RUGS, JARDIN MAJORELLE, THE BIG 3-5, IN SEARCH OF THE BIG 5

I always travel solo for business or for quick weekend trips somewhere near like Hong Kong, Bali and Singapore, but again, that doesn’t really count.

For my big 3-5, I have finally decided to get out of my comfort zone and celebrate my birthday 22 hours and two stopovers away from everyone else.

It may sound sad and lonely for most but I think it’s about time I treat myself to something great and really get away from all the craziness, that is – work and the city I live in.

The past few days, I have been going through my old issues of Monocle, Travel + Leisure and AFAR on Marrakech, Tangier and Cape Town, to get my excitement started and really get my groove on. Embarrassingly, I have already been stressing myself out on what to wear and what to take with me (hahaha slap me now!). 

I know it is still a year from now but I would really rather prepare in advance than cram a few months before my trip. To be honest, I have actually bookmarked a couple of sites to review this weekend for my itinerary.

Nothing touristy, I have always like to stay off the beaten path, exploring local neighborhoods that doesn’t scream, “hey, I’m a tourist, come take my money!” and spending a few days doing my own thing, sipping a mojito or a few glasses of shiraz, in a country where no one knows me.

I love traveling with friends and family and having experiences that we all will look back on and remember, but not this time. Not this trip. Definitely not jaded, as we grow older, I have learned to accept that liking solitude doesn't make us, strange. Solitude gives us the space to hear our own thoughts, which can feel like a rarity in our busy, appointment-laden lives. 

Excited to recharge and truly embrace myself. It’s about time I smile again and be really happy. Who knows, I might find it miles away from home.

This should be fun!

TUESDAY DAYDREAMING AND POSSIBLE QUARTER LIFE

Things have started to hit me since I turned a year older a few days ago. Quarter life? I’ve no clue!

My mother once told me to stop being too optimistic and be more realistic – of course I never listened. Even my sister think I daydream too much. I mean, what’s wrong?

Growing up, I think I have always been a dreamer - the “eyes open” kind as my father says. I used to dream of the places I could go, the things I could be, you do that when you’re young - I guess I still do … but they also know who I am. You find that out when you put yourself in the world, when you build something, manage a team, a class of 20 7 year olds, teach them that it takes courage and hopefully give them some. 

I made a career out of my passions and life out of my dreams and now I have something in my life that I have not had in a while – time. Time to dream new dreams, time to follow them.

Every man looks out of the horizon and sees something, something worth the journey. You don’t always know how to get there, or what there even looks like but you keep moving forward, keep finding, keep discovering.

My father used to say, “you can’t get lost if you don’t know where you are going…” I think I finally know what he means. But the truth I found is, the only time you’re ever truly lost is when you move backwards. If you take your eye off the horizon, and you stop dreaming and you stop moving forward towards your goal.

HITTING 30 AND KIEL JAMES PATRICK

One day is not enough for someone hitting the big 3-0.

Yes, squeezing everything in within twenty-four hours seriously, is not enough time to celebrate good times.


(What to choose? Photo by Muffy Aldrich)

I am definitely not throwing a party, no flaming cakes, balloons and paper hats this year but that doesn’t mean this year won’t be as memorable as last year.

Life is short, and I pretty much deserve a few simple things aside from my regular lemon drop martini.

Here’s my list – you guys know where to send them *wink* haha

(Huntsman Vineyard Wilde and Werewold in Dublin belts, both from Kiel James Patrick)


(JFK knot bracelet also from Kiel James Patrick)

WHAT ISN'T THERE REALLY TO LOVE ABOUT BIRTHDAYS?

I find it to be a true blessing to have the opportunity to have enjoyed yet another awesome year.


(I just thank God I don’t live in a trailer. -Jimmy Buffet)

I have always believed that there is a gift in everything. Recently, I took the opportunity to reflect on my short 29 years and I find myself in deep gratitude for all the surprises life has given me and continues to give me. Anywhere from blessing me with supportive parents, a successful career to being able to look at life from an optimistic view (which I tell you, irritates mom big time).


(This year was a year of mixed blessings.)

Yes, I did manage putting 29 pairs of red socks and a couple of gingham shirts in purple, red and blue up, turning a year older wasn’t difficult - It actually seems to be pretty ok.

Life is truly a blessing especially when you choose to consciously enjoy it.

This year, I’m spending it with good friends and family over paella , cojonudos, chorizo, tapas and sangria. Definitely not at El Bulli but just as good with the right company.

Grazie così tanto. Chinchin!

JUST BECAUSE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AND I CAN....

Wrap myself in fabric at the fabric shop, have an afternoon tea party with tables filled with cupcakes...




...repaint my apartment, pop balloons, shop for more loafers and dress shirts to fill my closet, shop online for more plaid shirts at Steven Alan, A tote from L.L Bean and thank everyone for the overwhelming birthday wishes.

What better way to start a new day than a video from the Windmill Club’s S/S ’10

The Windmill Club SS 2010 from Buffalo Picture House on Vimeo.

QUARTER LIFE, MI GORENG AND BLOWING CANDLES ON THE 4TH

When I was in grade school I would get so excited about my birthday and I would have these great ideas of what I would do for my birthday like a grand party at home with balloons, a piñata and games or what mum and dad would do for me but when they did not happen I would be disappointed and not eat for days. I was not spoiled with my parents and I believe I do not set my expectations as high as I did 18 years ago - I just try to enjoy the day and do a few things that make me happy.

I have enjoyed receiving wishes from my friends, colleagues (YES, the simple things) but I am seriously not excited about my birthday. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy with how things are going with myself and my life.

I still have not thought of anything to get myself on my birthday.I don’t need a new phone nor a new pocket camera. I have more than enough bags and I am starting to run out of storage for all. Probably all I need is to update my wardrobe with more basics and a new pair of brown brogues.




(All photos from Jak & Jil)
I will be turning 28 in two weeks and I know anything can change at any moment. What is wrong?

Thank god for Mi Goreng spicy chicken noodles.

26TH ON THE 4TH ( A BIRTHDAY)

August 4, 2008 ,Felix, Greenbelt 5

Had to let you guys know again how great it was to see everyone last night. Turning a year old isn't always fun but with you guys at dinner I was elated to turn a year older. I so appreciate your making the trip despite the weather. With people like you guys to spend time with, any age is great!