10 months later and I'm still talking about the wedding. I can't help it: I never thought I would be married. I was never one of those who grew up planning their wedding day. In my own family, weddings have been far and apart, and in the last 20+ years, I have only gone to three weddings of relatives. That's a very conservative number considering my grandmother has eight living children and more than a dozen grandchildren. Most members of my family have chosen to elope or get wed without the whole shebang of a ceremony and guest list, and a handful of them are on their second or third marriages/life-partnerships.
My own parents got married when I was eight, they were too busy making a living to actually put together a party. So if I'm not mistaken, their "wedding" came in the form of Mama handing Papa the court papers in the bedroom for Papa to sign, and then Papa adopting me so I could take on his last name. They separated after about 20 years together and they're both happily partnered off to their respective new better halves. Again, no bells, no hooplah, and the two of them are still friends.
So how did I end up having this lavish(?) out-of-town shenanigan complete with gowns, bridesmaids, catering, and everything? It just happened. And, the nice thing about not having expectations is the chance to be radically surprised.
Earlier at mass, the priest talked about the emotion of hope—the kind that lets you and I say, "I hope I get that job," or "I hope I pass that class." That versus the virtue of hope, centered on the will; the kind that gets marathon runners to cross the finish line.
He told the story of the 350 people who heard mass three weeks ago on Halloween weekend, the Sunday of which was the feast of All Saints. What was striking, according to the priest, that this wasn't even an official holy day. Yet, these people heard mass in the only Catholic church... IN BAGHDAD.
Needless to say, armed men came in and killed more than 50 of them, including the three priests who celebrated the mass. More than 80 were wounded, and from Vatican came the Pope's plea to fly them via cargo plane to Rome to get these people proper medical care.
The following week, more than 600 people went back to hear mass.
Chidingly, the priest said (I paraphrase), "I don't know about you, but if I were in Baghdad, I wouldn't want to hear mass, or say mass. Clearly, the story above is a manifestation of the virtue hope."
It's this kind of hope that lets us live for something bigger than ourselves; that which gives us strength and perseverance to make it to our own finish lines.
I love how this picture "speaks" so many things.When I got laid off from my job as a copywriter last week, I didn't feel as distraught as I'd had in the past when I'd experienced the loss of a job. For one, this was an honest-to-goodness, budget-related layoff—no boo-boos, no office drama...at least that's what I'd like to believe and what I've been reassured of.
In the 12 weeks/3 months I was working for Avon, I've come up with memorable taglines, emails, and collateral copy for the trend brand that is mark. I've met beautiful and amazing people in the course of my time there—so no regrets, more or less. I only wish I'd had more moments to grow and blossom within that environment, but I believe that the time one is given in a place, is the time one has in that place, like I've said in this post.
And, unlike in the past wherein it took me months, or even more than a year to pen my thoughts, this time I'm speaking out while it's fresh. It was such a very pleasant conversation that I'd had with my boss, that I now have fond memories of the office and of mark. Plus, I still have the eBoutique I'd put up for research, so maybe now I could actually market it; or at least finally shop for items online.
The photo above was taken over the weekend at a friend's birthday party. I love it because it speaks a thousand words: the mark. outfit and lipstick; the genuine smile and excitement that comes with the anticipation of dessert; the way my stacked rings were captured in the photograph; the delicious banoffee pie a friend of mine made (a recipe that a former colleague shared), and more. And just like how newlyweds cut the cake as a symbol of their new life together—or, as I've learned from an elderly, soft-spoken painter I'd met at the party, how stomping on a wine glass in Jewish weddings signifies "getting the first disaster out of the way"—I welcome this change with the same sheer anticipation of all great things to come.
With friends Kat and Happy at the latter's birthday breakfast where I got to borrow one of these gorgeous Alexis Bittar necklaces on my last day at mark. (the two actually had no clue that it was).For the first time ever, I found myself crying in yoga class. Albeit discreetly, I sobbed and kept reaching for my towel at the beginning of the class (thankfully, as we were all on our backs with our eyes closed) to wipe away the tears.
It started when our teacher pointed out that it was the last day we would have the class on the second floor, where, for many years, all the sessions had been held. The new studios would now occupy the third and fourth floors of the same building. Seemingly not a big deal, I know. But last days of anything seem to bring about a sense of melancholy: last day of school, last day of work, last day of a relationship. So it wasn't that big of a surprise to me that when she started to get teary-eyed, I perfectly understood her sentimentality—which then prompted my own sob session.
What really got the tears flowing was when she said the following (and I paraphrase):
"It is when when we move around in circles and find ourselves in the same spot that we ask ourselves, 'Why am I here again? Why is it that I never learn?' When in fact, we're actually moving in an upward spiral, not in circles; that when we end up in the same spot, we've actually gone one level up."
"I welcome God and the universe's way of letting me move forward, and I [happily and willingly] place myself in a position of excitement for life's next adventure."
Labels: faith, life musingsDon't we all love success stories? Steve Jobs, Oprah, Reginald F. Lewis...who else can you think of who had gone past early adversities and turned their lives around to yield magnanimous and amazing results?
I only have to look into the stories of my own parents to be inspired: My mother moved to the U.S. when she was 33 with NOTHING. Sure, she had a bit of money left earned from back home, but that was it. I am guessing it was probably only enough to last her a couple of weeks. No trust fund, no credit card, no working papers. Yet, she made it work. She's written her success story on her own terms, and she simply had an attitude and work ethic that wouldn't quit—seven-day workweeks, multiple jobs, even odd jobs. Fast-forward 17 years, she's fit, fabulous, and doing well, in career and in life. True, she's not the mega-millionaire I'm sure she'd be happy to be, but she's in a good place. (Plus, she's running her first 5k race this weekend!)
My father, on the other hand, lost everything he had—the bookstores he'd worked hard to put up in our hometown—to the calamity that was the Mt. Pinatubo eruption of '91. He and my mother had to start out from scratch by adding to my grandparents' mini-grocery business at the market. They would wake up at 3am to open shop, barely having gotten enough sleep from their bedtime of 12 midnight or so. Eventually, when Mama moved to the U.S. to seek greener pastures (and I guess to escape the grueling market schedule and stress surrounding the events succeeding Pinatubo), my dad moved to Manila to, again, restart a new career as a newspaper reporter. He practically worked as a volunteer, until management took note of his talent and dedication (he literally LIVED in the office in a small room with a bunk bed he shared with other reporters) and he zoomed past the tiers of the masthead and reached a high position that paid him well and gave him quarterly bonuses. Now, Papa is retired and has a thriving eBay business selling rare stamps to an international clientele. Again, he's not the mega-millionaire I'm sure he'd be happy to be, but he's in a good place.
The two experiences above perhaps explain and provide a better understanding on why I literally get stressed out and bothered when faced with a situation wherein a person who has the brains, background, talent, and skills to move forward and succeed gives up prematurely and concedes defeat so early on—without putting up a fight, logging in the hours, exhausting one's all. It's a challenge for me to bear witness to these moments knowing that life is full of stories of individuals who simply made it work amidst hurdles and challenges that, at first glance, were seemingly impossible to conquer.
In the movie, Sunshine Cleaning, actress Amy Adams looks at the bright (and clean) side.I've come across the concept of saying affirmations over the years, but haven't really consistently enacted the habit in my life. I also noticed how in movies, people who do them are portrayed in a cooky kind of way (e.g. Amy Adams in Sunshine Cleaning) and are in situations that don't necessarily immediately reflect the words they repeat to themselves.
However, every now and then, I write notes to myself and tack them on the wall, but they're usually goal and career-related, hardly ever, "I'm a rockstar, I'm gorgeous!" The most vivid that I do remember and one (or two) that had quite an impact in my work life was one I'd written back in 2002 and put up on the wall near my bed. It listed the following words:
editorial assistant
lifestyle and fitness assistant
beauty and fitness editor
In between the lines were arrows that mimicked a flow chart of sorts. This note reflected the trajectory I wanted my career to go. I had a goal of being an editor at 24—which was two or three years from the time I'd posted the note.
Another one on the wall read (from what I can remember):
"I am a good and talented makeup artist."
This resulted from an early experience as a freelance makeup artist when I'd encountered doubts about my talent; an incident wherein a starlet-then-model completely mocked the bright lime green eyeshadow I put on her. The green was actually the makeup theme given by the director of the fashion show and I was simply following directions, and picking up from a beauty forecast I'd read in Elle that time (that green was going to be the big thing that year/season in eyeshadow).
Anyway, suffice it to say that I've enjoyed a fun, engaging, and exciting beauty career on both counts as an editor and makeup artist. The makeup part has been on the backburner for quite some time now, but recent events and opportunities have again piqued my interest. So let's see how that goes.
The point of this post being, I wanted to share with you an affirmation I'd actually verbalized the other night, part of a string of messages that also included the "I'm fabulous" kind which I shall keep to myself:
"I will not put up with bad behavior."
It's so simple, straightforward, and encompassing. It's applicable to work, friendships, and relationships. And from there stems all the other facets of affirmations such as feeling confident, having clarity and conviction, and so forth.
Image courtesy of Indiewire.com. Labels: beauty, career, life musings, movies, relationships, work
This was so much fun to watch! And remember the early 90's movie, Green Card, starring Andie MacDowell and Gérard Depardieu?Earlier this afternoon the paralegal from the lawyer's office called, asking for my birth certificate. I'm in the process of renewing my green card, which expires every 10 years (only the card itself expires, not the permanent resident status, FYI). It's routine paperwork, but with immigration, you never know. Fortunately, I've kept a scan of the document on my computer so I immediately dashed home to get to it and send it over.
Now, remember how I said before that I would never want to live in New York City again, and then eating my words by moving back? (No regrets, by the way) Also, haven't I been heralding more than ever the importance of staying positive? The universe has a sense of humor, I believe. It occurred to me on the way home that I do have to follow my own advice.
And, I'm not having difficulty doing so. I know that whatever time I have and am given to be here, is the perfect amount of time that I have to be here. If it's until next year, it's until next year; if it's another 10 years, then it's another 10 years. It's as simple as that. I've always let God hold the steering wheel of my life. I've kept this quote on my phone that goes, "A man plans his way, but God directs his steps." The note says it's from Proverbs. I must have picked it up from a homily at mass.
Now, funny when I was thinking about the possibility of no longer getting to live here in New York City, or Denver, or in any city in America down the line, my foremost concern was that I now really, really had to make the most out of my trips to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Maoz Falafel, Lobster Shack, Tokyo-san Bowl, Serafina, the taco trucks, Halal food stalls...and all the palate-pleasing opportunities this country has to offer!
Image courtesy of http://moviejunkieonline.com.
UPDATE 10/12/10: My new (renewed) green card is here! So, onto this American journey.
Labels: faith, food, life musings, New York, New York minutes
More and more, everyday, I recognize and realize how unique the working circumstances I'd had back at my first job in Seventeen. Along with the friendships that have stood the test of time (10 years!), the life lessons and work attitude I'd picked up along the way have proven to be invaluable. The funny thing is, it never even occurred to me that that training I received was quite the exception more than the norm. My first boss, Maya Calica, was exemplary in a way that she inspired and encouraged us to go for our goals and dream, DREAM big (even bigger, biggest…). We were all encouraged to verbalize what direction we wanted our careers to go, all the while putting a premium on quality work and an unwavering positive outlook.
So to Maya, Fran, Tata, Lille, Maddy, Anne, Monica, Margie, Mia, and everyone who made a Seventeen difference in my life, thank you for the experience of a lifetime.
Image courtesy of Whosdatedwho.com.
I have to admit, I thought I'd breeze through this year's 30-Day Blog Challenge (Big Apple Edition). True, the days whizzed by, however, I found it a bit more challenging this time around writing a blog post everyday on top of having a new full-time job (no more working in pajamas) while doing other writing and editing occupations (that still let me work in my pajamas). I know I've unwittingly managed to keep my work plate full because 1) It quells the paranoia of being—gasp!—jobless, and 2) It helps me deal with the long distance away from my husband. Having a lot of work to do makes me not fixate too much on missing him. And, I do miss him a lot nevertheless, especially whenever my back and feet hurt and when I just can't seem to sleep right. Put him next to me and off I go sleeping like a baby.
So, what now?
While I really, really find the daily blogging schedule ideal, I do want to live a more enriched life offline. I've recently just started doing yoga again, so I would very much like to have some time to let my body recuperate from all the twisting and turning. In Mireille Guiliano’s book, Women, Work & The Art of Savoir Faire, she ponders the “inevitable shift in social grace to the acceptance of present-tense community sharing.” She talks about a young American couple she and her husband sat next to in a small Parisian bistro: "They were whispering to one another and clearly delighted with the food and experience. Just after they finished their meals, on some silent command they both whipped out their smartphones and for a good five minutes sat in the middle of the restaurant with screens twelve inches from their eyes, reading, texting, and emailing away with intense concentration and frozen faces from faraway places." She further writes, "It points to an inability to live in and savor the moment unless it is externally recorded… abstracting and distancing it.”
That said, I still do want to keep blogging on a regular basis somehow, some way. It's true that writing is a muscle—and it's the same thing with chefs, athletes, pole dancers… To paraphrase Chelsea Handler from an episode of her show I'd seen a while back, "If you pole-dance often enough, you get better and better at it.” Same goes with writing.
Guys, I apologize for egging on about this whole manners thing. My etiquette and Botox articles were/are taking a while to complete, hence, the fixation in decorum (and frowning).
While doing research, I came across this quote:
"Being married does not give you freedom to ignore your manners."
I got reminded of how, at the airport a few months ago, I noticed a woman snapping at her husband for apparently not finding something in her purse. Immediately I promised myself, "I will never treat my husband that way." The woman, by the way, later on happily leaned against her spouse's arm while waiting for boarding. All the more I was struck by the prospect of treating A. with respect…consistently. For if someone is capable of giving you love and comfort, it's only proper to reciprocate by being mindful of how you treat that person.
Now, the challenge here—and why I'm even writing about this—is that I come from a family whose members are known to be impatient, impulsive, and quick to anger…including myself. There lies the importance of the aforementioned resolution....and again, I make that promise to be my best.
Image courtesy of DailyMail.co.uk.
Jumping Jack.Today, this question beckoned: "Why are you always in a good mood?"
I got reminded of 30Rock with Jack Donaghy addressing Kenneth Parcell. For the purpose of illustrating this post, I don't mind the association with the perpetually perky studio paige.
So, I thought, why not write down my answers? Here they are:
1. I'm happy because I've been through a lot of pain to get to where I am now.
2. One week in a month, I'm on glass-half-empty mode. So, I have to do my best with the three other weeks wherein I'm not bloated and cranky.
3. Happiness is a decision one makes. I can choose to fixate and stress myself out (I'd mentioned this as well in this post), but whats the point? However, I do stress and fixate…in private.
4. I'm working on an article on Botox. I do not recommend it, have not tried it, and have no plans to. But, if I start frowning now, that might change and I wouldn't want to have to make that decision.
5. Life is good! Come on, there are plenty of reasons to CELEBRATE. For one, I left my country and loved ones for a shot in the Big Apple. TWICE. And, things are indeed better the second time around.
With that, I close the 30-Day Blog Challenge for the year (whew!). It was a little tougher this time around, but invigorating overall. Now I just want to shut myself out of the blogging world for a while…I'm kidding! (More on those thoughts, tomorrow.)
So, cheers everyone and thanks for reading!
Image courtesy of DenverPost.com. Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, life musings, New York, New York minutes, work
You all know this scene!At the moment, I'm thinking about my friend Frances who had just given birth to her little bundle of joy (and, who had even managed to squeeze in a blog post in the middle of labor!). I've just glanced at the MMS again and my heart feels such joy for her and I simply find motherhood so magical. It's just different when it happens to a loved one, especially someone with whom you've shared the "no-children" sentiment for the longest time, only to eventually have Mother Nature have the last laugh. I know I'd be going down that road someday, no matter how much I repeatedly object.
So, as I think about all that, here are some notes I'd like to put in before I go back to my article.
1. Good manners go a long way.
Since I've already brought up the subject, might as well indulge. I've talked about my Tita Joan so many times in this blog. Again, I'm bringing her up, because if there's someone who's the epitome of good manners and grace, it's her. True, my teens were marked by non-stop prompts to be "sensitive toward others" and to be more aware of my surroundings. But now that I'm older, I realize that the more manners come second to nature to a person, the better s/he can function in society and focus on the more important things. There's a reason why your parents teach you not to talk with your mouth full when you're little; or to not interrupt in conversations: because when you're older, there's really not much time to fixate on these things as you try to live your life. However, I believe one should take some sort of refresher course every now and then (I'd written two posts here in this blog back in November—part 1 and part 2—on etiquette if you're interested). And, when etiquette-related boo-boos happen, one must simply have a sense of humor about it. Again, there are bigger things in life than getting your place settings right.
2. Peace that passes understanding.
I've just skimmed my "Go in peace" post from last year's Inspiration Series. I had a feeling I'd already written about this phrase and true enough, I have. I just got reminded of it yesterday when I finally was able to speak of the pain with the person who had caused all that pain (actually, come to think of it, even moments before that if I remember correctly). I know that over the past two years, I'd reconciled the issue and have weighed in on the benefits of having gone through that time...and emerging a happier person. But, it was nice to finally speak out and get it out there...and officially put an end to that chapter and happily move along.
3. Positive people attract positive EVERYTHING.
I've witnessed this in friends and former colleagues, including Frances. People who, with conviction, know that life is good, and goodness in life is abundant, truly live in goodness and abundance! They attract life's best moments, opportunities, and experiences, and celebrate accordingly. This only reminds me further that happiness is a decision you make. You can choose to fixate on what's wrong in your life and in the world, but time is better spent reveling in the brighter side of things.
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. and http://www.hotflick.net. Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, etiquette, fab friends, family, life musings, New York minutes
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge
I got married on my Lola's 86th birthday!While putting away laundry, I got to thinking about, of all things, parenthood. The song "Better Days" (by Dianne Reeves) played in my head and whenever that happens, I think of my maternal grandmother.
Lola helped raise me as my young parents were setting up shop. I have vivid memories of her in the back of her old apartment, washing clothes the old way, with large basins around her, and I would sit nearby and offer to join and I would be sudsing up a pair of small panties and then I would take off and play. Like I've said in a previous post, my Lola, now 86, had nine children and many, many grandchildren...as most of her children married early, remarried, and had more children (now, can you see why I refused to wed for the longest time? I was terrified!).
And, throughout my childhood, my Lola seemed to be the default caregiver at times when the grandchildren needed extra 'caring.' When I had a hernia operation at seven (my mother almost fainted in the operating room and had to take a tranquilizer or something like that), post-op care was at Lola's. She also took care of one of my aunts' three boys when they were little, fed them, washed their clothes. Frankly—and I don't mean to offend anybody—it was absurd. But, in the bigger scheme of things, those of us who were lucky to have been put in Lola's care, are quite fortunate. I wouldn't change a thing.
Now, my Lola is living alone in an apartment with a caregiver. Fortunately, my other aunt and uncle live only a two or three houses down and now help care for her. But, there are no grandchildren and great-grandchildren running around to greet her in the morning, sit on her lap, regale her with stories, call her for dinner. She has her TV, rosary, and plenty of time to sit and pray for all of us (she is malakas kay God, I kid you not!).
For what it's worth, relatives, all of us, visit her when we can. The 'when we can' is the tricky part—all except a few live miles and miles away from our hometown. Literally scattered all over the world/continent: Manila, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, North America.
Going back to my thoughts on parenthood, it seems tragic that you put in all your love and energy towards something, somebody, who will eventually have to leave you ("Spread your wings and prepare to fly..."). I know everyone who's done the whole parenting thing will attest to how worthwhile it all is. And, I know that despite my objections all these years to having children, I will most likely eat my words down the line.
I just hope when that happens, I'd be as resilient, caring, generous, and unwavering in love and prayers, as my dearest Lola.
UPDATE 08/15: It's ironic that I wrote that post just after my dear, dear friend, Frances, had just given birth! I am sooo happy for her and am amazed at how something so magical can happen in nine months! Congrats Frances and Vince! Sending much love your way (and I know your household is brimming with lots of it anyway). Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, family, life musings
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge
I was just reading actress Helen Mirren's Proust questionnaire over at VanityFair.com and thought I'd add a little bit more fun here and answer one myself. I have a feeling I've already done this in some form sometime ago. And, now that I'm writing this last sentence as I've typed up and edited my answers, I noticed that many of them resemble Helen's! (You can even answer the interactive questionnaire on the VF website and your answers are then compared to famous people. I haven't tried it, feel free to leave a comment about it.)
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A weekend nap with my husband on high-thread-count sheets and a fluffy comforter on a heavenly mattress that can support both our aching backs; our 90-pound dog also snoozing on the floor at the edge of the bed where the comforter dangles.
Which living person do you most admire?
My grandmother who's 86. She raised eight children (and lost a ninth); baked native bread to sell during the war in a makeshift oven that she made; took care of many of her children's children as the young parents were setting up shop; sang at the church choir. My Lola is the original SUPERWOMAN.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Deceit in any form no matter how "small."
What is your greatest extravagance?
Food.
What is your favorite journey?
Any "journey" involving hopping on a car (or plane) and then being on a boat headed somewhere sunny and sandy.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Punctuality in the morning. Although I agree that many successful people are early risers (e.g. Martha Stewart). Hence, I've hopped on the early morning bandwagon.
On what occasion do you lie?
On forms that require you to list some form of numerical (or informational) valuation of the financial (or career) kind.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Once a month, I feel ridiculously bloated all over. That's when I seem to 'dislike' everything. All other times, I'm fine and happy with how I look.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Oh my gosh.
What is your greatest regret?
Every time something happens wherein I feel a deep sense of regret and convince myself that I would remember that day or moment forever, I seem to forget what it was weeks or months after! So, right now, no regrets.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband. He's one of a kind. I'm absolutely happy that he never listened to me all those times I wanted to give up because of the whole long distance "challenge."
When and where were you happiest?
You know what, I never thought I would ever say this in my life, but it is what it is: I was happiest at my wedding! There was so much love (and fashion and beach and family…) all around!
What is your current state of mind
Calm after that dreadful (PMS) storm.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd like to be less paranoid and less influenced and affected by the varying temperaments around me.
What is your favorite occupation?
The sum of all that follows: writing, reading, being in the kitchen, sleeping.
What is the quality you most like in a person?
Honesty.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.
Who are your favorite writers?
I don't have a single favorite. There are so many brilliant writers out there!
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
British aristocracy—still married to the British aristocratic version of my husband who has the Royal Ascot version of our fat and lovable dog as a pet :)
Illustrations by Risko. Photo courtesy of http://coolstuffaround.net. Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, celebrities, family, food, life musings, magazines, New York minutes, travel
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge
Last week, I felt a little spike in stress levels, most likely brought about by womanly concerns of the monthly kind. I found it even more necessary to focus on the positive and fixate on the things that bring happiness—versus those that only encourage more (and at times unnecessary and self-inflicted) stress. That's not to say though that I didn't indulge in a little sob session on Friday night on the phone with my husband.
Walking home from work that day, I pondered on sunny things (people, food, and more) and came up with the following. This list actually goes on longer, but I've kept it down to five for blogging purposes.
1. My husband
If you've been reading this blog, you'd know that I'm not too keen on public declarations of love. I'm just private that way and territorial with moments I share with the man in my life. So, other than wedding pictures and our Pat Dy slideshow, you won't see photos of us hanging out, vacationing (well, a few beach photos here and there, but never posed together), etc.
But, if I may just say one thing, my husband truly is a source of joy for me. He is amazing in the way that he is gentle, kind, and forgiving. I've had to kiss many(?) frogs to know a kind, well-meaning man when I see one. And, even now that we are miles away from each other, he still makes me happy. So, that's number one.
The original Lu Petit Écolier chocolate-covered biscuits. Perfect with tea.2. Chocolate
I should mark this as "self-explanatory." Chocolate-covered biscuits, brownie and chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream, dark chocolate, chocolate croissants... I enjoy some form of chocolate at least once a day. I'd recently discovered the Petite Madeleine version of the famous Lu Petit Écolier chocolate biscuits from France now even more widely available in groceries and drugstores (e.g. Duane Reade) in America.
3. Cheese
No matter how broke or financially liquid I am, you will always, always, find a block of cheddar cheese in my fridge (and to add its kissing cousin, dijon mustard—the perfect combo for a grilled cheese sandwich). I'm democratic about my cheese; it can range from a supermarket brand like Kraft Cracker Barrel, to a vintagey supersharp one like Bega from Australia. To get maximum fridge life on a single block, I usually wrap it in wax or parchment paper encased in a small resealable bag.
It doesn't have to be this many or fancy; one good block of sharp cheddar cheese is usually enough.(Although of course, variety is always welcome.)
4. Barilla Noodles
Or any kind of noodle or pasta. At my neglected blog, AllMySugar.com, this has emerged an obvious fave topic to write about. Noodles definitely top my carbohydrate list. They are just so good, hearty, and chewy. Also, I've read in the past that if you've experienced a troubling situation, eat some spaghetti with meatballs. I've also been told that pasta makes you sleepy. So there you go.
5. Potatoes
As we are in the subject of starches, potatoes rank high up there as well. I was practically bald until two years old. My paternal grandmother and relatives used to say that I ate too many potatoes, thus, my 'potato head.' My father's side of the family made a delicious traditional Filipino beef stew that they called 'guba' (it's actually widely know as nilaga) that had boiled potatoes in it. I would mash these soft potatoes over rice drizzled in the savory broth. Yum.
Image courtesy of Lubiscuitsna.com (Lu Petit Ecolier). Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, childhood, chocolate, family, food, life musings
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge
I've always been afraid of heights. But, for a few years in my late teens, I'd managed to shake off this fear when I got into rockclimbing. Maybe that's another way to deal with something you're scared of: Just keep doing it.(That's me in the photo, taken in Palawan on a press junket for Shiseido in 2005. Photo from this blog post.)
I've actually spent the last few days roughly going through that method in my mind. But sometimes, no matter how hard you "practice," things can still hurt and be bothersome. It's like dating a guy whom you know is about to dump you and you see it coming and yet, when it happens, you still keel over in pain, crying your eyes out (on another note, I'm relieved to be married; I don't want to ever have to feel that kind of pain again). Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, books, life musings, magazines
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge
I'l be publishing this post tomorrow, typing it up on my phone because I forgot to bring my netbook charger to Staten Island. My in-laws are in town and today felt like home: TFC on TV (um, I don't really watch that much television but having that popular noontime show on was a welcome treat), food, lots of it, family... In a way I'm happy I'd left my charger, it was nice to tune it to the day as it was happening.
Okay, so that's my update for now. Off to bed, missing my husband, but I know that we're all where we're supposed to be at the exact moment where we are. And, right now, I'm in a fantastic sleigh bed that goes up to my waist in a very Princess and the Pea fashion, and I'm simply happy to be here. Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, family, life musings
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge
Yep—I'm baack!And this time around, it felt different. True, I was still concerned about establishing a career, finding an apartment, and being able to pay rent, but, Lily Pond Lane proved to be the breathtaking and inspiring welcome back to the city was once tough and brutal yet also brimming with opportunities and possibilities….. When I moved to New York the first time around, my first few days were marked with the stress of 1) Finding a decent bed without busting my budget; 2) Finding a job ASAP—that aforementioned 'budget' was definitely NOT going to last until next month's rent is due, and 3) Adjusting to being away from my then boyfriend (now husband) after seeing each other almost everyday prior to moving.
The difference between then and now is that I no longer feel so small in this big city. I have higher expectations around me and of people, which in turn, pushes me to step up and pick up the pace (I have to deliver!).
And, of course, change happened when I decided to PRIORITIZE and TAKE A BREATHER—which I've written about in my Time Out, New York post.
Image courtesy of Vanguardist.org. Labels: career, life musings, New York, New York minutes, vacations
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge
I realized as the days have gone by, that it's a little more challenging to do this, now that I actually have a day job. But, that doesn't mean I'm giving up AND I am so not complaining. I love, love, love the recent turn of events, and, when the right time comes, I'm going to write about it for sure.
Meanwhile, the blogs must go on! Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, life musings, work
