| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| Nov 27, 2008 |
| 33 Points of View |
Can you believe it's been almost a year that I stopped blogging? I figure if I am going to venture back into this world I might as well start by reintroducing myself to...well, me. Thanks JN for this (and I guess AI). Enjoy!
- What is your occupation right now? Director of HR & Admin
- What colour are your socks right now? Black
- What are you listening to right now? Cars driving by
- What was the last thing that you ate? BP Rustic Italian Pizza
- Can you drive a stick shift? No
- Last person you spoke to on the phone? Tina
- Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes
- How old are you today? 33
- What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Tennis or Hockey
- What is your favorite drink? Green Tea Iced Tea
- Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes
- Favorite food? Filipino, Japanese, Dim Sum, Vietnamese
- What is the last movie you watched? Twilight
- Favorite day of the year? September 16
- How do you vent anger? Grind my teeth, scream, call my girls, swear
- What was your favorite toy as a child? I can’t remember but I’m sure it was a stuffed animal or something like that
- What is your favorite season? Fall
- Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries (not the canned kind though). And with stem.
- Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Not necessary
- Who is the most likely to respond? As in comment on my blog? That would be Mel (cuz she’s one of the only ones who knows I’m blogging again)
- Who is least likely to respond? Fill it out? Nobody.
- Living arrangements? Me, myself, and I.
- When was the last time you cried? Lol – today (no joke)
- What is on the floor of your closet? Other than dust? Bags, hangers, clothes
- Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? That’s reading this? Probably Ness.
- What did you do last night? Wished my friend bon voyage
- What are you most afraid of? Growing old alone
- Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Plain
- Favourite dog breed? As long as they’re small and cute
- Favourite day of the week? Saturday
- How many states have you lived in? One - Washington
- Diamonds or pearls? It’s all about the bling!
- What is your favorite flower? Calla Lilies are nice. I guess I have to say Iris' too (or I might get shot). :P
There are some things that a year can't change - I think I'm way to predictable. Labels: me |
| posted by cristina @ 6:23 PM |
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| Worth Reminiscing |
| Royalties |
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