I Just Wanna Dance With Somebody

 

Source: piccsy.com via Madison on Pinterest

It's been three years since I went on a date and before that 26 years. I'm just socially inept when it comes to guys I like. I'll spend hours talking to my friends about how I like them so much and debating if I should ask them out until the crush as passed or they found someone else. It wasn't until I got into online dating that I actually started going on dates. I think the security of being behind a computer screen makes it a little bit more comforting when it comes to talking to guys and I ended up going a few dates because of it and even had a relationship come out of it. But it was a complicated one at best. Partially due to my naivety of how romantic relationships work and wanting to make "us" work when looking back now, it was one that wouldn't have last. I remember one point in our relationship I should have known it wasn't going to last. He invited me to a wedding. While I enjoyed myself, there was a point in the reception where I wanted to go dance. But he didn't want to because doesn't dance at all. Not knowing anyone else there (it takes me a while to warm up to a room full of people I don't know), I ended up sitting at the table trying to put on a happy face but in reality I was sulking inside. Even if he had two left feet, him attempting to dance would have been nice, cute even. Heck I'm not the best dancer either. I mean I can be a hermit and to myself at times. But there are certain things I love to do, like dancing, karaoke, or going to the beach and it would be nice if my future significant other enjoyed those things too.

Which leads me to the events of last weekend and Monday. There's this guy at work that I've liked for a while and we would constantly talk about the books we've read, movies we watched, or his love of fishing and baseball (a sport I still don't understand. Heh.) There's something about him I really like, but I never did anything about it. Well, my work ended up having a get together on Saturday where we talked and danced for a while. I was also drunk enough where I would have either poured out my feelings and/or totally make out with him. Things happened outside of our control and I didn't do any of those things. But it got me thinking that I've liked him for far too long to not make the first move and ask him out. I also got the vibe that he might be interested in me too. Of course I was afraid if I asked and he said no that not only would it suck, it would also be a little awkward since we are co-workers. But I realized that I can't be afraid of rejection and it's better to ask then not ask at all. So on Monday, when I saw him at work I asked him out, well more like if he wanted to hang out. Naturally I was not smooth at all when asking him, in fact I was a little awkward. But he said yes and even suggested that we go see a movie. So fingers crossed that we'll get to hang out. I have no idea what will become of this, but it's exciting and nice to feel like this again.

Birthday Memories

It was a week and a half ago, but I'm finally posting what I did on my birthday. Basically it was filled with food and drinks and some karaoke, but overall I had a great birthday. What better way to capture it than with Instagram.

1st row (L to R): Two big binders filled with song choices. I ended up singing Adele's "Rumor Has It" and I did an ok job; Calmed my karaoke nerves with some rum and coke and later on with some Blue Moon; After karaoke I took advantage of my free Grand Slam meal at Denny's with my brother.
2nd row: Went to my favorite local resturant, The Public House, for lunch; Paired my salad with this beer. I forgot what it was called, but it was good; Captain America Pez from my friend.
3rd row: Tried L.A. water at Dave and Busters and it was pretty good; Birthday dessert!; My favorite game.

Tomorrow I'm going to L.A. in the morning for my friends Bridal Shower, I'm a bridesmaid in her wedding, and hopefully later in the day I can squeeze in a screening of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. I've been wanting to see it and I can't bear to wait another month for it to finally show where I live.

What are your weekend plans?

Get it Girl, Workout!

 

  I was once like Ann Perkins when it came to jogging/running.

(source)

When it comes to exercise, it's sporadic at best. I always fall into the trap of working out for a month, then stopping all together and get back to my regular scheduled program of eating junk food in front of the TV or computer. I have the common problem where I make up excuses why I can't workout today. Most likely because I say that I'm "too busy," and I use the same excuse everyday. The last time I exercised was 8 months ago.

But this week I'm changing that and making exercise a part of my daily life permanently. I got together with my friend Amy who is an avid runner, she completed a half-marathon last week, to help me get back in  shape and after two days it's good. No wonder they tell people to have a workout buddy. It's nice to have someone to motivate you and give you the push you need.

I also planning on participating in two running competitions. The first one is Run For Your Lives in October. It's an 5k run, with an obstacle course and... zombies. Scary! When I first heard about it, I knew I wanted to do it. I even know that I want to dress up as Shaun from Shaun of the Dead, dorky I know. The other one is the Diamond Valley Lake Marathon in March 2013. I have running a marathon in my bucket list and while this may not be as prestigious as the Los Angeles, New York, or Boston Marathons, at least I can say I successfully completed one. Ten months will give me plenty of time to train for it.

The only thing I need to work on is eating healthier. Now that's going to be a challenge for me because I love food.

What do you do to motivate yourself to workout and eat healthier?

Also here's some Kayne for your morning workout: 

Blerg

(gif source)

   I knew it had to come to me eventually. It's been a year since I got it and when I happens, I get it hard. It's the flu that is spreading around.

Usually I can tell when I'm about to get sick, so I can combat it with Emergen-C. But it hit me right out of the blue. I took a short nap and when I woke up, I had the chills and later on I started getting really warm and still had the chills. Doesn't help that I work at 8am tomorrow morning. It's a short shift, so I'm hoping it flies by quickly. 


Going to Baron's after work, to pick up my favorite hot soup (creamy potato and bacon, yum.), drink lots of Theraflu, hop into bed, and ride this flu out. I need to get better because my sister is flying in from New York on Saturday night and I don't think she wants to come to a house full of sick people. 

When you get the flu, what are your tried and true remedies to get rid of it?

Different But The Same

What I did on New Years Eve. Made a Ginger TARDIS, like a boss. :P

So I don't blog for a week and look what happens, my blog decides to regenerate! I kid, I kid. It 
just got a little face-lift thanks to Nikki of Design Coyote. The header drawing I had commissioned by Meg of Bow Ties are Cool last year. My blog looks so pretty now. I also thought that my side tabs needed a little nip-tuck too, so I changed them a little bit although I think I need to make them a little bit smaller. 


Anywhoo, I know every blog that I've been reading is writing about where their blogs were headed and I'm no different. I've spent some time thinking about what direction I wanted my blog to go. When I first started this blog it was basically something to post my fashion inspirations, but then I added outfit posts, shows I love, and personal antidotes here and there. I've tried having weekly features on my blog. But I have to say it's a lot of work coming up with content and having it ready each week and as much as I love doing my Monday Style Inspirations and Whovian Wednesdays posts, the only weekly feature I'll be keeping is Sunday Videos. 


I also always felt like my blog was a grab bag of whatever I wanted to post about and I wondered if I should buckle down to one topic. Personal style or pop culture? But honestly I don't think I can. These two things are such a part of who I am, that I couldn't pick one or the other. What I'm trying to say is that my blog content is going to be the same, but better. I want to post more of my pop culture ramblings, but I always felt like my writing wasn't effective enough. Seriously, I have an post on The I.T. Crowd sitting in my draft box for the last 6 months. But aren't we all our own worst critics? So I'm just going to ignore the critical voices in my head, and start writing. 


Which brings me to my goals for the new year. I know I have my 30 before 30, but I ended up taking it down because I know I'm not going to get everything done in five months. Eventually I'll be able to cross everything off that list. So for now, here are the six goals I have for this year:

1. Read two books a month.
2. Exercise at least three times a week.
3. Start sewing again and learn how to knit. 
4. Work on my Etsy store on regular basis. 
5. Don't be so tied down to technology. 
6. Stop hesitating and just do it. (Probably the most important one! I know this one seems to negate against the first four goals, but it's something I need to do in all aspects in my life. I spend so much time over thinking things. There times where I wanted to do something and I just did it. Yeah sometimes the results might not be to my liking, but I did learn from it. So need to think in this mindset from now on.)

I'm looking at 2012 with the glass half-full. I'm crossing my fingers that it stays that way or that it even overflows because then that would be great. 

Visual Friend Friday: The Perfect Fall Outfit and A Blogger Milestone

 Dress (worn as a top): Express

Cardigan and Skirt: Old Navy

Necklace: H&M

Boots: Reflections

Full disclosure, I did not wear this today. I just took these outfit pictures and soon after changed back into my shirt and shorts.  Despite being the middle of October, it was 92 degrees today. So unlike the rest of the country, fall isn't making its way to Southern California. But if was 20 degrees cooler this would be one of my fall uniforms; skirt or dress, comfy sweater, and boots. The other one is jeans tucked into boots with a top and cardigan/blazer. Seriously I just want to start wearing my boots again!

This weeks Visual Friend Friday was hosted by Iris of 260 Days No Repeats. Head over to her blog to see what other bloggers feel is their perfect fall outfit.

Another thing is that not only has it been four years since I started this blog, but this is my 500th post! When I first discovered fashion and style blogs, I was completely fascinated by them and would spend hours pouring over them. Some of the blogs that I first started reading; Liebemarlene, Ringo! Have a Banana, and Sally Jane Vintage, I still read today and the first post I ever wrote was on Zooey Deschanel. So while some things never change, other things have. 

In the past four years, I have discovered new things that I now fawn over immensely on this blog, tapped further into my nerdiness, finally visited NYC, had my heart broken but have become a little more wiser because of it, and rediscovered hobbies I used to love to when I was younger. Yes there's a certain amount of narcissism that comes with blogging, since I do post outfits and I sometimes I do get down on myself for not being as popular as other bloggers. But I wouldn't change it for anything. This is just a little facet of my life where I get to share my interests and hopefully others will be drawn into it. On that note, I have made some blogger friends that I hope to one day meet in real life. It's great how something like blogging and other social media outlets can connect you to people who share the same interests. It just shows that sometimes the world isn't as big as you think it is.

Finally, not to get too sappy, but I want to thank everyone that has read my blog. I really appreciate those who take the time follow and read my ramblings. I hope to continue this blog with my regular features such as Sunday Videos and Style Inspiration along with my outfit posts and pop culture ramblings. Plus my blog is going to get a mini-makeover soon with some help from Nikki of Design Coyote. If there is anything else you would like me to write about, leave a comment or contact me via e-mail. 

Thanks again for your readership and here's to another 500 posts!

Day Off

Source

Spent the day decompressing from Comic-Con 

and getting stuff done.

I'll be back tomorrow with my recap of Comic-Con!

Two Weeks

 Some of the pieces for two of my costumes. 

I wonder what they will be....

Two more weeks until Comic-con! Time has certainly flown since last year. But this time around Comic-con comes with a new set of circumstances ie: being jobless. I'm glad I got most of the big expensives taken care of (passes and hotel room) but not having a steady flow of income sucks, so I'm just hoping that I can earn some extra money before then and just be really careful what I spend it on while I'm there. I'm still applying for jobs and making follow up calls in the hopes that they will check out my application and call me for at least an interview. There's also a hiring fair for a retail store next week, so I'm crossing my fingers really tight that something will come out of that. Just need to keep my chin up that things will get better. 
I don't want to end this on a downer, so I will say I found out about an exciting opportunity for me today. Once everything gets settled, I will make an announcement and share the awesome news.

No More Blankies

I’ve been pretty quite in the blogsphere in the past few days but but for good, or shall I say bad reason. In between watching the Royal Wedding and the take down of Osama Bin Laden, I became unemployed. I don’t want to get into details, but I will say that it sucks and I would never want to wish it upon anyone. But maybe it’s for the best. I’ve been told that it could be a sign that I need to find my true passion and get out of my comfort zone. Basically I’m Linus without his blanket. 

Now the next few months will be filled with job applications and resumes. This will also give me the opportunity to go back to school and finish my degree. I have around 20 credits that I need to complete. Tomorrow I’m going to see an admissions adviser and find out if I can apply for spring semester. This is something I should have finished 6 years ago, but it’s better late than never. 

For the most part I’ve been using this time getting stuff done around the house and movie watching. In the past 5 days I have watched Water for Elephants, Rio and Arthur. The first two were really good and I recommend them. Robert Pattinson breaks out of the Edward Cullen mold with Water for Elephants and Rio was fun and colorful. Makes me want to go to Rio De Janeiro for Carnival. As for Arthur, it had its moments, I liked the chemistry between Russell Brand and Helen Mirren. But it was 20 mins too long. Good thing I had a free movie ticket to see it. 

Lastly thanks to my friends, (real life and on-line) for your support and kind words. Things like this are not fun to go through, but it can be worse. Just have to take this as one of the many lessons in life.

Once a Gemini, Always a Gemini

Did you hear? Apparently we've been reading the wrong horoscope this whole time due to the Earth shifting for the past 2,500. Now there's a 13th zodiac added to the mix, the Ophiuchus (a serpent) for those born on Nov. 29th to Dec. 17th. 

So if I were to go by this, I would no longer be a Gemini and would instead be a Taurus. 

Uh, yeah right and highly unlikely because I'm a Gemini through and through. 

 (image)

Anyways, this got me thinking to something I wanted to post last month but didn't have a chance to. December 23rd of last year marked a year and a half before I turn the big 3-0. Seriously people, where does all this time go? I have this weird mix of dread and excitement heading into that 3 decade milestone. Dread because it serves as a reminder that I'm not getting any younger, even if people think I'm younger than I really am. But excitement because I've heard that your 30's are the best years since you become more comfortable in your skin. I'm hoping more for the latter. 

With that, I wanted to come up with a list of 30 things I want to accomplish before 05/23/12. Will I cross off everything on my list before that day? Who knows, but at least when my 30th does roll around, I will proudly say I was able to accomplish these things. 

So here it goes in no particular order... 

My 30 before 30

1. Run a marathon
2.  Learn to play a musical instrument
3. Play at an open mic night
4. Become a homeowner
5. Go to Paris and England
6. Experience New York Fashion Week
7. Have at least $5,000 in my savings if not more
8. Finally have my coup d'etat playlist make it on the airwaves of 94.9 
9. Face my slight fear of the ocean and learn how to surf
10. See Radiohead in concert
11. Watch all the movies on the AFI Top 100 of all time list
12. Go to Hawaii
13. Become conversationally fluent in Tagalog
14. Visit my relatives in the Philippines and be able to converse with them
15. Go on a cruise
16. Take a cross country road-trip
17. Go to Dollywood and hopefully get a picture with her
18. Go wine tasting in Napa and have a dining experience at French Laundry
19. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
20. Go to Coachella
21. Have a career and not just a job
22. Take a more healthier lifestyle
23. Host a successful dinner party
24. Visit the Midwest
25. Go on The Amazing Race (if by some luck I was on it, not be in the first team eliminated)
26. Go to Vegas!
27. See Daft Punk in concert
28. Go skydiving
29. Go to trapeze school
30. Meet Zooey Dechanel

What's My Motivation?

Dress: American Eagle Outfitters

Cardigan and tights: Old Navy

Necklace: Forever 21

Boots: Reflections

The last time I wore this dress was last summer, so it was nice to make it fall appropriate. I'm starting to wear tights more often. Last fall/winter I mostly wore jeans. But this will be the season of the tights. I have a drawer full that's just waiting to break out in this cold weather.

Do you ever have those periods where you know you need to get things done, but can't seem to get around to them? I'm not talking about school or work where is you don't get things done it can result in a bad grade or a talking from your boss. But those little goals that you set for yourself. Sometimes with a time frame, sometimes not. For me it's the latter when it comes to goals. I tell myself things like, ''I'm going to start working out before my high school reunion." Then my reunion comes around and my running shoes have collected dust and I have yet to step inside a gym. I still haven't updated my Etsy store. The last time I posted a listing was back in July. I have a bin of vintage clothes that just waiting to go to great homes.  

I need that push to get things done. That voice inside my head that says, "get your stuff together or I'm going to kick you in the butt." I'm going in the right direction because I'm blogging more fequently, something I didn't do a few months ago. But now I just have to finish everything else.

What do you do to motivate yourself to get your personal goals done?

Leonida

 I found out on Sunday that my Lola Leonida in the Philippines passed away and spent the evening helping my mom pack for her flight back to visit family and plan the funeral. 

Since she lived in another country I never really got to know her, but it still sad because you know that time is fleeting and there's only so much time to spend with the ones you love.

So while she is no longer with us, I'll remember the times I spent time with her when visiting the Philippines.

R.I.P Lola

 

So Put On A Happy Face

I feel like the beginning of this week has been a total crap-shoot. I started off the week getting a ticket and then I almost broke my iPod Touch. I thought things would turn around yesterday and they kinda did, but it quickly went downhill again. So this morning I felt tired, puffy eyed, and miserable.

Then I started thinking about the old movie musicals and what would happen if someone was feeling down in the dumps? Why sing a happy musical number of course.

So I scoured YouTube for some of my favorites.

So this is more recent, but this has to be my favorite musical number from Glee last season:

 

I just hope this week gets better.

Old age is just around the bend...

Top: Forever 21 

Cardigan: Old Navy

Another year older. Time is so fleeting. 

One minute you can't wait to get older, then the next you're wondering where time went.

Had a very low-key birthday this year. There were plans to go to the beach. But when I woke up to the sound of rain, I nixed them and just stayed in bed. :P

 The weather cleared and I eventually got up and went to my usual thrift store. I managed to find some cool things, such as a apron from Sicily, a cute Beefeater bank and a green leather purse (which I'm planning on incorporating into a blog post soon.)

Birthday flowers to myself

It was also the series finale of Lost.

For the next 2 1/2 hours I sat there captivated, wondering where this 6 year journey would lead us. Would all our questions be answered or would it be left open-ended? 

While I know that there are some that didn't like the ending, I thought it was fitting. 

 This may be my short sentence answer, but when you think about it, it's not the surroundings but rather the people that share the journey with you.

 credit

If you want more love, why don't you say so?

With my birthday less than a month away, I've been thinking about where I am in my life right now. My professional and family life is great, but when it comes to matters of the heart, I wish it was better. For one thing, I keep thinking that the age I'm going to turn this year, 28, was the same age that my mom gave birth to me. She got married two years prior and I wish I was there already. Maybe not with kids yet, but with someone.
Add to the fact being asked at family functions if you have a boyfriend or when you're going to get married. Or knowing that one of of my friends or my younger sister might be next, it makes me feel like I'm slowing inching to cat lady status. Yes, 28 is still young by all means, but we're not getting any younger. I don't have a Delorean to travel back to my 18 year-old self. I also know that I have family and friends that love and care for me. But sometimes it's disheartening to think that I have so much to offer to that one person I have yet to meet.

Maybe that's the other thing. There's so much contradictory dating advice, that we don't know what to pick. They say you need to put yourself out there but you shouldn't look too hard because you'll find that person when you're not looking. I really started putting myself out there in the past year with no such luck. After my last failed attempt at a relationship, I took a break from dating, taking time for myself. It was good, but maybe it's time to try again. It's the only thing I can do cause I can't complain then not do anything about it.

images

I'll just stop rambling on now. This is what happens when it's two in the morning and you can't go to sleep because your head is clouded with stuff.

Pick Me Ups

You know when you're having one of those days where things are a crap shoot and you just need something to make you feel better?

Well here's my list:

• Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Next to cupcakes, brownies are my next favorite dessert. What else goes good with brownies? Ice cream of course. The perfect pairing and my go to ice cream for days like this.

• Old Movie Musicals

 What a better way to lift your spirts than to watch those grand MGM musicals. One of my favorites is Singing in the Rain. I've watched it 20 times already. Plus tap dancing always makes me smile. 

Watch one of my many favorite scenes here.

 

• Silly But Awesome Videos

Like this...

*Psst: When this song comes on either at home or in the car, I like to dance like a spazz. Well in the car it's more like a head bop.

•  Ferris Bueller's Day Off 

In reality, he would be brushed off as a slacker. But in the land of John Hughes, he's the high school anti-hero. 

His "joie de vivre" reminds you that even on your worst day, there's still a better one at the end of the tunnel. 

 He did also provide what I think is one of the best movie quotes:

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

What's on your feel good list?

Better in Time

Once again I am a fish in the sea. Break-ups are never fun, especially if it's with the same person the second time around. But there's the realization that we are better as friends and that the timing wasn't right for us romantically. It still hurts and it will take some time but I harbor no ill-will and it's good to know that I can still have him in my life as a friend.

Now I'll stop being a Debbie Downer and post some good news here. It's my 100th post! It was a little over 2 years ago when I discovered the fashion blogging community. Since then, I have discovered some amazing blogs which has greatly influenced my style and I'm thinking about doing some special posts on some of my faves.

Also thanks to everyone who has read my blog and your lovely comments. Hopefully there will be 100+ posts to come!

Comfort...

This week hasn't been the greatest. I feel like I can't get things right and I'm in relationship fail mode right now. Part of me wants to be optimistic that things will work out with time, but the other part just wants to curl up in a ball and bawl my eyes out.

I just want someone to hold me in my arms and let me know that everything is going to be alright.

It's Been a Long Time...

I'll admit it. I'm horrible at keeping up with posts. So I'll try to keep a regular schedule with my posts. For now here's what I've been up to...

• After years of yearning, I finally had the opportunity to visit NYC. I went in October with my younger brother to visit my younger sister and her boyfriend. I have to say I love the city. It's such a wonderful place to visit and explore. I went to the MOMA, the New Museum, the NY Public Library, the Whitney Museum of Art, Top of the Rock/Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Staten Island Ferry to view the skyline at night. I also did some shopping but there's still a lot of things I want to see there. So another visit is in store in the new year.
  

• What could possibly trump my visit to NYC is my new job. After years being a lowly sales associate, I was finally offered a manager position in September. To be honest, I didn't think I would get it because I knew that there were others wanting the position. But I did and our store finally opened on Nov. 26. I'm still getting used to knowing that I am a manager and I have the authority to make decisions. But I'm excited to see where this new venture takes me.
  

Hard to say goodbye...

In less than 12 hours I will be driving my sister to the airport where she will be leaving for New York.
She has been packing all day and watching her is starting to get to me.
Now it's really happening. She's really leaving.

It's not like she's hasn't been away from home. When she went to college, she lived on campus for the first two years before moving back home. But she was only an hour away. Now she's going to be 2,000+ miles and 3 hr. time difference away. I know that this would happen eventually and I'm really happy for her.

But as any one with siblings can attest, when one of them leaves especially one that you are close to, you have that period of feeling left behind. Of course you still have your parents, other siblings, and even friends, but this is the person that knows you the most. The one you tell secrets to that no one else will ever know. The one where you two can have the biggest fight, but know that you will eventually make up.
The one who will always be there for you.

The relationship can still be the same, but now it's in a different place. Where we can compare new life experiences beyond the ones from the four walls of our childhood home. The experiences that make us wiser.

I better stop now before I start rambling like a cheesy Hallmark card. Or better yet, put my feelings from pen to paper and let her know how much I love her and that I'm going to miss her.