Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts

had you on the open road and now we're singing

I'm back!
Six months later and here I am back with a travel post. The last six months have flown by and I can honestly say that this year has been going way too fast for my taste. I will admit that I haven't posted in a while for two reasons: one being I spend my days either working or sleeping, and two, because I don't go out as much. So basically, I've been a turtle (an employed turtle at least). I can't even remember the last time I sat down and wrote a blog post, and quite frankly, I've really missed going on adventures, taking pictures, and writing about them. This post is about a very spontaneous trip my friends and I went on, and I took so many photos I wanted to write about my day out in the desert.
As I mentioned, this trip was spontaneous. One random afternoon, one of my closest friends texted our group chat about the art installations in Coachella Valley. Who declines a road trip? So we grabbed our bags, gassed up the car, got hold of our cameras, and drove the open roads to the desert. What a day it turned out to be. We made a full day out of it and decided to hit up Joshua Tree, where I tried climbing rocks with sandals on (difficult and dangerous, don't recommend it at all). Then, my friends and I somehow ended up near Slab City to take the cutest photos during golden hour at a place called, Salvation Mountain. Mind you, it took us about two hours to drive from the north side of Joshua Trip to Salvation Mountain, but it was definitely worth it.
This adventure has inspired many more and this post is definitely a jumpstart to my blogging habits. I put my love for writing and photography on hold while I grew up a bit and got an actual adult job, but who says I can't do both? Well, here's to hoping... and trying. However, I do get the chance to start posting again. Summer solstice is in six days and if there's one thing I will continue to do here- it's my summer series. My summer is quite packed with adventures (as much as I can during the weekends when I'm not working, but still). I can't wait to start sharing them with you. (:
* The Mirage by Doug Atkins installation has been extended to stay open until October and I recommend going if you are even a wee bit curious as to how it looks. (33°50'59.6"N 116°33'57.5"W) 
"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharlal Nehru
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jawaharlal121014.html?src=t_adventure
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. Jawaharlal Nehru
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/jawaharlal121014.html?src=t_adventure

Blink of an Eye

Hi hi everyone!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S THE LAST DAY OF 2015!

These last few weeks have been going by so fast. I hope you've all had an amazing holiday season, and if you don't celebrate the holidays, then I hope you're having an incredible winter season. Last night, I had somewhat of a realization that the year has come to an end we're officially going to start a new year, and my heart was filled with so much joy with what's happened.

Today, I want to take the time to look back and reflect on 2015. This year has been full of adventure, love, and blessings for me.  I'm so incredibly thankful and blessed for all that occurred this year and everyone in my life. I welcomed 2015 with nothing but high hopes for good things to happen this year, and life happened to me in a blink of an eye.

Here's 15 things that occurred throughout the year that I'm grateful for:
15.     Started my fourth year of college with my university friends

14.     Going to Disneyland with my friends 

13.     Having a day trip to San Diego for Spring Break 2015

12.     FAMILY REUNION 2015

11.    Actually putting together Friendsgiving and Friendsmas… who knew my friends would come to like dinner parties?

10.    Resigned from my previous job and got another job

9.       Family members moving to SoCal.

8.       Cheers to first times, cute guys, new crushes, and funny memories with the best of friends
7.       My baby girl and baby cousin turned 18
. 
6.     Getting inducted to LPE with my COMM friends. (:
5.     Summer 2015
 
4.     Being able to be there for my godson’s day of birth, then holding him.
3.     Applying for graduation. Officially taking part of being in Class of 2016.

2.     Being asked to be the godmother of Peter then welcoming him into the world

1.     Celebrating my 21st with my best friends in Vegas and celebrating my friends' 21st birthdays

2015 was a year all about letting go. I think it's safe to say that I've always been very careful with how I present myself to people and this year, I let myself open up to life. I let myself open up to all different kinds of people and let new people in. I let a lot of my worries go. I let a lot of my thoughts go. And I let me… be me. Throughout the process of finding myself, I found my truest friends and the people that made me happiest. 


Here’s what 15 things I’ve learned this year:

1.     Learn to let things go. Nothing can amount to the freedom of not being worried. You can't redo yesterday and you can't control tomorrow. 

2.     Appreciate what you have. There are people who have less. There are people who have more. You have what you have. Be grateful.

3.     Learn your outlet. Be it to sing, listen to music, drive, read a book, cook/bake, dance, write… turn to them in your times of struggle. 

4.     "Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind." There are two types of family- family we don't get to choose and the family we choose for ourselves. Family is who you consider family. 

5.     Be selective with the people you surround yourself. Bad energy can reflect onto you and nobody wants to be surrounded with negative vibes.

6.     John Mayer said, "Say what you need to say." Figure out what you want to say then say it. But Frank Outlaw also said, "Watch your words." So be careful with what you say.

7.     Listen to your dad when it comes to finances. He knows what he's talking about.
8.     Listen to your mom when it comes to her advice on love and relationships. She knows what she's talking about. 
9.     Spend time with your grandparents. We often forget that, as we grow older, so do they. They won't be around forever. 

10.  Befriend your siblings. Just because they're your brother or sister doesn't mean you'll have a relationship with them. Work on that relationship.

11.  Accept the fact that you can't control everything. Everything happens for a reason. You are where you're meant to be.
12.  Learn your reactions. Don't do something stupid or say something dumb because you're mad in the moment. Take a step back and give yourself time to figure out the best way to handle the situation. You can't take back your words and actions say a lot about a person.

13.  Be comfortable with being by yourself. Learn how to be okay with having no one around for company but your own. 

14.  Accept whichever season you are in your life right now. Whether that's being a student, working two jobs, becoming a mom, or starting something new… know that whatever you're going through, you are not alone. There's someone out there going through something just as difficult, straining, and scary. Stay strong. And in the words of my mother, "Everything will come to pass." 

15.  Take care of yourself. You're all you've got in the end.

I'm so thankful for everything that happened in 2015 and for everyone in my life that made 2015 a year full of some of my favorite memories. Thank you everyone. I wish you all a Happy New Year. 

"Isn't it crazy how we can look back a year ago and realize how much everything has changed? The amount of people that have left your life, entered, and stayed. The memories you won't forget and the moments you wish you did. Everything. It is crazy how all that happened in just one year."

To you, Thank you

Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking back, I've realized so much has happened throughout this year that has allowed me to have grown in ways I didn't think would happen. I have so much to be thankful for and today's post is an appreciation shoutout to those who's helped me along the way.


To my mom and dad, 
The two of you are able to fill my life with a combination of difficulty and challenges, yet with so much love and care. Your love for each other inspires me. Your questions on how I see life makes me think twice on the decisions I make... But you also remind me how much you support me and love me. Your generosity and care for everyone humbles me. You make me so proud to call you my mother and father. Thank you for being my parents.



To my Brahhhh and Brodaa,
Thank you for being the brothers that you are. Even when we don't see each other for long period of times, we make use of the time we have together. We're all growing up and our lives don't intertwine like they used to, but that's okay… because you two make me happy in the smallest ways possible. You've taught me not only how to be your sister but also friend. I love you both.



To my extended family, 
Words can't express how much I love you all. Even when I don't see all of you, we make the moments we have each other worth remembering. This year has brought us so close and I can't wait to see you all next year. Our family is big… and constantly gets bigger, but our relationships remain in tact. Thank you for all your love, even miles away. 



























  To my university friends, 
Thank you. Thank you for making my last two years of college the best I've ever had. Shoutout to the C$ULA K!DS squad, LPE members, and my fellow COMM mates. Thank you for giving me the memories I love remembering because I love the people I spent it with. Thank you for your guidance when I'm in doubt. For encouraging me when I feel like I'm not good enough, and for helping me practice the skills I have. For helping me grow mentally because all of you challenge me on the way I think. Thank you for making college more fun, even when we're all stressed out and over with being in college. 










To all my friends,
Thank you for making 2015 amazing thus far. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for having my back when I feel like I'm alone. Thank you for making me laugh (because it's my favorite thing to do). To those who I grew up with, have grown up with, or have recently met, all your friendships mean a lot to me. Thank you.































To my best friend, Nancy,
Eight years of friendship ain't got nothing on us. We've grown up (in all aspects) and I'm so thankful to have the memories we have (that once we do remember and the once we don't). Up and down, you've had my back. And to have spent this summer with you, just reminds me how lucky I am to have a best friend like you. Thank you for helping me when I'm down (literally), and for helping me get through my drunken nights. Ha! Even when we were apart you helped me through the things I needed and gave me advice through the times I was unsure. You've given me some of my best memories this year. Even when you're super busy, you still make time to talk to me. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for taking care of me.


To Jeremi,
Thank you for your friendship. Sometimes I don't know how you can listen to me and the stupid nonsense I say, but you put up with it. You never fail to hear the random things I talk to you about, nor do you ever mind hanging out with me when I need someone to hang out with. You've helped me see a different perspectives on things and never fail to remind me how much you support me. Thank you for always making time to have brunch, dinner, and coffee with me. And for having hour long phone calls because sometimes I just need someone to talk to. Thank you so much for being you. 






























To my girl, Hydie,
 LOL. ^^ Sorry Heids, I had to! I've known you for four years, two of which we would see each other in brief moments, because we didn't have class together. But we made sure to keep in contact and had Starbucks dates so we can catch up on each other's lives. Thank you so much for your help throughout this year.... For your support and encouragements. For listening to me rant over and over again, even when we both knew I was being stupid about certain situations (especially about *ahem*).  You never failed to reassure me that everything will be okay. It was so fun to have class with you again. Although this was one of the toughest quarters to get through, you made it more bearable. #est2012 #SinceDay1





To my cousin, "Cousin,"
I love you. 
I love you. 
I love you. 
Thank you for constantly checking up on me and making sure I'm okay. Distance has nothing on our relationship because you make sure we're updated on each other's lives. Thank you for helping me get through tough days. Thank you for reassuring me that everything will be okay. Thank you so much for all of your support, encouragements, and advice. Even when I'm in the wrong, you remind me that it's part of growing process. You never fail to reassure me how much you love me. Nor do you fail to answer my calls/texts. You have a way of making my days better even when they're the absolute worst.  Thank you for putting a smile on my face when all I want to do is cry. Thank you for not giving a damn when I'm a mess which is 80% of the time... Because sometimes how do you even adult? We may not have chosen to be cousins, but we definitely chose to be friends. Thank you. I love you so much cousin. 


To those who read my blog,
Thank you. I may or may not know you read these but thank you for taking the time to even visit this page and read/ look at my posts. Thank you for letting me have a way of writing my thoughts out and sharing parts of my life online. Thank you. 



Thank you everyone for making this past year exceptionally incredible. 

Thank you,
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