100 Posts Later

As happy as I am with my current circumstances, I acknowledge that there will also be trying times, and last week was as bad as it has felt in a while. The obnoxious part is that it was self-inflicted, for there is no one to blame but myself for letting it all bother me as much as it has. And the thing is, it really isn't so bad.

Every time I start to feel even a little bit sad, I try to step back in my thoughts and reminisce, and when I do, I can't help but continue to realize how great life is. I'm in a good place right now, and even though I'm aware of the upcoming circumstances that could shake how steady things feel, I am very fortunate that this is where I'm at. This is a crazy world, and crazy things are happening everywhere, but I have means, I have a safe place to live, I have good people around, I have a strong faith, and I have hope for better days to follow the good ones (and the not-so-good). Given where I was about, say, some 10+ years ago, I never could have imagined I would be where I am now: happy.

It's kind of refreshing to see how my posts have gone from snarky and shallow to some a little more real. And yet....

In addition to keeping up with the sixth season, I have been rewatching old episodes of Community. That also makes me happy.

She Only Sleeps When It's Raining

Sometimes, all you need is one hour to talk to a friend who in some ways knows you better than you know yourself to honestly tell you how life is, how you're feeling, and assure you that you'll be all right.

Playing guitar, eating frozen yogurt, and marathoning random Community episodes doesn't hurt either.

I think Jeff Winger put it well when he said: "I would do anything for my friends, which I think is how everyone in the world feels. Which is why I finally understand war."

I Like Football, But Also, I Don't...

In honor of Superbowl Sunday, I concluded my night with Community and football. "They deploy things in football, right?"

In other news, my friends got married on Saturday, and I am very happy for them. I may elaborate on it later when I have more time (or I may not), but basically, everything went well, everyone looked amazing, and I had a wonderful time.

One Resolution: No Resolutions

I was not prepared in December, and had I been, I would have taken the initiative in putting together a comprehensive list of, what normal folks call, "New Year's Resolutions". Better yet, I could have worked and improved a bit more on what was my apropos substitute of such a list, my 101 goals in 1001 days. It was not procrastination, or laziness, but sheer lack of interest in scribing anything in particular on paper (or through a computer screen) that I would want to achieve in the next calendar year, or perhaps three and a half years.

This does NOT mean, however, that I have sulked away in apathy. Given I have currently taken it upon myself to be sure I have a consecutive 2-day weekend (at least for the next four months) I am making it a point to focus less on what I do not have and wish to gain, and more on those aspects of my life that matter now. Is it wrong for me to set goals and hope for something in my life to appear which is not here at the moment, such as a larger paycheck or a dream role onstage? Absolutely not, and these too shall come to pass if meant to happen when the time is right. Instead, my focus of 2015 has and is directed elsewhere at the moment.

Beknownst to me, Frozen has now been incorporated into California Adventure; surprise, surprise. Naturally, we had to check it out. Despite my reluctance in indulging on the fad that has infringed upon my poor Muppet theater and surroundings, it's actually a very cute area, with white hot chocolate, snow sledding, and you can give Olaf a warm hug.

I also made it through my first timed Disneyland 5K. It was, unfortunately, my fault for underestimating how sore I would be. After all, I ran a 10-miler only three months prior with little pain, how bad could a 5K be? Suffice to say, I will not be making that mistake again before my next 5K in a few weeks.

What would a themed Disneyland run be without themed souvenirs? Ours, in particular, being a Stormtrooper souvenir mug and three glowing Death Star cubes.

On yet another Disneyland excursion with friends, we were stopped by a friendly fellow who challenged one of us to name 5 Disney princesses. Needless to say, the challenge was accepted and complete, and we earned our reward.

If it seems that thus far 2015 has revolved thematically around friendship, running, Disneyland, and good feelings, that's because it has. It will only continue as the year progresses, and I anticipate other momentous events will spiral through in turn: birthdays, weddings, showers, musicals... and more Disneyland. It is not necessarily my intention that the new year continues in such an orbit, but if it should, it would not be unwelcome.

Life is good.

As I Bid Goodbye to Another Year

I did not expect 2014 to be as eventful as it was.

I said goodbye to my car of six years:

I moved into a new apartment with a cat, a very cute one if I may add:

I played a very green bridesmaid:

I went blonde for the first time onstage:

Then I went a little blonde in real life:

And I went blonde onstage again:

I did some running:

And some more running:

And MUCH more running:

And this running took me all the way to Florida:

But the best part of this year was all of the awesome people I shared these memories with:

If 2014 was any indication, then 2015 is going to be a great year.

Truth from Constantine

I have many thoughts I could expand on, but with no explanation necessary, this quote pretty much sums up my life. GOOD stuff:

"I walk my path alone because, let's be honest... who would be crazy enough to walk it with me?"

It IS The Most Magical Place on Earth

I have been procrastinating on writing, partially because I do not have time, but also because there are not enough words to describe how awesome life has been. Given, life in general has been pretty darn good, but this month, while extremely busy, has been tops.

About a month ago, I left for a week-long trip to WDW with a couple of friends. Aside from the company, there were so many moments that made this trip a great one:

The Art of Animation Resort

This hotel was super cute to say the least. One of the things I loved about this place is it immersed you in animation, from our themed hotel room, to the lobby area with a wide palette of colors and original sketches, to the hotel building exteriors and fun facts about Disney films along the jogging path. I am continually impressed by Disney's attention to the details.

First night at the hotel, this was on my bed. Disney in the details.

Late-Night Cartoons

Every night in our room, after 10:00 pm, we had the viewing pleasure of 2-minute versions of the same 10 Disney cartoons. Okay, maybe it was more like 20 cartoons. Either way, it was repetitious hilarity. Go P.U.!

This particular cartoon played twice as many times as the others, with different audio every other viewing.

Rain!

It's a killer to be in a current drought, and to be in Florida during the middle of their hurricane season knowing I could not take any of the rain back with me was painful. Regardless.... rain!!! And we got quite a bit of it for the majority of our time there. I love rain.

My poncho was put to use much more than I anticipated.

Dole Whips

Yes, we have them here, but the Magic Kingdom has MULTIPLE flavors of Dole Whip. Incredible.

Specifically, an orange-vanilla swirled dole whip float.

Fancy Dining

Aside from the yummy small treats and meals, we had the pleasure of dining at Cinderella's Castle one night and the Beast's Castle another night.  I especially enjoyed the Be Our Guest restaurant, and the grey stuff was delicious.

Our host allowed us the pleasure of a picture with him after dinner.

Old-Time Attractions

The Magic Kingdom may have changed up a number of their older attractions, but they still have the People Mover AND The Carousel of Progress. They also have the Country Bear Jamboree. Epcot's Maelstrom ride closed its doors for refurbishment the day we flew home, so I had a chance to ride it again a few times while we were there, may it RIP. What a crazy trip down memory lane; I remember these attractions being bigger before.

Spending a rainy evening on the People Mover!

Newer Attractions!

Even though I had been to WDW years ago, it was my first time at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. I rode Rock'n'Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios four times altogether, Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom six times, and experienced a slew of other rides and shows in those and the other parks. I also got a chance to try out different versions of the rides I enjoy at Disneyland, and the new Seven Dwarves Mine Train ride! All kinds of awesome. Overall, I have to give them props for their better Winnie the Pooh ride, faster and easier spinning teacups, and the extra room of staircases in the Haunted Mansion that was very reminiscent of the Winchester Mystery House. And I liked the old version a lot, but I am a fan of what is now the Three Caballeros ride.

Side note: Air Supply was performing at Epcot the two days we were there, and they sang that one song I know... and the other song I know... and lots of other songs I don't know... while we never actually sat in on their concert, we could hear them very well.

In line for the newest WDW ride, the Seven Dwarves' Mine Train!

Traveling the World

I LOVE the World Showcase area, and with the Food & Wine Festival happening, what better time to sample the food and drinks that the world has to offer? I'm talking haggis, potstickers, Belgian waffles, pierogi, escargot, baklava, pavlova, curry, pao de quiejo, and MUCH more than my stomach could imagine trying in the course of two days. And then of course there was the entertainment of the Chinese acrobats, the Mexican Mariachi band, the Italian street performer, the Voices of Liberty, and the sights and shopping of each country. And all of the foreign workers were just so darn nice and helpful too. Man, there are some beautiful people around the world...

Sweet treats from each of the 11 nations represented in World Showcase.

10-Mile Run!!

My main reason for traveling to WDW: to run the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler. I discovered it on a Twilight Zone fan page on Facebook at the beginning of this year, and impulsively decided to sign up for it, not knowing what I was getting into or if I would even make my way to Florida in the first place. Well, obviously, I did, it happened, and I had a BLAST. Next time, I'm thinking a day afterwards to just relax and recuperate though; the after-party went late, but worth it.

I was so excited to make it to the end, I forgot about getting the medal and just wanted to take a picture.

It was a much needed vacation, but also an exciting nostalgia trip simultaneously packed with new adventures. And I'm still dreaming about it almost a month later. Guess I'll have to go back sometime.

I Finally Made My Move

Yes, it's happened, and surprisingly quickly too. It's a move I didn't think I would make so abruptly. It's a bittersweet feeling because I have spent the last three years in the home with this family, but I really like my new place. Moving is so much simpler when you're only down the freeway, not to mention when you already know who you're living with, and what great company they are too.

Other fun things about this place:

~One of my new roommates is a cat who is a cutie pie, and she is the only cat I have been around recently that does not give me stuffy, itchy, sneezing fits.

~Fitness room!

~Always a plus to save a bit of $$.

~Welcome, guests!

~One of my favorite ramen places is down the street. Actually, maybe that's not so good....

I already miss my family I lived with before, but the adjustment to this new place has been fairly easy, and I am really happy to be living back in this city again too. I'm sure I'll have more to update in the coming days, maybe weeks, while I continue to move everything into its place here. It still feels surreal, like I'm still on vacation mode, not to mention I don't actually have a bed yet, so I'll be camping on the floor or the couch for the next two weeks! It's nice though, and I'm happy.

Here's to change, may it always be the only constant.

.........I'm Still Mad at You

Two months from yesterday, I'll be getting my butt kicked in a 10-mile run at Disney World. Regardless, the closer it gets, the more and more I feel like this:

Another Educated Guess

If there is one thing I am happy to have again that makes me feel like I'm back in high school, it's online quizzes.  This time, I'm enjoying them because they're helping to give me more insight on my bizarre personality.

In an ongoing journey to discover more about myself, I gave PlayBuzz a shot in guessing who I am in 20 questions.  I have to say, I applaud the effort.

Male, Late teens

Here is our best guess at who you are:
1. You are male.
2. You are still a teenager, but won't be one for very much longer.
3. You're in college and are already worried about finding the perfect job that will be both fulfilling and will pay well. Your future worries you more than you'd like to admit.
4. You have beautiful, silky brown hair and big eyes.
5. You know that if you'd only believe in yourself more, things would be much easier for you. Yet you still doubt your instincts more than you should, instead of trusting them every time.

Who Needs Gambling?

I'm kind of in love with Vegas, but there is still a lot I have yet to do there. For instance:

Cirque Du Soleil

I have only seen one Cirque show, in movie form... and it was amazing. With all of the shows available to see in Vegas, next time I'm pushing to see Michael Jackson ONE or the Beatles LOVE.

High Roller

I do not like being trapped in a dinky little cage dangling a great amount above the ground that could snap off at any given point. I am, however, willing to brave this fear by taking a turn on the ferris wheel at the Linq which is apparently now the tallest ferris wheel in the world? Yeah, might as well try it once.

Mob Museum

It's a museum about the mafia. Enough said.

Gondolas at the Venetian

There used to be a boat ride in the Luxor resort, but no longer. This sounds just about as fun though. It's also basically the closest I will get to Italy for the time being (before taking a step even closer when I get to WDW), and I love the singing of the gondoliers.

Neon Museum

The first time I was brought on vacation to Las Vegas was about 20 years ago. I can't believe how much has changed since then. I don't know if I'll recognize any of these signs in the neon graveyard from way back when, but I'd like to check it out.

Another Run?

The closest Foam Glow run happened to be Vegas, and it was worth the travel. I'm definitely in again if any sort of novelty run chooses to stop here and skip past my home.

So. Much. Colored. Foam.

And if I happen to bring people with me who love to sing, next time we are definitely going for karaoke in the Asian part of Vegas. Yep.

Seriously, Sincerely

All I can do right now is smile. But this time, I feel like dancing too.

Cool. Cool. Cool cool cool.

Mucka Blucka

Something is definitely off with me. I felt bad. So, I went to my Pinterest page and onto the board of guaranteed laughs, and I laughed a lot, and now I'm feeling okay.

And I finally downloaded this song on iTunes. It makes me giggle.

Tuesday Bluesday

It's been one of those days. I can be fortunately that now I have a little bit of down time now though. While the temptation to fall asleep will be one I give into soon, and because I cannot currently partake in SVUesday, I present a new way to lull myself to sleep: Bluesday.

And tonight, it starts with this song:

Smile Like You Mean It

All I can do right now is smile. And that is the only thing I should do.

Cool. Cool cool cool.

I Am a Hobbit: The Christmas-Birthday Conundrum

Recently, a former roommate of mine sent this Buzzfeed link to me:

Why Christmas Birthdays Are The Worst

And it cracked me up. It's funny and, for the most part, it's very true.

I wanted to expound on a few of these points, because not a lot of people really understand it. Christmas babies can get tossed aside sometimes because it's stressful enough having to deal with Christmas, let alone celebrate a birthday on top of it. It's essentially Sixteen Candles, except it happens not just once, but nearly EVERY year.

Now, lest I sound ungrateful in the next few paragraphs, let me say that my family has done great in dealing with my awkward day of birth. I have also had a few friends and an old flame go out of their way in small, special ways to spend a little time with me, and those are the birthday memories that I remember with fondness and cherish most.

Well, this is a taste of what it has been like to have Christmas birthday:

Christmas > birthday.

My birthday will always be upstaged by Christmas, and by the jolly large man in the red suit who says Ho-Ho-Ho. I don't blame anything or anyone for this happening, because there are a heck of a lot more people in the world celebrating Christmas than they are my birthday. I compensate by pretending all of the festivities and decorations are for me though. =P

Now I confess, and I feel bad admitting it, but I have had a tendency to ignore "Merry Christmas" wishes I received via voice message, text, FB, and so on, if they do not include a "Happy Birthday" wish as well. It's not because I don't want to wish these kind hearts a merry Christmas in turn (and I'm getting better at just letting it go and sending an appropriate reply), but it's kind of a bummer to be acknowledged on Christmas but forgotten on your birthday. =/

(That said, I am SO thankful to receive birthday wishes from those who remember, and goodness knows how sweet these people are to take time out of their fun Christmas celebrations to send me a quick shoutout.)

On that previous note...

Birthday party? Forget about it.

It'll never happen ON my actual birthday. Now, it seems a rare event for anyone to celebrate their birthday ON their actual birthday, but I usually have to block out the ten days before and after Christmas (if not more) as well because any party I schedule in this period of time will be a party of 1. Even if I am in a town where other friends are as well, Christmas is a family holiday, and the majority of people who celebrate it will be with their families and unable to attend any other sort of party or gathering, let alone a birthday. I'm used to celebrating in solitude though, and I would frequently take myself out for mini-celebrations -- it gives me time to think about what I have done with my year and what more I could do in the future, among other things.

But how many places are actually open on Christmas day?

As a result, and a fun one at that, I have taken to celebrating my birthday whenever I want, especially on my half-birthday and baptism birthday. I'm hoping to change that this year though and actually attempt a small celebration sometime this month, but with an incredibly busy schedule, it may not be easy.

I can also be thankful that Disneyland is one of the few places that IS open so I am able to rock the birthday badge on my actual birthday.

Double presents?

Yes and no.

Some years, I was spoiled more than others. For instance, in third grade, I got a guitar (which I still play today), as well as a slew of other little gifts just from my parents. This came not just from being an only child but also being the only grandchild on one side of the family living in the same country as said grandparents. It was humbling at times though to steer away from materialism because often that toy that I really really REALLY wanted in April would always have to "wait until Christmas/birthday", and come October, it would be long gone from my mind, or no longer in production, or upgraded to something newer, faster, and better -- and who needs that?

On the other hand, most of my life, I have been victim to the combination Christmas & birthday present, because HEY, they happen to be on the same day! It's been annoying at times, but that's the materialistic child in me talking. (And honestly, I have received some amazing single presents that I can't be cynical; the guitar, for one, was more than enough.) At this point in my life, and with our economy, it really doesn't phase me; I ask for so little nowadays because I don't need much, that I am thankful for ANYTHING I get. And I would do the combo present if I had friends with a Christmas birthday.... okay, no, I probably wouldn't.

Speaking of, I can't think of anyone else who has to give other people gifts on their own birthday, aside from the Christmas babies. And apparently, hobbits.

Now, things have improved as I have grown older. I appreciate that I can celebrate my birthday setting aside my selfish needs and thinking about and giving to my family and friends, and sometimes people I don't even know. I especially love being able to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and ponder on His life and all that he gave to me and for all humankind, and goodness knows Jesus didn't let His birthday stop Him from showing charity to others!

Plus, birthday aside, I love the Christmas season and all it represents. And now that it is December, it gives me all the more reason to break out the Christmas tunes and movies.

Also, another reason I have grown to love my birthday: Rod Serling has a Christmas birthday too. =)

It's the October 19th Season

It's always been important to me to remember that no matter how down I feel, I truly am blessed. I wish more people could be this way. Given my snark and sarcasm, I'm not exactly the shining example of bubbly optimism, but it kind of gets under my skin when people constantly sweat the small stuff. Still, I get it, everyone reacts differently to situations, and I'm no exception, so who am I to judge. I guess, point being, I wish more people could take time every now and then to realize how good their lives really are.

I have been incredibly busy, and my mind has been preoccupied with a lot of thoughts, some of which are really not worth wasting brain space on. As a coworker put it, I have "burned bridges", although I do not object to building new bridges, but I don't have the time, tools, or manpower to do that right now. Still, in hopes of improving myself, I have found solace in several small, significant moments all in the last month. And it continues through what is now a month after the fabulous date of October 19th.

Well, I haven't done this in a while, but since I had several October 19th moments IN October, here I go again:

I just wanted to buy it because it's golden and the commercial for it was exciting.

Buying GOLD?!... that's October 19th.

Building a costume with no-sew hem tape... that's October 19th.

And taking said costume to join friends for trick-or-treat at Disneyland... that's October 19th.

I jumped in on a group costume with my friends Margie and Steven. I'm Vanessa (aka Ursula when she takes human form) from The Little Mermaid. I have no idea who those two are supposed to be though.

JACKPOT of candy, some of which is still sitting in my room... that's October 19th.

When it unexpectedly rains after several hot days in a row... that's October 19th.

Going on a super fun hetero-date with a wonderful (married) long-time girl friend... that's October 19th.

It started with Disneyland and ended with over four hours of karaoke. Rain and shaved snow were also involved. Basically, it was everything I could ask for in a date.

Singing... and singing some more... and then recording... that's October 19th.

Making lots of pleasant memories catching up with co-workers... that's October 19th.

Being a part of an awe-inspiring gift for another wonderful long-time friend... that's October 19th.

I wanted to send this picture, but I liked the others I contributed better, so this was not a keeper.

The AMAZING gift was put together by my friend Allan for our friend Tinasu, check it: http://tinamoosu.tumblr.com/ 

Intentionally waking up at 4:30 in the morning without feeling like a Grinch... that's October 19th.

Validated parking in an otherwise expensive parking lot... that's October 19th.

Meeting that guy from those two TV shows you really like... that's October 19th.

No, this is not photo-shopped. It was super fun and he is just as attractive in person, even without the skinny tie.

Asian babies in costumes... that's October 19th.

Okay, ALL babies in costumes... that's October 19th.

Putting together another awesome pre-Halloween group costume with a few friends... that's October 19th.

I don't usually go for play-on-word costumes, but I actually really liked this one. Naturally, I wanted to be the drummer, and not a lot of people recognized me, so it was a win-win. 

Pumpkin flavored chocolate... that's October 19th.

Staying surprisingly immune (for now) through the oncoming cold and flu season... that's October 19th.

When you have just enough money to finally take a short but much-needed road trip... that's October 19th.

January 2nd......... that's October 19th! This next season couldn't come sooner.