When I was a little girl, my mom couldn’t keep me out of her makeup drawer.  I loved going to weddings because that was the only time she would let me wear a little bit of blush and a light shade of lipstick.  As I grew older and up until highschool, the only makeup I was allowed to wear was lipgloss or worse, fruit flavored chapstick.  It was ingrained in my head that makeup was bad for your skin, and makeup was only for older women, but it didn’t stop me from experimenting with my mom’s own makeup collection.  First year of highschool, every girl I knew was wearing makeup so I had to follow the trend.  I quickly gave that up because I realized that finding the shade that matches my skintone was too much of a task.  Not only that but I got overwhelmed with all the choices of the different types of foundation – liquid, pressed powder, loose powder…it was all too much. 

Not until I developed acne in my early 20s when I started to take makeup more seriously.  Makeup can do wonders for our skin and since I work in the beauty industry, healthy skin is a must.  I didn’t wear makeup to work everyday because I’d always rush to get to work on time.  But when I did, I kept it light and I tend to stick to neutral colors.  My makeup bag consisted of a lash curler, eyeliner, mascara, lipgloss, blush, eyeshadow and foundation.  It wasn’t much but it’s all I needed, or so I thought.  I had no intention to expand my makeup collection until I lost my makeup bag three weeks ago.  I thought I’d go to Sephora for a few essential things but I ended up buying the whole store!  I never thought I’d say this but I’m officially a Sephora junkie.  I’m also addicted to MAC makeup.  I never knew there were so many uses for pigments!!  I’m learning a whole new world of makeup thanks to YouTube tutorial videos haha!  They inspire me to try different colors.  I absolutely love it and the best thing is I get a 30% discount from MAC for being a professional in the beauty industry, how great is that?!  Now I actually get up earlier than usual to put my face on.  My husband even asked why I’m suddenly so interested in makeup.  Well…he did tell me to find a hobby!

I’ve been wanting to lose weight for a while now but never really stuck to my diet plan.  In part because of my hectic work schedule but mostly due to my lack of motivation.  My current weight is 106 lbs (overweight by my 4’11 standard).  My goal is to lose 10 or 15 lbs by November.  My plan is to cut out soda, drink more water, eat more fruits and veggies and do at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 or 4 times a week.  My reward is a 1-week vacation in the beautiful island of Hawaii!  Well, I’ll still reap the reward since I already paid for the vacation but it’ll definitely give me a boost of confidence knowing I look great in a bikini . 

One of the qualities possessed by human beings I most respect is integrity.  The glue that holds all relationships together is trust, and trust is based on integrity.  When a person continually makes empty promises, he is no longer trustworthy.  So I ask, what becomes of the relationship if there’s no trust?

I found these pictures while rummaging around some old files on the computer at work.  Oh how big Ariana has grown!  I certainly can’t hold her like that anymore.

It’s been a while since I’ve expressed myself through any form of writing so I thought I’d try again.  Last few years have been pretty hectic.  This past week, I was able to put it all behind and enjoy a little R&R in Kansas.  I love roadtrips and I love to drive.  It’s really great to spend some time alone, listening to music and thinking about anything and everything without a care in the world.  It’s a luxury I seldom give to myself.  Pictures speak a thousand words, so I give you :

My Vacation – Wichita & Oklahoma

Kansas is not a typical vacation destination but I truly had fun during my 5-day stay.  I was able to clear my head and enjoy the light-hearted conversations with loved ones, sleeping in, and totally pigging out on Vietnamese food.  I loved every part of my short visit to Kansas and wish it didn’t have to end.

Cedar Point was a lot of fun.  We left Indy at roughly around 6:30 AM and made it there at 10:45 AM.  I think we would’ve gotten there a lot sooner had we chosen a better route.  We had to drive through some small towns in Ohio at 45 mph so it slowed us down a bit.  When we got to the hotel, they told us our room wasn’t ready for another 25 minutes so we killed time by going to Taco Bell and Wal Mart. 

Our hotel was…interesting.  When I went online to look at hotels, I wanted to get the cheapest one I could find.  I thought we would be at the park all day so I didn’t want to pay for all the extra amenities.  Ha!  I sure got what I paid for.  The smoke alarm in our hotel room went off every time someone stepped out of the bathroom, the sheets and blankets looked like they’d seen better days, the soap smelled like crap.  Luckily I brought my own shampoo.  It was bad. 

We went to Soak City first.  It was so much fun!  Ariana had as much fun as we did if not more.  The water park isn’t as big as I’d imagined it would be, but there was plenty for us to do.  We were at C.P. all day on Monday.  My brother and I didn’t get through all the rides we wanted to go on, but we still had a lot of fun.  The most awesome ride was the Dragster.  I loved it.  I’d say it was my favorite.  We took Ariana to Peanuts Playground and Kiddy Kingdom and she had a blast.  I would definitely come back when Ari’s a little older.  It was well worth the 4.5 hrs drive.

Our 2nd wedding anniversary came and went.  We wanted to save up for a family vacation so we didn’t give each other anything this year.  On our anniversary, we went out to a nice (I wish I could say quiet) dinner without Ariana.  We rarely dine out without Ari so it was really nice. 

Ryan, my brother, Ari and I are leaving for Cedar Point early Sunday morning until Tuesday.  I’ve never been to C.P. so I’m kinda excited.  I roller coasters!  I think we’re going to Soak City too.  Ariana would love it.  She loves playing in water. 

For 4th of July, we went to my parents’ house and had a lot of fun playing with fireworks.  Even Ariana got to light some with my dad’s help, of course.  My dad would let her hold the lighter (the one used to light fireplace b/c it has a longer handle) and he’d hold her hand while lighting the firecracker.  She knows after you light it, you’re supposed to run so that’s what she did.  She didn’t want to stop!  It was so fun watching her.  I love my baby girl!