funds - Check! Set up a Questrade account and built a portfolio with ETFs.
22. Get professional designation - Check! And the raise that came with it.
24. Find a pair of wicked high heels - Check! Bought a pair of nude heels that look and wears amazing.
27. Donate blood - Check! I tried again right before leaving to Brazil and success!
28. Take a significant trip - Check! Went to Argentina and Brazil!

27. Donate blood

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:38:00 +0000

I made an appointment for yesterday to make my first blood donation. This might not be a big deal for everyone else but for it is. Firstly because I hate needles and secondly because I have fainted a couple times before that makes people think this would not go well.

Well I passed all the tests and actually made it to the donation. I even made it past the needle and filled the little pack they use for testing. Then my blood stopped. Is that even possible? Yes it is. We never did find out what's wrong but some theories were that my vein collapsed or that my machine was faulty.

Also, I was felt a little light headed and was immediately swarmed by nurses, cold packs, and a fan. Very embarrassing in a room full of people.

Anyway, major fail on donation and now I have to wait another 56 days before I could donate. My friend who came with me is amazed that I want to try again. Truthfully, I don't know how much fun that would be but I should give it another go.

Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 05:42:00 +0000

In previous elections I usually know exactly who I'm voting for, but this year I'm torn. I don't like any of the options. So, I hopped on to the Vote Compass to see what it would. Guess what. It tells me the same thing. I fall in a spot where none of the political parties suits me.

I deserve special

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:32:00 +0000

How is a girl like you still single? I get asked that a lot. So much so that I'm beginning to ask myself that. This leads to other questions like: maybe my standards are too high, am I too judgmental, is there something wrong with me?

I'm all for a little self reflection and personal growth. However, be careful. I mistook my self-doubt for self reflection. It only led to staying with Mr. Wrongs longer than I should and being miserable during that time.

Last week after breaking up with the latest Mr. Wrong(but oh so amazing on paper), I felt happier than I've been in awhile. I came home Friday night after a week of living the single life, relaxing in my condo alone, I realized that I like my life. I make a good living, own my home, have caring family and friends, and lead an active life ( I do what I want when I want). For me to let someone into this life, he has to be worth it. I deserve someone special.

That's going to be my mantra. I deserve someone special. Other fab ladies are saying the same.

# 18. Take pole dancing class II

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 03:02:00 +0000

I started my 4 week into to pole dance class this week. It was awesome! It's weird to be dancing in front of the mirror and looking at myself so much. But that's the whole point I guess - outside of my comfort zone.

Apparently, I have to stop thinking too much and go with the flow. I tried the spin so many times I didn't think I have any muscles left. But I couldn't get it. But then she said let's try all the step together, which was so much I didn't have time to think. Guess what, I did a spin. Isn't that so true with everyone? Sometimes you can overthink. Looking forward to next week.

Resisting Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:21:00 +0000

I'd like to think that I'm pretty good at avoiding buying something for the sake of buying it. However, something happened today made me realize that I still need to be mindful of my shopping habits.

I went into Indigo books to look at the Kobo e-reader because I've been considering it. I couldn't come to a decision but I wandered around the store a little. Then I saw these mugs I've been eying on the sales table. As I was carrying it to the till, dreamily thinking about the lattes and teas I'd be drinking out of it, I realized, just that morning, I washed 4 mugs that I've used over the week. How many mugs can one girl need? I think of the clutter and expense of trying to follow the latest trend (even with a discount) I quickly put the mug bug.

The good sales they are tempting. Even if something is a screaming deal be sure to ask these questions: do you need it? do you already have something that serves the same purpose? do you have room for it?

Friday night Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 22:32:00 +0000

It's been a crazy week. After dinner on Friday I was looking forward to a little craft project I had planned. I was going to make wine charms. I had some friends over for drinks last weekend, and realized I need wine charms. I did a search online and thought they look like a quick craft project. You can find great instructions on how to make them here.

I bought a box of 60 assorted wire loops from Michaels, which after a 50% off coupon, came to $2.50. They also sold boxes of assorted beads for about $6.99 and up. However, I've a tin where I collected broken pieces of bracelet, earrings, and buttons, which I thought might work just as well and they did.

I wish I took before photos of the beads as they were, but I didn't think of it until I was done. But I did take photos after.

Materials I used: Wire loop findings, beads, and needle nose pliers. Easy if you want to give it a try.

#14 Get Glamour Shots II

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:05:00 +0000

Remember I talked about winning a photo shoot at a silent auction. I thought my parents would like some shots but they weren't interested. So onto option B, a photo shoot with three of my girl friends.

We finally got our schedules worked out and went this Saturday. It was fun. Although we could have been more prepared. Here's a tip. If you are doing photo shoot make sure to bring lots of inspiration photos from magazine, books etc. so the photographer knows what you want. Also, practice your looks. I know it sounds vain but it makes sure you get best bang for your buck.

All in all it was lots of fun and got some great shots. Even some personal shots as well. The auction was only for one shot, but extra shots were $10 each so we picked some additional shots. I'm really glad we did this. After we finished, we went to dinner. Inevitably talk turned to weddings (not surprising since two of them are getting married this year), and starting families. I realized that we are all moving on to the next stage of our lives and I'm glad we got these photos.

#17. Try a hair cut I always wanted to try

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:43:00 +0000

I got my hair cut. Here are some of my inspiration photos. Turned out really well. I've been thinking and talking about getting bangs for months. It took a long time but I didn't want to rush a haircut change.

It's a lot more work than my previous cut. Now I have to blow dry my bangs, straighten my hair, and put on make-up (yes the cut looks a lot more put together with light make up). But I always like change, especially when it turn out great.

Thanks to friends

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:25:00 +0000

I got my tail light fixed yesterday. I thought I ask around and see how much I should expect to pay to get it replace. Always good to know what to expect before going into the auto repair shop.

As it happened a friend of mine used to drive the same model and said he could look around to find a cheap part and replace it for me. He got me a brand new part and replaced it for me in about 10 minutes. In total it cost me $105 and lunch. A lot less than if we took it to the dealership and I didn't have to drive there for it. It's nice to have friends who are willing to help.

If you don't care

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:14:00 +0000

I've been very careless with money lately, especially car related. On Saturday I went for brunch and completely forgot to feed the parking meter. I might have gotten a ticket but I'm not sure. With the auto ticketing we don't get tickets for a few weeks.

Then yesterday, I parked in a spot that only allows parking after 6pm. It was 5:45pm and I didn't feel like looking for another spot.

Tonight I realized that my right tail light is broken. Since I know nothing about repairing cars it's probably going to cost me dear to fix. I know it's not logical but I can't help but feel this is the universe's way of telling me if I don't care about money, then it'll give me a reason to spend money on my car.

My First cocktail

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Lychee Martini.
I found this recipe on the food network. Except for instead of vodka I used gin. This because I don't like vodka. Also, I made the martini in a pitcher with ice and stirred. This because I bought a very cute glass martini shaker, which broke the first time I used it and it limits how much I could make.

Ingredients (makes 2 martinis)

* Ice cubes
* 6 ounces gin
* 4 ounces lychee juice
* Splash vermouth
* 2 lychees, for garnish

Directions

In a glass pitcher filled with ice, mix in all the ingredients and stir until chilled. Pour into martini glasses and garnish with lychees.

Done, and done

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 02:00:00 +0000

What to say about the exam? I finished it with time to spare but there were some ambiguous questions I'm not sure if I answered right. It's going to be so embarrassing if I failed. Don't feel like talking much about it until I see results.

Exam eve

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:35:00 +0000

My professional exam if tomorrow. I've spent the last two weekends studying...and not studying. It's a reward system. If I study for two hour, I get to do one hour of something else.

I've also reverted back to my old university days of snacking. *sigh* Will need to get back on track when all this is over.

Why do you like him?

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Last year, I went to visit Sis and Bil. Bil had a friend just back from San Francisco for the weekend so we all met up for brunch. It felt like a setup but impossible because my visit was quite spontaneous and he's only here for the weekend.

Apparently I made an impression with him because he asked Bil for my email and number. He said he realized time is a bit weird since he's in San Fran for the year. Anyway we've been emailing and talking for a few weeks now.

My friends asked me why I like him? I have to admit they have a point. We've only met once and we can't even date with him being so far away. Chemistry? A little. The fact he's a lawyer? A little. Yes call me shallow. I need to be someone I can respect and that's someone who is good at what they do and well respected.

I thought hard about this and realized the biggest point in his favor - Sis and Bil really like him. They seem to really want us together. When I was young I would say I'd never let family get in the way of who I'm with. But these days, it really seem to matter to me. Strangely, I really wanted something simple and uncomplicated for once.

Shoes, shoes everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 21:40:00 +0000

I was looking for shoe lace for my runners the other day, and ended up finding shoes that I've forgotten I owned. Shoes I remember loving at one point but forgotten all about. Well no more. I'm going to take photos of all my shoes, so I don't forget about them.

It's going to be a little while because they are everywhere: in the car, in the closet, in the storage locker, at my parents. But slowly and surely it will be done. I'm interested in seeing how many own in total. And hopefully, in the process de-clutter and stop myself from buying more shoes.

Cheap movie Tuesday are back

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:55:00 +0000

I went to a movie with my friends last night and saw that the theatre is offering discount rate of $6.95 for movies instead of the regular $11.25.

Now I don't know if this is the same all across the board because one of my friends said that at another theatre the deal is $10 but it includes pop and popcorn.

Always look for a discount

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:48:00 +0000

It's free to look. And if you find one you save more money.

Over the holidays I took advantage of all the sales and did some online shopping at Gap (they ship to Canada now, yay!) and at Spring. These sales were pretty awesome already but I thought I just look around as see if I can save more. Here is an example of my savings at each store.

Spring
These rain boots were on clearance for $19.99 (originally $39.99). With the sale it's an additional 30% off at $13.99. Then I searched around and found a SPC 10% off code. Plus my 1% cash back credit card. Savings of approx 69%.

Gap
The actual rompers I bought are now out of stock so this is a photo of a similar one. The ones I ordered were on sale for $13.99 (originally $39.50). With the sales it's an additional 25% off at $10.49. I did a quick look over at Greatcanadianrebates and found that you can get 2% cash back ($50 min purchase, which I have) and 1% cash back credit card. Total savings of 74%.

Of course free shipping for all purchases and savings add up with all the items I bought. I didn't want to bore people to tears list everything I bought but they were mostly things that have been on my to buy list for a long time.

What could be...

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:13:00 +0000

There was this guy I liked at work. We didn't socialize in the same circles, and he was in a much more senior position. In a word, I didn't think he knew I exist. This was fine. Especially since I found out he was married. He moved companies a year ago, and life went on as usual.

Circumstances brought us together a few weeks ago and we chatted. I got the feeling he enjoyed my company and I thought he was flirting a little. But I reminded myself he's married and that I was probably imagining things. It was enough that he clearly enjoyed my company.

I heard that he talked about me and thought I was just as he remembered me (so he did know I exist). My friend also said that from the way he talked about me, he definitely would be interested if he were single.

Even though nothing will come of all of this. Married men are strictly off limits, and married men who are interested in other women are not worth the trouble. I still feel good that we could have been if we had met earlier. Bad timing...story of my life.

#18. Take a burlesque dance class

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:44:00 +0000

The idea of this item is for me to do a sexy and fun activity that is outside my comfort zone. I'm been looking at burlesque dance classes, strip tease classes, pole dancing classes etc. Then this groupon popped up for an 4 week introduction pole dancing classes for $40 ( a good deal since the classes I looked at are usually around $20-25 per class).

I bought groupon. I noticed that the first little while after the groupon it's always packed at whatever establishment it's for. Since this groupon doesn't have an expiry date, I'm going to wait a little before I start this class.

New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:35:00 +0000

I thought about what New Year's Resolutions I'd set for 2011, but then realized I already have one.

My 30 before 30 list has big goals and small goals. This is not a list of things for the sake of making a list. By making this list I'm hoping to motivate myself to do things I always wanted to do.

New Year's Eve Part II & III

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 03:10:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Hope everyone celebrated the start of 2011 in style.

After my (rather cold) 5k run, I had lunch and went for a relaxing message. Then I took a little nap before getting ready for the night.

The masquerade was pretty amazing. People went all out with their costumes. The dinner was delicious. There were 3 rooms for dancing. Then we toasted the new year with champagne and ended the night with more dancing, and drinks at home (don't worry, we have a DD).

New Years Eve Day Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:25:00 +0000

This is the weather right now. I'm just getting my things together to head out for my NYE 5K run. BRrrrrrr...

New Year's Eve plans

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 01:01:00 +0000

Usually on New Year's Eve, I attend a house party. Pretty tame and enjoyable. Without really planning it, this NYE will be a flurry of activity in comparison.

First I will be doing my resolution run. Because of timing issues, running at 6pm with everyone would not give me enough time for the evening, so I will be running on my own earlier in the afternoon.

After that I will go home to get ready for a masquerade party! I'm excited.

Brave Unicyclist

noreply@blogger.com (Esme) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:37:00 +0000

I saw a guy riding a unicycle up hill on the side walk full of bumpy, un-melted ice today. Very brave.