it's official!

i am now the proud owner of my very own canon rebel xsi :D thank you mom and dad! it took forever, but definitely worth the wait [funny, how i just recently posted a blog about how i hated waiting] i am quite excited about going out and taking shots. i actually have quite a couple of shoots in the works for the next upcoming weeks. i now can use my own dslr instead of borrowing my friends'. *sigh* that's my form of bliss. here are a couple of my first shots i took with my new camera from our trip to the oc fair yesterday. shout out to geoffrey for figuring out the long expo on the camera!

tips to make your restaurant experience better.

working in a restaurant has enlightened me about the restaurant entrepreunership. here are 10 tips to make your restaurant experience so much better for both yourself and the employees. [in no particular order]

1. make sure you know exactly how many people are in your party before going to the host stand. hosts have to accommodate you to the best of their ability and if they don't know how many people are in your party, how are they supposed to do so?

2. listen up for your name! especially if the restaurant doesn't have buzzers. it makes you get in faster and doesn't put a strain on the hosts' voices.

3.referring to above, don't get mad when you weren't there or didn't hear the host call your name. it's a common mistake and you were told to wait close by, so its not the hosts' fault for not finding you when you weren't in the spot you were supposed to be.

4. be specific! hosts can't read your mind, except that would be so cool if they could. for example, if you want shade make sure you say something, hosts will try and accommodate to the best of their ability.

5. walk faster!! but not too fast, where you walk into someone. restaurants get really busy and packed so its easier to get to your table faster to be seated than to stand around almost being pummeled by the latest pasta or soup.

6. control your kids! PLEASE! the restaurant isn't a playground and as said in #5, restaurants get busy and we don't want anyone to get hurt. there are also other guests sitting around so if your kids got balloon characters make sure they're not hitting them with it.

7. be nicer! simple as that, smile, say hello and goodbye, thank you and please or even excuse me. you have no idea how much that means to a person. remember, these people that you say this to are dealing with YOUR food.

8. DON'T change seats!!! this is a big one! it throws everyone off. it doesn't matter if the sun is in your eyes, if you want to change seats, tell the hosts. if you're that stupid person that decides to change seats without anyone knowing, it confuses the hosts and the waiters/waitresses.

9. don't complain about outside factors of the restaurant such as music being too loud. we can't tell them to turn it down, except we wished we could, but just be polite and ask if you could move to another table. hosts will try everything to accommodate your wishes.

10. last but not least! PLEASE wear shirts and shoes and clothes!! you have no idea how many people come in wearing the weirdest things. you're in a family establishment and we DO NOT want to see your latest tattoo or piercing in the lower abdomen. i repeat we DO NOT.

well, hope these tips enlightened you in some way. i know i've learned a lot working at a restaurant and from first hand experience to you, happy eating! :D

sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

after 5 straight nights of work, i finally got a day off. it was quite nice to just spend time not worrying about what to wear to work and whether or not the guests can sit at that table or even trying hard to make sure i don't smack into anyone as i'm walking. my friend kp and i took a trip to the fair. we had met up with my friend eric, but then went off on our own because kp wanted to watch the pig races, which was very awesome by the way. sadly though, it was sponsored by ralph's who thought it was a great opportunity to give away coupons for a free pound of bacon afterwards. i didn't take one because i found it kind of unethical. haha, but that's just me. it was quite fun, especially since i got a free admission for donating a children's book. i literally spent less than 20 bucks all day. quite nice. well yesterday, was quite the day, but its back to work tonight for me. next up...meeting up with the girls on friday for a trip to the americana in glendale. i'm quite excited! until then, have a good one folks!

at the pig races with kp

whatever happened to a little thing called...common courtesy?

hello world,

how many times did you smile today? did you ever take the time to lend a helping hand to anyone? did you say please and thank you to the cashier at the supermarket? what about saying goodbye or even hi to the hostess at the restaurant who seated your table? no? i see...well, next time i do suggest that you please do so.

sorry about my little rant right there. as some of you may know i am a hostess at an italian restaurant this summer. it's quite the job, as well as an experience. on the upside i have met many new people, as well as learned about the restaurant entreprenuership. downside? the lack of courtesy in given situations. anyone who has really ever worked in restaurants, fast food or even retail definitely knows a bit about this. being one of those lucky people who has done all of these things, i understand the lack thereof of courtesy. having been raised to say please and thank you, with the exception of my mom who seems to forget at times, i have come to realize that i have a huge pet peeve. this pet peeve revolves around rudeness. i understand that some people forget and others just don't appreciate the fact that people go out of their way to do something for them. all in all, i just find some people who walk in through the doors of a restaurant to be quite immature and rude. it has always bothered me that people don't even take the time to acknowledge people. i absolutely hate that and being ignored by 400 or so guests a day really starts to annoy the hell out of me. this doesn't just relate to guests, but to the public as a whole.

not to have a big head or anything, but i try my best to smile and say please and thank you every chance i get. i know it's my job at work to be that nice, but i do it regardless of the matter. especially when i'm out and about, i try and make others realize that i do know that they're there and that i appreciate what they're doing. ex) telling the street vendors no thank you when they try and sell me something. i mean it's not that hard. i guess i can't expect everyone to do that all the time, but by just putting some effort into doing these things, we might end up with happier people.

next time, when you're out going to a restaurant or even the post office, do me a favor and PLEASE say THANK YOU. or even a smile or hi to acknowledge that you appreciate them. it'll make their day that much better and you never know, but yours may be too.

another deep thought from the crazy little mind of stephanie lim.

waiting is the death of me.

as i sit here in my room and ponder, i came to the conclusion that everything in life seems to be a game where you wait. day in and day out, we wait as time passes us by. currently i have become victim to this game of waiting. they say patience is a virtue and although i do believe in being patient, there are just times when i wish i knew right then and there. my dependence on time has gotten to me in some way. there's a saying out there "good things come to those who wait" but what happens if it turns out to be bad and what also happens when a person can't wait? does it turn out even worse? right now, i'm waiting on call backs from the two interviews. i'm also waiting on the new school year to find out if there is any way i would be able to graduate this year. there's so many things i want to know now and i absolutely hate having to wait for them. i sound extremely selfish at the moment, i know, but sometimes i want an answer. i feel that waiting puts your life on hold and you can't do anything until that thing you're waiting for finally comes seeking you out. i guess this is just one of those things where we sit there patiently waiting for that phone call and the time to move faster, of course i say this now and may have to suffer repercussions later, but it would definitely be nice to know. until then...

listening to: "crooked teeth" by death cab for cutie

now all i can do is wait...

hello world,
how are you today on this fine sunny day here in cali-forn-i-a? haha...wow, i'm so lame. well, as you can probably tell, i'm kind of in a somewhat good mood today. it didn't start off that way, believe me. i was recuperating from the three past consecutive nights working. my body ached and i didn't want to wake up at all. to top it off, i was woken up by my mom...or was it my dad? telling me that i had to bring my cousin alex to the tiger woods learning center today. i found out i didn't have to. great communication skills they have...-_- anyway, i had my B.E.A.T. [Bronco Events and Activities Team] interview today. on the way to school i was hungry as eff, so i stopped by starbucks and grabbed something to eat, only to find out the starbucks on campus was open. next i got there half an hour early, so i ended up waiting outside of the office. i did walk in and wait inside, but i felt so awkward sitting inside listening to the other candidate's interview, so i walked outside. sitting there, i became nervous. i thought to myself "what the heck am i going to talk about? aghhh...i'm stuck" so yeah, that was basically my mindset the entire time i was sitting outside in the dark room only to hear the slow swishing of the mop from the hallway next door and then the random person walking in and out. soon came my turn, i walked in greeted by richard, the president. we know eachother from before so it wasn't as awkward...he then just asked me how i was doing and how he saw my pictures on facebook and complimented me on how i have gotten better. then he assured me not to be nervous and that susan ashe the director was going to interview me as well. next he told me she specifically wanted to be in my interview, then the nervousness started to come out. idk why i was so nervous, maybe it was because i figured there was a standard i should look up to? either way, the interview came, they came in and asked me questions. i freaked, trying my best to answer questions, but i wasn't sure how to answer them. i stumbled on my words and forgot words etc....damn. yeah i don't know how i did, but i truly believe i could have done way better. of course, i walk out and text my friend tory and he gave me words of encouragement. gotta love him.

now onto my next interview of the day. my o'neill interview, the one i had actually been waiting for before i even went into work at naples. they called me up last night while i was at work and i called in as i was waiting for my B.E.A.T. interview this morning to schedule an appointment. i went in today and interviewed. i would say it went really well *knock on wood*

that's pretty much my day so far...really boring, but whatever
now all i can do is wait...

this was another post from the complexities or not of the mind of stephanie lim.

another reason to add to my other list of reasons.

haha, so i completely forgot about this one!

reason #11: i think its a confidence issue or something, but i've noticed that when i do like a guy or crush on him, so to speak, external factors seem to influence me in some way. i don't understand why i ever succumb to any of it. these external factors of course tend to revolve around him having a significant other [of course, i'm not a homewrecker and i refuse to ever be], gay [more internal on his part, but whatever, usually find out afterwards. haha], OR the big one that seems to always decide whether or not i should do something [which i never do anyway] is that i find out another girl, or other girls like him. yeah, that has happened to me a couple of times when i start thinking i like someone only to find out there are other girls that like him, and then i just back off. i guess i always seem to think that the other girls have a way better chance at getting with him than i do. it's definitely something to do with my confidence. you probably think its the stupidest thing in the world, but that's how my mind set seems to work. plus, the other girls flaunt, i don't so of course they would be noticed.

yeah, that's pretty much reason #11 in a nutshell. i think this is probably one of my most intriguing post yet. i don't know why, but i'm not worried about how people would judge me about the way i view this topic. i'm more intrigued than anything to see what they have to say, since it hasn't been the first i've heard about it.

p.s. shoutout to my friend r.b. for the facebook message about this. that was really sweet of you to say and i definitely am glad to get feedback about it. you're awesome! =]

my take on relationships.

hah! thought you've never see a blog like this coming did you? yeah, neither did i, but last night's conversations kind of made me think. it all started out with facebook and texting i know. i was chatting away with my friend a bit ago and we were talking about getting a girl for one of my friends. we signed off and then he texts me "oh yeah, when are we going to find you a guy?" or something along those lines, i don't remember. this conversation took a spin and ended up on me. i don't think he's determined, but he thinks i've been single for way too long. then last night i was talking to both him and my friend about this. it was funny because we were all talking to eachother at the same time. too bad fb doesn't have chatrooms. anyway, it just got me thinking, why have i been single for so long?? i don't know why its been such an issue lately, well not really, but it has been brought to my attention by different friends as to why. at the beginning of summer i was told by another friend that there have been guys, that have liked me. i was just as shocked as anyone to hear this. curious, i was wondering who, but she wouldn't give names. all she said was "they were too afraid to ask me because they thought that i would reject them"...."ouch" to tell you the truth, that may or may not have happened. seeing as how i don't know who they are, it wouldn't matter, but still hearing that kind of made me think. am i really this difficult to even ask out anymore? probably. here are some reasons i think i have been this way.

reason #1: i'm shy...specifically speaking of course, i mean i can make a friend, easy, talking to guys on a whole other level than that of friendship, not so much.

reason #2: i have a little epiphany on the world of dating. epiphany: the only reason i have said no to dates with guys who have asked me is that they have been my friends. i've know them well, and i know that not more can come out of the relationship, so i tell them no straight from the bat. i know it sounds really mean and inconsiderate to them, but when you really think about it, i'm helping them cope in a way. i don't like when people lead a person on, and rather than going out with them once knowing that nothing else will come from it, i don't want to give them false hope so i would want to tell them no so they don't have to deal with anything after. it also sometimes takes a toll on the relationship [trust me, it hurt me just as much as it hurt him to lose a friend for a bit, but now we're great as ever]

reason #3: i see myself as more as the best friend/sister than a gf. heck, i probably wouldn't even know how to be a gf if it slapped me in the face.

reason #4: i have too high of standards, i can change them, but for now i just haven't met anyone that i've actually liked.

reason #5: my family. it doesn't matter how old i am, they seem to think guys can be put on the back burner for now. you should hear my mom "blah blah you don't need a guy right now blah blah focus on studies blah blah there'll be plenty of guys when you graduate blah blah" and don't get me started on my grandpa. yeah he's like the security guard of the house and he's scary so i don't think guys would ever come around. then there's my 6 uncles. yeah growing up, they were the people who watched me, they may be older now, but still tough as ever. i love them all and that's why sometimes i resist doing anything against their wishes, because in the end i come home to them every night.

reason #6: i've always been independent in situations of course. i know i have friends that i can always go to when i need someone to listen to and i guess i've just used them as my crutch. i guess i don't know the feeling of having a guy be there for me that's not a person i consider just a good friend.

reason #7: i'm too busy. no this is not one of those schemes to get out of dates, it's literally because i'm too busy. my schedule during school is mad crazy. i like being involved so that takes up a lot of my time. and now that i have a job it might be just as busy. i know you're thinking "you can make time, if you really like him" i know i can, but will it allow me to?

reason #8: i don't approach guys, they approach me. i always end up with a friend which is great. that's the most it has ever come to. like i said before, make a friend, easy, more than friends not so much. my friend was saying that i should talk to guys more...in a "i don't just wanna be friends" kind of way. haha i'm such a wuss when it comes to these things.

reason #9: i like being single, seeing as how i've never really compared anything else to it. its easier to not have someone to worry about. why do you think i go stag to events all the time? its not that i'm not asked, but i would rather go with a group of friends, guys included, then confine myself to one person. i don't see what's wrong with being single. i've liked it so far, except for when i'm the 3rd or 5th wheel, yeah then not so much.

reason #10: i think into things too much...i'll leave that up to you to comprehend.

so those were some of the reasons. you may think its stupid, you may think its the dumbest thing on earth, but it's me. well, for those of you who have read this, i hope it has enlightened you about my practices. i'm not desperate, nor will i ever be in this case. this wasn't a blog to say i resent the idea of ever having a significant other, it's just that i'm up to leaving it up to whatever happens happens. i'm not looking, ok i may check out guys like all the time, but i'm not going to go up to them and be like "hey! wanna go out?!"

this was just another random thought from the complex mind of stephanie lim.

the wheels are turning.

lately, i've just wanted to go out and shoot some more. my friends and i are planning on going out and taking some group shots soon. i'm super excited, it'd be nice to work in a group, because of the dynamics. although i am kinda skeptical about how it will turn out though because i know i wouldn't be that great in direction. oh well, i'll learn along the way.

so onto work. last night, my 8 hour shift extremely killed my feet. i was so sore this morning. it was so busy last night and i could feel the hostility and stress around me. it seemed like everyone at the desk was getting mad at something or other. i just tried to do my job and get out of there as quick as possible. i did, however get a 20 from a guest. it was really awesome, because i was seating her party down and as i was passing out the menus, she put it in my hand and said "that's for you. thank you." it was my first tip ever since working there since i was still a newbie and didn't recieve the diivy of tips yet. of course, i was unsure of whether to split it with the others or not, so i asked laura. she told me it was my choice, so because i didn't have anything and i mean NOTHING in my wallet, no cash and probably no more credit, i just decided to take it. i also had the longest shift too, so the 20 counted for all 8 hours i worked. it's not out of greed, it's more out of fairness. yesterday was my last training day so tonight i do get tips. which will be nice. it's too bad that i cannot spend it on anything since i still have my credit cards to pay off. on top of that i still want my dlsr and then my pro account on flickr is about to expire. gah why does everything have to cost so much?!?!

well i'm off. probably to work my ass off for more money. wish me luck!

The first bonfire of the summer.

so yesterday i had my annual bonfire. ever since summer of 2007 i've just ended up hosting a bonfire each summer. i think it has become a tradition. i would say that i've gotten tired of being the host over the years, but last night made the stress and organization worthwhile. over 70 people showed up last night! i don't know about you, but for a small get together it turned into a huge success. it was beyond my imagination to see so many of my friends in the same place at the same time. from high school to college, i've grown to build many friendships with all sorts of people and having seen them all there last night, i felt blessed. i probably made it awkward when i kept on thanking so many of them and telling them how much i appreciated them coming out. it just made me realize how blessed i am to have so many people to turn to. i know it's corny, but to tell you the truth, last night i looked at the entirety of my group out there together and i could say that about 85% of them at least, i am able to turn to when i need help or just someone to talk to which is a whole lot more than what some people can say.

this is a shout out to everyone who made it out to the bonfire and helped contribute to it! could not have done it without you guys! <3 Michelle//Gwen //Lily//Sami //Steven //J-Tron//Kelly //Iris //Clarisa //Corey//Jay //Acacia //Shai//Andrew //Justin //Josue VW//Marielle//Jacob //Bernadette //Jessica //Inanta//Stephany //Levi//Jon Rojas//Alex//Alisha//Leah //Darlene //KP//Chris Chen//Chevail//Jose//Devin//Maila//Nick//Tiff Chau//Tiff Chen//Mitch//Roch//Javin//Jason//Chris Chen//Greg//Cody//Monique//Michael//Hoff//Robert//Alicia//Chris Alanis//J-Mike//Bryan//Eric//Ryan//Brian and to whoever else came [sorry if i forgot your name]

the girls


aww these guys! and to think i was their welcome week leader/RA

keeping warm
our pit and how we took up so much space
my friends sami, lily and gwen from the good ol' high school days

don't trust a ho, never trust a ho, don't trust me.

haha, 3oh3's "don't trust me" song was song of the day today. we blasted it on the way to the beach and on the way back. fun times.

i went to laguna with bree to shoot out on the beach. it was probably one of my favorite shoots yet. we went down to crescent bay and just started taking shots. people would walk by and ask if she was a real model and if any of my shots would be in magazines. it was really cool. it was my first time ever being at that side of the beach and i absolutely fell in love! hanging out with bree today brought me back to the fun times we had freshman year. oh joy.

so many things are starting to happen, that makes my life feel very eventful. I recently got a call for B.E.A.T., Bronco Events and Activities Team to come in for an interview. pretty psyched for that, especially for the marketing position, the one i really want. then there's my job, it's a lot to take in since it's been only 3 days, but i really love it. the people seem pretty cool. yesterday was my disney orientation where i got my pass to get me into disneyland and dca for free. so stoked about that. then there's the bonfire i'm having on friday. it seems like a lot of people are showing up, so i'm super stoked to see them all especially those who i haven't seen in a while. it's going to be great.

next up:
Hurley's US Open for surfing
Orange County Fair
More photoshoots!

here are some shots from today's shoot.

happy day after independence day!

yesterday was pretty relaxing compared to the usual trips. we headed up to santa barbara for the day and then hit up the major beach towns on our way down driving the pch. i've always wanted to drive the pch and it was absolutely amazing. the oceans, the towns, the houses, everything was beyond my liking. minus the parking that day, seeing as how it was the 4th of july and everyone and their mom was at the beach.

photography...the outlet to another world. i find it very relaxing to go out and take some shots, especially after a long two hours of sitting and reading form after form for my new job, which i am extremely stoked about. fridays and saturdays off AND i get to go to Disneyland for free?! i think my summer has just made a new turn for the better. here are some shots of my friends bernadette and laura that i took yesterday.