double R

Givenchy and YSL.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:59:00 +0000

I was told by my friends that I had to see the Eiffel Tower at night, so I made my way on one of those Seine boat tours. I got off near the Tower, and looked for a place to eat. I stumbled down some street and almost stopped in my tracks when I saw what looked to be more than just a storefront of Givenchy. A few feet down the block stood YSL. On this block of course there were fabulous restaurants with the obligatory patio, as well as a a very good looking "fashion" crowd (no "bo-bo's" here, i.e. bohemian bourgeosis, which seems to be the look here in Paris). I had to eat here. Maybe I would see Galliano.

However when I checked the menu prices, I decided to move on, because they didn't fit my "freedom 35" budget.

I settled on a fabulous Italian restaurant, just another block down a side street. I mean I must be on vacation, croissants everyday for breakfast and then pasta for dinner? I love this town. I love how civilized it is, even with suit wearing men riding scooters, parked anywhere on the sidewalk, wherever there is a open spot. I love how the women wearing heels have no trouble navigating the cobblestone streets, eating cheese and bread every day. I love how my seat on the patio is basically on the street, as the people passing by on the sidewalk can smell my food and someone almost hit me with a big Hermes bag. I love that everyone calls me Monsieur everytime I go to a restaurant. I love that this restaurant seems to be filled with regulars, as many of them are greeted by the owner with kisses on the cheek.

By the way, my meal was great. I don't think I've had a bad meal yet in Pairs. I also got some great night shots of the Eiffel Tower, I'll post them as soon as I get back to Vancouver. I think you'll love them too.

leather lace-ups.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:29:00 +0000

Random thoughts from Paris:

- I am seriously thinking of getting a scooter when I get back to Vancouver. If I ride around in a three piece suit with a bagguette peaking out of my leather backpack, will I be out of place? I wouldn't if I was here.
- All French men have the fullest, reddest lips.
- People LOVE scarves here.
- When did lace up oxfords with jeans come back in?
- I brought my running gear, but it'll have to wait until Prague. Let's eat!
- I am starting to miss Vancouver, but I'll just have another creme brule.

Bonjour!

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:31:00 +0000

Picture this...checking myself in at YVR, and the woman at the flight desk asks me for my passport, and then asks me to confirm that my final destination is"Paris". I looked at her confused for a moment, because I didn't think she was talking about me.

I'm going to Paris. Yes, I'm going to Paris!

And so after a very long flight and a minor inconvenience of my luggage arriving a day late, I am finally here. This place is so beautiful, every time I turn the corner, I look like I'm in a post card. The style here is effortless, the food is tremendous, and even the birds wear scarves. The conversations on the street sounds like they are from old French movies. And usually I don't eat bread (it's a carb), I am sitting here full from bagguettes. I love this place.

Will post more later, but just wanted to check in to say I'm safe and I'm living a dream.

Yeah for "freedom 35"!

...so busy (sigh).

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:56:00 +0000

I don't usually post links like this, but this is extremely funny (and so true).

ten years.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:32:00 +0000

I miss you.

once.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:15:00 +0000

I haven't seen any of the films nominated for Best Picture at this Year's Oscars, but one of the best movies I've seen this year was one I saw on the plane on my way to Singapore (Singapore Airlines is the only way to fly if you're going to Asia, in my opinion). It's called Once, and it is a "modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin." The story is simple, yet the characters are so well drawn out. The music and performances by the two main characters were honest and vulnerable.

It's a must see.

2008.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 02:09:00 +0000

The beginning of every new year always seems to bring a sense of clarity. I had some time off after a crazy, busy year. During the holidays, I took stock, and what I gained was a renewed sense of purpose. I finally have a feeling that I am starting to figure things out, and where I need to go. I like that feeling.

I didn't make any resolutions this year, but instead I've made a list of goals and themes for 2008. The subtle difference is that there isn't as much pressure if I break a resolution. One of my themes, the commitment to "self-care", fits in nicely.

I'm proud to report that 2008 has started quite nicely. A new home, a list to guide me, and a view beyond the horizon.

Happy New Year, everyone...

on turning 35.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:20:00 +0000

So I turned 35 last week. For most of you that know me well, you would know that my "go-to" move is to ask anyone that doesn't know how old I am to guess my age.

But you know what? Turning 35 isn't so bad.

There are so many things that I want to do and see, and to tell you the truth, I've always felt like I'm running out of time. I want to go to Paris and spend all of my time at the Louvre, full of my amateur opinon, bagguettes and wine. I want to go to learn how to surf, go to Hawaii, hang out on the beach and surf all day. I want to take singing lessons. Learn more about wine, heck why not by spending time at a vineyard in Tuscany. Rediscover my interest in painting. Practice yoga more. Take a modern dance class. Choreograph an original dance piece forging modern, contemporary and folk influences.

To be quite honest, I've been in a rut lately. Actually, it's maybe been a bit longer than that, possibly caused by the the whole transition from twenty something to thirty something. It has been a bigger transition than I thought. But I think I dig turning 35. I'm more appreciative of what I've been able to accommplish so far. Instead of running out of time, I now feel that I only have time to do the things that I want to. Maybe it's because I'm more comfortable in my skin. Maybe it's because I don't care as much about what other people think. Or maybe it's because I've finally 'grown up' and learned that it takes more energy lamenting than actually going for it.

So "Happy Birthday" to me. I've already crossed off some of the items on my list above. I'm excited to see what's in store in the next few years -- stay tuned.

so you think you can dance?

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 05:29:00 +0000

...Filipino style. My dance company is having its annual folk dance and music workshop at the Scotia Dance Centre, starting on October 7th. If you are interested in checking it out, please come. It's open to everyone, Filipino or not, and participants will have the chance to be invited to audition to be part of the 2007/2008 season, our 15th anniversary. Plus next year, we're scheduled to go on another European tour.

Hope to see you there!

Kababayang Pilipino presents a five week dance and music workshop beginning on Sunday October 7, 2007!! If you�ve ever been interested in Filipino cultural dance and music, this is the place for you!! Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in 2008, KP has grown to become Canada�s premier Filipino folk dance and music company. It is recognized locally and abroad for its professionally staged performances and lavish costumes and props, and live musical accompaniment.

Led by Artistic Director Randy Romero and music directors Rodney Romero and Cristina Pernia, these five weeks will to cover the basics in Filipino dance and music. This workshop is open to EVERYONE! If you�re looking for something different, exciting and fun, give KP a try!!

Please read the attached poster for more information. Pre-register by emailing your name to workshop@kababayangpilipino.org . Remember, if you bring a friend, receive 50% off your first registration!

Dates:
October 7, 14, 21, 28, and November 4, 2007
2 to 3:30 pm

$45 for the 5 week workshop
1st class is free
50% off if bringing a friend

hipster olympics.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:25:00 +0000

I'm so over people that are so over themselves. Not to date me, but the term hipster is new to me (we called it 'alternative').

Watch it, it's so true. I guess I'm over me...:)

Thanks Tony for the link.

facebook.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 05:06:00 +0000

So, I'll admit it. I'm a Facebook addict. Even though I'm online most of the time, I have a little time to surf, to have some free time on the web. The free time that I do spend is on the web seems to be on Facebook. I'm not sure if it's good or bad, but one thing for certain is that I don't spend enough time updating my blog.

...and so comes a resolution -- to update my blog every time I have something to say. A blog is different from Facebook, because rather than posting photos or updating your status without context, a blog allows you to express a moment in time, a thought, an idea that you have circulating. And that is why I'll continue blogging. It helps me to remember stuff. It helps me capture what I'm feeling.

So read on. I'm going to recommit to posting. If you don't find out what's new about me by going to www.randyromero.com, my Facebook profile imports posts from my blog...:)

it hurts just reading it.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:48:00 +0000

Woman jailed for testicle attack
A woman who ripped off her ex-boyfriend's testicle with her bare hands has been sent to prison.

Read the full article here.

Outch!!!

www.kababayangpilipino.org, version 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:38:00 +0000

It's been a long time in the making, consdering the previous version of my dance company's website was temporary and created in 2003, but I'm pleased to announce the next iteration of Kababayang Pilipino's new website. There has been a lot of work and effort that went into it, and thanks to Wil and everyone for their hard work. Hopefully it is more reflective of who we are as a company today, especially as we enter our 15th season.

Take a look and hope you enjoy it!!!

been a long time.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Mon, 28 May 2007 03:38:00 +0000

It has been a long time since I last posted. Since I'm totally addicted to two things right now (Facebook and Yoga), I don't seem to have very much time to post. A lot has happened, I guess I have been pretty busy. Work still seems to be at the same steady pace, I was in the Bahamas for a family vacation, and I'm actually back to rehearsing to help prepare the group for the June performances. Sometimes I feel like my time is not my own, but I've found that yoga is really good quality "me" time. It's a selfish activity that ultimately makes me more unselfish, if that makes any sense.

On a completely other note, at the yoga studio there is a sign that asks participants to not wear any cologne/perfume to class. This is hard for me, because literally I've been wearing cologne since grade 7...:), and that was Polo Ralph Lauren in the green bottle. Anyways, I almost passed out the other day in class because everytime this individual lifted her arms in Warrior 1 (or is it Warrior 2), I almost passed out.

How about a new rule -- please wear deodorant to class.

Ok, I'm done. Namaste!

ask randy: fashion tips 101

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 06:39:00 +0000

hello Randy

I have a interview with Telus tomorrow for a Desktop Analyst.

My wardrobe has nothing of the traditional business type of clothing, nor do I have a blazer.

I have 2 ben sherman shirts, one is fitted, the other is regular.
The fitted shirt is a burgundy colour while the other is a stripe shirt (stripes are different sizes) with grey, burgundy and black.
My shoes are fine, flat toed Aldo ankle boots, not heavy and a nice silver 'buckle' across the upper part of the shoe.

My other shirt is a dark blue shirt with hooks instead of buttons.

I do have a tie, blue with small gold unicorn heads on it. Its an OLD BOY tie from the school i went to..its not a school tie...its more of a classic tie.

Jackets: Black, straight cut leather jacket or Grey casual dress jacket with zipper down front and two breast pockets...

thats about it really..not much..then again i try to avoid employment where I have to wear business attire.

cheers,

Ashley Paul James

Wow Ashley, that's a tough one. I know the type -- computer guy, as I also work in IT. However, it is important to "dress for success" and to make that good first impression, especially since you're applying for a corporate job. But the thing is with a techy type position, you don't want to dress too well, because maybe they won't believe you have the skills...:).

My first advice would be to come and see if you could borrow a sport coat from a friend. If you're not wearing a tie, a sport coat would convey the right message. However, on the short notice, with the options that you have given me, I would suggest:

- burgundy shirt (says serious and fun, but not as fun as the stripped shirt or the shirt with the hooks)
- your ankle boots
- the grey jacket, if it looks dressier than the black leather. If not, go for the leather.
- the tie sounds ok, but unfortunately, I don't think it goes with any of the shirts that you have. I'd skip the tie all together.
- you didn't mention what options you have. I hope you have dress pants (i.e. not Dockers, the death of American fashion) because what I suggest is black dress slacks.
- black belt
- black socks
- another alternative would be if you had a light knit (pullover), say in black or charcoal grey. This would make you look 'dressed-up', but still casual.

Anyways, hope this helps, and good luck!!!

3849

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:38:00 +0000

...was my place out of over 50 thousand runners in this past Sunday's Sun Run. I improved on my time from last year (49:44), but I wished that I pushed myself a bit more.

Race day is definitely fun -- it's all the running leading up to it that gets to me.

convert.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 05:56:00 +0000

Ok, I'll admit it. Whenever I see a person carrying a yoga mat, I want to take it and hit them over the head with it. Lululemon....geez, $98 for a pair of sweat pants? My mother would laugh at anyone who would buy a pair.

I guess I need to hit myself over the head. I'm a convert. Since I'm not dancing right now, I wanted to do another activity that would help my flexibility. Lifting weights and running wasn't helping the cause. A few weeks ago I started taking yoga classes. Besides the variety, the real benefit has been the feeling afterwards, which is a sense of relaxation and calm. Even though I know that I probably look ridiculous in some of the poses, I look forward to each practice.

Namaste!

salt.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 05:29:00 +0000

Last Thursday, I went with a friend to checkout the new "Salt Tasting Room". It's a cool little spot, in Gastown's historic Blood Alley. The room is sparse and minimal in it's design, and very simple in it's menu concept. Guests can assemble a tasting plate from its selection of 10 cheeses, 10 meats, and 10 condiments. Because I hate making such complicated decisions, especially when I'm dining out, I had the server select for us. He helped to select a bottle of wine, and some other appetizers from the menu, which is limited because there is no kitchen.

Overall it was ok -- service was a bit slow, and we were super hungry, which didn't help the situation. We're pretty lucky in Vancouver, with the number of great places to eat. I'd definitely check this place out again, if only for the cool factor. Definitely a good date place, as an alternative to the regular "coffee", but only after I've had something to eat.

zodiac.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 04:27:00 +0000

There is a lot of stuff going on, and I always want to post more, but don't seem to have the time or the energy. It's nice to read old posts, so I'll try to keep it up.

Came back from Chicago a few weeks ago. Actually I wasn't working in Chicago, but in a suburb west of downtown. I went to see my bf, in Zodiac, and overall it was a good movie, but just too long. Perhaps the director wanted the audience to feel the same frustration of Robert Graysmith and all those involved in catching the Zodiac killer. The performances Mark and Robert were a standout -- actually it had a great ensemble cast. San Francisco was a prominent character too -- it was neat to see it's transformation from the 60s to the 70s to the 80s. I'm going to have to visit there real soon.

Of course, Jake was great. It looks like they shared the same wardrobe stylist as Brokeback...:)

8 / 7 Central

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 03:56:00 +0000

I'm back in Chicago, back in the dead of winter. There's snow on the ground and it's quite cold, yet the city is still functional, not as crazy as they make it out to be in the news. I guess we missed the big snow storm causing havoc on Saturday.

I meant to blog about this last time, but it's weird to actually be in a time zone where '7 Central' applies. For example tonight's American Idol episode was on at 7.

It's been a busy week, but hopefully we'll have a chance to make it into the city, the Millionaire mile, and maybe catch a glimpse of Oprah. Chicago loves Oprah. She always seems to be on, even at night!

tiny bubbles.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 16:43:00 +0000

Oh "Tiny Bubbles", you were so full of life. Your generous spirit, your youthful spirit and your unconditional heart were unmatched. Even though you were far away, I know that you kept you kept me and all of your friends close to your heart. You always made me laugh, and pushed me to become the person that I was sometimes not courageous enough to be, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Sam passed away on Sunday, at the tender age of 37, from complications due to kidney failure.

You will be missed, deeply.

happy valentine's day!

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:47:00 +0000

....or S.A.D. (Single Awareness Day).

Actually, I'm not that bitter. I read this post from three years ago, and while my situation hasn't changed, I've grown a lot.

I'm hopeful and I'm ready.

ask randy: make-up tips?

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 06:35:00 +0000

I do have an "ask Randy" query. I'm in the market for some new eye
makeup. I'm sick of wearing neutral shades, but I'm not sure if I can
wear coloured eye shadow and not look trashy. If you remember, I have
hazel green eyes, brown hair (natural), with light brown/blonde
highlights (not natural!). My skin is fair. Advice??

Signed,
"Drowning in a sea of Neutral"

My first makeup question! Since makeup for my shows is something I only know a little bit about, I had to ask my good friend Melanie, our resident make-up extraordinare for some tips!

"She should emphasize only 1 aspect of her face. There are only 2 features one can play up - and it's in the eyes or lips. If she wants to play up her eyes, everything else should be muted, but not matte. Because she had hazel green eyes, I would recommend a shade like an eggplant (or colors within that family) or something in the green family. I'm not talking a saturated shadow that goes on thick and stays that way, but something light enough that would allow a few applications to achieve the perfect darkness. She could wear this on her lid (up to the crease), for day, then on the crease adding a bit more to deepen the color for night.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY20390&PRODUCT_ID=PROD11258

http://www.maccosmetics.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY20390&PRODUCT_ID=PROD11259

If on some days she didn't feel like wearing the eye shadow, another option could be a tinted eyeliner, in a deep eggplant, with simple eye shadow. Pairing with very black mascara is always the best choice. You can get them with a bit of illuminizer so it reflect some light and brings attention to her eyes.

A tip to make eyes pop is to add a bit of a highlight color on the inner tear duct of each eye. I use the same color for my brow bone and tear duct.

Hope this helps. I could go on and on and on......."

...and hope you don't drown in a sea of neutral!!!

random thoughts.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:53:00 +0000

My friend Christina mentioned that while you always hear "How's your summer", you never ever hear someone ask "How's your winter".
I hope you all had a chance to check out a restaurant this month, participating Tourism Vancouver's Dine Out Vancouver. I'm always late in selecting a restaurant so all the ones I usually want to try out are sold out. I was in the mood for French, and surprisingly, Fleuri at the Sutton did not disappoint.
If you're ever in Naperville, check out Meson Sabika for some wonderful tapas.
If you're going to invest in one fashion trend this spring, I believe it should be the trench. While most designers were showing more deconstructed ones like at Burberry Prorsum, I still prefer a more structured (and cheaper) one, like the one you can find at Club Monaco.

E.R.

noreply@blogger.com (double R) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:01:00 +0000

On Saturday, I had a chance to explore downtown Chicago. I'm staying quite a bit ways out from the city, so we had to pack alot of stuff in. Here is the day in point form.

Drove to the station at end of the line of the Metra, in Aurora.
Tried to pay for parking, but the meter didn't accept a credit card, and no change given.
Missed the express train, so an hour and twenty minutes later, arrived at Union Station
Bought an weekend pass for the CTA, and grabbed a bus to Art Institute of Chicago.
Got lost in the various galleries, for almost six hours.
Wandered around Millenium Park in the cold.
Went into the ubiquitous Wallgreens and spent the best eight dollars on gloves.
Hopped onto the EL Train, for the experience.
Warmed up with a warm beverage at Argo Tea
Bargain hunting at my two faves (Nordstrom / H & M), located side by side if you can believe it!
Back on the EL train, to Chicago station, where we walked to find the world famous hot dogs from Potillos.
Hailed a taxi back to Union Station.
A sleepy train ride on the Metra home.

It's cheezy, but when I think of Chicago, I think of ER. I felt a little bit like Luka when riding the EL train. I'll definitely have to go back to do more exploring, as I've only scratched the surface.