Rising Sales Tax coming April 1st.

I have been hearing about the issue of raising sales tax in California however I didn't realize that the law was passed already until today and will be effective until either mid-year 2011 or mid-year 2012 depending on the outcome of a vote that is going to happens around May 19th this year. I always wonder where does all those taxes money that we pay every year goes to, especially when California is one of the higher tax state around the country.

With all the economic issues that we are having right now, it is as if there is not enough effect on our daily life, now we have to add on this 1% hike in sales tax. 1% doesn't seem that much however it is over 10% hike from previous sales tax rate.

Now it is time to think of more ways to make an extra buck to cover the 1% sales tax that need to be pay everytime I visit the checkout counter at every store. We just can't catch a break these days.

Go Green, Earth Hour, did you do your part?

Everyone is talking about the campaign 'Go Green' these days. Around my company I can see posters up on the board advertising everyone to go green. One of the first action is that everyone is given a mug to use in office which I really like since this reduce usage of plastic cup. However I'm not sure why some people still continue using those plastic cup, for some reason even when it is such a small effort they don't to even give it a try.

Tonight, for an hour @ 8.30 p.m. everyone around the world is suppose to have a light out as a symbolic gesture highlighting rising concerns over climate changes.
Not that I think it is might help much if we are just doing it for one day, I still believe that every little effort adds up. So, instead of participating in just the Earth Hour, maybe we should incorporate it into our daily life.

After all, we would still want our future generations to enjoy what we have today. Wouldn't you?

Lobster Sashimi Anyone?

I was sorting photos and came across this one that was taken during one of our fancy meal that my brother brought us to at Ah Yat Abalone in Jakarta. Oh my, it is the best sashimi I have ever had thus far, lobster sashimi. The taste and texture of it is incredible. However don't ask me what is the name of that lobster, can't really recall :).



In my life so far, I have been introduce to a lot of exotic seafood by my brother who is working in F&B industry. Lucky me I would say, if it is not because of my brother I probably would not go to the restaurant and order those food.

Another sashimi that I really like is Geoduck Sashimi. Forgot a photo of it last time we were at the restaurant. You probably ask what is the big pot in the photo for, well, if you look carefully my mom is in the photo as well. She is definitely not going to miss out on the fabulous food. That pot is for her since she doesn't eat raw food. She had lobster shabu shabu instead.

Season comes season goes ...

... way of life, you would say. Without me realizing it I have been capturing moments of the season this year, which I also enjoy along the way. Here are the 3 seasons in a year that I like best.


The changing of color around us to display glorious colors that changes the mood from day to day. My prefer season if we can have it all year round just because it is such a beautiful painting. Of course it will be an added bonus as well if it is sunny during this time of the year, makes the color more bold and standout.


Then all the colorful color turn brown and with time the shedding of leaves happens until all of it is gone before it conserves energy to produce new bubs next fall. With the exception of those that needs to keep it to help it goes through winter freezing. Tis is the season to gather and enjoy the companion of your love ones to warm up your tired body and soul after a long year and also the energize for the next year to come.


Then we welcome the new life of the year with blossoming flowers and growing new bubs on the trees. This season around we are surrounded by all different colors that you have in your crayon box and the fragrance smell of new life. A time to spend if you have, sipping coffee in your backyard under the sunny sky.

What will be the next season like? It is yet to be capture and I will tell you more when it is ready. All I need now is a new patio set for my backyard so I can enjoy the blossoming jasmine.