All I ask and pray for is the health, safety, and well-being of my loved ones. Today was a reminder of how grateful and happy I am to be surrounded by people who are so good and kind to me. I am in constant awe of my friends, to see my baddies whom all met as kids and now have kids of their own, it truly is a blessing to witness and experience that.
I am grateful my mom is able to receive unemployment benefits. I am grateful to be in good health and to have energy to work, and receive funds to provide for myself and family. I am grateful my sister is back in $D but more so got a job in such a quick time. I am grateful for life and the countless blessings God keeps giving me throughout, and I'm happy. :-)
I was listening to one of my favorite albums from Auntie Mary before heading to Chicano Park, and I finally found it!
Life's been good so far and a year ago, I prayed and hoped for times like this. My patience was tested and it was worth it to get to the place I am at now. It doesn't only apply to myself but my sister, cousin and mom. My sister was up and down with her man, but after 9 years, they're finally better. My cousin was in dire need of a man but after a year of focusing on herself, she finally found someone and. After 18 years, my mom finally called it quits at her job, I have never seen her glow so much and not only feel but look relieved.
When I first visited the record store where I bought the albums last year, I had just began unemployment and searching for work. About a year later, I went to that same store but in a much better place. Patience really is key, more so trusting in God and allowing Him to do His work on His time and favor, eventually working in your favor.
My cousin is in her honeymoon phase with her new beau. My sister told me how happy and content she is in her life right now. I am grateful with where I am at right now, and always looking forward to the days. Erica reiterated how 2026 is 2016, which she can repeat over and over again because same, this past week showed how grateful I am to be where I am at right now.
Despite my schedule change at work, it's been good. This work week went by fast, was easy, and although I haven't been getting responses from other jobs, I'm glad that I have one. With gas prices going up and not making as much as a bag as I desire, money never crosses my mind when I'm dwelling in the moments that I am creating memories from. And although I haven't been able to snack on junk food and watch films due to Lent, I've been consistent with exercising and eating much healthier.
God's timing is always right. When you trust in Him, everything will eventually be in your favor as He intended it to be. Everything happens because of Him, and those in my life exist because of Him.
Like I said, I am grateful and will always have reasons to be so. God's timing is always right, and I know that the people in my life came (back) into it at the perfect time, being in my latter 20s, a very crucial part of my life, which they all played a significant role in my growth and becoming the person I am now.
I am blessed to have people in my life that love and accept me for who and what I am. There may be some who don't, but like Conejo Malo said, "The only thing more powerful that hate is love."
An unusual to way end my twenties, but a reminder of what I learned this past decade.
On my way to work, a bus prevented me from making a turn, so I had to reroute. A cop pulled over a vehicle on the lane to turn, so I reroute again and ended up late for work (which isn't anything new, but still). I was quite overwhelmed at work today and since working at my job, I had my first bad day. When I started my engine, I was curious as to why my tire pressure decreased significantly and it turned out I had a nail. My mom experienced pain carrying groceries after our trip at the Commissary.
I am grateful I made it to work safely, but most importantly made it home. It was a lot to handle at work, but I am grateful I have work, and am helping so many students. Although I am not grateful for my mom having pain, I am grateful she took the time to get food for my family, friends, and I for my Birthday Bowl.
An unusual way to end my twenties, but a reminder of what I learned this past decade: to be grateful. There is a lot I am blessed and fortunate to have in my life, and today, which just happened to be the last day being 29, was a reminder of that.
Today, this past weekend, and these past few weeks gives me more reasons that life is good, that I'm good, and most importantly, God is good. This was the perfect way to start the month, end the weekend, and start this new week.
Congratulations to my man, Benito! He did it and he did it for Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans, the Latino community, immigrants, and for those who are "different." Thank you, Bad Bunny. And congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, a phenomenal show and I especially loved the tribute to the R&B legends performed by legends themselves.
As Kendrick (and SZA!) got up on stage as well, as Bad Bunny reminded us to love, I am reminded of Lamar's words that sticks with me every day, "We are brought onto this earth to love," and that is what it is all about, love.
I love my city, I love my family, I love my friends, I love music, I love art, I love how art can bring so many kinds of people together, I love God, and I love love.
This past year and last year in my 20s taught me that it never gets easier, but you get used to it and with all of the constant change that occurs, you must never give up.
I was offered to interview for a position in Irvine, and in spite of hearing differing opinions, being fearful of driving out of San Diego, and having doubt, I went for it and was offered a position. I got rejected from a job, more like numerous jobs, then I applied for more. I wanted to quit my current job on the first day, then I didn’t go for a week, but went back and now I’m loving it. I wanted to give up, and I did, many times to be exact, but I sat back, composed myself, and I got my ass back up and tried again.
God answered my prayers and challenged me, tested me, and disciplined me, but it made me better, do better, and be in a better position. This past year and last year in my 20s taught me that it never gets easier, but you get used to it and with all of the constant change that occurs, you must never give up.
I am grateful to God for His undying love and support that strengthens me, and for those who He has brought into my life to give me further support and love that makes life worth living.
Although I may be employed and things are all good, it's just another open door full of the unexpected experiences and opportunities, but overall blessings that await me.
In each of my prayers, I always pray to God to energize me, motivate me, love me, guide me, and challenge and discipline me. Sometimes, I get so caught up and say so much in my prayers, I don't realize that I pray for is what I get. He really tested me this past year and it hasn't been easy. Not only did things turn out in my favor, but His plan and path He paved out for me aligns with my sight, and what I envisioned and hoped for.
This past week was quite eventful and one to be grateful for. I was offered two jobs and although I am struggling to decide which one to pick, I would rather struggle choosing a job than finding one. I spent my weekend and ended it being with my loved ones, and after getting used to not seeing them as often as I did, it was just what I needed.
Although I may be employed and things are all good, it's just another open door full of the unexpected experiences and opportunities, but overall blessings that await me.
Finally after 7 years, I saved the souls of Nova Chrysalia and brought them to the New World. In other words, I finally completed the Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy, ending it with Lightning Returns. There aren’t any games interesting enough for me to play and I thought I’d finish the ones I already own, but have yet to complete. I began to continue playing the final sequel of the trilogy, which I started in the summer of 2018, mainly to get my money’s worth and to kill time.
I was surprisingly more than halfway done with the game, as I believed I had more to do. I wasn’t sure if it was just a while since I last played, but the storyline was not making any sense to me. And with the writing that was both pretentious and hard to understand, I was lost. Reading an overview of the game, I was right and it turns out the game was poorly written and executed.
The first two titles are superior and I always felt this series had no reason of being a trilogy. Other than the storyline, none of the themes in each title correlate and have nothing to do with one another. Again, I felt the writing and direction made the titles seem deeper than what it thematically already is, and just turned out to be overambitious. Being spiritual now compared to when I first began, I appreciate the religious aspect thrown into the plot and being a central part of the themes, including salvation. But to go from false gods (XIII), time travel (XIII-2), and back to gods again, it was all over the place.
Although with the messy and perplexing writing and direction (and just wanting to get the game over with), the ending won me over. It got me emotional seeing all of the characters reunited. With the short yet impactful sequence of Lightning’s memories of her and the gang from the first game to the last, I was in awe knowing I was in this journey with them.
I feel a sense of relief and achievement knowing I finally completed this trilogy, which is known for being the worst amongst the Final Fantasy series. However, it is one that is dear to my heart, being a staple in my teenage years. Final Fantasy XIII and its sequels are flawed and imperfect, but filled with memorable characters, astounding visuals, and a soundtrack that is pleasant to the ears that makes it worthy of being a Final Fantasy game.
I was waiting for the right time to go to Encinitas with my sister, finally said fuck it, then just went with Kiwi. If I kept waiting for the right time, I wouldn’t have met Amber.
I was admiring the view of the beach that I first watched on TikTok. A lady sat next to me and started our conversation admiring Kiwi. One of the topics that stood out in our conversation was doing things that scare us. She lived a full life with no regrets, and is still doing the extreme, such as riding pillion with no hands. Telling her my situation and how I am a fan of film, Amber told me my life is my film, that I get to write and play it out how I want.
I quit my housekeeping job and since then, I’ve never felt more happy and free. I’ve been living off of EDD and it’s been quite helpful paying my bills. I’m taking my time applying for work, and using this time to go out as much as I can, especially to places I never been to before, including Encinitas. I’ve been in San Diego a majority of my life, yet never actually explored much of it.
I’m not quite there yet but that’s okay, I'm getting there slowly but surely. I will never stop expressing how grateful I am for God, my family and friends, and their presence while I get to that place I desire.
I only heard and read good things about this series, and Miss Lalisa gave me the initiative to finally begin watching. I did not know what to expect, other than a premise surrounding wealthy and entitled guests who stay at The White Lotus, and having a reality check when they check out. It was more than what meets the eye and ironically, rich or poor, wealthy people have their own problems as well. However, it is not only superficial but human, dilemmas everyone faces and makes our lives so complicated yet connected.
From internal problems such as self-esteem and aging Jaclyn faces, Timothy’s self-destruction from poor financial choices, and Rick’s rage and redemption, their issues soon affect those around them and they love, including the staff at the White Lotus. Sam Rockwell’s unexpected cameo as Frank and his monologue was batshit insane and utterly unhinged, yet profound in finding peace. Although he admitted to it being difficult and lets loose at one point, he never gave in. Let go, let be, and let God, in this case, let Buddha.
In every vacation or outing, most come back home different, for better or worse. Some remain the same but are at least self-aware of what they desire and who they are overall. Regardless, no matter the choices we make, such as betraying and hurting those we love, but choosing ourselves in the end, as Belinda chose her future, but more importantly her life over Pornchai. Or what or who we worship, and what we believe in, such as Laurie finding a reasoning for life through her childhood friends, Jaclyn and Kate, or Frank’s tranquility through Buddha, and contrastingly Rick’s peace of mind through vengeance, we are all human.
Although I felt the ending was safe by giving closure and a satisfying conclusion, what really wrapped it up for me was the themes delivered from the characters, whom overall make the show what it is. Each character from the ensemble, from main to supporting, made an impact and was memorable. The acting was phenomenal especially with the delivery such as Parker Posey’s portrayal as Victoria. The guests all had their flaws and matters, adding tensity to their situations. The slow burn added more tension, and the editing and sound gave such adrenaline that I was feining for the next episode as it all came to an end.
Leading up the finale, I knew what was going to happen based on the first episode, but it unraveled unanticipatedly that I do not know what to expect when I watch the previous seasons.
Although nothing is guaranteed, as long as you have support, you feel anything is possible.
I was going through my likes and came across this post from years ago. One of the most beautiful things in life is being in the moment, including lazing on the couch with your sister and dog rewatching Maid and The White Lotus; being with friends celebrating a birthday, a wedding, or running errands together. And taking a stroll at the park or beach, places you usually go to but never take time to actually see beauty in.
I'm not going to lie, it has been difficult finding work and having bills, but when I'm with my family and friends, and have all of their support, I'm completely better and at ease. Although nothing is guaranteed, as long as you have support, you feel anything is possible.
Kendrick Lamar, Uncle Samuel, and Miss Serena did the THING, SZA released "PSA", I got drunk for the first time since Halloween, and God keeps blessing me with the endless love I receive from my family and friends.
