tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894445521519098862024-03-13T09:10:07.543-07:00¡PLAM!Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-43570725321755537422013-06-23T21:12:00.001-07:002013-06-24T09:28:48.345-07:00Rocky Point Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7B2GGdIziWQ/UcfB-mA6V5I/AAAAAAAAAps/axVTdFEuOvc/s1600/RPlogo-300x262-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7B2GGdIziWQ/UcfB-mA6V5I/AAAAAAAAAps/axVTdFEuOvc/s200/RPlogo-300x262-1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
On a cloudy Sunday evening in Port Moody, Ryan and I took a walk to <a href="http://www.portmoody.ca/index.aspx?page=272" target="_blank">Rock Point Park</a> to try out <a href="http://rockypointicecream.com/" target="_blank">Rocky Point Ice Cream</a>. <br />
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I've seen their super cute ice cream truck at Rocky Point Park all spring while they were building the store front, so I was excited to try out the store.<br />
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The shop carries ice cream, banana splits, sundaes, smoothies, milkshakes, ice cream bars, freshly baked waffle cones (plain, dipped and rolled!), plus coffee of course.<br />
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When we went there, it was pretty quiet since it was kind of ugly out, but I can totally see it becoming a popular spot since it's right next to the water park, <a href="http://www.pajos.com/" target="_blank">Pajo's </a>and the pier.<br />
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They have a variety of flavours for both ice cream and sorbetto, including an ice cream for your dog! ;). Flavours range from staples like Mango sorbetto, vanilla ice cream, strawberry ice cream to more fun choices like lemon basil sorbetto, lime mojitos sorbetto, honey lavender ice cream, whiskey hazelnut and maple bacon.<br />
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Ice cream and sorbetto are made with local, and organic ingredients when possible and it really shows! I had the lemon basil sorbetto, which I found to be really refreshing and the basil was just enough not to be overwhelming. Ryan had the lime mojitos and the espresso flake ice cream. The mojitos tasted...well like a mojitos and the espresso flake ice cream was buttery and flavourful. Two thumbs up!<br />
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We quite enjoyed it and will definitely go back! The only criticism I have is that it is a little pricey for what they are offering and the scoops are rather small. Our totally was just under 9 dollars but the scoops were pretty small. I ordered one scoop and Ryan ordered two scoops. Typically, most ice cream places will let you try two flavours when you buy one scoop but because the portions were so small, I coul donly get one flavour. I really wanted to try the Rocky Point Road (haha...get it?).<br />
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Until next time folks :)Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-43795711903960519802013-06-07T17:03:00.000-07:002013-06-07T18:10:59.909-07:00The 'Thigh Gap'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Woah, sorry, I haven't blogged in almost a year. That is really shameful! At any rate, some of you may know this already but I am getting married in November so, I've been back at the gym sweating, lifting and sweating some more!<br />
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It's really awesome, I have to admit I slacked off a bit after moving to Port Moody 2 years ago. Mostly because...well, I got lazy. At any rate, having been out of the fitness scene for 2 years, a lot of things have changed! Some positive, some negative.<br />
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<b>Positive</b><br />
I am loving the Strong is the New Skinny trend for women! It's awesome to know woman are now going to the gym to be fit, and strong and not just to look like Kate Moss. The thing I am enjoying the most lately is lifting heavier weights. <br />
<a name='more'></a>It really has made a huge difference in how my body looks. I have a naturally athletic body type so I build muscle pretty easily and I still don't look like she-hulk. Ladies rest assured you can lift heavy without look like a dude! I have muscles and I love how I can do stuff like carry 4 bags of groceries and not ask for Ryan's help moving stuff around! Check <a href="http://instagram.com/p/ZUIUiIhAOD/#" target="_blank">this</a> out! Biceps, I have biceps! <br />
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<b>Negative (and the reason I wrote this post)</b><br />
The "thigh gap". Holy crap, I see the #thighgap hash tag a lot on instagram, Twitter and social media channels I follow for fitness inspiration. Women of all ages seems to think this is the ideal. First of all, miss Victoria secret model up there...has a really specific body type! That's why she's a model. Some woman (and most 13 year old teenagers) have this 'gap' but for most woman this goal is totally unattainable<b> </b>and a crappy fitness goal. Why? I came across this great <a href="http://www.newbeauty.com/blog/dailybeauty/7495-is-the-thigh-gap-a-worthy-goal/" target="_blank">article</a> online that tells you why from Nancy Ho aka @nansiepants. Seriously ladies, let's change this obsession, its 2013. While I am on the topic, let's get ride of the lose 50 lbs in 3 months goals or have collar bones sticking out skinny goals.<br />
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How about healthy fitness goals like:<br />
Do an entire hot yoga class without lying down<br />
Try to go meatless one day a week for the summer<br />
Be able to open that jar of pickles without running it under hot water<br />
Finally be able to do the crow pose in yoga<br />
Train and run a half marathon<br />
Try to buy local and organic as much as I can <br />
Go up the Grouse Grind in under an hour<br />
Go for a walk around the block once a week with mom :) <br />
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Ladies, it's high time we stop being so harsh on ourselves and start worrying about fitness and health for the long term instead of crash diets and being 'skinny'. I am on the fitness train, you should join me, the view is much better here, and we can have cookies [occasionally on cheat days :)]!<br />
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Love,<br />
Phoenix<br />
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<br />Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-66235298997663074822012-08-09T17:32:00.001-07:002012-08-09T17:32:49.400-07:00Things Your Cat Will Never Use<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw02iDgKow4/UCNQpjYmkgI/AAAAAAAAAes/evIC7_ptqXo/s1600/apathycatisa128590535272550497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw02iDgKow4/UCNQpjYmkgI/AAAAAAAAAes/evIC7_ptqXo/s320/apathycatisa128590535272550497.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I still remember the following day as if it was yesterday:<br />
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I was shopping for some cat food when I saw a gorgeous cat bed. It was soft, it had clean lines and the colour even matched my furniture. Finally, I can get my cat to sleep on something other than my fresh laundry pile.<br />
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I excitedly brought it home and set it up...and Sophie ignored it. She didn't even sniff it. Fine, I'll just pick her up and put her in it, she'll get the idea. Nope. She runs away from it as if I just put her on a hot stove. To this day, she has never slept in it, she doesn't even sit in it. Once upon a time, I tried rubbing cat nip on it and putting kitty treats in it. She actually picked up the treat from the bed and brought them out of the bed and ate them right by the bed. Yup. It now sits in storage, I will likely donate it to the local shelter one day.<br />
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At any rate, the reason I thought about this was because of <a href="http://twitter.com/michaelkwan">@MichaelKwan</a>.<br />
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He sent me the following item today on Twitter yesterday:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtBVGUoCLwU/UCNMH7e0uiI/AAAAAAAAAeM/KPwIzpSceqA/s1600/513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtBVGUoCLwU/UCNMH7e0uiI/AAAAAAAAAeM/KPwIzpSceqA/s320/513.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In case you can't tell, this is a cat tunnel sofa. Your fine feline friend can crawl around and hang out with you on your couch. My first reaction: "What a brilliant idea!" But like Michael himself said, knowing cats, they will likely have NO interest in the tunnel. Sophie is more likely to sleep on the back of the couch. <br />
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Which brings me to the thought, what other items do we buy for our cats but they will probably never use. I give you...the three top items your cat will never use:<br />
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1. DJ cat scratcher. I mean really....do I even have to explain? Just look at it, your cat will likely shred the sofa right next to this, rather than use it. <br />
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2. Any type of interactive cat toy/food dispenser situation. Because your cat will merely look at you with a "WTF, feed me B*&^!" look. This is after all how it got to be 20 lbs in the first place, no?</div>
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3. Cat oral hygiene kit. Um..yeah good luck. You may want to do write your own will before using this item.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PKxL-2i7oE/UCNPHl8KrvI/AAAAAAAAAek/ZwtKI3lsW1k/s1600/41DA-5eo5QL._SY355_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PKxL-2i7oE/UCNPHl8KrvI/AAAAAAAAAek/ZwtKI3lsW1k/s320/41DA-5eo5QL._SY355_.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-52323937524531372932012-07-10T00:10:00.002-07:002012-07-10T00:10:30.978-07:00Shut Up and Take My Money<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This post comes to you late at night after 3 hours of wedding planning research, so please excuse any typos/ranting. And in case you didn't know, Ryan and I got engaged about two weeks ago. Yay us!<br />
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Now comes the fun/stressful part...wedding planning, which leads to the picture to the left. I am sure it is no surprise to anyone but wow weddings are expensive. Like down payment on a house expensive (well...not in Vancouver) . Price of a nice car expensive. It seems the moment you put wedding in front of anything the price jumps up exponentially. You want flowers? Sure that'll be $50 for a bouquet. Oh you mean a wedding bouquet? That will be $150.<br />
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Being a good bride to be, I am doing a lot of research and seriously Pinterest is just evil (I haven't decided in a good way or bad way yet). I get sucked into this wedding black hole and don't resurface for hours. Once I get bored of looking at one detail (invites, colours, venue. etc.), I can start looking at something else (decor, dresses, favours, etc.). It just doesn't stop!<br />
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Pinterest gives me a lot of great ideas, but a lot of those ideas are also crazy $$$. Why? Shouldn't it have more DIY cheap ideas since it's Pinterest? There are some but a lot of people are pinning their dream wedding or their perfect wedding, so those tend to be out of stuff like <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/">Style Me Pretty</a> or other crazy wedding photo shoots. I do suppose they are good to look at for inspiration.<br />
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If I did have the money to do whatever I want, my wedding would look something like this:<br />
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<br />And the reception would look like this:<br />
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So at any rate, a girl can dream! Sure gives me something to work towards. I am busy planning away, I am sure I'll update with random rants and mental breakdowns.</div>
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P.S. If you are a long lost rich relative who wants to get into my good books, you know what to do!</div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-22765509742181504012012-06-25T10:31:00.000-07:002012-06-28T09:21:57.927-07:00Face Creams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever since I was a kid, my mother has stressed the importance of a proper skin care regimen. I dutifully wash my face in the morning and night with a proper cleanser, use toner, moisturizer and eye cream/gels. The only thing we disagree on was sunscreen in our day creams. This is because she uses sunscreen and tons of it. I have combination skin, so I hate feeling that icky, slick mess on my face all day. Plus, I end up with so much shine, I could be my own walking disco ball.<br />
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I pretty much just ignored my mother and her crazy sun fearing ways
until very recently (timed around when I found my first gray hair). So
the search began for a proper day cream with a SPF that didn't leave me
feeling like a walking frying pan. At first, I tried what my mom used
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<a name='more'></a>I then visited Sephora, The Bay and even Body Shop and pretty much got samples of anything with a SPF in it for oily and combination skin. I tried quite a few options. There are two that really stood out in the great cream but not oily category and that was:<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/herbal-day-creme-spf-15-P42329?skuId=958561">Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Crème SPF 15</a> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-220ltX0frrE/T-icAJ_86GI/AAAAAAAAAcw/1SqyzoshvMg/s1600/s958561-main-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-220ltX0frrE/T-icAJ_86GI/AAAAAAAAAcw/1SqyzoshvMg/s200/s958561-main-hero.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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You have to use a very minimal amount, or you do end up looking a little oily. The problem I had with it was mostly the smell. I love herbal tea, I just don't like the smell of it on my face. I really, really, really wanted to like this product, because it is a more natural solution, but at the of the day, I really hated smelling like a cup of herbal tea. <br />
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<a href="http://www.shiseido.com/white-lucent-brightening-protective-emulsion-w/0730852103931,default,pd.html&cgid=skincare-whitelucent#%21i%3D5">Shiseido WHITE LUCENT Brightening Protective Emulsion</a><br />
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I know, I know...stop looking at me like that. It doesn't say SPF. I asked and apparently Canada has very strict laws about SPF. You have to get a DIN number registered, which is very expensive. Some cosmetic and beauty companies chose not to do this, and just not list the product as having SPF in it. Trust me, it has it. In Asia and the US they have the SPF listed. This is actually my favourite out of everything I tried on. It has a really great finish. Not oily at all, no matter how much I put on. And has a great smell. I've been using it for weeks not and it really is super awesome. The only part that is a bit painful is the price. In Canada, you can expect to pay about $60 plus for it. Yikes.<br />
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Next step to turning into my mother...wearing giant hats on sunny days and gloves while driving. I'll update you when that happensPhoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-6219272983403655722012-04-26T21:21:00.002-07:002012-04-26T21:21:58.847-07:00Slow Jammin with the Prez<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Look, I am not going to pretend I know everything there is to know about American politics, because I don't. I'll be the first to plead my ignorance. What I do know a bit about is PR and social media. This is why when I saw this video on Youtube yesterday I thought I had to blog about it.<br />
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This is President Obama "Slow Jammin" the news with Jimmy Fallon. Fricking brilliant. To give you some background, Jimmy was talking to the UNC audience about student loans and President Obama joined him in that conversation. Instead of doing a typical political interview, they got their point across in a way that was funny, relevant and relatable to their audience. The video by the way has more than 2.3 million views and it's only been up for 2 days.<br />
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I am sure some may say this is a desperate move for the president. They may say he is trying to get cheap votes or win a popularity contest. Maybe he is, I don't know. Whether you agree with the message or not, there is no denying that the Obama camp gets social media and viral marketing. They get their demographic, they gets them excited and how they consume their news.<br />
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Imagine if President Obama did an interview on the matter, do you seriously think it would have gone viral the way it has? Do you think young people would like that interview on their Facebook walls, share it in their Twitter streams or +1 it on Google+?<br />
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Whether or not the republicans will try and follow with more social media efforts to win the youth vote remains to be seen. I know in the last election they certainly did try, getting Sarah Palin and McCain on Saturday Night Live. That however, didn't work as well. It felt more like the chest club trying to join the "cool kids party" if you know what I mean.<br />
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It will be interesting to see if that changes in the next election. I guess we'll have to watch our Twitter feeds to find out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-63287720772078407892012-04-23T17:07:00.000-07:002012-04-23T17:10:57.888-07:00So We Want to Do Twitter....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaBF8iHOC1k/T5XtNt3Qw3I/AAAAAAAAAa0/sc3ePdz5aJQ/s1600/social-media-explained.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaBF8iHOC1k/T5XtNt3Qw3I/AAAAAAAAAa0/sc3ePdz5aJQ/s320/social-media-explained.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got a referral from an old client for social media
consulting work with a small company in Maple Ridge. After talking to them for
an hour, it became clear I had to turn down the gig. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why? Don’t I need the extra cash for
my Vegas trip this summer? Am I too busy? Is the contract too small? The answer is I totally would love the extra spending money, I am busy (but see the need the cash point) and no it was not too small.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be honest with you, I see many small companies jump onto the
social media train without considering the full implications and work
associated with social media. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve turned away quite a few contracts in the past and
advised them against starting in social media. They are always shocked. It's not that I don't want the contract, it's just that social media may not be the best communication tool for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few things to
consider before starting a Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest/Youtube/Flickr/whatever
is the next big thing:<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><b> </b></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b>Who is your audience?</b> Time and time again,
clients just want me to start a Twitter account or a Facebook page because “everyone else
is doing it”. My question to my client is always “Is that where your customers
are going to be?” If you are a B2B company where your average client is over 50 and would rather conduct deals over drinks, why would you invest time
in a social media program? </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Wouldn’t it
make more sense to sponsor a golf tournament or do a fancy invite only summer
BBQ? It’s old school sure, but there is nothing wrong with it if your clients are old school too!</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b>Consider the channels.</b> Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
all have very different audience and again, it comes back to the question of: “Who
and where is audience?” Not every channel is appropriate for every company. So make sure you invest your time wisely and pick the right ones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b>Do you have the resources to dedicate to social
media?</b> Sure it’s all fine and dandy to hire someone like me to come in and
develop a plan for you, run a contest, launch your Facebook Page, or whatever, but who is
going to maintain it and monitor it afterwards? Is anyone in your company social
media savvy enough to maintain a social meida presence? If not, are you willing to get them
trained up and have them engaging your audience? Because if you’re not going to
do it right, don’t bother at all. Nothing irks me more than a corporate Twitter
account that hasn't been updated for months or a Facebook page full of spam.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s my little rant. Would I have liked to make some
extra cash for a Vegas trip? Sure. But do I want to take money starting
something I know is doomed to fail? Hells no.</div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-367444852517619962012-04-15T10:39:00.003-07:002012-04-15T10:39:52.970-07:00Canucks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3RmENoINH4/T4sHpXBnpWI/AAAAAAAAAaM/5xSftLNFzW4/s1600/KEEP-02_MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3RmENoINH4/T4sHpXBnpWI/AAAAAAAAAaM/5xSftLNFzW4/s320/KEEP-02_MED.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
Are you ready fans? Our boys are down in the series 2-0 to the LA Kings.<br />
<br />
This is what separates the wagon jumpers from the true fans. They can do this!<br />
<br />
Go Canucks Go! <br />
<br />
<br />Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-22477793154501965412012-04-10T12:53:00.000-07:002012-04-10T12:53:14.737-07:00Texts From Hillary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww2pIPe1lt8/T4SPa7rOyjI/AAAAAAAAAYc/lhnzpZQuiHU/s1600/tumblr_m22hl8Yj491rt7gleo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww2pIPe1lt8/T4SPa7rOyjI/AAAAAAAAAYc/lhnzpZQuiHU/s320/tumblr_m22hl8Yj491rt7gleo1_500.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<a href="http://textsfromhillaryclinton.tumblr.com/">Texts from Hillary</a> has become my favourite tumblr to check every morning. Forget about Beyonce's new account. This is so much better!<br />
<br />
Thanks for giving me a good laugh!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://textsfromhillaryclinton.tumblr.com/">http://textsfromhillaryclinton.tumblr.com</a>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-87018629801752272142012-04-08T01:26:00.003-07:002012-04-08T01:32:16.923-07:00Late Night Infomercials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xgYTfEdgZuQ/T4FMxqAvsCI/AAAAAAAAAYI/6xWm8E2Ue30/s1600/6fcdb534-ae12-44ff-b4e4-94d17849733f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xgYTfEdgZuQ/T4FMxqAvsCI/AAAAAAAAAYI/6xWm8E2Ue30/s200/6fcdb534-ae12-44ff-b4e4-94d17849733f.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
If you are like me and suffer from occasional insomnia, late night TV commercials/infomercials invariable become a common friend. They are often cheesy, poorly written and totally lame. This makes them extra funny at 2 am on a Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Below are a few select commercials that make me laugh, hope you guys get a kick out of them too.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
First up..Trendy Tops. The most uncomfortable looking thing ever. And I love how they use a model with no love handles or tummy for the 'after' shot:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yTW1En4coGs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Next up..the classic, Slap Chop. Everyone needs one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rUbWjIKxrrs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
And introducing...the Tiddy Bear:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gw1g2yKxb0I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Last and certainly not the least entertaining...the Potty Putter:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cp5FAbJvUEY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Who comes up with this stuff? Whoever you are, thank you for providing me hours of entertainment!Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-66274901466498006872012-03-24T00:54:00.003-07:002012-03-24T00:58:33.166-07:00Hunger Games Review<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ-cLMQhH7w/T2170RF8rFI/AAAAAAAAAXk/hbo8kQfi3XI/s1600/hunger-games-movie-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZ-cLMQhH7w/T2170RF8rFI/AAAAAAAAAXk/hbo8kQfi3XI/s320/hunger-games-movie-review.jpg" width="320" /></a>So Friday night, I went to catch the Hunger Games with my friend at <a href="http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/SilverCity-Metropolis-Cinemas.aspx">Silvercity Metropolis</a>. By the way, we paid about 3 dollars extra for the UltraAVX auditorium. Totally worth it, you get to pre-select your seats (hello, no line up on opening night) and the seats are way more comfortable! More info in UltraAVX experience <a href="http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/UltraAVX.aspx">here</a>. Spoiler alert ahead, so don't read if you don't want to know anything before watching the movie yourself!<br />
<br />
Last warning...SPOILER!!!!<br />
<a name='more'></a>Ok down to the nitty gritty. I would give Hunger Games a 3.5 out of 5. It wasn't horrible but with all the hype around the movie, I really expected more. The crippling poverty of District 12, the sad grimness of the reaping is very well translated on screen. The juxtaposition
of the poverty of District 12 and the Capitol makes for fantastic visuals.<br />
<br />
However, overall I thought the movie felt rushed. Once Katniss gets on that train, it's like the audience is on a super sonic trip that tries to take the viewer to as many tourist destinations as possible (but it never gives you the time to enjoy each stop fully). I understand they had to book into a movie but some
of the best parts felt very rushed, especially towards the end. There just wasn't enough time for suspense to build while Katniss was in the arena. It was like, oh, she's in the arena, oh she's in a tree, oh she and Peeta won. What? That's it? Another weakness of the movie was the CGI. The flames on Katniss and
Peeta's outfits were cheesy and so were the mutts at
the end. If you are going to invest that much money into a movie, why don't you spend a couple bucks more and just do it right?<br />
<br />
My favourite scene in the entire movie was the one with Rue in the forest. I definitely shed a few tears! It was tastefully done and just sad over all. <br />
<br />
Overall Jennifer Lawrence is well cast at Katniss and can carry the movie. While I give Josh Hutcherson the full benefit of trying to play Peeta, he just falls short (pardon the pun). He and Lawrence have more of a brother/sister chemistry than lovers. Sadly, the whole theatre giggled during 'the cave' scene. However, I was reflecting on this later and realized that Gary Ross, the director, may have deliberately made it extra cheesy since Katniss and Peeta were supposed to be pretending to be in love for the cameras. <br />
<br />
Liam Hemsworth makes a decent Gale but he has so few lines and scenes, he really is interchangeable with any other young, rugged dark haired actor. The male stars of the movie are really Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and Woody Harleson. Perfectly cast and exactly how I pictured them.<br />
<br />
While I watch Catching Fire, when it comes out? Yes. Will I rush to it on opening night? Likely not.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-28901980880038975762012-03-18T20:09:00.002-07:002012-03-19T10:39:49.834-07:00The Gym<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---4Ruz9Cgis/T2aiqjE-eMI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Mlr0RjKqVuY/s1600/friends+at+the+gym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---4Ruz9Cgis/T2aiqjE-eMI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Mlr0RjKqVuY/s200/friends+at+the+gym.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Maybe it's because I am the all or nothing kind of person, but when I go to the gym, rarely will you see me not sweating or kicking my own arse. So it comes as a surprise when I see people at the gym who...well don't.<br />
<br />
Today for example, I was in my building's gym and pounding the treadmill when two girls came in. They looked young, maybe 19 and 17? The older girl was on the bike, but texting the entire time.She barley broke a sweat. By the time I got off the treadmill and got into my weights, she was still texting and barley biking. Then she spent about 10 minutes looking and examining herself in the mirror, adjusting her hair, checking out her side profile...you get the idea.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The other one freaked me out the most. She just sat and bounced on the exercise ball the entire time. Like her friend (sister?), she also spent a lot time staring at herself in the mirror, and adjusting her hair. To give her credit, she did occasionally stretch. The mirror staring really creeped me out. I never recalled being that obsessed with my looks when I was so young. Sure, I was vain like every other teenage girl, but to stare at oneself with such concentration and intensity is something I have honestly never done. Even now.<br />
<br />
Is this obsession with every pore, ever strand of hair, every body part common with young girls now? If this is true, this makes me very, very sad. What makes me sadder still is their parents have not told these girls that their self worth is more than just their bodies and looks. *Le sigh* I hope I am making an assumption and these girls are just having an 'off' day.<br />
<br />
On a happier note...from the Oatmeal: <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/gym">At the gym: who is looking at whom </a><br />
<br />Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-74400554393208323352012-03-10T11:35:00.000-08:002012-03-10T11:35:13.338-08:00The Cell That Started the Pandemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z0v1zRbAKE/T1BLWZtJyuI/AAAAAAAAAW4/CGGIgcHKAOw/s1600/HIV-budding-Color_long_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z0v1zRbAKE/T1BLWZtJyuI/AAAAAAAAAW4/CGGIgcHKAOw/s320/HIV-budding-Color_long_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday I was on Pinterest (and yes I am totally obsessed) when I came across this really nifty post on the origins of HIV/AIDs and patient "0".<br />
<br />
I thought I would share it here because it really is an example of: <br />
a) a fantastic podcast<br />
b) making a difficult topic intelligible to the average listener<br />
c) something we should all learn more about instead of spoiling our brain with that Kardashians/Jersey Shore/Lindsay Lohan bull crap.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy and learn something new, I know I did (P.S. sorry for the ads in the beginning if you want to skip all that go to 0:58secs ).<br />
<embed allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="file=http://www.radiolab.org/audio/xspf/169885/&repeat=list&autostart=false&popurl=http://www.radiolab.org/audio/xspf/169885/%3Fdownload%3Dhttp%3A//www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/audio.wnyc.org/radiolab/radiolab111411b.mp3" height="39" quality="high" src="http://www.radiolab.org/media/audioplayer/player5.swf" width="620" wmode="transparent"></embed><script type="text/javascript">
(function(){var s=function(){__flash__removeCallback=function(i,n){if(i)i[n]=null;};window.setTimeout(s,10);};s();})();
</script>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-77717778447680965652012-03-06T22:00:00.007-08:002012-03-06T22:32:41.934-08:00All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw0WLqNO-Ro/T1b4uY3bcAI/AAAAAAAAAXI/S1dOOHtrbtU/s1600/cat+fight+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw0WLqNO-Ro/T1b4uY3bcAI/AAAAAAAAAXI/S1dOOHtrbtU/s1600/cat+fight+2.jpg" /></a></div>
So...I was watching The Bachelor, The Women Tell All last night (yeeah...anyways).<br />
<br />
<br />
While I haven't been watching every episode, I know enough that Courtney is the "evil" girl this season. She was a b*&^ to all the other girls and in general is a horrible person. Then, of course, on the Women Tell All show last night everyone sank to her level. Women can be so catty. I know! I can totally be judgy and horrible sometimes too. <br />
<br />
While I am not saying Courtney was sincere, I was reminded of one of my favourite books growing up. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Really-Need-Know-Learned-Kindergarten/dp/034546639X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331100387&sr=8-1">All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten</a>, by <a href="http://robertfulghum.com/"><span class="body">Robert Fulghum</span></a><b>. </b><br />
<br />
Here is one of my favourite excerpts:<br />
<br />
"<i>All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.</i><br />
<i>These are the things I learned:</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Share everything.</i><br />
<i>Play fair.</i><br />
<i>Don't hit people.</i><br />
<i>Put things back where you found them.</i><br />
<i>Clean up your own mess.</i><br />
<i>Don't take things that aren't yours.</i><br />
<i>Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.</i><br />
<i>Wash your hands before you eat.</i><br />
<i>Flush.</i><br />
<i>Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.</i><br />
<i>Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.</i><br />
<i>Take a nap every afternoon.</i><br />
<i>When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.</i><br />
<i>Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.</i><br />
<i>Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.</i><br />
<i>And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.</i>"<br />
<br />
If we all treated each other better and had each other's backs wouldn't it be a much better world?Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-7862055919379351242012-03-01T20:17:00.000-08:002012-03-01T20:17:35.258-08:00A Sophie post...just because<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDWxMF61d2s/T1BJwnUswbI/AAAAAAAAAWw/Q8CdOPunYqY/s1600/TheSoph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDWxMF61d2s/T1BJwnUswbI/AAAAAAAAAWw/Q8CdOPunYqY/s400/TheSoph.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-56108420345861592092011-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:002012-03-06T22:24:38.691-08:00Christmas Gift Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsMIbY99T3g/TsxvOl8x64I/AAAAAAAAAT4/r7bRWoNSiRQ/s1600/42915.shared.gifts_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsMIbY99T3g/TsxvOl8x64I/AAAAAAAAAT4/r7bRWoNSiRQ/s320/42915.shared.gifts_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Around this time of year, I always get questions from guy friends on what to get girlfriend/wives/mothers/mother-in-laws/sisters.<br />
<br />
I thought I would put together a list of some gifts that are popular with the ladies this year.<br />
<br />
1) Every female I know, loves Tiffany's. I recommend the <a href="http://www.tiffany.ca/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP02816&mcat=148204&cid=287458&search_params=s+5-p+9-c+287458-r+501323338+501432133-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+">Tiffany charm bracelet.</a> A classic, and I have seen it on women age 16-50. The kicker? Once you get them the charm bracelet, you can also get the lady in your life charms for birthdays, anniversaries, valentine's day...and etc. On a budget? Tiffany has their $250 and under <a href="http://www.tiffany.ca/Shopping/CategoryBrowse.aspx?cid=563629&mcat=148204">collection</a>. Budget $250-400.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
2) One month yoga pass. Be careful who you give this to. It is a great gift but if the lady in question has certain insecurities, they may view this as you saying "You need to lose weight". But for the woman in your life who is into fitness or who has a fitness goal in mind, it is the perfect gift. In Vancouver, I recommend <a href="http://www.semperviva.com/memberships.php">Semperviva yoga</a> or <a href="http://yyoga.ca/utility-menu/membership/">Yyoga</a>. Both have multiple location in town, so the lady in question can do as much yoga as they want! Budget $150-$170.<br />
<br />
3) After Christmas, New Year's Eve is just around the corner. A mani-pedi gift certificate will certainly be welcomed by any woman. Especially after having their feet in boots all winter long! I recommend <a href="http://www.purenailbar.com/pamper.html">Pure Nail Bar</a> if you are on a budget or looking to use the certificate as a stocking stuffer. Try <a href="http://solarice.com/spa-treatments/hand-and-foot-therapies.htm">Solarice Day Spa</a> or <a href="http://www.absolutespa.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-gift-guide/">Absolute Spa</a> for a more pampering experience. Budget $50-120.<br />
<br />
4) Along the same lines as mani-pedi is a spa day! This is great for the busy new mom or the stressed out career woman! A few options you have are <a href="http://www.wedgewoodhotel.com/files_2/spa.php">Wedgewood Hotel and Spa</a>, <a href="http://www.cranberriesspa.com/servicemenu.html">Cranberries Spa</a> and <a href="http://www.spautopia.ca/spa_packages/default.htm">Spa Utopia</a>. Budget $200-$600<br />
<br />
5) Have a reader in the family? Consider an e-reader. Amazon will be launching the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-Amazon-Tablet/dp/B0051VVOB2">Kindle Fire </a>just in time for the holidays, you also have the <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/nook/379003208/">Nook</a>, <a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ereaders">Kobo</a> and <a href="http://ebookstore.sony.com/reader/">Sony E-reader</a>. Throw in a $50 dollar gift card for new downloads or preload books into the e-reader to earn extra brownie points! Budget, $200-$300.<br />
<br />
That's all for now :) If I think of other gift ideas, I'll hook you men up!Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-12699880076262243122011-09-25T11:12:00.000-07:002011-09-25T11:26:10.779-07:00Networking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSxDsFJNbNo/Tn9vGI130qI/AAAAAAAAAS8/0_Zy3QzyjoU/s1600/personal-network.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSxDsFJNbNo/Tn9vGI130qI/AAAAAAAAAS8/0_Zy3QzyjoU/s1600/personal-network.gif" /></a></div>Every once in a while, I speak at UBC to new grads about the world outside of academics. I always tell them one thing. NETWORK.<br />
<br />
For many of them networking is a) dirty, icky and slimy b) something they don't need since they are qualified c) daunting <br />
<br />
Let me address each of these points over a series of posts. Today I will focus on: <br />
<br />
<i>Networking is dirty, icky and slimy.... </i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Not when done right. I think the image that a lot of people have when they think of networking is someone buying them drinks, getting their contact information and emailing/calling them until they agree to buy/do something.<br />
<br />
I approach networking as building relationships with cool people I want to know. It isn't about what they can do for me, but what I can do for them. Can I help my new friend/acquaintance by introducing them to someone else for an informational interview? Do they need a recommendation on a great book? Do they need a second eye on a press release because they have never written one before? I always help. The key is, what you can do to help someone else. Imagine if our entire world was based on that?<br />
<br />
I have found 100% of my jobs through networking. Even my recent tenant for my apartment, I have found through personal networks and connections. It is never just I meet person X tell them I need a job, they give me a job. Often it is in a round about way.<br />
<br />
For example, as I mentioned before, I am an active UBC alumni. So one day in 2009, there was a UBC job posting. I was looking for a career change, I wasn't sure if PR was something I really want to do anymore. So, I made a call to a contact I had at UBC and it turns out they were the ones doing the hiring. They encouraged me to apply and because I had a personal connection to someone on the hiring committee and because I had acquired knowledge about the university and academic programs over my volunteer work there, I aced the interview and got the job.<br />
<br />
While I left the job after a year (learning that I missed PR), I did make an impression with my hard work and positive attitude. Unfortunately, I got laid off from my new job about 8 months later. It was a shocking time in my life, and the economy was (still is) in the shitters. Looking for a job was not exactly easy.<br />
<br />
Then one day, after freelancing and scraping by on EI and contracts here and there, I saw a job posting from my current employer. I remembered a co-worker at UBC actually used to work there. I contacted him and asked for a name and introduction. I wanted to find someone to have an informational interview with (to learn more about the job). He pulled through and got me the contact of the VP of Marketing. We had a great chat for an hour and the rest as they say is history.<br />
<br />
The lesson here? It is something that does that a lot of work, but it isn't icky. It is about making connections with people, getting to know them and just being a good person. People can smell desperation and insincerity a mile away.<br />
<br />
Eventually, as they say, what goes around, comes around. Maybe a more new age way of thinking about it...is Karma.Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-27989880830660594932011-08-20T12:54:00.000-07:002011-08-20T12:54:41.165-07:00Reply VS Reply all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5bbdepZk7w/TlAQexPHHTI/AAAAAAAAASM/W-7o7qertW4/s1600/e6c8_reply_all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5bbdepZk7w/TlAQexPHHTI/AAAAAAAAASM/W-7o7qertW4/s200/e6c8_reply_all.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>There are days when I have to resist sending an email calling people out on their horrible email etiquette and telling them to never send me an email again. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My biggest email pet peeve of all is: "Reply All"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please for the love of pete, use "Reply All" sparingly. Think: “<i>Does EVERYONE on this list need to know what I am about to say</i>?” And <i>"Are my comments really SO funny/important that EVERYONE will find it amusing/informative." </i>95% of the time....the answer is NO!<i> </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sure, you think what you have to say is important but do I really need to know you have your cousin Joe's wedding next weekend and can't make the dinner party? The host needs to know, but the rest of us?! I am sure if your presence is integral to the dinner party, the host would have worked around your schedule. As hard it is to believe, I don’t care if you are coming to the party or not. Shocking, I know. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The thing that bothers me the most about "Reply All" is: once ONE person replies all, everyone else does too. It is now obligatory that everyone RSVPs with a "Reply All". Before you know it, I have gotten 30 emails with people saying whether or not they can make it. Argh! Delete!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Seriously people. Fix this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-81651558453659263092011-08-14T21:13:00.001-07:002011-08-14T21:14:58.673-07:00On STRIKEI am on strike from True Blood. Tonight's episode was just...so..bad. Can't even stand to watch and review anymore.<br />
<br />
Thank you for *&^ing up my favourite series Allan Ball.<br />
<br />
Almost as bad as having Katie Holmes<br />
<br />
a) "dance" last season on So You Think You Can Dance (and lip sync)<br />
<br />
b) invite her back this season to 'judge' contestants at the finale. SO. Bad.Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-2281105026709289802011-08-05T23:01:00.000-07:002011-08-14T21:23:44.474-07:00True UGH!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xt3zQ0rlUDc/TjzX0ZGr2pI/AAAAAAAAARs/rV97QtbUWUM/s1600/true-blood-eric-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xt3zQ0rlUDc/TjzX0ZGr2pI/AAAAAAAAARs/rV97QtbUWUM/s320/true-blood-eric-poster.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Dear True Blood, I am giving you a serious warning. We are breaking up Sunday night if this season does not get better.<br />
<br />
I have been a fan since the series first came out a couple of years ago. Last season, I would be home every Sunday night before 6 pm because I didn't want to wait for the western feed. That was how much of a fan I was (yes past tense). I mean I even got a Merlotte's waitress outfit for my Halloween costume.<br />
<br />
Well, what happened? Two words. Lame Eric. Well there is a lot more wrong with this season but Lame Eric is my main beef. Listen, I get he lost his memory, I read the books. I have read every Charlene Harris book. But in the books he just doesn't come off so...unsexy. I mean honestly, he might as well be 10. I don't find the Sookie Eric relationship this season to be working at all. She treats him like a child...and really Lame Eric is just...lame.<br />
<br />
<u><b> WARNING Spoilers Ahead.... </b></u><br />
<a name='more'></a>The first kiss scene? Underwhelming. Are we in the Twilight Saga or something? It should be more Notebook than Twilight. If you haven't watched The Notebook a) you should, b) the scene I am referring to is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7xf-oj4X8A">here</a> (skip to 3:40 if you just want the good stuff). Yeeeah. See? Hot.<br />
<br />
Do I even have to mention how disappointing the Sookie and Eric "moment" was? Honestly, the whole lame thing in the woods? I couldn't help but feel like "That is it?!".<br />
<br />
I know, they are supposed to be 'making love' and it is supposed to be all magical. When you have suffered blue balls for a person for 3 seasons...shouldn't it be WAY hotter?!! Clothes should have been torn off, tables broken, maybe some screaming and grunting...you get my drift.<br />
<br />
It was one of the biggest let downs in recent TV memory ever. <br />
<br />
I know I have already stated this, but I just can't get over how unattractive Eric is right now. This is the sizzling Eric I <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzfM-metic0&feature=related">remember</a>. There has to be a way to shoot amnesia without turning the sexiest character in a series into a 10 year old man child. Come on Allan Ball!<br />
<br />
Don't even get me started on how Tommy, Sam and Arlene got more screen time than Eric, Bill and Sookie in this episode. Who are the main characters again? I plain don't give a rat's ass about Tommy, and Arlene's story line. BORING. I know Allan Ball is trying to be creative and make the show not exactly like the books. But seriously, can you at least make the characters and the story lines YOU make up not so fucking lame?! <br />
<br />
It is already half way through season 4 and I am bored. I don't care. I give it one more episode, if by this Sunday it doesn't get better, we are breaking up! I am finding something better to do with my time.Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-15341469381604828872011-07-30T22:17:00.000-07:002011-07-30T22:17:59.507-07:00Happy BC Day Everyone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dS_uqQsENvY/TjTlfLb2lvI/AAAAAAAAARo/wghULpQs8Y0/s1600/DSCN0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dS_uqQsENvY/TjTlfLb2lvI/AAAAAAAAARo/wghULpQs8Y0/s320/DSCN0878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-38758239441183106872011-07-14T18:43:00.000-07:002011-07-14T18:45:38.412-07:00Transit Etiquette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0MKv3KEJIs/Th-bGt05uRI/AAAAAAAAAQw/nWcMsjvcNvQ/s1600/translink-p3354-port-coquitlam-bc-2006_1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0MKv3KEJIs/Th-bGt05uRI/AAAAAAAAAQw/nWcMsjvcNvQ/s320/translink-p3354-port-coquitlam-bc-2006_1031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ok, so since working downtown again, I have been taking public transit. It is faster, cheaper and I get a good walk in the morning and after work. What is not to love?!<br />
<br />
Oh right the people who have NO transit etiquette. Dear fellow transit users, let me remind you all of a few ground rules.<br />
<br />
1) When a senior or anyone who has physical challenges boards the bus/skytrain, and there are no seats, you should get up and give them YOUR seat<br />
2) The seat next to you is not your official purse/backpack holder. The seat is for people!<br />
<a name='more'></a>3) Wait until people get off the skytrain/bus before you try squeezing on<br />
4) Wear deodorant<br />
5) Don't cut in line, the next bus/skytrain is likely only minutes away (especially with B-line buses and skytrain)<br />
6) If you get into a super crowded bus, take off your backpack and put it between your feet/on the ground to make room for more people<br />
7) No pushing, shoving or elbowing to get on the bus/skytrain. If you need to make physical contact to get on...the bus/skytrain is FULL!<br />
8) I know you like your musical selections, but if I can hear it as well, you should turn it down<br />
9) When you are walking off the bus/skytrain, get off your smart phone. Trust me, you will avoid being smacked into by people WAYYY more often<br />
10) Say please, thank you, sorry and excuse me<br />
<br />
Please and thank you!Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-77054525343864608842011-07-02T21:17:00.000-07:002011-07-02T21:17:44.254-07:00Happy Canada Day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPK-M4jXTXk/Tg_sL1Au4XI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/WCCKS8TInLY/s1600/800px-flag_of_canada_svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPK-M4jXTXk/Tg_sL1Au4XI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/WCCKS8TInLY/s320/800px-flag_of_canada_svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>Ok, so the post is a day late. To be fair, I was really, really, really busy yesterday celebrating our nation's birthday!<br />
<br />
All kidding aside, we live in a pretty great nation. I am going to save my preaching about our rights and how we should all vote for another <a href="http://www.phoenixlam.net/2011/05/go-vote.html">time</a>. <br />
<br />
I still remember touching down at YVR and being in awe of the sheer size of the parking lot. Coming from Hong Kong, where cars are a luxury, the sheer size of the parking lot and the amount of cars astounded me.<br />
<br />
Happy birthday Canada! You are amazing and as beautiful as you were the first day I stepped off the plane.Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-63882924561208230602011-06-23T22:53:00.000-07:002011-06-23T22:53:10.520-07:00Fashion Smashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So, lately I have been obsessed with buying the perfect pair of nude pumps. In case you didn't know, it elongates legs and makes them look super hot! You could also pair them with a nice pencil skirt or pant suit for work. Super versatile, a must have, right?!!!! <br />
<br />
Case and point, check out Blake Lively (who by the way is my leg idol):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNIXhpH0Sjc/TbUf9vj_2aI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ybpdYPVHdm8/s1600/Blake-Lively17_e_d495eefeea2ea6a272e41b3555012dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNIXhpH0Sjc/TbUf9vj_2aI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ybpdYPVHdm8/s320/Blake-Lively17_e_d495eefeea2ea6a272e41b3555012dad.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The other day I was at <a href="http://www.oakridgecentre.com/">Oakridge Center</a> so I went to <a href="http://www.brownsshoes.com/store.cfm?&ckey=CA&lang=eng">Brown's </a>and found an amazing pair of <span class="breadcrumb">Stuart Weitzman beauties.</span><br />
<span class="breadcrumb"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnJ6MUjF4_s/TbUb023PozI/AAAAAAAAAJM/b4e9SYu7zHI/s1600/thing.22543886.l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnJ6MUjF4_s/TbUb023PozI/AAAAAAAAAJM/b4e9SYu7zHI/s200/thing.22543886.l.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="breadcrumb">Gorgeous right?! The problem was....they were over $300. Not including HST. Yikes. Unaffordable at the best of times. Totally out of the question, when I am freelancing! </span><br />
<span class="breadcrumb"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="breadcrumb">So then I went on the search for the perfect pair of nude pumps. Not easy. It took me hours to find the perfect shade, shape and fit. Not that I am complaining, my boyfriend the other hand..hehe.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="breadcrumb">My final two choices came down to:</span><br />
<br />
<span class="breadcrumb"> </span><span class="breadcrumb">1. Nine West Proudly in Nude Patent - $89.00 CA</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHERIqWYtCg/TbUcui8ACtI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/WR2KTD_DUgc/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-25+at+12.02.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHERIqWYtCg/TbUcui8ACtI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/WR2KTD_DUgc/s200/Screen+shot+2011-04-25+at+12.02.46+AM.png" width="172" /></a></div><br />
2. Aldo Capecoral in Bone - $80.00 CA<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLy7X9MzfUY/TbUdYBDeLEI/AAAAAAAAAJU/wU6TE1fPVkc/s200/Screen+shot+2011-04-25+at+12.05.05+AM.png" width="200" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I ended up choosing the Aldo shoe because the colour looked better against my skin. I love them and wear them with everything! Check out the shoes with one of my favourite dresses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7z2e3Z6xKQ/TgQlTOQYEEI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Prjg2H3kWuA/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7z2e3Z6xKQ/TgQlTOQYEEI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Prjg2H3kWuA/s200/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>LOVE!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHERIqWYtCg/TbUcui8ACtI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/WR2KTD_DUgc/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-25+at+12.02.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289444552151909886.post-8032816712534352102011-06-10T21:37:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:37:02.199-07:00Canucks VS Bruins Game 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04O_MXSCIMw/TfLwqRXTT2I/AAAAAAAAAMI/2qIQyZy0tkY/s1600/number-one-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04O_MXSCIMw/TfLwqRXTT2I/AAAAAAAAAMI/2qIQyZy0tkY/s320/number-one-.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is all</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Phoenix Lamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01628015774215873967noreply@blogger.com2