Olympics - Closing Ceremony

I watching the closing ceremonies on Sunday night and for the most part, it had the usual fanfare and glitz. Bocelli, fireworks, and dancing were beautiful, but what was up with the scene when women of all ages dressed in what appeared to be wedding gowns, started walking on stage with a calla lily-looking torch light? I found this a bit weird. Was I watching the 2006 closing ceremony or a scene out of Logan's run or a moonies mass wedding?

Wondering if, why, how

So my quest to overcoming shyness. For one, I've made an attempt at least to smile back when somebody enters the elevator. I even think this is easier than I thought. What I do wonder is how do some people manage to be so open and outspoken without even trying? It's tough being introvert in an extrovert world.

Be Loved!

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.

- Aristotle

Trends trends trends

Trends - they are everywhere. You hear about them all the time whether they are wedding trends, fashion trends, or diet trends. Today I realized that what makes people follow them is the mere fact that they are trends. Besides, a trend would not be a trend unless there is a following. More importantly, though, I ask myself, why should I follow a trend. I mean when a magazine for example like Brides' magazine says that the latest trend in weddings is for brides to have this and that at their wedding. I just don't find these things compelling enough for me to want to follow them. When I go shopping, I don't necessarily look out for what's trendy, but rather what is practical fo me and my wallet!

Check out these so-called wedding trends and see if you agreee!

Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2006

The Wedding Channel 2004 Wedding Trends

Wedding Trends from FoxNews

Just Thinking

Lately, I've been wondering a lot. Reflecting on what I can do better this year so that I can be a better person. So, I've decided to take small steps towards overcoming certain things. One of which is being more assertive. I don't know whether this was a way of being brought up or whether it's just my personality, but I believe it's time that I became a bit more assertive. While I don't consider myself a door mat, I do hope to change this aspect of myself. We'll see how it goes this week. I also took the liberty of finding some help on the web - from the BBC website.

System broke?

I was at the ob/gyn's office in LA with my sister-in-law who recently got pregnant. One of the key questions and concerns of my s.i.l was that if her doctor was going to be one at the delivery room. Why'd she ask? Well, she heard stories that it is common for women's ob/gyn's not to be the one who are actually deliverying your baby unless there is ample reason for them to be there. Typically, her doctor said that you will be delivered by whoever is on duty at the time you enter the hospital and go into labor. Her doctor also said that "doctors have lives, too, so we cannot guarantee that we will always be there." I left the doctor's offic wondering if this is really how the "system" works or are women just accepting this answer without demanding what they want. I wouldn't want some stranger deliverying my baby especially if something goes wrong. What are we to do?

Rudeness - nature or nurture?

I was "people watching" at the mall the other day when I noticed a mother say "shut up" to her son. My first reaction was to think what could be so bad that would warrant her to say that. Then I realized that perhaps her own mother or father probably talked to her in that same manner. It really disgusts me because when you look at the whole thing, there are just some people who don't deserve to have children when there are so many misguided kids in this world. When parents are too busy with their social life, too involved in their career, or too busy shopping at the mall, that taking care of their kids becomes somewhat of a burden. Kids only emulate what they see in this world. It is no wonder that kids these days are so rude and impolite - blame it on their parents! If you want to have good kids, it's starts by people looking at themselves and changing for the better.

New Day - A New Year?

On the last day of the year, most people are thinking of their New Year's resolutions and the year ahead. But, how many choose to reflect on this year without an unrealistic expectation of what's in store next year. Naturally, a new year brings about the opportunity for change, however, shouldn't it be something you try to do everyday not just at the change of the year? There are people who say that in the new year, they will start to work out, be organized, go do something good for the community, which is perfectly fine, but we should be reminded to do these things everyday not next year or tomorrow, but today. That's why I choose to say "Happy New Day" - may every day be as good as the one before and next...

Regifting Ideas for 2005

We all give and receive gifts. There are some though that you know you can do without. But, nobody will know that you gift is a regift. Just be sure to repack it in some nice wrapping.

1) A Bag of Pistachios

2) Can of Caramel Popcorn

3) Fruitcake

4) A can of chocolate pretzels

5) Box of guest hand soaps

6) A trivet

7) Napkin rings

8) Silver bottle stoppers - they are terrible things to use on a good bottle of wine

9) Glass candy bowls

10) Napkin holders

Gift Ideas for Bloggers from Dahlia

This Christmas Season, I've decided to share a little something with my fellow bloggers. While giving presents would certainly be great, I think this would be even better. 5 gift ideas and stocking stuffers for bloggers:

1) Herman Miller Aeron Chairs

I call these the Grand Piano of Chairs. These are just about the most comfortable chairs around. If you are petite, they have a size just for us dwarflings. I can sit in this chair for 8 hours straight. Okay, maybe not 'cuz I'd have to eat and go to the bathroom. If you can afford one or find one at a discount, this is the chair to buy. Prices vary anywhere from $200 and upwards of $2000.

2) Pillowstep MicroTerry Clog from Isotoner

I don't have a foot fetish. Honestly, I don't, but this slipper is so comfortable - your feet or your wife's feet will be very happy. Price $18

3) Terra Frites
Every blogger has to have some munchies and this is the one I crave all the time. They may not be available at all groceries, but you may be able to find them at places similar to Whole Foods or Wild Oats. IF you're looking for low sodium and "healthier" snacks, this may not be to your liking; however, Terra Chips also offers other snacks made with olive oil.

4) Phone Head Sets

When I blog, sometimes I get a call. Avoid a stiff neck and get a head set! Price vary, but if you're looking for something comfortable, try the one from Plantronics.

5) Watch a good movie or get gift certificates to a movie

Okay. I know blogging is fun, but a good movie is also a great way to get out and spend time with family and friends. This December I hope to watch the movie: Syriana. Before you head out, I suggest going to the movie review site of "Rotten Tomatoes".

It's Friday!

I know I'm goofing off right now, but head is on Friday mode already.

Your Blog Should Be Yellow

You're a cheerful, upbeat blogger who tends to make everyone laugh. You are a great storyteller, and the first to post the latest funny link. You're also friendly and welcoming to everyone who comments on your blog.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Perflebrity - Holiday Gift #1?

A celebrity in a bottle? Lately, more and more celebrities are rushing to come up with their own brand of parfum as wear a celebrity scent is the latest trend. Whether its a Britney Spears fragrance called "Curios", Spirit from Antonio Banderas, or "Lovely" from Sarah Jessica Parker, "Still" by Jennifer Lopez. The list goes on and on and the "perflebrity" race continues. Many people wear perfume for various reasons ranging from its allure to its magical ability to make one feel like a star. But, do consumers really want to "wear" a perfume that embodies the image of a successful icon or celebrity? And with the holiday/Christmas season upon us, do you really want to have a celebrity perfume bottle as a gift?

What season do you call it?

I was at the mall the other day and stumbled into a Hallmark shop to browse for cards. Like most people, I have come to associate December with the word "Christmas", but this year, it seems like I don't know what to say to people when you have so many varied forms of greeting people. You have probably heard of it all, but is it about finding the most politically correct phrase to use or do you just say what comes to the mind naturally. Quite frankly, I used to think "Merry Christmas" was fine, however, nowadays, you hear "Happy Holidays", "Season's Greetings", and other greetings which really don't give much definition and meaning. What do you think? What kind of "card" can encompass all of that? Would it be so offensive if you used the word "Christmas"?

Holiday Breakups

Lately, I've been hearing news stories of countless celebrity breakups from the divorce of Christina Applegate to the calling off the wedding of Nicole Ritchie. For what may seem like a trend is just normal by all standards for just as many people breakup, the same might be said as to the number of people who get engaged during the holidays. Is it the allure and romance associated with the holidays that gets people all crazy? Perhaps it is the romantic sentiment, the snow, and the spirit of giving that might explain things.

When you love someone - set them free?

When you love someone, you do anything to make sure that they are safe and protected. Whether your are mother, father, husband, or wife, there will always be somebody that you would want to ensure is safe. But, when do you draw the line in sheltering a person from the harsh realities of the world. For instance, as a mother, how do you raise your kids so that they learn to defend themselves from the insulting officemate or class bully? While we all want to protect the people we love, I find that one of the challenges to raising kids is knowing when to let go. We all want to raise children that are polite and courteous, however, do parents come short when teaching kids how to be assertive? Is assertiveness something that you just learn from everyday life? Do you assert yourself all the time or do you have to pick when to be assertive?

Split up - official

This Thanksgiving I heard that Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey are separating. While I know that they are really young and just got married less than 2 years ago, this is another example of how many people rush into marriage. It is really indicative of our times. If only people would learn.

What it means to be unique?

In less than 2 days, Thanksgiving will be here, which only signals the coming of the holiday season. This means hitting the retail pavement in search of presents for friends and relatives, etc. Like many people, I want to find gifts that are unique - whether it is handmade or not just as long as it has some unique quality that shows some careful thought was placed into its purchase. Yes, it is idealistic, but this is where the problem lies. Now more than ever, the word "unique" has been so overused by retailers alike that the consumer is often left with so-called "unique" choices that are really much the same. Isn't unique defined by being one of a kind? Because "unique" is no longer "unique" - the word itself has become trite. With this mind, this coming holiday season, I've decided to gather your ideas on what defines a unique gift, especially if it is for a special person in one's life like a parent or spouse. Your ideas are welcomed!

Got me thinking

Is there really such a thing as soul mate? There are some people who marry; believing that the person they are with is their soul mate. This is the individual they have been waiting for their whole life. One that seems to be yin in the yang. But, is it really possible?

Kidnapped, Shot, and Getting Hitched

We usually hear of victims, that have have been kidnapped and shot, who forgive their captors, but rarely do we find one that has decided to marry their captors. Bizarre, but true. In what appears to be an odd mix between forgiveness, love, and a dose of Stockholm Syndrome. Tina Marie Stebbins has decided to marry her longtime boyfried - Christian Leroy Lindblad who had previously shot her and threatened her kids. While little is revealed in the news about the exact circumstances about why he shot her in the first place, don't you think love has its limits particularly in these kind of situations? Isn't there some form of resentment that comes about?

From Princess to Miss - A Royal to Commoner Wedding

Every once in a while, you hear a story of a commoner marrying into royalty. We look to England for the tumultuous marriage of Princess Di and Princess Charles, and then we hop on down to Spain for the not to distant and extravagant wedding of Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, and then up to Denmark where Prince Frederik nearly two years ago married Australian-born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson. We all know that commoners marrying into royalty gain significant rewards. One of them obviously is the attainment or assignment of an official title - that being “princess” most of the time. But, how often do we hear of a member of the royalty marrying a commoner and losing their title? Not very often. The last time I read about such stories was when King Edward VIII married American, Wallis Simpson back in 1937 – giving up his title and duties as king. Today we find a similar story, but not one as drastic as King Edward VIII who left his title of King. Princess Sayako of Japan marries a commoner and will be joining the rank of the commoner soon. Besides giving up her title, she will have to "adjust" to a new way of life. Maybe even some cultural shock? Hmm. I guess this means she will to do ordinary things like grocery shopping and driving a car. Yet, with a $1.2M dowry from the state, that ain't too shabby, either! Yeah, it sounds romantic when a prince or princess marries a commoner for love, but c'mon how bad could it be marrying into royalty and having all of those responsibilities like attending charity teas and soirees. I wonder what it would be like? Can you imagine that?

From BBC website:



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