What I Wore Today: Sunday Best!

School. Moving. Finals. AH. I'll be back soon.

For now, here's my outfit for today, I'm gonna tell you secret, I wore the same dress last night at a jazz show in SF! I can't get out of it :)

Hat: Ross

Dress: Stylemint

Shoes: Therapy ( Seychelles - Cayenne )

Bag: TJ Maxx (London Fog)

Watch: Urban Outfitters

Bracelet: Bead for LIfe

I look at this, and see the weight I've put on since I halted from eating anything healthy at all, and just consuming whatever's convenient. That will change soon. Need to be aware of what's happening to my body.  I will lose some weight!

Bye for now,

-nalovita.

Bi-Cultural

Cultural Relativism is the principle of regarding the beliefs, values, and practices of a culture from the viewpoint of that culture itself. - Chegg

I am so blessed to grow up in two cultures that are worlds apart.  Filipino-American.

So, this is me, Nadine.  We have been studying what cultural relativism is in school, but it just hit me in the recent weeks that my view of the world, isn't the same as the person to the left or the right of me.  Our experiences, our upbringing and our cultural background have made a large impact on our lens of the world.

What came to mind, was while I was looking at photos of the 8 abolitionists trip to Cambodia, I was reflecting on the familiar images, and smells and feelings that came to me when I went 2 years ago.  I was also thinking about the Philippines and how it's not that different  from this world.  Then I realized, almost everyone who is following their endeavors have not seen this world, and do not know what it is truly like.. the only way they have gained insight was through their computer screens, books, and scarce media.

Now don't get me wrong, this isn't a negative thing on anyones part, just an observation.  I just find it extremely interesting, and so grateful of my perspective.  My church community is pretty homogeneous, although that is gradually shifting as time moves on, I think it is more because of the location and economic status of most of the people in the area.  (Let's be honest, most cultural groups like to stay within their own cultural groups!) When I first became active, a lot of my new friends did not understand why I acted certain ways, or why I thought specific thoughts, or even some of the language I used.  Now, I understand completely!

A few weeks ago, a kid wanted to sit down when there were no more seats on the comfy couches, and had to resort to the floor.  After a 9 am to 7 pm day, I was extremely exhausted and wanted to sit on the couch as well.. Of course, I got there first, and this kid was whining and thinking of ways for me to give up my seat.  He stated, "Well I'm American." as the last comment.  At first, I was infuriated, offended and at a loss for words.  Of course I didn't let him have the seat.  There is still something incredibly wrong with his statement, and I am saddened that he found that as a way of superiority, but one thing I guess he doesn't know is that I am too.  Sure I don't fit the general public's view of what an American is, but that is changing.  I am not just an American, I am a Filipino-American, but American nonetheless.

Bye for now,
-nalovita

Finals is consuming me.

So, while I take care of my academics, enjoy some pictures from my 21st birthday..

I had a great time, I will recap on it later.. as well as catch up on posting!!! See ya December 18th!

Bye for now,

-nalovita.

Thankful.

So today is Thanksgiving.  I have stepped aside from the family soiree, since it has been a full day event, and just wanted to reflect by myself on this weekends events.  Last night, my boyfriend, his brother and I went to one of my favorite services of the year, which is the Thanksgiving Eve service at our church.  This service is great because the youth choir leads the service, and at the end alum from the group come up to the front and sing an old favorite, Simple Things.  It's a really amazing experience, because it just grows and grows each year, and this year I was standing with now alum, that were freshmen when I was a senior in the group.  Time flies.

What was really amazing about this specific service this year, was that the church commemorated 30 years of ministry to two of my biggest mentors.  It is amazing that they have ministered this long, and have made such a huge impact on many peoples lives.  I feel so honored that I have been a part of the group, and that they still care for me, guide me, and they open up their home to me, because they are my boyfriends parents as well! I am praying that they continue to touch lives, even though I know they will!

It was great to be with so many loved ones last night as well, I had a great time, until a killer migrane just attacked me, and then my boyfriend and I had to go.. I was sad that I wasn't able to catch up with some people, and as much as I say I hate small talk, it really sucked that I wasn't able to partake in any at all!! But here are a few pictures that I loved from last night :)

Today, the whole family from my dad's side came over, and we celebrated in our recreation hall at our townhouse complex.  It's still going on right now, but it's always great to be with family.  I have stuffed my face all day, and now my waistband won't fit. :)

Here are some photos: (We didn't eat turkey, we ate lechon)

I am so thankful and so blessed, that I have these amazing people as family.  They are fun, and supportive, and it's just so great! And as always, an outfit posting, but I will warn you, I felt pretty frumpy.

Top: Cotton on

Skirt: Naya from the Philippines

Cardigan: Papaya

Sandals: Crossroads

I hope you all had a great thanksgiving, now it's time to ring in the holiday season!!

Bye for now,

-nalovita.

A little photoshoot today.

My boyfriend and I had a little photoshoot today.  We had to take headshots for an upcoming concert we will be a part of in late november.  I just love this photo! Except for the fact that I have let myself go a little bit.. It is time to start eating healthier and being more active.

Just some random thoughts at 1:30 a.m. I'm still jet-lagged..

Bye for now!
nalovita.