Welcome - A Place to "Un-Vent".

The purpose of this blog is to jot down all of life's blissful moments - happy thoughts, passions, inspirations, why your day went swell, things to be grateful for, random things that just make you feel justified, satisfied, confident...just darn great!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Just Live.

"Whatever happens, happens for a reason."

(This must be the 2nd or 3rd time I've started a blog with that).

But this time I'm serious.

I think it's days and moments like today where one needs to realize that you should stop trying so gosh darn hard to make something happen.

Like, yes, I have goals.

Yes, I have dreams.

But, stop fretting so much.

Just do it. Give it your all. Do the best that you can or care to do.

And it will be done.

And when it comes. It will come.

Enjoy life. To its fullest.

No worries. No regrets.

Remember, you are only 23. And you have the rest of life to live. So start LIVING IT!

<3

Go me!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

A balloon and its string

A great friendship is like a balloon and its string.

When my string is gone, I am floating alone...aimlessly. I go and I go -- sometimes up and up, sometimes down and down -- I just keep floating along. Everything becomes almost automatic.

But then we meet up for a meal or even just an IM or a short "hello!", you tie me down momentarily. And I thank you for that.

I think the most valuable friendships are the ones where...you don't need to talk every single day because even when you are apart or don't talk for a few days, weeks, months, or even years...it only takes a few moments to get back into that same groove and niche again.

And to remember that the reasons you're such great friends is because of that connection you guys have that will never change - under any circumstance.

It's nice to know that...when everything in life is changing - for the good or the bad... someone will consistently be there to remind you that...you're alright and everything will be ok.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Pre-Marathon Thoughts

My anxiety has fluctuated within the last two days.

Mostly for one reason: I've set expectations for myself.

In 2006 I ran the LA Marathon - my first marathon - going in with no real goal except to complete the race and not walk one bit. Surprisingly, I crossed the line in 4 hours and 23 minutes. (10:01 minute/mile pace).

This year -- I want to beat my first time. And not just by a minute. Ideally...23 minutes. Meaning I need to shave off about a minute/mile.

My goal is to simply run under 4 hours. And I will do the best that I can to achieve that goal.

*deep breathe*

I registered in January, and I've been running/training myself 4-6 days a week since then. I've run up 12 miles. This is my 2nd marathon. I ran long distance in high school. Mentally, I am there. I know what's expected.

75% mental. 25% physical.

My right calve was aching earlier this week. A bit sore after a long run, but after some good tiger balm/bengay/placing a warm towel on it/massaging/having a personal trainer perform the "self myl-facial-release" on my legs -- the soreness is down to 5%. The rest of my body feels fit and ready to go.

Marathons -- humans aren't naturally meant to run 26.2 miles. Our bodies aren't built for this kinda thing. And that's what makes the 20,000+ people running tomorrow's San Francisco Marathon/Half-Marathon...cRaZy.

And I'm one of them! =P

What's my motivation to do it again?
  1. The challenge. Physical endurance. Mental endurance. "Pain is weakness leaving your body".
  2. The unspoken unity. 20,000+ people running towards the same finish line.
  3. The energy. Adrenaline, sweat, pure physical drive.
  4. MY BODY. 26.2 miles of feeling every ounce of my muscle work to to it's extreme capacity. Breathing. Living. Making the most and pushing your body beyond limits only a handful of people on this planet dare to venture.
"The only things that stops you from not doing it is....NOT doing it."

"If you say you can't, you won't. If you say you can, you WILL."

Thank you to everyone for your support thus far.

And good luck to my fellow marathon friends-- May, Sam Bau, Andre, and Schro.

*closes eyes*

Good Luck.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

"I have a relationship with someone who never declines me..." [relative to a credit card!]~ Confessions of a Shopaholic.

The movie didn't superly make sense nor was very realistic...but come on, it's a chick flick!

Feel good stuff all the way :).

Favorite/cute scenes:
- When Luke purchases the green scarf back for Rebecca and pulling her in for a kiss with it.
- The two of them attempting to salsa dance together (hilarious)
- "You speak prada...?!". Cute.
- The soundtrack for the movie was pretty fun and upbeat. Very chick flicky and something I'd totally play on a good girls night out!

Best Song: "Takes Time to Love"

It takes time
Living in a world when you don't know who to trust
Next time
Slow it down there ain't no bill you have to rush
It'll be fine
Takes time
To love

And now ima tell the truth, when it comes to you my lady
And its a Miracle
You have found the conscious baby
I had a plan on leaving
You came and gave a reason
And now I know the reason why

But I know how you feel
It's hard to see whos real

And I really enjoyed the score by James Howard. It's a great mix of everything! :).

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Come What May

While driving from 24 to Clif today, it occurred to me that by next Monday I will be back to the drawing board -- plopped on my couch/some place with internet scavenging for a full-time job that I will be inspired to commit myself to.

And today, while slightly re-evaluating my future, I realized...it's been a few months since the last time I wrote "I have no idea where I will be by this time next month!", but I still feel that way.

I really have no idea where I will be or what I will be doing with myself.

It's scary, but...this is the path I have chosen for myself since the day I sat on Sproul my sophomore year and told myself "I'm not going to be a doctor." I'm not going to chose the clear-cut route just because it's "secure" and simple. (Not that I'm saying being a doctor would have been easy by no means!).

I told myself...I'm going to work my way up. Even if I have to start from the bottom.

And if I have to bounce around...then...so be it.

Am I being picky? Even in this recession? Yes I am.

But there are times...like... these last few weeks where things become obscure and I'm like...what the heck am I doing with my life? Have I attained any of my goals? Am I closer to attaining any of my goals?

Of which I need to step back and remind myself that...I'm doing everything that I WANT to do that I CAN do at the moment.

"Come what may."

I will do the best that I can.

And enjoy all of life's blissful moments along the way.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

5 Grab-and-Go Breakfasts

1. Peanut butter on a whole-wheat English Muffin with sliced bananas + a drizzle of honey
2. A snack bag filled with dried cereal, nuts, and fruits.
3. Two pieces of whole-grain crisp bread spread with soft goat cheese/whipped cream cheese and topped with slices of strawberries
4. A whole-wheat tortilla sprinkled w/shredded reduced fat cheese, topped with sliced green apples, and rolled up.
5. A whole-wheat pita stuffed with lowfat cottage cheese and sliced peaches or blueberries with a drizzle of honey.

~"The Food You Crave", Ellie Krieger

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Gut Feelings

I quit one of my jobs today.

Why?

Because...even if it's a part time job...

I don't want to work at a place where I feel like...my job is meaningless.

I don't want to work in an environment where I don't feel like I'm being mentally challenged.

I don't want to work in a place where people aren't passionate about what they're achieving or driven for a purpose greater than just money.

I don't want to work for a place where the definition of success is "more money" or "more sales".

I don't want to work for a place where everyday I feel "off" or unhappy.

I refuse to continue complaining about my job.

Life is too short to be stuck doing something you could care less about.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Mental getaway.

Recently...

I've been wanting to jump into the ocean.

Fully clothed. I want to swim with the fishes. Be a part of the shimmering water while being caressed by the sun.

I want to lay on the grass -- head under the shade of a tree, legs in the warmth of the sunlight. With a book over my face and my body stretched out on the cool green.

I want to curl up on my couch in the sunlight like a cat and watch Food Network and fall into a day dream...

I want to gaze up into the sky and see nothing but stars.

I want to take a long drive to no where. And discover everything and anything.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Take a Breather. And just...enjoy life's precious moments.

There was a brief moment today when all of the thoughts in my head dissipated - in the Kid's Club section of 24 when this incredibly adorable little kid attempted throwing the nerf ball into a mini hoop.

Despite missing the hoop by a long run, he had such a huge grin on his face that could have brighten up anyone's day. A few more attempts to make the basket, except he kept missing. The little nerf ball rolled out of the play area, and so I picked it up and tossed it back to him -- instantaneously a smile was shared in return.

Pure. Youthful. Happiness.

---
Leslie came to visit me today at work. Took a one hour lunch break to catch up. :). It's been too long, and I need to remind myself that no matter how busy I am...it's essential that I make time for the people I care about. If it weren't for them...well...what's the point of even working when you have no one to spend money with? LOL.

---
RUN.

After the Kiwanis and CKI meetings tonight, I decided to run the Bay trail between Berkeley and Emervyille around 8pm. Felt a bit tired, but somehow...ironically, doing more physical activity helps wake me up!

The run itself felt good. Though, it was only about a 30 minute run back and forth, I felt strong. And despite this huge mosquito bite that is swelling on my right foot...I ran through the slight pain and still felt good!

As for the atmosophere...sun setting along the horizon. Water sparkling. Smell of the ocean. Gorgeous. Took a few moments to just sit and the edge of the path gazing into the sun set. Letting thoughts just flow. Closing my eyes and just detoxing. And realizing that life is way too short and there is just way too much in life to enjoy and opportunities to seize in the MOMENT to be worrying about the unknown.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Car = Freedom

I'm not generally a super materialistic person, but when it comes to being grateful for something...I can definitely say that I am so thankful to have a car again.

As you may or may not know, Stella (my old car of about 5 years) died about about 2 months ago and since then I had been busing, biking, walking, and hitching rides off people to get around.

Now, I don't have a problem so much with taking public transportation (in fact I wrote a recent blog about how taking pt helped me slow down in life and take a breather), but I can surely say that I missed most about driving was the sheer independence of mobility.

Especially when I'm living at home with my parents...having a car is the one of the few things I have that is mine and which allows me to run my own schedule.

It's simply wonderful...

So if you have a car - be grateful and good to her/him.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Natural Highs

  1. Signing a contract under your name :). AKA: Now a proud owner of the Honda Civic 2009!
  2. Having the entire family together...and not arguing for once!
  3. Laughing. About anything really.
  4. Making fun of people you care about...in a sincere "I'm going to press your buttons just because I love you" kinda way.
  5. Closing a deal with client -- aka: making a sale!
  6. Watching/reading/hearing about Federer's wins.
  7. Late night visits and trips to In N' Out =).
  8. Running. Always.
  9. Days off after a long work week.
  10. Driving your own car and blasting the radio.
  11. Sitting on the bed and just reflecting on all the things that went right during your day.
  12. Butterflies in your stomach...and the pounding of your heart...<3...