Things have been a bit hectic, tiring, and cranky in our household this week as Claire has entered another difficult phase. We’re not sure if it is another growth spurt or teething, but our now-3-month-old (as of yesterday!) has not been this fussy since she was 6 weeks old.

We will be ringing in the new year in typical new parents’ style: a quiet night at home — that is, if we’re not already passed out by the time the clock hits midnight. If we are still up, we may sneak downstairs for a few minutes to watch the ball drop (we have a decent view of Times Square from just outside our building) and steal a New Year’s kiss.

My resolution for 2011 is simple: to be more grateful and thankful. I am such a pessimist (and a drama queen) that I often overlook all the blessings in my life.

I hope that everyone has a great New Year’s Eve, and wish you all the best in 2011!

(And if you’re Korean, may your tummies be filled with tons of ddukgook tomorrow!)

When I was little I wanted to be an animator at Disney. And as I got older and became fascinated with computers, I dreamed of working at Pixar as a graphics designer-slash-engineer.

My aspirations were serious enough to enlist the help of my uncle, who at the time held the very prestigious position of VP of Broadcasting at MBC studios in Korea. After touring the studios, speaking with some of the designers (and even getting some nifty demonstrations) and having a serious talk with my uncle, I came to the conclusion that while I will continue to study graphics design, I could never work for a large studio like Pixar doing so — the work would be too tedious, the competition fierce, and I would most likely have little to no creative control for decades.

…but when you see videos like the one below, you can’t help but be transfixed by the beauty and intricacy of multidimensional animation.

And while I am content with my career choices and how my life has turned out, I can’t help but think back to those days and wonder “what if.”

I hardly ever read wedding blogs anymore so I am probably wayyyy late on this…but I can’t help but be completely taken by these film roll wedding invitations by Trevor and Larissa, the photographers behind Ambient Studios.

Via The Daily What.

In submitting an additional entry to Trupanion‘s Pawliday Blog Contest, I could’ve listed all the ways in which Comang is such an exceptional dog. How our friends, vet, and groomer constantly tell us that he’s one of the best-behaved dogs they’ve ever met. How he never fails to make me feel like I’m the only one who matters to him. How he motivates me to keep going, even through bouts of depression, family deaths, a miscarriage, and other turmoils.

But then I realized that I would be writing a tome, and the contest stipulates that an entry cannot exceed 700 words.

So in light of the recent blizzard here in the northeast, I’ve decided to edit and combine a couple of posts from last winter. Because as much as I hate taking our dog out in the cold harsh winter, this is how Comang makes it all worthwhile. And it’s moments like these that remind me once again how our dog’s love is such a precious gift…

Walking Comang this morning, after what they’ve dubbed the “Christmas Blizzard of 2010″

As with most dog owners, I usually do not like walking Comang in bad weather. Precipitation usually requires that I juggle an umbrella and a leash while picking up doggy poo that may or may not already be a watery mess on the sidewalk. My shoes and socks get soaking wet. The apartment fills with the ever-so-delightful scent of eau de wet dog for hours afterwards.

And Comang never seems to deviate from the chart below:

While most dog owners love taking their pets out in the snow, I consider it a chore because Comang doesn’t seem to like snow much. How can he, when he seems to be missing the gene or the skill that allows him to gracefully skim over ice? Or the ability to stay afloat and not sink into a foot of snow, unable to escape?

However, a part of me loves walking him in the snow.

Because as we near the end of the walk, his excitement at being outside dissipates and his joyful trots turn into slow, hesitant steps. His little paws and stout legs become downtrodden from the wet snow as coldness seeps in.

He stops.

I tug at his leash.

He refuses to budge. He lifts up one paw and gives me the most pathetic look you can imagine.

His eyes plead with me. “Mommy, will you carry me home?”

I gladly lift him up and carry him back.

J is pretty particular when it comes to authentic Chinese vs. “Americanized” Chinese food, products, and ideas. For example, he thinks it’s a travesty that I prefer Chinese takeout from Panda Express over authentic Chinese cuisine from Chinatown, and swears that he will teach Claire to know (and prefer!) only the best.

Be that as it may, I have a feeling that even he won’t be able to resist these adorable fortune cookie baby booties from Etsy seller sushibooties:

I love everything about these $24 booties — from the the personalized custom fabric fortunes to the Chinese takeout box packaging.  It also doesn’t hurt that they look super warm and comfy, and feature no-slip grip soles.

You can even get a Mommy & Baby set for $48.

Via Bit Rebels.