Steven, Olivia, Marianne & Jason (Steven's brother and sister-in-law)

Merry Christmas everybody! We're having SO much fun here in SoCal, but we're missing everyone we're not with!!

Hope everybody is having fun with family and friends!

Chat more soon
xoxo,
Steven & Olivia

Smiling's my favorite!

How's it going?  So since there are 8 days until Christmas left I figured this would be the best time to write a blog.  Last night me and Olivia got in the Christmas spirit by going to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's The Stories of Christmas.  I surprised her with it; she had no idea.  It was really good!  They did about the best retelling of the Night Before Christmas I've ever heard.  And there was even a sing along!  Which Olivia enjoyed cause she got to sing loud for all to hear.  Anyways, off Christmas for a sec.  I've been slightly bored at work so in the last week I read both the Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye.  Both really good books actually.  I was supposed to read them in high school or what not but whenever someone tells you read something it doesn't make it so good.  And I never really read them in highschool anyways, so this was my first time.  I really like the Jay Gatsby character, but I liked Catcher in the Rye as a book better.  And after reading these two I came up with a book of my own that will combine these stories in a way.  I'm excited about it and really want to start working on it, but Olivia says I can't start on a second book until I get my first one published.  So it might be awhile till I start writing this new one.  In the meantime though, I sent a short story off to the New Yorker and another one off to Playboy.  Well, I haven't sent the one off to Playboy yet but I'm hoping to do it today.  And I know what you're thinking: Playboy?  It must be a sexy story.  Well it's not.  If you actually read the articles in Playboy, you'll see that each issue has a short story in it that doesn't have to do with girls being naked.  I've never actually read any of the short stories, but that's what I hear.  Well enough about that subject.  Can you tell me who has the best record in the NFL?  Yep, that's right, the Titans.  Now, can you tell me which team two websites rank as the best in the NFL?  Obviously it's the... Steelers.  Wait.  What now?  Does that confuse anyone else?  They play each other this weekend, so we'll see who really is the better team.  I got my money on the boys from Tennessee.  Oh and Liverpool play Arsenal on Sunday!  I don't even have to say who's going to win that game.  Well, I'm kinda blogged out I guess.  There's probably more stuff going on in my life than that, at least I hope so.  But I'll write again soon.  So just keep on trucking till then.

Olivia: itunes- Pop vs Rock

So I've been on an itunes shopping spree today... bought a few records, Katy Perry, Gavin DeGraw... But I DO have 1 question for the kids at itunes...

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POP and ROCK? besides the fact that Pop is sang by a girl, and Rock a boy...

So I notice that they put Gavin (whom I LOVE by the way. A REAL artist.. recorded his own lead vocals, back up vocals, Guitar, AND piano... LOVE HIM) according to itunes, he is in the ROCK category. Then I thought of a woman that's just as rock as Gavin... what about... PINK? She's pretty rock right? No. itunes deemed her POP... KT Tunstall (ALSO amazing, 1 of those hot girls that actually write her own stuff and play her own music), nope... not rock enough... she is ALSO Pop... WHY IS THAT??

I'm just having a hard time understanding what they base the "rock" and "pop" genre on. So I did more research... found that Yoko Ono is Rock! Only because she did stuff with John Lennon though... kept looking for a woman that's considered Rock... Kept looking... found ONE good 1. 4 Non Blondes (Linda Perry is probably 1 of the most talented women in the music industry), they're Rock. That's good. But apperently, itunes feel that there needs to be 4 women for it to be rock... so I kept researching and when I went onto the itunes "ROCK" homepage... all boys... even Trans-Siberian Orchestra is considered Rock... but nope... top 50: no women...

I guess Pop isn't a bad thing... There are plenty of talented Pop artists... but I don't understand why there isn't any women in the rock genre... I think that KT Tunstall should be concidered a rocker... more then Gavin DeGraw, don't you think? But when I think of Pop, it just makes me think of terrible out-there-to-make-money-music... the Ashlee Simpsons and Britney Spears out there that doesn't really need any musical talent... just the Kim from Real housewives of the world that thinks they can sing... I guess they are the people that gave "POP" a bad name...

Anyway... the point of my rant... Girls can be "ROCK"!!

Olivia: Sharing

Hello Diary!

Sorry I haven't written in a while... I've been busy, and from the looks of my calendar, December is gonna be a BUSY, but VERY VERY EXCITING month! We're getting ready for Steven's office Christmas "Holiday" party right now, this morning I had tons of fun meeting some Dallas local musician for my new job/project... all very exciting stuff! But the most exciting is.... *Drum roll*

WE'RE GOING TO LA FOR CHRISTMAS!!!

Some of you might be thinking... "What? Why are you going to that DUMP (yes Kirby, I'm talking to you) for Christmas???" well.... I've never ever been there, and having a film degree and all, and for the sake of Steven's future as an AMAZING FILMMAKER, I feel that it's appropriate that I consider the possibility of moving there, and it is MORE appropriate that I should visit before I consider a move... and what would be better then Christmas with your favorite Disney princess?? (Belle... and Jasmine)

ANYWAY... this blog is not about that... I wanted to share something... I'm very musically inspired today after meeting these amazing artists, and would like to take the next step for MY own music... so I've decided to share an aspect of my music that I'm MOST self conscious about because I think I'm terrible at it... my LYRICS... excited? hope so... here's 2 piece that's been written for a while... it was actually in this movie Steven made for class, Starring Mr. Jordan Bolch and me... "Without You" it's a cute little musical... you should watch it sometime... Anyway, these 2 songs are probably some of my most original lyric... with some help from Steven of course, he is a writer after all... but I'd like to ask you what you think about them! And even if nobody read em, I feel like I've made a step towards getting out there... sooo here they go =) enjoy!

3 Days, Orignal Music by Olivia N. Yiu, Lyrics by Steven Kittinger and Olivia N. Yiu
V1:
It's been 3 days since i met you,
And something's really strange.
We talked on-the-phone all night
Till we saw the morning light.

I wish you were here with me
When I’ m alone at night
I want to see you again
But I must be patient then

And I know,
Yes I know,
I'm in love with you.

V2:
(it's only been) 3 days since I've seen you,
And nothing's really changed.
It hasn't gotten any colder,
and I don't think it has rained.

But when I'm not around you,
Something's not the same.
My smile hasn't been used,
And a few tears down my face.

And I know,
Yes I know,
I'm in love with you.

Bridge:
I need you back tonight,
to hold me close and tight,
You make me feel all safe and warm,
when you squeeze me just right.

we see each other again we will know it's true.
we love one another like the stars and the moon...

V3:
It’s been 3 days since I've loved you,
And everything has changed.
My fears and my doubts,
Have suddenly flown away.

When I go to sleep tonight
I’ll close my eyes up tight
Dreaming of that magical place
Where I can see your face

Stage Fright: Orignal Music by Olivia N. Yiu, Lyrics by Steven Kittinger and Olivia N. Yiu
Am7 G Am7
The Music started in my head
Dm Am7
I can feel it in my voice
G F
I can hear it in my ears
G Am7
It sounds nothing like my choice


G Am7
While the music started playing
Dm Am7
And my lips started trembling
G F
Feels like nothing’s going right
G C
And everything is going wrong

can’t sing with those eyes upon me (X3)

Looking out to all those eyes
Staring blankly in my mind
I’m no longer playing a part
Singing a song I made with heart

Background music way too softly
On the stage I feel lonely
Close my eyes, I still shiver
As the audience listen…

can’t sing with those eyes upon me (X3)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

... Now I'm nervous...

Introducing Baby Girl Yiu

That's what Steven and I have been calling her before she was born... But this afternoon I got a voicemail from my Uncle Ron, telling me I have a Niece/Cousin/Whatever!

Miss Isabell (not sure how they're spelling it yet) Yiu was born less then 8 hours ago (11-25-08, 7am), and she is SO CUTE! Sleeps with her mouth open, and only made a tiny bit of noice when Steven & I were there (and how sweet of Steven to waste his lunch break to go see little Isabell with me!!)

Anyway, Congratulations Ron & Olivia! (Ah Lai & Mun Mun)

Merry Early Christmas!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

PS: Don't know who the 5th guy is...

pps: Livi's favorite part is the fact that I'm holding Steven and Mocha's holding Latte at the end... LOVE IT

Steven: Awwww

Isn't Olivia just the cutest. I just read read her blog about our wedding plans, and I'm getting excited too. I don't mind having a three year long engagement and I actually prefer having that much time to prepare. The only problem I find is when I tell people 2011 it's almost like they think wow that's so long from now they might not even get married or they're not sure about getting married so they want to keep the date a long time off. Of course neither of these ideas are correct. I really don't care when we get married, it's all about having a great wedding. Don't get me wrong I think the actual marriage part is the most important part of a wedding, but at the same time it's not anything really changes when it happens. It'll probably be the best moment of my life, but at the same time, I've already decided to spend the rest of my life with Olivia. I decided that before I got down on one knee. Saying I do will make it "official", but it's not like because of that I will be anymore more devoted to her than I am now. I will just be able to call her my wife after that. =)

Anyways, getting off marriage and weddings for a sec, I wanted to let everyone know that Liverpool won 3-0 this weekend and Robbie Keane scored his first two goals for Liverpool in the premier league. Isn't that awesome! I sadly didn't get to watch the game, but that's okay cause I got to spend more time with Olivia and take care of her while her head hurt. Also the Titans won to move to 9-0! Stupid Bears for thinking they could beat the Titans. I lost my fantasy game this week because I started the wrong two players. Dang it. That's alright as long as I make the playoffs I'll be good. Anyways, that's all that I've got right now, so I guess I'll get back to work. =(

Olivia: Wedding Planning

You know, I've always wanted a long engagement, and ours is long for sure... but lately, I've been thinking... I don't think we could HANDLE having a short engagement!!

I mean, it took us A YEAR to get around to having an engagement party, (March 7th, 2009 is the date as of now!) and it'll take us at least 3 times that to get a wedding together, which will bring us to the date Steven and I were trying to aim for in 2011... but how do you think things will have changed by then??

For the better I hope... By then, most of my friends will have graduated from college, everybody will be in a different part of the world! WE will be somewhere else for sure. Although 3 years is a LONG TIME... I have no idea WHERE we'll be... LA? New York? Hong Kong? London? Pakistan???? 3 years ago, I didn't know I would decide to become a film major after a major switching binge from Music to Business to I think advertising for a week... ended up in the Film school and occasionally the Economics suite... with a ring on my finger and a boy attached to it? Don't get me wrong, I'm MORE than glad how things turned out... just... Who'd a-thunk it? I think I'm a totally different person 3 years ago, and I hope I'll change again 3 years from now... 'cause how boring would life be if I'm the same person I was 3 years ago??

Anyway, less than 3 years from now, if all things go to plan, I be walking down the isle with a veil on my face... I'm TOO EXCITED!!!!

Steven: What's new!

We have a new president! Yay Obama! I'm glad he won and I really think he'll do alot of good for the country even though he might not have as much experience. I think people are stupid for believing in all this socialism crap. He's going to tax people who are making over so much money yes and he's going to use it to help fund schooling and health care and retirement and stuff like that which will help the middle and lower class but I don't understand why so many people are saying because Obama won now I shouldn't work and just live off the government. That's just stupid. People are also saying I shouldn't start a business or make money cause I'll get taxed even more. They're saying people who make over 100,000 or 200,000 dollars worked hard for that money and they shouldn't have to give their money to people who don't want to work. Of course if you have any sense you'll see just how stupid that reasoning is. True there are people out there who are lazy and aren't wealthy because they don't try but there are many many many many more people who work their asses off everyday but just can't seem to get a break. For example, a family of five where both parents work; one lets say works at a manufacturing plant and the other is a school teacher and they spend all their money making sure their kids get a good education. Are you saying these people work less hard than a CEO of a company? NO. But I'll bet you the CEO is making a hell of alot more money. So I say why not tax the CEO more. It might keep him/her from buying that new BMW or new house, but what's more important a family having healthcare or a new car? If you said a new car which I actually believe some people would say then government has to step in cause expecting people to donate their money or help their community might be setting our expectations a little high. Enough politics. Sorry. Anyone see the Browns/Broncos last night? I took a chance with my fantasy team and started Quinn and Torain. I didn't watch the game but I checked their stats with 6 mins to go in the first half. Quinn had 70 yards passing and 2 touchdowns and Torain and 60 yards rushing and one touchdown. I was excited, if they kept playing like that each would have well over 20 points. Of course I jinxed it by checking the stats cause Torain had gotten injured only a couple minutes before that and Quinn, though he had 200 more yards passing, did not throw another TD. Which sucks. Luckily, Eddie Royal stepped up and got 22 points on his own. One last thing before I go back to work, Liverpool plays tomorrow at 11:30! And Torres might be back! Even if he's not they're still going to kick West Brom's ass!!!!

Steven: My first post

Hi everyone this is Steven. I'm at work, which means i should be doing work but I don't want to do work so I'm going to write on this blog my fiancee started. Anyways, I'm excited cause Olivia made crabcakes and cookies for our election day party tonight. Mmmmm. This was my first time voting as well though I could have voted in the last election. I just didn't know much about politics, so I didn't vote. Of course I didn't get a cheer like Olivia did when I voted. Oh well. Anyone who's reading this and is a Liverpool supporter the games on at 2:30 today and if you cant' get to a tv there's always espn360.com! Go Reds! Anyways, I don't have much else to say at the moment and I hope I did this right cause like I said this is my first blog ever. Another first that's pretty cool. Alright talk to you later.

Olivia: Happy Election Day!

Maybe I'm just that excited about this year's election, but it's 4am, and I can't seem to fall back asleep after Mocha got mad at Latte for stirring in his sleep...

Anyway, I just wanted to proudly say I was 1 of many, MANY (as seen on the photo of Steven walking to the back of the long long line) early voters this year. I even got a round of applause when I was in the booth! Why? Because I was a first time voter! This was the first year I could vote because I got my US Citizenship in 2004, and I had JUST turned 18, so sadly, I was just a little too late. But I'm so happy this of all years is my first. This election, as many can and have already mentioned, is such a live changing election. Not just because we can very possibly have our first African American (only 1/2 I know, but it's a start), but because of what 1 person, either John McCain or Barack Obama, could do to help or harm our educational system, our down-spiraling economy, and the World View of the US! I really don't want to preach to you about why so many things need to be changed, so I'm just gonna plainly say this: GO VOTE. I know, I know, the line'll probably be long, probably longer then the 1 I had to stand in last Thursday, but GO VOTE. Not cause you have to, because you CAN. And afterwards, go get yourself a Free doughnut from Krispy Kreme (if you got an I Voted Sticker, which sadly, they didn't give me 1), a Free scope of ice cream from Ben and Jerrys', and a Free cup of coffee from Starbucks! Cause Free stuff, that's the American Way, right?? =) just kidding...

Welcome to our new website!

10.30.2008

Since both Steven and Olivia are so bad with keeping up with people, they have decided to start a blog so their friends and family will know what is going on in their lives, pre, and post- wedding!

In good o' Karaoke tradition, Steven'll be writing in blue, Olivia'll be writing in pink, and together, it'll be in green!




So for their 1st post, in honor of Halloween, here's something for you all the feast your eyes on!

Anyway, hope this website is entertaining for all!