The Adventure Awaits

2006-02-21T12:27:00.000-05:00

Men See You As Choosy

Men notice you light years before you notice themYou take a selective approach to dating, and you can afford to be pickyYou aren't looking for a quick flirt - but a memorable encounterIt may take men a while to ask you out, but it's worth the wait

How Do Men See You?

2006-02-08T16:02:00.000-05:00

Your Seduction Style: Au Natural

You rank up there with your seduction skills, though you might not know it.That's because you're a natural at seduction. You don't realize your power!The root of your natural seduction power: your innocence and optimism.

You're the type of person who happily plays around and creates a unique little world.Little do you know that your personal paradise is so appealing that it sucks people in.You find joy in everything - so is it any surprise that people find joy in you?You bring back the inner child in everyone you meet with your sincere and spontaneous ways.Your childlike (but not childish) behavior also inspires others to care for you.

As a result, those who you befriend and date tend to be incredibly loyal to you.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofseducerareyouquiz/

2006-02-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

Your Seduction Style: Au Natural

You rank up there with your seduction skills, though you might not know it.That's because you're a natural at seduction. You don't realize your power!The root of your natural seduction power: your innocence and optimism.
You're the type of person who happily plays around and creates a unique little world.Little do you know that your personal paradise is so appealing that it sucks people in.You find joy in everything - so is it any surprise that people find joy in you?
You bring back the inner child in everyone you meet with your sincere and spontaneous ways.Your childlike (but not childish) behavior also inspires others to care for you.As a result, those who you befriend and date tend to be incredibly loyal to you.

What Kind of Seducer Are You?

Start

2006-01-02T23:23:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2005.

there have been a few downs and a lot of ups. queen's ended. independence was gained. friendships were created, existing ones strengthened while some relationships were let go. i took risks, followed my heart and things ended up in a way that they should have.

to my family, friends and everyone in between, 2005 was as good as it could have been because you were a part of it. i could only be grateful and look forward to 2006 : )

what i was doing while waiting for the clock to strike 12. my first snow angel.

2005-12-21T12:53:00.000-05:00

it's christmas once again. it's that time of the year when we get caught up in the frezy of the season. what does christmas mean to us? to many, christmas is all about rushing to the malls, checking our lists, buying gifts and spending a lot of time wrapping them. it's about fun and christmas parties. it's the best season to get married. it's about long vacations and grand reunions with family and friends.

it's about having fun.

it's also the time of the year where i look back the past year and recognize all the things that i'm thankful for...

1. for the new friendships formed and existing friendships that were strengthened.

2. independence. freedom. on my own.

3. Queen's. the community of students. the ups, the downs and everything in between of my time in kingston is something that i will hold dear in my heart for always.

4. the lopez family and for making me feel like i'm really a part of your family, for which i'll be eternally grateful for.

5. for the endless talks where we talk about nothing but ends up as being something.

6. "the team you wish you were on": prim and proper, struggling immigrant, 'how come?', the grinch, hot mama, mr. bonsai and 'men!'. you guys are by far the most interesting bunch of people i've ever met.

7. stereotypes were broken down when i met someone from the opposite side of the spectrum. every single person does indeed have something to teach you.

8. for an amazing summer - i have never enjoyed my summer as much as i did this year.

9. 24-hr-crash-anytime couch.

10. for the lilies and daisies that i got whenever i needed a picker upper.

11. keeping my resolution of picking up photography again. love it.

12. for those of who have screwed me over.. you made me see how strong i can be.

13. my relationship with mi familia and mis amigos y amigas. sometimes they wouldn't have the answer to all of my questions or that they wouldn't be able to give me earthly materials. but just their mere presence, knowing that i have someone there right beside me no matter what - that's more than enough strength that i need to help me get through the day. you guys make up my world.

As well all gather to celebrate the season, let us not forget what xmas is all about. It is the time to ask forgiveness and to forgive those who have wronged us. it is about reconciling with those who we have bitterly broke our ties with. it's about sacrificing what we want to give what others need. it is about giving without asking anything for return.

many of us are lingering in sorrow right now. but whether it may be a matter of money, a concern about a relationship, a worry over a sickness, or grief over the loss of a loved one, there would always be a reason to be thankful this christmas.

let us never forget to count our simple blessings. because if we do, we would be surprised to realize that life isn't bad at all- that there is a reason to be happy.

Ho Ho Ho

2005-12-15T21:39:00.000-05:00

work today was unbelievably fun and having just started there, i did not have any expectation whatsoever.

what was in the agenda? lunch potluck and judging of our gingerbread house. i was part of the gingerbread house committee and we were so gung-ho about coming out on top in the beginning. however after a few fiascos, we've decided to just lower our standard and just aim for finishing it on time lol.

highlights of the day:

we were transporting our house to the area of competition and mr. jolly-man fell into many little pieces. my co-worker mark decided to resurrect him and put him back together. below is what came out of mr. jolly man - the gingerbread man who took one for the team.

thanks mr. jolly-man, you've served us well.

casualty in the work force. look, he's still all smiles.

ernida is my mom at work. but sometimes, i just have no idea how logic works in her head. she handed me a bag of fruits asking me if i wanted it. since i haven't had any nutritious consumption lately, i decided to take her up on the offer.

what i later found out was that the bag is full shrivelled up apples. i don't know whether to be offended or not but i just ended up laughing. i just found the whole situation so funny that i just had to take a picture of the apple with ernida in the background.

here's how our apple conservation went:

me: ernida, what the hell is this?

ernida: (she actually couldn't say anything but laugh)

me: how could you even offer me this in the first place? if i was in your position, this apple would never see another human being ever!

ernida: (just chuckles)

don't i feel loved at work?

pang museum na lang ang apple na 'to.

2005-12-13T22:32:00.000-05:00

it is with much love that i dedicate this post to someone who i hold dear to me. this is just my way of showing and letting this person know that i'm just here.

it has been so long since I've seen you smile.

BE HAPPY. YOU HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT. HAVE A GOOD LIFE. WE MAY NOT BE PERFECT BUT I THINK WE ALL DESERVE A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN.

stand & smile & breathe.

just remember, no smile is as beautiful as the one that struggled through the tears. and you know you have a gorgeous smile :)

2005-12-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

this girl is chicken no more : )

it's weird. just when you thought that it's not going to happen for awhile, it does. not to say it wasn't nerve wracking, in fact, i was one, big giant ball of emotions. i felt excitement, relief, sadness, anxiousness, optimism, even cowardness.

people often worry about the littlest or the biggest things but when it has happened, you look back and realize that it wasn't that bad.

often times, our anxiousness about anything gets the best of us. it causes us to stay at a place where we know we're secure, where we know beforehand what's going to happen; our comfort zone. even i am guilty of this.

that may be fine and all but that also means that you're not really living life as it was intended to be lived - not experiencing life to the fullest; not grabbing the opportunities (which has a life span of mere seconds) that life presents you. . opportunities that can take you on one helluva ride.

i'm lucky and blessed enough that i've got 'systems' in place that would counteract these emotions/thoughts that would prevent me from fully experiencing LIFE. i was raised by two wonderful people who taught me, among many other things, to "graduate life with honor and without regrets".

my mommy-ko and daddy-toons

i've said this before and i will say it again...

if you don't risk anything, you might just be risking everything... including your happiness.

2005-12-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

our seasonal bakasyon in palawan wouldn't be complete without stopping by quito.

her house in puerto always had this distinct smell that to this day, i couldn't decide whether it was a good or bad smell. i even used to dislike her clay water jar because i wanted my water cold.

her typical outfit would consist of tsinelas, daster (i think that's how you spell it) and an extra piece of fabric she would wrap around her waist. her idea of kissing is actually smelling us. she would wander off in the middle of the afternoon in brooke's point just to play mah jong. one of the tiniest ladies I've ever met.

one of the bravest women i know, having gone through world war II with my lolo. only once did she tell stories of what they went through at the time.

her face, without fail, would always light up as soon as we enter a room. she made sure that all of her apos and apo sa tuhods felt loved, always.

when Daniel passed away this summer cos of cancer, i felt my heart rip in two. and now it's my lola. it's true what they say, sorrows come not in single spies but in batallions.

through all of this, i have realized a few things. GOD wakes us up in the middle of the storm to teach us lessons - it's his way of "fine-tuning us so we can be more compassionate, understanding and caring towards other people". HE takes away the people we love so we can value love itself. HE makes us cry so hard so we can see more clearly when we open our eyes. HE makes us so bitter so we can see that there is no genuine happiness if we just think of ourselves.

R.I.P Lola and Daniel, I know you guys are rocking the Big H :)

2005-12-02T01:01:00.000-05:00

crazy night.

i guess it had to happen sometime, just didn't think it'll be this soon.

kristina: brenna, can i chill at your house for a bit? i delayed it.
brenna: (laughing) oh kristina, you're such a silly girl. chicken!
kristina: hey i'm getting better. i'm still going. last time, i cancelled. that's progress.
brenna: (still laughing) yes, you can come over.

it was bittersweet.

2005-12-02T00:56:00.000-05:00

"you need to confront your demons and defeat them. you confront them, then you confront them, then you confront them some more. every single day."

but sometimes, you just can't do it alone
you need a little help, or a lot

or just someone to give you a pat in the back
someone who'll stay with you
laugh with you, cry with you
just so you can get through a day

thanks tish :)

P.S. Merry Christmas everybody! let the shopping begin :S (ugh)

Open and Upturned

2005-11-28T18:54:00.000-05:00

I learned something from an acquaintance of mine. the difference between open and upturned smile.

and apparently, i have an open smile.

he said that people with open smiles (i.e wider?) are often perceived as nice girls/boys. even if they do something nasty or naughty, they're still perceived as good girls. an example of a person with an open smile that he gave me was britney spears (of all people, i know).

not knowing anything about the psychology of smiles, i preceded to ask him in this manner "i have an open smile? as opposed to what? a closed smile?" needless to say, he just laughed because of how serious i was when i asked the question. he just told me that there are two kinds of smiles, and the opposite of an open smile is the upturned smile.

upturned smiles are smiles where the corners of the mouth are turned upwards. people with upturned smiles, on the other hand, are often seen as "naughty" people because their smile are more sexier. he cited christina aguilera as one of those people that has such smile.

after looking at both britney's and christina's pictures, i think the kid might just be right. i've posted a pic of both ladies.

you guys be the judge whether people with open smiles are usually seen as 'nice girls/guys' while people with upturned smiles are 'naughtier'.

so what are you? naughty or nice;)

Inuit I, Inuit II and Matty boy

2005-11-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest treasure or blessings that anyone can receive in life are friends.

Unwanted or unwelcomed events happen in everyone's lives but I try not to complain as much because I know I have been blessed.

For example, I have...

Inuit I and Inuit II.

I could never ask for better girlfriends/therapists/dancing buddies than you girls. Thank you for the 24hour-crash anytime couch, for the much needed distractions, the uneccessary and necessary girls night out/in, the tears and most of all, the laughters and the hugs.

we have gone through quite a lot these past few months. we didn't know and to a certain extent, still don't know, what we're getting into but of all the people that I could go through it with, I'm so blessed that it's you two. we have always treated life as an adventure, as a journey, and as a "book who's end is still unwritten".

thank you for the endless, eye-opening talks that we've had the past few years. no words will justify how much i appreciate you guys (and our other ladies as well). we've gone through some shitty times to say the least, especially these past few months but you know what? i'm not scared to go through much shittier times cos i know that no matter what happens... all i have to do is turn around and you guys will be there (and probably the couch as well :P ), with outstretched hands.

thank you. and i love you.

Matty boy

well, well, well. what can I say about a guy who drove me insane in 2nd year that the 9 Birch Crew had to part ways after one year and find our own abode? what can i say about the the guy (who I've known for the past 5 years) who up until last week did not know that I wasn't born in Canada nor knew that I loved photography. quite a friend you are. what can i say about you?

thank you for being you. i still have to say that you're quite unreliable but (and it's a big BUT) you have stepped up to the plate when necessary. i'm amazed how you can go from having a Masters in ' how to ditch your friends' one minute to being the guy who would let me vent about the male species without complaint, you would just sit there and listen; to the guy who would go out for dinner or for coffee with such short notice since i don't have any food at home and i wouldn't be able to go grocery shopping till the weekend; to the guy who would actually drive 15 minutes to my house, drive me to the grocery store just so i wouldn't have to take the ttc; to the guy who i initially saw as a friend but who i would eventually consider as my brother.

so there you go, 3 of my many wonderful blessings in life.

****

You

to you, thank you. we're both brats but for some reason, it worked. there was a connection that was uncanny to say the very least. and i am just glad that i've felt those feelings...

- the ecstasy, the awe, the yearning and that blissful feeling that i always got whenever i think about how i actually have you - the person that makes me laugh, the person that makes me happy just by being there.

yup. i was happy and content. for that, thank you.

blurbs

2005-10-26T20:28:00.000-04:00

Major changes have happened in my life over the past few months.

here are a few tidbits and lessons i learned along the way.

I'm currently working on an energy conservation program. I work at the grass root level, interacting with the public. I wouldn't be surprised if people look down on my position. but u know what? I have gotten more out of this experience than I ever bargained for.

I've never met so many interesting people in such a short span than I ever did my whole life. their little quips and short stories that they generously shared with me deepened my conviction of how multi-faceted life is and that it could never, ever be boring if you just take the time to notice, cherish and appreciate how beautiful and interesting the things are around you. or just listening to their stories which may seem insignificant at first can actually teach you lessons that you can use to armor yourself against your day to day battles with life.

to all of you people, thank you. you are deeply embedded in this fabric that makes up my entire being.

As best I can, I try not to worry about the future. I try to live in the moment. If at least you try and do the right thing right here, at this moment, the future will take care of itself.

don't change for another person. what you should never lose when you're in a relationship is yourself. do whatever you want and let the other person react to it. they will deal with it as much as they can, and they won't if they can't. it's that simple.

i've never been as independent as I've been the past couple of month. i was getting too comfortable in vancouver and i did not like that feeling at all. that was one of the reasons why I moved back to toronto. i needed to be uncomfortable again cos it is only then that we find out who we really, what we're capable of doing and most of all - how strong we can be. living on my own is full of trials that can bring me down at times (although I try not to be). it's hard. but it's also worth it.

Cut off

2005-06-25T13:41:00.000-04:00

I've never really had the experience of dealing with someone who is two-faced until recently. Worse, it is someone that I've known for a while and who I thought I knew quite well.

I'm a pretty blunt person when needed and that is why it is beyond me why anyone would even want to be a fake. Why say something nasty to other people then turn around and be all nice to me? That is such a total waste of energy, effort and most of all, isn't it tiring to be a fake?

Times will come when we would have to drop people in our lives. Not all of our relationships (in all levels) in life will work out. Nevertheless, those relationships are supposed to teach something, which will serve as our armor in our day-to-day battle in this game called life.

I doubt that you will ever get to read this post. but i want you to know that i am not mad at you. a wise friend told me that just because things don't work out, that doesn't mean that there's something wrong with you or myself. it just means that God didn't intend for you to be in my life because He has something better planned for me. and you are meant for something else.

“we make things so complicated for ourselves. if things don’t work out, it is because He has something else – something better – planned for us. If you’re hurt, just let it go…”

To-do

2005-06-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

Summer's half over (not that it really matters) and I haven't done as much as I wanted. To give me incentive to actually get my ass in gear, I've decided to post it on here.

1. Convocation
2. bunjee jumping
3. white water rafting
4. camping
5. beach whoring
6. take fencing lessons
7. take ballroom dancing lessons
8. read 5 books by the end of the summer
9. give myself some alone time once in awhile
10. volunteer

I just love the summer!

2005-06-20T22:40:00.000-04:00

You know what's irritating? seeing people enjoying the warmth that summer brings with it while you're stuck inside a frigid building :S (not impressed). okay. fine. i'm exaggerating about the frigid comment but it did spark a twinge of jealousy:D

The nice summer day drove my friend and I went to Kits beach afterwork. After we've had a few drinks we went down to the beach, sat on a log and dugged my toes underneath the warm sand and just talked about anything and everything. It was one of those afternoons where you could just stay in one spot, never move and be content. Unfortunately, reality (i.e. obligations) always comes crashing down and we had to cut our afternoon short *sigh*

I just hope that this nice spell sticks around for a little while. I believe Vancouver's beaches will be my playground for the summer :)

Here's to the summer days ahead of us!

Getaway

2005-06-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

I went back home this past weekend due to Father's Day.

It is nice to be able to escape the hustle and bustle life of Vancouver because I am the type of person that needs her escape every so often.

As soon as I got off the ferry, I turned off my palm pilot, my cell phone and took in the beauty of the Coast that lay before my eyes. The perfect getaway.

How I feel about Father's Day is just the same as how I feel about any other occasion such as christmas and mother's day (I don't consider V-day as an occasion but that is an entirely different topic). As with the latter two, I believe that it should be celebrated every day. Nevertheless, I think it is good that we atleast devote a day for dads since we all are susceptible to the disease where we take the most important thing/people for granted.

I would like to devote this post to one of the four men in my life, my daddy-toons. Simply put, my dad (along with my mom) is my rock. So many things have changed in my life, so many people have come and gone and yet I always find my dad right there beside me, protecting me, supporting me, and ready to impart valuable life lessons when neeeded.

Dad, thank you for the values that you've instilled in me for the past 22 years; thank you for showing us how to live a life of determination, ambition, compassion, honesty and last, a life centered in God. If I could one day be half the parent that you are to me and my brothers - that will be enough for me and I would consider myself to be successful in parenthood. To this day, it still baffles me how you guys were able to put up with me :D

it is days like this when I fully realize how lucky I am: I've got a family that will go to hell and back for me , tried and tested friends who color my life beautiful and a dog who never fails to step up to the plate whenever I need a picker-upper :)

To all the dads out there, happy daddy's day. To my dad - I love you.

Now back to the jungle of Vancouver...

Plaza, Rugby & Chickas

2005-06-12T18:40:00.000-04:00

Patrizia, Bebe and I went to the Plaza of Nations yesterday to check out the happenings for Phil Ind Day. The day events were full of boring, out-of tune singers and dancers so we decided to watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith at Tinseltown instead. It is a funny, witty movie but not a movie of caliber.

We went back to Plaza afterwards to watch the concert that showcased Van's better local talents and of course, the main acts: Aiza Seguerra, Dingdong Avanzado & Jessa Zaragosa. It's crazy how Filipinos gets so obsessed over celebrities. I enjoyed the concert because all three artists sang songs that were popular when I was still living in the Philippines, which then reminded of my growing up years in Pinas.

We also met Patrizia's Stacy (dunno how he really spells his name. In the unlikely event that he comes across this blog, I apologize Stacy for butchering your name) after Plaza and we headed to this place called Rugby (I think). Those who know me know that I absolutely LOVE martinis. Rugby was such a candy store for me since they have some dirt cheap martinis, which I later found out why that's the case. It's all good though. I think I would go back to that place since it has a good vibe/atmosphere - a good place to lounge (another favorite past time of mine) and besides, I can always get double shot.

Cheers!

Never Apologize

2005-06-11T10:20:00.000-04:00

Never apologize for pursuing what makes you happy. Even if you need to quit your job, transfer schools, or move across country, always do what you really want as long as you don't hurt anyone very badly.

Never apologize for giving your best in a relationship that just didn't work out. As long as you did your part, you have nothing to worry about.

Never apologize for being successful. Only haters want to keep you at their level.

Never apologize for crying. Wear waterproof mascara and express yourself.

Never apologize for the pounds that you need to lose. People who truly care about you will accept you as you are.

Never apologize for being frugal. Just because you save your money instead of blowing it on the latest fashion emergency doesn't mean you're cheap.

Don't apologize for being a single mom. Babies are a blessing.

Never apologize for treating yourself to something special. Sometimes you have to show yourself some appreciation. INDULGE!

Never apologize for leaving an abusive relationship. No one should ever take advantage of you or take you for granted. Shame on them.

Never apologize for keeping the ring even if wedding bells won't chime.

Never apologize for setting high standards in a relationship. You know what you want and you wouldn't settle for less. You know what you can tolerate and what simply gets on your nerves.

Never apologize for saying NO.

Never apologize for asking for what you want in bed. If you don't, then who will?

Never apologize for wearing a weave. You bought it so it's yours.

Never apologize for ordering dessert. Or more than one dessert.

Never apologize for dating outside your race. Just because you found Mr. Right across the color line doesn't mean you don't love your brothas.

Never apologize for not knowing how to cook. Even if you can't burn like Grandma you know how to order good take out.

Never apologize for your taste in clothes. It's your style.

Never apologize for changing your mind.

Never apologize for exercising your right to choose. It's your body and your right.

Never apologize for making more money than your man, you work hard and you deserve to get paid.

Never apologize for being you! "Keep your head up and keep moving forward!"

Never apologize for failing to apologize if there's nothing to apologize for. On the other hand, you should be sensitive enough to apologize when you know it's needed.

Eyes Wide Open

2005-06-03T22:25:00.000-04:00

Often times I find myself learning the most important lessons that I have ever learned in life when I'm going through some kind of difficulty.

This week was an exception.

Against the norm, I learned what could possibly one of the most important lesson i could ever learn just by observing situations around me.

Visiting family friends in Winnipeg, I found myself in a BIBAK party. To those who don't know, BIBAK stands for Benguet, Ifugao, Bontok, Apayao and Kalinga -- it is a group of indigenous people that lives in the Cordillera Central mountains in northern Luzon, Philippines.

What I saw during the party amazed me beyond belief: kids danced the traditional Igorot dance. It wasn't so much that they were able to carry out the dance. I was in awe for I was witnessing a culture,that could have been easily lost, being passed on from one generation to another.

Realization #1: we should never lose who we are. What I find interesting about humanity in general is that each posses its own unique identity. This is one of the reason why I love Toronto -- because it is so multi-cultural. If you ride the subway station, you would never understand what anyone is saying because everyone is speaking in a different language. It would be so mundane if everyone had the same culture, wouldn't it (boredom notion emerging!)?

I refuse to lose my being Filipino because being a Filipina is who I am. I will never lose the ability of being able to speak Tagalog, I will never squirm at the sight of Filipino dishes (although there are exceptions - case in point: dinuguan... yuck!) and above all else, I will never lose the Filipino values that my parents have instilled with me over the past 22 years.

Thanks mom and dad.

"Nuninuninuni"

2005-05-25T02:58:00.000-04:00

I've spent a significant portion of my day today packing and unpacking as I am moving to Vancouver over the next week. As I was unpacking my boxes that I've sent from Kingston, I stumbled upon my Grade 12 yearbook. Going through my year book enabled me to remember all of the memories that I've safely and gently stored in the back of my mind. Surprisingly, I did not feel sadness over those beautiful memories that my friends have generously shared with me. Instead, I've come to realize how far I have gone and what I felt wasn't sadness but relief.

It came as a relief to finally understand that you never actually master life, and that striving to do so will lead to frustration. The best you can do is to strive to master the process by which you experience it.

Life is a year-round school from which you never actually graduate, so it is a learning process by which you experience it.

"Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while you could miss it."

Oh, to all the guys who have ever screwed me over, thank you, you have made me stronger and wiser.

I believe that the meaning of life is to be happy and if I'm not happy then I find a way to be because someone once told me "get busy living or get busy dying".

Boredom

2005-05-24T02:58:00.000-04:00

I will be the first to admit that I am the type of person that gets bored easily, be it of things or people.

I have noticed that people seem shocked and more often than not take it in a bad way. ladies and gentlemen, i beg to differ.

if taken the right way, boredom is what keeps things interesting in our lives.

YES, it is highly possible that i can get bored with the snap of a finger. But i am NOT the type that keeps myself bored. Once i'm in my boredom phase, i seek out something/someone/whatever it is that i need at the time that will challenge me in some form or another.

our finest moments in life will not come from doing something we have done repetitively. Instaed, it will most likely occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in these moments that we are likely to step out of ruts and start searching for truer answers.

Why, why, why?

2005-05-06T01:00:00.000-04:00

Why do people act so stupid post-break up? Is there a point in trying to cause the other person aggravation? Does that person not realize that it is only he/she end up looking stupid and being laughed at at the end? lol...I guess not.

2005-03-21T19:39:00.000-05:00

squeeze fest with the ladies during St. Paddys

2005-03-21T19:37:00.000-05:00

The wondeful Ms. Mason and I

2005-03-21T19:36:00.000-05:00

The other bday girl - Brenna :)

2005-03-21T19:35:00.000-05:00

you're my girl, i'm your girl, we're your girls

2005-03-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

Julie and I on her bday dinner at Wooden Head's

googlism

2005-03-21T18:43:00.000-05:00

I recently discovered www.googlism.com and it is clear that the people from google have a lot of time on their hands.

Here's the deal: type in your name and a wide array of facts pops up with people of the same name. Here are a few of my favorites...

kristina is a true example of all heart
kristina is a truly beautiful thread

bella is held up as an unsung hero in the book

rodrigo is home

bernardo is a true legend
franz is the man after
rod is a gem

melissa is starting to break barriers

try it out :)

Simple pleasures

2005-03-15T01:29:00.000-05:00

Little things that bring happiness in Kristina's life:

1. comforting hugs from family and friends
2. laughter
3. dancing under the moonlight
4. playing in the rain
5. bonfires
6. driving down the road, with the top down...sun shining in my face and i can feel the wind blowing against my face
7. letting my love ones know that I love them
8. my love ones letting me know that they love me
9. smiles
10. quiet walks
11. sunsets
12. conversation
13. stargazing with my brother
14. goodnight kisses
15. my mom's corny jokes
16. love

People say that I could be a loner sometimes. I guess that's just because I like to take some time out of my life to go in a corner and just think about life in general. I often find myself people watching and I find we (north americans) live such a tiring life. Everyone is in such a hurry to get into the top so as to lead a comfortable life. I'm not saying that it's bad but we also need to take some time out of our day to appreciate the things that truly matter.

I'm making it my personal goal that I lead a meaningful life. How exactly am I planning to achieve that? I'm devoting my life to loving others, in serving the community around me, and most of all - I'm devoting myself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.

A few of my friends have been ranting about the book The Purpose Driven Life. I think it's time for me to purchase that book...

For Paolo

2005-03-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

I can't cover up my feelings
In the name of love
Or play it safe
For a while that was easy

And if living for myself
Is what I'm guilty of
Go on and sentence me
I'll still be free

It's my turn
To see what I can see
I hope you'll understand
This time's just for me

Because it's my turn
With no apologiesI
've given up the truth
To those I've tried to please

But now it's my turn
If I don't have all the answers
At least I know
I'll take my share of chances
Ain't no use of holding of
When nothing stays the same

So I'll let it rain
'Cause the rain ain't gonna hurt me
And I'll let you go
'Though I know it won't be easy

It's my turn
With no more room for lies
For years I'd seen my life
Through someone else's eyes

And now it's my turn
To try and find my way
And if I should get lost
At least I'll own todayIt's my turn

Yes, it's my turn
And there ain't no use in holding of
When nothing stays the same

So I'll let it rain
'Cause the rain ain't gonna hurt me
And I'll let you go
'Though I know it won't be easy

It's my turn
To see what I can see
I hope you'll understand
This time's just for me

Because it's my turn
To turn and say goodbye
I sure would like to know
That you're still on my side

Transition

2005-03-13T15:09:00.000-05:00

It seems like every couple around me is breaking up or is having troubles, including myself. Funny thing is, we all have pretty much the same reason - transition.

we are at a point in our lives where the curtain is about to fall on our childhood and a new chapter is about to unfold. At the beginning of the year, my friends and I are gung-ho about our relationships. We all thought that yes, it's going to last and all. Little did we realize that that perception is about to change during the course of the year, especially during the last two months of school. It is only now that we fully realize the reality of our lives post-graduation. School is about to end. over. done. This forces us to look inside of ourselves and discover what will really make us happy or what we want to do in life. Unfortunately, sometimes, what we want to do in life right now does not involve our current partner.

A good friend of mine asked me if I had to choose between staying with my significant other and grabbing my freedom and explore life and the world, which would it be? I replied, without any hesitations, that I will choose my freedom. If I choose to stay because of love, I know that I will regret making that decision somewhere down the road.

Now that I'm almost done university, I am much more excited about life. I am excited to live my 20s, 30s, 40s (you guys get the point). I don't believe that your life goes downhill once you've settled down. Each phase of our lives is fun, interesting and life-changing in their own way. You cannot compare the different phases because they're totally different from each other. Comparing your 20s to 30s is analogous to comparing your love for your best friend to your love for your family. I am indescribably excited for my 20s. My 20s is my time for myself. I am going to live my 20s in a way that when the time comes that it has to end, I will have no regrets and I would have a past that I"m content to leave behind and am ready to start my 30s phase, which is probably settling down and having a family of my own.

Travelling the world is my passion and my dream. My passion for travelling stems from my need to be educated. I am not talking about academically educated - I already am to a certain degree. I want to be educated about life. By that, I don't mean educated by experience day-to-day lessons in living (although I think that is also important). Having lived in a few countries earlier on in my life taught me that we should never live in a bubble. There is a whole world out there that's waiting to be explored. By learning about different cultures, you are learning about the different and multiple facets of humanity.

To all of my friends, thank you for all the memories that you've generously shared with me. The curtain is about to fall on our childhood, and at this point in our lives, we are presented with a lot of opportunities that will enable us to do whatever it is that our heart desires. Please, please, please seize it with all you've got and get ready for the ride of your life.

Christianity

2005-02-17T00:50:00.000-05:00

Earlier this evening, a good friend of mine made disrespectful, idiotic comments about Christianity that deeply offended me because my religion, which is Catholicism, is really important to me.

I refused to say anything to her because I was trying to be the better person by really understanding her and respecting her views. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my dear friend. She has the right to her own views. However, that does not mean that you can just spit out whatever it is that's on your mind, even if it was in an insensitive way, and still think that it's okay.

But in the end, I would have to thank my friend for making that comment. If it wasn't for what she said, I would have never realized how much I needed God and my religion in my life.

Unlike myself, she will never realize how good it is to have GOD in her life.

Along with my parents, He is my source of comfort, guidance, strength, and knowledge.
I know God will never abandon me in my darkest moment.... when it feels like there's no more hope, He will reach out his hand to me, carry me on his shoulders, and guide me through whatever it is that I am going through - like a shepherd does to his flock.

I love you Papa.

The battle is almost over

2005-02-13T14:06:00.000-05:00

Four years of university and I still haven't gotten procrastination out of my system.

For the past couple of years, I often find myself contemplating on what has happened to me, in my life, over the past four years. Armed only with a courage of an 18 year-old, I left my family and friends in BC and moved to a city, or province for that matter, where I didn't know anyone. I was on my own.

Fast forward four years later, I have experienced things that I never thought I would experience nor overcome. These situations taken individually seems to amount to nothing. Yet, taken as a whole, these experiences are life lessons that forced me to brutally examine myself, to know myself.

University life outside the confines of a classroom has its ups and downs, and it is these experiences that I consider my real education...

Now, as a 22 year-old, I have grown into a woman that I am proud of. I know that life will throw me curveballs that will cause me to re-adjust my perception on things.

For the time being, I can undoubtedly say that I know who I am, what I stand for, what I believe in, what I will and will not tolerate. And I will NEVER let anyone tell me otherwise.