Dear NYC: I Miss You

 Last weekend in NYC, July 2011

Two years ago today, I took a one-way flight to New York City and spent 10 months in the Big Apple - working/interning and exploring the city. Then I returned home.

On my last day, I wrote...

"I'm positive that I'm leaving. Do I want to leave? Not really but I feel that going home at this point in my life is a good choice, healthy even."

Looking back, I think I do regret leaving...

Sometimes I look back and think I didn't do enough to stay in New York. I could have done a more thorough job search to land a public relations internship. I could have done a better search for apartments. I feel like I just ran out of time and ran back to a place of familiarity and safety.

Now don't get me wrong. Upon returning home, I got another job (or two or three or four) and worked like no other. I enjoyed the comforts of home and being surrounded by family, and I gained useful skills from those jobs. In addition, I met some amazing people at the same time.

I'm thankful for my combined working experiences to bring me where I am today as an intern for a global public relations agency, which was one of my goals this year too.

However, at the end of the day, was it worth working so many jobs and nothing else? It seems like such a waste of my youth to work so much to make ends meet.

I wish I spent more time hanging out with my new friends, but every time an opportunity came up, I declined because of work. :(

Moving forward, I seriously need to stop thinking so pessimistically about my past mistakes and look toward the possibilities ahead.

Isn't that what optimizing opportunities is all about? 

I just need to keep reminding myself that if I'm meant to return to New York, then it will be. 

P.S. Definitely had a more positive attitude about this situation last year...

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: 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: 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: Crochet [075]

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

P365: Storm Stopper [068]

C-Units and Super Friends spent a rare day together at Nickel City arcade! We had lots of fun playing classic arcade games and won approximately 3000 tickets! Yay us! :D

P365: Congrats Jordan & Maria! [067]

Celebrated the engagement of Jordan and Maria with some excellent Mexican food and drinks! :D

P365: Lola's House [061]

Spent the weekend at my Lola’s* house.  The last time I was there was before I went to NYC. It was great to be back and to spend time with family…

*Lola = grandmother in Tagalog

P365: Lil' BK [059]

C-Unit #16 has the cutest smile! Loved playing with her this weekend. Yay! ;D

P365: Hello Baby D! [058]

Welcome home to my new cousin, Darnell Jayden! :)

P365: California State Fair [055]

Fun times at the State Fair! We walked through all the exhibits, checked out the animals (where were the sheep and pigs though?!), and ate some fair food - a blooming onion, popcorn chicken, french fries, gyros, funnel cake, Icee, frozen banana, etc. 

While I took lots of pictures of all this stuff, I felt that the entrance summed up our day because the Golden Bear is iconic for the entire California State Fair. :)

Taken on Sony Cybershot.

P365: Baby Shower [053]

Cupcakes are all the rage nowadays! Who needs cake when you can miniaturize it into cupcake form?! haha

For my aunt’s baby shower, I baked about four dozen cupcakes and topped them with my sister’s homemade icing and blue sprinkles.  Can you tell we’re welcoming a baby boy to the family? ;)

P365: Party Favors [052]

We got creative with the party favors for my aunt’s baby shower.  Ever won a potted plant for winning a game at a baby shower? Didn’t think so…

P.S. I noticed I’m kinda addicted to this “antique” feature when I’m editing photos. I just like that retro feel…

P365: Harry Potter tickets [045]

Back home just in time for the opening day of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 with my family! Win!!

We even bought tickets in advanced to be part of this momentous movie moment. Yay! :)

Dear NYC: Last Day

It's coming down to the wire.  These are my last 24 hours in New York City (for now at least).

• I shipped my stuff to California.
• I finished my last day at the Disney Store.
• I said farewell more than I needed to my friends (didn't realize this until last weekend...whoops).
• Now it's down to a few more goodbyes while exploring the city...
• Oh and finish packing.

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions.

With one week left to go, I was all excited to go home, but then my emotions took a sharp downward spiral. I was conflicted with myself about whether I was happy to go home or sad to be leaving NYC.  In fact, I broke down at one point, crying on the steps of the Lincoln Center - just the whole realization of leaving hit me all of a sudden. Kinda harsh.

At first, I was like, "YAY! I'm going home!!" (^o^)

Then I was like, "OMG! I'm leaving New York City!!" (O_O)

Then it didn't help that I kept getting asked, "Are you sure you want to leave?" (Yeah, thanks Mike.)

This scene from Tangled illustrates my emotions perfectly.

I'm positive that I'm leaving.  Do I want to leave?  Not really but I feel that going home at this point in my life is a good choice, healthy even.

After seeing friends and exploring parts of the city I haven't seen before, I feel content with going home, accomplished and with friends and memories that I will cherish for years to come.

I know I'll be back in New York City. I'm not sure if it's just going to be a visit or to move back, but I'm glad that I have friends who will be waiting for me to return.

And if they ever decide to come to California, they should let me know!! :)

Thanks for the memories! These final hours are going to be awesome!

P365: Top of the Rock [042]

On my final day in New York City, I went to the Top of the Rock observatory to see an amazing 360-degree view of city.  It was the perfect way to end this 10-month NYC adventure!  While I was gazing out and enjoying the view, I saw all the different places I went to while I was here, and a rush of memories came to me.  Then I got all teary-eyed thinking of all the people I met and how much I would miss them.  Another reality check that I was leaving New York…

P365: Lincoln Center [037]

After running into and spending time with friends from Macy’s, I was hit with the realization of leaving New York City.  Sitting on the steps of the beautiful Lincoln Center, my eyes were filled tears, but then after some comforting, it also became apparent that I should think positively by remembering the wonderful memories with good friends.  :)

Dear NYC: Thank you for the adventure!

Chrysler Building

Today marks my 10th month in New York City.  Can you believe I've been here that long?!  So close to making it one year.  However, that won't happen this year...

Today also marks the beginning of my last week in New York City.  I will be moving back home on July 13.

As some of you may know, I've been struggling to figure out which coast to live on.  In fact, this struggle initiated way back in October.  I fought to stay here, but after much deliberation, I've concluded that it would be best to move home for the time being.

As much as I have enjoyed living in New York City, I've noticed that my heart is still on the West Coast with my family and friends.  After visiting home at the end of May, it became even more apparent that I should move back to California.  I missed being with my family, but I feel like it's mostly because I was so tired of feeling so lonely in NYC.

That's right. I felt loneliness in a city with over 8 million people, but even though I was constantly surrounded by people, I was often exploring the city by myself (probably my fault for not reaching out to the friends I've made here).

Anyway, when I was at the airport, I cried before boarding the plane to NYC.  The tears just flowed out of my eyes as I thought about my family that I was leaving again.  I had no idea when I would be returning home at that time or what the future held for me, especially since I was not getting any leads for jobs.  Little did I know that I would be booking a ticket back less than a month after returning.

My 10-month adventure in New York City as been filled with amazing experiences and wonderful relationships that I will never forget.  I'm going to highlight some of those in a couple posts, which will be part of a segment called, "Dear NYC."

I did not expect to be here for nearly a year.  Remembering back to when I first came here in September, I only came to NYC to help my Lola (grandma) travel across the country to see new granddaughter.  At that time, I only planned to stay for 4 to 6 weeks, considering the amount of clothes I packed.  But with a job and internship, I was prompted to stay much longer than anticipated.

Throughout my time here, one question kept coming up - "How long will you be here?" I always had the same answer - "I don't know," which was usually followed by an excuse of why I needed to stay (job/internship).  But even though I had some legit reasons for staying, do you know how hard it was to live with such uncertainty?  I was basically taking it one day at a time, hoping for new opportunities.

Ah! But that's all over now!  I feel so relieved that I finally decided where to go.  I already feel 100 times happier, knowing that I will be home during the summer.  Although I may not know how long I'm staying there, I'm glad I don't have to worry about all the expenses I had to worry about in New York.  Although I'm happy for going home, I'm also sad to say farewell to everyone I met here.  It's a bittersweet moment.

Peace out, NYC! 

I hope to return to New York City, but this time it will be on my own terms.  It won't be a spontaneous trip as a travel companion.  It will be well-thought out and planned in advanced.  Time constraints and living situations will be determined.  Career paths will be paved.  It will be a more enriching experience to enjoy the city and time spent with friends, rather than working all the time (because you know how I'm a workaholic).  My next time in the Big Apple, whether it's just a visit or a move back, I will do it my way.

Thank you for the memories, New York! It's been a blast...!

P.S. Look out for the next "Dear NYC" post...

NYC: 1 week

You might say I'm pulling a Ben Taketa - buying a one-way ticket to New York City, but it's true...

In one week, I'll be heading to the Big Apple with my Lola (grandma) to help my Auntie Junelle take care of her new baby girl.  I'm excited to meet my new cousin and to help out my family.

It's just so surreal this is happening.  I never would imagine going to NYC out of the blue like this, but I'm really excited! :D

While I'm in NYC, I'm hoping this might be an excellent opportunity to find a job/internship.  Checking out the CraigsList job listings, I'm overwhelmed with how many places are looking for interns and such.  It's great news though, especially compared to the opportunities available in Sacramento. Hopefully things will look up, and I'll finally gain that experience I've been looking for.

I'm not sure how long I'm staying in NYC because I only bought a one-way ticket, but hey...this post grad life just got an interesting twist! ;)

P.S. Pilots - NYC for Fall Break?!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

It's America's birthday, and unlike everyone else, I'm not really doing anything to celebrate.  It's another one of those holidays where we didn't do anything. Family traditions seem to have lost their splendor.  Not sure what that's all about...

Anyway, last year during the fourth of July, I was in Canada, studying abroad for 6 weeks.  In Montreal, they had an International Fireworks Competition every Saturday night during the month of July, and since the fourth fell on a Saturday, we saw Australia's presentation that night.  How cool is that?  Even though we were abroad, we still got to see some really cool firework displays.  So basically, I celebrated the fourth in Canada, watching an Australian fireworks display.  

Doesn't get anymore international than that! Except maybe the Coldplay concert I also saw in Montreal - British band entertaining French Canadians (among others) while watching an American fireworks display (yeah, that was still going on).

Compared to last year, this year was pretty pathetic.  Oh well. At least we're going on a family vacation soon.  Hopefully that'll bring up my morale.

For now, it's not much of a holiday.  I need to get back to finishing up these job applications.  They've been sitting on the back burner for far too long.

Hope you're all having a fantastic fourth of July!

P.S. I would have made this blog post a bit more political but decided against it.  We can get into American politics later...