The Life Box

Artist: Unknown

Once in a blue moon I get the urge to de-clutter and really deep clean the house. I joke about being a hoarder, but occasionally take steps to make sure TLC doesn't call me anytime soon. This time I felt super ambitious, because I went all out and put "clean out the card box." My life box.

Just 31 years, that's all.

Since forever, I have been putting birthday cards, ticket stubs, newspaper clippings, and whatever else into a box-it started out as a shoebox, then a cardboard photo box, and finally a wine box. I've never organized it. Now I know why. Basically the boxes have served as my life receptacles, full of holidays, mementos, cards from accomplishments and milestones, old planners, and random life.

A card my parents gave me on my first Communion. Even as a child, I knew hoarding was my destiny.

A birthday note from Leigh Ann! Oh, to be 15 and thinking it's one step closer to freedom. Youths!

AP test scores. I debated on keeping this just in case, but ended up throwing it out. I'm slightly paranoid about this deciscion.

Random to-do list from college. Notice shoe shopping was prioritized before depositing the check.

I love this note from my roomie days with Amanda. I remember coming into the kitchen that day and seeing it (and a cake!) on the table. The thought still makes me happy.

Apparently I applied for an internship at Conde Nast. (No recollection of doing this.) They never contacted me.

One day I came home to my then-apartment, caught sight of this note taped to my tv, and nearly had a heart attack. My initial reaction: a serial killer broke in and wrote me a death threat in red ink. Turns out, Ronni--who had the spare house key--skipped class to watch television. She did this several times and always left a note written in red ink. (I kept them all.) She wanted my blood pressure to soar, definitely.

An old planner decorated with pictures of Tom Brady. I'm still a fan. He's known for his intelligence and work ethic. This is the planner I was using when Zach and I started dating. He took it in stride, and I'm fine with knowing he secretly judged me when he first saw it. Don't worry, I love Zach more than Tom Brady.

Going through the box was emotionally exhausting. Cards and letters, many from people still in my life, and some from friends with whom I've lost touch. I found notes from my grandmas, letters from my piano teacher, and a $5 bill (the old design!) in an envelope.  It was so strange to revisit my life in non-chronological order. One minute I was laughing at notes I passed in high school and the next minute reading cards with encouraging words during rougher times. I love letters. Facebook and email will never be as special as someone's handwriting. I also feel like my life has been, and is still, so sweet. There was some guilt for throwing a lot of the cards away. But I'm incredibly thankful for everything and everyone who has passed through my life, whether I still talk to them or not. I'm also never cleaning my house ever again. Never.

Five-Year Plan

Contemplating life. No wonder people always ask me if I'm angry. Is this my regular face?

Sometimes I still don't know what I want this blog to be, and that it needs an obvious theme, like "food" or "crafting." I usually just think of it as a journal. I have been journaling for a long time, probably since the tween years. It's good to have a record of life. It's like memory hoarding. And like any good journal, I'll re-read entries years from now and cringe at my naivete.

I'd like to build on some of the milestones of the past several years--getting married, earning my MS degree. Sometimes I feel like such a late bloomer to these things, but then I think how wonderfully it worked out with Zach, and I wouldn't change a thing. So, for posterity's sake, my tentative plan for the next 5 years (interspersed with random pictures because I think all blog posts should have pictures):

1) Get in the family way.

The family table.

Might as well put this one out there first. Obvs, this is a big decision and not part of just "my" plan, but "ours." Z and I talk about babies, we watch them during church and at the grocery store. Part of me feels ready, and the other part feels terror. I'd say we are waiting until the right time, but really--is there a right time? Hopefully when it happens we'll get our act together. I was never the  "2.5 kids, white picket fence" person, so it surprised me when I started listening to the Clock. It feels important. Possible name for a boy: David Bowie (Zach). Possible name for a girl: Simone (me). I like the Frenchness of Simone. I have a feeling David Bowie will win out for either a boy or girl.

2) Put some stamps on my passport. Find my passport.

Paris in the springtime, maybe.

Five years ago, my 5-year plan included backpacking across Europe. I am embarrassed and ashamed to say it didn't happen. However, I'm super hell-bent on going next year. It's a mild obsession. Zach and I have started saving for it. I'd also like to go to the Philippines, since it's the only place on the planet I can buy pants short enough for me.

3) Find a job I love.
Or tolerate. Work/career/school have been my focus for so long. This is the ever-evolving piece of the puzzle which is my existence: what am I supposed to do when I grow up? I think it's time to let this one go a little bit and stop obsessing over perfection. My job isn't who I am, it's what I do. This was an episode of Sex and the City, right?

4) Start scrapbooking.

                Source: amytangerine.com via Heather on Pinterest

This is random, but I have a lot of scrapbook paper. I really like Amy Tangerine's style, if I could focus long enough to actually assemble a scrapbook. I am a collector of hobbies and have a zillion unfinished projects, so when I finish the zillion projects, I'll start scrapbooking. I should also probably work on the zillion projects instead of blogging.

Zach has been waiting a long time for these socks.

5) Learn how to swim.

Or, as my former lifeguard husband says, to not panic in the water. For the record, I know how to swim. I think. I'm just not very good at it and would rather freak out. I've actually thought about going to hypnosis for this. Being non-panicky in a swimming pool would be a good example to future children; also, when I am 80 years old I want to be one of those ladies who does water Zumba and it's not going to be cool to be 80 and wearing floaties during water Zumba. Swimming also leads to my next item:

6) Learn how to surf.

                 Source: whereisthecool.com via Drew on Pinterest

I've wanted to do this for a long time, but Zach says he will not support my surf-school dreams until I learn how to swim/not panic. Fine. I had a dream once (an actual REM/lucid dream, not a daydream) I was surfing and it was the best dream ever. Since then, it's been on The List.

7) Get LASIK surgery.
Also related to the surfing. Can one wear contact lenses while surfing? I'd think the water would knock the contacts out of the eyes. I am 50/50 on the LASIK. Apparently I'm the ideal candidate (aka, am beyond nearsighted) for this surgery. However, a) I'm a total wimp and know there isn't anesthesia for this. Will they strap me down in a straight-jacket so I don't freak out when the laser comes towards me? Also, b) I like wearing glasses. Maybe LASIK will be on the next 5-year list, and I can still learn to surf with my contact lenses or prescription goggles. I should look into this.

After looking over my list, I realized it's ranked according to importance. I think most of the things I've written about are attainable (maybe not the surfing). I do hope to accomplish as much as I can in the next 5 years, while trying to be a good person and wife. Those weren't included on the list because I figured those were implied.

Dad

My sisters and I are blessed to have the best dad ever. Here is the proof:

-He used to dive for pearls, then sell his findings. Even as a child he was enterprising.
-When Christina and I were little he was away for long periods of time, but it was because his work required him to be on big aircraft carriers in the Middle East. USS Saratoga forever!
-He worked, and still works for his family. Despite crazy night hours and little sleep, he'd wake up and take us to school.
-When we took family trips to Florida, Biloxi, or New Jersey, he'd drive the entire distance--sometimes overnight. Then he'd fall asleep once we got to wherever, and didn't mind (too much) when we made noise and tried to wake him. "Dad? Dad! Why are you sleeping? Dad, wake up! You're missing everything! We're going to the mall! Dad!" Just thinking of that gets on my nerves. Oh my God.
-The worst kept secret ever: he pretty much did my math homework for me from the ages of 8 to 18. He wouldn't let me fail--even if it meant doing the math problems himself and having me re-copy them.
-Not only did he work full-time, but he took a part-time job at an airline so we could have traveling benefits, aka $10 plane tickets.
-He taught me (repeatedly) how to check the oil in my car, to get my own filters for oil changes, and to always have a jug of water in the trunk for emergencies. He's basically my free mechanic.
-Even though I'm technically an adult, married, and a Costco member, he still gives me and Zach air conditioning filters, extra gloves, random tools, ginormous rolls of kitchen towels and toilet paper, and drops off boxes of pizza at our house. Spoiled much?
-Dad has always treated Zach and Clint with respect and love. He basically spoils our husbands. It's so weird to think Christina and I have husbands. Shouldn't we be kicking each other in the stomachs, then cutting our hair in mom and dad's bathroom like we didn't just harm some vital organs? Seems like yesterday. Sigh.
-He's always told me to "Keep Charging, Kid!" I think of this when I just totally want to throw in the towel. I hope we've made him proud!

I love you, Dad! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Random summer thoughts

How cute is this cake my sister-in-law made?

Before  my summer vacation even began, I compiled a list of things to accomplish over the break. Most of the things aren't fun, but they're all items which I always say I need to do, and never get done. Like any good cognitive-behavioralist, I stuck a little incentive at the end. How am I doing with the list?

Procrastination

Uh, not very well. My motivation has really waned lately. Maybe I'm in a funk. For months all I've wanted was a break and now that it's here, I'm craving structure. It's like, "Oh I have all summer to do this list. Might as well watch 'Bill and Giuliana' right now followed by The Kardashians." Then August will roll around, and I'll have accomplished nothing.

Most exciting to-do list ever?

I have, as everyone who's ever met me points out, a tendency to be really hard on myself. It's 2 weeks into summer; the list will get done, right? Maybe 2/3--I'll be happy with 2/3.

My little vices. I have to remind myself: coffee or hotel in San Francisco?  Priorities!

Right now I'm also trying to save for the honeymoon. This means not leaving the house. It's the only way for me to ensure not spending. I'm not a big spender anyway, but all those little purchases add up: Starbucks, nail polish, cupcakes. There is something really depressing about being at home, alone, all day. Alone. This is probably the main contributor to my funk-ness. I need to find some free things to do which will get me out of the house. Human interaction would be beneficial, I think.

Before and After

My hair. I've kept it long for the past 5 or 6 years, then impulsively cut it short. I can't decide if I like it or not. It's been so hot lately, I know if my hair was still past my shoulders I'd be complaining. But...I miss the long hair! Time for some vitamins.

This is my summer so far. Exciting, right?!!! Typing all this made me realize 1) I need to start working on the list, 2) I'm being bratty and should be grateful for my free time, and 3) This funk/weird mood too shall pass.  For now, time for Bieber on the Today Show. Yeah...I should get out of the house.

Eats: The Foodie Post

When I planned my trip to California, Amanda asked me what I wanted to do. My answers: Go to the beach. Drink bubble tea. Find the Filipino food truck.

The beach didn't happen this time around. It's probably because we spent most of our time eating, or in Los Angeles traffic trying to find places to eat.

The Food Trucks

I really dig a food truck. The menus are limited, the offerings are usually pretty innovative, and it's cheap to order from a truck versus a sit-down restaurant. I like the creativity which comes from having to work with fewer resources.

We tracked down the Seabirds vegan truck. In no way am I even close to being vegan, but Amanda had been frequenting the truck and insisted I needed to try the jackfruit tacos. They didn't have tacos the night we went, but they did have tacquitos, a.k.a., the fried version. Sold! We also got the beer-battered avocado tacos and the Zippy tofu (brown rice, broccoli, tofu, tortilla chips, vegan "cheese" sauce).

Yummy!

We checked out the Kogi BBQ truck too. If I'm not mistaken, this is the truck which started the whole food truck/Twitter thing. I sampled some of the Korean barbecue taco. It was good, but nothing to write home about. Sorry, Kogi. My loyalties lie with White Rabbit. I am definitely biased.

Growing up in the South and being a minority among minorities, I can't fully express how cool it was to see Filipino food embraced among so many different cultures. My version of comfort food, readily and literally available on the street. And, it was delicious! We tried the sisig burrito, tocino, chicken adobo, and steak tacos, white chocolate champorado, and ube macarons.

I actually screamed when the guy told me about the ube macarons.

Approved!

The Bubble Tea

I love me some bubble tea, or "boba." Since the nearest decent boba place in town is about 20 minutes away, I indulged in the rare and magical opportunity to drink as much boba as my body could handle. 

Sisters-in-boba: Sarah, Amanda, and I at my favorite place: Half and Half.

Five places in 6 days--this qualifies as a binge, I think.

My rankings, in ascending order:

4) Black and White

Black and White does not have almond milk tea--my favorite-- on the menu, which is primarily why I ranked them last. The honey milk black tea was very sweet and also watered down. However, they get the awards for best decor and nicest/most enthusiastic employee (bobista?).

3) Tie: Boba Loca / Lollicup

Both cafes make comparable and competent bubble teas. It was very similar to the boba at Chang's (my local dealer); therefore neither place really stood out to me. I had the lavender milk tea at Lollicup and almond at Boba Loca.

2) Boba Truck Cafe

My rankings are completely and totally subjective. I ranked Boba Truck Cafe #2 because they are adjacent to White Rabbit's restaurant location (yes, we drove to the restaurant after stalking the truck = psychotic).  Flavor-wise, the almond milk tea was very similar to Boba Loca and Lollicup.  BTC had a decaf option and the bobista was really nice. Extra points.

1) Half and Half

Sipping, again.

Half and Half is #1 by a landslide. Ignore the reviews on Yelp; those people don't know anything. This was actually the first boba cafe I went to on this trip, and it set the bar ridiculously high. One sip and I was in love. It was like trying the elotes at Cafe Habana for the first time: I will never forget it. Half and Half was the only boba place we went to twice. My heart is set on going here again in July. I've been preparing Zach.

The Aftermath

As much as I love a vacation food binge, I'm slightly relieved to re-incorporate vegetables into my diet. Salad is my friend right now. Also, my face did not take kindly to the amount of sugar and dairy I consumed in California. The adult acne has emerged with full force, so I'm waiting a few weeks to go to Chang's for my boba fix. By the time my face clears up, it'll be time for Half and Half again. Joy!

California Dreaming

For 6 days, I lived the life of a California Girl. And it was glorious! The only thing missing was a trip to the beach. I know.

My friend Amanda lives in Orange County, and I'm going to be Maid--or Matron--of Honor at her wedding. We grew up in the same Filipino circles in Memphis, but didn't become close until college. I distinctly remember walking past the journalism building at the UofM campus and running into Amanda. We talked for a few minutes, exchanged phone numbers, and the rest is history! We shared an apartment. We watched dozens and dozens of Tigers basketball games. We went through the awkward early 20s together. "OMG What am I going to do with my life? OMG does he like me? Why doesn't he like me? What am I going to do with my life?" Not ashamed to say I don't miss those days at all. And even though I miss Amanda, I'm super psyched she lives in Southern California because I have an excuse to visit. Hehe.

I may not have gone to the beach this time, but I did look at it.

We took an overnight trip to the city where it all began for my parents in the United States: San Diego.

I spent just over 24 hours there and fell in love/am obsessed/stalking it. San Diego looms large in my mind because my parents moved there from the Philippines when my dad was in the Navy. It's the last time my parents were just a couple before they became a family. The weather--I wore a jacket! I had to buy a pair of jeans at Forever 21 because it was cold! In June! 

At 530 in the morning. We must hate ourselves.

Amanda and I did the San Diego half marathon. I like going to a new city and exploring it through running--I get to see more than in a car, plus I don't know where anything is. It makes the miles go by more quickly. My knees disagree.

The finishers all got a free ticket to Sea World. I have not been to Sea World in a bajillion years--they have one in Florida, right? The Shamu show reminded me of the movie "Free Willy," which I also haven't seen in a bajillion years. It made me sad. But I was still entertained. I'm conflicted.

We went hiking at Runyon Canyon. Near Hollywood. I was secretly hoping to run into a celebrity, like Justin Timberlake or Fergie. It didn't happen.

Famous people or not, I was still excited to see the Hollywood sign! I took a hundred pictures. Tourist.

We ran some wedding-related errands, which included going to Newport Beach ("The OC!"). It was everything I dreamed it would be.

Seriously, who kayaks on a Monday morning? Why isn't this my life?

Now, I have the post-vacation blues. I really should be unpacking or doing laundry, but instead I'm re-living my trip. The good thing is, I'll be back in California in July for the wedding. My husband will be with me, and the second leg of the trip will be our honeymoon! I'm excited to see the Pacific Coast Highway with him. We WILL go to the beach. The past 6 days were all girlfriend time, and I needed every minute of this trip--to recharge my batteries and explore new places. I have an entirely separate post dedicated to food. I have not forgotten about the food.