I'm still alive!
Having absolutely zero access to the internet outside of work hasn't allowed for much leisure surfing, but it has saved me from a lot of wasted hours stalking celebrities online - and consequently, has also cut back on my ability to blog about life and all its quirks!
But it's autumn now - the best of 4 seasons - and there's no better time for me to give a quick hello!
SO MUCH has happened in 6 months that it feels as though everything has come into full circle... Lakers season came and went - and voila, it's here again! I already have the 08-09 schedule pinned up in my humbly decorated cubicle... My apartment is as comfortable as can be, and its awesome location has catered to my pallet, and has given me the pleasure of entertaining a handful of overnight guests... Work is still exciting, and my commute is still the best part of my day (weird, right?)... I still haven't figured out how a man's mind works, but in my mind, I HAVE figured out what kind of man I want... I've been responsibly green for 6 months, and I plan on sharing A LOT of what I've learned about this amazing lifestyle over my next couple of posts (hopefully that will be soon)...
But I suppose that the best and biggest changes stemming from the fruits of spring and summer, are the awakening fruitions I have come to know about myself, my relationship with God, and of those I hold in the deepest recesses of my heart. I have never been this satisfied with life, as I am during this very moment (even with the lack of all my wants). And though I've always appreciated my loved ones, I have never been so aware of how amazing my family and best friends are, and how precious my relationships are with them. How important it is to nurture and give selflessly to these relationships. It's all been so spiritual and so moving.
Until next time...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
This Admition is Backdated
I've been consistent in my efforts to downplay your affect on my life. Maybe it's because you hurt me. Maybe it's because of the way things ended. Maybe it's simply because until now, I truly believed it.
But in retrospect, I must concede that you have had more impact on my life than I've ever wanted or will ever want to admit.
But in retrospect, I must concede that you have had more impact on my life than I've ever wanted or will ever want to admit.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
MVP, No Contest
Postscript: I was on the list for Lakers pre-sale tickets on April 4th. I spent 4 hours just trying to access the Ticketmaster website. It kept giving me an error message after typing in my pre-sale password. No go. Bummer.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
April Milestones
The last month has been exciting… and exhausting! So much change and evolution is taking place in my simple little life, I can't even begin to take it all in! The earlier half of March was in itself, quite uneventful. The weekdays were spent working and commuting, and I've officially begun an overtime routine at work. Speaking of which - I've been at my new job exactly four months now, and I'm still trying to balance myself on the frighteningly steep learning curve. But overall, the entire experience has been a huge breath of fresh air, and I enjoy coming into work each and every morning (the hot boys in the area make that a little bit easier). In passing, my very powerful boss provided some very positive and reassuring feedback on my performance – and there have been talks of elevating my responsibilities. If you knew the kinds of duties involved, that's a HUGE deal. So I'm pretty stoked about that. My goal is to be promoted in 2-3 years, and so far, that's looking feasible.
In other very big news – I'm moving! After nearly one month of sacrificing my weekends to search for a new apartment, I've finally found a place to call my own. And let me tell you, it hasn't been easy. Finding an apartment in the greater Los Angeles area has been a pill. A huge, throat-clinching pill. Los Angeles is huge, so the chances you'll accidentally end up in the ghetto are pretty darn good. After searching through the highs and lows of Koreatown, Glendale, etc. – I decided that my best bet was to venture off into the burbs. And just when I came close to a mental and physical breakdown, I found a charming little place in the city I originally wanted to live in. SCORE! But I tell you, my best girl and I ended my search with a handful of stories about crazy leasing officers who made us take our shoes off and walk in straight lines on new carpet. It was coextensively hilarious and creepy. Thinking about the ajima now still gives me the heeby jeebies.
In equally huge news – my $3K smile has made its debut! That's right ladies and gents, I am metal-mouth and bracey-face no more! As of April 1st, I'm flossin' the smile I've wanted all my life! Unfortch, because I haven't seen my brace-less teeth for almost 2 years, they look a bit horse-like and off-white. Not cool homies. Not cool. So now that I'm obsessed with oral… healthcare, I'm looking into some cosmetic whitening procedures. Any recommendations? On the up-and-up, it feels amazing just to be able to floss my teeth like a human being. I'm completely obsessed with dental floss – and have officially started a "teeth fetish".
Well that covers all the major stuff – lots of funny, small tidbits to share… and hopefully I'll get around to posting a pic and story here and there. Stay tuned!
In other very big news – I'm moving! After nearly one month of sacrificing my weekends to search for a new apartment, I've finally found a place to call my own. And let me tell you, it hasn't been easy. Finding an apartment in the greater Los Angeles area has been a pill. A huge, throat-clinching pill. Los Angeles is huge, so the chances you'll accidentally end up in the ghetto are pretty darn good. After searching through the highs and lows of Koreatown, Glendale, etc. – I decided that my best bet was to venture off into the burbs. And just when I came close to a mental and physical breakdown, I found a charming little place in the city I originally wanted to live in. SCORE! But I tell you, my best girl and I ended my search with a handful of stories about crazy leasing officers who made us take our shoes off and walk in straight lines on new carpet. It was coextensively hilarious and creepy. Thinking about the ajima now still gives me the heeby jeebies.
In equally huge news – my $3K smile has made its debut! That's right ladies and gents, I am metal-mouth and bracey-face no more! As of April 1st, I'm flossin' the smile I've wanted all my life! Unfortch, because I haven't seen my brace-less teeth for almost 2 years, they look a bit horse-like and off-white. Not cool homies. Not cool. So now that I'm obsessed with oral… healthcare, I'm looking into some cosmetic whitening procedures. Any recommendations? On the up-and-up, it feels amazing just to be able to floss my teeth like a human being. I'm completely obsessed with dental floss – and have officially started a "teeth fetish".
Well that covers all the major stuff – lots of funny, small tidbits to share… and hopefully I'll get around to posting a pic and story here and there. Stay tuned!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Another NBA Post, I Love This Game
First things first, how amazing was the Lakers v. Mavs game today? I tell you, the boys had me on the edge of my seat the entire game! I wasn't too worried with the 7-0 run in the beginning, and I thought that set a really good tone for what was to come. Both teams definitely brought it, and I've gotta give big ups to Dirk - homeboy can shoot for a big guy. The game's MVP was definitely Kobe Bryant, scoring a season high of 52 points (the early missed free throw shots were forgivable). He definitely brought it today - and how cute was he when he was cradling his two daughters during a post game interview. Gigi and Natalia are delicious. Contrary to my last mention of him, Luke Walton played decent ball today - especially earlier on in the game. The entire team still needs to work on their D, but I thought they fought really hard today. Honorable mentions to Sasha and Lamar. And of course, how can I not mention Jordy's career high of 24 points against the Heat last Thursday. Boyfriend has game.
So with Friday nights loss and today's amazing win, tomorrow won't be black Monday in downtown L.A. Sigh of relief! I think it's fair to say that for the rest of the season, you can pretty much turn the TV on and find a decent game. Everyone in the Western Conference is playing with such energy and gusto, making for a playoff-like atmosphere at almost every game. And if today's game provides any insight as to what the playoffs are going to be like, then wow, we're in for an amazing post-season.
To all the true Laker fans: say no to the bandwagon!
On a side note, here are photos of me with two of my closest friends at last week's Clippers' game. We had my company suite all to ourselves (courtesy of my boss)! A 12 person booth just for the three of us. Free food, free drinks, free everything.
And yes, it's the same suite as last year's Laker game - only this time, I was the invitee and not the invited. Holla!
Photo: Ayana!
Photo: Switch sides.
Photo: With my only Filipino friend, Andrew.
Photo: Suite life.
Photo: Photogen.
Photo: Can you zoom out a little?
Photo: Buffet.
Photo: Clipper nation, my ass. But it's the NBA, so I loved it.
So with Friday nights loss and today's amazing win, tomorrow won't be black Monday in downtown L.A. Sigh of relief! I think it's fair to say that for the rest of the season, you can pretty much turn the TV on and find a decent game. Everyone in the Western Conference is playing with such energy and gusto, making for a playoff-like atmosphere at almost every game. And if today's game provides any insight as to what the playoffs are going to be like, then wow, we're in for an amazing post-season.
To all the true Laker fans: say no to the bandwagon!
On a side note, here are photos of me with two of my closest friends at last week's Clippers' game. We had my company suite all to ourselves (courtesy of my boss)! A 12 person booth just for the three of us. Free food, free drinks, free everything.
And yes, it's the same suite as last year's Laker game - only this time, I was the invitee and not the invited. Holla!
Photo: Ayana!
Photo: Switch sides.
Photo: With my only Filipino friend, Andrew.
Photo: Suite life.
Photo: Photogen.
Photo: Can you zoom out a little?
Photo: Buffet.
Photo: Clipper nation, my ass. But it's the NBA, so I loved it.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Boleyn Promos Begin!
Photo: Natty makes Scarlet look like a dog. No offense.
Photo: Why does Scarlet look so creepy?
Photo: My girl! So hot.
Photo: Not hot. But a great actress. No offense.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Staples Center Post Grammys
I walked over to the Staples Center on my lunch break to take a quick peak at the Grammys Aftermath... It was pretty cool seeing them take the Foo Fighters stage down, and even cooler seeing all the goodies they're building for L.A. Live. But then I saw something that really got my blood boiling. Some homeboy/cholo wearing a Celtics jersey. Heck no. You don't do that in L.A. Had it not been for the time my brother lectured me on "representing the Lakers with some class," I probably would've mumbled some bitter remark. But instead, we'll just bring it during playoffs.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Slow Me Down
Every morning I find myself wrapped up in the push-and-shove of the busy work day. I often find myself having to take a step back to let others pass, who might be in a bigger rush than myself. I sometimes want to give someone the finger, or tell them straight-up to "watch where the f* they're going." But instead I say a quick prayer for patience, and remind myself that we're all just trying to make a living.
He's someone's dad. She's someone's mom. We're all just trying to get to work to make it happen. And everyone just needs to chill out. Even me.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
A Very Late "Happy New Year"
2008 is in full swing, and I'm still coping with the shock that 2007 is long gone. The last year has been, without a doubt, the fastest year of my entire life! I suppose it's true what they say, the speed of time is directly proportional to your age - in that the older you become, the faster time seems to go by. Truth!
As I reflect on the last year, I can't help but be grateful for all of the blessings (both expected and unexpected) that came my way. It was a fast but fruitful year; filled with an abundance of spiritual growth and self improvement. I continued to develop my strong relationship with God; and continuing to put God first has given me the wisdom to learn and accept how other things in my life fall into place. It's changed my outlook, mentality, and coping mechanisms, ultimately allowing me to be both joyful with everything I have, and content with all that I lack. Coextensively, it's opened my eyes to the areas of my life that need improvement - all of which are a work in progress. Trust! 2007 was very eventful - in every sense of the word - and amongst the dozens of stories I've shared and haven't shared, my favorite events of the year include:
01. My trip to Canada and Seattle with Lisa.
02. Being maid of honor at my cousin Angel's wedding.
03. Skydiving with my friends.
04. Buying my dream car.
05. Getting the job I've been dreaming of all year.
06. Being a bridesmaid at my best friend's wedding.
07. Going to 2 different Laker games (1 & 2).
08. My 24th Birthdaypalooza.
09. Dressing up as Jelly Beans for Halloween.
While I accomplished a large portion of the goals I set for myself in 2007, there are some goals that are still in progress, and that I've carried over into the New Year. And the goals which were out of my own control were at least attempted, and are still things I wish to pursue. My goals for 2008 include:
Continue to grow really long and healthy hair.
Lower my cholesterol, and improve my overall health.
Master the processes of my new job.
I know I say this every year (and every year it's true), but 2008 is going to be a BIG year. I will hit the milestone of turning 25 - and for the first time in my entire life, I honestly feel matured. Some would say old, I say matured - and I welcome all that it entails. My hope for you is that you have an amazing 2008; filled with love, excitement, and new opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.
As I reflect on the last year, I can't help but be grateful for all of the blessings (both expected and unexpected) that came my way. It was a fast but fruitful year; filled with an abundance of spiritual growth and self improvement. I continued to develop my strong relationship with God; and continuing to put God first has given me the wisdom to learn and accept how other things in my life fall into place. It's changed my outlook, mentality, and coping mechanisms, ultimately allowing me to be both joyful with everything I have, and content with all that I lack. Coextensively, it's opened my eyes to the areas of my life that need improvement - all of which are a work in progress. Trust! 2007 was very eventful - in every sense of the word - and amongst the dozens of stories I've shared and haven't shared, my favorite events of the year include:
01. My trip to Canada and Seattle with Lisa.
02. Being maid of honor at my cousin Angel's wedding.
03. Skydiving with my friends.
04. Buying my dream car.
05. Getting the job I've been dreaming of all year.
06. Being a bridesmaid at my best friend's wedding.
07. Going to 2 different Laker games (1 & 2).
08. My 24th Birthdaypalooza.
09. Dressing up as Jelly Beans for Halloween.
While I accomplished a large portion of the goals I set for myself in 2007, there are some goals that are still in progress, and that I've carried over into the New Year. And the goals which were out of my own control were at least attempted, and are still things I wish to pursue. My goals for 2008 include:
Continue to grow really long and healthy hair.
Lower my cholesterol, and improve my overall health.
Master the processes of my new job.
I know I say this every year (and every year it's true), but 2008 is going to be a BIG year. I will hit the milestone of turning 25 - and for the first time in my entire life, I honestly feel matured. Some would say old, I say matured - and I welcome all that it entails. My hope for you is that you have an amazing 2008; filled with love, excitement, and new opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.
Angel and Oscar's Wedding
About one month ago, I had the privilege of being Maid of Honor at my cousin's 400+ person wedding. Two "already big" families fused into one monstrously huge village of people, making for the most beautiful, well organized, smooth, rowdy, loud, and hands-down most enjoyable wedding I've ever attended. Without a doubt, I have the most amazing family. Ever.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Highlights of The Past Month
The past month = 8 Christmas dinners and parties (not including Christmas Eve or Day), 1 huge wedding, 1 job promotion followed by 1 job resignation, nearly 1 month of train and subway rides to 1 new job on the 18th floor of 1 big tower. Deep breath...
Here are the highlights (though the wedding deserves its own big post, later)!
End of November - Some old coworkers/friends from UCR and I reunited over an overpriced Italian dinner. Gabi (center) came all the way from London to visit, and we re-hashed old memories and talked about our new lives. Gabi and her British boyfriend have promised to introduce me to all of their single British guy friends when I visit next year - by then I'm sure I'll be ready to let someone sweep me off my feet!
End of November - Over the past year, I've shared with you my joys and my trials when it came to my job. I shared with you my desires to move on, branch out into new forums, and possibly a new company. After a lot of interviews and prayer, I now share with you my deepest gratitude for State Farm, and all of the opportunities that the company has afforded me, as I close the year with a permanent goodbye. The photo above was 1 of 5 farewell lunches I had with my favorite coworkers. My emotions during the last week on the job were indescribable. Resigning from the company was one of the hardest and most thought-out decisions I've ever had to make; but also the smartest and best decision I could've made for my career (and my sanity). It felt as though I was breaking up with a long-time boyfriend: it felt awkward, I felt unsure, but the decision was right. I was sad to go, but so ready to move forward.
Early December - I started my new job just in time for all of their holiday festivities! Our company Christmas party was a black and white masquerade ball at The Biltmore Hotel. People were pickled by 5:30pm (drinks were free), the food was okay, old people were getting jiggy on the dance floor, and the guitarist in the band was smokin' hot! Yay, proof that I work with corporate big-wigs now!
Jackie (above) is one of the ladies in my department (and also the lady training me for my new gig). Unfortch, I wasn't able to take any pictures of our department Christmas lunch at The Crustacean, where they make killer 1.5 lb crab dishes! I had to sip my wine slowly, as every time it hit a certain point in my glass, the waiter would refill it as though it were water. Man, these people live to wine and dine! The entire first week on the job, it was one expensive restaurant after another - and I didn't have to pay once!
December - My good friend Lamar had a Christmas dinner at his home, where my team kicked his team's ass at Catch Phrase - 4 times! Just like how the Lakers kick Denver's ass every time they play too. Mwahaha!
Late December - This was my 2nd to last pre-Christmas dinner celebration. I (again) reunited with my good friends from State Farm... See Eva, I told you there would be no such thing as a goodbye between us.
So... that sort of lets me catch up on my story telling. I have so many blanks to fill in - with tales of crazy people on the subway, the ex-love of my middle-school life who rides the same train to work, and the bills I drop while shopping on my lunch break (Express and Macy's are downstairs, crap). Stay tuned!
Here are the highlights (though the wedding deserves its own big post, later)!
End of November - Some old coworkers/friends from UCR and I reunited over an overpriced Italian dinner. Gabi (center) came all the way from London to visit, and we re-hashed old memories and talked about our new lives. Gabi and her British boyfriend have promised to introduce me to all of their single British guy friends when I visit next year - by then I'm sure I'll be ready to let someone sweep me off my feet!
End of November - Over the past year, I've shared with you my joys and my trials when it came to my job. I shared with you my desires to move on, branch out into new forums, and possibly a new company. After a lot of interviews and prayer, I now share with you my deepest gratitude for State Farm, and all of the opportunities that the company has afforded me, as I close the year with a permanent goodbye. The photo above was 1 of 5 farewell lunches I had with my favorite coworkers. My emotions during the last week on the job were indescribable. Resigning from the company was one of the hardest and most thought-out decisions I've ever had to make; but also the smartest and best decision I could've made for my career (and my sanity). It felt as though I was breaking up with a long-time boyfriend: it felt awkward, I felt unsure, but the decision was right. I was sad to go, but so ready to move forward.
Early December - I started my new job just in time for all of their holiday festivities! Our company Christmas party was a black and white masquerade ball at The Biltmore Hotel. People were pickled by 5:30pm (drinks were free), the food was okay, old people were getting jiggy on the dance floor, and the guitarist in the band was smokin' hot! Yay, proof that I work with corporate big-wigs now!
Jackie (above) is one of the ladies in my department (and also the lady training me for my new gig). Unfortch, I wasn't able to take any pictures of our department Christmas lunch at The Crustacean, where they make killer 1.5 lb crab dishes! I had to sip my wine slowly, as every time it hit a certain point in my glass, the waiter would refill it as though it were water. Man, these people live to wine and dine! The entire first week on the job, it was one expensive restaurant after another - and I didn't have to pay once!
December - My good friend Lamar had a Christmas dinner at his home, where my team kicked his team's ass at Catch Phrase - 4 times! Just like how the Lakers kick Denver's ass every time they play too. Mwahaha!
Late December - This was my 2nd to last pre-Christmas dinner celebration. I (again) reunited with my good friends from State Farm... See Eva, I told you there would be no such thing as a goodbye between us.
So... that sort of lets me catch up on my story telling. I have so many blanks to fill in - with tales of crazy people on the subway, the ex-love of my middle-school life who rides the same train to work, and the bills I drop while shopping on my lunch break (Express and Macy's are downstairs, crap). Stay tuned!
In Style's Top 10 Best Dressed
01. Natalie Portman
02. Drew Barrymore
03. Cameron Diaz
04. Penelope Cruz
05. Jennifer Lopez
06. Anne Hathaway
07. Cate Blanchett
08. Sienna Miller
09. Dame Helen Mirren
10. Former Tommy Hilfiger model Joy Bryant
Watch Natty P. learn that dance that all the ghetto kids are doing these days.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
