Feeling the Privilege of Life

Turning 50 is quite the moment. It feels like people now perceive us as "old" and the "young-ness" is gone. I've read some pretty inspiring posts celebrating this stage of life, especially from women for women and I seek out these words of wisdom--cultivating my social media algorithm to flood my FYP with all the positive content. Women who have turned 50 and are in their 50s know it's just another stage and most of us feel pretty good about ourselves. We're pre-menopausal and menopausal. We're experiencing huge changes in our physical health and mental health and having shared experiences and symptoms. Some of us are embracing our hair turning grey, some of us are still on our coloring grind--and you know what? Whatever a woman chooses for herself--go on with your bad self. Do you, girl! 

Every day I want to make sure I have a gratitude mindset. I'm so fortunate to be here. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by my loved ones who make my heart so full.  

It's a contemplative week hearing news of a tragic and unexpected loss of life of a relative that is slightly older but still in our general age group. I'm feeling sad for his wife and children--and sad for the unfairness of it all for them. All death is awful, but the death of someone with so much more life left hurts exponentially. It's incredibly sad. Life is delicate. 

So with that being expressed, I'm living in thankful.  Every day. 

  

It's New Year, and Also Just Another Day

Resetting is always the theme of a New Year and I find myself drawn to the posts about goals and vision boards, but also I'm sick of them. I mean, bettering yourself is never going to be a bad thing. But, just deciding to move on like usual is also a valid (and often more realistic) choice. And I'm totally here for the whole balance of it all.  

I love all the motivational quotes on Instagram and I draw inspiration from them, but I cringe at the "experts" because in all reality, we're all just trying our best and that in itself is different for everybody's best.  How can one life "guru" have the answers for every single person?  Their experience is curated to what they know, what circumstances cross their path, and even their individual luck.  Because as I grow older and wiser, I've committed to the fact that we don't really know much about what we don't know and our belief system is often just a guess.  Some people go through life with all the luck in the world, and some struggle more.  That's a thing. And I don't know why.  

 So, I come into 2026 with hope...for the everyday.  For my family whom I hold so much love...SO much love. I embrace all our experiences, memories, and joys. 

 We've been exploring Los Angeles more...love Hollywood Blvd. So here are some suggestions for those that want to visit that area: 

Madam Tussauds, where you can take a bunch of pictures with waxed celebrities.

 

In the Cerritos area check out Eclado and order "The Nutty" which is a Peanut Butter Latte:

 

 Wishing everyone a happy life, one that works and fits with YOU. 

 

The Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) in San Pedro, CA 2025

 

The Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) is hosted by FilAmArts and was held on September 13, 2025 at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, CA. 

Admission was free and is an annual event celebrating Filipino American art, food and community. 

Video Footage was taken by Raymond

Narration and editing was done by Quinn. https://linktr.ee/quinn.est DM him on his socials if you're interested in commissioning an editor. 

 #FilipinoAmerican #Filipino #Philippines #Art #Food #Culture #Community #SanPedro #California

San Francisco featuring Nintendo Store, Ghirardelli Square, Golden Gate Bridge & more!

 

This is a 4-day weekend (August 15-18, 2025) experience in San Francisco from Q's POV. We love this beautiful city: the sights, sounds, food, culture and everything else. It was, is, and remains one of our favorite cities to visit. We love California! 

Editing is done by Q Estrada https://linktr.ee/quinn.est, please contact him directly if you need an amazing video editor. 

Like & subscribe.

 

 

We truly had the best time! If you'd like to see more pictures check out my Instagram post. 

Thankful for Long Beach Airport and LAX

I was having a conversation with someone yesterday and somehow the topic led to me finding out that when you live in Iowa, it takes about 13 hours (or so) to get to an airport to travel to Los Angeles (the specific scenario of the conversation). So, now, I feel like the realization isn't leaving me (otherwise known as "living rent-free in my head) because mainly, I'm finding myself thankful that I live near a local airport, Long Beach Airport, and less than an hour away (without traffic) to a famous international airport, LAX. There are also other airports reasonable driving distances away. The access to long and international travel is...well...is.  I'm SO freakin' thankful.

I take SO many things for granted and when I'm faced with the realities of privilege I do attempt to take a moment and just be thankful. Because as the famous saying accurately says, there is always, always something to be thankful for. 

So today, I just want to reflect on how thankful I am for the circumstance that makes me live a life that allows me to travel and get to great airports fairly easily. 

We are Californians, specifically Southern Californians and we are proud, happy and thankful for it. 

If you haven't already, please watch this Vlog video of the Grand Opening of the One Piece Cafe in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA. 

LEGO Up-Scaled Minifigure, Alterations, Toy Collector (R's POV)

  

 This video describes the alterations made on the Lego Up-Scaled Minifigure. All thoughts and opinions are entirely from the narrator and not affiliated with any company or organization. As promised here is the link to the PDF of the Lego sword build: https://onedrive.live.com/? Please like and subscribe.

I'm Feeling the Fall Vibes

I've been feeling the fall vibes. The orange color aesthetic vibes bring me joy. The endless posts on Social Media about things to do in the "ber" months, foods to consume, drinks to gulp down.  All of it have been stirring up positive feelings in me. And pumpkin spice latte has been holding a special place in my palate cravings and I've bargained with myself that it's okay to indulge, at least in a bite here or there, a sip to and fro in all the PSL offerings I have access to. I'm embracing Fall, letting it all in. 

Favorite PSL drink: Coffee Bean's Pumpkin Extreme Ice Blended and/or their Pumpkin Cold Brew with Cold Foam.   I've also enjoyed a smaller business called 5th Ave Bagelry and Espresso and their PSL offering. Waiting impatiently for more pumpkin drops from Trader Joe's, but freezer stocked up on the Pumpkin Sheet Cakes.  Yah, I'm doing that.  

Welcome Fall. And be kind to us.  

Also, please check out this latest video post from our Youtube channel.