| Mar 20, 2010 |
| Spring Cleaning |
Welcome spring! Since my last post, I have been so effing busy...returning from Oz, totally missing it. Longing for it. Not being able to concentrate on anything else, but at the same time coming back to my craziest 2 weeks of the year for work, AND to top it off...the Olympics! Since it was a once in a lifetime event, I decided to spend those two weeks like I was still on vacation. Party after party, drinking, and more drinking...NO working out...I definitely did a number to my body. =(
Then after that, it was off to Toronto for business and always pleasure! More partying, more drinking. The past month of travel and excess finally caught up to me while in Toronto and I got sick. Ten days, later and I'm still not 100% but getting there! So it's time. Spring cleaning.
I spent this weekend cleaning my condo, and just purging my closets. Criteria for removal include any one of the following:
1. If it doesn't fit anymore (mostly too big...this was a nice ego-boost) lol;
2. If it's more than 2 years old (even if it is a favorite...2 years man...time to let go);
3. If I can't find the matching pair (socks) - someone tell me why I even bothered to keep the single one? Did I think it would magically reappear?!?!
48 hours later, the (almost) end result included:
- 4 garbage bags full of clothes for charity (this makes me feel good b/c they are mostly work clothes and they will be going to a charity called Dress for Success which helped disadvantaged women looking to get back in the workforce);
- a clean closet with some room to move (let's see how long this lasts);
- my dresses and sweaters taking residence in the guest room closet (my apologies to future guests)
I feel good. Let's see how long this lasts! But isn't it crazy how even after all that purging, I still feel like I need to do more? I only tackled the clothes, but I still have papers, dvds, and under the beds to conquer. But one step at a time, right?
Next step: The shoe closet. God be with me on this one. |
| posted by cristina @ 9:23 PM |
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| Feb 7, 2010 |
| i will pack my life with great memories. |
Wharf 3. Manly. The Corso. Coles.
Reunited.
Falling at my knees.
Daytrippers.
Circular Quay. Homebase.
Bliss Collision semi-reunion.
Tim Tam’s.
Lemon Lime & Bitters. Pimms & Ginger Ale. Ginn Garden.
Grey Goose shaken over ice with lime and sugar.
I hate you, Debbie.
Mercy fights. You will always win. SON OF A B**CH, SON OF A B**CH.
The Argyll.
In 5, 6, 7, 8...
Cristina…let me LEAD!
“Irisss?….” No.
How do they dance in Riyadh?
So…do you have boyfriends? Jesus Alex.
Hungry Jacks with my boos. There’s ice cream on your faces.
Crowne Plaza Surfer(s) Paradise. The perfect view.
Head massage + planning = I am so happy right now.
Inside voices.
Broadbeach.
Reminds me of South Beach.
Excuse me, can you please take our picture? (that’s how CP does it)
Byron Bay. Jetboat. Snorkelling. Open Waters. Kiwi & German.
Backward wetsuits.
Swimming with the turtles!
Driving/navigating from the left.
Omg…we’re going to watch RF!!!!!
Bed jumps.
Wingman nights. Surf’s up, nerves up, stood up! Amazing feeling.
Tennis in scorching sun, tennis in the storm.
Australian Open. William Sisters. RF. Go Red and White!
Markymoo is not embarrassed at ALL.
Academy award winning performances…on the train.
Melbourne nights. Supper club. Alice in Wonderland bar. New friends. Baraki. More Hungry Jacks. Epic.
Alexes, Nicks, and Matts.
Dim sum. Learning Australian lingo. Wheelies at the Docklands.
Pop quiz / Q&A period.
F**k, Kill, Marry.
Grafitti alley.
Slapping Bart’s ass.
Modern art in the shape of fire extinguishers.
Musical chairs in the red room.
Sushi in suits. Or is that suits having sushi?
Chips that taste like poultry.
I’m a cat, you’re a cat. Let’s be cats together. Damn cats.
I’m going to be so devo because I’ll be povo after this trip.
Perni. Mork. Dialated.
Iris, thank you for my pillow.
The shitty beach. Chapel Street.
Uggs mission.
Singkil rehearsal.
AO finals. Mmmm-hmmm. Socks with open toed shoes.
Body pump.
Ring of Fire. Possoms. New experiences.
Late night crashing waves.
Tosca. Sydney Opera House. Double fisting. Where are our dates?
Wedges with Sour Cream and Sweet Chili.
Darling Harbour. Star City. Like Vegas, but not.
Why are you singing that song?
Whatever Wednesday.
Breakfast buffet. Egg and fruit stash.
Harbour Bridge walk.
Dinner on Etihad. Amani. The Ivy. Pool Bar. Isabella and Lola.
Mojos with the Australipinos.
The closest I’ll get to Saudi.
Broken luggage.
Dinner with the parents. She just wants my egg.
Apritada, Mami, Rice….BETTER than home!
Electrical storms.
Thank you for the epic memories.
I saw this on the luggage tag from our hotel in Melbourne, called the Mantra on Little Bourke. "I WILL PACK MY LIFE WITH GREAT MEMORIES." That will be MY mantra.Labels: me, travel |
| posted by cristina @ 12:27 AM |
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| Jan 18, 2010 |
| down under |
T minus 24 hours and I will be on a plane from SFO to Australia!!! This has been one of those trips I’ve dreamt of for a long time…and I’m so excited it’s finally becoming a reality! When I went to Europe in the summer I planned EVERYTHING…that’s me. A planner. It was an adventurous trip, lots to see and do. Almost too much. Tiring at times, both mentally and physically. But this time’s been different. I didn’t plan much. I know where we’re flying to and when, and where we’re going to sleep at night. I know when we’re going to the Australian Open. But other than that, my attitude towards this trip has been ‘whatever’ – take things as they come. Very unlike me, but there is an excitement (or is that anxiety?) that is in the air and I can’t wait! RELAXATION. That will be my theme.
Of course, despite not 'planning', there are a few things on my list of things I would love to do:
- Snorkel with a sea turtle
- Surf (or attempt to surf) for the first time and hopefully not get my ass kicked TOO badly
- Kiss an Australian boy (or two...lol!)
- See a kangaroo. Hug a koala.
- Watch an Australian sunrise (after all…it’s the first place in the world the day begins)
Five things. That’s doable, right? The rest...we will take as they come. Most of all, I’m just looking forward to experience this all with my NSG. It’s gonna be a topsy turvy time down under, and I can’t wait to soak it all in (and out).Labels: travel |
| posted by cristina @ 9:44 PM |
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| Dec 30, 2009 |
| one resolution. |
It’s not just the end of a year…it’s the end of a decade. Whoa.
A friend posted a note on fb summing up the memorable events of the past ten years beautifully…how does one do that? One thing about the past ten years – I have lost memory cells. I can barely remember what I did last week let alone years ago. But I do remember how things were ten years ago at this time…
I was living in Toronto. I was in a relationship with someone who (at the time) could have been ‘The One’. I was living the life I wanted. I had a good job, one which I thought would be a career. I surrounded myself with great friends, both near and far.
While in some respects, things seemed so different, they aren’t really. Except for the fact that I’m now back in Vancity, and I haven’t found ‘The One’ – the landscape remains the same. But the one big difference is – ME. I have changed…grown and developed into a new, more worldly, me. I can honestly say, I am happy with who I am now, and who I have become.
I have many resolutions in my head – some which I know will be broken. But the one I will keep is this: To keep growing. Keep learning. Keep making resolutions, day after day. Not just the first day of the year. So what if some are broken? Some will be kept too. Be happy. Be sad. Don’t dwell. Move forward. Have faith…maybe take a leap of faith. Appreciate life. LIVE life. Be confident, but be humble. Laugh. Love. Ah…LOVE. Give love. Find love. Accept love. And have faith that I will find him and he will be perfectly imperfect for me.
Yes, I know that is more than ‘one’ resolution but it’s all relative.
One year ago today, I posted my 'one' resolution/mantra for 2009: I am the leading lady of my life story. I think I did a pretty good job at keeping that one, so I am hopeful about this one.
HAPPY NEW DAY, NEW YEAR, AND NEW LIFE.Labels: me |
| posted by cristina @ 11:50 PM |
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| Nov 11, 2009 |
| fall randoms |
I’m almost getting used to having roommates….just as I have to get used to living alone again.
To put up a Christmas tree or not?
Even when I’m not planning, I’m thinking about planning.
It sucks to have everything you could ever want, except that one thing. It makes me feel almost selfish for wanting it so much.
I don’t think it’s asking a lot to be simply acknowledged.
On my pvr these days: 90210, Melrose Place, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Flash Forward, Amazing Race, SYTYCD. TV is great this season!!!!
One of the best decisions I’ve made this fall is joining Steve Nash.
When you have something to look forward to, it’s better to have someone to look forward to it with.
I’m starting to get tired of small talk.
At some point, you reach the friend zone. And once it gets there, let go.
I don’t feel like I’m 34. But when I say that number out loud, it makes me want to cry.
I find myself getting really emotional lately, for random reasons.
I REALLY want a pet. A puppy. A kitten. But I also know I’m not responsible (read: too busy/selfish) for one.
Totally random song on my playlist these days: “Come In Out of the Rain” by Wendy Moten. Where did THAT come from???
I am slowly but surely getting over you. But I still miss you, and us.
It’s getting easier for me to meet guys, and even give them my number.
Not as easy for them to call me.
I don’t care how overplayed it is, but “I Gotta Feeling” never ceases to make me smile and want to get up and dance.
It’s one thing to know how to play the game, and be in the game. But once in a while, it would be nice to score a point let alone win.
I’ve decided that I’m not allowed to buy any more clothes, shoes, or accessories unless I get rid of at least 3 of each first. (e.g. I can buy 1 pair of shoes if I donate at least 3 first).
At the end of the day – and through it all – I have the best friends ever.Labels: me |
| posted by cristina @ 8:55 PM |
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| Sep 9, 2009 |
| perspective |
I currently have this song on repeat (thanks R). Not just because it was danced beautifully on SYTYCD (and it totally was), or because of what the piece represented (which was heavy stuff). I can listen to this song with my eyes closed and my heart will just tighten up because it pierces me *right there*. To me, gthis song is about loving someone so much - someone who you CAN'T have, because they're with someone else, but you just can't let go. I listen to it, and I am crying. Despair.
Then, another friend told me of her attachment to this song, because to her, it represented loving someone so much - someone who you CAN have, someone who you're already with, but just not being able to express to them the depth of how you feel about them. She listens to it, and she is smiling. Hope.
And that - is the irony and beauty of music.Labels: ch, music |
| posted by cristina @ 4:44 PM |
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| Sep 2, 2009 |
| Shoot for the moon... |
...even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars.
I have a dear friend in KP who I'll call GP. GP is wise beyond her teenage years....an old soul. GP is embarking upon a new chapter of her life this week, and it seemed so appropriate (or maybe call it fate) that as I was cleaning my room this week, I found two letters she had written to me in the past several years. GP, I hope it's ok that I share this...because as I've always told you, your writing is a gift, and when God gives you a gift, it's your obligation to the world to accept (and share) it.
The first one isn't so much a letter, but some scriblings she wrote in "Block A". I had told her that I was listening to this one song on repeat (a common joy we loved sharing with each other - mostly off key), and the next week she gave me this:
"Next to You"
She sits in silence. Only her endless thoughts filled with endless possibilities of what the ending might be to her fairytale story. Sadly, the reality is that love stories aren't as easy as they seem to appear in the movies or in books. She would be crushed to figure out if this one friendship which could potentially be so much more ends up in shattered pieces. But, she's caught in what ifs and the daydreaming of what their life would be like together. Some may say she's crazy, how he can brighten up her day with just a smile or his voice. But, his long staires make her pulse race believing that there could be hope in what she feels. She turns on the radio trying to distract her from her numerous thoughts and questions about what he means to her, but the sounds of the radio don't break through the thoughts of him. Just his name won't seem to leave her mind. She doesn't know what to do, not knowing what the definition is of their friendship but only hoping it could be something more. She sits in a silent room, yet inside her mind every conversation and every sight of him replays constantly in her head. The only solution she can come up with is that all the problems and questions seems to be fine she finds herself next to him.
This next one, she gave to me on my birthday in 2006. For her English class, GP had to write a descriptive essay and she chose to write it about me. WTF? Me? What made me so special to have the honor of this sixteen year old writing an essay about ME for school?
A person I know that goes beyond the title of just a friend, because she accepts someone for who they are and also sees eye to eye with them. She stands tall at 5'5" (I think) and has above the shoulder length dark brown hair. She wears glasses and contacts maybe to get a cleare view of life and what it has to offer. her favourite colour is Tiffany blue and loves Coach bags. You'll spot her wearing a business suit by day, but a pair of jeans and a plain tee-shirt without any logo or graphic prints by night. She comes from an incredible blend of Filipino and Chinese descent. I met her through a cultural performing arts group and in the past few years she has impacted my life more than she'll ever know. Her remarkable talent and passion influenced me to grown in a greater love for music. She's a teacher with a caring heart because she has patience and is willing to help you step by step. She's a hardworker and never gives up even when there's a storm heading her way because she knows she'll make it through the rain. She has a rhythmic personality which she follows to her own beat. She always has something to say and when she enfolds her life story, it's like reading an action packed adventure book with a mix of romance and drama. She has a strong belief in God and has Him on her side. She keeps him close by wearing a cross (and treble clef) on her necklace. She's a believer of fate and destiny, and I hoe one day she will find that special someone who she's dreamed of for so long. She brings a joyful smile to my face everytime I see her and brightens up the room by just being her vibrant self. She truly has a caring heart b/c she listens attentively to everything one has to say. This is one of the many reasons why I'm very grateful to have someone like her in my life. She looks past a person's exterior image and finds the real person within. Even though she may be older than me, she treats me as we're the same age. I know as she gets older, she'll always be young at heart. She is an advisor, a wonderful teacher, a beautiful person, and an awesome friend. I personally thank her for absolutely everything she has done for me from hosting practice at her house to just talking, to caring, for letting me borrow dvd's, for getting me into filipino movies/music, and for being someone who encourages met o be the best that I can be. Also, for listening to what I have to say and for memorizing all the quotes I've told her. She's an amazing person and I wish her the best in everything she does, and I hope she never ever changes.
Whoa.
GP, I wish you all the best in this new adventure of yours! Shoot for the moon, fearlessly - you will reach it. You are powerful beyond measure. Let your own light shine, and you will unconsiously give other people permission to do the same. You've done it for me. (thank you, Marianne Williamson!) |
| posted by cristina @ 9:13 PM |
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| Aug 12, 2009 |
| CP09 |
There is something about 2009. This year. I have experienced more, grown more, and learned more about myself than I could ever have imagined. I still am wrapping my head around it all, and maybe that’s just it….I’m thinking less, doing more. Being more confident, inside and out. A friend coined it as “CP09”
I’m thinking more about ME. I have become the lead actress of my life. People have said “hello, Cristina, that’s the way it should ALWAYS be” but they don’t understand – that’s not the way I’ve ever been. It’s not someone I knew how to be. For as long as I can remember, I’ve built my life around my friends, their lives, putting others first, making others happy…sometimes sacrificing my own happiness….that’s just the only ME I knew how to be. Imagine - It’s taken me 33 years to learn how to put myself first.
This summer (ref: my last post) is a good analogy. Experiencing all these new things in Vancouver, It’s still the same city I’ve lived in all my life, but I’m just experiencing new sides of it. I’ll admit it - all this self-discovery has changed me, made me selfish, a little self-indulgent at times – and it’s hard for me not to see that in a somewhat negative light. I don’t like feeling that way. But that struggle is between me and myself. It’s between the person I used to be and the person I’ve become. And I can honestly say the person I’ve become is stronger and more content than any former self.
I’ve never been good with compliments (and those who know me well can attest to this), but this year, I’ve gotten many, on both physical and non-physical aspects of “CP09”. I’m learning to take them more as opposed to give some lame excuse why they’re not true. (e.g. coworker: “Cristina…what are you doing, you have lost a lot of weight!!” me: “No…I’m just wearing a black dress, it’s just slimming.”). Now I just say thank you. It’s still weird. But this is a life-long learning process, and I am going to try and enjoy the journey.
Speaking of thank you…there is no way I could have become who I am without my own supporting cast. Every lead actress has one, no? Thank you to my A-team of internal and external stylists, life coaches, pro-bono therapists, cheerleaders, mentors, agents, etc. You didn’t change who I was….you just helped me discover, develop, and appreciate the person that was right there all along. I love you, my peeps.
See…in the end, it’s still about my friends. LOL...but that will never change.Labels: me |
| posted by cristina @ 10:07 PM |
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| Endless Summer |
It truly feels like this summer has gone on forever….and I love it! Summer thus far has included a season ending KP performance, a trip of a lifetime with my NSG, seeing Coldplay live for the first time, appreciating the beach life at Spanish Banks (several times), trying new restaurants with new friends, an Italian Garden Party at Deer Lake, Point Roberts boating and bonfires, appreciating time with old friends, Vegas with both my Vancity and T.O. girls, Mo’s Vancity visit, Ziptrekking in Whistler….
And there is still a month to go with so many things to look forward to!Labels: summer, travel |
| posted by cristina @ 10:05 PM |
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| Jun 25, 2009 |
| 23,040 Minutes |
Everytime you come back from holidays, it’s like emptying a sponge full of water. You try and squeeze as much out as you can, and just when you think you’ve squeezed out the last drop, you’ll find some more. I’ve talked out this trip TO DEATH with coworkers, family, friends, etc. but every time I find something new to mention that I forgot. Uploading pictures has been quite the daunting task as well….how do you sort through 2000+ snapshots and bring those down to a couple hundred, when every memory is one you want to share with the world?
Good thing I chronicled everything on facebook. I think what I'll do is just import those posts to here to remember the memories.
Where to begin? So many unforgettable memories of this trip….I don’t want the memories to end, but reality is calling my name. But I’m going to take my time adjusting back. I’m going to bask in the memories, share the stories, laugh out loud (to myself), not cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened. =)
I remember telling Eye, at the end of this trip, that on every vacation, I learn something new – about life, the person I’m travelling with, and most importantly about myself. Some of the most important lessons I learned on this trip:
Life isn’t just black, white, or grey…but lilac, burnt orange, royal blue, teal, polka dot, and hot pink. Life also doesn’t always need a map and street signs. You don’t always have to go in straight lines, turn left, or turn right…It’s ok to go in circles until you eventually find your way.
If you’re going to snooze, you have to do it at least 4 times for it to be worth it.
There isn’t a hat in the world that will look bad on Iris Miranda.
I can be a beach person.
Real friends share kleenex.
I don’t need to have all the answers, all the time. But this still freaks me out a little.
I can’t fix everything, all the time. (but this still freaks me out a little)
I’m into slow sultry kisses.
As it turns out…I’m not too into red wine. Which is fine because red wine doesn’t care for me either.
Music has a healing and calming power like no other. Of all people, how did I allow myself to forget this?
So does alcohol. It also makes you semi-fluent in many languages.
People can grow separately without growing apart.
I used to HATE uncooked tomatoes. Now…they’re tolerable.
Things I tried for the first time in Europe: espresso, green olives, balsamic vinegar & ice cream. Not carrying my phone or wearing a watch.
What you see isn’t as important as who you see it with.
(side note: To follow up on my previous posts - no, I didn't meet my dream man at the Pantheon (but not for lack of trying), and Eye is still one of my favorite people in the world, more today than yesterday. =) ) Next stop…..Vegas? oh damn... Labels: ch, friends, me, travel |
| posted by cristina @ 10:44 AM |
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| Worth Reminiscing |
| Royalties |
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