More New Year's Resolutions

It's the last day of 2011! While I already started some of my resolutions for 2012, I've come up with a couple more.

5) Network! It's who you know... In this economy, it's evident that having a strong network is how people are landing jobs.  While this has been in the back of my mind of ages, it's long overdue to actually network with others in the industry, gain information about companies, particular positions, etc.  I definitely want to network in 2012, whether that is in person or through social media.

6) Reconnect with old friends.  Since I've moved back home, I realize I should have kept in touch with high school friends.  Sure, we're friends on Facebook.  We send birthday greetings, "like" or comment on status updates and pictures, but nothing more than that.  I'm going to try to reconnect; I just hope others are willing to do the same.

7) Get organized.  After moving from place to place over the past five years, I've accumulated a ton of stuff.  A bit too much.  I definitely want to reduce what I have, especially when I move again.  Garage sale anyone?

8) Volunteer! It's great to give back to the community, and I've somewhat done my part by donating blood.  Not much, so I want to volunteer more and get more involved with the community.

I feel like those are good realistic goals for 2012.  If circumstances are favorable (or not), I'd like to throw in these resolutions/goals as well.

9) Apply to grad school.  If finding a job continues to be a challenge, then I'll challenge myself to get into grad school.  It's still in the big picture.  I need to conduct more research and prepare for it if I want to make this happen.

10) Travel! I miss those college days when I got to travel to different parts of the US or study abroad.  It's been difficult planning trips around work and all, but the itch to explore the world is still there.  I know I have Portland in the books for 2012, but where else?

Alright. I could keep going on with these resolutions, but a year goes by fast and I should keep it focused on just these ten (for now).  What are your resolutions for the new year?

Let's make 2012 an amazing year!  :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

P365: Afternoon Snackage [189]

My mom and I made steamed dumplings together. Talk about a yummy afternoon snack! Mmhmm! Now to figure out how to perfect the sauce for it…

P365: Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp [188]

Sometimes it surprises me when we can pull together a dish like this without having to go to the grocery store! Delicious dinnertime meal! :)

P365: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! [187]

Trimmed our Christmas tree with classic ornaments and lights and emphasizing the quintessential colors of Christmas - red, green, and gold! ;) 

But can you spot the hidden Mickey?! 

New Year's Resolutions

It's the beginning of December, and I know what you're thinking, "You're already thinking of your new year's resolutions?! Christmas hasn't even passed!" Yeah I know.  New Year's Eve isn't until the end of this month, but what's the harm in starting those resolutions a month early?  It'll be a good way to end 2011 and an even better way to start 2012!

I've started a couple resolutions already, including:

1) Grow stronger in my faith and relationship with God.  I feel terrible for not going to mass as much after getting confirmed.  My relationship with God has had its ups and downs over the past year or so, but I definitely want to reconnect with Him and grow stronger in my faith on this journey.

2) Get in better shape.  After graduating high school, it's been difficult figuring out a fitness routine to get back in shape, especially since I'd have to do it individually instead of with a team.  I'm still trying to wrap my mind about just running and doing other workouts, but I think I'm ready.  Bring it on 2012! :)

Some other resolutions I have are:

3) Find a better job.  The economy is still taking a toll on jobs, but I'm determined to power through it and find a career that I love.

4) Write more.  Whether it is writing in my journal or blogging, I love writing, but I constantly get distracted or get drowsy or some other excuse.  I definitely plan to write more regularly in 2012.

I'm sure I'll think of more resolutions to tackle as the end of 2011 draws closer, but in the meantime, now seems like a good time to start a couple of them.

What are your new year's resolutions for 2012?

P365: Late Summer Dawn [105]

God paints the most beautiful pictures in the sky. :)

P365: Middle of Nowhere [104]

Contrary to popular belief, California isn’t always sunny or completely populated by cities. Take a drive down I-5 you’ll see what I mean…

9/11: 10 Years Later...

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought about was the 10th anniversary of September 11.

I put up an American flag outside in memory of those lost that day before leaving my sister's house in San Luis Obispo.

On the drive home, the rain sprinkled the windshield. It felt like the world was crying in remembrance.

Back home, Sunday night football showcased the New York Jets against the Dallas Cowboys. The memorial opening was to perfection with the taps played on a bugle, the traditional French horn playing, bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" during the unfurling of the American flag by members of the NYPD and FDNY, and then finally a performance of the national anthem by Lady Antebellum.  To top it off, the Jets won.

After the game, I watched "102 Minutes that Changed America" on The History Channel.  This documentary highlights a series of video clips recorded by civilians on September 11 from different areas in New York City.  It gives you a completely different view of the events, especially views from the street as well as from surrounding apartment buildings.  It puts the events of that day in a unique perspective from the people who were actually experiencing it and gives people across the country more than what the media covered.

Watching this, I actually recognized one of my coworkers from Macy's in the video taken in Times Square.  Seeing him there brought this closer to home - realizing that the friends and many of the people I met in New York were actually there that day and experienced the terror first-hand.  I was brought to tears watching the second plane crashed and when both towers collapsed.  It's heart-wrenching to watch, but it's a part of our history that we will never forget.

On this day, Americans will stand united and always remember the nearly 3000 lives that were lost - the innocent civilians, the first responders.  God bless America.

P365: Butterfly [103]

"Butterfly in the sky! / I can go twice as high...!"

P365: Woodstock's Pizza [102]

A San Luis Obispo staple. Yum! :)

P.S. Yes I know there’s one in Davis, but this one is way better. haha

Taken on Sony Cybershot.

P365: Night Lights [101]

Although I need a tripod, I still want to practice with long shutter speed.  Here, my fiber optic lamp is my subject.  The fan kept blowing the little lights, so I captured its movement in one second. 

P365: The Walk Home [100]

I’m glad I get to walk to and from work, enjoying the sights of suburbia.

P365: Caprese Salad [099]

The simple, yet filling salad is so delicious!

I made this by layering Roma tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar as well as a pinch of salt and paper. 

P365: Backyard Sunset [098]

Chilling in the backyard and captured the sun setting.  Sepia makes the sky that color, so don’t worry - the sky wasn’t completely orange! haha 

Taken with Sony Cybershot.

NYC: A Year Later

New York City from Top of the Rock

A year ago today, I embarked on my New York adventure...

Back in January, I was convinced I'd still be in New York at this time, but my plans were never finalized as I just tried to make it a day at a time.  I miss being there.  However, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be there.  Thankful for experiencing life in a big city through all the seasons.  Thankful for the skills and experiences I gained from my internships and jobs.  And of course, thankful for the friends I made there.

I know I'm supposed to be there, and I really hope I get the opportunity to return.  It may not be this year or next, but I know someday I'll be back in New York City.  I'll do it right with a plan and everything.

But for now, my life is back on the West coast.  Still making adjustments but things should be fine.  Might as well enjoy it while I can.  Who knows what's in store next? 

P365: Fast Times [097]

First time watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It’s interesting how it is still relevant to audiences today with the cliques and the issues high school students face. 

P365: Juxtaposition [096]

It’s interesting how a prickly, defensive plant produces such a delicate flower…

P365: Birthday Girls [095]

September starts off with the celebration of birthdays for my cousin, Brooklyn Mireya (Sept. 1) and my mom (Sept. 3)!

Happy birthday! ;D

P365: Food Fair Comes Home...[094]

My sister and I busted out our funnel cake recipe and made some awesome funnel cakes! I topped mine with Nutella (of course!), powered sugar, strawberries and whipped cream! Scrumdiddlyumptious! :D

P365: Holiday Weekend = Higher Gas Prices [093]

It’s Labor Day weekend, and of course, gas prices went up considerably! Totally unnecessary!

P365: Goodbye August! [092]

This month went by so fast, but that doesn’t mean summer is gone quite yet. Bring on the heat!

P365: Loco Moco! [091]

Food experimenting with Loco Moco, a Hawaiian dish made with rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy! It sounds like an odd combination, but it is delicious! Yum! :P

P365: Mario Party, anyone? [090]

Racing around an interactive game board, chasing after stars! Ah, nothing like playing Mario Party with my siblings! 

How about some Mario Kart later?!

P365: Chocolate Chip Cookies [089]

I tried out a different chocolate chip cookie recipe from epicurious.com this time around.  So goood! I’m definitely going to bake some more again soon!

P365: Belt Promotion [088]

Congrats to all the students at Kovar’s Satori Academy for their excellent performance during their belt promotion! 

P365: Bev the Beta [087]

“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim!!” 

Every time I watch the fish, I start quoting Finding Nemo. haha

P365: Where the Sidewalk Ends...[086]

While California may look completely populated on television, there are definitely still rural places, and that’s where you’ll find “where the sidewalk ends…”

P365: Elk Grove Blvd. [085]

So glad I get to walk to work every day (yay fitness!), while crossing one of main roads in Elk Grove. 

P365: The Capitol [084]

Explored parts of downtown Sacramento, including the park around the capitol.  I haven’t been there since fifth grade for a class field trip. Good times. :)


Taken on Casio Exilim. 

P365: Peter Pan [083]

After watching Toy Story 3 again, I decided to visit my old pal, Peter Pan. He sits on top of my desk nowadays, but when I was little, I played with him all the time, taking him everywhere with me.  Sometimes I thought I lost him, but he always came back.  

Guess it’s true that toys always come back when you need them. :) 

JOB HUNT: Good but NOT good enough...

When I first read this on tumblr, I reworded it:

If something is not happening for you, it doesn't mean it's never going to happen...it means they're not ready for YOU!

 I twisted it to make it more optimistic for me, but thinking it over, maybe I am the one who isn't ready...

After yet another rejection, I realized that this statement is true as is.  

With all these rejections, one thing has stayed constant.  All of them said that I have a good resume and good experience, BUT...

The exception is my lack of enthusiasm, my lack of experience, my lack of interest in that particular industry in public relations.  My problem is that I want to try out different areas of public relations to see what I like and what I don't like.  I guess being well-rounded isn't a good thing in this case.

I need to focus, but with so many interests (having yet to discover others), it's been difficult to figure out where I want to go in public relations.  So far I have experience in a non-profit organization that focused on community programming through its park system and experience in a boutique food and hospitality agency.  I loved working in both, but I want to be exposed to, learn more about, gain experience in:

• Corporate communications
• Fashion/beauty
• Entertainment
• Travel
• Digital/Social Media
• Technology (consumer-based)
• Museums

While I want to be part of a bigger global picture, I need to start off somewhere. I enjoy making people happy, which is key in public relations right? Making your clients/patrons/media partners/community members happy?  I like being behind the scenes, making things happen, getting stuff done and reaping the rewards afterward - mostly just the sense of accomplishment will do. 

So how do I go about trying to figure out what path to go on in public relations? Apparently the experience route is out of the question. Textbooks? Blogs? Websites? I have no problem with research, so let's go!  I'll record my thoughts on yet another blog that will solely focus on public relations material: http://tmmpr.wordpress.com (it's still under construction). Hopefully this method will help clear this vague picture I have of public relations and all its different facets and take me down a path worthwhile.

With this new game plan, I still ponder this question (referring back to the quote)...

It may be true that I'm not ready for it, 

but how will I be ready without a chance?

P365: Blueberry Muffin [082]

While I’m not a huge fan of blueberry muffins, I experimented baking a batch.  Super easy, but I still need some practice to perfect it. 

P365: Fortune Cookie [081]

Please come true!! :)

P365: Flor Bonita [080]

Bright pink flower made a beautiful photo. :)

Thanks for the suggestion, Mama!

P365: Running [079]

It was my first day running in well over a year.  It felt good to be back out running until I was quickly reminded that it has been a long time since I’ve actually worked out. Starting out is always the hardest; just need to power through. 

These sneakers are the pair I got in Canada. May need to replace them soon, since I’ve had them for a couple years now…whoops. haha

BEAUTY: Fresh Start

In my last post, I was convinced that I was going to trim my hair, keeping it long with new layers and bangs.  However, days after I wrote that post, I figured it was time for change - something a little more than a trim. It was...

Time for a new 'do! 

I decided to chop off my hair - a good 10-12 inches!  I'm going to donate it either to Pantene Beautiful Lengths or Locks of Love (I haven't decided which organization yet).  I wanted to donate more, but hopefully the next time I grow it out, I can donate more than a foot.

BEFORE

AFTER

I made the initial cuts myself (and then getting it styled afterward), and I have no regrets chopping off so much hair.  Reminds me of the same mentality Summer from (500) Days of Summer had about her hair:

"...she'd only love two things. The first was her long dark hair. The second was how easily she could cut it off and not feel a thing." 

Honestly, that's how it felt. With a pair of scissors in one hand and a ponytail in the other, I was just like, "There's no turning back now."  As the scissors sliced through each strand, I didn't feel anything. No sense of emotional attachment that I thought I had to my long hair.  

After chopping off the ponytails...

Through my uneven cuts, I also just kept thinking, "It's going to grow back anyway, so no worries."  Makes me wonder how short I could have gone. Haha Just kidding.  This bob style, inspired by Dianna  Agron's hair, works just fine (yes I realize that my bangs are a little shorter). 

Dianna Agron from Glee

Plus, it'll be fun to play around with short hair since I had long hair for at least 2-3 years now.

It just feels so good to have a fresh start with a new look. :)

P365: Strawberry Dreams [078]

My sister and I have been experimenting with the batch of strawberries in the fridge, making different dishes featuring strawberries.  

This concoction is Baked Banana-Stuff French Toast, topped with fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and just a little maple syrup.  DELICIOUS! And quite a dish for brunch. ;)

All it needed was some Nutella…! YUM! :

P365: The Bob [077]

Nixed the original plan of just getting a trim.

Chopped off about a foot.

Now rockin’ a short ‘do. 

Quite a refreshing change. :)

P365: Rejection [076]

The job market is tough, and it’s frustrating to keep getting rejected. :(

However, even with rejection, there is still hope for another opportunity.  Here’s to staying optimistic and new opportunities that the future may present…

P365: Crochet [075]

This summer my sister has been crocheting blankets. This is a sneak peek on her current blanket project. :)

P365: Crazy Sushi [074]

Surprise lunch outing with my siblings and mom to Crazy Sushi! Enjoyed a variety of sushi rolls, including Dragon, Crazy Spicy, Spider, Golden California and Dynamite. 

The first three listed are pictured.

Taken on iPhone (my camera wasn’t charged). 

P365: Doves [073]

There’s a pair of doves living in the backyard.  They hide by the fence, walking along the perimeter of the garden.

While watering the plants, they flew to the top of the fence and were there long enough to snap a few pictures.

BEAUTY: Hair

Since I've been back from New York, I've been thinking about changing my hair...

Here's a before picture (just for the record, since I don't know when I'm going to get this haircut):

Right now, this is what I love:

• I love the layers because the lady that cut it last time evened them out perfectly.
• I love the length because it's almost reaching the longest it has been...EVER.
• I love the color (but that's only going to change naturally because I'm never going to dye my hair).

Hmmm...that's not a lot of things.

What I don't like:

• I don't like the dry, split ends.
• I don't like my bangs because they are just really short layers (or attempting to be).
• I don't like how the shortest layers aren't long enough to donate (just gonna have to wait on that one).
• I don't like how I can't wear it down like I used to.

Looks like the cons outweigh the pros. Time for a new do (or just a trim)!

Possibilities:

• I want to keep the length-ish because I'm still growing it out for donation.
• I want to keep the layers because it makes my hair lighter.
• I want new bangs because something as simple as that will change my whole look (surprise!).
• I kinda want it to be styled in the Dominican way again but that won't happen as long as I'm in California.  

I've been looking at some possible hairstyles, and I always come back to Zooey Deschanel's. 

I feel like I can pull it off. I just haven't had the chance to do so because every time I request this hairstyle, the bangs are not thick enough or they are too short.  Hopefully this next time will be a charm. 

P365: Milk & Cookies [072]

Just enjoying the simple deliciousness of milk & cookies!

P.S. Go Pilots! ;)

P365: Savannah Daylily [071]

One of the coolest flowers in the garden is the daylily.  There’s so many varieties, but all of them are uniquely beautiful. This particular one is a double, which you can see in the double layers of the petals.

P365: Chicken Curry [070]

Time for food experiments! We made some chicken curry, but after this initial run, we decided we need to experiment some more and add additional ingredients…

Unemployed...and hating it.

Eleven months ago, I embarked on my New York adventures.

Eleven months later, I'm back where I started - home.

It hasn't even been a month since I moved back home, but I'm starting to have feelings of regret.

I mean don't get me wrong.  It's great being home with my family, eating home-cooked meals, basking in the Californian sun and more.  I love getting the chance to see my cousins too.  It has been stress relieving to just relax for a bit.

However, as relaxing as it is to be home, unemployment has been getting to me...

When I left New York, I left three jobs, working for Macy's, the Disney Store and City Parks Foundation at SummerStage, so not keeping busy with work has been an extreme change of pace.  I suppose I need the break though.

When I found out on-calls get to come back to work on Monday, I feel like I'm missing out on work, even though it's across the country.  It makes me want to go back to New York, even though it's just a part-time job.  At least I would be working, while looking for work in public relations.

Did I give up too easily on the New York dream? I feel like I did.  I analyzed my situation and came to the conclusion of going home.  On the other hand, I knew my opportunities for a career would decrease immensely by moving home, but I took that risk anyway.  Now I'm back where I started - unemployed...and hating it.

I've been trying my best to get a job though.  I submitted applications to a variety of places but only heard back and interviewed with a few.  I still have hope for the places I interviewed with, but my patience is testing me.

I keep telling myself to stay optimistic...!
But it's hard with this heavy feeling of regret...

Plus it doesn't help with the financial crisis going on in this country.