A Letter to Chicago

Dear Chicago,

First of all, let me apologize for not bidding you my proper goodbye. It's been two months ago since I left you. And yet, I still think of you every so often. My last day with you, I went to Stella's Diner for breakfast. That corner diner on Broadway and Barry that Vince and I frequently passed by but only visited once on a weekend, was quiet this Friday morning. There were about five other customers, most of them in their 60s or 70s. I enjoyed my first (and probably the last) omelette from Stella's. In between bites, I pondered on how much I was going to miss you.

I admit that ours was a love-hate relationship. The first time I met you in August of 2000, I thought that you were cold and harsh. I couldn't understand why Vince loved you. I didn't appreciate your diversity. Even the excitement of shopping at Magnificent Mile didn't entice me. Nor the vast collection of art at the Institute lured me. I ignored your museums and theaters. Your confusing streets and chaotic traffic weren't very inviting either. Your denizens, I found them rude and incapable of driving without breaking any traffic rules. I hated looking for parking in your busy streets. I visited you a few more times, each time hating you. If not for Vince, I wouldn't have been there to see you.


I finally moved in May 2003. I still hated you at the time. It was a very difficult first year for us. I was very unhappy with everything...my job, my apartment, my neighborhood and most especially, you. I missed my family so much, but they were so far away. Vince was busy with residency, and I felt like I was left to find my way by myself and get to know you, which I refused to do.

Spring gave way to summer. And summer went by without me enjoying the fun things you had to offer. I didn't marvel at the beautiful color your trees showcased during fall either, for I knew winter would be there soon enough, and I would hate you even more. I came from a tropical country, you know. I wasn't used to snow and the cold.

When the last trace of snow finally melted. I finally gave in and started noticing you. I began enjoying your museums. I visited Fields several times. On my days off, I would go to the Art Institute to view your exhibits. I also relished walking on the streets of Michigan Avenue and looking at the window displays of posh stores which goods I could never afford. I enjoyed having lunch at Milleneum Park. Eating a sandwhich while admiring the Cloud Gate sculpture along with the tourists, became one of my favorite things to do. I learned to love my own neighborhood of Lakeview. I appreciated the fact that the grocery store was only three blocks away, and that I could just walk there if I needed something. I was grateful to be near restaurants, so that when I was too lazy to cook, all I had to do was walk three blocks and have my choice of diverse cuisines. It was very convenient that the lakeshore was just a few blocks away. I met a few good friends who showed me how fun you can be. I enjoyed the fun activities you offered me during the summer. I was finally feeling at home with you.

Of course when winter came, I began hating you again. There's something mean about you when winter comes. You become dark and dreary. But I guess that's part of your appeal. For without winter, I wouldn't see your beauty during the other seasons. And without winter, I wouldn't enjoy the other seasons as much. So I have come to realize that you are indeed worth loving. That Vince had a reason to choose you. You didn't only teach me how to become a defensive driver and to parallel park but you also taught me how to live my day to the fullest. Because of you, I learned to enjoy the good times and to be patient during the bad times. You gave me something to look forward to. I learned that winter will soon give way to spring.

After that breakfast at Stella's, I went back to my old apartment to get myself ready for a long drive to Indy. The sadness came over me, realizing that I'd be leaving you. Indianapolis will never be able to compete with you, but I will give it a chance to show me its own worth. See, your lessons stayed with me. I will forever be grateful to you for taking care of me and for teaching me to be happy where I am. I will never forget the memories we shared together.

love,
Richel

PS... I can't wait to see you tonight.

"The Dress"

Heather, the bridal consultant, looked exasperated after helping me into a dress. I looked in the mirror, my eyes not registering the "this is it" expression that Heather was hoping for. The salon was busy. There were two other brides besides me and my friend, N who also came with me to try on gowns. N and I ended up sharing the room because we got tired of going out to show the other how we looked with the gowns on. Good thing that we have different tastes. No chance of catfight over "The Dress." N is more into the extravagant, princess ball gowns. Just 5 feet tall, you wouldn't think she'd be the type who'd want to stand out. But her personality calls for it. I, on the other hand, scopes out the simple A-line gowns with the least beading or adornment as possible.

So, after trying on the last gown that I have picked. I was ready to give up. Heather came out of the dressing room and returned bearing two more gowns. I wasn't really interested at this time. N looked at the gowns, and exclaimed. "Richel, you gotta try this on. This is so you." I smiled at her. She looked beautiful in a Lazaro strapless ivory satin ball gown with jeweled crystal trims on the bodice. Like a little kid, she was all giddy and excited. I tried on one of the gowns at her urging. As Heather helped me into the dress, I realized that this one looked familiar. I knew I had seen this in a magazine before, and thought that it was pretty. I gazed at myself on the mirror. The strapless silk satin gown was simple enough yet elegant. The waist was lined with delicate beadings. Its chapel train adorned with three small flowers, giving the dress just a touch of uniqueness. The skirt falls into an A-line giving my figure the illusion of height. I felt like a bride.

As a little girl I never dreamed of myself getting married. I never even imagined myself in a wedding gown. Maybe this is the reason why it's difficult for me to find "The Dress." After five visits to different salons, I couldn't believe that I finally found "The Dress" so I didn't order it yet. I may have found it but I'd like to make sure, first. I have until the end of this month to make a decision but I haven't stopped thinking about the dress since we left the salon. Could it be that I found the dress the way love found me... when I wasn't looking/interested? Perhaps this is the one. We'll find out by the end of this month. :)

seven

This blog needs some attention, so thanks to Joy and Rhona for tagging me. Here are my sevens in no particular order.

7 Things That Scare Me

1. Losing a loved one
2. Disappointing my loved ones
3. Being alone inside an elevator
4. Car accidents
5. Snakes
6. Getting lost in a shady neighborhood
7. Passing by the hospital morgue

7 Things I like the Most

1. vacations with my family
2. exploring a new place with Vince
3. the smell of babies
4. going home to San Diego
5. visiting museums
6. musicals
7. looking at photographs

7 Random Facts about me

1. i am shy and quiet, but once i get to know a person i can be talkative
2. my real name is a combination of my parents' names
3. i have E.T. fingers (my knuckles are big)
4. i like getting to work at least half an hour early, otherwise i'd feel unprepared and disorganized the whole day
5. i love cheesecake
6. i believe in God
7. i love okra

7 Important Things in My Bedroom

1. Bed
2. Pillows
3. Comforter
4. Nightstand
5. Lamps
6. Books, bible
7. alarm clock

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I die

1. Have kids, raise them and be around to see them have their own
2. Travel more/Visit new places
3. Bring V and my future kids to see the Philippines
4. Have more fun in life
5. Adapt a healthful lifestyle
6. Learn patience
7. Ask for forgiveness for everything I've done wrong

7 Things I Can Do

1. Curl my toes (V says I'm like a monkey)
2. Curl my tongue
3. Laugh at myself
4. Live without cable tv
5. Make cassava cake and leche flan
6. Spend all day surfing the net

7 Things I Can't Do

1. Rollerblade
2. Ride a bike
3. Whistle
4. Carry a tune
5. Dance gracefully
6. Go a day without talking to V
7. Drive a stick shift

7 Things That Attract me to Opposite Sex

1. Good manners/Being gentleman, nice, thoughtful
2. Looks(neat appearance)
3. Intelligence
4. Nice voice/calm voice
5. Sense of humor
6. His values
7. Smile

7 Things That I say the Most

1. Ay nako!
2. Aiya-yai!
3. Yikes!
4. Ano ba yan?
5. Uh-oh
6. What are you doing?(to Vince)
7. Do you have any pain? (at work, heheheh)

7 Celebrity crushes- none

7 People I want to see take this quiz: anyone who wants to do it.