little girl rants

Words to Live By

2008-12-04T09:52:00.001-06:00

Thanks, Mr. O for posting this on your FB page.

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
~ Mother Teresa

The United States of America

2008-11-05T07:23:00.002-06:00

Let me just begin by saying that I am very impressed with the number of individuals that chose to go out and vote on what will become a day of great importance. On November 4, 2008, the citizens of the United States came together and elected a new president - one that I believe truly reflects the people of this country - born of different cultures, raised by his grandmother, educated in one of the top schools, and choosing to work as a public servant. The hard work and determination that brought President-elect Obama to where he is now gives me hope for the future.

Growing up, I always joked with my mother that I would become the "first female Filipina president" of the United States. Crazily enough, last night, I felt that was no longer a dream, but could potentially become a reality. I'm not announcing my foray into politics; but it gives me hope for the younger generations to see that a strong leader is one of us. That is the hope given by President-elect Obama's campaign to me, and I am grateful for that renewed sense of hope in our country.

Enjoy his speech from Grant Park last night.

"We are, and always will be, the United States of America." - Barack Obama, Grant Park, 11.04.08

Presidential Dance-Off

2008-10-23T14:41:00.003-06:00

So I've gotten pretty heated about this election with some people. I have my opinions, and other people have theirs. To me, as long as you vote, that is all that matters. Keep this in mind on November 4th (or earlier for those who choose are able to vote early).

In any event, enjoy this hilarious video of our presidential candidates.

La Vie en Rose

2008-10-02T14:54:00.004-06:00

let's kick off breast cancer awareness month...with what else? good people, good booze, and prizes! i'll be working the door with other volunteers tomorrow night, so i hope to see you there.

to purchase tickets, click here.

race for the cure - part 2

2008-09-11T07:33:00.002-06:00

On September 27, 2008, I will be participating in the Race for the Cure on behalf of the nonprofit organization Bright Pink. I volunteer for Bright Pink and absolutely love it and its mission. I hope all of you can donate something to this cause, whether it be financially or actually participating in the race.

To donate to this wonderful cause, please follow this link:
http://komenchicago.kintera.org/raceforthecure/lingling20

To join the Bright Pink Girls team, please register here.

As always, spread the word! And don't worry if you're not a runner, you can always walk!!!!!

race for the cure

2008-09-02T14:34:00.003-06:00

ok i am by NO means a runner, but have tried to take it up as my new exercise regiment lately (considering my gym is too far/too expensive and the health club in my building is under construction).

so my friend kyla tells me about race for the cure, so i'm going to try to RUN it. yes, me, run. but it is for a good cause!

please please please donate if you can. kind words of encouragement (and not laughter or sarcasm) are greatly appreciated if you aren't able to donate to this cause.

check out my page for Race for the Cure.

friends

2008-08-22T16:00:00.002-06:00

a friend i had in college posted this great entry on her blog today, and i was reminded that it's the quality of the friends you have, not about how many friends you have. it's a sad lesson that i've had to learn over the years.

enjoy liz's post...

hurry home! i hope you contact me when you do, liz.

SU2C

2008-08-04T10:40:00.002-06:00

reason to vote AGAINST VOIP phones....

2008-07-03T10:47:00.004-06:00

so i'm sure this has been floating around the internet for a while - my sister sent this to me a couple of days ago...and i have been getting the message forwarded to me by other people.

http://view.break.com/527579 - Watch more free videos

i know i'm huge on technology (duh - i'm IT now), but i really think this voicemail is a reason to vote against voice over internet protocol (VOIP) phones....because you can forward the message and embed it on the internet.

are there really guys out there that do this stuff? obviously there's at least one. thoughts? i think this is hilarious!!! enjoy!

hungryz live feed

2008-06-27T10:27:00.001-06:00

watch online if you can - the NBC5 street team is following him around all day at the TASTE.

NBC5 Street Team

Taste of Chicago 2008

2008-06-27T05:44:00.003-06:00

today is the start of the taste of chicago in grant park! i'm so excited because my friend, hungry z, is going to try something special today - eat at all 65 food booths in 6 hours. it may not sound very daunting, but trust me, it is. he has to eat something every six minutes.

keep track of him on the NBC5 blog - as well as on NBC NEWS at 5:40.

good luck z!!!!!!

hilarious!

2008-06-24T11:49:00.002-06:00

ok, if i got my dad to do this at my wedding (whenever that may be), it would be the funniest thing - HILAOrious if you may!

donnie of NKOTB put this video on the NKOTB blog (yes, i read it)...this is funny

SATC...finally!

2008-06-20T08:32:00.003-06:00

i know it's been about a month since the movie came out, but i was preparing for the LSAT, so my treat to myself was to see the movie after the exam was over.

so i grabbed my friends and went and saw the movie last night and totally loved it! and the sap that i am, i did cry in certain parts....

it got me to thinking about my friends and the roles we play. granted, i don't think there's a person that fully contains the attributes of each SATC character. before and after the movie we were, of course, comparing ourselves to the SATC girls, and i found it interesting who my friends compare themselves to...generally, they were on spot. my brother once told me i'm a mix between samantha and miranda, and i never knew how to take it - until last night. my friend kelly said that means i'm beautiful and brilliant! so i guess now i can take it as a compliment.

anyway, i'm going to be enjoying a great weekend - study free!

i have the best boyfriend ever...

2008-06-07T08:07:00.002-06:00

ok my boyfriend seriously earned major points this week...and i know i may sound juvenile or immature, but he got me tickets to the NKOTB concert in October. i was bummed out for a couple of weeks that the first show sold out, and i didn't get tickets. a second show was added, and my boyfriend surprised me and got me tickets!!! i'm super pumped, and i don't care if that makes me a nerd. they were one of my favorite bands growing up, and i never got to go to one of their concerts.

for all of my fellow NKOTB fans, enjoy!!

i know...i've been MIA

2008-06-04T09:24:00.002-06:00

ok, so a friend of mine myspaced me and said i needed to update my blog, so here goes...

basically i have no life right now due to work and studying for the LSAT. it's in 10 days, and needless to say, i'm pretty nervous about it. but i've been preparing, and hopefully that will pay off. law school has always been a dream of mine, and i'm pretty close to getting there.

i haven't had much to write because of that.

but, i did start a new job in january, which i love! it's stressful and challenging, but it's a step in my career path.

and i'm currently obsessed with the new jason mraz song i'm yours. i LOVE the video, and the album is pretty good.

something to think about

2007-10-11T09:23:00.000-06:00

ok so i'm a sucker for those quote of the day items in my gmail account. this is one that i saw today and found very interesting:

Quote of the Day - Shakti Gawain - "You create your opportunities by asking for them."

if that's true, then hopefully the situation i'm in will work itself out.

on a better note, my friend jenn got married this weekend and i just wanted to say:

Congratulations and Best Wishes, Mr. & Mrs. Alonzo!!! I was very honored to stand up for you.

have you ever made a decision you regret?

2007-10-08T14:01:00.000-06:00

i made one recently and still reeling from the after effects...

love to hear what you've gone through. i know not too many people read this, so feel free to comment as much as you like...maybe then i'll share my experience with you.

love is...part 2...

2007-10-03T18:14:00.001-06:00

i do have people that care about me. i'm going through a really rough personal time and trying to stay strong, but when someone asks me if i'm ok, i am literally on the brink of tears.

i'm starting to wonder if i made a mistake...i keep trying to tell myself that i didn't - that this was for the best, but a friend pointed out to me that love is not a feeling, it's a choice.

so what was my choice?

to stay and see if things would change? how long do you wait? how long do you tell yourself hey i'll stay around and see if things will get better? maybe i just lost my temper and made a horrible decision. or i made the right decision just saw it out in the wrong way.

let's just leave it at he is a great man....

love is...

2007-10-02T21:34:00.000-06:00

...not exactly perfect. and when it seems that way, i've learned, something is missing.

i'm not perfect, and i know in my head i can't expect anyone to be perfect.

but you know what i do want? i want passion and romance. it will fade, as a wise person pointed out to me, but not to have that at all - then what? you miss out on the butterflies? you miss out on the smiles that come across your face when you get a sweet email, text, or call?

i know we're not all alike. humans are just meant to be different - otherwise we'd all be boring. but as another relationship has ended, i've learned i need that passion, the fight, that drive - to feel that someone loves me for me. i keep changing for people, when all i need to do is stay and be myself.

on a serious note...

2007-08-13T15:52:00.000-06:00

so what do you do when two of your closest friends stop talking to you?

for me, it's been a mourning of sorts. i know what happened and in all honesty, i feel extremely betrayed and hurt. the sad thing is i haven't talked to either one of these people for over a year now. the only communication we have is via email or text, and that is if i make the first move.

i just don't understand where they are coming from, and it's not like either one of them is bold enough to talk to me about it.

and, just like that, 2 people that i used to talk to on a consistent basis - one almost every day, vanished. how do you react? do i summon up the courage to talk to these people? or do i just let it be?

and what i don't understand is that i was a good friend to both of them. always there when they needed me - driving out to seem them if they asked - yet receiving none of that in return. and when they are called out on that, amongst other events, hearing nothing? dropping me as if we didn't share all those intimate details of our lives?

i just don't understand people.

tristan!!!

2007-07-27T14:58:00.000-06:00

well, like i said earlier, this year has been pretty low key. i don't have much time to write in my blog, unlike my BFF's hubby Andrew, who is so great about writing in his blog daily.

there are a few things that i would like to get done before i travel to milwaukee for work.
1. go see isabella
2. study for my office test to test out of a class
3. clean my room (no jokes, z)

that's about it. pretty simple, huh? and just enjoy the rest of the summer.

well, san diego went quickly but was fun. and i love my newest little cousin, tristan! he's so adorable!!!

low key summer

2007-07-13T13:12:00.000-06:00

gone are the days of having 3 months off to do nothing. i have to say, this summer has been pretty low key for me, outside of going to arizona for an extended weekend and my trip to san diego this weekend.

work and school full time will do that to you. but i'm lucky, i have peter to keep me "sane."

hope everyone else is enjoying their summer. i'll fill you in on the weekend trip to san diego, z, since you and my sis will be the only ones reading this! =)

...and here she is...

2007-06-08T09:40:00.000-06:00

isabella, you are so gorgeous and i can't wait to meet you!

welcome to the world!

2007-06-06T15:19:00.000-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS!

i just wanted to welcome isabella to the world!

my friends colleen and zoran just became parents! i'm so excited for the both of them! congratulations to both of you! you both are going to be wonderful parents. let me know if you need a babysitter. school is crazy, but at least i'll be able to study!

i don't have a picture yet but once i do, i will post it.

happy birthday ann!

2007-05-06T20:20:00.000-06:00

feliz cinco de mayo! i know it's a day late but i was unfortunately studying for finals all day yesterday.

i just wanted to write a quick post to my friend ann. i had a great time at uncle julio's celebrating her birthday yesterday!

happy birthday, my mexican sister!

happy birthday zoran

2007-04-26T10:36:00.000-06:00

hey everyone - it's been a while since i've posted. i've been really busy with school + work.

anyway, just wanted to write a quick post to celebrate my friend zoran's birthday. he turns the big 3-0 today!!!

happy birthday z!!! i can't wait to karaoke!!

interesting quote...

2007-03-29T14:38:00.000-06:00

hmm...this was in my interesting web clips on my gmail account....

Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!

Eleanor Roosevelt

i love it. and i think it applies to me...

justin timberlake...part 2

2007-03-14T14:57:00.000-06:00

let me just begin by saying that justin timberlake puts on a GREAT live show.

here's how monday night went:

traffic, of course, because everyone in the area of chicago (i wouldn't be surprised if people came in from wisconsin, michigan and indiana) was heading west on 90/94 - traffic was a nightmare. we made it in time to miss 1 or 2 pink songs. she was awesome. her backup singers/dancers were so full of energy. pink is pretty cut and at the end when she sang "let's get this party started" remixed with annie lenox's "sweet dreams are made of these", she got on this ribbon contraption and performed all this crazy acrobatics. i LOVED it. of course, now it's in my head as one of the things i want to learn.

after a short break, justin came on. while i don't remember exactly his set order, it was just amazing how it was laid out. we had seats on the 2nd balcony but i think it was a better view than those people standing in the pit area. you could see everything on the stage. there was so much going on, at times, it seemed overwhelming. the show was fabulous. the dancers were a bit disappointing, but then again, justin can't hire dancers that are better than him! his dancing skills were terrific. all in all, that boy has talent!

i definitely disagree with this chicago sun-times article. of course being at a bigger venue is not going to compare to a smaller, intimate venue. and you don't go to a bigger venue to obtain that intimate setting. yeah, it was annoying that the infatuated girls would not shut up during his slower songs, but that's what happens when you go to a big show. it sucks but that's the reality of the situation. but, i think justing did a great job of performing and entertaining the crowd. and that, my friends, is the point of a concert at that scale.

getting out of the allstate arena was a nightmare. wow. but we made it back. needless to say, i could not get out of bed on tuesday morning. but it was well worth being late to work!

justin timberlake

2007-03-02T08:53:00.000-06:00

yes! justin timberlake tonight. i'm so excited. i'll let you all know how the concert was.

other than that, i haven't been up to much. school, work, the usual.

the weekend was great. friday - stella's party - CONGRATS Dr. Shon! saturday - kyla's fundraiser at wrightwood tap for her breast cancer walk.

oh, and happy birthday to the march babies in my family so far: auntie nene and uncle roan!

and as an added bonus, since it's already floating out on the internet, here's a video of me hula dancing.

have a great monday!

breast cancer walk

2007-02-21T10:01:00.000-06:00

hi everyone!

my friend kyla will be participating in the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on August 10 through 12. as this is an issue that is near and dear to my heart, i urge everyone to support her in her efforts to raise money.

please follow this link to donate to kyla. thank you!

valentine's day

2007-02-14T23:29:00.000-06:00

so today is valentine's day and i love this holiday. there's something about love that makes people, especially women, swoon. i know i sound like an old lady but frankly, i really don't care.

what makes it most special to me is my grandmother, who turned 93 today. wow. her actual birthday is valentine's day, 1914. she is the sweetest person i know. i'll call in to check on her on a cold day and in turn she'll ask me how i'm doing, how work is or if i'm getting over the cold we talked about last time. happy birthday, mama.

other than that, this truly is the first year in a while (and maybe in my life) that i have someone that is a special valentine to me. even though he's enjoying a much needed vacation in europe, peter sent me roses and chocolate. it made me feel terrific to know that while he may not necessarily celebrate a so-called hallmark holiday, he knew how important the day was to me. (for those of you, most likely my sister, who want more info on the "history" of valentine's day, read here.)

anyway, happy valentine's day everyone. i hope the love that you feel today you feel all year round. andrew, be good to jessie, or i'll have to beat you up. manay, you are the best sister i could have and you will find the love you truly deserve. peter, thank you for making me feel like a princess today. i love you. hurry home. everyone else, there's too many of you, but i hope you know that i love you all.

ok, enough sap. for my single people out there, don't worry, single awareness day (S.A.D.) is almost over.

there is nothing worse than...

2007-02-12T15:35:00.000-06:00

being sick right now. i've been sick for the past 3 weeks (almost) and this sucks. and i went to the dr. today - very nice guy, don't get me wrong - but i have a viral infection and there is nothing i can do about it except take tylenol sinus, drink soup and juice, and rest.

come on, for those of you who work and go to school full time, there is nothing like your body telling you to slow down. i wanted some sort of medical relief - maybe in the form of a prescription drug or something, but now i am subjected to suffer.

sorry, i'm totally venting to everyone reading this, but this sucks. i hate being sick.

DA Bears!!!!!!!!

2007-01-23T09:51:00.000-06:00

okay, this was the video i wanted to post yesterday....

and i have to give my fav bears player of all time a shout....
walter payton...may you rest in peace...

superbowl XLI

2007-01-22T08:46:00.000-06:00

okay, so most of you probably don't know this about me...but i love the Chicago Bears...

it's been 21 years since they've gone to the superbowl....so i'm EXCITED. while i was not able to watch the fantastic fourth quarter against the saints yesterday, as peter and i were driving back from detroit, my terrific friend jen text me updates. and we kicked some saint @$$.

so now i have to wait 2 weeks for the big day. i know my boys won't disappoint.

go BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lynn's fives

2007-01-15T12:26:00.000-06:00

okay, so andrew technically didn't tag me, but oh well. and unlike andrew, all of my answers are truthful. enjoy!!!

Five Things You Don't Know About Me:
1. i love to sit around and not do anything (ask my brother), despite my crazy work/school schedule
2. i named my adorable cat after my grandmother who passed away
3. when i'm focused on a project, i get really quiet. yes, i know, doesn't sound like me but it's true.
4. i was a math tutor in high school
5. i did not start drinking until i was 21.

FIVE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE:
1. Sales Associate
2. Paralegal
3. Sales Administrator
4. Beauty Lead (Victoria's Secret)
5. Professional Hula Dancer

FIVE MOVIES I HAVE WATCHED OVER AND OVER:
1. Napoleon Dynamite
2. Saved!
3. Dodgeball
4. Beauty & The Beast
5. Anastasia

FIVE PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
1. Orland Park, IL
2. Chicago, IL
3. Osaka, Japan
4. Chicago, IL
5. Chicago, IL

FIVE TV SHOWS I LIKE TO WATCH (that are currently on TV):
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Ugly Betty
4. The Office
5. Gilmore Girls

FIVE PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION:
1. China
2. Japan (but that was school and not really a vacation)
3. Philippines
4. New Mexico
5. California

FIVE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
1. Pancit Bihon
2. Crispy Chicken
3. Anything my auntie nene makes
4. Cucumber Salad
5. Sushi

FIVE PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. In the Philippines on a beach
2. Reading a book (that was not assigned in class or used for research)
3. Sleeping
4. Shopping in Japan
5. Anywhere but here in the office sounds pretty good to me!

FIVE SONGS I LISTENED TO TODAY THAT I DON’T THINK ANYONE ELSE LISTENED TO:
1. Bebot - Black Eyed Peas
2. Luv U Better - LL Cool J
3. My Boo - Ghost Town DJ's
4. Orama - Tahitian Drumbeats
5. Don't Call Me Baby - Madison Avenue

ONE BEST PICTURE FROM NEW YEARS EVE THAT I AM IN:

i'm tagging my sister jamie because i'm sure she's the only person reading this right now.

Vote for Meg Allison!

2007-01-10T10:53:00.000-06:00

if you're reading this, you know my fav reality show is dancing with the stars. however, i support people who go for their dream, especially if they are from chicago.

my friend ari knows meg allison, who is one of the finalists on nashville star!

Watch and Vote for Meg Allison!

"Nashville Star" Finalist
USA Network 10/9 C

January 11, 2007

You can vote 10 times for each
Phone line AND email address

Check Meg out on her myspace page.

2007 already?

2007-01-05T14:43:00.000-06:00

wow, i can't believe it's already 2007! that's crazy!

well, i have a few resolutions, so let's see how they will pan out this year:

1. learn how to play the guitar (i've been wanting to do this for a while)
2. brush up on my spanish and japanese; learn italian and french
3. get organized and try not to be as messy!

that's pretty much it.

New Year's was fun, except for the getting sick part. Have a great 2007 everyone and enjoy the pictures!

Christmas 2006

2006-12-27T10:55:00.000-06:00

well, christmas 2006 was definitely a lot more low key than the hilao's usually do it up.

friday, peter took me to go see wicked. i loved it! i had so much fun, despite the girl in front of us blocking my view. it was an awesome birthday present!

saturday i didn't do much of anything except lay around peter's apartment.

sunday was crazy! i picked up the food my aunt had ordered and went to my mom's out in orland. the kids had so much fun opening presents. of course i hogged the karaoke mike, despite my sore throat. alas, we did not go to our traditional movie this year.

monday i spent cooking for my dad, brother and peter. i do not have any pictures of the feast yet but will post them as soon as my dad emails them to me.

yesterday i did NOTHING. it was lovely.

and today i'm back at work. hope your christmas was filled with nothing but happiness.

merry christmas!

2006-12-22T08:47:00.000-06:00

well, since i will be fully enjoying the festivities this weekend, i wanted to wish everyone out there reading this (the only possibilities are manay, andrew, jay, ari or jessie) a very merry christmas!

hope santa brings you everything you desire!

i love you guys!

weekend recap

2006-12-18T13:29:00.000-06:00

i had a crazy busy weekend.

ok, so this pic is not from friday night but i gotta post a cute pic of me and the pope twins. blogger is not letting me post a picture of janelle or nathaniel (the birthday celebrants).

friday night i went to my friends non-denominational holiday party at burwood tap. andrew smacked me in the head twice because i was late. and i did not have my camera with me to take pictures, so i am counting on either ari or jessie to give me the pics. (gotta give props to andrew, by the way, for inspiring me to start my own blog.)

saturday, after waking up late, got my car from my aunt's and drove around to christmas shop. i will never do that again. i am promoting everyone to shop online from now on, something which i have been doing the last couple of years.

and yesterday was janelle and nathaniel's birthday. too bad i had to drive all the way out to gurnee for that.

and the christmas countdown begins. happy holidays everyone!

rosie o'donnell...continued

2006-12-13T15:15:00.000-06:00

seeing as no one reads my blog (except for my lovely sister Jamie), i decided to post my opinion about rosie o'donnell regarding her ching-chong joke aired on the view last week.

i find it ironic that rosie is quick to call kelly ripa homophobic yet turn around and make fun of a language (and by extension a culture). and her agent says it is part of her humor? come on. i personally find it offensive.

however, i am not one without humor. i found this video on youtube poking fun of rosie o'donnell. i enjoyed this one, hope you do too.

and i am thankful to report that i am done with finals! no school for 4 weeks!

opinion on rosie o'donnell

2006-12-11T13:12:00.000-06:00

ok, does anyone have an opinion on this? i would like to hear everyone else's before i post mine.

to all my friends

2006-12-11T10:37:00.000-06:00

something nice i thought i'd share with everyone this holiday season:

You're...
My friend,
My companion,
Through good times and bad,
My friend,
My buddy,
Through happy and sad,
Beside me you stand,
Beside me you walk,
You're there to listen,
You're there to talk,
With happiness,
With smiles,
With pain and tears,
I know you'll be there, throughout the years!

this was emailed to me by my friend colleen...congrats to you and zoran! i love you guys!

my sister's birthday

2006-12-08T08:30:00.000-06:00

hey everyone,

i have no rant today. all i have is to say happy birthday to the greatest big sister ever. we've both been through so much this year (tears, fighting, the works!) but it has only made us closer.

i just wanted to say happy 2xth birthday! don't worry, i won't give away your real age! hope you party it up in NYC - you deserve a break. AND DON'T STRESS OUT.

my first post

2006-12-06T10:38:00.000-06:00

so this is my first post.

the slow lady at mcdonald's changing the orange juice (if that's what you call it) bag was extremely slow. she did not let anyone know it was going to take a while to change the bag so i was waiting there like an idiot.

other than that, nothing really to report. one more week of finals. then holiday shopping! yippee.

oh, yeah, shouts going out to my sister, Jamie, who met a hottie the other night! i'm so jealous!