What are you thankful for?

It's Thanksgiving Day, my first to celebrate it in the United States. Today is supposed to be a day to celebrate things we are all thankful for. Despite the emotional roller coaster I am currently on, I have so many things to be grateful for. I'm thankful first and foremost to my Almighty Father, for always being there for me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for him. He has made all things (even those that seemed impossible) possible for me. I will continue to praise and glorify His name. I'm thankful for my parents, they are the best any girl could ever have. I'm thankful for my family, and my friends. I have the best support system, and I'm so blessed to have such amazing people surround me.

This day is probably the worst day I've had in a really long time, but I know I'll get through it because of God and my family. Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

Versace x H&M

My sister Celine and I were pretty impressed with the Versace x H&M collection when we first saw it online, and so were both dying to get our hands on our favorite pieces. Of course, we knew that we weren't the only ones who want the same stuff, (designer goods at H&M prices??) so we expected that the lines would be crazy.

And because we are just normal folks, we had to queue for hours. It was launched in stores November 19th (Saturday), so Chi and I had a game plan. We wouldn't sleep Friday night so we could line up at 4A.M. which is exactly what we did. When we got there, there were already 115 people ahead of us and it was 38^oF outside. To say it was cold is an understatement. We were literally freezing. AND the store opened at 8AM. Oh, and the worst part is, at 6AM they started giving out wrist bands that would give you your scheduled time to shop at the Ladies' collection. We found out we were in the 11:25-11:45AM slot. I wanted to cry and go home, but of course I couldn't, because that's a stupid idea. We were already there so might as well get the things we want right.

So we were inside the store by 8AM. We could shop at the men's section and everywhere else except the Versace x Ladies' section. The men's section was CHAOTIC. It was like a marketplace. Big guys running around grabbing whatever they could get. In fact, there was a very rude guy who actually snatched two shirts from my hands. I was too tired to complain, so I let it pass. But still.. :( Boohoo

While waiting around the store (with no seats), I passed by one of the normal racks (not the Versace x Ladies section, since it was closed to the public then), and saw the leather jacket I wanted. It was in my size. Talk about meant to be, right!

This is the one. It was a bit tight so I told Chi I'll hold on to it until I find my size when it's our turn already. Good idea not letting go of it. When it was our turn, ALL THE LEATHER PIECES were sold out. The people before us hoarded all the good pieces. If I didn't get this leather jacket I would've been so bummed, but I got what I wanted so yay.

Here are some of the other stuff I got for myself. And my sister, Ciara.

Didn't get the other purse, the colorful one, since I want something that's usable..

This is such a pretty bracelet.

I got this for my sister, Ciara.

I have one for myself and one for Ciara. :)

This was an experience of a lifetime, and I would never do something like it EVER AGAIN. I'm dead serious about that one. It was the worst experience I've had in New York. But I'm happy I got the stuff I wanted. I wouldn't do it again for material things. That's just stupid and shallow. So yes, I was stupid and shallow that weekend. And because I splurged my allowance (poor me), no more Black Friday shopping for me.. Except maybe a winter coat..

xoxo

Travel Post: EUROTRIP (Venice)

I've always wanted to go to Italy, that when we left Paris for Venice, I didn't feel sad at all. Sure, Paris was one of the most romantic cities in the world, but history and culture trumps romance for me. Err and food. I love love love Italian food.. I was most excited for Rome, so I'm pretty happy that we saved the best for last.

So we rode the Eurostar going to Venice via Milan, and let me tell you, it was a long ride. 7 hours going to Milan, then 3 hours to Venice. We switched trains thrice on the way to Venice, which was such a hassle for us since the 6 of us had 3 luggages each, which made it 18 pieces of luggage. We usually travel light, and we thought we traveled light. Enough for a month. Gaaah that was the rough part of the trip. We took a water taxi from the Santa Lucia station to the apartment, which was a good 10-minute walk to San Marco.

Chi outside the St. Mark's Cathedral

Venice is known for its canals connected by bridges

This was before we had the gondola ride. Right behind us is the Doge's Palace and beside that was the St. Mark's Basilica

One of my favorite photos of this trip. After 27 years of marriage, my parents are still so in love. I miss both of them terribly :(

This was edited, obviously.

My baby sister Ciara inside the Doge's Palace (Duke's Palace)

I want to write so many stuff about Venice, but all I remember is that the food was great, but more expensive than other Italian cities, everything was within walking distance, the places were just too picturesque (I had to pinch myself a couple of times), and I'd definitely want to go back.

That's all for now. I have so much to do. Papers, presentations, they just keep piling up. I'm overwhelmed but I love the challenge.

xoxo

Travel Post: Eurotrip (PARIS)

I have uploaded albums on FaceBook and photo sets on Tumblr that featured our most recent family adventure. It was way back in May, and it was one unforgettable experience. The last time we went out of the country with just us 6 (Ma Pa and siblings) was back in 2005. After that, we always travelled with extended family and friends. As much as I love traveling with a big group, I miss being with just my nuclear family.

It drove my dad crazy to be stuck in one place with his 5 girls, but I'm sure he loved every minute of it. My eldest sister already has a family of her own, and Celine has been living in New York for the past 2 years, so it was on most days just me, Ciara, and my parents. I enjoyed the whole 3 weeks we were away from reality. And in my dream destination, Europe. Ever since I was a kid I've always been fascinated with history. So I was more than ecstatic when we arrived in Paris. The Louvre was just a 15-minute walk from the apartment we rented for a week. The Bourse train station was just a 5-minute walk from our place. It was like I was living in a postcard. I had to pinch myself at one point because I felt like I was in a beautiful dream and I didn't want to wake up from it.

On our first day in Paris, my mom, sisters and I walked to the Louvre (never mind the jet lag) and then went to the Eiffel Tower. My dad stayed at home, since he and Celine just flew in from NYC that morning.

Ciara and I with the pyramid of Louvre at the background

The Mona Lisa behind me

Celine enjoying Paris

Ate and the Eiffel Tower

Of course a trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, attending mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral, and going to Montmartre... And a day trip to Chateau de Versailles!

Ciara and Papa at the Notre Dame

We were lucky enough to have attended the mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Paris. But a lot happened prior to that. There was a group of young gypsies who surrounded us while on the train. If it weren't for this good French guy who caught the gypsies trying to steal from us, our trip would have probably been ruined. He kicked this gypsy girl from the train and started yelling at her in French. It was horrible, but thank you kind sir. We just laughed about it, but we were definitely more alert about our stuff after that incident.

Versailles

My beautiful parents at the Bourse train station while waiting for our ride

The Eiffel at night

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile along Champs-Elysees

Shopping in Paris was heavenly. With the GST refund, my mom, sisters and I were going crazy. We did a lot of damage in Italy though, Paris was just for our b-bags, foie gras, and Laduree. :)

Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre

As much as I loved Paris, Rome has captured my heart. It is, for now, my favorite city in the world. New York is a close second. :) Will post about our Italian adventures next time. For now I have to finish my econ paper and my readings for next week's classes.

xoxo

BBM & Skype

I would never have survived my stay here in New York if it weren't for BBM and Skype. My day isn't complete without IMing my family and friends through BlackBerry Messenger. Oh and the wonderful Skype! To see your loved ones face to face and talk to them at the same time. What happiness!! How hard it must've been for people in long distance relationships back when these technologies weren't available then. Imagine, to tell your boyfriend who lives in the Philippines about how you are and stuff would take you at least 2 weeks (snail mail) or would cost you a lot (overseas phone calls). Thank God for internet and RIM :))

How cute is this little boy???

He was watching me while eating chocolates. Awww this was when my mom and I were talking through Skype last night and I asked for my nephew.

Life is tough without the company of your loved ones, but I am so blessed because I have my sister Celine with me. At least I'm not completely alone here. Registration for Spring semester is in two weeks, which means..... I'll be home in a month and a half.

School's been getting tougher, but I know I'll manage because of God. He's the best! Thank You Lord!

xoxo