Wicked In D.C.

Image Source Here.

The musical Wicked is coming to D.C.! I have been waiting for the tickets to go on sale. Last week, Kennedy Center's website was slowed down due to the volume of people purchasing tickets and trying to get good seats. It took me four tries before I got into the website and about two times I lost the seats I wanted. Finally on Tuesday afternoon, I got two front row, tier 2 tickets for a July showing. I know it's three months away, but now I can relax knowing that I have seats reserved.

Here's an info about Wicked, taken from The Kennedy Center website:

Wicked

Music and lyrics by Stephen SchwartzBook by Winnie HolzmanDirected by Joe Mantello

Back by "Popular" demand. Entertainment Weekly calls Wicked " the best musical of the decade," and when it last played Washington, D.C. in 2005, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked is Broadway's biggest blockbuster, a cultural phenomenon, and was named "the defining musical of the decade" by the New York Times.

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One--born with emerald green skin--is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time" (USA Today).

St. Patty's Day!

Recent weekend, I took these photos at the Washingtonian Center as the mall celebrated St. Patty's Day a few days early. I think that's because St. Patty's Day falls on a work day.

Kepi and I sat at a nearby bench and enjoyed listening to the Irish music of the Kelly Family. Their music is really good and they play extremely well. I was really impressed with that girl playing the Banjo.

I thought these clowns were the cutest. They were busy greeting and making everyone smile.

Most of my coworkers are wearing green today. I feel odd because I'm the only one dressed in brown and khaki. People kept asking why I wasn't wearing green; it's a shame I forgot (honest). I have so many things in my mind especially that I just had another adventure at the Hematology department. But here's a very green, St. Patty's Day post in the hopes of redeeming myself from forgetting St. Patrick's Day.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy St. Patty's Day!

LP: Kulay Rosas (Pink)

Ito ang kulay rosas na Dogwood. Napakarami ang bulaklak na ito tuwing tagsibol.

This is the pink Dogwood. They bloom everywhere especially during spring.

I Love Hanauma!

As our car drove through Sandy Beach, I knew we were close to Hanauma Bay. I've been to Hanauma Bay several times before but when you only come home to the islands once a year or sometimes once in two years, you sometimes have to think harder in order to remember the roads and turns to certain destinations; that's me. Since I moved to the mainland, my heart longs and aches for Hawaii every single day, but every time I come home and step on the islands, the spirit of aloha makes me forget that I've been away for so long. The longing slowly dissipates as my heart swells of great warmth and happiness - an absolute love for the islands and the island life. This is how Hanauma Bay makes me feel every single time I visit, every time I dip my toes into its salty waters, every time I gaze from the hill top and marvel at its blue waters with the gentle Hawaiian breeze whispering to my ears, "Hanauma Bay's beauty is almost heavenly."

I remember the first time I swam here, I was filled with awe because of its beauty from afar and within. Fishes of species I do not know and of different vibrant colors swim, feed, play and hide beneath its corals. Hanauma is a world on its own that you'll forget that life exists outside this beautiful bay. Here, it's just Hanauma and I.

No wander that "in 1967, Hanauma Bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park." And for those interested in underwater volcanoes, "the bay floor is actually the crater of an ancient volcano that flooded when the exterior wall collapsed and the ocean rushed in." (Source here.)

And when the stress of life comes rushing in, I close my eyes and picture this perfect view in my mind - the feel of sand on my feet, the gentle waves caressing the shore, the sun in my eyes as I float on the waters of Hanauma Bay.

The water is so clear, you can see the coral reef at the bottom of the water. How could you forget such beauty? Never.

 Information:

• Hanauma Bay is a marine conservation area: no pets allowed; no alcoholic beverages; no fishing or feeding the fish; do not remove, harass, or harm any marine life.
• Avoid standing or walking on the coral reef.
• Parking per car is $1 (A lot of people visit the bay so it is recommended to arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly.)
• Admission: $5 per person admission fee for 13 year old or older. The bay is FREE for children under 13 years, Hawaii residents and military stationed in Hawaii with proper ID.

More information is available here.

Cat Kettle

I was browsing at Pier 1 Imports and this kettle caught my eye. I would have bought it but I already own two tea kettles, so I took home a photo instead. I just wanted to share some smile and cuteness this Monday.

Happy Monday!

Spicy Soup For The Soul

When it's rainy outside and I just had a rough day at work, I tend to look for comfort in the form of food. I know it sounds bad, but for me, nothing is as assuring and relaxing as having that sit down dinner at my favorite Korean soup stand. While I wait for my order, I let go of the mishaps of my day and just be in that moment - a small Korean soup stand located in the middle of a bustling Asian supermarket.

I listen to the chatter of shoppers passing by, the clanging pots in the small kitchen soup stand, customer slurping his noodles from a nearby table, clicking of chopsticks, cash register ringing another order, baby crying somewhere, squeaky grocery cart wheels, occasional arghgh or loud out breath of a customer who can't handle the spiciness of the soup or the kimchee, couple speaking Korean, couple speaking Spanish, thud of the butcher's knife, Korean pop music playing (I think it's the Girls' Generation.)...

I'm ready to eat. I am hungry. I am in the moment and this moment is for eating - nourish my body and my soul.

My order arrives.

Korean Sundubu Jjigae Seafood

I Need A "Meiji" Break!

This week is turning out to be stressful challenging:

• Traffic was horrible this morning. I-270 was packed and slow.
• Metro was running so slow; I don't know why.
• It's been raining since I woke up and the weatherman said it will rain until tonight.
• My monthly freakin' visitor is so unfriendly. She's not welcome anymore!
• I have a big meeting next week, and I'm doing majority of the preparation.
• I am not looking forward to dealing with my KSP coworker. Drama alert all over this one.

So pardon me while I savor a bar of milk chocolate before I eat my lunch. This is why I love being a grown-up, I can eat dessert before a meal. If this week is trying for you as well, take a load off and join me for a sweet break. I'd be glad to have some company.

LP: Kayumanggi (Brown)

Ito ay mga Malasadas or Portuguese Donuts na luto ng Leonard's Hawaii. Niluluto lang ang mga ito kapag may nag-order kaya't kung minsan, pinapanood namin ang mga ito habang minamasa, pinoporma at priniprito hanggang sa maging kayumanggi ang kulay. Masarap itong kainin habang mainit pa kasabay ng kape o tsaa.

These are called Malasadas or Portuguese Donuts from Leanord's of Hawaii. They're only cooked when a customer orders them. Sometimes, we watch how they're prepared, formed and fried to delicious golden browns. They're best eaten fresh and warm with a cup of coffee or tea.

Leonard's Bakery is only found in the islands of O'ahu and Hawaii and in Yokohama, Japan. If you want to read more about Malasadas click here - Leonard's Bakery.

Ultimate Wants This Spring and Summer

I've been thinking what I'd want this coming spring and summer. This list helps get my thoughts straight as the season changes. Here are my ultimate wants for spring and summer in no particular order.

1.) FLOWERS
* I love the smell and sight of flowers blooming in my bedroom and in my living room. I'd love to see flowers bloom at my garden. Flowers have the ability to make me smile and feel feminine. I still haven't decided what flowers I'd plant on my garden, but I'd like to see some pinks, purples and yellows.

Globe Thistle in full bloom at Williamsburg, VA.

2.) VEGETABLES
* Last year, my tomatoes were a success. This year, I'd like to add more variety to my vegetable garden. I'm thinking sweet peas, green beans, lettuce, basil, mint and of course, tomatoes. If only I could plant malunggay or ampalaya here.

 Last year's tomato harvest.

3.) DAY TRIPS
* I'm so lucky my house is at the border of two states, so I'd like to explore more of both states this spring and summer. Also, day trips are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and experience the beauty of the mid-atlantic.

Skyline Ridge, VA 

4.) BOOKS
* I still haven't crossed over to the e-books genre; I think I'll never will. I love the smell and feel of books too much. There's just something different about holding a real book on my hand, browsing through the pages, looking at real  ink, and most especially, I love the smell of books especially if they're old, dusty, faded and chipped. The flutter of a book's pages being turned is music to my ears. I have a couple of unread books left but I know I'll be able to read 'em all soon. It would be nice to get some new ones to read and add to my library.

5.) HOLIDAY
* I'm ready for the next adventure. June trip is already booked and confirmed. There are a few more things to take care of, but the dates are set. Scandinavia here I come!

6.) SLEEP
* I believe stress is the culprit why some nights, sleep hides away from me. I miss those days when I'd sleep for a straight uninterrupted eight hours. I can't seem to calm my mind before and even during my sleep. What can I say, my mind is comparable to a "city that never sleeps." These spring and summer, I'd like more opportunity to nap and get caught up with sleep.

7.) BE FIT & HEALTHY
* I gained weight and my wardrobe is in limbo. I'd like to be out walking and exercising more this spring and summer. It's unfair that some people can eat so much yet still look fit. I, on the other hand, would just eat a few slices of bread and it would show up on my butt or thighs. Instead of complaining about it, I choose to be more active and fit.

8.) COMFY FLIP FLOPS
* I love wearing flip flops. This sunny season, all I want is find that "perfect" pair of flip flops that doesn't cut or cause me pain after a good amount of walking.

 Taken during a tour at the Vatican, I had to wear flip flops because my shoes were soaked during a downpour the day before.

How about you? What are your ultimate wants this spring or summer?

Pathways

In life, we each take, follow or lead different pathways. Sometimes, it is our choices, our experiences, our heartaches and our longings that pave way to finding our true route in life.  May we all follow our own true path and enjoy the journey as well.

Pathways...

that seem unending.

that lead to the sea.

that show a glimpse of the destination.

to a lovely home.

that seem to end.

to togetherness.

going down.

to the top.

to an overview of the beautiful town of Fira.

Note: If you look to the right, lower corner of the last photo, you'll see the winding, traditional route going down to the old port of Fira. You can hike, take the cable or ride a mule to take that steep pathway. If you decide to hike that route, just be careful with mule droppings.