Wednesday, January 28, 2009

whirlwind

Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What a whirlwind of events and thoughts..

First of all, despite being SUPER dramatized by money, I feel that my life is actually in a very good place right now. For the moment, I am actually sitting back, realizing that I am virtually happy and satisfied with the way things are going.

I think part of it is that I cleaned up a lot today... I rearranged a few pieces of furniture, I sold a few books and movies to the used book store ($15! ^o^ haha), I sold my Wii (yes, sad to see it go but I needed the money more), and I've posted other various frivolous belongings for sale online to further save money and finally get ahead. I applied for a few places for a second job, and hopefully I get a response from one.. I would really like to have extra spending money and really earn something for myself, you know?

Now, moving on.. I know I've complained a lot about JJ's job and not being able to spend enough time with him.. but now I realize it's okay. We both have to make sacrifices to be able to enjoy the time we DO have together, and his job is actually pretty great (depending on how you look at it haha).. He makes a decent paycheck on a weekly basis.. it's not a stressful job at all (except for when he gets super tired).. especially compared to his previous place of employment.. I think the biggest downfall is the location. He DOES travel quite a bit to get there, and in traffic, it can really suck.

And I'm learning how to take advantage of the time I have without him. I can really get a lot done (no offense baby) and feel much more accomplished with my life. Plus, I'm back to reading again! =D Right now, I'm actually reading 2 different books at a time.. two very different stories though.. Just for a change of pace from time to time.

The first book is Bookends by Jane Green. I've already read it, but it's the first time I've opened it since I last put it down 3 1/2 years ago. It truly feels like a new book -- all that reminds me that it's not is all the highlights I did back in 2005.

The second book is All Families Are Psychotic by Douglas Coupland. It's pretty interesting so far. Honestly I picked it up simply for the title and a quick scan of the blurb. It was definitely a great idea and I'm glad I paid the entire $1 for it at the book store ;)

Although I wouldn't readily admit it to my family anytime within the next decade, I'm actually considering taking classes for culinary arts. I'm still going to stick with pharmacy because it's a great profession (plus it makes you hate people.. which I believe gives you character and a different outlook on life in general -- and not always in the negative "I hate the world" type of way either) and it's a great backbone too.. Okay okay, what I mean to say is there's money in pharmacy.

But despite knowing that I'll be financially secure being a professional, PharmD drug dealer, I would really like to pursue an education of (if not a career in) baking and/or restaurant management. I know I'm a qualified leader-type, I have a passion for baking and cooking (well, I'm getting there haha), and... it's always been a dream of mine. But then again, isn't that what half of us daydream about anyway?

"It's always been a dream of mine to someday run...
... a restaurant"
... a bookstore"
... a coffee shop"
... my own car shop / garage"

"It's always been a dream of mine...
... to live happily ever after".


Nevertheless, I still would like to have the opportunity to make it come true. Not necessarily even in the next 15 years.. but someday. I am also aware that an opportunity like that isn't just going to just hand itself to me. I will need the experience, education, and money to do so.

So I want to start from the bottom and work my way up. And for that I also need time.. and what time better than now. Like I said, it's been a whirlwind of a day.. lots of thinking, lots of rearranging, lots of change. But most of all, lots of progress.. yes, they're all little baby steps, but there have definitely been steps towards a better future. So, for the time being, I'm virtually happy and satisfied with my life.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Laidback Type of Sunday

Sunday, January 25, 2009
Well... JJ had work, I'm pretty broke, so what better to do but bake!

I had limited resources (read: every recipe I wanted to try, I was short ONE ingredient!!) so I resorted to good ol' chocolate cupcakes. I had some extra frosting left over from two different baking days so I used some food coloring and made some very vibrant pink and green strawberry whipped cream frosting!

Anyway, this entry is better expressed in pictures, not words.


Photobucket



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Birthday Wishlist

Okay Okay... I have 2 months and 1 day til my birthday... but I'm kinda sorta already shopping... lol

well, here's my birthday wishlist ;)



hand mixer (sur la table)


decorating bags plus tips (sur la table)


Cre8tive Peeples (urban outfitters)


Amongst Friends Neon belt (digitalgravel.com)















freshly baked (johnny cupcake)

















'Creativity' women's tshirt (digitalgravel.com)













Shirred V-Neck Sweater in green (twelvebytwelve.com)


Converse All-Star Slip-On - Natural (journeys)


Apron (merrymartini.com)

and, because a girl can wish...


a KitchenAide Nickel Pearl Pro 600 Stand Mixer... currently on sale for $399 @ Sur La Table LOL

Getting Old

Is this a sign of getting old? That going out for dinner now means popping up the road to a comfortable, cozy local restaurant? That I never have to even consider making an effort with my clothes? That not only am I always home by eleven o'clock, but that if I weren't I might die of exhaustion?

-Bookends
, Jane Green

Every time JJ doesn't have work, I usually stay home and either stumble along the web, watch a movie, bake, clean, or flip between Food Network, BBCA, TLC, and HGTV. Most people would find this horrifying and/or depressing... but I actually don't mind it. Well, sometimes I DO get antsy and wish I had gone out, but by the time I get into bed, I'm pretty satisfied. On the nights when JJ is home, I do enjoy going out.. mostly because I feel like I don't want to miss the opportunity for an adventure with him.. but then again, I absolutely love our movie nights. I think I am getting old though. I guess we've got our local spots - definitely have a breakfast spot (with the same orders every time).. DEFINITELY have a favorite late-night Mexican food joint.. we have a few local bars, but they're about 20 minutes away. And one of my favorite things to do IN the area is just browse through the used book store.

Yeah... getting old = getting comfortable... which some people could interpret as being boring.. but I think I'm getting used to it and actually loving it. =)

Friday, January 23, 2009

hobbies and pasttimes

Friday, January 23, 2009
Recently I've become re-addicted (new word) to baking. I always loved making cookies, but I've "graduated" to cupcakes. I think my favorite was the red velvet cupcakes I made for JJ's birthday... It's a lot of work, but I absolutely love the turn out.. even if it isn't the best looking.

But in the midst of my cupcake Monster craze, I've pushed off one of my other hobbies. I stopped scrapbooking.. and I think I need to get back to that. There's a lot of memories I've overlooked simply because they aren't as milestone-esque type of events... They're just the typical "Wednesday night off so let's go to Chinatown" events.. or even just relaxing at Franco's house... but we still took PLENTY of pics, and still laughed a LOT...

So this is just a blog to remind myself that, while baking and learning how to slowly become a professional (through trial and error of course) is so much fun, I need to stay rooted to my other passions as well.

Sooooo.... this weekend I think I'm going to work on my studio in the basement. We have an extra room that looks like it used to be a workshop (thank you, past owners!) I've already cleaned it up a lot, but it needs some scrubbing on the floors, and since the flooding, we've pushed a lot of our basement junk into that room.


Things I'm planning on improving in that room:
  • Bring in a couple extension cords.. I think there's only 2 outlets
  • Toss out all the junk!
  • Fix the cabinets
  • Buy more organizational equipment woo hoo! trip to iKea! ;)

      • Buy new printer ink [* 16 / 26 *]
      • Scrub the floors!
      • Eventually repaint the walls. well.. I'll let JJ do this ;)
I think that's pretty much it. It's mostly just a lot of cleaning involved. But I'm definitely glad I have the day off =)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

fresh!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009
So I got my eyebrows done today... and I absolutely LOVE the outcome...

Before:


AFTER:



The best part -- it was $4! Best deal I've ever gotten on pampering myself =) I absolutely love getting my brows threaded... and a new salon just opened up less than a mile away from my house! I'm definitely not using my car to get there at all once it gets warm out... PLUS there's a nail salon even CLOSER...

I'm going to possibly be getting a haircut soon... and a mani/pedi... Franco agreed to come with me sometime soon (SWEET!!)... Oh I'm excited... now all I need is to lose my ever-so-lovable belly haha

Saturday, January 17, 2009

philippines.

Saturday, January 17, 2009
I've only been to the Philippines once.. and stayed for only 2 weeks..
Lola Precy comes to visit once a year and usually stays about a month..
Lolo Pete comes to visit once a year (if even that) and stays about a week and a half...

We rarely see each other, we rarely talk to each other, but these are my two MOST favorite people in the world.. I love them so much and miss them even more..

I don't think they realize how much I love them.. that when I say it, I'm just saying it because they're back in town... But every time they leave, or every time I see pictures of the Philippines from my other cousins who meet up with them, I cry... I cry because I miss them so much and wish I was there... I wish I lived so much closer to them... I wish I had enough MONEY to visit them more often...

Lolo Pete has emphysema and his doctors say he shouldn't fly for long periods of time anymore..

That's why we're having the big Catholic wedding in the Philippines.. I want Lolo Pete there... and Lola Precy of course...

To be honest, if it wasn't for them, I'd settle for just the courthouse wedding... I'm sticking to the tradition just for them.

I wish I could save up money to see them this summer.. but we'll see... too many bills to pay, too much debt to reconcile first... =(

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

miss busy bee

Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It's JJ's 23rd birthday tomorrow, and THANK GOD I have a day off today.. (even though I feel soo lethargic - due to the biting winter weather)

I have much to do, including shopping, bills to pay (so I don't worry about it this weekend), and BAKING!

His birthday mini cakes:


Red Velvet Cupcakes =)
*Thanks to Recipe Girl for this picture

So far, I've gathered all my ingredients except for a few garnishes, which I'm picking up later this evening... Oh, trips to JoAnn Fabrics... how I love thee...

Also on today's agenda, I gotta buy JJ a gift, which I'll probably order online. I HAD ordered a DVD from him, along with my David Foster & Friends DVD... and I am STILL waiting for this order to come in... ugh. So I'll probably just find a new gift to give him... I know he's been wanting a few items for his car (there's a list in the basement that he's been keeping. I am definitely stealing it -wink-)

I'm paying my bills online this very moment (I love online bill pay as well lol)... so hopefully the rest of the day goes just as productively (new word lol)

Part of me wants to get a 2nd job, but at the same time, I love this free time I have to just catch up with my own life... The whole idea of "penciling in" my schedule sounds so cliche, but it's such a vital part of my month / week / day / moment that I'm pretty sure I'd go insane if I didn't do so.

Ah well, at least everything will be organized and smooth for this weekend (ha. yeah right)...


Sunday, January 11, 2009

cabin fever.

Sunday, January 11, 2009
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!


IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
When It Started - The Strokes "Why oh why.. I don't know" lol

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Forgive them Father - Lauryn Hill
"Beware the false motives of others Be careful of those who pretend to be brothers" - wow.. kinda harsh :(

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Such Great Heights - Postal Service
"Everything looks perfect from far away" haha

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
You Could Have It So Much Better - Franz Ferdinand
"Now there's some grinning goon on my TV screen" -- aww... it's the filipino Journey dude. haha
"The last message you sent said I looked really down
That I oughtta come over and talk about it Well I wasn't down I just wasn't smiling at you"

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Professional Rockstar (from the SuperRad / Phanta C + Joey G)
no lyrics needed. ;)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Blood to Bleed - Rise Against
"Still I wait with a hope inside of me" - yeah.. it's hard for me to let go of things when they're over lol

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Nothing Better - Postal Service
"Tell me am I right to think that there could be nothing better"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Crazy - Ne-yo w' Jay-Z I wrote your name on my wall 3000 times last night You were on my mind Then one by one i went down the line Just repeating it Cause it makes me smile
- guess JJ's on my mind a lot haha


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS?
This Boy - Franz Ferdinand
I see losers losing everywhere - hahahaha... no way. I love my friends. :)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
They Can't Save Us Now - Kill Hannah
So this is how it feels to be insane, the world looks like a movie always playing"
yeah... kinda morbid...

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
The Unlocking - The Roots "Bend over bitch, you know this is what you were born for" hahahahahahah

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Nobody - Ne-yo
So supernatural, for real, a crazy style and sex appeal - oh yes... haha

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
I'll Be Loving You Forever - NKOTB
I'll be loving you forever, just as long as you want me to be
All this love is for you

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Why Does She Stay - Ne-Yo (hahaha)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Alone, Together - The Strokes (aw too bad the actual song isn't right completely fitting)
" I am with you, now I've got to explain Things they have changed in such a permanent way Life seems unreal, can we go back to your place"

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
For Once In My Life - Michael Buble (OMG! that would be awesome... and make people cry lol)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
New Slang - The Shins
I'd 'a jumped from my tree And I'd a danced like the king of the eyesores And the rest of our lives would 'a fared well.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Single - NKOTB
hmm.. big secret on this one would be that everytime this plays when I'm by myself, I sing at the top of my lungs haha

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Title & Registration - Death Cab
Behind its doors there's thing to keep my fingers warm; and all I find are souvenirs from better times" --> pretty much something bad that could happen...

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Let's Fall In Love - Nat King Cole --> ha.. this love is killing me... (lame)
Let's close our eyes
And make our own paradise
Little we know of it
Still we can try
To make a go of it

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Sexify My Love - NKOTB
Forget about tomorrow, right now we could have forever tonight
--hmm... one thing I regret is wasting so much time? pretty true..

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Paper Wings - Rise Against
I'm looking at you now
and I can't tell if you're laughing
between each smile there's a tear in your eye

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Busted - Matchbox 20
I dreamed that the world was crumbling down
We sat on my back porch and watched it
I dreamed that the buildings all fell down
We sat on my back porch and watched it

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Blue Eyes - Cary Brothers
I just wanna sing a song with you
I just wanna be the one that's true
-- cute song... never heard it before haha

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Anywhere But Here - Rise Against
I'm so tired and turned around and scared
And I'm lying in empty beds again
I'll wait for you to come

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
A Little Bit Cooler - The Cool Kids (hahaha)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
3am - Matchbox 20
She says baby,
It's 3am ; I must be lonely
When she says baby
Well I can't help but be scared of it all sometimes
Says the rain's gonna wash away, well I believe it.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

motivation

Saturday, January 10, 2009
So, I've come to realize that I haven't been motivated to do much lately... I mean, there's a lot to do, and I'm glad I was able to accomplish some of my short-term goals (cleaning the basement, getting a pedicure, getting my eyebrows re-threaded, etc), but I have this huge urge to do something big...

((LIST TIME!!))

Things to Do for 2oo9:

*side note: I'm sure this list will be constantly growing
  • Buy a DSLR
  • Go to CA to visit Dennis ;; then road trip to LV
  • Finish my scrapbook / craft room
  • Organize and frame all my pictures --> then hang everything.
  • Organize my bookshelf --> time to sell some of these or pass them on...
  • Drive JJ's car + learn how to race ;)
  • New Scrapbook: Desserts!
  • Blog more often.
  • Architectural Boat Tour
  • New Blog: Coolest places to eat around Chicago
  • VISIT ALLISON!!
  • 3 canvases - 3 graffiti tags
  • Sox game w' JJ and the Usuals
  • Visit Kuya Rico / Kuya Rob / Toronto
  • Buy a RipStik
  • Hotel hopping ;)
  • Get JJ a folding bike so we can ride in the city together!
  • Become a professional baker **complete with all necessary tools... a.k.a. BUY BAKING TOYS!! :D


GOD I can't wait til the summer!!! I have a feeling this winter is going to be a very, very long one. =(
 
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