I chose to start not from my doorstep today but along side an old friend who I haven’t seen for many months.  Part of the reason was to avoid the slush of the melting first snowfall.  The other was to start where I fell in love for the first time.  It may not be the most efficient choice, but since I was starting all over, there was no other place I would choose.

Driving down Lake Shore Drive, anxiety took over.  “Would I remember how to do this?” I asked myself. More importantly, would I be able to do this after being sidelined for the past year.  My heart rose from a steady thump to a fast beating pace as I pulled into the parking spot.  Camera in hand, I stepped out of the car and walked towards the starting point.

I put my right foot on the trail, then my left.  It was as if I never left this old friend.  My nerves took over as I turned on the camera and said hello once again.  Not knowing if this will be a thing or not, but I thought I try it out.  You never know.

And then, I put one foot in front of the other and let myself go.

My body felt stiff.  My feet swollen.  My arms awkwardly dangling.  But my legs, oh my stiff and tight legs, they didn’t forget.  They just moved as if I never stopped running.  The effects of my injury still lingers in my foot.  My first run in over 6 months was by no means pain free.  But I’m running at least. I’m running again.

2 miles.  I told myself 2 and I stopped at two.  I knew I could have done before because of my stubbornness and determination, but I stopped at two.  I was slow.  Granted, a 9:22 pace for 2 miles is quite excellent after taking so much time off.  But I felt slow.  On the bright side, I did pass someone, so that is a start.

Today, was my first day back.  It wasn’t pain free.  My foot still aches and my body is stiff, but all that matters is I’m back.  Though I do not know if the reboot is happening or not, but I’m glad to be back.

Hello World, reboot?

Once again, I rode public transportation without any pants.  Oh, and the police kicked me off the train this time.  Watch and laugh. =)

Panoramas I took while in Queenstown, New Zealand.

I will live up to 2012 by having more adventures, big and small.  But I will also put great emphasis on living it up in the smaller ways that we often forget about and ignore.  The little events or daily duties that we find mundane and make that routine into a memorable event. The big will always be there, but the small will have their hay day too.

In 2012, I will live it up to the fullest.  From the big, the small and the everyday aspects of life.

It’s going to be a great and fun year. But first, I must get over this cold.

Let’s live it up together in the next 366 days*.

* EFF YEAH LEAP YEAR!

I knew entering this year that adventure could be both an amazing experience and intense hardship.  I prepared myself for both knowing no matter what this year brought me, it would be the adventure I’ve been seeking.  Sure enough, it was the adventure and more.

I woke up on January 1, 2011 grossly hungover and my boxers on backwards.  I remembered how I got so hungover, but I still don’t know how my boxers were on backwards.  I blame #SFNYE.  What a way to ring in 2011 and catapult me into the adventure that never ended.

#snOMG took over when over two feet of snow buried myself and the rest of Chicago in February.  I managed to topped my No Pants Subway ride video with my “How to be Irish” video on St. Patrick’s Day.  April brought humility to me when I found out I was a semi-finalist for the YouTube Next-Up competition.  May sent me to Hogwarts and jury duty for the first time.  June allowed me to host my favorite couch surfers of all time and blessed me with a pleasant trip to Pittsburgh.

July was VidCon and my golden birthday.  In August, I spoke at my first summit and was perked up with the Chevy Volt.  September rocked as I muscled my nerdy skills with @henjealy and won the Downtown Dash in Chicago.  October brought me another car and an interview with the Wall Street Journal.  I finally returned to Australia in November and visited New Zealand for the first time in December.

This year has been filled with amazing opportunities, trips and being surrounded by wonderful friends.  But even in the highlight of the year, it was also filled with my hardships.

Being unable to run for most of the year really destroyed a lot of my spirit.  Let’s not forget my mother running a muck on the Internet, hiding from my birthday to even rough but rewarding August that took it’s toll on me.  But hardships are ever so important of any adventure as its counterparts.  The fact that you can overcome it and rise higher than where you were dropped showed that you are able to survive, grow and willing to adventure for the better.

2011 has been magnificent.  The glory, the pains, the tears and the memories – there’s nothing I would change.  The adventure, in all it’s greatness and not so greatness, was magnificent.  Thank you for this fantastic adventure.  I will remember you always.

Unlike most people, I don’t bank on my federal tax return.  I get the money across the year instead of hoping of a huge shopping spree every first quarter.  Part of this allows me to save sooner so I can do my big trips each year.  Other part is not letting Uncle Sam bank on my money for interest.

Yes, I know that the government isn’t doing so well.  So any interest that government could get is better for the country.  Another argument is that if I bank on a tax return, I could be better at managing money during the year by living with less income.  I’ve played with this thought but that is besides the point.

Usually filing taxes is relatively easy using simple & free e-filing from H&R Block and the State of Illinois free e-file of taxes.  However, I’m always paranoid and terrified that I did something wrong and the IRS is going to get me and throw me into jail.  So far, I have paid my taxes, legally filed them and have avoided any confrontation with the IRS.

Each year when I file my taxes, there’s always something new that factor into how I file.  It varies from a new job, moving for a job, teacher credits, student loans, YouTube income and deductions – you get the idea.  I miss the simple days of when taxes was really easy.  I was in high school, didn’t make enough so I get all my money back.

I know when I file my 2011 taxes, it’s going to be pain with something new in the books.  It’s come to the point that I’m actually have to find someone to do my taxes for me.  I know it’s not rocket science, but when you fear the IRS & want to do it properly while getting as much back as possible, knowing a real account is very handy.  Sadly, I don’t know one.

I know there are companies out there; from the big ones like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and the little ones like CPA Tax Planner or even your accountant uncle.  I know that I will be having someone filing my taxes this year.  For me, it’s more than just getting the cheapest price and the most back.  It’s about the relationship with people and learning what I can do or shouldn’t do to ease each tax season.

I would love to do my taxes again and feel proud that I can file my taxes electronically.  But realistically, taxes are so complicated now that I need someone to help me out and teach me.

Do you still file your own taxes or do you give to someone else to do it for you?  Also, who else is afraid of the IRS?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by CPA Tax Planner.  I’ve been compensated by CPA Tax Planner, but the words are my own.

Filed under: sponsored Tagged: irs, tax, taxes ]]> http://phampants.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/paying-uncle-sam/feed/ 2 phampants CPA Tax Planner http://phampants.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/top-10-posts-of-2011/ http://phampants.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/top-10-posts-of-2011/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:29 +0000 phampants http://phampants.wordpress.com/?p=2799 ]]> Here are the top 10 best/favorite blog posts I wrote in 2011:

No. 10:

My Mom Thinks I had a Blonde Hair Blue-Eyed Baby – posted on October 24th.

The title says it all.

No. 9:

Thoughts from Places: #SFNYE – posted on January 14th.

As we waited for the trolley to take us on an adventure.  I noticed that many people were waiting too.  They were all waiting for the forthcoming trolley.  Some waited in large groups while others waited alone.  But we all waited.  I can’t help but think that everyone was waiting for an adventure.  In life, we often wait for an adventure to come and take us away.  For some people, adventures comes often.  While others would wait until the can’t wait anymore and go elsewhere to wait, only to do the same a leave.  But many just wait until the adventure arrives, only to hop and go where it takes them.

No. 8:

The Parting of Ways – posted on August 31st.

You were the Doctor & I was your companion.  But at times I felt like the Doctor and you were my companion.  Either way, it is in the parting of the ways that we must now say goodbye.  There was much triumph and death during our time together, but that is to be expected when spending time with the Doctor.  Now, it is time to say goodbye. It is the journey’s end, but know that I will always turn left.

No. 7:

The Little Things – posted November 20th.

After the simple and ever so beautiful wedding of my dear friend Jo, I boarded the shuttle bus to the reception. Sitting across the aisle from me, I struck a conversation with them. I was alone. I should probably try to be social. I found out that they were related to the bride. As for them, I used my joke of the night on them, “Contrary to popular belief, I’m not related to the bride.” See, the bride is half Filipino and there were a lot of Asians present; especially little old Asian women, they were out in full force. They laughed and found out I was a friend from college.

No. 6:

Klout Perks Gave Me a Chevy Volt! – posted on September 6th.

A couple weekends ago, Klout Perks hooked me up with a Chevy Volt.  I asked you guys what you wanted me to do and I did it.  Watch the video for me having a girl in the back seat, driving 0-60 and pulling a green drive-thru prank.

No. 5:

No Pants Subway Ride 2011 – posted on January 10th.

Yesterday, NicoleMarieSays & I braved the cold (though technically it was a heat wave compared to last year) temperatures and participated in the no pants subway ride in Chicago.  You know you want to click to see some sexy legs.

No. 4:

How to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day – posted on March 16th.

Seeing how I’m an honorary Irish, I decided to go around Chicago and ask all minorities and non-Irish people how one can be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.  Let’s just say there was a lot of hilarity.

No. 3:

Can I Touch It? – posted on January 18th.

Anyways, so there I was waiting for the light to turn green and bored out of my mind when I noticed the median.  I still had another 30 seconds to burn and my car was close enough to the median that I could touch it.  Could, but can I actually touch it?  And so, I put my left arm outside the window and leaned over.  Almost.  Just about.  And no.  Alas, I was just an inch too short.  (TWSS).

No. 2:

Jet Fuel Excites Me – posted on May 27th.

Luggage at my side, I stare down the empty block before me where my apartment resides.  It was not long ago when my alarm woke me up at the ungodly but familiar hour of 4.  Waking up a 4 AM to embark on my next adventure has become quite the past time.

No. 1:

This is Not Weird at All – posted on December 1st.

“You’re short!” She said.

“You’re tall!” I replied.

Great first words for meeting for the first time. We hugged again just to make sure that this was real. It was. Phampants & Tezzitoo together at last.

“This is not weird at all.” Terri said. I couldn’t agree more.

No. 10:

“I’m pulling a lot of rabbits out of my butt. I’m getting pretty sore.”

- Hugh O.

No. 9:

“Met @phampants but thrown off because he’s not shooting video of everything going on. Do I have to take off my pants to get on camera?”

- @tankboy

No. 8:

“…Made the mistake of telling my cubemates why I had been up so early today. Muggles just don’t understand. Ha.”

- Megan O., from #Pottermore

No. 7:

.:: On golden birthdays.
“I didn’t turn twenty on the twentieth.”

- John M.

No. 6:

“Winking takes a lot of thought.”

- Ashley R., from #winetoreach

No. 5:

“Do you speak the language [of New Zealand]…which is English?”

- Tracy S.

No. 4:

.:: Upon receiving a kangaroo scrotum pouch.
“Man, I wish I was hung like this.  Boy do I feel inadequate.”

- Mark O.

No. 3:

“Why aren’t you running?”

- Bri A., from #SFNYE

No. 2:

“It’s not that I have a relationship with technology, it’s that technology enables a lot of my relationships.”

- Nico C.

No. 1:

“This is not weird at all.”

- Terri C., from This is not Weird at All

Previous Top 10 Quotes

2010     |     2009     |     2008     |     2007

Christmas 2010  |  Christmas 2009  |  Christmas 2008

Christmas 2007   |  Christmas 2006

It was such a surreal moment for both of us. Two friends from YouTube finally meeting for the first time. She waved and I waved back just to be sure. And then, our distance vanished as we hug each other for the first time.

“You’re short!” She said.

“You’re tall!” I replied.

Great first words for meeting for the first time. We hugged again just to make sure that this was real. It was. Phampants & Tezzitoo together at last.

“This is not weird at all.” Terri said. I couldn’t agree more.

It was just under two years ago when I first came across Terri through a recommendation from another YouTuber. At that point, she was vlogging everyday for a month. I really enjoyed her vlogs, so I subscribed and sent her a message oh so long ago. Thence forth, we kept in touch, did collabs, sent each other cultural exchange packages and became friends.

Two good friends, located opposite of the world from each other. There was a point last year that we were both in the same city in Europe, only we missed each other by a week. Part of my trip mirrored hers while part of hers visited places I’ve already been. However, on this warm cloudy Melbourne day in late November, we were united for the first time.

My Melbourne adventure started off in true fashion as Terri lead me off to a coffee & sweets shop. Then following my wanderlust, she allowed me to get lost in her city by proudly showing it off. We skipped the tourist stuff and sought Banksy, AC/DC lane, the little lane ways, Queen Victoria Market, farm animals and all the sweet shops she knows. Flinders Street Station & Federation Square were introduced to me before we headed to the botanical gardens and viewed the city from the shrine. Next thing we know, we were exhausted and having dinner on the South Bank as I had my first Melbourne beer.

As the sun finally broke through the balmy spring November day, Terri & I looked from the balcony of the Blue Train down to the river walk below in silence. Both exhausted, hungry and parched but also soaking in the still surreal thought that we are finally together. Friends from two sides of the world together at last. And it wasn’t weird at all. It was the beginning of the awesomeness to come.

There is so much to write & tell, but in these last few moments, I will just cherish our companionship until we have to say goodbye.

Three years ago, you welcomed me for the first time. I spent a week in Sydney, some time in Brisbane and miraculously not drown in Cairns. Eighteen days I spent with you and you took me into your arms showing me your greatness. On the eve of my first departure, I sat along Darling Harbour with MOzzie as we ate our last Australian burger with beets. I looked upon the Sydney skyline and wondered when I would return next. Never had I had a place won me over so quickly. My birthday was the next day and I wished to stay longer. You tried but I returned home only aching for my return.

Three years later, I returned to you. I came to relive memories, friends and whatever you would throw at me this time. Once again, you greeted me with open arms and held me close. You let me reminisce of my first trip, then flattened me with your magnificence of Melbourne. This second city scooped me up and made me feel at home. Home in a foreign country and city, rare feat in my eyes and you have successfully done it.

Perhaps it’s the friends that I’ve made here or the way you present yourself to the world. Melbourne, you fit me and allowed me to be my own person here. Now, I’m sad that I must say goodbye to a city that is not yet mine but is already in my heart. Goodbye to an amazing country that has welcomed me twice and made me fall in love all over again.

I told myself that this visit will be the last time I’ll be here for quite awhile. I was wrong. Eight days is not enough to live in you but more than enough to fall in love again.  Australia, I will be back soon. Very soon.

Until then, let’s enjoy our last hours together until we meet again.

Though far away from home, I was lucky enough to spend this holiday with a friend. KT being an ex-pat now was excited to host Thanksgiving and have another American present. She even promised turkey!

Now those who know me well, my family does not do turkey but substitute it for Cornish hens (long story). So I was absolutely ecstatic cuz I haven’t had turkey on Thanksgiving for almost 15 years. Unfortunately, KT and I had our hopes too high because it was quite the chore trying to find turkey in Oz.

By the time I have arrived in Sydney, KT had already raided her local grocery stores and couldn’t find a gobbling bird for the big feast.  Would we be bird less?  Did KT had to go back to Brisbane and shoot a wild turkey herself?  What would happen if we had to resort to just sides?

With the looming day of belt loosening nears, we made a quick stop to Aldi.  Lo behold, we found a bird, and I user that word loosely.  Marketed under Christmas turkey, we were presented with this:

A boneless, skinless blob of white fowl meat. We questioned the integrity of this so called turkey, but KT, being frustrated trying to find this…umm, bird, bought it.

I can’t say that the bird was real or not. Nor can I confirm all the side dishes are as authentic as it could be, but there is one thing I can say: I’m thankful for a lot this year. Friends near and far, the joy of traveling, always great company and even Aussies & Kiwis speaking with a hilariously bad American accent.

Though Thanksgiving want at home, the best was brought before me this year. And it is you folks that I’m thankful the most this year.

I love the Australian accent. Absolutely love it but unfortunately that is the only English accent that I have a language barrier. There are just some words that the pronunciation that confuses me. First it was the word “beer” when I was in college. Then came the translation of “large pizza” into an “orange pizza” (best Australia story to date). Today, I have a new word to add to the short list: butter.

“Do you want me to butter your bread?”

(Mean Girls anyone?)

Seriously, that was what the lady asked me today when I was getting lunch. (Literal TWSS ftw.) I looked at her puzzled. I had no idea what she said. She repeated it again based on my blank stare. The food court was loud, so perhaps I didn’t hear her. Nope, I heard her but couldn’t understand her for the life of me.

“Butter! Butter!” She kept on yelling.

“I’m sorry what?”

“Do you want me to butter your bread?”

Dumbfounded, she went to the back counter mumbling, “Don’t you know what butter is?” And return with a huge tub of butter.

“Ooh, butter!” I said.

“Yeah, butter.” She replied.

“Sorry what?”  Seriously, still couldn’t understand what the heck she was saying. Perhaps, if she was younger I would have said yes right away. (High five anyone? Anyone? No?)

After lunch, I headed to Manly Beach with @hatestweeting. Neither of us have been there, so it was a nice adventure to head to the unknown. Even though it was rainy, I refused a chance to put my feet into the Pacific Ocean. Why? Because I could. 

However, I thought raise the bar and lick the water too. Yes folks, I said lick. I wanted to lick the ocean. The salty Pacific Ocean. Why? Cause it would be manly.  (Okay, even I’m groaning at that one.)

So hear you go folks, me licking the Pacific Ocean at Manly Beach courtesy of @hatestweeting.

P.S. I soaked my jeans shortly after that picture was taken. The Pacific isn’t as peaceful as it is portrayed. That punk.