Just because...

I have had a lot of things on my mind lately so I figured I would post some random thoughts.

My future is creeping up on me. I mean, there is always going to be a tomorrow, but what about the tomorrow after tomorrow after tomorrow? Basically, what is going to happen after graduation? Where am I going with my life? Where am I going to live? What is my plan of attack? How am I going to get there? Wow, growing up is a lot work... a lot of fun... but a lot of work. My mind has always been hectic with these kinds of thoughts, but life post-graduation is coming up a lot sooner than it seems. This past semester has flown by and honestly, I'm kind of saddened by it. I have so sincerely enjoyed my classes and the people I have met and I really hope I can keep in touch with most of them. Thank goodness for MySpace and Facebook.

But that gets me thinking too. MySpace and Facebook: social utilities to keep in touch with people. But isn't this why we have phones? We even have email and pens and paper. Go figure! How many people would I be willing to keep in touch with and how many people would be willing to keep in touch with me? Who is valuable to my time and who isn't worth it? It's interesting. I have always been a "quality not quantity" kind of gal, so I dunno. It's just weird.

And what's probably more disgusting with the social networking these days is the lack of effort from "boys" (I say this because they are clearly not men). What ever happened to the traditional "guy pursues girl, guy puts in effort to get girl" ways? Not that I have really experienced that because quite frankly, I have had enough run-ins with PMDL's in my young hood (Promise Much, Deliver Little). But nowadays, "boys" rely on text messages instead of phone calls. They rely on MySpace or Facebook messages to keep in touch or just to shout out. I don't want a guy who can't seem to manage to dial my phone number from his contact list in his phone. I don't want a guy who professes his love to me through a poorly written message on MySpace with improper grammer. Aye aye aye.

Speaking of what I want in a guy, it just seems like there aren't too many fish in the sea lately. I've had a few distractions here and there, but nothing that really catches me. Clearly, I'm just in a different boat in foreign uncharted waters. I'm not looking for a relationship, but I'm interested in a free meal and drink every now and then. I'm interested in a door being held open for me. Whatever, at least I'm young. I'm in my prime and I plan on using and abusing this privilege.

Politics have been on my mind as well. I was going to write a few posts about Props 2 and 8, but decided against it considering I'm kind of outspoken in my beliefs on these two issues. Needless to say, I am ecstatic that Prop 2 passed, but absolutely disgusted with Prop 8. I have since joined many online groups and causes to repeal Prop 8. There was recently a march in Long Beach for gay rights and had I been in CA, you best believe I would have marched hand in hand with everyone. With politics on trial here, I am glad Obama was elected President. I sincerely believe that change is what this country needs and I am very hopeful that this country will begin to progress. I know the taxing is going to pretty much blow and I am sympathetic for those who will be effected by it, especially since this hits home for my family.

With politics in mind and after listening to MLK's "I have a dream" speech in my COM 225 class, I was inspired to get in touch with a past teacher, Mr. Luis Torres. He was my 8th grade Social Sciences teacher at Marco Forster. He taught equality, tolerance, acceptance, justice and all of the above to this class and most of what he said had little meaning to me back then, but it has certainly hit home now. I was able to find him through San Clemente High School's psychologist and we have been in email contact. I really just wanted to thank him for teaching such wonderful, valuable and important topics in class and that I truly appreciate him standing up for equality and justice. If it wasn't for being taught about these important issues, I wouldn't be as well-rounded as I am today. Because of Mr. Torres and a few other influential people in my life - like Mom and Dad - I am capable of being open-minded and have become a critical thinker. Because of them, I have a respectful, less ethnocentric view of people that I walk by on the streets. Mr. Torres and I - or Luis as he insists I call him - are hoping to get together in person when I'm in town someday. I'm extremely happy that he was kind enough to reach out to me as well. Very excited about it.

With all that being said, I strive to make a difference in this world and to stand up for my beliefs and views. I'm not talking about becoming president or anything, but I would like to become more active in my community. I would like to get more involved in volunteering and community service and would like to start giving back to those who are less fortunate than me. I want to push myself always and strive to be great. I want to be remembered for my kindness because in the end, it's kindness that matters. In the end, it's about the difference you have made in someone's life and I hope I can share what I have with other people and make the kind of influence in someone's life that Mr. Torres, for example, has made in mine.

Like I said, I have so many thoughts right now and I feel like my mind is working at an enormous pace.

With 2008 coming to an end soon, I am really anticipating 2009. 2008 didn't seem to start off so well. I celebrated the new year with a boyfriend and a few days later, that boyfriend was no more. A week after that, my Tata passed. It set a melancholy tone for the year, I think. Then this past summer rolled around and I went to Europe and experienced life-changing moments and came home to a cluster of scholastic drama. But all in all, everything happened for a reason. I am so happy that the relationship ended and that I've learned so much, and although I miss my Tata greatly, I know that he is probably looking down and smiling at me while enjoying his candies and sweets and Mexican bread. With his passing, I realized that life is short and we should cherish the time we have here. 2009 will hopefully start off with my amazing family, great friends and fond memories. It's going to be another year of growing, adapting, changing and I welcome it with open arms.

Another arbitrary thought of mine: work. I am just loving working at Agua. It's fantastic. And it has me thinking. What about working in the hospitality industry - career wise? Since I pretty much know that I won't be furthering my Psychology education in school - I think I'm pretty burnt out by now - I'm considering working with my minor, Communication; event planning. I thought about it a few years back when I was an actual COMM major, but now it's really dawning on me. What if I gained experience through the Mondrian and was able to work at other fantastic resorts or even stay within the Morgans Hotel Group? Ritz Carlton anyone? Montage? Starwood Preferred? It all sounds so lovely.

And I was also thinking, I might want to own my own business. What about a coffee shop that supports local musicians, writers and artists? Open mic nights, poetry readings, art displays all while enjoying some hot java... That sounds lovely also. Or what if I wanted to open my own spa? Lots of research is needed and definitely financial stability... it's all about working up to it. I have lots of ideas and hope to put them to good use someday.

And of course, travel. I just have to do more of it. That, obviously, requires financial stability as well. It's all in the making and it's hopefully going to be tangible in the future.

I think I'll sign off with that... just needed to get some thoughts out there without the use of pen and paper because I left my journal at my friend's place accidentally. Oh, and thank you to Aunt Mo and Uncle Mark for sending some pics to me. I have them posted below.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Veteran's holiday and has a wonderful rest of the week.

Until next time, carpe diem!



Sissy Poo and I.

RAWR! Look at these Hot Foxes!

I love my Mama Marisa.