I want to start vlogging. It looks fun 

 

Here we go again with the lack of blogs

September 08

First short, mini road trip; crossed the border to Seattle with the fam. Though crammed, it was still nice as we haven't been spending quality time together in a really long time.

 

 Baby J and Aso

Had to ask the friends to stay over and periodically check in on the babies for the weekend.

 Coffee for the road. No breakfast. Left the house at 6am

Pretty much what the car ride consisted of.

Had breakfast along the way. Hit up Tulalip outlet where I purchased these: 

No I do not watch, nor care for the Kardashians, hence I was very much pleasantly surprised when I found myself falling in love with this unisex scent. 

Made it to out hotel around 1pm. Just in time for lunch!

 
Space Needle

A short walk and a little bit of sight seeing around the sea wall heading to our lunch destination

Infamous Crab Pot. I don't know, I might just be bias because I don't care for sea food, but I found this place highly overrated, not to mention overpriced. 

Seattle architecture. The handful of times I've been to Seattle, and the couple of times I've visited their down town, I've always had the same impression, and that is, their architecture is...lacking. I'm just not impress. But hey, what do I know right, it's not like I've toured every major city on  earth. 

So then, we walked off our lunner, and visited the market because my brother thought it's bustling vicinity is very reminiscent to the markets we have in the home land, and had wanted to show it to the parents. 

I was just very happy when the brother lead me here. I felt right at home amidst all these used books. I might have spent more than I intended too, and would have continued browsing if I wasn't already tired from the day's excursion. Well, and also everyone else was getting impatient waiting for me. Here are my purchase:

I actually purchased Wicked for DP. It happens to be her favourite book and when I saw it, it instantly reminded me of her. I remember the days when I was strongly against purchasing books, mostly because I frequent the library and I also don't see the point of re-reading books as I'm already aware of it's story; the suspense is gone. But as time goes on, I found myself exposed to wonderfully written literature that are definitely worth investing money in.

Indeed.

 

More sightseeing. I don't remember the last time I've walked this much. Smart choice of footwear, Toms are. 

Here baby Bill had a moment. 

[Scene: Walking down a winding stairs, Kuya ahead, myself and Baby Bill lagging after me]

Kuya:  *whining about sore feet

Me: This is why you should but Toms. So comfy

Kuya:  No way, Tom's are for girls and gays. Would you wear Toms Bill?

Bill: *indignant* NO WAY! ONLY GUYS WHO WEAR THEM ARE GAY! [pause]. I heard that you can't hear a girl fart when they wear thongs  because it separates their butt cheeks.

Kuya: The hell are you talking about?

Me: LOLOLOLOL!!! He heard it from Jenna Marbles!

This still makes me laugh (obviously nothing's funny about either of my brothers being homophobic, but the situation itself was hilarious). 

 

Very nostalgic. I was quite surprise that  recognize this place. First time I've been here was for my senior band trip back in 09. Of course, at that time, I was technically not in band any more. It makes me very sad that I'm not that eager girl any more. That girl would have been very disheartened to know that her future self is making this blog at this time in present not having achieved what she set out to do *sigh* 

 

Here are the '09 pictures that I took. Very nostalgic indeed:

I actually had to reactivate my long deactivated facebook and scour through my albums for these. Hmmnn, memories.

 

Off to shop in the evening:

As soon as I laid my eyes on this, I knew I had to get it! I LOVE CAPES!!!! I literally wore it around the store as I was browsing.

Well, that escalated quickly. 

Let this be known as the day I had to ask someone -my mom in this case- to boot alcohol for me from the supermarket. At 20, I never had to ask anyone to buy me alcoholic drinks (drinking legal age in Canada is 19, 21 in the USA), but I was too amused that the drinks were displayed right beside the ice cream freezer to pass on the opportunity,

Who works out during a vacation? Baby Bill does. This boy just cannot  stay away from the gym.

 

September 09

More driving, more food, more shopping. This weekend was purely dedicated to splurging.

Last stop of the weekend: Duty Free

As soon as I saw it, I knew he would want it. The sucker is bigger than either of our head. Probably weigh the same amount too.

Chocolate coma; only coma worth being in

Alcohol poisoning anyone?

 

September 10

 

 

Due to some conflict with delivery, I actually had to drive down to pick up my tablet from Fed Ex. Not complaining because it was a very pleasant evening drive with the father. 

 

September 12

Met up with these two for some good ol' K-BBQ

The world exploded because they -notorious wearer of bottoms that doesn't cover much- were both wearing pants...at the same time! 

 

September 13

Accompanied LG on an errand CB sent her to do: to conduct a Craigslist transaction in the busy street of Downtown Vancouver.

It was sunny and we pretty much had the rest of the day to ourselves. So we met up with AP and tried out this Thai restaurant. Food was good, but the server could be a little less nosy. 

 

September 15

What do you get when you combine DP and a free reign to my closet? This:

And I really don't know how to explain the following photos, just know that at some point, my mom walked in on them in a very compromising position.

Pure judgement and disapproval on my dog's face.

 

September 16

Was invited and attended a gay party of DP's friends'. Yeahp, she's a fag hag -_-

 

I actually hadn't wanted to go since they had intended to go clubbing. This explains why I felt very standoffish that night and had reports coming back to me the next day of having scared off the straight guys that were there with my remarks. Funny, that they would be scared of my verbal abuse when it was DP throwing punches when alcohol passed through her system. And I guess, the fact that I volunteered to be the designated driver to get out of drinking didn't really help ease my inhibitions. Though I did eventually come around nearing the end of the night. 

 

September 16

Woke up to the brother and friends having a last hurrah to summer by having a small bbq in the backyard

They spontaneously got the idea to chip in and purchase a hookah.  It was such a beautiful for late summer, so I decided to stick around,

I really don't know why I didn't spend more time with a book out in the sun. 

 

September 17

With CB  and LG. Dinner afterwards at Bubble World, but was still early so LG and I decided to kick it at DP where we unintentionally spent the night. She was sick and got me sick for the rest of the week. 

 

September 18

 

Since we already spent the night over, we decided to have breakfast at IHop at White Rock

 

September 20

Mexican dinner with le mother + errands. 

 

September 21

Baby Bill finally, officially, graduated high school. Strange school is strange as it doesn't hold its graduating ceremony until the fall after the last semester, which I guess is nice. It gives a small glimpse of what people in your graduating year will be up to the next following years. Admittedly, I was quite bitter seating in my brother's commencement.  I just really  though I would be in a different place in my life by this time, but hey, it hasn't been all for nothing, I have taken away a few lessons from these past years. In any case, I think I was just too nervous and bored during my own ceremony because I don't remember any of the speeches that took place, now I wish I had paid more attention.

Celebratory Greek dinner after. Though we weren't complete because the  Kuya had an afternoon to evening shift for work. Actually, it was only at my graduation ceremony when the whole family was complete. 

 

Bored of this. Will continue later

 

-Elle Are Emm

 

...wait...WHAT?!

 

Thursday, Sept 6

That's it, my tablet finally gave in on me. Ironic too, because the moment after I sent a text to a friend yesterday, proclaiming not having a clue how I spent my life before I purchased a tablet, it promptly lagged; I shut it off and it never turned back on. Google proved no help, so I went on the Acer website and after an infuriating chat with a customer representative "help" online, I was told that I could send in my tablet for repair as it is still covered under warranty.

Seriously, there customer rep have no idea what they are doing!  They're knowledge are limited to repetitive protocols that aids no one 99% of the time. I don't blame them, nor do I belittle the fact that aside from their training they spoke minimal English as they are usually situated on an impoverish country for the most part. I mean, I highly admire the fact that these big time companies create jobs to third world countries by bringing their business there. It's a win-win right? Companies save money, and jobs are created for those who need them.

Truth be told though, these employees minimal knowledge in trouble shooting only serves to annoy customers like me. I find their scripted response extremely condescending. I mean, repeatedly telling me that you "understand your concern" but asking me the same information over, and over, and over again is really, really, really... *sigh

Anyway, it turns out the repair depot is a mere 20=30mins drive. Though I also had the option of just shipping my tablet, and ship it I did. CB works for Puralator, hence she was able to ship it for me for 3.50$

Now, I am face with a dilemma of what to do with my not-so-spare-time. Or at the very least, how I would kill time for our mini family road trip on Saturday. As a solution, I visited the library to borrow books that I've been reading on my tablet. I almost forgot how at home I feel amid all those bound text. One of these days, I'm going to muster the energy to volunteer at a local library.   

 

Korean BBQ earlier dinner with the mother after I picked her up from work. I  swear, I could eat Korean BBQ at least once a day!

I also bough some vegetable for Ulam. Then this happened:

As you can see, I have a very peculiar dog. He's quite confuse really, he doesn't quite now which species he belongs in. He has the mannerism of dog, cat, monkey, human and now a rabbit. But hey, at least they're bonding.

This also happened. Between Aso and Ulam -that's 2 sets of sharp claws/nails- I have battle scars everywhere. The perils of being an animal owner.

 

Friday, Sept 7

Daddy's home for his 5 day break from a 10 day work week. And with him, he brought a Cuban cigar his Mexican co-worker gifted him.

So this happened:

I did half expect to get in trouble for smoking, or at least get reprimanded. But I guess we're all big boys/girl now. Actually, as the three of us were passing the cigar around, le father came out to join.

Bet you wish your dad was half as cool as mine.

Now, I have no more qualms about my long desire to purchase a hookah set

 

This man, my father teaches me about life with every breath he takes. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel beyond blessed to have him in my life. It regularly overwhelms me how he and my mother affect me spiritually and mentally. 

 

Lesson #2314: Do not take life so seriously

As opposed to acting annoyed by a telemarketer like majority of the people in the world would, he decided to troll this particular one by having a half an hour long conversation and mock-courtship. The only reason he hanged up the phone was because my mother called and wanted to be picked up. But actually, ditching the phonewould be more appropriate, because that's exactly what he did; he excused himself, placed the phone on the ground and promptly exited the house. 

Not only did he amused himself, he also ensured that those telemarketers would think twice before giving us a phone call again. 

-Elle Are Emm

 

In all technicality, that would actually be last night.

 

But I digress. 

 

Cutting my hair to such a short length and pretending to be a lesbian has all been fun and games within my group my friends, but I don't think I've properly explain myself as to what my actual motive is. In the surface, I can easily and honestly say that it wasn't such a big decision as some people make it out to be; after all, it is just hair. Or to me at least. In a year's time, if I feel so inclined, I could grow out my hair to it's usual flowing length. 

I am also in a stage where I need a change of sorts. A change that doesn't actually deviate from who I am, but rather, a change that will enable me to grow into myself.  I don't know if that makes sense, but I'm 20; I'm lost and confuse. Never have I ever felt like a kid more than I have been lately and I really just want/need to gain back a semblance of control, feign confidence that I lack to get by and surface from this with as much of me left in tact as I could manage. 

I hadn't realize that cutting my hair would be this symbolic to me until after the fact, it really just felt like the thing to do. And in doing so, I just feel that much more empowered; as though I had shed a part of that little long-black-haired-girl me.  This short new cut represent me in ways that I've never been represented before. It represents me now, and it represents who I've always been, both physically and mentally. 

There's that. And of course, there is also my fascination to gender bending.

Ah, gender bending. I always explode into a fragmented, revering ramble when this topic comes up. Even now, I am starting to get excited beyond comprehensible words. It's just....just... *sigh*

The medical, biological, and sociological aspect of it completely fascinates me. It's the ultimate FUCK YOU to gender standards society set; biologically, it reiterates how malleable and manipulable the human body is; and of course, the advancement in medical technology, with regards to this matter, that has and is being made, is an entirely different story in itself. 

 I'll leave it at that for now, before I launch onto any more fervour fuelled babble. 

In any case, lately, the friends have been having fun stitching an elaborate story - to tell others- of how each of them have been/ are my lovers for their own amusement, that I was starting to feel my ovaries shrink and be slowly replaced by testicles. So tonight, for JW birthday dinner at Cactus Club on English Bay Beach,  I was determine to look like a lady. 

Obligatory food picture post.

I was -at no one's surprise, I'm sure- late. By the time I arrived, they ( JW, KK, AA as well as two of JW's friends) were already seated at the patio with a beautiful view of the beach and it's surrounding areas. We were only there for a couple of hours, and because most of them have obligations the next day, we ended it at that. 

AA actually drove, but seeing as she could only have 4 passengers, I volunteered to transit home by myself. It was a good night, so I didn't mind at all. Besides, I've noticed that I've been driving/or getting driven around a lot lately. In any case, iit gave me an opportunity to catch up on my reading. 

Asymmetrical dress. Did the job just fine. Excuse this moment of superficialness, but I adored how the tail end of the dress move and flew in the wind with every step I took. I felt feminine all right. 

The best part? Is that finally allowing myself dress in dresses and shorts comes with the realization that I'm out growing body image issues that I've had all my life. 

Sure, self esteem issues has never been a big part of who I am, but admittedly they were/are still there. I'm just one of  the imperfect lucky ones to recognize that body image isn't everything. 

 

And yes, that is a white bra in the background

 

-Elle Are Emm

Saturday, September 1

Long weekend Labour Day camping. It was half spontaneous trip that Ate Babilonia planned out a few weeks prior, just to commemorate Summer 2012. Apparently, everyone else had the same thing in mind, because I had about two other party invite for the same weekend, seeing as it is the last weekend before school starts again.

 

We left  for Manning Park; Mule Deer camp ground the evening before, so by the time we got to our camp site it was already dark. But here are pictures the morning after. 

Meaty breakfast. YUM

Dispersing as we brush out teeth with river water

Gorgeous clear, ice-cold  water. Though the river's current was quite strong that I lost the other pair of my slipper crossing it to gather wood for our fire.

 

d

Don't be fooled by the sunshine! IT WAS COLD! But yes, this was out camp site. We were mere meters away from the river.

Apparently, the evening before we arrived, our camp mates , who had gone ahead to set up, spotted a brown bear, left of that tent!. So there entire time we were there, every one was on the look out for one.

 

Sunday, September 2

The night before wasn't as bad. And of course, the weather was wayyy better too! We were packed and ready to leave by noon. Some people headed home, while some had stayed to visit a park called Lightning Lake where we can rent row boat/canoe and of course KAYAK!!!!!! 

It was still windy, but beautiful day nonetheless.

We had to wait quite a bit since all their boats seems to have been rented out already. But it was worth it to me as long as I can get out there on a kayak.

As soon as I had a scope of the lake, I knew that I needed to get to the other end. Take note of that area where the trees seem to converge left of where that boat is. 

There were five of us in total who stayed. I was fifth wheeling, which was fine by me and actually worked really well in my favour. I don't like canoes or row boats -which each respective couple chose to do- and I don't like kayaking with others. 

Closer view of that converging area I had indicated earlier. As I got closer to it, I realize that it may have been a man-made lake. At the very least, it wasn't always a lake seeing as, it was actually quite shallow, and on even shallower areas, you can see tree stumps etc. 

Viewing from the dock, I actually thought that this lake was enclosed and I had a vision of us on top of a mountain, of which it's tip is hallowed to make space for this lake. 

As I got closer, I started seeing people. I then realize that the surrounding of the lake is actually a trail.

What was even more astounding, is as I rounded the lake bend, it opened up to this  beautiful area. It was quite a treat! We only had an hour with our boats, and by this time I'd already consumed half an hour. It was such a shame, I would have liked to explore some more, but I only got to about just pass the bridge. 

Beautiful British Columbia indeed. 

Happy camper.  I don't know what it is about kayaks that I love so much. I'm not even really good at it. Maybe it's the momentary, care-free solitude, maybe it's the independence -I could get to my destination on my own at my own pace-, or maybe it's the scenery of places that usually comes along with kayaking. Regardless, I hope one day, I could acquire a kayak I can call my own.

As we headed down the mountain, thus effectively recovering cellphone reception, a few text messages came through my phone. One of which gave me a sick feeling in my stomach: there had been miscommunication  lack of communication rather, and DP was unable to make it to my house to feed Ulam. I tried to make a joke of the situation, but I was extremely worried. By my calculation, Ulam, my new bunny, would have gone a day with no food and water. How absolutely irresponsible of me . When I got home early evening, I rushed to my room only to remember that I locked my door, and I left my keys with my mother to give to DP. Though bless her heart, because even when she objected to take of what she calls my "rat", she actually provided him with water (she didn't know where I stored his food). 

 

HURRAH!

 

Monday, September 3

Mommy Babilonia's surprise birthday party! and I was left to pick out flowers for her. Oh oh

How'd I do?

After having a quick dinner, we stayed and do nothing at the Babilonia's residence, as per usual.

Later though, I received a very worried phone call from the mother. Apparently, Aso was sick again, so as opposed to sleeping beside her, he had to rest downstairs in the spare room, so he doesn't make a mess in our bedrooms.

I couldn't help it; I felt really bad, so I ended up accompanying him in the spare room. As soon as I lay down, he promptly cuddled up on my belly, where he was making whimpering, pained noises :'(

But boy, does that dog bounce fast! Like Ulam, Aso baby is all better. 

 

HURRAH! HURRAH!

 

-Elle Are Emm

 

 

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/sw33t1e/Xanga%20Weblog%20Pictures/090220121529.jpg

August 23

Sushi and errand ran with DP. Nagoya was a big disappointment. 

DOOBY! The GOLDEN RETRIEVER ! ZOMG! 

Play date and baby's first time at a dog park. Was a major fail because he's anti social and tried to dominate other BIG dogs as though he wasn't the size of a common sewer rat. Boy, who do you think you are? 

So Babsie, DC and I just ended up baking these super yummy chocolate crinkles. Well Babsie did, both of us were just there for the company. 

Then we talked...and talked...and talk. Until we realized at around 11 PM that we actually haven't had anything to eat Girly chat at it's finest!

Pho it is! Though we just barely made it on time seeing as they were actually closing in ten minutes. Luckily, they were nice ladies and let us order to go. 

 

August 24

Fish and chip with the mother! Which was also a disappointment... Man!  food has been disappointing me a lot lately 

Then I received a text from Babsie informing me that I could choose to pick up Ulam the rabbit a day early. I mean, why would she even tell me this is an option?! So off we went! 

Mr. Bunners the dad. First of many rabbit that I saw originally. He doesn't look real right?!

The bunnies feeding! They had gotten so big the last two weeks since I saw them!

And finally....

ULAMMMM! aka my new baby! To be honest I was actually very unprepared, but because of my own impatience and excitement, I couldn't wait to bring this little sexless (can't tell their sex til after 3 months) baby home. Thankfully though, his owners have stack of spare bedding and hay. So I had my starter at least. 

 

August 25

Slowly introducing Aso with Ulam. It's quite hard what with Aso being a very curious hyperactive dog. I'm honestly worried that he might take a swipe at the bunny when I'm not looking. At this time though, I'm just focus on not making him excluded. 

My children :")

Was also invited to attend a friend's birthday, where I was convinced to gay club...then club hop, seeing as the original club we went to was actually hosting an event with special guest DJs; heterosexuals heavily outweighed the homosexuals. Surprisingly, I had fun. I've always been curious on what the "gay scene" would be like, especially due to the following reasons:

1) Drag queen

2)Infamous free condoms and lube

The latter I managed to grab a handful of as souvenirs, but there weren't any drag shows that night in the three different clubs we rotated to. Hence, my night was only half accomplished. 

**Note to self: take a picture of condom collection....uhhhh, THAT sounded skeezy, but really it's an inside joke. 

The birthday celebrant was also very generous and had paid for all expenses that night. So all in all, I spent $12.50 which was from cab and transit fee. Whao..that's must be the least amount I've ever spent on a night out. 

I was actually quite apprehensive at first seeing as I really dislike clubs, and I do apologize for my ignorance, but believing the stereotype of gays being highly vain and judgemental, I even forced myself to wear "proper" club attire. Its ridiculous, but I felt highly exposed in my pencil skirt, heels and see through shirt. Then,  we rode the Skytrain, and seeing as it's a Saturday, 2nd to the last weekend before school officially commence, there were flocks and flocks of girls dressed down even more than I am. So for the first time that night, I feel clothed. 

I know I promised myself that I wasn't going to try any other donair/shawarma place other than the one I've been frequenting since I was in grade 8, however not having anything to eat before we'd gone drinking/dancing the night away, I/we were pretty desperate. And it just so happened that there was this small donair shop conveniently located next to the club. Well, as turned out, my suspicions were right: this donair could have been nothing but a disappointment.  

Oh yeah...This happened. A photographer had signalled for a friend and I to pose for a picture. I actually didn't expect it to be published, but wondering if it did I checked on the website and under photos of events, there was this photo. Hey, at least I'm sober, decent and clothed. 

 

After thought: Maybe I felt more like being sociable that night which brought a false sense of comfort, but to be honest, I didn't think it was any different that "straight club" You have people dancing, grinding, bumping, making out, getting drunk and just having fun. Although it was sexually charge in a different way than a straight club would be. Regular clubs make me feel uncomfortable because for me, it's a place where people hook up (of course this is a big generalization, but it's true nonetheless), but I found that in the gay clubs that we went to, the crowd is a bit older and you generally just get left alone. 

 

August 26

Yes it took awhile  but I was finally able to get Ulam a few more of his necessities. Although I soon found out that cages go anywhere from 70-100$, me being a broke student settled to buy a litter tray and proceeded to fashion a makeshift cage for him. In any case, since Ulam is a lone rabbit, I do not intend to cage him. Mr Bunners is actually a house bunny who is left to frolic around as he wish, so I just got a tip from his owners and I was told that one way of potty training Ulam is to keep him caged in one area for about 2 weeks until it is familiarized with its own area then I can proceed to let him be essentially free. 

 

In the evening, we had unexpected visitors which included these two cuties. My father's aunt, uncle and niece (the two kids pictured above are her children) dropped by. They were actually who we had stayed with for a couple of nights when we first arrived here nearly 10 years ago. We lost contact, and I personally haven't seen them in more than 7 years (?). Such a shame too; it's not like they live very far. It's heart breaking because I remember the big family gatherings that we would have back home, and I thought that having relatives here would have a semble to that. But alas, we were too new and different (at the time at least). 

Strange how time seem to run slowly and next thing you know ten years has passed. When we came here, my dad's niece would have been 4 years older than I am today. Now, she has a 5, 2 and a 4 months old. I wasn't sure how I should interact with her, because though she's 15 years older than me, I am no longer the child she met 10 years ago. This is very mind boggling. 

Anyway, I found these two darlings very endearing. Though I have seen them very briefly once some years ago, this was the first time I've interacted with them.

My father's aunt is actually my darling grandma's elder sister. They are so a like in appearance and mannerism that it made me miss her, miss them.  As much as I try to deny it (due to reasons too long to explain in this post), I crave family very much. Moments like these makes me feel void inside *sigh*

 

 Anyway, I've pretty much caught up. These past three days had been very uneventful aside from seeing Expendables 2    
technically two days ago (on Tuesday, August 28) with the whole family.  Uneventful it maybe but Tuesday was one of my bipolar days. I just felt so angry at everyone and everything (no! I am/was not pmsing) it's hard to explain now given that the emotion has -mostly- passed. But I think I just need to be alone for a while, wean out this anger, as not to accidentally snapped at anyone. 

 

-Elle Are Emm

Kindly excuse my face. 

 

August 1

Jump starting the month with blood donation! Since I got my piercing on my birthday last November, I haven't been able to donate, partly because of a six month wait after a body modification and also the location of the clinic is far off. Now that they've moved closer though, I will definitely be donating regularly again.  This was also a very productive donating session, with lots of curious questions on my part. 

Reason to donate! FREE GOODIES

Beach in the evening with these ladies! Original plan was that we spend the whole afternoon at the beach and wait for the fireworks in the evening. But because it's us, and due to my utter lack of sense of direction, we actually didn't get there until 15 minutes before the fireworks started. 

And as if we didn't get enough of each other, us three eventually ended up at the Babilonia's residence, with some Church's Chicken, in the wee hours of the night. 

August 03

 Vanity insanity.  I just couldn't get over how much I find this haircut amusing. Who would have thought having such short cut is liberating, especially coming from someone who has always had long hair. Well, I mean, maybe I've put some thought into it. I just can't help feeling like, as a girl,  being able to disassociate myself with the length of my hair makes me a little bit more mature. That thought in itself is liberating. Strange that having a boyish cut makes me feel less of a girl and more of a woman. 

Anyway, the whole time I was camwhoring, I was actually supposed to be at the Somsena's paying KS a visit with JB but because it was way too hot, I waiting until the evening.

After a whole bunch of talking, eating and watching horror movies, we spontaneously decided to go to the night market, where we convoyed with LG and CB which caused a lot of frustration on my part to say the least. Nonetheless, we got there safe. However, because it was so last minute, we actually only had about half an hour before the market close. Though since we came so far, we decided to hit the local arcade shop.

Where Baby Brother Somsena unofficially celebrated his birthday at the stroke of midnight.

 

August 4

Back to back to back  outing. This was planned at least. 

Awhile back, LG bought us kayaking tickets (bless her good soul). Plan was, we would leave early, have breakfast, kayak then beach. Due to the late night the night before however, we didn't leave the next day until past noon. 

JB aka kayak buddy. Took us 2 hours to make a round trip from one end of the lake and back. Good times spent talking indeed. 

Bonus unintended cool, warped photo. 

August is fireworks season. It also just happened to be CR birthday that day. So after kayaking, off to the beach it is!

FIRST STOP after paying 20$ to park at a sketchy garage, is food! Greek food once again at Maria's Taverna.  My love for Greek dining is ridiculous. 

When we got there, the sun was at its all time hight. T-6 hours before the fireworks but the beach was already jammed pack. Oh it gets worst...much much worst. 

Babilonia sisters LOLOLOLOL

Friends <3 

This is actually a competition that happens annually. This year it was Vietnam, Brazil and Italy competing, though I'm not so sure if anyone knows what the prizes are nor how the judging works exactly. But because it's such a big turn out every year, they have live bands performing in the background. That day's performances included: Hannah Georges and Said The Whale both were really good live!

 

 

T-1.5 hours before the fire works. At this time, one could literally not walk a foot without stepping on someone. Oh, it got worst from there.

FINALLY! I did't see Vietnam but it wasn't any good from what I heard. I'm glad I went to see Italy because it was quite a show! I had chills at some point. 

Crowd dispersing. It was such a shame that people could be such pigs and leave their mess on the beach for others to deal with. Tsk tsk.

 

August 05

Baby Bill comes home and tells me to go to my room because there's something there for me. He's definitely the better brother. 

For some reason the mean in this family have a knack of gifting me things in pink. Who am I to complain when they're free. 

In any case,  Baby Bill wasn't satisfied with his purchase of our watches. 

 

August 7

So two days later I got an upgrade:

And he chose white this time. I think he sensed my confusion at his choice of colour the first time around.

 

August 9

This happened:

IHOP with KS and DP. I think DP slept over at my house the night before, then we decided to grab brunch at Ihop since I've been wanting to try the new red velvet pancakes. 

After brunch, I had to go take care of some things in school that I really don't want to discuss in this post. But let just say that it made me so antsy that it ruined my lunch; I lost focus while three-point-turning at a narrow alley and had backed into a fence. Damage was easily repairable and no one was hurt, thank goodness *sigh of relief*

We headed home and parted ways for a few hours because Babsie came to pick me up so she could show me these:

BUNNIES! Her best friend's rabbit had a litter of bunnies and she was giving some away! I've always wanted a rabbit as a kid so I don't think it was entirely on impulse when I agreed to adopt one. I was there to scope the coop and choose which one I would bring home in two weeks time (seeing as they were only several weeks old at the time of photo). 

Close to 9pm, we (Babsie, KS, DP and I) regroup to see a free outdoor movie. We got there late, plus it took us so long to find the place that we didn't exactly have the greatest seat. 

Hunger Games was showing in concrete parking lot. Everyone had brought a lawn chair while we brought blankets  To be fair, I/we had no idea that the venue would be at a closed off parking space. 

 

August 11

Semi spontaneous trip to Cultus Lake with LG, CB and DP.  Such a shame that we didn't leave earlier (we arrived early evening) nor did we have the insight to frequent this lake earlier in the summer when the heat was at its greatest. Would have been perfect!  Oh well, there's always next year I supposed. Though I have made up my mind to own a house by a lake before I die. 

Yet another trip to the Night Market, where we eventually met up with JB. This must have been the most times I've visited the Night Market in one summer.

The Wishing Tree.  The first couple times I went to this market (there are two, this being the newer one) I just thought this area with Christmas light decked trees were just for decoration. This time when I went, I saw people taking pictures  and had gotten curious. As I approached, I noticed the branches of the trees were littered with hanging postcards that have little written messages on them. What I learned was, it's actually a charity foundation fun raiser of sorts for less fortunate people. They gather donations in exchange for a wish. It may seem silly, bogus or a waste of money for some, but the idea just really appealed to me. 

Maybe because I'm in a stage in life where I'm in need of something intangible, because that upturned postcard pictured above is what I wished for.  After all, everyone needs something to believe in, right? 

It felt like an intrusion reading through and taking pictures of other people's wishes, so I didn't take any, other that this one jut because it really spoke to me. It's strange though, there were probably hundreds of different cards hanged on that tree from hundreds of different people, but they spoke of more or less the same thing. Also, another strange thing that I can't quite explain; that little area that takes up such a small percentage of space of the market brought a profound sense of calmness in me, thinking about it now still has me in awe. Maybe it has to do with how those pieces of paper show the more sincere, hopeful and vulnerable side of humanity that gets me. 

 

August 13

Time for a trim!

Okay... so it wasn't supposed to turn out like this! I was actually really happy with my previous cut but I had just wanted the back to be shorter and the sides to go around my ear. But since I wasn't wearing my glasses when I was having a trim, and because I could be such a push over when it comes to telling people how to do their job... 

In any case, it's just hair right? Besides, it brought me closer to looking somewhat androgynous ( extremely long story short: I have a HUGE fascination with androgyny)..or more masculine anyway. I just think this suits my personality more. There was also a purpose and back story as to why I've been trying to look more masculine. But it's really irrelevant now since my trip to visit family this September is not happening any more. 

Was an honourary Perez for the night. Gotten bored and went over to their place to watch Get Smart. Then off to fulfill McD craving at 1-2 am where we sat outside and listen to the older Perez relieve their childhood twisted memories. 

 August 14

Korean restaurant with MF, LG, DP.  It was LG and I sharing and MF/DP. We clearly beat them. 

DP and I ended up at MF's new apartment after where we did what we usually do; a whole lot of nothing. Then in the evening the brothers picked us up to watch Bourne Legacy....

...where we she decided to troll her friends(and everyone else in the theatre for that matter) whom we ran into, by -without a warning- introducing me to them as her girlfriend. Aesthetically, I made a very convincing female lover that night, what with the short hair and t-shirt combo. 

 

August 18

Mixed it up a little and tried to look like a woman for a debut that night:

Where as according to custom, a speech is given by honourary guest (myself included). See, I actually like preparing and giving speeches, the only problem is that, in my head it sounds perfect, and everyone burst into applause and happy tears, when in reality I'm nothing but a stammering fool 

The debutant. 

First dance of the night: father and daughter. Never fails bring tears to my eyes :')

Bad blurry pic. But meet  Heart Break Kid aka the heart stiller/stealer aka star of the night.

Debutant and Baby Bill. Oh yeah, she has a huge crush of him, and she hasn't been afraid/shy to let everyone know. 

Such a coincidence,

Party favours! Simply adorbs. 

There really wasn't much for us there, so after the food and the speech we headed home. But since it was a Saturday, I didn't feel like staying home just yet. Hence, I went to the Babilonia's to have a chit chat and troll session with JB. DP was at the night market with her siblings, but as soon as she got home, I picked her up  so she can sleep over.

 

August 19

My adorable "girlfriend".

**I actually sent this exact photo to her actual boyfriend, and instead of fawning over it like I thought a boyfriend would , he ended up criticizing her instead. I really have no understanding of the type of relationship these two have -___-

 

August 20

Pub dinner with KS and WT (another lady I haven`t seen in a while) 

KS got buzzed from the one glass of Bellini she had, so before she went home, we went to my place instead to help her sober up, where this happened:

 

 

 

August 21

Beach day once again. And again, this is probably the most times I frequented the beach since ever. 

We had originally intended to bike around Stanley Park  then catch the free outdoor movie in the evening. As per usual, though, whatever we intend to do earlier usually never happens.

Turns out we were in the wrong area of the beach, so we had to walk quite a ways away to get to the park where the movie is about to be played. 

And as I was looking about, my eyes happened to catch the sign of this cafe:

And without a moment's hesitation, I had to go in, company/friends be damned.

Caramel chocolate cheesecake. /DEADS!!!!

 

Sunset at the beach are always breathtaking. 

Turns out, all this time, we were heading opposite to where we should be. I guess it had seemed like I was blaming JW  seeing as she was taking the lead, so we got into a bit of an argument, and I stormed off aimlessly to put distance between us. Just when it seemed that the night was ruined, I actually spotted the right park mere meters away from where we had out outburst. 

Ironic thing is, I actually didn't care much for the movie (though Labyrinth is a classic) I could always watch it at home; I went out to spend the day and have fun. Luckily, we made up pretty quickly. 

After the film, we crashed back to my house. JW went home and the rest had another accidental sleep over at my place. 

And because they were too stubborn to listen to my suggestion of pulling out the other bed so that we all have a place to sleep, I ended up bedless, so I decided to do some activating in the kitchen.

Went out for baking powder and eggs at 1 am that I didn't even need 

Fruits of my labour. BIG FAT NOTHING. After 4 failed attempts at mochi ice cream I finally gave up, went upstairs and slept on the couch.

 

 

-Elle Are Emm

As a kid, I've always thought if months of the year were people, June and July would be twins. 

July 02

Korean bbq craving fulfilled with LG and CB. Probably singularly the most expensive Asian dish. Around here anyway

 

July 06

Afternoon with Miss. TR. Friends you haven`t seen in a while yet still be on the exact same page is what love is made of 

Evening at Crescent beach with JW. This girl and I argue, a lot. But that`s what our friendship is made of, and that`s just fine with me. 

 

July 08

Got talked into clubbing for an apparent good cause. Gattdamn, I seriously do not like. Too many people in such a small space. 

 

July 11

A miracle occurred in the guise of my baby brother agreeing to switch his big room for my little one. Thus begin the week long journey of repainting my red room in a manlier colour of grey and blue. Featured above is DP`s appendages covered in the grey paint after a night of painting. 

 

July 12

 

KS and I, another girl I haven`t seen for the longest time. We caught up over Greek food in this nice restaurant with a view in New Westminster. (*see June post about surprise carefully orchestrated surprise monthsary for friends) 

After,  we decided to walk down The Quay market for this special crepes my classmates rave over. 

The entrance to the magical market is secreted in a deli/organic store. I honestly wouldn't have noticed it, in fact I actually walked pass this isle a few times. I felt like I entered Narnia to say the least. 

Legit creperie where a very welcoming, amusing and friendly Allan the Frenchman-who-went-to-Thailand-and-had-a-life-changing-experience worked.

It was quite amusing speaking to a French man with a real French accent; I  laughed to myself the entire time, because I couldn't help but think of the media's stereotypical portrayal of the French and thus, the first few minutes, I couldn't discern if he was faking/exaggerating or not.  

Food coma. 

If having a delicious creperie is not enough to make this place magical, the market also boast a selection of dining area. Not only that...

THIS was actually the first store I spotted. It was LITERALLY a wall full of TEA! YES! I was a kid in McDonalds  Jolibee play place all over again! And it was also substantially cheaper than Teaopia or David's Tea. OBSESSED! 

And the icing on top of a gourmet grade-A-mouth-watering-sin-inducing cake: A circus school. Yes, you read that right! The market has a circus FREAKING school! aerial silk has definitely been on my bucket list ever since I could remember! 

  

Once I was finally able to collect myself from having been paralysed by amazement,  KS, the half Burmese, half Thai, decided to accompany me to a small local Thai store and show me how Thai Iced Tea and properly made! It tasted A LOT better than what I originally made.

**Note how my things are still scattered in the background. I kid you not when I say that I was a bumming in the living room for a week or so. 

 

July 13

Room was almost done! So Mother, Baby Bill, and I went furniture shopping the whole afternoon...actually, the whole week I was pretty much furniture shopping. 

Finally having the infamous IKEA  food...and can this is me expressing my disappointment *thumbs down*

 

July 14

Et voila!.  I'm sure I have a before picture somewhere but I can't remember where I've saved it. Well, just imagine a patchy red paint job in place of this one. 

 

July 15

Greatest accomplishment to date. Fine, I got just a tiny bit of assistance from the father! But I swear, it was mostly me! Things like this makes me feel grown up. 

Yeahh... that's how my "new" room looks before. I've finally rearranged it to how I wanted it but I haven't taken an after picture, mostly because it looks like a war zone once again. Also, just as I was getting ready to paint it red again, father told me not to, so I'm stuck with a patchy greyish brown paint job, but oh well.

 

July 17

 

I'm not sure if I mentioned overnight baby sitting my god sister. Well, I did for about 3 months because of some family issues that she was having. Though finally, there is a semblance of family once again in her life...I say semblance because her life is still too complicating without her understanding any of it yet.  This picture was taken on her last night with us. 

 

July 19

Just an example of a fine, clear, hot summer day. Surprisingly, summer heat has been bearable this year. Now, that probably has much to do with the fact that I sleep most of the actual day off, and don't see the sunshine until its lowest peak in the evening. 

 

July 20

Went on Batman  marathon the day before. Felt compelled to see the midnight screening. It was a good film. Something was a bit off though, and I can't figure it out. In any case, as good as it was, it lost my attention the last third of the movie. 

 

July 25

Pretentious lonesome lunch at a cafe on a nice summer day part 1

 

July 31

Pretentious lonesome lunch at a cafe on a nice summer day part 2

 

-Elle Are Emm

June 02

Post Sunday church dinner with le parents. Let my Thai Iced Tea  obsession BEGIN! 

 

June 04

 

Spontaneous Downtown drives to a 24/7 vegan restaurant at 4am. Then going to the beach at dawn to take pictures. Days like this makes me feel extra blessed 

June 14

Kuya's 23rd

 

June 15

Trip to the dentist plus Greek dinner, cupcakes at White Rock beach and Fat Burger souvenir and dinner for baby Bill avec MF.  Because who needs to get summer bod when you can just eat cupcakes right?

June 16

DP first time meeting the bf's friend as his gf. She tried to escape through the bathroom window. 

And because I didn't really feel like partying, and I have an exam that coming Monday anyway, I decided to spend the night at SFU again not really getting anything done. 

 

June 21

Early Sunday-Mother's day dinner at Nahm Thai Bistro.  I LOVE Thai food! 

 

June 23

Set up a surprise monthsary (?) dinner for friends masked as a dinner birthday for another friend. They ate at a romantic Greek restaurant across from where we had dinner, which was another Greek restaurant with great ambiance but mediocre food. 

 

June 28

Was getting really annoyed with my left over permed so I decided to chop it all off. It's funny how I am not attached to my hair at all; that realization is very liberating actually. 

Met up with LG, CB for k-chicken late dinner after. Saw some people from high school there. It's funny how nothing really changed in the 3 years since I've graduated. 

 

That's all for June. BRB for July and August.

 

-Elle Are Emm

I miss blogging. I miss chronicling my often-monotonous, insignificant days. But I've just been so down in the dumps internally that I haven't been able to find the energy to log back in. Though luckily, I have been able to take snapshots regularly since. 

I think what I need now is to get back into the groove of things to restore normalcy and balance. So here are picture from the last 3 months. 

 

May 25

Get together at the Gabo's. There's nothing like seeing baby pictures of friends

Food, ghost stories, jenga-like-game, B rated movies, drunken Baby Bill, and more food

May 26

Quality ethnic food + "study session" with MF who was clearly hard at work in that photo. 

 

May 31

 Then I found more ways to not study once I acquired a tablet. What better way to kill time than force an anonymous stranger into a fake marriage? 

Bubble 88 dinner with a few friends where we made my god sister cry by teasing her with a boy.  We're classy people. 

 

 

BRB for the rest

 

-Elle Are Emm

 

 

 

 

 

I never thought this day would come when I would finally confront my mom and act like the better adult.  Too many unresolved issues that are long over due. It's time to step in and voice myself, because at 20, I've earned the right to be treated as an equal

 

-Elle Are Emm