What Happens Now?

(Read while listening to Busco Me by Bebe)

"Singlehood" has been treating me well but it also invites tons of questions and a lot of soul searching. I’m still not sure what about it makes you go through a resolution type situation, questioning your answers and reassessing your goals.

Inevitably I had my sit down and began reviewing every decision I’ve ever made, slowly mapping out my travels to my current situation. It has definitely been a journey and I don’t regret anything that I’ve done, with that in mind I asked myself What Now? I’ve done new things, met new people and traveled a little bit but what happens after all of that? What opportunities do I have at my disposal? What should be my next move? All great questions; sadly I was lacking answers.

For some time I felt like I needed to get out of Boston; trying to run away from the life I had and in desperate need of a new one. I considered going back home but I felt there was nothing there for me; I’m hungry for adventure… a different life. NYC, California, DC, South America… the entire world was on my list, anywhere seemed like a great idea. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with my sister that I understood a key piece in all my anxiety and desperation. My sister told me “If you don’t learn to heal, it doesn’t matter where you go…you’ll take that emptiness with you”. That immediately blew my mind and helped me regain strength and perspective; I am where I have to be!

Thank you Legnaly for helping me realize the importance of healing and being happy where you are right now! It definitely opened the doors to appreciation and happiness. I love you!

I Kissed a Girl...Sort Of!

(Read while listening to Dragon Queen by Yeah Yeah Yeahs)

In a period of “firsts” I decided to go on a date with a girl!!

Laura and I decided to go on a legit date; treating each other to a wonderful time. I must say that the next guy that I date will have to fill some big shoes to top this one! First thing on the list: Dress to Impress. Of course we rocked that! We pulled out our best outfit for the night that awaited us.

The date began with shared apps and pizza at Lucca’s plus two lychee martinis. Yummy! After pigging out at Lucca’s, we paid and went to our second stop of the night. We went to an artist’s exhibit at the Liberty Hotel where we spoke with him and his wife for a little bit and enjoyed a glass of pinot grigio and chardonnay while admiring the art. 

 

We continued our evening with a mini shopping spree at H&M, enough said! We complimented each other and were really proud of our purchases.

We finished the night with Marilyn Monroe’s Makeup line release party at the MAC store on Newbury St. This part was more for Laura’s enjoyment as she is a Makeup Artist! I was there to people watch and not let Laura spend a fortune there. What a couple moment! I managed to not let her go past $340, what the hell right? 

Anyways, after the party we wanted to have another glass of wine outside but it was unseasonably chilly for our taste. We decided to call it a night! Laura drove me home and after almost a half hour of talking we sealed the night with a …. HUG you creeps!!!

Next day we talked about what a fun date we had. Of course she asked me out again, why wouldn’t she?

‘Cause You Gotta Have Friends!

(Read while listening to Puppy Song by Harry Nilsson)

It’s great to be surrounded by good friends!

Part of what has made this journey a blast and remarkably easy was the company and support of beautiful people along the way.

 Those that are on the phone with you while you rant about how much you hate life and this and that, the ones that get drunk with you, the ones that take you on a bike ride, the ones that write to you, the ones that skype with you, the ones that fly to visit me, the ones that take you out for dinner, the ones that send you inappropriate pictures or messages (those are my favorite!), the ones that ask if there’s anything they can do, the ones that recommend and participate of retail therapy, the ones that would go to the end of the world with you, the ones that always threaten to kill the person who hurt you (don’t worry, not gonna drop names), those who cry with you, to those who are not great with words but cook for you every week, make you laugh to forget whatever is happening and watch the tackiest shows with you!

I’m truly blessed by having every kind of friend, by my side and in the other side of the world!

This post is to take some time and thank everybody that one way or the other complete me, I’m truly grateful for your support and understanding. I hope I can at least do half of what you have done for me! Remember that you all have a very special place in my heart!!

California Love Pt.2

California Love Pt.1

(Read while listening to Cumbia Natural by Mucho Axe)

This trip was one of the most impulsive and fortunate decisions of my life.

I was on the phone with a friend I hadn’t seen since I left PR almost three years ago. We were on a walk down memory lane, reliving crazy moments when we lived in Old San Juan. I had to go online and buy a ticket to visit her in San Francisco, Labor Day weekend being the best time to do so.  On past years I’d go to New Jersey for Labor Day weekend but with my open availability I jumped on the opportunity.

Adriana bikes around the city and me having recently purchased my bitching Fixed Gear Bianchi Pista, I decided to bring it with me and pimp it out on the West Coast. My attire for arrival: shorts, Jesus Christ sandals, tank top and zip up. I was ready to do Cali!! To my surprise it was stinking cold. Cut to me freezing outside while I waited for my peoples; not my best performance! I came with the idea of sun, surf, bathing suit and cold beer and ended up with layers, leggings and socks!!

None of that mattered. Seeing Adriana and meeting her friends was an absolute delight; I laughed so hard and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Exploring the city on my bike was fun/mistake! Advice: Don’t ride a fixie in San Fran!! Those hills will kill you.

Here’s a rundown of my trip:

Day 1

·         Asian for dinner

·         Meeting people

·         Nob Hill

·         Cable Car

·         Ghiraldelli Factory

·         City Car

·         Champagne

·         Getting Wasted!

Day 2

·         Brunch

·         Castro

·         Haight

·         New Tattoo!

·         Biking Golden Gate Park

·         Quesadillas "Mexico 10 Ptos" J

·         Bob’s Donuts

·         People, wine, good times

Day 3

·         Brunch

·         Marina

·         Golden Gate Bridge

·         Full House’ houses

·         Mission Bicycle

·         Dolores Park

·         First Mission Burrito

·         Chinatown

·         “Hyspter” Hang Out

Day 4

·         Brunch

·         Chinatown

·         Airport L

Open for Business?

(Read while listening to Ella No Quiere Novio by Tego Calderon)

I guess it’s inevitable that people want to know what’s up with your love life. I get aggravated at the expectation of my life to be at a certain stage (i.e. engaged, married, kids etc.)

I don’t respond well to this!

At some point I thought I wanted all of those things but I realized there’s really nobody worth it. With that in mind I can’t help when my answer doesn’t satisfy the inquirer’s thought process, making me a little anxious. Are you dating anybody? How are you holding up? Have you tried online dating? Will you try online dating? My answer to all is… Not Interested!

Sure, I’ve met people and gone out on what I didn’t know were dates but I’m focused on something else, something greater than that... Me! I invested too much in a failed relationship; it was time to redirect that attention and effort to me.

I’ve started relationships not too long after ending the previous one; only to find out that by doing that you’re dragging unresolved issues to the new relationship. Not to mention the overcompensating that will go on. I’m done with all of that.

I encourage everybody that’s going through the same thing to take your time; explore, learn something new every day, meet people, laugh, cry, travel, read, write, get tattoos and enjoy the best company possible…Yourself!!! The rest is just sugar in your coffee!

Go Pats!

(Read while picturing me screaming at the game!)

There will be a lot of “firsts” for me this year but the best one so far has been my first Pats game!

Before moving to Boston, I didn’t follow any sport at all. One of the things that makes me a proud “Bostonian” is the New England Patriots. I still remember when I was learning the rules and plays of the game; I bet it was annoying having me asking a million questions after every play and referee call. This being my second season following them, I can say I’m pretty familiar with the game.

One day at work (office job), we got an email offering tickets for a Pats’ preseason game. When I was able to respond, the tickets were already spoken for. I found out who took them and traded them for Red Sox vs. Yankees tickets that I had, I don’t care for baseball at all.

The day came and I was beyond excited! I’ve never been to that area, so my task for the day consisted on finding directions, putting them on my phone and figure out how to get there. I was going solo to the game! I rented a car and made my way to the Gillete Stadium. I hadn’t driven a car in almost a year, I felt nervous and a little dizzy driving there. Music blasting and jersey on, I made my way to Foxborough!

So, I got there. The place was packed; families, friends and couples took over the parking lot to hang out. There was music, food and games everywhere, I felt like a little kid in awe with my surroundings. I started taking pictures of everything! I got a little worried when my phone died and I was there by myself but I was determined to have a great time. I met this guy while having dinner and we hung out until the game started, we said our farewells and headed to our sections (mine being the best of both!) I saw the players stretching and just hanging out before the game, it felt surreal. The game started and so did my screams!!

What an experience.  

When the game ended I watch the players going back to their lockers and I made my way back to Boston. Surprisingly I remembered the way back, so not being able to use my phone as GPS didn’t mean much.

 On way home I was recapping the evening, feeling proud of myself for going solo and having a fabulous time.

Apartment - After

This is what my apartment looks like right now. On the wall there's one of my favorite quotes "Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort" - Theodore Roosevelt. At one point there was a bike on the wall but it was a little too heavy for it so I decided to put up an art that I love, given to me as a gift by my boss. I used to have a dining room but I decided that a desk was more convenient; if you look carefully, you will find my turtles (China & Town) chilling in the kitchen. I absolutely love my apartment and the good people and great times it has hosted!

When are you visiting me? :)