So last night was my first of the season. Monday night, and there were hardly any people, thank goodness! Ingrid and I still had a good amount of time to cut up some powder. Ingrid rides goofy too! She's better than I am. actually i was riding switch because i can only go down heelside LOL! it looks so retarded, so i retrained myself to go on toeside. then i basically fell on my butt everytime! i'm also really upset because i think i lost my goofy stance =( Whenever i got up, my board just naturally went regular! i was like NOOOO!! Turn left, turn left!
As we were both sitting on the pow, Ingrid came up with another one of her wise sayings. She said, "Life is like snowboarding. You control the board, the board doesn't control you." LOL only she would say that! But its true! I have to take control... but i'm out of shape! i have to work out my core.
So today as i was doing Pilates in my living room, i figured it would be more fun if i got the Wii Fit. and so that's what my brother is getting me since he hasn't gotten me a Christmas present yet! hehe. his last present was DDR. That was fun!!! but it only works out my lower body. still fun though. Anyway i cant wait for my Wii Fit!!!
hittin the slopes again in a few days. i think i'm gonna have to go regular stance this time =(
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Mariah, You're on Fiyah
People can hate all they want, but they can't touch her. It's no wonder she's so successful. She sings like an angel and writes her own songs. and the words she writes have so much meaning and expression to them. In '97 she had a song with a sick beat by Mobb Deep called "The Roof" that i used to play over and over and over. I still love it.
It wasn't raining yet,
But it was definitely a little misty on
That warm November night.
And my heart was pounding,
My inner voice resounding,
Begging me to turn away,
But I just had to see your face
To feel alive.
And then you casually walked in the room.
And I was twisted in the web
Of my desire for you.
My apprehension blew away,
I only wanted you
To taste my sadness
As you kissed me in the dark.
And so we finished the Moet and
started feeling liberated.
And I surrendered as you took me
In your arms.
I was so caught up in the moment,
I couldn't bear to let you go yet,
So I threw caution to the wind
And started listening to my longing heart.
And then you softly pressed your lips to mine
And feelings surfaced I'd suppressed
For such a long time.
And for a while I forgot
The sorrow and the pain
And melted with you as we stood
There in the rain.
Every time I feel the need,
I envision you caressing me.
And go back in time
To relieve the splendor of you and I
On the rooftop that rainy night. "
The Video: She looked ssoooooo hot during this time! before she went off the edge =x
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Air Dogs Cuttin It Up!
Camp of Champions - i'm so in awe of these guys.
♥♥ Can't get enough of their SICK style!!!!! ♥
I want skinny neon green pants and a hot pink snowboard now! =P
Enjoy their video below!
i suppose i'm still a french fry even though i started abooutt 6 years ago?! but i never took to kill. this time i'm going aggro so watch out for this Betty! and i ride goofy heehee. actually i taught myself to ride that way cuz it's cooler ;p. See ya on the pow!
♥♥ Can't get enough of their SICK style!!!!! ♥
I want skinny neon green pants and a hot pink snowboard now! =P
Enjoy their video below!
i suppose i'm still a french fry even though i started abooutt 6 years ago?! but i never took to kill. this time i'm going aggro so watch out for this Betty! and i ride goofy heehee. actually i taught myself to ride that way cuz it's cooler ;p. See ya on the pow!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Addendum to My Christmas Day
After reuniting with my father, I needed an escape to get my mind off it. J saved me again! We watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". It's a really beautiful movie. I also just learned that his daughter Shiloh was in the movie! The part where he's cradling her and they watch the balloon fly away.
hmm, i cant tell who's cuter?! lol jp. This whole image itself is cute.
The movie was almost 3 hours, however i was too engaged in the story to notice, and i'm sure the audience was too. But i did notice something else.. He held my hand the whole time! ;)
hmm, i cant tell who's cuter?! lol jp. This whole image itself is cute.The movie was almost 3 hours, however i was too engaged in the story to notice, and i'm sure the audience was too. But i did notice something else.. He held my hand the whole time! ;)
* * *
Afterwards, i left to meet my family at Kim's house. I was late for the start of Christmas dinner, but people were still eating anyway. Then they made me Santa this year since i kind of balled out with everyone's gifts hehe. I wore the Santa hat and distributed all the presents. I refuse to post my rediculous-looking pics! Then we ate and drank more and chatted, but suddenly my exhaustion from the whole day caught up with me and i ended the night early.
I Saw My Dad for the First Time in 19 Years..
It was Christmas Day.
He called my phone the day before, and since i don't pick up unfamiliar numbers, he left a voicemail that started off like this:
I didnt call him back that day. What was i to do?? I havent seen or spoken to my father since i was 7, when he left us a broken family. Mom had wanted nothing to do with him. She got full custody, changed our number a few times, kept my brother and i from our dad's side of the family.. and he got the hint. But now it seems Time has once again found a way to change things. It all started this past April, when my cousin from my dad's side came up to NY and reunited with me and my brother after 19 years of no contact. She previously found me on MySpace and we reconnected. I'm sure it was her who gave my number to my dad.
I kept it in the back of my head the whole day. I made myself busy wrapping presents and planning Christmas Eve. But at the end of the day, when i finally got in bed, the quiet darkness opened the flood gates of my thoughts, and the tears that i've held back finally made their way out. How could i face this man i hardly know anymore, who wronged his family, and still acknowledge him as my father? I was scared and confused. so i prayed and got my answer. it was simple. See him. Forgive him. Make peace. I believe it was Alexander Pope who coined the famous phrase, "To err is human, but to forgive is divine." To sin is human. The ever-present question arose: WWJD? It was simple: reach out, forgive, and make peace. God is so good.
The next morning, Christmas Day, it hurt to open my eyes. The tears had burned and dried them. I hesitated for a moment as i held my phone. But then i felt a rush of courage, dialed that unfamiliar number, and waited to hear that unfamiliar voice. It was an awkward 2 minutes. I would meet him for lunch. Over the years, i used to imagine how i would act if i ever saw my dad again. I imagined myself crying to his face, yelling, hitting, kicking, and screaming. I harbored hateful and bitter feelings. I blamed him for all my relationships with past boyfriends that ended badly. I made him the reason why they couldn't work out. I became bitter seeing how tirelessly and endlessly my mom worked. I hated him for leaving my brother to grow up without a male hero. But most of all i hated him for never going to be able to walk me down that aisle, ever.
But when i saw him, i surprised myself with my own strength. In that small restaurant, we talked as adults, yet knowing we couldn't go into detail over the past 19 years. I showed him the young lady his daughter grew up to be. I told him about his son who matured so fast and so well since he became man of the house at the age of 9. I told him about our mom who worked so hard and who single-handedly put us through Catholic grade schools, Catholic high schools, state universities, and seeing to it we that we now both have stable, successful careers... and he concluded that she did a swell job of raising us.
*And finally after all these years, i felt closure and peace.*
A couple months back, i made plans to fly to Savannah, GA in January and reunite with his side of the family. He told me he'd willingly drive the 12 hours to meet me there. And i thought: He's only my biological father, and that's how i'll acknowledge him. I dont hate him anymore, but I don't wish to rekindle our lost relationship and bring him back fully into my life. Besides, i've lived all these years and i've managed without a father.
Lunch lasted an hour and a half.
His parting words were, "See you in Savannah, my darling."
...See you in Savannah, dad.
He called my phone the day before, and since i don't pick up unfamiliar numbers, he left a voicemail that started off like this:
"Hi Shirleen. It's um.. *pause*.. it's your daddy..."
I was floored. How many times did i replay that message? My mom was in the kitchen, and i told her right away. I had her listen to it. Just like me, she needed to hear it again. My brother was at work, but i called and told him, then i forwarded him the message. I didn't even recognize the voice, but my mom did, so i believed it was him. I heard the hope and intent in his voice in wanting to see us. He was only in town until the day after Christmas, I guess before he disappears again.I didnt call him back that day. What was i to do?? I havent seen or spoken to my father since i was 7, when he left us a broken family. Mom had wanted nothing to do with him. She got full custody, changed our number a few times, kept my brother and i from our dad's side of the family.. and he got the hint. But now it seems Time has once again found a way to change things. It all started this past April, when my cousin from my dad's side came up to NY and reunited with me and my brother after 19 years of no contact. She previously found me on MySpace and we reconnected. I'm sure it was her who gave my number to my dad.
I kept it in the back of my head the whole day. I made myself busy wrapping presents and planning Christmas Eve. But at the end of the day, when i finally got in bed, the quiet darkness opened the flood gates of my thoughts, and the tears that i've held back finally made their way out. How could i face this man i hardly know anymore, who wronged his family, and still acknowledge him as my father? I was scared and confused. so i prayed and got my answer. it was simple. See him. Forgive him. Make peace. I believe it was Alexander Pope who coined the famous phrase, "To err is human, but to forgive is divine." To sin is human. The ever-present question arose: WWJD? It was simple: reach out, forgive, and make peace. God is so good.
The next morning, Christmas Day, it hurt to open my eyes. The tears had burned and dried them. I hesitated for a moment as i held my phone. But then i felt a rush of courage, dialed that unfamiliar number, and waited to hear that unfamiliar voice. It was an awkward 2 minutes. I would meet him for lunch. Over the years, i used to imagine how i would act if i ever saw my dad again. I imagined myself crying to his face, yelling, hitting, kicking, and screaming. I harbored hateful and bitter feelings. I blamed him for all my relationships with past boyfriends that ended badly. I made him the reason why they couldn't work out. I became bitter seeing how tirelessly and endlessly my mom worked. I hated him for leaving my brother to grow up without a male hero. But most of all i hated him for never going to be able to walk me down that aisle, ever.
But when i saw him, i surprised myself with my own strength. In that small restaurant, we talked as adults, yet knowing we couldn't go into detail over the past 19 years. I showed him the young lady his daughter grew up to be. I told him about his son who matured so fast and so well since he became man of the house at the age of 9. I told him about our mom who worked so hard and who single-handedly put us through Catholic grade schools, Catholic high schools, state universities, and seeing to it we that we now both have stable, successful careers... and he concluded that she did a swell job of raising us.
*And finally after all these years, i felt closure and peace.*
A couple months back, i made plans to fly to Savannah, GA in January and reunite with his side of the family. He told me he'd willingly drive the 12 hours to meet me there. And i thought: He's only my biological father, and that's how i'll acknowledge him. I dont hate him anymore, but I don't wish to rekindle our lost relationship and bring him back fully into my life. Besides, i've lived all these years and i've managed without a father.
Lunch lasted an hour and a half.
His parting words were, "See you in Savannah, my darling."
...See you in Savannah, dad.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
My 'Serendipitous' Christmas Eve
SERENDIPITY: (n) A fortunate accident, usually discovered while looking for something else entirely.
Things happen for a reason.
My Christmas Eve plans had gone up in smoke. If it didn't rain freezing ice, I could've went snowboarding. If my brother didn't take my car, I would've driven to Staten Island to see my cousin and have dinner. If my mom and brother weren't working, we would've gone out to celebrate somewhere. If my best friend wasn't working, she would've taken me out. But all these things happened... and i was stuck at home by myself... I thought my Christmas Eve was going to be lonely. But if all these things didn't happen, I wouldn't have spent a romantic Blockbuster night at home with J, watching my favorite movie of all time, "Serendipity", over a bottle of red wine by candlelight. I'm a sucker for old school romance. He saved my Eve, and it was better than i planned. My hero! =)
Sarah & Jonathan = S & J . haha he picked up on that! it's a sign hehe
♥
Things happen for a reason.
My Christmas Eve plans had gone up in smoke. If it didn't rain freezing ice, I could've went snowboarding. If my brother didn't take my car, I would've driven to Staten Island to see my cousin and have dinner. If my mom and brother weren't working, we would've gone out to celebrate somewhere. If my best friend wasn't working, she would've taken me out. But all these things happened... and i was stuck at home by myself... I thought my Christmas Eve was going to be lonely. But if all these things didn't happen, I wouldn't have spent a romantic Blockbuster night at home with J, watching my favorite movie of all time, "Serendipity", over a bottle of red wine by candlelight. I'm a sucker for old school romance. He saved my Eve, and it was better than i planned. My hero! =)
Sarah & Jonathan = S & J . haha he picked up on that! it's a sign hehe♥
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sleepless
Another night awake. This time i made sure i made myself busy to keep my mind off things. So at midnight, i went to Macy's to start AND FINISH my Christmas shopping. Macy's is now 24 hours until Christmas. thank goodness for that, cuz i dont know what i would do... probably just cut checks to everyone, but i didnt wanna do that. So i shopped for 6 hours lol. The Starbucks inside Macy's saved me. I got everyone, even my aunts and uncles. Usually i just get my cousins, but i got them all. I also got myself some things too hehe.
Santa Shirl is in full effect. Now i just wish i had elves to wrap up all the presents! Well, i do have one very helpful elf: my internet! hehe i just bought a few gifts online and had them delivered to my friends in California and one in central Jersey.
*sigh. and i'm still awake. forcing myself to sleep for a few hours before mass. looking forward to the readings. His inspiration is always positively motivating =)
Santa Shirl is in full effect. Now i just wish i had elves to wrap up all the presents! Well, i do have one very helpful elf: my internet! hehe i just bought a few gifts online and had them delivered to my friends in California and one in central Jersey.
*sigh. and i'm still awake. forcing myself to sleep for a few hours before mass. looking forward to the readings. His inspiration is always positively motivating =)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Love and Fear
It's 3:30 am, and i'm wide awake. I just saw something on my laptop that rendered me speechless and filled with thought. It was absolutely the most disturbing thing i've ever let enter my virgin mind. I don't want to share it with u now because i dont want to offend anyone. It offended me.. but only at first. If u really wanna know, hit me up.
But after watching the whole 2 hours of it hypnotized, I came to one conclusion. It's a thing that i've recently brought to conscious on my own, and this documentary just proved it: Love conquers all.
The opposite of love isn't hate. Hate is just as strong an emotion as love, and it brings forth a multitude of other feelings as does Love. No, no, the opposite of love isn't hate at all. It's FEAR. Fear doesnt let us have any other emotion. Fear to love, fear to think for oneself, fear to appreciate Life. Fear closes our hearts to Love and endless, boundless opportunities. I mentioned before in a previous blog, "Let go and let Love." I've added that as a motto, along with my only other motto which is "Never Settle." What i mean by "Never Settle" is this: never stop thinking. Don't settle for something less than what you're really looking for just because you feel that something is stopping you from obtaining it. Then after that, let go and let love!
You know where all this fear stems from? Fear from authority and power. I dont know if i'm getting through to you with all this, or if i'm just making you more confused. But i just wanted to make a record of my opinions on what i just saw, and at least to me it makes sense. Maybe if after u watch the documentary, you'll get it. Here's a couple quotes i took from the doc:
..And even still, after all that, i still believe God is Love. i amaze myself with my own thoughts.
But after watching the whole 2 hours of it hypnotized, I came to one conclusion. It's a thing that i've recently brought to conscious on my own, and this documentary just proved it: Love conquers all.
The opposite of love isn't hate. Hate is just as strong an emotion as love, and it brings forth a multitude of other feelings as does Love. No, no, the opposite of love isn't hate at all. It's FEAR. Fear doesnt let us have any other emotion. Fear to love, fear to think for oneself, fear to appreciate Life. Fear closes our hearts to Love and endless, boundless opportunities. I mentioned before in a previous blog, "Let go and let Love." I've added that as a motto, along with my only other motto which is "Never Settle." What i mean by "Never Settle" is this: never stop thinking. Don't settle for something less than what you're really looking for just because you feel that something is stopping you from obtaining it. Then after that, let go and let love!
You know where all this fear stems from? Fear from authority and power. I dont know if i'm getting through to you with all this, or if i'm just making you more confused. But i just wanted to make a record of my opinions on what i just saw, and at least to me it makes sense. Maybe if after u watch the documentary, you'll get it. Here's a couple quotes i took from the doc:
"The last thing the 'men behind the curtain' [aka power/authority] want is a conscious informed public capable of critical thinking. "
..And even still, after all that, i still believe God is Love. i amaze myself with my own thoughts.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Santa, Can You Hear Me?
Last night I took a walk in the snow.
Couples holding hands, places to go.
Seems like everyone but me is in love.
Santa, can you hear me ?
I sign my letter that I sealed with a kiss.
I send it off and just said this:
I know exactly what I want this year.
I want my baby.
I want someone to love me, someone to hold.
Maybe, he'll be all my own in a big red bow.
Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year.
And all I want is one thing:
Tell me my true love is here!
He's all I want, just for me,
Underneath my Christmas tree.
I’ll be waiting here.
Santa, that’s my only wish this year.
Christmas Eve, I just can’t sleep.
Will I be wrong for taking a peek ?
Cause I heard that you're coming to town.
I really hope that you're on your way
with something special for me in your sleigh.
Ooh please make my wish come true!
Santa, can you hear me ?
I want my baby.
I want someone to love me, someone to hold.
Maybe, we'll be all alone under the mistletoe.
I hope my letter reaches you in time.
Bring me a love I can call all mine.
Cause I have been so good, SO GOOD!, this year..
I can’t be alone under the mistletoe.
He's all i want in a big red bow.
Santa, that's my only wish this year! =)
Couples holding hands, places to go.
Seems like everyone but me is in love.
Santa, can you hear me ?
I sign my letter that I sealed with a kiss.
I send it off and just said this:
I know exactly what I want this year.
I want my baby.
I want someone to love me, someone to hold.
Maybe, he'll be all my own in a big red bow.
Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year.
And all I want is one thing:
Tell me my true love is here!
He's all I want, just for me,
Underneath my Christmas tree.
I’ll be waiting here.
Santa, that’s my only wish this year.
Christmas Eve, I just can’t sleep.
Will I be wrong for taking a peek ?
Cause I heard that you're coming to town.
I really hope that you're on your way
with something special for me in your sleigh.
Ooh please make my wish come true!
Santa, can you hear me ?
I want my baby.
I want someone to love me, someone to hold.
Maybe, we'll be all alone under the mistletoe.
I hope my letter reaches you in time.
Bring me a love I can call all mine.
Cause I have been so good, SO GOOD!, this year..
I can’t be alone under the mistletoe.
He's all i want in a big red bow.
Santa, that's my only wish this year! =)
Christmas @ Rockefeller Center
Last week Carol, Dee, and I had a Christmas date at Rock Center.It was ohh soo romanticaL!! i love them =)
I greeted them with presents from Sephora.. now we all have roll-on perfumes small enough to carry in our purses! Carol got Marc Jacobs, Dee got Burberry, and i got myself Masaki.
Masaki smells really nice (he likes it too ♥ hehe).
We had dinner at Seo, then went ice skating!! that was my first time at the rink! it's sooo pretty. We had so much fun!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ever Grateful
Entertainment Weekly Magazine reunited Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet to talk about their upcoming movie, "Revolutionary Road". This is their second movie co-starring together since "Titanic" 12 years ago. I loved them in Titanic, and i'm looking forward to seeing an equally amazing performance this time around. Aahh Mr. DiCaprio still looks dashingly handsome, forever and always!! =)To read the cover story, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Just for the Sake of a New Blog
=P Man i was pretty emo the other night wasnt i? lol thats what happens when i have too much time to myself. my mind wanders.. U can imagine how relieved i was to be back at work last night to get my mind off things. although it didnt get busy til the last few hours when i got that crazy admission and my other patient was on his way out =( .He had a big family surrounding him and i was glad it was peaceful. anyway things like that always puts me into perspective with life and God's plan with mine.
Speaking of plans, I'm still digging that song below by Simple Plan. Have u ever liked a song so much that u play it over and over and over, and u dont get tired of it? lol this is one of them! and that "Sober" song by Pink. She's a genius. So is Santogold hehe. yea i'm pretty much loving my MySpace playlist right now =)
oh gosh i'm blabbing. but i have one thing to say: is it just me, or does the stuff on PerezHilton.com seem boring now? I used to be obsessed with his site last year, now i just really don't care! u know what? he needs to put up more Leonardo DiCaprio or Orlando Bloom. But they're both smart enough not to land themselves on stupid gossip columns like Perez. o well.
Today was a lazy day. I left work with mixed feelings, and took a cab instead of the train to Port Authority. i just wanted to get home asap and sleep. the photoshoot today was cancelled, which i was moreso happy about because i was really tired. Sleep was good and actually i just got up an hour ago! My work is having a Christmas party tonight in SoHo, and although i was looking forward to it for the past month, i all of a sudden felt blah about it. Plus, have u been outside?? freeezing! My warm comfy bed is the best place to be right now. or maybe in my cozy living room with a good movie, hot chocolate, and a box of TimTams. =)
Alright thats enough out of me. Tomorrow looks like a busy day with mom. She wants to go shopping! dun dun dun! well she's coming with me to mass first, which i'm happy about. i usually go by myself, so it would be nice to have some company. then it's all day at the mall... on a Sunday... during Christmas shopping season... oh dear i'm totally dreading tomorrow!
*
Ooh look what i got the other day! Racquel, the designer for Lola's Rags, emailed me a sneak from the fashion show i did a couple weeks ago. This was backstage. I remember it was frantic because the hairstylists never showed up! but i think things worked out pretty well. Can't wait to get the rest in the mail!
Speaking of plans, I'm still digging that song below by Simple Plan. Have u ever liked a song so much that u play it over and over and over, and u dont get tired of it? lol this is one of them! and that "Sober" song by Pink. She's a genius. So is Santogold hehe. yea i'm pretty much loving my MySpace playlist right now =)
oh gosh i'm blabbing. but i have one thing to say: is it just me, or does the stuff on PerezHilton.com seem boring now? I used to be obsessed with his site last year, now i just really don't care! u know what? he needs to put up more Leonardo DiCaprio or Orlando Bloom. But they're both smart enough not to land themselves on stupid gossip columns like Perez. o well.
Today was a lazy day. I left work with mixed feelings, and took a cab instead of the train to Port Authority. i just wanted to get home asap and sleep. the photoshoot today was cancelled, which i was moreso happy about because i was really tired. Sleep was good and actually i just got up an hour ago! My work is having a Christmas party tonight in SoHo, and although i was looking forward to it for the past month, i all of a sudden felt blah about it. Plus, have u been outside?? freeezing! My warm comfy bed is the best place to be right now. or maybe in my cozy living room with a good movie, hot chocolate, and a box of TimTams. =)
Alright thats enough out of me. Tomorrow looks like a busy day with mom. She wants to go shopping! dun dun dun! well she's coming with me to mass first, which i'm happy about. i usually go by myself, so it would be nice to have some company. then it's all day at the mall... on a Sunday... during Christmas shopping season... oh dear i'm totally dreading tomorrow!
*
Ooh look what i got the other day! Racquel, the designer for Lola's Rags, emailed me a sneak from the fashion show i did a couple weeks ago. This was backstage. I remember it was frantic because the hairstylists never showed up! but i think things worked out pretty well. Can't wait to get the rest in the mail!
Friday, December 12, 2008
If God is Love, then let Love be my Religion
Love has surpassed every problem: time, distance, race, age, class, money.. even religion. Of all the religions in the world, Love is the greatest faith. It’s what I believe in.
Romeo and Juliet loved each other in the midst of family feuds. They were ahead of their time, knowing the power of Love despite society’s strongholds. Sadly there are still obstacles in the way of love to this day. I have been smitten by a boy I hardly know. When I discovered he was of a different Religion than my own, it was already too late to let go without heartbreak. I had been smitten.. And I don’t know when or how or why it is that I like this boy, but I do. I do not question Love. I only know it when it comes; I can feel it. Just the same, I do not question Religion. With the utmost respect, I accept my situation fully as it is. He is different from me in only that way, and because of this, we could never be. This deeply saddens me. The situation is taboo, so I must tread softly. Here I cannot tell which is more powerful: love or religion. But if seen in another way, love and religion are one and the same. God is Love, and God is my Religion; therefore, Love is my Religion. And if I am right, Love is his Religion too. If I had it my way, this would be our truth to set us free, and I could be released from sleepless angst-filled nights and finally dream happily endlessly, asleep and awake.
“Tis but thy name that is my enemy:
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What’s a Montague? It is nor hand nor foot
Nor arm nor face nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O be some other name!
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called.
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for thy name, which is no part of thee,
Take all myself.”
*sigh. I realize I have much to learn.. Love, give me strength to endure this pain.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
PDA in NYC (We Just Don't Care)
Had a photoshoot in Manhattan today with an amazingly awesome photographer from San Fransisco! J came along, and i introduced him into my world hehe. For someone who's used to being behind the camera instead of in front of it, he was a natural! Our photographer seemed to love us. And we totally dig her style and vision. We'd be walking, then she'd stop out of nowhere, give us some direction, and *bam*- full originality! She had us on a random parked bicycle, a truck at a red light, in front of random signs with cute messages, we got in trouble at Rockefeller Center! we just didn't care lol.. She spontaneously bought a bright t-shirt off Canal Street and had J wear it for a few shots! She loves colors. Her style is parallel to ours, which is partly the reason why the photoshoot went so smoothly. If you or anyone else you know is looking for an amazing wedding/engagement photgrapher, she's your girl. But i must warn you, she doesnt come cheap! fortunately for us, it was free =)The shoot was a complete success and so much fun. Ingrid came along as my stylist, and so did the photog's assistant who is super cool. I'm excited to see the finished product! I will let u know when i have the pics. The one you see up there is only from Ingrid's camera, so imagine how much more magical they will look from a professional camera with so many different lenses! lol.
aah what a great date! that was #8 =) . It reminded me of John Legend's song "PDA". Enjoy it below! I couldn't help but notice that the first couple (with JOhn Legend) had a photoshoot in the city, and the second couple was on a MOPED! haha
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Enemy of Dreams
Insomnia is the enemy of sleep because it does not allow us to dream, with a racing or worried mind being the common culprit.
I have so many questions yet i don't know how to begin to ask them. Insecurity creeps back to the forefront despite my attempts to brush it off.
Lord, give me strength. Guide me in all I do.
I have so many questions yet i don't know how to begin to ask them. Insecurity creeps back to the forefront despite my attempts to brush it off.
Lord, give me strength. Guide me in all I do.
#7
i just confirmed it. that was our 7th rendezvous =) haha.
just got back from seeing Cirque du Soleil: Wintuk!! sooo entertaining! the skateboarders, rollerbladers, pop & lockers.. the green men lol. there was so much going on, which is usual Cirque fashion. makes me want to go back to Vegas and see the rest of them. I hear Mystere is really good..
yesterday was fun too. i went to the salon on 5th Ave. and decided to be bold and creative. I came to trust my hairstylist who suggested i get subtle highlights! lol i've never colored my hair before so i was pretty scared. but she did good! the cut was great too. she's awesome and definitely deserved the 27% tip i gave her ;) ..i think this is the first hairstylist i've ever had that i actually liked. The salon itself is pretty nice. Among the drinks they offer, i got red wine! now if they only served creme brulee and cheesecake hehe.
after the salon, i drove to Queens to watch the big Pacquiao/De La Hoya fight at J's house. There were about 15 people who showed up. I think it was cuz of his 52" flatscreen lol. woulda been perfect if they offered it in HD.. maybe in a couple weeks when it airs on HBO. Well, i guess by now you know how the fight ended. My thoughts--It was too fast. Coming from someone who's never seen a boxing match before, i thought it would be more dramatic like back and forth, edge-of-your-seat, biting your nails, holding your breath dramatic. but Pacquiao had a clean streak that put De La Hoya to shame. i was mad cuz i wanted some real competition so when Pacquiao won, it would be like he REALLY earned it, yaknow? this was too easy in my opinion.
yes, you read that right. i said i drove to Queens lol. yea, i didnt think i'd be going there ever again either! much less to watch BOXING! haha. cute grandfather. the mom cooks a mean spaghetti.. i'm happy she told me her special ingredient! J lead the prayer over Papa John's pizza hehe. Hawaiian, yum! he picked my favorite without even knowing. Just like that time he guessed the dessert i wanted at that Italian restaurant.
such a fun weekend! along with it all, J & i had our first snowfall on saturday, and our first fake one on sunday at Wintuk lol.
Looking forward to #8. =)
just got back from seeing Cirque du Soleil: Wintuk!! sooo entertaining! the skateboarders, rollerbladers, pop & lockers.. the green men lol. there was so much going on, which is usual Cirque fashion. makes me want to go back to Vegas and see the rest of them. I hear Mystere is really good..
yesterday was fun too. i went to the salon on 5th Ave. and decided to be bold and creative. I came to trust my hairstylist who suggested i get subtle highlights! lol i've never colored my hair before so i was pretty scared. but she did good! the cut was great too. she's awesome and definitely deserved the 27% tip i gave her ;) ..i think this is the first hairstylist i've ever had that i actually liked. The salon itself is pretty nice. Among the drinks they offer, i got red wine! now if they only served creme brulee and cheesecake hehe.
after the salon, i drove to Queens to watch the big Pacquiao/De La Hoya fight at J's house. There were about 15 people who showed up. I think it was cuz of his 52" flatscreen lol. woulda been perfect if they offered it in HD.. maybe in a couple weeks when it airs on HBO. Well, i guess by now you know how the fight ended. My thoughts--It was too fast. Coming from someone who's never seen a boxing match before, i thought it would be more dramatic like back and forth, edge-of-your-seat, biting your nails, holding your breath dramatic. but Pacquiao had a clean streak that put De La Hoya to shame. i was mad cuz i wanted some real competition so when Pacquiao won, it would be like he REALLY earned it, yaknow? this was too easy in my opinion.
yes, you read that right. i said i drove to Queens lol. yea, i didnt think i'd be going there ever again either! much less to watch BOXING! haha. cute grandfather. the mom cooks a mean spaghetti.. i'm happy she told me her special ingredient! J lead the prayer over Papa John's pizza hehe. Hawaiian, yum! he picked my favorite without even knowing. Just like that time he guessed the dessert i wanted at that Italian restaurant.
such a fun weekend! along with it all, J & i had our first snowfall on saturday, and our first fake one on sunday at Wintuk lol.
Looking forward to #8. =)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
S for Spontaneity
*Uggh... long day in the city. crazy things happen when you dont plan things!
I didnt think i'd stay out too late, thats why i decided not to drive in. Geez, the ONE day i actually leave my car at home!.. Just got back an hour ago! longest commute everrr =(
So I woke up with some good news from my manager. Instead of coming in to work, she gave me a paid day off! Which made me feel better about having to rush to the city for my casting. Hence, leaving my car at home. The Ray Ban casting was in SoHo. that was cool. Afterwards, since i didn't have to go to work anymore, i went shopping on Broadway. Hit up Esprit and thought i saw someone. Hadta look twice, three times! lol. Deliriousness! Good thing that wasn't him or else i woulda had a nice talk with him and that chick he was with! haha i'm just joking ;p . Anyway i bought a hat there.
Window shopped some more, and was gravitationally pulled towards Zara! i'm telling you, that place always has something for me! i got a mean leather jacket! then after that, i told myself i have to stay away from that place for a while, at least until i'm done Christmas shopping for everyone else!
A friend of mine was holding an Orchard Street sample sale just a few blocks from where i was. Ingrid, Steph, and Ricky would be there. So i met them up. Got 2 t-shirts for a GREAT deal! not for me hehe.
Ingrid just started up being a stylist, so she's been doing research on all the little boutiques around the city. SoHo is full of them and we walked around for a bit. I was getting hungry, so when we found ourselves right in front of this restaurant that i LOVE, i made us go in and eat! mmmmmmmmmmmmm
Then, by pure luck, these 2 girls came in and handed the waiter 3 boxes full of Tim Tams! u dont understand!!.. I completely squealed, jumped out of my seat, and practically pounced on the waiter, "OMG ARE THOSE TIM TAMS??!!" lol.. So he gave us each a package. Well, i got two hehe. again, not just for me ;)
The night was still early, so Ricky brought us to St. Mark's to this unsuspecting underground bar called Please Don't Tell. It's so secret! From the outside, it looks like a dingy hot dog place, pretty unattractive. BUT THEN! you go inside a phone booth, pick up the phone and press the button, and a hostess literally opens the wall and takes you in to a really nice, swank bar!! I could not believe it! But there's a catch. It's really hard to get a seat there. You have to call exactly at 3 pm to make reservations. Strictly at 3 pm! no earlier, no later. Ricky called at 3:20, and the only opening left wasn't until midnight! can u believe that?! But we decided to just go there anyway and take our chances. I almost thought we werent gonna get seated cuz the hostess just closed the wall on us, all 4 of us huddled into this tiny phone booth! haha but then she opened it back up and let us in! it was all too exciting. I felt like i was part of some top secret operation!
We stayed there for a while. One topic we talked about was Religion. and love. They went on about it for a good hour. i was mostly just listening because i needed to hear other perspectives. Got me sad, then mad, then depressed. Then mad again. haha it's complicated.
gosh i'm tired! no more commuting for Shirl please! =( and tomorrow morning i have breakfast at Tavern on the Green with my girls. every day it's back and forth for me! argh...
i'm moving back to the city.
I didnt think i'd stay out too late, thats why i decided not to drive in. Geez, the ONE day i actually leave my car at home!.. Just got back an hour ago! longest commute everrr =(
So I woke up with some good news from my manager. Instead of coming in to work, she gave me a paid day off! Which made me feel better about having to rush to the city for my casting. Hence, leaving my car at home. The Ray Ban casting was in SoHo. that was cool. Afterwards, since i didn't have to go to work anymore, i went shopping on Broadway. Hit up Esprit and thought i saw someone. Hadta look twice, three times! lol. Deliriousness! Good thing that wasn't him or else i woulda had a nice talk with him and that chick he was with! haha i'm just joking ;p . Anyway i bought a hat there.
Window shopped some more, and was gravitationally pulled towards Zara! i'm telling you, that place always has something for me! i got a mean leather jacket! then after that, i told myself i have to stay away from that place for a while, at least until i'm done Christmas shopping for everyone else!
A friend of mine was holding an Orchard Street sample sale just a few blocks from where i was. Ingrid, Steph, and Ricky would be there. So i met them up. Got 2 t-shirts for a GREAT deal! not for me hehe.
Ingrid just started up being a stylist, so she's been doing research on all the little boutiques around the city. SoHo is full of them and we walked around for a bit. I was getting hungry, so when we found ourselves right in front of this restaurant that i LOVE, i made us go in and eat! mmmmmmmmmmmmm
Then, by pure luck, these 2 girls came in and handed the waiter 3 boxes full of Tim Tams! u dont understand!!.. I completely squealed, jumped out of my seat, and practically pounced on the waiter, "OMG ARE THOSE TIM TAMS??!!" lol.. So he gave us each a package. Well, i got two hehe. again, not just for me ;)
The night was still early, so Ricky brought us to St. Mark's to this unsuspecting underground bar called Please Don't Tell. It's so secret! From the outside, it looks like a dingy hot dog place, pretty unattractive. BUT THEN! you go inside a phone booth, pick up the phone and press the button, and a hostess literally opens the wall and takes you in to a really nice, swank bar!! I could not believe it! But there's a catch. It's really hard to get a seat there. You have to call exactly at 3 pm to make reservations. Strictly at 3 pm! no earlier, no later. Ricky called at 3:20, and the only opening left wasn't until midnight! can u believe that?! But we decided to just go there anyway and take our chances. I almost thought we werent gonna get seated cuz the hostess just closed the wall on us, all 4 of us huddled into this tiny phone booth! haha but then she opened it back up and let us in! it was all too exciting. I felt like i was part of some top secret operation!
We stayed there for a while. One topic we talked about was Religion. and love. They went on about it for a good hour. i was mostly just listening because i needed to hear other perspectives. Got me sad, then mad, then depressed. Then mad again. haha it's complicated.
gosh i'm tired! no more commuting for Shirl please! =( and tomorrow morning i have breakfast at Tavern on the Green with my girls. every day it's back and forth for me! argh...
i'm moving back to the city.
Monday, December 1, 2008
It's December!!
How did that happen? lol
well the Charity Event/Fashion Show last Saturday @ BLVD was great! I wore a blush-colored 2-piece lingerie. Now before u start thinking Playboy, remember the designs were 1920's inspired! It was classy sexy. Loved all the looks. Everyone else has pics except me, so i'll let u know when i get them.
Ingrid, Dee, Stephen, J, Peiwizzle and his friend met up. yay! after the show, we went to the asian bar next door b/c drinks were waaayyy cheaper. why would i spend $12 for a lychee martini at BLVD when it's $5 next door?! plus the bartender over there HOOKED IT UP. hehe we had fun there.
then we all split up and Ingrid and I met up with Kim at Gramercy Room for our friend's birthday party. Good times with old friends! Then, in typical Shirl, Kim, and Ingrid fashion, we left for another party at Highline Ballroom. More good times with old friends! But then i realized i went the whole day without eating a thing, save for the few cheese cubes and carrot sticks they offered the models backstage =P . I was staaarving!! "FEED THE MODEL!" my friends said. So i decided we should go eat at Hop Kee. Kim's boyfriend came along. i was craving the steak w/ chinese brocolli! Mmmmm best thing on the menu! Then we all split and i went home. I dont even remember what time it was; i just knocked out!
Sunday started off the way i usually start it. Went to mass. Lit the first purple candle on the Advent wreath. Then the priest made a good point: When you're out shopping this month, people shouldn't say "Happy Holidays".. they should say "Merry Christmas"... because 95% of the shoppers are buying gifts for.....??? CHRISTMAS!! lol. He even went on to list the stores where the employees actually said "Merry Christmas": Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy! haha
Once i got home, my brother took my car! i was planning to use it! argh o well... so i stayed in and had a Blockbuster Night instead ♥
Not a bad alternative, i'd say. Actually quite romantic.. ;)
Aaah i'll end on that happy note hehe. *sigh!
well the Charity Event/Fashion Show last Saturday @ BLVD was great! I wore a blush-colored 2-piece lingerie. Now before u start thinking Playboy, remember the designs were 1920's inspired! It was classy sexy. Loved all the looks. Everyone else has pics except me, so i'll let u know when i get them.
Ingrid, Dee, Stephen, J, Peiwizzle and his friend met up. yay! after the show, we went to the asian bar next door b/c drinks were waaayyy cheaper. why would i spend $12 for a lychee martini at BLVD when it's $5 next door?! plus the bartender over there HOOKED IT UP. hehe we had fun there.
then we all split up and Ingrid and I met up with Kim at Gramercy Room for our friend's birthday party. Good times with old friends! Then, in typical Shirl, Kim, and Ingrid fashion, we left for another party at Highline Ballroom. More good times with old friends! But then i realized i went the whole day without eating a thing, save for the few cheese cubes and carrot sticks they offered the models backstage =P . I was staaarving!! "FEED THE MODEL!" my friends said. So i decided we should go eat at Hop Kee. Kim's boyfriend came along. i was craving the steak w/ chinese brocolli! Mmmmm best thing on the menu! Then we all split and i went home. I dont even remember what time it was; i just knocked out!
Sunday started off the way i usually start it. Went to mass. Lit the first purple candle on the Advent wreath. Then the priest made a good point: When you're out shopping this month, people shouldn't say "Happy Holidays".. they should say "Merry Christmas"... because 95% of the shoppers are buying gifts for.....??? CHRISTMAS!! lol. He even went on to list the stores where the employees actually said "Merry Christmas": Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy! haha
Once i got home, my brother took my car! i was planning to use it! argh o well... so i stayed in and had a Blockbuster Night instead ♥
Not a bad alternative, i'd say. Actually quite romantic.. ;)
Aaah i'll end on that happy note hehe. *sigh!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
10 Days
I just realized how much has happened in 10 days. Time is amazing. It's been a whirlwind for me. Lives changed in a matter of days, hours, and minutes... and it all seemed natural.
If Time is logic and reason, then Nature is irrational. Nature is of the heart. I think it's wonderful how we can't control what or how our hearts feel. I don't try to explain it, nor do i need an explanation. The 17th-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal, for one, had no idea, concluding simply:
"The heart has its reasons of which reason can know nothing."
This principle governs love, which is also best defined as a perverse and willful denial of logic. I just don't care to reason with it!
Let go and let Love.
If Time is logic and reason, then Nature is irrational. Nature is of the heart. I think it's wonderful how we can't control what or how our hearts feel. I don't try to explain it, nor do i need an explanation. The 17th-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal, for one, had no idea, concluding simply:
"The heart has its reasons of which reason can know nothing."
This principle governs love, which is also best defined as a perverse and willful denial of logic. I just don't care to reason with it!
Let go and let Love.
Charity Event & Fashion Show
For the Love of Fun, Fashion, and Philanthropy
Host: Lola's Rags and OIWWType: Causes - fundraiser
When: This Saturday 11/29, starting at 8 pm
Where: BLVD - 199 Bowery (at Spring St.) NY, NY
Description:
The event will be raising funds for Orphan's International World Wide (OIWW), a non-profit org that gives financial aid to children left orphaned from natural disasters.
**Pay a $15 donation at the door. 100% of proceeds go to the current relief efforts in Haiti, due to the devastating effects of 3 hurricanes.
Lola's Rags will also hold a runway show (in which i'll be participating!) presenting designs inspired by the 1920's fashion era in womens' eveningwear and lingerie.
Event starts at 8 pm.
*Goodie bags given to the first 50 guests!*
8-9 pm: Open Cognac Tasting by JTE Spirits
9-9:20 pm: Lola's Rags runway show
9:30-10 pm: Special performance by The Stumblebum Brass Band
10 pm-4 am: the party goes on with DJ spinning throughout the night.
Prizes For Raffle:
1. Organic cremes box (Value $100)
2. Discount certificate of $500 off a jewelry item for a fabulous diamond store.
3. Luxury Beach set from "Sol de Ibiza" (Value $435)
4. Lola's Rags "Sara" Top (Value $95)
5. Vale Jewelry (Value $100)
See ya there! ♥
http://www.oiww.org/
http://www.lolasrags.com/
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Faith - Belief without Proof
i wanted to know the difference between what it means to be Catholic and Christian. here's what i came up with:
all catholics are within the christian religion. catholics are a sect of christians. christians are the people that believe that christ was the one and only son of God sent here to die for our sins.
the catholic religious institution was the first actual christian church and was and still is quite powerful. it is the one christian sect that will make its priests and nuns practice celebacy, an unnatural human condition. that is one of the reasons why so many men and woman will not consider enteriing into the catholic priesthood/nunnery at all anymore, because they too wish to have a sexual life, to get married and make babies. since the catholic church tells its followers never to use birth control, maybe it should allow its priests and nuns to be married too and to make more children, even if they do not have enough money to even feed one.
the catholic church is that which henry viii turned against to start the anglican (christian) religion in england, but it was because he wished to divorce and still remain king.
the catholic church has been behind sending missionaries all over the planet to change what it determines are pagan methods of worship, or, any type of worship that does not fit into the catholic's set standards of rules that are written in stone.
catholics are heretics that tortured and killed many innocent people during the inquisition, but catholics call people of other faiths heretics.
the catholic church was very, very powerful at the time that the new world, our hemisphere, was conquered by spain. not only did spanish conquistadors kill off around 80% of the native americans just via germs that they carried and were sick by, such as influenza, chicken pox, measles, etc., because native american people just did not have immunity to those diseases, but after that number of native americans were killed, the conquistadores used every method of lying and letting ancients believe that they were gods so that they could plunder societies. part of it all was not just sending gold ingots back to spain to make it richer, but because spain was a catholic country (and still is), spain ensured that catholic missionaries were to be in the new world to change the religious beliefs of who the called "the infidel," which is anyone, so they think, who is not catholic.
martin luther was what the catholics would call an infidel because he broke away from the catholic church to form the lutheran church. however, he is lucky he was not burned alive on the stake for so doing.
as part of the reformation of christians of the almighty catholic church (more people in our times in the usa that were raised strict catholics have become athiests more than in any other christian sect), more and more sects of christians formed their own christian churches.
all christians, whatever sect/church they are in, believe that christ came as the messiah to eat our sins and therefore to go only through him in order to live in heaven. but when you visit other christian churches, almost all of them have a central cross, but not the version showing jesus dying on the cross. the catholic church does always have a crucifiction cross at the center of its church.
other sects of christians that broke away from the catholic church are all referred to as "protestants," protesting the catholic version of how they should worship christ, the saints, and sometimes the holy trinity. catholics always believe in the holy trinity: God the father, Christ the son, and the holy ghost, a spirit of Christ.
protestants might be in churches called: lutheran, episcopalian, baptist, pentacost, mormon, universalitarean, new age (television evangicals), voodoo, and/or in very small, not well known churches in communities, but always do believe that christ came to the earth as the son of God.
jews do not believe that christ was the messiah. they say that if he were, that his life here would have put an end to all of mankind's suffering, but really,only we ourselves can do that.
if you are not of the catholic faith and you go to a mass, you are not to partake in the eating of the "host" or drinking of the "blood" of christ, which is eating a wafer and a small drink of wine, symbols of the body of christ and of his blood.
if you are catholic, a good one, you would go to confession to confess your "sins," whether small or large, and the priest is not, by church law and by separation of state from church, even allowed to tell anyone at all what you told him inside of the confessional, even if you stated that you murdered somebody. he cannot use what you say to help the police find you.
basically the catholic church has its center in a private city of rome that is called vatican city, or, the vatican. that is where the pope lives. it is quite lavish because much gold from native american peoples was used to decorate many items inside of it.
usually, christians, catholic or not, do not believe (as do about 1/3 of the religious people of this planet) that you are ever reincarnated to have another round of life on this planet, again and again, until you reach the state of knowledge whereby you will be allowed to enter the state called nirvana. that is when you will no longer be reincarnated.
all you need to be a christian is to have faith that christ was indeed sent here by God as his only son, his only child, to cleanse the sins of the people. that is the faith that you would have to be any type of christian.
~ End of Lesson 1 ~
all catholics are within the christian religion. catholics are a sect of christians. christians are the people that believe that christ was the one and only son of God sent here to die for our sins.
the catholic religious institution was the first actual christian church and was and still is quite powerful. it is the one christian sect that will make its priests and nuns practice celebacy, an unnatural human condition. that is one of the reasons why so many men and woman will not consider enteriing into the catholic priesthood/nunnery at all anymore, because they too wish to have a sexual life, to get married and make babies. since the catholic church tells its followers never to use birth control, maybe it should allow its priests and nuns to be married too and to make more children, even if they do not have enough money to even feed one.
the catholic church is that which henry viii turned against to start the anglican (christian) religion in england, but it was because he wished to divorce and still remain king.
the catholic church has been behind sending missionaries all over the planet to change what it determines are pagan methods of worship, or, any type of worship that does not fit into the catholic's set standards of rules that are written in stone.
catholics are heretics that tortured and killed many innocent people during the inquisition, but catholics call people of other faiths heretics.
the catholic church was very, very powerful at the time that the new world, our hemisphere, was conquered by spain. not only did spanish conquistadors kill off around 80% of the native americans just via germs that they carried and were sick by, such as influenza, chicken pox, measles, etc., because native american people just did not have immunity to those diseases, but after that number of native americans were killed, the conquistadores used every method of lying and letting ancients believe that they were gods so that they could plunder societies. part of it all was not just sending gold ingots back to spain to make it richer, but because spain was a catholic country (and still is), spain ensured that catholic missionaries were to be in the new world to change the religious beliefs of who the called "the infidel," which is anyone, so they think, who is not catholic.
martin luther was what the catholics would call an infidel because he broke away from the catholic church to form the lutheran church. however, he is lucky he was not burned alive on the stake for so doing.
as part of the reformation of christians of the almighty catholic church (more people in our times in the usa that were raised strict catholics have become athiests more than in any other christian sect), more and more sects of christians formed their own christian churches.
all christians, whatever sect/church they are in, believe that christ came as the messiah to eat our sins and therefore to go only through him in order to live in heaven. but when you visit other christian churches, almost all of them have a central cross, but not the version showing jesus dying on the cross. the catholic church does always have a crucifiction cross at the center of its church.
other sects of christians that broke away from the catholic church are all referred to as "protestants," protesting the catholic version of how they should worship christ, the saints, and sometimes the holy trinity. catholics always believe in the holy trinity: God the father, Christ the son, and the holy ghost, a spirit of Christ.
protestants might be in churches called: lutheran, episcopalian, baptist, pentacost, mormon, universalitarean, new age (television evangicals), voodoo, and/or in very small, not well known churches in communities, but always do believe that christ came to the earth as the son of God.
jews do not believe that christ was the messiah. they say that if he were, that his life here would have put an end to all of mankind's suffering, but really,only we ourselves can do that.
if you are not of the catholic faith and you go to a mass, you are not to partake in the eating of the "host" or drinking of the "blood" of christ, which is eating a wafer and a small drink of wine, symbols of the body of christ and of his blood.
if you are catholic, a good one, you would go to confession to confess your "sins," whether small or large, and the priest is not, by church law and by separation of state from church, even allowed to tell anyone at all what you told him inside of the confessional, even if you stated that you murdered somebody. he cannot use what you say to help the police find you.
basically the catholic church has its center in a private city of rome that is called vatican city, or, the vatican. that is where the pope lives. it is quite lavish because much gold from native american peoples was used to decorate many items inside of it.
usually, christians, catholic or not, do not believe (as do about 1/3 of the religious people of this planet) that you are ever reincarnated to have another round of life on this planet, again and again, until you reach the state of knowledge whereby you will be allowed to enter the state called nirvana. that is when you will no longer be reincarnated.
all you need to be a christian is to have faith that christ was indeed sent here by God as his only son, his only child, to cleanse the sins of the people. that is the faith that you would have to be any type of christian.
~ End of Lesson 1 ~
Saturday, November 22, 2008
300 W. 57th Street
Probably one of the most powerful addresses in Manhattan.
It is the Hearst Tower, headquarters of the Hearst Corporation, one of the largest media companies. Home to Cosmopolitan, Esquire, and The San Fransisco Chronicle.
Soaring at 46 stories, The Hearst Tower is the first "green" high rise office building in NYC.
Yesterday afternoon, i stepped through its doors. I stopped for a moment and took a breath as i marveled at "Icefall", a 3-story waterfall sculpture in the lobby.
I was then escorted to the [censored] floor and met with the casting director for Cosmopolitan Magazine...
The whole experience was surreal and reminded me of the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada". Lots of tailored female "clackers" hehe. Thankfully, the director was much kinder than the one in the movie!
After the meeting, i decided to stay for a while at the cafe, Cafe 57, and read my book before leaving for work.
...*and you thought i was just a nurse! ;P
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Don't Believe the Hype!
lol my coworker showed me this ad. hmmm what's wrong here???
lolol are they seriously thinking we're retarded or something?! either that, or this product has some MAJOR side effects! hehe ;p
lolol are they seriously thinking we're retarded or something?! either that, or this product has some MAJOR side effects! hehe ;p
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Proverbs 31:10
After a refreshing brunch with my lovely girls at Parlor Restaurant, I went to evening mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. I love it there. Here's a picture i took over the summer:
Breathtaking, isn't it?
Anyway, i haven't attended mass in about a month, and i've been looking forward to the readings. They always inspire me. Today's reading was no exception:
When one finds a worthy wife,
Her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and makes cloth with skillful hands.
She rises while it is still night,
and distributes food to her household.
She picks out a field to purchase;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She enjoys the success of her dealings;
at night her lamp is undimmed.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
She makes her own coverlets;
fine linen and purple are her clothing.
Her husband is prominent at the city gates
as he sits with the elders of the land.
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs at the days to come.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
and on her tongue is kindly counsel.
Her children rise up and praise her;
her husband, too, extols her:
"Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
But the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Breathtaking, isn't it?Anyway, i haven't attended mass in about a month, and i've been looking forward to the readings. They always inspire me. Today's reading was no exception:
When one finds a worthy wife,
Her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and makes cloth with skillful hands.
She rises while it is still night,
and distributes food to her household.
She picks out a field to purchase;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She enjoys the success of her dealings;
at night her lamp is undimmed.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
She makes her own coverlets;
fine linen and purple are her clothing.
Her husband is prominent at the city gates
as he sits with the elders of the land.
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs at the days to come.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
and on her tongue is kindly counsel.
Her children rise up and praise her;
her husband, too, extols her:
"Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
But the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Not Worth My Tears
I shall cry no longer. I refuse.
Hurt me all u want, i've learned to become immune to your words and actions. But hurt just me. When you attempt to include those I care about, that's where you cross the line. You won. You've found my weakness. Now revel in your victory alone.
I'm done.
Hurt me all u want, i've learned to become immune to your words and actions. But hurt just me. When you attempt to include those I care about, that's where you cross the line. You won. You've found my weakness. Now revel in your victory alone.
I'm done.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
From the Diary of Adam and Eve
by Mark Twain
EVE'S DIARY: AFTER THE FALL
When I look back, the Garden is a dream to me. It was beautiful, surpassingly beautiful, enchantingly beautiful; and now it is lost, and I shall not see it anymore.
The Garden is lost, but I have found him, and am content. He loves me as well as he can; I love him with all the strength of my passionate nature. If I ask myself why I love him, I find I do not know, and do not really much care to know; so I suppose that this kind of love is not a product of reasoning and statistics, like one's love for other reptiles and animals. I think that this must be so. I love certain birds because of their song but I do not love Adam on account of his singing--no, it is not that. Yet I ask him to sing, because he likes to do so, and because I wish to learn to like everything he is interested in. I am sure I can learn, because at first I could not stand it, but now I can. It sours the milk,but it doesn't matter; I can get used to that kind of milk.
He is as God made him, and this is sufficient.
Then why is it that I love him? At bottom he is good, and I love him for that. He is strong and handsome, and I love him for that, and I admire him and am proud of him, but I could love him without those qualities. If he were plain, I should love him; if he were a wreck, I should love him; and I would work for him, pray for him, and watch over him until I died.
Yes, I think I love him merely because he is mine. There is no other reason, I suppose. And so I think it is as I first said; that this kind of love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. It just comes--none knows when--and cannot explain itself. And doesn't need to.
FORTY YEARS LATER.
It is my prayer, it is my longing, that we may pass from this life together. But if one of us must go first, it is my prayer that it shall be I; for he is strong, I am weak, I am not so necessary to him as he is to me--life without him would not be life; how could I endure it? This prayer is immortal, and will not cease from being offered while my race of female continues. I am the first wife; and in the last wife I shall be repeated.
AT EVE'S GRAVE.
Said Adam, "Wheresoever she was, there was Eden."
♥ ♥
EVE'S DIARY: AFTER THE FALL
When I look back, the Garden is a dream to me. It was beautiful, surpassingly beautiful, enchantingly beautiful; and now it is lost, and I shall not see it anymore.
The Garden is lost, but I have found him, and am content. He loves me as well as he can; I love him with all the strength of my passionate nature. If I ask myself why I love him, I find I do not know, and do not really much care to know; so I suppose that this kind of love is not a product of reasoning and statistics, like one's love for other reptiles and animals. I think that this must be so. I love certain birds because of their song but I do not love Adam on account of his singing--no, it is not that. Yet I ask him to sing, because he likes to do so, and because I wish to learn to like everything he is interested in. I am sure I can learn, because at first I could not stand it, but now I can. It sours the milk,but it doesn't matter; I can get used to that kind of milk.
He is as God made him, and this is sufficient.
Then why is it that I love him? At bottom he is good, and I love him for that. He is strong and handsome, and I love him for that, and I admire him and am proud of him, but I could love him without those qualities. If he were plain, I should love him; if he were a wreck, I should love him; and I would work for him, pray for him, and watch over him until I died.
Yes, I think I love him merely because he is mine. There is no other reason, I suppose. And so I think it is as I first said; that this kind of love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. It just comes--none knows when--and cannot explain itself. And doesn't need to.
FORTY YEARS LATER.
It is my prayer, it is my longing, that we may pass from this life together. But if one of us must go first, it is my prayer that it shall be I; for he is strong, I am weak, I am not so necessary to him as he is to me--life without him would not be life; how could I endure it? This prayer is immortal, and will not cease from being offered while my race of female continues. I am the first wife; and in the last wife I shall be repeated.
AT EVE'S GRAVE.
Said Adam, "Wheresoever she was, there was Eden."
♥ ♥
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Forever Gorgeous
Yesterday was a special holiday. No i'm not referring to Veterans Day.. athough that is hugely special. But yesterday, my sweet handsome love turned 34.
aahhh he's still as hot as i first saw him on "Growing Pains" :) And the sincere fact that he cares so much for our planet and our country makes him to die for! Correct me if i'm wrong, but i think he's still dating Israeli model Bar Rafaeli. So jealous. She's really hot and just 3 years younger than me. Super jealous! But at the same time it gives me hope! lol. I hope i see him again.. and not at Marquee where it's loud and crowded and the security won't let me near him!
Happy Birthday, Romeo. *swoon!*
aahhh he's still as hot as i first saw him on "Growing Pains" :) And the sincere fact that he cares so much for our planet and our country makes him to die for! Correct me if i'm wrong, but i think he's still dating Israeli model Bar Rafaeli. So jealous. She's really hot and just 3 years younger than me. Super jealous! But at the same time it gives me hope! lol. I hope i see him again.. and not at Marquee where it's loud and crowded and the security won't let me near him!
Awake!
argh! I was rudely awakened by the loud sounds of leaf blowers outside. The gardeners are here already?! damn do they have the most random schedule or what?? i thought i'd be able to sleep in on my day off, but the noise will continue for the next hour... sorry, neighbors. I looked outside my window into the backyard and saw a huuuuuge pile of red and yellow leaves, and i imagined how it would be like to jump out of my 2nd floor window into that pile. LOL we'd have some pretty pissed gardeners! But they're taking away my lovely leaves...
The other morning as i was dragging myself home, i had to stop and admire these bushes that i never noticed before. They have the best color this time of year:
I took that from my phone, so it doesn't say enough. But look at those trees! They're already bare! =( They'll be beautiful again when clothed in snow... I'm looking forward to winter to see the first snowfall. It's always beautiful on the first day. After that it's just ugly, brown, and slushy hehe.
..i guess i better start my day early... i have a go-see this afternoon by Wall Street, but i'm not sure if i want to go. My agent and booker are going to kill me if i don't! I already pissed them off when i cancelled on United Colors of Benetton.
The other morning as i was dragging myself home, i had to stop and admire these bushes that i never noticed before. They have the best color this time of year:
I took that from my phone, so it doesn't say enough. But look at those trees! They're already bare! =( They'll be beautiful again when clothed in snow... I'm looking forward to winter to see the first snowfall. It's always beautiful on the first day. After that it's just ugly, brown, and slushy hehe.
..i guess i better start my day early... i have a go-see this afternoon by Wall Street, but i'm not sure if i want to go. My agent and booker are going to kill me if i don't! I already pissed them off when i cancelled on United Colors of Benetton.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Science Genius Girl
My funny friends Mike and Ryan (aka Suitkace and Hydroponikz) dubbed me Science Genius Girl years ago. I forgot how that came about! I think they were watching something on TV.. anyway, they, as well as I, are intrigued with aliens and outer space. Ryan and I had an awesome discussion about it on AIM one night. I think i still have the convo saved somewhere! It was a long one! you'd think we were nuts haha.
This past weekend I lived up to that name. I stayed in and slaved over a "science project" for work. I dont think i even ate a full meal yesterday! i was so caught up. Well the project is for my job. Working on a Neuro/Surgical critical unit, I decided it would be great to present a common but critical diagnosis, Spinal Fusion. You know, just for kicks! I didn't want it to be too serious and boring, so i added some fun to it. I even threw in a Nursing care plan lol.
I think I did alright :) Excited for my presentation!
Click on it for a closer look. I dunno if you'll be able to get much from the photo. If you're interested in getting detailed information, you can email me -- shirleen@vzw.blackberry.net.
This past weekend I lived up to that name. I stayed in and slaved over a "science project" for work. I dont think i even ate a full meal yesterday! i was so caught up. Well the project is for my job. Working on a Neuro/Surgical critical unit, I decided it would be great to present a common but critical diagnosis, Spinal Fusion. You know, just for kicks! I didn't want it to be too serious and boring, so i added some fun to it. I even threw in a Nursing care plan lol.
I think I did alright :) Excited for my presentation!
Click on it for a closer look. I dunno if you'll be able to get much from the photo. If you're interested in getting detailed information, you can email me -- shirleen@vzw.blackberry.net.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Love Me Like You'll Never See Me Again
Been rockin out lately to John Legend's jam with Brandy called "Quickly", off his latest album.
You can hear it on my MySpace while it's still on there. It has a nice beat. Synthesizers are back hehe.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
October Hurts. November Hurts More.
it's been years, and can u believe i can still feel the aching pang? thankfully, each year it subsides. i'm only starting to be able to transform October and November's heartache into comfort from their welcome of Autumn. in 2006, after a year had past, i discovered this remarkable movie, "The Holiday". It quickly became one of my favorites, up there with "Serendipity"... There's something about romantic drama-comedies set during the Christmas season that touches me. The musical score seriously tugged on my heart strings too. Anyway, in the movie, Iris said something that really spoke to me:
"I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you. And it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, in that time of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade."Oouuch my heart :*( ....Shoot i need a drink!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Dear Autumn
Dear Autumn,
Thanks for welcoming me during my morning jogs. Your cool, crisp air feels so good to my lungs. Thanks for greeting me when i walk out of work in the morning. Whatever happened during the night that might've been stressful & tiring seem to fade into your amazing colors, and my sleepy eyes brighten up at the sight. The days are colder, and the skies are duller, but your warm reds, oranges, and yellows are so comforting, it's magical. I'm almost expecting to find fairies behind your leaves or in the grass! Or maybe I've been watching "Tinker Bell" one too many times, but u get the idea. i know you can't stay long, so until then, i'll treasure walking peacefully with you, hand in hand, as i do every year...
Didn't Vote? Then Don't Talk
You care enough to criticize or be a naysayer about the election, then you would've cared to vote. On the other hand, there are those who were so passionate in their support for a candidate, and that's wonderful, until I find out they didn't vote. I understand there are certain things that would hinder someone from registering (age, citizenship, disability), but otherwise, voting is a national privilege. Our ancestors fought and died for this right. Voting is the ultimate voice. I thought everybody knew that. So what was all the talk for? I just don't get it.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
History. His Story. Our Story.
The clock struck 11 p.m. here in NY, and the election count wasn't officially finalized, but ABC News had already declared Barack Obama as President-Elect. Just seconds after 11 p.m. EST, when polls closed on the West Coast, California--with its valuable 55 electoral votes--called it in. It went Democrat. That's all. HISTORY.
History is when an increase in voter turnout has never been higher.. thanks to our youth. It's when a significant number of states who previously had been known to be Red, went Blue.. thank you, Ohio. Another huge step towards realizing equality.. thank you, Florida. America has never been more hopeful. Our dreams have been refueled.
Like i said 4 years ago upon W's reelection, no matter what political party we are, we are American citizens. We must stand proud for our country and support our leader in the name of Patriotism. Mr. Obama now has daunting tasks to undertake. We have come so far, but there's still so much more to do. And yes, we can do it. We're making our first step towards Change. Change is progress. Congratulations, Barack Obama, and congratulations, America!
--(However, I must mention with complete disgust the members of the Replican party present at McCain's concession speech, who BOOED our next President. They outwardly rejected our next leader! There are so many things i can say in response, but i won't stoop that low. The REAL right party won this time. Now we can move on.)--
Decision-making shouldn't be reduced to just blue or red, black or white.. or coke or pepsi. There's more to it, governed by issues, moreso personal than political because it involves us. Being a healthcare worker myself, Healthcare was my main issue. I was a huge supporter of Hilary Clinton for her healthcare ideals. Economy and the environment were also as important to me, 2 things i haven't seen flourish since Bill Clinton. Seeing them both fully back Barack Obama instilled in me belief and confidence to support him also. America and the world shall now only move forward from here. I believe we are headed in the right direction.
1776 - The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."1863 - The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln:
"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."1963 - Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech:
"...I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character..."And one more quote... According to ABC News, Barack Obama just sent America a text message: "We made history. All of this happened because of you. Thank you."
Monday, November 3, 2008
Change
I actually made the move to Blogger.
They say change is good. It's inevitable. However, I have a long-standing tendency to resist change when in a comfortable situation, through good times and bad. Believe it or not, I've been a loyal Xanga member for 8 years, since my early days at Rutgers when i would be tormented over my pre-med classes and needed a creative escape. And boy did i really escape pre-med! Thank God!! I would never wish anyone in this age to pursue Medicine. It's not as glamorous as it's hyped up to be, believe me (not your parents)! Especially when I work alongside the new MD's whose salaries are less than RN's. yup, you better believe it. They're in school twice as long and then work double the hours.. Thank God i changed my major!.. but i digress..
Despite it all, my bottom-line motto is NEVER SETTLE. Not even in blog mediums. This is a good change. It's more user-friendly. Let's see how many years will pass before i actually decide to change blog sites again!
Despite it all, my bottom-line motto is NEVER SETTLE. Not even in blog mediums. This is a good change. It's more user-friendly. Let's see how many years will pass before i actually decide to change blog sites again!
PS - I bet you thought i was going to talk about Barack huh? lol, well regarding change, u can relate some of the things i said about it to his campaign, this election, and our futures in general.
...Frankly, i've had enough of all the talk and want to see things happen already. I'm so excited to vote tomorrow!
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