dadjen

5AM in New York and it’s not just any day but it’s my birthday. I’m listening to Lil’ Wayne, Drake, and Demi Lovato (I know, what a combo) and working per usual. But, for whatever reason, I thought about someone–my Dad.

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#GFLOSARMY #GFLO88

Category : 2 0 1 5, Family, On Maui, TBT
Date : October 14, 2015

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Yesterday on a FaceTime call with G-Flo, told me she hates water because its “boring.” I suggested she put something in it (referring to Crystal Light, or flavored water drops) and she responded, “Like what, vodka?” UM. WHAT. (more…)


Five-Dollah Ballah

Category : 2 0 1 5, NYC, Queens
Date : October 13, 2015

Astoria_MondayFrom Jimi Hendrix to a old black and white of people in front of an old building, $5 will get you wall art of all kinds. The Golden State Warriors won their title in 2015, but that air brush art looks like it came from 1995. Street fairs are one the of the few times unique shops like this come out to play and this one was there all yesterday,


Getting the most out of a little.

Date : October 10, 2015

IMG_7474As I look at my planner (yes, one with pages and blocks for every day of the year), and flip to next week, there is a big B coming up. Birthday. Another year of celebrating life and a milestone to really mark the end of a year and start of another. (Picture from the start of this past year when I blew out a handmade candle from an apple cider vinegar bottle after being serenaded by an 8 year-old and ate a toppled cake from Dominique Ansel)

I am changing. While birthdays of my younger years were filled with dreams of what types of gifts I wished to receive (and $$$), they are different now. People ask me what I want and my answer is nothing. Everything I need right now, I already have and I really believe it. (more…)


Know your roots, respect the ride.

Category : Family, On Maui
Date : October 8, 2015
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Often our Uncle will send along e-mails of video links, funny images, and his own photography. He will usually write a note. Yesterday, he wrote this:
Don’t take your life for granted. Remember your roots.
I thought about this day in 2012. We went to have lunch with a view of almost all of Maui. Our island isn’t big,  but its also where my roots began to grow. I’ve used that line over and over since writing my college application essays in high school. Back then, I wanted to go beyond the islands for growth and change. I was ready to “get off the rock” and figure out my own path beyond Maui. Now, eight years later, I’m looking back at the place I left with respect, honor and pride. This has been a helluva migration from island, to coast, to other coast,  but it always comes back to this place–Maui.
Don’t lose your roots, respect the ride.


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