Zumba Zumba!

 

Would you believe it? 38 days into the year of 2014. What have you accomplished this year of the horse? 

Well, I haven't accomplish much yet but I have done a real good job keeping to my fitness plan. What's my fitness plan you ask? I'm trying to exercise at least four to five days a week. Plain and simple to keep active. One of my favorite fitness class by far is Zumba. 

Dancing is my thang. I was reunited with Zumba (thanks to my friend in Oregon) back in October and since then, I've been hooked on it. Zumba Zumba. Every Friday, I'm shaking and grooving along with the music in the fitness room. Then I found a Sunday class in Hawaii Kai Town Center. Yes, I'm outside zumba-ing in the sun and heating things up. I even got my friend to come with me to my Friday class. When everyone is having fun, you don't even realize that you're working out. It makes my heart flutter when I Zumba. Woohoo!

I did it!

Happy 2014, everyone. First blog post of the year. Yes, I'm a bit lazy since it's already the 8th day of the year and only here is my first 2014 post. So I didn't keep my summer goal to write an entry a day but I'm determined to keep my New Year resolutions this year. I hardly make resolutions. I figure, what the heck, let's give a go.

I'm off to a great start. It's easy to begin the resolution. The hard part is coming up...keeping to the resolutions. One of my new year resolution is to cook more and advance my cooking skills. Yup, you've got it, cooking and me just doesn't mix well together. This year, I'm going to try to motivate myself, encourage myself, and entertain myself with my cooking. This past weekend, I accomplished it. I made my first green bean casserole. Whooo..... how I was so proud of myself to keeping to my goal to make it and not give in to laziness. 

In my opinion, it was a delicious casserole. I bought local green beans. Yay to me for supporting local farmers. I had to buy measuring spoons and cups because I really don't remember where I hid my old ones. :)  After all the ingredients were bought, I followed the recipe and it was done. I have made my first delicious green bean casserole. My family enjoyed it and my daughter gave me a gold star. That gold star was all that matters. If I got my daughter eating vegetables, I'm a big winner. This weekend, I'm starting my other resolution...running.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa, 

I love the Christmas season. There are 13 days before Christmas. The holiday wreaths are hung outside, the Christmas trees are glittered with tinsel, and the windows are lined with sparkling lights to share with the world. The jolly ole day is just around the corner. Malls are packed with happy and grouchy parents, grandparents, and family members in search of the perfect gift for loved ones. It's always fun to think about what to get everyone for Christmas.

When I was a little girl, I remember asking for Malibu Barbie Dolls with her dream house and corvette. Now my daughter is asking for nerf rebelle, head phones, letterman jacket, and instax mini camera. I wonder if she's going to get everything on her list this year. The Christmas lists are looking totally different, huh, Santa?

As everyone grow up, we all ask for different gadgets and toys for gifts. For me, I was never a gal who ask for the latest android phone or tablet or diamonds. Although, diamonds are a girl's best friend. :) I'm always the one who ask for the intangible items for Christmas. Happiness to all my friends and family is one of the items on my Christmas list. There's also another item that's been on my list for the past years. I wonder if you've seen it, heard it, and considered it. Would I finally get this item crossed off my Christmas wish list this year?

Yours Truly

A Christmas Wish

Pumpkins

My pumpkins sat in my cubicle for almost a month. This year, I felt like being in the spirit so I made a jack o lantern. Well, not a jack o lantern since I didn't carve part of the pumpkin. I was just too weak. No arm muscles to carve a pumpkin. Hahaha.... Anyways, it was fun to just draw faces on the tiny little pumpkins. I was in the Halloween and Fall spirit.

Carrots?

 

What does it mean when I crave carrots? The other day, I was craving carrots. I mean, not just feeling "hmmm....yum carrots." It was like my mouth salivating for fresh raw carrots and my body repeated chanting the message "carrots. carrots. carrots." So I had nothing more to do but to listen to my body. I went out to get some carrots. Not just carrots, baby carrots. And no, I'm not pregnant.

So maybe I was just deprived from some vitamins and as smart as my body is, it was reminding me to consume some vitamins. Vitamin A for my eyes so I could see better, some potassium to help muscle contraction and heart rhythm and fiber to assist with my food digestion. Yeah, vitamins does a body good. Have you had enough vitamins today?

So much love for my new friend

I love making new friends. Instantly, he fell in love with me. I'm just that lovable. :)  Hahaha....

Actually, Wes was my daughter's best friend for a week. We were on a trip and Wes was my friend's dog. He followed my daughter everywhere. He wanted to cuddle and wanted to play all the time. Wes was one who yearned for attention. What an attention hog. :)  We loved it. One day, he even slept with his paw on my foot so he could tell if I was going to leave his side. Another day, he lied right in of the couch where I was sitting so he knew when I was about to get up. At dinner time, he sat next to the dining table with his puppy eyes staring straight up at me. It was sooooooo sweet. I know, no food the dog. It soo hard to say no to them sad puppy eye though. Needy as he is, we enjoyed every bit of his company during our trip.

Autumn's here

 

One of the most memorable part of my trip to Oregon were these trees. The colorful leaves fell upon us as we strolled through endless forests of Washington Park. The fall colors were breath-taking. The red, the orange, and green shined brightly every where I turned in Oregon. I loved it.  

In Hawaii, we only see the sun and the rain. I wouldn't mind getting some Autumn time down here. We could use some fall activities. I didn't have a chance to pick apples from the orchard during my trip but it would be a wonderful activity. I would have loved it. I'm sure biting into an apple that you picked would taste much more gratifying and tastier than buying an apple from the market. At least that's what I think and hope. Hahaha.....

Anyways, I was amazed at the beauty of fall. It was the most memorable sight. I love nature and what it brings each season. Now, I'll need to experience real snow. REAL snow fall and making snow angels in the snow and building snowmen and throwing snowballs. That's next on my travel checklist.

Glass!

 

When I walked through each room, each piece reached out for attention. This photo was of one of my favorite piece of the exhibition. All the fall colors brought the display to life. One day, I will have a room filled with glass art pieces just like this Chihuly Garden.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Washington was a wonder in my opinion. Well, it's too small to be a wonder but the glass art there was purely heavenly. Just like Dale Chihuly, artist, once said, he would like his art to feel like it's a part of the surrounding.

Dale Chihuly is the artist for this brilliant masterpiece. Chihuly discovered the art of glass while he was studying interior design and he make it his passion. He also created masterpieces in Venice Italy. With Chihuly artwork in Venice, it gives me even more of a reason to go to Venice. 

Namaste

 

What made me try yoga? I'm not sure. I guess I just wanted to give it try to help me relieve stress and learn how to meditate. 

I attended my first class today at Open Space yoga. I was looking for a classes and I landed on this website. Of course, I needed to start with the basics since I'm newbie. For a first timer, I think I did pretty good. I was able to follow the moves and poses along with the others in class. It was a great session. I was sweating within the first half hour and I didn't know that I could balance so well. I always thought I was a fairly clumsy, off-balanced person, but after today, I'm pretty centered. I felt so rejuvenated and relaxed after this class that I decided to sign up for a new student pass and try this out for 30 days. Of course, I probably won't get to go all the time based on my schedule but at least I get to learn the moves and get myself familiar with yoga. Then I hope I could figure out my availabilities and fit yoga into my life.

All this time, I never thought that I would have the courage to try new adventures alone. Now that I've took my first yoga class all by myself, I guess I could find my next adventure all by myself. I've already started looking for a Zumba class.

*CLICK* Photo Perfect

 

Lately, I've been taking a lot of photos of clouds, trees, mountains, oceans, and the big blue sky. All of nature is an inspiration to me. Sometimes we don't get to notice the most simplest moments in life and everyday sights.

This photo was taken when I was waiting for my driver at the parking lot. The sun was bidding good-bye for today and saying hello to the other side of the world. It's the most beautiful sight when the rays of sunlight reach out to the clouds. It's no wonder people like to relax here in Hawaii or sit on the beach all day to watch the clear sky and ocean blue. Everyone should stop, take a breath, and inhale life. See the simple things around you, appreciate each treasure of life and nature.

Breakfast is the most important meal

 

It has never been something I woke up to do and was never on my daily routine. I would just start work with coffee. Towards the mid afternoon, I would have no energy and be a drama queen complaining about something silly at work. My stomach was roaring embarrassingly, disturbing the quiet workplace.

As of a year ago, breakfast has been a part of my morning. I wake up, get dressed for work, making my Starbucks run, and grab a quick bite to eat. Yes, I started off eating eggs, meat, and rice or my favorite musubi but now I'm gradually eating some whole grains with some fruits and my stomach has been welcoming the healthier choices. Yes, I said healthier, not ALL healthy. 

I've done some additional reading as well. Breakfast makes a difference on your health and increases your metabolism. After your body's well-rested wake up, we are craving for some energy and what's the easiest way to get the surge of power....it's by eating breakfast. When you eat breakfast, your body is less likely to crash mid afternoon aka drama queen doesn't make it's appearance until later. It also tells your body and mind that you have energy and prevent you from eating larger portions. Yes, you got it, eating breakfast could lead to healthier weight. Just remember, it's good to eat a well-balance breakfast after your 8-hours of beauty rest.

Hiking = Healthy Lifestyle

 

 What's popular right now? A healthy lifestyle. Yes, I know, I eat like a piggy and I'm not willing to give up good food. So what do I do, I exercise and I'm trying to exercise more and more. Yup, I can tell you folks, IT'S HARD. When motivation is slim and food is always around, it's extra difficult to get yourself into the exercise mode.

One of my constant motivation is the sun. For some reason, when the sun is out, I've been wanting to breathe, embrace, and enjoy the sun. I've never wanted to be in the sun before but now a days, the is just pure energy. So I try my best to get some activities in the sun during the week and what is one of the best activities in Hawaii with a lot of sun....hiking. 

Hiking is just something fun to do and it makes me feel so much better that day. Sweating off the fatty food and stretching out my muscles. When you have the beautiful ocean next to you as you reach the highest point of the trail, how could anyone not feel good.

So remember, take yourself out to enjoy the sun.

A little Giants fan

 

I was never really into Football until a couple of years ago. Well, maybe more than a couple of years ago. I remember going to a UH game and it was just pure energy and excitment. All the people cheering and yelling at each other and the game. It's great. Oh, the adrenaline that runs through the body.

So I got into watching some games and I started to fall for the New York Giants. I think it was when they won the Superbowl a couple of years ago. That's between you and me, shhh...... Since then I've been trying to watch their games. Of course, I'm not a die-hard fan yet, but I got my first New York Giants shirt. I guess I could call myself a little fan. It's been a rough couple of weeks for the Giants, but I'm still faithful to you.

Let's go Giants!!!

Shave Ice

 

We were all dripping in sweat as we stroll through the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. The Swap Meet was full of treasures. We found a couple of hidden jewels. It was a heated day filled with aloha. Vendors were all friendly and nice. We even wished someone a happy birthday. It was a wonderful day and it got better when we found the shave ice stand.

What is shave ice? Well, here in Hawaii, it's a local favorite. On a hot, humid, muggy day like today, everyone could use a shave ice to cool down. Shave ice is really shaved ice with flavored syrup. It's cold and sweet. It's always hot to be spotted with Shave Ice on a humid day.

Hahahahaha.....

Someone told me that she has done her job if she had made me laugh today. It was the most inspirational motivation of my day. I started thinking that if everyone made someone laugh today, will it brighter up that person's day, too? 

Laughing lightens up the moment and makes everyone forget the stress, the depression, and sadness in life. It evens exercise your stomach muscle. Better abs while laughing, and I think the less wrinkles, too. Let's all laugh today.

Party Planning

 

It's always feels wonderful when I get to be the one coordinating a birthday. I may not be super extravagant like a professional event coordinator, but in my book, just being able to pull it off it just as perfect. I pulled it off. That's all that matter and the best part was, my cupcakes were edible. Ha!

I baked some orange cream and white cupcakes. I also used my mini cupcake maker - thanks to my friend. Those mini cupcakes were a hit with department and my daughter. I guess I'll be using this mini cupcake maker more this year.  

The birthday celebration was a success. Cheers to her 21st birthday. Too bad we couldn't celebrate with with champagne, just apple cider. 

Duchess of Frostcity

You see the big ole smiley face on the center of this twinkling teal shirt? Well, that's how I feel about the snow ice at Frostcity. Mouth all open with joy when I scoop a spoonful of sugary flavored ice. Frostcity is a dessert joint and it had me at HELLO! This have smoothies, snow ice, sesame mochi balls, milk tea, juices, and coffee. It's the sweet spot of Honolulu. And the hot spot and the hippest spot. 

Yes, as of today, I still remain the Duchess of Frostcity. Its an honor to be named a Duchess. I don't have a crown or tiara, but I got shirt that will remind me of my appointment...until I get knocked out of the spotlight. But for now, I am Duchess and I rule!!!  :)

 

Alotta Gelato

It was hot hot day and what's more satisfying than a cool mango gelato. Yup, that's right, mango. I just love my mango flavor desserts. :)  

About a year ago, I didn't even know what gelato meant or if it was even English. I know that it's the sexy Italian word for ice cream. In Wikipedia, Gelato is made with milk, cream, and sugars with a fresh fruit and nut puree flavoring. Gelato is another dessert that makes heart smile. As my spoon glides down the smooth, cool sorbet, I salivate for the sweetness. Hmmm..... I can't wait to go to Italy.

 

Gold Star Rewards

I'm a Starbucks lover. A strong lover for about three years now. I'm not an addict yet. I'm just a Gold Starbucks member. :)

I earn my tiny gold stars on a daily basis. Every morning, I'm a regular at this Starbucks locations. After more than 100 check-ins, I've become the duchess. Yup, it does sound a bit addictive, huh? Well, I'm not. I purely enjoy my flavored coffee and it's become a routine and the rewards helps. I get SUPER excited, SUPER delighted, and SUPER happy when I reach my 12th gold star. Seeing the 12th star fall into my mobile cyber coffee cup, I know the congratulatory message will be showing up on my mobile app. What wonderful news. 

After so many cups of vanilla latte, caramel macchiatto, and thai lattes, the barista finally knows my name. I even get a happy face on my cup. That happy face on my cup always puts a happy face on me.

Hearing you happy, makes me happy

My job is not the easiest one. There's pressure from the higher up and then the anxiety kicks in for the day and then all hell breaks lose. Alright, alright, it's not the end of the world. It's just a job. I know you know how it feels, my fellow corporate office peeps. 

After all the stress throughout the day, it only takes one happy moment from one person. When I hear a shout of excitement from a candidate over the phone, I know that I've done my job. I've accomplished my goal. I made you happy and it's all that matters.