57. Need more hours in the day

Need more hours in the day
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I'm embarassed. This is the current state of my desk at work. For those that know me, you are probably thinking "no way is that Rose's desk because she is a neat freak and an organzational machine." But, lo and behold, it's true. We are currently short staffed, and I have a lot on my plate. We interviewed potential assistants yesterday, and had a couple of great prospects. Her first task: organize my desk. Just kidding. Only I know where everything goes. Oh, didn't you know?... I'm a control freak too.

56. Tippie-toes

Tippie-toes
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

We recently bought Lily this step stool because it was getting more and more difficult to carry her up to the sink to wash her hands. She needs to grow a couple more inches, but tippie toes will work for now. She loves this independence. And she looooooves brushing her teeth. In fact, it is a morning and nightly struggle to take the toothbrush away from her.

55. A wish on the side of the road

A wish on the side of the road
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I have been wanting to take a macro photo of a dandelion, but whenever I am looking for one- I can't find any. I found this dandelion in the center divider patch of grass as I was sitting in traffic on Highland Avenue. I had my windows rolled down, listening to my Glee soundtrack and singing outloud. I looked down, and there is a lone dandelion. I snapped this one just as traffic started moving and before the car behind me could honk impatiently. Someday I will get that macro photo.

54. Drive by photo

Drive by photo
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I knew that today was going to be a busy day and that I may not have time to take my "photo of the day" so I snapped this one as I was driving. I actually did end up taking some photos after I put Lily to bed, but when looking back at today's collection- this is the one I chose anyways. Surprisingly, the lighting and shadows add an interesting dimension.

53. Coming soon in 3D!

Coming soon in 3D!
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Today was a gorgeous day, and as I looked up at the beautiful blue cloudless sky, I noticed this crew putting up the new bilboard on Wilshire Blvd. They must have had an amazing view of the city from up there!

52. Egg noodles

Egg noodles
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I made a big pot of beef stew and served it with a side of egg noodles. Lily didn't really care for it. She prefers the long spaghetti noodles that she can slurp.

51. Bare trees, grey light

Bare trees, grey light
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Sam and I took a photo field trip in my parent's neighborhood, the neighborhood I grew up in. We stopped to take photos of these beautiful bare trees. During the summer they are lush and green and the long leaves are like streamers coming down from the branches kissing the sidewalk below. I remember riding my bikes through them as a child, and the neighborhood kids even had a name for it... "the green lagoon".

50. Happy birthday to me

Happy birthday to me
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

When the clock struck midnight, Rui handed me a pretty box to open. I knew I was getting a purse because he had it delivered to my office last week. But it was still a surprise because I didn't know what style he picked.... and he done good.

It was a truly memorable birthday. My cousin Revi watched Lily, while Rui treated me to the 10 course tasting menu at Melisse in Santa Monica. We have lived within miles for almost 5 years, but didn't try it until tonight. It was heavenly! Literally, the lobster bolognese is to die for. No wonder this restaurant has 2 Michelin stars.

49. Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

"All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes." - George Orwell, A Nice Cup of Tea
Tomorrow is my birthday (aka the second anniversary of my sweet sixteen). The days seem to fly by which is why I have learned to delight in the extraordinariness of the everyday. Whether it is spending time on the floor coloring with my daughter, singing in the car with my sister, enjoying a home-made dinner with my husband, or simply enjoying a a great cup of tea.

48. Wheels on the bus go round and round

Wheels on the bus go round and round
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

The wipers on the bus go "swish, swish, swish"...all through the town.
Today, I had a meeting at the LAUSD nursing services offices (which aren't really offices, but rather trailers) and parked right in front of this long row of shiny yellow school buses.

47. Window washers

Window washers
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

It's that time of year again... window washing time. You'll need to click the picture (to see it bigger in my flickr) so that you can actually see the window washers- the window washers way up in the sky.
Here is the photo I took this time last year, from inside my office.

46. Big girl swing

Big girl swing
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Lily and I spent the President's Day holiday at the Rangel's home for a playdate with Miss Mia, Baby Jake, Matt, Matthew, and Emi. It was Lily's first time on a "big-kid" swing, and I nearly broke down in tears because she is growing up too fast. I must cherish these sweet moments as she asks "mama, push?".

45. Red envelopes

Red envelopes
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I am 1/32 Chinese, and I was trying to plead my case to the parental units that I deserve a red envelope for the new year, but then was made aware that married people with children are ineligible, and must now serve as red-envelope givers.
Lily is just over 50% Chinese and this is the lot that she received from her grandparents in Hong Kong. Lucky girl!

44. Valentine cutie

Valentine cutie
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I had grand plans of taking an adorable photo of Lily holding this sign with both hands, but she kept insisting on holding it with her chin instead. It may not have been the photo I originally planned, but it turned out even better.

43. My true Valentine's gift

My true Valentine's gift
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Every year, I tell Rui NOT to buy me roses for Valentine's day, but every year, he disobeys my wishes and sends me an overpriced dozen anyways. He had this beautiful bouquet delivered to my office today, but my true Valentine's day gift is witnessing these precious moments between daddy and daughter.

42. Chillin on the runway

Chillin on the runway
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I take turnaround trips to Sacramento or Oakland every month for advocacy meetings, and I truly look forward to them. On the morning trip there and the evening return trip, I have 1 full hour where I can sit with my eyes closed, listening to my I-pod, with absolutely no interruptions, no cellphone, no computer.  As a mother of a toddler, these purely peaceful moments are few and far between.

41. Day old bread

Day old bread
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Every Saturday, I plan my menu for the week so that I can go grocery shopping accordingly. I knew that I wanted to make Ribolitta on Valentine's Day, and it calls for "day old bread". So I have to buy the fresh Italian baked bread early in the week and let it "age".
It isn't a very romantic meal, but it always reminds us of the first time we tried this Tuscan soup in a Florence restaurant frequented by the locals. We went to this restaurant 4 times during our stay in that city- ordering Ribollita every time. And upon the first spoonful, we immediately travel back in time to that romantic trip to Italy.

40. Flower's appeal

flower's appeal
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

A flower's appeal is in its contradictions - so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect. -Adabella Radici

39. pb&j with love

pb&j with love
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I turned into Martha Stewart this week, and decided to put hearts into Lily's lunch everyday since Valentine's day is this Sunday. We started off the week with something easy: heart shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Tomorrow, I will carve her cucumber slices into heart shapes too.

38. Yu Cafe

yu cafe
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I love coffee.
Its rich warm aroma is like a wake-up call to my brain. Sometimes I am a purist, drinking it black, sometimes with cream and sugar...just depends on the mood I am in, and the jolt that I require.
These coffee "vessels" sit neatly in a row in my kitchen cupboard- awaiting to be filled with that whirl of decadent goodness.

37. Rainy days

rainy days
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

This has been a rainy winter for Southern California and there was a bit of a break from the rain, so we took advantage of the opportunity to go outside. Lily was happy to get some fresh air... in her rain coat of course.

36. Escape artist

Escape artist
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Earlier this week, Lily dove head first out of her crib. I nearly had a heart attack. She was fine (thank God) but it looks like we will need to either buy a crib tent to keep her in or convert it into a toddler bed. I think I'll go with the former option- I am not yet ready to give her that much freedom.

35. Baby Mammoth

Baby Mammoth
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I have worked within walking distance to the La Brea Tar Pits for the last 2 1/2 years, and today was the first time I actually stepped inside of the gates. I didn't actually go into the museum, rather I just walked around Hancock Park. It is so peaceful. If it didn't smell like tar, then I would eat my lunch on the park benches everyday.

34. Section 324

Section 324
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I have always prided myself in being adventurous and a "dare-devil", but when my colleagues and I went to the Laker game with free tickets, I was actually afraid of heights sitting in the nosebleeds...I must be getting old or wimpy.

33. Blue Cubes

Blue Cubes
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

The metro office on the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and La Brea Ave. always catches my eye. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to actually stop and take a good photo. Instead i snapped this one as I was waiting at the light.

32. Berlin Wall on Wilshire

Berlin Wall on Wilshire
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I was 11 years old when the great wall dividing East and West Germany came crashing down. I didn't truly understand what was happening, but I knew it was a historic event. I had the opportunity to visit Germany for a study abroad program a few years ago, and the difference in the 2 regions is still very visible.

This photo is a snippet of the 10 panels of the Berlin Wall currently on display in front of the Variety Building, where I work. It is in commemeration of the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall. I must have Germany on my mind after posting yesterday's "photo-of-the-day".

31. Next stop: Dusseldorf

next stop: dusseldorf
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

OOPS. I completely forgot to take a photo of the day today! This is about the time that I fell behind with last year's project. But, I am not going to let that happen again, so I am going to share one of my favorite photos instead. This is an old photograph taken in 2004 when I did an MBA course in Germany. The little photographer inside of me was just starting to blossom.

30. Life is the flower for which love is the honey.

Life is the flower for which love is the honey.
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Today was the funeral of a friend's dad who passed away from a long battle with pulmonary hypertension. It was heartbreaking. But, it was also beautiful to witness the love and the celebration of his life.  

To my dear friend Bernie: It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter.  And although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of these little things that will help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again.  

29. Fresh ingredients

29. Fresh ingredients
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Tonight's dinner: tomato and onion fritatta with goat cheese, and steamed artichokes with lemon butter. Yummo! 

28. Traffic sunset

Traffic sunset
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

My daily commute home always consists of bumper to bumper traffic. But, today's sunset was so breathtaking that all road rage melted away. And of course, today is the day I forget my camera at home. Thank God for the cellphone camera.

27. Adios amigos

Adios amigos
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I love my job, but when the clock strikes 5, I am excited to say good-bye. This is my office building in my side-view mirror as I head home.

26. Love leaf

Love leaf
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I had a presentation today at South Coast AQMD to secure a grant for the programs I manage. I arrived early and took this time to just walk around and practice my speech (camera in hand of course). I snapped this photo of a heart shaped leaf, then nervously stepped into the boardroom. My preparations paid off- the committee was impressed and approved the request. I hope that my passion and love for the program shined through. 

25. Lower level B

Lower level B
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

My garage at work. Nothing exciting.
I am a bit obsessive-compulsive and prefer even numbers. I will purposely seek out an open even spot. My personal favorite: spot #8.

24. Ernie and Lily

Ernie and Lily
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Lily is currently addicted to Sesame Street, and loves this Ernie beanie that Ninong Jon gave her. It is the only hat that she will wear willingly.  She has a fit when we try to take it off.  I can't imagine what she would do if she had an Elmo one. 

23. The joy of bubbles

The joy of bubbles
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

What a beautiful Saturday.. crisp air, warm sun, blue sky, birds chirping... After being cooped up indoors all week, Lily was ecstatic to finally be able to run outside. She loves her bubbles and is now an expert at blowing them.  In fact, her daycare teachers recently told me that she is the only one in her class that knows how, and the other children stand around her in awe as she shows off. 

22. Chomp chomp

Chomp chomp
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Rui had a week-long conference in Louisiana, and returned today with an alligator for his favorite girl. She was excited to meet this new green friend, but even more excited to see her daddy.

21. Rain droplets

Rain droplets
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Lily had a fever last night, so I stayed home with her today. She had a 15 minute tantrum because she wanted to blow bubbles on the patio. Finally, I opened the sliding glass door just to show her that it was raining and wet outside. I also took that opportunity to take a quick photo. That brief encounter with the fresh outdoors was enough to appease her.

20. My breath fogged up the glass...

My breath fogged up the glass...
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

...so I drew a face and I laughed. Gotta love Jason Mraz.

19. Lily's letters

Lily's letters
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

At 18 months, Lily can recognize all the letters of the alphabet.  I originally bought these refrigerator letter magnets so that she can keep busy while I wash dishes.  Now that she knows all of them, she doesn't care about them anymore. 

18. First harvest

First harvest
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

There is nothing sweeter than freshly picked fruit.  My mom has over 20 fruit trees in her backyard and the orange tree is currently abundant with deliciously sweet oranges.  I can't wait to make freshly squeezed OJ. 

17. Future gymnast

Future gymnast
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

My brother and I were enrolled in gymnastics as kids, so we were attempting handstands and back walkovers to see if we "still got it".  And we do.  Lily found it so entertaining she was laughing histerically, even trying a headstand of her own.  Once she turns 2, we too will enroll her in gymnastics for tots.   

16. Sweet treats

Sweet treats
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Happy Birthday to my BFF- Sandy, the domestic diva.  Tonight was her Pampered Chef, murder mystery dinner and it was a ton of fun.  In addition to the great meal, there was a beautiful selection of delectable desserts, all baked by the domestic diva herself.  She is my idol. 

15. Teh-tah-tee

Teh-tah-tee
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

 

Every morning, Lily asks to watch "Teh-tah-tee" aka Sesame Street.  Once that theme song begins ("Sunny days, sweepin the clouds away") she can't be bothered.  She is completely focused on her furry muppet friends.  Her current favorites are Elmo and Ernie, or in her words uhh-neeee. 

14. Size 5 Chucks

Size 5 Chucks
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I feel like I am always buying Lily new shoes.  She is just growing too fast.  She has now graduated to size 6, thus it is time to pack away all of her size 5's to join the other hand-me-down shoes for the next kid. 

13. The Troubaudor

The Troubaudor
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I watched the very talented Kina Grannis perform at the historic Troubadour in West Hollywood.  I was so excited to get an awesome shot of her performing under the stage lights, but right before she came on, my stupid battery died.  And the only photo I took all day was this piece of crap photo of the bar.  But, it's slowly growing on me.  Note to self: charge the battery before leaving the house!

12. LACMA lights

lacma lights
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I work in the Variety Building right across the street from the LACMA. The beautiful view from my office window consists of the urban light sculpture and the Hollywood sign in the hills. I have no excuse to not visit the abundance of art since it is literally out my window. I am now officially inspired!

11. Yellow bike

yellow bike
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I had grand plans of taking an awesome photo of Sunset Blvd. traffic, but upon exiting the elevator in the parking garage- I saw the lone yellow bike, so I shot that instead and went back to my apartment. The Sunset Blvd. photo will be for another day. On another note- I really want a bike of my own.

10. Hexagon

hexagon
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

One of the things I love about photography is the fact that I am always on the lookout for interestingness. As I was walking around my parent's house, camera in hand, I looked up while on the stairs, and saw this. The chandelier hanging down the center of the staircase.

9. Sunset

sunset
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Rui and I met with Sam and her boyfriend for our first double date ever: dinner and a little basketball show-down at Dave & Buster's. Good times! Anyways, I forgot to bring my camera, but was able to capture the breathtaking sky with my sister's camera.

8. Dusty red pipes

red pipes
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

At work, I always take the stairs in the parking garage instead of the elevator. Must take advantage of the opportunities to get a workout in, since my gym membership hasn't seen the light of day in months. For the past 2 and a half years, I stare at this dusty red pipe on my way to the office and on my way out wondering what it is. I still have no idea.