5th Anniversary

Today marks my 5th year living in New York City.

It's been five years since I stepped foot on a blizzarding night in Newark Liberty Airport. I only had two big luggages with me. Now, I probably have a truckload of stuff. Has it really been that long since I came here? I was ignorant (but at that time, I didn't think so), carrying my Filipino-Catholic values from home. I didn't even understand what it entailed to live in this so-called concrete jungle. Now I embrace and experience it all the time. Cold weathers? Peace of cake. Crazy co-workers? Bring it on. $26 Black Label burgers? Let me try that!

New York, how did I last five years with you? You are the most arrogant, selfish and unpredictable place I've ever known. But, I will still love you anyway. Happy 5th Anniversary.

2009 Loves and Hates

I'd like to keep this short this time. Instead of wallowing over the year that has past, it's time to look forward to a new decade. Happy New Year everyone!

Loves
1. My hubby
2. My family
3. Traveling to... uhm, 10 countries?
4. Still having a job to pay for all those travels
5. Home-cooked meals
6. The occasional fancy dinner out
7. Our NYC apartment
8. Friends who "get" you
9. Shoes/Bags/Accessories
10. Getting my nails done (it's a luxury to me)
11. Mad Men
12. Facebook, Twitter and 4sq

Hates
1. Sloppy work
2. Clutter
3. Stupid TSA rules
4. Annual performance reviews
5. Crosstown buses (when they never come)
6. Winter slushy grossness
7. Fair-weathered friends
8. Insecurity
9. Negative vibes
10. Expensive anything ($400 for a white t-shirt? C'mon!)
11. Single ladies who think they are better than the happily married bunch
12. Stricter visa application requirements because I have a Philippine passport