My journey from sandy beaches to concrete jungles

Pep in my step

Jun. 8th, 2008 at 9:44 PM

To be called someone's sweetheart makes me feel so loved, appreciated and adored.

Mood: loved
Music:"Soulmate" by Natasha Bedingfield

What a beautiful start to the weekend! I woke up to sunlight this morning. It's so good to have a break from the gloomy and cold weather we've been having the past several days. The trees in front of my front porch have the loveliest, most vibrant pink flowers.

Mood: cheerful
Music:"Hope" by Jack Johnson

Writer's Block: Happy Earth Day

Apr. 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 AM

What do you do EVERY day to take care of the earth's environment? What could you do more of?

View 500 Answers

Lately, I've just been bundling up or using my fireplace instead of using the heater at my home when I'm cold. I just about had a heart attack when I saw my February 2008 electric bill. Since that time, I've changed all the light bulbs in my house to more energy efficient CFL's, I turn off lights and other appliances/electronics that aren't in use, and I've only been doing my laundry when I can do a full load in the washer. It's definitely helped! My March utility bill was $60 lower than what it was in February!

Mood: awake
Music:"Stop and Stare" by One Republic

Tags:

Happy Go Lucky

Apr. 21st, 2008 at 11:44 AM

Despite some of the stress I've been going through lately, I'm always grateful to have friendship, love and understanding. M - you just have an amazing way of making me feel perfect the way I am and that I'm at the perfect place and time. You make me feel so happy, content and calm.

Mood: mellow
Music:"Show Me What I'm Waiting For" by Carolina Liar

Beautiful days

Apr. 13th, 2008 at 11:05 AM

The weather this past weekend was beautiful! It was warm and sunny. I got to wear my flip flops outside for a change! Spent most of Saturday running errands. Woke up early to get an oil change. Went to get a smog check done on my car. Went to the DMV to change my vehicle title/registration from CA to Oregon. Went running outside for the first time in a long time since the weather was so pleasant. Sunday, I went to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. The flowers were so pretty. Later in the day, I went to my afternoon yoga class. I'm feeling in much better than I was last week, that's for sure. I think a lot of it has to do with me finding someone that I can just talk to about anything. I feel like I don't have to sugarcoat things or feel like I have to put on a front in order to be appealing. It's also good to make a connection with someone on so many different levels. Yes, I'm smitten. We'll see how it goes...

Mood: giddy
Music:"Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis

Silver lining

Apr. 8th, 2008 at 4:43 PM

I feel so grateful at how the universe gives me exactly what I need when I truly need it. I was feeling really stressed out and beat down yesterday. By the time I got home, I just wanted to crash. Didn't feel like doing anything. Just wanted to sleep and hope that everything was better in the morning. I ended up talking with Mark for about 3 hours. I'm just so blessed to have someone like him in my life. Someone that I can confide in, who validates my feelings and also makes me feel that things aren't as bad as they seem.

Someone just tell me
That it's ok now
What are you worried about?

Got my dreams, got my life, got my love
Got my friends got the sunshine above
Why am I making this hard on myself
When there's so many beautiful reasons I have to be happy

Mood: content
Music:"Happy" by Natasha Bedingfield

Primal scream

Apr. 6th, 2008 at 11:49 AM

Haven't blogged in a while. Just been extremely stressed out by a variety of things. Issues with my car. Seems like I always seem to have car troubles at the worst possible time. I can't afford to have major repairs done right now. It sucks that this month I have to also file my taxes. That's stressful enough. Other stressors in my life are issues with my parents' house back home. Issues with who owns it and what my siblings think about my parents' decision. The house is basically mine, but I have some siblings that feel that I don't deserve to have controlling shares of the house. Either because I'm the baby of the family or that they think I just don't deserve it. I just don't like being in the middle of what my siblings want and what my parents chose in the living trust. I just hate drama. Especially family drama. I'm just trying to be calm and not let it get me down. I just hate the anxiety, tension and nervousness I feel right now. At times, I look at my hands and they're shaking.

I was going through my mom's living trust last night and I just started balling. It brought me back to the time I was in the hospital and the doctor told me that the stroke had left her brain dead. When the doctor said that, my vision started getting cloudy and I remember fainting and collapsing. Later that day, I remember the doctor asking me whether I wanted to keep her on life support. I read the part in my mom's living trust that stated that she didn't want to be kept on life support. I just sobbed and the paid and sorrow of July 4th, 2004 came rushing back to me. I just hate drama. Especially family drama. I'm just trying to be calm and not let it get me down. I just hate the anxiety, tension and nervousness I feel right now. At times, I look at my hands and they're shaking. Last night, I went to work out and it seemed to help. Tonight, I have my yoga class. Hopefully, that'll help keep me sane. I'm just trying to put a smile on my face and have hope that everything will work out fine.

Mood: stressed
Music:"Show Me What I'm Looking For" by Carolina Liar

Sniffles

Mar. 17th, 2008 at 10:46 AM

I've been trying to shrug off this cold that I've had for the past week or so. I've undoubtedly caught this cold from one of my wonderful co-workers. Thank God I already had last Thursday scheduled off. I had planned on going to get some eyeglasses, but I had to scratch that since I've been sick with a cold. I basically stayed home from Thursday to Sunday. Just watched a bunch of DVD's I've been wanting to watch. Gosh, I watched a lot of movies! No Country for Old Men, In The Valley of Elah, Bee Movie, Rendition, Things We Lost in the Fire, Gone Baby Gone, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Dan in Real Life, and Eastern Promises.

I also did my favorite thing in the world... cook. Cooking for me has always been a form of therapy. I completely forgot to take pictures! I made chicken dumpling and noodle soup (Mmmm, mmmm, good!), udon w/ tofu, shrimp, veggies and kamaboko, paprika roast chicken w/ roasted potatoes and asparagus, and good old turkey meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans. I also made some hazelnut scones, macaroons and coffeecake muffins. Yes, I went overboard. I'm feeling much better. Still a bit of the sniffles, but much better than I was last week. I even woke up this morning and did yoga for 30 mins before heading off to work.

Mood: awake

Cheshire Cat

Mar. 5th, 2008 at 8:36 PM

It's the simple things in life that really matter most. GG: Your smile brings a smile to my face! When I've had a so-so day, you bring me comfort and solace. And it's so good to have a little bit of SoCal here in Portland!

Mood: content
Music:"The End" by Matthew West

Happy Camper

Feb. 17th, 2008 at 9:33 PM

It was nice, relaxing weekend. It was warm enough that I didn't have to layer up. At one point, I even wore flip flops. Went to the Pearl District with a friend, walked around, went window shopping (Sur La Table and Powell's) and had lunch at Manzana. Went to Waterfront Park to walk some more.

My new obsession is the BBC show Torchwood. Episode 2 of the new season was awesome. After watching this episode, along w/ a horrible news story about abused cattle in Chino, California... I'm seriously thinking about becoming a vegetarian again.

I've been keeping up with my bootcamp workout classes. Whoever invented scissor situps is a cruel, cruel person.

Mood: awake

Stillness

Feb. 14th, 2008 at 8:02 PM

I'm glad the work week is over. I'm glad my 3-day weekend has started. I'm glad that I made it through some rough waters I've been treading lately. I'm glad to have felt love and friendship today, Valentine's Day. I'm just glad to be. Glad to be here and now.

Mood: mellow
Music:"Heaven" by Paul Wright

Boot camp

Feb. 11th, 2008 at 9:38 AM

So, I've been doing this bootcamp workout class every night. I definitely feel the effects. My muscles (what little of them I have right now) ache. I know all the exercises focusing on the core is working -- my ab muscles feel worked out. It's definitely helped me sleep like a baby every night. I'm usually a night owl who turns into an early bird, but lately I've been dozing off at earlier time than usual.

Mood: exhausted
Music:Pain by Three Days Grace

Blistery blustery day

Jan. 29th, 2008 at 9:36 AM

Gosh, we've been having some mighty fickle weather here in P-town. One day, it's rainy, icy conditions. The next day, it's snowing. And now today, it's terribly windy. Can we get just a regular, mild, sunny day?

Mood: cold

Slippery slope

Jan. 28th, 2008 at 2:29 PM

First rule of winter running club: Don't run with abandon on cement.

Second rule of winter running club: Don't run with abandon on cement.

This weekend, I slipped and fell on my booty after underestimating the the ground below me. The funny thing is, when I fell the first thing that crossed my mind was if anybody saw me. Not whether I had any scratches or bumps or bruises... but if anyone caught a glimpse of my mishap.

I finally got my Directv satellite dish up and running again this past Friday. I was going through Project Runway withdrawals. I'm really not that into clothes now that I've moved away from Los Angeles, but it's always fun to see the drama that unfolds when you bring together catty fashionistas in a competition.

Went on a lunch date this weekend, which went well. I think we mesh well, so we'll see how it goes. We have plans to spend time with each other this weekend, so it gives me something to look forward to at the end of this work week. =)

Mood: awake

Looking to hibernate

Jan. 24th, 2008 at 2:22 PM

Is it Friday yet? I'm so pooped. Since it's so cold and windy out, I just want to curl up in bed and watch a movie. I hope it snows this weekend. If it's gonna be this frikkin cold, it might as well snow.

Mood: tired

Technology sucks sometimes, as well as stupid people too!

Jan. 21st, 2008 at 2:04 PM

It's funny to see how technology can sometimes be such a pain. My Directv satellite dish came crashing down from the side of my building and now I'm without satellite tv. I didn't realize how addicted I am to cable tv shows. I was supposed to have a Directv installer come to my place between 1 and 5 pm on Saturday. I was out on the porch that afternoon when I heard the phone ring at about 3:15 pm. I rushed inside to answer the phone, but missed the call. It was the Directv installer. He left me a voicemail asking me to meet him at the front of my complex because he didn't know where my place is. My complex is a series of winding buildings and paths that'll make anyone lost. My place is all the way in the back. The Directv installer said that he would wait for 15-20 mins. before leaving. I drove to the front of the complex, and at 3:20 pm, there was nobody there. Needless to say, I was really frustrated that I wasted 3 1/2 hrs of my weekend afternoon waiting for something that never happened. I know have to wait about another week to get this darn satellite dish installed. Argh. Thank God for Netflix.

The cherry on top of the technology breakdown sundae was my broadband service. I love the customer service I get through Verizon Wireless. But the customer service I get for my residential and broadband service gets on my nerve. One of my biggest pet peeves is when you call a company and you are transferred to 3 different people in order to get your problem heard and addressed. Each time I spoke to someone, I had to verify my name, phone number, address...not to mention having to repeat my broadband issue each time. So frustrating. And I could tell that I was calling some call center abroad. I called 3 separate times over the weekend to try to get my broadband service fixed over the phone. Final outcome after hours spent calling Verizon over the weekend to try to get my broadband issue fixed? They have to send me a brand new modem.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Just smile and now that this too shall pass.

Mood: annoyed

On ice

Jan. 16th, 2008 at 3:09 PM

It's been hella cold here in Portland the past 2 days. The past 2 mornings, I've had to drive gingerly to work because it's been icy on the roads. I wish it would just get warmer. I wanna be able to wear my flip flops again!

I've been considering the prospect I've moving to the Seattle area. I have so many relatives on my mom's side of the family that reside in the Seattle area. Growing up, I never really knew them because I rarely saw them (since they lived on the mainland and I lived in Hawaii), except for parties to celebrate anniversaries and weddings. They all know me, but I rarely know them. Lately, I've been wanting to develop closer ties with them. Over the past month, me and some relatives here in Portland have been driving up to Sea-Tac for weekend get-togethers with them. It was really nice being part of a big gathering of family members. The sound of various conversations going on, home cooked food, laughter, playing with nephews and nieces. Learning more about my family history. Learning more about how beautiful my mom was. Learning how loved she was because of all the selfless acts of love and kindness she displayed throughout her life. At times, trying to remember and keep track of the branches in the family tree is daunting. My mom's side of the family is so huge. It's so funny...when I first went up there a couple months ago, with some relatives I didn't recognize, we had to go through the whole bloodline to see how we were related, etc. It makes me feel blessed to know that even after my mom's death, I have so many others in my life that love me, care about me, and want me to be part of their lives.

Mood: content

Resolutions

Jan. 14th, 2008 at 4:20 PM

Since November, I've been totally slacking when it comes to keeping a regular workout routine. I've worked out here and there, but it's been so hard to try to keep active the past couple months. My grandma has been visiting since November. When she hasn't been cooking home cooked meals for me and my other relatives, we've been going out to eat. We've also been making weekend treks to visit family members in Seattle/Tacoma and in Vegas during her time her in Portland. My resolution is to get back in the habit of working out and eating healthier! Health and fitness is such an LA thing and I have it ingrained in me now. I miss my Bally workout partner and friend Lisa! I miss going to the gym with her every morning before work and seeing her later in the morning at the office. It's hard to believe that I used to be a vegetarian and ate mostly salads and protein shakes and smoothies. I started working out this morning and it definitely helped. Woke up early, dragged my butt out of bed and worked out. I'm also taking an evening yoga class during the week to help de-stress. I'm also excited that I can workout using my new ipod touch! What an awesome gadget! That's all for now, folks! Happy New Year!

Mood: good

Boo-hoo!

Jan. 10th, 2008 at 2:58 PM

Well, my grandma flew home today. It was so nice having her here. It was nice having an older member of the family around for the past month and a half. I've always been an old soul. When I was a kid, I used to enjoy hanging out with the older members of my family (aunts, uncles, grammas, grampas) then with cousins around my age. Thankfully, she'll be visiting Portland again in April. We have yet another family get-together in Seattle.

Mood: mellow

Gramma's are good

Jan. 7th, 2008 at 4:17 PM

My grandma has been visiting Portland for the past month and a half. It's been nice having her around. She's just a good calming balance and it's so easy to talk to her. She's non-judgmental and she doesn't care about the petty or materialistic things in life. It's also been nice having her here because of her cooking. When she goes back to Hawaii later this week, I'm gonna have to revv up my diet and exercise regime. I've been slacking. I wish she could stay longer though. She seems to love it out here because it's a nice escape from all of the drama that's back in Hawaii. When you live on an island, it seems like people having nothing better to do than to gossip about others, especially family members. I guess that's why I like living on the mainland so much. I keep telling my cousin that we should have her move here...

This weekend, I'm off to Tacoma again. Another family get-together. My cousin's baby's first birthday.

Mood: content

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