Day 29 - A picture of yourself

Due to my lack of posting and the promise I made to myself to update was a complete fail :( Haha. You can't blame me right? I'M ON VACATION! But, since tonight is our last night here in the beautiful Hawai'i I've found a few minutes to give you a sneak peak of the dozen of photos I've managed to take. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to keep up with my 30 Day Challenge, but I will finish that up once I get back home.

So, a picture of myself...here's one. A morning spent at the International Market.

All my bags and I'm ready to go...

Finally the day has come. Tomorrow morning I am going to be boarding Hawaiian Airlines at 8:30AM on a flight to Oahu, Hawaii. After counting down the months, the days, and now the hours I really can't believe it's already here. After all the procrastinating I did just to pack a suitcase, I'm ready to go.

I went from this:

To This:

Jay said the weather there is perfect, so I'm even more excited to touch down on Hawaii ground. I pray that all will go well and the trip that I have been looking forward to for awhile now, will be something to remember. I have my camera(s) ready and I'm anxious to catch every single minute of it on tape.

I'll definitely update you guys occasionally through twitter along with some pictures, I hope. And I'll eventually be on here since I'm gonna have my laptop with me, and since I've been keeping my promise and updating my 30 Day Challenge every single day, I'll definitely finish that up, but other than that, see you guys in a week! Sending you all my aloha from Hawaii in advance! <333

Mahalo,
~ Tess

Day 22 - A picture of yourself

Stickin' to this "Throwback Thursday", I decided I'd use an old photo of me back in '88. I was only a year and 4 months months here. Crazy right? I know, I know I got a big 'ol head with some weird ass bangs. But who didn't? I swear I would've thought I was a little boy. Lol...but this is me. Ohhhhhh, how much I've grown :)

Throwback Thursday: "New Edition-If It Isn't Love"

Leaving on a jet plane.

Jay already left for his flight to Hawaii. I'm bummed because I wish we could've left the same time as him, but since he wanted to have a few days to spend with his grandma and grandpa before we got there, he decided to leave today. I suck at goodbyes, even though it's just a "see you later". AND it is only 2 days, but being the baby that I am, I cried. It's been awhile though since me and Jay have been apart for more longer than a day. You know I would totally suck at long distant relationships, haha.

But now I'm here at home, dreading to go to work since it's my last day before I leave. I was debating if I should have someone else work for me, but then Jay convinced me it would keep me occupied for a few hours instead of just being home. I think I'm going to lie in bed for awhile, then take a warm shower, and then get ready for work. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day and I'm not really looking forward to it. :(

Day 21 - A picture that makes you think of your loved one(s)

I could of easily posted a picture of my family, but we haven't taken a complete family photo since what...like 2008? So I decided to post a "picture" of my last name. One day I soon, I hope to get a tattoo of my last name, but not exactly in this font. I have certain ones in mind though.

My last name is something that means a great deal to me and is something I am truly proud of. Whenever I see or hear my last name, I can't help but to think of my family and how much unconditional love we have for one another. It might be common, but the meaning of it to me is one of a kind.

Day 20 - A picture of where you want to honeymoon

Fiji-Islands

This would have to be the place! It would've been Hawaii,  but I decided to choose the next beautiful place just like it. Since I'm a beach loving, clear blue water, sunny skies kind of gal. It would definitely be a dream to come here.
 And how awesome are those huts? :)

I could really use a wish right now.

I just feel so frustrated. WITH SO MANY THINGS. I don't know if I want to burst out with anger or burst out in tears! I swear, I feel like all kinds of emotions are flowing through me right now and I can't even begin to describe it. I know being on my period is playing a huge role in all of this, but I haven't felt this down since the time I wasn't going to school and I didn't have a job.

I just can't wait to get away from everything and everyone. Call this my "emo stage", but I literally feel like crawling under my blanket and crying until I can't anymore. I just wish some things were different. That some things that happened, didn't and some things that didn't happen, did.

But it looks like I'm gonna be wishing the same 'ol wish on the same exact star for awhile.

It is what it is. And you gotta live with it.

BRAND NEW: "Bruno Mars-Just The Way You Are"

Since ya'll know I'm in love with him and his music. Loveeee ittt! <333

Bumpin' the Old School: New Edition-Cool It Now

The perfect song I needed to hear on this warm, breezy Monday afternoon. G'day loves.

4 more days until we meet again.

Vacation Packing Checklist & Tips

Decided to print out a checklist I found online. Hehe, I'll be more than organized and prepared.

Shirts
__ Long-sleeved
__ Short-sleeved
__ Sleeveless

Pants/Slacks
__ Dress
__ Casual
__ Shorts
__ Jeans
__ Capri’s

Women's formalwear
__ Dresses
__ Skirts

Underwear
__ Bras
__ Socks
__ Panties/briefs
__ Hosiery
__ Slips
__ Belts

Shoes
__ Sandals
__ Walking shoes
__ Dress shoes
__ Casual shoes
__ Water shoes
__ Hiking boots

Toiletries
__ Shampoo/conditioner
__ Deodorant
__ Shavers/Razors
__ Shaving Cream
__ Cosmetics
__ Toothpaste
__ Floss
__ Mouthwash
__ Toothbrush
__ Baby Wipes
__ Sunscreen/bug repellant
__ Hair grooming tools (comb/brush/hair ties/blow dryer/etc.)
__ Glasses/case
__ Contacts and solutions

Nighttime
__ Pajamas
__ Slippers
__ Robe

Outside gear
__ Jacket/sweater
__ Gloves/mittens
__ Boots
__ Swimsuits
__ Cover-ups
__ Beach towels

Electronics/Cameras
__ Camera/digital camera
__ Film
__ Extra batteries
__ Video camera
__ Ipods, DVD’s for traveling, etc.
__Chargers for cell phones, pda's, etc.
__ Accessories

Vital extras
__ Medicines
__ Money
__ Phone number, addresses and maps of your destination.
__ Hotel/rental car information
__ Emergency information and an itinerary of your trip that you can leave with a friend or number in case of an emergency.
__ Extra plastic bags for dirty/sick laundry/trash/messes.

Day 19 - A picture of your favorite musical instrument(s)

The only musical instrument that I have ever disciplined myself to play, was a guitar. Since Jay has the exact same one as the picture, he's the one whose been teaching me. But believe me, it will be long before I can actually play a full song without any mistakes, haha. Also since my dad used to play, it sure makes me motivated to keep on practicing. Other favorite musical instruments of mine is the saxophone and the trumpet because my dad kills it when he busts them out. He used to be in a band back when he was in the Philippines. Unfortunately, I have yet to learn how to play.

Day 18 - A picture of your room

Excuse this crappy photo.

Here is my humble abode. Where I spend my lazy days, get my rest, or whatnot. It's not big, but it's not too small. It's just right for me and Jay, sorta. Haha.

Please excuse the bunch of mess scattered all over the floor. Were just busy preparing what were gonna pack. I cut off the right wall where my tv is because my dresser that it's on is a mess ;P But here it is, my room. Plain and simple.

Currently craving: White chocolate mocha frapp with extra caramel.

(via retrolove)

BUMPIN' : Kid CuDi - Pursuit of Happiness

Day 17 - A picture of your mp3 player

This is actually Jay's Ipod, but I use it because I don't have one of my own. I hardly ever listen to anyway because I usually stream music online or listen to it on my lappy. This Ipod will come in handy though on that 5 hour flight on Friday ;)

Ross, Walmart, and Target goodies.

So yesterday, me and Jay finally had the chance to go shopping for a few things that we needed for HI. I was desperately on the hunt for a swim suit top since all my old ones were pretty much blah and worn out, and let me tell you...I had the hardest trouble finding one. Since I have a bigger chest (tmi, sorry) it's really hard trying to find swimming tops that fit me just how I want them too! I don't wanna end up flashing anyone and shiiiiiit because it's too small or it's not fitted right. So finally after browsing through Ross, Marshall's, and Target, I find this one (top left corner) at Walmart. Ok, it's not the cutest design, but it fit me exactly how I wanted. And it was only $9! There was another tube swim top that I wanted but they didn't have my size :( Boohoo.

As I'm looking at this picture, when I think about it, there's still so many things that I need to get, but these were just a few on my list. First store we went to was Ross. I needed to get a pair of denim shorts which I found and also this cute plaid tube top that was only $12. Second store we headed to was Target which is where I bought most of the cosmetics (mascara, false lashes, nail polish, Burt's Bees lip balm, and the Elf blush-which I loveeee by the way). Last store on the agenda was Walmart (my favorite) and that's pretty much where I bought the rest of my things and then some that aren't pictured. The one thing that I love that I got from Walmart was the white and black striped shirt which was only $5!!!!! It's so cute, I wish I got the other colors too.

After all that shopping, we decided to grab some Iguana's for us and my sister. Super carne asada burrito, ftw! But of course it will never compare to MoGo's :)

Blox Car Show '10

Jay took this last Sunday at the Blox Party Car Show here in Fremont. There were tons and I mean tons of cars there! All but one captured my eye. This Civic right here which is exactly like Jay's. Jay's Civic is just stock, but this is somewhat how he wanted his car to look like in the next few years. I just might have to let him because this looks pretty clean. I just like the rims :)

Day 16 - A picture of your dream cell phone

Okay, this isn't necessarily my "dream phone" because I wasn't ever on that hype about it, but if I had to choose a phone, this is one I wouldn't mind having. Now that I'm back to being an AT&T customer, the obvious thing to do would be for me to get an iPhone, but due to low funds at the moment, I decided to wait a little bit. I was talking to my manager last night about getting an iPhone and she told me that her husband could get me one, but the thing is since the ones he slangs are jailbroken, I wouldn't be able to stick to AT&T. I'm still on contract so that "dream phone" might have to wait. It's all good though, I like my phone now. Cheap and simple, just how I like it!

“I am an excitable person who only understands life lyrically, musically, in whom feelings are much stronger as reason. I am so thirsty for the marvelous that only the marvelous has power over me. Anything I can not transform into something marvelous, I let go. Reality doesn't impress me. I only believe in intoxication, in ecstasy, and when ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another. No more walls.”

- Anais Nin

What's packed so far.

Yeah, apparently not much. I know it's pretty early too, but I'm sucha slow packer, I'm giving myself a week in advance. But what more could I need? Slippers (check), back pack (check), swimsuit, sunscreen, and shorts :)

"The Happiest Place On Earth!"

For the past 2 years, me and Jay made it a ritual to always make it out to L.A during the Summer or atleast before the year ended. I'm really hoping that this year we can, but with the trip to Hawaii and Washington in the works, I'm not sure when it'll happen. I'm hoping we can maybe go during December to see the Christmas decorations since every time we managed to go, it was during the Halloween season. Hopefully this time, we can visit SD too! @Char *wink*wink ;)

The negative side about social networking sites.

Having all kinds of social networking sites is really great because you get to keep in touch with friends and family, but the one thing that sometimes bugs me about it is that not only do you know and see what everyone's doing, but also, who they're doing it with. I ain't gonna lie, when I see that so and so are doing this, I can't help but feel a little "left out" because I didn't get a call, or I wasn't told about it. You know what I mean? Okay maybe I wasn't invited or whatever, it's not that I'm worrying about, but I swear...sometimes going onto Facebook and reading something I didn't want to read can really put a damper on things.

Another thing that kind of annoys me, is sometimes I feel like people put all there business out there that no one really would care about. For example, I have a "friend" on Facebook, who literally puts EVERYTHING on their Facebook. They treat it like it's damn Twitter or something. I ended up hiding their posts because I felt like every time I signed on to check mine, all I see on my wall are this persons updates. Not cool!

It's these certain things that shy me away from being on these sites long enough because at times I feel like certain individuals use it for the wrong reasons. I don't know, that's just me. But of course, to every positive there is a negative. And I'm just a brat who complains about everything *sticks out tongue* ;P Haha.

30 Day Challenge - August

Okay, so I know I'm not yet done with the current 30 Day Challenge, but I found this one and I thought this one would be fun to do also. I've been doing good so far, so the next one for August should be a breeze :)

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Tumblr name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Tumblr and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you

Day 15 - A picture of yourself

This is actually an old picture from last Christmas. We were on our way to my sister's house. I remember that day, the weather was gorgeous. I can't believe there's only 5 more months until December again! Aiiiiiyaaaaa.

A productive day, came true.

I told myself that today, I was going to make it a productive one. Luckily, I accomplished a lot of things. Once I got up I decided that since I've lacked working out this Summer thus far, that I'd do a little workout session. Boy, was I exhausted as f*ck! I swear I used so many excuses not to workout these past months, but seeing how out of shape I felt, I realized that 30 minutes a day wouldn't hurt. A little bit of cardio, lifting weights and crunches isn't all that bad. I have a little over a week before Hawaii, so I think I'd be fit "enough" just in time.

After that, I did laundry since me and Jay's clothes accumulate like crazy during the weeks. Washed and folded them, then put them away. I then decided to clean the room and while I did that, I came across a lot of things that would be great to bring on our Hawaii vacation. I found tons of my flip flops under our bed, a waterproof camera that hasn't been used yet, and my Da Kine backpack. Everything just got me more excited to actually pack my whole suitcase!

Now I'm just hanging out, waiting to shower, then me and Jay are going to watch The Killers. Even though I watched it already, I liked it that much to watch it again :) Anyway, I hope ya'll are enjoying your hump day. Back to work tomorrow for me...

@intimeshespeaks - @mmmaritess - @katchyykat

Look at us girls, always eating! Hahaha, first I just want to give props to Char for putting this beautiful picture together! I loveeeeeee it and it sure fooled me. I can't wait for all three of us to meet one day, and when that day DOES COME, girls - make sure to wear your fat pants! ;D

Day 14 - A picture of your favorite teacher(s)

Unfortunately I don't have any picture of my favorite teacher(s) and I didn't really feel like pulling out my old yearbooks, so I'll just briefly tell you about one in particular. His name is Mr. Taylor, but we would call him Mr. T! It's funny because people would also call him Steve, like as in Steve from Blue's Clue's because he looked exactly like him. And I mean down to the T! Hahaha. I had him for World History/Driver's Education, weird huh? It was freshman year and although that was the only class I had with him, for the rest of the 3 years, he still remembered who I was.

He was not only our teacher, but our 2005 class advisor, so basically he was always one of the teachers who supported us through ralleys, comps, and any activity our class participated in in. He was just a laid back, chill kind of guy who had so much faith in our class and his students.  It was sad saying goodbye, but from what I heared, a year after we graduated he moved down South. I had some great times in his class..I hope he's doing well.

My new Samsung Magnet from AT&T

So unfortunately, it's a little on the 'old school' side of mobile phones, but the thing that I really love about it, is the QWERTY keyboard. It reminds me a lot of the Blackberry in a way. And the best thing about this phone is that it was FREE with an upgrade! I've had my old number with AT&T since my sophomore year in high school, but a year ago I decided to open up a T-mobile account. I didn't like it very much, so now I'm back with AT&T!

The downside is that the only color they have is orange, but it's ok since I have the clear rubber case for it. Other than that, I like it a lot! Simple and cheap. Btw, those surf boards are no longer my wallpaper, it's actually a picture of Jacob from Twilight! Woooottttt whewwwww ;P

JAMMIN' TO - Sade Stronger Than Pride (Remix)

Daily Ramblings - July 13, 2010

Hey guys,

So I felt like rambling about how my days have been going. I feel like I haven't really updated-updated my blog since I've started the 30 Day Challenge. Although I have to admit, not much has been going on-yet. Just busy with work, which I'm really starting to enjoy more and more each time I'm there. I've really hit it off with my asst. manager and it's funny because she was the one whom everyone didn't find very nice, but I find her to be the complete opposite. We joke around with one other and tease each other all the time and it definitely makes time go by so much more quicker at work.

I would've thought that there being 2 other employees who are around my age and younger, we would've had more things in common, but nahhhh...I was wrong. Haha. It's all good though, I hardly work with them anyway so it doesn't matter. Besides work, on my days off I've just been at home being a home-body or going out to lunch, grabbing Starbucks with my sister. I would honestly say I haven't really had the privilege to "enjoy" my summer because my middle of the week days I have off. Since Jay works a 8-4pm/Mon-Fri job and he gets his weekends off, it sucks sometimes that I have to work on the weekends which leaves us not much time to hangout. But we've learned to deal with it, cuz that's what you do. And I know things will change for the better in a matter of time, so I'm not complaining.

In about 10 days were going to be off on a plane to Hawai'i and I'm already getting antsy just thinking about it. I can't believe it's just around the corner. I have no idea what to pack (well, I have some of an idea) but knowing me, I either over pack or I under pack. But I'm not really trying to bring my whole wardrobe just in case I do a little shopping there. I checked the weather over in Hawaii and it's a nice 74°!

Jay and my sister have been looking through some sites online on what we should do while were there and from the looks of it, it seems like they wanna do a lot. I'm fine with going to restaurants and doing all that site seeing, but it's the water stuff I'm a little iffy about. LOL. Jet skiing I'll do, but not parasailing, or scuba diving for me :( Call me a chicken cuz that's what I am, but being far out in the ocean just scares the heck out of me!

But anyway,

WOOOHOOOOO I GOT MY PHONE! Hahaha sorry I had to go run downstairs and answer the door to sign for my new AT&T phone :) No, not an iphone, nothing special like that, but I'm just happy because I'm back to being a AT&T customer. Pictures later.

But yeah, that's pretty much all that's been going on in this life of mine. Sorry to bore you with all this randomness, but I'm gonna go open my phone now :) Good day loves.

Day 13 - A picture of your friends

Rebel Souljahz Good Morning Show New Zealand May 2010

Because I'm an island girl at heart. And I could never get enough of Rebel Souljahz.

Day 12 - A picture of your favorite food

Seriously, how you gonna make a girl choose one thing as her favorite food? Impossible! See I'm a girl who loves to eat, so you know I have tons of favorites. Here's just a few pictures of my very own faves:

Pasta with any white sauce to exact, farfalle pasta @Cheesecake Factory

Pizza, the Mediterranean pizza @BJ's

Honey BBQ baby back ribs, with corn and loaded mashed potatoes @Tony Roma's

Pad thai and fried squid @Red Chili

(via bright like neon) 

Pho, #3 @Pho Pasteur

Fried macaroni and cheese or just the regular mac&cheese, @Cheesecake Factory

La Vic's quesadilla and special orange sauce

Lumpia, with meat and vegetables

Jay's special marinated Korean short ribs

Short rib burrito's and tacos @MoGo's BBQ

Lemon pepper chicken and fries @Wingstop

Day 11 - A picture of your favorite drink

Along with many of the other Arizona flavors, but fruit punch would have to be #1. 

Plus 95¢ cents for a can like this, I stack 'em up when I have the chance :)

A lovely Saturday afternoon.

My afternoon basically consisted of work at 12:45PM, off at 5. Went shopping for a bit and then came home to a nice dinner with the family. Instead of the typical Filipino food my parents cook every night, my sister decided to change it up a bit and make philly cheese steaks with tator tots. MMmm! It was so delicious. Me and Jay also threw in some shots of Patron. But I'm sorry, I am not a tequila person at all. GA-ROSS! My other sister and brother-in-law ended up coming over to join us. It was definitely felt nice hanging out with the family after work. I'm just thankful that I didn't have to close today...or else I would've missed this!

She's so gorgeous.

*Sighhhh.

Before there was The Notebook, there was -

A Walk To Remember

I love this movie and until this day, whenever they play it on TBS or any other t.v station I always have the need to watch it. I remember it came out when I was only a freshman in high school and the day it came out, me and my best friend went to go watch in the theaters. I cried my eyes out and so did she..hehe. After that I immediately fell in love with it and SHANE WEST! Mmm..mmm! ;) 

I also really loved the soundtrack for the movie. During that time, no one really knew about DVD's (my gosh I feel so ancient, haha) so I remember I asked my mom one day if she could go out and buy me the movie. She ended up coming home with the VHS copy, but hell...it didn't matter. I watched that movie every chance I got, and if only I remember now where I stored it..I would do it again.

Switchfoot-I Dare You To Move

Slipppppppahs on sale.

Total price for two sandals = $8

Me = One happy camper :)

Meet my twin godsons - Akoni & Maikah

Maikah's the chubby one on the left and Akoni's the one on the right.

July 31st is their 2nd birthday and all us ninongs and ninangs are supposed to wear our shirts.
They're so cute and I love that it's a baseball tee.