Trip Feat!

I'm quite the bum lately when it comes to blogging, I apologize. Though last month, a major feat has been accomplished by my best friends and I. We had planned to go to the Philippines together last year. It really is quite the hazy dream. After all, there's a lot of us, and it's not like it's another US city and it's definitely not a week long kind of vacation. The Philippines is far, and the trip would last for weeks; not to mention, a lot more money than the usual Vegas trip is needed. But you know what....

WE WENT LAST MONTH!

My friends are awesome! Who knew we will actually pull through?!? This was an amazing experience and I can't wait until we do it again. World, watch out!

Mellow Yellow

It's funny. I know so little about her, yet I feel so affected by her passing. One thing I know is that she played a huge role in gaining our democracy in the Philippines. I know it's corny, but that one thing I know about her is what makes me really feel the loss. The People Power Revolution happened in 1986. I was born 1984. For some reason, I can't seem to stop getting teary eyed as I watch the coverage of her wake. I guess it's because she seems to be such a nice lady; a president that didn't take advantage of her position. She loved the Filipinos and you can tell that she truly cares about our country. Her family sacrificed a lot for the Philippines. She brings Filipinos together and I always admire people who has the capability to do that. She has definitely proven that she has that character. Salamat, Cory. May you be a role model for our future leaders.

Jean Shock

Went to the city last Sunday and totally went jean crazy. It was a bargain though and so it leaves no excuse to refuse. Went to the Marc by Marc Jacobs shop in Fillmore. My goodness! I am totally in love with that store. It seems MJ and my bank account totally gang up on me when I am there. One of the highlights among my purchases was a light blue baggy jeans for $10. Yes! TEN DOLLARS! It fit quite well as well. I am happy with that one. Off to downtown! I was able to purchase two Levi's for $20 bux a pair. Hey! Levi's is classic and the fit was good. Lastly, went to Ruehl for a visit. Good fitting jean shorts are so hard to find, but I found 'em for $25. Yay! I guess my shopping for the Philippine wardrobe has started! I am so excited!

The Little Things...

are expensive! I went on a quick rendezvous  at the good ol' San Francisco downtown with the MS the other day. I was on a mission and whatever that is, I failed... but not miserably, because I ran into some interesting ::raises eyebrows:: people that day. Another thing that makes it a pretty awesome day is that I purchased stuff that I am now in love with. L'Occitane....damn you! Why do you have so much cool stuff for so much money?!? 

The first purchase:

I first tried it at Yvette's place (thanks, cuz!) The smell is amazing! At $8 for such a small bottle, it's a bit pricey, but it totally makes my after work showers that much more refreshing. I had my mom smell it and she goes "Ay, herbal!" Oh well, I guess she prefers her papaya soap. 

Purchase #2:

Yes, I took the plunge. Ems and I have been dying to buy this, but its price was just a turn off. Lately, I've been really OCD with my hand washing. I'm starting to notice some major changes on my hands. Being a nurse, I lose count of how many times I wash my hands everyday (and keep in mind, each time is at least 15-30 seconds) My hands go through hell. I figured it deserves some major pampering. This hand cream totally provides that! I am using it quite sparingly though. Do you blame me? $10 for a 30 ml tube.... 'nuff said!

I want to buy:

How clever is that?!? A pillow mist... that is just smart! To think this thing is actually made for your pillows. I am tired of spraying perfumes on my pillows... this is really is it! It smells so good. Again, on the pricey side ($14) but... I don't know if I can resist any longer!

Quickies

I took that photo above! 

Two weeks ago, a rarity has struck me; days off six days in a row. When such comes, my brain gets engulfed in many possibilites of what I can do. One of those possibilities pulled through, believe it or not. I went to New York City for a quick get away. I stayed with my cousin, Yvette and her boyfriend, Jem. They were so kind to take us around using Jessica. It was a blast. Of course, the trip consists of good food, good drinks, and good company.

Delicatessen is one of the places where good food graced our palette. It is located in SoHo. It's a nice spot; good food, DJ spinning nice beats, nice interior. We decided to have brunch there. After being fueled, we hit the stores for some shopping fix. SoHo is definitely one of my favorite spots when I'm in NYC. Uniqlo is always a pleasure to visit. I hate the fact that there's no store like Uniqlo here in the Bay area. Boo!  

Wait! Did I mention that Maria and Joseph were there too? Yes, the lovely couple were also in NYC. Actually, they had planned this trip even before me. As mentioned the "six day day off" came up and I was convinced to join them. No regrets, they are always great company. 

In Bleeker St. 

First pic was taken in Grand Central station. The second was taken from the Lever House. We were quite amused with the Hello Kitty fountains. Third was taken while we were having soju in Korea Town. It was so late already, but this is what's great in New York. There are so many venues where good times can happen. We had lychee and yakult soju. It was so good. C'mon, Yakult that can get u buzzed? It's a good thing. Last photo was from Delicatessen. 

I loooovvvee the Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity

Of course, partying is is involved. Jem and Yvette took us to a rooftop bar, which is 230 Fifth. It's a lounge, not much mandatory dancing involved. It's such a huge change for me in terms of the way we party here in SF. It's just chill, and that's exactly why I had such a great time. It's a natural flow, you know. You have a nice place, good drinks made with a heavy hand, and good conversation naturally flows. The drinks can get quite pricey here in 230 Fifth, but hell, I don't even remember how much Cape Cods I had that night. I was quite hammered though; must have been quite a few drinks I had. In contrast, I just feel like, the partying I do here in SF just takes too much work. I mean, I want to go out to relax and enjoy myself. But it seems, just preparing to go out here is already exhausting. I guess there goes the mystery as to why I don't go out much. The next night was great as well. Jem and Yvette took us to Stanton Social, which is once again involved the formula of good company, drinks, and good convo. It never fails, it was once again FUN! Both nights ended with Grays Papaya and man, that just takes it to another level. It's almost as good as having Osha after partying here in SF. Oh, the second night also involved White Castle. Good times, good times.

Good food is never a bad thing. The first and last photo was from Delicatessen. First is my perfect breakfast of Eggs Benedict and the last is truffle parmesan fries which was divine! The second photo is ramen from Mitsuwa which is this Japanese supermarket Jem and Yvette took us to. They have a food court with all authentic Japanese food! How amazing is that?!? The third pic is taho, purchased from Chinatown. 

The good thing about all of this is I was able to see my family as well. 

The trip was all in all fun. I wish for more times like this. I'm very vocal about my love to travel, and I truly believe that if time and budget allows it, travel is always something that needs to be considered. Travel quickies are a must! I can be all talk, I know, but sometimes, I pull through. I work hard, I play hard. Next, Philippines with the besties in September. 

Your Girl Misses You

June 12- It's Independence Day in the Philippines, but more importantly, the day marks my Lolo Jose's birthday. He passed away a few years ago. Until now, I lack the guts to see pictures/videos of him sick and of his burial. I feel the necessity to keep intact the image of the happy man I knew and so deeply loved.

I don't really consider myself as a daddy's girl, but no one will argue if I tell you that I was my Lolo Jose's favorite grandchild; his girl. He was such a great grandfather. No words can describe the pain of his passing. I didn't understand then, but being a nurse and all now made me realize how much he may have suffered before his passing. I wish I was able to take part of taking care of him during his last days. I remember when my dad talked to me and asked me if I wanted to go home since my lolo's prognosis is quite poor. My dad knew how close I was to him. I refused that offer. I was a coward. I knew it was going to be difficult. I must admit, now I look at it as selfish. I was just thinking about the pain that I would feel once I see him. For that, I want to apologize to him, but it was one of those things; it would have been too much. I remember saying my last goodbye to him on the phone. He couldn't speak at that time anymore, but I knew he was listening. One of the images of my grandpa that I would never forget was the last time I saw him. It was the time when I was leaving for the US after vacationing in the Philippines. I looked at him straight in the eyes and I told him I loved him. He was crying; didn't want to let go of my hands. I will never forget the look in his eyes. I felt it bade me goodbye in such a meaningful way.

He was an inspiration in my nursing career. When I take care of elderly patients, I remember him and suddenly I feel that I should provide the care that I would have provided my own grandfather. I missed out on that opportunity, but each patient becomes another opportunity.

Lo, thanks for the inspiration. I truly miss you. I love you and Happy Birthday.

UP

I'm a huge fan of Pixar, so I was totally looking forward to "UP." So, I went to watch it the other day. I knew it was going to be a good movie, but I definitely did not expect to bawl throughout the whole movie. The beginning was sad; everyone agrees. Crying was totally acceptable at the beginning, but I swear I couldn't stop my tears even on the "not-so-sad" parts. I still found myself getting a bit teary-eyed after the movie. My goodness. I was embarrassed for myself. I'm starting to think that maybe it has to do with being a nurse? Don't get me wrong, I loved the movie... all I'm writing about here is my weirdness for crying so much. Okay, that's off my chest. Nite!