No More Fanta

If you went to a theater at least once in last 3 months, I am sure you have seen this obnoxiously bad taste commercial from Fanta. A few supposedly young and sexy girls wearing striking color bikini/swimsuit dancing and singing “Wanna Fanta, don’t you wanna Fanta…” Every time when I was forced to see this commercial prior to the movie begins, my calm-like-a-hibernated-bear emotion start to roar, my hands start trembling, feeling like my mouth was forced open to eat a big chunk extra sweet sugar icing, and worse of all, I can’t do anything about it. Arrgghh! What in the world was Fanta thinking? I can see why people reluctant to go the theater nowadays. It is all because of this bad commercial. At first, I thought I was overreacted and being overly sensitive, but later I found Ivy has the same problem with this commercial. I did a Google search and immediately found many people like me hated this commercial (this dude REALLY hates it). I used to like Fanta a lot when I was a kid. It was one of the best drinks (sugar, sugar and sugar) and only permitted to consume during Chinese New Year. Now, I wish I can throw out if there is even one drop left in my body.

Skin Care

I know this is weird, but I am using skin care. Under influence from Ivy (aka my wife), I started to use toner and lotion before hitting the sack. She is very persuasive in this area; she probably could convince me that Shar-Pei dog’s wrinkles can be removed if proper skin care being applied. It all started out when I ran out my facial cleanser. She recommended me to use Kiehl’s Foaming Facial Cleanser. Never had I pay attention on what kind of cleanser I use in the past, but now I learned that the difference could be overwhelmed. I am totally into using this cleanser because it is so smooth and gentle to my skin. It doesn’t make my skin too dry or too oily. Also, the best thing about Kiehl’s is they willing to give away a lot of free samples before you make up your mind. So, I was able to try several products before I decided I want to go ahead and get their cleanser. After the first mission accomplished, she started to get me into using toner and lotion after shower because that can help to improve my skin and prevent wrinkles. I was like, WTF, I thought women are attracted to men with wrinkles (wrinkles equate wisdom and maturity?). But of course, after she showed off her wrinkle-free and silky smooth skin, I was convinced that I am better of without wrinkles like Shar-Pei. So, she recommended me to use her Sisley Floral Toner Lotion and Sisley Ecological Compound. It is unbelievable that I can actually feel the difference after I start using these skin cares. Not that I really care about the wrinkle, but these skin cares made me feel more energetic and brighten up during the daytime (psychology effect?). I am sure she is smirking and welcoming me to the skin-care-klan (another good reason we can shopping together).

Pen

I received a Mont Blanc Meisterstück Classique ball pen with my name engraved, from the CEO, as my first anniversary working for the company. Nice pen, but I won’t give up my keyboard.

Virginia is for lovers

Today is one perfect fall afternoon. Fall foliage is at its peak decorating Virginia and crafting a promotional scene to support Virginia’s slogan; Virginia is for Lovers. I thought I should write something. Since my last blog entry, I have received many surprise wishes and felicitations from friends that I have lost touch with (Surprisingly, they are still reading my blog). Many were surprised by my engagement and some even thought I was pulling a prank. After a few email exchanges with my long time cyber pal, SY, I realized this shocking good news wasn’t easy to digest. It came unforeseen because my blog seems cryptic, censored and perhaps, impersonal, she claimed. I agree my blogging style is rather cryptic, but I probably would contend that my blog is impersonal. It is just not my style to discuss my personal relationship publicly (I am no Paris). Furthermore, I like to share my personal topics only with friends who care, not with random Joe and Jane. And, I like to stress that regardless how cryptic/censored/impersonal my blog is, please don’t assume. ASSUME can “make an ASS out of U and ME.” The simplest way to figure out the truth is to ASK. Nevertheless, to appease your curiosity and stop you from contemplating, I am gladly to break yet another good news (if you still don’t know because you haven’t ask or I haven’t tell you).

After a short engagement with my fiancée, Ivy, we decided to legally get married in the United States. Yes, I am now legally married. It was a quick trip to a local circuit court to get a marriage license and found a local celebrant who officiated our wedding. On 10/10/2005, 10am, we had our real simple wedding, only the celebrant, my fiancée and me. The most emotional and touching part should be reading the marriage vow, just like the wedding seen in the Hollywood movies:

I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (husband/wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

And the celebrant asked:

Do you (Groom/Bride) take (Bride/Groom) to be your lawful wedded (wife/husband)? (Each responds, "I do.") Will you love, respect and honor her/him throughout your years together? (Each responds, "I will.")

We both uttered “I do” with confident while our hands hold tight together. This is probably the simplest wedding one could have, but it still represents an enduring commitment of life and togetherness, and therefore changing “my world” into “our world” and “my life” into “our life.” After we are officially married, we brought home sushi, fruits, chocolate cake and a bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Champagne. We spent the rest of the day eating, drinking, chatting and listening to Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett. Just two of us. Our conversation covered life (past, present and future), jazz, wine, food, fashion, sports and TV shows. That’s how our wedding celebrated in Virginia. That’s right, Virginia is for lovers.

*We are now planning to have a Chinese wedding ceremony in Malaysia and Taiwan.