Thursday Thoughts

Time just feels like it's flying nowadays. I can't believe it's already May 7th, and although spring just started, it feels like summer is just around the corner. This week has been quite a hectic one with a start of a new job, preparing for my brother's swim banquet, and getting ready for the MayPac fight this past weekend. 

• Filipino pride is SO strong. This past weekend, Manny Pacquiao fought Floyd Mayweather in what was looked to as one of the biggest fights in boxing history. Now my family wasn't huge on boxing, but when we heard that a little filipino man was making it big in boxing about 10 years ago, we followed his journey and watched all of his fights since. I'm also certain that most, if not all filipinos, did the same. When I went to Philippines, Manny's face was ALL OVER the place. On the actual fight, almost all shopping malls in the Philippines closed down early... c'mon we don't even do that here for the Super Bowl. Philippines is a third world country with not much actually going for us (besides our awesome mangos and coconuts!!), so when we see an athlete on the rise, a singer making their mark here in the U.S., or an actor/actress in the big screen, we support. We take pride that they are filipino, and in a sense, representing Philippines in some way. Regardless of the outcome from the fight, we'll always be a fan.
   
• What's worse... getting bit my mosquitoes or having allergies? I play volleyball outdoors and the pollen has been really bad lately. Luckily, I knew I'd get hit bad with my allergies so I've been consistent with taking my medicine, starting even before spring. At volleyball, you'll either hear my friends sneezing or me trying to fight off those annoying mosquitos. Ugh! Which do you think is worse?
   
• I've never really realized how time consuming editing a video is. All the videos I've made up until now have been for my own pleasure and for those close to me. This past weekend I videoed and photographed my brother's swim banquet. I guess I felt the pressure and it almost felt as if my schedule would be wake up, edit, eat, edit, work, edit... just to make sure everything is perfect. But when my biggest critic (my 11 y/o brother) compliments my work, it makes me really happy. 
   
• Filipino parties will NOT fit your macros. If you ever attend a filipino party, whether your filipino or not, you'll see more food than space and people. All the elders will make sure you eat, and if you don't have food in front of you, they'll probably grab you a plate and tell you to eat. It's actually really funny when I count how many times my parents or grandma tells our guests to "go eat." Don't be surprised if you also see a whole pig there. YUM! ;)
   
• Concerts make me so excited! Kyle and I have two concerts coming up this summer, one this weekend and one towards the end. I'm so stoked for the 104.5 concert this weekend! Some of the big artists that'll be playing are Awolnation, Death Cab for Cutie, Hozier, Passion Pit, Walk the Moon, and Of Monsters and Men. We also got tickets on sale for about 70$ so how awesome is that?! I've been listening to all of their music on repeat and I'm SO excited. What concerts do you guys have lined up for this summer?
   
• I believe that there should be more talk on how mental illness is REAL to help remove all the stereotypes that surround it. Mara Wilson was in three of my favorite movies of all time (Miracle on 34th St., Matilda, and Mrs. Doubtfire), and I especially love her here. 
   
• My friend is planning her trip to Europe and wrote up a helpful post if you're ever planning to do the same. 
   
• Let's remember to keep Nepal in our thoughts and prayers.
   
• Rock on, Miley!
   
• Mother's Day is this Sunday, so let's thank our mom's for being great at the hardest job out there. 

A Paris Baguette Favorite

I was first introduced to Paris Baguette last year by my roommate in college. I'm a sucker for that green tea taste, so when I had their Green Tea Blueberry cake for the first time, I fell in love. The cake itself is not too overpowering with the green tea flavor and the icing is just whipped lightly with the perfect amount of sweetness. I find that my problem with cakes or cupcakes is how sweet the frosting or filling is. If it's too sweet, I just end up taking a bite and putting it down. I'm so bummed that I only heard about them my senior year because it was five minutes away from campus, but now it's about two hours away so of course I had to stop by on my way home from Rutgers. Their cakes even include candles, two matches, and a clear, plastic cake slicer! I can't wait to try their other desserts and pastries because I also hear raving reviews about them. Here is a list of all the locations in the East Coast (including 4 in NJ and 11 in NY)!! If there is one near you, I would definitely recommend giving them a try. What are some of your favorites from Paris Baguette?

Special Friends Day

Yesterday, Kyle and I drove up to Rutgers to volunteer for an event that holds a very special place in my heart, Special Friends Day. It started 23 years ago and has always been student-run. I've helped prepare for this event in the past, and I've seen all the behind-the-scenes chaos - it's A LOT of hard work and dedication. I think it is so commendable and inspiring that a group of students are willing to take time out of their busy college schedule and plan and organize to get Special Friends Day up and running! During this event, over one hundred children with special needs are paired with two Rutgers volunteers who become their “buddies” for the entire day. One of the gyms is transformed into a fun-themed playground and the kids participate in various activities such as playing games and sports, dancing, watching movies, and socializing with each other. [Funny story] This year, our buddy, was 6'5 and loved staying active. He REALLY liked the bouncy, jumping gym and always wanted to go in with us. He kept asking Kyle to hold his hands as they were jumping around and told him to make sure he wouldn't fall down. It was so touching (and funny) to watch because Kyle is 120 pounds and our buddy was close to 300, so Kyle was trying with all his might to keep himself and our buddy upright, but that didn't happen... 

It's the simple "thank you" at the end of the day, or the smiles on the kids faces, or even the hug from them and their parents that keeps me coming back for this event. It provides a recreational experience for people who are not given this opportunity everyday and it’s a day dedicated not only to these children, but for their parents. No matter how tiring or stressful the day may seem, it’s extremely rewarding, because at the end of the day you know you have made a huge impact on their lives. I cannot wait for next year!