April 14 2009 at 9:59pm
1. Your Christmas list consists less of Chanels and Louboutins and more of Williams-Sonomas and Wusthofs.
2. You think people who roll their eyeballs after hearing that they need to book 3 months ahead to eat at a particular restaurant are plain ignorant and just don’t get what this all means!
3. You have an ongoing list in your head of restaurants you are yet to try in your neighborhood and beyond.
4. You can’t stop wondering for days what it was that’s so special about that lentil soup you had—Nutmeg? Rosemary? Bacon?
5. You can’t get over the amazing fact that coconut water can be used as a substitute for blood plasma.
6. You practice hard making the perfect poached eggs.
7. When it’s potluck time, you stress out about what to make because you always want to make an impression, a good one hopefully.
8. You engage all your senses when consuming food —not just barbarically shove anything and everything into your mouth. You take time and savor your food.
9. You run to every prix fixe menu opportunity, especially at fine dining restaurants you normally hesitate to eat at.
10. You are overjoyed (almost in tears) at the sight of your perfectly baked dark chocolate soufflés.
11. You go through the trouble of baking cookies from scratch just because you love having your kitchen smell of them.
12. You know that a home isn’t a home unless it’s got a fully-equipped kitchen with all the kitchen tools and all the extras that come with them that you absolutely absolutely need and must own.
13. When making pancakes, you can’t stop at 5 or 10. You somehow just have to make at least 20 or more. Just in case.
14. You have (or at least dream of having) your own garden of herbs and vegetables so you can conveniently pick your basil or cilantro in your own backyard when you need to make dinner.
15. You don’t mind testing out “unconventional” foods because that is what partly defines you as a foodie.
16. You like being called a foodie because you are a true foodie at heart.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Love is more than just holding hands
March 30 2009 at 6:15pm
It’s when you smile in the morning telling yourself today will be a better day. It’s when you tell yourself you can forget the piercing words he said to you just yesterday. It’s when you realize it isn’t the end of the world just yet. Even when you feel sometimes like you don’t matter anymore. Even when the world around you spins every time he uses that tone and you start running out the door in tears. Even when you feel like today is the day that it will all end. But it doesn’t. It just continues on and even when you wonder when it will ever end, you can’t know the future. All you can do is just live and continue to breathe.
Sometimes faking like you’re happy isn’t all that bad. Sometimes faking just helps you to take things easy. But faking can turn into denial and when you’re in denial, the game starts to get dangerous. You start to reminisce the past, the first encounters and experiences—the first red rose he left at your doorstep, your first kiss, your first touch. All that was beautiful now just seems like layers and layers of illusions, illusions that become part of what’s stopping you from having the courage to move on on your own. You want to go back to the good days, but there’s no way. Times have traveled, so have you and him and everything else in the world. He admits to having changed. Even you have. There’s nothing wrong with change. But right now you feel, in many ways, the tables are being turned, and not for the better. Maybe it was your fault in the past, maybe not, who is to judge anyway and does it matter anymore at this point?
Should you give up or should you keep chasing after what you hope can still be? You don’t know because you are scared. You don’t want to let go and you are possessive and jealous. You are so confused you could be in any position in bed and can’t stop crying all night just thinking about what have become of you and him. Time does help to heal but your heart is impatient. It can’t wait until you and he are apart again and things start happening all over again like they always did. To an extent you even feel shortchanged in the relationship. And you fear he will never understand what you mean.
It’s when you smile in the morning telling yourself today will be a better day. It’s when you tell yourself you can forget the piercing words he said to you just yesterday. It’s when you realize it isn’t the end of the world just yet. Even when you feel sometimes like you don’t matter anymore. Even when the world around you spins every time he uses that tone and you start running out the door in tears. Even when you feel like today is the day that it will all end. But it doesn’t. It just continues on and even when you wonder when it will ever end, you can’t know the future. All you can do is just live and continue to breathe.
Sometimes faking like you’re happy isn’t all that bad. Sometimes faking just helps you to take things easy. But faking can turn into denial and when you’re in denial, the game starts to get dangerous. You start to reminisce the past, the first encounters and experiences—the first red rose he left at your doorstep, your first kiss, your first touch. All that was beautiful now just seems like layers and layers of illusions, illusions that become part of what’s stopping you from having the courage to move on on your own. You want to go back to the good days, but there’s no way. Times have traveled, so have you and him and everything else in the world. He admits to having changed. Even you have. There’s nothing wrong with change. But right now you feel, in many ways, the tables are being turned, and not for the better. Maybe it was your fault in the past, maybe not, who is to judge anyway and does it matter anymore at this point?
Should you give up or should you keep chasing after what you hope can still be? You don’t know because you are scared. You don’t want to let go and you are possessive and jealous. You are so confused you could be in any position in bed and can’t stop crying all night just thinking about what have become of you and him. Time does help to heal but your heart is impatient. It can’t wait until you and he are apart again and things start happening all over again like they always did. To an extent you even feel shortchanged in the relationship. And you fear he will never understand what you mean.
A Summer Peach
March 3, 2009 at 9:19pm
A peach in the summer is so sweet and juicy it dribbles down your cheeks at first bite. It’s the 1st day of the month of March and he goes to buy his favorite yellow peaches at the local farmer’s market. As he bites into it, crunch, he thinks, “hmm…tastes like an apple.”
The experience of sex can be compared to eating a peach. Having meaningful sex with someone you truly love and care about (hopefully it’s your married spouse) = waiting for your summer peach.
As he sips his Yerba maté, he thinks hard about what it means for a peach to be good. Then he remembers a Taoist notion that says everything is good if you appreciate things for what they are, if you approach things without preconceptions. He used to think that peaches in the winter time are just as good, as long as you don't expect them to taste like summer peaches, which is interesting because his idea of awesome pears to most people in the West are overripe and his parents like sour mangoes, which to him are under ripe. He knows how he likes his pears and apples—sweet and soft, almost mushy. He enjoys apple crisp but not crisp apples or pears.
So he thinks again to himself, what if we reversed the analogy? Casual, meaningless sex is also wonderful as long you don't expect a deep meaningful relationship to come out of it. So it really depends on how you like your sex. If you want a romantic, meaningful one then wait for someone who means something to you and wait for the relationship to develop to that point because if you do it casually, then obviously it’s not living up to your expectations. On the other hand, if you are just looking for fun, without strings, without fuss, then obviously marriage is not the answer. Neither is morally wrong, as long as you are prepared for the consequences and don’t expect others to clean up your mess.
Everything is good if you appreciate things for what they are. How would you apply this to human beings? In relationships, it’s a team effort; both people need to adapt to each other. So it’s not just that you have to appreciate him, he has to appreciate you. There will be differences and both sides have to figure out what's important for them and find middle ground.
--Inspired by a true story through a random yet meaningful conversation with an old friend. Credit goes to Ouh A Nimble Wile Sum.
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well” --Voltaire
A peach in the summer is so sweet and juicy it dribbles down your cheeks at first bite. It’s the 1st day of the month of March and he goes to buy his favorite yellow peaches at the local farmer’s market. As he bites into it, crunch, he thinks, “hmm…tastes like an apple.”
The experience of sex can be compared to eating a peach. Having meaningful sex with someone you truly love and care about (hopefully it’s your married spouse) = waiting for your summer peach.
As he sips his Yerba maté, he thinks hard about what it means for a peach to be good. Then he remembers a Taoist notion that says everything is good if you appreciate things for what they are, if you approach things without preconceptions. He used to think that peaches in the winter time are just as good, as long as you don't expect them to taste like summer peaches, which is interesting because his idea of awesome pears to most people in the West are overripe and his parents like sour mangoes, which to him are under ripe. He knows how he likes his pears and apples—sweet and soft, almost mushy. He enjoys apple crisp but not crisp apples or pears.
So he thinks again to himself, what if we reversed the analogy? Casual, meaningless sex is also wonderful as long you don't expect a deep meaningful relationship to come out of it. So it really depends on how you like your sex. If you want a romantic, meaningful one then wait for someone who means something to you and wait for the relationship to develop to that point because if you do it casually, then obviously it’s not living up to your expectations. On the other hand, if you are just looking for fun, without strings, without fuss, then obviously marriage is not the answer. Neither is morally wrong, as long as you are prepared for the consequences and don’t expect others to clean up your mess.
Everything is good if you appreciate things for what they are. How would you apply this to human beings? In relationships, it’s a team effort; both people need to adapt to each other. So it’s not just that you have to appreciate him, he has to appreciate you. There will be differences and both sides have to figure out what's important for them and find middle ground.
--Inspired by a true story through a random yet meaningful conversation with an old friend. Credit goes to Ouh A Nimble Wile Sum.
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well” --Voltaire
Re: Situation in Gaza
February 18th, 2009 at 2:45pm
Part I
I am mostly concerned for the youth of both peoples that seem to find themselves stuck in a helpless situation and not being able to do anything to better it. I strongly believe in the potential of the development of negative, long-term psychological impacts on the youth who, everyday of their lives, witness action, deliberation and issues surrounding violence and hatred. The youth’s suffering also stems from the suffering of their parents and families who, unfortunately, also seem to be helpless in face of a crisis that the leaders of their nation cannot overcome. The danger of the negativity that revolves around the youth is further amplified by their education system and curricula that teach rather extremist and biased viewpoints of each people, widening the gap for citizens of both peoples to understand one another. In addition, due to the unsettling violence, school operation has been halted for months and University students can hardly pay for their transportation fee to school, let alone their tuition fee. Evidently, the division of the two peoples gives birth to a whole lot of other issues that significantly and negatively impact their youth and give rise to a vicious cycle of the lack of mutual understanding and an effort to make peace through non-violent means.
Part II
It is both fascinating and inspiring to me that CRS has and continues to work with the youth trapped in the conflict in their own backyard. In this way, CRS is giving them a platform and opportunity to use their skills and intelligence to do good for their nations. Moreover, CRS is also, if not bridging, exposing young people to their slightly more Western culture, also giving these young people a chance to live with and understand another culture different from their own. As much as culture can be a divider as well as a connector, culture is an essential and inevitable part of society. And to see young people who have been brought up in an Eastern culture be able to work hand-in-hand with those from a Western culture, I would say this just goes to show that it is similarities between Israel and Palestine that should underlined and emphasized, not their differences. And in the end, not only is the CRS program helping the youth of these nations, it is also benefiting those in CRS—volunteers, who also have to carry out their tasks with and for people who, very likely, have values, customs and beliefs very diverse from theirs’.
Part III
It is unfortunate and disheartening to see that the lack of peace, failure of the nations to come into an agreement with one another, the suffering of the peoples, can be attributed to the lack of a strong leadership from those individuals who are placed in leadership positions. In situations that involve major conflicts, people may automatically attribute the cause or blame the “evil” and or the “evil-doings” of those involved. But if the situation is viewed from a more objective and less emotional perspective, we can also attribute the continual conflict to the fault of governance from the part of the leaders, or the lack thereof. Perhaps the leaders, despite their authority, are also finding themselves trapped in a hopeless state of affairs and only the negativity around them is reinforced by those outside of their world by the media that projects unfavorable images of them to the outside world. But as much as nations like the US, through organizations like CRS, is aiding in resolving conflict and upholding peace for the two nations in war, the ones ultimately responsible for their future are the people involved in the conflict themselves. I believe leadership is crucial in times of peace and even more essential in times of crisis. Implementing good governance is one of the key elements for the two peoples to envision what they want, successfully negotiate their wants with one another and ensuring that their goals are met.
Part I
I am mostly concerned for the youth of both peoples that seem to find themselves stuck in a helpless situation and not being able to do anything to better it. I strongly believe in the potential of the development of negative, long-term psychological impacts on the youth who, everyday of their lives, witness action, deliberation and issues surrounding violence and hatred. The youth’s suffering also stems from the suffering of their parents and families who, unfortunately, also seem to be helpless in face of a crisis that the leaders of their nation cannot overcome. The danger of the negativity that revolves around the youth is further amplified by their education system and curricula that teach rather extremist and biased viewpoints of each people, widening the gap for citizens of both peoples to understand one another. In addition, due to the unsettling violence, school operation has been halted for months and University students can hardly pay for their transportation fee to school, let alone their tuition fee. Evidently, the division of the two peoples gives birth to a whole lot of other issues that significantly and negatively impact their youth and give rise to a vicious cycle of the lack of mutual understanding and an effort to make peace through non-violent means.
Part II
It is both fascinating and inspiring to me that CRS has and continues to work with the youth trapped in the conflict in their own backyard. In this way, CRS is giving them a platform and opportunity to use their skills and intelligence to do good for their nations. Moreover, CRS is also, if not bridging, exposing young people to their slightly more Western culture, also giving these young people a chance to live with and understand another culture different from their own. As much as culture can be a divider as well as a connector, culture is an essential and inevitable part of society. And to see young people who have been brought up in an Eastern culture be able to work hand-in-hand with those from a Western culture, I would say this just goes to show that it is similarities between Israel and Palestine that should underlined and emphasized, not their differences. And in the end, not only is the CRS program helping the youth of these nations, it is also benefiting those in CRS—volunteers, who also have to carry out their tasks with and for people who, very likely, have values, customs and beliefs very diverse from theirs’.
Part III
It is unfortunate and disheartening to see that the lack of peace, failure of the nations to come into an agreement with one another, the suffering of the peoples, can be attributed to the lack of a strong leadership from those individuals who are placed in leadership positions. In situations that involve major conflicts, people may automatically attribute the cause or blame the “evil” and or the “evil-doings” of those involved. But if the situation is viewed from a more objective and less emotional perspective, we can also attribute the continual conflict to the fault of governance from the part of the leaders, or the lack thereof. Perhaps the leaders, despite their authority, are also finding themselves trapped in a hopeless state of affairs and only the negativity around them is reinforced by those outside of their world by the media that projects unfavorable images of them to the outside world. But as much as nations like the US, through organizations like CRS, is aiding in resolving conflict and upholding peace for the two nations in war, the ones ultimately responsible for their future are the people involved in the conflict themselves. I believe leadership is crucial in times of peace and even more essential in times of crisis. Implementing good governance is one of the key elements for the two peoples to envision what they want, successfully negotiate their wants with one another and ensuring that their goals are met.
20 Things to do in an elevator to keep yourself entertained
February 17th, 2009 at 4:22pm
1. Whistle or sing children's tunes.
2. Push every single one of the buttons.
3. Test out the red one too if you feel adventurous.
4. If somebody comes in, say "look who was silly enough to do that!" and shake your head in disbelief.
5. Laugh inside of you when the person starts nodding in agreement with you.
6. Check on your hair and make-up to make sure they're still fabulous.
7. Make sure your jeans/shorts/pants/skirt zipper is indeed pulled up, all the way.
8. Ponder what you will eat for your next meal.
9. Stretch yourself--as much as you can. Stop when the elevator stops.
10. If the elevator is full, try to hold your breath for as long as you can otherwise your nostrils can get exposed to smells that are not agreeable to them.
11. Drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Head to the bathroom once you get out if you need to.
12. Call up your sweetie to tell him/her you're thinking of him/her... Or that you're just killing time in the elevator.
13. Slouch if you like, since you've been sitting/standing up straight all day. Give that back a rest. You can even squat for a little bit to rest your lower limb.
14. Check for any coffee or guacamole stains on any part of your shirt, hair, face, shoes...
15. Say "bless you" to anyone you catch burping.
16. Open your mail and read them to your fellow friends in the elevator.
17. Smile at people who enter the elevator and tell them which floor you are headed for.
18. Pray that the elevator does not get stuck with you in it.
19. Count sheep. Just don't fall asleep.
20. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, inhale, exhale--refresh yourself!
1. Whistle or sing children's tunes.
2. Push every single one of the buttons.
3. Test out the red one too if you feel adventurous.
4. If somebody comes in, say "look who was silly enough to do that!" and shake your head in disbelief.
5. Laugh inside of you when the person starts nodding in agreement with you.
6. Check on your hair and make-up to make sure they're still fabulous.
7. Make sure your jeans/shorts/pants/skirt zipper is indeed pulled up, all the way.
8. Ponder what you will eat for your next meal.
9. Stretch yourself--as much as you can. Stop when the elevator stops.
10. If the elevator is full, try to hold your breath for as long as you can otherwise your nostrils can get exposed to smells that are not agreeable to them.
11. Drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Head to the bathroom once you get out if you need to.
12. Call up your sweetie to tell him/her you're thinking of him/her... Or that you're just killing time in the elevator.
13. Slouch if you like, since you've been sitting/standing up straight all day. Give that back a rest. You can even squat for a little bit to rest your lower limb.
14. Check for any coffee or guacamole stains on any part of your shirt, hair, face, shoes...
15. Say "bless you" to anyone you catch burping.
16. Open your mail and read them to your fellow friends in the elevator.
17. Smile at people who enter the elevator and tell them which floor you are headed for.
18. Pray that the elevator does not get stuck with you in it.
19. Count sheep. Just don't fall asleep.
20. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, inhale, exhale--refresh yourself!
It’s Not Easy to Find a Person who Loves You
February 13th, 2009 at 9:48am
It’s Not Easy to Find a Person who Loves You
Don’t turn your back to love when it’s already in front of you.
Don’t drive it away from you.
Because if you do,
Someday you’ll think back
Why you let love fly away when it was once right next to you.
Hold on to the one who loves you,
Because in the end
It’s not easy to find a person who loves you.
--Anonymous
It’s Not Easy to Find a Person who Loves You
Don’t turn your back to love when it’s already in front of you.
Don’t drive it away from you.
Because if you do,
Someday you’ll think back
Why you let love fly away when it was once right next to you.
Hold on to the one who loves you,
Because in the end
It’s not easy to find a person who loves you.
--Anonymous
Random Things You Associate with Valentine’s Day: What’s Yours?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 1:25pm
What are some of the things you think of when you think of Valentine's Day? They could be anything--10 dozens of red and white roses, a missing button, an overcooked stew....Anything! Share them! Here are some of mine that I can think of...
1. El Toro & El Hippo
2. White linen
3. My single house key
4. Dark chocolate
5. Italian food
6. Sam Cooke's "You Send Me"
7. Hallmark musical cards
8. The color blue
9. Cooking dinner with "significant other"
10. Fancy silverware and tall glass
11. Edible Arrangements
12. Steak and mashed potatoes
13. Dear friends
14. Christmas lights
15. Balloon Animals
16. Blushed cheeks
17. Surprise(s)
18. A good night's sleep
"Oh, and by the way, you're everything I want."
What are some of the things you think of when you think of Valentine's Day? They could be anything--10 dozens of red and white roses, a missing button, an overcooked stew....Anything! Share them! Here are some of mine that I can think of...
1. El Toro & El Hippo
2. White linen
3. My single house key
4. Dark chocolate
5. Italian food
6. Sam Cooke's "You Send Me"
7. Hallmark musical cards
8. The color blue
9. Cooking dinner with "significant other"
10. Fancy silverware and tall glass
11. Edible Arrangements
12. Steak and mashed potatoes
13. Dear friends
14. Christmas lights
15. Balloon Animals
16. Blushed cheeks
17. Surprise(s)
18. A good night's sleep
"Oh, and by the way, you're everything I want."
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