Once upon a time in the early 2k's :)

I found some old pictures from the early 2000's when I was young, naive and skinny! Haha

The shape of my body has changed, my thoughts have also matured but I'm still a dreamer like I used to be. 

Deep down inside, I don't think we really grow out of that youthful phase. I think we'll always reminisce those days. But let's not forget that a few years from now, today will be "the good ol' days!". So let's make more memories!

Enjoy the pics! :D

Past

The past is such an intangible thing, yet so real.

I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in seven years, she used to be my best friend. We talked about the past. We brought up many childish things we did without thinking. We talked as if we were still best friends.

But as I listened to her perception of “our” past, I realized how different we remember the past. She remembers a different me.  I look back and I wonder why she never took the time to really know me.

 I always saw the past as a time of glory, adventure and joy. I speak of the past with nostalgia, as if I really missed and wished to go back. But as I talked to my friend I realized that past is right where it should be…in the past.
The baggage we carry is worthless and useless.
I enjoyed the years of youth but not the teenage angst. I enjoyed my freedom and free spirit but not the carelessness.
I can change and reinvent myself, but it’s the choices that propel the present into the future. I made my choices then, I make choices now.
My present is much more cherished.
I’m glad I’ve grown into the person I am today.
It’s true that none of us exist independently from the social push and pull of our environment (past and present), but learning to move on is essential.
I keep fond memories of the past, and occasionally I'll reference back and even write about it, but yesterdays are gone, and I'm glad its over.

Friends and Friendships

The very first time I discovered I could have other friends beside my lovely sisters was in kindergarten. We were little in age and size, but we had big dreams and a big heart. 

 

What can I say, we were cute little kids! 

I remember hanging out with those girls at all times, regardless of time and place. They were smart, pretty and simply innocent. I remember playing with Barbie dolls and forgetting to go home after school, spending the afternoon with them.

It has been almost 20 years since I saw them, but I cannot forget the sweet memories and the mud houses we built together.

I'm in the back (left), my best friends are in the front (left and middle)

We, as human beings, were designed to create and build relationships. In fact, it is believed that 80 percent of the cortex (called the neocortex) was developed to help human beings understand each other with regards to intentions, feelings and thoughts. Much of our brain is devoted to relate to each other, which is why friendships are extremely fundamental to emotional and psychological well-being. Besides, friends are the only “family” we get to choose J

I love the diversity in culture, age, personalities and ideals in our friendship

And we know how to have fun! 

I have lived a live full of laughter, tears, pain, and many friends along the way to make me a bubbly and happy person. I have a lot of respect for those who took time to understand, know, and cherish me. I truly believe I am who I am because of those people.

Fermin, who was more than a friend and taught me more than I can explain.

In California

Cip, my far-away friend. We met in high school, and became good friends after high school

I wish I could still see this girl, she was sweet, cool, and never afraid of anything or anyone

I also have loved and lost some of my friends, but regardless of where we stand today, I am convinced that I will never forget the impact those friends had in my wondering live. I will never forget the way they helped me grow and the new outlook they provided to my live. I am truly thankful for such fortune, their kindness and wisdom will forever be embedded in my soul.

The days I learned from awesome people

This was by far one of the best days of my life, I will never forget that friend who made me feel so special. He will forever remain in my heart and mind. 

We were young and dumb, but this guy has known me since freshman year in highschool

In a way, this post is sort of a tribute to the people who care, love and accept me (and my sometimes irrational ideas) for who I am, despite the challenges in their own microsystems.

I have no words to express how grateful, appreciative I am for you, and how admiring you guys truly are. I have learned so many great things from you all, and I wish I could give back what I get from you; love, hope, believe, appreciation, respect and laughter.

MY CHINGU! The BFF ;)

And lastly…a few words for the ones that have showed me friendship since the day they met me! J

My little Sister Nena 

My wonderful mother and amazing older sister

How I love this woman, she's truly an example of a great woman

Do you know how amazing she is? :) 

She's elegant and beautiful, I learn from her all the time!

Chin-gu, you fit right in :)

The meaning of friendship takes form and becomes alive in my mother, father, and sisters. It is them that represent what love, forgiveness, friendship, and dreams should be. Friendship; It is my older sister who inspires me every single day to dream, live, learn, fight, and love. Friendship; It is my little sister who teaches me time and time again to love, forgive and excel.

They are my world, and mean the world to me!

I LOVE YOU!