Day 350: Grand Prix Air Show

Here are my two favorite photos from the Grand Prix air show right outside of my window. The jet was so loud my apartment shook a little!!

Day 345: Micro Breweries

I was asked to photograph Hawthorn at the FedSquare Micro Breweries show case again! I was looking forward to photographing these guys and sneak in a few sips, too.

The BEST part of the whole night was that MY photos from the last showcase were on the BIG screen!! My photos looked good up there, hehehe.

Day 332: My Big Nik & T-33 Days

Can you believe that the 365 project is almost over?? 33 days to go! I need to finish strong. I have my tools now I need to give my imagination and creativity a boost!

Ever since I launched DIOSA Nails & Polish I've been working late evenings and weekends and I've been shamefully neglecting Longology. I guess the good news is that I'm enjoying it so it doesn't seem like work. 

Day 323: Hometown Boost

I stopped by the candy shop a few weeks ago and I picked up a few of these lollipops because (1) I love them and (2) they remind me of home. 

I remember going to the corner store in the Bronx with my sister and getting these for 5 cents! I have a specific way of eating these. It's just one of the many quirky things I do. Unfortunately, this is my last one. I'm off the sweets but I had to indulge for a little bit. 

Day 320: I love Dancehall

Last weekend I saw a billboard for a dancehall event and dance competition. I was so excited when I saw this because I absolutely love dancehall so there was NO way I was going to miss this event. The only problem is that I didn't have anyone to go with so this meant that I was going to be hanging out in a club all alone -- awkward. I didn't care. I went anyway but luckily a friend ended up meeting me.

Anyway -- this event played nothing but dancehall all night (loved it!!). I was longing for Adonis to be there with me so that I could wine on him all night! The competition part was the highlight of the night. I was a bit disappointed at the first round because they played "Dutty Wine" for them and not one of those dancers did the dutty wine! I would have called them out on that (and yes, I dutty wined on the sidelines lol). Overall the competition was OK. I'm glad they weeded out the non-dancehall dancers quickly. In the end I think the right person one.

There's another event on March 10th. I shall be in attendance too!

Day 319: Flower Power & Power Nap

Not used to seeing flowers so gloomy, right?

Ok so my photo above has nothing to do with today.

I usually take power naps when I come home from work: 15 mins on weekdays and 1 hour on Fridays. Well this time I slept until 10PM! This completely messed me up for tonight. What a waste.... but I'm not going to lie. It felt good!

Day 314: Lazy Sunday

eh.
 
    cuz sometimes you just feel... eh.

Day 304: Our friends are the best

Today is my second day of moping around.  Our friends are the best because they keep checking up on me and asking how I'm doing now that my love is gone. They extra love and concern is soooo nice! Honestly, I'm OK since it's only been a day but I know it'll feel worst in about 3 weeks. I know I can definitely count on our Aussie friends to keep me busy and distracted!

So far I have a shopping trip, dinner, and lunch planned for this weekend and early next week.

Some people may not understand why people are being so dramatic asking me if I'm OK. Well, let me explain. My man is the one that takes care of me mentally, emotionally, and physically. On stressful work days he rubs my hands and feet with sugar rub or prepares my lunch just so that my day is a little easier.  I don't have to feel guilty about watching episodes of my favorite shows for hours and hours in a day because he's right there cuddled up with me. He's the one that I say my dinner prayers with thanking the higher ups for taking care of us and our families. My husband is the one that makes sure I go to bed with a smile on my face and the one that ensures I wake up smiling too. Yes, of course I can do all these things on my own, but it's 200% better when he's there with me. So yes... I do feel it when my P.I.C. isn't with me.

Day 303: He Left

Adonis' large coffee mug

Adonis left today.  He went home for good and I won't be seeing him until the end of April. Yup, that's 3 months from now. I'll admit that I held back my tears as I kissed him goodbye this morning. As soon as I got back upstairs, the apartment just felt empty. 

I'm giving myself one week to sulk. 

Day 289: Self-Motivation (9)

I took the time to print and post some of my Melbourne photos on the wall near our bedroom. I have to admit that I love the way they look. It feels so good to be able to physically hold/touch my photo than it is to see them on my laptop. Next step: frame them!

Day 287: Long Solo Walk

I went on a long walk today to run an errand. The store was on our side of the city which is noticeable quieter than the other side of the Yarra. This afternoon wasn't different. I enjoyed my tunes during the walk, loved the feeling of the warm air on my face, and the feel of the hot sun on my skin.

I know I'm married and I know I'm no longer "one". But, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy my alone time. Sometimes we need it.

Day 286: Cook Off #3

Ceviche Tartlets by Adonis 

Simosas by Yasmin

"Deez Balls" by me!

Kebabs by Omar

Curry Lasagne by Sangita

Yogurt Sauce Beef Dumplings by Adam

Baked Ziti by Adonis

Creme Burlee by Jen

Caribbean Banana/Lime/Coconut Pie

Losers have to wash the dishes!

OH yes... another delicious cook-off! Nine of us prepared our mains, entrees, and desserts. Our new friend Jen won the cook off with her amazing Creme Brulee, Judith came in second with her Caribbean  Pie, and I came in third place with "Deez Balls"!! My dish won best of food. I'm so excited that people love my balls lol!

Day 285: Taking it all in

I had some alone time in the apartment today. The sun was softly lighting the apartment so I had to take advantage of the light. I took the time out to be thankful for all that we have. When things get busy or routine, just take a step back to take it all in. I said a quick "Thank You" prayer and continued my day.

Side Note: We had a very productive night/morning. We stayed up until 6am designing logos and labels for our businesses. We are one step closer!

Day 280: Veggies ONLY

After that ridiculous amount of meat we ate last night, we needed a break.  Adonis made a flavorful veggies-only dinner: Corn, steamed broccoli w/ cheese sauce, cucumber and tomato vinaigrette, and roasted eggplant.

Day 231: Peonies, I loves!

I love Peonies!! When we picked them up from the florist, they were tight flower balls.  Then, in the same night they started to bloom! How cool! I love to see flowers "come alive" right before my eyes. The next morning (and the following days) they bloomed into these huge flowers.  I highly recommend these beauties. They are still holding strong too. Don't be surprised if you see them again next week.

Interesting Note:
The peony is named after Paeon (also spelled Paean), a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil; Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower

Day 230: Hi. I'm 29 today.

I'm a day late posting this. I was too busy enjoying my birthday to blog.

"28" was a great year for me. I am thankful for another year full of love, support, and small successes. I don't take anything for granted and I give thanks every day.  So, what should I do in my last year of 20-something? Who knows?! Stay tuned for what this new year brings for me.

Day 220: We Are... STILL Penn State

Probably the last time I wear this shirt.... 

Roar Lions Roar!

Being a two-time graduate of Penn State University makes me so proud. Unfortunately, the most recent incidents involving top school officials and figures have put Penn State in the negative spotlight. It's disgusting what these men did (and did not do) for years. I hope the legal system works like it should in this situation. It's unfortunate that our legendary head football coach, Joe Paterno, had to end his career in this way. But, it's like they say... "with great power, come great responsibility". Sometimes doing nothing or saying nothing is just as bad.

My prayers and thoughts go out to the victims and their families. I only hope that this is a reminder for all of us to speak up, especially when children are involved. This horrific crime occurs all over this world. Let's protect our children. Speak up!

Does this make Penn State a bad university... no.

Does this make me less proud to bleed blue and white .... nope.

I feel compelled to talk about my Penn State pride because everyone is making this about Penn State as a whole, instead of focusing on the offenders. This isn't the first and last scandal this university will face. However, I hope that we learn from it and NEVER repeat a disgusting cover-up like this again.

In this dark time, I'd like to remind my fellow Nittany Lions and educate those who don't know some of Penn State's greatness:

• Founders of Ben & Jerry's learned how to make ice cream through a Penn State correspondence course
• Penn State employee/researcher Erwin Wilhelm was the first person to "see" an atom and it happened at Penn State University
• The first African-American man in space, Guion Bluford Jr, is a Penn State Alumni
• Penn State chemists/staff were the ones behind the foundation for what is now birth control.
• Presidents, CEOs (current and former), and founders of these companies are Penn Staters:

• Verizon Wireless
• Nike
• Fischer Price
• The Disney Channel
• Dell
• Weebly
• Sears
• Etc. Etc. Etc.
• Countless athletes, politicians, and TV personalities are amongst Penn State Alumni
• Home of the largest student-run philanthropy in the country raising MILLIONS for kids fighting cancer

I could go on and on. I will not let this scandal overshadow Penn State's contributions to me, the state, the country ... and yes, even the world.

This rant is not meant to take the focus away from the victims, but instead to show that this single incident does not define or represent the university and it's history.

We are ... STILL Penn State.

Day 219: Laundry Day(s)

It's not always fun and games in Casa De Long. We do grown-up stuff too, like laundry lol.
It's tough to do laundry for two in this small apartment. If we have lots of laundry then it might even be a two day effort due to the lack of drying space/racks for the "non-dryer" clothes.

One load at a time.

Day 217: Bye Bye Roses

I think last week's flowers got jealous of my new anniversary flowers, they are half dead. At least they are still pretty!