fine and dandy and california

I'll try to say some stuff about my trip as hard as I could. Those who have seen my Facebook pictures at least have an idea how it went. We were with old people obviously and that made it extra funny because B and I were considered extra special. But anyway, I'm also having fun being back in New York. The school is fine, I got into an Art class and it's gonna be fun trying to draw as fcking best as I could. And work is fun! I already miss my workmates. I hitched a ride with someone yesterday on my way to work and he told me, "I've never met anyone complaining about going to work late." Well that's me, you know. And anyway it's freezing here, morning classes were cancelled today because of the snowstorm, I'm lucky it's a Wednesday.

On another note, California is heaven for sun lovers like me. Perfect weather, perfect everything else. And for Filipinos like me, it's like you're in the Philippines. They have this city they call Little Manila, and you can go out at 3 in the morning and eat Goto or Tapa. They also have a place like Kokoy's Grille where you can eat Adobo anything. We also had breakfast one time at Chowking and I bought my mom pastillas from both Red Ribbon and Goldilocks. They have Seafood City, a grocery store as big as Rustan's Supermarket in the Philippines. We don't have that here in New York. Philippine stores here are as small as any ordinary deli in the neighborhood. And I won't forget Jollibee! There's not one but a couple of stores around. Crispylicious! =)

Goto. =)

I tried the famous In-N-Out Burger from the West, and my favorite Jamba Juice and although the city isn't as hectic as it is in New York, San Fran's still good. The Crooked Avenue, the ups and downs in the road, the cable car, the bay itself, and other good stuff like going up the hills and taking a view of the whole San Francisco. I also noticed the diversity in California where Whites are no longer the majority of the population, hopefully people would mix because something's not right with exclusivity. I get it, people of different races have different backgrounds but hopefully in the long run, differences could all be weaved together. 

Pictures!

And I won't forget my plane trip on my way back home. I crush my seatmate! He looks like Paolo Nutini. We talked and I learned he's from Brooklyn and he came from Utah from the Sundance Film Festival and he was talking about how he misses his dog and that he's finally gonna rest after parties of selling himself. He's a writer and when we weren't talking yet, he had this sketchpad where I think he writes his poems or something. I love one-time magic! Ha ha. We didn't ask for each other's names. We just talked trying not to bore ourselves out of the five hour flight from Phoenix to New York. 

Until next time. I will travel solo again sooon! (i hope)

Californized

I will forever remember my amazing trip to California. I will work on the details the following days or weeks, who knows. I'm just a little tired from my flight that I skipped school today. Way to start a year, definitely. I already skipped 2 school days including yesterday which totally slipped my mind. But that's okay. I'm still in denial I know but I'll face reality in a few.

Meanwhile, I'm back to being a good girl.

january january

January sounds so... early. Like it's always a beginning (DUH). I just feel something about January, like I should be happy, I don't know why.  And I don't want the spirit of the New Year to totally fade because it might pull me down and bring me back to the place where I was weeks ago so I am packing tonight for my flight tomorrow morning to someplace bright and sunny!

Anyway, this is just to say that since I don't have enough time for a decent post, I'll just write that I promise to be more positive this year. I'll make no list of resolutions, just a single vow to rub off pessimism and just bring in more positive energy as much as possible. From this day forward, I'll try to be giddy and excited and not passive or useless or dull. If ever shit happens, which happens most of the time, I'll just let it pass and not meddle on it too much. Go ME!

So since I'll be tripping for two weeks, I won't be able to update. But I'll be right back just in time for school with a better and brighter outlook!

Hello, DC

It was only in the past two years did I decide to travel the world. After being a fan of Amazing Race, I could only wish to visit the many famous cities around the globe. I know it will definitely cost me a lot but I have really decided to mark as much cities as possible because it would absolutely be priceless. In a rate of 1 to 10, I know I am not even qualified to say I reached point 1 yet because I think I am still in .2 when it comes to traveling. I'm not even halfway there.

So to start, I am planning to visit the states of America before I could eventually cover the other parts of the world. But you know which is on my top list? Spain. I'd rather visit Spain than be in France. I don't know, it's maybe because I took Spanish in the Ateneo. It made me appreciate Spain's rich heritage, culture and the other medieval monuments. The thought of it makes me really excited.

Last weekend, the family visited Virginia, where we had a tour in DC and where some of my relatives live. It was actually unplanned but it went well and I had fun. Visiting DC has a touch of European feel on it because of the building's architectures and motorcycles.


Really. And I was even shocked to see several joggers running only in their boxers and iPods. I wanted to take a picture of them but I was afraid they won't let me. I mean, why would it be such a big deal, eh? So I just let it pass and embraced the really warm temperature. I loved the weather! It was sunny and spring is around the corner, awaiting sakura (cherry blossoms) trees' full bloom. Too bad I can't be there when it happens.

The people obviously loved the temperature. People were playing Frisbee, sheriffs in horses and there was even a rally going on, saying "Support Our Troops". I also liked this scene:

they were like on a race to the White House. LOL. I just loved everything. I was observing and the thought of this "immersion" thing going on was completely overwhelming.

The Capitol was great too.

And of course, the White House. Who would forget? Completely covered in trees, with the tightest security possible, the White House was intriguing I would have crossed the gate and run towards the building itself. But I know it is impossible with the invisible fence and all the modern securities there is. I felt like I was, yet again in the movies, in an action movie this time, where the White House will be attacked by the bored radicals. And I'd be like, "aaaaah". Ha ha ha!

Overall, it was really overwhelming. I can't find another adjective to describe it. Being there, doing those things and experiencing another change in a daily routine: priceless. I wish I could do it more often.

My favorite pictures from the album? That would be...

the scary picture of the Verrazano Bridge

and my paparazzi photo!

Buses and Trains

You may find this weird but I take pleasure on the occasions that I have to take the bus and train to school. Seriously. It is something that I look forward to on a daily basis since in my case, I have to do it often- because I can't drive yet. Everyday, there's a chance of seeing different kinds of people, hearing different languages and giving flirty stares. *wink

Let me tell you how I do it. Every morning, I walk at 1015am to the bus stop, greeting the mailman in the process and walking past two middle-aged jogging women. When I reach the bus stop, often times, I am the only one waiting so I switch my iPod on, shuffling the music. During this time, I check my world clock and smile when I see Manila time. I'd think people could still be up by then, procrastinating or maybe listening to Magic 89.9's Boy's Night Out. When the bus arrives, I'd flash my smile to the driver with a sweet "Good morning" greeting. He'd greet me too and would sometimes give a comment about the weather. I love this kind of atmosphere in the States. It's like very, uhm, friendly.

When I reach the train station, the bus driver would leave me with "Have a Nice Day," after I thank him for the ride. And guess what, I'd always smile after. It's like I feel happy every time I say something nice. Like I did something really good when I know it's something common in Americans. The frequent "How are you doing?"s and "Have a Nice Day"s.

And after buying a ticket from a ticket machine, I'd wait before the trains open their doors so passengers could get in. With music still playing in my ears, I'd buy coffee from Dunkin' Donuts or the one from the Deli, whichever interests me then I'd pick a newspaper from the newsstand. Sometimes, I'd skip the latter if my dad already bought one. Sitting on benches, I'd frequently watch the other commuters, sometimes hustling, others with their kids in tow and the best part is- whenever I'd spot cute guys around the corner mostly alone also waiting. I'd feel like I'm in this movie, a romantic one at that, and in a minute will be meeting this blue eyed hottie whom I've given an extra long stare. Ha ha ha ha. I'm telling you, it is really funny when you are in search of something that could possibly change your daily routines a little bit.

I actually saw this guy twice this week and I know it was him because of the familiar green jacket and the brown hair. How I'd wish I'd see him again next week and would only hope that we'd be in the same car again. I noticed him the first time when he was on the way to buy a ticket while I was sitting on a bench. I found him cute but was even more delighted when we were on the ramp, waiting for the train doors. I was dying to talk to him. My only mistake was going right when he went left. When we separated, I looked back and I swear to all supreme beings, I saw him look back as well.

When I finally reach my station, I'd take another bus again or if it has left me, hail a taxi. This is the only thing that makes my day a bit worse because if the train ran slower than usual, the delay would have me running to the bus station, hoping the bus driver wouldn't leave me behind. But the thing is, punctuality is sometimes nasty. The bus would leave me even though I'm near its rear end.

A few kilometers away, I'd reach school just in time for lunch or the usual turning in of Statistics homeworks. Then the day would go on until the end of my last class. Don't worry, I get picked up in the afternoon so I don't have to walk another mile again. Ha ha.

Anyway, I'd keep the other details to myself. All I know is that commuting is something fun, in sharp contrast with how I felt back in the Phil. Don't ask why. For the next days, I'd just keep on delighting myself with the small surprises of buses and trains before I step into doing the driving itself.

I'm back!

I guess I have been hiding in the open for long. Ha ha. I was too preoccupied by work, yeap, I am working and it has been making me busy and has been stopping my online visits. I am working as a ride operator in an amusement park in Long Island. It was really tough at first since it was the very first time I ever worked in my life I had to be absent the day after. Ha ha. My body was too tired to work but then I got used to it in the process and now I am enjoying it. Today is an exception though because I had to skip work for reasons I really loathe. Screw Ateneo regcom! Ha ha. They stole hours of work from me which could give me bucks!

Anyway, I was also able to visit New York City and it was really a memorable experience. I won't go into details but you can visit my multiply for pictures. Log in since it's exclusive to my contacts only.

If you are asking how am I doing here in New York, pretty much the same though but I am earning dollars this time. Ha ha. We have TFC at home and my mom cooks Filipino meals so everything is sort of the same but not the climate and the fact that I am working. I am beginning to love it that I might not want to go back home...not! Ha ha.

In fact, I am really excited to come back to the Philippines. Aside from missing my friends much, I am also anticipating independence. I'll be getting a unit in Burgundy all be myself and it would really be exciting to own something for yourself. That would be really fun. Crash anytime! Bring food and give me company. Ha ha! And I also love the fact that our subjects now will be more specific, like Accounting, Law and Economics unlike the high school-y subjects we had last two semesters.

I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am really hoping for a really fun school year now and I also want to get higher grades this time. Good luck again to me.

Trivia: Of all places, I didn't know I'd get really tan here! But working under the sun seems fine since it's giving me hefty rewards. Let me just say I earned my first Php10 thou if you convert my earnings into Philippine peso. Nice! Ü