Matsuri Festival

Phoenix offers a wide variety of events throughout the year, and one of my favorites is the Matsuri Festival held annually in downtown. It’s completely free to attend, just find a nearby parking lot or garage, pay the fee, and you’re good to go. Once inside, you’re immersed in the richness of Japanese culture, with everything from traditional toys and intricate artwork to unique memorabilia and mouthwatering food.

One display that really caught my eye was a stunning installation of paper cranes, hundreds of them suspended in the air, each delicately paired with a marble. The way they swayed and shimmered in the light was mesmerizing. Simple, yet beautiful.

Frugal In America

Back in 1996, I was fresh off the boat. A few weeks in, after receiving my first paycheck, I wandered into a sports shop called Just For Feet. I browsed the aisles, watching other customers pick up items, and thought to myself, I want those too. So, to cut the story short, I grabbed a shirt and a pair of Adidas shoes, $20 for the shirt, $88 for the shoes (Again, this was in 1996!).

At the time, I had no clue where or how to shop. I remember thinking, If all the clothes here cost this much, I won’t be shopping again anytime soon. For me, those prices were steep!

As I settled into my new surroundings, I realized it was all about knowing where to look. Eventually, I discovered some great stores where you could score quality clothes at bargain prices, places like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. You just have to watch out for small imperfections or damage. Most of the items are factory rejects due to minor flaws, but I’m not picky, those little quirks don’t bother me.

And yes, I’m half Ilocano. That frugal instinct? It runs deep.

Homesickness

Homesickness never truly fades. I’ve been away from home for so long, and while Arizona has become my second home, a beautiful state with its own charm, there are moments of stillness when memories from back home come rushing in. When you're alone and your mind drifts, it's easy to find yourself reliving the life you left behind.

Sometimes, I scroll through social media and see friends abroad gathering together, surrounded by laughter, food, and familiar faces. They look genuinely happy, and I’m happy for them. I know what it’s like to live far from home, and for many of us, those moments of connection are how we cope with the quiet ache of loneliness. Having friends around is a blessing.

There are times I think about going back home. But then I think of my kids. This is where they were born, where they’ve grown up, and where their opportunities lie. Moving back would mean uprooting everything they’ve known.

So I stay. I choose to sacrifice a piece of my own happiness for the sake of theirs. And in that choice, there’s a quiet kind of love.