Ocupado

I've been quite the shopaholic lately. Summer break is bad for me - working only on the weekends has given me more than enough free time to peruse the mall and shop online. I put together a few possible outfits using only some of the MANY items I've recently purchased. Quite fun actually. I hope they transfer well in real life.

Ruffle Striped Dress: Roxy
Faux-leather Sandals: Old Navy
Coral Twill Blazer: Old Navy

Knit Boyfriend Blazer: Miley Cyrus for Walmart
High-waisted Shorts: Forever 21
Abstract Zipper Top: Forever 21
Patent Toe Sandals: Rampage

Cropped Cargo Jacket: Forever 21
Metallic Cut-out Sandals: American Eagle
Tie-dye Dress: American Eagle

Updates

Since I've last posted I've...

1. Gone on vacation. Twice.

a) Spring break in San Francisco came and went. Such a beautiful, unique city and definitely in my "Top 3 Favorite Mainland Destinations". Yah, I like to rank and title things. I think I'll do a post on the highlights one day as there were many. We also spent a few days in Lake Tahoe during the same trip. My boyfriend and I tried snowboarding for the very first time! One word: ADDICTED. We're already wondering what mountain [read: bunny hill] we can conquer next.

b) Summer was officially kicked off with a trip to Seattle and Canada! This time, we traveled with another couple and had a blast. I had almost forgotten how scenic and laid-back Seattle was. Coffee. Every. Day. Sometimes twice a day - it's required! I thought Seattle was a pretty big city, but it's nothing compared to how huge Vancouver is! Big and beautiful. Super fun trips all around. I just got back a few weeks ago but I'm already thinking about my future destinations.

2. Invested in property.

A few months ago, my boyfriend and I bought a vacant lot. My dream is to travel around the world. His dream is to build a custom house. We help/support each other. We also make 8 years in July.

3. Gotten tenured.

Ever since graduating from college in the middle of an economic crisis, it's been a little tough finding a position year to year. I'm so thankful that I have colleagues who value me and who want to see me succeed and grow. Let's hope I'll never have to worry about my job again.

4. Found out I'm going to be a bridesmaid.

My favorite cousin is getting married in October. The theme is vintage-Asian. I need to find off-white strappy sandals to match my fab dress.

5. Been a bad blogger.

I still haven't decided what kind of blog I want this to be. However, this was intended to be more of a personal journal for me anyway. Lifestyle-blog it is!

Let's Hear It For...

During a run with my boyfriend last week, I strayed from my usual mishmash playlist and instead, opted for a repeat of one single song: “Empire State of Mind”. Yes, I am a fan of Jay-Z. But I’m an even bigger fan of New York City.

Like many people who grow up in small towns, I had always dreamt of discovering the city that never sleeps. No doubt, those thoughts were fueled by some of my favorite movies, like “You’ve Got Mail” and “One Fine Day” – HUGE Hanks and Clooney fan, thankyouverymuch – both of which took place in Manhattan, and both of which I played and watched repeatedly. I even carried around a purse that I thought only the chicest Manhattanites wore and aptly named it my “city bag”. Granted, it was nothing more than a black shoulder bag, but it made me feel worldly nonetheless.

Well, it took me all of 23 years, but last July, I finally made it! I’d love to say that I had been planning and saving up for months/years to make that perfect trip happen, but it was all quite spontaneous. Somehow, the stars and moon aligned for me in just the right way – and I’m glad it did, because perfect can’t even begin to describe my first time in “the” city.

It’s been awhile, but my memories of NY still feel as fresh as if I were there yesterday. Here are some of my favorites:

Taking in the gorgeous surroundings of the LES while munching on rice pudding and dipping my toes in the rooftop pool of our hotel

Dining al fresco on the sidewalks of Hell’s Kitchen

Witnessing a live window display at a SOHO drag shop

Rowboating in Central Park on our 7-year anniversary

Walking under the famous arches of the Brooklyn Bridge

Singing along to the best musical ever

Watching day turn into night at the Top of the Rockefeller

Good Eats

Whenever I travel to a new city, I’m always on the lookout for something unique to eat that I can’t normally find in town. Sure I may look touristy, talk touristy, and act touristy – but I definitely make it a point to eat locally. As much as possible, I prefer not to dine at chains [although I do like Olive Garden as much as the next person], only because big cities have so much MORE to offer, especially with ethnic cuisine. And considering that Maui doesn’t have much more than Asian, local, and seafood, it’s not that hard to find something new.

The first time I ever tried Indian in Seattle, I was quite apprehensive. It was strange and unfamiliar territory, and so gosh darn… pungent. But after my first bite of garlic naan and lamb korma, needless to say, I was an instant convert! Now, just hearing the word tandoori makes me salivate. Since then, my bf and I have been on a lifelong mission to try anything and everything at least once.

Sooo many of our best travel memories revolve around what we ate. Hence, my first trip to California in March will consist of me eating my weight’s amount of new and good food. I’ve spent hours researching and Yelping various restaurants in San Francisco and I’m as equally excited to sightsee the city Condé Nast named the best for 17 years in a row, as I am to savor each morsel of delicious ethnic fare.

Here are just a few of our hope-to-eats:

Aziza – Moroccan
Burma Superstar – Burmese
Café Jacqueline – French [soufflés]
Kokkari Estiatorio – Greek
Lavash – Persian/Middle Eastern
Paulette – Macarons
Pesce – Mediterranean/Tapas

I’m still on the lookout for quaint breakfast cafes and inexpensive dim sum, but I’m sure we’ll stumble across one or two while exploring town. I secretly wish a SF local/frequenter will stop by and recommend some other local haunts. Please, do divulge!

Ten/Ten

The older we get, the quicker birthdays seem to come. Obviously the number 2-4 doesn’t appeal to me as much as, say, 2-1 did. So naturally, I begin to reflect on the year that was:

• Am I on the “right track” as far as career, relationship, finances, etc.?
• What have I accomplished that I’m proud of?
• Do I have any regrets?
• How do I feel about my job?
• Is age really JUST a number?

Okay, so I was only semi-serious about the last one. But thankfully, the answers to the rest of the questions are mostly positive:

• Career/Relationship/Finances: Check. Check. Struggling occasionally, but still in check.
• Accomplishments: Trying everyday to make the most out of my life is high up there.
• Regrets: Not spending enough time with family.
• Job: What can I say? I heart the kiddos.

All in all, I’m pleased with the verdict. And although aging feels bittersweet, I’m making up my mind to embrace another year of fresh experiences, new adventures, and happy, healthy living. Now, the only question left to ask is:

Sweet unrelenting gods, could next year’s birthday arrive just a tad bit slower??

25 Things

1. When I was young, my family nicknamed me Kitty, as in Hello Kitty. This probably explains my aversion to all things Sanrio.

2. I’ve been asked on countless occasions if I was an architect because of my handwriting.

3. However, I actually make my living as a teacher. Most days, I love my job.

4. Many of my students weigh more than me. I teach 5th grade.

5. Five [5] is my favorite number.

6. I had braces installed earlier this year. I’m 23. Late bloomer, I know.

7. I often feel lucky to have the boyfriend that I have. He is driven, successful, and overall wonderful. Seven years and counting…

8. The first time I went to the mainland was to go to San Antonio for my brother’s wedding when I was 22. Late bloomer, I KNOW.

9. Since Texas, I’ve been making up for lost time in Vegas [twice], Seattle, Portland, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and my fave: New York City.

10. On my destination wish list for 2010: California, Grand Canyon, and Australia, mate!

11. I’ve been practicing yoga for almost two years. Namaste.

12. My favorite part of any ice-cream cone is the cone itself.

13. I keep road rage to a minimum by pretending every driver on the road is a parent of one of my students. It helps.

14. I prefer fresh fruit for dessert versus cake with frosting.

15. I watch anything and everything with subtitles. Not because I can’t hear, but because I love to read.

16. If I really enjoy a DVD, I will re-watch it again with director’s commentary - and subtitles - turned on.

17. As a true Libra, I really do believe in living a balanced life. Symmetry is key.

18. I collect coins from foreign countries.

19. I plan on learning Italian or French and, one day, speaking it in its country of origin.

20. In middle school, I attempted to learn French through self-help books and tapes. This resulted in a single memorized phrase: “trois cafés et quatre bières s'il vous plait” meaning “three coffees and four beers please”. I haven’t forgotten it since.

21. I am an extremely competitive board game player. Must. Win. Every. Game.

22. I love to snorkel, but I wish I was a better swimmer.

23. How I eat a Reese’s peanut butter cup: scrape off the excess edge and top layer of chocolate. Discard. Eat peanut butter center with thin bottom layer of chocolate. Sigh in enjoyment.

24. In my world, the cup is always half-full.

25. I have never skinny-dipped.

Head First

Everyone has a voice [and a blog]. This is mine.