Tag Archives: travel

My new job at Easter Seals Hawaii, a Chicago conference and a new life mission

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I’m proud to say that I’m a new member of the development team at Easter Seals Hawaii! I never thought I would get back into public relations and marketing until my good friend Umma recommended that I apply for an open position. Upon my first week on the job, I was told that I would be flying to Chicago for a marketing and public relations conference at the Easter Seals headquarters. It was amazing and eye-opening. I’ve met some really altruistic and insanely intelligent marketing and PR managers that dedicate their lives to the beneficiaries of Easter Seals.

In addition to meeting fellow public relations and marketing managers and learning about the impact of having a news background (which I am very proud of), I was given a personal tour of the headquarters office in Willis Tower. I instantly became inspired by the quote that is embedded into the wall of the lobby. “Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take…but by what we give,” said the founder of Easter Seals, Edgar Allen. This is something I’ll have to frame in my office to remind me of my mission in case any unnecessary stress arrives.

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After the conference, I did some exploring on my own. It was my first time in Chicago and I had never seen snow until this Wednesday. Crazy, huh? Aside from freezing my tail off, it was nice to see what people in Chicago ate, wore and behaved. Based on my observations over the past three days, I can tell you a few things: Chicagoans love sandwiches, pizza, dark clothes and they always joke around. Although I wasn’t a deep-dish fanatic, I did enjoy the regular pizza and cafes on every corner. People in Chicago love their coffee, heck, if it were 30 degrees out, I’d love coffee that much too. I ran into every coffee shop on every corner just to warm up. This island girl can’t take the cold weather! Can you see my teeth chattering in the first photo?

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This photo pretty much sums up my experience. I took a head cold and a new life mission as souvenirs and I’m full of ideas for my new job. Now preparing for takeoff…here we go!

Banzai Cliff + Pau Pau Beach

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Banzai Cliff, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.

While I was back in Saipan last week, I did some sightseeing for fun. The photo above is of Banzai Cliff, where defeated Japanese civilians and soldiers jumped to their deaths during World War II. It’s a beautiful view yet bears a sad reminder of the lives lost during the war.

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After Banzai Cliff, I ended up at Pau Pau Beach. Years ago, this was the beach our family spent the day, swimming, celebrating someone’s birthday, snorkeling, etc. My dad actually tried to take my then 2-year-old brother and I on an unsuccessful yet memorable “fishing” trip out here about ten years ago. Back then, the clean, bright, white sand extended out towards that rock out there. Now, it’s just a strip of sand. Erosion is just inevitable in the islands.

Mi abuelita

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Visiting my grandmother last week was emotional and heart-warming. I was so lucky to visit her and see my family back home in Saipan. She’s a bit stronger (physically) now and still full of jokes and laughs. She taught me a lot in the very few days I spent with her. She spoke about how she used to travel and attend various schools across Micronesia and in American Samoa. The U.S. used to provide the children of Saipan and Guam with scholarships and travel opportunities so she and her many siblings traveled all over the Pacific. We share some similarities. She believes in learning about other cultures and traveling abroad when the opportunities arise. She says that you should travel as much as you can when you are young and strong. I completely agree.

She’s a smart lil’ cookie.

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It was fun to catch up and joke around with her. She’s so tiny but she has the biggest heart. I miss you already abuelita! I’ll try my best to see you again this year. <3

Travel essentials

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I’m getting ready to leave for Saipan and Guam tomorrow. Here are my travel essentials: lots of black clothes, tons of necklaces, headbands (because it’s maipe – hot), my passport, a journal for ideas/poetry/inspiration and a little purse. Of course I’ll be taking my DSLR along for the trip. :) One of my goals is to learn at least five new phrases in Chamorro. My friends and I have this thing where we jokingly try to one-up each other on Chamorro phrases and vocabulary. I always lose, so I’ve really got to step my game this time. ¡Biba Marianas!

Going back soon…

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I’m flying out to Guam and then to Saipan on the 4th. I’m kind of excited about it because I need a change of scenery, people, life, etc. The thing is, my main reason for going back is to visit and spend time with my grandmother. She’s a strong Chamorro/German lady who’s having a few health problems and I’ve missed her terribly.

It’s going to be interesting to see what Saipan is like right now. It’s been almost a year since I’ve visited. From what I hear, the island is becoming scarce. Resources are not as fresh and abundant as they used to be. Traffic lights are out and some locals can’t afford to pay their electric bills.

Everyone tells me that it’s depressing to go back but I’m anxious to see what my old home looks like. I plan to rent a car and drive around. I want to see my old home in Kagman, my best friend Annabelle, who teaches elementary school, and visit my grandfather’s grave. The only thing I know I won’t enjoy would be attending mass. Haha! But I’ll do it for my grandma. You can always count on her to wake you up at six in the morning to pray.

#INSTALIFE Election Day, The Tea Farm & Thrifty Thursdays

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My friend Timka took me to The Tea Farm Café yesterday. It’s a cute little place right off of King Street in Moiliili. The owner, hidden behind the curtain on the left is being interviewed by a Japanese magazine writer for a feature article. The shelves in the back are full with little canisters of every flavor of tea that the café has to offer. The bookcase on the right acts as a trading library. I’m absolutely smitten with this cute, peaceful café. In addition to hot/iced teas, they also offer, salads, sandwiches and ice cream in the shape of little hearts.

I was eavesdropping in on the interview taking place on the left. From what I gather, the owner studied accounting at the University of Hawai’i and felt limited to certain jobs with his field of study. So he started a tea café…and through trial and error, he came up with scrumptious tea flavors and a business concept that would separate himself from the other local and commercial coffee shops.

On a separate note, I’ve decided to start a weekly #hashtag on Instagram. It’s called #ThriftyThursday! I got tired of #ThrowbackThursday so I decided to show off some of my thrifty finds. For #ThriftyThursday, I wore a thick gold chain I got off of eBay for $1.20, a top from Ross bought for $4.99 and my jeans from TJ Maxx ($8.90). If you didn’t catch it, I am very boastful of finding cute clothes and accessories for less than $10.

Moving backwards, here’s what I wore on Election Day! Red, white and blue. I’m a bit cheesy when it comes to important days/holidays. Hehe. I work a Mossimo dress from Target ($20), Rocket Dog boots ($45) from Famous Footwear & necklaces I’ve acquired of the last few years.

A 15-minute break from reality

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Whew! Isn’t this a relaxing site? Well, it’s probably not the most gorgeous view of Hawaii but it’s a nice change from the daily grind downtown. I’ve been working seven days a week for the past two months and although I wouldn’t trade my current jobs for the world, (unless it’s for Travel Channel), it’s nice to take a breather once in a while. It’s a bit humid and calm here in Hawaii Kai. This is the backside of Island Brew Coffeehouse, one of my favorite cafés on the island.

I’ve taken it upon myself to set some selfish goals before 2012 is over. Only now have I realized that it is the fourth day of November and I’ve been on autopilot for a while (working, cleaning my house, working, saving money, working…and oh, working). I make it a point to take some time to treat myself to some of life’s luxuries. So here are some snapshots of the little ways I try to keep sane and reward myself for working hard.

This is my mini-haul from Forever21. I spent a total of $36 dollars on two shirts, an Amour necklace and shoes. Luckily there was a 21% discount promo code. I’m constantly on the lookout for deals.

I finally got to catch up with my younger cousin Momo this past week. We went to Panya Bistro at Ala Moana. They’re known for their Laksa and salads. Even their salads fill you up with tiger shrimp and tofu. They also have the best ume martinis and Japanese cheesecake on the island.

Lastly, in my small circle of best friends, it is imperative that we celebrate each other’s birthdays with a bang. It was Healani and Janel’s birthdays during the past two weeks and I was excited to get out for a bit. Hanging with my girls is always therapeutic and fun. P.S. those are Jan’s sexy legs.

As for the rest of my selfish goals, I’m aiming to finish that design project that I’ve started, start promoting my t-shirt line (seriously) and getting that massage I’ve been needing all year. I’m still trying to figure out the rest.

 

Vogue Australia >>> trinkets + traveling

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Model: Nicole Triunfo /// Photographer: James Meakin

Yellows always catch my eye. I was browsing through Vogue Australia’s galleries and couldn’t help but include this in my weekly post. I’ve been on a desperate hunt for some color inspiration for my graphic projects. Mint green and coral are kind of…well..fading out for me. I like a good pop of color.

These photos by James Meakin inspire the bohemian traveler inside of me. I’m dying to go to India or Morocco, wherever there is culture and color. Hawaii gets a bit bland sometimes with beige and gray corporate buildings downtown.

I’d like to browse through trinket shops, crowded open markets, buy fresh veggies or herbs. I’d like to walk through those pointed Moroccan doors like the ones I see in National Geographic or sadly…on Pinterest. Why is traveling so expensive? Also, why must we all travel with someone? For once in my life, I’d like to travel alone. My grandfather braved Europe and Asia by himself because my grandmother was not the least bit interested in seeing the world. I’d like to try that soon, no rules, no one to worry about except myself. I just need a change of scenery like this one. Except I don’t see myself in four-inch wedges walking down a long street market in this heat. Although the maxi dress would be more tasteful and practical for this situation.

Here’s the last one I chose from the plethora of bohemian Vogue Australia shots by Meakin. I love the colors and how the lighting falls in the right places. The darkness also creates mystery. I seriously need to pick up my Nikon and start shooting once I’m done with my graphic projects.  Until then, I’ll be designing, neck deep in color and browsing tickets to the Middle East and Africa on Expedia.

Vogue Korea channels the spirit of Peru

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There’s nothing I love more than the integration of two extremely different cultures in the name of fashion! Peruvian fashion photographer Alexander Neumann channeled the colorful spirit of Peru for a Vogue Korea editorial. Titled La Señorita Bello, the editorial features model Han Hye Jin dressed in vibrant layers of eye-popping prints and fringy accents.

This shoot reminds me of how long I’ve been dying to travel to Cuzco, Arequipa and hike the infamous, breath-taking Machu Picchu. Yeah, I said hike.

More photos at The Urban Diaries.