12.31.2009

Life "Bucket" List

***Updated with new "cross outs" 9/15/11***

Growing up I wanted to do and be everything.  I was such a dreamer as a child and in a sense I guess I still am.  I have to say that I have proactively worked on accomplishing many items from this list.  So here is where I am at:


  • White water rafting
  • Shooting range
  • Sky diving
  • ATVing
  • Horseback riding
  • See the auroras/northern lights
  • Europe trip
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • DC 
  • New York 
  • Road trip to LA
  • Meet Obama
  • Hike Half Dome at Yosemite well I got to Yosemite, but a 6-8 hour strenuous hike for me will not do.
  • Learn to navigate a boat
  • Learn to sail a boat
  • Be my own boss
  • Bartender
  • Scuba diving
  • See a Cirque de Soleil show
  • Wakeboard - still working on getting up..
  • Learn to belly dance
  • Rock climb a mountain
  • Go on a safari
  • Travel in a Air-balloon
  • Swim with dolphins
  • Taj Mahal
  • Tour a crystallized underground cave
  • See pyramids
  • African safari
  • Kayaking
  • Grad School
  • Volcano
  • Have a star named after me
  • Work at an Embassy overseas
  • Start my own cause and charity foundation or be a huge contributor
  • Find the end of a rainbow
  • Meaningful major tattoo piece
  • Real ancient temple
  • Mayan ruins
  • Ruins in Cambodia
  • Own a beach house
  • Dance in the rain
* this will be a living list where I will add on as I get more ideas

Hopefully for 2010 I will get to do some things from this list!  Happy New Years everyone ;]

Cheers,
c

12.30.2009

*le sigh* If the world was at my fingertips...

Lately I have been obsessed with editing images just for kicks.  I really like that old school 1960's feel where the colors are a bit washed and faded.  If I can find a photo-edit/creation program that fits these images into those Polaroids-style frames that would be the highlight of my life.  It just brings more character to the photo and so much cuter! Like the blowing bubbles picture in my headline!


Similar to what I'm thinking...













Anyways, my roomiee Thuyfizzle asked me to make some of her photos pretty so after editing the ones she sent me, I wanted to have some good giggles & fun and sent her a little something.  Thuy - You know I love you!!! 







I also LOVEEEEEeee what people can do with adobe photoshop and illustrator.  Someone please teach me!!!  For someone that can not draw for my life - but great at tracing hahahaha or doodling pretty designs & swirls in class - it would be awesome if I can one day do this digitally!  I mean I have an eye for it, I just need the funds for the program and some introduction and the rest...will be history - it would be epic.













Another obsession that not only feeds into procrastination during grad papers & projects, but also bring upon some self-inflicted torturing is http://www.polyvore.com/.  Basically this site can match outfits to certain items - whereas clothes, bags, shoes, or accessories - that you can't quite figure out how to pull off. Some of the pallets (they call them sets) rock my socks and makes my heart flutter.  You can even search your favorite celebrity style and "VOILA" - pages and pages of outfits worn during functions or while in their movie/show character.  The roomie and I are in love with Olivia's swagga from the City (although it is not the best show on earth, you can't miss seeing what Olivia wears!).   Since my recent blogs have been somewhat serious and intense, here are some favorites to lighten any girl's heart (well, at least mines):


How can you not love big bows?













If I had a sugadaddiee, he would bless me with..















Got a Casa Blanca event?















For my 25th Birthday - to mark my quarter-life - I so would ... (I mean, why do I have to grow up?!)











Finishing with Olivia Palermo








12.29.2009

..:: Beginnings&Ends of Life ::..

Quote I'm feeling at the moment - "Stronger than Pain" - (So I live on quotes, bite me suckaa.)


With the current year ending, and a new year approaching, its only appropriate that I recap where I am at.


One of the many lessons I've learned to embrace this year is to ask for help and accept help when handed. I guess all of my life, I have always been so adamant about doing things on my own so that it will be from my own terms and I will never feel obliged to anyone. I wanted to know that the achievements were all solely because of my effort, sweat, and tears. Although it is something that I am working on, I am taking a step back and re-evaluating before I deny assistance from a friend. I must really question why am I denying it. Is it pride? Is it fear of paying back? Is it too generous?

One question that was used recently introduced to me (as a team building facilitation technique, but can be applied in other situations):

"What do you need to know to understand me better?"

At first, if asked this question, like most of my life, I would say, "I struggle". But if I think a bit harder, I would say that there is a few other ways to put that. There had been many trial and tribulations in my life that have challenged me to the extent where not only has it bend or mold me, but break me; where I needed time to heal - leaving me scars. Like scars, these obstacles reveal a pain that was skin deep, yet with time, not only mends itself and heal, but many layers are added to guard that surface that was once hurt and broken. I catch myself at times, deep in thought from the inside, but on the outside, mask on this content and calm expression. Yes, I believe that I have pretty thick-skin and am so much stronger than most. I can't help but feel this strength, has its limitation. I am cautious and hesitant. I like to think hard and review all of my options before making a decision. I am skeptical about many characteristics of others. Although I do not judge a person for who they are, my fear sometimes get the best of me and I turn on this wall that protects me. For many souls that are going through this internal battle, they can usually see when others are fighting themselves too...I guess the eyes do tell.


My Life Thus Far . . .

My ambition has led me to many possibilities in life and this characteristic is what those who are close to me would describe me as. That same ambition is followed by a driven demeanor that as served me well. During times of struggle, I remain focused on what means the most to me.

Goal: Proactively working towards my dream career and attaining my education. I am here to break the cycle and create a path for my future generations to come.

Moving forward, I know that I am able to learn from mistakes and overcome a lot of obstacles that was before me. My determination has pushed me beyond realms that I did not even know existed within me… and it has brought me this far.

I take with me the understanding of others and the ability to see multiple perspectives. I carry with me the drive and passion to finish what I started. And I willingly offer a helping hand to those who ask. These are some of my assets that I bring to the table.

Knowledge and experience in life have molded me into a self-motivated person who is hungry to learn and has the desire to taste success. I believe interest guides us to our true desire, but determination takes us there.