Thankful?

Yes this is a late for Thanksgiving thankfulness... but it is never too late to be thankful for things. I am very thankful to my friends who listen to me and make me remember that this life is wonderful! Without them I would be so miserable! I am also extremely thankful to have cousins. My cousins are like my older brothers and care so much about me. I am so thankful to have people like them in my life. Are the perfect? Of course not, they have flaws just as much as the next person but they care so much about me. I feel so special! I am also thankful for their wives! Who wouldn't want more family? They all have chosen wonderful women to spend their lives with and I couldn't love them more!

I am thankful that I know what I am supposed to do in this life, what I was made to do! I am going to enjoy where I am right now!

Peace, Love

Always

Until Now

Sharing is caring, a poem for you, my loves:

Enough

These few words are enough, if not these words,this breath...

If not this breath, this sitting
This opening to the life we have refused
again and again until now.

Until now.

In this moment of epiphany
This opening to the life we have refused
again and again

until NOW.

~david whyte

Thanksgiving

Hola, mis amigas <3

Jia, I'm glad you found so much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving- it's inspiring. This Thanksgiving break, I have struggled to be happy. I finally found peace today, after reading this article:http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/1454?page=2. It has made me truly consider the way I view life. As a Buddhist, I proscribe to the belief that much of our suffering is created. That does not mean it carries any less weight, but that it can be alleviated by our thought patterns. I am going to begin to explore possibilities instead of expectations and hopefully, enjoy the clarity. I am grateful for meditation and beautiful friends. You are my family. Much love, namaste <3

Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, loves! Now, I've finally gotten a little more sleep and can write a coherent blog.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I feel like I might be able to go on forever about the things I'm thankful for. So, here goes... I am thankful for:

- My parents: I will always be eternally grateful for their care, love, and support. I am thankful for them lending their insight on things because I'm still young and learning to grow up. I'm thankful for them always having a warm meal for me whenever I get home after having a long day. I'm thankful especially for Mommy waking me up in the morning to check on me and making sure the stress of my hectic schedule isn't getting to me. Since I am Daddy's little girl, I'm thankful for Daddy and his constant checking up on me to ensure I'm on top of everything and always being on the lookout for me. As much as my parents and I may clash from time to time, I love them and don't know what I'd do without them.

- My sister: Although my sister may drive me crazy at times, I wouldn't change it for the world. Sometimes, she may borrow my clothes without asking or may not listen when I'm telling her about my experience to prevent her from repeating the same mistakes but these things are an integral part of sisterhood. I'm thankful for our bond. I know she will approach me about a problem before she approaches anyone else for advice or comfort. For that, I am thankful.

- My friends: I'm thankful for the ones who go out of their way to keep up with my life, comfort me when I'm feeling down, calm me down when I'm angry, listen to my problems (and provide advice when asked), and just generally truly show me that they care. I'm especially thankful for Melanie Chan, Wayne Chen, and Christina Bartel. Truly, Melanie is the big sister I never had. I'm thankful that I can come to her with anything even at 3am in the morning via any means of communication. It's great for me but she probably wishes she never had GChat or could chuck her iPhone out when I harass her. Mostly, I'm grateful for the infinite patience she has with me. I don't even know where to start with Wayne. Besides the fact that he's such a riot, I'm thankful that he empathizes with me so well. He can seriously make me laugh my way through anything. Christina, I'm so glad that we've established our *look* when we catch on to what the other is talking about when we're in the presence of other people. I'm just thankful for just having gotten to know you as of late and showing me how to have fun in the midst of it all.

- God: I'm sure he's been there all along carrying me through the storm like in the Footprints poem but I just couldn't feel it and closed myself off to the possibility. I'm so thankful to feel his presence in my life again because things are starting to fall back together after falling apart.

- The brave men and women serving our great nation: This one hits pretty close to home because I think this is the first Thanksgiving my cousin will be celebrating with the family in four years. For the last four Thanksgivings, he's either been on base or overseas in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm overjoyed that his committment is over and can finally be home to celebrate with us. Also, in light of the Fort Hood massacre, I just want to give thanks to our troops for putting their lives on the line and sacrificing their freedom for my freedom. I'm thankful for the freedom to worry about everyday life like paper writing and test taking as opposed to being hit by snipers or an IED.

Thankful

Akin to Jia, I have been way too busy to post as of late. I learned a lot this weekend, and I am grateful for that. I feel like I finally learned the importance of self-care, and how life looks without it. Restorative yoga always resets my soul, making emotions less weighty and life less intense, in a good way.

Jia, I love your pictures. They are stunning and I adore you. Always. I love that you are excited about winter and I hope that rubs off on me <3 Much love, namaste.

This song I dedicate to our inner dancer. Let loose <3

simply enchanting.

Wow... I just realize that I've been so swamped with everything and I haven't had a chance to update in a while. Everything's been so physically and emotionally draining as of late but I think things are getting better already! One of my friends is heading back into the city tomorrow for Thanksgiving and I'll be seeing the rest of them on Tuesday at the latest. I couldn't be more excited because I can't wait to see all of them. I haven't seen some of them in about three months. So, story-swapping about crazy nights from this semester offically begins!

Anyways, I was walking by The Shops at Columbus Circle yesterday and they finally had the starry holiday season light show up. It made me really happy because it was absolutely beautiful and reminded me that the holiday season is upon us despite the warm weather. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm in love with the city during the holiday season deep down inside. So, bring on the hot chocolate, Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, hot store window displays, and ice skating! Here are some pictures for y'all to enjoy...

 

 

Have a lovely day, loves!

Solidarity

Today, I am grateful for feeling healthy. Sunday was my one and a half year anniversary, and I am grateful to be alive and healthy. Sometimes I forget that I promised myself that I would enjoy everyday at the time, and I need to be reminded of that on days like today. Today I am grateful for life, as cruel and unnerving as it can often be. I am grateful for being alive. Much love, namaste <3

Mmm yes

Today, I am happy because of breathing. Yes, that sweet, simple, and totally involuntary inhale and exhale saved me today. When I find myself creating a hurricane of anxiety, to-do lists, and worries, I just breathe, and it seems to start unwinding, just a bit. Also, I am happy that Jia had a lovely Thursday. I am happy that life will slow down in 2 weeks for Thanksgiving. I am happy to be here, today. A poem for my dears:

To his Coy Mistress

Had we but world enough, and time,

This coyness, lady, were no crime.

We would sit down and think which way

To walk, and pass our long love's day;

Thou by the Indian Ganges' side

Shouldst rubies find; I by the tide

Of Humber would complain. I would

Love you ten years before the Flood;

And you should, if you please, refuse

Till the conversion of the Jews.

My vegetable love should grow

Vaster than empires, and more slow.

An hundred years should go to praise

Thine eyes, and on thy forehead gaze;

Two hundred to adore each breast,

But thirty thousand to the rest;

An age at least to every part,

And the last age should show your heart.

For, lady, you deserve this state,

Nor would I love at lower rate.

But at my back I always hear

Time's winged chariot hurrying near;

And yonder all before us lie

Deserts of vast eternity.

Thy beauty shall no more be found,

Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound

My echoing song; then worms shall try

That long preserv'd virginity,

And your quaint honour turn to dust,

And into ashes all my lust.

The grave's a fine and private place,

But none I think do there embrace.

Now therefore, while the youthful hue

Sits on thy skin like morning dew,

And while thy willing soul transpires

At every pore with instant fires,

Now let us sport us while we may;

And now, like am'rous birds of prey,

Rather at once our time devour,

Than languish in his slow-chapp'd power.

Let us roll all our strength, and all

Our sweetness, up into one ball;

And tear our pleasures with rough strife

Thorough the iron gates of life.

Thus, though we cannot make our sun

Stand still, yet we will make him run.

Much love, namaste <3

I didn't have a chance to elaborate on Thursday's entry. So, I'll do it now!

On Thursday, I got out of work early! It was the first time I left work before 7pm in about three months. After leaving work, I ended up having dinner with Xichee. We met up at this really cozy Indian place called Bombay Garden in Chelsea. It was nice just sitting down and catching up over dinner about all the random craziness in our lives. After dinner, I went over to Kayt's to get my iPod back. I finally have music again! Then, I went to Christina and we had a nice bonding session on her pink couch. Christina, I heart your light pink couch! Sometimes, it feels like something out of the movies!! On an even happier note, I finally picked up an externship. YAY!

If every moment counts...

After watching Rent for the first time, I feel like becoming an insomniac. While the film was downright depressing at times, I couldn't help but feel like every moment was a gift by the end. On some days, I honestly cannot wait for the end, feel like life is dragging on, and if tomorrow would just hurry its' entrance, life would improve. However, tomorrow never makes me happier. Tomorrow will never make me happier. I only have this moment, this day, to enjoy, yet so many days I live like tomorrow is a given, and treat today as disposable. I want each day to ring with permanence, and in this permanence, there is a sort of happiness, a gratefulness for each passing second, knowing it may not last. So I guess I'm grateful for the knowledge of brevity, and the beauty it brings- la vie en rose <3. Much love, namaste.

The Beginning

Hello my lovely ladies! I am glad that in a world that is constantly attempting to bring me down that I now have a space to tell all of the wonderful things in my life! So, I would have to say this week was not my finest but there were still some very fabulous things that happened! First off, the weather was down right beautiful in the beginning of the week! Secondly, I got an A on my Social Work paper that I worked EXTREMELY hard on. I also got to talk to my cousin's wife, Jessica. She is one of the strongest women I know and we could all take a page from her book. I think I am going to dedicate the rest of my post to this amazing woman because she brings me a ton of happiness. Jessica became part of my family about 5 years ago when she married my cousin Ivan. She had her first son, Anthony, at 14 then had her daughter at 18. She is the hardest working person I know and has had to suffer much more than anyone I know. Without a man to help her raise her two kids and absent parents, she was able to survive at such a young age. She is never depressing or down, she always uplifts me. I am grateful everyday that my cousin found her (they all have the best taste in women) and that her now three children are a part of my life. I think Jessica can be an inspiration to all of us. When the going gets so hard, we can all make it through!

Peace Love Always

Teal

Hiya back, mi bonita amigas

Yay Vanessa! We are thrilled to have more happiness on our blog. I'm glad you were able to find a song of happiness in your worst day. This reminds me of Jia's beautiful quote, and it is so true- happiness is not found in the effort to get there, but the gentle realization that happiness was there all along. I am happy for second chances and clarity. I am so grateful for my friends- y'all continually amaze me with your compassion and support- I could not do life without you! You bring so much joy into my life everyday, and for that, thank you will never be enough. To my lovely ladys, I dedicate this song- enjoy! Much love, namaste!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zbn7Khv8zM

ever elusive.

This week was pretty stressful but today kinda made up for it. I'm too tired to go in-depth about my day but I will leave with this...

“Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder…”

– Thoreau

hellooo

Hi! This is my first blog. I had the worst day EVER today... It could have been worse but it was long and torturous and all I wanted to do was crawl in my bed and fall asleep for years but I decided to blog! haha. I just want to introduce you to a song that I fell absolutely in love with. There is a cover to it as well and it is equally as orgasmic...in my opinion. Its called "heartbeats" by Jose Gonzales.  The cover is by a group called The knife. Jose's version is an acoustic guitar and the other is a fabulous techno-y sounding version sung by a girl who is kind of screeching? but it sounds great haha. There was nothing particularly happy today that occured outside of the realm of boyfriend land,unfortunately,  but I do look very forward to Thanksgiving Break. I plan to share it with my family. The countdown keeps me going. I cannot wait to help my mom in the kitchen and take in all the delicious scents! Being home will be fabulous. I also love my new friends Christina and Jia. Thanks for inviting me to blog! this is fun. yay. 

When more happy things happen to me...ill post again haha. Today was probably the WORST day to post because i really cant recall a happy moment. This is okay though! I believe in having bad days because without them...the good days would not seem so good. :) 

Until next time!

Vaness

Today, happiness was musical. John Mayer and Jason Mraz battled for my ears, and for today, Mr. Mraz won. I love hanging out with my friends. You make me laugh and smile, and I am so grateful for each and everyone of you. Jia, I bid you and your "Herbivore's Diary", a beautiful night ;). Much love, namaste <3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBBMNJPk5qo&feature=related

So, I think John Mayer's voice might be the soundtrack to my dreams tonight. Christina, I know you'll love waking up to this. =)

Aristotle wrote that "to live happily is an inward power of the soul." Happiness is a choice; some days a very obvious, easy one, and others a difficult, obscure one. This is clearest when those who have seemingly little reason to be happy, such as, the poor, disadvantaged, ill, and mistreated are happy. Similarly, those we expect to be happy, like the rich, successful, and advantaged are often racked with tension and turmoil. The consciousness of this choice is what allows us to be happy, not our circumstances or past. On that note, today had many reasons for being happy. I woke up to Jia's lovely post on the holiday season and all the joy that brings to so many. The weather was mercifully warm for November and *beams* John Mayer's long awaited album was released. Yo soy fanatica :D. Today I'm also grateful for the "mistakes" I've made. I have learned so much from seemingly "poor" decisions and am grateful for all they have taught and will continue to teach me. I am happy that even in painful circumstances, good can always arise. Much love, namaste <3

First off, I loved the weather today! The weather was still nice at 8pm when I got off work and decided to walk to the library. On my way to the library, I found out that the ice skating rink was finally open. I guess I must have really been living under a rock as of late because I work about a block away and I'm at Bryant Park almost every night but I didn't know it was open until today. It kinda reminded me that it will be Christmas-y in the city soon. So, it made me smile because the city is absolutely beautiful during the holiday season. Actually, scratch that... the city is beautiful year round. I always feel at home amongst the bright lights and smoggy air. Even though I work in Times Square, I'm still amazed when I'm standing in the middle of it all...

 (These pictures were taken as I was waiting for Melanie around 11pm tonight)

On a side note... Christina, your texts really made me laugh today because I could seriously picture you attempting a sexy streetwalker walk and calling it an epic fail and then following that up by walking into walking into the wrong yoga class. Apparently, all that went wrong when you sent me those texts had to do with walking. LOL. It totally made my day. You are most awesome ;)

Happiness is dessert on fire with your soulmate.

Dearest Jia,

You are lovely. And this blog is lovely. This blog makes me mad happy :) Today's weather was absolutely GORGEOUS. I'm such a fan. I've decided surfing also makes me happy. Not the stupid website surfing, I mean the whole salty waves crashing, tan, and bikini. I want to just crash, and fall over and over again. I think that letting go is a sort of happiness (a la orgasm ;) and I want to literally let go into a wave, preferably in Cali.

I think smiling eyes are one of the happiest things ever. When someone's eyes can race their mouth to the smile, it's absolutely heartwarming. I'm going to try to smile with my eyes and mouth, because I want to give others the feeling that they light up my entire face, and my life, not just my lips, my words. On that note, I decided I prefer verbs to nouns. Smiling is so much better than a smile, laughing so much lighter than a laugh, loving so much more than love. Mmmm yes.

FIRST BLOG!

Dearest Christina,

I'm so thrilled about our blog! We talked about it and our plans finally came into fruition. So, this definitely makes my night. Anyways, back to the main concept of our blog... what made me happy today? First off, I loved the gorgeous weather outside. It seriously made me want to break out the flip flops because it was so warm out but then... I didn't want to elicit the stares of strangers who would think I'm weird for breaking out the flip flops in November because we live in New York and November is typically supposed to be a cold month. I wish it could be this gorgeous year round. Well... maybe, I'd like it to be a little bit warmer like 80°-ish... ;D

Lots of love,
Jia