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Nadine. Studying Anthropology & Human Rights. Reflections about Life, Faith, Love, Style. Not very eloquent, this is my stream of consciousness. Oh yeah, I want to travel the world.
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Once Again

It's been a while.

I don't know if anyone actually reads my blog, but if you do.. hello again! To myself looking into the past, I hope you're doing well.  To the one person who stumbles across, welcome.

So it has indeed been a few months since I've blogged, but that is due to the technical difficulty of having a entirely cracked monitor on my MacBook Air ( 1st Gen ).  There was a series of unfortunate events, that make me seem like a whiney 1st world citizen.. but nonetheless unfortunate.  The "trilogy" ( My iPhone, iPad, and Macbook) were severely damaged.  Luckily my phone and pad were easily salvaged for it was more cosmetic (cracked screen) damage, but losing my computer caused me to completely neglect my blog.

Now! Thanks to my very generous dad, I am broadcasting from an updated system, and ready to embark on to the next thing that life has to face.

In a few weeks I will be headed off the U.K. with my former choir Starfire as a chaperone.  I am so excited, for this is my first year of many to be re-living the experiences in another way.  I will be updating their website, and utilizing many social media outlets to document the experience for everyone who wants to come along.  (I will definitely be elaborating on this more in the next post)

I am settled in to my new apartment, which has been quite the experience, for I am learning a lot of new things.  The summer has just offered me a lot of opportunities to be busy, and maximize my time with the kids I take care of.  As my last year of college approaches, I am thinking of options of what I am going to do after I receive that diploma, since they are endless.


I need to get to bed now.. I am glad I am back on this.

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

My Year on Campus + Apartment Hunting

 In a little more than a month, I will be moving out of my on-campus apartment after my first year at my university.  Let's just say my experience was good, but I am ready to move on.

I lived in a 3 single-bedroom suite with two other girls, and for the duration of the semester, we probably spoke to each other about 10 times at the most.  We could not be any more different! I find this weird, but we're not even friends on Facebook.  There was not a connection made, and I hate it.  After I transferred from a local community college, I was excited to establish relationships with the people I was going to live with.  Our relationship consisted of telling each other when we didn't do something right, or sending each other passive-aggressive texts when we were displeased about something.  I am so done, and so ready to move on.

Now, one of my best friends Erica and I have made the decision to move in together for the next academic year in a 2 bedroom apartment, just a few miles from my University.  What is so great, is that we have a great friendship, and we both live similar lifestyles.



             How we are the same:
             - We are both in serious, long-term relationships.
             - We are both students.
             - We are both working in similar fields.
             - We both love the Giants
How we differ:            
-I am pretty high maintenance, (super girly-girl) she isn't . 
too much of this in one place could be detrimental
- She  will be pursuing her credentials for teaching, while  I'm still doing undergrad  work.
-  My boyfriend is going to be living across the street, weird.



For our apartment hunting process, we began early.  Since she is still living in Central California, finishing up her undergraduate studies, we had to stretch this process out for more security.  We set a budget, browsed various website and set up a top 5 list.  

Originally, we planned on a 2 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment, since that always seems to be a cheaper option, and I don't really find it necessary to have my own bathroom.  (I have been able to share a bathroom with 2 other girls seamlessly.)  We also wanted to be near the highway for accessibility to school and work, as well as in between our church and school.  We definitely did NOT want to live in the downtown area, since it is just plain-old-sketchy, and as two women, we did not feel comfortable making that decision.  

Last week, we scoped out our top choices, and I really liked a few, but some were a little over our budget.  Then we were referred to an apartment complex that is relatively close to my boyfriends, AND it fit right in our budget.  Both Erica and I are very familiar with that area, and feel that it is safe, and accessible.  The perks of this apartment is that it is 2/2 and the rooms are on opposite sides of the apartment.  We both fell in love instantly, since we know we do want our personal space while we live together as well.  The kitchen/living area is what separates our rooms, and both rooms are the same size! ( I was worrying about who would get the larger room/closet space/etc) But with the even shared space, we can split right down the middle!

We are planning to give our deposit in the next few weeks, and discuss move-in times soon! I want to have a good amount of time in this apartment over the summer, just because of how close it is to where I work, and before we go on tour.  You have no idea how excited I am for this, because Erica and I are friends, and we are able to build on our friendship with this experience. 

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Friday, April 12, 2013

My Everyday Makeup Routine

A few years ago, I had my routine up on YouTube. Now, my products have changed, and they probably will again, but I finally found products that work so well with my skin!


Foundation: On special days, I use Revlon's "Nearly Naked" Foundation, which I think is meant to be a rip off of Urban Decay's Naked line, it has really light coverage, but I don't need that much since overall, I feel that my skin can support itself.

Everyday, I go for Loreal's Magic BB Cream.  I honestly don't know what BB creams are meant to do, but this product is just like a tinted moisturizer, and evens my skin tone. 

After I apply my concealer, I set my Foundation/BB Cream with the Matte Bare Essentials Powder foundation in medium beige.  My mom introduced me to this brand and I have stuck with it since. 

Concealer: I go back and forth between the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, but since I have some hyper-pigmentation problems from a few zits in the past months, I needed something with a little more coverage, so I switched over to the Loreal True Match Crayon Corrector. I love it, since it is exactly my skin tone. I usually get my dark spots, under my eyes, the sides of my nose and some imperfections and blend it in. 

Highlighter: I just got the Benefit High Beam highlighter, and it is beautiful! Gives that extra boost in my skin.  Before I shattered my Naked Flushed Palette ( Bronzer/ Blush/ Highlight Trio) I used the highlighter in the palette, it is great too, but too soft. 

Blush: I also go back and forth with the Urban Decay's Flushed Palette, and Benefit's Bella Bamba blush, it depends whether I am going for a lighter color or not. 

Contour: Flushed Palette!! :)

Mascara: I absolutely love Maybelline's Mascaras, especially the Colossal and Falsies.  First I apply 1 coat of the Waterproof Falsies, and then 1 coat of the Waterproof Colossal.  I have to have waterproof formulas, because I have eyelashes that just stick straight down, and can't hold a curl, and I feel that these formulas do wonders for me.

Liners:  I am usually always wearing some sort of cat-eye or eyelid liner, I just feel that it makes my eyes appear larger.  I used to use the Urban Decay liquid liner, but I felt the finish was too shiny.  Now, I use the Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liner, and it has more of a matte finish, as well as a thicker formula.  Only downside is that it transfers and takes a while to dry, (So I can't look up when it's drying..)

For Pencil liner, I usually gravitate to my UD 24/7 Pencil liners.  I feel that they don't smudge, and I have an array of colors.  I usually use the color demolition (dark brown) so it's not too dark.

Eyeshadows: I swear by all the Naked Palettes, they are quite the investments, but last so long ( I have yet to hit pan on any of them, and I use some sort of eyeshadow everyday!) Lately, I've been using the Basics Palette, since they are matte, and easy to wear. 


If you are just beginning trying to wear makeup daily, or have been trying and not succeeding in finding what suits you, just keep on experimenting.  Ask for samples if you can, so you don't waste a ton of money. 

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Spring Break (Photodump)

D
Spring break had come right in time, after a horrendous amount of work, and lots of hours working, I felt that I definitely needed that break.  I stayed on campus, but was able to do a lot of fun things.  Firstly, it was right when Dylan came back from Cambodia, so I could not get enough of us hanging out, so we saw each other everyday.  We kicked off the week by seeing Jersey Boys at the SHN Theater in San Francisco, and it was amazing!  We went with his family as a belated birthday present, but I was the only one who hadn't seen the show.  Let's just say, I've had Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons stuck in my head since.



Then Dylan, Erica and I went back up to the city to attend the Giants vs. A's exhibition game. (Oh Ah BASEBALL!) Unfortunately we lost, but it was such a fun time to be with my favorite people, and meet some uh new people.. 


My drunken friends.


My blue-eyed favorites.

Then finally, on the last day of my Spring Break, Dylan and I went to Monterey for a nice little "date day" which I personally love, and know that this needs to happen more often. We went to the wharf for lunch, and then to the aquarium.  As Dylan says, this is a great repeat date!











It was so wonderful. I'm happy that I am finally taking out my camera again, for it was a big investment, and I haven't used it since I quite YouTube.  This needs to happen more often!

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Fear of People.

I find myself always having an extra seat between myself and the next stranger.  I realized this is the norm for almost every scenario where there isn't an innumerable amount of people.  Why is that?  I feel as if society has been transforming from respecting personal space to complete fear of a stranger.

Think of being in an empty elevator, you are headed up to your floor and suddenly you are stopped right between the lobby and your floor, another person walks in, and generally both people take opposite sides of the elevator.  I rarely encounter a person who stands close, or starts up conversation.

Then I think about this past week, when I went to my first Jazz concert (future post), and I decided to sit closest to the wall, to avoid sitting next to a stranger.  WHY!!!! I am studying Anthropology, and that is the study of humans, why is it so difficult for me to break past the barriers of being next to someone new?

I am challenging myself to get rid of this fear, and social norms that have been engrained in me.  Of course I will practice this safely, but who knows?  Maybe I will meet someone who will change my life.

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

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

Friday, March 22, 2013

What I Wore Today: Cambodia Pants

Dylan and carol brought me quite a bit of goodies from their trip to Cambodia.  I will have a gift post later because they are such beautiful items, I have to share!

Top: Thrifted
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Purse: Urban Outfitters
Pants: Gift from Dylan -- Cambodia
Ring: Gift from Dylan -- etsy
Nail polish: Mint Candy Apple - Essie 
Shoes (not shown) : Urban Outfitters


This isn't a very complete outfit post, but I just love these pants! Dylan's print choice is just totally ME! They are extremely comfortable and perfect for this warm spring day.  I decided to add a pop of color through my purse since I had to carry quite a few things. Oh yes, I am in love with my ring. We supported an artist and its super unique and a great everyday ring!


Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Birthday!

Today, my ever so awesome partner and best friend turns 23.  Although I know he doesn't read my blog, maybe one day he will and he will stumble across this post!




Dear Dylan,
What an amazing year it has been for you, 22 treated you well.  You graduated college, moved home and transitioned from a long distance relationship to a short one.  I have never been so happy with where we are, and who we have become during our years together and can't wait to see what's in store.  You have found new friendships that I know will last a lifetime, and have began the journey of discovering who you want to be.  I know 23 will be great, and may we have more and more and more memories together as another year passes.

Love love love,
Nadine


He is on a flight right now from Siem Reap to Korea, (where they have a 10+ hour layover) and tomorrow afternoon we will be together again, right in time to kick-off my spring break! Hoooooray!

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Is This Love?

Two things,

I just bought tickets for Dylan and I to see him May 10 in Santa Cruz.  So excited. After 2 previous failed attempt.. it's happening!

While Dylan's been away in Cambodia for the past week and a half almost, I have been realizing how bonkers I am for him.  After almost 5 years, I still feel like I'm honeymooning.

:)

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Struggles.

It is 12:44 am.

I just came from my cousins joint birthday party, for both of them share a birthday in the same few days.  They are brothers, but oh how they are different.  I am currently struggling to communicate with the younger brother, for he is in high school and facing similar things that many others around this age usually deal with.

Do you remember the feeling? When you thought the whole world was against you, and that you were in this lonesome battle called life, all by yourself? I remember that feeling vividly, but it was a very selfish feeling because I didn't acknowledge the support of my friends and family.  Sometimes I still get down, but I always come back and realize how blessed of a life I have, and how many wonderful people support me.  What he doesn't realize, is that he has this too.  I don't know what it's like to be a sibling, for I am an only child.  Oh how I wish I could share that relationship with someone, that love for another person.. but these boys are the closest thing I have, and it kills me to witness this pain that this boy is going through.

It is hard to break through to someone, to let them know that they are loved, when they feel forgotten, or feel like they are the black sheep.  But I will be persistent, I will show the love and support that I have received in my life, and relay that to him.  Why is it so difficult to try to get to someone who doesn't want to be taught, who doesn't want any change?

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Pretty Rings that I Wish to Own One Day

Before there are any assumptions, I am not expecting anything out of this, but I just wanted to share the few etsy ring finds and styles that I have adored, enjoy!

Royal Ring from Etsy
So beautiful and I love the subtle detail around the mineral!

CZ Stacking Ring from Etsy 
I love the elegance and simplicity of this fake diamond ring.  I love the thin band the most! Since I inherited my aunts ring, I have been on a sparkle kick.

Midi Ring from Etsy
I have also been on a midi ring kick, and I love the thin band on this as well! I think my jewelry taste is definitely changing. But I know this is more of just a trend/phase


Bye for now
-nalovita.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

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.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

End of the semester wind down?

Tomorrow I will be caught up with all the work that I have missed while I went to the Philippines.  I seriously can't believe that I almost done with my first semester at University!  I have 3 more semesters to go, and it's just getting closer and closer.  I'm proud to say that I have a pretty consistent above average g.p.a now, and I have never felt so proud of myself!  I have been striving to excel, especially in my study of Anthropology, but honestly when I first started at University, I was very intimidated, and I did not know if I was cut out for this field, but naturally I think I am.  After a lot of change, from Graphic Design to Child Development, I am so happy with my final major choice.  I know many people move on to their careers with jobs that don't have anything to with their major, but I am happy that I am understanding how the human society works, and learning in depth on different cultures, and applying theory to my understanding.

This morning was my registration for the Spring semester, and I am so happy with the courses, as well as the time schedule.  I don't usually check on ratemyprofessor.com anymore, just because I feel that the people who go on there to write a review, do so to complain, or to highly praise.  In short, I don't feel that they are very accurate.  Besides, I can't really complain because there is a limited amount of upper division courses offered at my school.  The courses are very specified but it's alright.

Here are my courses for the Spring semester:
- Intro to Human Rights and Justice: Not an anthropology course, but I am so excited, because I want to study this on an academic level, and apply it to my life later on, wait.. NOW. Besides, I do have Micah 6:8 tattooed on my body.

- Culture and Adaptation: Really interested to see what this course has to offer, because I have been complaining all semester that I have not been able to study culture at all. AND this fulfills the final archaeology requirement that I need, while it also fills in for cultural.  A benefit is that I am currently taking a class with this professor, and he's alright, nothing bad about him.

- Urban Anthropology: I think this course is going to be great! Unsure if it will be focusing on U.S. Urban cities, but understanding the structure and culture of urban cities and compare it to other ways of life will be interesting.  Hopefully I can do some observation research, another excuse to go to San Francisco!!

- Modernity and Disease: Honestly, I am afraid for this class, I feel that it will make me a germaphobe, but it does fulfill my physical anthropology requirement, since I do have to take anthropology classes from all four disciplines.  I have gotten word about this professor from a peer, and she said she doesn't like her course structure, but hopefully I will disagree.

Pilates/Yoga: I need to take 2 units of P.E. and well, I want to get into shape and start living a healthy lifestyle.  I have gained 20+ pounds since starting college, and I'm just not feeling so great about myself physically, so hopefully this will begin a healthy life change.


But before I get to these classes, I need to finish this semester! I have a lot on my plate, but luckily, I have a lot of guidance from my professors, who have been so helpful in my difficult times and understanding.  I have a basis topic on my research paper for my Gender, Sexuality & Religion class, and I think I want research Women and Interfaith groups.  My boyfriend's parents have a library full of books with topics like this, so I should utilize it!  My research paper for Theories of Culture, I am comparing two ethnographies on the Cambodian culture.  One pre-dates the 1970's and the other is after.  It is more of a comparison, but I am going to talk about how the Khmer Rouge potentially affected Cambodian refugees and etc etc (I haven't started, lolz).  Right now, in Indians of California, we are discussing Indian Gaming (Casinos) and the pros and cons, and then we are going to summarize our whole class.

So as you can see, a lot on my plate, that doesn't include final exams or anything, but at least these topics are interesting and make me excited.  At the end of the semester, I am going to review each course I took, and state what I loved and disliked, as well as critique my professors.  I feel that the term "winding down" is completely opposite from what is happening in my courses right now, but I am so excited for the semester to be OVER! December 18 and I will have a glorious 1 month+ break.  I felt that I have learned a lot, but man am overloaded.

I guess that is all I have to say for now, that was quite lengthy, but I needed to reflect, if you read this, thanks! What have been your favorite courses in your college career? If you're not in college yet, what are you interested in studying? I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

p.s. I turn 21 in 1 week! :)

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Song of the Day: Not Alone - Sara Bareilles

Totally relevant. I'm going through a really difficult time, and being alone is the last thing I want, but this song seems to have my emotions through music.
Enjoy! I love Sara Bareilles :)



"And if I only worry bout it Worry bout worry bout it
I just keep breaking down, breaking down, breaking down."




*Ignore the random picture of the woman, don't know how that is relevant.. perhaps copyright issues..*

Haven't been posting much because of my personal turmoil, hopefully I can express it more, but time's are hard, and that's life. 

Bye for now,
-nalovita.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

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.