All eyes on me

I find it really weird when all the attention is on me even if its just for a day. When I was young, my mom would always sign me up for extra curricular activities that would involve being on stage. Yes, I've done it all, from singing, dancing, staring on a play and even a speech contest. She also somewhat want me to be a child actor back in the 90s but she gave up when I showed no interest or should I say when she saw that I have no talent. Oh hey, I never want to cry in front of people and plus I don't think I have the looks. 

Every year, when my friends would always nag me to plan something for my birthday usually I have no interest to do so. I don't like planning and I don't like the fact that everyone would have to drop their other commitments to celebrate my birthday. It's just a birthday, why does it have to be a big deal when it's sole purpose is to remind you that you're getting old and have to grow up. 

For the heck of it, I round up seven of my closest friends last weekend to red robins'. And of course it snowed so hard that day too. I wasn't bitter that the weather was crappy. I am just thankful that God gave me another year and for having a wonderful family and awesome friends. That is enough for me. I am such a bad host since I didn't even bother booking as a reservation. Lucky enough, we got a table right away. I'm assuming everybody in the city didn't bother to go out. 

Just before we head out, my friends asked the servers to sing for me. And they made me stand in my chair and called everyone's attention to all sing for me. It was indeed embarrassing. I said to my friends "You guys are jerks!"

My bestfriend for 10yrs

Used instax photos as party favours

Take me somewhere warm

Now that spring is near we can't help but think where we should go for a quick getaway. My friends really want to go to sunny Mexico but I was just there 7 months ago. As much as I want to go back part of me desire to go somewhere I never been to. 

My mom asked me where will I be heading this year (she knows I take so much vacation, like 2-3 times a year). I told her I don't want to go somewhere this year because I am saving up for something big (Hint: Not a car and definitely not for a wedding). But after having a dinner date with my girlfriends, I was convinced take a break. After all, we all made a pact when we went to Cuba to take a yearly vacation together. I have a huge dilemma: To go lay on the beach all day sipping margaritas or stay in town and save up for something I really want for years. 

Couple of weeks ago, I decided to take my car for a nice-kinda-pricey-car-wash. And Lo and behold, after a day of the said car wash, we experienced a wet snow. Yes, it pissed me off! I mean who wouldn't?. What a waste of money eh? I said to myself "Chill, it could have been worst, its not like its -40 outside". But after today, when it snowed couple of centimetres I made up my mind "I had enough of this winter, I need to get out". 

I just wish I don't get in trouble at work. I just started my new position at work and I'm already planning a vacation? Come on! 

When my friend texted me today whether I'm coming or not. I replied with a BIG YES!. I know this will cause me a little set back on my future plans however I'm the type of person who lives in a moment. If I don't see the world now, who knows when will I be given a chance to travel. Let's be realistic. If decided to settle down in the near future, I know for a fact that I would have less chance to travel. I guess do it now while I'm still young. 

Now the real question is where? Bahamas, Dominican republic or Jamaica?

"Sunset in Mexico" Taken while I was laying in my back, enjoying every minute of it

Cancun, Mexico - Playa del Carmen

PS:
The photos are taken by yours truly using iphone4, I apologize for the bad quality. I should have used my DSLR instead.

How 2011 turned out to be

I guess its somewhat late to post a year-end entry but let me share how fantastic 2011 for me. Of course there's ups and downs but for now I'll share the wonderful experiences I had last year.

Places I've been:
1.Winnipeg, Manitoba
2.Los Angeles, California
3.San Diego,California
4.San Francisco,California
5.Orlando, Florida
6.Riviera Maya (Cancun), Mexico

Attractions I've seen:
1. Griffith Observatory
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
4. Disneyland
5. Sea World
6. San Diego Zoo
7. Legoland California
8. Lombard Street, Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf - San Francisco
9. Golden Gate Bridge
10. DisneyWorld
11. Harry Potter Theme Park - Universal Studios Orlando
12. Chichen Itza
13. Ruins in Tulum
14. Xcaret Mexico
15. A Cenote in Mexico
16. A quick visit to town of Valloloid, Mexico
17. Broadway Show : WICKED

New things I experienced:
1.Eighteen feet Snorkelling/Swimming
2. Pet an Iguana
3. Almost step on a garden snake in Mexico
4. Sun Tanning (Yes I know, this is my first time  I actually baked myself under the sun)
5. Chased almost every single Disney mascot in DisneyWorld (Hey! I'm a kid at heart!)
6. Rode the California Screamin Rollercoaster in DisneyLand (Oh boy, I felt like I did not breathe the whole time
7. Had BUTTERBEER (Yes! Its awesome! Probably the best drink out there)
8. Tried Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans (Just want to say Earwax flavor is so gross)
9. Bought a Harry Potter wand, Chocolate frog (I'm disappointed it didn't jump like in the movie) Fred and George's Extendible Ear.
10. Learned about Yucatan Peninsula and Mayan Culture.

By the end of 2011 all I can say is "I'm damn broke", however I am truly blessed I was able to travel with my family and friends. There is no greater gift than spending some quality time with the people we love. I want my 2012 to be exciting as 2011 had brought me but I don't think I'll be able to travel as much as I did last year. I have to focus on bigger things like my career and to save up I guess. As much as I want to spend all of my money on plane tickets, purses and clothes. I think I need to really think about my future this time.

I'll post some pictures and travel stories next time.