Well, if there's one thing I'm good at, it's following through...on issues I'm really into. (For example, traveling? Yes. Dieting? Not so much...haha). ;-)
Anyway, if you've been reading this blog/journal/whathaveyou, I hope you follow me on my newly created blog, epicureanerd.blogspot.com. It's going to be a fun, bumpy, and ultimately delicious ride.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Look ma, I'm making money off the interwebs!!!
I imagine that 16 years from now, when my nephew turns 18 and his parents ask him what he wants to do for a career, that he can declare, without fear of ridicule, "I want to be a blogger." And that would be as normal as daylight. Well, it would be year 2027, and by then the alien overlords would have taken over earth and started stealing daylight as a way to render humankind malnourished and servile. Thus, making daylight not normal.
Damn, I've been obsessed over The Hunger Games trilogy way too much. There's some seriously dark shit in that book, and I love it.
Point is, blogging has been and will continue to be an honestly lucrative source of livelihood for many people, and I (with some trepidation) wonder if this is something I could do. I mentioned a few posts ago that my dream job would be a country-hopping, photo-taking cave-spelunking (redundant I know, but my brain just sharted) food writer. Some very encouraging friends pointed out earlier that having a 'real', revenue-generating blog could be a first step. So, I wonder, is it possible???
As it is, I already post a lot of reviews on Yelp! and I gets me some mad freebiez for that, yo. (Wow, urban speak wears on me like the BP oil slick wears on a seagull. Not pretty at all.) I find writing these short foodie notes fun, a good creative outlet to express my sense of humor or sense of duty to inform people how "freaking-five star-awesome" or "piss-one star-poor" a restaurant is. By the way, go to 112 Eatery. You won't regret it. End of plug.
However, if I were to have a legitimate site, I think I would want to cover more than just food. I'm no Gwyneth Paltrow who acts as a lifestyle guru with a website like www.goop.com. Or a politically-savvy fool/genius like Arianna Huffington to tackle political issues.
What is it that people would want to read, though? How do people like the Sartorialist, Perez Hilton, Just Jared find the right content to post that information-overloaded people like me would still want to gobble up like a piece of 112 Eatery's delicious Nancy Silverton's butterscotch budino (seriously 112, pay me)?
Maybe these now-infamous bloggers became who they are today because they talked about things that they're passionately passionate about and, equally important, about things that people could relate to. For example, everyone secretly likes to follow trash celebrities throw away their dignity, so that they feel better about their own lives (TMZ, Perez, Oh No They Didn't). Then there are people who love fashion and think of themselves as fashion-forward (Sartorialist, fashionista.com). Of course, there are people who just like to laugh at or with certain subsections of American culture (latfh.com, peopleofwalmart.com).
Where does all this epiphany bring us? I think I would have to create a mission statement first, which is the first piece any good business plan should have. Whether I actually act on this...dream, reality, I'm not really sure at this point...remains to be seen. What I'm doing right now may just be experience a fleeting moment, I could just be riding off the highs from my conversation with some friends earlier. Or, it could actually grow into something, and I could be the next Chez Pim or Aarti Paarti or 80 breakfasts. Who knows?
Opinions for this poor lady undergoing a quarterlife dilemma (of sorts) highly welcomed. :)
R-O-C-K in the U-S-A.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Ms. Lisud Goes to Washington
I have ran out of catchy titles, and have resorted to ripping off a Jimmy Stewart movie I've never even seen.
This is yet another one of those "pack and leave" moments for me, although it was a couple months in the making. Southwest has those amazing 72-hour sales where you can go anywhere for a flat rate (depending on the mileage). So, I picked my budget, then picked a city. DC it is. Home of the federal government, taxation without representation, and the most phallic monument in the country. There, I said it.
The first night was pretty rough at the hostel, with a bitchy old roommate and sirens going off all night. The only good thing about it was I met a nice new friend named Louise. :)
I had a list of "must-visits" but didn't really have a set itinerary. And, I didn't have any particular plans before my walking tour, so I decided to look for the nearest highly-rated restaurant that didn't cost a kidney, and it said Lincoln's Waffle Shop. It's not good food, but you come and eat there merely for the touristy factory, and the fact that it's across Ford's Theater. So, after inhaling my breakfast of greasy salmon cake, fluffy waffle, and piss-poor coffee, I crossed the street to visit the place where Lincoln got shot. It's an interesting place, with a museum in the basement that houses, among other things, the actual gun that nut job Booth used to change things. There's also a short play in the actual Ford's Theater (with the box seats where Lincoln got shot being a popular photo op spot). I definitely felt like there's some over-glorification going on, but that's OK; the dude did deliver the Gettysburg Address and meant it.
Afterwards, I walked a couple of blocks to the edge of the Washington Memorial and joined a free walking tour. It was a rainy, blustery day; I keep forgetting that deep down, while I pretend to be a tough-skinned Minnesotan transplant, I'm still a wuss who should NOT underestimate how cold 30 degrees can be.
Anyway, tangent aside, the walking tour was really useful and meaningful. It's nice to get some story behind the photos, like why no statue is taller than 19', or why the World War II memorial is shaped the way it is. Or, why the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial proves so emotional for many of its visitors. The most poignant moment for me was stepping on the same marble step where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's podium stood the day he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. It was definitely a wonderful few minutes.
I met a new friend from the walking tour, and we decided to go to another, more modern, landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl. If you watch any travel show to DC, chances are they've featured this place. The half smoke with chili is phenomenal, although the chili itself wasn't really outstanding. In fact, it was kind of bland. But, hey, if Bill Cosby likes it so much, then it must be good. Who doesn't trust Dr. Huxtable? Georgetown was our next stop, and it's a wonderful college town within the city with its amazing architecture and great shopping. After rewarding ourselves for walking sooooo much with really greasy Chinatown Chinese food, I was spent.
Sunday was probably the epitome of a perfect winter day: It was in the 30's, but the sun was shining brightly. We headed for the White House, which turned out to be smaller than I expected. What is it with things never stacking up to your expectations? First the castle at Disneyland, then this. Oh wells.
The Museum of American History was a great next stop, because i'm a sucker for pop culture and history and trivia and what-not. Probably the best part of the museum was the gallery of First Ladies' inaugural ball gowns. I could honestly say I got goosebumps seeing Michelle Obama's Jason Wu dress. I dunno why, maybe it's because I realized that I witnessed that moment she was in that dress, and now it's in a museum. Which means, I witnessed and made history, as we all do everyday.
I know, it's super creepy that I took pictures of her Jimmy Choo's. Whatever.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Julia Child exhibit, with her real kitchen. yes, cut to scene of "Julie and Julia". I love that epicurean giant.
The Air & Space museum was more of a WOW factor, because they somehow manage to cram a couple of spaceships, the Apollo 11 pod, Lindbergh's airplane, the nose of a Boeing 747, and countless other amazing artifacts. I really loved seeing the really old airplanes when only the rich folk can afford to fly.
By the time we got out of the Air & Space Museum, it was time for Super Bowl XLV, so we headed over to where the crowds are, and happily I met some nice DC natives to hang out with and watch the game. Seriously, DC people are nice. The Packers won, I gave away $5 to a friendly homeless guy, and the world's alright.
Monday was my last day @ DC. I didn't have much time to do much else, so I popped by really quickly to the Bureau of Engraving & Printing to see how cash I rarely use is made, and stare at overpriced merchandise.
Then, as a last minute effort to cram something else in, I decided to go to the museum next door, the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Can I just say, you HAVE to go here if you ever come to DC, and leave more than 2 hours to go through this place. It is probably the most jarring, emotional, real, saddest place I've ever been to. And I'm all the more better for it I think. I can't really explain it, but it is just an experience you'll have to go through, lest you forget what really happened, and what is still happening today except with different groups of people. I think the hardest part was going through an actual train car that was used to transport thousands of European Jews to the death camps as part of the Final Solution. And when you look at the articles that people packed with them that were confiscated on their way to the camp, it connects you with these people in a way that no movie or documentary can. I found myself thinking a lot about what I saw in that museum hours, days after I left. Even until now. I think it is one of the most respectful spaces put together, and I don't know if I want to visit it again, but...
DC is a wonderful city, full of life, lights, monuments, imposing buildings, and symbolism. But, it is important to note that beyond all the tourist traps and intimidating structures are real, everyday people with real, everyday jobs. That's what I love about visiting big US cities; there's human energy coursing through its veins every second of the day.
This is yet another one of those "pack and leave" moments for me, although it was a couple months in the making. Southwest has those amazing 72-hour sales where you can go anywhere for a flat rate (depending on the mileage). So, I picked my budget, then picked a city. DC it is. Home of the federal government, taxation without representation, and the most phallic monument in the country. There, I said it.
The first night was pretty rough at the hostel, with a bitchy old roommate and sirens going off all night. The only good thing about it was I met a nice new friend named Louise. :)
I had a list of "must-visits" but didn't really have a set itinerary. And, I didn't have any particular plans before my walking tour, so I decided to look for the nearest highly-rated restaurant that didn't cost a kidney, and it said Lincoln's Waffle Shop. It's not good food, but you come and eat there merely for the touristy factory, and the fact that it's across Ford's Theater. So, after inhaling my breakfast of greasy salmon cake, fluffy waffle, and piss-poor coffee, I crossed the street to visit the place where Lincoln got shot. It's an interesting place, with a museum in the basement that houses, among other things, the actual gun that nut job Booth used to change things. There's also a short play in the actual Ford's Theater (with the box seats where Lincoln got shot being a popular photo op spot). I definitely felt like there's some over-glorification going on, but that's OK; the dude did deliver the Gettysburg Address and meant it.
Afterwards, I walked a couple of blocks to the edge of the Washington Memorial and joined a free walking tour. It was a rainy, blustery day; I keep forgetting that deep down, while I pretend to be a tough-skinned Minnesotan transplant, I'm still a wuss who should NOT underestimate how cold 30 degrees can be.
Anyway, tangent aside, the walking tour was really useful and meaningful. It's nice to get some story behind the photos, like why no statue is taller than 19', or why the World War II memorial is shaped the way it is. Or, why the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial proves so emotional for many of its visitors. The most poignant moment for me was stepping on the same marble step where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's podium stood the day he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. It was definitely a wonderful few minutes.
I met a new friend from the walking tour, and we decided to go to another, more modern, landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl. If you watch any travel show to DC, chances are they've featured this place. The half smoke with chili is phenomenal, although the chili itself wasn't really outstanding. In fact, it was kind of bland. But, hey, if Bill Cosby likes it so much, then it must be good. Who doesn't trust Dr. Huxtable? Georgetown was our next stop, and it's a wonderful college town within the city with its amazing architecture and great shopping. After rewarding ourselves for walking sooooo much with really greasy Chinatown Chinese food, I was spent.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Julia Child exhibit, with her real kitchen. yes, cut to scene of "Julie and Julia". I love that epicurean giant.
A piece of the Berlin Wall
Monday was my last day @ DC. I didn't have much time to do much else, so I popped by really quickly to the Bureau of Engraving & Printing to see how cash I rarely use is made, and stare at overpriced merchandise.
Then, as a last minute effort to cram something else in, I decided to go to the museum next door, the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Can I just say, you HAVE to go here if you ever come to DC, and leave more than 2 hours to go through this place. It is probably the most jarring, emotional, real, saddest place I've ever been to. And I'm all the more better for it I think. I can't really explain it, but it is just an experience you'll have to go through, lest you forget what really happened, and what is still happening today except with different groups of people. I think the hardest part was going through an actual train car that was used to transport thousands of European Jews to the death camps as part of the Final Solution. And when you look at the articles that people packed with them that were confiscated on their way to the camp, it connects you with these people in a way that no movie or documentary can. I found myself thinking a lot about what I saw in that museum hours, days after I left. Even until now. I think it is one of the most respectful spaces put together, and I don't know if I want to visit it again, but...
DC is a wonderful city, full of life, lights, monuments, imposing buildings, and symbolism. But, it is important to note that beyond all the tourist traps and intimidating structures are real, everyday people with real, everyday jobs. That's what I love about visiting big US cities; there's human energy coursing through its veins every second of the day.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
I don't know, what he does to make you cry, but I'll be there to make you smile.
I don't have a fancy car, to get to you I'd walk a thousand miles....
Hands up if you know this song. Then give yourself a belly rub for 1) being born before the '90s 2) still being a Backstreet Boys fan.
Anyway, I really just wanted to get that out of my system, as it's been on repeat in my head for the last week. I really can't tell why, but FYI (or TMI) it makes for a great shower song.
Now that we have '90s boybands out of my head (and into yours), I just wanted to do another post on things I'm thankful for. Because it's the little things in life that keep us civil towards each other and to ourselves:
1) Ice sculptures! - just visited the St. Paul Winter Carnival with some friends, and I gotta give Minnesotans a huge kudos for making lemonade out of lemons. It's not easy living in subzero weather 3+ months out of the year, so it's inspiring to see Minnesotans make the most out of what they have the most of nowadays: snow and ice. Go down to the MN State Fairgrounds or Rice Park between now 'til Feb 6 to see some ridiculously beautiful ice and snow sculptures.
2) Eating at legendary restaurants - Can someone say Mighty Ducks 1, 2, and 3? I just ate at the venerable Mickey's Diner in St. Paul. Epic! and Epically greasy! It's like the Pink's or Katz's of Minnesota, you just gotta be there.
3) Weather Channel Blackberry App - so I know if I'm walking outside to -15 degree weather (face mask on) or 10 degree weather (face mask off). I also love the "Feels Like" feature, because that's what really matters, right?
4) Blackberry Messenger - wanna 'text' your cousin in the Philippines? BBM them! Yey!
5) Backstreet Boys - just 'coz they're still doing world tours (with NKOTB, no less!) when they're supposed to be, I dunno, doing Vegas lounges
6) 2010 Oscar-nominated movies - It's an amazing race this year, and I'm trying to make my way through most of the nominees. So far, I can check off The Social Network, Toy Story 3, Inception, The King's Speech (my pick!), and Black Swan off my list. Looking forward to watching The Kids Are All Right, maybe The Fighter and Winter's Bone. Not so sure about True Grit or 127 Hours.
7) Colin Firth - one minute he's dancing shirtless with a man in Mamma Mia, the next minute he's the reluctant King of England. I mean, c'mon, give this guy his well-deserved Oscar! Needless to say, for the latter.
8) Yelp! events - ah, I can't believe how many awesome events I've been to courtesy of Yelp! and it's just January! I like that our Community Manager puts together these fabulous (and free!) shindigs featuring the best local businesses. Minneapolis is BIG on "buy local," which I highly respect.
9) MSNBC.com - I love this website's interface (big photo of the top news of the hour helps), and it's much more news than nonsense, which sadly is what Yahoo is turning into, in my opinion.
10) SouthLAnd - I realize this doesn't really make me friendly or happy, since it's a pretty violent show. But I do appreciate the rawness and authenticity of this drama, not to mention the superb acting. I love that it's shot on location (actual Los Angeles), and I like that they've created a nonconforming gay character in John Cooper.
11) Smart drivers - I am so happy my friend Chad is such a good driver; two weeks ago, we had a really scary experience driving through a snowstorm when the entire windshield suddenly turned dark and we couldn't see a single thing. Using quick thinking and deft driving skills, he calmly maneuvered the car onto the shoulder and did all the right things to clear up the windshield. Phew! and Thank you!
12) Chapstick/lip balm - 'nuff said.
13) Coffee - 'nuff said, part dos.
14) Earth (The Book) - this was my sister and brother-in-law's birthday gift to me, and I am so amused at this cleverly-written textbook. Premise? Aliens who find this book are introduced to Earth and humanity, long after humanity has been eradicated from the face of said Earth. Awesome read.
15) Hearing my nephew Matthew over the phone trying to take my order - mom bought him a McDonald's kitchen set, and it was just so adorable hearing him mumble things like "french fries?" "cheezzzburger?" or whatever else he was attempting to say.
16) Living Social's Amazon.com $20-for-$10 deal - best Living Social deal ever! Here's hoping Groupon does it, too.
17) Heaters - I really wouldn't know what I'd do without it. I really wouldn't be here if I was without it.
Hands up if you know this song. Then give yourself a belly rub for 1) being born before the '90s 2) still being a Backstreet Boys fan.
Anyway, I really just wanted to get that out of my system, as it's been on repeat in my head for the last week. I really can't tell why, but FYI (or TMI) it makes for a great shower song.
Now that we have '90s boybands out of my head (and into yours), I just wanted to do another post on things I'm thankful for. Because it's the little things in life that keep us civil towards each other and to ourselves:
1) Ice sculptures! - just visited the St. Paul Winter Carnival with some friends, and I gotta give Minnesotans a huge kudos for making lemonade out of lemons. It's not easy living in subzero weather 3+ months out of the year, so it's inspiring to see Minnesotans make the most out of what they have the most of nowadays: snow and ice. Go down to the MN State Fairgrounds or Rice Park between now 'til Feb 6 to see some ridiculously beautiful ice and snow sculptures.
2) Eating at legendary restaurants - Can someone say Mighty Ducks 1, 2, and 3? I just ate at the venerable Mickey's Diner in St. Paul. Epic! and Epically greasy! It's like the Pink's or Katz's of Minnesota, you just gotta be there.
3) Weather Channel Blackberry App - so I know if I'm walking outside to -15 degree weather (face mask on) or 10 degree weather (face mask off). I also love the "Feels Like" feature, because that's what really matters, right?
4) Blackberry Messenger - wanna 'text' your cousin in the Philippines? BBM them! Yey!
5) Backstreet Boys - just 'coz they're still doing world tours (with NKOTB, no less!) when they're supposed to be, I dunno, doing Vegas lounges
6) 2010 Oscar-nominated movies - It's an amazing race this year, and I'm trying to make my way through most of the nominees. So far, I can check off The Social Network, Toy Story 3, Inception, The King's Speech (my pick!), and Black Swan off my list. Looking forward to watching The Kids Are All Right, maybe The Fighter and Winter's Bone. Not so sure about True Grit or 127 Hours.
7) Colin Firth - one minute he's dancing shirtless with a man in Mamma Mia, the next minute he's the reluctant King of England. I mean, c'mon, give this guy his well-deserved Oscar! Needless to say, for the latter.
8) Yelp! events - ah, I can't believe how many awesome events I've been to courtesy of Yelp! and it's just January! I like that our Community Manager puts together these fabulous (and free!) shindigs featuring the best local businesses. Minneapolis is BIG on "buy local," which I highly respect.
9) MSNBC.com - I love this website's interface (big photo of the top news of the hour helps), and it's much more news than nonsense, which sadly is what Yahoo is turning into, in my opinion.
10) SouthLAnd - I realize this doesn't really make me friendly or happy, since it's a pretty violent show. But I do appreciate the rawness and authenticity of this drama, not to mention the superb acting. I love that it's shot on location (actual Los Angeles), and I like that they've created a nonconforming gay character in John Cooper.
11) Smart drivers - I am so happy my friend Chad is such a good driver; two weeks ago, we had a really scary experience driving through a snowstorm when the entire windshield suddenly turned dark and we couldn't see a single thing. Using quick thinking and deft driving skills, he calmly maneuvered the car onto the shoulder and did all the right things to clear up the windshield. Phew! and Thank you!
12) Chapstick/lip balm - 'nuff said.
13) Coffee - 'nuff said, part dos.
14) Earth (The Book) - this was my sister and brother-in-law's birthday gift to me, and I am so amused at this cleverly-written textbook. Premise? Aliens who find this book are introduced to Earth and humanity, long after humanity has been eradicated from the face of said Earth. Awesome read.
15) Hearing my nephew Matthew over the phone trying to take my order - mom bought him a McDonald's kitchen set, and it was just so adorable hearing him mumble things like "french fries?" "cheezzzburger?" or whatever else he was attempting to say.
16) Living Social's Amazon.com $20-for-$10 deal - best Living Social deal ever! Here's hoping Groupon does it, too.
17) Heaters - I really wouldn't know what I'd do without it. I really wouldn't be here if I was without it.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
...so using that logic, someone who's cynical of being cynical is actually quite hopeful.
[Aside: OK, applying that non-logic isn't the point of the story, I just really wanted to use that line as my opener because I've been playing Modern Warfare 2 and it's one of the last lines in the game (I know, I know, I'm so two-thousand-and-late).]
But, 2011 is the year for hopeful; not for the naive, not for the doe-eyed, but for the one who believes that this year will be good, and make good on that belief. (Yes, circuitous writing is all the rage in this house). It's only been a week since I kicked off 2011 in the company of my cousin, my cousin-in-law, my young aunt and her guy, and dozens of the hippest South Asians in San Jose. So now, in a fashionably late...um....fashion, I present a snippet of my 2011 Goals & Objectives:
1) Use my dictionary/thesaurus widget less: I have found myself easily reliant on this amazing, stupendous, breathtaking, sensational tool when I'm chatting with people online, writing blogs, Yelping! or trying to sound like a pretentious snob. I should bust out and memorize the huge list of "Oxford words" that my AP US Government teacher handed out which, to this day, I still possess.
2) Get physically fit by eating right and exercising more: Yes, undoubtedly the top resolution that gets broken the most . But I think if I put realistic success measures (so, no need to look like Jillian what's-her-face), and definable action steps, then it will actually happen. I think this is starting to sound like a 1:30 PM work meeting, eh? In all honesty though, I'm starting off with a pretty good support group, so I feel great about this; it's all about losing the first 5%, then 10% of your weight, then slowly and steadily reach my goal weight through a steady regimen of (mostly cardio for now, but building in strength) exercise and conscious (but enjoyable) eating.
3) Travel: This is what I work for right now (this, and student loan payments apparently). I think I'll be concentrating on the Stateside first, but hell if I find a deal good enough on Travelzoo, I just might snatch it like the 'carpe dieming' travel bug that I'm turning into. I will always be restless to see the world, and having the capacity to do so literally is so invigorating and gratifying. Realistic destinations this year: D.C., Seattle, Chicago (again), Montreal, Boston, Mexico, Florida, Hawai'i, and Italy (here's hoping).
4) Die less in FPS games: There is virtue in playing video games! My life long dream of acquiring an Xbox 360 S last year will make this goal easier to achieve. That, and the fact that my brother lent me his awesome collection of games that will probably take me 3-6 months to get through (now that's naivete).
I've got a couple more resolutions, but the overarching goal is holistic health and genuine happiness, done in the most (in my true style) practical way. I pride myself for being the person people can rely on. But sometimes I'm the least accountable person to myself. I mean, it's common to buy myself trips, clothes, and other stuff. But, sometimes I've evaded 'long-term projects' that will contribute to my well-being (eating healthier, exercising more, etc.) because the results directly impact me, and that gives me trepidation when one of the possible results is failure.
All that said, I realize more and more everyday that I deserve to take on these personal challenges, even when I fail, because living is both the journey and the destination. Or to put it in less "that's deep, maaaaan" terms, life is like a game of Modern Warfare 2: you are enthralled being in the story, admiring the epic graphics and score of the game. You are "Soap" MacTavish, bad-ass Scottish member of Task Force 141...and then you get shot at one (or ten) too many times or get mauled by a Russian Doberman and die. Do you give up? No, you read a quick quote about war or patriotism from Dick Cheney or Zora Neale Hurston, then you're back in the game and you continue to kick ass. And when you succeed and reach the end of the stage, you're rewarded with an elating sense of gratification and a few Xbox Gold points for an epic trick you did. And then you go on to the next stage.
Yes, I just compared my life resolutions to an outdated first-person shooter game. Resolution #5: make more eloquent analogies when writing.
[Aside: OK, applying that non-logic isn't the point of the story, I just really wanted to use that line as my opener because I've been playing Modern Warfare 2 and it's one of the last lines in the game (I know, I know, I'm so two-thousand-and-late).]
But, 2011 is the year for hopeful; not for the naive, not for the doe-eyed, but for the one who believes that this year will be good, and make good on that belief. (Yes, circuitous writing is all the rage in this house). It's only been a week since I kicked off 2011 in the company of my cousin, my cousin-in-law, my young aunt and her guy, and dozens of the hippest South Asians in San Jose. So now, in a fashionably late...um....fashion, I present a snippet of my 2011 Goals & Objectives:
1) Use my dictionary/thesaurus widget less: I have found myself easily reliant on this amazing, stupendous, breathtaking, sensational tool when I'm chatting with people online, writing blogs, Yelping! or trying to sound like a pretentious snob. I should bust out and memorize the huge list of "Oxford words" that my AP US Government teacher handed out which, to this day, I still possess.
2) Get physically fit by eating right and exercising more: Yes, undoubtedly the top resolution that gets broken the most . But I think if I put realistic success measures (so, no need to look like Jillian what's-her-face), and definable action steps, then it will actually happen. I think this is starting to sound like a 1:30 PM work meeting, eh? In all honesty though, I'm starting off with a pretty good support group, so I feel great about this; it's all about losing the first 5%, then 10% of your weight, then slowly and steadily reach my goal weight through a steady regimen of (mostly cardio for now, but building in strength) exercise and conscious (but enjoyable) eating.
3) Travel: This is what I work for right now (this, and student loan payments apparently). I think I'll be concentrating on the Stateside first, but hell if I find a deal good enough on Travelzoo, I just might snatch it like the 'carpe dieming' travel bug that I'm turning into. I will always be restless to see the world, and having the capacity to do so literally is so invigorating and gratifying. Realistic destinations this year: D.C., Seattle, Chicago (again), Montreal, Boston, Mexico, Florida, Hawai'i, and Italy (here's hoping).
4) Die less in FPS games: There is virtue in playing video games! My life long dream of acquiring an Xbox 360 S last year will make this goal easier to achieve. That, and the fact that my brother lent me his awesome collection of games that will probably take me 3-6 months to get through (now that's naivete).
I've got a couple more resolutions, but the overarching goal is holistic health and genuine happiness, done in the most (in my true style) practical way. I pride myself for being the person people can rely on. But sometimes I'm the least accountable person to myself. I mean, it's common to buy myself trips, clothes, and other stuff. But, sometimes I've evaded 'long-term projects' that will contribute to my well-being (eating healthier, exercising more, etc.) because the results directly impact me, and that gives me trepidation when one of the possible results is failure.
All that said, I realize more and more everyday that I deserve to take on these personal challenges, even when I fail, because living is both the journey and the destination. Or to put it in less "that's deep, maaaaan" terms, life is like a game of Modern Warfare 2: you are enthralled being in the story, admiring the epic graphics and score of the game. You are "Soap" MacTavish, bad-ass Scottish member of Task Force 141...and then you get shot at one (or ten) too many times or get mauled by a Russian Doberman and die. Do you give up? No, you read a quick quote about war or patriotism from Dick Cheney or Zora Neale Hurston, then you're back in the game and you continue to kick ass. And when you succeed and reach the end of the stage, you're rewarded with an elating sense of gratification and a few Xbox Gold points for an epic trick you did. And then you go on to the next stage.
Yes, I just compared my life resolutions to an outdated first-person shooter game. Resolution #5: make more eloquent analogies when writing.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Something that's making me happy this week...
...I listen to NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour every week, at least before I go to sleep. It's a podcast hosted by Monkey See editor Linda Holmes, et al, and they talk about (what else?) pop culture. Anyway, at the end of the podcast they all talk about something that's making them happy this week, and it usually ends up being, like, a book, or movie, obscure TV show, or recently revived Broadway show.
So, I figured, I'm gonna try and do the same thing this week. It's so easy to get depressed nowadays (thank you Seasonal Affective Disorder), and I could use an exercise like this to put things in perspective. With that said, here's what's making me 'masaya' this week:
1) The worst of *this* snow storm is over - as people may or may not know -- and probably wouldn't have known until they saw pictures online of the collapsed Metrodome roof -- there was a crazy snow storm that hit the Midwest this past weekend. The storm dumped about 17" of snow onto Minneapolis, and needless to say there were wipeouts, stranded travelers, and frustrated people digging their cars out of the frozen tundra. But, it's all done, and that's the good thing. People pretty much got back into the swing of things on Monday, and it's like everyone woke up from a dream because the downtown Target was bustling on Monday night. I think everyone was stocking up after getting stranded in their homes the entire weekend. Which reminds me, I really should stock up some Spam and corned beef. Yum.
2) Unlimited text messages - who knew there could be so much joy with having this kind of freedom? I try not to text one word answers still, remembering the days of yore (i.e. two weeks ago) when I only had 200 text msgs on my plan (in- and outbound). But, it sure is nice to not say something to the effect of "stop talking to me". Because everybody knows Mariel loves to talk!
3) Sun Chips Harvest Cheddar - 'coz I'm eating them right now.
4) Starbucks Coffee @ work - Man, I didn't have coffee for the first time today, and only then did I truly realize how much I love that strong liquid power to get me through the day.
5) Amazon.com's awesome $25 + free shipping - gotta love this awesome online retailer for having everything in the entire known universe, and then shipping it for free.
6) Christmas Cards - received some lovely festive cards from family and friends, and for the first time ever, I'm attempting sending some out. I'm so holiday the elf ears are starting to grow.
7) My Pandora's "The Christmas Song" Mix - I love holiday music! Especially while walking outside in sub-freezing weather, nothing puts me in a happy (ok, tolerable) mood like listening to "The Christmas Song" or "Oh Holy Night" or (how apropos) "White Christmas."
8) Elf on USA Network - It's seriously my favorite holiday movie. I think it's going to be a classic in the same way "A Christmas Story" or "Christmas Vacation" now are -- two epic comedies which I still haven't seen, to the shock of others.
9) Gingerbread House decorating - So, we have a competition at work for creative gingerbread house decorating. Our team is SO stoked to build our gingerbread house which has, among other things, Slipknot AND the Beatles. Yep, it's gonna be a rockin' one.
10) Groupon's recent deal on French Meadow - I haven't had their dinner before, but since I had an amazing brunch there twice (goat cheese quiche drool), I immediately snapped this one up.
11) Planning for my Christmas and New Years trips - there's no place like home, and no better loving than from the family. And no better state than California (haha, that's not true on so many levels, but that don't matter).
12) McDonald's on Nicollet - fun late-night run, and I haven't eaten in a McDonald's for a while now. Sometimes, there's nothing better than a medium box of greasy Mickey D fries, eh?
13) My heater - Oh. My. God. Can you imagine if I didn't have one? I can't; which really makes me happy AND grateful for this, as I am for all the other things in my list.
I know that the world's imperfect, and that there's a lot of crap going on a macro and micro level. But, if we spend so much time obsessing over how sucky our lives are, then we miss the many little things that do make our lives livable and, if we're really lucky, utterly satisfying. I know where I stand in the grand scale of personal happiness...actually I don't know. What I do know is I am making an effort to stay positive [on most realms of my life], because positivity begets positivity. And I would really rather live my life as happily as I can every day. :-)
So, I figured, I'm gonna try and do the same thing this week. It's so easy to get depressed nowadays (thank you Seasonal Affective Disorder), and I could use an exercise like this to put things in perspective. With that said, here's what's making me 'masaya' this week:
1) The worst of *this* snow storm is over - as people may or may not know -- and probably wouldn't have known until they saw pictures online of the collapsed Metrodome roof -- there was a crazy snow storm that hit the Midwest this past weekend. The storm dumped about 17" of snow onto Minneapolis, and needless to say there were wipeouts, stranded travelers, and frustrated people digging their cars out of the frozen tundra. But, it's all done, and that's the good thing. People pretty much got back into the swing of things on Monday, and it's like everyone woke up from a dream because the downtown Target was bustling on Monday night. I think everyone was stocking up after getting stranded in their homes the entire weekend. Which reminds me, I really should stock up some Spam and corned beef. Yum.
2) Unlimited text messages - who knew there could be so much joy with having this kind of freedom? I try not to text one word answers still, remembering the days of yore (i.e. two weeks ago) when I only had 200 text msgs on my plan (in- and outbound). But, it sure is nice to not say something to the effect of "stop talking to me". Because everybody knows Mariel loves to talk!
3) Sun Chips Harvest Cheddar - 'coz I'm eating them right now.
4) Starbucks Coffee @ work - Man, I didn't have coffee for the first time today, and only then did I truly realize how much I love that strong liquid power to get me through the day.
5) Amazon.com's awesome $25 + free shipping - gotta love this awesome online retailer for having everything in the entire known universe, and then shipping it for free.
6) Christmas Cards - received some lovely festive cards from family and friends, and for the first time ever, I'm attempting sending some out. I'm so holiday the elf ears are starting to grow.
7) My Pandora's "The Christmas Song" Mix - I love holiday music! Especially while walking outside in sub-freezing weather, nothing puts me in a happy (ok, tolerable) mood like listening to "The Christmas Song" or "Oh Holy Night" or (how apropos) "White Christmas."
8) Elf on USA Network - It's seriously my favorite holiday movie. I think it's going to be a classic in the same way "A Christmas Story" or "Christmas Vacation" now are -- two epic comedies which I still haven't seen, to the shock of others.
9) Gingerbread House decorating - So, we have a competition at work for creative gingerbread house decorating. Our team is SO stoked to build our gingerbread house which has, among other things, Slipknot AND the Beatles. Yep, it's gonna be a rockin' one.
10) Groupon's recent deal on French Meadow - I haven't had their dinner before, but since I had an amazing brunch there twice (goat cheese quiche drool), I immediately snapped this one up.
11) Planning for my Christmas and New Years trips - there's no place like home, and no better loving than from the family. And no better state than California (haha, that's not true on so many levels, but that don't matter).
12) McDonald's on Nicollet - fun late-night run, and I haven't eaten in a McDonald's for a while now. Sometimes, there's nothing better than a medium box of greasy Mickey D fries, eh?
13) My heater - Oh. My. God. Can you imagine if I didn't have one? I can't; which really makes me happy AND grateful for this, as I am for all the other things in my list.
I know that the world's imperfect, and that there's a lot of crap going on a macro and micro level. But, if we spend so much time obsessing over how sucky our lives are, then we miss the many little things that do make our lives livable and, if we're really lucky, utterly satisfying. I know where I stand in the grand scale of personal happiness...actually I don't know. What I do know is I am making an effort to stay positive [on most realms of my life], because positivity begets positivity. And I would really rather live my life as happily as I can every day. :-)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Kung nasa Manila pa ako (If I was still in Manila)...
Paminsan-minsan, pag nakikita ko yung mga pictures ng mga kaibigan ko sa Philippines sa Facebook, nagiisip ako kung nasaan na kaya ako at this point of my life kung nandun pa 'rin ako nakatira. Lalo na ngayon na may mga websites katulad ng Facebook o Friendster (haha, Friendster, that's so two thousand and late), mas madalas kong napagiisipan..."Kung nasa Manila pa ako, ano na kaya ako ngayon?"
OK, I just realized that while it's so much easier for me to speak in Tagalog, it's exponentially easier for me to write in English. How's about them juxtaposition? It's funny, coz I've always written better in English, even though my native tongue is Tagalog, and always will be. Back in my sophomore year of high school in the Philippines, we had to write a minimum of 10-page (I think?) fiction piece, entirely in Tagalog. Oh my word, I think the only other time I've suffered as much writing anything was when I had to bullshit my way through a term paper for an online physics class (yes, online physics, probably the greatest WTF class in the history of man).
Typical digression aside, all the online-stalking of my friends/family in the Philippines, my visit to the PI last year, and just the starkness of this Minnesota winter (so alien from what I grew up in the last 20-some odd years) is making me wonder what and where I would be at this stage in my life, if I was still living in Manila.
Oddly (or maybe, not oddly) enough, the first and loudest answer to that question is: If I was still living in Manila today, I would probably be scrambling to get out of there. I know it sounds anti-patriotic, selfish, and probably why the Philippines is still struggling today, despite its abundant natural resources and wonderful geographic location (read: World War II; thanks for dragging us through the mud, bitches). But, the reality for millions of intelligent, hardworking Filipinos is that their output would probably be better compensated elsewhere. I am sure there are millions of wonderful opportunities in commerce over there. I do remember seeing Deutschbank, Allianz, Accenture, and other top companies with offices in Makati, and there's a lot of 'great' companies like San Miguel Corp., PLDT, and SM. Anyway, I really don't want to delve too deep into this issue, but I will point out that it's absolutely fascinating that even as I'm trying my hardest to formulate my "what-if" scenario, I still keep coming up against the same, stubborn conclusion: it would most likely involve me emigrating.
Ok, let's say we strike out that aforementioned option completely. I think it would be fun to start my phantasmagorical walk from where I left off (that is, when I left the Philippines):
Part I: High School
So there I was, marching down those next few yards towards my high school diploma. As I take my seat on the school stage, I am overwhelmed by happy memories. I look out to my 70+ fellow seniors and think of all our shared experiences in the last 4 years: overnight year-end parties, English week, Linggo ng Wika, camping trips, CAT trips, the Bivouac in Baguio, the quick therapy sessions where everyone get to pour their hearts out over four years of high school/teenage angst, et al.
-PS: I can't help snickering as I type this, because the latter part actually happened to some BAA alumni I know. It's very healing, I heard.
Part II: College
I go through college much like I went through high school: laser-focused and happily oblivious to my geekiness. I still live with my parents, because dorms are only for promdis (haha, how old is this lingo?). They pay for my college tuition, and I get a weekly allowance (I really cannot fathom this anymore). I commute a total of two hours every day, and I have developed an immunity to sweaty people on the Light Rail. During my four years in college, I find a favorite coffee shop by the mall, where my friends and I hang out to kill time until the rush hour dies down a little bit. On the weekends we go to the Mall (Mall of Asia, Megamall, SM North Edsa, Trinoma, whatever; we got them all). I drink a little bit, go to beerhouses once or twice with some friends, eat some street food, sing karaoke a lot, take the day off to watch Manny Pacquiao fight, all that fun stuff.
Part III: Work
I struggle finding a job for a while. It is not easy to get into those multinationals when they hire mostly B-school graduates and ex-patriates. I work, this time for real, at my family's hospital in the province. I like managing the place, but I'm a true City girl. So, I head back to Manila and keep trying. Eventually, I find a [TBD] job that I'm cool with. I now live in an apartment with a roommate, and I like going out to the mall and trying out different restaurants. Still.
Part IV: Religion
I stayed as the pianist for a children's choir until I left for college. Since I went to a non-religious school (against the strong protests of some relatives), I start to think more outside the churchly box. But, my family still goes to the same church every Saturday, and I still play the piano during 2nd Church service once in a while
Epilogue:
That's really all I can think of right now. Oh, I probably would be smaller there coz restaurants don't serve manhole-sized pancakes and 50-piece chicken nugget Happy Meals, and you can't just buy a side of cardiac arrest for a dollar. I find a guy who's slightly taller than me, and we would hang out at the mall. A lot. I'm telling you guys, the mall is to the Philippines what Costcos are to the United States: plentiful, huge, and air-conditioned.
Even with all this hard imagineering, all I've really come up with are generalities and a few scenarios I remember doing last year. I guess it's harder for me to visualize what could have been simply because I haven't been home in the Philippines in such a long time. I don't even know if it's home anymore; it seems more like a distant birthplace and childhood memory now.
There are days when I think, "Oh, how simpler things would be, if I just lived back in the Philippines." But, I know that's a naive statement, because what I'm referring to as 'simple' is my outdated concept of the Philippines from seven years ago, when I didn't have to worry about paying the bills or buying groceries or things like that. Whether I'm in Minnesota, California, or Manila, in 2010 I would be an ADULT, dealing with adult situations. Maybe my next note would be "If I was still a kid." Or, "If I was a millionaire" (I'll be on the cover of Forbes magazine, smiling next to Oprah and the Queen. You know it).
I'm probably going to be writing more about this "shoulda, coulda, woulda" the more I think about it. It's a fun exercise for my brain. The scenarios will change, and the details will evolve, but one truth remains the same: I'm proud of where I came from, and I'm prouder of where that has taken me.
OK, I just realized that while it's so much easier for me to speak in Tagalog, it's exponentially easier for me to write in English. How's about them juxtaposition? It's funny, coz I've always written better in English, even though my native tongue is Tagalog, and always will be. Back in my sophomore year of high school in the Philippines, we had to write a minimum of 10-page (I think?) fiction piece, entirely in Tagalog. Oh my word, I think the only other time I've suffered as much writing anything was when I had to bullshit my way through a term paper for an online physics class (yes, online physics, probably the greatest WTF class in the history of man).
Typical digression aside, all the online-stalking of my friends/family in the Philippines, my visit to the PI last year, and just the starkness of this Minnesota winter (so alien from what I grew up in the last 20-some odd years) is making me wonder what and where I would be at this stage in my life, if I was still living in Manila.
Oddly (or maybe, not oddly) enough, the first and loudest answer to that question is: If I was still living in Manila today, I would probably be scrambling to get out of there. I know it sounds anti-patriotic, selfish, and probably why the Philippines is still struggling today, despite its abundant natural resources and wonderful geographic location (read: World War II; thanks for dragging us through the mud, bitches). But, the reality for millions of intelligent, hardworking Filipinos is that their output would probably be better compensated elsewhere. I am sure there are millions of wonderful opportunities in commerce over there. I do remember seeing Deutschbank, Allianz, Accenture, and other top companies with offices in Makati, and there's a lot of 'great' companies like San Miguel Corp., PLDT, and SM. Anyway, I really don't want to delve too deep into this issue, but I will point out that it's absolutely fascinating that even as I'm trying my hardest to formulate my "what-if" scenario, I still keep coming up against the same, stubborn conclusion: it would most likely involve me emigrating.
Ok, let's say we strike out that aforementioned option completely. I think it would be fun to start my phantasmagorical walk from where I left off (that is, when I left the Philippines):
Part I: High School
So there I was, marching down those next few yards towards my high school diploma. As I take my seat on the school stage, I am overwhelmed by happy memories. I look out to my 70+ fellow seniors and think of all our shared experiences in the last 4 years: overnight year-end parties, English week, Linggo ng Wika, camping trips, CAT trips, the Bivouac in Baguio, the quick therapy sessions where everyone get to pour their hearts out over four years of high school/teenage angst, et al.
-PS: I can't help snickering as I type this, because the latter part actually happened to some BAA alumni I know. It's very healing, I heard.
Part II: College
I go through college much like I went through high school: laser-focused and happily oblivious to my geekiness. I still live with my parents, because dorms are only for promdis (haha, how old is this lingo?). They pay for my college tuition, and I get a weekly allowance (I really cannot fathom this anymore). I commute a total of two hours every day, and I have developed an immunity to sweaty people on the Light Rail. During my four years in college, I find a favorite coffee shop by the mall, where my friends and I hang out to kill time until the rush hour dies down a little bit. On the weekends we go to the Mall (Mall of Asia, Megamall, SM North Edsa, Trinoma, whatever; we got them all). I drink a little bit, go to beerhouses once or twice with some friends, eat some street food, sing karaoke a lot, take the day off to watch Manny Pacquiao fight, all that fun stuff.
Part III: Work
I struggle finding a job for a while. It is not easy to get into those multinationals when they hire mostly B-school graduates and ex-patriates. I work, this time for real, at my family's hospital in the province. I like managing the place, but I'm a true City girl. So, I head back to Manila and keep trying. Eventually, I find a [TBD] job that I'm cool with. I now live in an apartment with a roommate, and I like going out to the mall and trying out different restaurants. Still.
Part IV: Religion
I stayed as the pianist for a children's choir until I left for college. Since I went to a non-religious school (against the strong protests of some relatives), I start to think more outside the churchly box. But, my family still goes to the same church every Saturday, and I still play the piano during 2nd Church service once in a while
Epilogue:
That's really all I can think of right now. Oh, I probably would be smaller there coz restaurants don't serve manhole-sized pancakes and 50-piece chicken nugget Happy Meals, and you can't just buy a side of cardiac arrest for a dollar. I find a guy who's slightly taller than me, and we would hang out at the mall. A lot. I'm telling you guys, the mall is to the Philippines what Costcos are to the United States: plentiful, huge, and air-conditioned.
Even with all this hard imagineering, all I've really come up with are generalities and a few scenarios I remember doing last year. I guess it's harder for me to visualize what could have been simply because I haven't been home in the Philippines in such a long time. I don't even know if it's home anymore; it seems more like a distant birthplace and childhood memory now.
There are days when I think, "Oh, how simpler things would be, if I just lived back in the Philippines." But, I know that's a naive statement, because what I'm referring to as 'simple' is my outdated concept of the Philippines from seven years ago, when I didn't have to worry about paying the bills or buying groceries or things like that. Whether I'm in Minnesota, California, or Manila, in 2010 I would be an ADULT, dealing with adult situations. Maybe my next note would be "If I was still a kid." Or, "If I was a millionaire" (I'll be on the cover of Forbes magazine, smiling next to Oprah and the Queen. You know it).
I'm probably going to be writing more about this "shoulda, coulda, woulda" the more I think about it. It's a fun exercise for my brain. The scenarios will change, and the details will evolve, but one truth remains the same: I'm proud of where I came from, and I'm prouder of where that has taken me.
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